EP2515025A1 - Filling head for filling a liquid into a tank strut - Google Patents

Abstract

The filling head (10) has rotary connecting element to form mechanical connection with filler neck of tank (14). A rotatable operating unit (30) is coupled to rotary connecting element by torque-limiting coupling device (32), for rotating connecting element. The operating unit is triggered at given threshold torque in direction of rotation to decouple operating unit from rotary connecting element. A sensor (41) is provided to detect triggering of torque-limiting coupling device, and to send release signal for established connection of connecting element with filler neck.

Description

The invention relates to a filling head for filling a liquid in a filler neck.

Such a filling head is provided to a filling line, d. H. Hose, pipe or the like to connect with a filler neck so that the filling process can be made possible. The application of such Befüllköpfe is possible in many areas and for different liquids. For the purposes of the present invention, particular consideration is given to liquids in which even lower leakage quantities represent a problem and therefore the proper filling process should be particularly monitored. This applies in particular to the filling of motor vehicle tanks with aqueous urea solution.

The EP 2 281 774 A1 describes a device for filling a container, in particular with urea solution. A connecting hollow body with a filler neck collar is provided for connection to a connecting piece element of the tank. The filler neck collar and the filler neck are connected to each other in a liquid-tight manner. To connect a thread or a bayonet lock is provided. A filling and venting element is provided to supply liquid through a filling tube and to remove the displaced air. At the top of the filling tube, a valve element is provided which opens at sufficient flow pressure of the liquid and thus enables the filling process. The filling device has two sensors, with which the operation is monitored, namely a level sensor, with which it can be determined whether the liquid level of the liquid filled in the filler neck has already reached the filling and venting element and a position sensor with which can be determined whether the filling device is correctly connected to the filler neck. The position sensor is an optical sensor that detects the correct positioning of the upper edge of the filler neck and reports to an electrical control. Only when the position sensor receives the signal that the filler neck is connected in the correct position and sealing with the filling, the filling process can be started.

It is an object of the invention to propose a filling head, which is particularly well secured against incorrect operation.

This object is achieved by a filling head according to claim 1. Dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

According to the invention, the filling head has a connection part for connection to the filler neck. The connection here is preferably liquid-tight in order to prevent the liquid from escaping. To form a mechanical connection, a rotary connector is provided, i. H. For example, a bayonet closure or screw thread, in which a compound is formed by rotation relative to the filler neck. The mechanical connection is preferably formed so that it can not be solved by simply removing the filling from the filler neck, but is solved by rotation opposite to the connection direction. On the one hand, it must be ensured that the connection does not come loose on its own or is unintentionally released. On the other hand, by the rotation, for example. By means of a thread or lock, a seal can be ensured.

Furthermore, the filling head has a torque limitation for the rotary connecting element, for example threads. Such a torque limitation is useful to avoid incorrect operation in the form of excessive tightening of the rotary joint. The torque limitation is realized via a torque-limiting coupling device, which forms a detachable coupling between a rotatable operating part, in particular suitable for manual operation, and the rotary connecting element. This coupling is designed such that - at least in one direction of rotation - the rotary connecting element rotates with rotation of the operating part, as long as the torque remains below a threshold torque. If the connection of the rotary connecting element and the tank filler neck is completely established, the rotary connecting element is thus fixed there, then further operation, ie, for example, manual force action on the operating part, leads to increased torque. Above the threshold torque in this case triggers the torque limiting coupling device and decouples the control panel from the rotary connector, so leaves another

Rotation of the control panel, without causing an increased torque is transmitted to the rotary connector. Thus, an overload of the rotary joint between the rotary joint member and the filler neck is avoided, which could otherwise lead to damage or not manually detachable connection.

According to the invention, a sensor is provided to determine the triggering of the torque-limiting coupling device and to issue a release signal for the connection made in the case of triggering. After evaluation of the release signal, the refueling process can be started.

Thus, the torque limiter is not only used as a mechanical safety feature to prevent damage, but also serves as an indication that the connection has been made properly. The release signal, which is preferably read by a control device, wherein the refueling operation is made possible by the control device only after the presence of the release signal requires, on the one hand, that the filling head is placed on a correct, suitable filling nozzle. On the other hand, it requires that the slewing ring has been subjected to at least the threshold torque. Thus, it can be ensured that a sufficiently strong and possibly sufficiently sealed connection is present before the release signal allows the filling process. The release signal then indicates that, on the one hand, the correct position of the connection part is given on the filler neck and thus the risk of incorrect refueling is precluded. On the other hand, the release signal but also proof that the rotary joint produced with a sufficient torque and thus tightness is given.

