Valve-pump unit with a function that can be operated depending on the direction of rotation of an electric motor.

Abstract

Valve-pump unit (VPE) with a function that can be operated depending on the direction of rotation of an electric motor, a single electric motor (EM) to drive a first pump stage (PS1) and a second pump stage (PS2) and to adjust a multi-way valve (MWV), a reduction gear (RG) which can be driven by the electric motor (EM), a first pump stage (PS1) driven by the electric motor (EM) for pumping a heat transfer medium in a first heat transfer medium circuit, a second pump stage (PS2) driven by the electric motor (EM) for pumping a heat transfer medium in a second heat transfer medium circuit, a multi-way valve (MWV) adjustable via the reduction gear (RG) 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), the reduction gear (RG), as well as the first pump stage (PS1) and the second pump stage (PS2), wherein in a 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).

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] From DE 21 07 000 A, a centrifugal pump with an axially displaceable impeller is known, in which switching is effected by electric magnetic fields. The switching is linked to the direction of rotation of the impeller and is not achieved via a separate reduction gear and a freewheel. A multi-way valve as defined in the application is not disclosed.

[0003] From DE 692 23 374 T2, a scroll compressor with a freewheel clutch is known to prevent rotation in the opposite direction. A vane in the oil sump acts as a fluid brake if the shaft rotates in the unwanted opposite direction. This document deals with braking an unwanted movement and does not disclose a valve-pump unit that deliberately adjusts a multi-way valve in the opposite direction of rotation.

[0004] From DE 10 2018 220 150 A1, a pump module with two impellers on a common shaft and a valve assembly is known that switches between two positions either pressure-controlled or electrically. The switching is not achieved by transmitting torque in the opposite direction of rotation via a reduction gear.

[0005] From DE 10 2020 121 163 A1, a system for temperature control in a drive train is known, comprising a pump device that is controlled depending on detected temperatures. An oil supply via a pump is described, but not a multi-way valve that is adjusted via a reduction gear by a direction of rotation opposite to that of the pump operation.

[0006] From DE 20 2019 106 394 U1, a multi-way valve with a rotary spool, which is actuated via a drive disc (drive gear), is known. There is no disclosure that the drive of the multi-way valve and the pump stage is provided by a single electric motor in different directions of rotation, with the direction of rotation of the valve being opposite to that of the pump operation and a freewheel being used.

[0007] From JP 2018-197 526 A, an electric pump is known in which the direction of rotation of the rotor switches the flow paths. However, this is not achieved via a reduction gear decoupled from the motor, which is driven to adjust the valve when the direction of rotation is reversed.

[0008] 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.

[0009] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to enable a reduction in installation space and energy losses with reliable multi-circuit switching using only one drive.

[0010] A valve-pump unit is proposed. This valve-pump unit features: - a single electric motor to drive a first pump stage and a second pump stage, as well as to adjust a multi-way valve, - a reduction gear which can be driven by the electric motor, - a first pump stage driven by an electric motor for pumping a heat transfer medium in a first heat transfer medium circuit, - a second pump stage driven by the electric motor for pumping a heat transfer medium in a second heat transfer medium circuit, - a multi-way valve adjustable via the reduction gear 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, the reduction gear, as well as the first pump stage and the second pump stage.

[0011] In pump operation, in the first direction of rotation of the electric motor, the reduction gear is decoupled from the electric motor via a freewheel.

[0012] And in this process, the reduction gear can be operated in a second direction of rotation of the electric motor, opposite to the pump operation, to adjust the multi-way valve.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] With such a highly integrated valve-pump unit (in the sense of a core module), weight, installation space and costs can also be saved.

[0016] According to one embodiment, 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.

