Rotary valve

Abstract

A rotary valve (1) comprising a valve body (2) provided with a valve chamber (3) having a chamber wall (4) provided with at least two fluid openings (5), the valve chamber (3) being provided with a valve core (7) provided with a channel structure (8) cooperating with the fluid openings (5), the valve core (7) being rotatably mounted in the valve chamber (3) and being rotated by a drive shaft (9), the valve core (7) is of a multi-piece structure and comprises at least one first valve core element (10) and a second valve core element (11), the first valve core element (10) is provided with a first channel structure (8 '), the second valve core element (11) is provided with a second channel structure (8' '), and the first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) are operably connected to the driving shaft (9).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary valve, comprising a valve body with a valve cavity, wherein the valve cavity has a valve cavity wall with at least two fluid openings, the valve cavity is equipped with a valve core, the valve core is provided with a channel structure interacting with the fluid opening, and the valve core is rotatably installed in the valve cavity. Background Art

[0002] Such rotary valves are known, for example from DE 10 2018 009 680 A1. Rotary valves of the above type are often used in cooling circuits to control the flow of a coolant. The coolant can flow in and out through the fluid openings on the valve body. The channel structure in the valve core is used to control the flow of the coolant. Depending on the arrangement and number of the fluid openings, different cooling circuits can be activated, the volume flow of the coolant can be adjusted or the flow direction can be adjusted.

[0003] This design of the rotary valve is advantageous because the flow of the coolant is regulated by rotating the valve core, and the corresponding actuator for the rotary valve core is simple in structure and easy to control. Therefore, the rotary valve and its associated actuator can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner. In addition, the installation space required for the rotary valve is also small.

[0004] Such rotary valves are particularly advantageous in temperature control circuits in the field of electric vehicles. To achieve a high range in electric vehicles, for example, the temperature of the electrical components must be controlled. The components in electric vehicles that require temperature control mainly include the energy storage units, but also power electronics or connectors for fast charging devices. Energy storage devices only function optimally within a very narrow temperature range. Therefore, the energy storage devices in electric vehicles need to be heated at low ambient temperatures and cooled at high external temperatures or when the load changes drastically.

[0005] To this end, the currently known solution is to provide a temperature control circuit in which a temperature control medium circulates. Depending on the requirements, the temperature control medium can be heated in a heating device or cooled in a cooling device. The regulation of the flow of the temperature control medium is at least partially achieved by a rotary valve. This may require a complex channel structure to be provided inside the valve core. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a rotary valve which is inexpensive to manufacture and which enables complex control of a temperature control circuit.

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

[0008] The rotary valve of the present invention includes a valve body having a valve cavity, wherein the valve cavity has a valve cavity wall provided with at least two fluid openings, the valve cavity is installed with a valve core, the valve core is provided with a channel structure that interacts with the fluid opening, the valve core is rotatably installed in the valve cavity and can be rotated by a drive shaft, the valve core adopts a multi-piece structure and includes at least a first valve core element and a second valve core element, the first valve core element has a first channel structure, the second valve core element has a second channel structure, the first valve core element and the second valve core element are operably connected to the drive shaft.

[0009] Since the valve core adopts a multi-piece structure, complex control of the temperature control circuit can be achieved. The first valve core element and the second valve core element are respectively provided with a channel structure, which can interact with the corresponding fluid openings independently of each other. Therefore, the first temperature control circuit can be realized by the channel structure of the first valve core element, and the second temperature control circuit can be realized by the channel structure of the second valve core element. The first valve core element and the second valve core element are both operably connected to the drive shaft, and the two valve core elements can rotate independently of each other. This means that the rotational movement of the drive shaft can rotate only the first valve core element or only the second valve core element, or rotate both valve core elements at the same time. This makes it possible to use simple means to achieve complex control of different temperature control circuits at low cost.

