Fluid pressure assisted seal for directional control valve and directional control valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a seal (1) for a directional control valve for regulating a flow of a fluid, such as a coolant, for forming a sealing contact with a housing of the directional control valve and with a rotary slide arranged in the housing, the seal has a pressure chamber (13) and at least one communication channel (15) for filling the pressure chamber with a fluid, the pressure chamber extending around a fluid channel opening of the seal, in particular along an outer contour of the fluid channel opening.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seal for a directional control valve for regulating the flow of a fluid, such as a coolant, the seal being intended to form a sealing contact with a housing of the directional control valve and a rotating slide arranged in the housing. The invention further relates to a directional control valve with a seal. The invention further relates to a motor vehicle fluid flow line system, such as a motor vehicle thermal management system, with a directional control valve. A directional control valve is understood in particular to be a multi-way valve.

[0002] Conventional multi-way valves are used, for example, in motor vehicles for thermal management, in particular for conducting coolants such as water or oil, in order to cool, heat or generally control the temperature of components, in particular in the engine compartment. Such multi-way valves are usually equipped with a rotary slide as a valve member in order to fluidically connect or separate the fluid lines connected to the valve to one another, depending on the position of the rotary slide. For this purpose, the rotary slide is arranged in a rotatably movable manner in a housing. In order to allow rotation in the housing, a movement gap is provided between the rotary slide and the housing, so that an intermediate space is generated between the rotary slide and the housing. In order to prevent leakage through the intermediate space between fluid channels separated from one another, a seal is arranged between the rotary slide and the housing, which seals the intermediate space relative to the fluid lines.

[0003] For a seal that is as reliable as possible, a high contact force that matches the pressure of the acting fluid is required. High contact forces can be achieved, for example, by using springs. However, this increases complexity and thus costs and susceptibility to failure, and also increases the installation space of the directional control valve.

[0004] Alternatively, high contact forces can be achieved by using a seal that has particularly large dimensions relative to the movement gap between the rotary slide and the housing. However, this results in a large expenditure of force during assembly and operation of the rotary slide.

[0005] It is known from WO 2022 / 025513 to solve this problem by means of a sealing device having a hard and slidable contact surface facing the rotary slide and a soft contact surface facing the housing. As a result, the required assembly forces can be reduced due to the lower friction resistance between the rotary slide and the seal along the hard contact surface. Furthermore, during operation, the torque required to adjust the valve member can be reduced, which reduces the costs required for the servomotor and the required installation space.

[0006] However, a disadvantage of this solution is that the different mechanical requirements for the two sealing surfaces either require a complex two-part structure or a production method that is very demanding in terms of process technology, such as the "double extrusion method" mentioned in WO 2022 / 025513.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, and in particular to provide a seal for a directional control valve and a directional control valve, by means of which the seal and the directional control valve can increase the seal between the rotating slider and the housing without increasing the complexity of the rotating slider and / or the force consumption required for assembly and operation.

[0008] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are presented in the dependent claims.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention relates to a seal for a directional control valve, which is used to regulate the flow of a fluid such as a coolant, and the seal is used to form a sealing contact with a housing of the directional control valve and a rotating slider arranged in the housing. The seal has a pressure chamber and at least one communication channel for filling the pressure chamber with a fluid. The seal is preferably designed to form a sealing contact with the housing and the rotating slider, so that a fluid line connected to the housing can be sealed by the seal and the intermediate space between the rotating slider and the housing. In particular, the seal is designed to reduce, preferably prevent, the flow of fluid from the intermediate space into the fluid line when the rotating slider is in a closed state relative to the fluid line, and vice versa. For this purpose, the seal preferably has a fluid channel opening that is completely closed by the sealing body of the seal. The sealing body can in particular include a pressure chamber, an inner limb, an outer limb, a support rib and / or a base of the seal described below. The sealing body preferably has an elastic material, in particular an elastomeric material, and is in particular formed entirely of it.

[0010] The fluid channel opening preferably has a diameter of at least 4mm, preferably at least 8mm, particularly preferably at least 12mm, at least 16mm, at least 20mm, at least 24mm or at least 30mm. However, the fluid channel opening does not necessarily have to be circular. For example, it can also have an elliptical shape. In this case, the ellipse can have a semicircular portion and a rectangular portion connecting the semicircular portion, and the semicircular portion preferably has a predetermined diameter. The length of the rectangular portion (the distance between the semicircular portions) can be preferably at least 3mm, particularly preferably at least 5mm, 10mm or 15mm. The width (length) of the rectangular portion preferably has the same minimum size as the above-mentioned diameter, and particularly preferably has the same width as the diameter. Another embodiment of the channel opening can be a channel opening of a disc-shaped cross-section shape. In the end face embodiment described in detail below, the seal can have a plurality of channel openings, such as at least two, three, four, five or six through holes. In this embodiment, the seal can be circular, for example, wherein a plurality of channel openings are separated from each other in the circumferential direction by the sealing material of the seal.

[0011] The pressure chamber can be formed by a groove, in particular a v-shaped groove, introduced into the sealing material of the seal. The pressure chamber, in particular the groove, preferably extends completely around the fluid channel opening. The pressure chamber can be completely or partially closed by the sealing material of the seal, except for the communication channel. The pressure chamber is preferably introduced into the seal in such a way that, in the assembled state, in particular, except for at least one communication channel, the pressure chamber is completely closed by the sealing material and the housing. In particular, the pressure chamber can have an opening, in particular an annular opening, on its side facing the housing, which opening can be closed by the housing in the assembled state so as to completely close the pressure chamber, in particular except for at least one communication channel.

[0012] By filling the pressure chamber via at least one connecting channel, the fluid pressure can be used to provide, in particular to strengthen, the contact force between the seal and the rotating slide and the housing. The seal is in particular designed such that the pressure chamber is pressed against the rotating slide and / or the housing due to the filling with fluid. The seal is in particular designed such that the pressure chamber expands, in particular in a balloon-like manner, due to the filling with fluid. Due to the expansion of the pressure chamber, the latter is pressed between the rotating slide and the housing, as a result of which the elastic restoring force of the sealing material, which is preferably generated in the process, increases the contact force and thus the tightness.

[0013] The inventors have recognized that according to the principle of the pressure chamber with a connecting channel of the present invention, the fluid pressure can be used to provide self-enhancement of the contact force. Thus, firstly, the oversize of the seal and the movement gap between the rotating slider and the housing can be reduced, which requires a lower force for assembling the seal. Then, during operation, the fluid pressure is used to increase the contact force, thereby reducing and in particular avoiding leakage. In this case, it has been proven to be particularly advantageous that the contact force also increases automatically in the case of relatively high fluid pressures. As a result, the seal according to the present invention can be used for different pressure conditions and provide the required contact pressure at any time. Therefore, the fluid pressure itself ensures sufficient contact force that matches the fluid pressure. Therefore, it can be avoided in particular that there is an unnecessary high contact force in the case of low fluid pressure, or a too low contact force in the case of high fluid pressure. Therefore, the drive power of the motor for the rotating slider can also be matched to the pressure conditions alone.

[0014] The inventors have also found that, due to the fluid pressure-assisted contact force, contact means such as a spring can be omitted and leakage can still be reliably avoided. Therefore, the seal can preferably be used in a directional control valve without a separate contact means such as a spring. Therefore, the directional control valve described below is particularly preferably a directional control valve without a contact means such as a spring other than the elastic material of the seal.

[0015] As described above, the pressure chamber is preferably formed by a groove, in particular a v-shaped groove, introduced into the sealing material of the seal. Forming the pressure chamber by the groove reduces the deformation resistance of the seal. As a result, a relatively large deformation, in particular expansion, of the pressure chamber can be achieved under constant fluid pressure, which in turn increases the contact force. The expansion is preferably achieved by an overpressure in the pressure chamber. For example, this can be achieved by filling the valve housing, which in turn supplies fluid to the pressure chamber through a connecting channel, while the pipeline to be closed has a lower pressure, resulting in an overpressure in the pressure chamber that causes the seal to expand. However, even in embodiments and / or operating states where the overpressure acts on the pressure chamber from the outside, for example when the pressure of the fluid conduit to be closed has a higher pressure than the filled housing, it is also advantageous to reduce the deformation resistance of the seal by the groove-shaped pressure chamber, because this strengthens the compression of the seal, and therefore also strengthens the contact force between the seal and the rotating slider and the housing. The increased sealing performance of the groove-shaped pressure chamber relative to this operating state can also be called backflow resistance.

