Valve for controlling fluid flow and cooling circuit having such valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve (10) for controlling the flow of a fluid having the features of claim 1 and to a cooling circuit for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, having such a valve (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve for controlling fluid flow having the features of claim 1, and a cooling circuit for a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, having such a valve. Background Technology

[0002] Valves, especially solenoid valves, can be used in vehicle cooling circuits, for example. By opening and closing the valves, the flow of coolant can be controlled, and thus thermal management of the cooling circuit can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0003] Such valves are known, for example, from WO 2018 / 089614 A1.

[0004] The downside is that multiple valves are required to control the coolant as flexibly as possible, which increases the complexity and / or cost of the entire cooling circuit. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, a valve for controlling fluid flow is provided. The valve includes a first connector, a second connector, a third connector, and a check valve. The check valve is disposed within the second connector. The valve is constructed as a 3 / 4-directional valve (3 connectors or interfaces and 4 passages).

[0006] This allows for flexible and simple control of fluid flow, or fluid passage, via a first, second, and / or third connector. It eliminates the need for additional valves to control fluid flow. Consequently, thermal management can be achieved cost-effectively and with simplicity.

[0007] Currently, "fluid connection or fluid coupling" refers to the ability of gas and / or liquid (fluid) to flow between two fluidly coupled components or between two components in a fluid connection.

[0008] According to one improvement of the valve, the valve can include a first chamber, a second chamber, and a third chamber. The first chamber can be fluidly coupled to a first connector. The second chamber can be fluidly coupled to a second connector or vice versa. The third chamber can be fluidly coupled to a third connector. The valve can include a valve piston having a first valve disc and a second valve disc. The valve can be configured such that the second chamber can be fluidly coupled to the first chamber and / or to the third chamber by means of the valve disc. Alternatively or additionally, the valve can be configured such that the second chamber can be fluidly decoupled from the first chamber and / or from the third chamber by means of the valve disc.

[0009] This allows for the simple guidance of fluid flow through the first, second, and / or third connectors.

[0010] According to one improved version of the valve, the second connector can be arranged between the first connector and the third connector. Alternatively or additionally, the second chamber can be arranged between the first chamber and the third chamber. The first connector, the second connector, and / or the third connector can be arranged side-by-side in a row. The first chamber, the second chamber, and / or the third chamber can be arranged side-by-side in a row.

[0011] This allows the valve to be implemented with simple structural measures and by saving as much space as possible.

[0012] According to one improved version of the valve, the check valve can be configured such that it releases fluid flow into the valve through the check valve and the second connector. Alternatively, the check valve can be configured such that it blocks fluid flow out of the valve through the check valve and the second connector. In other words, the check valve specifically prevents fluid from flowing out of the valve through the second connector.

[0013] This allows for fluid flow into the valve in only one direction through the second connector using a simple method.

[0014] According to one improvement of the valve, the check valve may include a first spring and a third valve disc. The third valve disc may be constructed such that it can move from a closed position to an open position and / or conversely, from an open position to a closed position. In the closed position, the third valve disc can block fluid flow through the check valve and / or the second connector. In the open position, the third valve disc can release fluid flow through the check valve and / or the second connector. The third valve disc may be preloaded into the closed position by means of the first spring.

[0015] This allows for the implementation of check valves with simple measures.

[0016] According to an improved version of the valve, the valve piston, the first valve disc, and the second valve disc can be configured to move into a first position. In the first position, the first chamber and the second chamber are fluidly coupled to each other. In the first position, the fluid flow between the first chamber and the second chamber can be released by means of the first valve disc. In the first position, the second chamber and the third chamber can be fluidly decoupled from each other by means of the second valve disc.

[0017] This allows for the simple flow of fluid entering the valve through the second connector and exiting the valve through the first connector.

[0018] The valve may include a second spring. The valve piston, the first valve disc, and the second valve disc may be preloaded into a first position by means of the second spring.

[0019] According to an improved version of the valve, the valve piston, the first valve disc, and the second valve disc can be configured to move into a second position. In the second position, the first chamber, the second chamber, and the third chamber are fluidly coupled to each other. In the second position, fluid flow between the first and second chambers can be released by means of the first valve disc. In the second position, fluid flow between the second and third chambers can be released by means of the second valve disc.

