EP2819947A2

EP2819947A2 - Filling device

Info

Publication number: EP2819947A2
Application number: EP13707841.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Michael Driftmeyer
Original assignee: Walter Sohner & Co KG Prazisionskunststoffteile GmbH; Walter Soehner GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Walter Soehner GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2012-02-28
Filing date: 2013-02-28
Publication date: 2015-01-07
Also published as: WO2013127941A2; EP2927191A2; WO2013127941A3; EP2927191A3; US20150013826A1; DE102013003314A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for filling a tank with a liquid medium, in particular a urea solution, comprising a filling pipe and comprising a suction channel for removing air from the tank. The invention is characterized in that at least one air guiding element is provided inside the suction channel, said air guiding element being designed to deflect the air transversely to the longitudinal axis of the filling pipe.

Description

filling

The present invention relates to a device for filling a tank with a liquid medium, in particular a urea solution, with a filling tube and a suction channel for discharging gas or air from the tank. The invention further relates to a device for filling a tank with a liquid medium, in particular a urea solution, with a filling tube and a check valve element, which is attached to the end of the filling tube. Finally, the invention relates to a refueling system for a liquid medium, in particular a urea solutions, with a device according to the invention for filling a tank with a liquid medium and a holding device for receiving the device for filling. Increasingly, aqueous urea solutions (for example, known under the brand name "AdBlue") for exhaust gas purification in commercial vehicles, especially in trucks and buses, used. In the passenger car sector, too, urea solutions are now increasingly being used, with the storage of urea solutions being carried out in additional tanks in the motor vehicle. Refueling takes place either via commercially available canisters or, as with fuel, at dedicated urea fueling stations. The delivery of urea solutions via special fuel pumps will increase in the future, as it is more environmentally friendly and cheaper. Due to the chemical properties of urea solutions, special requirements are to be placed on the tank systems, so that the filling systems known from the field of fuel can not be readily adopted.

This is in particular that urea solutions crystallize and the crystals can cause disturbances. For this reason, the tank facilities should be designed so that urea solutions do not reach areas outside the filling pipe. In addition, refueling should be easy and quick.

The object of the present invention is, inter alia, the aforementioned device for filling a tank with a urea solution in such a way that contamination of the device and the vehicle can be avoided.

This object is achieved in the apparatus for filling a tank with a urea solution in that within the suction channel at least one air guide element is provided, which is designed to deflect the air transversely to the longitudinal axis of the filling tube.

In the previous solutions, the aspirated from the tank air (gas) is usually sucked more or less parallel to the filling tube, so that contained in the extracted air liquid components of the urea solution can get into the entire Saugkanalbereich. As the cleaning of areas of the Suction channels, which are located from the suction opening, difficult, there may form urea crystals, which can lead to disturbances.

Characterized in that in the device according to the invention the air flows transversely to the longitudinal axis of the filling tube, i. E. either at right angles or obliquely to the longitudinal axis, the flow path of the extracted air is initially extended, so that liquid components tend to remain in an area close to the suction opening. As these front areas are easier to clean, the risk of disruption by urea crystals can be reduced.

Preferably, the suction channel is limited inwardly by the filling tube and to the outside by a filling tube at least partially surrounding wall element. If the air guide element is formed so that it extends helically around the filling tube, the extracted air is brought into a circular or helical path with the result that deposit the liquid components by the centrifugal force on the outer wall element. In this way, a large part of the liquid components of the extracted air can already be deposited in the front region of the device for filling (hereinafter referred to as filling device for short). On the one hand, these separated components can simply run back into the tank or out of the filling device, so that their crystallization within the filling device is avoided. On the other hand, these separations in the front region of the filling device can be easily removed by cleaning.

In a preferred embodiment, the wall element is designed as a socket which extends at least over the length of the at least one air guide element. Preferably, the air guide element is provided on its side facing the filling tube on a carrier element, wherein the carrier element has a passage for the filling tube. More preferably, the air guide element and the carrier element are preferably integrally formed from a material resistant to the liquid medium, preferably made of stainless steel or a plastic material. These measures have been found to be particularly advantageous in terms of manufacturing. The carrier element can be easily pushed over the filling tube and carries the radially outwardly extending and helically extending air guide element. The suction channel to the outside limiting wall member is formed as a tubular sleeve, which in turn can be very easily slide over the filling tube and the support member with the air guide element.

