Valve unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve unit having a valve sleeve through which a tappet can be guided in order to connect and disconnect individual valve openings in the valve sleeve, and a spring element which is designed to apply an elastic restoring force to the tappet, the valve sleeve having a first sleeve and a second sleeve, the second sleeve at least partially bears against the outer surface of the first sleeve, the first sleeve is made of a metal material, the second sleeve is made of a plastic material, the first sleeve has at least one first through-opening which extends at least partially in the radial direction, and the second sleeve has at least one second through-opening which extends at least partially in the radial direction, the first through-opening and the second through-opening are designed in fluid communication to form a valve opening, the first end element is arranged on a first axial end of the second sleeve, and the first end element is designed as a stop for the push rod, and the second end element is arranged on a second axial end of the second sleeve. In order to stop the movement of the push rod in the compression direction of the spring element before the maximum compression of the spring element is reached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a valve unit which can be used in the field of automobile hydraulic systems in particular. Background Art

[0002] Valve units are known in the prior art. For example, document DE 10 2014 220 278 A1 shows a valve unit in which the valve sleeve is composed of a plurality of individual sleeves made of metal and plastic. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a valve unit which has low production and assembly costs and at the same time has a long service life.

[0004] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. The subject matter of the dependent claims is preferred developments of the invention.

[0005] The object is therefore achieved by a valve unit having a valve sleeve through which a push rod can be guided. By moving the push rod in the valve sleeve, the various valve openings on the valve sleeve can be connected or disconnected. This makes it possible to set different fluid paths flowing through the valve unit. The valve opening is axially and / or radially oriented in the valve sleeve. The push rod can be moved in particular in the axial direction of the valve sleeve. The valve unit is in particular a proportional valve and / or a reversing valve. A spring element is also provided. The spring element is particularly designed to apply an elastic restoring force to the push rod.

[0006] The valve sleeve has a first sleeve and a second sleeve. Therefore, the valve sleeve is particularly a mixing sleeve. The second sleeve at least partially abuts against the outer surface of the first sleeve. In particular, the first sleeve and the second sleeve particularly have a common central axis, which preferably corresponds to the central axis of the valve sleeve. The push rod preferably abuts against the first sleeve, particularly preferably only against the first sleeve. Since the push rod abuts against the first sleeve, a sealing effect is preferably achieved, thereby allowing different fluid flow rates to be set by the movement of the push rod in the first sleeve. The first sleeve is made of metal material and the second sleeve is made of plastic. Preferably, the sealing effect is achieved by the second sleeve abutting against the outer surface of the first sleeve, thereby eliminating additional sealing elements such as O-rings or other sealing measures between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. Therefore, the valve unit can be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner. In addition, the valve unit can particularly meet high requirements for pollution, service life and compression ratio.

[0007] The first sleeve has at least one first through-opening extending at least partially in radial direction, and the second sleeve has at least one second through-opening extending at least partially in radial direction. The first through-opening and the second through-opening are designed in a fluid-connected manner to form a valve opening. In this way, fluid can be exchanged directly between the first through-opening and the second through-opening, and can be exchanged directly between the second through-opening and the surrounding part of the valve unit.

[0008] In this case, "directly" is understood in particular to mean that a fluid can be exchanged between the first through-opening and the second through-opening without the fluid having to pass through further through-openings and / or further cavities. The same is preferably true for the second through-opening and the surrounding part, in particular here also without having to pass through further through-openings and / or further cavities.

[0009] An at least partially radially extending through-opening is to be understood in particular to mean an opening having any contour, wherein the extension direction of the through-opening has at least a component in the radial direction relative to the valve sleeve and / or the first sleeve and / or the second sleeve.

[0010] The second sleeve has in particular a first axial end and a second axial end. The first axial end and the second axial end are opposite. The first end element is preferably arranged on the first axial end of the second sleeve. The first end element is preferably an adapter element, which allows the valve unit to be fastened to another component.

