Method for filling gas tank with compressed or liquefied gas

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for filling a gas tank (200) with compressed or liquefied gas, the gas tank (200) comprising a container (120) and a valve (100) which are connected to one another by a threaded connection which can be screwed or unscrewed by rotation about a longitudinal axis (L), the valve (100) preferably has at least one main opening (101), which is open laterally relative to the longitudinal axis (L), for the inflow and outflow of gas when the valve (100) is open, with the following method steps: i. At least part of the threaded connection is released; ii. Filling of the container (120) with compressed air or liquefied gas by a. A threaded tooth (104) of an at least partially released threaded connection; and / or b. A secondary opening (102) of the valve (100), which is open laterally relative to the longitudinal axis (L), which is released by partial release of the threaded connection, and / or c. A valve-side interruption (105) in a thread (104) of the threaded connection, which is released by partial release of the threaded connection; and iii, the threaded connection is tightened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for filling a gas cylinder with compressed gas or liquefied gas. Background Technology

[0002] Such valves are used in gas tanks, particularly CO2 tanks, for water aerators. These aerators, also known as carbonators, typically have a gas tank interface through which the gas tank or its valve can be connected. The gas tank valve can then be selectively opened via the aerator's operating mechanism to extract gas, particularly CO2, from the gas tank and supply it to a container containing a liquid to be carbonated, such as drinking water.

[0003] A valve for a gas cylinder is known from DE 20 2020 005 565 U1. This known valve includes a gas cylinder connection opening through which gas can be filled into and removed from a receiving cavity of the gas cylinder. The gas cylinder connection opening is arranged parallel to a longitudinal axis, allowing gas to flow into and out of the receiving cavity of the gas cylinder in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, two external connection openings are provided at the valve, which can laterally exit from the valve relative to the longitudinal axis. Similarly, filling of the gas cylinder can be achieved via these lateral connection openings. For filling an adapter with an opening, the valve can be inserted into the inner cavity of the adapter's housing through this opening.

[0004] An additional filling adapter for gas cylinders with such valves is known from DE 20 2022 107 289 U1. Similarly, this adapter has a housing with an opening through which the valve of the gas cylinder is introduced into the interior of the filling adapter.

[0005] In industrial filling of gas canisters with known filling adapters, it has proven disadvantageous that the filling dynamics are limited by the inlet cross-section of the valve. Thus, the gas canister valve must be opened sufficiently to allow for rapid introduction of gas into the canister. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The objective of this invention is to enable rapid filling by using a valve with a smaller inlet cross-section.

[0007] To address this task, a method according to claim 1 of the patent is proposed, namely a method for filling a gas cylinder with compressed gas or liquefied gas, wherein the gas cylinder comprises a container and a valve, which are connected to each other by a rotatably tightenable or looseable threaded connection about a longitudinal axis, wherein the valve preferably has at least one main opening laterally relative to the longitudinal axis for the inflow and outflow of gas when the valve is open, with the following method steps: i. The threaded connection has at least partially loosened; ii. Fill the container with compressed gas or hydraulic gas, through a. At least partially loosened threaded connections (Gewindegang); and / or b. A secondary opening of the valve that opens laterally relative to the longitudinal axis, which is released by loosening of the threaded connection; and / or c. The valve-side interruption portion in the threaded connection is released by the loosening of the threaded connection portion; iii. Tightening of threaded connections.

[0008] Unlike filling methods known in the prior art, filling of the gas canister according to the present invention is not achieved through a selectively open fluid path of the gas canister's valve. Instead, the threaded connection between the valve and the canister is loosened, allowing gas to be introduced into the canister via the selectively open fluid path of the valve. The filling dynamics are therefore independent of the valve's inlet cross-section. Thus, valves with smaller inlet cross-sections can also be filled relatively quickly.

