Abstract
A valve for selectively closing and selectively opening a gas cartridge for a water carbonator, the valve is configured to hold a gas in the gas cartridge when the valve is closed and to provide a fluidic connection when the valve is opened, the valve has a valve housing having a cartridge connector opening that is oriented along a longitudinal axis of the valve, so that the gas is able to flow into the gas cartridge and flow out of the gas cartridge in a direction of the longitudinal axis, the valve housing has at least one outlet opening arranged externally and arranged along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis so that the gas is able to flow from the valve in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the at least one outlet opening is arranged spaced apart from the longitudinal axis.
Claims
1. A valve for selectively closing and selectively opening a gas cartridge for a water carbonator, wherein the valve is configured to hold a gas in the gas cartridge when the valve is closed and to provide a fluidic connection to the gas cartridge when the valve is opened, wherein the valve comprises a valve housing having a cartridge connector opening that is oriented along a longitudinal axis of the valve, so that the gas is able to flow into the gas cartridge and flow out of the gas cartridge in a direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the valve housing comprises at least one outlet opening which is arranged externally and arranged along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis in such a manner that the gas is able to flow from the valve in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the at least one outlet opening is arranged spaced apart from the longitudinal axis.
2. (canceled)
3. The valve according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the distance of the outlet opening from the longitudinal axis to a distance of the outlet opening from an external contour, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis, of the valve housing lines in a range from 10 to 1000.
4. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the at least one outlet opening is ring shaped.
5. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve housing comprises a housing core and a housing sleeve, wherein the at least one outlet opening is arranged between an internal contour of the housing sleeve and an outer contour of the housing core.
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. The valve according to claim 5, wherein the housing sleeve is arranged at least partially disposed in a ring-shaped fastening groove which is formed in the housing core, wherein the housing core comprises a first housing-core part and a second housing-core part, wherein the fastening groove is arranged in a region between the first housing-core part and the second housing-core part, wherein the housing sleeve has an attachment region, which is in a form of a ring-shaped protuberance on an inner contour of the housing sleeve, and wherein the attachment region of the housing sleeve engages behind the first housing-core part and/or the second housing-core part.
9. (canceled)
10. (canceled)
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. (canceled)
14. The valve according to claim 5, wherein the housing core has a supply which is disposed so as to extend transversely, or perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction and which opens at a mouth into an intermediate space between the housing sleeve and the housing core, wherein the housing core has on a side of the mouth that is directed towards the cartridge-connection opening a greater cross-sectional width or a greater diameter than on a side of the mouth that is directed away from the cartridge-connection opening.
15. (canceled)
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve housing has a ring-shaped retaining element by which the valve is able to be in a gas cartridge connector of soda machine.
19. The valve according to claim 1, wherein an overpressure relief valve is arranged on the valve housing that is configured to allow an escape of overpressure prevailing in a region of the cartridge connector opening.
20. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve comprises a cartridge closure element that is preloaded into a closed position, in which the cartridge closure element closes off a passage between the outlet opening and the cartridge connector opening, wherein the cartridge closure element is movable by an activating element of the valve in a direction of an open position, in which the passage between the outlet opening and the cartridge connector opening is opened for discharging the gas.
21. The valve according to claim 1, wherein on a side opposite the cartridge connector housing, the valve housing has a filling opening via which the gas can flow into the valve in the direction of the longitudinal axis, wherein the filling opening is arranged between an outer contour of the actuation element and an inner contour of the valve housing, wherein the filling opening is a ring-shaped form.
22. (canceled)
23. (canceled)
24. The valve according to claim 21, wherein an inlet closure element that is preloaded by a spring element into a closed position in which the inlet closure element closes off a passage between the filling opening and the cartridge connector opening or closes the filling opening, wherein the spring element is configured such that by application of a predefined gas pressure at the filling opening, the inlet closure element is able to be moved to an open position in which the passage between the filling opening and the cartridge connector opening, or the filling opening, is opened for inducting the gas.
25. (canceled)
26. A gas cartridge for connecting to a gas cartridge connector of a soda machine, having the valve as claimed in claim 1.
27. A method for filling the gas cartridge as claimed in claim 26, wherein on a side situated opposite the cartridge-connection opening, the valve housing has a filling opening by way of which the gas is inducted into the valve in the direction of the longitudinal axis.
