Multi-way valve saving installation space and method for operating a multi-way valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a multiple valve (10) for distributing at least one fluid, comprising a plurality of input channels (12) for supplying the fluid, a plurality of output channels (14) for discharging the fluid, a respective input channel (12) being connected to a substantially coaxially arranged output branch (18) of a different output channel (14) via a plurality of input branches (16), a switching plate (22) which is arranged in a gap (20) between the input branches (16) and the output branches (18) and can be moved in transverse translation relative to the input branches (16) and the output branches (18) in order to open and / or close the connection of a respective input branch (16) to the associated output branch (18), the switching plate (22) being connected as an endless band. By the transverse translation of the switching plate configured as an endless band within the gap, the switching plate is guided through the input channels or the output channels with a saving in installation space, so that a saving in installation space is achieved for the fluid distribution by means of the multiple valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multiventilation valve and a method for operating such a multiventilation valve, by means of which different fluids can be individually distributed to different consumers in a space-saving manner. Background Technology

[0002] It is known from DE 21 18 710 A1 that different coaxial extension channels of a valve can be opened or closed by rotating a perforated disc.

[0003] From DE 10 2007 009 194 B3, it is known that a radially inwardly open, axially extending channel in the tube wall is connected to or closed to the inner tube volume via a rotatable cylinder with a through opening.

[0004] There has always been a need to be able to distribute different fluids in a way that saves installation space. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to demonstrate a method for achieving fluid distribution that saves installation space.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the multi-way valve and method of the invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are extensions and improvements thereof, and may each constitute an aspect of the invention individually or in combination. If one feature is shown in combination with another, this is merely for the purpose of simplifying the description of the invention and is not intended to imply that the feature cannot be a development of the invention without the other features.

[0007] One embodiment relates to a multi-way valve for distributing at least one fluid, having multiple input channels for supplying the respective fluid and multiple output channels for discharging the fluid, wherein the respective input channels can be connected via multiple input branches to respective, substantially coaxially arranged output branches of the respective different output channels, and a switch plate disposed in the gap between the input branches and the output branches, and capable of laterally translating relative to the input branches and the output branches to disconnect and / or connect the respective input branch to the corresponding associated output branch, wherein the switch plates are connected as an endlosband.

[0008] For example, by supplying liquids of different temperatures via corresponding input channels and by mixing or not mixing different liquids in the corresponding output channels according to the switching position of the on / off plate, in order to set a specific temperature for the discharged liquid in the corresponding output channel, a multi-way valve can be used as a mixing tap for mixing liquids, particularly water. In particular, multi-way valves can be used in climate control devices for motor vehicles, by means of which, for example, the cabin climate affected by the air conditioning system inside the motor vehicle can be temperature-controlled and / or the motor vehicle battery can be temperature-controlled.

[0009] At least one input branch can branch from at least one input channel, and at least one output branch can branch from at least one output channel, wherein at least two input channels and / or at least two output channels are provided. The multi-way valve can be configured to selectively connect multiple input channels to multiple output channels. Preferably, the number of input branches branching from a corresponding input channel corresponds to the number of output channels and / or the number of output branches branching from a corresponding output channel corresponds to the number of output channels. In principle, this allows all input channels to be connected to all output channels. If a specific input channel to a specific output channel connection is to be cancelled, the connection can be safely avoided by omitting or blocking (in other cases, for that connection) the input branch and / or output branch. However, in a preferred embodiment, all input channels are provided to be connected to all output channels, wherein a connection to be permanently closed under all operating conditions can be achieved solely through the design of the on / off plate and the switching positions provided for the on / off plate. Thus, for different applications, only the on / off plate and / or the switching positions of the on / off plate actuated by a control device can be replaced while keeping the rest of the multi-way valve unchanged. As a result, a particularly large number of general-purpose components can be used for the different applications represented by the multi-way valve.

[0010] Single-phase or multi-phase fluids, particularly liquids, gases, emulsions, or suspensions, flowing in through the considered input channel can be distributed to different input branches that branch off from and are correspondingly connected to the considered input channel. The respective input branches can transition via gaps to assigned output branches arranged substantially coaxially, each connected to a different corresponding output channel. As a result, fluid entering from the considered input channel can be distributed to different output channels. Therefore, from the considered output channel, corresponding output branches connected to it can branch off. The corresponding output branches can transition via gaps to corresponding, substantially coaxially arranged assigned input branches, each connected to a different corresponding input channel. This allows fluids entering from each of the different input channels to be merged into the considered output channel. Furthermore, depending on the switching position and configuration of the on / off plate, exactly one input channel can be connected to exactly another output channel and / or not connected at all to a particular input channel and / or a particular output channel.

