Refrigerant valve

Abstract

In order to provide a refrigerant valve having a valve housing, the component geometry of which is simpler and the construction of which is more compact, it is proposed that a refrigerant valve (100) comprises a valve housing (10) and a drive device (11), wherein the valve housing (10) has a refrigerant channel (13) having at least one inlet opening (14) and one outlet opening (15) for refrigerant, wherein a control element (17) is arranged in the refrigerant channel (13), wherein a control gap (19) is formed between the control element (17) and an inner wall (18) of the refrigerant channel (13), wherein it is provided that, in order to control the control gap (19), the diameter (23) of the control element (17) can be changed by means of the drive device (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerant valve, comprising a valve housing and an actuating device, wherein the valve housing has a refrigerant passage having at least one inlet opening and one outlet opening for refrigerant, wherein a control element is arranged in the refrigerant passage, and wherein a control gap is formed between the control element and the inner wall of the refrigerant passage. Background Technology

[0002] Refrigerant valves are widely used in refrigerant circuits, especially in modern battery-electric vehicles. Refrigerant valves known from the prior art consist of a valve body and a refrigerant passage disposed therein. Refrigerant can enter the refrigerant passage through at least one inlet opening and exit through an outlet opening. A valve needle is disposed in the refrigerant passage, which can be moved axially within the refrigerant passage by a drive device, such as an electric motor. To control the flow rate of refrigerant through the refrigerant passage, the valve needle has a tapered profile, i.e., the diameter of the valve needle decreases towards the outlet opening. The valve body also has an undercut in the region of the outlet opening within the refrigerant passage. The undercut valve body forms a sealing seat for the valve needle at the outlet opening. If the valve needle moves into the sealing seat, the refrigerant valve closes. The geometry to be machined for the valve body and valve needle is very complex, thus incurring high costs. Furthermore, due to the principle of valve needle movement, rod seals or piston seals are also required for refrigerants with high pressure differentials (e.g., CO2).

[0003] DE 10 2006 029 267 A1 discloses a regulating valve for refrigerant R744, used to regulate a high pressure differential between a refrigerant inlet and outlet within the valve. The regulating valve has an operating device that operates an operating rod in a guide hole arranged within the valve and extending axially. The operating rod has a sealing body at its end facing the inlet and outlet, wherein the sealing body opens or closes its sealing seat and thereby opens or closes the inlet or outlet by the stroke movement of the operating rod.

[0004] A valve assembly and an injection valve for an injection valve in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine are known from EP 2 003 331 A1. The injection valve has a valve body having a central longitudinal axis, wherein the valve body has a cavity forming an inner wall, wherein the cavity has a fluid outlet section with a seat region that is part of the inner wall, and the injection valve also has a valve needle that is axially movable within the cavity, wherein the valve needle, in a closed position, prevents fluid flow through the fluid outlet section, and in other positions allows fluid flow through the fluid outlet section in the direction of fluid flow. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerant valve with a valve housing having a simpler component geometry and a more compact construction.

[0006] To address the technical problem of this invention, a refrigerant valve is proposed, comprising a valve housing and a drive device, wherein the valve housing has a refrigerant passage having at least one inlet opening and one outlet opening for refrigerant, wherein a control element is arranged in the refrigerant passage, wherein a control gap is formed between the control element and the inner wall of the refrigerant passage, and wherein the diameter of the control element is adjustable by the drive device to control the control gap.

[0007] Control of the control gap is understood herein as increasing or decreasing the control gap, thereby enabling control or regulation of the flow rate of refrigerant through the refrigerant passage, particularly from the at least one inlet opening to the outlet opening.

[0008] The refrigerant passage preferably extends in the axial direction. The diameter of the control element is further preferably located in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0009] Advantageously, the control gap can be configured annularly between the inner wall of the refrigerant passage and the control element.

[0010] According to the present invention, in order to control the control gap, the diameter of the control element can be changed by the drive device. This specifically means that when the diameter increases, the control gap, preferably annularly constructed, becomes smaller or narrower. When the increase in the diameter of the control element reaches its maximum, the control gap disappears or closes. When the diameter of the control element decreases, the control gap, preferably annularly constructed, increases, thereby increasing the flow rate of the refrigerant valve from the at least one inlet opening to the outlet opening.