[0020] This allows for the simple flow of fluid entering the valve through the second connector and exiting the valve through the first and second connectors.

[0021] According to an improved version of the valve, the valve piston, the first valve disc, and the second valve disc can be configured to move into a third position. In the third position, the second chamber and the third chamber are fluidly coupled to each other. In the third position, the fluid flow between the second chamber and the third chamber can be released by means of the second valve disc. In the third position, the first chamber and the second chamber can be fluidly decoupled from each other by means of the first valve disc.

[0022] This allows for the simple flow of fluid entering the valve through the second connector and exiting the valve through the third connector.

[0023] According to one improvement of the valve, the valve can be constructed as a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve can include an electromagnetic coil and an armature. The coil can be configured to generate magnetic force. The armature can be arranged within the coil. The armature can be constructed in a manner that allows it to move by means of the magnetic force generated by the coil (within the coil). The armature can be coupled to a valve piston. The valve piston can be driven or driven by the armature. The valve piston (along with a first valve disc and a second valve disc) can be moved by means of the armature to a first position, a second position, and / or a third position.

[0024] This allows for the simple implementation of driving the valve piston and moving the valve piston, the first valve disc, and the second valve disc.

[0025] According to the present invention, a cooling circuit for a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, is provided. Coolant is transported or is capable of being transported within the cooling circuit. The cooling circuit includes at least one valve according to the above embodiment. The valve is configured to control the coolant within the cooling circuit.

[0026] For details on the advantages achievable using a cooling circuit, please refer to the relevant implementation scheme for the valve. Additional design options for the cooling circuit can be applied in conjunction with the measures described for the valve and / or explained below.

[0027] Cooling circuits can be components of drive units, particularly electric axles. Cooling circuits can be coupled to or form part of the heating circuit in the vehicle's passenger compartment. Cooling circuits can be used in hybrid and / or electric vehicles. For example, cooling circuits can be used to cool the vehicle's battery and / or power electronics. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The embodiments of the present invention will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a valve used to control fluid flow in a first state and a corresponding state diagram are shown. Figure 2 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the valve in the second state and the corresponding state diagram. Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the valve in the third state and the corresponding state diagram. Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the valve in the fourth state and the corresponding state diagram. Figure 5 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the valve in the fifth state and the corresponding state diagram. Figure 6 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the valve in the sixth state and the corresponding state diagram, and Figure 7 It shows according to Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the valve in the seventh state and the corresponding state diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figures 1 to 7 Schematic cross-sectional views of valve 10 in different states and corresponding state diagrams 50 are shown respectively.

[0030] Valve 10 is configured to control fluid flow. Valve 10 includes a first connector 12, a second connector 14, a third connector 16, and a check valve 18. The check valve 18 is disposed within the second connector 14. Valve 10 is configured as a 3 / 4-directional valve (3 connectors or interfaces and 4 passages).

[0031] The first connector 12, the second connector 14 and / or the third connector 16 can be constructed in a tubular or flexible form.

[0032] Valve 10 may include a first chamber 20, a second chamber 22, and a third chamber 24. The first chamber 20 may be fluidly coupled to a first connector 12. The second chamber 22 may be fluidly coupled to a second connector 14 or otherwise. The third chamber 24 may be fluidly coupled to a third connector 16.

[0033] Valve 10 may include a valve piston 26 having a first valve disc 28 and a second valve disc 30. The first valve disc 28 and the second valve disc 30 may be arranged spaced apart from each other along valve piston 26. Valve 10 may be configured such that a second chamber 22 can be fluidly coupled to the first chamber 20 and / or to a third chamber 24 by means of valve discs 28 and 30. Valve 10 may also be configured such that the second chamber 22 can be fluidly decoupled from the first chamber 20 and / or from the third chamber 24 by means of valve discs 28 and 30.

[0034] The second connector 14 can be arranged between the first connector 12 and the third connector 16. Connectors 12, 14, and 16 can be arranged side by side in a row. The second chamber 22 can be arranged between the first chamber 20 and the third chamber 24. Chambers 20, 22, and 24 can be arranged side by side in a row.

[0035] The check valve 18 can be configured such that it releases the fluid flow into the valve 10 through the check valve 18 and the second connector 14. The check valve 18 can also be configured such that it blocks the fluid flow out of the valve 10 through the check valve 18 and the second connector 14.

