Receiving coupling element for connecting a fluid supply line to a connection piece

Abstract

The invention relates to a receiving coupling element, in particular for a connection coupling, for connecting a fluid supply line to a connection piece (9). The receiving coupling element comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet (18) for connecting the receiving coupling element to the connection piece (9), a fluid channel (70) which connects the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet (18), a coupling device for locking the fluid outlet (18) to the connection piece (9), and an outlet valve (50), which is biased into a closed position, for interrupting a fluid flow through the fluid channel (70). The outlet valve (50) can be moved from the closed position into an open position by the fluid outlet (18) being placed onto the connection piece (9), wherein the coupling device has a sliding element (34) which can be shifted along a placement direction between a locking position locking the connection piece (9) and a release position releasing the connection piece (9). According to the invention, the coupling device also has a pressure-controlled safety device (60, 61, 63, 64) which is fluidically connected to the fluid channel (70) and is designed to block a movement of the outlet valve (50) from the closed position into the open position if the pressure in the fluid channel (70) upstream of the outlet valve (50) is higher than a first reference pressure. Thus it is easily ensured that the outlet valve remains closed as long as the pressure upstream of the outlet valve has not yet been reduced. The operating safety of the receiving coupling element is thereby increased.

Description

[0001] Mounting coupling element for connecting a

[0002] Fluid supply line with one connection nozzle

[0003]

[0001] The present invention relates to a receiving coupling element, in particular for a connecting coupling, for connecting a fluid supply line to a connecting nozzle.

[0004]

[0002] Couplings with a receiving coupling element for connection to a connection nozzle are used, for example, in so-called pressure refueling, where a closed system is created between a fluid reservoir and a tank by connecting the coupling to the tank's connection nozzle in a substantially fluid-tight manner. For this purpose, the coupling has a receiving coupling element into which the connection nozzle can be inserted to establish the connection. The fluid can then be introduced into the tank at relative overpressure without any fluid escaping into the environment at the interface between the coupling and the connection nozzle. Couplings of this type are used, for example, for dispensing compressed natural gas (CNG) or compressed hydrogen (H2).Furthermore, the couplings can be used for both liquids and liquefied gases, for example, for dispensing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG), or liquefied hydrogen (LH2). Especially for refueling motor vehicles, it is desirable that the couplings are easy and safe for the user to handle.

[0005]

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a receiving coupling element, in particular for a connecting coupling, which enables simple and safe fluid transfer. This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006]

[0004] Accordingly, the invention relates to a receiving coupling element, in particular for a connection coupling, for connecting a fluid supply line to a connection fitting. The receiving coupling element comprises a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet for connecting the receiving coupling element to the connection fitting, and a fluid channel that connects the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The receiving coupling element further comprises a coupling device for locking the fluid outlet to the connection fitting and an outlet valve pre-tensioned in a closed position for interrupting fluid flow through the fluid channel. The outlet valve can be moved from the closed position to an open position by placing the fluid outlet onto the connection fitting.The coupling device has a sliding element that is displaceable along an insertion direction between a locking position that locks the fluid outlet at the connection nozzle and a release position that releases the connection nozzle. According to the invention, the coupling device further has a pressure-controlled safety device that is fluidly connected to the fluid channel and is configured to block movement of the outlet valve from the closed position to the open position when the pressure in the fluid channel upstream of the outlet valve is higher than a first reference pressure.

[0007]

[0005] First, some terms used in this disclosure will be explained. The connection fitting can, in particular, be the connection fitting of a tank into which a fluid is to be introduced. For this purpose, the fluid outlet can be attached to the connection fitting. Preferably, a fluid-tight connection is established between the connection fitting and the fluid outlet. The fluid inlet can be designed for connection with the fluid supply line. The fluid supply line can, for example, be a hose through which the fluid is supplied. Alternatively, the receiving coupling element can be part of a connection coupling that has a main valve and an actuating device. The connection coupling can have a partial channel that opens into the inlet of the receiving coupling element, so that the partial channel and the fluid channel together form a main channel of the connection coupling.In this design, the coupling also includes a fluid connection to which the fluid supply line can be connected. The main valve is designed to control the fluid flow through the main channel. The actuating device is designed to actuate both the main valve and the coupling.

[0008]

[0006] The receiving coupling element can be designed, in particular, for the pressure filling of a tank. The fluids to be supplied can be, for example, LPG, LNG, CNG and / or H2. The coupling device serves to lock the fluid outlet at the connection nozzle in order to prevent unintentional disconnection after the connection has been made. The sliding element can, in particular, be formed by a sliding sleeve.