[0011] Compared to existing technologies, the refrigerant valve of this invention does not include a valve needle. This allows for a simplified design of the component geometry, particularly the geometry of the refrigerant passage. Undercutting is not required in the refrigerant passage.

[0012] Preferably, the control element has an axial length, wherein the axial length can be changed by the drive device, and wherein a decrease in the axial length results in an increase in the diameter of the control element.

[0013] The axial length of the control element here preferably refers to the dimension of the control element's extension along the axial direction of the refrigerant passage. If the axial length of the control element is reduced by the drive device, the diameter of the control element is simultaneously increased. Conversely, an increase in axial length leads to a decrease in the diameter of the control element, thereby allowing a greater flow rate of refrigerant through the refrigerant passage.

[0014] Preferably, the refrigerant channel is cylindrical, and / or the refrigerant channel is perforated.

[0015] Therefore, refrigerant channels can be implemented with particular simplicity, especially without the need for undercuts or similarly complex geometries. In particular, refrigerant channels can have a constant diameter along their entire axial length.

[0016] A further advantageous provision is that the control element has a first section and a second section, wherein a deformable section is arranged between the first section and the second section, wherein the second section is movable relative to the first section by a drive device.

[0017] The first section can be a region of the control element or a separate component of the control element. Similarly, the second section can be a region of the control element or a separate component. A deformable section is arranged between the first and second sections. If the second section moves relative to the first section by a drive mechanism, the distance between the first and second sections increases or decreases, thereby increasing or decreasing the axial length of the control element and correspondingly decreasing or increasing the diameter of the control element. The decrease or increase in the diameter of the control element is provided here by the deformation of the deformable section. With respect to the axial direction of the refrigerant passage and / or with respect to the axial length of the control element, the first and second sections are arranged one above or below the other. The first section can be arranged particularly closer to the at least one inlet opening, while the second section of the control element is closer to the outlet opening of the refrigerant passage.

[0018] Preferably, the drive device is an electric motor with a rotor shaft, and the control element includes a motion thread, wherein the motion thread converts the rotational motion of the rotor shaft into axial motion of a second segment.

[0019] The rotational motion of the rotor shaft is converted into the axial motion of the second section by the moving thread, thereby changing the distance between the first and second sections, and thus, in particular, the diameter of the deformable section can be reduced or increased.

[0020] In principle, it is also feasible to use a pneumatic drive. In this case, the control element can be a capsule that can be pressurized by the pneumatic drive. By increasing the pressure inside the capsule, its diameter is increased, thereby reducing the control gap.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous to specify that the control element, especially the second section, includes a rivet, especially a threaded rivet, wherein the rivet is axially movable by the moving thread, and wherein the rivet is preferably connected to the control element in a torsion-resistant manner.

[0022] In particular, the threads of the threaded rivet can be arranged in the moving thread. Due to the interaction between the threads of the threaded rivet and the internal threads of the moving thread, the rotational motion of the rotor shaft can be converted into the axial motion of the second section, especially the axial motion of the threaded rivet.

[0023] Further advantageously, the control element is an expansion body.

[0024] The deformation section of the expander is preferably constructed in a corrugated tube form.

[0025] Further advantageously, the control element, particularly the first section, is fixedly connected to the valve housing, wherein the control element, particularly the first section, preferably includes a guide tube, wherein the guide tube is fixedly connected to the valve housing, and wherein the rotor shaft is arranged in the guide tube.

[0026] The fixed connection between the first section and the valve housing is preferably constructed to be torsion-resistant and pressure-sealed. Specifically, the first section of the control element must not move or shift axially within the refrigerant passage. The first section may include a guide tube connected to the valve housing in a torsion-resistant, pressure-sealed, and non-axially movable manner. In this case, the rotor shaft is preferably guided through the guide tube, so that the rotational motion of the rotor can be transmitted to the second section of the control element, particularly the rivets, via the rotor shaft and moving threads arranged in the guide tube.