[0036] The check valve 18 may include a first spring 32 and a third valve disc 34. The third valve disc 34 may be configured to move from a closed position 36 to an open position 38 and / or conversely, from an open position 38 to a closed position 36. In the closed position 36, the third valve disc 34 blocks fluid flow through the check valve 18 and / or the second connector 14. In the open position 38, the third valve disc 34 releases fluid flow through the check valve 18 and / or the second connector 14. The third valve disc 34 may be preloaded into the closed position 36 by means of the first spring 32.

[0037] The valve piston 26, the first valve disc 28, and the second valve disc 30 can be configured to move to a first position 40. In the first position 40, the first chamber 20 and the second chamber 22 are fluidly coupled to each other. Specifically, in the first position 40, the fluid flow between the first chamber 20 and the second chamber 22 is released by means of the first valve disc 28. In the first position 40, the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 24 can be decoupled from each other by means of the second valve disc 30.

[0038] Valve 10 may include a second spring 33. Valve piston 26, first valve disc 28 and second valve disc 30 may be preloaded into a first position 40 by means of the second spring 33.

[0039] The valve piston 26, the first valve disc 28, and the second valve disc 30 can be configured to move to a second position 42. In the second position 42, the first chamber 20, the second chamber 22, and the third chamber 24 are fluidly coupled to each other. Specifically, in the second position 42, fluid flow between the first chamber 20 and the second chamber 22 is released by means of the first valve disc 28. Specifically, fluid flow between the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 24 is released by means of the second valve disc 30 in the second position 42.

[0040] The valve piston 26, the first valve disc 28, and the second valve disc 30 can be configured to move to a third position 44. In the third position 44, the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 24 are fluidly coupled to each other. Specifically, in the third position, the fluid flow between the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 24 is released by means of the second valve disc 30. In the third position 44, the first chamber 20 and the second chamber 22 can be decoupled from each other by means of the first valve disc 28.

[0041] Valve 10 can be configured as a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve can include an electromagnetic coil 46 and an armature 48. The coil 46 can be configured to generate magnetic force. The armature 48 can be disposed within the coil 46. The armature 48 can be configured to move by means of the magnetic force generated by the coil 46. The armature 48 can be coupled to the valve piston 26. The valve piston 26 can be driven or driven by the armature 48. The valve piston 26 can move or be moved by means of the armature 48.

[0042] A cooling circuit for a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, can be configured. Coolant is supplied or can be supplied within the cooling circuit. The cooling circuit can include at least one valve 10 according to the above embodiment. The valve 10 can be configured to control the coolant within the cooling circuit. The valve 10 can be... Figures 1 to 7 Valve 10 is shown in the figure.

[0043] Next, according to Figures 1 to 7The operating principle of valve 10 is explained. Valve 10 is currently configured as a solenoid valve. A schematic cross-sectional view of valve 10 and a state diagram 50 corresponding to the respective states of valve 10 are shown. In state diagram 50, the input quantity 52, the first output quantity 54, the second output quantity 56, and the current intensity 58 are plotted with respect to time. Input quantity 52 represents the inflow of fluid into valve 10 through the second connector 14 and / or through the check valve 18. First output quantity 54 represents the outflow of fluid from valve 10 through the first connector 12. Second output quantity 56 represents the outflow of fluid from valve 10 through the third connector 16. Current intensity 58 is the current intensity used to energize coil 46. The corresponding states of valve 10 are shown in state diagram 50 by means of vertical lines.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In this configuration, coil 46 is not energized. Valve piston 26, first valve disc 28, and second valve disc 30 are arranged in first position 40. Valve piston 26, first valve disc 28, and second valve disc 30 are preloaded into first position 40 by means of second spring 33. First chamber 20 and second chamber 22 are fluidly coupled to each other (first valve disc 28 releases fluid flow between the two chambers 20 and 22). Second valve disc 30 blocks fluid flow between second chamber 22 and third chamber 24. Therefore, fluid flow through second connector 14, check valve 18, second chamber 22, first chamber 20, and first connector 12 (in the order described above) can be achieved (see input quantity 52, first output quantity 54, second output quantity 56, and current intensity 58 in the state diagram 50 shown). Here, fluid flow through second connector 14 is released by means of check valve 18. The third valve disc 34 of the check valve 18 is pressed into the open position 38 as shown by means of the fluid or fluid pressure resisting the spring force of the first spring 32 of the check valve 18, so that the fluid flow is released.

