Valve

Abstract

A valve (1) comprises a valve housing (2) having a valve chamber (3), the valve chamber (3) having a chamber wall (4) into which at least one fluid channel (5) opens. A valve core (6) is installed in the valve cavity (3), and the valve core (6) is provided with a channel structure interacting with the fluid channel (5). A seal (7) having a sleeve-shaped retaining body (8) is assigned to the fluid channel (5). The retaining body (8) is arranged in the fluid channel (5), and a sealing body (10) is arranged on an end face (9) of the retaining body (8), the sealing body (10) having a curved sealing contour (11) directed in the direction of the valve core (6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve, comprising a valve housing having a valve cavity, wherein the valve cavity has a cavity wall, at least one fluid channel leads to the cavity wall, wherein a valve core is installed in the valve cavity, wherein the valve core is provided with a channel structure interacting with the fluid channel, wherein the fluid channel is allocated a sealing element. Background Art

[0002] Such a valve is known from WO 2017 / 095994 A1. The valve described therein is designed as a rotary valve and is used in a cooling circuit to control a coolant flow. A cooling fluid can flow into and out of the valve via a fluid opening to the valve housing. A channel structure arranged in the valve core controls the coolant flow, wherein, depending on the embodiment and number of the fluid channels, different cooling circuits can be controlled, the volume flow of the coolant can be adjusted and / or the flow direction of the coolant can be adjusted.

[0003] When a rotary valve is used, the coolant flow is adjusted by rotating the valve core, wherein the corresponding actuator for rotating the valve core is formed in a simple manner and is easy to control. Therefore, the rotary valve and the related actuator are inexpensive to manufacture and require little installation space.

[0004] Rotary valves are therefore particularly useful for use in temperature control circuits in the field of electromobility. Components in electric vehicles that require temperature control are, in particular, plug connections for energy storage devices, power electronics or fast charging devices. Depending on the requirements, the temperature control medium flowing through the temperature control circuit can be heated in a heating device or cooled in a cooling device. The temperature control medium is controlled via one or more rotary valves.

[0005] In order to prevent internal leakage, a sealing body is arranged in the transition area between the fluid channel and the valve core. The problem here is that, depending on the specific embodiment, the sealing body can cause high friction, which has a negative impact on wear and the actuation force required by the actuator. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a valve which can be manufactured at low cost and has a long service life.

[0007] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0008] The valve according to the present invention comprises a valve housing having a valve chamber, wherein the valve chamber has a chamber wall, at least one fluid channel leads to the chamber wall, wherein a valve core is installed in the valve chamber, wherein the valve core is provided with a channel structure interacting with the fluid channel, wherein a seal is assigned to the fluid channel, the seal has a sleeve-shaped retaining body, the retaining body is arranged in the fluid channel, the sealing body is arranged on one end face of the retaining body, and the sealing body has a curved sealing contour pointing in the direction of the valve core.

[0009] Due to the curved sealing profile, the seal is in linear contact with the valve core. If the contact is made under elastic pretension, the result is a linear contact. Linear contact leads to a small contact surface, so that only a low contact pressure is required to achieve the surface pressure required for sealing. If the seal is formed from a material with a low friction coefficient, in particular in the case of thermoplastic materials, the friction forces to be overcome are lower, especially in the case of small valve sizes and the associated small effective radii, resulting in a lower required drive torque. This increases the service life of the valve and makes it possible to use less expensive components.

[0010] The sealing body can be curved in the shape of a collar. In this embodiment, the sealing body is preferably formed as a thin wall, wherein the wall thickness of the sealing body is comparable to the wall thickness of the retaining body. In this way, the seal is particularly material-saving. Since the sealing body is in the shape of a collar, it is elastic and can seal the valve core with elastic pretension. If a non-elastic material is selected, an elastic seal can also be achieved.

[0011] A portion of the sealing body may be bent in a U-shape, wherein the U-shaped bent portion seals against the valve core. This embodiment allows linear contact of the sealing body with the valve core to be achieved in a simple manner. The shape of the portion may be designed so that the portion of the portion in contact with the valve core is radially inward. In this embodiment, the shape of the bent portion causes the apex (Apex) to be displaced radially inward. This allows the sealing profile to be designed with minimal dead angles and reduces the contact surface between the sealing body and the valve core. In particular, in combination with the sleeve-shaped design of the sealing body, the elastic design produces a particularly good sealing effect.

