Valve arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid in two temperature-controlled circuits compensating tank

Abstract

A valve device for controlling the flow of fluid in two temperature control circuits. The valve device comprises an actuator, a valve housing having a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity, a direct ball valve having a first receiving cavity with at least a first fluid port and a second fluid port, wherein a first ball device having a first passage is rotatably mounted in the first receiving cavity, wherein the first ball device is coupled with the actuator and can be directly actuated by the actuator, and an indirect ball valve having a second receiving cavity with at least a third fluid port and a fourth fluid port, wherein a second ball device having a second passage is rotatably mounted in the second receiving cavity, wherein the second ball device is coupled with the first ball device and can thus be actuated by the direct ball valve and can be indirectly actuated by the actuator.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device for controlling the flow of fluid in two temperature control circuits, a compensation box device having such a valve device, and a temperature control circuit device having such a compensation box device.

[0002] A valve is a component used to block or control the flow of fluids (liquids or gases).

[0003] In a valve, the sealing element (e.g., disc, cone, ball, or needle) typically moves generally parallel to the flow direction or about an axis of rotation transverse to the flow direction. Flow is interrupted by pressing the sealing element against an opening, seat, or sealing base of a suitable shape.

[0004] In addition to blocking the flow of materials, valves are also very suitable for regulating tasks.

[0005] A compensating tank is an accessory used in small and large systems, particularly in motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. This accessory is needed to compensate for losses of the operating medium due to temperature-induced expansion, evaporation, or volatilization of the liquid or gaseous medium, compensating for volume changes in the event of thermal expansion. In most cases, the compensating tank and the supplied operating medium are used to maintain system pressure.

[0006] In most cases, the actuator, also known as the actuating device, is usually referred to as a drive technology component. These drive technology components, for example, convert electrical signals (instructions output by a control computer) into changes in mechanical motion or physical parameters (such as pressure or temperature), and thus actively intervene in a controlled process.

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide a compact and simple valve device for controlling the flow of fluid in two temperature control circuits.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compensation box device with a compact and simple construction.

[0009] Furthermore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a temperature control loop device that allows for the variable control of two temperature control loops.

[0010] One or more of these objectives are achieved by the features of independent patent claims 1, 6, and 9. Advantageous design solutions are described in their dependent claims.

[0011] According to the present invention, a valve device for controlling the flow of fluid in two temperature control circuits is provided. The valve device includes: an actuator; a valve housing having a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity; a direct ball valve having a first receiving cavity having at least a first fluid port and a second fluid port, wherein a first ball device having a first channel is rotatably mounted in the first receiving cavity, wherein the first ball device is connected to the actuator and can be directly actuated by the actuator; and an indirect ball valve having a second receiving cavity having at least a third fluid port and a fourth fluid port, wherein a second ball device having a second channel is rotatably mounted in the second receiving cavity, wherein the second ball device is connected to the first ball device and can therefore be actuated by the direct ball valve and can be indirectly actuated by the actuator.

[0012] The terms "direct" and "indirect" ball valves describe only the relationship between two valves. In a direct ball valve or first ball assembly, a mechanical element, such as a transmission mechanism, can be arranged between the valve and the actuator, allowing for the alteration of motion parameters (force or torque). The same applies to the connection between the first and second ball assemblies.

[0013] Because the first ball assembly of a direct-actuated ball valve or a directly controlled ball valve is connected to and can be directly actuated by the actuator, and the second ball assembly of a second ball valve is connected to the first ball assembly, the second ball assembly is pulled or dragged by the first ball assembly, and is therefore similarly indirectly driven or controlled by the actuator. In this way, only a single actuator is needed to actuate both the direct-actuated and indirect-actuated ball valves. The two ball valves of the valve assembly are arranged in a common valve body.

[0014] Therefore, the structure according to the invention provides a compact and inexpensive valve device, since only one actuator is required to actuate two valves, and the two valves are arranged in a single valve housing.

