Adapter

Abstract

The invention relates to an adapter adapter for connecting and disconnecting a service station to an external service valve, comprising: an interface through which a pressurized working fluid can be fed from the service station into the adapter adapter or discharged during filling; a dead chamber which is exhausted through the exhaust path when the service valve is connected to the adapter; the servo cavity can be in fluid communication with the connector, a servo plunger for opening and closing the exhaust path is contained in the servo cavity, and the servo plunger is pushed to the position where the exhaust path is closed by overpressure in the servo cavity; a valve stem operating first and second valve members, the first valve member being designed and positioned to communicate the servo chamber with the interface fluid when the valve stem moves against the service valve, the second valve member being designed and positioned to open and communicate the dead chamber with the servo chamber fluid only after the servo plunger reaches a position to close the exhaust path; the compression ring is used for opening the spring valve seat forming a component of the service valve, and the compression ring is designed and arranged to open the spring valve seat after the servo plunger reaches the position for closing the exhaust path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an adapter for connecting and disconnecting a maintenance station to a service valve according to the preamble of claim 1 . Background Art

[0002] So-called adapters are often used to safely establish a separable flow path between two fluid systems, wherein each system is usually equipped with such an adapter.

[0003] For example, a vacuuming, filling, overhauling and maintenance workstation for a motor vehicle air conditioner is equipped with such an adapter so that refrigerant filling, refrigerant discharge, vacuuming and overhauling work can be safely performed at the motor vehicle air conditioner.

[0004] In modern motor vehicle air conditioning systems, environmentally friendly CO2 is now commonly used as a refrigerant. CO2 as a refrigerant for motor vehicle air conditioning is an environmentally friendly alternative to the previously common refrigerant, tetrafluoroethane (also known as R 134a). CO2 is significantly more environmentally friendly in this context, offers high cooling capacity, is non-flammable, forms no decomposition products, and is globally available at low cost. In refrigeration technology, carbon dioxide (CO2) as a natural refrigerant is designated by the abbreviation R744. However, to provide the required liquid CO2, it must be subjected to significantly higher pressures than tetrafluoroethane, which can result in hazardous conditions for operators when filling or discharging CO2 as a refrigerant.

[0005] In general, the automotive industry and automotive technology place stringent demands on connectors (such as adapters) due to the potential for environmental damage and / or hazards to operators when releasing refrigerants. When using environmentally compatible CO2 as a refrigerant, the very high pressure levels make these demands even more stringent. Therefore, such connectors should / must, for example:

[0006] -With pressure relief function;

[0007] -With valve stem self-orientation function;

[0008] -It has an independent dedicated function for opening and closing the inspection valve;

[0009] -Cannot be disengaged from the inspection valve when the flow path is open;

[0010] -Has a locking mechanism that is reliably connected to the inspection valve;

[0011] - The high-pressure or low-pressure relationship of the fluid system to be connected is clearly marked;

[0012] - Ensure that the valve core is securely locked before the hydraulic pressure is opened;

[0013] - Have a pull-out force greater than 5000N in the locked state;

[0014] -Requires a maximum extraction force of less than 50N after hydraulic closure;

[0015] - Reliably ensure that no fluid (refrigerant) will flow out when the inspection valve is not connected;

[0016] -Prevent mechanical disconnection from the inspection valve when the flow path is opened;

[0017] - Designed for at least 5000 mating cycles;

[0018] - a dead space venting function between the adapter and the service valve, in order to release the pressure after the flow path is interrupted and before disconnection, and to identify whether the valve seat in the service valve is not properly closed;

[0019] - Ensure pressure relief is achieved through connecting joints or maintenance equipment;

[0020] - Have a specified pin low pressure position;

[0021] - Comply with the precisely defined position and travel from "breaking the seal" to full opening of the service valve.

[0022] Some of these requirements have conflicting functional requirements, so there is currently no known solution that fully meets all requirements.

[0023] Furthermore, most existing solutions cannot simultaneously achieve both sealing system durability and high operational sealing performance. This issue is particularly acute under the high system pressures required to process CO2. The conflicting requirements of flow path opening and closing, dead space ventilation, and preventing refrigerant leakage when the service valve is disconnected result in most solutions lacking pressure relief and dead space ventilation capabilities.

[0024] Such connectors are often only suitable for maintenance stations with built-in pressure relief. Solutions that combine these two functions, due to the limited travel available for opening / closing the flow path or exhausting air, must compromise the necessary seal size, limiting durability. Other solutions that can meet both requirements require a second energy source.

[0025] Invention Task

[0026] Against this background, the object of the present invention is in particular to provide a connecting nipple with which a temporary high-pressure flow path can be produced safely and preferably without tools between two fluid systems.

[0027] Inventive solutions

[0028] The solutions according to the invention are provided by the independent claims.

[0029] To this end, the present invention proposes an adapter for connecting and disconnecting a maintenance station to an external device, in particular an air conditioner (ideally in the form of a vehicle air conditioner), the working fluid circulates in an at least substantially closed circuit in the external device. The maintenance station can also be, for example, a vacuum station, a filling station, a measuring station and / or a service station in this case. For the sake of simplicity, such stations will be referred to below as "maintenance stations". In the external device mentioned above, particularly preferably in the form of a vehicle air conditioner, the working fluid circulates in an at least substantially closed circuit, wherein in this case also always includes time-varying leaks present in the actual device. In addition, such external devices also include devices in which the working fluid has not yet circulated in a closed circuit but is about to circulate, as is the case, for example, when the external device is filled with working fluid for the first time.

[0030] The adapter according to the invention in this case comprises a connection via which pressurized operating fluid can be fed from the service station into the adapter during the filling process, pressurized fluid can be discharged into the service station, or negative pressure can be generated during evacuation.

[0031] Furthermore, the adapter according to the present invention includes a dead space, preferably located between the adapter and the service valve. Even when the service valve is connected to the adapter, this dead space is vented through an exhaust path; this condition persists at least until the service valve's own check valve closes. Prompt venting of the dead space improves safety during disconnection. Furthermore, if the spring-loaded valve seat unexpectedly fails to close, operators can detect it early before any incident occurs.