Different mechanisms can be used for triggering. While a purely mechanical construction of the torque-limiting coupling device is preferred for a simple, reliable and cost-effective solution, in principle here an actual measurement of the torque and corresponding control could also be effected electromechanically. Particularly preferably, the torque-limiting coupling device has at least one blocking element, for example a pawl, which produces a rotationally fixed coupling in a first position and, in a second, triggered position, does not form such a rotationally fixed coupling and thus the rotatable coupling Keypad decoupled from the rotary connector. It is further preferred that the blocking element is spring-loaded in the direction of the first position, that produces the coupling in a basic position, preferably by a movement (displacement, rotation, etc.) of the locking element against the spring load, the decoupling.

Thus, a locking connection is preferred as a torque-limiting coupling, which has a latching stroke when triggered. This latching stroke can be detected by means of a suitable sensor.

Preference is given to a plurality of blocking elements, so that distribute the blocking function and the forces acting over a larger area. The blocking elements are preferably arranged in a circle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the blocking element between the first position (coupling) and the second position (decoupling) is movable, preferably with only one degree of freedom, particularly preferably slidably mounted. The displacement can take place, for example, in the radial direction. However, as explained in the following discussion of exemplary embodiments, it is preferred that the blocking element is displaceable axially relative to the direction of rotation of the operating part or the rotary connecting element (or, more preferably, both). Thus, for example, a coupling device may be formed, in which axially a first and second coupling part are arranged side by side, which are coupled by one or more locking elements in the first position and decoupled from each other when moving the locking elements or in the second position to the common direction of rotation become.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the blocking element and / or the operating part and / or the rotary connecting element to a contact surface which is inclined at an angle to the direction of displacement of the locking element. As an alternative to a straight surface with a constant inclination angle, the abutment surface may also have a curve shape (curved shape), ie a variable angle to the displacement direction. Preferably, the blocking element and either the operating part or the rotary connecting element to each other mating surfaces with said angle or the curve shape to the direction of displacement. When transmitting a torque, the inclined contact surface applied with a force. Due to the inclined arrangement, this force may comprise a force component in the direction of displacement of the blocking element. Thus, upon transmission of a rotary member, a force automatically acts on the locking member to move it toward its second position (decoupling). By dividing the acting force into different force components on the inclined plane formed by the inclined contact surface, it can be achieved that the force acting in the direction of displacement is substantially proportional to the transmitted torque (apart from frictional effects, etc.). Thus, the threshold for the release torque can be specified. By means of a variable angle in a waveform even a tripping characteristic can be set.

As mentioned, the torque-limiting effect of the coupling device is given at least in a first direction of rotation, namely preferably in the closing direction, ie. H. the direction in which the rotary joint between the rotary joint member and filler neck is tightened. In the opposite direction different couplings are possible. Again, a torque limit can be done. However, it is preferred that in the opposite direction of rotation no limitation is made to ensure that a solution of the rotary joint should always be possible.

In the construction of the torque limiting coupling device with abutment surface described above, a different behavior for the opposite directions of rotation can be achieved by the locking element and / or the operating part and / or the rotary connection element has a first and a second contact surface, the different angles to the direction of displacement having the blocking element. When transmitting a torque in a first direction of rotation, the first contact surface is preferably effective and, when a torque is transmitted in a second, opposite direction of rotation, the second contact surface. In the first direction of rotation, in which the rotary joint is produced, the contact surface is preferably inclined. The effective in the second direction of rotation second contact surface can now also be inclined, but is preferably arranged parallel to the displacement direction (angle of zero degrees), so that no torque limit is provided in the release direction.

The sensory detection of the triggering of the torque-limiting coupling device can be done in various ways. In particular, it is preferable to detect the movement of an element present on the coupling device by means of a sensor. This may be, for example, a locking element described above, which is movable between a first and second position, wherein the sensor detects the position of the blocking element and outputs as an electrical signal.

For the sensory detection various types of sensor elements can be used, including in particular optical sensors, magnetic sensors and inductive sensors. Preferably, because they are not susceptible to contamination, are inductive sensors and magnetic sensors.

