Devices for regulating the flow and distribution of a fluid in a fluid circuit

Abstract

Device (10) for controlling the flow and distributing a fluid in a fluid circuit, comprising a housing (11) with connections (13, 14, 15) for connecting to fluid lines, each of which is connected to an inner volume of the housing (11) via a through-opening, and a valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) arranged in the inner volume of the housing (11) with an actuating element (16) for moving the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) relative to the housing (11), wherein the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (22) and has openings (18, 19, 20, 21) designed as through-bores, which form a common volume inside the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2), wherein - an axis of symmetry of at least one through-hole (18a, 18b) of a first opening (18) and the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) as well as an axis of symmetry of a through-hole of a first connection (13) of the housing (11) in a direction z and - The axes of symmetry of through-holes of at least three openings (19, 20, 21) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) and of through-holes of two ports (14, 15) of the housing (11) are arranged in a plane spanned by two directions x, y, wherein the directions x, y, z are each perpendicular to each other, wherein the through-holes of the ports (13, 14, 15) of the housing (11) have the same diameters that are constant along their length, wherein the diameters are larger than the diameter of the at least one through-hole (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) and a flow cross-section of the through-hole of the first port (13) of the housing (11) in the area where the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is in contact with the housing (11) is covered in such a way that at least two passage openings (24, 25, 26) are formed, wherein - the total flow cross-section of the passage openings (24, 25, 26) is smaller than the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11), and - to cover the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11) in the area where the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is attached to the housing (11), a cover element (23-1, 23-2) with at least two through-openings (24, 25, 26) is formed, wherein, depending on the orientation of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) to the through-openings (24, 25, 26) of the cover element (23-1, 23-2), the first connection (13) of the housing (11) is open or closed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to devices for regulating the flow and distribution of a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit. The devices each comprise a housing with connections for connecting to fluid lines, each of which is connected to an inner volume of the housing via a through-opening, as well as a valve element arranged in the inner volume of the housing with a drive element for moving the valve element relative to the housing.

[0002] In motor vehicles known from the state of the art, the high demands on passenger comfort in the passenger compartment are met by air conditioning systems with different circuits for refrigerants and coolants, each with differently operated heat exchangers.Conventional and future motor vehicles with electric drive, referred to as electric vehicles, for example as EV for "electric vehicles" or FCV for "fuel cell vehicles", or motor vehicles with a hybrid drive consisting of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine, referred to as hybrid vehicles or HEV for "hybrid electric vehicles", generally have a higher supply requirement for cooling or heating than motor vehicles with a purely internal combustion engine drive due to their design with additional components of the electric powertrain, such as a high-voltage battery, an internal charger, a transformer, an inverter and the electric motor.In addition to the refrigerant circuit of the actual air conditioning system, known motor vehicles with a purely electric drive or an electric hybrid drive are equipped with a coolant circuit in which the coolant circulating to dissipate the heat emitted by the drive components is passed through a coolant-refrigerant heat exchanger to transfer the heat from the coolant to the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit. In particular, these vehicles, which are equipped with the capability for fast charging of electrical energy storage devices such as the high-voltage battery of the powertrain, must be designed to meet increased cooling requirements for these energy storage devices.

[0003] Thermal systems in electrically powered vehicles have a significant impact on vehicle range due to their energy requirements. For example, a demand-based distribution of heat flows within the vehicle, using various subsystems, enables faster conditioning of components that require optimal operating temperatures. In battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid vehicles, where conditioning of the high-voltage components of the electric powertrain is of particular importance in addition to the passenger compartment, minimizing the impact of thermal system operation on vehicle range is crucial.

[0004] It is also known from the prior art to design refrigerant circuits of air conditioning systems to operate in both heat pump and refrigeration modes in order to distribute thermal energy within the vehicle. For example, when operating the refrigerant circuit in heat pump mode, heat can be absorbed from the ambient air or a coolant circuit and then transferred to vehicle components requiring heat. When operating the refrigerant circuit in refrigeration mode, heat can be absorbed from the passenger compartment, the supply air to the passenger compartment, or other components and transferred, for example, to the environment. Within these thermal systems, the heat transfer circuits, such as refrigerant and coolant circuits, are interconnected and connected to other vehicle components.Especially in hybrid-powered vehicles, there are major challenges in arranging the thermal system for conditioning various components within the available installation space.

[0005] Specifically, the refrigerant circuits of air conditioning and thermal systems in motor vehicles are becoming increasingly complex, also to provide energy-efficient solutions for conditioning the passenger compartment air, such as cooling, dehumidifying, and heating. The number of components, especially valves, increases with the growing number of system functions.

[0006] German patent application DE 10 2013 206 626 A1 discloses a refrigerant circuit for air conditioning a vehicle. The refrigerant circuit includes a compressor and several heat exchangers operating as evaporators or condensers for transferring heat with the refrigerant. The components of the refrigerant circuit, in particular the large number of valves, are integrated into the refrigerant circuit via connecting lines.

[0007] The required large number of valves and connecting lines takes up considerable installation space and, in addition to high costs, also causes a high weight of the refrigerant circuit.

[0008] German patent DE 10 2014 105 097 A1 discloses a valve block arrangement for multiple valves, in particular expansion valves or shut-off valves. The arrangement comprises a valve block with multiple fluid flow paths and multiple actuating units with associated actuators. The valve block is formed in two parts: a flow path element with the flow paths and a limiting element. Specifically, the valve block arrangement includes four refrigerant valves integrated into a single block, thereby reducing the number of connecting lines in the refrigerant circuit.

[0009] The highly complex design of the two-part valve block assembly requires additional components such as seals, guides and screw connections, which in turn results in high manufacturing costs, a high susceptibility to assembly errors, high demands on tightness and strength, and a high weight.

[0010] German patent DE 20 2013 005 960 U1 describes a 3 / 2-way valve designed as a ball valve, which has three ports, two of which are exclusively inlets and one of which is exclusively an outlet. The fluid circulating in the circuit can be directed towards the outlet from either one of the two inlets or from both inlets together, depending on the valve position. The ports cannot be controlled independently or individually. An open connection is always maintained between the inlets. The inlets and the outlet cannot be reversed in their respective functions, so that the fluid could flow out through an inlet or in through the outlet. To ensure such functions, additional external valves, in particular shut-off valves, must be provided.

[0011] FR 2 120 658 A6 discloses a valve comprising a housing and a spherical valve element arranged within the housing. The housing has two coaxially opposed passages and a third passage whose central axis coincides with the axis of rotation of the valve element. In addition to two passages, the valve element has at least one third passage whose center point coincides with the axis of rotation of the valve element and whose opening is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0012] The KR 20 0 383 943 Y1 designation indicates a three-way valve for a gas boiler with a spherical valve element and an actuator, which are rotated by means of a drive motor.

[0013] US Patent 5,445,187 A discloses a device comprising a condensate trap and a valve body. The valve body, which is detachably attached to the condensate trap, has an inlet and an outlet, as well as a valve element that can assume three different operating positions. The valve element is rotatably mounted within the valve body.

[0014] The object of the invention is to provide a device for regulating the flow and distribution of a fluid in a fluid circuit, particularly in refrigerant circuits, of a motor vehicle's thermal system. The device aims to connect a maximum number of heat sources and heat sinks of the thermal system, especially of a battery-electric or hybrid-powered vehicle, to each other with a minimal number of components, such as valves and connecting lines, while maintaining full refrigerant functionality. Furthermore, the manufacturing, maintenance, and operating costs, as well as the required installation space, should be minimized. The thermal system should be able to operate without restriction and with maximum efficiency.

[0015] The problem is solved by the subject matter with the features of the independent patent claims. Further developments are specified in the dependent patent claims.

[0016] The problem is solved by devices according to the invention for regulating the flow and distribution of a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit. The devices each have a housing with connections for connecting to fluid lines, each of which is connected to an inner volume of the housing via a through-opening, in particular a circular cylindrical opening, as well as a valve element arranged in the inner volume of the housing with an actuating element for moving the valve element relative to the housing.