Thus, not only the manufacturing cost of the items are low, but also necessary for the assembly measures. Furthermore, these components can also be easily replaced.

In a preferred embodiment, the air guide element on first sections which extend at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the filling tube. More preferably, the air guide element has second portions which extend obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the filling tube, wherein first and second portions alternate and two first portions are connected to each other via a second portion. More preferably, two successive first sections are offset in the longitudinal direction and arranged offset in the circumferential direction of the filling tube by 180 °.

This embodiment of the air guide element provides on the one hand the helical flow path of the extracted air and on the other hand allows a very cheap production due to a low tooling expense compared to a "true" helical course.

In a preferred embodiment, a check valve element is provided at the outlet end of the filling tube.

This check valve element has the task to close the outlet end of the filling tube, if the urea solution is not conveyed with a predetermined pressure in the tank. Since the check valve element is attached to the outlet end of the filling tube, there is no or minimal dripping of urea solution after removal of the filling device from the tank. In a preferred embodiment, the check valve element comprises a tubular housing having a first and a second longitudinal portion, wherein the first longitudinal portion has a smaller inner diameter than the second longitudinal portion and has a cone-shaped diffuser, which is coaxial inside the second longitudinal portion provided for this and with its larger diameter end facing the first longitudinal portion, wherein the diffuser supports a ball spring-loaded, such that the ball can close and release the end of the first longitudinal portion. Particularly preferably, the tubular housing has a third longitudinal portion, which has a tapered inner diameter for forming a nozzle.

These measures ensure that the urea solution emerges as laminar as possible from the outlet end. This laminar flow is achieved despite the fact that the urea solution at the end of the filling tube must flow around the intended ball of the check valve. The improvement of the flow is achieved by the cone-shaped diffuser, which provides seen in the longitudinal direction for a widening annular space between the tubular housing and diffuser.

A laminar flow prevents foam or droplet formation and a backwater in the region of the outlet end, so that as a result, the "risk" of premature and unwanted shutdown is reduced.

The flow may preferably be further improved by adding at the outlet end, i. Seen in the flow direction after the check valve, a jet regulator (eg. In the form of a mixing nozzle) is provided.

An over spilling and / or a back splash of the liquid medium (so-called "Spitback") can be prevented.

Particularly preferably, the filling device is designed as a fuel nozzle. The handling and operation of the filling is thus significantly simplified.

The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a device for filling a tank with a liquid medium, in particular a urea solution having a filling tube and the previously discussed check valve element.

This means in other words that the two features suction duct with air guide element and check valve element can be used alone or in combination in a device for filling a tank to achieve the object of the invention. This also means that the above-described preferred developments can be used for both variants.

The object on which the invention is based is also achieved by a filling system for a liquid medium, in particular a urea solution, which has a filling device according to the invention, a holding device for receiving the device for filling and a cleaning device which is designed to clean the suction channel.

Preferably, the cleaning device generates a stream of air for cleaning.

Particularly preferably, the cleaning device is connected to the suction port opposite end of the suction channel, wherein the cleaning device blows air into the suction channel, which flows through the suction channel to the suction port. Of course, the cleaning device also suck air through the suction channel, for example, toward the suction opening to bring about a cleaning.

By cleaning liquid components present in the suction channel are blown out to the outlet end and / or sucked. It is understood that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained not only in the combination specified, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. Showing:

1 shows a perspective view of a filling device according to the invention;

Fig. 2a, b is a cross-sectional view of the filling and an enlarged

Section of this view;

3 shows an exploded view of the filling device according to the invention with some removed components;

4 is an exploded view of the filling device from the other side with some components removed;

5a, b is a sectional view of a check valve element according to the invention in cross section and in an exploded view;

Fig. 6a, b is a cross-sectional view of an alternative check valve element and an exploded view of this check valve element;

FIG. 7 shows a schematic illustration of the refueling system according to the invention, and FIG

Fig. 8 shows a characteristic of Födermenge over time to explain the

Control behavior. In Fig. 1, a filling device is shown in a perspective view and identified by the reference numeral 10. This filling device is preferably designed in the form of a fuel nozzle 1 1. The filling device 10 serves to fuel a vehicle, for example a car or a truck, with a liquid medium, in particular a urea solution (also known as "AdBlue"). The filling device is designed to allow a closed refueling. Such urea solutions are now used very often in the field of exhaust gas purification, in particular to convert the nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and water vapor. Below is spoken only of a urea solution as a liquid medium, although the described embodiments are also advantageously used for other liquid media.