[0016] The seal is preferably designed to surround the fluid channel opening of the housing and, in the position where the rotary slide closes the fluid channel opening, seals the intermediate space between the rotary slide and the housing relative to the fluid channel opening. In this case, the seal can be designed to strengthen the contact force with the housing and / or the valve member when the pressure acting on the seal from the intermediate space is higher than the pressure acting on the seal from the fluid channel opening, in particular from the fluid pipeline connected to the latter (higher internal pressure), and / or when the pressure acting on the seal from the fluid channel opening, in particular when the pressure from the fluid pipeline connected to the latter is higher than the pressure acting on the seal from the intermediate space (higher external pressure). The seal is preferably designed to increase the contact force both in the case of higher external pressure and higher internal pressure. The pressure chamber is preferably designed to be filled by the intermediate space between the housing and the rotary slide, in particular by means of at least one communicating channel. In the case of higher internal pressure, the increase in contact force is preferably achieved by filling the pressure chamber with a higher pressure, in particular so that the seal expands in a balloon-like manner, in particular as described above and below. Alternatively or additionally, in the case of higher external pressure, the increase in the contact force is achieved by deforming the seal, in particular compressing the seal, so that the seal is pressed against the rotating slider and / or the housing in a radial direction (relative to the rotation axis of the rotating slider), in particular due to compression of the seal in a circumferential direction (relative to the rotation axis of the rotating slider).

[0017] Another advantage of filling the pressure chamber is that, in the case of the valve housing being filled, part of the pressure acting from the fluid housing on the seal and pushing the latter in the direction of the fluid line is compensated by the pressure present in the pressure chamber. As a result, the risk of the seal slipping into the fluid line, which could lead to malfunctions and leaks, can also be reduced. This problem occurs in particular in operating conditions in which the pressure in the housing is higher than the pressure in the line to be sealed. For example, in the case of a fluid pressure of 3 bar in the housing and a fluid pressure of 1.5 bar in the line to be sealed, the risk of the seal being pressed into the line increases in the case of conventional systems. This problem can be satisfactorily solved by a solution for the filling of the pressure chamber according to the invention, which compensates part of the pressure acting from the housing on the seal by the pressure acting in the pressure chamber.

[0018] Due to the filling of the channel, a further advantage of the self-reinforcing seal according to the invention is that the valve drive can be designed to be smaller than in the case of conventional systems, since a lower torque is required for adjustment as long as the contact force is not increased by the fluid pressure. For example, during the adjustment of the rotary slide, a transition state occurs in which both the pipeline and the housing are filled, as a result of which the fluid pressure in the pressure chamber is compensated by the pressure acting on the pressure chamber from the outside. As a result, adjustment of the rotary slide with a low torque can be achieved. As soon as the rotary slide reaches its final position, in which the pipeline is sealed, the pressure in the pipeline drops, which leads to an overpressure in the pressure chamber again and the self-reinforcing effect of the seal again.

[0019] The pressure chamber preferably extends around the fluid passage opening of the seal. The fluid passage opening can in principle have any size and / or shape. For the preferred use in a motor vehicle fluid flow guiding system described below, such as a motor vehicle thermal management fluid guiding system, in particular a motor vehicle cooling circuit, in particular a circular, oval or disk-shaped cross-sectional shape and the above-mentioned dimensions have proven to be advantageous as the shape of the fluid passage opening.

[0020] The pressure chamber preferably extends around the fluid channel opening along its outer contour. The pressure chamber is preferably formed by a groove extending around the fluid channel opening, in particular a v-shaped groove. The pressure chamber, in particular the groove, preferably tapers from the side of the seal facing the housing to the side of the seal facing the rotating slider. The pressure chamber is particularly preferably defined by an inner limb facing the fluid channel opening and an outer limb facing away from the fluid channel opening. The inner limb and the outer limb preferably extend completely around the fluid channel opening, in particular the inner limb extends along the outer contour of the fluid channel opening, and the outer limb preferably extends through the pressure chamber at a certain distance along a contour adapted to the contour of the inner limb. The inner limb and the outer limb preferably extend toward each other on the side facing the rotating slider, in particular in the radial direction relative to the rotation axis of the rotating slider, and the tips of the inner limb and the outer limb extending together preferably form an inner sealing surface facing the rotating slider, which preferably forms a sealing contact between the rotating slider and the seal in the installed state. The inner sealing limb and the outer sealing limb are preferably spread out at a spread angle extending in the circumferential direction relative to the rotation axis of the rotating slider, in particular extending away from each other in the radial direction relative to the rotation axis of the rotating slider, in particular extending in opposite circumferential directions relative to the rotation axis of the rotating slider. In particular, by the v-shaped profile of the inner sealing limb and the outer sealing limb in the radial direction, it can be ensured that the contact force of the seal relative to the rotating slider and / or the housing will increase in the case of high internal pressure and increased external pressure. In particular, the inner limb and the outer limb extend toward each other in a v-shaped manner. The inner limb and the outer limb preferably merge with each other on the side facing the rotating slider and are spaced apart from each other on the side facing the housing. In particular, a groove-shaped pressure chamber preferably extends between the inner limb and the outer limb. The inner limb and the outer limb are preferably designed to seal against the rotating slider and the housing in the installed state, as a result, the pressure chamber is closed by the seal and the housing except for at least one connecting channel. The inner sealing limb and the outer sealing limb are particularly preferably designed to extend in the radial direction, in particular to widen toward the housing, and / or to form a sealing contact with a surface of the housing extending parallel to the outer contour of the rotating slider on the housing. In particular, the inner sealing limb and the outer sealing limb each have an outer sealing surface facing the housing, which preferably extends parallel to the outer contour of the rotating slider, and in particular, the outer sealing surfaces are curved so that they can be placed against a surface of the housing curved in the circumferential direction around the rotating slider.

[0021] The inventors have recognised that by means of a tapering, in particular a V-shaped tapering, of the pressure chamber, and in particular by means of the inner and outer limbs mentioned above, a self-reinforcing sealing effect is produced even in the event of an overpressure acting on the pressure chamber from the outside (relative to the internal pressure in the chamber), in particular due to the fact that the contact forces between the seal and the housing and between the seal and the rotating slide are increased due to the inner and outer limbs which are facing the housing and are spaced apart from each other being compressed by the overpressure.

[0022] In order to form a sealing contact, the inner limb preferably has an outer sealing surface facing the housing and an inner sealing surface facing the rotating slide, wherein the inner sealing surface and / or the outer sealing surface preferably extend around the fluid channel opening. The inner sealing surface and the outer sealing surface preferably extend around the fluid channel opening without interruption. This should be understood to mean, in particular, that the inner sealing surface and the outer sealing surface are designed to form a sealing contact with the rotating slide or the housing in the assembled state, which sealing contact extends around the fluid channel opening without interruption, in particular in a way that avoids the passage of fluid along the outer sealing surface and the inner sealing surface.

[0023] At least one communication channel is preferably connected to the pressure chamber via an outer limb. The seal particularly preferably has at least two, three, four, five or six communication channels. These communication channels are preferably connected to the pressure chamber via outer limbs. The communication channels are preferably distributed in a circumferential direction around the fluid channel opening, in particular equidistant from each other. A communication opening is preferably provided in the outer limb to form at least one communication channel. The communication opening can be designed as a cutout in the sealing surface of the outer limb facing the shell. In this embodiment, in the assembled state, the communication opening is first defined by the outer limb and secondly by the shell. As described in detail below, the communication channel can also preferably extend between the base of the seal and the shell, and the base will be placed on the shell. However, in alternative embodiments, the communication channel can also be formed by an opening, in particular a channel that is completely closed by the outer limb.

[0024] The seal preferably has a foot to be placed on the housing, which has an effective surface facing the rotating slider, so that when the housing is filled with fluid, the foot is pressed against the housing by the fluid pressure acting on the effective surface, in particular, a contact pressure is provided between the foot and the housing to offset the relative movement between the seal and the housing. As a result, the contact force on the housing can be increased, so that the risk of slipping of the seal can be further avoided. The foot preferably extends completely around the fluid channel opening. In the embodiment in which the seal has multiple fluid channel openings described in detail below, the foot preferably extends around all fluid channel openings. The foot preferably starts from the outer limb and extends at least 50%, 100%, 150% or 200% of the outer limb in the circumferential direction relative to the rotation axis of the rotating slider. Alternatively or additionally, relative to the pressure acting from the intermediate space between the rotating slider and the housing, the foot has a pressure effective area, which corresponds to at least 50%, 100%, 150% or 200% of the pressure effective area of ​​the inner limb and / or outer limb of the seal. The foot preferably extends parallel to the outer contour of the rotating slider and / or the housing. In particular, due to the above-mentioned large pressure-effective area and the geometric dimensions of the seal, sliding of the seal relative to the housing and thus leakage associated therewith can be avoided.

[0025] The foot preferably adjoins the above-mentioned outer limb. The foot particularly preferably adjoins the end of the outer limb facing the shell. The foot preferably matches the shape of the shell. In particular, the foot, the outer limb and the inner limb can together form a curved bearing surface for abutting against the shell. The curved bearing surface can be interrupted, in particular specifically, by the fluid channel opening, the pressure chamber and at least one connecting channel (if appropriate). As a result, a large bearing surface can be formed, by which the foot can be pressed against the shell by the fluid pressure to prevent the seal from slipping and / or sliding.