28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the valve has an inlet closure element that is preloaded by a spring element into a closed position in which the inlet closure element closes off the filling opening, wherein a predefined gas pressure is applied at the filling opening in order to bring the inlet closure element into an open position.
29. The method according to claim 27, wherein a fluid connection between the outlet opening and the environment is sealed off.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0051] FIG. 1 shows a gas cartridge according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention in a lateral view.
[0052] FIG. 2 shows a valve according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention in a perspective illustration.
[0053] FIG. 3 shows the valve according to FIG. 2 in a top view.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a valve according to the invention according to FIG. 2 in a sectional perspective view.
[0055] FIG. 5 shows a sectional exploded illustration of the valve according to FIG. 4.
[0056] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of part of the valve according to FIG. 4 for explaining the retrieval of gas from the valve.
[0057] FIG. 7 shows a sectional detailed view of the region of the aperture of the supply duct of the valve according to FIG. 4.
[0058] FIG. 8 shows a sectional detailed view of the region of the gas outlet of the valve according to FIG. 4.
[0059] FIG. 9 shows a sectional illustration of part of the valve according to FIG. 4 for explaining the filling of gas into the valve according to a first variant.
[0060] FIG. 10 shows a sectional illustration of part of the valve according to FIG. 4 for explaining the filling of gas into the valve according to a second variant.
[0061] FIG. 11 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a valve according to the invention according to FIG. 2 in a sectional perspective view.
[0062] FIG. 12 shows a sectional exploded illustration of the valve according to FIG. 11.
[0063] FIG. 13 shows a sectional illustration of part of the valve according to FIG. 11 for explaining the retrieval of gas from the valve.
[0064] FIG. 14 shows a sectional detailed view of the region of the aperture of the supply duct of the valve according to FIG. 11.
[0065] FIG. 15 shows a perspective illustration of the valve core of the valve according to FIG. 11.
[0066] FIG. 16 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a valve according to the invention according to FIG. 2 in a sectional perspective view.
[0067] FIG. 17 shows a sectional illustration of part of the valve according to FIG. 16 for explaining the retrieval of gas from the valve.
[0068] FIG. 18 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a valve according to the invention according to FIG. 2 in a sectional perspective view.
[0069] FIG. 19 shows a sectional illustration of part of the valve according to FIG. 18 for explaining the retrieval of gas from the valve.
[0070] FIG. 20 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a valve according to the invention according to FIG. 2 in a sectional perspective view.
[0071] FIG. 21 shows a sectional illustration of part of the valve according to FIG. 20 for explaining the retrieval of gas from the valve.
[0072] FIG. 22 shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of a valve according to the invention in a sectional perspective view.
[0073] FIG. 23 shows a sectional illustration of part of the valve according to FIG. 22.
[0074] FIG. 24 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment of a valve according to the invention in a sectional perspective view.
[0075] FIG. 25 shows a sectional illustration of part of the valve according to FIG. 24.
[0076] FIG. 26 shows a perspective sectional illustration of the valve according to FIG. 24 in the region of its filling opening.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0077] Identical parts are always provided with the same reference signs in the various figures and are therefore generally also only identified or mentioned once in each case.
[0078] Shown in FIG. 1 is a gas cartridge 1 according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. The gas cartridge 1 is configured to be connected to a gas cartridge connector of a water carbonator. The gas cartridge 1 comprises a receptacle space 2 having an opening on which is disposed a valve 10 according to the invention for selectively closing and selectively opening the gas cartridge 1. In the closed position of the valve 10, a gas can be held in the gas cartridge 1, and, in the opened position, a fluidic connection for directing gas into the gas cartridge 1 or for retrieving said gas from the latter can be provided. FIG. 1 shows that region of the gas cartridge 1 that comprises the valve 1. The gas cartridge 1 is shown in an upright position. In such an upright position, the gas cartridge 1 in a water carbonator can be connected to the correspond gas cartridge connector.
[0079] The illustrations in FIGS. 2 and 3 show an exemplary embodiment of a valve 10 for selectively closing and selectively opening a gas cartridge 1 for a water carbonator, which can be used in the gas cartridge 1 according to FIG. 1. The valve 10 is specified to hold a gas in the gas cartridge 1 when it is closed and to provide a fluidic connection to the gas cartridge 1 when it is opened. The valve 10 comprises a valve housing 11 which has a cartridge connector opening 15 which is aligned along a longitudinal axis L of the valve 10 so that gas can flow into the gas cartridge 1 and flow out of the gas cartridge 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L.