[0011] A switch plate, specifically designed for fluid sealing in the gap between input and output branches, can have a through opening to establish a connection between the respective input and output branches. If the connection between the respective input and output branches is to be closed, the switch plate at the considered switching position is designed to be continuous in that area, i.e., without a through opening. The distribution of through openings and continuous areas in the switch plate allows for the opening and closing of specific connections between corresponding pairs of input and output branches at specific switching positions. To adjust another switching position of the multi-way valve, it is sufficient to move the switch plate by translation, i.e., linear movement within the gap, such that the alignment of the switch plate with respect to the input and output branches at the gap is achieved through translational movement in the radial plane of the input and output branches within the gap. The switch plate can be configured as a perforated plate, similar to a perforated strip, which, depending on its position, opens or closes the connection assigned to a specific switching position in the lateral direction. Due to the linear movement of the switch plate in the lateral direction, the connection between the respective input and output branches in the gap can be opened and closed using substantially the entire surface of the switch plate. Compared to rotary switch panels, it avoids the use of unused radially inner surface areas.

[0012] The switch plate is made of metal, in particular. Furthermore, the switch plate can have the smallest possible thickness in the gap in the flow direction of the input and output branches. The switch plate thus possesses sufficient flexibility to allow the ends facing the translational direction to connect to each other, thereby forming an endless belt. As a result, the switch plate can be connected in a ring-shaped manner in the direction of movement, much like a conveyor belt. To actuate a specific switching position of the switch plate, the switch plate, configured as an endless belt, can be moved through the gap in one or opposite transverse direction for this purpose. This allows for particularly rapid actuation from one switching position to a new switching position by using the shortest and fastest direction of movement of the switch plate. Consequently, the multi-way valve can achieve particularly short switching times.

[0013] The endless band configuration of the on / off plate utilizes its full deformability to guide the flow through the input or output channel and deflect it in a space-saving manner. The very thin on / off plate can move as close as possible to the input or output channel, resulting in minimal increase in installation space. Simultaneously, it eliminates the need for storage space at the lateral end of the gap to accommodate the on / off plate (as would occur with a purely planar on / off plate in the form of a sliding element, where the sliding element protrudes significantly at its end). Instead, the endless band design allows for compact integration into the geometry of the multi-way valve in a space-saving manner. Through the translational movement of the endless band on / off plate in the lateral direction within the gap, it can be guided through the input or output channel in a space-saving manner, enabling space-saving fluid distribution using the multi-way valve.

[0014] Specifically, the input and output branches are regularly arranged in rows and columns at the gap. The input and output branches can be arranged in a grid pattern. Successive input and output branches can be arranged substantially equidistantly in the row direction and / or column direction. As a result, the through-openings and continuous areas of the switch plate used to disconnect or connect adjacent input and output branches at the gap are similarly regularly arranged in rows and columns, preferably equidistant. This allows a row of through-openings and continuous areas extending transversely to the direction of movement of the switch plate to be reused in different switching positions of the switch plate. Many available switching positions can be actuated by a relatively short length of the switch plate in the direction of movement through a suitably selected sequence of switching positions along the direction of movement of the switch plate. The multi-way valve has low installation space requirements and can achieve many different switching positions.

[0015] Preferably, the input or output channel extends from the end face of the volume defined by the switch plate, wherein, in particular, all input branches or all output branches are disposed within the volume. This allows for almost complete utilization of the volume defined within the switch plate, configured as an endless band, resulting in space-saving installation and a compact construction. The switch plate, configured as an endless band, can be formed similarly to a conveyor belt, wherein the long side is guided through the gap between the input and output branches. The input channel can extend at the end face into the volume and be deflected approximately 90° via the input branch, or the output channel can extend into the end face of the volume defined by the switch plate, configured as a continuous band, and be deflected approximately 90° via the output branch. As a result, the switch plate can be easily and space-savingly guided around the input or output channels and preferably combined with them in a common sub-assembly.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the switch plate is guided into and / or out of the gap between the input and output branches by means of at least one driven and / or follower deflector roller. The deflector roller may be positively and / or frictionally coupled to the shift plate. The driven deflector roller may be rotated by means of a drive device, particularly a stepper motor, to move the switch plate through the gap. Preferably, the switch plate has markings by means of which the specific relative position of the switch plate and the arrival of a specific switching position can be identified. The drive device may be actuated by a control device to be able to reach the desired switching position of the switch plate. In particular, the switch plate is deflected on at least one deflector roller at both lateral ends of the gap, wherein the switch plate is pre-tensioned between two deflector rollers spaced apart by the gap. This avoids pulsations in the switch plate within the gap that could lead to leakage and seepage.

