Valve device for switching a fluid flow path, temperature control arrangement and method for manufacturing

Abstract

Valve device (1) for switching a flow path of a fluid, with a valve block (2) in which at least one valve unit (4) is arranged, comprising the valve unit (4) - a valve chamber (6) within which an actuating unit (10) with a shut-off element (12) and a valve seat arrangement (14) is arranged, - at least four connections with flow channels (40) arranged inside the valve block (2), each running between outer openings (42) on an outer side (44) of the valve block (2) and inner openings (46) on the valve chamber (6) in the valve block (2), and - a valve cover (28) for fluid-tight sealing of the valve chamber (6), wherein the actuating unit (10) is designed for rotary switching of the flow paths, wherein the shut-off element (12) is rotatably arranged about a rotation axis (M) centrally arranged on the shut-off element (12) between at least two switching positions (A, B), in which the connections are each fluidically connected to each other in a different way, characterized by that a sealing arrangement (36) is arranged on a lower side (38) of the valve cover (28) pointing towards the valve chamber (6), which is designed as a surface seal, and that the sealing arrangement (36) is formed from an elastomer suitable for additive manufacturing, wherein the sealing arrangement (36) is additively manufactured together with the valve cover (28).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve device for switching a flow path of a fluid, comprising a valve block in which at least one valve unit is arranged, the valve unit comprising a valve chamber within which an actuating unit with a shut-off element and a valve seat arrangement is arranged, according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention comprises a temperature control arrangement with a valve device and a method for manufacturing a valve device.

[0002] Such valves are generally also known as directional control valves, which serve to block the path for the working medium or to change the flow direction.

[0003] A valve device of the aforementioned type is specified in DE 10 2015 000 424 B3. This document shows a valve device designed as a rotary valve for a heating and cooling system of a motor vehicle, with a valve body rotatably mounted in a housing about an axis of rotation, in order to change the flow direction of several fluid flows in a heating and cooling system between the respective fluid inlet openings and fluid outlet openings.

[0004] Publications GB 2 410 314 A, US 2022 / 0 387 687 A1 and JP H11-230 384 A also show a valve device with a valve body comprising a valve chamber and a shut-off element rotatably mounted therein on an axis of rotation, in order to adjust flow channels arranged in a valve block between inlet and outlet openings to change a fluid flow.

[0005] A valve device with a valve block comprising at least one valve seat is also shown in DE 10 2019 104 490 A1. A shut-off element, such as a diaphragm, interacts with the valve seat in such a way that the flow of a process fluid through the valve block is limited.

[0006] DE 10 2020 109 836 A1 discloses a device for influencing a current of a process fluid, with a control chamber for a control fluid and a process fluid channel for the process fluid.

[0007] CN 213134950 U specifies a casting system created using 3D printing for the production of multi-way valves.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of providing a compact valve device that allows for good adaptability to a specific application, as well as a temperature control device with such a valve device and a method for manufacturing such a valve device.

[0009] The problem is solved for the valve device with the features of claim 1, for the temperature control arrangement with the features of claim 15 and for the method with the features of claim 17.

[0010] The valve device is provided that the valve unit further comprises four ports with flow channels arranged within the valve block, each of which runs between external openings on an outside of the valve block and internal openings in the valve chamber in the valve block, and a valve cover for fluid-tight sealing of the valve chamber, and that the actuating unit is designed for rotary switching of the flow paths, wherein the shut-off element is rotatably arranged about a central axis of rotation (on a central axis of the shut-off element) on the shut-off element between at least two switching positions, in which the ports (in the different switching positions) are connected to each other in a fluid-technical way.

[0011] For effective sealing of the valve chamber against the environment, a sealing arrangement is positioned on the underside of the valve cover facing the valve chamber. This sealing arrangement is designed as a surface seal to distribute forces over a large area, covering, for example, a significant portion of the underside. This surface design results in lower local stresses on the valve block and valve cover (sealing surface) compared to, for example, the use of a sealing ring.

[0012] According to the invention, the sealing arrangement is formed from an elastomer suitable for additive manufacturing, wherein the sealing arrangement is additively manufactured together with the valve cover. The sealing arrangement is printed together with the valve cover (in a single step), with the sealing arrangement being printed onto and / or embedded in the underside of the valve cover. In this way, the sealing arrangement is realized as a functional surface with the valve cover in a single process step without post-processing (multi-material printing).