[0080] The valve housing 11 is connected to an annular retaining element 14 by way of which the valve 10 can be fixedly established in a gas cartridge connector of a water carbonator. For this purpose, the retaining element 14 can be engaged from behind by a suitable holding element of the water carbonator. The retaining element 14 is fastened to the external side of the valve housing 11. The retaining element 14 has a circular clearance in which part of the valve housing 11, in particular part of a valve core 30 of the valve housing 11, is received. The external contour of the retaining element 14 in the exemplary embodiment is designed to be octagonal, but may alternatively have a deviating shape, for example circular, quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal or heptagonal. Provided between the retaining element 14 and the valve housing 11 is a sealing element 20, presently an annular seal. The retaining element 14 can be disposed between a projection of the valve housing 11 and a vessel housing of the gas cartridge 1. Alternatively, the retaining element 14 can be formed integrally with the valve housing 11.
[0081] Furthermore disposed on the valve housing 11 is a pressure relief valve 13 which comprises a rupture disk 19. The pressure relief valve 13 can permit a positive pressure prevalent in the region of the cartridge connector opening to escape in that the rupture disk 19 ruptures.
[0082] The valve housing 11 comprises a circular annular outlet opening 16 which is disposed externally and along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L in such a manner that gas can flow out of the valve 10 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The outlet opening 16 is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the longitudinal axis L and enables the gas to flow out in a direction parallel to the external wall of the valve housing 11. To this extent, the outlet opening 16 is provided close to the external wall of the valve housing 11 on the latter. A ratio between the spacing of the outlet opening 16 from the longitudinal axis L and a spacing of the outlet opening 16 from an external contour of the housing sleeve 33 disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis L is in the range from 10 to 1000, preferably in the range 10 to 150, particularly preferably in the range 25 to 100, for example in the range 40 to 50, in particular is 45.
[0083] The construction of a first exemplary embodiment of a valve 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 is to be explained by means of the illustrations in FIGS. 4 to 10.
[0084] In the sectional illustration in FIG. 4, the valve 10 is shown in an operationally ready state. In contrast, FIG. 5 shows an exploded illustration of the same valve 10. Surfaces that comprise a thread are identified by the reference sign G in the exploded illustration according to FIG. 5.
[0085] The valve housing 11 of the valve 10 comprises a housing core 30 and a housing sleeve 33 which is disposed on the housing core 30 so as not to be releasable, i.e. not releasable in a non-destructive manner. Provided for fastening the housing sleeve 33 to the housing core 30 is a fastening element 35 as a further part of the valve housing 11. The fastening element 35 is designed in the manner of a ring which is attached to the assembly of the housing sleeve 33 and the housing core 30. An annular bore of the fastening element 35 here is undersized to a predefined dimension so that an interference fit of the fastening element 35 is achieved on the assembly of the housing sleeve 33 and the housing core. To this extent, the housing sleeve 33 is connected to the housing core 30 in a force-fitting and non-releasable manner by the fastening element 35.
[0086] An annular intermediate space which opens out in the outlet opening 16 is formed between the housing sleeve 33 and the housing core 30. To this extent, the circular annular outlet opening 16 is located between an internal contour of the housing sleeve 33 and an external contour of the housing core 30. The gas from the intermediate space 36 can flow out of the outlet opening in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L, cf. FIGS. 6 and 7. In order to seal the intermediate space on that side of the housing sleeve 33 that lies opposite the outlet opening 16, the valve housing 11 has a sealing element 34, in particular an annular seal. The sealing element is disposed on a side of the housing sleeve 33 that lies opposite the outlet opening 16. As can be derived from the illustrations in FIGS. 6 and 7, the sealing element 34 bears in and on the housing sleeve 33 as well as a projection of the housing core 30 and is held, in particular compressed, in position by the fastening element 35.
[0087] The intermediate space 36 is fluidically connected to the interior space of the valve 10 by way of a supply duct 31. The supply duct 31 is formed in the housing core 30 and extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction L. The aperture of the supply duct 31 into the intermediate space 36 between the housing sleeve 33 and the housing core 30 is identified by the reference sign 32.
