Outlet pipe assembly for a dispensing nozzle

Abstract

Discharge pipe assembly for a dispensing valve (14) for dispensing a fluid into a container. The discharge pipe assembly comprises a discharge pipe (16) having an inlet end (21) connectable to a housing of the dispensing valve (14) and an outlet end (22) opposite the inlet end (21), and a sealing unit (17) enclosing an outer surface of the discharge pipe (16), which, after the discharge pipe (16) has been inserted into an opening (23) of the container, can be brought into sealing contact with an opening environment of the container, so that a return channel (41) is formed between the sealing unit (17) and the discharge pipe (16) for returning fluid vapors exiting from the opening (23). The outlet pipe assembly further comprises a valve assembly (34) connected to the outlet pipe (16) for closing the return channel (41) and a sensor assembly (35) for controlling the valve assembly (34).The sensor device (35) is configured to switch the valve device (34) to a closed position when a pressure threshold is undershot in the return channel (41). Due to the arrangement of the valve unit on the outlet pipe, the pipe can be replaced as a whole or used to retrofit a dispensing nozzle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a discharge pipe assembly for a dispensing valve for dispensing a fluid into a container and to a dispensing valve with such a discharge pipe assembly.

[0002] Fuel dispensers with a spout are used particularly for refueling vehicles. The spout is inserted into the vehicle's filler neck to dispense the fuel into the tank. During this process, any fuel vapors already present in the tank are displaced. To prevent these fuel vapors from escaping into the environment, it is known in the art to extract them using a recirculation pump via a return channel and, for example, to an underground fuel reservoir.

[0003] For this purpose, it is generally known from the prior art (see US 6,095,204) to install a bellows surrounding the discharge pipe on the dispensing nozzle, which can be sealed against a circumferential surface of an opening on the vehicle being refueled. The user can press a sealing surface of the bellows against the circumferential surface, thus essentially sealing the opening. The escaping fuel vapors are then captured by the bellows and can be pumped out via a return channel opening into the area between the bellows and an outer surface of the discharge pipe. A separate return pump is usually connected to the return channel for this purpose. Such a procedure is hereinafter also referred to as "active recirculation".

[0004] An alternative solution to prevent the escape of fuel vapors is to equip the vehicle itself with a fuel vapor recovery system. Such systems are also called "Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery" (ORVR) systems. In a vehicle with such an ORVR system, the displaced fuel vapors are captured inside the vehicle and, for example, fed to an activated carbon canister for separation.

[0005] When a vehicle equipped with an ORVR system is refueled at a pump with active recirculation, the active recirculation must be deactivated, as the fuel vapors, or at least a large portion of them, are already captured by the ORVR system. Additional active recirculation would create an undesirable vacuum, impairing the functionality of the vehicle's ORVR system and / or the functionality of any automatic shut-off device on the pump nozzle. Furthermore, there would be a risk of drawing in outside air and introducing it into the fuel reservoir. This would cause problems, as the drawn-in air would mix with the gas vapors in the fuel reservoir, leading to a pressure increase.For physical reasons, a significantly larger volume of the air-vapor mixture would escape through the fuel reservoir's venting system compared to the volume of air introduced, which is detrimental to both the environment and fuel efficiency. Therefore, when refueling a vehicle with an ORVR system, additional active recirculation must be avoided under all circumstances. To ensure that active recirculation is deactivated, it is known in the art to equip the dispensing nozzle with a sensor that detects whether the vehicle being refueled has an ORVR system or not (see US 6,095,204). A disadvantage of these known systems is their unreliability and their complex design.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a discharge pipe assembly and a dispensing valve with such a discharge pipe assembly, in which the aforementioned disadvantages are reduced. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0007] The invention relates to a discharge pipe assembly for a dispensing valve for dispensing a fluid into a container, comprising a discharge pipe with an inlet end connectable to the dispensing valve and an outlet end opposite the inlet end. The discharge pipe assembly further includes a sealing unit enclosing the outside of the discharge pipe, which, after the discharge pipe is inserted into an opening of the container, can be brought into sealing contact with the container's surroundings, so that a return channel is formed between the sealing unit and the discharge pipe for returning fluid vapors exiting the opening. The discharge pipe assembly further includes a valve assembly connected to the discharge pipe for closing the return channel and a sensor assembly for actuating the valve assembly.

