Method for filling a gas cartridge with pressurized gas or liquefied gas
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SODAPOP GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-13
Smart Images
Figure EP2024068708_09012025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] title
[0003] Method for filling a gas cartridge with compressed gas or liquefied gas
[0004] State of the art
[0005] The present invention relates to a method for filling a gas cartridge with compressed gas or liquefied gas.
[0006] Such valves are used on gas cartridges, particularly CO2 cartridges, for soda makers. Such soda makers are also called carbonators and typically have a gas cartridge connection, via which the gas cartridge, or rather the gas cartridge valve, can be connected to the soda maker. The gas cartridge valve can then be selectively opened via an actuating device on the soda maker to remove gas, particularly CO2, from the gas cartridge and feed it into a container containing a liquid to be carbonated, such as drinking water.
[0007] Such a valve for a gas cartridge is known from DE 20 2020 005 565 U1. The known valve comprises a cartridge connection opening through which gas can be filled into and removed from a receiving space of the gas cartridge. This cartridge connection opening is arranged along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, so that gas can flow into and out of the receiving space of the gas cartridge in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Furthermore, this valve has two external connection openings that open laterally to the longitudinal axis, so that the gas can flow out of the valve perpendicular to the longitudinal axis when withdrawn from the water carbonator. The gas cartridge can also be filled via this lateral connection opening. For filling, an adapter with an opening is provided, through which the valve can be inserted into an interior space of a housing of the adapter.
[0008] Another filling adapter for gas cartridges with such valves is known from DE 20 2022 107 289 U1. This adapter also has a housing with an opening through which the valve of the gas cartridge is inserted into an interior of the filling adapter.
[0009] When filling gas cartridges industrially using the conventional filling adapters, it has proven disadvantageous that the filling dynamics are limited by the inlet cross-section of the valve. For example, the gas cartridge valve must be opened sufficiently to allow gas to be introduced quickly into the gas cartridge.
[0010] Disclosure of the invention
[0011] The object of the present invention is to enable rapid filling even of valves with a small inlet cross-section.
[0012] To achieve the object, a method according to patent claim 1 is proposed, namely a method for filling a gas cartridge with compressed gas or liquefied gas, wherein the gas cartridge comprises a container and a valve which are connected to one another by a threaded connection which can be tightened or released by rotating about a longitudinal axis, wherein the valve preferably has at least one primary opening which opens laterally to the longitudinal axis for the inlet and outlet of gas when the valve is open, with the following method steps: i. at least partially loosening the threaded connection; ii. filling the container with compressed gas or liquefied gas through a. a thread of the at least partially loosened threaded connection; and / or b. a secondary opening of the valve which opens laterally to the longitudinal axis and is released by the partial loosening of the threaded connection; and / or c.a valve-side interruption in a thread of the threaded connection, which is released by partially loosening the threaded connection; ill. tightening the threaded connection.
[0013] Unlike the filling methods known from the prior art, according to the invention the filling of the container of the gas cartridge does not take place through a selectively openable fluid path of the valve of the gas cartridge. Rather, the threaded connection between the valve and the container is loosened so that the gas can be introduced into the container past the selectively openable fluid path of the valve. The dynamics of the filling process are therefore not dependent on the inlet cross-section of the valve. Therefore, even valves with a small inlet cross-section can be filled relatively quickly. For the purposes of the invention, a valve of the gas cartridge is understood to be a valve which is designed to selectively close and selectively open the gas cartridge, such that the valve is configured to hold a gas in the gas cartridge when it is closed and to provide a fluid connection to the container when it is open.The valve preferably comprises a container connection opening which is aligned along the longitudinal axis of the gas cartridge so that gas can flow into and out of the container in the direction of the longitudinal axis. The primary opening(s) open laterally to the longitudinal axis so that gas can flow into the valve in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The primary opening(s) can be used as dispensing openings when the gas cartridge is used in a water carbonator, i.e. when the gas cartridge is used in a water carbonator the gas can flow out of the valve and thus out of the gas cartridge through the primary opening(s). The gas cartridge is preferably designed to contain a compressed gas or liquefied gas for carbonating a liquid.