[0045] exist Figure 2In this configuration, coil 46 is energized. Here, the current intensity 58 can be continuously increased to a first predetermined value. Armature 48 moves due to the generated magnetic force, causing valve piston 26, first valve disc 28, and second valve disc 30 to move into a second position 42. In the shown second position 42, the first chamber 20, second chamber 22, and third chamber 24 are fluidly coupled to each other. Here, first valve disc 28 releases the fluid flow between first chamber 20 and second chamber 22. Second valve disc 30 releases the fluid flow between second chamber 22 and third chamber 24. Therefore, fluid flow can be achieved on the one hand through the second connector 14, check valve 18, second chamber 22, first chamber 20, and first connector 12 (in the order described above), and on the other hand through the second connector 14, check valve 18, second chamber 22, third chamber 24, and third connector 16 (in the order described above) (see input quantity 52, first output quantity 54, second output quantity 56, and current intensity 58 in the shown state diagram 50). Here, the fluid flow through the second connector 14 is released by means of the check valve 18 (similar to the embodiment described above for the first position).

[0046] exist Figure 3 In this state, coil 46 continues to be energized. Here, the current intensity 58 continues, particularly continuously, to reach a second predetermined value. Currently, the second predetermined value represents the maximum value for current intensity 58. Armature 48 continues to move due to the generated magnetic force, and accordingly causes valve piston 26, first valve disc 28, and second valve disc 30 to... Figure 2 The flow continues to the right to the third position 44. In the third position 44 shown, the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 24 are fluidly coupled to each other. Here, the second valve disc 30 releases the fluid flow between the second chamber 22 and the third chamber 24. The first valve disc 28 blocks the fluid flow between the first chamber 20 and the second chamber 22. Therefore, fluid flow through the second connector 14, check valve 18, second chamber 22, third chamber 24, and third connector 16 (in the order described above) can be achieved (see the input quantity 52, first output quantity 54, second output quantity 56, and current intensity 58 in the state diagram 50 shown). Here, the flow through the second connector 14 is released by means of the check valve 18 (similar to the above embodiment for the first or second position).

[0047] exist Figure 4 In this state, coil 46 continues to be energized. Here, the current intensity 58 decreases continuously until it reaches the first predetermined value again. Valve piston 26, first valve disc 28, and second valve disc 30 move back to the second position 42 by means of the spring force of the second spring 33 (in Figure 4 (Moves to the left from the center). The first chamber 20, the second chamber 22, and the third chamber 24 are fluidly coupled to each other (see above). With Figure 2Conversely, fluid is currently introduced into valve 10 not through second connector 14, but through third connector 16 (see the negative change curve of the second output 56 in the state diagram 50 shown). Check valve 18 blocks the flow of fluid from valve 10 through second connector 14. Third valve disc 34 is arranged in closed position 36 and therefore blocks the flow of fluid from valve 10 through second connector 14. Thus, fluid flow through third connector 16, third chamber 24, second chamber 22, first chamber 20, and first connector 12 (in the order described above) is possible (see input 52, first output 54, second output 56, and current intensity 58 in the state diagram 50 shown).

[0048] Similarly, it is conceivable that fluid can be introduced into the valve through the first connector 12 and discharged from the valve through the third connector 16. Here, fluid flow can be achieved through the first connector 12, the first chamber 20, the second chamber 22, the third chamber 24, and the third connector 16 (in the order described above).

[0049] exist Figure 5 In the middle, coil 46 is not energized. Valve piston 26, first valve disc 28, and second valve disc 30 move back to the first position 40 by means of the spring force of second spring 33 (in Figure 5 (Move to the left from the center). The second chamber 22 and the third chamber 24 are fluidly separated from each other by means of the second valve disc 30. If fluid is introduced into the valve 10 through the third connector 16, the flow of fluid is blocked through the valve 10 by means of the second valve disc 30 (see the input 52, the first output 54, the second output 56 and the current intensity 58 in the state diagram 50 shown).