[0015] The ball valve is preferably a short-pipe valve, in which the blocking body is constructed as a ball. In variations of the short-pipe valve, the ball has a corresponding passage.

[0016] The first and second ball devices are preferably interconnected by a form-fit connection. To form this connection, the first and second engaging elements are preferably integrally formed on the first and second ball devices, respectively. The first and second ball devices are interconnected by the first and second engaging elements. The engaging elements can be constructed as claw-type connectors, where the corresponding claws can achieve a predetermined degree of rotational freedom, allowing the second ball device to be dragged by the first ball device with angular or temporal deviations.

[0017] In the context of this invention, a temperature control circuit is understood as a low-temperature or high-temperature circuit and / or a heating and / or cooling circuit.

[0018] Supports for guiding and supporting the first ball assembly and / or the second ball assembly within the valve housing can be arranged in the connection area between the first and second ball assemblies. The support is preferably constructed as a semi-solid support, thereby restricting the rotational freedom of the second ball assembly by an O-ring.

[0019] With the aid of a semi-solid support, the rotational degree of freedom along the direction of ball rotation is restricted by a corresponding O-ring. The rotational degree of freedom is not completely restricted here, but only to prevent accidental loosening of the second ball assembly, which can be freely pulled or dragged. Furthermore, since the semi-fixed support restricts the free rotatability of the second ball assembly about its axis of rotation in the ball direction, there is no need to perform continuous position checks on the ball position of the second ball assembly.

[0020] Ball valves can be designed as 3 / 2 directional valves and / or as proportional valves.

[0021] Directional control valves are designed to partially or completely cut off the path of the working medium. A 3 / 2 directional valve has three ports and two switching positions.

[0022] The number of fluid ports or outlets in direct and indirect ball valves is limited only by available structural space and required functionality. However, theoretically, it is possible to have three or more outlets on each ball. Therefore, different numbers and combinations of ports and switching positions can be achieved.

[0023] In the context of this invention, a proportional valve is understood as a valve used to change flow rate. A proportional valve here has fairly similar switching behavior, wherein an intermediate position between two extremes, "open" and "closed," can also be achieved. Thus, flow rate can be adjusted and controlled as needed. A ball valve can therefore be a proportional valve designed as a directional control valve with more than two working ports.

[0024] Because the ball valve is designed as a 3 / 2 directional valve and / or a proportional valve, it allows for highly flexible control of the flow of fluid in two temperature control circuits.

[0025] The second ball assembly may have end stops for limiting rotational movement. Furthermore, the second ball assembly may have extended end stops that enable rotational movement of approximately 660 to 700 degrees.

[0026] Without such extended end stops, it may be impossible to achieve the maximum 360-degree-of-freedom of motion in the ball's rotation direction between the end stops, and therefore insufficient flexibility in manipulating the two temperature control circuits. This is especially true since forming these two end stops primarily comes at the cost of rotation angles resulting from their predetermined thickness. High mobility of the indirectly controlled ball may be necessary to achieve complex position switching independent of the directly controlled ball.

[0027] Therefore, according to the present invention, an end stop extension can be provided, which is an assembly part of one or more end stops. The end stop extension facilitates further rotatability in the ball direction before reaching the end stop.

[0028] The actuator can be an electric motor, preferably an induction-operated electric motor. Other designs, or the use of, for example, thermally actuated expanding wax elements, are conceivable. Expanding wax elements, for example, also convert thermal potential energy differences into mechanical motion. In the context of this invention, the actuator may also include a mechanical actuator. The actuator is therefore not necessarily limited to an electric actuator.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a compensation box device is provided, which has the aforementioned valve device according to the present invention. The compensation box device is characterized in that the valve device is an integral part of the compensation box device, and the valve housing of the valve device is integrally connected to the housing of the compensation box device.