[0012] In a first embodiment, the seal is formed from an elastic material, wherein the sealing profile of the sealing body is U-shaped.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the seal is made of a dimensionally stable and / or hard plastic. Inelastic materials, preferably thermoplastics, are particularly suitable. The material is selected so that it is dimensionally stable and generates low friction when the sealing body contacts the valve core. However, the shape of the sealing body can bring about elastic properties so that the sealing body rests against the valve core with an elastic pretension. Due to the low friction coefficient, the forces applied by the actuator to the valve core in order to be able to move the valve core relative to the seal are particularly low, especially compared to elastic seals. Materials such as polypropylene (PP) or polyamide (PA) can be used for the sealing body. Preferably, the seal is integrally formed. Due to the advantageous embodiment, it is in particular not necessary to provide a separate spring element, for example made of an elastomer.

[0014] The free end of the sealing body can point in the direction of the cavity wall. In particular, for a collar-shaped embodiment of the sealing body made of thin-walled material, this results in an elastic contact of the free end of the sealing body with the cavity wall of the valve housing. The sealing body forms a seal in the direction of the valve housing and prevents leakage between the seal and the valve housing. For this embodiment, it is advantageous that the design of the retaining body is not important; the sealing function between the seal and the valve housing is achieved by the sealing body, the free end of which points in the direction of the cavity wall and rests against the cavity wall in a sealed manner with an elastic pretension. The free end of the sealing body is in linear contact with the cavity wall, so that a high sealing effect can be achieved at a low contact pressure.

[0015] The valve core can be mounted in a floating manner in the fluid channel. The retaining body merely forms a supporting element which ensures the position of the seal relative to the fluid channel. Due to the floating mounting, the seal can be moved in the fluid channel. The floating mounting makes it possible to form a clearance fit between the seal and the fluid channel. The movable embodiment ensures a permanent sealing effect and a sufficient elastic contact pressure between the seal and the valve core. This embodiment is particularly advantageous during the assembly of the valve, since the seal only needs to be inserted into the fluid channel. However, when the valve core is mounted in the valve housing, the alignment of the seal can be carried out automatically. The seal can rotate automatically in the fluid channel. Therefore, during the installation process, it is in particular not necessary to twist the seal into the correct position.

[0016] The sealing body may be bent in an S-shape between the free end and the U-shaped portion. This embodiment improves the elastic effect of the sealing body, thereby contributing to an overall improvement in the sealing effect.

[0017] The valve may be a rotary valve, wherein the valve core is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber. The fluid flow is regulated by rotating the valve core and can be easily controlled by an actuator. In an embodiment as a rotary valve, the valve housing may be provided with a plurality of fluid channels interacting with the valve core, wherein different fluid flows can be realized in this way with simple means. If the rotary valve is part of a temperature control circuit, it is accordingly conceivable to supply a temperature control medium to various components via the rotary valve, wherein the temperature control medium can be used for heating or cooling.

[0018] The valve may be an on-off valve that controls various components as required. Alternatively, the valve may be a proportional valve that also allows the volume flow of the fluid to be adjusted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Some embodiments of the valve according to the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures schematically show:

[0020] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a valve in the form of a rotary valve with proportional control is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a valve;

[0022] Figure 3 is based on Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a valve of which another design of seal is used;

[0023] Figure 4 A second embodiment of a valve is shown;

[0024] Figure 5 is a bottom view of a third embodiment of a valve;

[0025] Figure 6 The area of ​​the thermoplastic seal is shown in detail in cross-section;

[0026] Figure 7 The area of ​​the elastomeric seal is shown in detail in cross-section;

[0027] Figure 8 The seal is shown in detail. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The drawing shows a valve 1 in the form of a rotary valve, which forms part of a temperature control circuit of an apparatus to be air-conditioned. In the present embodiment, the valve 1 is used in an electromobility application as part of a temperature control circuit of an electric vehicle. The valve 1 is integrated into the temperature control circuit of the motor drive of the electric vehicle and directs the volume flow of the medium conducted in the temperature control circuit to the electrical energy storage device and the motor and the power electronics. By means of the valve 1, the temperature control medium flow of the temperature control circuit can be varied.

[0029] Furthermore, the volume flow of the temperature control medium can be increased or decreased by means of the valve 1. Furthermore, by rotating the valve core 6, different fluid channels 5 can be connected in a flow-conducting manner, thereby changing the flow direction of the temperature control medium.