[0011] The first end element has a stop surface for the push rod, wherein the stop surface is designed to stop the movement of the push rod in the compression direction of the spring element before the maximum compression of the spring element is reached. In particular, the movement of the push rod that leads to the compression of the spring element is thus limited. In particular, a complete compression of the spring element is prevented. In this way, a protection of the spring element is advantageously achieved. This is particularly true when the tank pressure reaches a peak or other fluid phenomena occur that cause the push rod to move beyond a set range. Such an event does not lead to an overloading or overloading of the spring element.

[0012] The first sleeve is produced in particular by deep drawing. Therefore, a deep drawing process is used to produce the first sleeve. In this way, the first sleeve can be produced simply and cost-effectively. In addition, during the production process, cold hardening is produced by deep drawing, so that the tribological properties of the first sleeve are optimized. The second sleeve is produced in particular by an injection molding process. This also makes production simple and cost-effective.

[0013] The first sleeve is preferably pressed into the second sleeve. Thus, there is a press fit between the first sleeve and the second sleeve. In particular, the valve sleeve is formed by pressing the first sleeve into the second sleeve. This makes the manufacture and assembly of the valve sleeve simple and cost-effective. In addition, there is a seal between the first sleeve and the second sleeve, wherein no additional sealing element needs to be provided. This reduces the number of components of the valve unit, which in turn enables cost-effective manufacture.

[0014] The at least one first through-opening is produced by stamping. On the one hand, the stamping process is simple and cost-effective, and on the other hand, different shapes of the first through-opening can be adjusted. In this way, in particular different non-rotationally symmetrical fine control geometries or conduction geometries for the first through-opening can be produced simply, cost-effectively and quickly.

[0015] The first end element preferably has a receiving portion, into which a sub-region of the first sleeve extends. A sub-region is to be understood in particular as an axial edge region of the first sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, the first end element is at least partially arranged inside the first sleeve. If the first end element is arranged outside the second sleeve so that a sub-region of the second sleeve extends into the receiving portion of the first end element, the first end element is preferably used as an adapter as described above. On the other hand, if the first end element is arranged inside the first sleeve, the end element is preferably used only as a stop for the push rod. In particular, there is no provision for the first end element to be arranged both outside the second sleeve and inside the first sleeve.

[0016] The first end element preferably has a third through-opening extending at least partially in the axial direction. This serves in particular to guide the fluid through the first end element into the first sleeve and to the push rod. The third through-opening is preferably a throttling opening in order to reduce the effective diameter of the first sleeve. This allows for a better calibration of the valve device and / or a quieter operating mode.

[0017] The first end element is preferably connected to the first sleeve or the second sleeve via a form fit. It is particularly advantageous if a snap-on connection is provided between the end element and the first sleeve or the second sleeve. This allows for a simple and labor-saving assembly and fastening of the first end element. It is particularly advantageous if the first end element does not contact the sleeve, which does not produce form flow. This prevents, in particular, static overdetermination of the device. The valve unit can thus be manufactured compactly and lightweight.

[0018] Preferably, the second sleeve directly bears against the outer surface of the first sleeve at least with the area surrounding the second through-opening. The first through-opening and the second through-opening overlap in particular at least partially. In this way, a valve opening is formed, wherein due to the second sleeve abutting against the outer surface of the first sleeve, a seal is formed around the first through-opening and the second through-opening, so that when switching between the first through-opening and the second through-opening, a fluid penetration between the first sleeve and the second sleeve is hindered or prevented. This in particular allows to completely omit additional and / or separate sealing elements. This simplifies the structure of the valve unit and ensures a longer service life.

[0019] Preferably, the first sleeve has a shoulder. The shoulder constitutes an axial stop for the push rod. Thus, the movement of the push rod in the axial direction relative to the first sleeve is limited. Alternatively or additionally, a separate end element is arranged in the first sleeve. The end element in particular at least partially closes the axial end of the first sleeve. The movement of the push rod in the first sleeve is also limited by the end element.

[0020] The second end element is preferably arranged at the first axial end of the second sleeve. The second end element is in particular an adapter element, which allows the valve unit to be mounted in or on the fitting. The second end element is preferably connected to the second sleeve by a form fit, in particular by a snap connection. Thus, the valve sleeve can be connected and / or disconnected from the second end element simply and labor-savingly.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous if the second end element preferably has a receptacle into which a sub-region of the first sleeve projects. A sub-region is to be understood in particular as an axial edge region of the first sleeve. It is particularly advantageous if the second end element does not contact the first sleeve, thereby in particular preventing static overdetermination of the device. The valve unit is thus manufactured compactly and lightly.

