Tank valve device for a tank system and tank system for storing a fluid fuel

Abstract

The invention relates to a tank valve device (1) for a tank system and to a tank system for storing a fluid fuel, in particular for a gas-operated utility vehicle, comprising such a tank valve device. The tank valve device is equipped with: a main body (2) which has a refuelling path (3) for conducting a fluid fuel; a check valve unit (4) which is arranged in the refuelling path (3) and has a valve housing; a filling tube which is fastened to the main body in such a way that a region of the filling tube surrounds at least a portion of the valve housing in a circumferential direction of the valve housing; and an anti-rotation unit for preventing rotation of the valve housing relative to the filling tube, wherein the anti-rotation unit is form-fittingly connected to the valve housing in the circumferential direction.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Tank valve device for a tank system and tank system for storing a fluidic fuel

[0004] The present invention relates to a tank valve device for a tank system and to a tank system for storing a fluidic fuel with such a tank valve device.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] In hydrogen storage systems for pressurized gas and in mobile applications, a refueling check valve is commonly used. The spring-loaded refueling check valve allows a mass flow into the storage system when the gas pressure upstream of the valve is higher than the pressure in the tank, which is typically the case during refueling. A storage system can contain multiple tanks, each of which can have its own refueling check valve.

[0007] During refueling, the pressure of the gas flowing in from the filling station typically lifts the valve out of its seat, allowing refueling to begin. After refueling, when the pressure before and after the check valve is equalized, the spring pushes the valve back into its seat, closing it.

[0008] During refueling, the gas flow path through the check valve typically leads through an opening in the partially hollow cylindrical piston. The gas flowing through the seat is thus first guided outwards around the valve, then deflected through openings into the center of the valve, and finally directed into the pressure vessel via a filling pipe.

[0009] For example, WO 2018 / 001542 A1 describes a tank valve with a check valve.

[0010] According to the prior art, the valve body is typically screwed axially to the valve seat. The high temperature fluctuations during operation, in conjunction with the elastic material of the valve seat, lead to plasticizing effects and a reduction in contact force. This can cause the screw connection between the valve body and the valve block to loosen and subsequently detach. Therefore, the prior art uses a liquid threadlocker during assembly. This hardens and prevents the thread from loosening during operation when the contact forces have decreased.

[0011] An industrially manufactured tank valve undergoes a final inspection. Not all tank valves pass this inspection. Therefore, it makes sense to dismantle the tank valves that fail and reuse the individual parts.

[0012] However, the glued valve housing of the check valve is difficult to disassemble and therefore cannot be reused economically.

[0013] Disclosure of the invention

[0014] The invention provides a tank valve device for a tank system with the features of claim 1 and / or a tank system for storing a fluidic fuel with the features of claim 10.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the invention, a tank valve device for a tank system is provided. The tank valve device comprises a base body, which has a refueling path for conveying a fluidic fuel, and a check valve device, which is arranged in the refueling path and has a valve housing. Furthermore, the tank valve device comprises a filler pipe, which is attached to the base body such that a portion of the filler pipe surrounds the valve housing at least partially in a circumferential direction. In addition, the tank valve device includes an anti-rotation device for preventing rotation of the valve housing relative to the filler pipe. The anti-rotation device is positively connected to the valve housing in the circumferential direction.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention, a tank system for storing a fluidic fuel, in particular for a gas-powered commercial vehicle, is provided. The tank system comprises a pressure vessel into which the fluidic fuel can be filled, and a tank valve device according to the first aspect of the invention, which is connected to or arranged on the pressure vessel.

[0017] One of the underlying ideas of the present invention is to provide a means that prevents rotational movement of the valve housing relative to the base body with respect to a rotational axis of the check valve assembly. For this purpose, the anti-rotation device is positively fitted onto the valve housing. This eliminates the need for thread-locking adhesives, which are commonly used in the prior art. The anti-rotation device according to the invention prevents the valve housing from rotating relative to the base body or valve block and thus prevents the valve housing from loosening.

[0018] A small amount of play in the circumferential direction has no negative effects. For example, an interface to the valve housing can be designed in such a way that the anti-rotation device remains attached to the valve housing against gravity.

[0019] Advantageously, reassembly of individual valve components, especially the check valve assembly, that have failed the test can be simplified.

[0020] Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims and in the description with reference to the figures in the drawing. According to a further development of the invention, the anti-rotation device is axially pushed onto an end region of the valve housing. In this way, simple and quick assembly of the anti-rotation device is possible. The end region can be positioned away from a valve seat of the check valve assembly with respect to the valve housing.