[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, when the container is filled, a pressure chamber surrounding the partially loosened threaded connection is sealed off from the environment, so that the container is filled with compressed gas or liquefied gas from the pressure chamber. The pressure chamber can be fluidly connected to a compressed gas or liquefied gas source. The pressure chamber can completely enclose the valve. For example, a bell-shaped pressure chamber can be provided around the valve. To delimit the pressure chamber, a sealing device with a pressure chamber housing can be used, which is made, for example, from a metal or a plastic. The pressure chamber housing can be designed in the manner of a bell or a cup that is placed over the valve of the gas cartridge.
[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the pressure chamber is sealed from the environment by a sealing means which rests against an outer contour of the container. The sealing means can be designed as an elastic sealing means, for example as an elastic sealing ring. The sealing means can rest against a shoulder or end face of the container facing the valve. The sealing means can be arranged on a pressure chamber housing in such a way that it surrounds an opening into which the valve of the gas cartridge can be inserted. After the gas cartridge has been filled, the interior of the pressure chamber housing can be relieved of pressure so that essentially the same pressure prevails in the interior of the pressure chamber housing and in its surroundings. The gas cartridge, in particular the valve of the gas cartridge, can then be removed from the pressure chamber housing.According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the at least partial loosening and tightening of the threaded connection is carried out by a loosening and tightening device, which preferably has wrench surfaces that engage the outer contour, in particular wrench surfaces, of the valve. For this purpose, the valve preferably has an outer contour corresponding to the wrench surfaces. 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 around the valve is sealed from the environment by the pressure chamber housing. The loosening and tightening device is preferably rotatable relative to the pressure chamber housing, particularly preferably about the longitudinal axis of the gas cartridge. The loosening and tightening device can be designed as a wrench tool.
[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the secondary opening is fluidically connected to a container connection opening of the valve. The secondary opening can be arranged in the region of a valve thread of the valve. The secondary opening preferably opens laterally, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis. The secondary opening can be arranged at the end of a through-bore in the valve, which connects the outer contour of the valve with an internal channel that runs along the longitudinal axis and opens into a container connection opening that is connected to the container of the gas cartridge. In this respect, a fluid connection to the container can be established via the secondary opening, bypassing the optionally openable fluid path of the valve.
[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the thread of the partially loosened threaded connection is a valve thread of the valve. The valve thread is preferably arranged on an outer contour of the valve. Filling can thus take place via the thread, in particular on the outer contour of the valve, so that the optionally openable fluid path of the valve can be bypassed.
[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment of the method, the valve-side interruption in a thread of the threaded connection is an interruption in a valve thread on an outer contour of the valve. The interruption in the thread can be arranged at the end of a through-bore in the valve, which connects the outer contour of the valve with an internal channel that runs along the longitudinal axis and opens into a container connection opening that is connected to the container of the gas cartridge. In this respect, a fluid connection to the container can be established via the interruption in the thread, bypassing the optionally openable fluid path of the valve.
[0019] It is advantageous if the method involves filling a gas cartridge with a valve which has one or more of the features explained below.
[0020] The valve is preferably configured for insertion into a soda maker using an insertion movement, for example without requiring multiple turns of the gas cartridge to screw the valve into a cartridge holder of the soda maker. Preferably, the valve is designed to avoid generating a thrust force that would tend to separate the valve from a connection part of the soda maker. To this end, the valve may, for example, be designed with connection openings, referred to herein as primary openings, for the release of the gas, which are aligned laterally and arranged at substantially equal intervals around the circumference of the valve (for example, two connection openings on substantially opposite sides) so as to generate a minimal thrust force (for example, approximately zero) in a direction away from the connection part.
[0021] The longitudinal axis of the valve housing is preferably defined as an axis that runs through the valve, along a direction of movement of an activation mechanism of the valve (typically in the form of a displaceable closure element configured to slide along the longitudinal axis). A distal end of the valve can be inserted into and secured to a container of the gas cartridge (e.g., by screwing, welding, or otherwise). The distal end preferably comprises an internal cartridge connection opening that can be inserted into and is open to the container of the gas cartridge.
[0022] The valve housing may have exactly one primary opening. The valve housing preferably comprises two or more external connection openings or primary openings opening laterally to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing (e.g., each oriented at an angle of at least 80° and typically at least 90° to the direction of connection to the container of the gas cartridge) and arranged at substantially equal angular intervals around the longitudinal axis (e.g., two external connection openings on substantially opposite sides of the valve). The external connection openings may be configured to allow gas to escape from the gas cartridge when the valve is opened by activating a gas release mechanism of the valve (e.g., by causing distal movement of a closure element within the valve).If the valve is opened and the valve is connected to a filling device, the gas cartridge can be filled with compressed gas or liquid gas via the external connection openings.
