Check valve for refrigerant system

Abstract

The invention provides a check valve for a refrigerant system, comprising a valve housing (10) and a valve body (20), the valve body (20) being movably arranged within the valve housing (10) between an open position and a closed position, and the valve body (20) comprising a sliding portion (21) and a sealing portion (22), the sealing portion (22) carrying a sealing element (30) and forming an anti-rotation device (40) between the sliding portion (21) and the valve housing (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention provides a check valve for a refrigerant system. Background Technology

[0002] Such a check valve has been disclosed, for example, in German patent DE 10 2010 060 337 A1. The check valve disclosed in that patent includes a valve body movable between an open position and a closed position. In this case, the valve body is prestressed by a helical spring. In the closed position, the valve body rests against a sealing seat. To ensure an effective seal here, the valve body has a sealing element at its end facing the sealing seat, such a sealing element may be made of, for example, an elastomer.

[0003] In the check valve disclosed in DE 10 2010 060 337 A1, the valve body is guided relatively freely above the sealing seat. However, this can cause the valve body to tilt, leading to reverse flow of the fluid to be guided. Furthermore, such check valves are not suitable for high-pressure environments, particularly pressures above 100 bar.

[0004] Therefore, for high-pressure applications, check valves with the valve body guided within the valve housing are typically used. Thus, the valve body preferably rests against the inner wall of the valve housing in a fully sliding contact manner.

[0005] During operation, all of the aforementioned check valves experience forces acting on the valve body, which can also cause the valve body to rotate. Sliding motion within the valve body also generates friction. In particular, friction along the direction of rotation or the longitudinal direction of valve body displacement significantly shortens the lifespan of the elastic sealing elements on the valve body. This increases the frequency of maintenance, thereby increasing the operating costs of these check valves. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a check valve that requires little maintenance, has low operating costs, and has a long service life.

[0007] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1.

[0008] This objective is achieved specifically through a check valve for a refrigerant system, wherein the check valve comprises a valve housing and a valve body. The valve body is movably disposed within the valve housing between an open position and a closed position, and includes a sliding portion and a sealing portion. The sealing portion carries a sealing element. An anti-rotation device is formed between the sliding portion and the valve housing.

[0009] When the valve body is actuated, the anti-rotation device prevents the sealing element from rotating. This prevents the sealing element from experiencing rotational friction, extending its service life. This is particularly useful when the sealing element contains elastic materials. Especially for sealing elements arranged around the circumference of the valve body, such as O-rings, the anti-rotation device ensures that the sealing element does not undergo additional rotation on the outer surface of the valve body, which can generate significant frictional forces. These frictional forces can impose considerable stress on the sealing element, thus significantly shortening its service life. Using the anti-rotation device to prevent the sealing element from experiencing such frictional forces extends the overall life of the check valve.

[0010] The anti-rotation device may include at least one groove and at least one web plate that is form-fitted into the groove. Specifically, the web plate may be formed on the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing, and the groove on the outer surface of the sliding portion. This configuration of the anti-rotation device is particularly cost-effective and structurally simple. However, the same advantages can be achieved if the groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing and the web plate is formed on the outer surface of the sliding portion. Preferably, each spoke includes a web plate and / or a groove.

[0011] The web and / or grooves may extend parallel to the valve body's axis of motion. This arrangement parallel to the valve body axis is advantageous as long as a particularly robust anti-rotation device is achieved in this way.

[0012] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the check valve according to the invention, the sliding portion is composed of at least two, and particularly at least four, spokes extending from the sealing portion parallel to the axis of motion of the valve body. An opening may be provided between each spoke. In particular, an internal space within the spokes may be formed as a flow passage space. Therefore, for example, fluid flowing through the valve housing can also reach the rear side of the valve body, thereby achieving pressure balance on both sides of the valve body.

[0013] The openings arranged between the spokes form fluid channels. Specifically, this allows for the formation of fluid channels between the spokes aligned with the lateral valve openings of the valve body in a fluid-communication manner when the valve body is closed, thereby achieving pressure balance so that the valve body can move without resisting overpressure or negative pressure. Similarly, fluid controlled by a check valve can also reach the rear of the valve body, thus maintaining equal pressure on both sides of the valve body.

