WO2017207343A1

WO2017207343A1 - Fueling fitting for fueling a motor vehicle with a gaseous fuel

Info

Publication number: WO2017207343A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/062387
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karsten WESSELS
Original assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
Priority date: 2016-06-03
Filing date: 2017-05-23
Publication date: 2017-12-07
Also published as: CN109311387A; DE102016209836A1; CN109311387B

Abstract

The invention relates to a fueling fitting (1) for fueling a motor vehicle with a gaseous fuel. The fitting has a base element (2) in which a receiving chamber (4) is arranged with an input opening (E) for receiving an infrastructure-side fueling device (19). At least one channel-like connection (3a, 3b) is provided for conveying the gaseous fuel from the receiving chamber (4) toward an outlet chamber (7). According to the invention, at least one further channel-like connection (6) joins the receiving chamber (4), said further connection not serving to convey the gaseous fuel from the receiving chamber (4) toward the outlet chamber (7) but instead allowing pressure equalization between the receiving chamber (4) and the surroundings (U). In this way, proper functioning of a fueling process can be ensured, even if the seals (22a, 22b) of the fueling device (19) are not in perfect condition.

Description

description

Refueling fitting for refueling a motor vehicle with a gaseous

fuel

The invention relates to a refueling fitting for refueling a motor vehicle with a gaseous fuel according to the features of the preamble of patent claim 1.

With such refueling valves is a refueling of gas-powered

Vehicles. In particular, natural gas-powered vehicles are gaining increasing attention, because of their relatively low emissions and fuel consumption.

Refueling valves having the features of the preamble of claim 1 have become known, for example, from EP 0 925 202 B1 and also from DE 102 53 684 A1. In both solutions, the refueling fitting is fastened in the region of the outer skin of the motor vehicle and can be closed with a tank lid. The solutions are intended to allow easy and safe installation and to prevent contamination of the refueling fitting.

However, it may also be the problem that after plugging a

Infrastructure-side refueling device in the vehicle-side refueling fitting due to aging or use-related leaks during refueling

Problems occur. Concretely, there can be a difference between the infrastructure side

Refueling device and the vehicle-side refueling fitting build a pressure that leads to the release of the refueling of the refueling fitting and thus to an unwanted termination of a refueling operation. Such problems are not described in the prior art.

The present invention is therefore based on the object to provide a refueling fitting for refueling a motor vehicle with a gaseous fuel, in which a safe refueling process is ensured.

This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. Further advantages and expedient embodiments of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims. The invention relates to a refueling fitting for refueling a motor vehicle with a gaseous fuel. The gaseous fuel may in particular be natural gas, but other gaseous fuels are also conceivable.

The refueling fitting has a base body, in which a receiving space is arranged with an inlet opening for receiving an infrastructure-side refueling means. In this case, at least one channel-like connection for the forwarding of the gaseous fuel from the receiving space in the direction of an outlet space is present.

The invention proposes that in the receiving space at least one further channel-like connection opens, which does not serve to forward the gaseous fuel from the receiving space in the direction of the outlet and through which a pressure equalization between the receiving space and the environment is possible. In other words, although the at least two channel-like connections open into the receiving space, they are otherwise not connected to one another. Rather, the at least one further channel-like connection is led out of the receiving space directly to the outside from the base body into the environment.

In this way, a pressure that builds up due to leaks of gaskets of refueling between the refueling means and the refueling fitting can be reduced immediately. The danger that the refueling system will break away from the refueling fitting has thus been bypassed.

According to a first development of the invention, it is proposed that the at least one further channel-like connection is arranged in the vicinity, preferably in the immediate vicinity of a floor, from the receiving space. As a result, can be most effectively avoided that builds up such pressure, which tends to push out the refueling means from the receiving space of the refueling fitting.

With regard to a simplified production, it is very expedient if the at least one further channel-like recess is formed radially extending from the receiving space to the outside.

Advantageously, the receiving space is formed in its length longer than a plug-length of a plugged into the receiving space refueling. This ensures that between a bottom of the receiving space and a front end of the Refueling device can form a barrier-free collecting space for leak gas, which can flow unhindered through the at least one further channel-like connection to the outside.

According to another, highly advantageous embodiment of the inventive concept, the at least one channel-like connection for the forwarding of the gaseous fuel extends at least in sections at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the main body, which is greater than 0 ° and smaller than 90 °. By such a design deflections of the gas flow can be avoided, which are 90 °. This allows the

Flow pattern in the refueling fitting can be significantly improved. There is less turbulence in the flow, which leads to a reduction in refueling time, refueling noise and also the tendency to freeze.