The filling device 10 has a grip region 12 and an adjoining connection region 14.

The grip portion 12, which is preferably composed of two handles made of plastic handles 16, 18 is similar in shape to the usual form of a fuel nozzle of a tank system for gasoline, diesel etc. At its opposite end of the connecting portion 14 of the handle portion 12, a media tube 20 is connected or connected, on the one hand supplies a urea solution and on the other hand, gas or air (hereinafter simplified is only spoken of "air") discharges during refueling from the tank ,

In the connection region 14, a cylindrical control element 22 is provided which is rotatably held about its longitudinal axis. The operating element 22 serves to screw the filling device 10 with a connection piece (not shown) to a vehicle tank in order to allow a closed refueling.

The control element 22 has two longitudinal sections with different diameters, wherein the user-manageable longitudinal section 24.1 has a larger diameter than the adjoining second longitudinal section 24.2. Preferably, the two longitudinal sections 24.1 and 24.2 of the control ment 22 of two separate components, which are connected to each other, for example via screws.

In Fig. 1, an internal thread member 26 can be seen, which is provided coaxially with the second longitudinal section 24.2. This internal thread element is adapted to the connecting piece of a tank of a vehicle.

Preferably, the connection between the female thread member 26 and the control element 22, in particular the second longitudinal section 24.2, not fixed, but provided in the form of a "ratchet" connection. This means that the operating element 14 when connecting with the filler neck so long rotates the female thread element until a certain torque is reached. Then, the connection between the female thread element and the operating element 14, so that the latter "twisted", without further exerting a torque on the female thread element dissolves. The more detailed structure of this ratchet connection will be explained later.

Finally, a filling tube 28 can still be seen in FIG. 1, which preferably extends coaxially to the operating element 14 and out of the second longitudinal section 24.2. Instead of a coaxial arrangement, both elements could, for example, be arranged eccentrically to each other. At the end of the filling tube 28, a check valve element 30 is provided, wherein the check valve element 30 has an outlet opening 32 for the urea solution. The outlet opening 32 is thus located at a predetermined distance from the internally threaded element 26, so that the filling tube 28 protrudes when connecting to the connection piece of a vehicle in this. Further, at the outlet opening 32, a jet regulator 33 is provided downstream of the check valve element 30, which enhances or conditions the outflowing jet.

As already mentioned, when refueling with the urea solution, air is discharged from the tank. During filling, the air escapes in the pendulum process and / or is sucked off. This removal of air takes place via an annular space 34, the is formed between the internal thread element 26 and the filling tube 28 or in the screwed-on state between the inner surface of the connecting piece and the outside of the filling tube 28 is formed. The filling tube 28 itself serves solely to guide the urea solution.

The inner structure of the filling device 10 will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 in detail.

The filling tube 28 is formed at least in the region of the operating element 22 to the outlet opening 32 as a pipe 36, preferably made of stainless steel. This tube 36 is connected at its end opposite the outlet end 32 with a hose 38 which extends through the handle portion 12 to a coupling element 40 at the end of the handle portion 12. This coupling 40 serves to connect the media tube 20.

The tube 36 is preferably coaxial within the operating element 22 (eccentric would also be conceivable) out and is in its front, i. The longitudinal end facing the outlet end 32 is surrounded by a bush 42, this bushing 42 being part of a housing element 44. In Fig. 3, the socket 42 and the housing 44 can be clearly seen. The bush 42 is designed so that the inside of the bushing 42 abuts against the tube 36. The inner diameter of the sleeve 42 thus corresponds approximately to the outer diameter of the tube 36. Preferably, the tube 36 is encapsulated for insulation.

As is apparent in particular from FIGS. 3 and 4, the bushing in a longitudinal section 46 has a preferably helical structure 50, which serves as an air guide element 52.

The housing 44 has a larger diameter than the socket 42, so that a step 54 is formed. The surface of this step 54 extends obliquely, in particular at right angles, to the longitudinal axis of the filling tube 28. The housing 44 serves inter alia to receive a printed circuit board 56 and corresponding connecting leads 58. The Board 56 carries all necessary for the control of the filling electronic components that provide in particular a closure detection and level detection and forward the corresponding signals to the refueling system.