[0032] The adapter according to the present invention further comprises a servo chamber that is fluidically connected to and detachable from the interface. A servo plunger is housed in the servo chamber for opening and closing the exhaust path. In the event of overpressure in the servo chamber, the servo plunger is pushed to a position in which it closes the exhaust path.

[0033] The adapter according to the present invention also comprises a valve stem, which operates the first valve member and the second valve member. In this case, the valve stem preferably forms the valve member itself, and is ideally even formed as an integral one-piece.

[0034] In this case, the first valve member is designed and positioned such that when the valve stem moves to cause the service valve to be pushed up, or when the service valve is pushed up by another component, the first valve member connects the servo chamber fluid to the port. In this case, "pushing up" of the service valve preferably means that the spring seat of the service valve is pushed up.

[0035] The second valve element is designed and positioned in this case in such a way that it opens and fluidically connects the dead space to the servo chamber and thus to the connection only after the servo plunger has reached the position closing the exhaust path.

[0036] In addition, the adapter according to the present invention comprises a pressure ring for opening the spring valve seat, which constitutes an integral part of the service valve. The pressure ring is designed and positioned so that it only opens the spring valve seat after the servo plunger has reached the position for closing the exhaust path.

[0037] The special arrangement of the various components of the adapter allows for safe filling and evacuation of external equipment using only one adapter. This allows the maintenance station to be easily connected to the external equipment. In this way, pressure can be safely released via the exhaust path as required. The servo plunger acts as a closure mechanism for the exhaust path and automatically closes it when, for example, a corresponding pressure is established in the servo chamber. The first valve element can then be used to perform the first step of connecting the servo chamber to the dead space in order to establish a flow path.

[0038] The second valve member opens only after the servo plunger has reached a position closing the exhaust path and ultimately connects the dead space to fluid communication with the servo chamber.

[0039] This adapter thus provides a safe way to connect external devices to various vacuuming, filling, maintenance, and repair stations, regardless of the type of pressure relief. Furthermore, this also meets the requirements of the automotive industry and automotive technology.

[0040] Preferred improvement of the present invention

[0041] In a preferred embodiment of the adapter, the servo plunger has at least one upper pressure-bearing end surface and at least one lower pressure-bearing end surface, the ratio of which is selected such that the servo plunger is always pressed sealingly against the second valve element and / or preferably also against the sliding sleeve stop, against the force of the servo plunger spring, when a pressure greater than the limit pressure is present in the servo chamber. It is also preferred that the servo plunger is pressed against the upper stop on the valve body by the force of the servo plunger spring when a pressure less than the limit pressure is present in the servo chamber.

[0042] The aforementioned limiting pressure can preferably be selected to be variable and is preferably in the range of 0.5 MPa to 10 MPa, particularly preferably 0.5 MPa to 5 MPa, preferably 1 MPa.

[0043] This ensures that the adapter is securely fixed to the connected service valve at system internal pressures above the limit pressure, and that the servo plunger reliably opens the exhaust path at system pressures below the limit pressure.

[0044] It is also particularly preferred that the valve stem is used to control a valve connecting the interface to the dead space, and the valve stem has a first valve member, preferably designed as a cylindrical annular valve disc, and a second valve member, preferably designed as a conical segment, preferably a full conical segment valve disc. The second valve member cooperates with the valve seat on the servo plunger so that when the adapter is in a fluid connection state, the servo plunger can be held in a position that does not close the exhaust path by the second valve member against the pressure in the servo chamber, and can be pulled from its exhaust path-closing position to a position that does not close the exhaust path when the adapter is in a fluid disconnection state. This ensures that the exhaust path is always open during connection and disconnection, thereby enabling exhaust. This also contributes to work safety.

[0045] It is also particularly preferred that the valve stem form a pressure ring at one end for opening the spring-loaded valve seat forming part of the service valve. The pressure ring preferably transitions to the remainder of the valve stem via a collar for self-orienting the pressure ring. In this case, the pressure ring preferably has a first radial hole that transitions via an intersecting axial hole to a second, intersecting radial hole in the valve stem. This provides fluid communication between the space below the valve stem collar and the interior of the servo plunger and sleeve when the service valve is connected. As an alternative to this hole arrangement, the collar can also be designed with multiple flow channels extending parallel to the valve axis on its cylindrical surface. Both embodiments provide simple and secure communication between the two spaces.

[0046] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred to design and position the first valve element so that, when there is no overpressure in the servo chamber (e.g., when the interface is not conducting overpressure, as can occur during connection and disconnection for evacuation), the first valve element can press the servo plunger into a position that closes the exhaust path by a form fit. Thus, even if the servo plunger is not pressed into a position that closes the exhaust path by the resulting overpressure during evacuation, it can still be brought into the corresponding position by other means. For this purpose, a form fit is preferably established between the first valve element and the servo plunger. This provides a simple and reliable mechanical means for closing the exhaust path in certain situations.

[0047] A particularly preferred embodiment provides for an axially displaceable valve stem guided in a preferably multi-part valve body, which generally also defines (preferably at least partially to the exterior) a servo chamber and a dead space and, ideally, also has or can accommodate an interface. In this case, the valve body is provided with a valve operating element threadedly connected thereto, thereby enabling the valve stem (which is preferably connected to the valve operating element via a rolling bearing) to move back and forth axially relative to the valve body. The thread is preferably an adjusting thread with a shorter pitch than the metric standard thread, i.e., a fine-pitch thread. This provides a simple method for manually displacing the valve stem axially and adjusting the associated valve position.

[0048] Furthermore, it is particularly preferred that the valve body be provided with a locking sleeve that is axially displaceable relative thereto. The locking sleeve preferably interacts with the valve operating member in a form-fitting manner at one axial end thereof, preferably at its end closest to the valve operating member, and preferably interacts with a locking ball, which is used to lock the service valve in its connected position, at its other axial end, preferably at its end further away from the valve operating member. These sleeves preferably interact so that, as long as no service valve is connected to the adapter, the locking sleeve rests on the locking ball and cannot be moved further axially beyond it, thereby forming a stop for the valve operating member, preventing further axial movement toward the valve body. This prevents the adapter from being accidentally opened, for example, by an operator unaware of potentially high pressures. Alternatively or additionally, these sleeves preferably interact so that, as long as the service valve is connected and the first valve member is not closed, the valve operating member prevents the locking sleeve from moving into its unlocked position, in which it allows radial outward displacement of the locking ball. This prevents an operator from releasing the locking sleeve from the service valve by correspondingly moving the locking sleeve when the system is pressurized, which could cause the adapter to explode under the high internal pressure. When the inspection valve is not moved in, the locking ball is preferably located in the tapered hole, which is radially narrowed inwardly so that the ball cannot fall out inwardly (ie toward the valve axis).

