Valve unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a valve unit having an actuator, a first valve, and a second valve. The first valve / second valve includes a first valve housing / second valve housing and a first valve body / second valve body. The first valve body / second valve body is rotatably arranged in the first valve housing / second valve housing. Here, the two valves are arranged coaxially with each other and rotatably arranged around a common adjustment axis (VA). The actuator is non-releasably coupled to the first valve body and releasably coupled to the second valve body via the first valve body. The first valve body is rotatable in a first rotational direction (DR1) and a second rotational direction (DR2) by means of the actuator. In a coupled state, the second valve body is rotatable together with the first valve body in the first rotational direction (DR1) / second rotational direction (DR2), and in an uncoupled state, is not rotatable together with the first valve body in at least the second rotational direction (DR2). The present invention also relates to a method for regulating a valve unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a valve unit having a first valve and a second valve. The invention also relates to a method for regulating a valve unit. Background Art

[0002] A cooling circuit (e.g. in a motor vehicle) is used to cool individual components. There, a coolant is directed to the components via fluid lines, wherein the coolant cools or heats the components and the coolant itself is cooled, heated or changed. The coolant can be, for example, a coolant, cooling water or a refrigerant. The cooling circuit can be adapted to different requirements via one valve or, in general, multiple valves. Thus, for example, individual components can be flowed through by coolant or not, or the order in which the coolant flows through the components can be changed, or the flow direction of the coolant can be changed. When doing this, the corresponding valves are regulated by associated actuators. Due to the high cost of actuators, the manufacturing costs rise sharply as the number of valves increases. In addition, cooling circuits with multiple valves and multiple actuators generally have a high installation space requirement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose an improved or at least alternative embodiment for a valve unit of the generic type, which overcomes the described disadvantages. Furthermore, a method for regulating a valve unit is provided.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] The valve unit according to the present invention includes an actuator, a first valve, and a second valve. The first valve includes a first valve housing and a first valve body, wherein the first valve body is rotatable in the first valve housing about a first rotational axis. The second valve includes a second valve housing and a second valve body, wherein the second valve body is rotatable in the second valve housing about a second rotational axis. The first valve and the second valve are arranged coaxially with each other so that the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis coincide to form a common adjustment axis. Here, the actuator is non-releasably coupled to the first valve body and releasably coupled to the second valve body via the first valve body. The first valve body is rotatable in the first valve housing in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction by means of the actuator. The first rotational direction is about the adjustment axis, and the second rotational direction is opposite to the first rotational direction. When coupled to the actuator, the second valve body is rotatable together with the first valve body in the first rotational direction and / or the second rotational direction. When decoupled from the actuator, the second valve body is not rotatable together with the first valve body in at least the second rotational direction.

[0006] Advantageously, the actuator can be arranged coaxially with the first valve and the second valve. Advantageously, the first valve can be arranged axially between the actuator and the second valve relative to the adjustment axis. Advantageously, the actuator can be arranged directly adjacent to the first valve.

[0007] Advantageously, the first valve and the second valve can be adjusted to a desired switching position independently of one another. This allows for different valve unit switching positions of the valve unit to be achieved, wherein a valve unit switching position is achieved by combining the individual switching positions of the first valve and the second valve. When the valve unit is adjusted to a desired valve unit switching position, the first valve and the second valve are adjusted independently of one another to the corresponding switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position.

[0008] First, the second valve body is rotated in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction by means of the actuator while being coupled to the actuator, so that the second valve occupies a switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position. Here, the first valve body, which is non-releasably coupled to the actuator, rotates together. When the second valve has reached the switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position, the second valve body enters a state decoupled from the actuator. At this point, the first valve body is rotated in at least the second rotational direction by means of the actuator, so that the first valve occupies a switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position. As such, the first valve and the second valve are adjusted independently of each other to the switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position, and the valve unit accordingly enters the desired valve unit switching position.

[0009] In the valve unit according to the present invention, both valves can be actuated by a single actuator. This significantly reduces the manufacturing costs of the valve unit. Advantageously, both valves can be formed as identical components, further reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the valves in the valve unit according to the present invention are integrated within the valve unit, significantly reducing the installation space required.