[0013] The valve block is adapted in its external shape to a specific application, for example within a vehicle, and can be essentially cuboid in shape (e.g. except for corner areas).

[0014] The valve block allows for a flexible arrangement and distribution of flow channels, tailored to specific applications. These flow channels can form sections of a piping system for conveying fluid within the application, such as a heat transfer fluid. Combined with the rotary switchability of the valve assembly, this results in an extremely compact valve assembly that can be advantageously adapted to the specific application.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the shut-off element is designed as a partition wall, which divides the valve chamber into two sub-chambers that are at least largely fluid-tight from each other (in particular, from each other). The partition wall is, in particular, essentially planar (e.g., apart from fastening structures), with a significantly smaller thickness than its height and width. The partition wall preferably interacts with a wall surrounding the valve chamber, which in particular includes the valve seat assembly. The valve seat assembly can, in particular, have opposing protrusions in the wall, e.g., four in number. In the switching positions, the radial outer edges of the partition wall abut against two (exactly) protrusions and form fluid-tight boundaries of the sub-chambers against the wall of the valve chamber. During switching, the partition wall is rotated, for example, by 90° about the axis of rotation.

[0016] Preferably, the valve chamber, particularly with regard to the arrangement of the internal openings, is rotationally symmetrical and / or the sub-chambers are congruent to one another. The valve chamber can, for example, have a basic round and / or polygonal, e.g., rectangular, cross-section (perpendicular to the axis of rotation), particularly with rounded or chamfered corners. The four internal openings are, for example, arranged radially and in the direction of rotation at equal intervals on the wall surrounding the valve chamber. Preferably, the connections supplying fluid to the valve chamber can each be offset from one another by 180°, i.e., opposite each other. This advantageously contributes to a self-locking (self-locking) design of the valve device in both switching positions, whereby an energy impulse is only required for adjustment between the switching positions.This results in a bistable (impulse) design, which increases the efficiency of the valve device.

[0017] Preferably, the shut-off element is arranged on a drive shaft, preferably projecting vertically into the valve chamber and associated with an electrical drive unit of the valve unit, by means of which the shut-off element can be electrically adjustable. The electrical drive unit can, for example, be a stepper motor. In particular, each valve unit has an electrical drive unit.

[0018] Good accessibility to the valve chamber is achieved if the valve cover is detachably arranged (fastened by means of a fastening arrangement, in particular a screw connection) on the valve chamber, in particular at least partially inserted into a cover receptacle, i.e. closing the valve chamber at its top.

[0019] Simple installation and maintenance options are achieved when the drive unit is arranged on the valve cover (e.g., attached by means of a screw connection), with the drive shaft protruding into the valve chamber through a sealed opening within the valve cover. The drive unit is preferably located on the upper side of the valve cover, opposite the lower side.

[0020] A particularly preferred embodiment consists in the valve block and / or the valve cover being made, at least largely, of a material suitable for additive manufacturing with low thermal conductivity (e.g., less than 2 W / (mK)), or comprising such a material, in particular a plastic such as high-temperature polylactic acid (HTPLA) and / or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The valve assembly is thus obtainable by means of an additive manufacturing process. Preferably, the valve block is made of HTPLA. Preferably, the valve cover is manufactured in a single step using multi-material printing and consists of HTPLA and TPU, wherein, in particular, specific functional parts, e.g., at least one sealing surface, are made of TPU.The combination of HTPLA and TPU creates a particularly strong, microscopic interlocking bond, where the elements of the respective plastics interlock at a microscopic level. Multi-material printing allows for shorter printing and post-processing times, as well as a lower number of parts.

[0021] The sealing arrangement is preferably made of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). The Shore hardness of the TPU is, for example, 95A.

[0022] A low-pressure-loss, compact and flexible flow path is enabled if at least one, preferably all, flow channels between the respective outer and inner openings have at least a rounded curvature in their course, in particular no corners and / or edges, and / or run in different planes within the valve block (with respect to a vertical direction of the valve block rising above the planar design of the valve block), and / or have a minimum wall thickness of 5 mm or less, preferably 3 mm or less, e.g. 1 mm or greater, to one of the other flow channels.