[0017] The valve element is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation and has, as through-holes, in particular circular cylindrical openings, preferably at least four openings, which form a common volume inside the valve element. An axis of symmetry of at least one through-hole of a first opening and the axis of rotation of the valve element, as well as an axis of symmetry of a through-hole of a first connection of the housing, are arranged in a z direction, while axes of symmetry of through-holes of at least three openings of the valve element and of through-holes of two connections of the housing are arranged in a plane spanned by two directions x, y. The directions x, y, z are each perpendicular to one another.

[0018] The through-holes of the housing connections have essentially the same diameters, which are constant along their length. The diameters of these through-holes are each larger than the diameter of the at least one through-bore of the first opening of the valve element. In the area where the valve element contacts the housing, the flow cross-section of the first housing connection is covered such that only at least two through-holes are formed in the direction of the valve element with the at least one through-bore of the first opening. The total flow cross-section of these through-holes is smaller than the flow cross-section of the through-hole of the first housing connection.

[0019] According to a first and a second embodiment of the invention, a cover element with at least two through-holes is provided to cover the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection of the housing in the area where the valve element rests against the housing. Depending on the orientation of the first opening of the valve element relative to the through-holes of the cover element, the first connection of the housing is either open or closed.

[0020] According to the second embodiment of the invention, the valve element also has the shape of a sphere. The cover element is designed as a uniform section of a spherical shell with a constant wall thickness and is arranged within the housing in the z-direction between the valve element and the housing. The contour of an inner surface of the spherical shell of the cover element corresponds to the contour of an outer surface of the spherical valve element. The housing has a recess for the integrated reception of the cover element. This recess is designed to fully adapt the cover element to the contour of an outer surface of the spherical shell.

[0021] According to a third and a fourth embodiment of the invention, the first opening of the valve element is each formed with a first through-bore and a second through-bore consisting of at least two through-bores. Depending on the orientation of the first through-bore and the second through-bore of the first opening of the valve element relative to the through-bores, the first connection of the housing is either open or closed.

[0022] According to the third conception of the invention, the axes of symmetry of the through bores of the first opening are arranged on a common pitch circle diameter with reference to the axis of rotation of the valve element and offset at an angle of 90° around the axis of rotation of the valve element and aligned parallel to each other.

[0023] According to the fourth embodiment of the invention, the axes of symmetry of the second through-bore of the first opening and a third opening of the valve element are aligned at an intersection. The axis of symmetry of the second through-bore of the first opening is arranged offset from the center of the valve element in the direction of the third opening.

[0024] According to a further development of the invention, the axes of symmetry of the through-openings of the first connection, a second connection and a third connection of the housing and the axis of rotation of the valve element each have a common intersection point in which the valve element is arranged with a center point.

[0025] The first connection of the housing is preferably arranged on a side opposite the actuating element to the valve element, while the second connection and the third connection are formed on opposite sides of the preferably cuboid housing that differ from the side of the first connection.

[0026] The axes of symmetry of the through-openings of the second connection and a third connection of the housing are each advantageously arranged on a common axis oriented in the y direction. Thus, the axes of symmetry of the through-openings of the first connection, the second connection, and the third connection of the housing are T-shaped relative to each other in a plane spanned by the y and z directions.

[0027] According to a further advantage of the invention, the axis of symmetry of the through-opening of the first connection of the housing and the axis of rotation of the valve element are aligned coaxially to each other.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the devices according to the first, third and fourth conceptions of the invention, the valve element is in each case spherical or circular cylindrical in shape.

[0029] The axes of symmetry of the at least three openings of the valve element arranged in the plane spanned by two directions x, y advantageously each have a common intersection point in the center of the valve element.

[0030] The axis of rotation of the valve element preferably runs through the center of the valve element.

[0031] A further advantage of the invention is that the axis of symmetry of the at least one through-bore of the first opening is spaced apart from the axis of rotation of the valve element and thus eccentrically aligned to the valve element, so that the axes of symmetry of the at least one through-bore of the first opening of the valve element and the through-bore of the first connection of the housing are arranged parallel and offset from each other.

[0032] According to a further development of the invention, the three axes of symmetry of the openings of the valve element, arranged in the plane spanned by two directions x and y, are each aligned in a T-shape relative to one another. The axes of symmetry of a second and a third opening, as well as of the third and a fourth opening, are orthogonal to each other, while the axes of symmetry of the second and fourth openings are coaxial. The second, third, and fourth openings of the valve element are, in particular, provided in the same plane as the second and third ports of the housing.

[0033] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the axes of symmetry of a first through-bore of the first opening and of the second opening of the valve element are aligned so as to intersect each other. The axis of symmetry of the first through-bore of the first opening is arranged offset from the center of the valve element in the direction of the fourth opening. Furthermore, the axis of symmetry of the first through-bore of the first opening intersects a passage formed between the second opening and the fourth opening in a great-circle section plane, preferably at an included angle of 90°.

[0034] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the devices according to the first and second conceptions of the invention, the first opening of the valve element is each formed with a first through-bore and a second through-bore consisting of at least two through-bores.

[0035] The axes of symmetry of the through-bores of the first opening of the devices according to the first, second and fourth conception of the invention are each preferably arranged on a common pitch circle diameter with reference to the axis of rotation of the valve element.

[0036] The axes of symmetry of the through-holes of the first opening are preferably offset at an angle of 90° around the axis of rotation of the valve element and are aligned parallel to each other and thus parallel to the axis of rotation of the valve element.

[0037] The axes of symmetry of the second through-bore of the first opening and the third opening of the valve element of the devices according to the first, second, and third embodiments of the invention are preferably aligned in an intersecting manner. The axis of symmetry of the second through-bore of the first opening is arranged offset from the center of the valve element in the direction of the third opening. The axis of symmetry of the second through-bore of the first opening intersects the through-bore of the third opening in a great-circle plane, preferably at an included angle of 90°.

[0038] The at least one through-bore of the first opening of the valve element is preferably formed on a side opposite a side oriented towards the actuating element. In a spherical design of the valve element, the at least one through-bore of the first opening of the valve element and the actuating element are arranged essentially diametrically opposite each other, while in a circular cylindrical design of the valve element, the at least one through-bore of the first opening of the valve element and the actuating element are each arranged in the region of the opposite end faces of the circular cylinder.

[0039] The through-bores of the at least three openings of the valve element arranged in the plane spanned by the directions x, y each preferably have the same diameters that are constant over the length and thus constant and equally sized flow cross-sections.

[0040] Furthermore, at least one through-hole of the first opening of the valve element has a diameter that is constant along its length. The diameter of this through-hole is equal to or less than the diameter of the openings of the valve element arranged in the plane defined by directions x and y.

[0041] According to a further development of the invention, the diameters of the through-openings of the connections of the housing are each larger than or equal to the diameters of the through-bores of the openings of the valve element arranged in the plane spanned by the directions x, y.

[0042] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the passage openings each have a circular flow cross-section, in particular with the same diameter, and are arranged with their centers on a common partial circle diameter in the case of a spherical design of the valve element relative to a projected center point of a spherical shell or in the case of a circular cylindrical design of the valve element relative to a center point of a circular end face of a cylinder.

[0043] The diameters of the through-holes are preferably greater than or equal to the diameter of a through-bore of the first opening of the valve element. Furthermore, the diameter of the pitch circle on which the centers of the through-holes are arranged preferably corresponds to the diameter of the pitch circle on which the through-bores of the first opening of the valve element are arranged. The pitch circle diameter is always referenced to the projected center point of the sphere.

[0044] According to a further development of the invention, a first passage opening and a second passage opening adjacent to the first passage opening are arranged at an angle of 90° in a spherical design of the valve element with respect to the projected center point of the spherical shell or in a circular cylindrical design of the valve element with respect to the center point of the end face of the cylinder.

