Valve and liquid tank for a liquid system, liquid system for a vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve (6) for a liquid system (2) of a vehicle, having a valve housing (8) comprising a plurality of valve housing openings, a valve body rotatably arranged in the valve housing (8) about an axis of rotation (10), the valve body comprising at least one flow-conducting connection channel for flow-conducting connection of at least two valve housing openings of the plurality of valve housing openings, a valve sealing device arranged between the valve housing (8) and the valve body, the valve sealing device comprising valve sealing openings corresponding to the valve housing openings, a valve drive device for automatic rotation of the valve body about the axis of rotation (10), and a plurality of flow channels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) corresponding to the valve housing openings for flow-conducting connection of the valve (6) to the remainder of the liquid system (2), wherein the flow channels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) are jointly formed by a unique first channel housing part and a unique second channel housing part (22), wherein the first channel housing part simultaneously constitutes the valve housing (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve for a liquid system, a liquid tank for a liquid system, a liquid system for a vehicle, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Such valves and tanks for liquid systems, liquid systems, and vehicles are known in the prior art in numerous implementation variations. A known valve for a vehicle's liquid system comprises: a valve housing including multiple valve housing openings; a valve body rotatably disposed within the valve housing about a rotation axis, the valve body including at least one flow-guiding connection channel for flow-guiding connection to at least two of the multiple valve housing openings; a valve sealing device disposed between the valve housing and the valve body, the valve sealing device including valve sealing openings corresponding to the valve housing openings; a valve actuation device for automatically rotating the valve body about the rotation axis; and multiple flow channels corresponding to the valve housing openings for flow-guiding connection between the valve and the remainder of the liquid system. The flow channels known in the prior art generally have a circular inner profile and a circular outer profile in cross-section. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention begins here.

[0004] The objective of this invention is to improve valves for liquid systems, liquid tanks for liquid systems, liquid systems for vehicles, and vehicles.

[0005] This task is solved by a valve for a vehicle's fluid system having the features of the present invention, characterized in that the flow channels are jointly constituted by a single first channel shell component and a single second channel shell component, wherein the first channel shell component also constitutes a valve housing, and the valve housing can be connected to the second channel shell component to form the flow channels. Furthermore, this task is solved by a liquid tank for a vehicle's fluid system having the features of the present invention, a vehicle's fluid system having the features of the present invention, and a vehicle having the features of the present invention. The vehicle can be, for example, a land vehicle configured as a motor vehicle. This is purely illustrative only of motor vehicles configured as electric vehicles or so-called hybrid vehicles. However, the present invention is also advantageously applicable to other land vehicles as well as to aircraft and ships. The valve according to the invention can preferably be a so-called multi-way valve. However, this is not mandatory.

[0006] A significant advantage of the present invention is particularly its improvement on valves for liquid systems, liquid tanks for liquid systems, liquid systems for vehicles, and vehicles.

[0007] Based on the valve, reservoir, and vehicle configuration of the fluid system for a vehicle according to the present invention, the aforementioned valve, reservoir, fluid system, and vehicle can be implemented in a particularly simple manner both structurally and technically. Furthermore, this allows for the integration of components of the fluid system for the vehicle. Simultaneously, the flow optimization of the fluid system's flow channels can be easily achieved in terms of manufacturing technology. This also means, for example, that the present invention enables flow channels to have cross-sections including non-circular inner contours, unlike those in the prior art. For example, a cross-section with a substantially rectangular inner contour is conceivable, wherein the net width of the corresponding flow channel is greater than the net width of a cross-section with a circular inner contour. For example, the corners of the rectangular inner contour can be rounded for additional flow optimization.

[0008] In principle, the valves of the present invention used in the fluid systems of vehicles can be freely selected within a wide and suitable range, depending on their type, working principle, material, size, and arrangement in the fluid system.

