Check valve for a tank valve, and tank valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a check valve (1) for a tank valve, comprising a valve housing (2) and a closure element (3) which is accommodated in the valve housing so as to be capable of reciprocating motion and which is biased towards a valve seat (4) by the spring force of a spring (5), wherein the spring is accommodated in a spring chamber (6) formed in a stop element (7) for limiting the reciprocating motion of the closure element, the spring chamber being closable by the closure element, and wherein the stop element forms at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel (8) in the form of an opening, a groove and / or a ground-away portion, through which a main flow path (9) of the check valve extends. The invention also relates to a tank valve comprising a check valve according to the invention.

Description

[0001] R.417056

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] Description

[0004] Check valve for a tank valve and tank valve

[0005] The invention relates to a check valve for a tank valve and to a tank valve with a check valve according to the invention. The tank valve can be used, for example, to fill a fuel gas tank with fuel gas and to withdraw fuel gas from the fuel gas tank. The fuel gas can be, in particular, hydrogen or natural gas.

[0006] The preferred application area of ​​the invention is mobile tank systems for vehicles powered by fuel gas, for example hydrogen or natural gas.

[0007] State of the art

[0008] A tank valve for a fuel gas tank typically consists of a base body with a threaded "neck" and sealing rings, allowing the valve to be screwed into the threaded connection of the fuel gas tank. The base body also features a connection for filling and venting the fuel gas tank. This connection is divided within the base body into a filling path and a venting path. Furthermore, the base body usually integrates various valves with shut-off and / or control functions, as well as at least one sensor, particularly a temperature sensor.

[0009] The various valves of a tank valve typically include a check valve integrated into the refueling path with a closing element that is acted upon by the spring force of a spring towards a valve seat. During refueling, the closing element is lifted out of the valve seat by the pressure of the incoming fuel gas against the spring force of the spring, thus opening the refueling path. After refueling, when the pressure before and after the R.417056

[0010] - 2 -

[0011] Once the check valve is balanced, the closing element is returned to the valve seat by the spring. In the closed position, the check valve must be airtight to prevent fuel gas from escaping the fuel tank. If the pressure in the fuel tank is higher than the pressure upstream of the check valve in the refueling direction, the valve seals reliably because, in addition to the spring force, a pneumatic force acts on the closing element.

[0012] During refueling, large mass flows of fuel gas are typically directed through the check valve. These can cause the spring to vibrate, which puts stress on it, potentially leading to strength and / or wear problems. If the check valve fails as a result, fuel gas can escape from the fuel tank, posing a safety hazard.

[0013] The present invention is therefore concerned with the objective of providing a check valve for a tank valve whose spring is less strongly excited to vibrations during operation, so that the service life of the check valve increases.

[0014] To solve the problem, a check valve with the features of claim 1 is proposed. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims. Furthermore, a tank valve with a check valve according to the invention is described.

[0015] Disclosure of the invention

[0016] A check valve for a tank valve is proposed, comprising a valve housing, a closing element movably mounted in the valve housing, which is acted upon by the spring force of a spring in the direction of a valve seat, wherein the spring is mounted in a spring chamber formed in a stop element to limit the stroke movement of the closing element and which can be closed by the closing element, and wherein the stop element forms at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel in the form of an opening, a groove and / or a chamfer, over which a main flow path of the check valve leads.

[0017] In the proposed check valve, the spring is housed in a spring chamber which, in the open position of the valve, is closed by the closing element R.417056

[0018] - 3 -

[0019] is closed. This means that in the open position, the spring housed in the spring chamber is optimally protected from the incoming mass flow of combustion gas. Because the at least one flow channel formed by the stop element is arranged eccentrically, the main flow path leads radially outside the closing element and the spring chamber.

[0020] Preferably, the stop element forms several flow channels arranged eccentrically and at equal angular intervals, so that the closing element is uniformly surrounded by flow and / or the stop element is uniformly exposed to flow. This leads to a uniform distribution of flow forces and thus to a reduced load on the valve elements surrounded and / or exposed to flow, further increasing the service life of the check valve.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the stop element forms a sealing seat for the closing element. The closing element can be brought into a sealing contact with the stop element via this sealing seat, so that the spring chamber is tightly closed when the valve is fully open. Any fuel gas already present in the spring chamber is then trapped within the spring chamber along with the spring. The sealing seat is preferably arranged coaxially with respect to the valve seat, so that the stroke of the closing element brings it into a sealing contact with the sealing seat. Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that the sealing seat be designed as a flat seat or a cone. Depending on the shape of the closing element, a linear sealing contour can thus be formed, enabling high sealing forces.