[0023] Typically, the valve can be opened or closed by sliding a closure member along a longitudinal axis of the valve. Typically, when the closure member is moved distally away from the filler, the valve is opened, allowing fluid communication within the valve housing between the interior of the gas cartridge via the cartridge connection port and the external connection ports. Conversely, when the closure member is moved proximally toward the filler, the valve is closed, blocking fluid communication between the external connection ports and the gas cartridge container. For example, a proximal end of the closure member can be pressed against a sealing gasket to prevent fluid communication between the filler and the external connection ports.Opening the valve allows fluid to flow from a fluid source (e.g. from the filling device) into the gas cartridge via the external connection openings or fluid to flow out of the gas cartridge via the cartridge connection opening and the external connection openings (e.g. to a water carbonator).
[0024] One or more types of sealing designs may be incorporated into the valve to prevent gas flow around the plunger. For example, a cross-section of a sealing element surrounding the plunger may be U-shaped. The opening of the U-shape may be oriented towards the container of the gas cartridge. Thus, when the plunger is moved to release gas from the gas cartridge, the pressurized gas may fill the opening of the U-shaped sealing element to thereby push the walls of the sealing element outward, thereby reinforcing the seal around the plunger and preventing escape of the released gas around the plunger. A plunger that causes distal displacement of the closure element of the valve may be configured to be accessible to an activation mechanism, for example from a soda maker or filling device.Typically, the plunger includes an external surface that can be contacted and actuated by an actuating mechanism that is part of a filling device. A proximal end of the plunger may include an external surface that forms a pressure field. The proximal end of the plunger may be located within a recess on the proximal surface of the valve. The recess may prevent accidental pressing of the plunger, for example, by a surface that is wider than the recess.
[0025] When a compressive force is applied to the proximal end of the plunger, the plunger can be moved distally, for example, along an axis that is collinear with the longitudinal axis of the closure member. A distal end of the plunger can be configured to make contact with and press against a proximal end of the closure member when the plunger is pushed distally. Therefore, pushing the pressure pad at the proximal end of the plunger can push the closure member distally to open the valve. For example, an activation mechanism of a soda maker or filler can include an extendable rod or other component that can push the pressure pad at the proximal end of the valve.When the activation mechanism applies a force at least as great as a predetermined force, the closure member can be displaced distally sufficiently to thereby enable fluid communication between the cartridge port and the external port openings. The plunger can be manufactured as a separate component from the closure member. Alternatively, the plunger can be manufactured as an integral part of the closure member, for example, by forming a proximal end of the closure member. Typically, the valve also includes a reset device to maintain the closure member in the (e.g., proximal) closed position if a sufficiently strong force is not applied to the external surface.For example, a spring may be configured to urge the closure element in the proximal direction as long as the force of the spring is not overcome by a distal compressive force applied to the closure element, for example via the plunger.
[0026] The valve may comprise a device to assist in holding the gas cartridge by a cartridge holder, for example of a water carbonator or a cartridge filling system. For example, the valve may comprise one or more projections that can be fitted into a cooperating structure of the cartridge holder, for example one or more grooves or slots. The cartridge holder may be configured such that, when the gas cartridge is held by the cartridge holder, the external connection openings of the valve are connected, for example, to one or more lines belonging to the cartridge holder. For example, a lateral projection in the form of a disc may extend laterally outwards, for example, at or near a connection point of the valve with the gas cartridge.The disc can be designed to be inserted into a corresponding bracket of the cartridge holder. The disc can be used as a spacer or sealing washer between the valve and the gas cartridge, or it can be manufactured as an integral part of the valve or gas cartridge.
[0027] A further subject matter of the invention is a filling device for filling a gas cartridge with compressed gas or liquefied gas, wherein the gas cartridge comprises a container and a valve which are connected to one another by a threaded connection which can be tightened or released by rotating about a longitudinal axis, wherein the valve preferably has at least one primary opening which opens laterally to the longitudinal axis for letting gas in and out when the valve is open, with a loosening and tightening device for at least partially loosening and tightening the threaded connection, with a gas supply line for introducing compressed gas or liquefied gas into the container through a. a thread of the at least partially loosened threaded connection; and / or b. a secondary opening of the valve which opens laterally to the longitudinal axis and is released by partially loosening the threaded connection; and / or c.a valve-side interruption in a thread of the threaded connection, which is released by partially loosening the threaded connection.