[0050] exist Figure 6 In this state, coil 46 is energized again. The current intensity 58 is increased to the second predetermined value (maximum current intensity). Valve piston 26, first valve disc 28, and second valve disc 30 move to the third position 44 by means of armature 48. First chamber 20 and second chamber 22 are fluidly separated from each other by means of first valve disc 28. Fluid flow between second chamber 22 and third chamber 24 is released by means of second valve disc 30. If fluid is introduced into valve 10 through third connector 16, fluid flow is blocked through valve 10 by means of first valve disc 28. Here, check valve 18 blocks fluid flow through second connector 14 and out of valve 10 (see input 52, first output 54, second output 56, and current intensity 58 in the shown state diagram 50).

[0051] exist Figure 7 In the middle, coil 46 is no longer energized. Valve piston 26, first valve disc 28, and second valve disc 30 move back to the first position 40 by means of the spring force of second spring 33 (in Figure 7(Moves from center to left). Therefore, fluid flow can be achieved through the second connector 14, check valve 18, second chamber 22, first chamber 20, and first connector 12 (in the order described above) (see input 52, first output 54, second output 56, and current intensity 58 in the state diagram 50 shown). Figure 7 The state shown corresponds to Figure 1 The state shown in the figure.

Claims

1. A valve (10) for controlling fluid flow, said valve comprising: - First connector (12). - Second connector (14). - Third connector (16). - Check valve (18), wherein the check valve (18) is arranged within the second connector (14), wherein the valve (10) is configured as a 3 / 4-directional valve.

2. The valve (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve (10) includes: - A first chamber (20) fluidly coupled to the first connector (12). - A second chamber (22) that is fluidly coupled to or can be fluidly coupled to the second connector (14). - A third chamber (24) fluidly coupled to the third connector (16). - A valve piston (26) having a first valve disc (28) and a second valve disc (30), wherein the valve (10) is configured such that the second chamber (22) can be fluidly coupled to or decoupled from the first chamber (20) and / or from the third chamber (24) by means of the valve discs (28, 30).

3. The valve (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The second connector (14) is arranged between the first connector (12) and the third connector (16), and / or the second chamber (22) is arranged between the first chamber (20) and the third chamber (24).

4. The valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The check valve (18) is configured such that it releases fluid flow into the valve (10) through the check valve (18) and the second connector (14) and blocks fluid flow out of the valve (10) through the check valve (18) and the second connector (14).

5. The valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The check valve (18) includes a first spring (32) and a third valve disc (34), wherein the third valve disc (34) is configured to move from a closed position (36) to an open position (38) and / or vice versa, wherein in the closed position (36) the third valve disc (34) blocks fluid flow through the check valve (18) and / or the second connector (14), wherein in the open position (38) the third valve disc (34) releases fluid flow through the check valve (18) and / or the second connector (14), wherein the third valve disc (34) is preloaded into the closed position (36) by means of the first spring (32).

6. The valve (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The valve piston (26), the first valve disc (28), and the second valve disc (30) are configured to move into a first position (40), wherein in the first position the first chamber (20) and the second chamber (22) are fluidly coupled to each other, and wherein in the first position (40) the second chamber (22) and the third chamber (24) are decoupled from each other by means of the second valve disc (30).

7. The valve (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that, The valve piston (26), the first valve disc (28) and the second valve disc (30) are configured to move into a second position (42), in which the first chamber (20), the second chamber (22) and the third chamber (24) are fluidly coupled to each other.

8. The valve (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that, The valve piston (26), the first valve disc (28), and the second valve disc (30) are configured to move into a third position (44), in which the second chamber (22) and the third chamber (24) are fluidly coupled to each other, and in which the first chamber (20) and the second chamber (22) are decoupled from each other by means of the first valve disc (28).

9. The valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The valve (10) is constructed as a solenoid valve, wherein the solenoid valve includes: - An electromagnetic coil (46) used to generate magnetic force. - An armature (48) arranged within the coil (46), wherein the armature (48) is constructed in such a way that it can be moved by means of the magnetic force generated by the coil (46), wherein the armature (48) is coupled to and drives or is capable of driving the valve piston (26).

10. A cooling circuit for a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, wherein a coolant is delivered or is capable of being delivered, the cooling circuit comprising at least one valve (10) according to any one of the preceding claims for controlling the coolant within the cooling circuit.

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