[0021] Preferably, the fluidic fuel is hydrogen. The refueling path is preferably arranged and designed as a filling path for refueling the tank system with a fluidic fuel.

[0022] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the anti-rotation device is arranged radially between the valve housing and the portion of the filler pipe that at least partially surrounds the valve housing. Thus, no additional axial or radial installation space is required compared to known tank valves. For example, the anti-rotation device can be designed as a ring.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the outer circumference of the valve housing is designed and shaped in such a non-rotationally symmetrical manner that the anti-rotation device forms a positive-locking connection in the circumferential direction by being axially pushed onto the outer circumference of the valve housing. In this way, a region of the valve housing can be used which also serves to transmit torque during the screwing of the valve housing into the base body.

[0024] The non-rotationally symmetric outer circumference can, for example, feature a polygonal profile, knurling, or a multi-tooth design. Furthermore, the polygonal profile, knurling, or multi-tooth design can have a constant shape in one axial direction of the valve body.

[0025] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the anti-rotation device has a non-rotationally symmetrical inner circumference that essentially corresponds to the outer circumference of the valve housing. This simplifies the mounting of the anti-rotation device on the valve housing. In particular, mounting can be carried out without tools. The outer circumference of the valve housing can, for example, have a hexagonal profile, and the inner circumference of the anti-rotation device can have a corresponding hexagonal profile.

[0026] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the anti-rotation device has a rotationally symmetrical inner circumference which, in the assembled state, essentially corresponds to the outer circumference of the valve housing through an elastic-plastic deformation of the anti-rotation device. In this way, the positive locking can be provided with virtually no play or no play at all. The outer circumference of the valve housing can, for example, have knurling or a multi-tooth profile, whereby the rotationally symmetrical inner circumference is plastically deformed when slid onto the valve housing, so that the positive locking connection can be formed in the circumferential direction.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the anti-rotation device is also positively connected to the filling tube in the circumferential direction. Thus, the filling tube can be removed from the base body or the anti-rotation device without leaving any residue, if necessary. In particular, the anti-rotation device can also be positively connected in the circumferential direction to the area that at least partially encloses the valve housing in one circumferential direction.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the invention, an inner wall of the filling tube has a non-rotationally symmetrical geometry, and the anti-rotation device has a rotationally symmetrical outer circumference which, in the assembled state, essentially corresponds to the inner wall of the filling tube through an elastic-plastic deformation of the anti-rotation device. In this way, the positive locking can be provided with virtually no play or no play at all.

[0029] The non-rotationally symmetrical geometry can deform the anti-rotation device during assembly. This non-rotationally symmetrical geometry can engage with the anti-rotation device and deform it. Advantageously, the assembly of the filler tube leads to an elastic-plastic deformation of the anti-rotation device. The non-rotationally symmetrical geometry can, for example, be designed as knurling or a multi-tooth pattern. Furthermore, the knurling or multi-tooth pattern can have a constant shape in the axial direction in the area of ​​the filler tube that at least partially surrounds the valve housing.

[0030] Optionally, the filler tube can be attached to the base body by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit connection. For example, the filler tube can be attached to the base body by means of a screw, with the screw being aligned in the axial direction of the valve housing.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the anti-rotation device is made of an elastically deformable material. For example, the anti-rotation device can be made of an elastically deformable plastic. The anti-rotation device can be made of a relatively soft material that allows for manual or automatic assembly of the filling tube, but has sufficient strength and / or temperature resistance to prevent rotation of the valve housing over its service life.

[0032] The above further developments can be combined with one another as appropriate. In particular, all features of the device are transferable to the associated method, and vice versa. Further possible embodiments, developments, and implementations of the invention also include combinations of features of the invention described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In particular, those skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

[0033] Drawings

[0034] The invention will now be explained with reference to the figures in the drawings. The figures show:

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a tank system for storing a fluidic fuel, in particular for a gas-powered commercial vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a check valve device and a filling tube in the assembled state according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Fig. 3 shows a schematic top view of the check valve assembly from Fig. 2 in the axial direction, with the anti-rotation device pushed on;

[0038] Fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of the anti-rotation device from Fig. 3 in the axial direction; and

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of a region of the filler tube from Fig. 2, which surrounds the valve housing at least partially in a circumferential direction of the valve housing.

[0040] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote identical or functionally equivalent components, unless otherwise stated.

