Control valve for heat treatment circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to a control valve (1) for the fluid circulation of a vehicle heat treatment circuit, comprising a first connecting element (2) and a second connecting element (3) mechanically interacting with the first connecting element (2), both defining an internal volume (9), characterized in that the first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3) are connected to the first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3). The control valve (1) further comprises a duct (8) formed by the internal volume (9) of the first connection element (2) and the internal volume (9) of the second connection element (3), and a control device (10) at least partially integrated within the duct (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of heat treatment circuits, and more particularly to a fluid control valve that circulates within such a heat treatment circuit. Background Art

[0002] For example, the heat treatment circuit in a motor vehicle ensures the circulation of a fluid, which performs heat treatment on components through heat exchange. Thus, elements capable of dissipating heat can be cooled by the fluid. Such a fluid can be a refrigeration fluid of the R134a or R1234yf type, or a heat exchange fluid such as an aqueous solution of ethylene glycol.

[0003] The heat treatment circuit generally includes multiple branches, so it is very important to control the fluid circulation within these branches. For example, it can be controlled by a control valve that can allow or block the fluid circulation. The control of the fluid circulation can be carried out particularly by a control device that allows the fluid to circulate in a single circulation direction and prevents the fluid from circulating in the opposite direction. Therefore, this control device can prevent the circulating fluid from flowing back, because such a backflow may disrupt the thermal balance of the heat treatment circuit.

[0004] This type of control valve generally includes a housing, and there are two connection elements on each side of the housing. These connection elements are mounted on the housing to mechanically and fluidly connect the control valve to the circuit. The housing is dimensioned to accommodate the control device, and the displacement of the control device controls the fluid circulation within the housing. These control valves function properly and effectively, but the housing requires a large mechanical space, which increases the installation limitations of these heat treatment circuits, and the basic structure of these circuits is already difficult to implement itself. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention reduces the mechanical space requirements of a control valve by providing a control valve for fluid circulation in a vehicle heat treatment circuit. The control valve includes a first connection element and a second connection element that mechanically interacts with the first connection element, and both the first connection element and the second connection element define an internal volume. Characteristically, the control valve further includes a conduit formed by the internal volume of the first connection element and the internal volume of the second connection element, and a control device that is at least partially integrated within the conduit.

[0006] Therefore, the volume of the control valve is greatly reduced because the control device is accommodated by the connection elements themselves, which eliminates the housing provided between the connection elements in the prior art.

[0007] The first connection element and the second connection element allow mechanical and fluid connection of two parts of the heat treatment circuit. Thus, as long as the control device permits, the fluid can flow from one connection element through their respective internal volumes to the other connection element.

[0008] When the connecting elements act mechanically on each other, the conduit is formed. Each internal volume forms part of the conduit. When the connecting elements are mechanically connected, their respective internal volumes are opposite to each other, thus forming a complete conduit.

[0009] Therefore, integrating the control device at least partially into the connecting element greatly limits the mechanical space requirements of the control valve.

[0010] According to a feature of the present invention, the control device is integrally provided within the conduit. In other words, the control device can be fully integrated within the internal volume of the first connecting element, or fully integrated within the internal volume of the second connecting element, or fully integrated within the overall internal volume that combines the internal volumes of each connecting element.

[0011] According to a feature of the present invention, the control device includes a piston / spring assembly configured to block one circulation direction of the fluid circulating in the conduit. In other words, the control device forms a check device that only allows the fluid to pass through the control valve in one circulation direction.

[0012] The piston / spring assembly includes a piston and a spring. The piston is capable of moving between a first position and a second position in a direction parallel to the main circulation direction of the fluid in the conduit.

[0013] When the piston is in the first position, the control device is closed, preventing any fluid from circulating through it. When the piston is in the second position, the control device is open and allows fluid to flow.

[0014] The spring is mounted around the piston and has a restoring force that keeps the piston in the first position. In other words, in the absence of any external pressure on the control device, the spring is fully relaxed, thus closing the control device.