[0045] In the area where the valve element attaches to the housing, at least three through-holes can be formed. The first through-hole and a third through-hole adjacent to the first through-hole are also arranged at an angle of 90° to the projected center point of the spherical shell of the valve element, or to the center point of the end face of the cylinder, if the valve element is spherical. Thus, the second and third through-holes are aligned at an angle of 0° and 180° to each other, respectively.

[0046] A further advantage of the invention is that the axes of symmetry of the passage openings each have the same inclination in a spherical design of the valve element with respect to the projected center point of the spherical shell, so that the axes of symmetry of the passage openings intersect at a common point on an axis of symmetry of the spherical shell or are arranged parallel to each other and to the axis of symmetry of the spherical shell or an axis of symmetry of the circular cylinder.

[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment of the devices according to the third and fourth conceptions of the invention, a cover element with at least two passage openings is provided to cover the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection of the housing in the area where the valve element is attached to the housing.

[0048] The cover element is preferably fixed in the housing and arranged so that it is immovable relative to the housing. The cover element can be positively or materially bonded to the housing. Furthermore, depending on the design of the devices, a sealing element, particularly in the form of an O-ring, can be arranged between the cover element and the housing, so that the cover element is floating within the housing.

[0049] In the devices according to the first, third, and fourth embodiments of the invention, the cover element, in the case of a spherical design of the valve element, is preferably configured as a uniform section of a spherical shell, or, in the case of a circular cylindrical design of the valve element, preferably as a circular disk, in each case preferably with a constant wall thickness, and is arranged within the housing in the z direction between the valve element and the housing. The contour of an inner surface of the spherical shell of the cover element preferably corresponds to the contour of an outer surface of the spherical valve element. Furthermore, the housing preferably has a recess for the integrated reception of the cover element. The recess is designed to correspond to the contour of an outer surface of the spherical shell for complete adaptation of the cover element.

[0050] The axis of rotation of the cover element and the axis of symmetry of the through-opening of the first connection of the housing are each arranged on a common axis.

[0051] In a further development, the valve element is connected to an actuating element located outside the housing via a connecting element. The axis of symmetry of the through-opening of the first connection of the housing and the connecting element are preferably arranged on a common axis. The connecting element is advantageously designed as a shaft. The connecting element is, in particular, fixed to the actuating element at a first end and projecting into the housing through one side at a second end, which is distal to the first end, and connected to the valve element.

[0052] The actuating element is preferably designed as an electric actuator, in particular as a stepper motor.

[0053] The devices according to the invention are each designed as a highly integrated component, in particular as a refrigerant valve, specifically as a multi-way ball valve for use in refrigeration circuits, for performing several functions, especially shut-off functions. Each device combines a plurality of functions of individual valves. In particular, the devices make it possible to allow or prevent flow at all three ports of the housing independently of one another, i.e., to completely close all three ports simultaneously.

[0054] The advantageous embodiment of the invention enables the use of the devices for controlling the flow and distribution of a fluid in a refrigerant circuit of a thermal system, in particular a thermal management system, of a motor vehicle for conditioning at least one air mass flow supplied to a passenger compartment and at least one component of a powertrain. The thermal system can include at least one refrigerant circuit and at least one coolant circuit, also for absorbing heat from the refrigerant circuit. The devices then each serve as an adaptive multi-way refrigerant valve for vehicle air conditioning.

[0055] The devices according to the invention, in particular each as a highly variable refrigerant valve with a multitude of possible flow paths for the refrigerant, offer several advantages: - With a minimal number of components, a maximum number of heat sources and heat sinks of the thermal system, especially of a battery-electric or hybrid-powered vehicle, can be connected to each other on the refrigerant side, - Reduced assembly complexity leads to a lower probability of errors and failures, which reduces expected warranty costs, - minimizing weight, - minimizing refrigerant leakage by eliminating connecting lines and sealing points, thereby reducing costs for the end customer in the event of service, as well as - Environmental protection and smaller collector and / or accumulator volumes, as a small initial refrigerant charge is required, resulting in minimal costs for the vehicle manufacturer, - maximum efficiency in the operation of the thermal system and - minimal manufacturing, maintenance and operating costs as well as minimal required installation space.

[0056] Further details, features, and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1: a connection arrangement consisting of three valves as a section of a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, Fig. 2: a device for regulating the flow and distribution of a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a valve for refrigerant circuits of a thermal system of a motor vehicle in schematic representation, Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b: a first embodiment of a valve element of a device made of Fig. 2 in a perspective view and a sectional view, Fig. 4: the device made of Fig. 2 with a valve element according to the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, Fig. 5a: the first embodiment of the valve element from the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b in combination with a first embodiment of a cover element in a perspective view, Fig. 5b: the cover element made of Fig. 5a in a top view, Fig. 6a to 6e: different circuit variants of a device made of Fig. 2 with the first embodiment of the valve element in combination with the first embodiment of the cover element made of Fig. 5a, Fig. 7a: a second embodiment of the valve element of a device made of Fig. 2 in combination with a second embodiment of a cover element in a perspective view, Fig. 7b: the second embodiment of the valve element made of Fig. 7a in a sectional view, Fig. 8a: the cover element made of Fig. 7a in a top view as well as Fig. 8b: the valve element made of Fig. 7a in a side view and Fig. 9a to 9e: different circuit variants of a device made of Fig. 2 with the second embodiment of the valve element in combination with the second embodiment of the cover element made of Fig. 7a.

[0057] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a connection arrangement 1 consisting of three valves 6, 7, 8 as a section of a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle. The refrigerant circuit can be configured with at least one compressor and several heat exchangers, each operating as an evaporator or condenser / gas cooler, for transferring heat with the refrigerant. Each condenser / gas cooler is assigned a valve, in particular a shut-off valve, for example a solenoid valve. The components of the refrigerant circuit are fluidically connected to each other via connecting lines.

[0058] When the refrigerant is liquefied during subcritical operation of the refrigerant circuit, such as with refrigerant R134a or under certain ambient conditions with carbon dioxide, the heat exchanger is called a condenser. Part of the heat transfer occurs at a constant temperature. During supercritical operation, or when heat is released supercritically in the heat exchanger, the temperature of the refrigerant decreases steadily. In this case, the heat exchanger is also called a gas cooler. Supercritical operation can occur under certain ambient conditions or operating modes of the refrigerant circuit, for example, with carbon dioxide as the refrigerant.

[0059] The connection arrangement 1 has a connection point 2 and three ports 3, 4, 5. At connection point 2, three connecting lines from different flow paths of the refrigerant circuit (not shown) are connected to each other. Each port 3, 4, 5 is coupled to connection point 2. A first valve 6 is provided between connection point 2 and a first port 3, a second valve 7 between connection point 2 and a second port 4, and a third valve 8 between connection point 2 and a third port 5. The valves 6, 7, 8 are preferably designed as shut-off valves.

[0060] The connection arrangement 1 can be connected at each port 3, 4, 5 to a heat exchanger operated, for example, as an evaporator or condenser / gas cooler, a compressor, a fluid storage device, in particular a refrigerant receiver or accumulator, or similar. To control the refrigerant flow within the refrigerant circuit, each flow path of the connection arrangement 1 can at least be opened or closed.

[0061] Traditionally, such shut-off functions are implemented using three separately designed shut-off valves. Each flow path is assigned an independently operated valve. Each valve is designed to perform only one function, thus requiring a large number of valves and connecting lines. According to the invention, the functions of the individual valves are now combined in a single device.

[0062] The refrigerant circuit in which such a device is used can be operated with any refrigerant, in particular R1234yf, R134a, R744, R404a, R600a, R290, R152a, R32 and mixtures thereof.

[0063] Out of Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a device 10 for controlling the flow and distribution of a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a valve for refrigerant circuits of a thermal system of a motor vehicle. The device 10 is designed as a highly integrated refrigerant valve for performing several functions, in particular to replace at least three valves, especially shut-off valves, according to the prior art and to reduce the number of components of the fluid circuit.