[0010] The first valve core element can be operably connected to the drive shaft through a first clutch. The clutch transmits the torque of the drive shaft to the first valve core element. The clutch can be designed to selectively interrupt the transmission of force, so that when the drive shaft rotates, no torque is transmitted, and the valve core element will not rotate accordingly.

[0011] The second valve core element can be operably connected to the drive shaft via a second clutch. Depending on the control requirements of the temperature control circuit, the clutch can be provided only on the first valve core element, or only on the second valve core element, or on both valve core elements. In particular, the implementation using two clutches can achieve particularly flexible and complex control of different temperature control circuits. The implementation with only one clutch has cost advantages.

[0012] The first clutch and / or the second clutch can be designed as a one-way clutch. A one-way clutch transmits torque only in one direction of rotation and not in the opposite direction of rotation. A one-way clutch is a passive clutch that allows switching without auxiliary energy. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to design the clutch as a shifting clutch, for example, which is switched by an actuator.

[0013] The one-way clutch function of the first clutch can transmit torque in a first rotational direction. The one-way clutch function of the second clutch can transmit torque in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction. In this embodiment, when the drive shaft rotates in a first direction, only one of the valve core elements rotates; and when the drive shaft rotates in the opposite direction, the other valve core element rotates. Therefore, when the drive shaft rotates, one of the valve core elements remains in place, while the other valve core element changes position. This makes it possible to achieve complex switching operations using simple means.

[0014] Positioning elements may be provided. These positioning elements may be designed to generate a greater torque for the rotational movement of the valve core element at a predetermined rotational position. This may suppress unintended rotation of the valve core element due to fluid pressure, vibration or other interfering factors (such as drag torque). At the same time, the friction between the valve core and the cavity wall may be used to prevent unintended rotation.

[0015] The rotary valve may be equipped with one or more sensors for determining the position of the valve core element. These sensors can detect the angular position of the valve core element, for example, by pressure measurement, fluid flow measurement or position measurement. When the sensor detects a position deviation, the valve core element can be readjusted to the correct position by the control system.

[0016] The freewheel can be designed to lock only in a few preset positions. This allows a small amount of free rotation in the direction of rotation for transmitting torque. This makes position monitoring possible without the need for additional sensors.

[0017] The first valve core element and the second valve core element may be operably connected via the positioning device. The positioning device may be designed so that the two valve core elements can rotate independently in a first rotation direction, and are locked to each other in a second rotation direction, so that the two valve core elements rotate synchronously in the second rotation direction. In this embodiment, one valve core element can realize bidirectional rotation, while the other valve core element can only rotate in one direction.

[0018] The first valve core element and the second valve core element can be stacked in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the direction of the rotation axis. In this embodiment, the valve core elements are stacked in the valve body, and the channel structures of the two valve core elements are preferably independently connected to the fluid port. This design is particularly suitable for controlling multiple independent temperature control circuits. In this way, the first valve core element regulates the first temperature control circuit, and the second valve core element regulates the second temperature control circuit.

[0019] According to an alternative embodiment, the first valve core element and the second valve core element may be arranged radially nested. In this embodiment, one valve core element is provided with a concentric groove, and the other valve core element is nested therein. In this way, the channel structures of the two valve core elements can be interconnected, which is particularly suitable for realizing a complex channel structure.

[0020] According to another alternative embodiment, a plurality of valve core elements may be provided, some of which are stacked longitudinally and others are nested within one another.