Preferably, the at least one channel-like connection for the forwarding of the gaseous fuel extends at least in sections at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the main body, which is between about 5 ° and about 30 °, more preferably between about 10 ° and about 25 °. In this way, the

Flow pattern can be optimized.

It has been found that it is very advantageous if the outlet space is formed at least in regions such that a filter that can be arranged or arranged in it is surrounded concentrically by the outlet space. This makes it possible to optimally exploit the filter effect and thus to improve the cleaning of the gas

contribute.

Another development of the invention proposes that the filter seen in refueling a check valve is arranged downstream, which releases a connection between the outlet and an outlet during refueling operation and at

Termination of the refueling process or by subtracting the refueling device or in case of interruption of the gas supply, a closing movement against the

Refueling direction. In particular, while a gas cushion against the

Fueling direction pressed into the at least one channel-like connection for forwarding the gaseous fuel. This way is a very effective

Self-cleaning of the filter possible. As a result, proper functionality of the refueling fitting is ensured even over long periods. With regard to a simplified installation of the refueling valve, it is advantageous if the check valve is part of a check unit, which in one with the

Refueling fitting screwed or screwed housing part is arranged.

The filter can be securely held in the refueling fitting when there is an annular inner shoulder against which an annular end of the filter is supported.

Finally, the invention also provides a motor vehicle under protection, which has at least one refueling fitting according to the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures in the following description, wherein also further advantages of the invention will become apparent. Here, the same reference numerals refer to the same, comparable or functionally identical components, with corresponding or comparable properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

It show, each schematically

Fig. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of the refueling fitting in a first

embodiment,

2 is a side view of the refueling fitting,

3 is a sectional view according to section line III of FIG. 2,

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the refueling fitting in a second

embodiment,

5 is a side view of the second embodiment,

6 is a sectional view according to section line VI of FIG. 5 and

7 shows an illustration of a refueling fitting mounted on the motor vehicle.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 to 3 reference. In the figures, a refueling fitting 1 can be seen. The refueling fitting 1 is rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis L. It has a hollow body 2 with a receiving space 4 located therein. The receiving space 4 is substantially hollow cylindrical and has a frontal bottom 4a and a

Entrance opening E on. Via the inlet opening E, an infrastructure-side (ie filling station-side) refueling device 19 can be inserted into the receiving space 4.

It can be seen that the refueling device 19 has a length of insertion 11 which is shorter than a length 12 of the receiving space 4. In this way, a distance is formed between the bottom 4a of the receiving space 4 and a front end 19a of the refueling device 19. The distance is preferably about 1 mm to about 8 mm. The refueling device 19 is preferably designed as a plug-in nipple.

As can be seen, the refueling device 19 has a central bore 20 which opens into bores 21 extending radially outwards. Specifically, four holes offset by about 90 ° 21 are present.

For sealing the refueling device 19 with respect to the refueling fitting 1, two annular seals 22a, 22b displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis L are inserted into circumferential grooves of the refueling device 19. Specifically, the ring seal 22a serves to ensure that no gas flowing in against a refueling direction B exits the refueling fitting 1 again. The ring seal 22b serves to prevent gas entering between the bottom 4a of the receiving space 4 and the front end 19a of the refueling device 19. This could build up a pressure pad without countermeasures during refueling, which would lead to a pushing out of the refueling device 19 from the receiving space 4.

The receiving space 4 is introduced into a main body 2 of the refueling fitting 1. In the front, near-entry area of the receiving space 4 also open channel-like

Compounds 3a and 3b, which a connection from the receiving space to a

Make outlet chamber 7. The channel-like connections 3a, 3b thus serve for

Forwarding of the gas from the receiving space 4 in the direction of the outlet space 7. In fueling direction B, the channel-like connections 3a, 3b upstream of an opening region 5, which opens into the receiving space 4. After insertion of the refueling device 19, the opening region 5 is located between the already mentioned ring seals 22a, 22b. Under normal conditions, therefore, no leakage occurs and gas flowing out of the bores 21 can pass losslessly into the opening region 5 and thus into the channel-like connections 3a, 3b.

It is noticeable in this embodiment that the channel-like connection 3a is oriented at an angle α to the longitudinal axis L and with this angle α in the refueling direction B away from the longitudinal axis L. The wall of the opening portion 5 also extends at this angle. Subsequently, the channel-like connection 3a meets the channel-like

Compound 3b, with which it is in printing connection. The channel-like connection 3b is aligned at an angle ß to the longitudinal axis L, seen in refueling direction B, their distance to the longitudinal axis L decreases steadily. In the exemplary embodiment, the angle α is preferably approximately 15 to 25 °. The angle β is preferably about 10 to 20 °. By this configuration, on the one hand, a very compact design of the

On the other hand, this embodiment contributes to the fact that the flow pattern of the inflowing gas from the refueling device 19 up to the outlet chamber 7 can be significantly improved.