[0022] Preferably, the spring element extends between the push rod and the first end element or the second end element. If the push rod deviates from the rest position, an elastic restoring force acts on the push rod, so that the push rod is transferred to the rest position again. In particular, when the push rod moves from the rest position, the spring element is compressed.

[0023] In another preferred design, the spring element is designed to exert an elastic restoring force on the push rod, wherein the spring element extends between the push rod shoulder of the push rod and the first sleeve. If the push rod deviates from the rest position, the elastic restoring force acts on the push rod, so that the push rod is transferred to the rest position again. In particular, when the push rod moves from the rest position, the spring element is compressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Further details, advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with the aid of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 shows a first schematic view of a valve unit according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0026] Figure 2 A second schematic view showing a valve unit according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0027] Figure 3 A third schematic view showing a valve unit according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0028] Figure 4 A fourth schematic view shows a valve unit according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic views of a valve unit 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown respectively. The valve unit 1 has a valve sleeve 2, through which a push rod 3 can be guided. The valve sleeve 2 extends in an axial direction 100 and thereby defines a radial direction 200 perpendicular to the axial direction 100. The push rod 3 can move in the valve sleeve 2 along the axial direction 100. The valve sleeve 2 has a first sleeve 5 and a second sleeve 6, wherein the second sleeve 6 at least partially abuts against an outer surface 5a of the first sleeve 5. The first sleeve 5 is in particular pressed into the second sleeve 6. The push rod 3 abuts against the first sleeve 5 and is sealed relative to the sleeve 5 on its abutment surface with the first sleeve 5, so that different fluid paths flowing through the valve unit 1 can be set.

[0030] The first sleeve 5 has at least one first through-opening 7 extending in the radial direction 200. The second sleeve 6 has at least one second through-opening 8 extending in the radial direction 200. The first through-opening 7 and the second through-opening 8 overlap each other and form the valve opening 4 together. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 4 are shown in the figure, each of which is formed by a first through-opening 7 and a second through-opening 8. The first through-opening 7 and the second through-opening 8 are designed in a fluid-connected manner to form the corresponding valve opening 4, which is achieved by the overlapping arrangement of the first through-opening and the second through-opening. It is particularly advantageous that the first through-opening 7 and the second through-opening 8 are designed to be concentric with each other. Through the fluid communication between the first through-opening 7 and the second through-opening 8, the fluid can be exchanged directly between the first through-opening 7 and the second through-opening 8, and can be exchanged directly between the second through-opening 8 and the surrounding part of the valve unit 1.

[0031] Depending on the position of the push rod 3 in the first sleeve 5, the push rod connects the respective valve opening 4, wherein the valve opening is formed by the axial opening 15 of the first sleeve 5 or the valve sleeve 2. Thus, different fluid paths through the valve unit can be provided. The valve unit is designed in particular as a proportional valve.

[0032] The second sleeve 6 directly abuts against the outer surface 5a of the first sleeve 5 at least in the area surrounding the second through-opening 8. As a result, a sealing effect is achieved between the first sleeve 5 and the second sleeve 6, so that fluid can be exchanged between the corresponding through-openings 7, 8, while hindering or preventing fluid from penetrating between the first sleeve 5 and the second sleeve 6. Therefore, in particular, it is achieved that an additional sealing element such as an O-ring between the first sleeve 5 and the second sleeve 6 can be omitted.

[0033] The first sleeve 5 is preferably made of a metal material by deep drawing. Cold hardening is performed by deep drawing, thereby optimizing the tribological properties of the first sleeve 5, so that the first sleeve 5 is optimally suitable for abutting against the movable push rod 3. The second sleeve 6 is made of plastic in particular by injection molding, so that the second sleeve 6 can be manufactured in a simple and cost-effective manner. In addition, the weight of the entire valve sleeve 2 is minimized.