[0026] In the assembled state, the communication channel preferably extends between the foot and the housing. At least one communication channel can particularly preferably have a groove formed in the foot, which connects the intermediate space between the housing and the rotary slide to the pressure chamber in a fluidic manner. In the case of a plurality of communication channels, the latter are preferably arranged distributed in the circumferential direction around the fluid channel opening, in particular distributed equidistantly in the circumferential direction around the latter.

[0027] In order to form a sealed contact, the seal preferably has an outer sealing surface facing the housing and an inner sealing surface facing the rotating slider, which are formed of the same material. In the assembled state of the seal, the sealing surface in contact with the rotating slider and the housing, in particular the outer sealing surface and the inner sealing surface of the seal, are preferably formed of the same material, in particular produced in one piece. The material is preferably an elastomeric material. The entire seal is particularly preferably formed of the same material, in particular an elastomeric material. The inner sealing surface and the outer sealing surface are particularly preferably formed by the pressure of the above-mentioned inner limbs. The above-mentioned inner sealing limbs and outer sealing limbs particularly preferably form a v-shaped structure extending around the fluid channel opening. The pressure chamber is preferably formed between the inner sealing limb and the outer sealing limb. In particular, the outer limb and the inner limb merge into the inner sealing surface on the side of the seal facing the rotating slider. It is particularly preferred that a communication opening, such as a cutout, is provided on the side of the outer limb facing the housing, and the communication opening forms a part of the communication channel or completely forms the communication channel.

[0028] The seal preferably has at least one supporting rib arranged in the pressure chamber, in particular for stabilizing the pressure chamber against the pressure acting on the pressure chamber from outside the pressure chamber, wherein at least one supporting rib preferably extends between the inner limb and the outer limb. The seal preferably has a plurality of supporting ribs, preferably at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 supporting ribs. From a circumferential perspective, the supporting ribs are preferably arranged around the fluid channel opening in the fluid chamber, in particular arranged at equidistant distances. The supporting ribs particularly preferably divide the pressure chamber into a plurality of chamber parts. The supporting ribs particularly preferably extend from the side of the seal facing the rotating slide, in particular between the inner limb and the outer limb, to the side of the seal facing the housing. The supporting ribs are preferably designed to make it possible for the fluid connection between the chamber parts formed by the supporting ribs. For this purpose, the supporting ribs preferably do not extend completely to the outer sealing surface so as to form a communication opening for exchanging fluid between the chamber parts of the pressure chamber between the supporting ribs and the housing. However, in an alternative embodiment, a communication opening can also be formed in the supporting ribs so as to achieve fluid communication between the chamber parts of the pressure chamber. The inventors have found that the support ribs counteract the collapse of the seal due to the pressure acting on the pressure chamber from the outside. As a result, the reliability of the seal can be increased again. In particular, by means of the support ribs, it can be avoided that the seal is compressed to such an extent in the case of high external pressures that the fluid overcomes the sealing contact between the seal and the rotary slide and / or the housing and thus causes leakage.

[0029] At least one communication channel is preferably designed to fluidically connect the pressure chamber to the intermediate space between the housing and the rotary slide of the directional control valve. For this purpose, the seal preferably has at least one, preferably a plurality of communication openings on the side facing the intermediate space, through which the fluid can penetrate from the intermediate space into the communication channel and can enter the pressure chamber through the communication channel. For this purpose, at least one groove is preferably formed in the outer limb facing away from the fluid channel opening, the at least one groove forming at least one communication channel. Preferably, a plurality of grooves are provided, each groove forming a communication channel. At least one groove is particularly preferably formed on the side of the outer limb facing the housing, in particular in such a way that the outer limb extends completely around the communication channel together with the housing in the assembled state. In an alternative embodiment, the communication channel can be formed as a hole in the seal, in particular in the outer limb of the seal, which hole is completely closed by the sealing material of the seal. The groove is particularly preferably formed not only in the outer limb, but also additionally in the above-mentioned foot, as a result, the communication channel extends along the outer limb and the foot. The foot preferably adjoins the end of the outer limb facing the housing in a planar manner, in particular in a disc-shaped manner, and extends in the opposite direction to the fluid channel opening. The outer limb and the foot particularly preferably form an L-shape in cross section, wherein one limb forms the outer limb and the other limb forms the foot. In this case, one limb preferably extends toward the rotary slide and the other limb, in particular at least 10°, 20°, 30°, 40°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 80°, 90°, 100°, 110° or 120° tilted relative to the first limb, extends away from the fluid channel opening. The inner limb particularly preferably adjoins the outer limb having an L-shaped cross section and forms a V-shape with the latter that widens toward the housing.

[0030] In one embodiment, the fluid channel opening is circular in design. In this embodiment, the pressure chamber preferably extends in an annular shape around the fluid channel opening. In this case, the pressure chamber is preferably formed as an annular groove, which preferably tapers in a V-shape toward the side facing the rotating slider. In this embodiment, the seal particularly preferably has a sealing surface, which has an uninterrupted annular shape and faces the housing. The sealing surface is preferably designed to be similar to the above-mentioned inner sealing surface. In addition, the seal preferably has an outer sealing surface facing the rotating slider, which preferably extends in an annular shape around the fluid channel opening uninterruptedly. The inner sealing surface and the outer sealing surface are preferably formed by the above-mentioned inner limbs, in particular connected to each other. The outer sealing surface and / or the inner sealing surface preferably extend on the side of the seal facing the fluid channel opening, in particular the pressure chamber.

[0031] Furthermore, the seal preferably has a sealing surface (interrupted sealing surface) which is interrupted in sections in the circumferential direction, in particular annular and facing the housing. The interrupted sealing surface is in particular interrupted by at least one of the above-mentioned connecting channels, preferably by a plurality of connecting channels, which are preferably spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction, in particular spaced apart from each other at equidistant distances. The interrupted sealing surface is preferably formed on the end of the above-mentioned outer limb facing the housing. The outer limb particularly preferably extends in the axial direction (relative to the axis of symmetry of the circular fluid channel opening) towards the inner limb, in particular in such a way that the inner limb and the outer limb form a V-shaped structure.

[0032] The foot preferably adjoins an interrupted annular sealing surface, which extends outwardly relative to the fluid channel opening, in particular in radial direction, and in particular extends at least one communication channel along the foot. In particular, the at least one communication channel extends completely through the foot into the pressure chamber, as a result of which fluid can enter the pressure chamber from the outside in radial direction via the foot through the at least one channel. The foot preferably extends completely around the pressure chamber, in particular the outer limb, in circumferential direction. The foot can in particular be of planar shape.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the fluid passage opening is elliptical. In this embodiment, the seal is preferably designed as a circular fluid passage opening as in the above embodiment, with the only exception that the structure described as annular is elliptical, in particular the pressure chamber, the inner sealing surface, the outer sealing surface and the segmented interrupted sealing surface are elliptical.

[0034] In another embodiment, the seal has at least two, preferably at least three fluid channel openings. In this case, the fluid channel openings can have a common flow direction. In the case of symmetrical fluid channel openings, the flow direction can be defined by the axis of symmetry, in particular extending parallel to the axis of symmetry. In the case of asymmetrical fluid channel openings, the common flow direction can be defined by the normal of the channel opening. In an embodiment with at least two fluid channel openings, these fluid channel openings can be arranged offset from each other in the circumferential direction relative to the flow direction. In particular, in such an embodiment, the seal can have a central axis, and at least two fluid channel openings are arranged offset around the central axis. For example, at least two, preferably at least three fluid channel openings can have the form of a disc-shaped cross-sectional shape. In an embodiment with a plurality of fluid channel holes, the seal preferably has a dedicated pressure chamber for each seal. Each pressure chamber preferably extends around a fluid channel opening, respectively. Each pressure chamber preferably has at least one, preferably multiple, communicating channels, so as to fill the pressure chamber with a fluid. Preferably, a communicating channel is provided to connect each pressure chamber fluid to the intermediate space between the housing and the rotating slide. Alternatively or additionally, a communicating channel can be provided to connect the pressure chambers fluidically to each other. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the seal is in the form of a disk and has at least two, preferably at least three, fluid channel openings which are arranged in the circumferential direction around the symmetry axis of the disk. In this embodiment, preferably, a connecting channel is provided which connects the pressure chamber in the radial direction outwardly to the intermediate space and / or a connecting channel which connects the pressure chambers to each other in particular in the circumferential direction. In such an embodiment, the above-mentioned foot can preferably simultaneously form a connection structure between the individual fluid channel openings and the pressure chamber, in particular a web, which connection structure is preferably, in particular exclusively, interrupted by the connecting channel, in particular in the form of a groove.

