Shut-off valve, motor vehicle and refrigeration circuit with shut-off valve and method for shutting off a fluid flow using a shut-off valve

Abstract

A shut-off valve comprises: a housing (20) having a valve chamber; a first fluid passage (3) from a first port (3.1) of the shut-off valve to a first access (3.2) of a connecting section (21) of the valve chamber; a second fluid passage (4) from a second port (4.1) of the shut-off valve to a second access (4.2) of the connecting section; a valve element (2) arranged in the valve chamber such that, in a closed position, it closes the second access and, in an open position, is spaced apart from the second access; wherein the valve chamber has a control section (6) on a side of the valve element opposite the connecting section; the shut-off valve further features: a first valve (9) configured to connect the control section to the first port in a first operating mode and to connect the control section to the second port instead in a second operating mode; a second valve (10) configured to connect a pilot passage, configured to discharge fluid from the control section, to the second port in the first operating mode and to connect it to the first port instead in the second operating mode; an actuator (5); and an actuator (1) for adjusting the actuator; wherein the actuator is configured to reversibly close the pilot passage.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a shut-off valve, a motor vehicle and a refrigeration circuit with the shut-off valve, as well as a method for selectively shutting off a fluid flow using the shut-off valve.

[0002] An object of the present invention is to improve a shut-off valve, a motor vehicle or a refrigeration circuit or its operation.

[0003] This object is achieved by a shut-off valve having the features of claim 1. Claims 12 and 13 protect a motor vehicle or a refrigeration circuit with at least one shut-off valve described herein, or a method for selectively shutting off a fluid flow using a shut-off valve described herein. The subclaims relate to advantageous developments.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a shut-off valve comprises: - a single or multi-part housing having a valve chamber; - a first single- or multi-channel fluid passage from a first single- or multi-channel connection, preferably an external connection, of the shut-off valve to a first single- or multi-channel access of a connecting section of the valve chamber; and - a second single- or multi-channel fluid passage from a second single- or multi-channel connection, preferably external connection, of the shut-off valve to a second single- or multi-channel access of the connecting section.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shut-off valve has a valve member which is preferably arranged movably in the valve chamber in such a way that it - in a closed position, closes the second access or blocks fluid communication between the first and second connection or first and second access via the connecting section; and - in an open position is spaced from the second access, so that the first and second connection or first and second access communicate fluidly with each other via the connecting section.

[0006] In one embodiment, the shut-off valve allows fluid flow between the first and second ports to be selectively blocked.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the valve chamber has a control section on a side of the valve member opposite the connecting section.

[0008] As a result, in one embodiment, the valve member can (likewise) be subjected to fluid (pressure) on a side opposite the first and second access or connecting section, which counteracts an opening force as a result of pressure applied to the first and second connection or first and second access or causes a corresponding closing force.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the shut-off valve further comprises: a single- or multi-channel pilot passage arranged to discharge fluid from the control section; an actuator; and an actuator for adjusting the actuator; wherein the actuator is adapted to reversibly close the pilot passage.

[0010] This allows for the realization of a pilot-operated shut-off valve in one embodiment, thereby advantageously improving installation space requirements and / or energy consumption and / or precision, reliability, and / or service life, particularly through a smaller actuator. Generally, the shut-off valve in one embodiment is a pilot-operated shut-off valve.

[0011] If the first port of the shut-off valve is subjected to a higher pressure (compared to the second port), this pressure can be used in one design in the control section to close the valve, and fluid can be selectively discharged to the second port via the pilot passage. However, if the second port of the shut-off valve is subjected to a higher pressure (compared to the first port), this is not possible.

[0012] In particular, the shut-off valve according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first valve that in a first operating mode, connects the control section, in particular fluidically, to the first connection and preferably fluidically separates the control section and the second connection; and in a second operating mode, instead, the control section, in particular fluidically, connects to the second connection and preferably fluidically separates the control section and the first connection; or is set up or used for this purpose; and a second valve that in the first operating mode, the pilot passage connects, in particular fluidically, to the second connection and preferably fluidically separates the first connection and the pilot passage; and in the second operating mode, the pilot passage instead connects, in particular fluidically, to the first connection and preferably fluidically separates the second connection and the pilot passage; or is set up or used for this purpose.

[0013] If, in the first operating mode, the higher pressure is present at the first connection of the shut-off valve (compared to the second connection), in one embodiment the first valve connects the first connection to the control section and the second valve connects the pilot passage to the second connection, so that - when the pilot passage is opened by the actuator - fluid (pressure) can escape from the control section to the second connection, so that the closing force caused by fluid (pressure) in the control section is reduced and the shut-off valve opens.

