EP3614036A1 - Connection device for a compressed gas container - Google Patents

Abstract

In the case of a connection device for coupling a gas pressure container provided with a connection coupling, a guide device is provided which can be pivoted about a pivot axis between a first pivot position and a second pivot position, the guide device having an opening at its end facing away from the pivot axis, which opening is for introducing the one to be coupled Gas pressure container is formed in an insertion direction extending radially with respect to the pivot axis. In addition, a plug-in nipple is rigidly arranged on the connecting device, which protrudes into an inner region of the guide device in such a way that its longitudinal axis runs in a radial direction with respect to the pivot axis of the guide device and is parallel to the insertion direction in the first pivoting position of the guide device Connection coupling, which has a rotationally symmetrical valve body, which has a coupling opening for receiving the plug nipple of the connection device. The valve body is rotatable within a coupling housing of the connection coupling about an axis of rotation running perpendicular to the central axis of the coupling opening and is sealed with its outer peripheral surface against an inner wall of the coupling housing. An outlet bore is formed in the valve body, which communicates with the coupling opening and which is in a fluid-conducting connection to the pressure vessel in a second rotational position of the valve body.

Description

The present invention relates to a connection device for coupling a gas pressure container provided with a connection coupling for the storage of pressurized gases, in particular carbon dioxide. In addition, the invention relates to a corresponding gas pressure container provided with a connection coupling.

Gas pressure containers filled with CO ₂ are used in drinking water bubblers, which serve to enrich drinking water with CO ₂ . In known systems, the gas pressure container is provided on the connection side with an external thread which is screwed into a corresponding connection part on the drinking water bubbler. A mandrel arranged in the center of the connection part presses in a valve tappet at the connection of the gas pressure container, so that the valve on the gas pressure container opens.

Drinking water bubblers are also increasingly being offered as permanently installed devices that are installed below the kitchen worktop in the area of the drinking water supply lines. Due to the limited space available in such devices, inserting or replacing a gas pressure container is tedious and cumbersome, and is also prone to operating errors when inserting them.

The present invention has therefore set itself the task of specifying a more user-friendly connection device for coupling a gas pressure container provided with a connection coupling, which simplifies the insertion and exchange of the gas pressure container and is particularly suitable for use with permanently installed under-counter devices. In addition, an associated gas pressure vessel with a corresponding connection coupling should be specified.

The object is achieved with respect to the connection device by the features of claim 1 and with respect to the gas pressure container by the features of claim 7. Advantageous configurations can be found in the dependent claims.

In a connection device for coupling a gas pressure container provided with a connection coupling, a guide device is provided according to the invention, which can be pivoted about a pivot axis between a first pivot position and a second pivot position, the guide device having an opening at its end facing away from the pivot axis, which opening for introducing the to be coupled gas pressure container is formed in an insertion direction extending radially with respect to the pivot axis. In addition, a plug-in nipple is rigidly arranged on the connecting device, which protrudes into an inner region of the guide device, such that its longitudinal axis runs in a radial direction with respect to the pivot axis of the guide device and is parallel to the insertion direction in the first pivot position of the guide device.

In the first swivel position, a gas pressure container can thus be introduced into the guide device in the axial direction. Since the longitudinal axis of the plug-in nipple lies in the insertion direction, it can couple into a corresponding coupling opening formed on the gas pressure container of a connection coupling provided there. The guide device together with the pressure vessel introduced is then pivoted into the second pivot position. This locks the gas pressure container inside the guide device.

A new gas pressure container is thus inserted into the connection device in a particularly simple manner simply by inserting the gas pressure container into the guide device (first swivel position) and pivoting the gas pressure container into the locking position (second swivel position).

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the guide device has an anti-twist device, which twists the coupled gas pressure container about its longitudinal axis with respect to the connecting device prevented. This anti-rotation protection takes into account the fact that users of conventional connection devices for gas cartridges are used to a connection by means of a screw thread and can therefore be tempted to want to turn an inserted gas cartridge even with a connection device according to the invention. This is prevented by an anti-twist device, so that incorrect operation or damage due to excessive force is reliably prevented.

The anti-rotation device is preferably formed by at least one flattened inner wall of the guide device, which interacts with a correspondingly flattened side wall in the connection area of the gas pressure container.