[0030] Depending on the ambient temperature and the power requirements, for example, the temperature control medium flow can initially be directed exclusively to the energy storage device and cool or heat the energy storage device as required. For high power requirements, the coolant flow can be directed to the power electronics and the motor to cool these components. The change of the coolant flow is carried out through one or more valves 1. The actuator that rotates the valve core 6 can be formed so that the valve core 6 is in a plurality of discrete positions, so that the valve 1 is a switching valve. Optionally, the actuator can be designed so that the valve core 6 can also be in an intermediate position and form a proportional valve in this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a valve 1 is shown, the valve 1 having a valve housing 2 made of plastic, in which a valve chamber 3 is formed. The valve chamber 3 has a chamber wall 4, to which a plurality of fluid channels 5 lead. In the exemplary embodiment shown, three fluid channels 5 are provided, one of which supplies fluid and two of which discharge fluid. A valve core 6 is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber 3, wherein the valve core 6 is provided with a channel structure that interacts with the fluid channels 5. Since the valve core 6 is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber 3, the valve 1 forms a rotary valve. In order to facilitate the identification of the individual components, the valve 1 is partially shown in a cross-sectional view.

[0032] The valve core 6 has a valve core sleeve 14. The valve core sleeve 14 is formed in the circumferential direction. The valve core sleeve 14 has a first part 15, which, depending on the position of the valve core 6, abuts the seal 7 in a sealing manner to close the fluid channel 5. The valve core sleeve 14 has a second part 16, which is formed in such a way that, depending on the position of the valve core 6, the fluid channel 5 is completely or partially free so as to connect the fluid channel 5 to the valve chamber 3 in a flow-conducting manner. In particular, the first part 15 can be an annular part that can cover the entire cross-section of the fluid channel 5. To this end, the first part 15 can be formed as a cylindrical part. The second part 16 can be formed as an annular part that does not cover the entire cross-section of the fluid channel 5.

[0033] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, the valve core sleeve 14 is connected to the valve core shaft through three connecting webs 17.

[0034] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, a sealing member 7 is assigned to each of the two fluid channels 5, which are formed as fluid channels for discharging fluid from the valve chamber 3. The sealing member 7 has a sleeve-shaped retaining body 8, wherein the retaining body 8 is arranged in the fluid channel 5. A sealing body 10 is arranged on one end face 9 of the retaining body 8, wherein the sealing body 10 has a curved sealing contour 11 pointing in the direction of the valve core 6.

[0035] The sealing body 10 is bent in a collar shape. The wall thickness of the sealing body 10 is equivalent to the wall thickness of the retaining body 8. A portion 13 of the sealing body 10 is bent in a U shape, wherein the U-shaped bent portion 13 seals against the valve core 6. The free end 12 (see Figure 2 ) points in the direction of the cavity wall 4 and rests sealingly against it.

[0036] The retaining body 8 is installed in a floating manner in the fluid channel 5. There is a clearance fit between the retaining body 8 and the fluid channel 5, so that the retaining body 8 can rotate relative to the fluid channel 5 automatically.

[0037] The valve 1 formed as a rotary valve has only a few components and consists essentially only of a valve housing 2, a valve core 6, a seal 7 for each fluid channel 5 and possibly an additional seal which seals the valve core 6 in the direction of the actuator on the end face at the channel of the switching shaft.

[0038] Figure 1 The valve 1 shown is designed as a proportional valve. The valve element 6 is configured to completely block only one fluid channel 5. Intermediate positions are also possible, so that at least partial volume flows can be directed through all fluid channels 5.

[0039] Figure 2 It shows that Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional view of the valve 1 shown. It can be seen that a portion 13 of the sealing body 10 is bent in a U-shape, wherein the U-shaped bent portion 13 is sealingly abutted against the valve core 6. The free end 12 of the sealing body 10 points in the direction of the chamber wall 4 and is sealingly abutted against it. The sealing body 10 is bent in an S-shape between the free end 12 and the U-shaped portion 13. The seal 7 is formed of a dimensionally stable thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene or polyamide.

[0040] Figure 3 Shown according to Figure 1The valve 1 of the present invention is a valve 1, wherein in this embodiment, the seal 7 is formed of an elastic material. In this embodiment, a portion 13 of the sealing body 10 is also bent in a U shape, and the U-shaped bent portion 13 seals against the valve core 6. However, the sealing body 10 is not thin-walled, but is composed of a solid material.

[0041] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 An alternative embodiment of a valve 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the valve comprises four fluid channels 5. Figure 4 The valve 1 shown is also designed as a proportional valve. However, the valve core 6 is configured to connect two adjacent fluid channels 5 in a flow-conducting manner. Intermediate positions are also possible, so that the volume flow in the direction of the fluid channel 5 can be changed. For this purpose, the valve core 6 is of cylindrical design. A recess is formed in the cylindrical wall, which extends over a part of the circumference of the cylindrical wall.