[0014] Conversely, if in the second operating mode the higher pressure is present at the second connection of the shut-off valve (compared to the first connection), in one embodiment the first valve connects the second connection to the control section instead and the second valve connects the pilot passage to the first connection instead of the second connection, so that - when the pilot passage is opened by the actuator - fluid (pressure) can escape from the control section to the first connection, so that in turn the closing force caused by fluid (pressure) in the control section is reduced and the shut-off valve opens.

[0015] Thus, in one embodiment, a bidirectional pilot-operated shut-off valve can advantageously be provided. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a flow direction of the shut-off valve in the first operating mode and a flow direction of the shut-off valve in the second operating mode are opposite. Preferably, in the first operating mode, the higher (fluid) pressure is applied to the first connection or in the first fluid passage (compared to the second connection or the second fluid passage), and conversely, in the second operating mode, the higher (fluid) pressure is applied to the second connection or in the second fluid passage (compared to the first connection or the first fluid passage).

[0016] In one embodiment, the valve member has a movable, preferably movably mounted or guided, piston, which in a further development is arranged, in particular mounted or guided, in the valve chamber in such a way that a movement of the piston - in a closing direction, a volume of the control section is increased and a volume of the connecting section is reduced and - in an opening direction, a volume of the control section is reduced and a volume of the connecting section is increased, can in particular be such a piston.

[0017] This allows a particularly advantageous design, sealing, actuation and / or adjustment kinematics to be realized in one version.

[0018] In a further development, the piston has the pilot passage, which has or connects a single- or multi-channel inlet and a single- or multi-channel outlet, wherein the actuator is designed to reversibly close this inlet.

[0019] This allows a particularly advantageous design, sealing, actuation and / or adjustment kinematics to be realized in one version.

[0020] In one embodiment, the outlet is arranged on a circumferential surface of the piston. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the inlet is arranged on an end face of the piston, preferably on the control section side.

[0021] This allows a particularly advantageous design, sealing, actuation and / or adjustment kinematics to be realized in one version.

[0022] In one embodiment, the piston is (reversibly) axially displaceable in the valve chamber, in particular in the closing and opening direction.

[0023] This allows an advantageous design and / or adjustment kinematics to be realized in one version.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the piston has a first control section-side section with a first, in particular maximum, outer circumference and a second connection section-side section with a smaller second outer circumference.

[0025] This allows an advantageous design, sealing and / or adjustment kinematics to be realized in one version.

[0026] In one embodiment, the actuator is (reversibly) axially displaceable in the valve chamber.

[0027] This allows an advantageous design, sealing, actuation and / or adjustment kinematics to be realized in one version.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first access is arranged on a peripheral surface of the connecting section. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the second access is arranged on an end face of the connecting section.

[0029] As a result, an advantageous, in particular more compact, design and / or advantageous sealing, actuation and / or adjustment kinematics can be realized in one embodiment.

[0030] In one embodiment, the first valve has a single- or multi-channel outlet passage to the control section. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the first valve has a single- or multi-channel first inlet passage from the connecting section, preferably a peripheral surface of the connecting section, or from the first fluid passage. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the first valve has a single- or multi-channel second inlet passage from the second fluid passage.

[0031] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the second valve has a single- or multi-channel inlet passage from the valve chamber, preferably its peripheral surface, wherein this inlet passage preferably communicates fluidically with the outlet of the piston or the pilot passage, in a further development via a single- or multi-channel annular groove of the valve chamber. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the second valve has a single- or multi-channel first outlet passage to the second fluid passage. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the second valve has a single- or multi-channel second outlet passage to the first fluid passage.

[0032] As a result, an advantageous, in particular more compact, design and / or advantageous sealing, actuation and / or adjustment kinematics can be realized in one embodiment.

[0033] In one embodiment, one or more of the inlet and / or outlet passages of the first and / or second valve are formed at least partially or sectionally in or through the housing, preferably formed integrally with the housing. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the first valve has a separate valve body which is fastened to, preferably in, the housing and / or in which the first and / or second inlet passage and / or the outlet passage of the first valve is formed at least partially or sectionally. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the second valve has a separate valve body which is fastened to, preferably in, the housing and / or in which the inlet passage and / or the first and / or second outlet passage of the second valve is formed at least partially or sectionally.

[0034] As a result, an advantageous, in particular more compact, design and / or advantageous sealing, actuation and / or adjustment kinematics can be realized in one embodiment.

[0035] In one embodiment, one or more orifices are arranged in the outlet passage of the first valve or between the first valve and the control section.

[0036] In one embodiment, this allows an advantageous pressure to be set in the control section and, in particular, the function of the shut-off valve to be improved.