On the longitudinal portion 46 of the sleeve 42, a stop bushing 62 is attached, whose inner diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the helical structure 50. In particular, the stop bush 62 is designed so that the helical structure 50 rests against the inside of the stop bushing 62. The stop bush 62 is inserted in the region of the step 54 via a tubular connecting piece 64, wherein an O-ring 66 seals the connection, in particular against the passage of air or the urea solution.

The stop bushing 62 has at its outlet end 32 facing the end of a flange 68 which is engaged behind by a ring end portion of the female thread member 26.

The sleeve 42 with the helical structure 50 forms together with the stop bushing 62 and the female thread member 26 an air duct 70 which extends to the step 54 and the nozzle 64. From there, the channel 70 opens into an annular space 72, which extends to the coupling 40 at the end of the handle portion 12. There, the annular space 72 opens into a corresponding air duct 74.

The helical structure 50 serves as an air guide element 52 and ensures that the air from the tank does not flow on a straight path to the step 54 and into the annular space 72, but is guided in a helical path around the filling tube 28 and the sleeve 42 , This - in the projection - circular movement of the air in the longitudinal section 46 ensures that liquid components migrate in the extracted air by the centrifugal forces to the outside and reflected as possible at the stop bushing 62. Furthermore, the air duct is extended by a multiple. The geometry of this helical structure 50 and the arrangement of the transition between the air duct 70 and the annular space 72 should be designed so that liquid components deposited before the passage of air into the annular space 72 are. These liquid components may then again run in the direction of the outlet end 32 on the bushing 42 and the stop bushing 62, respectively.

This cyclonic guidance of the extracted air stream is intended to prevent liquid components, i. Urea solution, enter areas downstream of the stage 54. The significantly extended air flow and the helical or labyrinthine arrangement of the air guide element contribute to this. Crystallization of this urea solution in this area could lead to blockages / disturbances which are not easily remedied. Cleaning only the front longitudinal portion 46 of the sleeve 42 is much easier from the outside possible.

In addition, this part can also be easily replaced.

For manufacturing reasons, the structure 50 is not formed exactly helical. Rather, this structure is composed of straight sections 76 and 78, wherein the sections 76 at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 42 and the sections 78 extend obliquely to the longitudinal axis. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, rectangular sections 76 and inclined sections 78 alternate, so that an inclined section 78 connects two orthogonal sections 76 offset in the longitudinal direction and offset by 180 ° in the circumferential direction. All longitudinal sections 76, 78 are preferably connected to one another, so that the helical structure results.

As already mentioned, this helical structure ensures that the flow channel is extended and the helix prevents the directly flowing / back sloshing urea solution on the direct route into the nozzle of the fuel nozzle.

Furthermore, the escaping air flows like a helix around the bushing 42, so that centrifugal force causes liquid components in the extracted air to be deposited on the outer stop bushing 62. An advantage of this helical structure is that the flow path from the female thread member 26 to the step 54 is significantly increased, so that in the tank rising or zurückklappende urea solution does not reach the behind the step 54 annular space 72 as fast. As can be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4, the internally threaded element 26 preferably has sawtooth-shaped recesses 82 at its edge region facing away from the outlet end, whose obliquely extending flanks 84 - when turned clockwise - at the front and the vertical flank 86 are behind. If a rotation in the counterclockwise direction to be desired, the obliquely and perpendicular flanks are arranged correspondingly reversed.

The internal thread member 26 cooperates with the rotation of the operating element 22 with a triggering element 86 which has at its end facing the internal thread member 26 correspondingly formed sawteeth 88. The arrangement of these saw teeth 88 in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical trigger member 86 corresponds to the arrangement of the recesses 82, so that these saw teeth 88 can dive into the recesses 82.

The trigger element 86 has on its peripheral surface driver elements 90 which cooperate with corresponding elements on the inside of the first longitudinal section 24.1 of the control element 22. About this driver elements 90, a rotational movement of the control element 22 is transmitted to the trigger element 86. This rotational movement is transmitted via the oblique edges of the saw teeth 88 on the female thread member 26, so that the female thread member 26 can be screwed onto the external thread of the connection piece of the tank on the motor vehicle. Once the internally threaded member 86 is tightened, the sloping flanks of the saw teeth 88 of the trigger member 86 slide along the sloping flanks 84 of the recesses 82 so that the entire trigger member 86 is longitudinally rearward, i. away from the outlet end 32 moves. Once the saw teeth 88 have left the recesses 82, the control element 22 can rotate clockwise.