[0009] In the context of this invention, the valve of the gas canister is understood as a valve configured for selective closure and selective opening of the gas canister, such that the valve is configured to retain gas in the gas canister when closed and to provide fluid connection to a container when open. The valve preferably includes a container connection opening oriented along the longitudinal axis of the gas canister, allowing gas to flow into and out of the container in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Multiple main openings open laterally relative to the longitudinal axis, allowing gas to flow into the valve in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. These multiple main openings can also be used as outlet openings in a water aerator when the gas canister is used, i.e., in the case where the gas canister is used in a water aerator, gas can flow out of the valve and thus out of the gas canister through the multiple main openings. The gas canister is preferably configured to contain compressed or hydraulic gas for the liquid accumulation of carbonic acid.

[0010] According to an advantageous design of this method, in the case of filling a container, the pressure chamber surrounding the partially loosened threaded connection is sealed relative to the surrounding environment, thereby filling the container with compressed gas or hydraulic gas from the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber can be fluidly connected to a compressed gas source or a liquefied gas source. The pressure chamber can completely contain a valve. For example, a pressure chamber arranged in a bell shape around the valve can be provided. To confine the pressure chamber, a sealing device with a pressure chamber housing, constructed, for example, of metal or plastic, can be used. The pressure chamber housing can be designed in the form of a bell or cup, which fits onto the valve of the gas cylinder.

[0011] According to an advantageous design of this method, the pressure chamber is sealed relative to its surroundings by a sealing device abutting against the outer contour of the container. This sealing device can be configured as a resilient seal, such as a resilient sealing ring. The sealing device can abut against the shoulder or end face of the container facing the valve. The sealing device can be arranged in the pressure chamber housing such that the valve surrounding the gas cylinder can be brought into its opening. After filling the gas cylinder, the inner cavity of the pressure chamber housing can be unloaded, resulting in approximately the same pressure within the inner cavity of the pressure chamber housing and its surrounding environment. Subsequently, the gas cylinder, and especially its valve, can be removed from the pressure chamber housing.

[0012] According to an advantageous design of this method, the threaded connection is at least partially loosened and tightened by a loosening and tightening device, which preferably has a wrench face acting on the outer contour of the valve, particularly at the wrench face. The valve preferably has an outer contour corresponding to the wrench face. The loosening and tightening device is preferably arranged within the pressure chamber housing, so that the valve can be partially loosened and tightened, while the space surrounding the valve is sealed relative to the surrounding environment by the pressure chamber housing. Preferably, the loosening and tightening device is rotatable relative to the pressure chamber housing, particularly preferably around the longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder. The loosening and tightening device can be configured as a wrench tool.

[0013] According to an advantageous design of this method, the secondary opening is fluidly connected to the valve's container connection opening. The secondary opening can be located in the region of the valve's valve thread. The secondary opening preferentially opens laterally, particularly perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The secondary opening can be located at the end of a through-hole in the valve, connecting the valve's outer contour to an internal channel extending along the longitudinal axis and entering through the container connection opening, which connects to the container of the gas tank. In this respect, a fluid connection to the container is established via the secondary opening, bypassing the valve's selectively openable fluid path.

[0014] According to an advantageous design of this method, the partially loosened threaded connection is configured as follows: the valve thread is the valve thread. The valve thread is preferably located on the outer contour of the valve. Therefore, filling can be achieved via the thread, particularly on the outer contour of the valve, thereby bypassing the selectively opening fluid path of the valve.

[0015] According to an advantageous design of this method, the valve-side interruption in the threaded connection is located at the outer contour of the valve's thread. This interruption in the thread can be positioned at the end of a through-hole in the valve, connecting the valve's outer contour to an internal channel extending along a longitudinal axis and opening into a container connection opening connected to the container of the gas tank. In this respect, a fluid connection to the container can be established via the interruption in the thread, bypassing the selectively openable fluid path of the valve.

[0016] It is advantageous that, in this method, a gas cylinder having one or more of the features described below is filled with a valve.