[0015] When the piston moves from the first position to the second position, it lifts the valve of the control device. After the valve is lifted, a passage is opened through which the fluid can circulate and thus pass through the control device.

[0016] Under the condition that the fluid circulation direction is the direction allowed by the control device, the piston can be displaced by the pressure exerted by the fluid circulation on the piston. The pressure exerted by the fluid on the piston causes the fluid to push the piston and compress the spring. Therefore, the valve is lifted, the control device is opened, and fluid flow is allowed. If the pressure exerted by the fluid on the piston stops, the spring relaxes, causing the piston to return to the first position, thus closing the control device.

[0017] According to a feature of the present invention, the first connecting element and the second connecting element include fixing means which ensure the relative positioning of the internal volumes of the first connecting element and the second connecting element. Each connecting element includes a plate which forms the body of the connecting element and defines therein an internal volume belonging to the connecting element. The plate has a protruding radial portion, and the fixing means associated with the connecting element are arranged on the radial portion.

[0018] When the connecting elements are placed against each other to form a control valve, the plate of each connecting element extends so as to face the other plate.

[0019] The fixing means are configured to allow one connecting element to be fixed to the other connecting element and to allow the formation of a mechanical connection, thereby completing the formation of a conduit between the two connecting elements. The fixing means can for example be constituted by a screw / nut assembly. The screw projects from the body of the plate of the first connecting element so as to pass through an opening formed in the body of the plate of the second connecting element. Then the nut is screwed onto the thread of the screw so as to press the two bodies of the plates against each other.

[0020] According to a feature of the present invention, the first connecting element and the second connecting element include an inner wall which at least partially defines an internal volume, and the control means include an outer wall which is arranged opposite at least one inner wall of the first connecting element or the second connecting element. The control means and the internal volume of each connecting element are preferably cylindrical with a circular cross-section. Thus, the control means can be more easily arranged within one or the other internal volume.

[0021] The cylindrical diameter of the control means is significantly smaller than the diameter of the internal volume so as to be able to be installed therein. After assembly is completed, the outer wall of the control means faces or is substantially in direct contact with the inner wall of the conduit, that is to say, opposite or in contact with the inner wall of the internal volume of at least one connecting element.

[0022] According to a feature of the present invention, the control means include at least one seal extending along the outer wall, which seal is in direct contact with at least the inner wall of the first connecting element or the second connecting element. For example, the seal can be an annular gasket extending around a part of the outer wall of the control means. For example, the outer wall can include a groove formed for receiving the seal.

[0023] Thus, the seal is interposed between the outer wall of the control means and the inner wall of one of the connecting elements. The seal prevents fluid from circulating and entering between the control means and the inner wall of one of the connecting elements. Thus, the fluid can only circulate within the control valve through the control means.

[0024] If the control device is only arranged within the internal volume of one of the connecting elements and the control device includes a plurality of seals, these seal groups are inserted between the control device and the inner wall of the connecting element that only houses the control device. It is advantageous to provide a plurality of seals because if there are a plurality of seals, the sealing effect will be enhanced and guaranteed.

[0025] If the control device is partially arranged within the internal volume of a first connecting element and partially within the internal volume of a second connecting element, the control device includes at least two seals, with at least one inserted between the control device and the inner wall of the first connecting element and at least a second inserted between the control device and the inner wall of the second connecting element. In this way, each connecting element can ensure sealing. Advantageously, two seals are inserted between the control device and each inner wall of each connecting element to enhance the seal.

[0026] According to a feature of the invention, the control device includes two fluid connectors, each of which can be inserted into the internal volume of each connecting element by a form-fitting connection. This is the first embodiment of the control valve according to the invention. Each fluid connector is arranged at an axial end of the control device and is associated with one of the connecting elements, the diameter of which allows it to be inserted into the internal volume of the respective connecting element. It can be understood that the outer wall of the control device where the seals are located corresponds to at least one fluid connection.