[0009] A particularly advantageous further configuration of the valve according to the invention for use in a vehicle's fluid system is that the flow passage extends obliquely upward or downward at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, preferably 30° to 60°, relative to the axis of rotation on the valve housing side. This enables particularly simple manufacturing and production of the valve according to the invention. For example, the flow passage can be laid out in a manner particularly suitable for the specific case, especially with flow optimization. With this further configuration, the curvature of the flow passage, especially in the section of the flow passage on the valve housing side, can be easily manufactured, for example, in a valve housing configured as a plastic injection molded part, by using a slider that moves obliquely to the axis of rotation of the valve body. The aforementioned slider can move obliquely upward or downward, thereby readily achievable in manufacturing technology for the corresponding curvature of the flow passage. The advantages mentioned above are particularly applicable in the preferred embodiment of this further configuration.

[0010] Another particularly advantageous further configuration of the valve according to the invention for a vehicle's fluid system is that the valve housing and / or the valve body are formably configured such that the sealing side of the valve housing and / or the valve body toward the valve sealing device is formed substantially burr-free after demolding. In this way, it is ensured that the valve sealing device and the valve according to the invention can also achieve long operating times without the potential costly reprocessing of the aforementioned sealing side. This is technically achieved, for example, by structurally avoiding molding separation on the sealing side of the valve housing as described above in the plastic injection molded parts.

[0011] Another advantageous further configuration of the valve according to the invention for a vehicle's fluid system is that the valve housing is integrated into the fluid system's reservoir, preferably a coolant tank for storing coolant directed within the fluid system. This reduces the number of components in the fluid system, correspondingly simplifying the logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing of the fluid system for vehicles. Furthermore, it enables a very compact and space-saving structural design for the fluid system.

[0012] An advantageous further configuration of the valve according to the invention in the above-mentioned embodiment for a vehicle's fluid system is that the tank housing is configured as a multi-shell component and has multiple tank housing shell components, wherein the valve housing is simultaneously configured as one of the tank housing shell components of the tank housing, preferably, the valve housing is configured as the lowermost tank housing shell component of the tank housing. Thus, the tank housing of the fluid system, together with the valve housing integrated therein, can be implemented in a manner that is structurally and technically simple. This is particularly applicable to the preferred embodiment of this further configuration. For example, the tank housing can be configured as a three-shell component and have an uppermost tank housing shell component, a middle tank housing shell component, and a lowermost tank housing shell component. However, this is not a mandatory requirement.

[0013] In principle, the liquid tanks according to the invention used in vehicle liquid systems are determined by type, working principle, material, size, and arrangement in the liquid system and vehicle, and their structure is similar to that of the valves according to the invention, which can be freely selected within a wide suitable range.

[0014] Corresponding to the last mentioned further configuration of the valve according to the invention, an advantageous further configuration of the liquid tank according to the invention for a vehicle's liquid system is that the tank housing is configured as a multi-shell component and has a plurality of tank housing shell components, wherein one of the tank housing shell components also constitutes a valve housing, preferably, the valve housing is configured as the lowermost tank housing shell component of the tank housing.

[0015] Corresponding to the above-described embodiment of the liquid tank according to the invention for a vehicle's liquid system, an advantageous further configuration of the vehicle's liquid system according to the invention is that the liquid tank is configured according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The invention will then be further explained with the aid of the accompanying, roughly schematic drawings. Here:

[0017] Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention, including a liquid system according to the invention, is shown.

[0018] Figure 2 A first separate perspective view of a portion of the valve according to the invention in the embodiment described herein;

[0019] Figure 3 A second separate perspective view showing a portion of the valve according to the invention in the embodiment described; and

[0020] Figure 4 A third separate perspective view of a portion of the valve according to the invention in the embodiment described is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0021] exist Figures 1 to 4 The present invention exemplarily illustrates one embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention, which includes a liquid system according to the invention.

[0022] The vehicle mentioned here is considered a motor vehicle, i.e., a pure electric vehicle, and will not be described further.

[0023] In this embodiment, the liquid system 2 for the vehicle is configured as a coolant system for cooling the drive battery, drive motor and corresponding power electronics, and a refrigerant circuit for cooling the air conditioning system for the vehicle's interior space. The drive battery, drive motor and corresponding power electronics, and refrigerant circuit are not further described here and are configured, for example, in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0024] The liquid system 2, configured as a coolant system, includes: a liquid tank 4, configured as a coolant reservoir, for storing a liquid (not described) that is a coolant in the vehicle; three liquid circuits connected to the liquid tank and configured as coolant circuits, in which the liquid circulates; and a valve 6 connected on one side to the liquid circuits and on the other side to the liquid tank, for controlling the flow of the liquid (as a coolant flow) in the liquid system 2. See also... Figure 1 .