[0017] The valve is preferably configured to be introduced into the water aerator using a jacking motion, for example, without requiring multiple rotations of the gas canister to screw the valve into the canister support of the water aerator. Preferably, the valve is designed to avoid generating a thrust that would tend to separate the valve from the connection of the water aerator. For this purpose, the valve may be designed, for example, with a connection opening for gas release, referred to herein as the main opening, which is laterally oriented and arranged at approximately equal intervals around the periphery of the valve (e.g., two connection openings on approximately opposite sides), so as to generate minimal thrust (e.g., close to zero) in the direction away from the connection.

[0018] The longitudinal axis of the valve body is preferably defined as an axis that travels through the valve along the direction of movement of the valve's actuation mechanism (typically in the form of a movable closure element configured to slide along the longitudinal axis). The distal end of the valve may be introduced into and secured to the gas canister container (e.g., by tightening, welding, or other means). The distal end preferably includes an internal gas canister connection opening that can be introduced into and is open relative to the gas canister container.

[0019] The valve body may have exactly one main opening. The valve body includes, preferably, two or more external connection openings or main openings, which are laterally open relative to the longitudinal axis of the valve body (e.g., each oriented at an angle of at least 80° and typically at least 90° relative to the direction of connection to the gas canister) and are arranged around the longitudinal axis at approximately the same angular spacing (e.g., two external connection openings on approximately opposite sides of the valve). The external connection openings may be provided to allow gas to escape from the gas canister if the valve is opened by activation of the valve's gas release mechanism (e.g., by causing distal movement of the closing element within the valve). If the valve is open and connected to a filling device, the filling of the gas canister with compressed or liquefied gas can be made possible via the external connection openings.

[0020] Typically, the valve can be opened or closed such that the closing element is moved along the longitudinal axis of the valve. Generally, the valve is opened when the closing element is moved away from the filling device at its distal end, allowing fluid communication between the interior of the valve housing and the interior of the gas tank via the gas tank connection opening and the external connection opening. Conversely, the valve is closed when the closing element is moved proximally in the direction of the filling device, thus preventing fluid communication between the external connection opening and the gas tank container. For example, the proximally end of the closing element can be pressed against a sealing element to prevent fluid communication between the filling device and the external connection opening. Opening the valve allows inflow from a fluid source (e.g., from the filling device) into the gas tank via the external connection opening or outflow from the gas tank via the gas tank connection opening and the external connection opening (e.g., to a water aerator).

[0021] The valve may include one or more types of sealing structures to prevent airflow around the tappet. For example, the cross-section of the sealing element surrounding the tappet may be U-shaped. The opening of the U-shape may point in the direction of the gas container. Thus, when the tappet is moved to release gas from the gas container, the pressurized gas may fill the opening of the U-shaped sealing element, thereby pressing the wall of the sealing element outward, thereby enhancing the seal around the tappet and preventing the released gas from escaping around the tappet. The tappet that causes distal displacement of the valve's closing element may be positioned to be accessible to an actuating mechanism, such as a water aerator or filling device. Typically, the tappet includes an outer face that can be touched and manipulated by an actuating mechanism, which is part of the filling device. The proximal end of the tappet may include an outer face that forms a pressure field. The proximal end of the tappet may be arranged within a recess on the proximal face of the valve. The recess prevents unintentional pressing of the tappet, for example, through a face wider than the recess.