[0035] The present invention also relates to a directional control valve for regulating the flow of a fluid such as a coolant. The directional control valve is preferably a multi-way valve, particularly preferably a directional control valve with at least three, four, five, six or seven ways. The directional control valve comprises a housing having at least one fluid channel opening, a fluid pipeline connected to the fluid channel opening and a rotating slide arranged in the housing. The directional control valve also has a seal according to the present invention, which is in sealing contact with the housing and the rotating slide and surrounds the fluid channel opening. The above-mentioned fluid channel opening of the seal is preferably aligned with the fluid channel opening of the fluid pipeline. The geometry and size of the fluid channel opening of the seal preferably correspond substantially to the size and geometry of the fluid channel opening of the fluid pipeline. It should be understood that, in terms of size, the deviation of the cross section, in particular, is at most + / -40%, 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, 3% or 1%. However, in order to avoid narrowing of the flow cross section through the seal, the fluid channel opening of the seal is particularly preferably at least as large as the fluid channel opening of the fluid pipeline. The hydraulic cross-sections of the fluid channel openings in the housing, in the fluid lines connected thereto, in the seal and preferably in the rotary slide are preferably substantially equal in size. The hydraulic cross-section of the fluid flowing through the directional control valve, in particular between at least two fluid lines connected to the fluid channel openings of the housing, is particularly preferably substantially constant.

[0036] The housing preferably has a plurality of fluid channel openings, particularly preferably at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five or at least six fluid channel openings. A fluid line is preferably connected to each fluid channel opening. The housing may be cylindrical. The fluid channel openings may be introduced into an outer shell of the housing, in particular into an outer shell of the housing that is offset relative to each other in a circumferential direction. Alternatively or additionally, one or more fluid channel openings may be attached to one or both end sides of the housing.

[0037] Seals, in particular seals according to the present invention, can be preferably arranged at a plurality of fluid channel openings between the housing and the rotary slider, respectively, and are particularly preferably arranged at each fluid channel opening formed in the housing and / or in the end side of the housing. The rotary slider is preferably designed to generate and / or prevent a fluid connection between at least two, three or more fluid pipelines according to the position. For this purpose, the rotary slider can have a fluid channel opening, which can generate a fluid connection between at least two or at least three fluid pipelines according to the position of the rotary slider. The rotary slider can also have a blocking portion, through which the rotary slider can close the fluid pipeline relative to other fluid pipelines. The rotary slider is preferably in cylindrical form. In this case, the fluid channel opening can be designed as a cutout in a cylinder. The outer diameter of the rotary slider is preferably smaller than the inner diameter of the housing. As a result, a motion gap is provided between the rotary slider and the housing. One or more seals are preferably arranged in the motion gap. In particular, the seal is designed to be larger than the motion gap in the axial direction (the direction of the fluid channel opening flowing through the seal in the open position). As a result, in the assembled state, the seal is compressed between the rotary slide and the housing, thereby providing a contact force. The above-mentioned outer sealing surface of the seal preferably extends completely around the corresponding fluid channel opening of the housing. The above-mentioned inner sealing surface preferably forms a surrounding sealing contact with the rotary slide in the blocked state of the fluid pipeline. As mentioned above, the inner sealing surface and the outer sealing surface are preferably formed by inner limbs of the seal that extend around the fluid channel opening of the seal. The communication channel is also preferably connected to the pressure chamber via the outer limb.

[0038] The outer limb preferably extends from the inner sealing surface to the housing. The outer limb preferably forms a sealing surface with the housing, which is interrupted by the communication channel but extends around. In this case, at least one communication channel is preferably defined first by the outer limb and secondly by the housing. As described above, the foot of the seal is adjacent to the end of the outer limb facing the housing, and the foot extends in the direction opposite to the fluid channel opening (particularly extending outward in the radial direction relative to the fluid channel opening). The communication channel preferably extends through the foot and has a communication opening opposite to the intermediate space between the housing and the rotating slider. Therefore, the fluid can preferably flow into the pressure chamber from the intermediate space between the rotating slider and the housing via the communication channel. The directional control valve is preferably designed so that the intermediate space is always filled during operation. Thereby ensuring that the pressure chamber can be filled with fluid in each operating state. If the rotating slider closes the fluid channel opening in the housing with its blocking portion, the pressure in the fluid line connected to the fluid channel opening may drop, for example if the fluid no longer flows through the fluid line or there is no fluid. Therefore, the pressure acting on the seal through the inner limb of the seal facing the fluid line is lower than the pressure acting on the seal through the filled pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is thus expanded, with the result that the seal is pressed more strongly against the rotary slide and the housing, which in turn increases the contact force and thus the tightness. A self-reinforcing seal is thereby provided.

[0039] The inventors have found that the self-reinforcing function of the seal is particularly good if the directional control valve, in particular the filling area between the housing and the rotary slide, is free of air inclusions. In particular, cavitation can be avoided and a reliable heat transfer of the fluid is ensured. For this purpose, a system is preferably provided comprising a directional control valve and an equalizing container, so that air remaining in the valve can be collected in the equalizing container or can be discharged from the directional control valve by applying negative pressure.

[0040] The inner limb and the outer limb may have approximately equal lengths. In other words, the inner limb and the outer limb may protrude approximately the same distance in the direction of fluid passage. In an alternative embodiment, the inner limb may be longer than the outer limb. In this embodiment, a preferably annular or elliptical groove, in particular a groove matching the shape of the inner limb, may be formed in the housing, in which groove the inner limb may be accommodated in a precisely fitting manner in the mounted state of the seal 1. In particular, the inner limb may be accommodated in the groove by means of the "tongue and groove" principle. In this embodiment, the seal may provide an improved seal in both directions of action of the pressure.

[0041] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a directional control valve for regulating the flow of a fluid such as a coolant, which can be designed in particular like the above-mentioned directional control valve. The directional control valve comprises a housing having a fluid channel opening, a fluid line connected to the fluid channel opening, a rotating slide arranged in the housing, and a seal in sealing contact with the housing and the rotating slide and surrounding the fluid channel opening. According to the above-mentioned aspect of the present invention, the seal can be particularly designed to have a pressure chamber and a communication channel. According to this aspect of the present invention, a support structure is provided in the connection area between the fluid channel opening of the housing and the fluid line, which supports the seal from sliding into the fluid channel opening. The support structure can extend around the fluid channel opening of the housing in the form of a collar. In particular, the support structure can have an annular shape, in particular a hollow cylindrical shape, which preferably has the same diameter as the fluid channel opening. The support structure is preferably formed integrally with the housing. The housing preferably has a substantially cylindrical inner surface, which is interrupted by the fluid channel opening. The support structure preferably protrudes into the housing from the cylindrical inner surface. The support structure preferably matches the shape of the fluid channel opening in the housing. In particular, the shape of the support structure corresponds to the shape of the outer contour of the fluid channel opening. For example, in the case of a circular fluid channel opening, the support structure is preferably annular. In the case of an elliptical fluid channel opening, the support structure is preferably elliptical.

[0042] The seal preferably abuts against the support structure. In particular, the side of the seal facing the fluid channel opening abuts against the support structure. The seal preferably matches the shape of the support structure in the area where it contacts the support structure. The seal preferably extends completely around the support structure. The above-mentioned inner limb of the seal particularly preferably abuts against the support structure. In particular, the inner limb and the outer limb, in particular as described above, are separated from each other in the direction of the housing, in particular in the radial direction, wherein the area extending from the unfolded end of the outer limb in the radial direction toward the rotating slide contacts the support structure. The inner limb particularly preferably abuts against the support structure between the above-mentioned inner sealing surface and the outer sealing surface, within at least 10%, 20% or 30% of its range, in particular from the housing in the radial direction toward the rotating slide. The support structure and the seal particularly preferably match each other according to the tongue and groove principle to avoid the seal from sliding into the fluid channel opening. The seal preferably has a protrusion, in particular a circumferential protrusion, from the inner limb, which protrudes toward the fluid channel opening and preferably abuts against the support structure. The protrusion and the part abutting against the support structure particularly preferably form an L-shaped cross section. The projection particularly preferably has an inner contour facing the fluid passage opening, which inner contour preferably corresponds in shape and / or size to the fluid passage opening of the housing and the support structure.

[0043] In addition to the above-mentioned support structure (which can also be described as an internal support structure), the directional control valve preferably also has an external support structure, on which one end of the seal facing away from the fluid channel opening, in particular one of the above-mentioned outer limbs and / or the above-mentioned foot, is supported. The external support structure can have a web extending inwardly from the cylindrical inner surface of the housing. The web can extend inwardly into the housing in a radial direction in particular. The web can be particularly preferably of T-shaped design. As a result, a recess can be formed in particular between the top of the T-shape and the cylindrical inner surface of the housing, into which the outer limb, preferably the foot of the above-mentioned seal, can be engaged. The inventor has recognized that, in particular, by a combination of an internal and external support structure, it can be ensured that the expansion of the seal in the radial direction (or towards or away from the fluid channel opening) caused by the pressure chamber being filled with fluid is limited or prevented. Therefore, the expansion of the pressure chamber can be realized in particular in the form of expansion in the flow direction, resulting in expansion for increasing the contact force on the rotating slide and the housing, thereby strengthening the sealing contact. The external support structure is preferably formed by a recess in the housing, in particular a depression, such as an undercut in the housing. The recess is preferably designed to accommodate the above-mentioned foot, in particular in such a way that the foot projects into the recess. In this case, the recess is preferably of a larger design than the foot, as a result of which the fluid can flow around the foot along the intermediate space between the foot and the recess, in particular along the contour of the recess from the side of the foot facing the rotary slide to the side of the foot facing the housing, and through the at least one connecting channel.