[0010] Advantageously, the valve unit can include a switchable coupling. The switchable coupling allows the first valve body and the second valve body to be rigidly connected to each other. The switchable coupling rigidly couples the second valve body to the first valve body and, therefore, to the actuator. When the second valve body and the first valve body are coupled to each other, the second valve body can rotate together with the first valve body in the first rotational direction and / or the second rotational direction, and the second valve is adjusted to a desired switching position. The switchable coupling decouples the first valve body from the second valve body and, therefore, from the actuator. When the second valve body and the first valve body are decoupled from each other, the second valve body cannot rotate together with the first valve body. The first valve body can then be rotated independently in the first rotational direction and / or the second rotational direction by means of the actuator, and the first valve is adjusted to a desired switching position. Using the switchable coupling, the second valve body can be actively coupled to the actuator or decoupled from the actuator, either by actively switching the switchable coupling.

[0011] Advantageously, it can be configured so that the second valve body, when coupled to the actuator, can only rotate together with the first valve body in the first rotational direction, and cannot rotate together with the first valve body in the second rotational direction when decoupled from the actuator. In other words, the second valve body is coupled to the first valve body in the first rotational direction and decoupled from it in the second rotational direction. When the first valve body rotates in the first rotational direction, the second valve body rotates together, and the second valve can be adjusted to the desired switching position. When the first valve body rotates in the second rotational direction, the second valve body does not rotate together and remains in the desired switching position. In this way, the first valve can be adjusted to the desired switching position independently of the switching position of the first valve.

[0012] Furthermore, it can be provided that the valve unit includes a rigid coupling, wherein the first valve body and the second valve body are connected to each other via the rigid coupling having a freewheel, in particular a switchable freewheel. In a first rotational direction, the second valve body is coupled to the first valve body and thereby to the actuator, while in a second rotational direction, it is decoupled from the first valve body and thereby from the actuator via the freewheel. Due to the rigid coupling to the freewheel, the second valve body can be passively switched between a coupled state and a decoupled state with the actuator, or simply by changing the direction of rotation.

[0013] Advantageously, it can be provided that the respective valve housing includes at least three connecting elements, and the respective valve body includes at least one continuous opening. Here, during rotation of the respective valve body in the first and / or second rotational direction, the respective openings fluidically connect the respective connecting elements of the respective valve housing to one another in pairs, alternatingly. The switching position of the respective valve is reached when the respective connecting elements are fluidically connected to one another via the respective openings.

[0014] Advantageously, the respective first valve and / or second valve can be a three-way valve, and the respective first valve housing and / or second valve housing can include three connections, and the respective first valve body and / or second valve body can include at least one opening. Advantageously, the respective first valve and / or second valve can be a four-way valve, and the respective first valve housing and / or second valve housing can include four connections, and the respective first valve body and / or second valve body can include at least two openings. Advantageously, the respective first valve and / or second valve can be a five-way valve, and the respective first valve housing and / or second valve housing can include five connections, and the respective first valve body and / or second valve body can include at least two openings.

[0015] Advantageously, the first valve can be a five-way valve, and the corresponding first valve housing can include five connectors, and the first valve body can include at least two openings. Advantageously, the second valve can be a four-way valve, and the second valve housing can include four connectors, and the second valve body can include two openings. Advantageously, one of the connectors of the first valve can be fluidically connected to one of the connectors of the second valve. As such, a seven-way valve having seven connectors and at least four openings can be advantageously realized via the valve unit.

[0016] Advantageously, the respective valve housing can include exactly five or exactly six connecting elements. It will be appreciated that at least two switching positions are defined in the respective valve, wherein the respective valve body fluidically connects the respective connecting elements via the respective continuous openings. It will also be appreciated that when the respective valve body is rotated in the same rotational direction about the adjustment axis, the valve sequentially moves from one of the at least two switching positions to another of the at least two switching positions.

[0017] Advantageously, it can be provided that the corresponding valve body is a sphere or a cylinder or a cylinder with a circular outer surface. However, it should be understood that once the valve body is formed rotationally symmetrically around the adjustment axis, the valve body can be constructed in any manner.

