DE102014010157A1 - Device for draining gas - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the discharge of gas, which was stored in a compressed gas container (6) under high pressure, and which flows through a safety valve (11) or an emptying valve from these via a discharge opening, with a discharge line (12) which the outflow opening with a region in the vicinity of the compressed gas reservoir (6) connects, wherein the discharge line (12) on its side facing away from the discharge opening with a check valve (15) closable opening (16), wherein the check valve (15) one of a spring (19 ) against a valve seat (18) depressed valve body (17) which is lifted when discharging gas by the gas pressure against the force of the spring from the valve seat (18), and wherein the valve body (17) in the discharge line (12) through their inner wall arranged longitudinal ribs (22) is guided

Description

The invention relates to a device for the discharge of gas according to the closer defined in the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to the use of such a device.

Devices for draining gas from pressurized gas containers are known from the general state of the art. Typically, compressed gas containers, for example compressed gas containers for storing hydrogen at a nominal pressure of 700 bar, in particular in a fuel cell vehicle, have safety devices in order to blow off the pressurized gas in the event of overpressure. The safety devices can be equipped, for example, with fuses or with an increase in the temperature-opening safety devices with bursting glass ampoules or the like. A manual drain valve may also be present. Typically, all of these options for blowing off gas from the pressurized gas container open into the region of an outflow opening, for example in a valve housing. From the discharge opening then typically leads a discharge line, which is also often referred to by the English term vent line or venting tube, in an area in which the gas can be discharged uncritically. In the above example, in which the gas is discharged from a compressed gas storage for hydrogen in a fuel cell vehicle, the exhaust line may lead, for example, in the area of the underbody of the vehicle. In this area, the gas, in this case the hydrogen, can be discharged comparatively uncritically.

It is now problematic, especially when used in vehicles, when spray or water in particular, which penetrates when cleaning the vehicle in a car wash with high pressure underfloor cleaning or manually with a high pressure cleaner in the discharge line. This can lead to corrosion and possibly to a deterioration of the safety devices in the region of the compressed gas container or its valve.

Solutions are known from the general state of the art, which can be used in particular for upwardly directed Abblasleitungen. Such solutions are for example in the US 5,267,894 A or similar in the DE 102 00 281 A1 described. The closures serve, as mentioned in the German Offenlegungsschrift, in particular to prevent the ingress of rain. In the US patent for this purpose a structure is described, which is designed very complex and which provides counterweights that normally closed by gravity, a flap, which is then pressed only by the outflowing gas. This structure is extremely complex, complex and expensive and can be used in the described manner so only in an upwardly discharging blow-off. However, bleed lines, especially when used in vehicles, often lead to below the vehicle, so that use here is out of the question.

In addition, the state of the art for the field of liquids knows a check valve, which in the DE 29 41 244 A1 is described. The check valve for liquids described therein consists of a ball as a valve body, which is pressed by a coil spring against a valve seat. The ball is guided over arranged on the inner wall of the housing longitudinal ribs.

The object of the present invention is now to provide a device for the discharge of gas according to the preamble of claim 1, which is improved over the prior art, and which avoids the particular disadvantages mentioned.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a device having the features in the characterizing part of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the idea will become apparent from the dependent claims. In claim 10, a preferred use of the device according to the invention is also indicated.

In the device according to the invention, it is the case that the side of the discharge line facing away from the outflow opening has a check valve which opens at a gas flow. In the check valve, a valve body is urged by a spring against a valve seat, and in the discharge of gas, the valve body is lifted from the valve seat by the gas pressure against the force of the spring, whereby the opening is released. The valve body is guided in the discharge line by arranged on its inner wall longitudinal ribs. Such guidance by longitudinal ribs stabilizes the valve body ideally in its movement, so that it can not tilt. At the same time, the contact surface is very small, in particular if, according to an advantageous development, the longitudinal ribs are tapered in the direction of the valve body. As a result, the risk of a possible freezing, so a freezing of the valve body at the vent line, significantly reduced, so that a safe and reliable functionality can be guaranteed in all operating situations.