[0049] It is also particularly preferred that the sliding sleeve is supported on the servo plunger via a spring element, preferably in the form of a servo plunger spring, and that the sliding sleeve has a retaining ring on its outer end side (preferably its axial end facing the service valve), which forms a ball seat. As long as no service valve is connected to the adapter, a locking ball blocks the locking ball between the retaining ring and the locking sleeve so that the locking ball traps the locking sleeve between the retaining ring and the valve operating element. The sliding sleeve is moved toward the servo plunger by the service valve being moved inward to such an extent that the retaining ring releases the locking ball so that it can be inserted into a corresponding locking groove of the service valve. This provides a simple and safe mechanical mechanism for ensuring a secure connection of the service valve, so that various operations can only be performed when the service valve is connected.

[0050] It is also particularly preferred that the locking sleeve is preloaded relative to the valve body (preferably relative to the lower part of the valve body) by a spring, wherein the design is such that as soon as the sliding sleeve has moved sufficiently toward the servo plunger so that its retaining ring releases the locking ball, the locking sleeve, by means of the spring (i.e., the locking sleeve is pressed downwardly toward the service valve by the spring), presses the locking ball radially inwardly into the locking groove of the service valve and retains it there. Thus, by pressing the locking sleeve downward, the spring preferably securely holds the locking ball in the locking groove of the service valve via the shoulder, thereby further securing the service valve against accidental release in a simple mechanical manner.

[0051] In addition, it is particularly preferred that the sliding sleeve has a preferably hollow cylindrical section, into which the servo plunger seal is inserted to close the exhaust path. Therefore, the servo plunger can be easily closed to complete the exhaust path there.

[0052] Another preferred embodiment is that the servo plunger and the sliding sleeve are supported relative to each other by rolling bearings, typically in the form of linear bearings. The rolling bearings are particularly preferably designed as ball sleeves or recirculating ball sleeves. This allows for smooth relative axial movement of the servo plunger and the sliding sleeve, even under high pressure. Ideally, this prevents jamming between the two components and / or sudden axial movements upward (toward the valve actuator) and downward (toward the service valve).

[0053] It is also particularly preferred that the sliding sleeve forms a stop for the servo plunger, which prevents its further axial displacement to the service valve. Therefore, the freedom of movement of the servo plunger can be limited in a simple manner, and the closure of the exhaust path can be achieved as required.

[0054] It is also particularly preferred that the sliding sleeve transmits the pressure from the servo plunger to the locking ball. Therefore, the locking ball further prevents the service valve from accidentally disengaging by enhancing the effect of locking the service valve in a simple mechanical manner.

[0055] Another preferred embodiment is to design the valve stem so that it passes a locking point, thereby providing a tactile feedback to the user when the valve operating element is actuated, indicating that the valve operating element has now struck the spring valve seat and / or that forced opening of the spring valve seat has ended. The locking point is preferably generated by a latching ball pin, whose ball temporarily engages an annular groove in the valve stem. This allows a tactile warning to the user to be easily conveyed.

[0056] It is also particularly preferred that the exhaust path comprises at least one transverse hole in the sleeve, at least one transverse hole in the valve body, and ideally another portion of the exhaust path is formed by at least one transverse hole in the locking sleeve, wherein the transverse hole in the locking sleeve is ideally offset relative to the remainder of the exhaust path so that an axial throttling gap is formed between the remainder of the exhaust path and the transverse hole in the locking sleeve. This axial throttling gap is necessary to limit the pressure, for example, if the spring-loaded valve seat cannot close properly again due to a malfunction. Consequently, a large amount of working fluid, initially under overpressure, is discharged through the exhaust path. In this case, the axial throttling gap provides a simple and safe way to release the high pressure.

[0057] Further possible embodiments, functions and advantages are apparent from the dependent claims and / or the following description of exemplary embodiments and / or with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1 The adapter is shown in a cut-away front view without the service valve.

[0059] Figure 2 The adapter is shown in a cut-away front view, including the service valve but not yet inserted.

[0060] Figure 3The adapter is shown in a cut-away front view with the service valve connected and locked.

[0061] Figure 4 The adapter with the inserted service valve is shown in a cutaway front view at the start of opening.

[0062] Figure 5 The adapter is shown in a sectional front view when fully open with the service valve inserted.

[0063] Figure 6 The adapter with the inserted service valve is shown in a cutaway front view at the start of closing.

[0064] Figure 7 The adapter is shown in a cutaway front view in the fully closed state with the service valve inserted.

[0065] Preferred embodiments

[0066] Adapter structure overview

[0067] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A generally preferred design of the adapter 0 is shown, wherein Figure 2 For a better overview, service valve 1 is also shown, which is subsequently connected to adapter 0. The connection of service valve 1 and the different switch positions of the adapter when service valve 1 is connected will be explained step by step later. However, first, the general structure of the individual parts of adapter 0 and the design of service valve 1 will be described.

[0068] In this case, the service valve 1 is preferably a valve of an external device, to which the adapter 0 is connected. In this case, the service valve 1 preferably includes a spring-loaded valve seat 29. When the spring-loaded valve seat 29, which typically forms a check valve, is pressed downward into the service valve 1, the flow path of the service valve 1 is released. Furthermore, the service valve 1 preferably includes an annular locking groove 32 on its circumference, into which the locking ball 3 can then be inserted, as will be explained in detail below.

[0069] The adapter 0 itself preferably includes a valve operating member 16 at one axial end. The valve operating member 16 preferably includes a thread 17 on its inner circumference, preferably in the form of a fine thread. The thread 17 corresponds to the corresponding thread 17 of the valve body 18. The thread 17 of the valve body 18 is preferably mounted on a shoulder at the upper axial end of the valve body 18 (facing the valve operating member 16). One side of the shoulder serves as a carrier for the thread 17, and the other side preferably also serves as a stop for the valve operating member 16 when it is fully screwed in. The valve body 18 is preferably designed as a multi-piece structure, and in the preferred embodiment shown, it is a two-piece structure. In this case, the lower part 18.1 of the valve body is provided with the aforementioned tapered holes 12, which are used to accommodate the locking ball 3 when the service valve 1 is not connected. The upper part of the valve body 18 is preferably provided with at least one transverse hole 18.2 in the movement area of the servo plunger 8, which is part of the exhaust path, as will be explained in detail later.