[0034] The first through-opening 7 is preferably produced by stamping. Unlike openings produced by cutting (such as drilling), this manufacturing process can simply, cost-effectively and quickly produce almost any contour of the first through-opening 7. This makes it possible to adjust or set the characteristic curve of the valve unit simply and labor-savingly.

[0035] The second sleeve 6 has a first axial end 300 and a second axial end 400 opposite the first end 300. The first end element 10 is arranged on the first axial end 300. The second end element 11 is arranged on the second axial end 400. The first end element 10 and / or the second end element 11 are used in particular as an adapter for connecting the valve unit 1 to other components, in particular a hydraulic unit to be controlled. It is proposed that the first end element 10 and / or the second end element 11 are fastened to the second sleeve 6 in a simple and labor-saving manner, in particular by a form fit such as the snap connection 14 shown in the figure.

[0036] The first end element 10 and / or the second end element 11 has a receptacle 12 into which a subregion of the first sleeve 5 projects. This avoids contact between the first sleeve 5 and the respective end element 10, 11. This arrangement makes the valve unit 1 compact and lightweight.

[0037] The first end element 10 also has a third through-opening 17 extending at least partially in the axial direction, through which the fluid can be guided to the axial opening 18 of the first sleeve 5. The fluid can thereby enter the interior of the first sleeve 5 and reach the push rod 3. The third through-opening 17 is preferably a throttling opening 17 for throttling the fluid flow.

[0038] The valve unit 1 also has a spring element 13. The spring element 13 is designed to apply an elastic restoring force to the push rod 3. For this purpose, the spring element 13 is compressed, in particular when the push rod 3 leaves the resting position shown in the figure. This generates the elastic restoring force that moves the push rod 3 back to the resting position.

[0039] The first end element 10 is used to limit the mobility of the push rod 3, wherein the spring element 13 is particularly intended to be protected from large compression. For this purpose, a stop surface 16 is formed on the first end element 10.

[0040] By the arrangement of the first end element 10 and the formation of the stop surface 16, the stop surface 16 is designed to stop the movement of the push rod 3 in the compression direction of the spring element 13 before reaching the maximum compression of the spring element 13. In this way, in particular, a complete compression of the spring element 13 is prevented.

[0041] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A variant is shown in FIG. 1 , in which the spring element 13 extends between the push rod 3 and the first end element 10 . Figure 1 , a variant is shown in which a separate end element 9b is arranged in the first sleeve 5 in the axial end region of the first valve sleeve 5 opposite to the arrangement of the spring element 13. The end element 9b is, for example, pressed into the first sleeve 5 and serves as a stop for the push rod 3. In particular, when no external force acts on the push rod 3, the push rod 3 is pressed against the end element 9b by the spring element 13. Figure 2 , a variant is shown in which the first sleeve 5 has a shoulder 9a which forms an axial stop for the push rod 3. It is provided that the push rod 3 is pressed onto the shoulder 9a by the spring element 13 when no external force acts on the push rod 3.

[0042] Figure 3 A variant is shown in FIG. 1 , in which the spring element 13 extends between the tappet shoulder 3 a of the tappet 3 and the first sleeve 5 . Figure 2 In the variant shown, the first sleeve 5 has a shoulder 9a, which serves as a stop for the push rod 3. In addition, the shoulder 9a serves as a support for the spring element 13. Unlike the first two variants, in the third variant, the spring element 13 is not arranged on the side of the axial opening 15, but on the side opposite to the axial direction thereof. In addition, the spring element 13 does not abut against one of the end elements 10, 11, but directly against the push rod 3 and the first sleeve 5.

[0043] Figure 4 A variation is shown in Figure 3 The essential difference of the variant shown lies in the first end element 10. In this variant, the first end element 10 is also arranged on the first axial end 300 of the second sleeve 6, but in contrast to the previously described variants, the first end element 10 is arranged at least partially within the first sleeve 5. The first end element 10 again has a stop surface 16 for the tappet 3.

[0044] In this variant as well, the first end element 10 has a third through-opening 17 in order to guide the fluid through the first end element 10 into the first sleeve 5 and to the push rod 3. The through-opening 17 is preferably used as a throttling opening. By reducing the effective diameter of the first sleeve 5 in this way, the valve unit 1 can be better calibrated and operate more quietly.