[0088] An insert 26 is disposed within the housing core 30. The insert 26 is held in a force-fitting manner in the housing core 30 by a ring 27. Disposed in the interior space of the housing core 30 is a cartridge closure element 28 which is biased to a closed position which is shown in FIG. 4 and in which the cartridge closure element 28 closes a passage between the outlet opening 16 and the cartridge connector opening 15, presently a passage in the insert 26. The bias is caused by a spring element 29. The cartridge closure element 28 is movable counter to the bias by an activating element 21 of the valve 10 in the direction of an open position in which the passage between the outlet opening 16 and the cartridge connector opening 15 is opened for discharging gas. The activating element 21 is disposed externally on a side of the valve 10 that lies opposite the cartridge connector opening 15, and can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis L so as to discharge gas out of the valve 10. The activating element 21 is coupled to the cartridge closure element 28 by way of an inlet closure element 24 in such a manner that a compressive force can be transmitted to the cartridge closure element 28. The activating element 21 is mounted so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction in a holder 22 which is screwed to the housing core 30 on that side of the housing core 30 that lies opposite the cartridge connector opening 15. A sealing element 23, presently an annular seal, is disposed for sealing between the activating element 21 and the holder.
[0089] The inlet closure element 24, in a closed position, closes a filling opening 17 which is disposed in the activating element 21. The filling opening is configured so that gas can flow into the valve 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L if the inlet closure element 24 releases said filling opening. The inlet closure element 24 is biased to the closed position, which is shown in FIG. 4 and in which the inlet closure element 24 closes the filling opening 17, by a spring element 25. The spring element 25 is configured in such a manner that the inlet closure element 24 by applying a predefined gas pressure at the filling opening 17 is able to be moved to an open position in which the filling opening 17 is open for inducting gas. In the open position of the inlet closure element 24, gas can be inducted into the interior space of the valve housing 11 through the filling opening 17, and then be directed through the passage in the insert 26 in the direction of the cartridge connector opening 15.
[0090] Shown in FIG. 6 is a detailed illustration of a valve 10 which is connected to a gas cartridge connector of a water carbonator. The gas cartridge connector comprises a sealing device 200, 200 which bears on an external contour of the valve 10 and seals a region around the outlet opening 16. In the present case, the sealing device has an upper sealing portion 200 which seals above the outlet opening 16, and a lower sealing portion 200 which seals below the outlet opening 16. In this way, a sealed space in which the gas flowing out of the outlet opening 16 parallel to the longitudinal direction L is received is achieved in the intermediate space between the two sealing portions 200, 200. The sealing device 200, 200 shown in FIG. 6 furthermore comprises a lateral opening 201 through which the gas flowing out of the valve 10, in particular the outlet opening 16, parallel to the longitudinal axis L is discharged in a direction oblique to the longitudinal axis L, cf. arrow A in FIG. 8. Then, the gas can be directed, for example by way of a line, to a carbonating device of the water carbonator, by way of which the gas can be directed in a vessel filled with water.
[0091] The detailed illustration in FIG. 7 shows that region of the valve housing 11 in which the supply duct 31 opens into the intermediate space 36 between the housing core 30 and the housing sleeve 33 therein. The fastening element 35 which connects the housing sleeve 33 to the housing core 30 is disposed laterally of the aperture 32. For sealing, the sealing element 34 is likewise held between a projection of the housing core 30 and the housing sleeve by the fastening element 35. Furthermore, a step 38 in the external contour of the housing core 30 is provided in the region of the aperture 32, cf. FIG. 5. The step 38 manifests itself in that the housing core 30 on a side of the aperture 32 that faces the cartridge connector opening 15 has a larger cross-sectional width B1, presently a larger diameter, than the cross-sectional width B2, presently the diameter on that side of the aperture 32 that faces away from the cartridge connector opening 15, cf. FIG. 7. In the present exemplary embodiment, the intermediate space 36 between the housing sleeve 33 and the housing core 30 is derived from this step 38 on that side of the aperture 32 that faces away from the cartridge connector opening 15. In contrast, the housing sleeve 33 bears directly on the housing core 30 on that side of the aperture 32 that faces the cartridge connector opening 15.