As an optical sensor can serve, for example, a light barrier, which can detect the displacement of an element of the coupling device. Such a shift can also be determined by means of an inductive sensor. As described below in connection with preferred embodiments, the use of a magnetic sensor is preferred in which an element of the coupling device has a permanent magnet or a ferromagnetic part and by means of a magnetic sensor, eg. GMR sensor, Hall sensor or - preferably because purely passive possible - a reed switch, the approach of a magnetic field triggering or conducting element is detected. Particularly preferred is a reed opening switch, i. H. a reed contact, which is closed in the idle state and opens when approaching a permanent magnet element on the coupling device, or a reed changeover contact, which switches over a central pole between two outputs when approaching a magnetic field. Alternatively, by means of an ultrasonic sensor, the change in a distance that results when triggered, for example, between an element of the coupling device and the rest of Befüllkopf.

The electrical signaling through the sensor can be modified by means of an electrical circuit. If, for example, the sensor signal during triggering is not generated as a constant signal, but only transiently, for example as a pulse, a logic can process this transient signal and deliver it, for example, as a constant electrical signal.

In the context of a preferred embodiment, a carrier element is provided, which, when the operating part is rotated in the closing direction of the rotary connection and thereby triggering the torque-limiting coupling device is moved from a rest position to a release position. A sensor is now provided to determine the position, ie either triggering position or rest position of the carrier element, and deliver it as an electrical signal. Only when the sensor detects the displacement of the carrier element in the release position, a release signal can be triggered.

Preferably, the carrier element is part of a latching unit, which prevents the carrier element from being displaced from the release position back into the rest position, without any prior rotation of the operating part in the opening direction. The latching unit causes the reverse rotation of the carrier element in the rest position when the reverse rotation required for releasing the connection. This ensures that after the production of the rotary connection by applying the necessary threshold torque, the carrier element detected by the sensor initially remains in the release position and thus the release signal can be permanently emitted by the sensor. This enable signal can be constantly monitored for the duration of the filling process. By the action of the detent unit it remains, as long as there is no active counter-rotation.

The movement of the carrier element between the rest position and the release position preferably takes place via a coupling element. This coupling element is preferably connected to the control unit. The carrier element is so mounted in a guide relative to the coupling element, that it moves with rotation of the rotary connecting element relative to the operating part of the rest position in the release position. As long as the coupling between the operating part and the rotary connecting element is made, such a relative rotation does not take place and the carrier element remains in the rest position. Only after release of the torque-limiting coupling device does the relative rotation occur, so that the guide moves the carrier element from the rest position into the release position. As a guide, a kind of slotted guide is preferred in which on the support element or preferably on the coupling element at least one guide rail or - edge is provided which triggers the described movement in engagement with an engagement element, for example. Projection, pins, etc., of the respective other element.

Particularly preferably, the coupling element and the carrier element are formed as concentrically arranged ring elements, wherein the guide is arranged in the region between the coupling element and the carrier element.

In the context of a preferred embodiment, the latching unit is formed by a coupling element and a carrier element. The catch unit or guide is preferably formed by cams, which engage in pockets on a counter element. In this case, the cams can preferably be formed on the coupling element, while the pockets are provided on the carrier element. Just as well, the reverse arrangement is possible. Coupling element and carrier element are particularly preferably arranged one inside the other, preferably concentrically with one another, wherein cams are formed on the inside of the coupling element. In the rest position, the support element is axially movable. When triggered, the support member moves axially, wherein the stroke of the element can be detected by the sensor. In this case, the cams of the coupling element engage in pockets formed on the support element and lock it in the release position, so that it does not come back to complete engagement of the clutch, regardless of further operation in the closing direction, but the axial position unchanged further corresponds to the release position and the sensor on can transmit the enable signal. Only by a counter rotation in the opening direction, the cams slip out of the pockets and release the coupling element axially, so that it can return to the rest position.