[0027] In this first embodiment, the control device is partially integrated into the internal volume of each connecting element. Therefore, the control device advantageously includes at least one seal around each fluid connector of the control device.

[0028] According to a feature of the invention, the first connecting element includes an end piece that can be inserted into the internal volume of the second connecting element by a form-fitting connection. In other words, the diameter of the end piece of the first connecting element is significantly smaller than the diameter of the inner wall of the second connecting element. This allows the first connecting element to be partially inserted into the second connecting element. According to a feature of the invention, the end piece includes an outer surface that is arranged opposite to the inner wall of the second connecting element, and the end piece includes at least one sealing element that extends along the outer surface and is in direct contact with the inner wall of the second connecting element. This is the second embodiment of the control valve according to the invention.

[0029] Once the end piece is inserted into the internal volume of the second connecting element, the outer surface of the end piece will be opposite to, or in substantially direct contact with, the inner wall of the second connecting element. The sealing element ensures the seal between the outer surface of the end piece and the inner wall of the second connecting element. Therefore, fluid cannot circulate by entering between the first connecting element and the second connecting element. Advantageously, the control device is also provided with seals to enhance the seal.

[0030] According to a feature of the present invention, the control device is engaged between the second connecting element and the end piece. Advantageously, the diameter of the end piece is the same as or substantially the same as the diameter of the control device. During insertion, the end piece also pushes the control device into the internal volume of the second connecting element. Thus, a seal is achieved between the control device and the inner wall of the second connecting element through the seal, and at the same time, a seal is achieved between the end piece and the inner wall of the second connecting element through the seal.

[0031] According to a feature of the present invention, the first connecting element and / or the second connecting element includes at least one conduit portion configured to mechanically and fluidly connect the control valve to the heat treatment circuit. The conduit portion of one of the connecting elements corresponds to the opposite end of the end opposite to the other connecting element. The conduit portion has connecting means for any type of element (e.g., a pipe, a heat exchanger, an expansion member, or any other element provided with a control valve in the heat treatment circuit). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent on the one hand from the following description and on the other hand from a plurality of exemplary embodiments, which are given by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 An overall view of a first embodiment of a control valve according to the present invention is shown,

[0034] Figure 2 An exploded view of the first embodiment of the control valve is shown,

[0035] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the control valve is shown,

[0036] Figure 4 An overall view of a second embodiment of a control valve is shown,

[0037] Figure 5 An exploded view of the second embodiment of the control valve is shown,

[0038] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the control valve is shown,

[0039] Figure 7 The control device of the control valve configured in the first position is shown.

[0040] Figure 8 The control device of the control valve configured in the second position is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Figure 1Shows an overall view of the control valve 1 according to the present invention. The control valve 1 is for example suitable for integration in a heat treatment circuit of a motor vehicle.

[0042] The control valve 1 includes a first connecting element 2 and a second connecting element 3, which are mechanically connected to each other by a fixing device 4.

[0043] Both the first connecting element 2 and the second connecting element 3 include a plate 6 and a conduit portion 7. The connecting elements 2, 3 are in contact with each other through their respective plates 6, and these plates 6 are pressed against each other. The fixing device 4 is located in the radially protruding area of the plates 6 of each connecting element 2, 3, and is configured to mechanically ensure that these plates fit together.

[0044] The conduit portions 7 of each connecting element 2, 3 extend in a manner opposite to each other. Each conduit portion 7 can contribute to the mechanical and fluid connection with another element of the heat treatment circuit in which the control valve 1 is integrated.

[0045] Once the first connecting element 2 and the second connecting element 3 are mechanically assembled with each other, a conduit 8 is formed. The conduit 8 is defined by the combination of the two connecting elements 2, 3 and is bounded by their respective internal volumes 9. The internal volume 9 of each connecting element 2, 3 is more specifically defined by a groove that continuously extends between the plate 6 and the conduit portion 7 of each connecting element 2, 3.