[0022] The locking element is preferably spherical. This is particularly true if the sealing seat is designed as a flat seat or cone. The sealing seat then allows for self-centering of the spherical locking element with respect to the sealing seat. Furthermore, this results in the formation of an advantageous linear sealing contour between the locking element and the sealing seat.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, it is proposed that the stop element has a central opening through which the spring chamber is connected to the main flow path. The opening allows pressure equalization in the spring chamber when it is closed by the closing element. Gases generally exhibit R.417056

[0024] - 4 -

[0025] The spring exhibits a certain degree of compressibility, so pressure equalization is not strictly necessary. However, the possibility of pressure equalization is still advantageous, as it prevents the combustion gas in the spring chamber from becoming trapped and allows it to be exchanged over time. The opening for pressure equalization is preferably designed as a throttle. Pressure equalization then occurs at a throttled rate.

[0026] Preferably, the stop element is inserted into the valve housing, preferably pressed or screwed in. This allows for easy installation and secure positioning relative to the valve housing. Positional locking can be achieved, in particular, via a press or screw connection.

[0027] Advantageously, the stop element is cone- or cup-shaped and features a circumferential flange section in which at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel is formed. In this way, the stop element can be manufactured as a sheet metal or injection-molded part, saving material and costs. The circumferential flange section then secures the stop element in position within the valve housing. If the at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel is designed as an opening, the flange section can have a completely closed cylindrical outer contour. If the at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel is designed as a groove and / or chamfer, the cylindrical outer contour of the flange section is interrupted by the at least one flow channel.

[0028] Alternatively, it is proposed that the stop element be designed as a sleeve and have a section with a press fit or external thread in which the at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel is formed. In this case, the at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel is designed as a groove and / or chamfer, so that the at least one flow channel interrupts the press fit or external thread.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that the valve seat be conical. This is particularly advantageous if the closing element is spherical, because then the valve seat and the closing element together form a linear sealing contour that enables a high sealing force. Furthermore, the conical valve seat allows for [R.417056].

[0030] - 5 -

[0031] Self-centering of the closing element with respect to the valve seat is achieved when the check valve is closed.

[0032] Preferably, the valve seat is formed by a separate seat element. This separate seat element facilitates the installation of the check valve. Preferably, the separate seat element is axially attached to the valve housing. When the check valve is inserted into a bore of a tank valve body with the seat element leading, the seat element can be pressed against a shoulder within the bore by the valve housing and thus secured within the bore.

[0033] Furthermore, a tank valve for a fuel gas tank, particularly a hydrogen tank, is proposed. The proposed tank valve includes a check valve according to the invention. The advantages of the check valve according to the invention are particularly evident when used in a tank valve, as the increased service life of the check valve enhances the operational safety of the tank valve. Preferably, the check valve is inserted into a bore in a base body of the tank valve, in particular by screwing or pressing it in. The check valve can thus be easily installed. Preferably, a refueling path leads through the bore accommodating the check valve. The check valve thus secures the refueling path. This means that during refueling, it opens under pressure control against the spring force and, after refueling, is held closed by the spring force and the pressure in the fuel gas tank.

[0034] Brief description of the drawings

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0036] Fig. 1 shows a longitudinal section through a first preferred embodiment of a check valve according to the invention in the open position,

[0037] Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section through the check valve of Figure 1 in the closed position,

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal section through a second preferred embodiment of a check valve according to the invention in the open position, R.417056

[0039] - 6 -

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a third preferred embodiment of a check valve according to the invention in the open position and

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a tank valve with a check valve according to the invention.

[0042] Detailed description of the drawings

[0043] Figures 1 and 2 show a first preferred embodiment of a check valve 1 according to the invention for a tank valve 10. Figure 1 shows the check valve 1 in an open position, Figure 2 in a closed position. The illustrated check valve 1 comprises a valve housing 2 in which a spherical closing element 3 is movably mounted. The closing element 3 is subjected to the spring force of a spring 5 in the direction of a valve seat 4. This means that the spring force of the spring 5 presses the closing element 3 into the valve seat 4. The valve seat 4 is formed in this case by a separate seat element 15, which is axially attached to the valve housing 2. The spring 5 is received in a spring chamber 6, which is formed in a stop element 7 to limit the stroke of the closing element 3. The stop element 7 is, in this case, cap-shaped.The valve body is cup-shaped and features a circumferential flanged section 13, which holds the stop element 7 in the valve housing 2. Furthermore, the flanged section 13 forms at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel 8, through which a main flow path 9 passes. The main flow path 9 thus runs radially outside the closing element 3 and the spring chamber 6. In this way, the spring 5 is less excited to vibration, so that the load on the spring 5 decreases. At the same time, the service life of the check valve 1 increases.