[0017] Specifically, the diameter of the deflector roller corresponds at least to the sum of the extension dimensions along the flow direction of the corresponding input channel and its associated input branch in the gap between the input and output branches, or to the sum of the extension dimensions along the flow direction of the corresponding output channel and its associated output branch in the gap between the input and output branches, wherein, in particular, the diameter of the deflector roller is at most 10% larger than the sum. Using exactly two deflector rollers, a through-plate configured as an endless belt can be guided around the input or output channel. Therefore, the installation space requirements in the flow direction of the input and output branches within the gap remain low. Furthermore, the through-plate achieves a relatively large radius of curvature along the deflector rollers, which prevents both the risk of plastic deformation at excessively small radii of curvature and component loads on the through-plate. If a sufficiently large radius of curvature can be guaranteed for the through-plate, for example, two deflector rollers can be alternatively provided on each side of the gap for the through-plate, which reduces the installation space requirements of the deflector rollers in the lateral direction.

[0018] Preferably, the input and output channels are substantially perpendicularly aligned to each other, wherein the deflector rollers arranged above or below the output channel are at a greater distance from the input channel than the other deflector roller, or vice versa. If a particularly large number of switching positions and / or a particularly large number of through openings and / or continuous areas are provided for the switch plate, it is possible that the length of the switch plate configured as an endless belt is greater than the length resulting from guiding it as close as possible to the input or output channel. In this case, the deflector rollers already arranged near the channels not closed by the switch plate can be further away from the closed channels, so that lateral protrusion is avoided or provided only in the direction of the already protruding unclosed channels. This maintains lower installation space requirements and allows for a compact installation space design.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the switch plate has a through opening for overflow from the input branch to the output branch, wherein different connections between the input branch and its corresponding output branch are selectively disconnected and / or connected depending on the relative position of the switch plate. Thus, the same through opening can be used in different switching positions of the switch plate to make corresponding different connections between the corresponding input branches and their corresponding output branches. The short switch plate, requiring very little installation space, can therefore achieve many different switching positions.

[0020] Specifically, sealing gaskets for sealing the gaps are provided between the switch plate and the input branch and / or between the switch plate and the output branch. The sealing gaskets can be pressed against the switch plate by means of the interconnected housing halves of the multi-way valve. This achieves a sufficient seal between the input branches spaced apart by the gaps and the switch plates with correspondingly assigned output branches, wherein the switch plates are not immobilely locked onto the sealing gaskets but can still move linearly along the gaskets in the lateral direction. Preferably, the sealing gaskets are slightly compressed by the switch plates, allowing them to slightly expand into the through-opening of the switch plate. As a result, the sealing gaskets on both sides of the switch plate can contact each other at the inner edges of the through-opening, thereby improving the sealing effect of the switch plates on the fluid conveyed through the through-opening.

[0021] Preferably, a control device is provided for shifting the switch plate to predefined switching positions, wherein at least two switching positions utilize the same sub-region of the switch plate. Thus, the same through-hole can be used in different switching positions of the switch plate to make corresponding different connections between corresponding different input branches and their respective output branches. The short switch plate, requiring very little installation space, can therefore achieve many different switching positions.

[0022] Another embodiment relates to a method for operating a multi-way valve that can be formed and developed as described above, wherein, in different switching positions of a switch plate, the same through-opening is used to connect different input branches to their respective output branches. Thus, the same through-opening can be used in different switching positions of the switch plate to make corresponding different connections between the corresponding different input branches and their respective output branches. The short switch plate, requiring very little installation space, can therefore achieve many different switching positions. Through the translational movement of the switch plate, configured as an end-tight band, in the lateral direction within the gap, the switch plate can be guided through the input or output channel in a space-saving manner, enabling space-saving fluid distribution using the multi-way valve. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the features presented below may individually or in combination represent aspects of the invention. In the drawings:

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic simplified perspective view of a portion of a multi-way valve is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a multi-way valve.

[0026] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A schematic exploded perspective view of a multi-way valve.

[0027] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A schematic longitudinal section of the upper half of a multi-way valve.