[0064] The device 10 has a preferably cuboid housing 11 with a first port 13, a second port 14, and a third port 15, which serve as the inlet and outlet of the refrigerant, respectively, depending on the function and operating mode. The ports 13, 14, and 15 for refrigerant lines connecting to other components of the refrigerant circuit are each connected to an inner volume of the housing 11 via through-openings. A valve element 12 is arranged within this volume. The axes of symmetry of the through-openings of the ports 13, 14, and 15 and a rotation axis of the valve element 12 intersect at a common point, where the valve element 12 is located.

[0065] The housing 11, designed in the form of a valve block, is closed except in the areas of the ports 13, 14, and 15. The external shape of the housing 11 is designed to ensure its functionality, including a specific arrangement within a system, and to enable cost-effective series production with minimal component weight.

[0066] The spherical valve element 12 is connected via a connecting element 17, arranged on the axis of rotation of the valve element 12, to an actuating element 16 located outside the housing 11. The connecting element 17, which may be designed, for example, as a shaft or an actuating shaft, is fixedly connected to the actuating element 16 at one end. At its second end, which is distal to the first end, the connecting element 17 projects through the wall of the housing 11 into the housing 11. The actuating element 16, also referred to as the drive element, may, for example, be a servo motor for driving the connecting element 17.

[0067] The first port 13 is located on the opposite side of the actuator element 16 on the housing 11, while the second port 14 and the third port 15 are located on opposite sides and on sides different from the side of the first port 13. The through-holes of the second port 14 and the third port 15 are arranged on a common axis oriented in the y direction, so that a straight passage extends between the two ports 14 and 15. The through-hole of the first port 13 and the connecting element 17 are also arranged on a common axis oriented in the z direction. The through-holes of the ports 13, 14, and 15 are T-shaped relative to each other in a plane defined by the y and z directions, with the axes of symmetry of the through-holes intersecting at the center of the valve element 12.The x direction is always orthogonal to the y and z directions.

[0068] From the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b describes a first embodiment of a valve element 12-1 of a device 10 Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view and a sectional view through a great circle plane. The valve element 12-1 has four circular cylindrical openings 18, 19, 20, 21 designed as through-holes, the flow cross-sections of which have diameters constant along the length of the openings 18, 19, 20, 21. The diameter of a first opening 18 is smaller than the diameters of the three further openings 19, 20, 21, whose diameters preferably have the same values.

[0069] The axes of symmetry of a second opening 19, a third opening 20, and a fourth opening 21, which are arranged within a median plane defined by the x and y directions and thus each orthogonal to the axis of rotation 22 of the valve element 12-1, and the axis of rotation 22 of the valve element 12-1 intersect at the center of the valve element 12-1. The second opening 19 and the fourth opening 21 are arranged at angles of 0° and 180° to each other, respectively, such that a straight passage extends between the two openings 19 and 21. The third opening 20, also located in the median plane, is oriented orthogonally to the passage formed between the second opening 19 and the fourth opening 21. Therefore, the angle between the second opening 19 and the third opening 20, as well as between the third opening 20 and the fourth opening 21, is 90° in each case.

[0070] The axis of symmetry of the first opening 18 is parallel to the rotation axis 22 of the valve element 12-1, which extends in the z direction, and is eccentric to the valve element 12-1. The axis of symmetry of the first opening 18 and the rotation axis 22 of the valve element 12-1 are spaced apart such that the axis of symmetry of the first opening 18 intersects the passage formed between the second opening 19 and the fourth opening 21 in a great-circle plane. The axis of symmetry of the first opening 18, which is oriented orthogonally to the passage formed between the second opening 19 and the fourth opening 21, is offset from the center point of the valve element 12-1 in the direction of the fourth opening 21. The angles enclosed between the first opening 18 and the second opening 19, as well as between the fourth opening 21, are each 90°.

[0071] The first opening 18 of the valve element 12-1 is formed on a side which is opposite the side with the connection of the valve element 12-1 to the connecting element 17 of the drive element 16 (not shown).

[0072] The spherical valve element 12, 12-1, 12-2 is according to Fig. 4, which the device 10 from Fig. 2 for example with a valve element 12-1 according to the Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows the valve element 12-1 oriented within the housing 11 such that the through-bore of the first opening 18 and the through-bore of the first port 13 of the housing 11 can form a common flow opening. The axes of symmetry of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-1 and the through-bore of the first port 13 of the housing 11 are parallel and offset from each other.

[0073] The valve element 12-1 with openings 18, 19, 20, 21 is movably arranged within the housing 11 with connections 13, 14, 15 and the associated through-openings in such a way as to block or open flow openings for the refrigerant. The second opening 19, the third opening 20, and the fourth opening 21 of the valve element 12-1 are aligned in the same plane as the second connection 14 and the third connection 15 of the housing 11 such that the openings 19, 20, 21 can communicate with the connections 14, 15 as required and depending on the position of the valve element 12-1 within the housing 11.

[0074] The diameters of the through-holes of the connections 13, 14, 15 of the housing 11 preferably have the same values ​​and are each greater than or equal to the diameters of the through-holes of the second to fourth openings 19, 20, 21 and greater than the diameter of the through-hole of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12, 12-1.

[0075] The valve element 12-1 is also fluid-tight sealed towards the housing 11 to provide targeted inlets and outlets for the refrigerant. The manufacturing tolerances of the individual components of the device 10 are selected such that the fluid, in particular the refrigerant, can only flow through the connections 13, 14, 15 with the through-openings and the openings 18, 19, 20, 21 of the valve element 12, 12-1, thus preventing unwanted bypass flows between the surface of the valve element 12, 12-1 and the housing 11.

[0076] In Fig. 5a is the first embodiment of the valve element 12-1 from the Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows a perspective view in combination with a first embodiment of a cover element 23-1. Fig. 5b is the cover element 23-1 made of Fig. 5a shown in a top view.

[0077] The cover element 23-1, also referred to as an orifice, which is designed as a uniform section of a spherical shell with a constant wall thickness, is arranged within the valve block or housing 11 (not shown) in the z direction below the valve element 12-1 and thus between the valve element 12-1 and the housing 11. The contour of an inner surface of the spherical shell corresponds to the contour of an outer surface of the spherical valve element 12-1. Furthermore, the housing 11 has a recess designed to accommodate the cover element 23-1, which corresponds to the contour of an outer surface of the spherical shell for complete adaptation of the cover element 23-1. Thus, the recess is designed with the radius of the outer surface of the spherical shell, while the volume enclosed by the housing 11 to accommodate the valve element 12-1 is designed with the radius of an inner surface of the spherical shell.The contour of an inner surface of the housing 11 also corresponds to the contour of the outer surface of the spherical valve element 12-1.

[0078] After the cover element 23-1 is positioned within the recess of the housing 11, the volume enclosed by the housing 11 with the integrated cover element 23-1 is spherically shaped to accommodate the valve element 12-1 and corresponds fully to the valve element 12-1. The valve element 12-1 is thus fully enclosed by the housing 11 with the cover element 23-1. The valve element 12-1 rests fully against the housing 11 with the cover element 23-1.

[0079] The axis of rotation of the cover element 23-1 and the axis of symmetry of the through-opening of the first connection 13 of the housing 11 are coaxial with each other, i.e., arranged on a common axis oriented in the z direction. The cover element 23-1, which is fixed in the housing 11 and thus immovable relative to the housing 11, or, for example, is floatingly mounted via a sealing element arranged between the cover element 23-1 and the housing 11, particularly in the form of an O-ring, is designed to at least partially close the through-opening of the first connection 13 formed in the housing 11. The valve element 12-1 is moved relative to the cover element 23-1 and the housing 11 during rotation about the axis of rotation 22.