[0022] When pressure is applied to the proximal end of the push rod, the push rod can be moved distally, for example, along an axis collinear with the longitudinal axis of the closure element. The distal end of the push rod can be positioned to establish contact with and press against the proximal end of the closure element when the push rod is pressed distally. Thus, the pressing of the pressure field at the proximal end of the push rod can press the closure element distally to open the valve. For example, the activation mechanism of a water aerator or filling device may include an extendable rod or other component that can press the pressure field at the proximal end of the valve. When the activation mechanism applies a force at least as large as a preset force, the closure element can be moved sufficiently far to enable fluid connection between the gas tank connection opening and the external connection opening. The push rod can be manufactured as a separate component from the closure element. Alternatively, the push rod can be manufactured as an integrated part of the closure element, for example, by which it constitutes the proximal end of the locking element. Typically, the valve also includes a reset mechanism to hold the closing element in a closed position (e.g., proximal) when no sufficiently strong force is applied across the external surface. For example, a spring may be provided to press the closing element proximal, provided that the force of the spring is not overcome by distal pressure applied to the closing element, for example, via a push rod.

[0023] The valve may include means for supporting the holding of the gas canister via a canister support, such as a water aerator or a gas canister filling system. For example, the valve may include one or more protrusions that can be fitted into a cooperating structure of the canister support, such as one or more grooves or slots. The canister support may be configured such that, when the gas canister is held by the canister support, the external connection opening of the valve can be connected, for example, to one or more pipes belonging to the canister support. For example, a lateral protrusion in the form of a disc may extend laterally outward, at or near the connection point between the valve and the gas canister. The disc may be configured to be introduced into a corresponding arcuate member of the canister support. The disc may serve as a spacer or gasket between the valve and the gas canister, or may be manufactured as an integral part of the valve or the gas canister.

[0024] Another object of the invention is a filling device for filling a gas cylinder with compressed gas or liquefied gas, wherein the gas cylinder includes a container and a valve connected to each other by a threaded connection that is rotatably tightenable or loosenable about a longitudinal axis, wherein the valve preferably has at least one main opening that opens laterally relative to the longitudinal axis for the inflow and outflow of gas when the valve is open. It includes a loosening and tightening device for at least partially loosening and tightening threaded connections. Equipped with a gas inlet pipe for introducing compressed gas or hydraulic gas into the container, via a. Threads of a threaded connection that are at least partially loosened; and / or b. A secondary opening of the valve that opens laterally relative to the longitudinal axis, which is released by loosening a portion of the threaded connection; and / or c. The valve-side interruption in the threaded connection is released by loosening the threaded connection portion.

[0025] The same advantageous effects as described in connection with the method according to the invention can be achieved using the filling device according to the invention.

[0026] An advantageous design of the invention is provided in which the filling device has a sealing device for providing a pressure chamber with a threaded connection that allows the surrounding portion to be loosened and sealed relative to the surrounding environment. To confine the pressure chamber, the sealing device may have a pressure chamber housing, which is constructed, for example, of metal or plastic. The pressure chamber housing may be constructed in the form of a bell or cup, fitting over the valve of the gas cylinder. Alternatively, the valve of the gas cylinder may be introduced into the pressure chamber housing, for example, through an opening in the pressure chamber housing.

[0027] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the sealing device has a sealing element arranged to abut against the outer contour of the container. The sealing element can be configured as a resilient sealing element, such as a resilient sealing ring. The sealing element can be arranged in the pressure chamber housing of the sealing device such that a valve surrounding the gas cylinder can be drawn into an opening therein.

[0028] According to an advantageous design of the invention, the filling device includes a loosening and tightening device having a wrench face that can be acted upon at the outer contour of the valve. The loosening and tightening device is preferably configured as part of a sealing device, for example, arranged within a pressure chamber housing, so that the valve can be partially loosened and tightened, while the space surrounding the valve is sealed relative to the surrounding environment by the pressure chamber housing. Preferably, the loosening and tightening device is rotatable relative to the pressure chamber housing, particularly preferably around the longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder.

[0029] The advantageous designs mentioned above, which are alternatives to or additional to the filling device according to the invention, as well as the advantageous designs and features described in association with the method according to the invention, may be applied individually or in combination in the filling device according to the invention.

[0030] Further details, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the following description of preferred embodiments with the aid of the drawings. Here, the drawings are merely illustrative of embodiments of the invention and do not limit the inventive concept. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 The image shows a gas cylinder with a valve and a container in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is tightened.