[0021] The valve body can be constructed in a multi-piece configuration. In this embodiment, it is particularly conceivable to assign the first valve core element to the first valve body part and the second valve core element to the second valve body part. This design can effectively separate different medium flows, so that the first medium flow flows through the first valve core element and the second medium flow flows through the second valve core element. The multi-piece configuration of the valve body can avoid internal leakage. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The following will introduce the embodiments of the rotary valve of the present invention in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are all shown in schematic form:

[0023] Figure 1 : A cross-sectional view of a rotary valve having two valve core elements stacked in a longitudinal direction;

[0024] Figure 2 :With positioning device Figure 1 The rotary valve shown;

[0025] Figure 3 : Rotary valve with a multi-piece valve body;

[0026] Figure 4 : A rotary valve with valve core elements nested within each other. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1 A rotary valve 1 is shown as part of a temperature control loop of an indoor facility that needs to be temperature regulated. In this example, the rotary valve 1 is used in the field of electric vehicles as part of a temperature control loop of an electric vehicle. The rotary valve 1 is integrated into the temperature control loop of the electric motor drive of the electric vehicle and directs the volume flow of the medium conveyed in the temperature control loop to an electrical energy storage device, an electric motor and power electronics. The flow of the temperature control medium in the temperature control loop can be adjusted by the rotary valve 1.

[0028] In particular, it is possible to consider modifying the volume flow of the temperature control medium, for example increasing or decreasing it. In addition, by rotating the valve core 7, different fluid openings 5 ​​can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner, thereby changing the flow direction of the temperature control medium. The rotary valve 1 according to the invention thus also forms a directional control valve, by which individual components of the device to be temperature-regulated can be supplied with temperature control medium individually and specifically and, if necessary, they can also be separated from the temperature control medium flow.

[0029] Depending on the ambient temperature and the power demand, for example, the temperature control medium flow can initially be directed to the electrical energy storage device and cool or heat it depending on the ambient temperature. For high power demands, the coolant flow can be directed to the power electronics and electric motors to cool these components. Regulation of the coolant flow is achieved by means of a rotary valve 1. In this case, the rotary valve 1 can replace several solenoid valves, thereby enabling the entire temperature control loop to be manufactured at low cost.

[0030] Figure 1 A rotary valve 1 is shown, wherein the valve body 2 is made of plastic and has a valve chamber 3 inside. The valve chamber 3 has a chamber wall 4, and a plurality of fluid openings 5 ​​are provided on the chamber wall 4. A receiving port 6 is provided on the end surface of the valve chamber 3, and a valve core 7 is installed in the valve chamber 3. The valve core 7 is provided with a channel structure 8 that cooperates with the fluid opening 5. The valve core 7 is rotatably installed in the valve chamber 3 and is provided with a drive shaft 13, through which the valve core 7 can be driven to rotate by an actuator.

[0031] The valve core 7 adopts a multi-piece structure, including a first valve core element 10 and a second valve core element 11. The first valve core element 10 is provided with a first channel structure 8', and the second valve core element 11 is provided with a second channel structure 8". The first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are operably connected to the drive shaft 9. A first clutch 12 is provided between the drive shaft 9 and the first valve core element 10, and a second clutch 13 is provided between the drive shaft 9 and the second valve core element 11. The first clutch 12 and the second clutch 13 are both one-way clutches, and are configured as follows: the first clutch 12 transmits torque in a first rotation direction, and the second clutch 13 transmits torque in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Therefore, when the drive shaft 9 rotates in the first rotation direction, the first valve core element 10 rotates while the drive shaft 9 does not transmit torque to the second valve core element 11. In the second rotation direction, the drive shaft 9 does not transmit torque to the first valve core element 10, and the second valve core element 11 rotates by torque transmission.

[0032] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are arranged in a stacked manner along the direction of the drive shaft 9. The channel structures 8' and 8" are communicated with the fluid opening 5, respectively.

[0033] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A further improvement of the rotary valve 1 shown. In this embodiment, the first valve core element 10 is connected to the second valve core element 11 through a positioning device 14. The positioning device 14 is a one-way clutch, so that the first valve core element 10 can rotate independently of the second valve core element 11 in the first rotation direction, and in the second rotation direction, the two valve core elements 10 and 11 rotate synchronously through the torque transmission of the positioning device 14. In this design, the first valve core element 10 is connected to the drive shaft 9 through the first clutch 12, and the second valve core element 11 is connected to the drive shaft 9 through the second clutch 13. When the drive shaft 9 rotates in the first rotation direction, only one valve core element 10 will rotate, and in the second rotation direction, due to the locking effect of the positioning device 14, the two valve core elements 10 and 11 will rotate synchronously.