[0030] Since the valve assembly is an integral part of the compensation box assembly, it significantly saves design space and results in a very compact design. Furthermore, this compensation box assembly can be manufactured at a more cost-effective pace.

[0031] The integral connection between the valve device and the compensation box device can be established by injection molding process using single-component or multi-component injection molding technology, through locking connection, threaded connection, adhesive connection or welding connection or other suitable manufacturing methods.

[0032] The compensation box device may include a first compensation box and a second compensation box, which can be filled by means of a filling nozzle, and / or the two compensation boxes may have bypass lines, and / or the two compensation boxes may each have at least one fluid port.

[0033] Such a compensation box device without the valve device according to the invention is disclosed in European patent application EP20174528.8, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0034] Furthermore, the present invention provides a temperature control loop device. This temperature control loop device includes the aforementioned compensation box device and a first temperature control loop, wherein the first temperature control loop is connected to a first fluid port and a second fluid port of a direct-acting ball valve of the valve device. Additionally, the temperature control loop device includes a second temperature control loop, which is connected to a third fluid port and a fourth fluid port of an indirect-acting ball valve of the valve device.

[0035] The first temperature control loop can be designed as a high-temperature control loop and / or a small loop with a predetermined total volume, while the second temperature control loop is designed as a low-temperature control loop and / or a large loop with a predetermined total volume, wherein the total volume of the second temperature control loop is greater than that of the first temperature control loop. The reverse arrangement can also be achieved.

[0036] The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a side view of a compensation box device with valve equipment according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 This is another side view of the compensation box equipment with valves;

[0039] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 Lateral section view of the cutting line AA;

[0040] Figure 4 It is an exploded perspective view of the valve equipment; and

[0041] Figure 5 This is another exploded 3D view of the valve equipment.

[0042] The valve device 1 for the compensation box device 2 according to the present invention will be described first below. Figures 1 to 5 ).

[0043] Valve device 1 is designed to control the flow of fluid in two temperature control loops. The temperature control loops can be corresponding heating loops and / or cooling loops.

[0044] The valve device 1 includes a valve housing 3 having a first receiving cavity 4 and a second receiving cavity 5.

[0045] The first receiving cavity 4 has a first fluid port and second fluid ports 6 and 7, which are preferably arranged opposite to each other. In addition, a first connection port 8 is provided on the first receiving cavity 4 for connection with the compensation box device 2.

[0046] The second receiving cavity 5 has a third fluid port and a fourth fluid port 9, 10, which are preferably arranged opposite to each other. In addition, a second connection port 11 is provided on the second receiving cavity 5 for connection with the compensation box device 2.

[0047] The position of ports relative to each other is only affected by functionality and available design space, and they can also be arranged differently from opposite sides, and there can be three or more interfaces.

[0048] Internal threads are formed in fluid ports 6, 7, 9, and 10, and centering / guide inserts 12 with corresponding external threads can be threaded into these fluid ports. Self-tapping threads can also be provided instead of internal threads.

[0049] On the surfaces facing (further described in more detail below) the first and second ball devices 15, 18, an arcuately shaped sealing or guide wall 36 is provided on each centering / guide insert 12. The sealing wall 36 or sealing element seals the fluid ports 6, 7, 9, and 10 or outlets and the ball devices 15, 18 to each other (in the closed state). The sealing wall 36 can be implemented, for example, as a 2K sealing element. The guide or sealing wall 36 can also be designed to center and guide the first and second ball devices 15, 18 within the valve body.

[0050] For connection to the corresponding temperature control circuit, a connecting sleeve 13 is provided, through which fluid ports 6, 7, 9, and 10 can be connected to the corresponding temperature control circuit. The connecting sleeve 13 has a corresponding flange, which can be sealingly connected to the valve body 3 by means of an O-ring seal 14. Alternatively, a shaped seal or other suitable seal may be provided instead of an O-ring.

[0051] A first ball device 15 is arranged in the first receiving cavity 4. The first ball device 15 forms a blocking body for a direct ball valve 16, which also includes the first receiving cavity 4. The first ball device 15 has a first channel 17.

