DE102015015004A1 - valve means - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve device (14) for a compressed gas container (6) having a valve housing (17) and at least one safety pressure relief device (29) which is in fluid communication with a discharge device (16), the discharge device (16) being movable relative to an axis (16). A) is rotatable. According to the invention a lock nut is provided, via which the outflow device can be fixed in each angular position.

Description

The invention relates to a valve device for a compressed gas container with a valve housing according to the closer defined in the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a compressed gas container with such a valve device. The invention also relates to the use of such a valve device or such a compressed gas container.

Valve devices for pressurized gas containers are known from the general state of the art. They are typically arranged at one or both ends of the compressed gas container and serve, for example, for the removal of compressed gas from the compressed gas container and / or for its refueling. It is often the case that the valve devices have additional safety pressure relief devices. Such safety pressure relief devices are designed in particular as thermally releasing relief devices. You can, for example, a plug, which is filled with fusible solder, are formed. At a critical temperature, as may occur, for example, by a fire in the vicinity of the compressed gas container, the melting solder melts and gives a way for the compressed gas in the environment of the compressed gas container free. Alternative embodiments may also comprise glass ampoules which are filled with a liquid boiling at the triggering temperature. About such a glass ampoule, a plug is sealingly held in the discharge device. If it comes to a critical increase in temperature, then the liquid in the glass ampoule boils and they burst. As a result, the plug is no longer held and can be moved by the pressure of the gas from its sealing position, whereby a discharge of the gas is possible.

Valve devices with such safety pressure relief devices can be formed in particular in the region of a so-called end plug of the compressed gas container, ie on the opposite side of a so-called boss, in which the actual main valve, which typically has the refueling and removal functionality in addition to the safety pressure relief device.

In general, the valve devices are bolted to the compressed gas tank. To make this screw tight and reliable, a certain torque must be maintained when screwing. During assembly, there is no possibility to pay attention to the angular position of the valve device relative to the compressed gas tank, because this results in accordance with the specified torque. In many applications, in particular in vehicle applications, in which the compressed gas container for storing compressed gas as a fuel, for example for an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell, should serve in the event of release of the safety pressure relief device, the release of gas in a defined direction, for example in the intended Use down done. This can be achieved in one of the valve devices, typically the main valve in the region of the boss of the compressed gas container by a corresponding orientation of the compressed gas container when mounted in a support frame and / or the vehicle. However, at the opposite end, the valve device screwed into the end plug can not be further influenced due to the necessary tightening torque in its angular position.

Because of this, the beats DE 10 2012 000 096 A1 a structure in which a rotatable sleeve is disposed around a main body of the valve means. The rotatable sleeve communicates with a discharge opening of a thermal pressure relief device and has, for example, an annular channel. In the simplest variant of the embodiment of this channel is drilled in a fixed installation after the final assembly of the gas cylinder to provide a path for the effluent after triggering of the pressure relief device gas in the desired angular position. This is extremely complicated and complex during assembly, since this area is often not sufficiently accessible. An alternative embodiment is also described. In this embodiment, a rotatable sleeve with already preformed outflow hole is used. This can be rotated after assembly so that the outflow hole comes to rest in the predetermined angular position. A fixation takes place only via sealing elements and the friction generated between the sealing elements and the rotatable ring. In particular, for applications in vehicles in which to be expected with appropriate movements and vibrations, it is to be feared that this is not sufficient, and that it can lead to a twisting of the rotary ring in the operation of the vehicle. The result would be the delivery of pressurized gas in an undesirable and in the construction of the vehicle yet unknown direction, which can lead to safety-critical situation.

The object of the present invention is to further develop the last-mentioned generic prior art such that an improvement in safety can be achieved.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a valve device having the features in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments as well as a preferred use emerge from the dependent claims.

In the valve device according to the invention, it is comparable to the valve device according to the prior art provided that it has a valve housing and at least one safety pressure relief device, which is in fluid communication with a discharge device, wherein the outflow device is designed to be rotatable relative to an axis. When triggered safety pressure relief device, the gas can thus flow through the outflow device, which is designed to be rotatable relative to an axis in the environment. According to the invention, it is provided that the angular position of the outflow device can be fixed via a lock nut. This structure allows mounting of the valve device to a compressed gas container with the predetermined torque, so that a reliable and tight connection is formed. The outflow device can then be moved into the required angular position. Finally, it can be reliably secured via the lock nut, so that this angular position of the outflow device is maintained even when the entire structure is moved and, for example, vibration is exposed. It can thus be made significantly safer and more reliable than is the case in the structure according to the prior art.