If a reduced sealing effect of the ring seals 22a and in particular 22b occur due to aging or due to the use, then inflowing gas can flow over the circumferential gap between the refueling device 19 and the

Base body 2 also reach up to the intermediate space which is formed between the bottom 4a of the receiving space 4 and the front end 19a of the refueling device 19. Thus, in this case, a pressing out of the refueling device 19 can be effectively prevented, channel-like connections 6 are introduced into the base body 2 in the immediate region of the bottom 4a of the receiving space 4, the opening

open into the receiving space 4 on the circumference. The channel-like connections 6 extend radially from the receiving space 4 to the outside and provide a connection between the receiving space 4 and the environment U ago. Thus, in this area due to leak gas reaching unhindered flow into the environment, without a

Pressure build-up between the bottom 4a and the front end 19a is possible.

As is also apparent from FIG. 1, the channel-like connections 3b open into an outlet space 7. The base body 2 also has a thread 14, which serves for screwing in a housing part 10. The housing part 10 serves to receive a

Deflector unit 1 1. Between a front end of the housing part 10 and an inner shoulder 9a of the outlet chamber 7 are a shoulder sleeve 16b and an annular end of the ninth a filter 8 held clamped. In the region of the filter 8, the outlet space 7 is designed such that it concentrically surrounds the filter 8 to a substantial part of its length. In this way, an optimal filtering effect of the filter 8 on the gas can be realized, which emerges from outflow openings 3 c of the channel-like connections 3 b in the direction of the filter 8.

Furthermore, the length of the outflow openings 3 c also extends over a large part of the length of the filter 8, which in addition to an improvement of the

Filter effect 8 contributes. The filter 8 is formed like a grid. Gas exiting through the outlet openings 3c flows through the filter 8 and passes through a passage 12 to an opening 15, which is closed by a ball 16. The ball 16 is pressed by a retaining force against the refueling direction B against the opening 15.

In the exemplary embodiment, the retaining force is triggered by a ring magnet 16a, which acts on the metal ball 16. However, the generation of the restraining force is also possible in other ways, for example by spring force. However, the pressure of the gas flowing into the refueling fitting 1 is so great (up to about 200 bar) that the ball 16 counter to the described restraining force in

Refueling direction B is pressed and released from the opening 15. As a result, gas can pass through the passage 12 past the ball 16 via a dashed line

Overflow 13 flow and finally via an outlet 13a to a

Outlet opening A arrive.

The outlet opening A is part of a mounting lug 18 from the housing part 10, which is used for screwing with a pipe connection, not shown, to a likewise not shown here gas tank. About nuts 17 is one

Attachment of the housing part 10 and thus the refueling fitting 1 on a wall not shown in detail of a motor vehicle possible. By the ring magnet 16a, the opening 15 and the ball 16, which are part of the check unit 1 1, so the function of a check valve is realized.

In Fig. 2, the refueling fitting 1 is shown from the side. There are the main body 2 and screwed with these check unit 10 numbered. Furthermore, the channel-like connections 6 emerging radially from the base body 2 can be seen. In this figure, instead of the refueling device 19, a sealing plug 23 can be seen, which is inserted into the receiving space 4 and by means of a holder 23 a captive on

Main body 2 is held. In Fig. 3 are very well separated, channel-like compounds 3b and 6 recognizable. There are four channel-like compounds 3b (or 3a) and four channel-like

Connections 6 available. It becomes clear that the channel-like connections 3b (and thus also 3a) on the one hand and the channel-like connections 6 on the other hand are arranged offset in the basic body 2 at an angle of approximately 90 ° to one another. While the channel-like connections 3a, 3b extend along the longitudinal axis L, the channel-like connections 6, starting from the receiving space 4, extend outwards to the surroundings U.

If a refueling process ended and the refueling device 19 from the

Receptacle 4 pulled out again, the internal pressure in the receiving space 4 and thus also in the channel-like connections 3a, 3b and in the outlet 7 of the falls

Refueling fitting 1 and finally in the passage 12 abruptly on the

External pressure of the environment U from. In this case, the deflected in Fig. 1 ball 16, due to the prevailing, tank-side back pressure, back against the refueling direction B moves. The opening 15 is thus closed by the ball 16 again. As a result of this movement of the ball 16, a residual volume of gas located in front of the ball 16 is pressed against the refueling direction B back into the filter 8 and from there back into the channel-like connections 3b, 3a. As a result, a very effective self-cleaning of the filter 8 can be accomplished. The self-cleaning is still supported and improved by 90 ° deflections are avoided in the flow path of the channel-like connections 3a, 3b.