[0032] Figure 2 A gas cylinder with a valve and a container is shown in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is partially loosened to allow filling of the threaded teeth of the threaded connection.

[0033] Figure 3 Another gas cylinder with a valve and a container is shown in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is partially loosened to allow filling through a secondary opening in the area of ​​the threaded teeth.

[0034] Figure 4 Another gas cylinder with a valve and a container is shown in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is partially loosened to allow filling of the gaps in the threads of the threaded connection.

[0035] Figure 5 A filling device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a gas cylinder having a tightened threaded connection.

[0036] Figure 6 A filling device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprising a gas cylinder with a partially loosened threaded connection.

[0037] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of another gas cylinder with a valve and a container is shown in the following state, in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is tightened.

[0038] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of another gas cylinder with a valve and a container is shown in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is partially loosened to allow for filling of the threaded teeth of the threaded connection.

[0039] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of another gas cylinder with a valve and a container is shown in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is partially loosened to allow filling of a secondary opening in the area of ​​the threaded teeth.

[0040] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of another gas tank with a valve and a container is shown in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is partially loosened to allow filling of the gaps in the threads of the threaded connection. Detailed Implementation

[0041] In different drawings, the same parts are always given the same reference numerals and therefore are generally named or mentioned only once.

[0042] Figure 1 A gas cylinder 200 is shown, comprising a container 120 and a valve 100 connected to the container. The container 120 and the valve 100 are connected to each other by a threaded connection that is rotatably tightenable or loosenable about the longitudinal axis L of the gas cylinder 200. This gas cylinder is preferably a CO2 gas cylinder for use in domestic water aerators. The gas cylinder can be designed, for example, to include, in particular, the valve, as described in DE 20 2020 005 565 U1.

[0043] Valve 100 includes at least one, preferably exactly two, main openings 101 that open laterally relative to the longitudinal axis L for the inflow and outflow of gas when valve 100 is open. Furthermore, in Figure 1 The image shows the wrench face 103 at the outer contour of the valve. The threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 can be (partially) loosened via these wrench faces.

[0044] exist Figure 2 The image shows a gas cylinder 200 in a state where the threaded connection between valve 100 and container 120 is partially loosened. The threaded teeth 104 are visible on the outer contour of valve 100. In this state, container 120 of gas cylinder 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquefied gas through the threaded teeth 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection.

[0045] exist Figure 3 The illustration shows a gas cylinder 200 in a state where the threaded connection between valve 100 and container 120 is partially loosened and exposed by a secondary opening 102, which is arranged in the threads 104 on the outer contour of valve 100. In this state, container 120 of gas cylinder 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquefied gas through the secondary opening 102 and / or, if necessary, also through the threads 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection.

[0046] exist Figure 4 The image shows a gas cylinder 200 in a state where the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 is partially loosened and the valve-side interruption 105 in the threaded teeth 104 of the threaded connection is exposed. In this state, the container 120 of the gas cylinder 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquefied gas through the interruption 105 and, if necessary, also through the at least partially loosened threaded teeth 104 of the threaded connection. If additionally, as in... Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, a secondary opening 102 also exists and is exposed, and the filling can also be achieved through the secondary opening 102.

[0047] Subsequently, with the help of Figure 5 and 6 The illustrations should depict embodiments of the filling equipment, enabling it to perform an embodiment of the method according to the invention for filling a gas cylinder. The method includes the following steps: i. The threaded connection has at least partially loosened; ii. Container 120 is filled with compressed gas or liquefied gas, through a. The thread teeth 104 of the threaded connection that are at least partially loosened; and / or b. A secondary opening 102 of the valve that opens laterally relative to the longitudinal axis (L), the portion of which is loosened by the threaded connection and exposed; and / or c. The valve-side interruption portion 105 in the threaded tooth 104 of the threaded connection is exposed by the loosening of the threaded connection portion; iii. Tightening of threaded connections.