[0046] As will be obvious hereinafter, the control valve 1 includes a control device that is arranged within the conduit 8, that is, within the internal volume 9 of the first connecting element 2 and / or the internal volume 9 of the second connecting element 3.

[0047] The control device ensures the control of the circulation of fluid through the conduit 8. Such fluid can be, for example, a refrigeration fluid that circulates in the heat treatment circuit and is configured to heat-treat the passenger compartment of the vehicle through heat exchange.

[0048] Since the control device is integrated within the connecting elements 2, 3, the compactness of the control valve 1 according to the present invention is improved.

[0049] Figure 2 Shows a first embodiment of the control valve 1 in an exploded view. Thus, Figure 2 It is possible to show the above-mentioned control device 10. From this, Figure 2 it can be observed that the plate 6 of each connecting element has an opening 11 that enables fluid to pass from one conduit portion 7 through the control valve 1 to the other conduit portion.

[0050] According to the first embodiment, the control device 10 includes two fluid connectors 12, each of which can be inserted into one of the connecting elements 2, 3. The control device 10 also has a shoulder 100, which is formed by a change in size (especially an outer diameter change) from one fluid connector to the next. This shoulder 100 is particularly advantageous for positioning the control device 10 within the connecting elements 2, 3.

[0051] The size of each fluid connector 12, especially the diameter, should be such that the fluid connector 12 can be inserted into the internal volume 9 of the connecting element 2, 3 opposite thereto. The size of the fluid connector 12 depends in particular on the diameter of the opening 11 and / or the diameter of the conduit portion 7 of the connecting element 2, 3 into which the fluid connector 12 is inserted.

[0052] Thus, the control device 10 according to the first embodiment of the control valve 1 is partially arranged within the internal volume 9 of the first control element 2 and partially within the internal volume 9 of the second connecting element 3.

[0053] The first connecting element 2 and the second connecting element 3 are in direct contact with each other such that the plates 6 of these connecting elements 2, 3 are pressed against each other, so that the fixing device 4 can be used.

[0054] For example, as Figure 2 shown, the plate 6 of the first connecting element 2 may include a screw 13, while the plate 6 of the second connecting element 3 may include an opening 14. During assembly, the screw 13 passes through the opening 14. The fixing device 4 can thus be supplemented by a nut, which is not shown in Figure 2 and which is screwed onto the screw 13 and presses the plates of the connecting elements 2, 3 against each other.

[0055] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the control valve 1 after assembly. As described above, the control device 10 is partially inserted into the internal volume 9 of each connecting element 2, 3.

[0056] More specifically, the internal volume 9 of each connecting element 2, 3 is defined by an inner wall 15. The control device 10 in turn includes an outer wall 16, which extends in the region of the fluid connectors 12.

[0057] When the control valve 1 is assembled, the outer wall 16 of the control device 10 is opposite to or in contact with the inner wall 15 of each connecting element 2, 3.

[0058] To ensure the sealing of the control valve 1, the control device 10 includes a plurality of seals 17. The seals 17 can be, for example, sealing rings made of a flexible polymer material, which extend circumferentially around the control device 10 along the outer wall 16. For this purpose, the control device 10 can include grooves 18 formed in the outer wall 16 for receiving the seals 17.

[0059] When assembling the control valve 1, the seal 17 contacts the inner wall 15 that defines the internal volume 9, thereby ensuring the sealing between the control device 10 and the connecting elements 2, 3. Therefore, the fluid circulating in the conduit 8 cannot enter between the control device and the inner wall 15 of the connecting elements 2, 3, and for the fluid to circulate within the conduit 8, it must pass through the control device 10.