[0044] The directional control valve is preferably designed to fill the housing, in particular the intermediate space between the housing and the directional control valve. This can be achieved, for example, in that the rotary slide has at least one fluid channel opening, through which the fluid can flow into and out of the rotary slide, wherein the fluid channel opening of the rotary slide is preferably larger than the fluid channel opening of the housing and / or the seal. It can be ensured that even if the fluid channel opening of the rotary slide is completely aligned with the fluid channel opening of the housing and the seal, a bypass channel is always retained, through which in addition to the main fluid flow (between at least two fluid lines), an auxiliary fluid flow (into the intermediate space between the housing and the rotary slide) is allowed. This auxiliary fluid flow fills the intermediate space and thus fills the pressure chamber through the intermediate space, thereby providing a self-reinforcing seal.

[0045] In an embodiment in which the fluid channel opening of the housing is formed in a cylindrical shell of the housing, the size of the fluid channel opening of the rotating slider in the circumferential direction can be designed to be so large that two fluid channel openings of the housing that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction can be connected to each other. For example, in an embodiment in which the fluid channel openings of the housing are spaced 30° from each other in the circumferential direction, the fluid channel opening in the rotating slider can extend at least 90°, as a result, 30° can be used to bridge the distance between the two openings, and 30° can be used for each opening separately to provide a flow cross section that overlaps with each pipeline. For this purpose, the rotating slider can have, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape, wherein the fluid channel opening is designed as a cutout in the shape of a disc-shaped cross section. The fluid channel opening is preferably designed so that it can be fluidically connected to the fluid channel opening of the housing through a cylindrical shell.

[0046] In the end surface embodiment, the rotary slider can be designed as a special disk with a fluid passage opening continuous in the axial direction. Here, the fluid passage opening in the rotary slider is preferably designed to be larger than the fluid passage opening in the housing so as to provide filling of the intermediate space between the housing and the rotary slider.

[0047] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle fluid flow guiding system, in particular a motor vehicle thermal management fluid guiding system, such as a motor vehicle cooling circuit, having a directional control valve according to one or both aspects of the invention described above.

[0048] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings so as to make other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention clear, in which:

[0049] Figure 1a shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of a seal according to the present invention;

[0050] Figure 1b Shows Figure 1a A three-dimensional rear view of the seal;

[0051] Figure 1c Shows Figure 1a A three-dimensional side view of a seal;

[0052] Figure 2a A view showing an embodiment of a four-way valve according to the present invention;

[0053] Figure 2b Shown according to Figure 2a A side sectional view of a directional control valve;

[0054] Figure 2c Shows Figure 2a A top cross-sectional view of a four-way valve;

[0055] Figure 2d Shows Figure 2c An enlarged view of section a;

[0056] Figure 2e Shown according to Figure 2c A view where the position of the rotary slider has changed;

[0057] Figure 2f Shown according to Figure 2e , in which the position of the directional control valve is changed again;

[0058] Figure 3a A perspective view showing another embodiment of a three-way valve according to the present invention;

[0059] Figure 3b Shown according to Figure 3a A top view of a three-way valve;

[0060] Figure 4a A perspective view showing a rotary slider according to another embodiment of a four-way valve of the present invention;

[0061] Figure 4b Shows Figure 4a A top view of a four-way valve with a rotating slider;

[0062] Figure 5a A perspective view showing another embodiment of a six-way valve according to the present invention;

[0063] Figure 5b Shown according to Figure 5a A top cross-sectional view of a six-way valve;

[0064] Figure 5c Shown according to Figure 5a A top perspective view of a six-way valve with a cover;

[0065] Figure 6a A perspective front view showing another embodiment of an elliptical seal according to the present invention;

[0066] Figure 6b Shown according to Figure 6a A three-dimensional rear view of the seal;

[0067] Figure 7a A front view showing another embodiment of the end face seal according to the present invention;

[0068] Figure 7b Shown according to Figure 7a A rear view of the seal;

[0069] Figure 8a Shows that there is Figure 7a A three-dimensional side view of a four-way valve according to a sealing member of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 8b Shown according to Figure 8a A cross-sectional view of a four-way valve;

[0071] Figure 8c Shown according to Figure 8a Another cross-sectional view of the four-way valve;

[0072] Figure 8d Shows Figure 8c A magnified view of the area

[0073] Figure 9a shows a side view of another exemplary embodiment of a seal according to the present invention; and

[0074] Figure 9b Shown according to Figure 9a A side cross-sectional view of a seal.

[0075] Figure 1a to Figure 1c Different views of an embodiment of a seal 1 according to the invention with a circular fluid passage opening 3 are shown. Figure 6a and Figure 6b Different views of alternative embodiments of a seal 1' according to the invention with an oval fluid passage opening 3' are shown; the seals 1 and 1' are curved in order to be able to form a sealing contact between the cylindrical side faces 5, 7 of the cylindrical rotary slide 9 and the housing 11. These embodiments of the seals 1, 1' may be referred to as lateral embodiments. Figure 7a and Figure 7b Different views of alternative embodiments of a seal 1" having three fluid channel openings 3" with a disc-shaped cross-sectional shape are shown. The seal 1" is designed to form a sealing contact between the disc-shaped end faces 5', 7' of the disc-shaped rotating slider 9" and the cylindrical housing 11". These embodiments of the seal 1" may be referred to as end face embodiments. Each of the seals 1, 1', 1" shown has at least one pressure chamber 13, 13', 13", respectively, which extends around the corresponding fluid channel openings 3, 3', 3". The seal 1" correspondingly has three pressure chambers 13", which extend around one of the three fluid channel openings 3", respectively. Each of the seals 1, 1', 1" also has a plurality of connecting channels 15, 15', 15", which are used to fill the corresponding pressure chambers 13, 13', 13" with fluid.

[0076] The respective fluid channel openings 3, 3', 3" define a flow direction D, along which the fluid can flow through the seal in the assembled state of the rotary slide being opened. The flow direction D is a direction extending parallel to the normal of the respective fluid channel opening. In the embodiments 1, 1' with curved fluid channel openings, in order to determine the normal, the fluid channel openings 3, 3' are assumed to be uncurved surfaces, that is, in Figure 1a to Figure 1c The middle is circular, Figure 6a and Figure 6b In order to determine the geometry of the seal, the axis which is located at the geometric center of the respective fluid channel opening 3, 3', 3" and extends parallel to the throughflow direction is referred to below as the center axis A. If the circumferential direction U or the radial direction R is mentioned below, these directions are related to the center axis A.

[0077] The corresponding connecting channels 15, 15', 15" of the seals 1, 1', 1" extend completely around the fluid channel openings 3, 3', 3" in the circumferential direction U. In the illustrated embodiment, the geometric shapes of the pressure chambers 13, 13', 13" respectively match the geometric shapes of the corresponding fluid channel openings 3, 3', 3". Accordingly, the seal 1 has an annular pressure chamber 13. The seal 1' has an elliptical pressure chamber 13'. Each pressure chamber 13" of the seal 1" has the shape of an outer contour of the disc-shaped cross-section of the fluid channel opening 3". In all the illustrated embodiments, the pressure chambers 13, 13' and 13" are formed as grooves formed in the sealing material of the corresponding seals 1, 1', 1". In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves are tapered. In particular, the grooves are tapered in the axial direction A. In particular, these grooves taper in the axial direction A toward the side of the respective seal 1, 1', 1" facing the rotary slide. In the preferred embodiment shown, the grooves are formed in a V-shape, in particular in the direction of the side of the respective seal 1, 1', 1" facing the rotary slide. Furthermore, in this case, the pressure chambers 13, 13', 13" are formed in the respective seals 1, 1', 1" in such a way that the pressure chambers are open on one side, in particular on the side of the directional control valve facing the housing 11. In particular, the pressure chambers 13, 13', 13" are respectively bounded by an inner limb 17, 17', 17" facing the corresponding fluid channel openings 3, 3', 3" and an outer limb 19, 19', 19" facing away from the fluid channel openings 3, 3' and 3". As shown in the figure, the inner limbs 17, 17', 17" and the outer limbs 19, 19', 19" preferably extend toward each other, in particular in the axial direction A, in particular in the direction of the side of the seal 1, 1', 1" facing the rotating slide, in particular in a V-shape. On the side of the seal 1, 1', 1" facing the housing 11, 11", the inner limbs 17, 17', 17" and the outer limbs 19, 19', 19" are spaced apart from each other in the radial direction R. In the preferred embodiment shown, the inner limbs 17, 17', 17" and the outer limbs 19, 19', 19" are spaced apart from each other along the entire path of the pressure chamber 13, 13', 13" on the side facing the housing. In particular, the inner limbs 17, 17', 17" and the outer limbs 19, 19', 19" extend completely around the fluid channel openings 3, 3', 3" and the pressure chambers 13, 13', 13" in the circumferential direction U. In addition, the outer limbs 19, 19', 19" extend completely around the pressure chambers 13, 13', 13" in the circumferential direction U. Due to the distance between the corresponding inner limbs 17, 17', 17" and the outer limbs 19, 19', 19" in the radial direction R, a circumferential opening of the pressure chamber 13, 13', 13" is defined, which opening is particularly annular in the case of the seal 1, elliptical in the case of the seal 1', and disc-shaped in the case of the seal 1".In the assembled state of the corresponding seal 1, 1', 1", the opening is closed by the housing 11, 11" of the rotary slide. Therefore, the corresponding pressure chamber 13, 13', 13" is completely closed by the sealing material and the housing in the assembled state except for the corresponding communication channel.