[0023] For the sake of a weight-optimized design with internal thermal insulation, the valve block preferably has a filling structure with each chamber closed.

[0024] For increased temperature resistance, the valve block, and optionally the valve cover, is preferably tempered on the fluid-carrying surfaces (especially on the walls of the flow channels). Preferably, the valve block also has untempered areas. These untempered areas are located particularly in regions that are not or only slightly thermally stressed, i.e., not on fluid-carrying surfaces. The combination of tempered and untempered areas and / or material fractions within the valve block offers particular advantages regarding the properties of the valve assembly. The tempered functional surfaces are characterized by increased temperature stability, while the component as a whole maintains consistent dimensional accuracy due to the untempered areas. The remainder of the valve block remains untempered.

[0025] Particularly when used in the temperature control arrangement described below, two valve units are preferably arranged in the valve block. The valve block preferably contains exactly eight flow channels, with fluid being supplied to and discharged from the respective valve chambers of the valve units via two flow channels each.

[0026] Preferably, recesses for the insertion of sensors, e.g. thermocouples, and / or screw receptacles are arranged in the valve block and / or in the valve cover, in particular pressed in.

[0027] The temperature control arrangement, which is particularly located within a vehicle, has a temperature-generating side and a side to be temperature-controlled, between which a pipe arrangement for conveying at least one heat transfer fluid is arranged, wherein a valve device according to one of the preceding embodiments is arranged within the pipe arrangement. The valve device particularly forms part of the pipe arrangement.

[0028] The temperature control arrangement is specifically designed to include a cooling (heat-absorbing) side for cooling a thermally connected environment, e.g., a vehicle radiator, and a heating side for warming a thermally connected environment, e.g., a vehicle interior to be heated. On the temperature-generating side, a cold source and a heat source based on a gas-solid reaction system with at least two reactor devices are provided, wherein the reactor devices alternately form the heat source and, after switching the flow paths by means of the valve device, the cold source. The temperature control arrangement can generate heat and / or cold based on the principle of thermochemical reaction. A temperature control arrangement based on this principle is described, for example, in DE10 2019 102 270 A1.

[0029] The method for manufacturing the valve device provides that the valve block and / or the valve cover is / are additively manufactured from at least one material suitable for additive manufacturing with low thermal conductivity, in particular a plastic, especially high-temperature polylactide and / or thermoplastic polyurethane.

[0030] Preferably, the valve block is additively manufactured from high-temperature polylactic acid and tempered before use, the tempering process preferably comprising two phases: a first phase with lower heat energy input and a second phase with higher heat energy input into the valve block. This ensures a slow structural change on the fluid-carrying surfaces to achieve the desired shift in the glazing temperature, along with higher temperature resistance, both on the surface directly exposed to the environment and in the deeper regions.

[0031] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a valve device according to the invention comprising exactly two valve units with each mounted drive units in a perspective sectional view, Fig. 2 a valve block and two valve covers of the valve assembly according to Fig. 1 in top view, Fig. 3 A,B each a circuit diagram of the valve device according to Fig. 1 in a switching position A ( Fig. 3 A) and in a switching position B ( Fig. 3 B), Fig. 4 another design variant of the valve device, comprising exactly one valve unit, with part of a drive unit in cross-section and Fig. 5 the valve block of the valve device according to Fig. 4 with a valve chamber in a perspective top view.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a valve device 1 for switching the flow paths of a fluid by changing the flow direction, as is commonly known as a directional control valve. The valve device 1 comprises a valve body in the form of a valve block 2. In the valve block 2, the following are located at the Fig. In the example shown, exactly two valve units 4 are arranged. The valve units 4 are each designed as 4 / 2-way valves, with four ports and two switching positions A, B (see Figure 1). Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B).

[0033] The valve units 4 each comprise a valve chamber 6, which is formed in a recess 8 in the valve block 2. Within the valve chamber 6, an actuating unit 10 is arranged, which includes a shut-off element 12 and a valve seat assembly 14 (see figure). Fig. 5) includes.