The check valve with its valve body closes in the device according to the invention the discharge line safely and reliably against the ingress of moisture and dirt. In the preferred use of a compressed gas container, in which hydrogen is stored at a nominal pressure of 700 bar, there is in any case an overpressure in the order of about 15 bar, even with an empty container, when the gas flows through the discharge line. The spring, which presses the valve body against the valve seat, so it can be made relatively strong. If the non-return valve is exposed to moisture from outside, for example, then it is securely closed so that no moisture can penetrate into the system. Also, the application of a high-pressure cleaner or a high-pressure underbody cleaning in a vehicle is not enough to open the check valve, so that the discharge line is kept safe and reliable free of dirt and water. Only in the area between the actual opening and the check valve water and dirt can penetrate. However, this is a relatively short distance, in which the water, in the preferred embodiment of the arrangement of the opening in the direction of gravity down, very easily drain again. Any dirt is safely and reliably expelled by the pressure of the gas when gas is blown off via the discharge line.

As already mentioned, the device according to the invention can be used in particular in the field of compressed gas reservoirs which are used in vehicles for storing hydrogen or compressed natural gas. The corresponding advantages can be achieved especially for this application, since large quantities are to be expected for this application. The very simple and inexpensive construction and the correspondingly simple installation are therefore a decisive advantage. In addition, in such an application special safety requirements are to be met, which can be easily met by the device according to the invention. Again, it has significant advantages over the embodiments of the prior art, in particular because it is particularly resistant, for example, against the ingress of water from washing systems and high-pressure cleaners, which are used very often as a cleaning device in the field of vehicles.

Further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention will become apparent from the further dependent claims and will be apparent from the embodiment, which is described below with reference to the figures.

Showing:

1 an exemplified fuel cell vehicle with a pressurized gas container for hydrogen;

2 a sectional view through an end of the discharge line in the vehicle;

3 the end of the discharge line with the valve body in longitudinal section along the line III-III in 5 ;

4 a plan view of the end of the discharge line according to IV in 3 ; and

5 the end of the discharge line with the valve body in cross section along the line VV in 3 ,

The device according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment and application example in a fuel cell vehicle with a hydrogen tank, which is provided with the device according to the invention, and described. The device according to the invention can just as well be used for vehicles which are driven, for example, by hydrogen or compressed natural gas by means of an internal combustion engine. The device according to the invention can also be used outside a vehicle, but has its preferred use in the field of vehicles due to its compact design and ease of installation and the very safe embodiment.

In the presentation of the 1 is very heavily schematized a vehicle 1 indicated, which via a fuel cell 2 is supplied with electrical drive power. The fuel cell 2 includes a cathode region 3 to which air is supplied as an oxygen supplier, and an anode region 4 What hydrogen from a storage device 5 for storing hydrogen under high pressure. Exemplary of the entire memory device 5 which typically consists of various piping, valve devices, a tank connection and one or more compressed gas containers 6 is formed in the representation of 1 only one of the compressed gas tank 6 indicated. This is via a hydrogen line 7 with the anode compartment 4 the fuel cell 2 Pressure regulators and metering units and the like are typically arranged herein. The fuel cell 2 provides electrical power, which via a power electronics 8th prepared accordingly and to a principle indicated traction motor 9 which is then used to drive the vehicle 1 serves.

Now, in particular, the storage of hydrogen in the storage contraption 5 or her at least one compressed gas tank 6 Nominal pressures in the order of 700 bar meanwhile commonly known and common, with higher pressure levels are already being considered. In case of an accident of the vehicle 1 Now goes from such a memory device 5 or their compressed gas containers 6 a significant hazard, for example, when the memory device 5 is heated very strongly over a fire. In the worst case, an explosion can occur.