[0048] exist Figure 5 In the illustration, the threaded connection between valve 100 and container 120 is tightened. Container 120 is supported at an annular element 50. The filling device 1 has a sealing device 20 for providing a pressure chamber surrounding the threaded connection that is sealed relative to the surrounding environment. A sealing element 21 is provided at the sealing device 20, arranged to abut against the outer contour of container 120. The sealing element 21 abuts against the shoulder or end face of container 120 facing valve 100. The sealing element 21 is arranged in the pressure chamber housing 22 of the sealing device 20 such that the valve 100 surrounding the gas cylinder 200 can be drawn into the opening therein.

[0049] The pressure chamber completely surrounds the valve 100. According to this embodiment, a pressure chamber is arranged in a bell shape around the valve 100. The sealing device 20 may have a pressure chamber housing 22 made of metal or plastic. The pressure chamber housing 22 is connected to a gas inlet pipe 10, so that gas can be introduced into the pressure chamber housing 22 from the gas inlet pipe 10. The gas inlet pipe 10 is preferably connected to a gas source (not shown), such as a CO2 gas source.

[0050] Within the sealing device 20, specifically in the pressure chamber, the filling device 1 has a loosening and tightening device 30, which has a wrench face 103 that can be applied to the outer contour of the valve 100. The loosening and tightening device 30 is thus configured as part of the sealing device 20. Through the loosening and tightening device 30, the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 can be partially loosened and tightened, while the container 120 is supported or secured by the facility element 50. For this purpose, the loosening and tightening device 30 is rotatable relative to the pressure chamber housing 22 of the sealing device 20, here about the longitudinal axis L of the gas tank 200.

[0051] Figure 6 A filling device 1 according to this embodiment is shown, comprising a gas cylinder 200 with a partially loosened threaded connection. In this state, compressed gas or liquefied gas can be introduced into the container 120 via the thread 104 and / or secondary openings 102 and / or notches 105.

[0052] After the container 120 is filled, the interior of the sealing device 20 is unloaded via the gas inlet pipe 10, thereby creating approximately the same pressure inside the sealing device 20 and in its surrounding environment. Subsequently, the gas cylinder 200, and particularly the valve 100 of the gas cylinder 200, can be removed from the sealing device 20.

[0053] Unlike filling methods known in the prior art, the filling of the container 120 of the gas tank 200 by the filling device 1 according to the invention is achieved not through a selectively open fluid path of the valve 10 of the gas tank 200. The filling dynamics therefore do not depend on the inlet cross-section of the valve 100. It can therefore also fill the valve 100 relatively quickly with a smaller inlet cross-section.

[0054] exist Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shows another gas cylinder 200 with a container 120 and a valve 100 connected to the container. The container 120 and the valve 100 are connected to each other by a threaded connection that is rotatably tightenable or loosenable about the longitudinal axis L of the gas cylinder 200. This gas cylinder is preferably a CO2 gas cylinder for use in a water aerator for domestic use.

[0055] The valve 100 includes a plurality of, preferably exactly two, main openings 101 that open laterally relative to the longitudinal axis L for the inflow and outflow of gas when the valve 100 is open.

[0056] exist Figure 8 The following states are shown according to Figure 7 The gas cylinder 200 is in this state, in which the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 is partially loosened. The threaded teeth 104 are visible on the outer contour of the valve 100. In this state, the container 120 of the gas cylinder 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquefied gas through the threaded teeth 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection.

[0057] Figure 9 The diagram shows the conditions in the following states. Figure 7In one modification of the gas cylinder 200, the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 is partially loosened, thereby exposing a secondary opening 102 in the threaded teeth 104 arranged on the outer contour of the valve 100. In this configuration, the container 120 of the gas cylinder 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquefied gas through the secondary opening 102 and, if necessary, also through the threaded teeth 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection.