[0009]

[0007] When the fluid is pressurized upstream of the outlet valve during the connection between the receiving coupling element and the connection port, there is a risk that this pressure will be released suddenly when the outlet valve is moved into the open position upon being placed on the connection port. This sudden pressure release can be accompanied by large forces acting on the receiving coupling element, which can lead to damage and pose a danger to the user. The invention utilizes the pressure prevailing upstream of the outlet valve to block movement of the outlet valve from the closed position to the open position.The outlet valve can therefore only be opened by placing the fluid outlet onto the connection fitting once the pressure upstream of the outlet valve has been reduced and the safety device has released the movement of the outlet valve into the open position. This significantly increases operational safety in a simple and reliable manner.

[0010]

[0008] In one embodiment, the safety device comprises a locking element that is movable laterally relative to a displacement direction of a valve body of the outlet valve between a release position, in which movement of the outlet valve into the open position is permitted, and a locking position, in which movement of the outlet valve into the open position is blocked. The displacement direction can essentially correspond to the mounting direction along which the fluid outlet is mounted onto the connection fitting. The angle between the direction of movement of the locking element relative to the displacement direction can be greater than 45°, in particular greater than 70°. The locking element can, in particular, be movable radially or perpendicular to the displacement direction. In particular, the angle can therefore be essentially 90°.In this way, the blocking element can be easily moved into the path of movement of the valve body, which also regularly moves along the installation direction, in order to block it.

[0009] The safety device can be configured to convert the pressure in the fluid channel upstream of the outlet valve into a movement of the blocking element oriented laterally to the direction of displacement. It is possible that the safety device has a contact surface exposed to the pressure in the fluid channel, by which the pressure is converted into a force exerted directly or indirectly on the blocking element. The force can be configured to force the blocking element into the blocking position. In this case, the safety device can have at least one return element that forces the blocking element into the release position.The force generated by the attack surface and the at least one return element can be coordinated such that the locking element is moved into the release position when the pressure upstream of the outlet valve is below or equal to the reference pressure, and is moved into the locking position when the pressure upstream of the outlet valve exceeds the reference pressure.

[0011]

[0010] In one embodiment, the safety device has at least one return element configured to force the locking element into the locking position. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the safety device can have a retaining element configured to force the locking element into the release position. The retaining element can have at least one return element. In particular, the retaining element can have a contact surface that presses against a corresponding contact surface of the locking element to force the locking element into the release position. In this case, the safety device can have an attack surface exposed to the pressure in the fluid channel, by which the pressure is converted into a force exerted directly or indirectly on the retaining element, thus reducing the force exerted by the retaining element on the locking element.In this case, too, the forces generated by the return element, the retaining element, and the attack surface can be coordinated such that the blocking element is moved into the release position when the pressure upstream of the outlet valve is below or equal to the reference pressure, and is moved into the blocking position when the pressure upstream of the outlet valve exceeds the reference pressure.

[0012]

[0011] In one embodiment, the receiving coupling element can further include a pressure-controlled locking device designed to lock the sliding element in the release position when the pressure in the fluid channel upstream of the outlet valve is higher than a second reference pressure. By locking the sliding sleeve in the release position, it can no longer be moved. This is particularly advantageous when the receiving coupling element is part of a connecting coupling that has an actuating device coupled to the sliding sleeve. By locking the sliding sleeve, it can no longer be moved by the actuating device to establish a locking connection with the connecting nozzle. Since, with connecting couplings known from the prior art, the locking connection must first be established with the actuating device before the main valve can be opened (see, e.g.,WO 2021 / 009283 Al ), the aforementioned features can thus prevent the main valve, which can also be actuated by the actuating device, from opening as long as there is a pressure upstream of the outlet valve that exceeds the second reference pressure. The second reference pressure may be different from or the same as the first reference pressure.

[0013]

[0012] The idea described above of providing a pressure-controlled locking device configured to lock the sliding element in the release position when the pressure in the fluid channel upstream of the outlet valve is higher than a second reference pressure may possess independent inventive content. Therefore, in this case, it is particularly unnecessary for the receiving coupling element according to the invention described at the outset to have a pressure-controlled safety device that is fluidly connected to the fluid channel and configured to block movement of the outlet valve from the closed position to the open position when the pressure in the fluid channel upstream of the outlet valve is higher than a first reference pressure.

[0014]

[0013] The pressure-controlled locking device can alternatively or additionally be configured to lock the sliding element in the locking position when the pressure in the fluid channel upstream of the outlet valve is higher than a second reference pressure. Locking the sliding sleeve in the locking position has the advantage that the locking between the fluid outlet and the connection nozzle is maintained as long as there is still a pressure upstream of the outlet valve that exceeds the second reference pressure. This prevents any remaining high pressure from escaping suddenly when the receiving coupling element is detached from the connection nozzle.