[0018] Advantageously, it can be provided that the first valve housing and the second valve housing are integrally connected to each other and form a common housing. Advantageously, the common housing can be realized by a receiving opening in a module carrier that carries other functional components of the cooling circuit. However, in this embodiment of the valve unit, the two valves remain structurally separate from each other.

[0019] Furthermore, it is possible to provide that the first valve and the second valve are fluidically separated from each other within a common housing. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the first valve and the second valve are fluidically connected to each other within the common housing via at least one fluid line. Advantageously, at least one connection member in the first valve housing can be directly fluidically interconnected with at least one connection member in the second valve housing.

[0020] The present invention also relates to a method for adjusting the valve unit to a valve unit switching position. In a coupling step, the second valve body is first passively or actively coupled to an actuator. In a subsequent first adjustment step, the second valve body is rotated by means of the actuator in a first rotational direction or a second rotational direction until the second valve reaches a switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position. In a subsequent decoupling step, the second valve body is passively or actively decoupled from the actuator. In a subsequent second adjustment step, the first valve body is rotated in a first valve housing by means of the actuator in the first rotational direction or the second rotational direction until the first valve reaches a switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position.

[0021] Adjusting the valve unit to the desired valve unit switching position therefore includes adjusting the first valve to the switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position and adjusting the second valve to the switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position.

[0022] During the coupling step, the second valve body can be passively or actively coupled to the actuator or the first valve body. During the decoupling step, the second valve body can be passively or actively decoupled from the actuator or the first valve body. Passive coupling or decoupling can be achieved by changing the rotational direction of the second valve body. The coupling and decoupling steps are then limited to the aforementioned change in rotational direction. As described above, passive coupling or decoupling can be achieved by rigid coupling to the freewheel. Active coupling or decoupling can be achieved by a switchable coupling as described above. Active switching of the switchable coupling then occurs during the coupling or decoupling step.

[0023] Advantageously, an intermediate step can be performed after the decoupling step and before the second adjustment step. In this intermediate step, the first valve is adjusted to a position between the previous switching position and the switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position, thereby achieving an intermediate position of the valve unit. During this intermediate step, adjustment of the first valve body, for example, starting from a specific rotational position of the valve body in the first valve housing, can be slowly stopped or stopped over a specified time period. In the intermediate position, overflow of the first valve body is achieved, thereby enabling additional so-called bypass flow. In particular, the intermediate position of the first valve body can be used in the cooling circuit of a motor vehicle during the warm-up phase during an engine cold start. Here, the first valve prevents coolant from flowing through the cooling circuit's radiator, thereby preventing further cooling of the still-cold coolant. As a result, the coolant in the cooling circuit can heat up more quickly, and the engine can reach operating temperature more quickly during a cold start.

[0024] Further important features and advantages of the invention are apparent from the dependent claims, the drawings and the associated figure description with the aid of the drawings.

[0025] It is understood that the features mentioned above and yet to be explained below can be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description, wherein identical reference numerals relate to identical or similar or functionally identical components.

[0027] Schematically shown respectively:

[0028] Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a valve unit with a switchable coupling according to the invention;

[0029] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of a valve unit according to the invention having a rigid coupling with a freewheel;

[0030] Figure 3 shows a partial view of a cooling circuit with multiple valves according to the prior art;

[0031] Figure 4 A valve unit according to the invention is shown. Figure 3 A partial view of the cooling circuit;

[0032] Figure 5 A view showing a first valve of a valve unit according to the invention;

[0033] Figure 6 A diagram showing a plurality of possible switching positions of a first valve of a valve unit according to the invention;

[0034] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The diagram shows a number of possible valve unit switching positions of the valve unit according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a valve unit 1 according to the present invention is shown. The valve unit 1 includes an actuator 2, a first valve 3a, and a second valve 3b. The first valve 3a or the second valve 3b includes a first valve housing 4a and a second valve housing 4b, respectively, and a first valve body 5a and a second valve body 5b, respectively. The first valve housing 4a and the second valve housing 4b are integrally connected to each other and form a common housing 4. The first valve body 5a and the second valve body 5b are rotatable within the first valve housing 4a and the second valve housing 4b about a first rotation axis D1 and a second rotation axis D2, respectively. The two valves 3a and 3b are coaxially arranged so that the first rotation axis D1 and the second rotation axis D2 coincide, forming a common adjustment axis VA.