[0080] The cover element 23-1 has three circular through-holes 24, 25, 26, each with the same diameter and centered on a common pitch circle diameter relative to the projected center of the spherical shell. The diameters of the through-holes 24, 25, 26 are greater than or equal to the diameter of the through-bore of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-1. The pitch circle diameter on which the centers of the through-holes 24, 25, 26 are located corresponds to the pitch circle diameter on which the through-bore of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-1 is located relative to the axis of rotation 22.

[0081] A first through-hole 24 forms an angle of 90° with respect to the projected center of the spherical shell and a second through-hole 25 and a third through-hole 26 arranged adjacent to each other. The second through-hole 25 and the third through-hole 26 are spaced apart from each other at angles of 0° and 180° respectively, and in the x direction.

[0082] The axes of symmetry of the passage openings 24, 25, 26 each have the same inclination with respect to the projected center point of the spherical shell, such that the axes of symmetry of the passage openings 24, 25, 26 either intersect at a common point on the axis of symmetry of the spherical shell according to a rotational pattern of the cover element 23-1, or the axes of symmetry of the passage openings 24, 25, 26 are arranged parallel to each other and to the axis of symmetry of the spherical shell.

[0083] From the Fig. 6a to 6e describe different circuit variants of a device 10. Fig. 2 with the first embodiment of the valve element 12-1 in combination with the first embodiment of the cover element 23-1 made of Fig. 5a, which are adjustable by rotating the valve element 12-1 about the axis of rotation 22 within the housing 11 and relative to the housing 11. By rotating the valve element 12-1 with the openings 18, 19, 20, 21 within the housing 11 with the connections 13, 14, 15 and the associated through-openings in the direction of rotation 27, predetermined flow openings and thus flow paths for the refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit are opened or closed.

[0084] In Fig. Figure 6a shows the valve element 12-1 in its initial position with a rotation angle of 0° when the device 10 is connected with the ports 13, 14, and 15 of the housing 11 open. The axes of symmetry of the through-opening of the second port 14 and the fourth opening 21 of the valve element 12-1, as well as the axes of symmetry of the through-opening of the third port 15 and the second opening 19 of the valve element 12-1, are each coaxially aligned. The first port 13 of the housing 11 is also open, since the valve element 12-1 is arranged with respect to the cover element 23-1 such that the first through-opening 24 of the cover element 23-1 and the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-1 are coaxially aligned with each other.This provides a flow opening through the first outlet 13 and the first opening 18, through the second outlet 14 and the fourth opening 21, and through the third outlet 15 and the second opening 19, with all outlets 13, 14, 15 of the housing 11 being fluidically connected to each other.

[0085] Fig. Figure 6b shows a position of the valve element 12-1 after a rotation in the direction of rotation 27 by 90° about the axis of rotation 22, starting from the position after Fig. 6a, in a circuit of the device 10 with the first port 13 and second port 14 open and the third port 15 closed. The axes of symmetry of the through-opening of the second port 14 and the third opening 20 of the valve element 12-1 are aligned coaxially with each other. The first port 13 of the housing 11 is open because the valve element 12-1 is arranged with respect to the cover element 23-1 such that the third through-opening 26 of the cover element 23-1 and the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-1 are aligned coaxially with each other. This provides a flow opening through the first outlet 13 and the first opening 18, as well as through the second outlet 14 and the third opening 20, with the first outlet 13 and the second outlet 14 of the housing 11 being fluidically connected to each other.

[0086] In Fig. 6c is a position of the valve element 12-1 after a further rotation in the direction of rotation 27 by 90° about the axis of rotation 22, starting from the position after Fig. Figure 6b shows a circuit of the device 10 with a closed first port 13, an open second port 14, and an open third port 15. The axes of symmetry of the through-opening of the second port 14 and the second opening 19 of the valve element 12-1, as well as the axes of symmetry of the through-opening of the third port 15 and the fourth opening 21 of the valve element 12-1, are each coaxially aligned with each other. The first port 13 of the housing 11 is closed because the valve element 12-1 is arranged with respect to the cover element 23-1 such that the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-1 is completely covered by the cover element 23-1.This provides a flow opening through the second outlet 14 and the second opening 19 as well as through the third outlet 15 and the fourth opening 21, wherein the second outlet 14 and the third outlet 15 of the housing 11 are fluidically connected to each other.

[0087] Out of Fig. 6d the valve element 12-1 enters a position after a further rotation in the direction of rotation 27 by 90° around the axis of rotation 22, starting from the position after Fig. Figure 6c shows a circuit of the device 10 with the first port 13 and third port 15 open and the second port 14 closed. The axes of symmetry of the through-opening of the third port 15 and the third opening 20 of the valve element 12-1 are aligned coaxially. The first port 13 of the housing 11 is open because the valve element 12-1 is arranged with respect to the cover element 23-1 such that the second through-opening 25 of the cover element 23-1 and the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-1 are aligned coaxially with each other. This provides a flow opening through the first outlet 13 and the first opening 18, as well as through the third outlet 15 and the third opening 20, with the first outlet 13 and the third outlet 15 of the housing 11 being fluidically connected.

[0088] Fig. Figure 6e shows an intermediate position of the valve element 12-1 between the positions according to the Fig. 6b and Fig. 6c after a rotation in the direction of rotation 27 by an angle less than 90°, in particular in a range of 40° to 60°, about the axis of rotation 22, starting from the position after Fig. 6b, in a circuit of the device 10 with connections 13, 14, 15 of the housing 11 closed. The axes of symmetry of the through-openings of connections 14, 15 of the housing 11 and of the openings 19, 20, 21 of the valve element 12-1 are not coaxially aligned with each other. In addition, the first connection 13 of the housing 11 is closed, since the valve element 12-1 is arranged with respect to the cover element 23-1 such that the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-1 is completely covered by the cover element 23-1. None of the through-openings 24, 25, 26 of the cover element 23-1 are aligned coaxially with or corresponding to the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-1.Since no through-hole of the ports 14, 15 of the housing 11 corresponds to a through-bore of an opening 19, 20, 21 of the valve element 12-1, and since the flow cross-sections of the through-holes of ports 14, 15 and the through-bores of openings 19, 20, 21 do not overlap, no flow opening is formed. Furthermore, the flow cross-sections of the first port 13 of the housing 11 and the through-holes 24, 25, 26 are arranged so as not to overlap and thus do not form a flow opening.

[0089] In the Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b is a second embodiment of the valve element 12-2 of a device 10 made of Fig. 2 respectively Fig. 4 according to Fig. 7a in combination with a second embodiment of the cover element 23-2 in a perspective view as well as according to Fig. 7b is shown in a cross-sectional view through a great circle plane. Fig. 8a is the cover element 23-2 made of Fig. 7a shown in a top view, while the valve element 12-2 is made of Fig. 8b is evident in a top view from below.

[0090] The valve element 12-2 has five circular cylindrical openings 18a, 18b, 19, 20, 21 designed as through-bores, the flow cross-sections of which have constant diameters along the length of the openings 18a, 18b, 19, 20, 21. The essential difference between the first embodiment of the valve element 12-1 from the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b and the second embodiment of the valve element 12-2 lies in the formation of an additional through-bore of the first opening 18, so that the valve element 12-2 has a first through-bore 18a and a second through-bore 18b of the first opening 18.

[0091] The diameters of the through-holes 18a, 18b of the first opening 18 are equal and each smaller than the diameters of the three further openings 19, 20, 21, the diameters of which preferably have the same values.

[0092] The axes of symmetry of the through bores 18a, 18b of the first opening 18 are arranged at an angle of 90° to each other on a common pitch circle diameter with reference to the rotation axis 22 of the valve element 12-2 running in the direction z and are aligned parallel to each other and to the rotation axis 22 and eccentrically to the valve element 12-2. The axes of symmetry of the through-bores 18a, 18b of the first opening 18 and the axis of rotation 22 of the valve element 12-2 are each spaced apart from each other such that the axis of symmetry of the first through-bore 18a of the first opening 18 intersects the axis of symmetry of the passage formed between the second opening 19 and the fourth opening 21 in a great-circle section plane and that the axis of symmetry of the second through-bore 18b of the first opening 18 intersects the axis of symmetry of the through-bore of the third opening 20 in a great-circle section plane.While the first through-bore 18a of the first opening 18, which is orthogonal to the passage formed between the second opening 19 and the fourth opening 21, is offset in the direction of the fourth opening 21 with respect to the center point of the valve element 12-2, the axis of symmetry of the second through-bore 18b of the first opening 18 is offset in the direction of the third opening 20 with respect to the center point of the valve element 12-2.