The guide device can be designed in the form of a shell or at least half a shell, so that it receives the front connection area of a gas pressure container and at least partially surrounds it. This ensures reliable guidance when a gas pressure container is inserted and the gas pressure container is held securely in the locked second pivot position.

The plug nipple on the connection device is preferably designed such that it has a tapered neck region. At this neck area, the plug nipple can be held and locked within a corresponding connection coupling on the gas pressure container. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the gas pressure container is locked via the plug nipple.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the guide device has at least one end stop, which limits its swivel range in the first swivel position and / or the second swivel position. Such an end stop is particularly advantageous in the first swivel position, in which the guide device is preferably pivoted forwards in order to insert a gas pressure container, since this end stop defines the position in which the longitudinal axis of the plug-in nipple lies parallel to the direction of insertion. The guide device is preferably oriented vertically downward in one direction in the second pivot position, while in the first pivot position it is oriented by one Angle in the range 30 ° to 90 ° is pivoted forward to allow easy insertion of a gas pressure container.

In addition, a pressure reducing valve that is fluidly connected to the plug-in nipple can be integrated into the connecting device. Such a pressure reducing valve, which is usually attached externally in conventional gas pressure vessels, enables safe operation at constant pressure adapted to the application. In a preferred embodiment, the connection device comprises a base unit on which the pressure reducing valve is arranged and which is designed to set a gas pressure present at the plug nipple to a constant value. More preferably, the pressure reducing valve has a housing into which the plug nipple is screwed or is arranged on the latter. This results in a compact, space-saving unit.

A gas pressure container, which is used for storing pressurized gases and is designed for use with the connection device described above, has a connection coupling which has a rotationally symmetrical valve body which has a coupling opening for receiving a plug nipple designed or suitable for use with the connection coupling. In addition, the connection coupling comprises a coupling housing attached to the gas pressure container, within which the valve body is rotatable about an axis of rotation running perpendicular to the central axis of the coupling opening and with its outer circumferential surface is mounted in a sealing manner with respect to an inner wall of the coupling housing.

The valve body is preferably cylindrical, since the cylindrical shape enables simple assembly of the connection coupling. Alternatively, however, the valve body can also have any rotationally symmetrical shape, so that it can be rotatably supported about its axis of rotation, for example a spherical or barrel shape.

An outlet bore is formed in the valve body, which communicates with the coupling opening and which is in a fluid-conducting connection to the pressure vessel in a second rotational position of the valve body. The connection coupling thus simultaneously serves as a shut-off valve, which is closed in the first rotational position of the valve body and in the second rotational position the valve body is open. The gas pressure container can thus be plugged onto a plug nipple provided on a connection device in the first rotational position and then pivoted relative to the plug nipple, as a result of which the valve body is rotated into its second rotational position in which a fluid connection between the connecting coupling and the plug nipple inserted therein is released to the gas pressure container is.

In a first rotational position of the valve body, the outlet bore can either be sealed off from the inner wall of the clutch housing or - which is preferred here - can be connected to a relief bore in the clutch housing that leads to the outside. The latter serves to control any residual pressure contained in the lines connected to the gas pressure container before the gas pressure container is removed. It is only essential that the outlet bore in the first rotational position has no fluid-conducting connection to the interior of the gas pressure container, so that gas escape from the gas pressure container is blocked.

In a further preferred embodiment, a link path is formed in the clutch housing, which is swept by the clutch opening of the valve body during its rotational movement from the first to the second rotational position, and which has an opening dimension in the region of the clutch opening in the first rotational position of the valve body, which at least that corresponds to the coupling opening, and along its further course up to the position of the coupling opening in the second rotational position has a smaller opening dimension in the transverse direction, which corresponds at least to the diameter of a tapered neck region of the plug-in nipple which can be used with the connecting coupling. A plug nipple inserted into the coupling opening is thus locked in the narrowing slide track when pivoted into the second rotational position and secured against being pulled out. In the second rotational position, in which the valve body releases the fluid connection to the gas pressure container, the plug connection between the connecting coupling and the plug nipple is prevented from being released. In addition, the gas pressure container can be held and locked by the plug nipple on a connection device which partially receives or carries the gas pressure container.