[0070] Furthermore, it is preferred that the upper part of the valve body 18 is provided with a spring-loaded locking ball pin 28, preferably located in a corresponding receiving groove, which can be inserted into a corresponding, preferably circumferential, annular groove of the valve stem 10. A preferably annular groove is also preferably provided in the upper part of the valve body 18 for accommodating a seal 5 between the valve body 18 and the valve stem 10. Furthermore, it is also preferred that the valve body at least partially accommodates an interface 19 of a connected maintenance station, preferably by providing a corresponding thread.

[0071] The valve body lower part 18.1 also preferably comprises a stopper 9 or a groove for fixing the stopper 9. The stopper 9 is preferably located below the tapered hole 12 (axially toward the service valve 1 along the valve axis 15).

[0072] The valve body lower part 18 . 1 preferably also comprises a shoulder, on which the spring 13 , preferably in the form of a compression spring, can bear.

[0073] The other side, on which the corresponding spring 13 can be supported, is preferably located on a shoulder of the locking sleeve 2, which preferably at least partially surrounds the valve body 18. The shoulder preferably transitions into a preferably annular groove, which in the shown unreleased state of the locking sleeve also partially supports the locking ball 3. The corresponding shoulder in the released state of the locking sleeve 2 (see Figure 3 ) interacts with the stop 9 in the following way: it provides a lower stop for the tripped locking sleeve 2 which is pressed downwards (axially along the valve axis 15 towards the service valve 1) by the spring force of the spring 13. Figure 3 ), the shoulder also provides additional support for the locking ball 3 to prevent it from moving radially away from the valve axis 15, because the locking ball 3 is moved inwardly (toward the valve axis 15) in the tapered hole 12 when the locking sleeve 2 is in the unlocked state.

[0074] This will be explained in detail in subsequent chapters Figure 3 And "fasten" the locking sleeve 2.

[0075] The locking sleeve 2 preferably includes at least one transverse hole 2.1 above a shoulder of the locking sleeve 2 (axially along the valve axis 15 toward the valve operating element 16), which forms part of the exhaust air path. Furthermore, the locking sleeve 2 preferably includes a preferably circumferential annular groove on its inner side, which serves as an axial throttling gap 2.2 between the locking sleeve 2 and the valve body 18, wherein the axial throttling gap 2.2 also forms part of the exhaust air path. The end of the locking sleeve 2, preferably at the axial end opposite the shoulder, preferably serves as a stop for the valve operating element 16, both in the unlocked state of the locking sleeve 2 and in the unlocked state of the locking sleeve 2 when the valve operating element 16 is fully screwed in. For this purpose, the valve operating element 16 preferably has a further annular shoulder on its outer side, which interacts accordingly with the locking sleeve 2.

[0076] The servo plunger 8 is preferably located within the valve body 18 and is capable of completing an axial displacement stroke within the valve body 18. The servo plunger 8 is preferably sealed relative to the valve body 18 by means of a seal 7. In this case, the servo plunger 8 moves at least partially axially within the sleeve 4, preferably within the hollow cylindrical section 33 of the sleeve 4. When the servo plunger 8 is in the corresponding position blocking the exhaust path, the seal between the sleeve 4 and the servo plunger 8 is preferably provided by a seal 24. The sleeve 4 preferably includes at least one transverse hole 4.1 as part of the exhaust path. The at least one transverse hole 4.1 can be blocked by the servo plunger 8 (preferably a shoulder of the servo plunger 8), thereby blocking the entire exhaust path. A servo plunger spring 14 is preferably located between the shoulder of the servo plunger 8 and the shoulder of the sleeve 4. The sleeve 4 also preferably includes a valve receptacle 23 for the service valve 1 and a retaining ring 22, which will be explained in more detail below.

[0077] The valve stem 10 preferably moves within the servo plunger 8 and the sleeve 4 and can be moved axially upwards and downwards (along the valve axis 15) via the valve operating member 16. The valve stem 10 in this case preferably comprises a first valve member 10.1, which is preferably designed in the form of a disc. The first valve member 10.1 preferably comprises a sealing member 6, which seals the first valve member 10.1 relative to the valve body 18. The servo plunger 8 preferably comprises a corresponding disc-shaped groove, in which the first valve member 10.1 can be at least partially accommodated, thereby enabling the servo plunger 8 to move against the spring force of the servo plunger spring 14. The disc-shaped groove is preferably also part of the servo chamber 20, which will be described in detail later.

[0078] The servo plunger 8 preferably also includes a sealing surface 8.3, which preferably interacts with the second valve member 10.2 or the sealing element 7 on the second valve member in such a way that the servo plunger 8 can be sealed and seated on the valve seat at the second valve member 10.2. The sealing surface 8.3 of the servo plunger 8 is preferably of inclined design and preferably matches the inclination of the second valve member 10.2. At the lower axial end (the end facing the inspection valve 1), the valve stem 10 preferably also includes a pressure ring 10.5, which preferably transitions to the rest of the valve stem 10 via a shaft ring 31. The shaft ring 31 is used to achieve the self-orienting function required by the pressure ring 10.5. "Self-orientation" is preferably achieved by the interaction of the shaft ring 31 with the necking of the radial cross section of the sleeve 4.

[0079] To ensure that the space below the collar 31 (which may be the dead space 21 or a portion of it) is substantially connected to the interior of the servo plunger 8 and the sleeve (which may be the servo chamber 20 or a portion of it), thereby ensuring a sufficient cross-sectional flow path to the connection 19 or also exhausting air via an exhaust path, depending on the valve position, the valve stem 10 is provided with a flow path within it. To this end, the pressure ring 10.5 preferably includes a first radial hole 10.3.1, which transitions via an intersecting axial hole 10.4 to a second radial hole 10.3.2 in the valve stem 10 itself, which also intersects the first radial hole 10.3.2. Alternatively, the collar 31 may be designed with a flow channel extending parallel to the valve axis 15 on its cylindrical surface to ensure the aforementioned flow path of sufficient cross-section.