[0052] A second ball device 18 is arranged in the second receiving cavity 5 of the valve housing 3. The second ball device 18 and the second receiving cavity 5 together form an indirect ball valve 19. The second ball device 18 has a second passage 20.

[0053] In the valve housing 3, a support seat 21 for accommodating the support device 22 is provided in the region between the first receiving cavity 4 and the second receiving cavity 5.

[0054] The support device 22 is designed to guide and support the first ball assembly and the second ball assemblies 15, 18. The support device 22 is preferably a semi-solid support, wherein the rotational freedom of the second ball assembly 18 is partially restricted by the O-ring seat.

[0055] A through hole 23 is constructed in the support device.

[0056] The first and second engaging elements 24 and 25 are preferably integrally formed on the first ball device 15 and the second ball device 18, respectively. The first ball device 15 and the second ball device 18 are interconnected by the first engaging element and the second engaging elements 24 and 25. The engaging elements 24 and 25 are constructed in the manner of a claw-type engagement, wherein the corresponding claws are capable of predetermined free movement in the direction of rotation, so that the second ball device can be dragged by the first ball device 15 in a manner with angular or temporal deviation.

[0057] Starting from the end position (which corresponds to the end stop in either of the two possible rotational directions of actuator 27, described in more detail below), the engagement elements of the two balls are in direct and effective contact along the rotational direction extending toward the end stop. Here, direct and effective contact along the other rotational direction is generally absent in this position. In this position, the engagement elements of the two balls do not have direct and effective contact along opposite rotational directions. Thus, in the case of movement of the directly driven ball, the undriven ball does not initially move in the opposite direction. The shape and size of the engagement elements on the two balls determine the maximum possible free movement of the driven ball before it re-establishes effective contact with the indirectly driven ball in the opposite rotational direction. This free movement is used to position the directly driven ball independently of the undriven ball and obtain the desired position, thus achieving the opening of the outlet.

[0058] Typically, the free motion of an undriven ball is implemented such that any combination of the ball's position can be achieved given the opening and closing of different exits relative to each other. To control an indirectly driven ball, free motion must be overcome by rotating the directly driven ball in the corresponding direction. Depending on the desired switching state of the directly driven ball, it must rotate backward, i.e., in the opposite direction, after the position of the indirectly driven ball is determined.

[0059] The first engaging element 24 and the second engaging element 25 are arranged in the through hole 23 of the support device 22.

[0060] The first ball device 15 is connected to the actuator 27 via the control shaft 26. The actuator 27 is, for example, an electric motor, preferably an induction-operated electric motor.

[0061] The first ball assembly 15 of the direct ball valve 16 is directly driven by the control shaft 26 or the actuator 27 and can rotate about the rotation axis 28.

[0062] The second ball device 18 of the indirect ball valve 19 also rotates about the rotation axis 28, and is dragged by the first ball device 15 in a time and angular deviation by the first engagement element and the second engagement elements 24, 25.

[0063] At the end opposite to the support device 22, the second ball device 18 has an end stop capable of rotational movement of less than 360 degrees about the rotation axis 28, and preferably has an end stop extension (not shown) capable of rotational movement of approximately 660 to 700 degrees about the rotation axis 28.

[0064] Valve device 1 is an integral part of compensation box device 2.

[0065] The first receiving cavity 4 and the second receiving cavity 5 are connected to the first compensation box 30 and the second compensation box 31 of the compensation box device 2 via the first connection port 8 and the second connection port 11.

[0066] The outer walls of the first compensation box 30 and the second compensation box 31 of the compensation box device 2 are referred to below as the housing 32.

[0067] The valve device 1, particularly the valve housing 3, is integrally connected to the housing 32 of the compensation box device 2 or the first compensation box 30 and the second compensation box 31 via the first connection port and the second connection port 8, 11, preferably by injection molding. Particularly preferably, the valve housing 3 of the valve device 2 and the housing 32 of the compensation box device 2 are constructed or manufactured in a single injection molding process.