[0014] The valve body may also include an axial valve opening, which can be closed in the closed position of the valve body or by a seal of the valve body. Fluid can flow into the valve body through the axial valve opening. A lateral valve opening in the valve body can be used as a fluid outlet. In the closed position of the valve body, the valve body closes the axial valve opening, preventing fluid connection between the axial valve opening and the lateral valve opening. When the valve body is open, this occurs, particularly in a pressure-controlled manner by fluid pressure, as the valve body seal lifts from the valve seat, thereby releasing the fluid connection between the axial valve opening and the lateral valve opening. The check valve is then in the open position.

[0015] Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the valve body includes a valve seat having a seat surface extending perpendicular to the axial valve opening. Furthermore, the seat surface may extend annularly around the axial valve opening. In the closed position of the valve body, a sealing portion abuts against the seat surface. Therefore, the sealing portion closes the axial valve opening by abutting against the seat surface annularly arranged around the axial valve opening. In this way, flow between the axial valve opening and the lateral valve opening is prevented.

[0016] Furthermore, the sealing element may also include a fixed section located on the sliding side and a sealing section located on the housing side. Preferably, the fixed section is fitted into an annular groove in a form-fit manner. To securely fix the sealing element to the valve body, a fixed section may be provided on the sliding side. Generally, the valve body may include a sliding portion and a sealing portion. Preferably, the sliding portion abuts against the inner circumference of the valve housing with its outer circumference. Preferably, the sliding portion is made of a material capable of sliding securely along the inner circumference of the valve body. Therefore, the sliding portion is used to guide the movement of the valve body within the valve housing during the movement of the valve body from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa. The movement of the valve body between the open and closed positions is preferably linear along a movement axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of the valve body.

[0017] The sealing portion preferably carries a sealing element. A retaining section is advantageously positioned to securely fasten the sealing element to the sealing portion. The retaining section is located on the side of the sealing element facing the sliding portion. A retaining element located on the sliding portion side can be integrally formed with the sealing section located on the housing side. In this respect, the sealing element is preferably functionally subdivided into a retaining section and a sealing section, the retaining section for securing the sealing element to the valve body, and the sealing section for providing a seal for the axial valve opening in the closed position of the check valve. The sealing element is preferably fixed to the valve body by the retaining section, which has a shape that allows for a form-fit connection with an annular groove in the valve body. In particular, the retaining section can be formed as a radially inwardly projecting flange that engages with the annular groove in a form-fit manner.

[0018] In a preferred variation of the invention, the outer diameter of the sealing element is smaller than the outer diameter of the sliding portion, particularly smaller than the outer diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing. Therefore, in this preferred variation, the sealing element does not directly contact the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing. Consequently, the sealing element does not increase friction between the valve body and the valve housing, thus achieving exceptionally low-friction movement of the valve body within the valve housing.

[0019] In the open position of the valve body, the sealing section may protrude axially beyond the sealing portion of the valve body. In the closed position, preferably, the sealing section of the sealing element elastically deforms such that the sealing portion protrudes axially beyond the sealing section. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the sealing section, especially the entire sealing element, preferably occurs in a longitudinal axial direction parallel to the valve body's axis of movement. In the open position of the valve body, the sealing element protrudes beyond the longitudinal axial end face, particularly beyond the sealing portion of the valve body. During the movement of the valve body towards the closed position, the sealing element contacts the valve seat surface before the valve body, particularly its sealing portion, reaches the valve seat surface. With further movement of the valve body along the valve seat surface, the sealing element, particularly its sealing section, elastically deforms longitudinally until the axial end face of the valve body, particularly the axial end face of the sealing portion, abuts against the valve seat surface. In this state, the sealing section preferably elastically deforms to the extent that it retracts back to the back of the sealing portion, i.e., the sealing portion protrudes beyond the sealing section.

[0020] To achieve a particularly good seal in the closed position of the check valve, the valve body is preferably provided with an annular protrusion formed opposite to the end face of the sealing section, particularly on the valve seat surface. In the closed position of the valve body, the annular protrusion preferably causes elastic deformation of the sealing element, particularly the sealing section. In other words, the annular protrusion is preferably formed on the valve seat surface in such a way that, in the closed position, the annular protrusion contacts the sealing element, particularly elastically engaging with it.

[0021] In another preferred embodiment, the valve housing is formed in a cage-like manner as an open support and guide structure for the valve body. Specifically, the valve housing may be inserted into a valve block, particularly a closed valve block. The valve housing may include an outer ring flange with an external sealing device for sealing the check valve relative to the valve block. In this respect, the check valve is preferably not formed with a closed housing, but rather inserted into the valve block as an open check valve. Therefore, the check valve can be integrated into vehicle-specific valve blocks from different vehicle manufacturers.