[0028] With the filling device according to the invention, the same advantageous effects can be achieved as have been described in connection with the method according to the invention.
[0029] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the filling device has a sealing device for providing a pressure chamber that is sealed off from the environment and surrounds the partially loosened threaded connection. To delimit the pressure chamber, the sealing device can have a pressure chamber housing, which is made, for example, of a metal or a plastic. The pressure chamber housing can be designed in the manner of a bell or a cup that is slipped over the valve of the gas cartridge. Alternatively, it can be provided that the valve of the gas cartridge is inserted into the pressure chamber housing, for example through an opening in the pressure chamber housing. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sealing device has a sealing means that is arranged to bear against an outer contour of the container.The sealing means can be designed as an elastic sealing means, for example, as an elastic sealing ring. The sealing means can be arranged on a pressure chamber housing of the sealing device in such a way that it surrounds an opening into which the valve of the gas cartridge can be inserted.
[0030] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the filling device comprises a loosening and tightening device having key surfaces that can engage the outer contour of the valve. The loosening and tightening device is preferably provided as part of the sealing device, for example, arranged within the pressure chamber housing, so that the valve can be partially loosened and tightened while the space around the valve is sealed from the environment by the pressure chamber housing. The loosening and tightening device is preferably rotatable relative to the pressure chamber housing, particularly preferably about the longitudinal axis of the gas cartridge.
[0031] Alternatively or in addition to the above-mentioned advantageous embodiments of the filling device according to the invention, the advantageous embodiments and features described in connection with the method according to the invention can also be used - alone or in combination - in the filling device according to the invention.
[0032] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the drawings and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings merely illustrate embodiments of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.
[0033] Short description of the characters
[0034] Fig. 1 shows a gas cartridge with a valve and a container in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is tightened.
[0035] Figure 2 shows a gas cartridge with a valve and a container in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is partially loosened to allow filling through a thread of the threaded connection. Figure 3 shows another gas cartridge with a valve and a container 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 region of the thread.
[0036] Fig. 4 shows another gas cartridge with a valve and a container in a state in which the threaded connection between valve and container is partially loosened to allow filling via a recess in the thread of the threaded connection.
[0037] Fig. 5 shows a filling device according to an embodiment of the invention with a gas cartridge with tightened threaded connection.
[0038] Fig. 6 shows a filling device according to an embodiment of the invention with a gas cartridge with a partially loosened threaded connection.
[0039] Fig. 7 shows a sectional view of another gas cartridge with a valve and a container in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is tightened.
[0040] Fig. 8 shows a sectional view of another gas cartridge with a valve and a container in a state in which the threaded connection between valve and container is partially loosened to allow filling through a thread of the threaded connection.
[0041] Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of another gas cartridge with a valve and a container in a state in which the threaded connection between valve and container is partially loosened to allow filling through a secondary opening in the region of the thread.
[0042] Figure 10 shows a sectional view of another gas cartridge with a valve and a container in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve and the container is partially loosened to allow filling via a recess in the thread of the threaded connection. Embodiments of the invention
[0043] In the various figures, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore usually named or mentioned only once.
[0044] Fig. 1 shows a gas cartridge 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 can be tightened or released by rotating the gas cartridge 200 about a longitudinal axis L. The gas cartridge is preferably a CO2 gas cartridge for use in household water carbonators. The gas cartridge can, for example, be designed in such a way, in particular, as described in DE 20 2020 005 565 U1.
[0045] The valve 100 comprises at least one, preferably exactly two, primary opening(s) 101 opening laterally to the longitudinal axis L for admitting and discharging gas when the valve 100 is open. Furthermore, the illustration in Fig. 1 shows key surfaces 103 on the outer contour of the valve. These key surfaces can be used to (partially) loosen the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120.
[0046] In Fig. 2, the gas cartridge 200 is shown in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 is partially loosened. The thread 104 on the outer contour of the valve 100 is visible. In this state, the container 120 of the gas cartridge 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquid gas through the thread 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection.