[0092] The illustrations in FIGS. 9 and 10 show states which can be assumed on that side of the valve 10 that lies opposite the cartridge connector opening 15 when filling the gas cartridge 1, shown in FIG. 1, by way of the filling opening 17, so as to seal a fluidic connection between the outlet opening 16 and the environment. This is required in order to prevent any undesirable leakage of the gas by way of the outlet opening 16 when inducing gas by way of the filling opening 17. Instead, the gas which is inducted into the valve 10 by way of the filling opening 17, can then be directed by way of the cartridge connector opening 15 into the receptacle space of the gas cartridge 1. The illustrations in FIGS. 9 and 10 show in each case that a sealing element 301 which seals the region around the outlet opening 16 in relation to the environment is disposed on the external contour of the valve housing 11.
[0093] A second exemplary embodiment of a valve 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 will be explained by means of the illustrations in FIGS. 11 to 15. This valve 10 comprises elements which act the same way as the elements of the valve 10 shown in FIGS. 4 to 10. These elements are provided with identical reference signs and will not be explained again. Instead, reference is made to the corresponding description pertaining to FIGS. 4 to 10 in terms of these elements. As opposed to the valve 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment, the supply duct 31 in the valve 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment is disposed at another location of the housing core 30. In comparison to FIG. 4, the supply duct 31 in FIG. 11 is provided so as to be further remote from the cartridge connector opening 15, i.e. presently displaced upward. Accordingly, the step 38 is also located at a position which is further remote from the cartridge connector opening 15, cf. FIG. 12 in comparison to FIG. 5.
[0094] In the second exemplary embodiment, a groove 37 which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L is additionally disposed in the external contour of the housing core 30. The groove 37 is disposed in such a manner that it intersects the aperture 32 of the supply duct 31, or terminates in the aperture 32.
[0095] According to a variant of the first exemplary embodiment (FIGS. 4 to 10), such a groove 37 which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L can be provided on the external contour of the housing core 30. The groove 37 is preferably disposed in such a manner that it intersects the aperture 32 of the supply duct 31, or terminates in the aperture 32.
[0096] The explanations pertaining to FIGS. 9 and 10 in terms of filling also apply in an analogous manner to a gas cartridge 1 which comprises a valve 10 according to the second exemplary embodiment.
[0097] A third exemplary embodiment of a valve 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 will be explained by means of the illustrations in FIGS. 16 and 17. This valve 10 comprises elements which act the same way as the elements of the valve 10 shown in FIGS. 4 to 10. These elements are provided with identical reference signs and will not be explained again. Instead, reference is made to the corresponding description pertaining to FIGS. 4 to 10 in terms of these elements. As opposed to the valve 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment, a groove 37, in particular exactly one groove 37, which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L is disposed in the external contour of the housing core 30 in the valve 10 according to the third exemplary embodiment. The groove 37 is disposed in such a manner that it intersects the aperture 32 of the supply duct 31, in particular of the exactly one supply duct 31.
[0098] The explanations pertaining to FIGS. 9 and 10 in terms of filling also apply in an analogous manner to a gas cartridge 1 which comprises a valve 10 according to the third exemplary embodiment.
[0099] A fourth exemplary embodiment of a valve 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 will be explain by means of the illustrations in FIGS. 18 and 19. This valve 10 comprises elements which act the same way as the elements of the valve 10 shown in FIGS. 4 to 10. These elements are provided with identical reference signs and will not be explained again. Instead, reference is made to the corresponding description pertaining to FIGS. 4 to 10 in terms of these elements. As opposed to the valve 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment, two grooves 37 which extend parallel to the longitudinal direction L are disposed in the external contour of the housing core 30 in the valve 10 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. Furthermore, the valve 10 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment comprises two supply ducts 31 which are disposed on diametrically opposite sides of the housing core. The valve 10 preferably comprises exactly two supply ducts 31. The grooves 37 are disposed in such a manner that they intersect in each case the aperture 32 of one of the supply ducts 31.
[0100] The explanations pertaining to FIGS. 9 and 10 in terms of filling also apply in an analogous manner to a gas cartridge 1 which comprises a valve 10 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment. A fifth exemplary embodiment of a valve 10 according to FIGS. 1 to 3 will be explained by means of the illustrations in FIGS. 20 and 21. This valve 10 comprises elements which act in the same way as the elements of the valve 10 shown in FIGS. 4 to 10. These elements are provided with identical reference signs and will not be explained again. Instead, reference is made to the corresponding description pertaining to FIGS. 4 to 10 in terms of these elements. As opposed to the valve 10 according to the first exemplary embodiment, a groove 37, in particular exactly one groove 37, which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction L is disposed in the external contour of the housing core 30 in the valve 10 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment. The groove 37 is disposed in such a manner that it intersects the aperture 32 of a first supply duct 31, or terminates in the aperture 32. Furthermore, the valve 10 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment comprises an additional second supply duct 31 which opens out into the same groove 37 as the other supply duct 31.