[0034] For a particularly compact design of the valve device 1, the actuating unit 10 is designed for rotary switching of the flow paths. The shut-off element 12 is arranged in the form of a rotor, rotatable by 90° about a rotational axis M between at least the two switching positions A and B, in order to connect the ports in a flow-different manner. The rotational axis M preferably extends in the vertical direction y of the valve device 1. The rotational axis M is preferably arranged centrally on the shut-off element 12, on a central axis of the shut-off element 12, to ensure a rotationally symmetrical design of the valve chamber 6 and / or the actuating unit 10.

[0035] The shut-off element 12 is preferably designed as a partition 16, which is attached to a drive shaft 22 arranged on the axis of rotation M in a connection arrangement 18, preferably in a positive-locking arrangement 20 (e.g., a plug connection). The partition 16 is in Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectioned view. The partition 16, in conjunction with the valve seat arrangement 14, divides the valve chamber 6 into two sub-chambers 24 that are at least largely fluid-tight from each other and, in particular, congruent with each other.

[0036] The valve chamber 6 is enclosed by a wall 7 and is preferably rotationally symmetrical. Two of the four connections open into each of the sub-chambers 24 via internal openings 46. The design of the valve chamber 6 corresponds in particular to the design described in connection with Fig. Figure 5. The inner openings 46 are, for example, arranged offset from each other by 90° in the direction of rotation (with respect to the axis of rotation M). Preferably, the connections supplying fluid to the valve chamber 6 are each arranged offset from each other by 180°, i.e., opposite each other. This advantageously contributes to a self-holding (self-locking) design of the valve device 1 in both switching positions A and B, whereby only an energy pulse is required for adjustment between switching positions A and B. This bistable (pulse) design increases the efficiency of the valve device 1.

[0037] The drive shaft 22 preferably projects vertically (along a vertical direction y of the valve device 1) into the valve chamber 6. The drive shaft 22 is connected to and / or is part of an electrical drive unit 26 of the valve unit 4. The shut-off element 12 is preferably electrically adjustable by means of the drive unit 26. For example, the drive unit 26 can comprise a stepper motor.

[0038] The valve units 4 each further comprise a valve cover 28 for fluid-tight sealing of the respective valve chamber 6. The valve cover 28 is detachably attached to the respective valve chamber 6 by means of fastening arrangements, for example by means of screw connections. For a precise fit with good sealing effect, at least part of the valve cover 28 is preferably positively inserted into a cover receptacle 30 of the valve block 2. The cover receptacle 30 is formed in the recess 8 above the valve chamber 6, wherein a cross-sectional step 72 is preferably formed between the cover receptacle 30 and the valve chamber 6, on which the valve cover 28 rests with a sealing edge region.

[0039] A sealing arrangement 36 for fluid-tight sealing of the valve chamber 6 against the environment is arranged on a lower surface 38 of the valve cover 28 which points towards the valve chamber 6.

[0040] The drive unit 26 is detachably attached to the valve cover 28 by means of a fastening arrangement, for example a screw connection. The drive shaft 22 projects into the valve chamber 6 through an opening 32 within the valve cover 28, which is sealed by a shaft seal 34.

[0041] The connections of the valve units 4 each have at least one flow channel 40, which runs inside the valve block 2 and opens into an external opening 42 (see figure). Fig. 5) of the respective connection on an outside 44 of the valve block 2 and into an inside opening 46 of the respective connection on the valve chamber 6.

[0042] The flow channels 40 have rounded bends, without corners, to ensure a streamlined flow between the respective outlet opening 42 and the inner opening 46 when the direction changes. The flow channels 40 can also extend across the surface (xz-plane) of the valve block 2 in several (height) planes. The wall thickness between the flow channels 40 can be small, for example, 1 mm or less. Even when made of plastic, good thermal insulation between the flow channels 40 is achieved.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 shows the valve block 2 with the valve covers 28 of the respective valve units 4 in a top view. How Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the valve block, in its planar dimension (in the xz plane), is essentially rectangular (except for rounded corners). For example, the edge length in the z-direction is approximately 13 cm and the edge length in the x-direction is approximately 8 cm. In the y-direction, the thickness of the valve block 2 can be approximately 3 cm. It is understood that the dimensions of the valve device 1 and / or the arrangement of its components, especially the valve block 2 and / or the outlets, can be flexibly adapted to a specific application.

