Valve-pump unit with a multi-way valve enclosing an electric motor

Abstract

Valve-pump unit (VPE) with an electric motor (EM) for driving at least one pump stage (PS1), at least one first pump stage (PS1) driven by the electric motor (EM) for conveying a heat transfer medium in a first heat transfer medium circuit, an adjustable multi-way valve (MWV) with heat transfer medium channels (6) to provide at least two switching positions between the first heat transfer medium circuit and a second heat transfer medium circuit of a heat transfer medium system and a common housing section (Gg) for accommodating the electric motor (EM), the multi-way valve (MWV) and the pump stage (PS1), wherein the multi-way valve (MWV) is joined to the electric motor (EM) in such a way that the multi-way valve (MWV) encloses the electric motor (EM).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve-pump unit, in particular for a heat transfer medium system of a vehicle, a heat transfer medium system with such a valve-pump unit and a vehicle with such a valve-pump unit.

[0002] Various concepts for pump and valve solutions are known from the published state of the art.

[0003] DE 21 07 000 A1 describes an electrically driven heating circulating pump in which two suction ports are selectively opened or closed by means of an axial displacement of the impeller; however, a separate multi-way valve surrounding the motor is not provided there.

[0004] DE 692 23 374 T2 discloses a hermetic spiral compressor with a one-way coupling and a fluid brake operating in the oil sump, thus showing an encapsulated assembly of motor and working machine, but no switching valve for two fluid circuits.

[0005] From DE 10 2018 220 150 A1 a pump module with two pump stages and an externally arranged switching valve is known; however, the valve and motor do not form a highly integrated unit, and the valve does not enclose the drive.

[0006] DE 10 2020 121 163 A1 relates to an oil temperature control system in which a pump is volume flow controlled; a multi-way valve arranged in a ring shape around the motor is not disclosed here either.

[0007] Utility model DE 20 2019 106 394 U1 shows multi-way valves with a disc-shaped rotary slide, which are designed as independent valve housings and consequently neither enclose an electric motor nor are structurally combined with a pump.

[0008] Finally, JP 2018-197526 A discloses an electric water pump in which a valve switching between inlet and two outlets is connected in series upstream of the pump; the valve does not encapsulate the motor, and the motor, pump, and valve element are located in separate housing sections.

[0009] None of the aforementioned documents discloses an adjustable multi-way valve that surrounds the electric motor in a ring shape and is integrated together with the motor and pump stage in a common housing section.

[0010] One object of the present invention is to improve a heat transfer system, particularly in a vehicle. A further object is to simplify such a heat transfer system.

[0011] Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to enable a reduction in installation space with reliable multi-circuit switching.

[0012] A valve-pump unit is proposed. This valve-pump unit features: - an electric motor to drive at least one pump stage, - at least one first pump stage driven by an electric motor for pumping a heat transfer medium in a first heat transfer medium circuit, - an adjustable multi-way valve with heat transfer medium channels to provide at least two switching positions between the first heat transfer medium circuit and a second heat transfer medium circuit of a heat transfer medium system, as well as - a common housing section to accommodate the electric motor, the multi-way valve and the pump stage.

[0013] The multi-way valve is joined to the electric motor in such a way that the multi-way valve surrounds the electric motor, approximately in a ring shape.

[0014] In this case, at least one inner contour of the multi-way valve surrounding the electric motor can be designed to be essentially circular.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, the outer contour of the multi-way valve can be designed to be at least essentially circular.

[0016] The multi-way valve can therefore have a shape that is at least essentially ring-shaped and enclose the electric motor in a ring-shaped manner, or at least in an essentially ring-shaped manner.

[0017] The multi-way valve can be designed as a closed, circumferential structure. Such a closed, circumferential structure offers increased structural rigidity compared to an open structure.

[0018] The proposed valve-pump unit represents an advantageous integration of several components of such a previously mentioned heat transfer medium circuit into a single unit or core module.

[0019] This also entails a reduction in the components required to operate such a heat transfer medium circuit. By eliminating these components, such a heat transfer medium circuit, or a heat transfer medium system comprising such a circuit, becomes simpler.