In a further preferred embodiment, the gas pressure container has an elongated, for example cylindrical, shape, and the coupling housing is attached in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the gas pressure container, the coupling opening formed in the valve body being collinear or parallel to the first rotational position of the valve body, i.e. the closed valve position the longitudinal axis of the gas pressure vessel is oriented. The gas pressure container can thus be pushed in the direction of its longitudinal axis into a guide device of a connection device and at the same time plugged onto a plug nipple provided there, since the central axis of the coupling opening into which the plug nipple is inserted into the connection coupling on the gas pressure container coincides with its longitudinal axis. This enables a particularly easy-to-use and user-friendly coupling of the gas pressure container to a connection device.

The gas pressure container preferably has a connection head or connection neck which carries the coupling housing, for example a tapering connection region of an otherwise cylindrical pressure container. In this case, a pressure relief valve is preferably also integrated either in the clutch housing itself or in the connection area of the gas pressure container. Such a pressure relief valve serves as a safety valve and, in the event that the internal pressure would rise to a critical value of, for example, 200 bar due to an extreme rise in temperature, the pressure can escape in order to prevent the gas pressure container from bursting.

The gas pressure container is preferably designed in the form of a conventional gas cartridge or gas bottle, as a cylindrical hollow body with a region tapering towards a connection head which carries the coupling housing.

The coupling housing arranged on the gas pressure container or its connection head or the connection head of the gas pressure container itself are preferably designed with an anti-rotation device which prevents the gas pressure container from rotating about its longitudinal axis with respect to a connection device accommodating the coupling housing.

As already explained above, this takes into account the fact that users of conventional gas cylinders / gas cartridges are used to coupling them to a connection device via a screw connection. The anti-twist protection thus prevents incorrect operation or any damage by users who try to turn a gas pressure container according to the invention.

Furthermore, the gas pressure container can be equipped with a quick drain valve which, if gas flows out freely via the connection coupling, should it be accidentally opened, stop the flow or at least restrict the gas flow. In the event of improper manipulation of the connection coupling, by means of which the valve body is turned into its open position without an inserted plug nipple, excessive gas leakage is prevented and damage due to recoil effect or extreme cooling of the expanding gas is avoided.

Such a quick drain protection valve can be formed, for example, by a blocking body, which in its closed position is held under gas pressure against a passage opening of the quick drain protection valve, and by a spring element which urges the locking body into its open position away from the passage opening.

In an alternative embodiment, quick emptying protection is achieved through a narrow through opening, which reduces a gas flow. In this case, however, a check valve opening against the outflow direction is preferably provided, which opens for filling the gas pressure container. The through opening can be formed in the valve seat of the check valve.

As a further protection against manipulation of the connection coupling, a locking member can be provided on the valve body, which is held under spring force in a locking position in which it blocks rotation of the valve body, and which is brought into an unlocking position by a plug nipple inserted into the coupling opening. Thus, the valve body can only be brought into its second rotational position, the open position, when a plug-in nipple is inserted. The anti-rotation lock can be further improved, by providing a recess of a predetermined depth on the plug-in nipple which interacts with the locking member. Similar to a pin tumbler in a cylinder lock, the valve body can only be turned if the locking element is held back by the amount specified by the recess on the plug nipple.

The invention also relates to an arrangement with a connection device and a gas pressure container of the above type coupled thereto, the pivot axis of the guide device of the connection device and the axis of rotation of the valve body coinciding in the connection coupling of the gas pressure container. This results in a smooth, jamming-free actuation of the valve body in the connection coupling when the gas pressure container inserted in the connection device is pivoted.

Figur 1

einen Gasdruckbehälter beim Einführen in eine Führungseinrichtung einer Anschlussvorrichtung,

Figur 2

den in die Führungseinrichtung eingeschobenen Gasdruckbehälter aus Fig. 1 in einer ersten Schwenkstellung,

Figur 3

den in die Anschlussvorrichtung eingeführten Gasdruckbehälter aus Fig. 1 in einer zweiten, verriegelten Schwenkstellung,

Figur 4

einen seitlichen Schnitt durch Gasdruckbehälter und Anschlussvorrichtung aus Fig. 2,

Figur 5

eine seitliche Schnittzeichnung von Gasdruckbehälter und Anschlussvorrichtung aus Fig. 3,

Figur 6

eine vergrößerte Schnittzeichnung des Anschlusses zwischen Gasdruckbehälter und Anschlussvorrichtung in der ersten Schwenkstellung,