[0068] Additionally and / or alternatively, integral connections may also be established or replaced by locking connections, threaded connections, adhesive connections, or welded connections.

[0069] The compensation box device 2 includes a first compensation box and second compensation boxes 30 and 31, which are preferably filled by a single filling sleeve 33. The compensation box device 2 also has a bypass line (not shown).

[0070] The first compensation box and the second compensation boxes 30 and 31 of the compensation box device 2 are respectively provided with fluid ports 34 and 35 for connecting to the temperature control circuit.

[0071] The compensation box device 2 is a compensation box device similar to the compensation box device disclosed in the unpublished European patent application EP 2017 4528.8, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0072] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a temperature control loop device (not shown) is proposed, which includes the aforementioned compensation box device 2 and correspondingly includes a valve device 1.

[0073] In addition, the temperature control circuit device includes a first temperature control circuit (not shown), which is connected to the first fluid port and the second fluid ports 6 and 7 of the direct ball valve 16. Furthermore, a second temperature control circuit (not shown) is provided, which is connected to the third fluid port and the fourth fluid ports 9 and 10 of the indirect ball valve 19.

[0074] The first temperature control loop can be designed as a high-temperature control loop and / or a small loop with a predetermined total volume, and the second temperature control loop can be designed as a low-temperature control loop and / or a large loop with a predetermined total volume, wherein the total volume of the second temperature control loop is larger than the total volume of the first temperature control loop. Alternatively, the arrangement can be reversed, i.e., the first temperature control loop is designed as a low-temperature control loop and / or a large loop, while the second temperature control loop is designed as a high-temperature control loop and / or a small loop.

[0075] Preferably, the compensation box device 2 according to the invention is provided with a valve device for liquids, especially for liquids in cooling circuits of motor vehicles.

[0076] Accordingly, the low-temperature control circuit can be a cooling circuit for the intercooler and / or battery. The high-temperature control circuit is preferably a cooling circuit for the internal combustion engine.

[0077] List of reference numerals

[0078] 1 Valve Equipment

[0079] 2. Compensation box equipment

[0080] 3 valve housing

[0081] 4 First Receiving Cavity

[0082] 5 Second Receiving Cavity

[0083] 6 First fluid port

[0084] 7 Second fluid port

[0085] 8 First connection port

[0086] 9 Third fluid port

[0087] 10 Fourth fluid port

[0088] 11 Second connection port

[0089] 12 Centering-Guiding Inserts

[0090] 13 Connecting sleeve

[0091] 14. Seals

[0092] 15 First Sphere Device

[0093] 16 Direct-acting ball valve

[0094] 17 First Passage

[0095] 18 Second Sphere Device

[0096] 19. Indirect ball valve

[0097] 20 Second Channel

[0098] 21 Support base

[0099] 22 Support device

[0100] 23 Through Hole

[0101] 24 First Connecting Element

[0102] 25 Second coupling element

[0103] 26 control axes

[0104] 27 Actuator

[0105] 28 Rotation axis

[0106] 29 End stop

[0107] 30 First Compensation Box

[0108] 31 Second Compensation Box

[0109] 32. Shell

[0110] 33 Filler nozzle

[0111] 34 Fluid Ports

[0112] 35 Fluid Port

[0113] 36 Sealed wall

Claims

1. A compensation box device, comprising: Box shell; A valve device for controlling the flow of fluid in two temperature control loops, the valve device comprising: Actuator (27). Valve housing (3), the valve housing having a first receiving cavity (4) and a second receiving cavity (5). A direct ball valve (16) having a first receiving cavity (4) having at least a first fluid port and a second fluid port, wherein a first ball device (15) having a first channel (17) is rotatably mounted in the first receiving cavity (4), wherein the first ball device (15) is coupled to the actuator (27) and can be directly actuated by the actuator (27), and An indirect ball valve (19) having a second receiving cavity (5) having at least a third fluid port and a fourth fluid port, wherein a second ball device (18) having a second passage (20) is rotatably mounted in the second receiving cavity (5), wherein the second ball device (18) is connected to the first ball device (15) and is therefore actuated by the direct ball valve (16) and indirectly by the actuator (27); The valve housing of the valve device is integrally connected to the housing, making the valve device a component of the compensation box device.