[0020] Such a highly integrated valve-pump unit (in the sense of a core module) also allows for savings in weight, installation space, and costs. In one embodiment, the valve-pump unit also features a reduction gear for adjusting the multi-way valve. This reduction gear can be located either inside or outside the common housing section.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the reduction gear provided or arranged outside the common housing section can also be accommodated by the common housing section - at least indirectly.

[0022] In the case of the reduction gear provided or arranged within the common housing section, the reduction gear can be driven by the aforementioned, single electric motor that can drive the at least one pump stage.

[0023] Alternatively, in the case of the reduction gear being provided or arranged outside the common housing section, the reduction gear can be driven by another, separate - or second - electric motor outside the common housing section.

[0024] In the first case – with only a single electric motor – the reduction gear is disengaged from the electric motor via a freewheel during pump operation in one direction of rotation of the electric motor. The reduction gear can then be operated in a second direction of rotation of the electric motor, opposite to the pump operation, to adjust the multi-way valve.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, the multi-way valve has at least one (valve) section that is fixed to the common housing section and has individual channel sections, and at least one (valve) section that is pivotable to the common housing section and has individual channel sections, via which the said switching positions of the multi-way valve between the first heat transfer medium circuit and the second heat transfer medium circuit of the heat transfer medium system can be set.

[0026] The heat transfer medium channels of the multi-way valve, or its individual (valve) sections forming the heat transfer medium channels, extend between the common housing section and the electric motor, which drives at least one pump stage.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the multi-way valve is designed as a 4 / 2-way valve. The previously described multi-part structure of the multi-way valve also allows for combinations of valves to be created by appropriately designing individual valve sections – with associated channel sections – for example, a combination of a 4 / 2-way valve with a 3 / 2-way valve.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the valve-pump unit also features a second pump stage for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the second heat transfer fluid circuit. It is proposed that this second pump stage also be integrated – at least indirectly – within the common housing section in order to increase the integration density of the valve-pump unit.

[0029] In another embodiment, a coupling is arranged between the electric motor that drives the two pump stages and the second pump stage, connecting the electric motor and the second pump stage in a detachable manner. The coupling can be designed as an opening coupling, such as a centrifugal coupling, through which the second pump stage can be disconnected or ejected. Alternatively, this coupling can also be designed as a closing coupling, such as a centrifugal coupling, through which the second pump stage can be coupled.

[0030] Such a coupling makes it possible to operate only the first heat transfer medium circuit if required, or to pump the heat transfer medium only in the first heat transfer medium circuit, for example for fast charging of a battery of the first heat transfer medium circuit.

[0031] Alternatively, in another version such a coupling is omitted, so that the two pump stages are permanently connected to each other.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the electric motor that drives at least one pump stage and / or the electric motor that drives the reduction gear provided outside the common housing section is designed as a dry-running motor.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the first pump stage (PS1) and / or the second pump stage (PS2) is designed in the form of a radial pump stage.

[0034] The pump stages can be designed as flow pumps (stages) or as displacement pumps (stages).

[0035] Furthermore, a heat transfer medium system with a valve-pump unit of the type described above is proposed, in particular for a vehicle, with a first heat transfer medium circuit and a second heat transfer medium circuit, wherein the valve-pump unit is provided or arranged between the two circuits.

[0036] Furthermore, a vehicle with a valve-pump unit of the type described above or a heat transfer medium system of the type described above is proposed.

[0037] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the figures. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments. These will be illustrated as follows: Fig. 1 a valve-pump unit in a perspective view; Fig. 2 the in Fig. 1 Valve-pump unit shown in a sectional view; Fig. 3 a perspective section view with respect to the section line S1 - S1 in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a perspective section view with respect to the section line S2 - S2 in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 a perspective section view with respect to the section line S3 - S3 in Fig. 2; as well as Fig. 6 an enlarged view of the in Fig. 5 shown coupling.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a proposed, essentially cylindrical valve-pump unit VPE, which can be hydraulically connected to a first heat transfer medium circuit (or cooling circuit) via a first connection end hAE1 and hydraulically connected to a second heat transfer medium circuit (or cooling circuit) of a heat transfer medium system (or thermal management system), in particular of a vehicle, via a second connection end hAE2.