[0041] The accompanying figures are intended to provide a further understanding of embodiments of the invention and serve, in conjunction with the description, to explain the principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the aforementioned advantages become apparent with regard to the drawings. The drawings are to be understood merely as schematic drawings, and the elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Directional terminology such as "above," "below," "left," "right," "over," "below," "horizontal," "vertical," "front," "back," and similar terms are used for explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the generality of the invention to specific embodiments as shown in the figures.

[0042] Description of the exemplary implementations

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a tank system 10 for storing a fluidic fuel, in particular for a gas-powered commercial vehicle, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0044] The tank system 10 is equipped with a pressure vessel 11 into which the fluidic fuel can be filled, and with a tank valve device 1 which is connected to or arranged on the pressure vessel 11.

[0045] The tank valve device 1 comprises a base body 2, a check valve device 4, a filling tube 6 and an anti-rotation device 8.

[0046] The base body 2 has a refueling path 3 for conveying a fluidic fuel. The check valve assembly 4 is arranged in the refueling path 3 and has a valve housing 5.

[0047] The filling tube 6 is attached to the base body 2 in such a way that a region 7 of the filling tube 6 surrounds the valve housing 5 at least partially in a circumferential direction of the valve housing 5.

[0048] The anti-rotation device 8 is designed to prevent rotation of the valve housing 5 relative to the filling tube 6. The anti-rotation device 8 is positively connected to the valve housing 5 in the circumferential direction. Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a check valve assembly 4 and a filling tube 6 in the assembled state according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0049] The check valve assembly 4 and the filler pipe 6 are exemplary representations of a tank valve assembly 1 for a tank system 10. The tank system 10 can, for example, have the features of the tank system 10 shown in Fig. 1.

[0050] The tank valve device comprises, by way of example, a base body 2, the check valve device 4, the filling pipe 6 and an anti-rotation device 8 to prevent rotation of the valve housing 5 relative to the filling pipe 6.

[0051] The base body 2 has a refueling path 3 for conveying a fluidic fuel. The check valve assembly 4 is arranged in the refueling path 3 and has a valve housing 5.

[0052] The filling tube 6 is attached to the base body 2 in such a way that a region 7 of the filling tube 6 surrounds the valve housing 5 at least partially in a circumferential direction of the valve housing 5.

[0053] The anti-rotation device 8 is positively connected to the valve housing 5 in the circumferential direction. For example, the anti-rotation device 8 can be designed as a ring. The anti-rotation device 8 can be axially pushed onto an end region of the valve housing 5. This end region can be located away from a valve seat 9 of the check valve assembly 4 with respect to the valve housing 5.

[0054] Furthermore, the anti-rotation device 8 can be arranged radially between the valve housing 5 and the section 7 of the filler pipe that at least partially encloses the valve housing 5. Thus, no additional axial or radial installation space is required compared to known tank valves. The anti-rotation device 8 can also be positively connected to the filler pipe 6 in the circumferential direction. This allows the filler pipe to be removed from the base body or the anti-rotation device without leaving any residue, if necessary. In particular, the anti-rotation device 8 can also be positively connected in the circumferential direction to the section that at least partially encloses the valve housing 5 in one circumferential direction. An inner wall 6i of the filler pipe 6 can have a non-rotationally symmetrical geometry.

[0055] The anti-rotation device 8 can have a rotationally symmetric outer circumference 8a, which, in the assembled state, essentially corresponds to the inner wall 6i of the filling tube through an elastic-plastic deformation of the anti-rotation device 8. In this way, the positive locking can be provided almost without play or without play. The non-rotationally symmetrical geometry can deform the anti-rotation device 8 during assembly. In this case, the non-rotationally symmetrical geometry can engage with the anti-rotation device and deform it. Advantageously, the assembly of the filling tube 6 leads to an elastic-plastic deformation of the anti-rotation device 8.

[0056] Optionally, the filling tube 6 can be attached to the base body 2 by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit connection. For example, the filling tube 6 can be attached to the base body 2 by means of a screw 12, wherein the screw 12 is aligned in an axial direction X of the valve housing 5.

[0057] For example, the anti-rotation device 8 can be made of an elastically deformable material. For example, the anti-rotation device 8 can be made of an elastically deformable plastic. The anti-rotation device 8 can be made of a relatively soft material that allows manual or automatic assembly of the filler tube 6, but has sufficient strength and / or temperature resistance to prevent rotation of the valve body over its service life. Fig. 3 shows a schematic top view of the check valve assembly 4 from Fig. 2 in the axial direction X, with the anti-rotation device 8 slid onto it. Fig. 4 shows a schematic top view of the anti-rotation device 8 from Fig. 3 in the axial direction X.