[0078] Figure 2d Shown according to Figure 2a to Figure 2f The seal 1 in sealing contact with the rotating slide 9 and the housing 11 of the directional control valve 21 is Figure 2c sectional view of area A. As can be seen in the figure, in order to form a sealed contact, the inner limb 17 has an outer sealing surface 23 facing the housing 11 and an inner sealing surface 25 facing the rotating slider. The outer sealing surface 23 and the inner sealing surface 25 extend around the fluid channel opening 3 in the circumferential direction U. In the case of the seal 1, the inner sealing surface 25 and the outer sealing surface 23 extend annularly around the fluid channel opening 3. In the case of the seal 1', the corresponding inner sealing surface 25 and the outer sealing surface 23 extend around the fluid channel opening 3' along an elliptical contour. In the case of the seal 1", the corresponding inner sealing surface 25 and the outer sealing surface 23 extend around the corresponding fluid channel opening 3" in a disc-shaped cross-sectional shape. In particular, from Figure 2d As can be seen from the overlapping area 27 in the figure, the seal 1 has an excessive size in the axial direction A relative to the distance between the rotating slider 9 and the housing 11, in particular the distance between the side 5 of the rotating slider 9 and the side 7 of the housing 11. As a result, the seal 1 is compressed in the assembled state, in particular in the axial direction A. This generates a contact force, which generates a sealing contact in particular in the area of ​​the sealing surfaces 23 and 25. In order to strengthen this sealing contact, as described above, the seal 1, 1', 1" according to the present invention has a connecting channel 15 through which the pressure chambers 13, 13', 13" can be filled with fluid. Therefore, the fluid can flow from the intermediate space 31 between the rotating slider 9 and the housing 11 via the connecting channel 15 into the pressure chamber 13. The dotted line 33 schematically shows an exemplary flow distribution (auxiliary flow) of the fluid entering the pressure chamber 13 from the intermediate space 31. In Figure 2dAs can be seen from the cross section in FIG. 1 , the fluid channel opening 3 is in a closed position in the operating state shown. It is characterized in that the blocking portion 35 of the rotating slide 9 forms a surrounding sealing contact with the inner sealing surface 25, and the outer sealing surface 23 forms a surrounding sealing contact with the side 7 of the housing 11. Through these two surrounding sealing contacts, the fluid is prevented from flowing into the intermediate space 31 from the fluid pipeline connected to the fluid channel opening 3. By filling the housing 11, in particular the intermediate space 31, for example, through one of the other fluid pipelines of the directional control valve, it can be ensured that the fluid pressure present in the pressure chamber 13 is higher than the fluid pressure present on the side of the inner limb 17 facing the fluid channel opening 3. An overpressure is thereby generated in the pressure chamber, which can cause the pressure chamber to expand. Therefore, the contact force, in particular the contact force relative to the surrounding sealing surfaces 23 and 25, can be increased, which increases the sealing contact and the sealing of the seal or the directional control valve. A self-reinforcing, fluid-force-assisted seal is thus provided.

[0079] like Figure 2d As shown, the communication channel 15 is connected to the pressure chamber 13 via the outer limb 19. In the assembled state, the communication channel 15 is completely closed by the sealing material of the seal 1 and the cylindrical side 7 of the housing 11, except for the communication openings with the pressure chamber 13 and the intermediate space 31. In this case, the communication channel 15 is formed by a groove, in particular a V-shaped groove, in the sealing material of the seal 1, which in the assembled state is closed by the housing 11, in particular the cylindrical side 7 of the housing 11 to form a channel. In an alternative embodiment, at least one communication channel can also be formed as a hole, for example through the outer limb 19.

[0080] The seal 1, 1', 1" has a foot 37, 37', 37". to be placed on the housing 11. The foot 37, 37', 37" is preferably arranged on the outside of the pressure chamber 13 in the radial direction R, preferably on the outside of the outer limb 19, 19', 19". The foot 37, 37', 37" can in particular be adjacent to the end of the seal 1, 1', 1" facing the housing 11 on the outside of the radial direction R and preferably extend from there in the radial direction R. The foot 37, 37', 37" can extend completely around the fluid channel opening 3, 3' in the circumferential direction U. In particular, the foot 37, 37' can extend completely around the pressure chamber 13, 13' and the outer limb 19, 19' in the circumferential direction U. In this case, the foot 37, 37' can be of curved form so as to be able to rest against the cylindrical side 7 of the housing 11. The foot can have a square outer contour with rounded corners. In particular, the foot can have a rectangular outer contour with rounded edges, as in the case of the seals 1 and 1'. In particular, the foot can have a square outer contour with rounded edges, as in the case of the seal 1, or a rectangular outer contour, as in the case of the seal 1'. As such, a rectangular outer contour with rounded edges of different edge lengths is provided. Alternatively, as in the case of the seal 1", the foot 37" can have an annular shape, which extends in sections around the individual fluid channel openings 3" and completely around the arrangement of multiple fluid channel openings 3". Furthermore, in embodiments with multiple fluid channel openings 3", in addition to the outer contour 39, the foot 37" can also have webs 41 extending toward the center point of the seal 1", which in particular separate the individual fluid channel openings 3" from each other in the circumferential direction (relative to the center point M). Connecting channels 43 connecting the pressure chambers 13" to each other can be provided in the webs 41. Thus, fluid exchange between the pressure chambers 13" of different fluid channel openings 3" can be ensured.

[0081] Preferably, the connecting channels 15, 15', 15" are formed in the feet 37, 37', 37", in particular in the form of grooves in the corresponding feet 37, 37', 37". In this case, preferably, the connecting channels are formed as V-shaped grooves. In the assembled state, the connecting channels 15, 15', 15" can extend between the feet 37, 37', 37" and the shell 11, in particular, be closed by the shell and the corresponding feet.

[0082] Preferably, the seal 1 has a plurality of connecting channels 15, 15', 15", which are arranged offset from each other, in particular in the circumferential direction U around the fluid channel openings 3, 3', 3", in particular around the pressure chambers 13, 13', 13", and / or the outer limbs 19, 19', 19".

[0083] Preferably, the connecting channels 15, 15', 15" extend from the outside to the inside in a radial direction through the corresponding feet 37, 37', 37" into the corresponding pressure chambers 13, 13', 13". Preferably, the corresponding feet 37, 37', 37" have an effective surface 45 facing the rotating slider 9, through which the fluid pressure in the filled housing presses the feet against the housing so as to provide a contact pressure between the feet 37, 37', 37" and the housing 11 to offset the relative movement between the seals 1, 1', 1" and the housing 11. In addition, the feet 37, 37', 37" preferably have a supporting surface 47 on the side facing the housing.

[0084] Preferably, the supporting surface 47, 47', 47" is interrupted by the above-mentioned connecting channel 15, 15', 15", in particular in the case of an embodiment in which the connecting channel is a groove in the corresponding foot 37, 37', 37". Apart from being interrupted by the connecting channel 15, 15', 15", the supporting surface 47, 47', 47" preferably corresponds essentially to the effective surface 45, 45', 45". Essentially should be understood here as a deviation of, in particular, at most 20%, 15% or 10%. In addition, taking into account the interruption of the supporting surface 47, 47', 47" by the connecting channel 15, 15', 15", the supporting surface is preferably at least 40%, 50% or 60% and / or at most 90%, 80% or 70% of the effective surface 45, 45', 45".

[0085] A plurality of support ribs 49, 49', 49" are respectively arranged in each pressure chamber 13, 13', 13" of the seal 1, 1', 1". The support ribs 49, 49', 49" divide the corresponding pressure chamber 13, 13', 13" into chamber parts 51, 51', 51", between which fluid exchange can preferably take place. For this purpose, the support ribs 49, 49', 49" preferably do not extend completely in the axial direction to the end of the above-mentioned limb facing the shell, so as to form a flow cross section between the corresponding support rib 49 and the shell 11, in particular the cylindrical side 7 of the shell 11. The support ribs 49, 49', 49" preferably extend in the radial direction between the above-mentioned inner limbs 17, 17', 17" and the outer limbs 19, 19', 19". In particular, the supporting ribs 49 , 49 ′, 49 ″ are preferably distributed in the circumferential direction U, in particular are arranged at equidistant distances around the fluid channel opening 3 , 3 ′, 3 ″, and are spaced apart from one another in the respective pressure chamber 13 , 13 ′, 13 ″.