Figur 7

eine vergrößerte Schnittzeichnung des Anschlusses zwischen Gasdruckbehälter und Anschlussvorrichtung in der zweiten Schwenkstellung,

Figur 8a

einen Längsschnitt durch eine Anschlusskupplung für einen Gasdruckbehälter mit Schnellentleerschutzventil in einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 8b

einen Längsschnitt durch die Anschlusskupplung aus Figur 8a in einer zu Figur 8a senkrechten Schnittebene,

Figur 9

einen Längsschnitt durch eine Anschlusskupplung für einen Gasdruckbehälter in einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel mit Schnellentleerschutz und Schnellbefüllfunktion,

Figur 10

in einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel einen Längsschnitt durch eine Anschlusskupplung mit Verdrehsperre für den Ventilkörper,

Figur 11

eine Detailansicht des Schnittes aus Figur 10 mit von einem eingesteckten Stecknippel entsperrten Ventilkörper und

Figur 12

die Detailansicht aus Figur 11 mit bei herausgezogenem Stecknippel gesperrtem Ventilkörper.

Further advantages and properties of the present invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures. It shows:

Figure 1

a gas pressure container during insertion into a guide device of a connection device,

Figure 2

the gas pressure container inserted into the guide device Fig. 1 in a first swivel position,

Figure 3

the gas pressure container inserted into the connection device Fig. 1 in a second, locked pivot position,

Figure 4

a side section through the gas pressure vessel and connection device Fig. 2 .

Figure 5

a side sectional drawing of the gas pressure vessel and connection device Fig. 3 .

Figure 6

2 shows an enlarged sectional drawing of the connection between the gas pressure container and the connection device in the first swivel position,

Figure 7

2 shows an enlarged sectional drawing of the connection between the gas pressure container and the connection device in the second swivel position,

Figure 8a

2 shows a longitudinal section through a connection coupling for a gas pressure container with a quick drain protection valve in a first exemplary embodiment,

Figure 8b

a longitudinal section through the connection coupling Figure 8a in one too Figure 8a vertical section plane,

Figure 9

2 shows a longitudinal section through a connection coupling for a gas pressure container in a second exemplary embodiment with quick emptying protection and quick filling function,

Figure 10

In a further exemplary embodiment, a longitudinal section through a connection coupling with an anti-rotation lock for the valve body,

Figure 11

a detailed view of the section Figure 10 with valve body unlocked by an inserted plug nipple and

Figure 12

the detailed view Figure 11 with the valve body locked when the plug is pulled out.

In Fig. 1 a gas pressure container is shown in the form of an essentially cylindrical gas cartridge 10 together with a connection device 20 which serves to couple the gas cartridge 10. The gas cartridge 10 has a tapering neck region 10 'towards its connection, which ends in a connection head 10 ". This has a connection opening which is provided with an internal thread onto which a connection coupling 12 is screwed, the function of which is explained in more detail below.

The connection device 20 has a base plate 21, which is attached to a device to be supplied, such as a CO ₂ bubbler, and a guide device 22, which is connected to the base plate 21 in an articulated manner is designed as a partially skeletonized shell for receiving the front, outlet-side region of the gas cartridge 10. A hinge 23 attached to the base plate 21 defines the pivot axis of the guide device 22. Two projections 24 projecting rearward from the guide device 22 together with a projection 25 arranged on the base plate 21 form an end stop which pivots out the pivoting movement of the guide device 22 in the forward direction Position limited.

In addition, a pressure reducing valve 21a is arranged on the base plate 21 and serves to set the gas pressure at the outlet of the gas cartridge 10 to a constant value. In the case of a pressure reducing valve 21a, the outlet pressure at the valve is fed back to a control input and ensures that the valve closes when the specified or set target outlet pressure is exceeded and the outlet pressure cannot therefore rise above this preset value. A piston or a membrane can serve as the pressure transducer. Such pressure reducing valves are known per se to the person skilled in the art.

In Fig. 1 the guide device 22 is shown in the swiveled-out state - the first swivel position - in which the gas cartridge 10 can be inserted into the guide device 22 in the axial direction, that is to say in the longitudinal direction of the gas cartridge 10. The angle by which the guide device 22 is pivoted is approximately 45 ° in the exemplary embodiment. Fig. 2 shows the state after the gas cartridge 10 has been completely inserted into the guide device 22, but is still in its pivoted-out state, the first pivoting position.