[0025] Valve 6 is configured here as a so-called multi-way valve and has: a valve housing 8 including a plurality of valve housing openings; a valve body rotatably disposed in the valve housing 8 about a rotation axis 10, the valve body including at least one flow-guiding connection channel for flow-guiding connection of at least two of the plurality of valve housing openings; a valve sealing device disposed between the valve housing 8 and the valve body, the valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening corresponding to the valve housing opening; a valve actuation device for automatically rotating the valve body about the rotation axis 10; and a plurality of flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 corresponding to the valve housing openings for flow-guiding connection of the valve 6, i.e., the valve housing openings, to the remainder of the liquid system 2.

[0026] The valve body opening of valve 6 and valve body 8 is in Figure 4 Only a portion is shown in the text, however... Figure 2 and 3 The letters A to E, drawn on the valve body 8, represent the components. The valve body includes at least one connecting channel, a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening corresponding to the valve body opening, and a valve actuation device. Figures 1 to 4 Not shown in the image.

[0027] According to the present invention, flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 are collectively constituted by a single first channel shell component and a single second channel shell component 22, wherein the first channel shell component also constitutes a valve shell 8, which can be connected to the second channel shell component 22 to form flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20. In this embodiment, the valve shell 8, which constitutes the first channel shell component, and the second channel shell component 22 are respectively constituted as plastic injection molded parts. To form flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20, the two channel shell components 8 and 22 are connected to each other by plastic welding. However, other connection techniques are also conceivable in principle. Those skilled in the art will select a suitable connection technique for connecting the two channel shell components according to the needs of individual cases. Adhesive bonding is only shown here as an example only. For flow optimization, the flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 of this embodiment each include a cross-section with a substantially rectangular inner contour, wherein the net width of the corresponding flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 is greater than the net width of the cross-section with a circular inner contour. The corners of the inner contours of these rectangles are rounded here for additional flow optimization. See valve housing 8 for details. Figure 4 The valve housing opening is partially visible, through which the inner contours of the corresponding flow channels 12 and 20 and the net width of the flow channels can be seen.

[0028] Such as especially by Figures 2 to 4 As can be seen, the flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 are configured to extend upward or downward at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90°, i.e., 30° to 60°, relative to the rotation axis 10 on the valve housing side. During the manufacture of the valve housing 8, which also serves as a first channel housing component, the aforementioned sliding member (not shown) moves downward at an angle, thereby causing the flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 to... Figures 1 to 4 The visible curvature in the flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20, respectively, on the valve body side, can be easily achieved in manufacturing.

[0029] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the valve housing 8 is formed in such a way that the sealing side 9 of the valve housing 8 facing the valve sealing device is formed substantially burr-free after the valve housing 8 is demolded. This is achieved here in manufacturing technology, for example, by structurally avoiding molding separation in the aforementioned plastic injection molded part, i.e., in the valve housing 8, on the sealing side 9 of the valve housing 8.

[0030] Furthermore, the valve housing 8 here is integrated as a component of the coolant tank 4, which is part of the vehicle's fluid system 2 and is used to store coolant guided in the coolant circuit. For this purpose, the tank housing 24 of the tank 4 is configured as a three-shell component, wherein the valve housing 8 is also configured as a shell component of the tank housing 24, that is, the valve housing 8 is configured as the lowermost shell component of the tank housing 24. In addition to the valve housing 8, which is the lowermost shell component, the tank housing 24 also has a middle shell component 26 and an uppermost shell component 28. See [link to relevant documentation] for details. Figure 1 The two tank shell components 26 and 28 are also made of plastic injection molded parts and are similar to the two channel shell components 8 and 22 mentioned above for forming flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, which are welded to each other and simultaneously to the valve shell 8, which is the lowest tank shell component.