With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, a second embodiment of a refueling fitting 100 will now be explained in more detail. The refueling fitting 100 has a

Comparable operation as that of the previous embodiment. It is also rotationally symmetrical with a base body 102, in a

Receiving space 104 is introduced. Openings of four channel-like connections 106 also open into the receiving space 104 in the immediate region of a bottom 104a. The channel-like connections 106 extend radially outward. A length 12 of the receiving space 104 is formed larger than a plug-in length 11 a

Refueling device 1 19. Between the bottom 104a and a front end 1 19a of the refueling device 19 1, a collecting space for any leakage gas is again formed in this way, which can freely flow out through the channel-like connections 106 to the outside. The refueling device 1 19 again has a central bore 120 and radially outgoing bores 121. With these holes, inflowing gas passes into an opening region 105 of the receiving space 104 and from there into channel-like connections 103. When the refueling device 19 is plugged in, the opening region 105 is in turn sealed in the direction of the longitudinal axis L on both sides by ring seals 122a, 122b. As can also be seen, the channel-like connections 103 extend approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis L.

Seen in fueling direction B, inflowing gas at the end of the channel-like connections 103 reaches an annular recess 107a of a connecting part 124. The main body 102 is screwed into the connecting part 124 by means of a thread 125 which is present on an end 126 of the main body 102. After the annular recess 107a, the incoming gas passes through radial passage openings 107b of an end 126 of the base 102 into an outlet space 107 located in the end 126. A portion of the receiving space 107 concentrically surrounds a filter 108. As in the previous embodiment, this contributes to a optimal utilization of the

Filter effect at.

In the connecting part 124, in turn, a housing part 1 10 by means of a thread 1 14 is screwed. A check-back unit 1 1 1 is embedded in the housing part 1 10 and identical in construction and in its function with that of the check-back unit 1 first Furthermore, between the housing part 1 10 and a circumferential inner shoulder 109 a of

Connecting parts 124 in turn an annular end 109 of the filter 108 and a shoulder sleeve 1 16b held.

By a ball 1 16, an opening 1 15 at the end of a passage 1 12 of the

Sales sleeve 1 16b are closed. However, this only if no back pressure is built up by inflowing gas. In this case, turn the ball 1 16 in

Refueling direction B moves, the opening 1 15 released and the gas can escape via an overflow channel 1 13 in the direction of an outlet channel 1 13a and an outlet opening A. The outlet opening A is part of a threaded having

Befestigungsansatzes 1 18. By a ring magnet 1 16a acting on the ball 1 16 closing force can be additionally supported. This is particularly useful when filling pressure and tank-side back pressure have approximately the same size. Instead of a ring magnet, the generation of such an assisting force in other ways, for example. By spring force conceivable. It should be noted that by aligning the channel-like connections 103 parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the base body 102, a very simple and cost-effective production of the main body 102 can take place. In particular, the channel-like

Connections 103 on the side of the connecting part 124 out to the front end of the body 102 addition. From there, an introduction of bores and thus of the channel-like connections 103 can be carried out in an easy manner. Furthermore, due to the multi-part design, in particular three-part design of the refueling fitting 100, which is realized by the connection part 124, the flow guidance from the channel-like connection 103 to the outlet space 107 can be realized very simply. Nuts 1 17 serve in turn for attachment of the check unit 1 10 and with this for attachment of the entire refueling fitting 100 to a motor vehicle, not shown.

FIG. 5 shows the refueling fitting 100 from the side. In contrast to FIG. 4, instead of the refueling device 19, a sealing plug 123 is inserted into the receiving space 104. The closure plug 123 is captively held on the base body 102 via a holder 123a. Again clearly visible are the outwardly directed, channel-like connections 106.

FIG. 6 shows very clearly that the channel-like connections 103 run separately from the channel-like connections 106. There are also four channel-type connections 103 and four channel-type connections 106 in this embodiment. While the channel-like connections 103 extend in the longitudinal direction L of the main body 102, the channel-like connections 106, starting from the receiving space 104, extend radially outward to the surroundings U.

Overall, by the illustrated embodiments refueling valves can be provided, which are extremely compact, an optimized

Have flow pattern and a good filtering effect with improved self-cleaning.