[0101] The explanations pertaining to FIGS. 9 and 10 in terms of filling also apply in an analogous manner to a gas cartridge 1 which comprises a valve 10 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.
[0102] The illustrations in FIGS. 22 to 26 shows a sixth and seventh exemplary embodiment of a valve 10 for selectively closing and selectively opening a gas cartridge 1 for a water carbonator, which can alternatively be used in the gas cartridge 1 according to FIG. 1. The valves 10 according to these exemplary embodiments are specified to hold a gas in the gas cartridge 1 when it is closed and to provide a fluidic connection to the gas cartridge 1 when it is opened. The respective valve 10 comprises a valve housing 11 which has a cartridge connector opening 15 which is aligned along a longitudinal axis L of the valve 10 in such a way that gas can flow into the gas cartridge 1 and flow out of the gas cartridge 1 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. The construction of the valves 10 according to the sixth and seventh exemplary embodiment is similar to the construction of the valves 10 according to the preceding exemplary embodiments, which is why identical reference signs identify elements with identical function and reference in terms of the latter is made to the explanations pertaining to the preceding exemplary embodiments. The explanations pertaining to the preceding exemplary embodiments in terms of filling also apply in an analogous manner to a gas cartridge 1 which comprises a valve 10 according to the sixth or seventh exemplary embodiment.
[0103] The valve 10 illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23 has a valve body 11 with a housing core 30 which comprises a fastening groove 39. The fastening groove 39 is designed to be annular and opens in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. An annular, frontal region of the housing sleeve 33 is disposed in the fastening groove 39. Furthermore, a fastening element 35 is located within the fastening groove 39. The fastening element 35 is designed to be annular and pressed into the fastening groove 39 in such a way that the fastening element 35 fixedly establishes the housing sleeve 33 in the fastening groove 39. Furthermore provided between the fastening element 35 and the housing sleeve 33 is a sealing element 34, for example an annular seal, which is disposed within the groove.
[0104] Formed between the housing sleeve 33 and the housing core 30 is an annular outlet opening 16 which is disposed externally and along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L in such a manner that gas can flow out of the valve 10 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L.
[0105] The valve 10 illustrated in FIGS. 24, 25 and 26 has a valve body 11 with a housing core 30 which is designed in multiple parts. According to the exemplary embodiment, the housing core 30 comprises a first housing core part 30.1 and a second housing part 30.2. The housing core parts 30.1, 30.2 are connected to one another, for example by way of a threaded connection. This threaded connection is preferably non-releasable, i.e. non-releasable in a non-destructive manner, or not manually releasable or not releasable using a standard tool or releasable exclusively using a special tool. The first housing core part 30.1 and the second housing core part 30.2 are designed in such a manner that an annular fastening groove 39 is formed in a region between the first housing core part 30.1 and the second housing core part 30.2. An annular protuberance of the housing sleeve 33 is disposed and fixedly established in this fastening groove 39.
[0106] Formed between the housing sleeve 33 and the housing core 30 is an intermediate space having an annular outlet opening 16 which is disposed externally and along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L in such a manner that gas can flow out of the valve 10 in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L. The intermediate space between the housing sleeve 33 and the housing core 30 is fluidically connected to the interior space of the valve 10 by way of a supply duct 31. The supply duct 31 is formed between the first housing core part 30.1 and the second housing core part 30.2 and extends transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the longitudinal direction L. In the exemplary embodiment, the supply duct 31 in its further profile, when viewed radially inward, first has a bend parallel to the longitudinal direction L, and then once again in a direction transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction L. When viewed radially inward, the supply duct 31 opens into the interior space of the valve 10.