[0027] In principle, it is also feasible to connect the first section of the control element directly to the valve body without a guide tube. In this case, the connection is also implemented torsion-resistant and pressure-sealed. For this connection, crimping, welding, bonding, or equivalent connections can be used.

[0028] Further advantageously, the control element includes a pressure balancing device, particularly an open or pressure balancing valve, wherein the pressure balancing device is preferably arranged in the rivet.

[0029] Due to variations in the axial length and / or diameter of the control element, changes in its internal volume may also occur. To balance these pressure variations, the control element has a pressure balancing device, particularly an opening or pressure balancing valve. This pressure balancing valve can be arranged in the second section of the rivet or the control element, particularly in the expansion body. In its simplest case, the pressure balancing device can be a small orifice or opening. The opening can be a central channel in the rivet. This is particularly advantageous when the moving thread does not have a sealing function.

[0030] In another embodiment, the first section may include a first plate, the second section may include a second plate, and the deformable section may be an elastic extruded body.

[0031] If the second plate moves or moves toward the first plate by means of a drive device, the elastic extrusion body arranged between the first and second plates is compressed in the axial direction, thereby changing its diameter. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 A refrigerant valve with a valve housing and control elements is shown.

[0034] Figure 2a A detailed view of the valve housing with control elements when the refrigerant valve is closed is shown.

[0035] Figure 2b A detailed view of the valve housing with control elements is shown when the valve is open.

[0036] Figure 3a A detailed view of a variant valve housing with a control element when the refrigerant valve is closed is shown, as well as

[0037] Figure 3b A detailed view of a modified valve housing with the control element when the valve is open is shown.

[0038] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding elements are indicated by the same reference numerals. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1A refrigerant valve 100 is shown, comprising a valve housing 10 and an actuation device 11. The valve housing 10 has a refrigerant passage 13 extending along an axial direction 12, the refrigerant passage including an inlet opening 14 and an outlet opening 15. The inlet opening 14 is radially oriented, and the outlet opening 15 is located at the axially lower end 16 of the refrigerant passage 13. A control element 17 is arranged in the refrigerant passage 13, wherein a control gap 19 is formed between the control element 17 and the inner wall 18 of the refrigerant passage 13. The actuation device 11 is configured as an electric motor 38, including a stator 20 and a rotor 21. To separate the refrigerant guiding area and the drying area, an isolation shroud 22 is provided, wherein the rotor 21 is arranged inside the isolation shroud 22, and the stator 20 is arranged outside the isolation shroud 22. The diameter 23 of the control element 17 can be changed by the actuation device 11 to control the control gap 19. The rotor shaft 24 of the rotor 21 is supported in a rolling bearing 25 and guides a guide tube 26 through the control element 17.

[0040] Figure 2a and 2b A detailed view of the valve housing 10 together with the control element 17 arranged in the refrigerant passage 13 is shown. The control element 17 is configured as an expansion body 27 and includes a first section 28 having a guide tube 26 and a second section 29 having a threaded rivet 30. A deformable section 31 exists between the guide tube 26 and the threaded rivet 30. The rotational motion of the rotor 21 is converted into axial motion of the threaded rivet 30 via the rotor shaft 24 and the moving thread 32, thereby changing the distance between the first section 28 and the second section 29, and thus changing the axial length 33 of the control element 17. If the axial length 33 increases, the diameter 23 of the deformable section 31 of the control element 17 decreases; if the axial length 33 decreases, the diameter 23 of the deformable section 31 of the control element 17 increases. Figure 2a In the diagram, control element 17 is shown with a minimum axial length 33 and a corresponding maximum diameter 23. It can be seen that control clearance 19 is closed, and refrigerant valve 100 is also closed accordingly. Figure 2b In the diagram, control element 17 is shown with a maximum axial length 33 and a corresponding minimum diameter 23, thereby controlling the opening of clearance 19 and refrigerant valve 100. For pressure equalization, a small opening 34 is provided in the threaded rivet 30. Opening 34 is a central channel 39 in the threaded rivet 30.