[0008] To connect the dispensing pipe assembly to the housing of the dispensing valve, the inlet end of the dispensing pipe can, for example, be screwed to the housing or inserted into a receptacle in the housing and, if necessary, secured with fasteners. The inlet end is the end into which the fluid to be dispensed enters before it flows through the dispensing pipe. The dispensing pipe can have a retaining anchor that allows the dispensing pipe to be hooked into a filler neck. The container can, in particular, be a vehicle tank. An opening environment of the container can, for example, be a surface formed at a filler neck of the tank that enables a fluid-tight seal of the opening. The filler neck can be designed according to one of the standards ISO 13331 or SAE 1140 and, in particular, have a recess into which the retaining anchor of the dispensing pipe can be hooked.The fluid can be a liquid, in particular a liquid fuel.

[0009] The switchable valve assembly of the discharge pipe allows the discharge pipe, or a dispensing nozzle equipped with it, to be used for refueling both vehicles equipped with an ORVR system and vehicles with active vapor recovery via an external recirculation pump. When the sealing unit is properly placed on a contact surface surrounding the opening of the tank of a vehicle with an ORVR system, a vacuum is created within the recirculation channel during refueling. This vacuum is caused by the additional suction exerted by the ORVR system. The sensor detects this vacuum and switches the valve assembly to the closed position when a pressure threshold is reached.In vehicles without an ORVR system, the pressure threshold is usually not undershot despite a tight seal between the sealing unit and the opening environment, so the valve assembly remains in the open position and active vapor recirculation can take place. Vehicles without any preparation for vapor recirculation (such as motorcycles that have neither an ORVR system nor a suitable opening environment around the filler neck to which the sealing unit can be pressed tightly) can also be refueled. In this case, the switchable valve assembly remains open despite potentially less than optimal sealing, allowing at least a large portion of the fuel vapors escaping from the tank to be extracted.

[0010] By integrating the valve and sensor components into the outlet pipe assembly, it is particularly possible to equip a conventional dispensing nozzle with a standard outlet pipe with an outlet pipe assembly, thereby retrofitting the nozzle for refueling vehicles with ORVR systems. This is a significant advantage over conventional dispensing nozzles where the valve for closing the return channel is integrated into the housing. With these latter nozzles, conversion by simply replacing the outlet pipe is not possible.

[0011] Furthermore, the outlet pipe assembly also allows for easy repair of the dispensing valve in the event of a defect in the valve assembly or the sensor assembly, by allowing the outlet pipe assembly to be replaced as a whole.

[0012] The valve assembly can be designed, in particular, to close a section of the return channel running through the outlet pipe. For this purpose, the valve assembly can, for example, be positioned radially (i.e., perpendicular to an axis of the outlet pipe) next to the outlet pipe.

[0013] The sensor device can include a diaphragm that is exposed to the pressure prevailing within the return channel. The diaphragm can be designed in a generally known manner to switch the valve device when a pressure threshold is undershot in the return channel.

[0014] In one embodiment, the outlet pipe has a sensor line extending to the outlet, which is configured for connection to a vacuum source of an automatic shut-off device of the dispensing valve, so that a gas flow can be drawn in via the sensor line when the outlet pipe assembly is connected to the dispensing valve. The sensor line may include a safety valve designed to close the sensor line. Furthermore, the sealing unit may have an actuating section that interacts with the safety valve and is displaceable upstream relative to the outlet pipe from a first position to a second position by a force exerted by pressing the sealing unit against the surrounding area, in order to allow the safety valve to move into the open position.The term "upstream" describes a direction that is opposite to the flow direction of the fluid being poured into the container.

[0015] This embodiment described above may possess independent inventive content, even though the outlet pipe assembly does not include a valve device connected to the outlet pipe for closing the return channel and a sensor device for controlling the valve device. In particular, the disclosure thus includes an outlet pipe assembly with the features described above, or a dispensing valve equipped with the outlet pipe assembly, wherein the valve device and the sensor device are not positioned on the outlet pipe, but are, for example, integrated into the dispensing valve and thus do not form part of the outlet pipe assembly.

[0016] Dispensing valves with an automatic shut-off device, which can in particular serve to automatically close the main valve when the liquid level reaches or exceeds the end of the sensing line, are generally known from the prior art (see, e.g., EP 2 386 520 A1). If the sensing line is blocked by the liquid level, a pressure change occurs, which can be used to trigger the automatic shut-off device. It can be provided that, upon triggering the automatic shut-off device, a main valve of the dispensing valve is moved to a closed position, regardless of the position of a switching lever of the dispensing valve. The vacuum source of the automatic shut-off device can, in particular, comprise a constriction of the main channel, at which a vacuum is generated by means of the Venturi effect.