2. The compensation box device according to claim 1, Its features are, A support device (22) for guiding and supporting the first ball device (15) and / or the second ball device (18) in the valve housing is arranged in the connection area between the first ball device (15) and the second ball device (18), and the support device is designed as a semi-solid support.

3. The compensation box device according to claim 1, Its features are, The direct ball valve (16) and the indirect ball valve (19) are designed as valves with two or more fluid ports.

4. The compensation box device according to claim 1, Its features are, The second ball device (18) has an end stop extension that is capable of rotational movement of 660° to 700°.

5. The compensation box device according to claim 1, Its features are, The actuator (27) is an electric motor.

6. The compensation box device according to claim 1, Its features are, The integral connection between the valve body and the housing body is established by injection molding, locking connection, threaded connection, adhesive connection or welding connection.

7. The compensation box device according to claim 1, Its features are, The compensation box device includes a first compensation box (30) and a second compensation box (31), which can be filled via a common filling nozzle (33), and / or the two compensation boxes have bypass lines, and / or the two compensation boxes each have at least one fluid port.

8. The compensation box device according to claim 1, The second ball device has an end stop for limiting rotational movement, and the second ball device has an extension of the end stop, the extension of which enables rotational movement of 660 degrees to 700 degrees, and / or The first ball device and the second ball device are interconnected by a first connecting element and a second connecting element, and the first connecting element and the second connecting element are constructed in the form of a claw connector, wherein the corresponding claw can realize a predetermined degree of rotational freedom, so that the second ball device can be dragged by the first ball device in a manner with angular or temporal deviation.

9. A temperature control circuit device, comprising: According to claim 1, the compensation box device, wherein the direct ball valve has a first fluid port and a second fluid port, and the indirect ball valve has a third fluid port and a fourth fluid port; and A first temperature control circuit, wherein the first temperature control circuit is connected to the first fluid port and the second fluid port of the direct ball valve (16), and A second temperature control circuit, wherein the second temperature control circuit is connected to the third fluid port and the fourth fluid port of the indirect ball valve (19).

10. The temperature control circuit device according to claim 9, Its features are, The first temperature control circuit is designed as a high-temperature control circuit and / or a first circuit with a first predetermined total volume, and The second temperature control circuit is designed as a low-temperature control circuit and / or a second circuit with a second predetermined total volume, wherein the second predetermined total volume is greater than the first predetermined total volume.

11. A compensation box device, comprising: The housing, the first compensation box, and the second compensation box are both located within the housing; A valve device for controlling the flow of fluid, the valve device comprising: Actuator, The valve housing has a first receiving cavity and a second receiving cavity. A direct-acting ball valve having a first receiving cavity having at least a first fluid port and a second fluid port, wherein a first ball device having a first channel is rotatably mounted in the first receiving cavity, wherein the first ball device is coupled to and can be directly actuated by the actuator, and An indirect ball valve having a second receiving cavity having at least a third fluid port and a fourth fluid port, wherein a second ball device having a second passage is rotatably mounted in the second receiving cavity, wherein the second ball device is connected to the first ball device and is therefore actuated by the direct ball valve and indirectly actuated by the actuator; The valve housing of the valve device is integrally connected to the housing, making the valve device a component of the compensation box device. The direct ball valve is fluidly connected to the first compensation box through a first connection port of the valve housing, and the indirect ball valve is fluidly connected to the second compensation box through a second connection port of the valve housing.

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