[0015]

[0014] The locking device can have a locking element that is laterally movable relative to a displacement direction of the sliding element for locking the sliding element in the locking position and / or in the release position. This locking element is designed to engage in a first locking recess of the sliding element when the sliding element is in the release position, and to engage in a second locking recess of the sliding element when the sliding element is in the locking position. By providing two locking recesses in the sliding element, it can be locked in both different positions using the same locking element, thus significantly simplifying the design of the receiving coupling element. If the sliding element is designed as a sliding sleeve, the locking recesses can, in particular, be locking openings in the sliding sleeve.In one embodiment, the retaining element of the safety device may also form a locking element of the locking mechanism. This allows for a particularly compact design of the receiving coupling element.

[0016]

[0015] The locking element can be configured to interact with a gripping surface exposed to the pressure in the fluid channel, which is configured to convert the pressure in the fluid channel upstream of the outlet valve into a force exerted on the locking element in order to engage the locking element (preferably against a restoring force of a return element) with the first or second locking recess and thereby lock the sliding element in the release or locking position. The gripping surface can be formed directly on the locking element. It is also possible that the force converted by the gripping surface is transmitted to the locking element by one or more mediating elements.

[0016] The locking device can further comprise a return element configured to force the locking element into a release position.The return element can be located in a space between the central axis of the receiving coupling element and the first or second locking recess. The central axis can coincide with a central axis of the connecting piece when the receiving coupling element is connected to the connecting piece. Compared to a locking device known from US 2014 / 0264118 Al, positioning the return element between the central axis of the receiving coupling element and the first or second locking recess has the advantage that the locking device can be implemented in a particularly space-saving manner. In particular, the installation space on the side of the central axis opposite the return element remains free and can be used, for example, for the blocking element described above.The positioning of the return element described above in a space between the central axis and the first and / or second locking recess may have an independent inventive character, whereby it is sufficient if the locking device is configured either to lock the sliding element in the locking position or to lock the sliding element in the release position. In particular, for the realization of the invention, it is not necessary that the coupling device of the receiving coupling element has a pressure-controlled safety device which is fluidly connected to the fluid channel and configured to block movement of the outlet valve from the closed position to the open position when the pressure in the fluid channel upstream of the outlet valve is higher than a first reference pressure.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fluid channel is connected to the pressure-controlled locking device via a pressure transmission channel extending upstream from a downstream end face. Similarly, the fluid channel can be connected to the pressure-controlled safety device via a pressure transmission channel extending upstream from a downstream end face. The locking device and the safety device can be connected to the fluid channel via the same pressure transmission channel or via different pressure actuation channels. This reduces the problem of fluid turbulence in the fluid channel, which disrupts the flow of the fluid and is undesirable.The idea that the fluid channel is connected to the pressure-controlled locking device and / or the pressure-controlled safety device by a pressure transmission channel extending from a downstream end face in an upstream direction may possess independent inventive character. Therefore, in the case of the receiving coupling element according to the invention described above, it is particularly sufficient if the coupling device comprises either a pressure-controlled safety device or a pressure-controlled locking device. If the receiving coupling element comprises the pressure-controlled locking device, this device may be configured to lock the sliding element either in the locked position or in the released position.

[0017]

[0018] The invention further relates to a connection coupling comprising a receiving coupling element according to the invention. The receiving coupling element, in particular, forms the part of the connection coupling that can be connected to the connection port. The connection coupling further comprises a fluid port to which the fluid supply line can be connected, and a main channel extending from the fluid port via the inlet of the receiving coupling element to the outlet of the receiving coupling element. The connection coupling also includes a main valve positioned upstream of the outlet valve for controlling fluid flow through the main channel and an actuating device for actuating the coupling device and the main valve. The connection coupling can be further developed by additional features described above in connection with the receiving coupling element according to the invention.The actuating device can be configured, in particular, to cause a displacement of the sliding element in order to lock or unlock the outlet at the connection fitting. Furthermore, the actuating device can be designed such that actuation of the main valve, in particular opening of the main valve, is only possible after the locking mechanism has been established. This can be implemented in a generally known manner (see, e.g., WO 2021 / 009283 Al).

[0018]

[0019] The invention is explained below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0019] Fig. 1 : a three-dimensional side view of a connecting coupling according to the invention before making a connection with a connecting nozzle;

[0020] Fig. 2: a side view of the connecting coupling of the figure

[0021] 1 after making a connection with a connecting piece; Fig. 3: a side sectional view of the connecting coupling of Figure 1 before the connecting coupling is placed on the connecting piece;

[0022] Fig. 4: a side view of a [development] in the execution form of the

[0023] Figure 1 used groove curve ring;

[0024] Fig. 5: a lateral sectional view of the connecting coupling of Figure 1 along a different section plane compared to Figure 3;

[0025] Fig. 6: the view of Figure 3 after placing the coupling onto the connecting piece;

[0026] Fig. 7: the view of Figure 3 after the coupling has been placed on the connecting nozzle and after the main valve has been actuated;

[0027] Fig. 8: a lateral sectional view of the coupling of figure 1 along a section plane different from that of figures 3 and 5 in a first state;