[0028] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 A schematic cross-section of the upper half of the multi-way valve, and

[0029] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A schematic detailed view of a multi-way valve. Detailed Implementation

[0030] exist Figure 1The multi-way valve 10, shown only partially in the illustration, can be used, for example, in a climate control device for a motor vehicle, by means of which the cabin climate affected by the air conditioning system inside the motor vehicle can be temperature-controlled and / or the motor vehicle battery can be temperature-controlled by mixing different liquids at different temperatures for different consumers. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the multi-way valve 10 is adapted to connect four input channels 12 to three output channels 14 or separate them from each other according to a connection strategy defined in multiple switching states. However, the number of input channels 12 and the number of output channels 14 can be selected almost as needed, preferably less than ten each, particularly preferably less than six each. However, more than ten input channels 12 and output channels 14 can also be provided. Furthermore, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the flow direction of the input channels 12 extends substantially perpendicular to the flow direction of the output channels 14. Input branches 16, the number of which corresponds to the number of output channels 14, branch off from each input channel 12. Output branches 18, the number of which corresponds to the number of input channels 12, branch off from each output channel 14. Figure 2 Input branches 16 and output branches 18 are arranged in pairs and spaced substantially coaxially from each other via gaps 20, such that each input channel 12 can be connected to each output channel 14 via a correspondingly assigned pair of input branches 16 and output branches 18. The input branches 16 and output branches 18 are arranged in rows and columns at equal intervals in a grid pattern. (Set in sealing gasket 36) Figure 2 Between and not in Figure 1 The switch plate 22 shown is disposed in the gap 20 and can move laterally relative to the input branch 16 and the output branch 18 within the gap 20. Depending on the relative position of the switch plate 22 in the gap corresponding to a specific predefined switching position, the connection between the input branch 16 and the output branch 18, which follow each other in the flow direction, can be disconnected or connected by means of the switch plate 22.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the on / off plate 22 is configured as an endless belt, deflected by, for example, two deflection rollers 24, and guided around the input channel 12 in the illustrated exemplary embodiment. The on / off plate 22, configured as an endless belt, is positioned as close as possible to the input channel 12. The input channel 12 extends beyond the end face of the volume defined by the on / off plate 22. Alternatively, the on / off plate 22, configured as an endless belt, can be guided around the output channel 14 in a similar manner with a 90° rotation. At least one deflection roller 24 can be driven by an actuator (e.g., a drive configured as a stepper motor). The actuator can be actuated, in particular, by a control device to actuate the desired switching position of the on / off plate 22.

[0032] The switch plate 22 has a through opening 26 that, when positioned accordingly in the gap 22, can disconnect the connection between the input branch 16 and its corresponding output branch 18. The shape of the through opening 26 specifically corresponds to the flow cross-section of the input branch 16 and its corresponding output branch 18. The switch plate also has a continuous region 28 that, when positioned accordingly in the gap 22, can connect the connection between the input branch 16 and its corresponding output branch 18. The switch plate 22, configured as an endless belt, can be linearly moved through the gap in the translational direction by at least one deflection roller 24, such that, depending on the relative position of the switch plate 22, the through opening 26 and the continuous region 28 can be positioned between other input branches 16 and their corresponding output branches 18. This allows sub-regions of the switch plate 22, including the through opening 26 and / or the continuous region 28, to be used for different switching positions. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the on / off plate 22, guided by the four input channels 12 in a compact configuration to save installation space, can easily occupy fifteen different switching positions. However, not every possible switching position is typically required; instead, only a subset of the most likely switching positions will be actively reached.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, input channel 12 and input branch 16 are formed by input module 30, which is specifically manufactured by plastic injection molding and can be accommodated between upper housing half 32 and lower housing half 34. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, lower housing half 34 forms at least a portion of output branch 18. Deflection roller 24 can be rotatably accommodated by upper housing half 32 and / or lower housing half 34. Input module 30 is inserted at its end face into a through-and-break plate 22 configured as an endless band between deflection rollers 24. Preferably, input module 30 is connected at one end face to upper housing half 32 and / or lower housing half 34 and / or supported and / or connected at the other end face on upper housing half 32 and / or lower housing half 34 in the insertion direction outside the volume defined by through-and-break plate 22. Through-and-break plate 22 is movable through gap 20 between input branch 16 of input module 30 and output branch 18 of lower housing half 34 and can be sealed by gasket 36. In particular, the sealing gasket 36 is significantly thicker than the through plate 22.

[0034] like Figure 4 As shown, for a specific input channel 12, in the switch position of the switch plate 22, a connection to the assigned output channel 14 can be established via the through opening 26, while the remaining connections are made by the continuous area 28 of the switch plate 22.

[0035] like Figure 5As shown, in the illustrated switch position of the switch plate 22, the connection between the output channel 14 and the assigned input channel 12 can be established via the through opening 26, while the remaining connections are connected by the continuous area 28 of the switch plate 22.

[0036] and Figure 4 and Figure 5 The switch positions shown may vary, and the switch positions may be shifted at different locations on the on / off plate 22. The input channel 12 may be connected to more than one output channel 14, or there may be no output channel 14 and / or one output channel 14 may be connected to more than one input channel 12 or not connected to the input channel 14 at all.