[0017] By incorporating a safety valve in the sensor line that interacts with the actuating section of the sealing unit, the operational reliability of the outlet pipe assembly or a dispensing valve equipped with it can be significantly increased in a structurally simple manner. If the sensor line is blocked by the safety valve during fluid dispensing, the automatic shut-off device is triggered. Whether the safety valve actually moves into the closed position depends on the position of the actuating section and the resulting interaction between the actuating section and the safety valve.By causing the displacement of the actuating section from the first position to the second position through the force generated when establishing the sealing contact, it can be ensured that fluid discharge only occurs if the user has previously pressed the sealing unit with sufficient force or properly engaged any retaining anchor present on the outlet pipe into a recess located on the filling nozzle, so that the actuating section has been moved into the second position and remains there to allow movement of the safety valve in the open position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the safety valve is forced into a closed position by a restoring force during fluid discharge. Furthermore, the actuating section in the second position holds the safety valve in the open position against the restoring force, while the actuating section in the first position releases the safety valve to move into the closed position. The restoring force can be exerted by a restoring element and / or by the gas flow drawn in through the end of the sensor line (33). A valve body of the safety valve can be movable within the sensor line and designed such that the gas flow generated by the vacuum source during operation is sufficient to move the valve body into the closed position. To achieve this, the mass and cross-section of the valve body can be suitably adjusted.The valve body can be freely movable, particularly between a valve seat and a stop.

[0019] The safety valve may be designed to comprise a valve body, a first valve seat positioned upstream of the valve body, and a stop for the valve body positioned downstream of the valve body in the sensing line. When the fluid level reaches the sensing line after the container has been filled, a certain amount of fluid may enter the sensing line due to the vacuum required for the operation of the automatic shut-off device. Therefore, the aforementioned stop may form a second valve seat for the valve body, which may be positioned downstream of the valve body (i.e., towards the outlet end of the discharge pipe) in the sensing line. The valve body may be designed to close the sensing line by moving into the second valve seat.In particular, the valve body can be moved downwards by gravity into the second valve seat by means of a downward tilt of the outlet pipe, thus sealing off the sensor line. The second valve seat seals the sensor line, preventing the unwanted leakage of fluid that entered the sensor line when the automatic shut-off device was triggered. It can also slightly reduce the amount of fluid entering the sensor line. In this embodiment, the safety valve performs a dual function: firstly, it reduces the amount of fluid exiting the sensor line, and secondly, through interaction with the actuating section, it prevents fluid from escaping if a sufficient seal is not present.The above-mentioned design eliminates the need for a separate sensor line valve at the outlet end of the discharge pipe, as is known, for example, from EP 4 163 249 A1.

[0020] In another embodiment, the actuating section holds the safety valve in a closed position in the first position. In the second position, the actuating section can also release the safety valve to move into an open position and / or hold the safety valve in the open position. Furthermore, the safety valve can comprise a valve body, a valve seat positioned downstream of the valve body, and a stop for the valve body positioned upstream of the valve body in the sensor line. In this embodiment as well, the valve seat positioned downstream of the valve body prevents the escape of fluid that previously entered the sensor line when the automatic shut-off device was triggered.

[0021] The actuating section may be pre-tensioned downstream in the direction of the first position by a return element. The term "downstream" describes a direction that is in the same direction as the flow of the fluid being filled into the container. If the actuating section is pre-tensioned in the direction of the first position by a return element, the user must continuously press the sealing unit with sufficient force against a surface surrounding the opening during the refueling process, or it must be ensured that any retaining anchor present on the discharge pipe is continuously engaged in a recess of the filler neck during the refueling process to hold the actuating section in the second position against the return force. This ensures that the sealing unit maintains a tight seal against the opening throughout the entire refueling process.If the user-applied pressure decreases and falls below a threshold, or if the user has not correctly engaged the retaining anchor in the retraction position, or if the retaining anchor pops out of the retraction position during the refueling process (e.g., due to vibrations or accidental movement), the actuating section is moved by the reset element into the first position. In this position, the safety valve is either actively moved into the closed position by the interaction, or, if the interaction ceases, is no longer held in the open position but can move into the closed position due to the reset force. This movement into the closed position triggers the automatic shut-off device. This ensures that the fluid can only be dispensed if the sealing unit provides a sufficient seal against the circumferential surface surrounding the opening.

[0022] In one embodiment, the interaction between the actuating section and the safety valve is magnetic. For example, the valve body of the safety valve can be made of a ferromagnetic material, while the actuating section has a permanent magnet. Magnetic actuation has the advantage that structurally complex mechanical coupling elements between the actuating section and the safety valve can be dispensed with.

[0023] The sealing unit can comprise a contact element that can be pressed against the opening environment and a sliding element connected to the contact element and guided along the outlet pipe, the sliding element encompassing the actuating section. When the sliding element is guided together with the actuating section, a defined and guided movement of the actuating section relative to the outlet pipe occurs during the pressing of the contact element. This ensures a defined and reliable interaction between the actuating section and the safety valve.