[0060] Preferably, the seals 17 are distributed such that the inner wall 15 of each connecting element 2, 3 contacts at least one seal 17. Advantageously, as Figure 3 shown, the sealing between the control device 10 and each inner wall 15 of each connecting element 2, 3 is double, that is, achieved by two seals arranged axially in sequence to enhance the sealing effect.

[0061] As described above, the control device includes a shoulder 100 that abuts against one of the plates during assembly to form an axial positioning stop.

[0062] Figure 4 A general view of a second embodiment of the control valve 1 according to the present invention is shown. Similarly, the control valve includes two connecting elements 2, 3 that are fixed to each other at their plates 6 by fixing means 4. As in the first embodiment, the conduit 8 is also formed by the mechanical and fluid connection of the connecting elements 2, 3 and their internal volumes.

[0063] Figure 5 An exploded view of the second embodiment of the control valve 1 is shown, which enables the differences from the first embodiment to be observed.

[0064] This is because the first connecting element 2 of the second embodiment is provided with an end piece 19, the dimensions of which, in particular the diameter of the end piece 19, are set such that the end piece 19 can be inserted into the internal volume 9 of the second connecting element 3. Therefore, different from the first embodiment, when the connecting elements 2, 3 are pressed against each other, one of the connecting elements is at least partially arranged within the other connecting element.

[0065] As can be seen below, the control device 10 is also contained within the internal volume 9 of the second connecting element 3. In this case, the control device 10 does not have any fluid connectors.

[0066] Here, the fixing device 4 is a bolt 20 that passes through the plate 6 of the first connecting element 2. The bolt 20 can be inserted into the thread formed in the plate 6 of the second connecting element 3, which is not visible in Figure 5 . However, the type of the fixing device 4 is not specific to a certain embodiment of the control valve 1.

[0067] Regarding the structural and functional features common to the two embodiments, reference can also be made to the description in Figure 2 .

[0068] Figure 6 Fig. shows a cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the control valve 1. As described above, the end piece 19 of the first connecting element 2 is inserted into the internal volume 9 of the second connecting element 3, and the internal volume 9 is defined by the inner wall 15 of the second connecting element 3. The dimensions of the end piece 19, particularly the diameter, are set such that it can be inserted into the second connecting element 3.

[0069] The end piece 19 further includes an outer surface 21 that is in contact or substantially in contact with the inner wall 15 of the second connecting element 3. To ensure a seal between the first connecting element 2 and the second connecting element 3, the end piece 19 includes at least one sealing element 22 that extends along the outer surface 21 of the end piece 19. Similar to the seal 17, the sealing element 22 can be inserted into a housing formed on the circumference of the region of the outer surface 21 of the end piece and can be a joint made of a flexible polymer material that extends along the circumferential direction of the end piece 19. Thus, the sealing element 22 can prevent fluid from entering between the end piece 19 and the second connecting element 3.

[0070] Similar to the first embodiment, the fixing device 10 includes a seal 17 around its outer wall 16, and the outer wall 16 is in contact or substantially in contact with the inner wall 15 of the second connecting element 3. The seal 17 can prevent fluid from entering between the contacting device 10 and the inner wall 15 of the second connecting element 3. Therefore, the fluid must pass through the control device 10 to circulate completely in the conduit 8.

[0071] The diameter of the end piece 19 is equal to or substantially equal to the diameter of the control device 10. Therefore, the control device 10 is clamped between the end piece 19 and the second connecting element 3. For this purpose, the second connecting element 3 can include a support 23 to ensure the correct positioning of the control device 10 relative to the second connecting element 3.

[0072] Figure 7 and Figure 8Exemplary embodiments of the control device 10 are shown in the first and second positions, respectively. The control device 10 includes a body through which a piston / spring assembly 24 passes. The assembly is provided with a piston 25 and a spring 26 arranged around the piston. The piston 25 includes a rod around which the spring 26 is mounted, and also includes a plate 27 against which fluid can exert pressure to push the plate 27 of the piston against the pressure of the spring 26. The control device 10 further includes a valve 28 that is mechanically connected to the piston 25, that is, here connected to the end of the piston rod opposite to the plate 27 and the spring 26, and is sized to cover an opening passing through the body of the control device 10 when necessary.