Fig. 1

eine teilweise schematische Seitenansicht eines Tanks und eines davor angeordneten Befüllkopfes;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht des Befüllkopfes und Tankstutzens aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3a-3c

einen Teilschnitt entlang der Linie A..A in Fig. 2 mit zusätzlich teilweise aufgerissener Darstellung;

Fig. 4

in Explosionsdarstellung eine Seitenansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Befüllkopfes;

Fig. 5, 6

in perspektivischen Explosionsdarstellungen eine Kupplungsvorrichtung des Befüllkopfes aus Fig. 4;

Fig. 7

einen Längsschnitt durch die Kopplungsvorrichtung aus Fig. 5, Fig. 6;

Fig. 8

in Seitenansicht eine dritte Ausführungsform eines Befüllkopfes;

Fig. 9

in Explosionsdarstellung eine Seitenansicht der dritten Ausführungsform eines Befüllkopfes gemäß Figur 8;

Fig. 10

in perspektivischer Explosionsdarstellung eine Kupplungsvorrichtung des Befüllkopfes aus Figur 8, 9.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings. Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a partial schematic side view of a tank and a Befüllkopfes arranged in front;

Fig. 2

a side view of the filling and tank filler neck Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3a-3c

a partial section along the line A..A in Fig. 2 with additional partially torn representation;

Fig. 4

an exploded view of a side view of a second embodiment of a filling head;

Fig. 5, 6

in perspective exploded views of a coupling device of the filling from Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 7

a longitudinal section through the coupling device Fig. 5, Fig. 6 ;

Fig. 8

in side view, a third embodiment of a filling head;

Fig. 9

in an exploded view a side view of the third embodiment of a filling according to FIG. 8 ;

Fig. 10

in perspective exploded view of a coupling device of the filling from FIG. 8, 9 ,

Fig. 1 schematically shows a tank 12 with disposed thereon tank neck 14, which has a filling opening 16 surrounded by an external thread 18 as a conclusion.

In front of the filling opening 16, a filling head 10 is arranged, which is connected to a filling and venting pipe 20, which is connected via a hose 22 to a supply device (tank, pump, etc., not shown).

The filling head 10, filling and venting tube 20 and tube 22 in the example shown is the equipment of a filling station for aqueous urea solution for filling the arranged in a motor vehicle tank 12. Alternatively, this solution can also be used for other filling tasks with other liquids, especially fuel or other aggressive or dangerous fluids.

As in Fig. 2 . 3a-3c shown, the filling head 10 is introduced with the above filling and centering tube 24 into the filling opening 16 of the filler neck 14. An internally threaded sleeve 26 as a threaded element on the filling head 10 is screwed onto the external thread 18 of the filler neck 14 in order to ensure a mechanically secure and liquid-tight connection. This is done by rotation of the operating sleeve 30. Thus, in the example shown, as in Fig. 3a-3c shown, in clockwise rotation of the control sleeve 30, the screw connection between the control head 10 and the filler neck 14 made until a flange on the filling head is finally placed sealingly on the filler neck and the filling process could begin. In an alternative embodiment, for example, a left-hand thread can also be used.

To ensure that the threaded connection 18, 26 is not over-twisted, as in the torn view in FIG Fig. 3b . 3c shown a torque limiting Coupling device 32 is provided. This comprises a first coupling part 34 which is rotatably connected to the control sleeve 30 and a second coupling part 36 which is rotatably connected to the threaded member 26. The coupling elements 34, 36 are as in Fig. 3b shown in the rest state coupled by pawls 38 which are biased by spring members 40 in the axial direction and extending from guides within the first coupling element 34 in engagement receptacles 42 on the second coupling element 36.

By the pawls 38 is a coupling of the first and wide coupling element 34, given 36, so that they are initially coupled rotationally fixed.

However, the receptacles 42 in the second coupling element 36 as well as the tips of the pawls 38 an oblique arrangement, so are at an angle to the axial direction to each other, which is greater than o ° and less than 90 °. By thus formed inclined plane results in rotation in the closing direction and corresponding pressure force on the contact surfaces between the pawls 38 and the receptacles 42 on the pawls 38 in the axial direction, d. H. their force acting within the guides against the force of the springs 40. As an alternative to a straight surface at a constant angle of inclination, a waveform with variable inclination angle could be used.

If the force formed on the inclined abutment surfaces exceeds the spring force, then the pawls 38 are displaced as in FIG Fig. 3c shown from the receptacles 42 of the lower coupling part and thus ensure decoupling of the lower coupling part 36 from the upper coupling part 34. The torque limiting coupling device 32 thus triggers and no longer transmits due to the decoupling the torque applied to the operating sleeve 30 on the threaded member 26. Instead the upper coupling part 34 slips against the lower coupling part 36.