[0047] The illustration in Fig. 3 shows a gas cartridge 200 in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 is partially loosened, thereby exposing a secondary opening 102, which is arranged in the thread 104 on the outer contour of the valve 100. In this state, the container 120 of the gas cartridge 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquid gas through the secondary opening 102 and, if necessary, also through the thread 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection.
[0048] Fig. 4 shows a gas cartridge 200 in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 is partially loosened and a valve-side interruption 105 in the thread 104 of the threaded connection is exposed. In this state, the container 120 of the gas cartridge 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquefied gas through the interruption 105 and, if necessary, also through the thread 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection. If, in addition—as shown in the illustration in Fig. 3—a secondary opening 102 is also present and exposed, filling can also take place through the secondary opening 102.
[0049] 5 and 6, an embodiment of a filling device will be explained below, with which an embodiment of the method according to the invention for filling a gas cartridge can be carried out. The method comprises the following method steps: i. at least partially loosening the threaded connection; ii. filling the container 120 with compressed gas or liquefied gas through a. a thread 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection; and / or b. a secondary opening 102 of the valve which opens laterally to the longitudinal axis (L) and is released by the partial loosening of the threaded connection; and / or c. a valve-side interruption 105 in a thread 104 of the threaded connection, which is released by the partial loosening of the threaded connection; iii. tightening the threaded connection.
[0050] In the illustration in Fig. 5, the threaded connection between valve 100 and container 120 is tightened. The container 120 is supported on a support element 50. The filling device 1 has a sealing device 20 for providing a pressure chamber surrounding the threaded connection, which is sealed off from the environment. A sealing means 21 is provided on the sealing device 20 and is arranged to bear against an outer contour of the container 120. The sealing means 21 bears against a shoulder or end face of the container 120 facing the valve 100. The sealing means 21 is arranged on a pressure chamber housing 22 of the sealing device 20 such that it borders an opening into which the valve 100 of the gas cartridge 200 can be inserted.
[0051] The pressure chamber completely encloses the valve 100. According to the exemplary embodiment, a bell-shaped pressure chamber is provided around the valve 100. The sealing device 20 can have a pressure chamber housing 22 made of a metal or a plastic. The pressure chamber housing 22 is connected to a gas supply line 10, so that gas can be introduced from the gas supply line 10 within the pressure chamber housing 22. The gas supply line 10 is preferably connected to a gas source (not shown), for example, a CO2 gas source.
[0052] Within the sealing device 20, i.e., in the pressure chamber, the filling device 1 has a loosening and tightening device 30, which has wrench surfaces that can engage the wrench surfaces 103 on the outer contour of the valve 100. The loosening and tightening device 30 is therefore provided as part of the sealing device 20. The threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 can be partially loosened and tightened via the loosening and tightening device 30, while the container 120 is supported or fixed by the contact 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 cartridge 200.
[0053] Figure 6 shows the filling device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment with a gas cartridge 200 with a partially loosened threaded connection. In this state, compressed gas or liquid gas can be introduced into the container 120 via the thread 104 and / or the secondary opening 102 and / or the recess 105.
[0054] After filling the container 120, the interior of the sealing device 20 is relieved of pressure via the gas supply line 10, so that essentially the same pressure prevails in the interior of the sealing device 20 and its surroundings. The gas cartridge 200, in particular the valve 100 of the gas cartridge 200, can then be removed from the sealing device 20.
[0055] Unlike the filling methods known from the prior art, the filling of the container 120 of the gas cartridge 200 with the filling device 1 according to the invention does not occur through the selectively openable fluid path of the valve 10 of the gas cartridge 200. The dynamics of the filling process are therefore not dependent on the inlet cross-section of the valve 100. Therefore, even valves 100 with a small inlet cross-section can be filled relatively quickly.
[0056] Figure 7 shows a sectional view of another gas cartridge 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 can be tightened or released by rotating the gas cartridge 200 about a longitudinal axis L. The gas cartridge is preferably a CO2 gas cartridge for use in household water carbonators.
[0057] The valve 100 comprises several, preferably exactly two, primary openings 101 opening laterally to the longitudinal axis L for the inlet and outlet of gas when the valve 100 is open.
[0058] In Fig. 8, the gas cartridge 200 according to Fig. 7 is shown in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 is partially loosened. The thread 104 on the outer contour of the valve 100 is visible. In this state, the container 120 of the gas cartridge 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquid gas through the thread 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection.