[0058] This example illustrates that an outer circumference 5a of the valve housing 5 can be designed and shaped in such a non-rotationally symmetrical manner that the anti-rotation device 8 forms a positive-locking connection in the circumferential direction by axially sliding onto the outer circumference 5a of the valve housing. In this way, a region of the valve housing 5 can be used which also serves to transmit torque during the screwing of the valve housing into the base body 2.

[0059] The non-rotationally symmetric outer circumference 5a can, for example, have a polygonal profile, knurling, or a multi-tooth design. Furthermore, the polygonal profile, knurling, or multi-tooth design can have a constant shape in the axial direction X of the valve housing.

[0060] Furthermore, the anti-rotation device 8 can have a non-rotationally symmetrical inner circumference 8i, which essentially corresponds to the outer circumference 5a of the valve housing. This simplifies the mounting of the anti-rotation device 8 on the valve housing 5. In particular, it allows the mounting to be carried out without tools. The outer circumference 5a of the valve housing can, for example, have a hexagonal profile, and the inner circumference 8i of the anti-rotation device can have a corresponding hexagonal profile.

[0061] Fig. 5 shows a schematic top view of a region 7 of the filler tube 6 from Fig. 2, which at least partially encloses the valve housing 5 in a circumferential direction of the valve housing.

[0062] The non-rotationally symmetrical geometry of the region 7 of the filling tube 6 can, as illustrated in Fig. 5, for example be designed as knurling or as a multi-tooth pattern. Furthermore, the knurling or multi-tooth pattern in the axial direction X can have a constant shape in the region 7 of the filling tube that at least partially encloses the valve housing. Although the present invention has been described above with reference to

[0063] Although the exemplary embodiments have been explained, they are not limited to these and can be modified in many ways. In particular, combinations of the preceding embodiments are also conceivable.

Claims

Claims 1. Tank valve device (1) for a tank system, comprising: a base body (2) which has a refueling path (3) for conveying a fluidic fuel; a check valve device (4) which is arranged in the refueling path (3) and has a valve housing (5); a filling pipe (6) which is attached to the base body (2) such that a region (7) of the filling pipe (6) surrounds the valve housing (5) at least partially in a circumferential direction of the valve housing (5); and an anti-rotation device (8) for preventing rotation of the valve housing (5) relative to the filling pipe (6), wherein the anti-rotation device (8) is positively connected to the valve housing (5) in the circumferential direction.

2. Tank valve device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the anti-rotation device (8) is axially pushed onto an end region of the valve housing (5).

3. Tank valve device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-rotation device (8) is arranged radially between the valve housing (5) and the area (7) of the filler pipe which at least partially surrounds the valve housing (5).

4. Tank valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an outer circumference (5a) of the valve housing (5) is such that it is not- The anti-rotation device (8) is designed and shaped in a rotationally symmetrical manner such that it forms a positive-locking connection in the circumferential direction by being axially pushed onto the outer circumference (5a) of the valve housing.

5. Tank valve device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the anti-rotation device (8) has a non-rotationally symmetric inner circumference (8i) which corresponds substantially to the outer circumference (5a) of the valve housing.

6. Tank valve device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the anti-rotation device (8) has a rotationally symmetrical inner circumference which, in the assembled state, corresponds substantially to the outer circumference (5a) of the valve housing by means of an elastic-plastic deformation of the anti-rotation device (8).

7. Tank valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-rotation device (8) is furthermore positively connected to the filling pipe (6) in the circumferential direction.

8. Tank valve device (1) according to claim 7, wherein an inner wall (6i) of the filling tube (6) has a non-rotationally symmetrical geometry, and wherein the anti-rotation device (8) has a rotationally symmetrical outer circumference (8a) which, in the assembled state, corresponds substantially to the inner wall (6i) of the filling tube by means of an elastic-plastic deformation of the anti-rotation device (8).

9. Tank valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-rotation device (8) is made of an elastically deformable material.

10. Tank system (10) for storing a fluidic fuel, in particular for a gas-powered commercial vehicle, with a pressure vessel (11) into which the fluidic fuel can be filled; and a tank valve device (1) according to one of the preceding Claims which are connected to or arranged on the pressure vessel (11).

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