[0036] Here, the actuator 2 is rigidly connected to the first valve body 5a and is therefore non-releasably coupled thereto. Therefore, when the actuator 2 rotates, the first valve body 5a always rotates with it. Here, the actuator 2 is designed so that it can rotate the first valve body 5a about the adjustment axis VA in a first rotational direction DR1 and a second rotational direction DR2. The first rotational direction DR1 and the second rotational direction DR2 are oriented relative to each other around the adjustment axis VA.

[0037] The first valve body 5a is releasably connected to the second valve body 5b via the switchable coupling 6 of the valve unit 1. Because of this, the actuator 2 is releasably coupled to the second valve body 5b via the first valve body 5a and the switchable coupling 6. When the coupler 6 is engaged, the second valve body 5b is rigidly coupled to the first valve body 5a and thereby rigidly coupled to the actuator 2. Therefore, the second valve body 5b is in a state of being coupled to the actuator 2 and rotates together with the first valve body 5a. When the coupler 6 is disengaged, the second valve body 5b is decoupled or separated from the first valve body 5a and thereby decoupled or separated from the actuator 2. Therefore, the second valve body 5b is in a state of being decoupled from the actuator 2 and does not rotate together with the first valve body 5a.

[0038] Figure 2 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a valve unit 1 according to the invention. Here, for the sake of clarity, the common housing 4 or the first valve housing 4a and the second valve housing 4b are not shown. Figure 1 Unlike the valve unit 1 in FIG, a switchable coupling 6 is not provided. Here, the first valve body 5a and the second valve body 5b are rigidly connected to each other via a rigid coupling 7 with a 90° freewheel. Via the coupling 7, the second valve body 5b is coupled only to the first valve body 5a when the first valve body 5a is rotated in the first rotational direction DR1 by means of the actuator 2. Conversely, when the first valve body is rotated in the second rotational direction DR2 by means of the actuator 2, the second valve body 5b does not rotate together due to the 90° freewheel.

[0039] Figure 3 A partial view of a cooling circuit 8 (for example in a motor vehicle) is shown, which has valves 9a, 9b and 9c known from the prior art. Figure 3 The conventional valves 9a, 9b, and 9c shown in FIG are not part of the present invention. Valve 9a is a three-way valve and includes three connectors A-1a, A-1b, and A-1. Valve 9b is a four-way valve and includes four connectors B-1, B-2, B-3, and B-4. Valve 9c is a four-way valve and includes four connectors C-5, C-6, C-7, and C-8. Connectors A-1 and B-1 of valves 9a and 9b, and connectors B-3 and C-5 of valves 9b and 9c are fluidically connected to each other.

[0040] Figure 4 1 shows a partial view of a cooling circuit 8 with a valve unit 1 according to the invention. Here, for the sake of clarity, the first valve 3a and the second valve 3b are only shown adjacent to each other. In fact - as Figure 1 and Figure 2 Shown—two valves 3 a and 3 b are coaxially arranged and can be adjusted by means of an actuator 2 .

[0041] Here, the first valve 3a is a five-way valve and realizes Figure 3 The first valve 3a thus advantageously replaces the conventional valves 9a and 9b. Here, due to the merging of the conventional valves 9a and 9b, the connectors A-1 and B-1 are no longer needed in the first valve 3a. The connectors A-1a, A-1b, B-2, B-3, B-4 are formed in the first valve housing 4a or the common housing 4 of the valve unit 1. The individual connectors A-1a, A-1b, B-2, B-3, B-4 of the first valve 3a can be fluidically connected alternately via a total of four continuous openings 10 in the first valve body 5a. As described above, the first valve body 5a can be rotated in the first rotation direction DR1 and / or the second rotation direction DR2 by means of the actuator 2. Because of this, the first valve 3a can be adjusted to different switching positions, as will be described below with reference to Figure 6-8 More detailed explanation.