[0058] exist Figure 10 The following states are shown according to Figure 7 The gas cylinder 200, in this state, has its threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 partially loosened, and the valve-side interruption 105 in the threaded teeth 104 of the threaded connection is exposed. In this state, the container 120 of the gas cylinder 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquefied gas through the interruption 105 and, if necessary, also through the at least partially loosened threaded teeth 104 of the threaded connection. If additionally (as in accordance with...) Figure 9 As shown in the diagram, a secondary opening 102 also exists and is exposed, and the filling can also be achieved through the secondary opening 102.

[0059] List of reference numerals 1. Filling equipment 10 Gas Inlet Pipe 20 Sealing equipment 21 Sealing devices 22 Pressure chamber shell 30 Wrench tools 50 facility components 100 valves 101 Main opening 102 Secondary openings 103 Wrench face 104 thread teeth Interruption in 105 thread teeth 120 containers 200 gas cylinders L longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A method for filling a gas cylinder (200) with compressed gas or liquefied gas, wherein, The gas cylinder includes a container (120) and a valve (100), which are connected to each other by a screw connection that is rotatable or releasable about a longitudinal axis (L). The valve (100) preferably has at least one main opening (101) that opens laterally relative to the longitudinal axis (L) for the inflow and outflow of gas when the valve (100) is open. The method involves the following steps: i. The threaded connection is at least partially loosened; ii. The container (120) is filled with compressed air or liquefied gas, through a. At least partially loosened thread teeth (104) of the threaded connection; and / or b. A secondary opening (102) of the valve (100) that opens laterally relative to the longitudinal axis (L), which is released by loosening the portion of the threaded connection, and / or c. A valve-side interruption (105) in the threaded teeth (104) of the threaded connection, which is released by partial loosening of the threaded connection; iii. Tightening the threaded connection.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the case of filling the container (120), the pressure chamber surrounding the partially loosened threaded connection is sealed relative to the surrounding environment, so that the container (120) is filled with compressed gas or liquefied gas from the pressure chamber.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pressure chamber is sealed relative to the surrounding environment by a sealing device (21) that abuts against the outer contour of the container (120).

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least partial loosening and tightening of the threaded connection is achieved by a loosening and tightening device (30), which preferably has a wrench face that acts on the outer contour of the valve (100), particularly on the wrench face (103).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The secondary opening (102) is fluidly connected to the container connection opening of the valve (100).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The partially loosened threaded connection thread (104) is the valve thread of the valve (100).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The valve-side interruption (105) in the threaded teeth (104) of the threaded connection is the interruption in the valve threaded teeth at the outer contour of the valve (100).

8. A filling device (1) for filling a gas cylinder (200) with compressed gas or liquefied gas, wherein, The gas cylinder includes a container (120) and a valve (100), which are connected to each other by a screw connection that is rotatably tightenable or loosenable about a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the valve (100) preferably has at least one main opening (101) that is laterally open relative to the longitudinal axis (L) for the inflow and outflow of gas when the valve (100) is open. The device (30) includes a loosening and tightening mechanism for at least partially loosening and tightening the threaded connection. It has a gas inlet pipe (10) for introducing compressed gas or liquefied gas into the container (120), through a. At least partially loosened thread teeth (104) of the threaded connection; and / or b. A secondary opening (102) of the valve (100) that opens laterally relative to the longitudinal axis (L), which is released by loosening the portion of the threaded connection, and / or c. A valve-side interruption (105) in the threaded teeth (104) of the threaded connection, which is released by partial loosening of the threaded connection.

9. The filling device according to claim 8, characterized in that... A sealing device (20) for providing a pressure chamber that is sealed relative to the surrounding environment and surrounds a partially loosened threaded connection.

10. The filling device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sealing device (20) has a sealing element (21) arranged to abut against the outer contour of the container (120).

Images