After the gas cartridge 10 has been inserted into the guide device 22, the gas cartridge 10 together with the guide device 22 is pivoted downward about the pivot axis formed by the hinge 23 into a vertical position, the second pivot position. This is in Fig. 3 shown.

In the second swivel position, the gas cartridge 10, as will be explained in more detail below, is locked in the guide device 22 and is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to a gas line which opens into the connecting device 20 and leads back to a device (hidden in the figures). One in the connector 12 of the gas cartridge 10 integrated valve is in the open state, so that gas can flow from the gas cartridge 10 via the connection device 20 to a connected consumer.

For this purpose, a plug nipple 26 is arranged in the inner region of the connection device 20 in the region of the pivot axis. When the gas cartridge 10 is inserted, the plug nipple 26 penetrates into a coupling opening provided on the connection coupling 12 and is received in a sealing manner in the latter. When the gas cartridge 10 is pivoted into the second pivot position, the plug nipple 26 remains rigid and does not pivot with the guide device 22.

In the exemplary embodiment, the plug nipple 26 is screwed directly into the housing of the pressure reducing valve 21a or is arranged thereon. The pressure-reducing valve 21a is in turn integrated into the base unit 21, which is designed, for example, as a molded plastic part, or is accommodated therein, so that a compact, space-saving unit results.

The two side surfaces 12 ′ of the connection coupling 12 are flattened, so that they form an anti-rotation device in a receptacle provided with a corresponding profile in the guide device 22, which prevents the gas cartridge in the guide device 22 from being rotated.

In the sectional images of the 4 and 5 the plug nipple 26 and its orientation with respect to the inserted and then pivoted gas cartridge 10 is shown. When the gas cartridge 10 is pivoted, the plug nipple 26 rotates a valve body 14 contained in the connection coupling 12, as a result of which the valve integrated in the connection coupling 12 is opened, so that gas can flow from the gas cartridge 10 via the plug nipple 26 to the connection device 20.

In the Fig. 6 and 7 The connection coupling 12 and its connection to the connection device 20 is shown in more detail. The connection coupling 12 has a coupling housing 15 with a screw connection 15 ′ with an external thread, with which it is screwed onto the neck 10 ″ of the gas cartridge 10. A cylindrical valve body 14 is accommodated in a recess 14a of the housing 15 arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gas cartridge 10. This is rotatable within the recess 14a and sealingly mounted with its outer peripheral surface or outer surface against an inner wall of the recess 14a in the clutch housing 15.

The valve body 14 has in its outer surface a coupling opening in the form of a bore 16, the central axis of which extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the valve body 14. The coupling opening 16 serves as a receptacle for the plug nipple 26 arranged on the connection device 20. In order to ensure a sealing of the plug nipple 26 within the coupling opening 16, a seal 18 is inserted into an annular groove running inside the coupling opening 16.

In its lower area, the coupling opening 16 tapers and forms a chamber in front of it when the plug-in nipple 26 is inserted. In this a discharge bore 17 opens, which leads in the direction of the inner wall of the clutch housing 15. A flow channel 19 is formed in the clutch housing 15 and leads from the valve body 14 or the recess 14a into the inner region of the gas cartridge 10. In addition, a seal, for example an elastomer seal 13, can be used in the area of the flow channel 19, which seals the valve body 14 with respect to the inner wall of the recess 14a.

In the in Fig. 6 Rotary position of the valve body 14 shown, in which the plug nipple 26 can be inserted in the longitudinal direction of the gas cartridge 10 into the coupling opening 16 formed in the valve body 14, this channel 19 is sealed by the valve body 14. There is thus no fluid-conducting connection to the interior of the gas cartridge 10. The outlet bore 17 in the valve body 14 is vented to the outside via a lateral bore 19a in the coupling housing 15, so that any residual pressure present in the plug-in nipple 26 and the lines connected to it is targeted prior to uncoupling the gas cartridge 10 can escape.