[0042] The second valve 3b is a four-way valve and includes Figure 3 The second valve 3b is identical in design to the conventional valve 9c and replaces the conventional valve 9c. Here, the connecting members C-5, C-6, C-7, C-8 are formed in the second valve housing 4b or the common housing 4. The respective connecting members C-5, C-6, C-7, C-8 of the second valve 3b can be alternately fluidically connected via two continuous openings 10 in the second valve body 5b. As described above, the second valve body 5b is releasably coupled to the actuator 2 via the first valve body 5a. When coupled to the actuator, the second valve body 5b can rotate together with the first valve body 5a, which is rotated by means of the actuator 2, in the first rotational direction DR1 and / or the second rotational direction DR2. When decoupled from the actuator 2, the second valve body 5b cannot rotate together with the first valve body 5a, which is rotated by means of the actuator 2, in the first rotational direction DR1 and / or the second rotational direction DR2. As such, the second valve 3b can be adjusted to different switching positions, as will be described below with reference to Figure 7 and 8 More detailed explanation.

[0043] In the valve unit 1 , the connection piece B- 3 of the first valve 3 a is also fluidically connected to the connection piece C- 5 of the second valve 3 b via the fluid line 11 .

[0044] Advantageously, the first valve 3a replaces the conventional valves 9a and 9b, and the second valve 3b replaces the conventional valve 9c. Thus, in the cooling circuit 8, the valve unit 1 advantageously replaces Figure 3 In addition, the valve unit 1 can be adjusted by a single actuator 2 compared to the conventional valves 9a, 9b and 9c. As a result, significant cost, weight and installation space advantages are achieved compared to the conventional valves 9a, 9b and 9c.

[0045] Figure 5 An enlarged view of the first valve 3a of the valve unit 1 according to the invention is shown. Figure 6 The figure shows a plurality of (here four) possible switching positions of the first valve 3a of the valve unit 1 according to the invention. Figure 6 From left to right, the following connections are fluidically connected to one another: A-1b to B-4 and B-2 to B-3; A-1b to B-3 and B-2 to B-4; A-1a to B-3 and B-2 to B-4; and A-1a to B-4 and B-2 to B3. Thus, a total of four switching positions are possible in the first valve 3a.

[0046] Figure 7 The figure shows a plurality of possible valve unit switching positions MODE-1a, MODE-2a and MODE-3a of the valve unit 1 according to the present invention. The respective valve unit switching positions MODE-1a, MODE-2a and MODE-3a of the valve unit 1 are realized by the combination of the respective switching positions of the first valve 3a and the second valve 3b. Figure 7 , switching between the valve unit switching positions MODE-1a, MODE-2a and MODE-3a is shown from left to right.

[0047] In the valve unit switching position mode-1a, the following connections are fluidically connected to each other: A-1a to B-3 and B-2 to B-4; C5 to C8 and C6 to C7. In addition, the connections B-3 and C-5 are always fluidically connected via the fluid line 11.

[0048] During the transition from valve unit switching position mode-1a to valve unit switching position mode-2a, first valve body 5a is rotated in the second rotational direction DR2 by means of actuator 2. Second valve body 5b is decoupled from actuator 2 or first valve body 5a and does not rotate together. Valve unit 1 now reaches valve unit switching position mode-2a. In valve unit switching position mode-2a, the following connectors are fluidically connected: A-1a to B-4 and B-2 to B-3; C5 to C8 and C6 to C7. Furthermore, connectors B-3 and C-5 are always fluidically connected via fluid line 11.