In order to release the female thread member 26 again from the connection piece, the control element can be rotated counterclockwise, in which case the vertical edges of the saw teeth 88 cooperate with the vertical edges 86 of the recesses 82 form-fitting and can transmit the torque to open. The triggering element 86 has a cylindrical portion 92 which - as can be seen in Fig. 2b - dips when sliding back into a region 94. This area is monitored electrically / electronically, for example by means of optical / optoelectronic elements, in order to provide the control electronics with a signal which signals complete closing or screwing on of the filling device. Of course, the immersion of the cylindrical portion 92 in the region 94 can be detected and detected not only visually, but for example also mechanically via mechanical switching elements. As switching elements are, for example, magnetoresistive switches, reed switches, Hall sensors, etc. conceivable.

For example, as shown in Fig. 2b, the check valve element 30 is inserted into the end of the filling tube 28, for example, plugged or screwed. This check valve element serves to prevent leakage of urea solution from the filling tube as soon as the urea solution is no longer pumped. In other words, this valve only opens when a certain pressure in the filling tube 28 is reached.

The structure of the check valve element 30 according to a first embodiment is shown in Figs. 5a and 5b. The check valve element 30 has a cylindrical housing 98, which preferably has a first longitudinal section 100.1 with a thread, an adjoining second longitudinal section 100.2 and a third adjoining longitudinal section 100.3. The first longitudinal section 100.1 is designed so that it can be inserted or screwed into the filling tube 28, in particular into the inner tube 36. The outer diameter of this first longitudinal section 100.1 thus corresponds to the inner diameter of the tube 36. The second longitudinal section 100.2 now has a larger outer diameter than the first longitudinal section and a larger inner diameter than the first longitudinal section 100.1.

The third longitudinal section 100.3 has a tapered outer diameter as well as a tapered inner diameter, it being noted at this point that the outer diameters of the second and third longitudinal diameters Section 102, 103 may be formed differently than shown. It is in these two longitudinal sections alone on the design of the inner diameter.

Within the second longitudinal section 100.2, a diffuser element 102 is provided, which has a conical or conical outer geometry. The larger end 104 of the diffuser with respect to the diameter is facing the first longitudinal section 100.1.

The diffuser element 102 is attached via fastening elements 1 12 on the inside of the housing 98, said attachment should cover as little flow cross section.

The diffuser element 102 has at its end 104 a recess 106 which serves to receive a ball 108 and a spring 1 10. One side of the spring 1 10 is supported on the diffuser element 102 and the other side on the ball 108. The spring pushes the ball 108 against the opening of the longitudinal portion 101 to close this opening tight. To release the opening, i. To press the ball against the force of the spring 1 10 in the diffuser element 102, the urea solution must be promoted with a certain pressure.

When the ball 108 has released the opening, the urea solution may flow around the end 104 of the diffuser element 102 into the annulus 12.

Due to the conical shape of the diffuser element 102, the annular space 1 12 expands in the flow direction, i. toward the outlet end 32. The flow channel cross-section thus increases.

This geometry has the purpose of equalizing the flow after flowing around the end 104 of the diffuser element, ie making it more laminar. The pressure and the flow rate decrease in this area. Finally, the tapering longitudinal section 100.3, which works like a nozzle, also provides an additional contribution to a laminar flow. It has been shown that the combination of increasing annular space 1 12 in the longitudinal section 102 and decreasing cross-sectional area in the following longitudinal section 100.3 provides a very good laminar flow of urea solution, although in this area, the check valve is in the flow path.

In Fig. 5b, the structure of the check valve element 30 is shown again in the form of an exploded view. Evident in this figure is attached to the diffuser element 102 fastener 1 12, which is formed as a ring, with a few spokes to the diffuser element and are mounted there. The ring of the fastener 1 12 is supported by the second longitudinal portion 102.

An alternative embodiment of a check valve element 30 'is shown in Fig. 6a and 6b, wherein functionally identical parts are identified by the same reference numerals.

One of the essential differences of this embodiment is the fact that adjoins the nozzle-like third longitudinal section 100.3, a further cylindrical longitudinal section 100.4, whose inner diameter is the same in the longitudinal direction. In addition, fasteners 1 12 'are provided at the end 104 of the diffuser element 102, which are supported by the second longitudinal section 100.2.

The operation of this alternative embodiment of the check valve element 30 'corresponds to that of the previously described check valve element 30 so that it can be referred to.