[0028] Fig. 9: an enlarged section of figure 8;

[0029] Fig. 10: a cross-sectional view along a plane passing through line BB shown in Figure 9;

[0030] Fig. 11: a lateral sectional view of the coupling of figure 1 along a different section plane compared to figures 3 and 5 in a second state;

[0031] Fig. 12: an enlarged section from Figure 11; Fig. 13: the section shown in Figure 9 in a different format

[0032] Condition of the receiving coupling element;

[0033] Fig. 14: the section shown in Figure 12 in a different state of the receiving coupling element;

[0034] Fig. 15 : a schematic representation of a safety device according to an alternative embodiment of a receiving coupling element according to the invention .

[0035]

[0020] Figure 1 shows a connection coupling 10 according to the invention in a three-dimensional side view before a connection is made with a connection nozzle 9. The connection coupling is designed for the dispensing of compressed hydrogen. The connection coupling comprises a housing with a rear housing part 11 and a front housing part 14. Inside the front housing part 14 is a receiving coupling element according to the invention with a fluid outlet 18, which can be placed onto the connection nozzle 9 along a mounting direction that corresponds to the axial direction of the connection nozzle 9. The connection coupling can thus be connected to the connection nozzle 9 by inserting the connection nozzle 9 into a receptacle of the fluid outlet 18 along its axial direction.

[0036]

[0021] The coupling further comprises an actuating device 40 with a grip element 41. The grip element 41 surrounds an outer section of the housing 10 and is rotatable relative to the housing 10. An axis of rotation of the grip element 41 is located along the axial direction of the fluid outlet.

[0037] 18. A user can grasp the handle element 41 with one hand and thus easily attach it to the connection fitting 9. By rotating the handle element 41, the user can then actuate a coupling device 30 and a main valve of the connection coupling, which is explained in detail below. Since one axis of rotation of the handle element corresponds to the direction along which the connection coupling is placed on the connection fitting, no tilting moments occur when actuating the actuating device 40 relative to the axial extension of the connection fitting 9, thus facilitating operation.

[0038]

[0022] Figure 2 shows a side view of the connecting coupling of Figure 1 after the connecting coupling has been placed on the connecting nozzle 9. During placement, a front end of the connecting nozzle 9 was inserted into a receptacle of the fluid outlet 18. This process is explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 3 and 4.

[0039]

[0023] Figure 3 shows a side sectional view of the coupling assembly of Figure 1 before a connection is made with the connecting nozzle 9. In this view, a fluid connection 17 located on the rear housing part 11 is visible, to which a fluid supply line can be connected. The receiving coupling element according to the invention is located in the front housing part 14. A partial channel 19 extends through the rear housing part 11 from the fluid connection 17 to a main valve 20. Downstream of the main valve 20, the partial channel 19 transitions via an inlet of the receiving coupling element into a fluid channel 70 (see also Figure 5). The fluid channel 70 extends from the inlet of the receiving coupling element to the fluid outlet 18. Together, the partial channel 19 and the fluid channel 70 form a main channel of the coupling assembly. The flow of fluid through the coupling assembly can be controlled by means of the main valve 20.

[0040]

[0024] Inside the receiving coupling element is an outlet valve 50 with a valve body 53, which is connected to an upstream-pointing valve stem 54. The valve body 53 also has a downstream-pointing tubular extension 52, through which the medium is passed when the outlet valve 50 is open. The valve body 53 is pressed against a valve seat by a return element 51. In the state shown in Figure 3, the outlet valve 50 is in a closed position in which the valve body 53 seals against the valve seat. The main valve 20 is also in a closed position in which a main valve body 21 seals against a main valve seat 22. The main valve body 21 is forced into the closed position by a closing spring 24. A downstream-pointing valve stem 25 is also connected to the main valve body 21.

[0041]

[0025] In the view of Figure 3, it can also be seen that the actuating device 40, in addition to the handle element 41, comprises a grooved cam ring 42 which is rotationally fixed to the handle element 41. The grooved cam ring 42 has a first groove 45 and a second groove 46, which are visible as openings in the sectional view of Figure 3. Figure 4 shows a side view of the grooved cam ring 42, in which the grooves 45 and 46 are more clearly visible. A first actuating pin 43 engages in the first groove 45, and a second actuating pin 44 engages in the second groove 46. Each of the groove curves 45 , 46 has a corresponding groove curve on a side of the groove curve ring 42 opposite the axis of rotation, which is mirror-symmetrical with respect to the axis of rotation.The actuating pin 44 extends through the interior of the housing 10 and engages with its ends in the groove 46 and the opposite corresponding groove. The actuating pin 43 engages only in the groove 45, with a corresponding actuating pin 43' opposite it on the axis of rotation, which engages in the corresponding groove. When the handle element is rotated, the actuating pins 44, 43, 43' are moved sequentially (i.e., offset from each other in time) along the axis of rotation to actuate the clutch assembly 30 and the main valve 20 successively.