[0049] During the transition from valve unit switching position mode 2a to valve unit switching position mode 3a, the second valve body 5b is first coupled to the actuator 2 or the first valve body 5a. Subsequently, the first valve body 5a, and therefore the second valve body 5b, are rotated by the actuator 2 in the second rotational direction DR2 until the second valve 3b is adjusted to the switching position associated with valve unit switching position mode 3a. However, the first valve 3a is in a switching position not associated with switching position mode 3a. At this point, the second valve body 5b is decoupled from the actuator 2 or the first valve body 5a. The first valve body 5a rotates in the first rotational direction DR1 until the first valve 3a reaches the switching position associated with valve unit switching position mode 3a. At this point, the valve unit 1 reaches valve unit switching position mode 3a. In valve unit switching position mode 3a, the following connections are fluidically connected: A-1a to B-4, B-2 to B-3; C5 to C7, and C6 to C8. Furthermore, the connections B- 3 and C- 5 are always fluidically connected via the fluid line 11 .

[0050] During the transition from valve unit switching position mode 3a to valve unit switching position mode 1a, second valve body 5b is first coupled to actuator 2 or first valve body 5a. Subsequently, first valve body 5a, and therefore second valve body 5b, are rotated in the first rotational direction DR1 by actuator 2 until second valve 3b is adjusted to the switching position associated with valve unit switching position mode 1a. However, first valve 3a is in a switching position not associated with valve unit switching position mode 1a. At this point, second valve body 5b is decoupled from actuator 2 or first valve body 5a. First valve body 5a is then rotated until first valve 3a reaches the switching position associated with valve unit switching position mode 1a. Valve unit 1 now reaches switching position mode 1a.

[0051] Figure 8 The figure shows a plurality of possible valve unit switching position modes 1b, 2b and 3b of the valve unit 1 according to the present invention. Here, the respective valve unit switching positions modes 1b, 2b and 3b of the valve unit 1 are realized by a combination of the respective switching positions of the first valve 3a and the second valve 3b. Figure 8, switching between the valve unit switching positions MODE-1b, MODE-2b and MODE-3b is shown from left to right.

[0052] In the valve unit switching position mode-1b, the following connections are fluidically connected to each other: A-1b to B-3 and B-2 to B-4; C5 to C8 and C6 to C7. In addition, connections B-3 and C-5 are always fluidically connected via fluid line 11.

[0053] During the transition from valve unit switching position mode-1b to valve unit switching position mode-2b, first valve body 5a is rotated in the first rotational direction DR1 by actuator 2. Second valve body 5b is decoupled from actuator 2 or first valve body 5a and does not rotate together. Valve unit 1 now reaches valve unit switching position mode-2b. In valve unit switching position mode-2b, the following connectors are fluidically connected: A-1b to B-4 and B-2 to B-3; C5 to C8 and C6 to C7. Furthermore, connectors B-3 and C-5 are always fluidically connected via fluid line 11.

[0054] During the transition from valve unit switching position mode-2b to valve unit switching position mode-3b, second valve body 5b is first coupled to actuator 2 or first valve body 5a. Subsequently, first valve body 5a, and therefore second valve body 5b, are rotated by actuator 2 in the first rotational direction DR1 until second valve 3b is adjusted to the switching position associated with valve unit switching position mode-3b. However, first valve 3a is in a switching position not associated with valve unit switching position mode-3b. At this point, second valve body 5b is decoupled from actuator 2 or first valve body 5a. First valve body 5a now rotates in the second rotational direction DR2 until first valve 3a reaches the switching position associated with valve unit switching position mode-3b. Valve unit 1 now reaches valve unit switching position mode-3b. In valve unit switching position mode-3b, the following connections are fluidically connected: A-1b to B-4, B-2 to B-3; C5 to C7, and C6 to C8. Furthermore, the connections B- 3 and C- 5 are always fluidically connected via the fluid line 11 .

[0055] During the transition from valve unit switching position mode 3b to valve unit switching position mode 1b, second valve body 5b is first coupled to actuator 2 or first valve body 5a. Subsequently, first valve body 5a, and therefore second valve body 5b, are rotated in the second rotational direction DR2 by actuator 2 until second valve 3b is adjusted to the switching position associated with valve unit switching position mode 1b. However, first valve 3a is in a switching position not associated with valve unit switching position mode 1b. At this point, second valve body 5b is decoupled from actuator 2 or first valve body 5a. First valve body 5a is then rotated until first valve 3a reaches the switching position associated with valve unit switching position mode 1b. Valve unit 1 now reaches valve unit switching position mode 1b.