[0080] A rolling bearing 34 , preferably in the form of a ball sleeve, can be provided between the servo plunger 8 and the sliding sleeve 4 in order to facilitate the relative movement between these two parts.

[0081] For a better overview, individual positions and steps are also shown below when using the adapter adapter 0 to describe the connection of the service valve 1 and the opening and closing of the adapter adapter 0 .

[0082] Connection and locking of service valve 1 (see Figure 3 )

[0083] Figure 3 The diagram shows the state of adapter 0 immediately after it is connected to service valve 1. During the connection process, dead space 21 is decompressed by exhaust holes arranged in series along the exhaust path, preventing the adapter 0 from being blown off due to the corresponding pressure applied to the adapter 0. These exhaust holes, in chronological order, include transverse hole 4.1 in sleeve 4, transverse hole 18.2 in valve body 18, and transverse hole 2.1 in locking sleeve 2. An axial throttling slot 2.2 is preferably provided between transverse hole 18.2 and transverse hole 2.1 to safely vent air under high pressure.

[0084] During the insertion process of the service valve 1 , the sliding sleeve 4 with the valve receptacle 23 is displaced to a predetermined position along the valve axis 15 toward the valve operating member 16 against the force of the servo plunger spring 14 .

[0085] The sealing of the inspection valve 1 relative to the dead space 21 is preferably ensured by the valve seal 26, which is achieved by designing the sealing surface 25 of the sleeve 4 so that the inspection valve 1 abuts the sealing surface 25, so that the valve seal 26 can safely abut the annular surface of the inspection valve 1 provided for this purpose.

[0086] The valve seal 26 may advantageously be designed as a D-ring to eliminate the risk of screw failure.

[0087] As previously described, locking balls 3 are respectively installed in radial tapered holes 12 (preferably formed in the valve body lower portion 18.1 of the valve body 18). As the service valve 1 is moved in, the sliding sleeve 4 (in this case, preferably the retaining ring 22 of the sliding sleeve 4) opens the tapered holes 12, so that the locking balls 3 are pressed into the annular locking groove 32, preferably in the form of an annular groove, of the service valve 1 by the sliding sleeve 4, which is subjected to the force of the servo plunger spring 14, and are locked in this position.

[0088] If the sliding sleeve 4 is pushed into the valve body 18 without the service valve 1 until the tapered hole 12 is opened, the locking ball 3 will prevent the service valve 1 from being inserted.

[0089] Since the locking ball 3 no longer blocks the locking sleeve 2, the locking sleeve 2 is clamped axially downward (toward the service valve 1) by the spring force of the spring 13 and is also held in this position by the spring force. The "clamping" occurs axially downward as far as the stop 9. As a result, the locking ball 3 is pressed further into the locking groove 32 of the service valve 1 and locked there. In general, in the illustrated state, the service valve is now firmly locked to the adapter 0. In addition, the "clamping" of the locking sleeve 2 releases the valve operating element 16, since it is now temporarily no longer prevented from rotating by the locking sleeve 2.

[0090] Start opening (see Figure 4 )

[0091] By rotating the valve operating member 16, preferably in the clockwise direction, the valve stem 10 moves downward along the valve axis 15 (toward the service valve). Here, the rolling bearing 11, preferably in the form of a ball bearing, prevents the rotational movement of the valve operating member 16 from being transmitted to the valve stem 10 (including the first valve member 10.1, the second valve member 10.2, and the pressure ring 10.5) and the servo plunger 8. As a result, the seals of the two valve members 10.1 and 10.2 and the servo plunger 8 are not subject to rotational movement, but only to axial movement.

[0092] Figure 4 It is shown how the first valve part 10 . 1 is opened by rotating the valve operating part 16 while the second valve part 10 . 2 remains closed.

[0093] When first valve element 10.1 is open and pressure is present in servo chamber 20 via interface 19, the force acting on pressure-bearing surface 8.1 of servo plunger 8 within servo chamber 20 strengthens the sealing effect of seal 6 on sealing surface 8.3. Simultaneously, exhaust hole 4.1 is securely closed by the axial pressure movement of servo plunger 8. Consequently, dead space 21 is hermetically sealed. The displacement of servo plunger 8 is limited by the stop of sleeve 4, which is locked in place by the inserted service valve 1.

[0094] The force acting on the pressure-bearing surface 8.1 of the servo plunger 8 presses the sliding sleeve 4 onto the locking ball 3 in the tapered bore 12. The locking ball 3 is preferably continuously pressed onto the retaining ring 22 of the locking sleeve 2 by the force acting on the pressure-bearing surface 8.1 of the servo plunger 8, as the locking ball 3 increases with increasing system pressure, thereby locking the locking sleeve 2 in place.

[0095] It is best to select the ratio of the pressure-bearing surfaces 8.1 and 8.2 of the servo piston 8 and the force of the servo piston spring 14 in such a way that the servo piston 8 overcomes the force of the servo piston spring 14 and is pressed onto the sealing surface 8.3 of the second valve part 10.2 and / or the stop of the sleeve 4 at a system pressure greater than the limit pressure (preferably >= 1 MPa).

[0096] Fully open (see Figure 5 )

[0097] The valve stem 10 moves toward the service valve 1 along the valve axis 15 by further rotating the valve operating member 16 clockwise to a stop, so that the second valve member 10 . 2 is also opened and a flow path between the servo chamber 20 and the dead space 21 is established.

[0098] At the same time, the spring valve seat 29 of the service valve 1 is compressed by the pressure ring 10.5, thereby establishing a flow path between the dead space 21 and the external equipment including the service valve 1. Therefore, a flow path for evacuating and / or filling the external equipment is established from the port 19 through the first valve member 10.1 and the second valve member 10.2 to the service valve 1.

[0099] Due to the advantageous design of the length of the locking sleeve 2 and the possible movement space of the locking sleeve 2 in the axial direction along the valve axis 15, the service valve 1 can only be disconnected when the valve operating member 16 is completely moved into the final position (preferably by rotating it counterclockwise) and the two valve parts 10.1 and 10.2 of the valve stem 10 are fully closed. This provides a double safety against disconnection of the service valve 1, because in this position (high position) of the valve operating member 16, the exhaust path is forcibly opened through the exhaust hole.