[0024] If a discharge pipe with a bellows known from the prior art (see US 6,095,204) is pressed against the opening environment at an angular misalignment, a leak can occur between the bellows and the opening environment, which can lead to the undesired intake of ambient air. Against this background, one embodiment provides that the sealing unit comprises a contact element that can be pressed against the opening environment and a sliding element connected to the contact element and guided along the discharge pipe. The contact element can be configured to exert an upstream force on the sliding element when pressed against the opening environment by establishing sealing contact with the container, and to move the sliding element upstream.By having, in addition to the contact element, a sliding element guided along the outlet pipe, which moves along the outlet pipe when the contact element is pressed against it, unevenness of the contact surface or angular misalignments during pressing can be compensated for in a defined manner. The embodiment described above may have an independent inventive character, even without the outlet pipe assembly having a valve device connected to the outlet pipe for closing the return channel and a sensor device for controlling the valve device. In particular, the disclosure thus includes an outlet pipe assembly with the features described above.a dispensing valve equipped with the outlet pipe assembly, wherein the valve device and the sensor device are not positioned on the outlet pipe, but are, for example, integrated into the dispensing valve and thus do not constitute part of the outlet pipe assembly.

[0025] In one embodiment, the sliding element is biased downstream by a restoring element. In this case, a defined restoring force is exerted on the sliding element. This allows for even better compensation of misalignments and unevenness. Furthermore, the restoring force provides the user with sensory feedback about the pressing action when the contact element is pressed against the surface surrounding the opening.

[0026] The sealing unit may be designed to include a bellows section, with the contact element being connected to the sliding element via this section. The bellows section allows for better compensation of radial movements of the sealing unit, i.e., movements where a component is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the outlet pipe, while simultaneously dampening the transmission of forces along the outlet pipe from the contact element to the sliding element.

[0027] In one embodiment, the outlet pipe assembly includes an indicator element for showing the displacement state of the sliding element. It is possible that the indicator element is concealed in a downstream position of the sliding element and is uncovered by an upstream movement of the sliding element. In particular, the indicator element can be uncovered when the sliding element has been displaced to such an extent that a sufficient contact force for a reliable seal is exerted via the contact element.

[0028] In one embodiment, the upward movement of the sliding element is limited by a stop element. This provides the user with tactile feedback when the stop element reaches a defined position, ensuring a reliable seal.

[0029] The invention further relates to a dispensing valve for dispensing a fluid into a container, comprising a housing and a discharge pipe assembly according to the invention connected to the housing. The disclosure includes embodiments of the dispensing valve that are further developed by the features already described above in connection with the discharge pipe assembly according to the invention. In particular, the dispensing valve can have a fluid inlet for connection to a fluid supply line and a main channel extending from the fluid inlet to the outlet end of the discharge pipe. Furthermore, the dispensing valve can have a main valve for closing the main channel and a switching lever for actuating the main valve. In one embodiment, the dispensing valve includes an automatic shut-off device configured to move the main valve into a closed position independently of the position of the switching lever.The automatic shut-off device may in particular include a vacuum source connected to the sensor line of the outlet pipe assembly, so that a gas flow is drawn in via the sensor line when a fluid is dispensed.

[0030] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1: a dispensing valve according to the invention in a three-dimensional view from an oblique angle above; Figure 2: a partially cutaway side view of the dispensing valve of the Figure 1 Figure 3: the one in Figure 2 Section A shown in an enlarged view in a first state; Figure 4: the in Figure 2 Section A shown in a second state; Figure 5: the one in Figure 2 Section A shown in a third state; Figure 6: the one in Figure 2Figure 7: a partially cutaway side view of a further embodiment of a dispensing valve according to the invention; Figure 8: a partially cutaway side view of a further embodiment of a dispensing valve according to the invention; Figure 9: an enlarged view of a partial area of ​​the Figure 8 .

[0031] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a dispensing nozzle according to the invention in a three-dimensional overview view. The dispensing nozzle serves to dispense fuel into a tank of a vehicle, from which in Figure 1Only a filler neck 15 is shown. The fuel can be supplied to the dispensing nozzle via a fluid inlet 11. The dispensing nozzle comprises a housing 20 into which a discharge pipe assembly 13 according to the invention is inserted. A handle section 18, which the user can grasp with one hand, is connected to the housing 20. In addition, a switching lever 19 is pivotably mounted on the housing 20. The switching lever 19 can be pulled upwards by the user towards the handle element 18 to activate a Figure 1 to actuate the main valve of the dispensing nozzle, which is not visible. After the main valve opens, the fuel can be dispensed through a main channel 12, which extends from the fluid inlet 11 to an outlet end 22.