[0044] Particularly preferred are both the valve block 2 and the valve cover 28 additively manufactured layer by layer and consist of at least one material suitable for additive manufacturing with low thermal conductivity, in particular a plastic.

[0045] Preferably, the valve block 2 consists of HTPLA (high-temperature polylactic acid).

[0046] Preferably, the valve cover 28 is manufactured in a single step using multi-material printing and consists of HTPLA and TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane). The sealing arrangement 36 on the valve cover 28 is preferably made of TPU. The Shore hardness of the TPU can advantageously be 95. Preferably, the remaining part of the valve cover 28 (apart from special functional parts, e.g., additional sealing surfaces), at least the underside 38 in contact with the sealing arrangement 36, consists of HTPLA. The sealing arrangement 36 is printed together with the valve cover 28, with the sealing arrangement 36 being printed onto and / or embedded in the underside 38 of the valve cover 28. The combination of HTPLA and TPU advantageously forms a particularly stable microscopic interlocking connection, with the elements of the respective plastics interlocking at a microscopic level.Multi-material printing allows for low printing and post-processing times as well as a low number of components.

[0047] The sealing arrangement 36 is preferably arranged over a flat surface on the underside 38, covering, for example, a large part of the underside 38. In this way, the contact force between the valve cover 28 and the contact surface on the valve block 2 is advantageously distributed over as large a surface as possible, thereby avoiding, for example, local stresses and deformations within the plastic materials due to high point pressure.

[0048] The valve block 2 preferably has a filling structure (not shown here) in areas where no other functional structures (such as the flow channels 40 and / or the valve chamber 6) are arranged. For the benefit of thermal insulation, the filling structure particularly comprises closed chambers.

[0049] For increased heat resistance, at least the valve block 2, and optionally the valve cover 28, are tempered, at least on the fluid-carrying surfaces. Tempering shifts the glass transition temperature, resulting in higher temperature resistance.

[0050] Preferably, the valve block 2, for example the filling structure, also has untempered material areas or volumes in order to advantageously utilize the material properties of the untempered material in the valve device 1 with high geometric fidelity. The untempered areas are located in particular in areas that are not or only slightly thermally stressed, i.e., not on fluid-carrying surfaces.

[0051] In the manufacture of the valve device 1, the valve block 2 and the valve cover 28 are additively manufactured (in a multi-material print) using 3D printing. In addition to the flow channels 40, the valve cover 28, and, for example, sealing arrangements, further functional structures, such as recesses 68 for the insertion of sensors (e.g., thermocouples; see Figure 1), are preferably also included. Fig. 5), screw mounts 70 (see Fig. 4) and / or insert nuts pressed into the valve block 2.

[0052] After 3D printing, before use in the intended operating environment, at least the valve block 2 is tempered. The tempering process preferably comprises two phases. In the first phase, the fluid-carrying surfaces of the valve block 2 are subjected to a lower heat energy input to heat the fluid-carrying surface of the valve block 2 more slowly. This is achieved, for example, by setting a smaller temperature differential between the temperature of the valve block 2 and the heat transfer fluid and / or by using a different heat transfer medium, such as air. In the second phase, the fluid-carrying surfaces of the valve block 2 are subjected to a higher heat energy input. After tempering the surface immediately exposed to the environment in the first phase, the higher heat energy input in the second phase also reaches temperatures sufficient for tempering deeper within the valve block material.This ensures a sufficiently slow structural change on the fluid-carrying surfaces to achieve the desired shift in glazing temperature along with higher temperature resistance both on the surface directly adjacent to the environment and in the deeper areas.

[0053] In the tempering process, heat can be introduced in various ways. For example, tempering can take place, at least partially, in a gas, particularly air, within a furnace. It is also conceivable that tempering can be carried out (alternatively or additionally) using a heat transfer fluid, which is also used in the application and flows through the fluid-carrying structures, particularly the flow channels 40. The heat transfer fluid is specifically heated to temperatures suitable for the tempering process.