According to an advantageous development of the idea, the axis about which the outflow device is rotatable may be the central axis of the valve housing. In particular, such a rotation about the central axis of the valve housing is ideal for compensating an angular position prevailing after assembly of the valve housing by rotation of the outflow device in such a way that the outflow can take place in the predetermined direction.

The outflow device can be formed as a rotary ring according to an advantageous development of the idea, which has an annular groove or between which and a counter element is an annular groove, and which identifies a arranged in a predetermined angular position outlet channel. The rotary ring can thus have an annular groove or the annular groove is formed between the rotary ring and a counter element. It is also conceivable that parts of the annular groove are arranged in the counter-element and parts of the annular groove in the rotary ring. The rotary ring itself has an outlet channel arranged in a predetermined angular position. By rotating the rotary ring about the axis, the angular position of the outlet channel relative to, for example, a pressurized gas container with which the valve device is screwed can be adjusted, even if the angular position of the entire valve device can not be influenced with respect to the compressed gas container, for example due to a predetermined tightening torque to be maintained.

According to an advantageous development of the idea, the rotary ring can be arranged between the lock nut and a projection on the side facing away from the lock nut side of the rotary ring in the valve housing. Such an arrangement of the rotary ring between a projection and the lock nut allows a free rotation of the same in any angular position. By fixing the rotary ring, for example by holding the walls surrounding the outlet channel and a simultaneous tightening of the lock nut, this can then be clamped so that it retains the set angular position.

According to a further very advantageous embodiment of the idea, the triggering element of the safety pressure relief device can be arranged centrally in the valve housing. Such an arrangement of the triggering element of the safety pressure relief device centrally in the valve housing represents a structure which can be ideally used in particular in the region of the end plug of a compressed gas container. Due to the central arrangement of the triggering element in the region of the central axis of the valve housing a very protected recording of the triggering element is achieved in the valve housing. This is a decisive advantage, in particular in vehicle applications, since the triggering element thus experiences a very good mechanical protection through the valve housing. In the event of an accident, this minimizes the likelihood of mechanical damage and the concomitant unwanted release of the safety pressure relief device.

The triggering element may be formed according to an advantageous development of the idea as a thermal triggering element. According to an advantageous development, this can be, in particular, a glass ampoule with a liquid boiling at the triggering temperature, which holds a sealing plug. Thus, a reliable and fast response is guaranteed.

An inventive compressed gas container has at least one valve device according to the invention in one of the embodiments described above. The valve device according to the invention is in the compressed gas container according to the invention at one of the axial ends in a receiving thread of the gas cylinder, ie in particular screwed into a thread of the boss or end plug.

According to a very advantageous development of the compressed gas container according to the invention, it may be provided that coincide the axis of the gas cylinder and the axis of the valve housing in the assembled state. This makes it possible to adjust the angular position of the outflow device and in particular of the outlet channel both with respect to the valve device and with respect to the compressed gas container about its central axis, which allows an extraordinary simple and efficient assembly.

A particularly preferred use of the pressurized gas container according to the invention is in its use for storing compressed natural gas or preferably compressed hydrogen at a nominal pressure of more than 25 MPa, preferably more than 65 MPa. In particular for such applications for storing compressed natural gas or hydrogen, the pressurized gas container according to the invention is ideally suited with at least one of the valve devices according to the invention. The application may preferably be that the stored natural gas or hydrogen stored in a vehicle is used as fuel. It can be implemented, for example, in an internal combustion engine. In particular, for hydrogen, which is typically stored at a nominal pressure of 70 MPa, use may be in a fuel cell system via which electrical propulsion power is provided to the vehicle.

Further advantageous embodiments of the valve device according to the invention, the compressed gas container according to the invention and its use also result from the exemplary embodiment, which is shown in more detail below with reference to the figures.