Is the gas cartridge 10 as in the Figures 6 and 7 Shown completely inserted into the guide device 22, the axis of rotation of the valve body 14 and the pivot axis of the guide device 22 coincide and enable a common rotary or pivoting movement. When swiveling of the gas cartridge 10 coupled to the plug nipple 26, the cylindrical valve body 14 is thus rotated relative to the coupling housing 15, so that the outlet bore 17 opens into the channel 19. This second rotational position is in Fig. 7 shown. In this position, there is a fluid-conducting connection from the interior of the gas cartridge 10 via the channel 19 and the bore 17 into the interior of the coupling opening 16 and to the inserted plug nipple 26. Thus, gas can be removed from the gas cartridge 10 via the connecting device 20 and a connected consumer, such as a soda maker.

In the first, in Fig. 6 shown pivot position, in which a gas cartridge 10 can be inserted into the guide device 22 and connected to the plug nipple 26, the plug nipple 26 is arranged coaxially with the guide device 22. The position of the guide device 22 is defined by the end stop, which is formed by the extension 24 attached to the guide device 22 and the projection 25 connected to the base plate 21.

In the front area of the coupling housing 15, a slot-shaped slide track 15a is formed, which enables the plug nipple 26 to pivot when the valve body 14 is rotated. In its longitudinal course, the slide track 15a has the contour of a keyhole with a larger, circular opening area. This corresponds to the coupling opening in the first one, in Fig. 6 shown rotational position so that the plug 26 can be inserted.

In the further course, the guide track 15a has a narrower opening dimension in the transverse direction, that is to say perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. The plug nipple 26 accordingly has on its side facing the connection device 20, protruding from the coupling device 12, a tapered neck region 26a, which fits through the narrower slot formed by the slide track 15a. Thus, the plug nipple 26 can only in the Fig. 6 shown rotational position, ie in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the gas cartridge 10, are inserted into the coupling opening 16 or pulled out again. If, on the other hand, the guide device 22 together with the gas cartridge 10 inserted therein is in the second pivot position, as in FIG Fig. 7 shown, pivoted, the narrower track 15a in this area locks the plug nipple 26 in the receptacle 16 of the valve body 14 and thus prevents the gas cartridge 10 from being uncoupled in the second swivel position.

The gas cartridge 10 can thus only be connected and disconnected to and from the plug nipple 26 and thus to or from the connecting device 20 in the closed valve position of the valve body 14, while the connection between the gas cartridge 10 and connecting device 20 is secure in the second swivel position is locked.

The connection coupling 12 is also equipped with an integrated pressure relief valve 30. This serves to allow the pressure to escape when the internal pressure in the gas cartridge rises above a critical value, in the exemplary embodiment above 200 bar, in order to prevent the gas cartridge from bursting. The overpressure or safety valve 30 is formed by a nut and a thin rupture disk, which bursts in the event of overpressure and releases an outlet opening, through which gas can escape from the interior of the gas cartridge.

In the Fig. 8a and 8b As an additional measure, an exemplary embodiment of a connection coupling 12 for a gas pressure container is shown, in which a check valve is additionally integrated in the coupling housing 15, which serves as quick emptying protection. The cutting plane of the in Fig. 8a The section shown runs in the longitudinal direction of the connection coupling, however, perpendicular to that in FIGS Fig. 6 and 7 shown cuts. The cutting plane of the Figure 8b corresponds to that in the Fig. 6 and 7 ,

The cylindrical valve body 14 is in the in Figures 8a and 8b shown representation not used. The recess 14a provided for this purpose in the housing in the housing 15 is thus free. For assembly, the valve body 14 is pushed into the recess 14a from the left side and secured, for example, by a locking ring. An additional elastomer seal 13 can be used in the installation space 14b located underneath.

The check valve or quick exhaust protection valve comprises a blocking body 31, in this case a ball, which in the closed state bears against a valve seat 32 of the clutch housing 15. A coil spring 33 exerts on the ball 31 a downward force in the opening direction and thus holds the ball 31 in the open position. In this position, gas can flow past the ball 31 to the outlet of the connection coupling 12. In Fig. 8a it looks as if, in the open state, the edge gap is blocked by the ball 31 near the bottom. This is due to the two overhangs on the side, which prevent the ball from falling out. In Fig. 8b one recognizes the free edge gap around the ball 31, through which gas can flow through the check valve in the open state.