[0042] Figure 5 Another embodiment of a valve 1 is shown in a bottom view. In this embodiment, the valve 1 comprises three fluid channels 5. All fluid channels 5 are assigned a seal 7. In this embodiment, the fluid can flow in through an opening in the bottom of the valve housing 2, which opening is not shown.

[0043] exist Figure 4 and 5 In the embodiment, the valve core sheath 14 has a recess 18 in the second portion 16 in order to connect the fluid channel 5 to the valve chamber 3 in a flow-conducting manner depending on the position of the valve core 6 .

[0044] Figure 6 The cross-sectional view shows in detail Figure 4 The sealing element 7 of the valve 1 is shown in FIG. 1 . It can be seen that a portion 13 of the sealing body 10 is bent in a U-shape, wherein the U-shaped bent portion 13 seals against the valve core 6. The free end 12 of the sealing body 10 points in the direction of the chamber wall 4 and seals against it. The sealing body 10 is bent in an S-shape between the free end 12 and the U-shaped portion 13. The sealing element 7 is formed of a thermoplastic material, such as polypropylene or polyamide.

[0045] Figure 7 The cross-sectional view shows in detail Figure 4 The sealing member 7 of the valve 1 is formed of an elastic material in this embodiment. In this embodiment, a portion 13 of the sealing body 10 is also bent in a U shape, and the U-shaped bent portion 13 seals against the valve core 6. However, the sealing body 10 is not thin-walled, but is composed of a solid material.

[0046] In another embodiment, it is conceivable to design the valve 1 as a switching valve. In this embodiment, the valve core 6 is configured to connect the fluid channels 5 to each other in an optional flow-conducting manner. The valve housing 2 can optionally be provided with a different number and arrangement of fluid channels 5. The arrangement and embodiment of the valve core 6 are also variable. The variable embodiment of the valve housing 2 and the valve core 6 allows, for example, the design of a proportional valve with one or more recesses, the implementation of a switching valve with a valve core 6 with a channel structure, or the implementation of a combined proportional / switching valve.

[0047] Figure 8 A seal 7 for one of the above valves 1 is shown in detail. The seal 7 is mounted floatingly in each fluid channel 5 to be sealed relative to the valve core 6. Due to the floating mounting, the seal 7 can be displaced in the fluid channel 5 and can also be distorted during assembly.

[0048] exist Figure 2 , 3 , 6 and 7, the sealing body 10 is shown in its undeformed state. This is graphically indicated by the overlap with the valve core 6. In the actual product, this results in a pre-tensioning of the seal 7 between the valve core 6 and the valve housing 2, which improves the sealing effect.

Claims

1. A valve (1), characterized in that: The valve comprises a valve housing (2) having a valve chamber (3), wherein the valve chamber (3) has a chamber wall (4), at least one fluid channel (5) opens into the chamber wall (4), wherein a valve core (6) is installed in the valve chamber (3), the valve core (6) is provided with a channel structure interacting with the fluid channel (5), wherein a seal (7) is assigned to the fluid channel (5), the seal having a sleeve-shaped retaining body (8), the sleeve-shaped retaining body (8) being arranged in the fluid channel (5), the sealing body (10) being arranged on an end face (9) of the retaining body (8), the sealing body (10) having a curved sealing contour (11) pointing in the direction of the valve core (6).

2. The valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing body (10) is curved in a ring shape.

3. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: A portion (13) of the sealing body (10) is bent in a U-shape, wherein the portion (13) seals against the valve core (6).

4. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The seal (7) is made of dimensionally stable plastic.

5. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The sealing member (7) is made of hard plastic.

6. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The sealing member (7) is integrally formed.

7. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The sealing element (7) is made of thermoplastic material.

8. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The free end (12) of the sealing body (10) points in the direction of the cavity wall (4).

9. The valve according to claim 8, characterized in that The free end (12) of the sealing body (10) abuts against the cavity wall (4).

10. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The valve core (6) is installed in a floating manner in the fluid channel (5).

11. The valve according to any one of claims 3 to 10, characterized in that The sealing body (10) is bent in an S-shape between the free end (12) and the U-shaped portion (13).

12. The valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The valve (1) is formed as a rotary valve, wherein the valve core (6) is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber (3).

13. The valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The valve (1) is formed as an on-off valve or a proportional valve.

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