[0093] The through-holes 18a, 18b of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-2 are located on the side of the valve element 12-2 opposite the connecting element 17 of the actuator element 16 (not shown). The spherical valve element 12-2 is oriented within the housing 11 (not shown) such that the through-holes 18a, 18b of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-2 and the through-hole of the first connection 13 of the housing 11 can each form a common flow opening. The axes of symmetry of the through-holes 18a, 18b of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-2 and the through-hole of the first connection 13 of the housing 11 are arranged parallel and offset from each other.

[0094] The second embodiment of the cover element 23-2, designed as a uniform section of a spherical shell with a constant wall thickness, is arranged within the valve block or housing 11 (not shown) in the z direction below the valve element 12-2 and thus between the valve element 12-2 and the housing 11. The essential difference between the first embodiment of the cover element 23-1 from the Fig. 5a and Fig. The difference between the second embodiment of the cover element 23-2 and the first embodiment of the cover element 23-2 lies in the design of the passage openings 24 and 25. The second embodiment of the cover element 23-2 is designed without the third passage opening 26. Both the first passage opening 24 and the second passage opening 25 are arranged identically to the first embodiment of the cover element 23-1. Thus, the first passage opening 24 forms an included angle of 90° with respect to the second passage opening 25, relative to the projected center point of the spherical shell.

[0095] In a starting position of the valve element 12-2 with a rotation angle of 0° within the housing 11, the through-holes 18a, 18b of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-2 are arranged in a fully overlapping manner with the through-holes 24, 25 of the cover element 23-2. The first through-hole 18a of the first opening 18 coincides with the first through-hole 24, and the second through-hole 18b of the first opening 18 coincides with the second through-hole 25.

[0096] From the Fig. 9a to 9e describe different circuit variants of a device 10. Fig. 2 with the second embodiment of the valve element 12-2 in combination with the second embodiment of the cover element 23-2 made of Fig. 7a, which are adjustable by rotating the valve element 12-2 about the axis of rotation 22 within the housing 11 and relative to the housing 11. By rotating the valve element 12-2 with the openings 18, 19, 20, 21, and especially also with the through-holes 18a, 18b of the first opening 18, within the housing 11 with the connections 13, 14, 15 and the associated through-holes in the direction of rotation 27, similar to the valve element 12-1 in combination with the cover element 23-1, predetermined flow openings and thus flow paths for the refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit are opened or closed.

[0097] In Fig. Figure 9a shows the valve element 12-2 in a starting position with a rotation angle of 0° when the device 10 is switched on with the ports 13, 14, and 15 of the housing 11 open. The axes of symmetry of the through-opening of the second port 14 and the fourth opening 21 of the valve element 12-2, as well as the axes of symmetry of the through-opening of the third port 15 and the second opening 19 of the valve element 12-2, are each coaxially aligned with each other.The first port 13 of the housing 11 is also open, since the valve element 12-2 is arranged with respect to the cover element 23-2 such that the first through-hole 24 of the cover element 23-2 and the first through-bore 18a of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-2, as well as the second through-hole 25 of the cover element 23-2 and the second through-bore 18b of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-2, are aligned coaxially with each other. This provides a flow opening through the first outlet 13 and the through-bores 18a, 18b of the first opening 18, through the second outlet 14 and the fourth opening 21, and through the third outlet 15 and the second opening 19, with all outlets 13, 14, 15 of the housing 11 being fluidically connected to each other.

[0098] Fig. Figure 9b shows a position of the valve element 12-2 after a rotation in the direction of rotation 27 by 90° about the axis of rotation 22, starting from the position after Fig. 9a, in a circuit of the device 10 with the first port 13 and second port 14 open and the third port 15 closed. The axes of symmetry of the through-hole of the second port 14 and the third opening 20 of the valve element 12-2 are aligned coaxially with each other. The first port 13 of the housing 11 is open, since the valve element 12-2 is arranged with respect to the cover element 23-2 such that the first through-hole 24 of the cover element 23-2 and the second through-hole 18b of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-2 are aligned coaxially with each other. This provides a flow opening through the first outlet 13 and the second through-bore 18b of the first opening 18 as well as through the second outlet 14 and the third opening 20, wherein the first outlet 13 and the second outlet 14 of the housing 11 are fluidically connected to each other.

[0099] In Fig. 9c is a position of the valve element 12-2 after a further rotation in the direction of rotation 27 by 90° around the axis of rotation 22, starting from the position after Fig. Figure 9b shows a circuit of the device 10 with a closed first port 13, an open second port 14, and an open third port 15. The axes of symmetry of the through-opening of the second port 14 and the second opening 19 of the valve element 12-2, as well as the axes of symmetry of the through-opening of the third port 15 and the fourth opening 21 of the valve element 12-2, are each coaxially aligned with each other. The first port 13 of the housing 11 is closed because the valve element 12-2 is arranged with respect to the cover element 23-2 such that the through-bores 18a, 18b of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-2 are each completely covered by the cover element 23-2.This provides a flow opening through the second outlet 14 and the second opening 19 as well as through the third outlet 15 and the fourth opening 21, wherein the second outlet 14 and the third outlet 15 of the housing 11 are fluidically connected to each other.

[0100] Out of Fig. 9d, after a further rotation in the direction of rotation 27 by 90° around the axis of rotation 22, starting from the position after Fig. 9c, in a circuit of the device 10 with the first port 13 and third port 15 open and the second port 14 closed. The axes of symmetry of the through-hole of the third port 15 and the third opening 20 of the valve element 12-2 are aligned coaxially with each other. The first port 13 of the housing 11 is open because the valve element 12-2 is arranged with respect to the cover element 23-2 such that the second through-hole 25 of the cover element 23-2 and the first through-bore 18a of the first opening 18 of the valve element 12-2 are aligned coaxially with each other. This provides a flow opening through the first outlet 13 and the first through-bore 18a of the first opening 18 as well as through the third outlet 15 and the third opening 20, wherein the first outlet 13 and the third outlet 15 of the housing 11 are fluidically connected to each other.

[0101] Fig. Figure 9e shows an intermediate position of the valve element 12-2 between the positions according to the Fig. 6c and Fig. 6d after a rotation in the direction of rotation 27 by an angle less than 90°, in particular in a range of 35° to 55°, specifically by 45°, about the axis of rotation 22, starting from the position after Fig.6c, in a circuit of the device 10 with a first port 13 that is at least partially open, a second port 14 that is closed, and a third port 15 that is closed. The axes of symmetry of the through-openings of ports 14, 15 of the housing 11 and of the openings 19, 20, 21 of the valve element 12-2 are not coaxially aligned with each other. In addition, the respective flow cross-sections of the through-openings of ports 14, 15 and of the through-bores of openings 19, 20, 21 do not overlap. Only the first connection 13 of the housing 11 is open, since the valve element 12-2 is arranged in relation to the cover element 23-2 such that the flow cross-sections of the through-bore of the first opening 18a of the valve element 12-2 and the second through-bore 25 of the cover element 23-2 are arranged to overlap at least partially. However, since at least two of the three through-openings of the connections 13, 14, 15 of the housing 11 are not assigned to a through-bore of an opening 18, 19, 20, 21 of the valve element 12-2 and the flow cross-sections of the through-openings of the connections 14, 15 and the through-bores of the openings 19, 20, 21 do not overlap, no flow opening is formed.