The check valve, which serves as quick emptying protection, has the function of preventing the outflow in the event of a free outflow of gas via the opened connection coupling 12. If no consumer is connected to the connection coupling 12 and the valve is accidentally opened, the outflowing gas presses the valve ball 31 against the spring force of the opening spring 33 against the valve seat 32 and thus reduces the gas flow. In normal operation, there is only a slight pressure difference before and after the check valve, so that the force of the opening spring 33 is sufficient to keep the valve ball 31 in the open state. A small groove 34 in the valve seat 32, which serves as a bypass, ensures that when the valve is closed, i.e. when the valve ball 31 is in contact with the valve seat 32, the pressure difference in front of and behind the check valve can be reduced again, so that the spring 33 returns the valve opens.

Another exemplary embodiment of a connection coupling 12 with quick drain protection is shown in FIG Fig. 9 shown. The cutting plane runs here just like in Fig. 8 , Here, too, a valve body in the form of a ball 31 'is provided, which is held against a valve seat 32' in the clutch housing 15. In contrast to that in Fig. 8 In the embodiment shown, however, the spring 33 'is on the opposite side and exerts a force which holds the valve ball 31' against the valve seat 32 '. A lateral groove 34 'formed in the valve seat 32' represents a narrow flow path through which gas can flow towards the outlet during normal operation when the valve 14 is open. The bypass 34 'thus serves as a simple constriction which, due to its throttling action, ensures a sufficient reduction in the gas flow when it flows out, but still allows enough gas to pass through during normal operation. The check valve formed by ball 31 ', valve seat 32' and spring 33 'thus acts against the outflow direction and serves to enable the gas cartridge 10 to be filled quickly. If external pressure is applied to fill the gas cartridge 10, this lifts the valve ball 31 'from its valve seat 32' and thus increases the flow path, so that an increased gas flow can flow through to fill the gas cartridge 10. This results in a reduction of the flow path only in the outflow direction.

In the 10 to 12 Another exemplary embodiment of a connection coupling 12 is shown. The cut runs here like in the Fig. 6 and 7 , As an additional function, an anti-rotation device is provided for the valve body 14. The anti-rotation device is formed by a two-part locking pin, the function of which works similar to that of a pin locking device in a cylinder lock. The left partial pin 35a is seated in a lateral bore 38 in the clutch housing 15 and is tensioned by a spring 36 against the valve body 14. This has a corresponding bore 38b, in which the second partial pin 35b is inserted. In the in Fig. 10 The first rotational position of the valve body 14 shown is aligned with the bores 38a and 38b, so that the partial pins 35a, 35b abut one another on the end face. The partial pin 35b has a tapered end which projects into the coupling opening formed by the receiving bore 16 in the valve body 14.

In Figure 10 it can also be seen that the coupling housing 15 of the connection coupling is also flattened on one side on the back (on the right in the figure) as a protection against rotation.

In the 11 and 12 the tumbler pins 35a, 35b are shown as an enlarged detail. If the plug nipple 26 is pulled out of the coupling opening 16, the spring 36 presses the two partial pins 35a and 35b inwards, so that the partial pin 35a projects into the bore 38b in the valve body 14 and blocks a rotational movement of the valve body 14.

The plug nipple 26 has an annular circumferential groove or notch 37, which corresponds to the position of the tumbler pins 35a, 35b. The depth of this groove 37 is dimensioned such that when the plug-in nipple 26 is inserted, the partial pin 35b is pressed in just enough to keep the partial pin 35a out of the bore 38b. In this position, the valve body 14 is unlocked and can be rotated become. However, if a plug-in nipple 26 is inserted without a corresponding notch 37, it pushes the right part pin 35b in too far, so that it penetrates into the bore 38a of the coupling housing 15 and thus in turn prevents the valve body 14 from rotating. The plug nipple 26 with the groove 37 thus serves as a key for unlocking the anti-rotation device, so that the rotational movement of the valve body 14 can only be unlocked and released with the appropriate plug nipple 26. In this way, manipulation is prevented, for example by trying to open the valve with an object inserted into the coupling opening 16.