The torque from which it comes to the decoupling described depends on the angle of attack of the contact surfaces of the pawls 38 and receptacles 42 in the lower coupling part 36, the material pairings and resulting friction coefficients of the Number of pawls 38 and by the force of the springs 40. By a suitable choice of these elements can thus be given a threshold torque, wherein the coupling device 32 transmits torque in rotation in the closing direction of the control sleeve 30 on the threaded member 26 only as far as it below the Threshold torque is. Is like in Fig. 3c shown the screw fully manufactured, so that a further rotation in the closing direction is no longer possible, so performs an actuation of the operating sleeve with a torque above the threshold torque as described for triggering the torque limiting coupling device 32nd

The triggering of the torque-limiting coupling device 32 is detected by a sensor 41 which emits an enable signal as an electrical signal via an electrical line 44 depending thereon. In the embodiment shown, the sensor 41 detects the displacement of at least one of the pawls 38 within the first coupling part 34. In the in Fig. 3b shown basic position in which all pawls 38 still make a coupling between the first coupling part 34 and the second coupling part 36, the sensor 41 is arranged at a distance from one of the pawls 38. However, this pawl 38 shifts as in Fig. 3c shown axially to the rear, as is the case when triggering the coupling device 32, the sensor 41 detects the resulting new position of the pawl 38 and can give an enable signal.

In this case, the sensor 41 may, for example, be designed as an optical sensor in order to determine the displacement of the pawl 38 into the second position. The pawl 38 may also be formed as a ferromagnetic part, wherein the sensor 41 may then be formed as an inductive or capacitive sensor or as a Hall sensor to detect the pawl 38 in its second position.

The electrical line 44 is connected to a control device (not shown) for the entire filling station. The control device reads out the sensor signal and releases the filling process only when the release signal indicates that the connection has been made.

Thus, before the start of the filling process, first the threaded element 26 of the filling head 10 be completely screwed onto the filler neck 14, and so far and with such force that the torque limiting coupling device 32 has been triggered at least briefly. In the embodiment shown, the pawl 38 upon further rotation depending on the resulting state of the coupling element 34, 36 may possibly fall back into the first coupling position, so that - although the mechanical connection still exists - the sensor emits no further release signal. However, this can be accommodated by a logic circuit which makes a continuous signal from the transient enable signal, or by corresponding processing in the control device, so that, as a result, a short enable signal is already treated as sufficient for the permanent release of the filling operation.

In a second embodiment of the invention according to Fig. 4-7 This logic function is mechanically realized, ie it is ensured by the mechanical design that the release signal of a sensor permanently applied as long as the connection, ie the release signal remains until the rotation of the control sleeve 30 in the solution direction.

Fig. 4 shows elements of a filling head 100 according to the second embodiment of the invention. Here, the filling head 100 according to the second embodiment and the filling head 10 according to the first embodiment have some similarities. Like elements are identified by like reference numerals. The differences are mainly in the different design of the coupling device.

In the exploded view in Fig. 4 the individual components of the Befüllkopfes 100 are shown. On the Zentrierrohrhalter 152 a torque limiting coupling device 132 is placed, wherein a coil spring 154 acts between the elements. A filling and centering tube 24 is held in the assembled state on Zentrierrohrhalter 152 and disposed coaxially within the coupling device 132. A conduit 156 connects the filling and venting tube 20 with the filling and centering tube 24 and serves for the passage of the liquid, while the displaced during the filling process by the liquid air in the area around the conduit 156 around can flow back.

An operating sleeve 30 is placed in the assembled state on the outside over the elements of the filling head 100, so that the filling and centering tube 24 protrudes therefrom at the front end.

As explained in connection with the first embodiment, the operating sleeve 30 is used to operate the filling head 100 when screwed onto a filler neck. An internal thread 26, which makes the screw connection to the filler neck, is provided as part of the torque-limiting coupling device 132, with their elements in the enlarged views Fig. 5-7 is shown. Here are in Fig. 5-7 the always fixed not co-rotating elements, ie the Zentrierrohrhalter 152 and the filling and centering tube 24 for clarity not shown.