[0102] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the valve element is cylindrical. The second and third ports of the housing, located in the plane defined by directions x and y, correspond to the second, third, and fourth openings of the valve element on the cylindrical surface, while the at least one first opening of the valve element, corresponding to the first port of the housing oriented in direction z, is located on an end face of the cylinder. The actuator of the device is located on the housing side opposite the first port in conjunction with the at least one first opening of the valve element, as well as on the opposite end face of the cylindrical valve element. The cylindrical valve element can have the same diameter as the spherical valve element.

[0103] The cover element belonging to the valve element is designed as a disc with a flat surface to correspond with the flat end face of the cylinder and is arranged in the housing, resting against the end face of the cylinder. Reference symbol list 1 Connection arrangement fluid circuit 2 Connection point 3 first connection 4 second connection 5 third connection 6 first valve 7 second valve 8 third valve 10 Device 11 cases 12, 12-1, 12-2 Valve element 13 First connection Housing 11 14 second connection housing 11 15 third connection housing 11 16 Actuating element, drive element, valve element 12 17 Connecting element Drive element 16 18 first opening valve element 12-1 18a first through-hole first opening valve element 12-2 18b second through-hole first opening valve element 12-2 19 second opening valve element 12-1 20 third opening valve element 12-1 21 fourth opening valve element 12-1 22 Rotation axis valve element 12 23-1, 23-2 Cover element 24 first passage opening cover element 23-1, 23-2 25 second passage opening cover element 23-1, 23-2 26 third passage opening cover element 23-1 27 Direction of rotation of valve element x, y, z direction