[0086] Figure 2a to Figure 2fDifferent views of an embodiment of a four-way valve 21 for regulating the flow of a fluid such as a coolant are shown. The four-way valve 21 includes a housing 11 having four fluid channel openings 53, 55. The housing is cylindrical. Three fluid channel openings 53 are attached to the housing of the housing. The three fluid channel openings 53 introduced into the housing are arranged offset relative to each other in the circumferential direction U (relative to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical housing), and are particularly arranged to be offset 120° relative to each other. The fluid channel openings 53 are introduced into the housing of the housing 11 as circular cutouts. The fourth fluid channel opening 55 of the housing 11 is formed on the end side of the housing 11. The fluid channel opening 55 is also circular in form. The four-way valve 21 also has fluid lines 57, 59 connected to each of the fluid channel openings 53, 55, respectively. The fluid lines 57, 59 are both hollow cylindrical. The fluid line 57 is adjacent to the fluid channel opening 53. The fluid line 59 is adjacent to the fluid channel opening 55. The fluid lines 57 are arranged offset from each other in the circumferential direction (relative to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical housing 11), in particular, equidistant from each other. In particular, the fluid lines are arranged in a star shape relative to each other. The fluid line 59 is arranged offset relative to the fluid line 57 in the axial direction (parallel to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical housing 11).

[0087] The four-way valve 21 also has a rotating slider 9 arranged in the housing 11. The rotating slider 9 is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the rotating slider 9 is smaller than the inner diameter of the housing 11, so there is a movement gap between the rotating slider 9 and the housing 11. Figure 1a-Figure 1c As shown, the seal 1 is arranged between the rotating slide 9 and the fluid pipeline 57, and is in sealing contact with the rotating slide 9 and the housing 11. Here, the seal 1 extends around one of the three fluid channel openings 53. Here, the fluid channel openings 53 of the seal 1 are aligned with the fluid channel openings 53 in the housing 11.

[0088] The rotary slider 9 is rotatably arranged in the housing 11. The rotary slider 9 has a drive journal 61, through which the rotary slider can be adjusted via a drive, in particular via a motor (such as an electric motor). The rotary slider 9 has a fluid channel opening 63 on its side facing the fluid channel opening 55, which is aligned with the fluid channel opening 55 of the housing. The fluid channel opening 63 is coaxially arranged relative to the rotation axis 65 of the rotary slider 9. In particular, the fluid channel opening 63 is in the form of a circle and is coaxially arranged relative to the fluid channel opening 55 in the housing. For the rotary slider 9 shown, the fluid channel opening 63 is always actively switched, in particular in such a way that, regardless of the position of the rotary slider, the fluid exchange between the rotary slider 9 and the fluid pipeline 59 is always allowed. The rotary slider 9 also has a second fluid channel opening 67, which is formed in the housing of the rotary slider 9. The fluid channel opening 67 is connected to the fluid channel opening 63, and as a result, the fluid entering the rotary slider via the fluid channel opening 63 can leave the rotary slider via the fluid channel opening 67. In other words, the rotary slide 9 is designed so that the fluid can enter the rotary slide through its end side and leave through the opening in the housing, and vice versa. Figure 2c , Figure 2e and Figure 2f As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the fluid passage opening 67 has a larger design than the fluid passage opening 53 of the housing 11 and the fluid lines 57. As a result, the fluid line 59 for the main flow can be connected to one of the fluid lines 57 and at the same time an auxiliary flow from one of the fluid lines 57 or 59 can be allowed to pass through the intermediate space 31 between the rotating slide 9 and the housing 11 (see Figure 2c and Figure 2f ). In addition, the fluid channel opening 67 in the present exemplary embodiment has such a large design that two fluid lines 57 can be connected to the fluid line 59 at the same time. Thus, for example, a fluid flow from two lines can be directed into one line, or a fluid flow from one line can be divided into two lines. For this purpose, in this case, the fluid channel opening 67 is designed to be larger in the circumferential direction (relative to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical rotary slide) than the distance between the two fluid lines 57 in the circumferential direction relative to each other. The directional control valve 21 is correspondingly designed to fill the housing 11, in particular the intermediate space 31 between the housing 11 and the rotary slide 9.

[0089] Figure 3a and Figure 3b The three-way valve 21 is shown iv Three-way valve 21 iv It is very similar to the four-way valve 21, so the differences will be discussed in detail below. ivThere are three fluid lines 57, which are connected to the fluid channel openings 53 formed in the cylindrical housing 11. The fluid lines 57 are offset from each other by 90° in the circumferential direction (relative to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical housing 11). The seal 1 according to the present invention is arranged at two fluid channel openings 53 between the housing 11 and the rotating slider 9, in particular, at the fluid channel openings 53 that are aligned with each other. The third fluid channel opening 59 is designed to be unsealed. Therefore, regardless of the position of the rotating slider 9, the fluid can flow into the intermediate space between the rotating slider 9 and the housing 11 through the fluid line 59, thereby allowing the auxiliary fluid flow to fill the pressure chambers 13, 13', 13". A fluid channel opening is formed in the rotating slider 9, and the fluid channel opening extends into the rotating slider 9 by about 90° in the circumferential direction relative to the outer shell of the rotating slider 9. In particular, the fluid channel opening 67 of the rotating slider 11 is designed in the form of a circular arc segment in the axial direction (relative to the rotation axis of the rotating slider 9).

[0090] Figure 4a and Figure 4b An alternative embodiment of a four-way valve v is shown, which has four fluid channel openings 53 arranged offset relative to each other in the circumferential direction (relative to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical housing 11) and fluid lines 59 connected to these fluid channel openings. The fluid lines 59 are aligned with the fluid channel openings 53 of the housing, respectively. The fluid channel openings 53 are offset from each other by 90° in the circumferential direction. The rotating slider 9 itself has two fluid channel openings 67, which extend more than 90° in the circumferential direction relative to the housing of the rotating slider 9, respectively. As a result, two pairs of fluid lines 59 can be connected to each other independently of each other. A seal 1 is arranged at each fluid channel opening 53 between the rotating slider 9 and the housing 11.

[0091] Figure 5a-5c An exemplary embodiment of a directional valve vi is shown which has six fluid channel openings which are arranged offset relative to one another in the circumferential direction (relative to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical housing 11 ). Figure 5c An embodiment of a rotary slide 9 is shown which has six fluid channel openings 53 which are arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction (relative to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical rotary slide 9), in particular equidistant from one another, in particular formed in the housing of the cylindrical rotary slide 9. Figure 1a-Figure 1c A seal 1 is attached to each of the six fluid channel openings 53 .

[0092] Figures 8a to 8dDifferent views, sectional views and enlarged views of an embodiment of a four-way valve are shown, in which four fluid lines 57", 59" are connected to the housing 11. The three fluid lines 57 are adjacent to the cylindrical housing 11 via the end side. For this purpose, three fluid channel openings 55' are provided on the end side, which are respectively arranged offset from each other in the circumferential direction (relative to the axis of symmetry of the cylindrical housing 11), in particular, offset from each other by 120°. The disc-shaped rotating slider 9" is arranged to close and open the fluid channel opening 55". A fluid channel opening 67" is provided in the disc-shaped rotating slider 9", which can be arranged aligned with the fluid channel opening 55" so that the fluid channel opening 55" is exposed by adjusting the rotating slider 9". In order to block the fluid channel opening 55", the rotating slider 9" has a blocking portion 35". The housing also has a fluid passage opening 53", which is formed in the outer shell of the housing 11" and is connected to a fluid pipeline 59". A cylindrical intermediate space is provided between the disc-shaped rotary slide 9" and the cylindrical housing 11", which can be filled with a fluid set by the directional control valve. Figure 7a and Figure 7b One or more main fluid flows between the fluid lines 57" and 59" can be connected to each other through the intermediate space 31", and one or more auxiliary fluid flows can flow into the pressure chamber 13" of the seal 1" through the corresponding connecting channel 15". The seal 1" is arranged between the end side of the disc-shaped rotating slider 9" and the housing 11".

[0093] As described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, the housing 11, 11" has a support structure 75, 75" in the connection area between the corresponding fluid channel openings 53, 55", which resists the corresponding seal 1, 1" from sliding into the fluid channel openings 53, 55". For this purpose, the support structure 75, 75" is preferably formed as an axial ring extending around the fluid channel openings 53, 55". The support structure 75" can be particularly formed as a structure protruding inwardly into the housing relative to the surface of the housing 11, 11" that is in sealing contact with the seal 1, 1", particularly an annular structure.