[0037] like Figure 6 As shown, the corresponding sealing gasket 36 can be slightly compressed by the through-cut plate 22, so that the sealing gasket 36 can slightly expand into the through opening 26 of the through-cut plate 22. The two sealing gaskets 36 can contact each other at the inner edge of the through opening 26, and can improve the sealing effect of the through-cut plate 22 on the fluid conveyed through the through opening 26.

[0038] Preferably, the cut-off plate 22 is as thin as possible, minimizing the blank space at the edge of the through opening 26 between the sealing gasket 36 and the cut-off plate 22, and thus minimizing leakage. The lower material thickness of the cut-off plate 22 results in a correspondingly lower dead volume at the edge of the through opening 26 and / or on the outward-facing narrow side of the cut-off plate 22 between the sealing gaskets 36, which originate from the upper and lower sides of the cut-off plate 22 and are guided to each other in a sealing manner within the through opening 26 and / or outside the cut-off plate 22. The merged sealing gaskets 36 need to span a small distance in the thickness direction of the cut-off plate 22 for their sealing contact, and therefore can merge at a small distance from the edge of the through opening 26 or the narrow side of the cut-off plate 22. The smaller dead volume improves leakage characteristics. Furthermore, the dynamic deformation of the sealing gaskets 36 can be reduced with the relative movement of the cut-off plates 22, thereby reducing wear on the sealing gaskets 36. Additionally, the force required to open and close the cut-off plate 22 can also be reduced.

Claims

1. A multi-way valve (10) for distributing at least one fluid, comprising: Multiple input channels (12) for supplying the corresponding fluids; Multiple output channels (14) for discharging fluid. The respective input channel (12) can be connected via multiple input branches (16) to the corresponding, substantially coaxially arranged output branches (18) of the respective different output channels (14), wherein the input branches (16) and the output branches (18) are arranged in pairs and spaced apart from each other via gaps (20), such that each input channel (12) is connected to each output channel (14) via a correspondingly assigned pair of input branches (16) and output branches (18); and A switch plate (22), arranged in the gap (20) between the input branch (16) and the output branch (18) and capable of lateral translation relative to the input branch (16) and the output branch (18), is used to disconnect and / or connect the corresponding input branch (16) and the corresponding associated output branch (18). The through-and-break plates (22) are connected to form an endless strip. The switch plate (22) has a through opening (26) for overflow from the input branch (16) to the output branch (18), wherein the different connections of the input branch (16) and the corresponding output branch (18) are disconnected and / or connected depending on the relative position of the switch plate (22).

2. The multi-way valve (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input branch (16) and the output branch (18) are regularly arranged in rows and columns at the gap (20).

3. The multi-way valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The input channel (12) or the output channel (14) extends from the end face of the volume limited by the through-break plate (22).

4. The multi-way valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The through-cut plate (22) is guided into and / or out of the gap (20) between the input branch (16) and the output branch (18) by means of at least one driven and / or follow-up deflection roller (24).

5. The multi-way valve (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The diameter of the deflection roller (24) corresponds at least to the sum of the extension dimensions along the flow direction of the corresponding input channel (12) and its associated input branch (16) in the gap (20) between the input branch (16) and the output branch (18), or to the sum of the extension dimensions along the flow direction of the corresponding output channel (14) and its associated output branch (18) in the gap (20) between the input branch (16) and the output branch (18).

6. The multi-way valve (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The input channel (12) and the output channel (14) are oriented substantially at right angles to each other, wherein a deflection roller (24) arranged above or below the output channel (14) is spaced further from the input channel (12) than the other deflection roller (24) is spaced further from the input channel (12), or a deflection roller (24) arranged above or below the input channel (12) is spaced further from the output channel (14) than the other deflection roller (24) is spaced further from the output channel (14).

7. The multi-way valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A sealing gasket (36) for sealing the gap (20) is provided between the through-break plate (22) and the input branch (16) and / or between the through-break plate (22) and the output branch (18).

8. The multi-way valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, A control device is provided for shifting the switch plate (22) to a predetermined switch position, wherein at least two switch positions utilize the same sub-region of the switch plate (22).

9. The multi-way valve (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, All input branches (16) or all output branches (18) are set within the volume.

10. The multi-way valve (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The diameter of the deflection roller (24) is at most 10% larger than the sum of the extended dimensions.

11. A method for operating a multi-way valve (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, At different switching positions of the switch plate (22), the same through opening (26) in the switch plate (22) is used to connect different input branches (16) to their respective output branches (18).

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