[0041] Figure 3a and 3b A variation of control element 17 is shown. According to... Figure 3a and 3bThe control element 17 has a resilient extrusion body 35 arranged between a first plate 36 and a second plate 37. The second plate 37 is connected to a threaded rivet 30 and is axially movable by a motor 38. If the distance between the first plate 36 and the second plate 37 decreases, the extrusion body 35 is compressed, thereby increasing its diameter 23 until the control gap 19 closes. Figure 3a As shown. If the distance between the first plate 36 and the second plate 37 increases, the extrusion body 35 is unloaded of pressure and its diameter 23 decreases. This is in Figure 3b As shown in the figure, the control gap 19 is opened.

[0042] List of reference numerals

[0043] 100 refrigerant valve

[0044] 10 valve housing

[0045] 11 drive unit

[0046] 12 axial directions

[0047] 13 Refrigerant Channel

[0048] 14 entrance openings

[0049] 15 Exit Openings

[0050] 16 Lower end

[0051] 17 control elements

[0052] 18 Inner Wall

[0053] 19 Control Clearance

[0054] 20 stators

[0055] 21 rotors

[0056] 22 isolation shields

[0057] 23 diameter

[0058] 24 rotor shafts

[0059] 25 rolling bearing

[0060] 26 guide tubes

[0061] 27 expansion bodies

[0062] 28 First Section

[0063] 29 Second Section

[0064] 30 threaded rivets

[0065] 31 Deformation Section

[0066] 32 moving thread

[0067] 33 Axial length

[0068] 34 openings

[0069] 35 Extrusion Body

[0070] 36 First board

[0071] 37 Second Board

[0072] 38 electric motors

[0073] 39 channels

Claims

1. A refrigerant valve (100), the refrigerant valve comprising a valve housing (10) and a drive device (11), wherein, The valve housing (10) has a refrigerant passage (13) having at least one inlet opening (14) and an outlet opening (15) for the refrigerant, wherein a control element (17) is arranged in the refrigerant passage (13), wherein a control gap (19) is formed between the control element (17) and the inner wall (18) of the refrigerant passage (13), characterized in that, in order to control the control gap (19), the diameter (23) of the control element (17) can be changed by the drive device (11).

2. The refrigerant valve (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control element (17) has an axial length (33), wherein the axial length (33) can be changed by the drive device (11), wherein a decrease in the axial length (33) results in an increase in the diameter (23) of the control element (17).

3. The refrigerant valve (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The refrigerant channel (13) is cylindrical, and / or the refrigerant channel (13) is perforated.

4. The refrigerant valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control element (17) has a first section (28) and a second section (29), wherein a deformable section (31) is arranged between the first section (28) and the second section (29), wherein the second section (29) is movable relative to the first section (28) by the drive device (11).

5. The refrigerant valve (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The drive device (11) is an electric motor (38) with a rotor shaft (24), and the control element (17) includes a motion thread (32) which converts the rotational motion of the rotor shaft (24) into the axial motion of the second segment (29).

6. The refrigerant valve (100) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control element (17), especially the second section (29), includes rivets, especially threaded rivets (30), wherein the rivets are axially movable by the moving thread (32), and wherein the rivets are preferably connected to the control element (17) in a torsion-resistant manner.

7. The refrigerant valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control element (17) is an expander (27).

8. The refrigerant valve (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that, The control element (17), especially the first section (28), is fixedly connected to the valve housing (10), wherein the control element (17), especially the first section (28), preferably includes a guide tube (26), wherein the guide tube (26) is fixedly connected to the valve housing (10), wherein the rotor shaft (24) is arranged in the guide tube (26).

9. The refrigerant valve (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The control element (17) includes a pressure balancing device, particularly an opening (34) or a pressure balancing valve (100), wherein the pressure balancing device is preferably arranged in the rivet.

10. The refrigerant valve (100) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that, The first section (28) includes a first plate (36), the second section (29) includes a second plate (37), and the deformable section (31) is an elastic extruded body (35).

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