[0022] In this context, it should be noted that the check valve described herein is preferably used in vehicles, particularly motor vehicles. A particularly preferred application is the integration of the check valve described herein into the refrigerant circuit or refrigerant system of a motor vehicle. In particular, this refrigerant system may be part of the vehicle's air conditioning system. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments and the accompanying schematic diagrams. The drawings show:

[0024] Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of a check valve according to a preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 according to Figure 1 Details of a cross-sectional view of a check valve, with the anti-rotation device shown in particular;

[0026] Figure 3 according to Figure 1 Details of the longitudinal sectional view, showing the sealing element; and

[0027] Figure 4 according to Figure 1 A perspective view of the valve housing of the check valve of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] According to Figure 1 The longitudinal sectional view shows a check valve, which includes a valve housing 10 and a valve body 20. The valve body 20 is movably disposed within the valve housing 10 between an open position and a closed position. The movement is preferably along the... Figure 1 The movement is along a horizontally extending longitudinal axial axis in the drawing plane. The valve body 20 includes a sliding portion 21 and a sealing portion 22. The sliding portion 21 slides against the inner circumferential surface 11 of the valve housing 10 via its outer surface 23. Preferably, both the valve housing 10 and the valve body 20 are made of plastic material, with the material advantageously selected to minimize sliding friction between the valve body 20 and the valve housing 10. Compared to the sliding portion 21, the sealing portion 22 has a smaller cross-sectional diameter. The sealing portion 22 carries a sealing element 30, which seals the axial valve opening 13 in the closed position.

[0029] The valve body 20 includes multiple spokes 24 in the region of the sliding portion 21. Preferably, at least two spokes 24 are provided, and more particularly, four spokes 24 are provided. Each spoke 24 forms an outer surface 23. In this case, the spokes 24 extend parallel to the longitudinal axis or the axis of motion of the valve body 20. Fluid channels 25 are formed between the individual spokes 24. Figure 1 In the closed position shown, the fluid passage 25 is aligned with the side valve opening 12 in a covering manner, allowing fluid to flow to the rear side of the valve body 20. This ensures pressure balance during the movement of the valve body 20.

[0030] The valve body 20 is supported relative to the cover 60 by a compression spring 50. The cover 60 closes the valve housing 10. The compression spring 50, which is formed as a helical spring, is clamped between the cover 60 and the valve body 20. Therefore, by means of the compression spring 50, when the spring force of the compression spring 50 exceeds the fluid pressure at the axial valve opening 13, the valve body 20 automatically moves to the closed position.

[0031] In addition, the valve housing 10 also includes an external sealing device 17. The external sealing device 17 may consist of a resilient O-ring and additional support elements. The external sealing device is disposed on the outer circumference of the valve housing 10 and enables it to seal the valve housing 10 relative to the valve block. Therefore, a check valve can be inserted into the valve block, which is preferably already disposed on the vehicle side.

[0032] Figure 2 The anti-rotation device 40 formed between the valve body 20 and the valve housing 10 is shown in detail in a cross-sectional view. In the exemplary embodiment shown herein, the anti-rotation device 40 includes a groove 41 formed in the valve body 20. Specifically, the groove 41 is formed in the spokes 24 of the valve body 20. The groove 41 preferably has an arcuate cross-sectional profile. In particular, the groove 41 extends parallel to the axis of motion of the valve body 20 along the entire spoke 24.

[0033] The web 42 formed in the valve housing 10 is fitted into the groove 41 in a form-fit manner. The web 42 preferably has a cross-sectional profile corresponding to the cross-sectional profile of the groove 41. In particular, the web 42 has an arcuate cross-sectional profile.

[0034] The web 42 and the groove 41 are longitudinally movable relative to each other. In other words, the web 42 slides in the groove 41. However, a circumferential fit is formed between the web 42 and the groove 41, thereby activating the anti-rotation device 40. Alternatively, the anti-rotation device 40 may also be configured such that the web 42 is located on the valve body 20 and the groove 41 is located on the valve housing 10.