[0045] The first end element 10 is connected to the first sleeve 5 via a form fit, which in this variant, like the other variants, is implemented as a snap connection 14. For this purpose, a projection of the first end element engages in a recess of the first sleeve 5. Thus, the first end element 10 can be easily assembled and fastened by pushing it into the first sleeve 5.

[0046] In addition to the above written description of the invention, explicit reference is hereby made to the illustrations of the invention in the accompanying drawings for supplementary disclosure.

[0047] List of Reference Numerals

[0048] 1 Valve unit

[0049] 2 Valve sleeve

[0050] 3 Putter

[0051] 3a Putter shoulder

[0052] 4 Valve opening

[0053] 5 First sleeve

[0054] 5a Outer surface of the first sleeve

[0055] 6 Second sleeve

[0056] 7 First through opening

[0057] 8 Second through opening

[0058] 9a Shoulder

[0059] 9b End element

[0060] 10 First end element

[0061] 11 Second end element

[0062] 12 Reception Department

[0063] 13 Spring element

[0064] 14 Snap-on connection

[0065] 15 Axial opening

[0066] 16 Stopper

[0067] 17 Third through opening

[0068] 100 Axial direction

[0069] 200 Radial direction

[0070] 300 First axial end

[0071] 400 Second axial end

Claims

1. A valve unit (1) having a valve sleeve (2), through which a push rod (3) can be guided in order to connect and disconnect the individual valve openings (4) in the valve sleeve (2), and a spring element (13) designed to apply an elastic restoring force to the push rod (3), The valve sleeve (2) comprises a first sleeve (5) and a second sleeve (6), wherein the second sleeve (6) at least partially bears against the outer surface (5a) of the first sleeve (5), wherein the first sleeve (5) is preferably pressed into the second sleeve (6), wherein the first sleeve (5) is made of a metal material, in particular by deep drawing, and the second sleeve (6) is made of a plastic, in particular by injection molding, wherein the first sleeve (5) has at least one first through-opening (7) extending at least partially in radial direction, the first through-opening (7) being produced by stamping, and the second sleeve (6) has at least one second through-opening (8) extending at least partially in radial direction, wherein the first through-opening (7) and the second through-opening (8) are designed in a fluid-connected manner to form a valve opening (4), so that a fluid can be exchanged directly between the first through-opening (7) and the second through-opening (8), and between the second through-opening (8) and the surroundings of the valve unit (1), It is characterized in that a first end element (10) is arranged on a first axial end (300) of the second sleeve (6), and The first end element (10) has a stop surface (16) for the push rod (3), wherein the stop surface (16) is designed to stop the movement of the push rod (3) in the compression direction of the spring element (13) before the maximum compression of the spring element (13) is reached.

2. The valve unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The first end element (10) has a receptacle (12) into which a subregion of the first sleeve (5) projects, or The first end element (10) is at least partially arranged inside the first sleeve (5).

3. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first end element (10) has a third through-opening (17) extending at least partially in the axial direction, in particular a throttle opening, in order to guide the fluid through the first end element (10) into the first sleeve (5) to the push rod (3).

4. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first end element (10) is connected to the first sleeve (5) or the second sleeve (6) via a form fit, in particular via a snap connection (14).

5. The valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second sleeve (6) lies directly against the outer surface (5a) of the first sleeve (5), at least with a region surrounding the second through-opening (8), wherein in particular the first through-opening (7) and the second through-opening (8) at least partially overlap.

6. Valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first sleeve (5) has a shoulder (9a) which forms an axial stop for the push rod (3), and / or a separate end element (9b) is arranged in the first sleeve (5).

7. Valve unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The second end element (11) is arranged on a second axial end (400) of the second sleeve (6) opposite to the first axial end (300), wherein the second end element (11) is preferably connected to the second sleeve (6) by form fit, in particular by a snap connection (14).

8. The valve unit (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The first end element (11) has a receptacle (12) into which a subregion of the first sleeve (5) projects.

9. The valve unit (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that The spring element (13) extends between the push rod (3) and the first end element (11) or the second end element (12).

10. The valve unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The spring element (13) extends between a push rod shoulder (3a) of the push rod (3) and the first sleeve (5).

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