Claims (15)

Connection device (20) for coupling a gas pressure container (10) provided with a connection coupling (12) for the storage of pressurized gases, in particular carbon dioxide - A guide device (22) which is pivotable about a pivot axis between a first pivot position and a second pivot position, the guide device (22) having at its end remote from the pivot axis an opening for inserting the gas pressure container (10) to be coupled in a is formed with respect to the pivot axis extending insertion direction, and - A plug nipple (26) which is arranged rigidly on the connecting device (20) and projects into an inner region of the guide device (22), such that its longitudinal axis runs in a radial direction with respect to the pivot axis of the guide device (22) and in the first pivot position of the guide device (22) is parallel to the direction of insertion. Connection device (20) according to Claim 1, in which the guide device (22) has an anti-rotation device which prevents the coupled gas pressure container (10) from rotating about its longitudinal axis with respect to the connection device (20), preferably in which the anti-rotation device is protected by at least one flattened inner wall the guide device (22) is formed. Connection device (20) according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the guide device (22) is designed in the form of a shell or at least half a shell. Connection device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the plug-in nipple (26) has a tapered neck region (26a). the guide device (22) has at least one end stop which limits its swivel range in the first swivel position and / or the second swivel position. Connection device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, which comprises a base unit (21) on which a pressure reducing valve (21a) is arranged, which is designed to set a gas pressure applied to the plug nipple (26) to a constant value, preferably in which the pressure reducing valve (21a) has a housing and the plug nipple (26) is screwed into the housing of the pressure reducing valve (21a) or is arranged thereon. Comprising a gas pressure container (10) for storing pressurized gases, in particular carbon dioxide, with a connection coupling (12) a rotationally symmetrical valve body (14) which has a coupling opening (16) for receiving a plug nipple (26) which can be used with the connecting coupling (12), - And a on the gas pressure container (10) attached clutch housing (15), within which the valve body (14) is rotatable about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the central axis of the clutch opening (16) and with its outer circumferential surface is sealed against an inner wall of the clutch housing (15) . wherein an outlet bore (17) is formed in the valve body (14) which communicates with the coupling opening (16) and which is in a fluid-conducting connection to the gas pressure container (10) in a second rotational position of the valve body (14). Gas pressure container (10) according to claim 7, in which a link path (15a) is formed in the coupling housing (15), which is swept by the coupling opening (16) of the valve body (14) during its rotational movement from the first to the second rotational position, and which in the area of the coupling opening (16) in the first rotational position of the valve body (14) has an opening dimension which corresponds at least to that of the coupling opening (16), and along its further course up to the position of the coupling opening (16) in the second rotational position Has a smaller opening dimension in the transverse direction, which corresponds at least to the diameter of a tapered neck region (26a) of the plug-in nipple (26) which can be used with the connection coupling (12). Gas pressure container (10) according to claim 7 or 8, which has an elongated shape and in which the coupling housing (15) is attached in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the gas pressure container (10) and the coupling opening (16) formed in the valve body (14) in the first rotational position of the valve body (14) is oriented collinearly or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the gas pressure container (10). Gas pressure container (10) according to one of claims 7 to 9, with a connection head (10 ") which carries the coupling housing (15), and with a pressure relief valve (30) integrated in the connection head (10") or the coupling housing (15). Gas pressure container (10) according to one of Claims 7 to 10, which is designed as a cylindrical hollow body with a region (10 ') tapering towards a connection head (10 ") which carries the coupling housing (15), preferably the coupling housing (15) or the connection head (10 ") is designed with an anti-rotation device which prevents the gas pressure container (10) from rotating about its longitudinal axis with respect to a connection device (20) accommodating the coupling housing (15), preferably in which the anti-rotation device is protected by at least one flattened side wall of the Coupling housing (15) is formed. Gas pressure container (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, with a quick drain valve which, in the event of a free outflow of gas via the opened connection coupling (12), prevents the outflow or at least throttles the gas flow. Gas pressure container (10) according to claim 12, wherein the quick exhaust valve is formed by a blocking body (31) which is held in its closed position under gas pressure against a passage opening of the quick exhaust valve, and by a spring element (33) which the blocking body (31) in its open position urges away from the passage opening. Gas pressure container (10) according to claim 12, in which the quick exhaust protection valve is formed by a constriction, preferably in which additionally a check valve opening against the outflow direction is provided for the constriction, which opens for filling the gas pressure container, more preferably in which the constriction is formed in the valve seat of the check valve. Gas pressure container (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein the valve body (14) comprises a locking member which is held under spring force in a locking position in which it blocks rotation of the valve body (14), and which by a in the Coupling opening (16) inserted plug (26) is brought into an unlocked position.

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