[0073] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The control device 10 shown can be integrated into any embodiment of the above control valve. The control device can prevent fluid from circulating in a specific direction, that is, when the fluid flows from the valve 28 to the piston 25. As Figure 7 shown, the valve 28 thus closes the passage to the control device 10 channel.

[0074] The spring 26 has a reset mechanism that is in a relaxed state when the piston 25 is not subjected to an external force and keeps the piston 25 in the Figure 7 first position shown.

[0075] When an external force (such as the force of fluid circulation) is applied to the plate 27 of the piston 25 in a direction F, the piston 25 then moves to the second position, as Figure 8 shown. Then, the piston 25 compresses the spring 26 under the action of the fluid circulation force, thereby raising the valve 28, thereby opening a channel that allows fluid to pass through the control device 10 and flow in the conduit. The control device 10 shown only allows fluid to circulate when the direction of fluid circulation is the same as the direction F of the force applied to the piston 25.

[0076] When the force in the direction F is no longer applied to the piston 25, the spring 26 relaxes and again moves the piston 25 towards the Figure 7 first position shown. Therefore, the valve 28 moves to re-close the channel and prevent any fluid from circulating through the control device 10.

[0077] As described above, the present invention effectively achieves its intended purpose by providing a compact control valve that includes two connecting elements and a control device directly integrated within or within one of the connecting elements.

[0078] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the present invention. Variations not described herein can be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention, provided that these variations include a control valve according to the present invention in accordance with the present invention.

Claims

1. A control valve (1) for the fluid circulation of a vehicle heat treatment circuit, comprising a first connecting element (2) and a second connecting element (3) that mechanically interacts with the first connecting element (2), both the first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3) defining an internal volume (9), characterized in that, The control valve (1) further comprises a conduit (8) formed by the internal volume (9) of the first connecting element (2) and the internal volume (9) of the second connecting element (3), and a control device (10) at least partially integrated within the conduit (8).

2. The control valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The control device (10) is entirely disposed within the conduit (8).

3. The control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control device (10) comprises a piston / spring assembly (24) configured to block one circulation direction of the fluid circulating in the conduit (8).

4. The control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3) comprise fixing means (4) which ensure the relative positioning of the internal volumes (9) of the first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3) with respect to each other.

5. The control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first connecting element (2) and the second connecting element (3) comprise inner walls (15) at least partially defining the internal volume (9), and the control device (10) comprises an outer wall (16) which is arranged opposite at least one inner wall (15) of the first connecting element (2) or the second connecting element (3).

6. The control valve (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The control device (10) comprises at least one seal (17) extending along the outer wall (16), which seal (17) is in direct contact with at least the inner wall (15) of the first connecting element (2) or the second connecting element (3).

7. The control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control device (10) comprises two fluid connectors (12), each of which is capable of being inserted into each internal volume (9) of each connecting element (2, 3) by a form-fitting connection.

8. The control valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The first connecting element (2) comprises an end piece (19) which is capable of being inserted into the internal volume (9) of the second connecting element (3) by a form-fitting connection.

9. The control valve (1) according to the foregoing claims in combination with claim 5, wherein, The end piece (19) comprises an outer surface (21) which is arranged opposite the inner wall (15) of the second connecting element (3), and the end piece (19) comprises at least one sealing element (22) extending along the outer surface (21), which sealing element (22) is in direct contact with the inner wall (15) of the second connecting element (3).

10. The control valve (1) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The control device (10) is engaged between the second connecting element (3) and the end piece (19).

11. The control valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first connecting element (2) and / or the second connecting element (3) comprises at least one conduit portion (7) which is configured to mechanically and fluidly connect the control valve (1) to a heat treatment circuit.

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