[0031] Correspondingly, the tank shell 24 of the liquid tank 4, which is a coolant tank, also serves as the valve shell 8 of the valve 6 for the vehicle's fluid system 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid tank 4, which is a coolant tank, has a total of three shell components: the lowermost tank shell component, which serves as both the valve shell 8 and the first channel shell component; the middle tank shell component 26, which is plastic-welded to the lowermost tank shell component 8; and the uppermost tank shell component 28, which is plastic-welded to the middle tank shell component 26. See also... Figure 1 .

[0032] Figure 2 and 3 This is a purely theoretical view of the actual valve housing 8, constructed solely for improved clarity. In reality, the valve housing 8, as explained above, is an integrated component of the tank housing 24 of the liquid tank 4. Figure 2 and 3 The visible surfaces, including the letters A, B, C, D, and E representing the valve housing opening of valve housing 8, are actually constructed as the lowest tank housing shell component and are used not only to form valve housing 8 itself but also to form the first channel shell component, which forms flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20.

[0033] Then, with the help of Figures 1 to 4Further explanation includes the vehicle according to the present invention with a liquid system according to the present invention according to this embodiment.

[0034] First, each tank shell component, namely the tank shell 24 of the liquid tank 4, which simultaneously serves as the first channel shell component and the lowermost tank shell component, the valve shell 8, the middle tank shell component 26, the uppermost tank shell component 28, and the second channel shell component 22, are manufactured separately as plastic injection molded parts in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0035] Subsequently, the shell components 8, 26, and 28 are plastic-welded together to form the shell 24 of the liquid tank 4. See [link / reference needed] for details. Figure 1 .

[0036] As explained above, in Figures 2 to 4 The valve housing 8, shown in a separate view, is an integral part of the aforementioned liquid tank 4, namely the tank housing 24.

[0037] exist Figure 2 The valve housing 8, which also serves as the first channel housing component, is shown in a separate view, thus conforming to... Figure 2 The valve housing 8 is not yet connected to the second channel housing 22.

[0038] To form flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20, the second channel shell component 22 is now plastic-welded to the valve shell 8, which also serves as the first channel shell component. This creates flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20, as shown in the diagram. Figure 3 and 4 It is evident. From Figure 3 and 4 The seam at position 30, which was created during the plastic welding mentioned above, is clearly visible. See also [link to relevant documentation]. Figures 2 to 4 Especially Figure 2 and 3 .

[0039] Finally, valve 6 is now completed, i.e., the valve sealing device (not shown) and subsequently the valve body (also not shown) of valve 6 are introduced and secured into valve housing 8 in a manner known to those skilled in the art. For example, valve 6 has a closing plate (not shown) that closes valve 6 downwards. This closing plate is mechanically connected to valve housing 8 in this embodiment by means of three threaded fittings (not shown). See [reference needed] for details. Figures 2 to 4 The figure shows a total of three threaded bosses 32 on the valve housing 8 for screwing into the aforementioned threaded parts.

[0040] Based on the configuration of the valve, the tank, and the vehicle according to the invention for the vehicle's fluid system, the aforementioned valve 6, tank 4, fluid system 2, and vehicle can be realized in a particularly simple manner in terms of structure and manufacturing technology according to this embodiment. Furthermore, this allows for the concentration of components of the vehicle's fluid system 2. Simultaneously, the flow optimization molding of the flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 of the fluid system 2 can be easily achieved in terms of manufacturing technology. This is particularly evident in that, according to the invention of this embodiment, the flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 can each, unlike in the prior art, include cross-sections with non-circular inner contours. For example, these cross-sections are here formed with substantially rectangular inner contours, in which the net width of the corresponding flow channels 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20 is greater than the net width of a cross-section with a circular inner contour. The corners of these rectangular inner contours are rounded here for additional flow optimization.

[0041] This invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the invention is also advantageously applicable to other types of vehicles. This applies not only to land vehicles but also to aircraft and ships. See also the opening section of the specification for details.