To counteract this principal danger, it is well known and commonplace in the memory device 5 or in the area of pressurized gas containers 6 Safety valves are arranged. In general, each gas cylinder 6 at its one end a connecting piece with a valve device, for example a so-called on-tank valve (OTV), which communicates with the hydrogen line 7 communicates. In the area of this valve device, the addressed safety valve is arranged in a manner known per se. This is via a discharge opening with a discharge line 12 which ensures that in the event of the response of the safety valve, the hydrogen is selectively blown off in order to get as quickly as possible from the zone in which the passengers are, so as to reduce the risk of fire or explosion if flammable mixtures should form , The blow-off line 12 can with one or if available with multiple compressed gas storage 6 the storage device 5 keep in touch.

In the presentation of the 2 this is the outlet opening and the compressed gas tank 6 opposite end of the discharge line 12 to recognize. This end of the discharge line 12 is in the representation of the figure opposite to the direction of travel with F, ie in the direction of travel F bent backwards and ends above an opening 13 in an underbody paneling 14 of the vehicle 1 , The axis of the Abblassleitung designated A 12 Thus, in the embodiment shown here, it runs in its end region at an angle of 45 ° with respect to gravity in the intended use. Again at an angle of 45 ° to this axis A is the end of the discharge line 12 cut off and with a direction indicated in the figure check valve 15 provided, which will be discussed in detail. The blow-off line 12 can be additionally provided with a thermal insulation, which is not shown here.

In the presentation of the 3 is the addressed check valve 15 to recognize. Unlike in the presentation of the 2 is the open end of the discharge line 12 perpendicular to the axis A of the discharge line 12 cut off. This structure is also conceivable in principle, as long as through a lower opening 16 by their orientation in the intended use in the direction of gravity g downwards possibly penetrated water can drain again. The check valve 15 points as a valve body 17 a ball on which a corresponding valve seat 18 , So an annular edge or spherical cap, rests. In the area of this valve seat 18 can preferably be a sealing element 19 , in particular in an embodiment as an O-ring, as in the illustration of 3 indicated, arranged. As a result, the seal between the valve seat 18 and the ball as a valve body 17 further improved.

The ball as a valve body 17 becomes, as already in the representation of the 2 indicated by a spring 20 against the valve seat 18 and / or the sealing element 19 pressed. The feather 20 relies on one of the open end of the discharge line 12 closing end cap 21 from. The end cap 21 , which in the representations of the 3 in the section and in the representation of the 4 can be seen in a plan view, it includes a central spring mandrel 22 for guiding the spring 20 so the spring 20 can not move uncontrollably. Another crucial part of the end cap 21 are numerous breakthroughs 23 of which only a few are provided with a reference numeral. Through these breakthroughs 23 can from the valve seat 18 lifted valve body 17 to drain the gas. At the same time are the breakthroughs 23 designed so that, especially when exposed to the jet of a high-pressure radiator, the water can not penetrate completely unhindered. It could then be the valve body 17 Turn the ball used or stimulate rotation, causing moisture between the valve body 17 and the valve seat 18 or the sealing element 19 through into the interior of the discharge line 12 could arrive. To such a rotation of the valve body 17 is even more effective to counteract when exposed to the jet of a high-pressure cleaner, is also a built-in part 24 between the end cap 21 and the valve body 17 intended. This built-in part tapers the inner diameter of the discharge line 12 in particular the blasting of the valve body 17 to prevent in its edge region by the jet of a high-pressure radiator. Preferably, the mounting part 24 doing so on his the end of the blow-off line 12 facing side transverse or perpendicular to the axis A of the discharge line 12 formed in this area, while the opposite side is inclined, in order to oppose the escaping gas, unlike the jet of a high-pressure radiator, the lowest possible resistance.

For safe guidance of the spherical valve body 17 on the one hand, and on the other hand, to prevent freezing as much as possible in the Inside the exhaust pipe 12 between the valve seat 18 and the end of the blow-off line 12 longitudinal ribs 25 provided, which the valve body 17 lead accordingly. To minimize the contact surface, which brings with it corresponding advantages in terms of the risk of freezing, are, as it is from the sectional view of the 5 it can be seen, at least three - but preferably six - such longitudinal ribs 25 evenly distributed over the circumference, provided. As a result, a safe and reliable guidance is achieved, so that the valve body 17 can not tilt. At the same time, the minimized contact surface reduces the risk of freezing to an absolute minimum. This design results in a very safe and reliable construction, which even in adverse conditions and humidity in the region of the end of the discharge line 12 ensures that gas can be safely and reliably blown off when needed. As it is in the presentation of 5 can be seen, are the longitudinal ribs 25 thereby formed pointed, so as to contact surface with the valve body 17 again to further minimize.