[0054] Fig. 3 A and Fig. Figure 3B shows schematic circuit diagrams, wherein the valve device 1 is integrated into an application that is advantageously operated with the valve device 1. Fig. Figure 3A shows the valve device 1 in a first switching position A. Fig. Figure 3B shows the valve device in a second switching position B.

[0055] The valve device 1 is in Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B is integrated into a temperature control arrangement 48, such as may be arranged, in particular, within a vehicle. The temperature control arrangement 48 comprises a temperature-generating side 50 and a side 52 to be temperature-controlled. A line arrangement 54 for conveying at least one heat transfer fluid is arranged between the two sides. The valve device 1 is arranged within the line arrangement 54, in particular in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shown variant, wherein the flow channels 40 form at least parts of the conduit arrangement 54.

[0056] On the side 52 to be cooled, a cooling side 56 (heat-receiving side), e.g., in the form of a heat exchanger, is arranged. This could, for example, be a vehicle radiator. Additionally, a heat-emitting side 58, e.g., in the form of a heat exchanger, is arranged on the side 52 to be cooled. This could, for example, be a heating unit for warming a passenger compartment.

[0057] On the temperature-generating side 50, a heat source 60 for generating heat and a cold source 62 for generating cold (absorbing heat) are preferably arranged. The heat source 60 and the cold source 62 are, in particular, part of a gas-solid reaction system and are arranged within at least one reactor device 64, 66 of the gas-solid reaction system. The reactor devices 64, 66 alternately form the heat source 60 and, after switching the flow paths of the heat transfer fluid by means of the valve device 1, the cold source 62. Thus, in the temperature control arrangement 48 according to Fig. 3 A and Fig. 3 B the connections of the valve device 1 on the side to be tempered 52 are fixed with respect to the temperature level range (warm / cold), while the connections of the valve device 1 on the temperature-generating side 50 alternate with the switching positions A, B.

[0058] Fig. Figure 3A shows the switching position A, in which the reactor device 64 forms the heat source 60 and the reactor device 66 forms the cold source 62. Fig. Figure 3B shows switching position B, in which the reactor device 66 forms the heat source 60 and the reactor device 64 forms the cold source 62. Between switching positions A and B, the actuating unit 10 is activated in each of the two valve units 4 (see Figure 3B). Fig. 1) for the corresponding switching of the flow paths under rotation of the partition wall 16 (see Fig. 1) rearranged.

[0059] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the valve device 1, with only one valve unit 4 in the form of a 4 / 2-way valve, in cross-section through the valve chamber 6, wherein the partition 16 is aligned along the section plane. The valve unit 4 corresponds in its design to the valve units 4 according to Figure 4. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The valve block 2 is adapted, in particular with regard to its dimensions, number of flow channels 40 and valve chamber 6, to the design with exactly one valve unit 4.

[0060] Fig. Figure 5 shows valve block 2 according to Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view looking into the valve chamber 6. The rotationally symmetrical design of the valve chamber 6 with respect to the axis of rotation M is evident. The four inner openings 46 are arranged at equal radial and circumferential distances from one another on the wall 7 that surrounds the valve chamber 6. The wall 7 simultaneously forms a functional surface 76 with protrusions 74, four in total, formed around the perimeter between each of the inner openings 46. These protrusions 74, together with the radial outer edges of the partition wall 16, form the valve seat arrangement 14, creating fluid-sealing boundaries for the sub-chambers 24 (see Figure 4). Fig. 4).

[0061] The design according to the invention results in an extremely compact, weight-optimized valve device 1, which is particularly advantageous, for example, as a device for conveying coolants with the possibility of switching flow paths, e.g., in automotive applications. In conjunction with the use of the additive manufacturing process with the materials mentioned as examples, a high degree of thermal insulation is achieved with respect to the environment and within the valve device 1. In this way, heat losses can be reduced and the efficiency of the application, e.g., the temperature control arrangement 48, can be increased, particularly in combination with the design of the valve unit(s) 4, which minimizes internal leakage. In tests conducted by the inventors, for example, a maximum temperature difference of approximately 0.1 K was observed between two volume flows of a heat transfer fluid of approximately 4 l / min flowing through the valve unit 4 with a temperature difference of 50 K.Furthermore, the process enables cost-effective, rapid valve production with individual adaptation of the fluid guides to the respective application.