[0034] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 Another improvement of the rotary valve 1 is shown. In this embodiment, the valve body 2 is a multi-piece structure, including a first valve body part 2' and a second valve body part 2". The first valve core element 10 is installed in the first valve body part 2', and the second valve core element 11 is installed in the second valve body part 2".

[0035] Figure 4 The rotary valve 1 is shown in which the valve body 2 is made of plastic and a valve cavity 3 is provided inside. The valve cavity 3 has a cavity wall 4 with a plurality of fluid openings 5. The valve cavity 3 is provided with a receiving port 6 at the front end and a valve core 7 is installed. The valve core 7 is provided with a channel structure 8 that cooperates with the fluid opening 5. The valve core 7 is rotatable in the valve cavity 3 and is equipped with a drive shaft 13, through which the valve core 7 can be driven to rotate by an actuator.

[0036] The valve core 7 is a multi-piece structure, and includes a first valve core element 10 and a second valve core element 11. The first valve core element 10 is provided with a first channel structure 8', and the second valve core element 11 is provided with a second channel structure 8". The first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are both operably connected to the drive shaft 9. A first clutch 12 is provided between the drive shaft 9 and the first valve core element 10, and a second clutch 13 is provided between the drive shaft 9 and the second valve core element 11. The first clutch 12 and the second clutch 13 are both one-way clutches, and are designed so that the first clutch 12 is locked in a first rotation direction, and the second clutch 13 is locked in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Therefore, when the drive shaft 13 rotates in the first rotation direction, the first valve core element 10 rotates, and the drive shaft 9 does not transmit torque to the second valve core element 11. In the second rotation direction, the drive shaft 9 does not transmit torque to the first valve core element 10, and the second valve core element 11 rotates through torque transmission.

[0037] exist Figure 4 In the design shown, the first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are nested in each other. For this purpose, a concentric groove is provided in the first valve core element 10, in which the second valve core element 11 is installed. The two channel structures 8' and 8" are connected to each other in a matching manner.

Claims

1. A rotary valve (1), comprising a valve body (2) having a valve cavity (3), the valve cavity (3) having a cavity wall (4) provided with at least two fluid openings (5), a valve core (7) being installed in the valve cavity (3), the valve core (7) being provided with a channel structure (8) cooperating with the fluid opening (5), the valve core (7) being rotatably installed in the valve cavity (3) and being rotated by a drive shaft (9), characterized in that: The valve core (7) is a multi-piece structure and includes at least a first valve core element (10) and a second valve core element (11), the first valve core element (10) having a first channel structure (8'), the second valve core element (11) having a second channel structure (8"), and the first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) are operably connected to the drive shaft (9).

2. The rotary valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first valve core element (10) is operably connected to the drive shaft (9) via a first clutch (12).

3. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The second valve core element (11) is operably connected to the drive shaft (9) via a second clutch (13).

4. The rotary valve according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The first clutch (12) and / or the second clutch (13) is a one-way clutch.

5. The rotary valve according to claim 4, characterized in that The one-way clutch function of the first clutch (12) transmits torque in a first rotational direction, while the one-way clutch function of the second clutch (13) transmits torque in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

6. The rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) are operably connected via a positioning device (14).

7. The rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) overlap each other along the rotation axis direction.

8. The rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) are nested with each other in the radial direction.

9. The rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The valve body (2) is a multi-piece structure.

10. The rotary valve according to claim 9, characterized in that The first valve body element (2') accommodates the first valve core element (10), and the second valve body element (2") accommodates the second valve core element (11).

11. A temperature control circuit for a vehicle, comprising a rotary valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The temperature control circuit according to claim 11, characterized in that: The vehicle is an electric vehicle.

Images