Claims

[1] Device (10) for controlling the flow and distributing a fluid in a fluid circuit, comprising a housing (11) with connections (13, 14, 15) for connecting to fluid lines, each of which is connected to an inner volume of the housing (11) via a through-opening, and a valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) arranged in the inner volume of the housing (11) with an actuating element (16) for moving the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) relative to the housing (11), wherein the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (22) and has openings (18, 19, 20, 21) designed as through-bores, which form a common volume inside the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2), wherein - an axis of symmetry of at least one through-hole (18a, 18b) of a first opening (18) and the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) as well as an axis of symmetry of a through-hole of a first connection (13) of the housing (11) in a direction z and - The axes of symmetry of through-holes of at least three openings (19, 20, 21) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) and of through-holes of two ports (14, 15) of the housing (11) are arranged in a plane spanned by two directions x, y, wherein the directions x, y, z are each perpendicular to each other, wherein the through-holes of the ports (13, 14, 15) of the housing (11) have the same diameters that are constant along their length, wherein the diameters are larger than the diameter of the at least one through-hole (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) and a flow cross-section of the through-hole of the first port (13) of the housing (11) in the area where the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is in contact with the housing (11) is covered in such a way that at least two passage openings (24, 25, 26) are formed, wherein - the total flow cross-section of the passage openings (24, 25, 26) is smaller than the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11), and - to cover the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11) in the area where the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is attached to the housing (11), a cover element (23-1, 23-2) with at least two through-openings (24, 25, 26) is formed, wherein, depending on the orientation of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) to the through-openings (24, 25, 26) of the cover element (23-1, 23-2), the first connection (13) of the housing (11) is open or closed. [2] Device (10) for controlling the flow and distributing a fluid in a fluid circuit, comprising a housing (11) with connections (13, 14, 15) for connecting to fluid lines, each of which is connected to an inner volume of the housing (11) via a through-opening, and a valve element (12, 12-2) arranged in the inner volume of the housing (11) with an actuating element (16) for moving the valve element (12, 12-2) relative to the housing (11), wherein the valve element (12, 12-2) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (22) and has openings (18, 19, 20, 21) designed as through-bores, which form a common volume inside the valve element (12, 12-2), wherein - an axis of symmetry of at least one through-bore (18a, 18b) of a first opening (18) and the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-2) as well as an axis of symmetry of a through-opening of a first connection (13) of the housing (11) in a direction z and - axes of symmetry of through-holes of at least three openings (19, 20, 21) of the valve element (12, 12-2) and of through-holes of two ports (14, 15) of the housing (11) are arranged in a plane spanned by two directions x, y, wherein the directions x, y, z are each perpendicular to each other, wherein - the through-openings of the connections (13, 14, 15) of the housing (11) have the same diameter and a constant diameter along their length, wherein the diameters are larger than the diameter of the at least one through-bore (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-2) and a flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11) in the area where the valve element (12, 12-2) is in contact with the housing (11) is covered such that at least two through-openings (24, 25, 26) are formed, wherein the total flow cross-section of the through-openings (24, 25, 26) is smaller than the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11), and - the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-2) is formed with a first through-bore (18a) and a second through-bore (18b) consisting of at least two through-bores (18a, 18b), wherein the axes of symmetry of the through-bores (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) are arranged on a common pitch circle diameter with reference to the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-2) and are offset at an angle of 90° around the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12) and are aligned parallel to each other, wherein, depending on the orientation of the first through-bore (18a) and the second through-bore (18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-2) to the through-bores (24, 25, 26), the first connection (13) of the housing (11) is open or closed. [3] Device (10) for controlling the flow and distributing a fluid in a fluid circuit, comprising a housing (11) with connections (13, 14, 15) for connecting to fluid lines, each of which is connected to an inner volume of the housing (11) via a through-opening, and a valve element (12, 12-2) arranged in the inner volume of the housing (11) with an actuating element (16) for moving the valve element (12, 12-2) relative to the housing (11), wherein the valve element (12, 12-2) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (22) and has openings (18, 19, 20, 21) designed as through-bores, which form a common volume inside the valve element (12, 12-2), wherein - an axis of symmetry of at least one through-bore (18a, 18b) of a first opening (18) and the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-2) as well as an axis of symmetry of a through-opening of a first connection (13) of the housing (11) in a direction z and - axes of symmetry of through-holes of at least three openings (19, 20, 21) of the valve element (12, 12-2) and of through-holes of two ports (14, 15) of the housing (11) are arranged in a plane spanned by two directions x, y, wherein the directions x, y, z are each perpendicular to each other, wherein - the through-openings of the connections (13, 14, 15) of the housing (11) have the same diameter and a constant diameter along their length, wherein the diameters are larger than the diameter of the at least one through-bore (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-2) and a flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11) in the area where the valve element (12, 12-2) is in contact with the housing (11) is covered such that at least two through-openings (24, 25, 26) are formed, wherein the total flow cross-section of the through-openings (24, 25, 26) is smaller than the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11), and - the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-2) is formed with a first through-bore (18a) and a second through-bore (18b) consisting of at least two through-bores (18a, 18b), wherein the axes of symmetry of the second through-bore (18b) of the first opening (18) and a third opening (20) of the valve element (12, 12-2) are aligned in an intersecting manner, wherein the axis of symmetry of the second through-bore (18b) of the first opening (18) is arranged offset from the center of the valve element (12, 12-2) in the direction of the third opening (20), the first port (13) of the housing (11) is open or closed depending on the orientation of the first through-hole (18a) and the second through-hole (18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-2) to the through-holes (24, 25, 26). [4] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by, that the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is spherical or circular cylindrical. [5] Device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by , that to cover the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11) in the area where the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is attached to the housing (11) a cover element (23-1, 23-2) with at least two through-openings (24, 25, 26) is formed. [6] Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the cover element (23-1, 23-2) is designed as a uniform section of a spherical shell or as a circular disk and is arranged inside the housing (11) in the direction z between the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) and the housing (11). [7] Device (10) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the cover element (23-1, 23-2) is designed with a constant wall thickness. [8] Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by, that a contour of an inner surface of the spherical shell of the cover element (23-1, 23-2) corresponds to a contour of an outer surface of a spherical valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) and that the housing (11) has a recess for the integrative reception of the cover element (23-1, 23-2), wherein the recess for the complete adaptation of the cover element (23-1, 23-2) is designed to correspond to the contour of an outer surface of the spherical shell. [9] Device (10) for controlling the flow and distributing a fluid in a fluid circuit, comprising a housing (11) with connections (13, 14, 15) for connecting to fluid lines, each of which is connected to an inner volume of the housing (11) via a through-opening, and a valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) arranged in the inner volume of the housing (11) with an actuating element (16) for moving the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) relative to the housing (11), wherein the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation (22) and has openings (18, 19, 20, 21) designed as through-bores, which form a common volume inside the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2), wherein - an axis of symmetry of at least one through-hole (18a, 18b) of a first opening (18) and the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) as well as an axis of symmetry of a through-hole of a first connection (13) of the housing (11) in a direction z and - The axes of symmetry of through-bores of at least three openings (19, 20, 21) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) and of through-openings of two ports (14, 15) of the housing (11) are arranged in a plane spanned by two directions x, y, wherein the directions x, y, z are each perpendicular to each other, wherein the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is spherical and the through-openings of the ports (13, 14, 15) of the housing (11) have the same diameters that are constant along their length, wherein the diameters are larger than the diameter of the at least one through-bore (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) and a flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first port (13) of the housing (11) in The area where the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is attached to the housing (11) is covered in such a way that at least two passage openings (24, 25, 26) are formed, wherein - the total flow cross-section of the passage openings (24, 25, 26) is smaller than the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11), and - to cover the flow cross-section of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11) in the area where the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is attached to the housing (11), a cover element (23-1, 23-2) with at least two through-openings (24, 25, 26) is formed, wherein - depending on the orientation of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) to the passage openings (24, 25, 26) of the cover element (23-1, 23-2) the first connection (13) of the housing (11) is open or closed, - the cover element (23-1, 23-2) is designed as a uniform section of a spherical shell with a constant wall thickness and is arranged within the housing (11) in the direction z between the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) and the housing (11), wherein a contour of an inner surface of the spherical shell of the cover element (23-1, 23-2) corresponds to a contour of an outer surface of the spherical valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) and the housing (11) has a recess for the integrative reception of the cover element (23-1, 23-2), wherein the recess for the complete adaptation of the cover element (23-1, 23-2) is designed corresponding to the contour of an outer surface of the spherical shell. [10] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by, that the axes of symmetry of the through-openings of the connections (13, 14, 15) of the housing (11) and the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) have a common intersection point in which the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is arranged with a center point. [11] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that the first connection (13) of the housing (11) is arranged on a side opposite the actuating element (16) to the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2), and that a second connection (14) and a third connection (15) are formed on sides of the housing (11) opposite each other and differing from the side of the first connection (13). [12] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by, that the axes of symmetry of the through-openings of a second terminal (14) and a third terminal (15) of the housing (11) are arranged on a common axis oriented in the y direction. [13] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that the axes of symmetry of the through-openings of the first connection (13), a second connection (14) and a third connection (15) of the housing (11) are T-shaped to each other in a plane spanned by the directions y, z. [14] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by , that the axis of symmetry of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11) and the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) are arranged coaxially to each other. [15] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by, that the axes of symmetry of the at least three openings (19, 20, 21) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) arranged in the plane spanned by two directions x, y have a common intersection point in the center of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2). [16] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by , that the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is arranged passing through the center of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2). [17] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by , that the axis of symmetry of the at least one through-bore (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2). [18] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by, that the three axes of symmetry of the openings (19, 20, 21) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) arranged in the plane spanned by two directions x, y are T-shaped to each other, wherein the axes of symmetry of a second opening (19) and a third opening (20) as well as of the third opening (20) and a fourth opening (21) are each orthogonally aligned to each other, wherein the axes of symmetry of the second opening (19) and the fourth opening (21) are arranged coaxially to each other. [19] Device (10) according to claim 18, characterized by , that the axes of symmetry of a through-bore (18a) of the first opening (18) and the second opening (19) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) are aligned in an intersecting manner, wherein the axis of symmetry of the first through-bore (18a) of the first opening (18) is arranged offset from the center of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) in the direction of the fourth opening (21). [20] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 19, characterized by , that the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-2) is formed with a first through-hole (18a) and a second through-hole (18b) consisting of at least two through-holes (18a, 18b). [21] Device (10) according to claim 3 or 20, characterized by , that the axes of symmetry of the through bores (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) are arranged on a common pitch circle diameter with respect to the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12, 12-2). [22] Device (10) according to claim 21, characterized by , that the axes of symmetry of the through-holes (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) are offset at an angle of 90° around the axis of rotation (22) of the valve element (12) and are aligned parallel to each other. [23] Device (10) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized by, that the axes of symmetry of the second through-bore (18b) of the first opening (18) and the third opening (20) of the valve element (12, 12-2) are aligned in an intersecting manner, wherein the axis of symmetry of the second through-bore (18b) of the first opening (18) is arranged offset from the center of the valve element (12, 12-2) in the direction of the third opening (20). [24] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized by , that the at least one through-hole (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is formed on a side which is opposite a side oriented towards the actuating element (16). [25] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized by , that the through-holes of the at least three openings (19, 20, 21) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) arranged in the plane spanned by the directions x, y have the same diameters and are constant over the length. [26] Device (10) according to claim 25, characterized by , that the at least one through-hole (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-1 ,12-2) has a diameter constant over its length, wherein the diameter of the through-hole (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) is equal to or less than the diameter of the openings (19, 20, 21) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) arranged in the plane spanned by the directions x, y. [27] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized by , that the passage openings (24, 25, 26) each have a circular flow cross-section and are arranged with their centers on a common partial circle diameter relative to a projected center point of a spherical shell or to a center point of a circular end face of a cylinder. [28] Device (10) according to claim 27, characterized by, that the diameters of the passage openings (24, 25, 26) are each greater than or equal to the diameter of a through-bore (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2). [29] Device (10) according to claim 27 or 28, characterized by , that a pitch circle diameter on which the centers of the passage openings (24, 25, 26) are arranged corresponds to a pitch circle diameter on which the through holes (18a, 18b) of the first opening (18) of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) are arranged. [30] Device (10) according to any one of claims 27 to 29, characterized by , that a first passage opening (24) and a second passage opening (25) arranged adjacent to the first passage opening (24) are formed at an angle of 90° with respect to the projected center point of the spherical shell or to the center point of the end face of the cylinder. [31] Device (10) according to claim 30, characterized by, that in the area of ​​the connection of the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) to the housing (11) three passage openings (24, 25, 26) are formed, wherein the first passage opening (24) and a third passage opening (26) arranged adjacent to the first passage opening (24) are formed at an angle of 90° with respect to the projected center point of the spherical shell or to the center point of the end face of the cylinder. [32] Device (10) according to any one of claims 27 to 31, characterized by , that the axes of symmetry of the passage openings (24, 25, 26) each have the same inclination with respect to the projected center point of the spherical shell. [33] Device (10) according to any one of claims 5 to 32, characterized by , that a rotation axis of the cover element (23-1, 23-2) and the symmetry axis of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11) are arranged on a common axis. [34] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 33, characterized by , that the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2) is connected via a connecting element (17) to the actuating element (16) arranged outside the housing (11). [35] Device (10) according to claim 34, characterized by , that the axis of symmetry of the through-opening of the first connection (13) of the housing (11) and the connecting element (17) are arranged on a common axis. [36] Device (10) according to one of claims 34 or 35, characterized by , that the connecting element (17) is designed as a shaft. [37] Device (10) according to any one of claims 34 to 36, characterized by , that the connecting element (17) is fixedly connected to the actuating element (16) at a first end and extends through one side into the housing (11) at a second end distal to the first end and is connected to the valve element (12, 12-1, 12-2). [38] Device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 37, characterized by , that the actuating element (16) is designed as an actuator motor. [39] Use of a device (10) for controlling a flow and distributing a fluid according to one of claims 1 to 38 in a refrigerant circuit of a thermal system, in particular a thermal management system, of a motor vehicle for conditioning at least one mass air flow to be supplied to a passenger compartment and at least one component of a powertrain.

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