In Fig. 7, a tank system is shown in a schematic representation and designated by the reference numeral 1 14. The tank system 1 14 includes a fuel pump 1 15, which has a receiving shaft 1 16 for the fuel nozzle 1 1, which is shown here for simplicity as a triangle. The fuel nozzle 1 1 is connected via a hose 1 17 with the fuel pump 1 15, wherein the hose 1 17 an inner Having line 107 for the urea solution and an outer, preferably provided as a ring line air or gas recirculation line. In addition, in the hose 1 17 electrical lines to supply the controller in the fuel nozzle on the one hand with energy and on the other hand, signals to a provided in the fuel pump 1 15 control returned. The line 1 17 is a fast-switching valve 1 18, in particular a solenoid valve assigned, which can open and close the connection in the urea line 107 in the tube 1 17 within a few milliseconds. In addition, the inner conduit 107 is associated with a pressure sensor 1 19, which is preferably provided in the region of the fuel nozzle 1 1.

Furthermore, the fuel pump 1 15 comprises a cleaning device 120, which is provided to clean the fuel nozzle 1 1 and as well as the line for discharging the air.

To clean the fuel nozzle 1 1 air is used, which is guided either through the hose 1 17, for example. The air return passage to the fuel nozzle 1 1, in particular to clean the front of the fuel nozzle. For this purpose, for example, be provided that the fuel nozzle in the receiving shaft 1 16 is located in order to catch the blown urea solution can.

Alternatively, it is of course also possible to blow the air from the cleaning device 120 to the receiving shaft 1 16 and there directly into the annular space 34 of the fuel nozzle 1 1. Alternatively, a cleaning could be carried out by sucking air from the annular space 34 of the fuel nozzle.

As already mentioned, the fuel nozzle 1 1 is screwed onto the connecting piece of the vehicle for refueling, so long until the control element 22 rotates. The provided inside the fuel nozzle 1 1 electronics detects the movement of the cylindrical portion 92 in the area 94 and gives a signal back to the pump 1 15. The controller provided there now recognizes that the fuel nozzle is completely rotated on the spud and then gives the refueling free. The user then presses, for example, a fueling button on the fuel pump 1 15, wherein the refueling process is started. For this purpose, the valve 1 18 is first released and the feed pump can then promote urea solution through the hose 1 17 and the nozzle 1 1 in the tank, the pressure sensor 1 19 provides control signals for adjustment to the controller. The predetermined by the controller delivery rate is set to a first value. A mounted at the end of the filling tube 28 sensor, for example. In the form of two electrodes, detects the level within the connection piece of the vehicle. The two electrodes required for this purpose are either provided as separate components or, for example, the filling tube 28 preferably serves as one of the two electrodes. As soon as the sensor is wetted by the urea solution, a corresponding filling signal is transmitted to the controller in the fuel pump. The controller stops the feed pump in response to this signal and closes the valve 1 18.

If the filling signal now changes within a predefinable time period, for example three seconds, the delivery of urea solution is continued. Only when urea solution persists, i. The refueling is completed longer than the predetermined period of time that wets the sensor at the filling tube 28. The control in the fuel tank 1 15 registers this event and prevents further refueling of the vehicle.

Since the sensor for detecting the filling level is very close to the end of the filler neck of the vehicle, it must be prevented that even small amounts of urea solution after running after stopping the feed pump. This is achieved with the valve 1 18 (eg., A 3/2-way valve or a pure shut-off valve), which closes the line for the urea solution within a few milliseconds, so that the still funded by the inertia of the pump residual amount is no longer in the hose 1 17 passes. When using a 3/2-way valve as a valve, the remaining amount is returned to a storage tank from which the urea solution is conveyed.

At this point it should be noted that the valve 1 18 can of course also be provided in the fuel nozzle 1 1. As already mentioned and shown in Figure 8, the refueling is made with a first adjustable delivery rate dV / dt. After receiving a first filling signal is now preferably in the further refueling with a second delivery rate, which is also adjustable and less than the first delivery rate, refueled. In other words, that is initially filled with a high flow rate, until the sensor provides a fill signal. If this filling signal has disappeared after the predetermined period of time, it will continue to deliver, but then with the second delivery rate, which is lower. If the controller in the petrol pump then receives another filling signal, it is again stopped and forwarded after the predetermined period of time, provided that the filling signal has disappeared. The delivery rate may then be the same as the second delivery rate or alternatively may be lowered further.