[0100] It is generally preferred that the ball seat is formed by a retaining ring 22 on the locking sleeve 2. When the valve elements 10.1 and 10.2 are open and the servo plunger 8 is under pressure, the locking sleeve 2 is prevented from moving along the valve axis 15 toward the valve operating element 16 by the friction-locking connection via the sliding sleeve 4, the locking ball 3, and the ball seat, thereby maintaining the locked state. The locking sleeve 2 can also be designed so that a mechanical stop on the open valve operating element 16 is omitted. The inserted service valve 1 is thus securely connected to the adapter 0.

[0101] If the service valve 1 is not closed correctly and the connected circuit is at least partially filled with refrigerant, this can be identified by whether refrigerant flows out of the dead space 21 and the exhaust path.

[0102] If the connecting joint is also to be used for vacuuming, the first valve member 10.1 needs to be designed in such a way that, when the adapter 0 is opened, the first valve member 10.1 can overcome the spring force of the servo plunger spring 14 before the vacuuming process begins and force the servo plunger 8 downward to close the exhaust hole 4.1.

[0103] Start closing (see Figure 6 )

[0104] from Figure 5 Starting from the fully open state shown, the adapter 0 can now be closed. By rotating the valve operating element 16 counterclockwise, the valve stem 10 is moved along the valve axis 15 toward the valve operating element 16. First, the second valve element 10.2 is closed.

[0105] The servo plunger 8 under pressure generates the necessary reaction force on the sealing surface 8.3. The pressure ring 10.5 is lifted from the spring seat 29 of the inspection valve 1.

[0106] The flow paths between the dead space 21 and the connected (refrigeration) circuit and between the servo chamber 20 and the dead space 21 are interrupted. The exhaust path remains closed.

[0107] Completely closed (see Figure 7 )

[0108] As the valve operating member 16 rotates further counterclockwise to the stop, the valve stem 10 moves further along the valve axis 15 toward the valve operating member 16. The second valve member 10.2 remains closed, and the first valve member 10.1 also closes. The servo plunger 8 also moves upward via the second valve member 10.2, and the transverse bore 4.1 is opened. The flow path between the servo chamber 20 and the dead space 21 is interrupted. The pressure in the dead space 21 is dissipated through the open exhaust path, and leakage from the spring seat 29 in the service valve 1 can be detected because the pressure medium continues to flow out of the exhaust path to the environment.

[0109] From this it can be concluded that the spring seat 29 in the service valve 1 is not closing correctly or that the seal 6 is defective.

[0110] Disconnection of the inspection valve (when no medium flows out)

[0111] Only when the valve operating member 16 is fully rotated counterclockwise to the stop can the locking sleeve 2 overcome the force of the tension spring 13 and be manually pushed toward the valve operating member 16. The locking ball 3 is pressed out of the locking groove 32 of the service valve 1 by the force of the servo plunger spring 14, through the force transmission cooperation with the sliding sleeve 4. The sliding sleeve 4 presses the service valve 1 out of the adapter 0, allowing it to be removed and restored to its original state.

[0112] Some variants of the maintenance station release the pressure after the filling process via the maintenance station rather than via the adapter. Therefore, it is preferred that the adapter 0 can also be adapted to this embodiment.

[0113] Closing of the adapter 0 is divided into two phases. The transition from the initial closing phase to the final closing phase is preferably indicated by a clearly perceptible, preferably tactile, feedback on the valve operating element 16 .

[0114] The initial stage is used to interrupt the flow path between the inspection valve 1 and the dead space 21.

[0115] By rotating the valve operating member 16 counterclockwise, the pressure ring 10.5 is lifted from the pin of the spring valve seat 29 in the connected service valve 1, thereby interrupting the flow path to the circuit connected to the service valve 1. The stroke required for this is defined by the standard according to the corresponding refrigerant.

[0116] For example, with refrigerant R744, the process is safely complete after the valve stem 10 has raised the pressure ring 10.5 by 2.5 millimeters. When this point is reached, feedback is preferably provided by a perceptible increase in resistance when the valve operating member 16 is rotated counterclockwise. To this end, a circumferential groove, preferably in the form of an annular groove 27, is preferably provided on the valve stem 10 at a specified point. The increase in resistance is caused by a locking ball pin 28, which is inserted into the valve body 18 transversely to the valve stem 10 and presses against the stem of the valve stem 10.

[0117] If the adapter 0 is connected to a maintenance station, via which the pressure needs to be released, the operator blocks the rotary movement of the valve operating element 16 and starts venting the connected fluid system.

[0118] The flow path between the servo chamber 20 and the interface 19 is open, so the excess pressure can be discharged from the servo chamber 20. When the force acting on the first pressure-bearing surface 8.1 of the servo plunger 8 decreases, the servo plunger moves to the upper stop under the action of the force acting on the second pressure-bearing surface 8.2 and the force of the servo plunger spring 14.

[0119] As a result, the second valve element 10.2 opens. Simultaneously, the exhaust hole 4.1 is opened by the servo plunger 8. The excess pressure in the dead space 21 is discharged to the connection 19 through the valve elements 10.1 and 10.2 and is eliminated through the serial transverse holes 4.1, 2.1 and 18.2 of the exhaust path.

[0120] Other implementations

[0121] This (other) embodiment corresponds to the above embodiment, differing only in that the adapter 0 does not have the first valve member 10.1. In this embodiment, the valve member 10.1 is not required. Other features or advantageous and preferred features associated with the above embodiment also apply to this (other) embodiment and are therefore also advantageous or preferred and are also claimed in this other embodiment.