[0107] A cartridge closure element 28, which is biased to a closed position which is shown in FIG. 24 and in which the cartridge closure element 28 closes a passage between the outlet opening 16 and the cartridge connector opening 15, presently a passage in the second housing core part 30.2, is disposed in the interior space of the housing core 30. The bias is caused by a spring element 29. The cartridge closure element 28 is movable by an activating element 21 of the valve 10, counter to the bias, in the direction of an open position in which the passage between the outlet opening 16 and the cartridge connector opening 15 is opened for discharging gas. The activating element 21 is disposed externally on a side of the valve 10 that lies opposite the cartridge connector opening 15 and can be moved in the direction of the longitudinal axis L to allow gas out of the valve 10. The activating element 21 is coupled by way of an inlet closure element 24 to the cartridge closure element 28 in such a manner that a compressive force can be transmitted to the cartridge closure element 28. The activating element 21 is mounted in the first housing core part 30.1 so as to be movable along the longitudinal direction. A sealing element 23, presently an annular seal, for sealing is disposed between the activating element 21 and the first housing core part 30.1.
[0108] As can be derived from the illustration in FIG. 26, the valve housing 11 on a side that lies opposite the cartridge connector opening 15 has a filling opening 17 by way of which gas can flow into the valve 10 in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, wherein the filling opening 17 is disposed between an external contour of the activating element 21 and an internal contour of the valve housing 11. This filling opening 17 is designed to be annular. The activating element 21 comprises a plurality of inner, in particular lateral, openings 40 which open into an intermediate space between the external contour of the activating element 21 and the internal contour of the valve housing 11. Gas which flows into the valve in the direction of the longitudinal axis L can be inducted into the activating element 21, in particular along a direction transverse, preferably perpendicular, to the longitudinal direction by way of these inner openings 40. At a sufficient gas pressure, the inflowing gas can move the inlet closure element 24 to its open position in which the passage between the filling opening 17 and the cartridge connector opening 15 is opened. In the open position of the inlet closure element 24, gas can be directed through the filling opening 17 into the interior space of the valve housing 11 and then be directed through the passage in the second housing core part 30.2 in the direction of the cartridge connector opening 15.
[0109] A design embodiment having inner, lateral openings 40 of the activating element 21 is also provided in the sixth exemplary embodiment of a valve 10 according to the invention, shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.
[0110] According to a variant of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, the housing sleeve 33 is designed to be integral to the element formed as the second housing core part 30.2. To this extent, the valve housing 11 in this variant is formed substantially by the housing sleeve 33, 30.2 and the housing core 30.1. The outlet opening 16 is provided between an internal contour of the housing sleeve 33 and the external contour of the housing core 30.1. This variant offers the advantage that the joining of the housing sleeve 33, 30.2 and the housing core 30.1 can be simplified. In the variant of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 24, the joining of the housing sleeve 33, 30.2 and the housing core 30.1 can be performed by way of a threaded connection which is non-releasable, i.e. non-releasable in a non-destructive manner, or not manually releasable or not releasable using a standard tool or releasable exclusively using a special tool.
[0111] According to an alternative variant of the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 26, the housing sleeve 33 on its internal contour comprises an attachment region which engages behind the first housing core part 30.1 and/or the second housing core part 30.2. In this way, a form-fitting connection between the sleeve element and the housing core can be enabled, which impedes or prevents the housing sleeve 33 being released in the radial direction.
LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS
[0112] 1 Gas cartridge [0113] 2 Receptacle space [0114] 10 Valve [0115] 11 Valve housing [0116] 13 Pressure relief valve [0117] 14 Retaining element [0118] 15 Cartridge connector opening [0119] 16 Outlet opening [0120] 17 Filling opening [0121] 18 Pressure relief valve opening [0122] 19 Rupture disk [0123] 20 Sealing element [0124] 21 Activating element [0125] 22 Holder [0126] 23 Sealing element [0127] 24 Inlet closure element [0128] 25 Spring element [0129] 26 Insert [0130] 26 Detent face [0131] 27 Ring [0132] 28 Cartridge closure element [0133] 29 Spring element [0134] 30 Housing core [0135] 30.1 Housing core part [0136] 30.2 Housing core part [0137] 31 Supply duct [0138] 31 Supply duct [0139] 32 Aperture [0140] 33 Housing sleeve [0141] 34 Sealing element [0142] 35 Fastening element [0143] 36 Intermediate space [0144] 37 Groove [0145] 38 Step [0146] 39 Fastening groove [0147] 40 Opening [0148] 200, 200 Sealing device [0149] 201 Opening [0150] A Flow direction [0151] B1 Cross-sectional width [0152] B2 Cross-sectional width [0153] G Thread [0154] L Longitudinal axis