[0035] Multiple anti-rotation devices 40 may also be provided. Preferably, two anti-rotation devices 40 are provided that are completely opposite to each other. The anti-rotation devices 40 may be identical, i.e., each includes a web on the valve body 20 and a groove in the valve housing 10, or each includes a web on the valve housing 10 and a groove in the valve body 20. The anti-rotation devices 40 may also be designed differently. In particular, the anti-rotation device 40 may have a groove 41 formed in the valve housing 10 and a web 42 formed on the valve body 20, and a further anti-rotation device 40 may have a groove 41 formed in the valve body 20 and a web formed on the valve housing 10.

[0036] Figure 3The shape and positioning of the sealing element 30 are shown in detail. The sealing element 30 is fixed to the sealing portion 22 of the valve body 20. Fixing is preferably achieved via a fixing section 31 of the sealing element 30. The fixing section 31 includes a radially inwardly projecting annular flange 34, which engages in a form-fitting manner with the annular groove 26 of the valve body 20. In this way, the sealing element 30 is fixed to the sealing portion 22, particularly along the longitudinal axial direction.

[0037] The sealing element 30 is preferably made of an elastic material, particularly an elastomer. EPDM is particularly preferred as the material, with a Shore hardness of 80.

[0038] The shape of the fixed section 31, particularly the annular flange 34, and the corresponding annular groove 26, is selected such that the seal is firmly held on the sealing portion 22 even under high fluid pressure, particularly at least 110 bar.

[0039] In addition to the stationary section 31, the sealing element 30 also includes a sealing section 32. The stationary section 31 and the sealing section 32 are preferably integrally formed from the same material. The sealing section 32 is used to seal the valve body 20 relative to the valve seat surface 14.

[0040] In this exemplary embodiment, the check valve must be sealed solely by the axial bearing of the sealing section 32 abutting against the valve seat surface 14. In the radial direction, the sealing element 30 is spaced a certain distance from the inner circumferential surface 11 of the valve housing 10. Preferably, this distance is chosen such that even when the sealing element 30 elastically deforms, it will not contact the inner circumferential surface 11. This arrangement protects the sealing element 30 from wear.

[0041] Figure 3 The sealing element 30 is shown in the closed position. In this case, the sealing portion 22 of the valve body 20 is supported planarly on a valve seat surface 14 arranged annularly around the axial valve opening 13. A protrusion 15 is radially provided on the outer side of the sealing portion 22 on the valve seat surface 14. The protrusion 15 preferably extends annularly around the axial valve opening 13. This allows for... Figure 4 It can be clearly seen in the middle.

[0042] In the open position, the sealing section 32 protrudes axially from the sealing portion 22. In other words, the sealing section 32 is preferably longitudinally axially relaxed in such a way that it protrudes from the end face of the valve body 20, which, in the closed state, rests on the valve seat surface 14. The sealing section 32 specifically includes an end face 33 that extends substantially parallel to the end face of the sealing portion 22. During the closing process of the valve body 20, the end face 33 contacts the protrusion 15 of the valve surface 14. Therefore, the sealing element 30, particularly the sealing section 32, undergoes elastic deformation. The end face 33 thus moves along the direction of the fixed section 31. This causes the sealing portion 22 to protrude from the sealing section 32 in the closed position, as... Figure 3 It is clearly visible that a particularly good seal is achieved due to the elastic deformation of the sealing section 32, especially on the protrusion 15. In particular, the protrusion 15 ensures an elastic form-fit contact between the sealing element 30 and the valve seat surface 14, enabling a good seal even under high pressure. The valve seat surface 14 is preferably formed in a planar manner to avoid tilting of the valve body 20.

[0043] Figure 4 The valve housing 10 is shown in perspective. The cage-like arrangement of the valve housing 10 is clearly visible. Furthermore, it can be seen that the valve housing 10 includes a plurality of supports 18 arranged in a ring and substantially defining an inner circumferential surface 11. At least one support 18 carries a web 42 of an anti-rotation device 40 on its inner side, particularly on the inner circumferential surface 11. Two opposing supports 18 may also each carry a web 42. In an alternative embodiment, the supports 18 may also include recesses 41 for the anti-rotation device 40.

[0044] A lateral valve opening 12 is disposed between the respective supports 18. An axial valve opening 13 is formed coaxially with respect to the inner circumferential surface 11. The axial valve opening 13 extends through an outer ring flange 16 from which the supports 18 extend. The outer ring flange 16 includes an external groove. Figure 4 An external sealing device 17, not shown, may be located in the external groove.