[0122] Therefore, in particular, it is also required to independently protect an adapter 0, which is used to connect and disconnect a maintenance station with an external device, in particular a service valve 1 of an air conditioner, wherein a working fluid circulates in a closed circuit in the external device, and has: an interface 19, via which pressurized working fluid can be fed from the maintenance station into the adapter 0 or discharged during the filling process; a dead space 21, which is also exhausted through the exhaust path when the service valve 1 is connected to the adapter 0; a servo chamber 20 that can be fluidically connected to the interface 19, and in which a servo plunger 8 for opening and closing the exhaust path is accommodated, which is pushed into its position closing the exhaust path by the overpressure occurring in the servo chamber 20; a valve stem 10, which operates a valve member 10.2 (the valve member 10.2 is described above). 1 is described as the first valve member in the other embodiments mentioned above), wherein the valve stem 10 does not operate the valve member 10.1 (the valve member 10.1 is described as the first valve member in the other embodiments mentioned above), and the valve member is designed and positioned so that it connects the servo chamber 20 with the fluid of the interface 19 when the valve stem 10 moves and hits the inspection valve 1, and the valve member 10.2 (here the second valve member 10.2) is designed and positioned so that it opens and connects the dead space 21 with the fluid of the servo chamber 20 only after the servo plunger 8 has reached the position of closing the exhaust path; and a pressure ring 10.5 for opening the spring valve seat 29 that constitutes an integral part of the inspection valve 1, and the pressure ring is designed and positioned so that it opens the spring valve seat 29 only after the servo plunger 8 has reached the position of closing the exhaust path.

[0123] Therefore, an adapter 0 for connecting and disconnecting a maintenance station to an external equipment service valve 1 without the valve element 10.1 is advantageously claimed, wherein the valve element 10.1 is described as the first valve element in the other embodiments described above. This embodiment can therefore be described in the other embodiments described above, except that it does not include the first valve element 10.1.

[0124] Advantageously, the valve stem 10 of the adapter 0 operates only a single valve member 10.2 (wherein the valve member 10.2 is described as the second valve member in the other embodiments described above), wherein the valve member 10.2 is designed and positioned such that it opens and connects the dead space 21 to the fluid of the servo chamber 20 only after the servo plunger 8 has reached a position closing the exhaust path.

[0125] Advantageously, the servo chamber 20 is first fluidically connected to the interface 19 , and then only when the servo plunger 8 reaches a position closing the exhaust path, the valve element 10 . 2 opens and fluidically connects the dead space 21 to the servo chamber 20 .

[0126] Reference Signs List

[0127] 0 Adapter

[0128] 1 Service valve

[0129] 2 Locking sleeve

[0130] 2.1 Transverse hole of the locking sleeve

[0131] 2.2 Axial throttling gap

[0132] 3 Lock the ball

[0133] 4 Slide

[0134] 4.1 Transverse hole of the sleeve

[0135] 5 Seals

[0136] 6 Seals

[0137] 7 Seals

[0138] 8 Servo plunger

[0139] 8.1 First pressure surface

[0140] 8.2 Second pressure surface

[0141] 8.3 Sealing surface of servo plunger

[0142] 9 Stopper

[0143] 10 Valve stem

[0144] 10.1 First valve

[0145] 10.2 Second valve

[0146] 10.3.1 First radial hole (upper)

[0147] 10.3.2 Second radial hole (lower)

[0148] 10.4 Axial hole (connecting radial holes)

[0149] 10.5 Pressure ring

[0150] 11 Rolling bearings

[0151] 12 tapered hole

[0152] 13 Spring

[0153] 14 Servo plunger spring

[0154] 15 Valve axis

[0155] 16 Valve operating parts

[0156] 17 Thread between valve body and valve operator

[0157] 18 Valve body

[0158] 18.1 Lower part of valve body

[0159] 18.2 Transverse holes in the valve body

[0160] 19 Interface

[0161] 20 Servo cavity

[0162] 21 Dead Space

[0163] 22 retaining ring (ball seat)

[0164] 23 Valve receptacle

[0165] 24 seals

[0166] 25 Sealing surface

[0167] 26 Valve seal

[0168] 27 Annular groove

[0169] 28 Locking ball pin

[0170] 29 Spring-loaded valve seat for service valve

[0171] 30 TBD

[0172] 31 Shaft collar for self-orientation of press rings

[0173] 32 Locking groove of inspection valve

[0174] 33 Hollow cylindrical section of the sleeve

[0175] 34 Rolling bearings

Claims

1. An adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a maintenance station to an external device, in particular a service valve (1) of an air conditioner, wherein: The working fluid circulates in a closed loop in the external device, having: a connection (19) via which pressurized operating fluid can be fed from the maintenance station into the adapter (0) during filling or can be discharged, dead space (21), which is also exhausted through the exhaust path when the inspection valve (1) is connected to the adapter (0), a servo chamber (20) capable of fluid communication with the interface (19), wherein a servo plunger (8) for opening and closing the exhaust path is accommodated in the servo chamber and is pushed to a position where it closes the exhaust path by the overpressure occurring in the servo chamber (20); a valve stem (10) which operates a first valve member (10.1) and a second valve member (10.2), wherein the first valve member (10.1) is designed and positioned so that it connects the servo chamber (20) to the interface (19) when the valve stem (10) moves to abut the service valve (1), and the second valve member (10.2) is designed and positioned so that it opens and connects the dead space (21) to the servo chamber (20) only after the servo plunger (8) has reached a position closing the exhaust path, and A pressure ring (10.5) is used to open a spring valve seat (29) which forms part of the inspection valve (1), and the pressure ring is designed and arranged in such a way that it opens the spring valve seat (29) only after the servo plunger (8) has reached a position closing the exhaust path.

2. An adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a maintenance station to an external device, in particular an air conditioner service valve (1), wherein: The working fluid circulates in a closed loop in the external device, having: a connection (19) via which pressurized operating fluid can be fed from the maintenance station into the adapter (0) during filling or can be discharged, dead space (21), which is also exhausted through the exhaust path when the inspection valve (1) is connected to the adapter (0), a servo chamber (20) capable of fluid communication with the interface (19), wherein a servo plunger (8) for opening and closing the exhaust path is accommodated in the servo chamber and is pushed to a position where it closes the exhaust path by the overpressure occurring in the servo chamber (20); a valve stem (10) which operates a valve member (10.2), wherein the valve member (10.2) is designed and positioned so that it opens and fluidically connects the dead space (21) to the servo chamber (20) only after the servo plunger (8) has reached a position closing the exhaust path, and A pressure ring (10.5) is used to open a spring valve seat (29) which forms part of the inspection valve (1), the pressure ring being designed and arranged in such a way that it opens the spring valve seat (29) only after the servo plunger (8) has reached a position closing the exhaust path.