[0032] The outlet pipe assembly 13 comprises an outlet pipe 16, a sealing unit 17 connected to the outlet pipe 16, and a valve assembly 34 positioned radially next to the outlet pipe 16. The term "radial direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the axis of the outlet pipe, which intersects the longitudinal axis of the outlet pipe.

[0033] The filler neck 15 comprises an opening 23. The outlet end 22 of the discharge pipe can be inserted into the opening 23 for filling the tank. In doing so, a sealing lip 24 located at the front end of the sealing unit 17 can be brought into contact with the opening surrounding the opening 23, so that a return channel for fuel vapors exiting the opening 23 is formed between the discharge pipe 16 and the sealing unit 17. The sealing lip 24 forms a contact element within the meaning of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2shows a partially cutaway side view of the dispensing valve and the filling nozzle 15 of the Figure 1 In this view, it can be seen that the housing 20 includes a receptacle 44 into which an inlet end 21 of the outlet pipe 16 is inserted. A sensor line 33 runs through the outlet pipe. The sensor line 33 is connected to a Figure 2The vacuum source (not shown) is connected to an automatic shut-off device of the dispensing nozzle. During fuel dispensing, the vacuum source generates a vacuum which, in a generally known manner, is applied on one side to a triggering unit of the automatic shut-off device and on the other side to the sensor line 33, causing a gas flow to be drawn in through the sensor line 33 via the outlet 22. When the liquid level inside the tank reaches or exceeds the outlet 22, a pressure change occurs, which is detected by the triggering unit and triggers the automatic shut-off device. The operation of the automatic shut-off device is generally known, so it is not described in detail here. A sensor line valve is located in the area of ​​the outlet 22, the operation of which is generally known from EP 4 163 249 A1.

[0035] When the outlet pipe 16 is properly inserted into the filler neck 15, a front end of the sealing unit 17 can be pressed against the opening surrounding the opening 23 such that a return channel 41 is formed between the outside of the outlet pipe 16 and an inner surface of the sealing unit 17. The return channel 41 is equipped with a Figure 2 connected to a return pump (not shown). During fuel dispensing, the return pump is activated so that fuel vapors escaping from the opening via return channel 41 can be returned and directed to a reservoir.

[0036] Active recirculation of fuel vapors is only necessary if the vehicle does not have its own ORVR system. An ORVR system is designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping the tank opening, so additional active recirculation would create the risk of drawing in ambient air. To enable the dispensing nozzle to be used for filling the tank of a vehicle with an ORVR system, the valve assembly 34 is designed to close the recirculation channel 41. Furthermore, the outlet pipe assembly 13 includes a sensor unit for detecting pressure within the recirculation channel 41 and for triggering the valve assembly 34. This will be discussed in more detail below in conjunction with the Figures 3-5 explained in more detail.

[0037] The outlet pipe 16 is fixed to the housing 20 by a fastening element 45. The fastening element 45 can be loosened to remove the outlet pipe assembly 13 as a whole from the housing 20. The outlet pipe assembly, together with its sealing unit 17, the valve assembly 34, and the sensor assembly, thus forms a complete modular unit.

[0038] Figure 3 shows the in Figure 2 Section A, represented by a dashed rectangle, is shown in an enlarged view. In this view, it can be seen that the sealing unit 17 comprises a sealing lip 24, which is held by a support module. The support module comprises an inner support ring 37, an outer support ring 30, and a connecting ring 25. The sealing unit further comprises a bellows section 26 and a sliding element 27. The sliding element 27 represents an actuating section within the meaning of this disclosure.

[0039] An upstream section of the sealing lip 24 is held between the connecting ring 25 and the inner support ring 37. The outer support ring 30 is located in a cavity of the sealing lip 24. The connecting ring 25, the bellows 26, the inner support ring 37, and the outer support ring 30 each have aligned through-holes through which a connecting element 46 passes to connect the sealing lip 24 to the support module and to the bellows section 26. The through-hole in the bellows section 26 is located at a downstream end of the bellows section 26, while a flow-prone end of the bellows section is connected to the sliding element 27.

[0040] After the outlet pipe 16 is inserted into the opening 23, the sealing lip 24 can be pressed against the surrounding area to create a sealing seal. A force is exerted from the sealing lip 24 via the support module 25, 30, 37 onto the bellows section 26, which then transmits this force to the sliding element 27. The sliding element 27 is biased downstream by a spring element 36 and is slidably mounted on an outer surface of the outlet pipe 16. The force generated when pressing the sealing lip 24 against the surrounding area, which is transmitted to the sliding element 27, allows the sliding element 27 to be displaced upstream against the restoring force of the spring element 36. In this way, the sliding element 27 generates a defined counterforce when pressing the sealing lip 24, effectively compensating for any misalignment of the sealing lip 24 relative to a surface of the surrounding area.This allows a tight seal to be reliably created with the opening 23.