[0039] This valve-pump unit VPE provides two selective switching positions of a multi-way valve MWV, in the form of a 4 / 2-way valve, between the first circuit and the second circuit.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates which components of the first and second circuits are integrated into this valve-pump unit VPE by means of a common housing section Gg. The housing section Gg thus has a central supporting and integrating function.

[0041] A single electric motor (EM), designed as an internal rotor and dry-running motor, is connected to the multi-way valve (MWV) in such a way that the multi-way valve (MWV) encloses the electric motor (EM) in a ring-like fashion – approximately completely or fully – within the common housing section (Gg). The electric motor (EM) thus forms a central or centrally driving component of the valve-pump unit (VPE).

[0042] The stator S of the electric motor EM is arranged within a pipe section RA or at least a pipe-like section RA, wherein this pipe section RA is sufficiently sealed at both ends in an assigned area relative to its periphery and thus forms a dry space for the stator S and the rotor R of the electric motor EM within the pipe section RA.

[0043] The multi-way valve MWV, connected to the pipe section RA, has at least one section 2 that is fixed to the housing section Gg and at least one section 4 that can be pivoted relative to the housing section Gg in a first or second direction of rotation of the electric motor EM. Heat transfer medium channels 6 (or liquid channels 6) in the multi-way valve MWV extend between the housing section Gg and the electric motor EM.

[0044] In this process, the individual sections 2, 4 of the multi-way valve MWV can be partially recessed on the outer circumference to save weight and, in conjunction with the common housing section Gg, form individual cavities in which conveyed fluid or liquid can accumulate ( Fig. 2).

[0045] The valve-pump unit VPE has a first pump stage PS1, for example in the form of a flow pump stage, e.g. in the form of a radial pump stage, and a second pump stage PS2, for example in the form of a flow pump stage, e.g. in the form of a radial pump stage, each of which can be driven via a drive shaft 8 of the electric motor EM.

[0046] The two pump stages PS1 and PS2 each have at least a first and second housing section G 1a , G 1b or G 2a , G 2b open. The two housing sections G 1b , G 2b - which as such face the common housing section Gg - are joined to or received by the housing section Gg.

[0047] Between the pump stage PS1 and the electric motor EM, for example, a three-stage reduction gear RG is provided or arranged for the selective adjustment of the multi-way valve MWV. The sectional view in Fig. 4 (corresponding to a section through the section line or plane S1 - S1 in Fig. 2) illustrates the gears Z1, Z2, Z3 of the first and second gear stages and the sectional view in Fig. 2 (corresponding to a cut through the cutting line or plane S2 - S2 in Fig. 2) The gear Z4 of the fourth gear stage. Gear Z4 meshes with an internal toothing 24 formed on the pivotable section 4 of the multi-way valve MWV, so that section 4 functions as a ring gear which can be selectively pivoted via gear Z4. In the present embodiment of the reduction gear RG, section 4 pivots in a direction of rotation of the electric motor EM that corresponds to the pump operation of the electric motor EM. In an alternative embodiment of the reduction gear RG, however, section 4 can also pivot in a direction of rotation of the electric motor EM opposite to the pump operation.

[0048] Between the drive shaft 8 and the gear Z1, a freewheel FL - approximately in the form of a clamping roller freewheel - is provided or arranged, which transmits a torque to the reduction gear RG only in a direction of rotation opposite to the pump operation of the electric motor EM and thus enables the selective adjustment of the multi-way valve MWV in at least two switching positions ( Fig. 4, Fig. 2) Alternatively, the freewheel FL could also be arranged at a different location on the reduction gear RG.

[0049] In the direction of the pump stage PS1, the drive shaft 8 extends through a rolling bearing arrangement - in the form of a cantilever bearing - to receive the drive shaft 8 in the housing section Gg, the freewheel FL, a seal 12, a plain bearing 16 and into a metallic bushing 20, e.g. brass bushing, on which the impeller of the pump stage PS1 sits.