[0056] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , a total of eight valve unit switching position modes can be realized in the valve unit 1 : valve unit switching positions MODE-1a, MODE-2a, MODE-3a, MODE-1b, MODE-2b and MODE-3b.

Claims

1. A valve unit (1) having an actuator (2), a first valve (3a) and a second valve (3b), -in, The first valve (3a) comprises a first valve housing (4a) and a first valve body (5a), wherein the first valve body is rotatable around a first rotation axis (D1) in the first valve housing (4a). - wherein the second valve (3b) comprises a second valve housing (4b) and a second valve body (5b), the second valve body being rotatable about a second rotation axis (D2) in the second valve housing (4b), - wherein the first valve (3a) and the second valve (3b) are arranged coaxially with each other so that the first rotation axis (D1) and the second rotation axis (D2) coincide to form a common adjustment axis (VA), - wherein the actuator (2) is non-releasably coupled to the first valve body (5a) and releasably coupled to the second valve body (5b) via the first valve body (5a), wherein the first valve body (5a) is rotatable in the first valve housing (4a) by means of the actuator (2) in a first rotational direction (DR1) about the adjustment axis (VA) and in a second rotational direction (DR2) opposite to the first rotational direction (DR1), and - wherein the second valve body (5b) is rotatable together with the first valve body (5a) only in the first rotational direction (DR1) when coupled to the actuator, and the second valve body (5b) is not rotatable together with the first valve body (5a) in the second rotational direction (DR2) when decoupled from the actuator (2), - wherein the valve unit (1) comprises a rigid coupling (7), wherein the first valve body (5a) and the second valve body (5b) are connected to each other via the rigid coupling (7) with a freewheel, and the second valve body is coupled to the first valve body and thus to the actuator in a first rotational direction, and is decoupled from the first valve body and thus from the actuator via the freewheel in a second rotational direction.

2. The valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The freewheel is a switchable freewheel.

3. The valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the respective valve housing (4a, 4b) comprises at least three connections (A-1a, A-1b, B-2, B-3, B-4, C-5, C-6, C-7, C-8), and the respective valve body (5a, 5b) comprises at least one continuous opening (10), and -When the corresponding valve body (5a, 5b) is rotated in the first rotational direction (DR1) and / or the second rotational direction (DR2), the corresponding openings (10) cause the corresponding connecting pieces (A-1a, A-1b, B-2, B-3, B-4, C-5, C-6, C-7, C-8) of the corresponding valve housing (4a, 4b) to be fluidically interconnected in pairs and alternately.

4. The valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The corresponding valve bodies (5a, 5b) are spheres or cylinders.

5. The valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the first valve housing (4a) and the second valve housing (4b) are integrally connected to each other and form a common housing (4), and - The first valve (3a) and the second valve (3b) are fluidically separated from each other in a common housing (4).

6. The valve unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the first valve housing (4a) and the second valve housing (4b) are integrally connected to each other and form a common housing (4), and The first valve (3a) and the second valve (3b) are fluidically connected to each other within a common housing (4) via at least one fluid line (11).

7. The valve unit according to claim 4, characterized in that The cylinder is a cylindrical body having a circular outer surface.

8. A method for adjusting a valve unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 to a valve unit switching position, -in, In the coupling step, the second valve body (5b) is passively or actively coupled to the actuator (2), wherein, in a first adjustment step, the second valve body (5b) is rotated in the second valve housing (4b) in the first rotational direction (DR1) or the second rotational direction (DR2) by means of the actuator (2) until the second valve (3b) reaches a switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position, - wherein, in the decoupling step, the second valve body (5b) is passively or actively decoupled from the actuator (2), and wherein, in a second adjustment step, the first valve body (5a) is rotated in the first valve housing (4a) in the first rotational direction (DR1) or the second rotational direction (DR2) by means of the actuator (2) until the first valve (3a) reaches a switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that After the decoupling step and before the second adjustment step, an intermediate step is performed, during which the first valve (3a) is adjusted to a position between the previous switching position and the switching position associated with the desired valve unit switching position, and thus an intermediate position of the valve unit (1) can be achieved.

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