[0059] The illustration in Fig. 9 shows a modification of the gas cartridge 200 according to Fig. 7 in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 is partially loosened, thereby exposing a secondary opening 102, which is arranged in the thread 104 on the outer contour of the valve 100. In this state, the container 120 of the gas cartridge 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquid gas through the secondary opening 102 and, if necessary, also through the thread 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection.
[0060] In Fig. 10, the gas cartridge 200 according to Fig. 7 is shown in a state in which the threaded connection between the valve 100 and the container 120 is partially loosened and a valve-side interruption 105 in the thread 104 of the threaded connection is exposed. In this state, the container 120 of the gas cartridge 200 can be filled with compressed gas or liquid gas through the interruption 105 and, if necessary, also through the thread 104 of the at least partially loosened threaded connection. If, in addition—as shown in the illustration according to Fig. 9—a secondary opening 102 is also present and exposed, filling can also take place through the secondary opening 102. List of Reference Symbols
[0061] 1 filling device
[0062] 10 Gas supply line
[0063] 20 Sealing device
[0064] 21 Sealant
[0065] 22 Pressure chamber housing
[0066] 30 key tools
[0067] 50 investment element
[0068] 100 valve
[0069] 101 Primary opening
[0070] 102 Secondary opening
[0071] 103 key surfaces
[0072] 104 threads
[0073] 105 Interruption in the thread
[0074] 120 containers
[0075] 200 gas cartridges
[0076] L Longitudinal axis
Claims
PATENT CLAIMS 1. A method for filling a gas cartridge (200) with compressed gas or liquefied gas, wherein the gas cartridge comprises a container (120) and a valve (100) which are connected to one another by a threaded connection which can be tightened or released by rotating about a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the valve (100) preferably has at least one primary opening (101) opening laterally to the longitudinal axis (L) for the inlet and outlet of gas when the valve (100) is open, comprising the following method steps: i. at least partially loosening the threaded connection; ii. filling the container (120) with compressed gas or liquefied gas through a. a thread (104) of the at least partially loosened threaded connection; and / or b. a secondary opening (102) of the valve (100) opening laterally to the longitudinal axis (L), which secondary opening is released by the partial loosening of the threaded connection; and / or c.a valve-side interruption (105) in a thread (104) of the threaded connection, which is released by partially loosening the threaded connection; ill. tightening the threaded connection.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that when filling the container (120), a pressure chamber surrounding the partially loosened threaded connection is sealed off from the environment, so that the container (120) is filled with compressed gas or liquid gas from the pressure chamber.
3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that the pressure chamber is sealed from the environment by a sealing means (21) which rests against an outer contour of the container (120).
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least partial loosening and tightening of the threaded connection is carried out by a loosening and tightening device (30), which preferably has key surfaces that engage the outer contour, in particular key surfaces (103), of the valve (100).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the secondary opening (102) is fluidly connected to a container connection opening of the valve (100).
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thread (104) of the partially loosened threaded connection is a valve thread of the valve (100).
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve-side interruption (105) in a thread (104) of the threaded connection is an interruption in a valve thread on an outer contour of the valve (100).
8. Filling device (1) for filling a gas cartridge (200) with compressed gas or liquefied gas, wherein the gas cartridge comprises a container (120) and a valve (100) which are connected to one another by a threaded connection which can be tightened or released by rotating about a longitudinal axis (L), wherein the valve (100) preferably has at least one primary opening (101) opening laterally to the longitudinal axis (L) for letting gas in and out when the valve (100) is open, with a loosening and tightening device (30) for at least partially loosening and tightening the threaded connection, with a gas supply line (10) for introducing compressed gas or liquefied gas into the container (120) through a. a thread (104) of the at least partially loosened threaded connection; and / or b. a secondary opening (120) of the valve (100) opening laterally to the longitudinal axis (L), which is released by the partial loosening of the threaded connection; and / or c.a valve-side interruption (105) in a thread (104) of the threaded connection, which is released by the partial loosening of the threaded connection.
9. Filling device according to claim 8, characterized by a sealing device (20) for providing a pressure chamber sealed against the environment and surrounding the partially loosened threaded connection.
10. Filling device according to claim 9, characterized in that the sealing device (20) has a sealing means (21) which is arranged to bear against an outer contour of the container (120).