[0050] Towards pump stage PS2, the drive shaft 8 extends into a hub section N of a centrifugal clutch K, via which pump stage PS2 is connected to the electric motor EM. On the output side, a drive shaft 10 extends from this centrifugal clutch K through a seal 14, a plain bearing 18, and into a metallic bushing 22, e.g., a brass bushing, on which the impeller of pump stage PS2 is mounted. The centrifugal clutch K is designed as an opening clutch, which opens at a certain rotational speed of the drive shaft 8, thereby disengaging the connection between the electric motor EM and pump stage PS2. Thus, during pumping operation, pump stage PS2 can be disengaged or ejected via the centrifugal clutch K if required in a corresponding operating mode of the electric motor EM.

[0051] The centrifugal clutch K is located within the pipe section RA between the electric motor EM and the pump stage PS2. The two seals 12 and 14 help to keep the reduction gear RG, the centrifugal clutch K, and the electric motor EM dry.

[0052] The sectional views in the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 (corresponding to a cut through the section line or plane S3 - S3 in Fig. 2) Illustrating the aforementioned centrifugal clutch K, which comprises a closed, rotating disc section 34 integrally formed with the hub section N, and a closed, rotating ring section 32 integrally formed with the disc section 34. Furthermore, three arcuate claws 30, uniformly spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the centrifugal clutch K, are integrally formed on the end face of the disc section 34 for receiving a closed, rotating spring element 28.

[0053] These claws 30 are radially spaced from the ring section 32 with respect to their extent in the circumferential direction of the centrifugal clutch K in such a way that they form an arc-shaped gap with the ring section 32, into which an associated spring element 28 is inserted.

[0054] Radially on its inner side, each of these spring elements 28 carries a so-called dome lining element 26, which corresponds or complements the one in the Fig. The coupling element 26 is formed in the section of the drive shaft 10 shown in Figure 5. This coupling element 26 can be an element consisting of suitable friction materials and binders, or it can be an element comprising such friction materials and binders. The coupling element 26 can also be made of an elastomer or comprise such an elastomer. The coupling element 26 forms a positive and force-fit connection with the aforementioned output shaft section ( Fig. 5).

[0055] In another embodiment – ​​not shown here – it is proposed to design the coupling in the form of a closing centrifugal clutch.

[0056] The EM electric motor of the VPE valve-pump unit can be operated in two directions of rotation: a) in said pump operation in a first direction of rotation; and b) to drive the reduction gear RG in a second direction of rotation opposite to the pump operation for adjusting the multi-way valve MWV.

[0057] In pump operation, the reduction gear RG is decoupled from the electric motor EM via the freewheel FL.

[0058] The adjustment of the swiveling or rotatable multi-way valve MWV can be carried out stepwise or in stages, or continuously, from one switching position to another switching position of the multi-way valve MWV.

[0059] In Fig. 2 also shows one of two switching positions of the 4 / 2 multi-way valve MWV, in which an outlet or outlet connection A PS2 The pump stage PS2 or the second circuit is in fluidic connection or flow connection with the pump stage PS1 via an associated channel 6.

[0060] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a series connection of the two previously mentioned circuits – i.e., the first and second heat transfer medium circuits – in which the process A PS2 with a - in Fig. 2 not shown - Inlet Z PS1 The pump stage PS1 or the first circuit is fluidically connected. The same applies to a - in Fig. 2 not shown - drain or drain connection A PS1 the pump stage PS1 or the first circuit, which is connected to a - in Fig. 2 not shown - Inlet Z PS2 is fluidically connected to the pump stage PS2 or the second circuit.

[0061] In contrast, in a parallel circuit of the two previously mentioned circuits (not shown here), on the one hand, process A PS1 with the Z inlet PS1 and on the other hand, process A PS2 with the Z inlet PS2 The channels are fluidically connected to each other via their respective channels 6 in the multi-way valve (MWV). This means that the pumped fluid or liquid is redirected accordingly within the multi-way valve (MWV).