[0041] Within the sensor line 33 is a safety valve comprising a valve body 31, in this case formed by a metal ball, and a valve seat 32. The safety valve also has a stop 38 for the valve body 31. Within the sensor line 33, the valve body 31 can move freely between the stop 38 and the valve seat 32. In the Figure 3 In the shown state, in which the outlet pipe 16 is inclined downwards on the outlet side, with no fuel yet being discharged, the ball moves due to gravity in the direction of the discharge and rests against the stop 38.

[0042] In Figure 3It is further evident that a permanent magnet 28 is inserted into the sliding element 27. When the sliding element 27 is moved along the longitudinal axis of the outlet pipe, the permanent magnet 28, together with the sliding element 27, changes its position along the longitudinal axis of the outlet pipe 16. This allows the permanent magnet 28 to interact with the valve body 31. In the Figure 3In the depicted state, the sliding element 27 is in a release position in which the valve body 31 can move freely between the stop 38 and the valve seat 32. In particular, the distance between the permanent magnet 28 and the valve body 31 in the release position is so large that the permanent magnet 28 does not exert a sufficient holding force on the valve body 31. By moving the sliding element 27 upstream into a holding position, the distance between the permanent magnet 28 and the valve body 31 can be reduced so that the valve body 31 is held in an open position by the permanent magnet 28. This will be shown below with reference to the Figures 4 and 5 explained in more detail.

[0043] Figure 4 shows the in Figure 2 Illustrated section A shows the dispensing valve in a different state. In the state of Figure 4The outlet pipe 16 was inserted into the opening 23 of the filling nozzle 15. However, the sealing lip 24 of the sealing unit 17 is in Figure 4 The user does not press the retaining anchor 48 against the surface surrounding the opening 23 with sufficient force, so that the retaining anchor 48 cannot engage with the recess 49. For this reason, a gap 42 exists between a sealing surface 40 of the sealing lip 24 and the surface surrounding the opening 23. Due to the insufficient force, the sliding element 27 is in Figure 4 (as well as in Figure 3 ) the release position.

[0044] Furthermore, in the state of Figure 4The shift lever 19 is actuated to open the main valve of the dispensing nozzle. Opening the main valve allows the fuel to flow past a constriction formed in the main channel 12, thereby applying a vacuum to the sensor line as described above. Since the sliding element 27 is in the release position, in which the permanent magnet 28 does not exert sufficient holding force on the valve body 31, the valve body is opened by the vacuum or the gas flow drawn in by the vacuum. Figure 3 shown opening position in the Figure 4The depicted closed position is moved so that the sensor line 33 is closed. The closure of the sensor line triggers the automatic shut-off device, which moves the main valve to the closed position regardless of the position of the shift lever and prevents fuel dispensing. This ensures that no fuel can be dispensed unless the sealing lip 24 is pressed against the filler neck 15 with sufficient force. The minimal fuel flow that occurs briefly when the main valve opens can be prevented by the Figure 2The optional drip-stop valve 10 shown is essentially blocked so that no fuel or only a very small amount of fuel can escape from the dispensing nozzle. The drip-stop valve 10 is designed in a generally known manner (see EP 4 065 908 A1) to only allow fluid flow when sufficient fluid pressure has built up upstream of the drip-stop valve 10.

[0045] Figure 5 shows the in Figure 2Illustrated section A of the dispensing valve is shown in a state in which the sealing surface 40 of the sealing lip 24 has been properly placed on the surface surrounding the opening 23 and in which the sealing unit 17 is pressed against the filling nozzle 15 with sufficient contact force. The force generated by the sufficient contact force is transmitted from the sealing lip 24 via the support module and the bellows section 26 to the sliding element 27, thereby moving the sliding element 27 upstream until it comes to rest against a stop formed on the outlet pipe 16. The position of the sliding element 27 reached in this way is also referred to here as the second position. In the second position of the sliding element 27, an interaction occurs between the permanent magnet 28 and the valve body 31, so that the valve body 31 is in the Figure 5The open position shown is maintained. The shift lever 19 can now be operated without the valve body 31 being moved into the closed position due to the vacuum created by the fuel flow.

[0046] During fuel dispensing, the return pump, which is connected to the return channel 41, is activated. In this way, fuel vapors exiting from opening 23 can be routed along the return channel 41, which is located in Figure 5 as shown by dashed arrows, it is carried away and introduced into the reservoir.