As from the exploded view Fig. 5 can be seen, the coupling device 132 has a coupling ring 160, in the interior of which a carrier ring 162 and a brake ring 164 are arranged axially one behind the other coaxially. The brake ring 164 is mounted on Zentrierrohrhalter 152, wherein it is rotationally fixed, but axially displaceable. The Zentrierrohrhalter 152 is always immovable when screwing the Befüllkopfes on a filler neck, so does not rotate with the control sleeve 30 and the coupling ring coupled therewith 160. Within the support ring 162 is in the assembled state ( Fig. 7 ) arranged a magnetic ring 172, the magnetic field depending on the axial position of the support ring 162 may act on a reed switch element 141. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a less expensive bar magnet is used instead of the magnet ring 172.

The coupling ring 160 has in the example shown four equally distributed on the periphery pawl elements, each having an axially displaceable pawl 138, a housing for axially displaceable guide the pawl 138 and therein a coil spring (not shown) to the pawl in the in Fig. 5-7 right direction, ie in the direction of the rotary connecting element 26 out to bias. Alternatively, fewer or more pawls may be provided. The tip of the pawls is designed asymmetrically and has in the example shown on one side to an approximately 45 ° bevel, while it just terminates to the other side.

Integral with the threaded member 26, a coupling member 136 is provided with receptacles 42 which are also asymmetric in adaptation to the shape of the pawls 138, bevelled on one side and straight to the other side, are formed.

In the assembled state, the pawls 138 engage in the receptacles 42 of the coupling part 136 and thus lock in their predetermined by the springs basic position the coupling ring 160 so with the second coupling part 136 and thus with the threaded member 26 that initially a rotationally fixed connection. As explained in connection with the first embodiment, causes the one hand side beveled shape of the pawls 138 and receptacles 42 on the one hand and the axial displaceability and spring loading of the pawls 138 on the other hand, that between the coupling ring 160, the rotationally fixed in the assembled state of the Befüllkopfes 100 with the Operating sleeve 30 is connected, and the coupling element 136 and threaded member 26, a torque limiting clutch is formed, which triggers in the closing direction of the rotary connection between the threaded member 26 and the filler neck above a threshold torque, in reverse direction but due to the straight shape of the pawls 138 and receptacles 42 a complete Clutch without torque limit causes.

The purely mechanical function of the torque-limiting coupling device is therefore already fulfilled by the pawls 138 and the coupling element 136 mounted in the coupling ring 160. The carrier ring 162 and the brake ring 164, the intermeshing teeth 168, 70 have, together with the magnetic ring 172 and the reed switch 141 to deliver an electrical release signal then when the torque limiting coupling device 132 when screwing the filling head 100 to a tank neck has triggered once, and to maintain this electrical signal until an opposite rotation of the filling head 100 has taken place in the direction of solution of the rotary joint.

For this purpose, the coupling ring 160 has on its inner surface a plurality of circumferentially distributed pins 176 projecting inwardly in the direction of the support ring 162. The support ring 162 has on its outer surface matching guide rails 178, in which the pins 176 are guided.

The guides 178 extend on the outer surface of the support ring 162 obliquely at a pitch angle relative to the longitudinal central axis and terminate in Fig. 5-7 left side then in a straight guide portion 180 which is parallel to the longitudinal central axis.

The support ring 162 has its in Fig. 5-7 right side engaging prongs 182 on. In the ground state ( Fig. 7 ), ie without prior release of the coupling element, the engaging prongs 182 are engaged with the receptacles 142. At the same time, the teeth 170 of the support ring 162 with the teeth 168 of the brake ring 164 in engagement. By the action of the spring 154, the brake ring 164 presses the carrier ring 162 axially to the right in FIG Fig. 5-7 in the direction of the coupling element 136th

If an operation of the Befüllkopfes 100 without triggering the coupling device 132, so for example. By screwing the threaded member 26 to a filler neck without exceeding the threshold torque, so turn in Fig. 5-7 The control sleeve 30 rotates the non-rotatably associated coupling ring 160 with the pawls 138, these cause the rotation of the coupling element 136 and the threaded member 26 integrally connected thereto by the engagement of the engaging prongs 182 in the receptacles 42 of the threaded member 136, the support ring 162 also rotates synchronously with. At the teeth 168, 170 it comes to a slipping relative to the fixed brake ring 164th

If, however, due to the exceeding of the threshold torque to trigger the coupling device 132 and thus to a relative rotation between the coupling ring 160 and the pawls 138 on the one hand and the coupling element 136 and threaded member 26 on the other hand, the support ring 162 and the coupling ring 160 no longer move synchronously. Because the support ring 162 is coupled via the engagement prongs 182 with the coupling part 136. Thus, there is a relative rotation between the support ring 160 and coupling ring 162nd

During this relative rotation, the pins 176 guided in the guides 178 cause an axial displacement of the carrier ring 162 in the in Fig. 5-7 shown left direction, ie against the bias of the brake ring 164, on which the spring 154 acts. The carrier ring 162 and the magnetic ring 172 fixedly connected thereto thus lift in the axial direction. In this case, the reed switch contact 141 gets into the magnetic field of the magnet ring 172.