[0045] Furthermore, the outer ring flange 16 also includes an axial surface formed by the valve seat surface 14. A protrusion 15 extending circumferentially, particularly coaxially, around the axial valve opening 13 is provided on the valve seat surface. Preferably, the protrusion 15 is integrally formed with the valve seat surface 14. Overall, the entire valve body can be integrally formed.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 10 Valve housing

[0048] 11 Inner circumferential surface

[0049] 12 side valve openings

[0050] 13 Axial valve opening

[0051] 14 Valve seat surface

[0052] 15 protrusions

[0053] 16 outer ring flange

[0054] 17 External sealing device

[0055] 18 pillars

[0056] 20 Valve Body

[0057] 21 Sliding part

[0058] 22 Sealing section

[0059] 23 outer surface

[0060] 24 spokes

[0061] 25 fluid channels

[0062] 26 annular grooves

[0063] 30 sealing elements

[0064] 31 fixed sections

[0065] 32 Sealing Section

[0066] 33 end face

[0067] 34 Circular flange

[0068] 40 Anti-rotation device

[0069] 41 grooves

[0070] 42 webs

[0071] 50 compression spring

[0072] 60 caps

Claims

1. A check valve for a refrigerant system comprising a valve housing (10) and a valve body (20) movably disposed within the valve housing (10) between an open position and a closed position, and the valve body (20) comprising a sliding portion (21) and a sealing portion (22), wherein, The sealing portion (22) carries a sealing element (30) and forms an anti-rotation device (40) between the sliding portion (21) and the valve housing (10).

2. The check valve of claim 1, wherein The anti-rotation device (40) comprises at least one groove (41) and at least one web (42) which is clamped in the groove (41) in a form-fit manner.

3. The check valve of claim 2, wherein, The web (42) is formed on an inner circumferential surface (11) of the valve housing (10) and the groove (41) is formed on an outer surface (23) of the sliding portion (21).

4. The check valve of claim 2, wherein The web (42) is formed on an inner circumferential surface (11) of the valve housing (10) and the groove (41) is formed on an outer surface (23) of the sliding portion (21).

5. The check valve of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The web (42) and / or the groove (41) extend parallel to the axis of movement of the valve body (20).

6. The check valve of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The sliding portion (21) is formed by at least two spokes (24), in particular four spokes (24), which extend from the sealing portion (22) parallel to the axis of movement of the valve body (20).

7. The check valve of claim 6, wherein Each spoke (24) comprises a web (42) and / or a groove (41).

8. The check valve of claim 6 or 7, wherein, Between the spokes (24) a fluid channel (25) is formed which, in the closed position of the valve body (20), is aligned in fluid communication with a lateral valve opening (12) of the valve housing (10).

9. The check valve of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The valve housing (10) comprises an axial valve opening (13), wherein, in the closed position of the valve body (20), the axial valve opening (13) is closable or is closed by the sealing portion (22) of the valve body (20).

10. The check valve of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The valve housing (10) comprises a valve seat, wherein the valve seat has a valve seat surface (14) which extends perpendicular to the axial valve opening (13) and annularly around the axial valve opening (13) and, in the closed position of the valve body (20), abuts against the sealing portion (22).

11. A check valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The sealing element (30) comprises a fixed section (31) on the side of the sliding portion and a sealing section (32) on the side of the housing, wherein the fixed section (31) is clamped in an annular groove (26) in a form-fit manner.

12. A check valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The outer diameter of the sealing element (30) is smaller than the outer diameter of the sliding portion (21), in particular of the inner circumferential surface (11).

13. The check valve of claim 11 or 12, wherein, In the open position of the valve body (20), the sealing section (32) projects axially beyond the sealing portion (22) of the valve body (20) and, in the closed position, the sealing section (32) is elastically deformed such that the sealing portion (22) projects axially beyond the sealing section (32).

14. A check valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, The valve housing (10) comprises an annular protrusion (15) opposite an end face (33) of the sealing section (32), in particular on the valve seat surface (14), and, in the closed position of the valve body (20), the annular protrusion (15) deforms the sealing element (30), in particular the sealing section (32).

15. A check valve according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, The valve housing (10) is formed in a cage-like manner as an open support and guide structure for the valve body (20) and can be inserted into a valve block, in particular a closed valve block, wherein the valve housing (10) comprises an outer ring flange (16) with outer sealing means (17) for sealing the check valve relative to the valve block.

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