Finally, it will be briefly outlined with reference to FIG. 7, as an attachment of the

Refueling valves 1 and 100 can be accomplished on a motor vehicle. Thus, a dashboard space 25 is introduced into the outer skin of a motor vehicle K, which by means of a pivotable tank lid 26 (26 'is pivoted position) can be covered. On a wall of the valve chamber 25, both a filler neck 27 for liquid fuel and the fueling described 1 or 100 are mounted for gas. Via the filler neck 27, liquid fuel can be transported via a pipe connection 30 as far as a liquid fuel container 28. Gas supplied via the refueling fitting 1 or 100 is transported via a pipe connection 31 as far as a gas container 29. The conventional refueling possibility with liquid fuel via the filler neck 27 can be used as a "stop-gap" if the gas in the gas tank 29 should have been used up once,

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

fueling system

body

a, b channel-like connection

c outlet openings

accommodation space

a floor

opening area

channel-like connection

outlet space

filter

annular end

a inside heel

0 housing part

1 kickback unit

2 passage

3 overflow channel

3a outlet channel

4 threads

5 opening

6 ball

6a ring magnet

6b shoulder sleeve

7 nuts

8 attachment lug

9 refueling device

9a frontal end

0 center hole

1 radially outgoing holes

2a, b ring seals

3 plugs a bracket

Armarturenraum

, 26 'gas cap

filler pipe

Liquid fuel tank Gas tank

pipe connection

Pipe connection 0 refueling fitting

2 main body

3 channel-like connection4 receiving space

4a floor

5 opening area

6 channel-type connection7 outlet space

7a annular recess 7b radial passage openings 8 filters

9 annular end

9a inside paragraph

0 housing part

1 kickback unit

2 passage

3 overflow channel

3a outlet channel

4 threads

5 opening

6 ball

6a ring magnet

6b shoulder sleeve

7 nuts

8 attachment lug

9 refueling device 9a front end

0 center hole 121 radially outgoing bores 122a, b ring seals

123 sealing plugs

123a bracket

124 connecting part

125 thread

126 end of the body α angle

ß angle

A outlet opening

B refueling direction

E entrance opening

K motor vehicle

L longitudinal axis

11 insertion length

12 Length of the recording room U Environment

Claims

Patent claims

1. Refueling fitting (1, 100) for refueling a motor vehicle (K) with a

gaseous fuel, with a base body (2,102), in which a receiving space (4, 104) with an inlet opening (E) for receiving an infrastructure-side refueling device (19, 119) is arranged, with at least one channel-like connection (3a, 3b; 103 ) to forward the gaseous fuel from

Receiving space (4, 104) is present in the direction of an outlet space (7, 107), characterized in that at least one further channel-like connection (6, 106) opens into the receiving space (4, 104), which is not used to forward the gaseous fuel from Receiving space (4, 104) serves in the direction of the outlet space (7, 107) and through which pressure equalization between the receiving space (4, 104) and the environment (U) is possible.

2. Refueling fitting (1, 100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one further channel-like connection (6, 106) is arranged near a bottom (4a) of the receiving space (4, 104).

3. Refueling fitting (1, 100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one further channel-like connection (6, 106) is designed to extend radially outwards from the receiving space (4, 104).

4. Refueling fitting (1, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (4, 104) is longer in length (12) than a plug-in length (11) of a refueling device inserted into the receiving space (4, 104) ( 19.1 19).

5. Refueling fitting (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the at least one channel-like connection (3a, 3b) for forwarding the gaseous fuel runs at least in sections at an angle (a, ß) to a longitudinal axis (L) of the base body (2, 102) which is greater than zero degrees and is less than 90 degrees, preferably between about 5° and about 30°, particularly preferably between about 10° and about 25°.

6. Refueling fitting (1, 100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outlet space (7, 107) is designed at least in some areas such that a filter (8, 108) which can be arranged or arranged in it is concentrically connected to the outlet space (7, 107) is surrounded.

7. Refueling fitting (1, 100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the filter (8, 108), viewed in the refueling direction (B), is followed by a check valve, which during the refueling process provides a connection between the outlet space (7, 107) and an outlet opening (A ) releases and, when the refueling process is completed, carries out a closing movement against the refueling direction (B), a gas cushion being pressed against the refueling direction (B) into the at least one channel-like connection (3a, 3b; 103) for forwarding the gaseous fuel.

8. Refueling fitting (1, 100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the check valve is part of a non-return unit (1 1, 1 1 1), which is in a housing part (10, 1 10) screwed to the refueling fitting (1, 100). is arranged.

9. Refueling fitting (1, 100) according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, characterized in that an annular inner shoulder (9a, 109a) is present, against which an annular end (9, 109) of the filter (8, 108) is supported is.

10. Motor vehicle (K), characterized by at least one refueling fitting

(1, 100) according to one of the preceding claims.