[0042]

[0026] Starting from the position shown in Figure 3, the actuating pin 44 is moved upstream relative to the housing of the connecting coupling by actuating the handle element 41, thereby causing a corresponding displacement of the associated valve piston 25. The main valve body 21 is thereby lifted out of the main valve seat 22 and the main valve 20 is opened.

[0043]

[0027] The coupling device 30 is located at a downstream end (relative to the fluid flow) of the housing 10 and comprises a sliding sleeve 34, four spherically shaped locking elements 31, and a locking member 32, which is biased downstream by a return element 35. The sliding sleeve 34 is also forced downstream by a return element 33. In the state shown in Figure 3, the locking elements 31 are located in recesses formed within a front coupling body part 15a. The locking elements 31 also engage in a recess of the sliding sleeve 34, with at least some of the locking elements 31 being prevented from moving radially inward by the locking member 32. In this way, the locking elements 31 prevent downstream movement of the sliding sleeve 34.

[0044]

[0028] The actuating pins 43, 43' engage with an upstream end region of the sliding sleeve 34. When the handle element 41 is actuated, the actuating pins 43, 43' are displaced downstream from the position shown in Figure 3, thereby displacing the sliding sleeve 34 downstream accordingly. This is explained in more detail in conjunction with Figure 6.

[0045]

[0029] Figure 5 shows a side sectional view of the connecting coupling of Figure 1 before a connection is made with the connecting nozzle 9 along a section plane that is tilted by 90° relative to the section plane of Figure 3. In this sectional view, it can be seen that the partial channel 19 transitions into the fluid channel 70 downstream of the main valve 20. It can also be seen that the fluid channel 70 extends through a coupling body part 15b and the coupling body part 15a of the receiving coupling element to the fluid outlet 18. The fluid channel 70 has a total of six separate partial fluid channels, two of which are visible in Figure 5. The six partial fluid channels 70 are visible in the sectional view of Figure 10. The six partial fluid channels open into an annular space 70' upstream of the valve body 53 of the outlet valve 50.

[0046]

[0030] Figure 6 shows a side sectional view of the connecting coupling of Figure 1 after a connection has been made with the connecting nozzle 9 along the section plane already shown in Figure 3. When the fluid outlet 18 is placed on the connecting nozzle 9, the downstream end of the pipe extension 52 engages sealingly in a receptacle of the connecting nozzle 9 and comes to rest against a stop formed in the receptacle. With further movement of the connecting coupling towards the connecting nozzle 9, the pipe extension

[0047] 52 together with the locking element 32 is moved upstream relative to the housing part 15. This causes the valve body to move.

[0048] The valve 53 is lifted from its sealing seat, thereby moving the outlet valve 50 into an open position. On the other hand, the displacement of the locking element 32 allows the locking elements 31 to move radially inwards, thus enabling a downstream movement of the sliding sleeve 34. In a region between the outlet valve 50 and the main valve 20, the receiving coupling element has a pressure-controlled safety device 60, which is designed to block movement of the outlet valve 50 from the closed position to the open position if the pressure upstream of the outlet valve 50 is greater than a reference pressure. The operation of the safety device 60 is explained in more detail in conjunction with Figures 8 to 14. In the following description of Figures 6 and 7, it is assumed that the pressure upstream of the outlet valve does not exceed the reference pressure.

[0049]

[0031] After the fluid outlet 18 is placed on the connection stub 9, the handle element 41 can be actuated (rotated about its axis of rotation) so that the actuating pins 43, 43' are moved axially downstream into the locking position shown in Figure 6 due to the interaction with the groove 45 together with the sliding sleeve 34. Since the sliding sleeve 34 is biased downstream by the return element 33, the movement of the sliding sleeve 34 is assisted or can even occur automatically after the fluid outlet 18 is placed on the connection stub 9. In the latter case, this disclosure refers to the coupling device being actuated by the actuating device.

[0050]

[0032] During rotation of the handle element 41 and the grooved cam ring 42 connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner, the actuating pins 43, 43' run along the grooved cam 45. Figure 6 shows that the position of the actuating pin 44 has not changed as a result of the process of placing it on the connection fitting 9 (compared to the position shown in Figure 3). The main valve 20 is therefore still in a closed position. The grooved cams 45, 46 are designed such that when the handle element 41 is rotated from an initial position in which the main valve is closed and the connection fitting is disconnected from the fluid outlet 18, to an end position in which the main valve is open and the connection fitting is locked to the fluid outlet 18, a locking mechanism is engaged first, and only then is the main valve opened.Starting from the state shown in Figure 6, a further rotation of the handle element 41 leads to the opening of the main valve 20. This is illustrated in Figure 7.