[0017] In this case, at least one inner contour of the multi-way valve surrounding the electric motor can be designed to be at least essentially circular.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the outer contour of the multi-way valve can be designed to be at least essentially circular.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the multi-way valve has at least one (valve) section fixed to the common housing section and having individual channel sections, and at least one (valve) section pivotable to the common housing section in the first or second direction of rotation and having individual channel sections, by means of 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] In another embodiment, a coupling is arranged between the electric motor and the second pump stage, which connects 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Alternatively, in another version such a coupling is omitted, so that the two pump stages are permanently connected to each other.

[0027] According to another version, the electric motor is designed as a dry-running motor.

[0028] 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.

[0029] The pump stages can be designed as flow pumps (stages) or as displacement pumps (stages).

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] Furthermore, an operating method for a valve-pump unit of the type described above is proposed, in which the electric motor is operated in the first direction of rotation to drive the first and second pump stages, and in the second direction of rotation, opposite to pump operation, to drive the reduction gear for adjusting the multi-way valve. During pump operation, the reduction gear is decoupled from the electric motor via the freewheel.

[0033] During pump operation, above a certain speed of the electric motor, the second pump stage can be uncoupled or detached via the clutch, for example in the form of an opening centrifugal clutch, or coupled in the form of a closing centrifugal clutch, depending on the design of the clutch.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 pump 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Each of these spring elements 28 carries a so-called dome lining element 26 on its radial inner side, which corresponds to or complements the element 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).

[0052] In another embodiment – ​​not shown here – it is proposed to design the coupling in the form of a closing centrifugal clutch.

[0053] 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.

[0054] In pump operation, the reduction gear RG is decoupled from the electric motor EM via the freewheel FL.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] However, 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).

[0059] Fig. 5 illustrates the process A PS2 as well as the inlet Z PS2 of the second circuit.

[0060] 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).

[0061] In another embodiment – ​​shown here – additional freewheels can also 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 pump operation, but rather can advantageously continue to flow due to its inertia.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 a function that can be operated depending on the direction of rotation of an electric motor, a single electric motor (EM) to drive a first pump stage (PS1) and a second pump stage (PS2) and to adjust a multi-way valve (MWV), a reduction gear (RG) which can be driven by the electric motor (EM), a first pump stage (PS1) driven by the electric motor (EM) for pumping a heat transfer medium in a first heat transfer medium circuit, a second pump stage (PS2) driven by the electric motor (EM) for pumping a heat transfer medium in a second heat transfer medium circuit, a multi-way valve (MWV) adjustable via the reduction gear (RG) 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), the reduction gear (RG), as well as the first pump stage (PS1) and the second pump stage (PS2), wherein in a 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). [2] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 1, wherein the multi-way valve (MWV) is joined to the electric motor (EM) such that the multi-way valve (MWV) surrounds the electric motor (EM). [3] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multi-way valve (MWV) has at least one section (2) fixed in position relative to the common housing section (Gg) and at least one section (4) pivotable relative to the common housing section (Gg) in the first or second direction of rotation. [4] 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). [5] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a coupling (K) is arranged between the electric motor (EM) and the second pump stage (PS2), which detachably connects the electric motor (EM) and the second pump stage (PS2) to each other. [6] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 5, wherein the coupling (K) is designed in the form of an opening or closing centrifugal coupling. [7] Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (EM) is designed as a dry-running motor. [8] 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. [9] Heat transfer system, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a first heat transfer circuit and a second heat transfer circuit, wherein a valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 is provided between the two circuits. [10] Vehicle with a valve-pump unit (VPE) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8 or a heat transfer medium system according to claim 9. [11] Operating method for a valve-pump unit (VPE) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 8, in which the electric motor (EM) is operated to drive the first pump stage (PS1) and the second pump stage (PS2) in the first direction of rotation and to drive the reduction gear (RG) in the second direction of rotation opposite to pump operation for adjusting the multi-way valve (MWV), wherein in pump operation the reduction gear (RG) is decoupled from the electric motor (EM) via the freewheel (FL). [12] Operating method according to claim 11, wherein in pump operation above a certain speed of the electric motor (EM) the second pump stage (PS2) is coupled or uncoupled via the coupling (K).

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