[0042] In particular, the present invention is not limited to the structural and manufacturing details of the embodiments described. For example, the number of flow channels and corresponding valve housing openings and valve sealing openings is not limited to the number described in the embodiments, but can be freely selected within the technical limits according to the needs of individual cases. The same spatial arrangement structure applies to each flow channel, and the spatial arrangement structure can also be freely selected depending on the spatial conditions given for the corresponding application.

[0043] It is also conceivable that the tank shell consists of only two tank shell components. However, any other suitable number of tank shell components is also possible in principle.

[0044] Unlike this embodiment, the valve can also be fastened solely to the tank, i.e., the tank housing, via its valve body. Correspondingly, it is not mandatory to integrate the valve body into the tank housing. Furthermore, the valve can also be fastened to other suitable components of the vehicle, such as the vehicle body or drive motor.

[0045] Of course, the present invention can be used not only advantageously in liquid systems configured as coolant systems in vehicles. Correspondingly, the present invention can be used in many different applications.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 2 Liquid System

[0048] 4 liquid tanks

[0049] 6 valves

[0050] 8. The valve housing, which serves as both the first channel shell component and the lowest tank shell component.

[0051] 9. Sealing side of valve body 8

[0052] The rotation axis of the valve body of valve 6 (10 valves)

[0053] 12 flow channels

[0054] 14 flow channels

[0055] 16 flow channels

[0056] 18 flow channels

[0057] 20 flow channels

[0058] 22 Second Channel Shell Component

[0059] Tank shell of 24 liquid tank 4

[0060] 26 tank shells 24 intermediate tank shell components

[0061] 28 can shells, 24 of which are the uppermost can shell components.

[0062] 30 The seam position formed by the engagement of the valve housing 8 and the second channel housing component 22

[0063] Threaded boss of valve body 8 (32)

Claims

1. A vehicle fluid system (2), the fluid system comprising: a liquid tank (4) including a tank housing (24) for storing liquid in the fluid system (2); at least one fluid circuit connected to the liquid tank (4) in which liquid circulates; and a valve (6) connected to the fluid circuit and / or the liquid tank (4) in order to control at least one flow of liquid in the fluid system (2), wherein, The valve (6) comprises: a valve housing (8) including a plurality of valve housing openings; a valve body rotatably disposed in the valve housing (8) about a rotation axis (10), the valve body including at least one flow-guiding connection channel for flow-guiding connection of at least two of the plurality of valve housing openings; a valve sealing device disposed between the valve housing (8) and the valve body, the valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening corresponding to the valve housing opening; a valve driving device for automatically rotating the valve body about the rotation axis (10); and a plurality of flow channels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) corresponding to the valve housing openings for flow-guiding connection of at least two of the plurality of valve housing openings; a ...; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening; a valve sealing device including a valve sealing opening The flow channel (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) is characterized in that the flow channels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) are collectively composed of a unique first channel shell component and a unique second channel shell component (22), wherein the first channel shell component is also configured as a valve shell (8), the valve shell being able to connect with the second channel shell component (22) in order to form the flow channels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20), the valve shell (8) being an integral part of the liquid tank (4) of the liquid system (2), and the tank shell (24) being also configured as a valve shell (8) for the valve (6).

2. The liquid system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow channels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) are formed by extending upward or downward at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° relative to the rotation axis (10) on the valve housing side.

3. The liquid system (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve housing (8) and / or the valve body can be formed such that the sealing side (9) of the valve housing (8) and / or the valve body toward the valve sealing device is formed substantially burr-free after the valve housing (8) and / or the valve body are demolded.

4. The liquid system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The liquid tank is a coolant tank for storing coolant guided in a liquid system that constitutes a coolant system.

5. The liquid system (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The tank (4) has a tank shell (24) in a multi-shell component configuration and has multiple tank shell components (8, 26, 28), wherein the valve shell (8) is the lowest tank shell component of the tank shell (24).

6. The liquid system (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The flow channels (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) are formed by extending upward or downward at an angle of 30° to 60° relative to the rotation axis (10) on the valve housing side.

7. A vehicle having a liquid system (2), characterized in that, The liquid system (2) is a liquid system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7, characterized in that, The liquid system is configured as a coolant system.

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