[0044] To further minimize the stress on spring 5, the stop element 7 forms a sealing seat 11 for the closing element 3. When the check valve 1 is fully open, the incoming mass flow of fuel gas presses the closing element 3 against the sealing seat 11, so that the spring chamber 6 is closed by the closing element 3. Spring 5 is thus optimally protected. R.417056

[0045] - 7 -

[0046] The check valve 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is inserted, preferably screwed into, a bore 16 of a base body 17 of the tank valve 10. The seat element 15 is pressed against a shoulder 21 within the bore 16 by the valve housing 2. A refueling path 18 of the tank valve 10 can, in particular, lead through the bore 16 (see Figure 5 for an example), so that the main flow path 9 through the check valve 1 is simultaneously the refueling path 18.

[0047] Figure 3 shows a second preferred embodiment of a check valve 1 according to the invention. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel 8 is not designed as an opening or bore, but rather as a groove and / or chamfer on the outer circumference of the flanged section 13 of the stop element 7. The flanged section 13 is made of solid material and differs in this respect from the crimped version of the flanged section 13 in Figures 1 and 2. Furthermore, the stop element 7 has a central opening 12 through which the spring chamber 6 is connected to the main flow path 9. The opening 12 allows pressure equalization when the spring chamber 6 is closed by the closing element 3. The opening 12 can optionally be designed as a throttle.

[0048] Figure 4 shows a third preferred embodiment of a check valve 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment, the stop element 7 is designed as a sleeve which has a press fit or an external thread in a section 14, by means of which the stop element 7 is held in the valve housing 2. The at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel 8 is in this case designed as a groove and / or chamfer which interrupts the press fit or the external thread. In addition, the stop element 7 also has a central opening 12 for connecting the spring chamber 6 to the main flow path 9.

[0049] A check valve 1 according to the invention is particularly suitable for use in a tank valve 10. Figure 5 therefore shows an example of a tank valve 1 in which a check valve 1 according to the invention is integrated in the area of ​​a refueling path 18. In addition, the tank valve 10 has a withdrawal path 19 through which fuel gas can be withdrawn from a fuel gas tank 20 connected to the tank valve 10. The illustrated tank valve 10 also has further features.

[0050] - 8 -

[0051] Valves with shut-off and / or control functions as well as sensors are mentioned. Since these are not part of the invention, they will not be discussed in further detail.

Claims

R.417056 - 9 - Claims 1. Check valve (1) for a tank valve (10), comprising a valve housing (2), a closing element (3) movably received in the valve housing (2), which is acted upon by the spring force of a spring (5) in the direction of a valve seat (4), wherein the spring (5) is received in a spring space (6) which is formed in a stop element (7) to limit the stroke movement of the closing element (3) and can be closed by the closing element (3), and wherein the stop element (7) forms at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel (8) in the form of an opening, a groove and / or a chamfer, through which a main flow path (9) of the check valve (1) leads.

2. Check valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop element (7) forms a sealing seat (11) for the closing element (3), which is preferably arranged coaxially with respect to the valve seat (4) and / or is designed as a flat seat or cone.

3. Check valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the closing element (3) is spherical.

4. Check valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop element (7) has a central opening (12) through which the spring chamber (6) is connected to the main flow path (9), wherein the opening (12) is preferably designed as a throttle.

5. Check valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop element (7) is inserted into the valve housing (2), preferably pressed in or screwed in. R.417056 - 10 - 6. Check valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stop element (7) is designed in a hat or pot shape and has a circumferential collar section (13) in which the at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel (8) is formed.

7. Check valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the stop element (7) is designed as a sleeve and has a section (14) with a press fit or external thread in which the at least one eccentrically arranged flow channel (8) is formed.

8. Check valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve seat (4) is conical and / or is formed by a separate seat element (15) which is preferably axially attached to the valve housing (2).

9. Tank valve (10) for a fuel gas tank, in particular a hydrogen tank, comprising a check valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein preferably the check valve (1) is inserted into a bore (16) of a base body (17) of the tank valve (10), in particular screwed in or pressed in.

10. Tank valve (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that a refueling path (18) leads through the bore (16) accommodating the check valve (1).

Images