Showing:

1 a principle indicated vehicle with a compressed gas tank and a fuel cell system;

2 a schematic representation of a gas cylinder in a possible embodiment according to the invention;

3 three-dimensional schematic representation of a valve device according to the invention in a possible embodiment; and

4 a sectional view of the valve device according to 3 ,

In the presentation of the 1 is a vehicle 1 indicated schematically. The vehicle 1 should have an indicated fuel cell system 2 which is known and familiar to those skilled in the art, are supplied with electrical drive power. For this purpose, a cathode side 3 of the fuel cell system 2 Air as an oxygen supplier via an air conveyor 4 fed. An anode side 5 of the fuel cell system 2 becomes hydrogen from at least one with 6 supplied compressed gas container. The electrical power generated is via power electronics 7 an electric traction motor 8th which is in the area of a wheel of the vehicle 1 is indicated schematically fed.

In the presentation of the 2 is the compressed gas tank 6 again shown schematically and larger. The compressed gas tank 6 consists of a surrounding an inner volume envelope 9 which is typically substantially tubular and terminated by two rounded ends. In the area of these two ends are each receiving elements 10 . 11 arranged. In general, these are receiving elements 10 . 11 made metallic and in the material of the shell 9 firmly anchored. The case 9 can be formed in particular with an inner shell as a diffusion barrier and an outer shell made of fiber-reinforced plastic. Such a construction is also referred to as Type IV pressurized gas container. In the area of a receiving element 10 , which is also typically referred to as a boss, is in the schematic representation of 2 a camp 12 arranged. In the area of the other receiving element 11 , which is also referred to as end plug, is a floating bearing 13 ,

In the area of both receiving elements 10 . 11 are valve devices 14 arranged, which with the receiving elements 10 . 11 are bolted accordingly. Typically, the valve means 14 in the area of the boss 10 various functionalities, which typically include a refueling valve, a bleed valve and a safety pressure relief device. In the area of the end plug 11 is located in the valve device 14 usually only the safety pressure relief device.

When installing the valve devices 14 in the respective recording elements 10 . 11 These are, in order to achieve a dense structure, screwed in and tightened with a predetermined torque. With respect to a designated A axis of both the compressed gas tank 6 as well as the valve devices 14 This results in an undefined angular position of the valve devices. When installing the compressed gas tank 6 For example, on a support frame or directly in the vehicle 1 , can now, for example, in the area of the fixed camp 12 a predetermined position of the valve device 14 be achieved by the entire compressed gas tank 6 is turned before he is in the camp 12 is recorded and fixed. At the opposite end in the area of the end plug 11 is the valve device 14 then in an angular position, which is due to the tightening torques of the valve devices 14 in the respective recording elements 10 . 11 randomly results. An influence on this angular position is thus no longer possible.

In practice, and in particular in practice in vehicle applications, it is the case that exhaust ducts 15 with the safety pressure relief devices are in communication, which should ensure a release of the gas in the event of the response of the safety pressure relief device to below the vehicle and here in particular in the direction of travel obliquely backwards. An undefined angular position of the valve device 14 is thus a problem.

The following is therefore in the 3 and 4 a valve device 14 to be shown by way of example, in which an adjustability of a discharge device 16 is possible, so that the outflow device 16 to the desired position of the drain line 15 can be adjusted. In the presentation of the 3 is in a three-dimensional view with a 17 designated valve housing of the valve device 14 to recognize. This can also be found in the sectional view of 4 accordingly again. The valve housing 17 points in the with 18 designated area on a thread, which later engages with, for example, the end plug 11 or the boss 10 of the compressed gas tank 6 comes. In the presentation of the 4 is also a main seal with a sealing ring 19 and a support ring 20 to recognize which seal between the valve body 17 and the end plug, not shown here 11 or boss 10 of the compressed gas tank 6 allows. To achieve this seal safely and reliably, is a predetermined tightening torque of the valve body 17 opposite the receiving element 10 or 11 necessary, so that the angular position of the valve body 17 opposite the compressed gas tank 6 after mounting the valve device 14 is undefined.