[0062] Fig. 5 illustrates the process A PS2 as well as the inlet Z PS2 of the second circuit.

[0063] Various mixing positions of section 4 or of the multi-way valve (MWV) are also possible between this series and parallel connection of the two circuits. For this purpose, the multi-way valve (MWV) can have an arrangement of appropriately designed channels 6 – not shown here – which bring about or effect such mixing states within the multi-way valve (MWV).

[0064] In another embodiment – ​​not shown here – additional freewheels can be provided, namely at pump stage PS1 between the metallic bushing 20 and the drive shaft 8 and / or at pump stage PS2 between the metallic bushing 22 and the drive shaft 10. This has the advantage that pumped fluid is not slowed down in the opposite direction of rotation of the electric motor EM to that of the pumping operation, but rather can continue to flow advantageously due to its inertia.

[0065] In another embodiment - not shown here - the reduction gear is provided or arranged outside the common housing section and can be driven by another, separate electric motor - outside the common housing section.

[0066] The proposed valve-pump unit greatly simplifies the aforementioned heat transfer medium circuits or a heat transfer medium system comprising such heat transfer medium circuits.

[0067] This allows for the elimination of individual components that were previously required, thereby also reducing weight, installation space and costs.

Claims

[1] Valve-pump unit (VPE) with an electric motor (EM) for driving at least one pump stage (PS1), at least one first pump stage (PS1) driven by the electric motor (EM) for conveying a heat transfer medium in a first heat transfer medium circuit, an adjustable multi-way valve (MWV) with heat transfer medium channels (6) to provide at least two switching positions between the first heat transfer medium circuit and a second heat transfer medium circuit of a heat transfer medium system and a common housing section (Gg) for accommodating the electric motor (EM), the multi-way valve (MWV) and the pump stage (PS1), wherein the multi-way valve (MWV) is joined to the electric motor (EM) in such a way that the multi-way valve (MWV) encloses the electric motor (EM). [2] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 1, which further comprises a reduction gear (RG) inside or outside the common housing section (Gg) for adjusting the multi-way valve (MWV). [3] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 2, wherein the reduction gear (RG) provided within the common housing section (Gg) can be driven by the electric motor (EM) that can drive the at least one pump stage (PS1). [4] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 2, wherein the reduction gear (RG) provided outside the common housing section (Gg) can be driven by a further, separate electric motor outside the common housing section (Gg). [5] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 3, wherein in pump operation, in a first direction of rotation of the electric motor (EM) the reduction gear (RG) is decoupled from the electric motor (EM) via a freewheel (FL), wherein the reduction gear (RG) can be operated in a second direction of rotation of the electric motor (EM) opposite to the pump operation for adjusting the multi-way valve (MWV). [6] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the multi-way valve (MWV) has at least one section (2) fixed to the common housing section (Gg) and at least one section (4) pivotable to the common housing section (Gg). [7] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein individual channel sections forming the heat transfer medium channels (6) are arranged between the common housing section (Gg) and the electric motor (EM) that drives the at least one pump stage (PS1). [8] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a second pump stage (PS2) for conveying the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit. [9] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 8, wherein the second pump stage (PS2) is also accommodated by the common housing section (Gg). [10] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a coupling (K) is arranged between the electric motor (EM) that drives the two pump stages (PS1, PS2) and the second pump stage (PS2), which detachably connects the electric motor (EM) and the second pump stage (PS2). [11] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 10, wherein the coupling (K) is designed in the form of an opening or closing centrifugal coupling. [12] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (EM) driving the at least one pump stage (PS1) and / or the electric motor driving the reduction gear provided outside the common housing section (Gg) is / are designed as a dry-running motor. [13] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pump stage (PS1) and / or the second pump stage (PS2) is / are designed in the form of a radial pump stage. [14] Heat transfer medium system, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a first heat transfer medium circuit and a second heat transfer medium circuit, wherein a valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13 is provided between the two circuits. [15] Vehicle with a valve-pump unit (VPE) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 13 or a heat transfer medium system according to claim 14.

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