The reed switch 141 is formed as an opening contact, i. H. without the action of an external magnetic field, the contact is initially closed, so that an electrical short circuit is signaled via the connection line. The action of the magnetic field of the magnet ring 172, which results in the described axial displacement of the support ring 162 in the case of triggering of the coupling device 132, opens the reed contact, so that an electrical idle is formed via the line.

This axially displaced position of the carrier ring 162, and thus a constant release signal (electrical idling) remain until a reverse rotation of the coupling ring 160 takes place in the opening direction of the rotary joint. Only then does the carrier ring 162 axially push back into the pin 176 guided in the guides 178 Fig. 5-7 right position, so that the magnetic ring 172 away from the reed switch 174 and closes the contact after elimination of the action of the magnetic field. By thus achieved electrical short circuit, the enable signal is canceled.

FIG. 8 shows a filling head 200 according to a third embodiment of the invention. Again, the filling head 200 according to the third embodiment has much in common with the previous embodiments. Like elements are identified by like reference numerals. The differences are mainly in the different design of the coupling device.

In the exploded view in FIG. 9 the individual components of the filling head 200 are shown. As in the second embodiment, a filling and centering tube 24, a Zentrierrohrhalter 152 and an operating sleeve 30 are provided.

A torque-limiting coupling device 232 is formed with a threaded element 26 with internal thread for screwing onto the filler neck and a hereby couplable support member 262 with a magnetic ring 272, which are axially displaceable as a whole against a coupling member 260. The support member 262 has a ring of pawl members 238 on. Integral with the threaded member 26, a coupling member 236 is provided with receptacles 42 which are formed asymmetrically biased on one side in adaptation to the shape of the pawls 238.

In the basic position, the pawls 238 engage in the receptacles 42 of the coupling part 236. By a spring 254, the support ring 262 is acted upon so that this engagement ensures that the coupling device 232 transmits a torque in its normal position.

Exceeding the threshold torque occurs as described for the previous embodiments to trigger the coupling device 232, wherein the support ring 262 axially against the pressure of the spring 254 shifts, so that the pawls 238 slide along their oblique contact surfaces of the receptacles 42. In this release position, the coupling device 232 is disconnected and slipping occurs.

The axial displacement of the carrier ring 262 and the magnet ring 272 connected thereto is detected by a reed switch 241 acting as a sensor, which emits an electrical release signal when the magnet ring 272 approaches.

The carrier ring 262 and the coupling ring 260 form a latching unit. As in particular from FIG. 9 As can be seen, causes the particular outer shape of the support ring 262 and corresponding inner contour of the coupling ring 260 a lock in the release position, so that the support ring 262 remains in its axially displaced position, so that the magnetic ring 272 is further positioned next to the sensor 241 and permanently on Release signal is issued.

This locking is effected by cams 276 arranged on the inside of the carrier ring 260 and engaging in a guide profile 278 on the carrier ring 262. In this case, 262 pockets 279 are formed within the guide profile 278 on the support ring.

In the rest position, the cams 276 lie within longitudinal channels of the guide profile 278, so that the support ring 262 is axially displaceable. Upon release of the coupling device 232 with rotation in the closing direction, ie in Fig. 10 rechtsherum and corresponding axial displacement of the support ring 262 against the pressure of the spring 254 reach the cams 276 formed in the guide profile 278 pockets 279 and lock the support ring 262 there axially in the release position. In this case, there is a locking of the cam 276 in the pockets 279 by projections 281st

Only with counter rotation, the locking connection thus formed is released. Then, the cams 276 overcome the projections 281 and get out of the pockets 279, so that the carrier ring 262 is again axially movable and the pawls 278 slide back into the receptacles 42. As a result, the magnetic ring 272 again moves away from the sensor 141, so that the release signal is canceled.