[0047] The valve assembly 34 comprises a poppet valve 39, which is located in Figure 5in the open position. The poppet valve 39 is connected to a pressure-sensitive diaphragm 35. The pressure-sensitive diaphragm 35 constitutes a sensor device as described herein. The pressure-sensitive diaphragm 35 is designed to trigger when a pressure threshold prevailing in the return channel 41 is undershot. Upon triggering the pressure-sensitive diaphragm 35, it moves towards the outlet pipe 16, thereby moving the poppet valve 39 into a closed position. In the Figure 5In the illustrated refueling process, a vehicle not equipped with an ORVR system is being refueled. The volume flow of the fuel vapors exiting the opening (which can essentially correspond to the volume flow of the dispensed fuel) and the suction capacity of the return pump are set such that a pressure above the pressure threshold is established in the return channel 41, preventing the pressure-sensitive diaphragm 35 from triggering. The poppet valve 39 thus remains in the open position, allowing the fuel vapors to be reliably discharged.

[0048] Figure 6 shows the in Figure 2 illustrated section A of the tap valve, wherein in Figure 6 compared to the state of Figure 5A vehicle equipped with an ORVR system is being refueled. Due to the ORVR system, fuel vapors are separated inside the vehicle during the refueling process. The sealing of the return channel 41 by means of the sealing unit 17 therefore causes a pressure drop within the return channel 41, which lowers the pressure below the pressure threshold. For this reason, the pressure-sensitive membrane 35, in the state of Figure 6 The valve is triggered and moves the disc valve 39 into a closed position. The return channel 41 is therefore in the closed position. Figure 6 closed. This prevents the ORVR function in the vehicle from being impaired and / or the automatic shut-off device in the dispensing nozzle from being disturbed and / or ambient air from being drawn in via the return channel 41.

[0049] Figure 7Figure 1 shows a partially cutaway side view of another embodiment of a dispensing valve according to the invention. Elements of the dispensing valve already described in connection with the first embodiment are shown in Figure 2. Figure 7 provided with the same reference numerals. In contrast to the embodiment of Figures 1-6 is at the tap valve Figure 7 No sensor line valve is positioned in the area of ​​the outlet 22 of the outlet pipe 16. Instead of the one in Figure 4 The depicted stop 38 comprises the embodiment of the Figure 7a valve seat 47. The valve body 31 is designed to close the valve seat 47 when the dispensing valve is tilted downwards on the outlet side, as shown in Figure 7. In this case, the valve body 31 is moved into the valve seat 47 by gravity. The valve body 31, together with the valve seat 47, therefore forms a sensor line valve, as is already known in principle from EP 4 163 249 A1. By using the valve body 31 for both the function of the safety valve and the function of the sensor line valve, both functions can be implemented in a structurally simple manner.

[0050] Figure 8 shows a partially cutaway side view of another embodiment of a dispensing valve according to the invention. Already in conjunction with the embodiment of the Figures 1 to 7 The described features contribute to Figure 8 the same reference numerals. The embodiment of the Figure 8has a safety valve 31, 32', 38' in which, unlike the embodiments of the Figures 1 to 7 Only a single valve seat is positioned downstream of the valve body 31. Upstream of the valve seat, within the sensor line 33, there is a stop 38' which limits the upstream movement of the valve body 31. In the Figure 8In the depicted state, the sealing unit 17 or its sealing lip is not pressed against the opening surrounding the filler neck 15, so that the sliding element 27 is in the first position. In this position, the permanent magnet 28 connected to the sliding element 27 interacts with the valve body 31 in such a way that the valve body 31 is drawn into the sealing seat by the magnetic interaction. The sensor line is closed in this state, so that the automatic shut-off device is triggered instantly when the shift lever 19 is actuated, thus preventing fuel from being dispensed.

[0051] Figure 9 shows an enlarged section of the Figure 8after the outlet pipe is inserted into the opening of the filler neck. In the state shown, the sealing unit is pressed against the opening surrounding the filler neck with sufficient contact force. To achieve this state, the sealing unit 17, and in particular the sliding element 27 together with the permanent magnet attached to it, was moved upstream against the restoring force. Due to the interaction between the permanent magnet 28 and the valve body 31, the valve body 31 was lifted out of the valve seat 32' during the movement of the sliding element 27 relative to the outlet pipe. The safety valve 31, 32' is thus in the state of Figure 9 in an open position in which a gas flow can be drawn in via the end of sensor line 33. This prevents the safety shut-off from being triggered and allows fuel to be introduced into the tank by actuating the main valve.