[0051]

[0033] Figure 7 shows a side sectional view of the connection coupling of Figure 1 after a connection has been made with the connection nozzle 9 and after the main valve 20 has been opened. In particular, it can be seen that the actuating pin 44, together with the valve stem 25 and the main valve body 21, has been displaced to the left compared to the state shown in Figure 6, thereby lifting the main valve body 21 out of the main valve seat 22. The fluid supplied under pressure via the fluid connection 17 can now be introduced, for example, into a tank via the connection nozzle 9.

[0052]

[0034] Figure 8 shows a side sectional view of the connecting coupling of Figure 1 along a different section plane compared to Figures 3 and 5. In Figure 8, the connecting coupling is in the state of Figures 3 and 4. The fluid outlet 18 has therefore not yet been placed on the connecting nozzle 9, and the main valve 20 and the outlet valve 50 are closed. In addition, an area between the main valve 20 and the outlet valve 50 is vented by a venting device that is generally known from the prior art and not described in detail here, so that the pressure in this area is lower than a reference pressure. In Figure 8, the safety device 60 is shown in the area A marked by a dashed rectangle.

[0053]

[0035] Figure 9 shows an enlarged view of area A marked in Figure 8. It can be seen that the safety device 60 comprises a locking element 61, which is inserted into a radially oriented bore located in the coupling body part 15b, is movable in the radial direction, and is biased radially inwards (upwards in Figure 9) into a locking position by a return element 64.

[0054] 60 further comprises a retaining element 62, which is also inserted into a radially oriented bore and is movable in the radial direction. The bores into which the locking element 61 and the retaining element 62 are inserted are opposite each other with respect to a central axis of the coupling body part (which runs along the installation direction). The retaining element 62 is forced radially inward by a return element 63. In the state shown in Figure 8, the locking element 61 rests with a contact surface against a corresponding contact surface of the retaining element 62. The return element 63 has a greater return force than the return element 64, so that in the state shown in Figure 9, the locking element 61 is pressed downward by the retaining element and held in the release position.

[0055]

[0036] Figures 8 and 9 further show that a valve stem chamber 71 extends from a downstream end face 80 of the annular space 70' towards the safety device 60. The valve stem chamber 71 is essentially occupied by the valve stem 54 and the return element 51 surrounding it. However, pressure equalization from the annular space 70' to the safety device 60 takes place via the valve stem chamber 71. In particular, a gripping surface 73 is exposed to the pressure that develops in the annular space (i.e., between the outlet valve 50 and the main valve 20) and in the valve stem chamber 71. In the state shown in Figures 8 and 9, this pressure is lower than the reference pressure. The valve stem chamber 71 forms a pressure transmission channel as described in the present disclosure.By extending the valve stem chamber in an upstream direction from the downstream facing end face 80, turbulence and pressure fluctuations in the fluid channel are reduced.

[0056]

[0037] Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the safety device 60 along a plane that passes through line BB shown in Figure 9 and is oriented perpendicular to the central axis or to the mounting direction of the receiving coupling element. In this view, it can be seen that the valve stem 54 of the outlet valve 50 has two webs 54a, 54b which, in the state shown in Figures 8 to 10, are movable laterally along the central axis past the locking element 61 and the retaining element 62. When the fluid outlet 18 is placed on the connection fitting 9, the valve body 53 can therefore be lifted out of the valve seat together with the valve stem 54 and moved upstream, whereby the webs 54a, 54b are moved laterally past the locking element 61 and the retaining element 62.

[0057]

[0038] Figure 11 shows a side cross-sectional view of Figure 8 after the fluid outlet 18 has been placed on the connection nozzle 9. Figure 12 shows the area A marked in Figure 11 in an enlarged view. The outlet valve body 53 could be moved into the open position because the webs 52a, 52b were moved laterally past the locking element 61 and the retaining element 62.

[0058]

[0039] Starting from the state shown in Figure 8, a pressure increase can occur between the main valve 20 and the outlet valve 50, for example, if there is a malfunction of the main valve or the venting device (not shown). This can cause the pressure in the annular space 70' and in the pressure transmission channel 71 to exceed the reference pressure. This pressure acts on the gripping surface 73, causing the retaining element 62 to be pushed radially outwards against the force of the return element 63. The force exerted by the retaining element 62 on the locking element 61 is thereby eliminated, so that the locking element 61 is moved radially inwards into a locking position by the return element 64. In this case, the pressure change in the pressure transmission channel 71 thus indirectly leads to a force exerted on the locking element.The locking element 61 itself is pressure-balanced, or at least pressure-balanced to such an extent that a force acting directly on the locking element 61, resulting from a pressure change in the pressure transmission channel 71, does not prevent the movement of the locking element 61 into the locking position. "Completely balanced" here means that a pressure change in the pressure transmission channel 71 does not cause a force acting directly on the locking element 61. This can be achieved, for example, by a pressure equalization channel (not shown in the figures) that leads from the pressure transmission channel 71 to a contact surface of the locking element 61. The result is illustrated in Figure 13, which shows an enlarged view of area A after a pressure increase has occurred, starting from the state shown in Figure 8. It can be seen that a downstream facing side surface 67 of the blocking element 61 abuts a shoulder 68 of the valve stem 54.This blocks any upstream movement of the valve stem 54, preventing the outlet valve 50 from opening and the fluid outlet 18 from being, or at least not fully, seated on the connection port 9. This prevents a sudden, potentially dangerous release of pressure in the fluid channel 70 between the main valve 20 and the outlet valve 50, thus increasing operational safety.