[0094] In addition to the above-mentioned support structures (also referred to as internal support structures 75, 75"), the directional control valve preferably also has external support structures 77, 79, 81. For example, Figure 2d It can be seen that the external support structure 77 can be designed as a recess 77 formed in the housing 11, into which the feet 37, 37', 37" of the seal 1 protrude. Therefore, in particular, it can be ensured that the expansion caused by the overpressure formed in the pressure chamber 13 does not lead to an expansion of the inner limb 17 and the outer limb 19, but leads to an expansion of the pressure chamber 13 in the axial direction A, which strengthens the sealing contact, in particular in the area of ​​the sealing surfaces 23, 25. Figure 8dAn alternative embodiment of the outer support structure 79, 81 is shown. In this case, a recess formed in the side surface 79 of the housing on the one hand and a pin 81 of the rotary slide on the other hand can serve as the outer stop 79, 81.

[0095] Figure 9a and Figure 9b Another exemplary embodiment of a seal 1 ″ according to the present invention is shown. The seal 1 ″ and Figure 1a to Figure 1c The difference between the seal 1 in the embodiment of the present invention is that, on the side of the seal 1" facing the housing, the inner limb 17"' is longer than the outer limb 19"'. An annular groove ( Figure 9a and Figure 9b (not shown), in the installed state of the seal 1'', the inner limb 17'' is accommodated in the annular groove in a precisely fitting manner. The inner limb 17'' can be accommodated in the groove by the "tongue and groove" principle. In this embodiment, the seal 1'' can provide improved sealing in both directions of pressure action.

[0096] The features disclosed in the preceding description, the drawings and the claims can be essential for implementing the invention in the various configurations, both individually and in any desired combination.

[0097] List of reference numerals:

[0098] 1, 1', 1", 1"' seals

[0099] 3, 3', 3", 3"' fluid channel openings

[0100] 5 Rotate the slider sideways

[0101] 7 Side of the housing

[0102] 9, 9” rotating slide

[0103] 11, 11” housing

[0104] 13, 13', 13", 13"' pressure chamber

[0105] 15, 15', 15", 15"' connecting channel

[0106] 17, 17', 17", 17"' inner limb

[0107] 19, 19', 19", 19'' External limbs

[0108] 21, 21', 21", 21"' Directional Control Valves

[0109] 23 External sealing surface

[0110] 25 Inner sealing surface

[0111] 27 Overlapping Area

[0112] 31, 31” Intermediate Space

[0113] 33 Auxiliary fluid flow

[0114] 35, 35', 35" blocking section

[0115] 37, 37', 37", 37"' feet

[0116] 39 Outer contour

[0117] 41 belly plate

[0118] 43 Connecting Channel

[0119] 45, 45', 45" effective surface

[0120] 47, 47', 47" bearing surface

[0121] 49, 49', 49", 49"' support ribs

[0122] 51, 51', 51", 51"' room part

[0123] 53, 53” fluid channel opening

[0124] 55, 55” fluid channel opening

[0125] 57, 57” fluid lines

[0126] 59, 59” fluid lines

[0127] 61 Drive journal

[0128] 63 Fluid channel opening

[0129] 65 Rotation axis of the rotary slide

[0130] 67, 67” fluid passage opening

[0131] 75, 75” internal support structure

[0132] 77 External support structure

[0133] 79 Side / external support structure of the shell

[0134] 81 Pins / External Support Structure

[0135] D Flow direction

[0136] A Central axis

[0137] U Circumferential direction

[0138] R Radial direction.

Claims

1. A seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") for a directional control valve (21) for regulating the flow of a fluid such as a coolant, the seal being used to form a sealing contact with a housing (11, 11") of the directional control valve and a rotating slide (9, 9") arranged in the housing (11, 11"), characterized in that: The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") has a pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13'") and at least one communication channel (15, 15', 15", 15'") for filling the pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13'") with a fluid.

2. The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 1, characterized in that The pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13'") extends around the fluid passage opening of the sealing element (1, 1', 1", 1'"), in particular along the outer contour of the fluid passage opening.

3. The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 2, characterized in that The pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13'") is delimited by an inner limb (17, 17', 17", 17'") facing the fluid passage opening and an outer limb (19, 19', 19", 19'") facing away from the fluid passage opening.

4. The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 3, characterized in that The at least one communication channel (15, 15', 15", 15'") is connected to the pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13'") via the outer limb (19, 19', 19", 19'").

5. The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that In order to form the sealing contact, the inner limb (17, 17', 17", 17'") has an outer sealing surface (23) facing the housing (11, 11") and an inner sealing surface (25) facing the rotating slider (9, 9"), wherein the inner sealing surface (25) and / or the outer sealing surface (23) preferably extend around the fluid channel opening.

6. The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13'") tapers from a side of the seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") facing the housing (11, 11") toward a side of the seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") facing the rotary slide (9, 9"), in particular in a V-shape.

7. The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In order to form the sealing contact, the seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") has an outer sealing surface (23) facing the housing (11, 11") and an inner sealing surface (25) facing the rotating slide (9, 9"), and the outer sealing surface and the inner sealing surface are formed of the same material.

8. The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") has a foot (37, 37') to be placed on the housing (11, 11"), the foot having an effective surface facing the rotating slider (9, 9"), and when the housing (11, 11") is filled with fluid, the fluid pressure presses the foot (37, 37') against the housing (11, 11") through the effective surface, so as to generate a contact pressure between the foot (37, 37') and the housing (11, 11") to resist the relative movement between the seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") and the housing (11, 11").

9. The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to claim 8, characterized in that In the assembled state, the at least one connecting channel (15, 15', 15", 15'") extends between the foot (37, 37') and the shell (11, 11"), and / or the foot (37, 37') is adjacent to the outer limb (19, 19', 19", 19'") according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

10. The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The seal (1, 1', 1", 1"') has at least one supporting rib (49, 49', 49", 49"'), which is arranged in the pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13"'), in particular for stabilizing the pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13"') against the pressure acting on the pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13"') from outside the pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13"'), preferably, wherein the at least one supporting rib (49, 49', 49", 49"') extends between an inner limb (17, 17', 17", 17"') and an outer limb (19, 19', 19", 19"') according to any one of claims 3 to 5.

11. The seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The at least one communication channel (15, 15', 15", 15'") is designed to fluidically connect the pressure chamber (13, 13', 13", 13'") to an intermediate space (31, 31") between the housing (11, 11") and the rotary slide (9, 9") 12. A directional control valve (21) for regulating the flow of a fluid such as a coolant, comprising: - a housing (11, 11") having a fluid passage opening, - a fluid line connected to said fluid channel opening, - a rotating slide (9, 9") arranged in the housing (11, 11"), and - A seal (1, 1', 1", 1'") according to any one of the preceding claims, which is in sealing contact with the housing (11, 11") and the rotary slide (9, 9") and surrounds the fluid channel opening.

13. A directional control valve (21) for regulating the flow of a fluid such as a coolant, in particular a directional control valve according to claim 12, comprising: - a housing (11, 11") having a fluid passage opening, - a fluid line connected to said fluid channel opening, - a rotating slide (9, 9") arranged in the housing (11, 11"), and a sealing member (1, 1', 1", 1'") which is in sealing contact with the housing (11, 11") and the rotary slide (9, 9") and surrounds the fluid channel opening, Features - a supporting structure (75, 75") arranged in the connection area between the fluid passage opening and the fluid line, said supporting structure counteracting the sealing element (1, 1', 1", 1'") from sliding into the fluid passage opening.

14. The directional control valve (21) according to claim 13, characterized in that The support structure (75, 75") extends around the fluid channel opening in the form of an axial ring, in particular wherein the seal (1, 1', 1", 1"'), in particular the inner limb (17, 17', 17", 17"') according to any one of claims 3 to 5, rests against the support structure (75, 75").

15. The directional control valve (21) according to claim 12 or 14, characterized in that: The end of the seal (1, 1', 1", 1") facing away from the fluid channel opening, in particular the outer limb (19, 19', 19", 19"') according to any one of claims 3 to 5 or the foot (37, 37") according to any one of claims 8 to 9, is supported on an external supporting structure (77, 79, 81).

16. The directional control valve (21) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that The directional control valve is designed to fill the housing (11, 11"), in particular to fill the intermediate space (31, 31") between the housing (11, 11") and the directional control valve (21).

17. The directional control valve (21) according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that The rotary slider (9, 9") has at least one fluid passage opening, through which fluid can flow into and out of the rotary slider (9, 9"), wherein the fluid passage opening of the rotary slider (9, 9") is larger than the fluid passage opening of the housing (11, 11") and / or the seal (1, 1', 1", 1'").

18. A motor vehicle fluid flow guiding system, in particular a motor vehicle thermal management fluid guiding system, such as a motor vehicle cooling circuit, comprising a directional control valve (21) designed according to any one of claims 12 to 17, and a line system optionally connected to the directional control valve (21).

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