The refueling with such a two-stage or multi-stage delivery rate makes it possible to fill the tank on the one hand quickly and on the other hand as possible with the maximum capacity. Of course, the Förderraten- profile shown in Fig. 8 is adjustable and changeable.

It is particularly preferred not to operate the feed pump when switching on directly with the first delivery rate, but instead to slowly start up the feed pump to this delivery rate. The "switch-on curve" can be specified in the controller, alternatively the "switch-on curve" is fixed.

When the pump is switched on again, this "switch-on curve" can be used again, or alternatively it can be conveyed immediately with the second lower delivery rate.

Finally, it should be noted that the ratchet connection described above, in particular with the electronic detection of the immersion of the triggering element into the region 94, can also be used without the other features of the filling device. Overall, it turns out that a filling device and a tank system are provided which have a number of advantages and yet are cost-effective to implement.

Claims

claims

1 . Device for filling a tank with a liquid medium, in particular a urea solution, with a filling tube, and a suction channel for discharging air from the tank, characterized in that within the suction channel at least one air guide element is provided, which is formed, the air divert transversely to the longitudinal axis of the filling tube.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction channel is limited inwardly by the filling tube and to the outside by a filling tube at least partially surrounding wall element.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the air guide element runs like a spiral or a labyrinth around the filling tube.

4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the wall element is designed as a socket and extends at least over the length of the at least one air guide element.

5. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the air guide element and a carrier element are integrally formed of a material which material is resistant to the liquid medium.

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the air guide element has first portions which extend at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the filling tube.

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the air guide element has second portions which extend obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the filling tube, wherein first and second portions alternate and two first portions are connected to each other via a second portion.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that two successive first sections are offset in the longitudinal direction and arranged offset in the circumferential direction of the filling tube by 180 °.

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at the outlet end of the filling tube, a check valve element is provided.

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the outlet end of the filling tube, a jet regulator is provided.

1 1. Apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the check valve element

- Has a tubular housing having a first and a second longitudinal portion, wherein the first longitudinal portion has a smaller inner diameter than the second longitudinal portion, and

- Having a cone-shaped diffuser, which is provided in the interior of the second longitudinal portion coaxial therewith and facing with its larger diameter end of the first longitudinal portion, wherein the diffuser supports a ball spring loaded, such that the ball can close the end of the first longitudinal portion and release.

12. The device according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the tubular housing has a third longitudinal portion having a tapered inner diameter for forming a nozzle.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the

Check valve element is interchangeable provided at the end of the filling tube.

14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it is designed in the form of a fuel nozzle.

15. An apparatus for filling a tank with a liquid medium, in particular a urea solution, with a filling tube, and a check valve element, which is attached to the end of the filling tube, characterized in that the check valve element

- Having a cone-shaped diffuser which is provided in the interior of the second longitudinal portion coaxial therewith and facing with its larger diameter end of the first longitudinal portion, wherein the diffuser supports a ball spring loaded, such that the ball can close the end of the first longitudinal portion and release.

16. refueling system for a liquid medium, in particular a urea solution with a device according to one of claims 1 to 14, a holding device for receiving the device for filling, and a cleaning device which is designed to clean the suction channel.

17. refueling system according to claim 16, characterized in that the cleaning device is designed to at least the outlet end of the filling tube and / or the check valve element to clean.

18. refueling system according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the cleaning device generates an air stream for cleaning.

19. refueling system according to claim 17, characterized in that the cleaning device is connected to the suction opening of the opposite end of the suction channel and blows air into the suction channel, which flows through the suction channel to the suction port.

20. Refueling system according to claim 17, characterized in that the cleaning device is connected to the suction opening of the suction channel and sucks air from the suction channel.

21. Refueling system for a liquid medium, in particular a urea solution with a filling device according to one of claims 1 to 14, which has a fill level sensor on the filling tube, wherein the level sensor emits a filling signal when the level sensor detects the liquid medium of a feed pump for conveying the Medium to the filling device in a tank of a vehicle, and a control device configured to turn off the feed pump when a fill signal is received, and to turn the feed pump back on when the fill signal is not received after a predetermined period of time.

22. refueling system according to claim 21, characterized in that the feed pump is set when restarting at a lower flow rate.

A refueling system according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that a valve is provided in the conduit for the medium, and the controller closes the valve when a filling signal is received.