[0059]

[0040] Figures 9, 12 and 13 further show that the sliding sleeve 34 has two locking openings 65, 66, with an upper end of the retaining element 62 designed to engage in the locking openings 65, 66. The first locking opening 65 is positioned such that it is aligned with the upper end of the retaining element 62 when the sliding sleeve is in the release position (see Figures 8, 9 and 13). Thus, when the sliding sleeve 34 is in the release position and simultaneously a pressure arises in the fluid channel 70 that exceeds the reference pressure, the sliding sleeve 34 is locked in the release position by the engagement of the upper end of the retaining element 62. The retaining element 62 can thus be regarded simultaneously as a locking element within the meaning of the present disclosure and together with the return element 63 forms a pressure-controlled locking device within the meaning of the present disclosure.The idea of ​​using the retaining element 62 of the safety device 60 simultaneously as the locking element of the locking device is particularly advantageous, as this allows for a very compact design. Locking the sliding element 34 prevents the handle element 41 from being actuated, thus also preventing actuation of the main valve 20. This provides additional safety in the event of a malfunction.

[0060]

[0041] If, however, starting from the state shown in Figures 11 and 12 (i.e., after successful locking of the fluid outlet at the connection nozzle 9), the main valve 20 is opened by actuating the grip element 41, the pressure in the fluid channel 70 increases due to the subsequent flow of the pressurized fluid. This pressure increase is transmitted via the pressure transmission channel 71 to the grip surface 73. This causes the retaining element (locking element) 62 to engage with the second locking opening 66 against the restoring force of the return element 63, thereby locking the sliding sleeve 34 (see Figure 14). This prevents the sliding sleeve 34 from being moved from the locking position to the release position as long as the pressure in the fluid channel 70 between the outlet valve 50 and the main valve 20 has not been reduced below the reference pressure.

[0061]

[0042] In the state shown in Figure 14, the locking element (retaining element) 62 is lifted off the blocking element 14. However, in this state, the blocking element 61 is not moved into the blocking position by the return element 64, since it has a radially inwardly facing surface on the valve stem.

[0062] 54 is attached.

[0063]

[0043] Even though, in the present exemplary embodiment, the safety device 60 and the locking device are implemented in an integrated form, in which some elements are attributable to both the safety device 60 and the locking device, it is evident to the person skilled in the art from the present description that the safety device can also be implemented separately from the locking device in an alternative embodiment. In particular, it is not necessarily required that the retaining element 62 be designed to engage the locking openings 65, 66. It is also conceivable that a locking element 62 separate from the safety device 60 is provided, which can fulfill the functions described above in the same way.

[0064]

[0044] Figure 15 shows a schematic safety device 60 that can be used in an alternative embodiment of a receiving coupling element according to the invention. In this embodiment, the return element 64 is designed to move the locking element 61 radially outwards into the release position. In addition, the pressure transmission channel 71 extends to a radially outer grip surface 69 of the locking element 61, wherein the pressure transmission channel 71 is sealed by a sealing element 74 from radially inner surfaces of the locking element 61. When the pressure in the fluid channel 70 increases, the locking element 61 is moved into a locking position due to the pressure exerted on the grip surface 69 via the pressure transmission channel 71, in which the movement of the valve stem 54 is blocked.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Receiving coupling element, in particular for a connection coupling, for connecting a fluid supply line to a connection nozzle (9), comprising: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet (18) for connecting the receiving coupling element to the connection nozzle (9); a fluid channel (70) connecting the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet (18); a coupling device for locking the fluid outlet (18) to the connection nozzle (9); and an outlet valve (50) biased into a closed position for interrupting fluid flow through the fluid channel (70), wherein the outlet valve (50) can be moved from the closed position to an open position by placing the fluid outlet (18) onto the connection nozzle (9), the coupling device comprising a sliding element (34).which is displaceable along an installation direction between a locking position locking the fluid outlet (18) at the connection nozzle (9) and a release position releasing the connection nozzle (9), characterized in that the coupling device further comprises a pressure-controlled safety device (60) which is fluidly connected to the fluid channel (70) and is designed to block movement of the outlet valve (50) from the closed position to the open position when the pressure in the fluid channel (70) upstream of the outlet valve (50) is higher than a first reference pressure.