Claims

[1] Valve device (1) for switching a flow path of a fluid, with a valve block (2) in which at least one valve unit (4) is arranged, comprising the valve unit (4) - a valve chamber (6) within which an actuating unit (10) with a shut-off element (12) and a valve seat arrangement (14) is arranged, - at least four connections with flow channels (40) arranged inside the valve block (2), each running between outer openings (42) on an outer side (44) of the valve block (2) and inner openings (46) on the valve chamber (6) in the valve block (2), and - a valve cover (28) for fluid-tight sealing of the valve chamber (6), wherein the actuating unit (10) is designed for rotary switching of the flow paths, wherein the shut-off element (12) is rotatably arranged about a rotation axis (M) centrally arranged on the shut-off element (12) between at least two switching positions (A, B), in which the connections are each fluidically connected to each other in a different way, characterized by , that a sealing arrangement (36) is arranged on a lower side (38) of the valve cover (28) pointing towards the valve chamber (6), which is designed as a surface seal, and that the sealing arrangement (36) is formed from an elastomer suitable for additive manufacturing, wherein the sealing arrangement (36) is additively manufactured together with the valve cover (28). [2] Valve device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the shut-off element (12) is designed as a partition (16) which divides the valve chamber (6) into two sub-chambers (24) that are at least largely fluid-tight from each other. [3] Valve device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the valve chamber (6) is designed in a rotationally symmetrical manner with respect to the arrangement of the internal openings (46) and / or that the sub-chambers (24) are congruent with each other. [4] Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the shut-off element (12) is arranged on a drive shaft (22) projecting into the valve chamber (6) and associated with an electrical drive unit (26) of the valve unit (4), by means of which the shut-off element (12) is electrically adjustable. [5] Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the valve cover (28) is detachably arranged on the valve chamber (6), at least partially inserted into a cover receptacle (30). [6] Valve device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drive unit (26) is arranged on the valve cover (28), wherein the drive shaft (22) extends through a sealed opening (32) inside the valve cover (28) into the valve chamber (6). [7] Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the valve block (2) and / or the valve cover (28) consist / consist of a plastic suitable for additive manufacturing with low thermal conductivity or have / have such a material. [8] Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the plastic is high-temperature polylactide and / or thermoplastic polyurethane. [9] Valve device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing arrangement is made of thermoplastic polyurethane. [10] Valve device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one of the flow channels (40) between the respective outer opening (42) and inner opening (46) in its course, exhibits at least a rounded curvature and / or within the valve block, it runs / run in different planes and / or has / have a minimum wall thickness of 5 mm or less, of 3 mm or less, and of 1 mm or greater, to any of the other flow channels (40). [11] Valve device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the valve block (2) has a filling structure with each closed chamber. [12] Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the valve block (2) and the valve cover (28) are tempered on the fluid-carrying surfaces. [13] Valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that two valve units (4) are arranged in the valve block (2). [14] Valve device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that recesses (68) for the insertion of sensors and / or screw receptacles (70) are printed in the valve block (2) and / or in the valve cover (28). [15] Temperature control arrangement (48) with a temperature-generating side (50) and a side to be temperature controlled (52), between which a line arrangement (54) for conveying at least one heat transfer fluid is arranged, wherein a valve device (1) according to one of the preceding claims is arranged within the line arrangement (54). [16] Temperature control arrangement (48) according to claim 15, wherein on the side (52) to be temperature controlled a cooling side (56) for cooling a thermally connected environment and a heat-emitting side (58) for heating a thermally connected environment are provided, and wherein on the temperature-generating side (50) a cold source (62) and a heat source (60) based on a gas-solid reaction system with at least two reactor devices (64, 66) are provided, wherein the reactor devices (64, 66) alternately form the heat source (60) and, after switching the flow paths by means of the valve device (1), the cold source (62). [17] Method for manufacturing a valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the valve block (2) and / or the valve cover (28) is additively manufactured from at least one material suitable for additive manufacturing with low thermal conductivity. [18] Method according to claim 17, characterized by , that the valve block (2) is additively manufactured from high-temperature polylactide and is tempered before use, wherein the tempering process preferably comprises two phases, with a first phase with lower heat energy input and a second phase with higher heat energy input into the valve block (2).

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