3. The adapter (0) according to claim 1 or 2, which is used for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device, wherein: The working fluid circulates in a closed loop in the external device, which is characterized by: The servo piston (8) has at least one upper pressure-bearing end face (8.1) and at least one lower pressure-bearing end face (8.2), the ratio of which is selected such that the servo piston (8) is always sealed and pressed against the second valve part (10.2) and / or the stop of the sliding sleeve (4) against the force of the servo piston spring (14) when a pressure greater than the limit pressure exists in the servo chamber (20), and / or is pressed against the upper stop on the valve body (18) by the force of the servo piston spring (14) when a pressure less than the limit pressure exists in the servo chamber (20).

4. The adapter (0) according to one of claims 1 to 3, which is used for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device, wherein: The working fluid circulates in a closed loop in the external device, which is characterized by: The valve stem (10) is used to control the valve connecting the interface (19) to the dead space (21), and the valve stem has a first valve part (10.1) preferably designed as a cylindrical annular valve disc and a second valve part (10.2) preferably designed as a conical segment valve disc, and the second valve part cooperates with the valve seat on the servo plunger (8) in such a way that the servo plunger (8) can be maintained in a position where the exhaust path is not closed by the second valve part (10.2) against the pressure in the servo chamber (20) when the adapter (0) is connected, and can be pulled from the position where the exhaust path is closed to the position where the exhaust path is not closed when the adapter (0) is disconnected.

5. An adapter (0) preferably according to one of claims 1 to 4 for connecting and disconnecting a maintenance station to a service valve (1) of an external device, in particular an air conditioner, wherein The working fluid circulates in a closed loop in the external device, which is characterized by: The valve stem (10) forms the pressure ring (10.5) at one end thereof, which is used to open the spring valve seat (29) forming an integral part of the inspection valve (1), and which transitions to the rest of the valve stem (10) via the shaft ring (31) for self-orientation of the pressure ring (10.5), wherein the pressure ring (10.5) preferably has a first radial hole (10.3.1), which transitions to a second radial hole (10.3.2) in the valve stem (10) intersecting with it via an axial hole (10.4) intersecting with it, and thus preferably provides fluid communication between the space below the shaft ring (31) of the valve stem (10) and the internal space of the servo plunger (8) and the sleeve (4) when the inspection valve (1) is connected.

6. Adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first valve element (10.1) is designed and positioned in such a way that it can press the servo plunger (8) to a position closing the exhaust path by form fit when there is no overpressure in the servo chamber (20).

7. An adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The valve stem (10) can be guided axially in a preferably multi-part valve body (18), which generally also defines the servo chamber (20) and the dead space (21) and ideally also accommodates the interface (19), wherein the valve body (18) is provided with a valve operating part (16) connected thereto by a thread (17), by means of which the valve stem (10), which is preferably connected to the valve operating part (16) by means of a rolling bearing (11), can be moved back and forth in the axial direction relative to the valve body (18).

8. An adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device, preferably according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The valve body (18) is provided with a locking sleeve (2) which is axially movable relative to the valve body (18), which interacts with the valve operating member (16) in a form-fitting manner on the one hand and with the locking ball (3) in a form-fitting manner on the other hand, preferably in such a way as to lock the inspection valve (1) in its connected position, i.e., as long as no inspection valve (1) is connected to the adapter (0), the locking sleeve (2) is supported on the locking ball (3) so that it cannot move further axially beyond the locking ball (3) and thus forms a stop for the valve operating member (16), preventing it from moving further axially toward the valve body (18), and / or preferably in such a way that, as long as a inspection valve (1) is connected and the first valve member (10.1) has not yet been closed, the valve operating member (16) prevents the locking sleeve (2) from moving into its unlocked position, in which it allows the locking ball (3) to be displaced in the radially outward direction.

9. An adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sliding sleeve (4) is supported on the servo plunger (8) by a spring element, preferably in the form of a servo plunger spring (14), and the sliding sleeve has a retaining ring (22) forming a ball seat on the outer end side. As long as no service valve (1) is connected to the adapter (0), the ball seat locks the locking ball (3) between it and the locking sleeve (2) in such a way that it retains the locking sleeve (2) between itself and the valve operating element (16) and is moved towards the servo plunger (8) due to the movement of the service valve (1) to such an extent that the retaining ring (22) releases the locking ball (3) so that it can be placed in the corresponding locking groove (32) of the service valve (1).

10. Adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The locking sleeve (2) is prestressed relative to the valve body (18), preferably relative to the lower part (18.1) of the valve body, by means of a spring (13), wherein the design is such that, as soon as the sliding sleeve (4) has moved a sufficient distance toward the servo plunger (8) so that its retaining ring (22) releases the locking ball (3), the locking sleeve (2) presses the locking ball (3) radially inwardly into the locking groove (32) of the service valve (1) with the help of the spring (13) and retains it there.

11. Adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sliding sleeve (4) has a preferably hollow cylindrical section (33), into which the servo plunger (8) is sealingly inserted to close the exhaust air path.

12. Adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The servo plunger (8) and the sliding sleeve (4) are supported on each other via rolling bearings (34).

13. An adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sliding sleeve (4) forms a stop for the servo plunger (8) to prevent further axial displacement toward the service valve (1).

14. Adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sliding sleeve (4) transmits the pressure transmitted to it by the servo plunger (8) to the locking ball (3).

15. Adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The valve stem (10) is designed in such a way that it passes a locking point which, when the valve operating member (16) is operated, informs the user tactilely that it now touches the spring valve seat (29) and / or that the forced opening of the spring valve seat (29) has ended, wherein the locking point is preferably produced by a locking ball pin (28), the ball of which is temporarily placed in an annular groove (27) of the valve stem (10).

16. Adapter (0) for connecting and disconnecting a service valve (1) from a maintenance station to an external device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The exhaust path comprises at least one transverse hole (4.1) in the sliding sleeve (4), at least one transverse hole (18.2) in the valve body (18), and ideally another part of the exhaust path is formed by at least one transverse hole (2.1) in the locking sleeve (2), wherein the transverse hole (2.1) is ideally offset relative to the rest of the exhaust path in such a way that an axial throttling gap (2.2) is formed between it and the transverse hole (2.1).

Images