The discharge device 16 consists of a rotating ring 21 , which in a predetermined angular position, which in the representation of 4 facing down, has a protruding material, in which an outlet channel 22 is arranged. Next to the outlet channel 22 can be found in the representations of 3 and 4 one with 23 designated bore with a thread to an assembly of the previously mentioned from the prior art per se known drain line 15 - Which is also referred to as "Vent Line" or "Venting Tube" - at the outflow device 16 to enable. The rotary ring 21 the outflow device 16 has a recess 24 on which together with a recess 25 in the valve housing 17 forms a circumferential annular groove. In addition, seals, here for example in the range of the valve housing 17 provided, which for a sealing of the annular groove 24 . 25 worry about the environment. The ring groove 24 . 25 itself is connected via a connection channel 27 with another annular groove 28 in the valve housing 17 in connection. One in its entirety here with 29 designated safety pressure relief device is, for example, as a thermal safety pressure relief device 29 educated. She has a glass ampule 30 which in the intact state shown here a stopper 31 so keep this one with you 32 designated outflow opening, which with the interior of the compressed gas tank 6 communicating, correspondingly seals. If there is a critical elevated temperature in the area of the valve device 14 , then a liquid in the glass ampoule 30 boil and the glass ampoule 30 destroyed. The stopper 31 then moves by the pressure of the gas in the pressurized gas container 6 , which also in the area of the discharge opening 32 is pending, in the presentation of 4 to the left. This creates a connection between the discharge opening 32 and thus the interior of the compressed gas tank 6 and the ring groove 28 and with it over the channel 27 with the ring groove 24 . 25 created. The pressurized gas can in this way in the annular groove 24 . 25 arrive and over the outlet channel 22 , which also with this ring groove 24 . 25 communicates, flow away.

In order now to a predefined angular position of the discharge 16 and thus in particular their exhaust duct 22 after mounting the valve device 14 with a predetermined torque on the compressed gas tank 6 To ensure the outflow device can 16 with her turn ring 21 opposite the valve housing 17 be twisted without the functionality described above would be affected. To prevent the outflow device 16 With respect to their angular position during operation, for example, occurring vibrations or the like, changed again, it is further provided that the rotary ring 21 between a projection 33 the valve body and a threaded with the valve body 17 interacting lock nut 34 lies. By tightening the locknut 34 becomes the turning ring 21 and thus the outflow device 16 against the lead 33 pressed. By friction, the preset position, which is before the tightening of the lock nut 34 can be adjusted accordingly, secured so that this angular position of the discharge 16 and in particular its exhaust duct 22 In any case safe and reliable is maintained during operation, even if shocks, vibrations or the like in the vehicle 1 occur.

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

• DE 102012000096 A1 [0005]

Claims (10)

Valve device ( 14 ) for a pressurized gas container ( 6 ) with a valve housing ( 17 ) and at least one safety pressure relief device ( 29 ), which with a discharge device ( 16 ) is in fluid communication, the outflow device ( 16 ) is rotatable relative to an axis (A), characterized in that a lock nut ( 34 ) is provided, via which the outflow device ( 16 ) is fixable in each angular position. Valve device ( 14 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the axis (A) around which the outflow device ( 16 ) is rotatable, the central axis (A) of the valve housing ( 17 ). Valve device ( 14 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outflow device ( 16 ) as a rotary ring ( 21 ) is formed, which an annular groove ( 24 ) or between which and a counter element an annular groove is formed, and which is arranged in a predetermined angular position outlet channel ( 22 ) having. Valve device ( 14 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that the rotary ring ( 21 ) between the lock nut ( 34 ) and a lead ( 33 ) on the locknut ( 34 ) facing away from the rotary ring ( 21 ) in the valve housing ( 17 ) is arranged. Valve device ( 14 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a triggering element ( 30 ) of the safety pressure relief device ( 29 ) centrally in the valve housing ( 17 ) is arranged. Valve device ( 14 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the triggering element ( 30 ) is designed as a thermal triggering element. Valve device ( 14 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that the safety pressure relief device ( 29 ) a glass ampule ( 30 ) as a triggering element which is filled with a boiling at the release temperature liquid, and which in the untripped state, a sealing plug ( 31 ) in a discharge opening ( 32 ) of the valve housing ( 17 ) holds. Compressed gas tank ( 6 ) with at least one valve device ( 14 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the valve device ( 14 ) at one of the axial ends in a thread of a receiving element ( 10 . 11 ) is screwed. Compressed gas tank ( 6 ) according to claim 8, characterized in that a central axis (A) of the compressed gas tank ( 6 ) and a central axis (A) of the valve housing ( 17 ) coincide in the assembled state. Use of a compressed gas container according to one of claims 8 or 9 for storing compressed natural gas or preferably compressed hydrogen at a nominal pressure of more than 25 MPa, preferably at a nominal pressure of more than 65 MPa, in particular for use as fuel in a vehicle ( 1 ).

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