The check valve according to the invention can be particularly simple and efficient 15 thereby designing and mounting that one end section 26 with the ones for the check valve 15 necessary components is built. This end section 26 can then simply over the end of the blow-off 12 pushed and mounted accordingly, as shown in the illustration of 3 is to be recognized in principle. This end section 26 includes both the spring 20 as well as the built-in part 24 , In addition, the inwardly tapered longitudinal ribs 25 integrated into this end section. As a valve seat 18 then serves the inner edge of the original end of the pipe of the discharge line 12 , The construction can then be combined with the end cap 21 very easily pushed over the existing pipe end and be fixed accordingly, for example, pressed, glued, soldered or the like.

At the mentioned nominal pressure of 700 bar in the compressed gas tanks 6 the storage device 5 also occur in the case of an "empty" storage device 5 Minimum pressures of the order of 15 bar. Does it come to a safety-relevant discharge of gas via the discharge line 12 , then prevails in their interior, a pressure of at least 5 bar or more, which easily enough, the valve body 17 to open, even if this by the spring 20 comparatively firmly against the valve seat 18 pressed against high-pressure cleaner and others from the outside to the check valve 15 pending impairments the bleed line 12 safe and reliable close tight.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5267894A [0004]
• DE 10200281 A1 [0004]
• DE 2941244 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Device for removing gas, which in a compressed gas container ( 6 ) was stored under high pressure, and which via a safety valve ( 11 ) or an emptying valve flows out of these via a discharge opening, with a discharge line ( 12 ), which the outflow opening with an area in the vicinity of the compressed gas storage ( 6 ), wherein the discharge line ( 12 ) on its side facing away from the outflow opening with a check valve ( 15 ) closable opening ( 16 ), wherein the check valve ( 15 ) one of a spring ( 20 ) against a valve seat ( 18 ) pressed valve body ( 17 ), which in the discharge of gas by the gas pressure against the force of the spring from the valve seat ( 18 ), and wherein the valve body ( 17 ) in the discharge line ( 12 ) arranged on its inner wall longitudinal ribs ( 25 ) is guided Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the longitudinal ribs ( 25 ) in the direction of the center of the discharge line ( 12 ) ends tapering. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the valve body ( 17 ) is formed as a ball. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the spring ( 19 ) and the valve body ( 17 ) between the valve seat ( 18 ) and the end of the discharge line ( 12 ) and in particular on one with breakthroughs ( 23 ) provided end cap ( 21 ) are supported. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that an end portion ( 26 ) with the longitudinal ribs ( 25 ) the feather ( 20 ) and the valve body ( 17 ) on the end of the discharge line ( 12 ) is mounted, wherein the edge of the end of the original discharge line ( 12 ) as a valve seat ( 18 ) serves. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the valve seat ( 18 ) a sealing element ( 19 ), in particular an O-ring. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the opening ( 16 ) in the intended use in the direction of gravity (g) points downward, in particular that with the opening ( 16 ) provided end of the discharge line ( 12 ) runs in the intended use at an angle oblique to the sword force (g). Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that between the valve body ( 17 ) and the end of the discharge line ( 12 ) a the cross section of the discharge line ( 12 ) tapered insert ( 24 ) is arranged. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the built-in part ( 24 ) on its the end of the discharge line ( 12 ) facing side transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) of the discharge line ( 12 ) and on its the valve body ( 17 ) facing side obliquely to the longitudinal axis (A) of the discharge line ( 12 ) runs. Use of the device according to one of claims 1 to 9, for discharging hydrogen or compressed natural gas in a storage device ( 5 ) in a vehicle ( 1 ).

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