2. Receiving coupling element according to claim 1, wherein the safety device comprises a blocking element (61) which is movable laterally to a displacement direction of a valve body (53) of the outlet valve (50) between a release position in which movement of the outlet valve (50) into the opening position is permitted and a blocking position in which movement of the outlet valve (50) into the opening position is blocked.

3. Receiving coupling element according to claim 2, wherein an angle between a direction of movement of the locking element (61) relative to the direction of displacement of the valve body (53) is greater than 45°.

4. Receiving coupling element according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the safety device (60) is designed to convert the pressure in the fluid channel (70) upstream of the outlet valve (50) into a movement of the blocking element (61) oriented laterally to the direction of displacement.

5. Receiving coupling element according to claims 2 to 4, wherein the safety device (60) has at least one return element (64) configured to force the locking element (61) into the locking position, wherein the safety device (60) has a retaining element (62) configured to force the locking element (61) into the release position by pressing a contact surface of the retaining element (62) against a corresponding contact surface of the locking element (61), wherein the safety device has an actuation surface (73) exposed to the pressure in the fluid channel (70), by which the pressure is converted into a force exerted on the retaining element (62), so that a force is exerted by the retaining element (62) The force exerted on the blocking element (61) via the contact surfaces is reduced.

6. Receiving coupling element according to one of claims 1 to 5, comprising a pressure-controlled locking device (62, 63, 65, 66) configured to lock the sliding element (34) in the release position when the pressure in the fluid channel (70) upstream of the outlet valve (50) is higher than a second reference pressure.

7. Receiving coupling element according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the safety device (60) has at least one return element (64) configured to force the locking element (61) into the locking position, wherein the safety device (60) has a retaining element (62) configured to force the locking element (61) into the release position by pressing a contact surface of the retaining element (62) against a corresponding contact surface of the locking element (61), wherein the safety device has an actuation surface (73) exposed to the pressure in the fluid channel (70), by which the pressure is converted into a force exerted on the retaining element (62), so that a force exerted by the retaining element (62) on the locking element (61) via the contact surfaces is reduced, wherein the receiving coupling element further comprises a pressure-controlled locking device (62, 63, 65, 66). who is trained toto lock the sliding element (34) in the release position when the pressure in the fluid channel (70) upstream of the outlet valve (50) is higher than a second reference pressure, wherein the retaining element of the safety device forms a locking element of the locking device.

8. Receiving coupling element according to claim 6, wherein the pressure-controlled locking device (62, 63, 65, 66) is further configured to lock the sliding element (34) in the locking position when the pressure in the fluid channel (70) upstream of the outlet valve (50) is higher than a second reference pressure, wherein the retaining element of the safety device preferably forms a locking element of the locking device.

9. Receiving coupling element according to claim 8, wherein the pressure-controlled locking device (62, 63, 65, 66) has a locking element (62) that is movable laterally to a displacement direction of the sliding element (34), which is designed to engage in a first locking recess (65) of the sliding element (34) when the sliding element (34) is in the release position, and which is designed to engage in a second locking recess (66) of the sliding element (34) when the sliding element (34) is in the locking position.

10. Receiving coupling element according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the locking device (62, 63, 65, 66) further comprises a return element (63) which is configured to force the locking element (60) into a release position, wherein the return element (63) is preferably located in a space between a central axis of the receiving coupling element and the first or second locking recess (65, 66).

11. Receiving coupling element according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fluid channel (70) is connected to the pressure-controlled safety device (60) by a pressure transmission channel (71) extending from a flow- downward-pointing end face extends in an upstream direction.

12. Receiving coupling element according to one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the fluid channel (70) is connected to the pressure-controlled locking device (62, 63, 65, 66) and / or to the pressure-controlled safety device (60) by a pressure transmission channel (71) extending from a downstream facing end face in an upstream direction.

13. Connection coupling comprising: a receiving coupling element according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a fluid connection (17) , to which the fluid supply line can be connected; a main channel (19, 70) extending from the fluid connection (17) via the inlet to the fluid outlet (18), a main valve (20) positioned upstream of the outlet valve (50) for controlling fluid flow through the main channel (19, 70) and an actuating device (40) for actuating the coupling device and the main valve (20) .

14. Connection coupling according to claim 13, wherein the actuating device is configured to cause a displacement of the sliding element (34) in order to open the fluid outlet (18) to lock or unlock at the connection fitting (9).

15. Connection coupling according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the actuating device (40) is configured to, starting from an initial position in which the main valve (20) is closed and the fluid outlet (9) is detached from the connection fitting (9), first engage the coupling device to lock the fluid outlet (18) on the connection fitting (9). perform and then actuate the main valve (20) to open the main valve (20).

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