The particularly simple mechanism of the second embodiment thus also ensures that a reliable triggering of the coupling device 232 is given when the threshold torque is exceeded, that this triggering is reliably detected on the basis of the stroke of the carrier ring 262, and that while the released by the sensor 241 release signal as long remains until a counter-rotation takes place in the opening direction.

Deviations are possible for the illustrated embodiments. In particular, the illustrated embodiments can be combined so that, for example, the internal structure of the filling head 10 according to the first embodiment with a connecting piece, a conduit and a Zentrierrohrhalter as for the second embodiment in Fig. 4 shown can be formed.

Claims (15)

Filling head for filling a liquid in a filler neck (14), with a rotary connecting element (26) for forming a mechanical connection with the filler neck (14) by rotation, and with a rotatable operating part (30) for rotating the rotary connecting element (26), - wherein the operating part (30) is coupled to the rotary connecting element (26) via a torque limiting coupling device (32, 132) which triggers at least in one direction of rotation at a threshold torque and the rotatable operating part (30) from the rotary connecting element (26) decoupled,
characterized in that - A sensor (41, 141) is provided to detect the triggering of the torque limiting coupling device (32, 132) and deliver an enable signal for the connection made. Filling head according to claim 1, wherein the torque-limiting coupling device (32, 132) has at least one blocking element (38, 138) which produces a rotationally fixed coupling in a first position, - And in a second, triggered position, the rotatable operating part (30) from the rotary connecting element (26) decoupled. Filling head according to claim 2, wherein - The locking element (38, 138) is spring-loaded in the direction of the first position. Filling head according to one of claims 2, 3, in which - The blocking element (38, 138) is movably mounted between the first and the second position. Filling head according to claim 4, wherein - The blocking element (38, 138) axially to the direction of rotation of the operating part (30) and / or the rotary connecting element (26) is displaceable. Filling head according to one of claims 4, 5, in which - The blocking element (38, 138) and / or with the operating part (30) or the rotary connection element (26) coupled coupling element (36) has a contact surface which is inclined at an angle to the direction of displacement of the locking element (38, 138) or one Has waveform - When transmitting a torque, the blocking element (38, 138) is acted upon by the action of the contact surface with a force in the direction of displacement. Filling head according to claim 6, wherein - The blocking element (38, 138) and / or the coupling part (36) has a first and a second contact surface, wherein, when a torque is transmitted in a first direction of rotation, the first contact surface and, when a torque is transmitted in a second, opposite direction of rotation, the second contact surface becomes effective, - Wherein the first and the second contact surface have different angles to the direction of displacement of the locking element (38, 138). Filling head according to one of the preceding claims, in which - The rotary connector is a bayonet or screw thread element (26). Filling head according to one of the preceding claims, in which - The sensor (41, 141) detects the position of a movable element (38, 162) which moves when triggering the torque limiting coupling device (38, 138) from a stable first position to a second position. Filling head according to one of the preceding claims, in which a carrier element (162) is displaced in the closing direction from a rest position into a release position when the torque-limiting coupling device (132) is triggered by rotation of the operating part (30), - And wherein the sensor (141) detects the triggering position and / or the rest position of the carrier element (162). Filling head according to claim 10, wherein a catch unit is provided, through which the carrier element (162) remains in the release position after being triggered, - Wherein the support member (162) is returned upon rotation of the operating part (30) in a direction opposite to the closing direction opening direction to the rest position. Filling head according to one of claims 10, 11, in which a coupling element (160) is connected to the operating part (30), - And the support member (162) relative to the coupling element (160) is mounted in a guide so that it moves with rotation of the rotary connection member (26) relative to the control panel (30) from the rest position into the release position. Filling head according to claim 12, wherein the coupling element (160) and the carrier element (162) are designed as concentrically arranged ring elements, - And the guide in the region between the coupling element (134) and the carrier element (162) is arranged. Filling head according to claim 11, wherein a coupling element (260) is connected to the operating part (30), - And the support member (262) relative to the coupling element (260) is mounted in a guide (278) that it remains in the release position after triggering. Filling head according to claim 14, wherein the guide (278) is formed by cams (276) formed on one of the elements (260, 262) and pockets (279) formed on the other element, - Wherein the cams (276) engage in the release position in the pockets (279).

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