Claims

1. Discharge pipe assembly for a dispensing valve (14) for dispensing a fluid into a container, comprising a discharge pipe (16) having an inlet end (21) connectable to a housing of the dispensing valve (14) and an outlet end (22) opposite the inlet end (21), and a sealing unit (17) enclosing an outer surface of the discharge pipe (16), which, after the discharge pipe (16) has been inserted into an opening (23) of the container, can be brought into sealing contact with an opening environment of the container, so that a return channel (41) for returning fluid vapors exiting the opening (23) is formed between the sealing unit (17) and the discharge pipe (16), wherein the discharge pipe assembly further comprises a valve assembly (34) connected to the discharge pipe (16) for closing the return channel (41) and a sensor assembly (35) for controlling the valve assembly. (34) has the sensor device (35) being configured toto switch the valve assembly (34) to a closed position when a pressure threshold is undershot in the return channel (41).

2. Outlet pipe assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve device (34) is designed to close a section of the return channel (41) running through the outlet pipe (16).

3. Outlet pipe assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the outlet pipe (16) has a sensor line (33) extending to the outlet, which is configured for connection to a vacuum source of an automatic shut-off device of the dispensing valve, such that a gas flow can be drawn in via the sensor line (33) when the outlet pipe assembly is connected to the dispensing valve, wherein the sensor line (33) has a safety valve (31, 32, 32', 38, 38') configured for closing the sensor line (33), wherein the sealing unit (17) has an actuating section interacting with the safety valve (31, 32, 32', 38, 38'), which is displaceable upstream relative to the outlet pipe from a first position to a second position by a force caused by pressing the sealing unit against the opening environment, in order to prevent movement of the to allow the safety valve (31, 32, 32`, 38, 38`) to move into the open position.

4. Outlet pipe assembly according to claim 3, wherein the safety valve (31, 32, 38) is forced into a closed position by a restoring force during the discharge of the fluid, wherein the actuating section in the second position holds the safety valve (31, 32, 38) in the open position against the restoring force, and wherein the actuating section in the first position releases a movement of the safety valve (31, 32, 38) into the closed position.

5. Outlet pipe assembly according to claim 4, wherein the restoring force is exerted by a restoring element and / or by the gas flow drawn in via the end of the sensor line (33).

6. Outlet pipe assembly according to claim 5, wherein the safety valve (31, 32, 38) comprises a valve body (31), a first valve seat (32) positioned upstream of the valve body (31), and a stop (38) for the valve body (31) positioned downstream of the valve body in the sensor line (33), wherein the stop (38) is preferably configured as a second valve seat (47) for the valve body (31), wherein the valve body (31) is further preferably configured to close the sensor line (33) by moving into the second valve seat (47), and wherein the valve body (31) is further preferably movable into the second valve seat (47) by gravity through an inclination of the outlet pipe (16) downwards on the outlet side.

7. Outlet pipe assembly according to claim 3, wherein the actuating section in the first position holds the safety valve (31, 32', 38') in a closed position, and wherein the actuating section in the second position releases a movement of the safety valve (31, 32', 38') into an open position and / or holds the safety valve (31, 32', 38') in the open position, wherein the safety valve (31, 32') preferably comprises a valve body (31), a valve seat (32') positioned downstream of the valve body (31) and a stop (38') for the valve body (31) positioned upstream of the valve body in the sensor line (33).

8. Outlet pipe assembly according to claims 3 to 7, wherein the actuating section is biased downstream in the direction of the first position by a return element (36).

9. Outlet pipe assembly according to one of claims 3 to 8, wherein the interaction between the actuating section and the safety valve (31, 32, 32', 38, 38`) is magnetic.

10. Outlet pipe assembly according to one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the sealing unit (17) comprises a contact element (24) that can be pressed against the opening environment and a sliding element (27) connected to the contact element (24) and guided on the outlet pipe (16), wherein the sliding element (27) has the actuating section.

11. Outlet pipe assembly according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sealing unit (17) has a contact element (24) that can be pressed against the opening environment and a sliding element (27) connected to the contact element (24) and guided on the outlet pipe (16), wherein the contact element (24) is designed to exert an upstream force on the sliding element (27) when pressed against the opening environment and to move the sliding element (27) upstream, wherein the sliding element (27) is preferably biased downstream by a return element (36).

12. Outlet pipe assembly according to claim 11, wherein the sealing unit (17) has a bellows section (26), the contact element (24) being connected to the sliding element (27) through the bellows section (26).

13. Outlet pipe assembly according to one of claims 11 to 12, further comprising a display element for indicating a displacement state of the sliding element (27).

14. Outlet pipe assembly according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the movement of the sliding element (27) in the upstream direction is limited by a stop element.

15. Dispensing valve for dispensing a fluid into a container, comprising a housing (20) and a discharge pipe assembly (13) connectable to the housing (20) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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