[0037] In one embodiment, the first valve is a preferably automatic, pressure-controlled valve and / or shuttle valve with a through-connection function. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is controlled or adjusted by the pressure applied to the first and / or second connection of the shut-off valve, in a further development the pressure in its first and / or second inlet passage, preferably a pressure difference between the first and second connection of the shut-off valve or first and second inlet passage, preferably at higher pressure at the first connection of the shut-off valve in such a way that it connects the first connection of the shut-off valve to the control section (fluidically) and at higher pressure at the second connection of the shut-off valve in such a way that it connects the second connection of the shut-off valve to the control section (fluidically) or is designed to do so.

[0038] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the second valve is a preferably automatic, pressure-controlled valve and / or shuttle valve with a switching function or negation. In a particularly preferred embodiment, it is controlled or adjusted by the pressure applied to the first and / or second connection of the shut-off valve, in a further development the pressure in its first and / or second outlet passage, preferably a pressure difference between the first and second connection of the shut-off valve or first and second outlet passage, preferably at higher pressure at the first connection in such a way that it connects the pilot passage to the second connection of the shut-off valve (fluidically) and at higher pressure at the second connection of the shut-off valve in such a way that it connects the pilot passage to the first connection of the shut-off valve (fluidically), or is designed to do so.

[0039] In one embodiment, this allows an advantageous, particularly reliable and / or low-energy, adjustment of the first or second valve to be realized.

[0040] In one embodiment, the actuator is a binary actuator which, in a preferred development, has only two switching positions or either closes, preferably completely, or opens or releases, preferably completely, the inlet of the pilot passage by means of the actuator.

[0041] In this way, an advantageous, particularly reliable and / or low-energy, actuation can be realized in one embodiment.

[0042] A shut-off valve described here can, in particular due to the operating conditions, structural, thermodynamic and / or control-related requirements or boundary conditions, be used with particular advantage in motor vehicles and / or refrigeration circuits, in particular in refrigeration circuits of motor vehicles and / or for selectively shutting off a refrigerant flow.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in or after a method for selectively shutting off a fluid flow, in a preferred development of a refrigerant (flow), using a shut-off valve described here, to open this shut-off valve, its actuator removes the actuator from the pilot passage or its inlet. Additionally or alternatively, according to one embodiment of the present invention, to close the shut-off valve, the actuator adjusts the actuator to close the pilot passage or its inlet.

[0044] In one embodiment, the shut-off valve is operated temporarily in the first operating mode and temporarily in the second operating mode, wherein a flow direction of the shut-off valve in the first operating mode and a flow direction of the shut-off valve in the second operating mode are opposite, preferably in the first operating mode the higher (fluid) pressure is applied to the first connection or in the first fluid passage (compared to the second connection or the second fluid passage) and conversely in the second operating mode the higher (fluid) pressure is applied to the second connection or in the second fluid passage (compared to the first connection or the first fluid passage).

[0045] Further advantages and features emerge from the subclaims and the exemplary embodiments. The following shows, partly schematically: Fig. 1: a closed shut-off valve of a motor vehicle and / or refrigeration circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first operating mode; Fig. 2: the open shut-off valve in the first operating mode; Fig. 3: the closed shut-off valve in a second operating mode; Fig. 4: the open shut-off valve in the second operating mode; and Fig. 5: a method for selectively shutting off a fluid flow using the shut-off valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 1 shows a closed shut-off valve of a motor vehicle and / or refrigeration circuit, in particular a refrigeration circuit of a motor vehicle, indicated only schematically by the reference numeral 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention in a first operating mode in which a higher pressure is applied to a first connection 3.1 of the shut-off valve than to a second connection 4.1 of the shut-off valve.

[0047] The shut-off valve has a housing 20 with a valve chamber in which a valve member in the form of a piston 2 is arranged to be axially displaceable.

[0048] The shut-off valve or housing has a first fluid passage 3 from the first connection 3.1 of the shut-off valve to a first access 3.2 on a peripheral surface of a connecting section 21 of the valve chamber and a second fluid passage 4 from the second connection 4.1 of the shut-off valve to a second access 4.2 on an end face of the connecting section.

[0049] The shut-off valve further comprises a first valve 9 which, in the first operating mode, fluidically connects the connecting section 21 and thus the first connection 3.1 with the control section 6.

[0050] The shut-off valve further comprises a second valve 10 which, in the first operating mode, fluidically connects an outlet 2.2 of a pilot passage 8, which is arranged on a circumferential surface of the piston 2, to the second fluid passage 4 and thus to the second connection 4.1.

[0051] The shut-off valve further comprises an actuator in the form of a pin 5, which is axially displaceable in the closing and opening direction in the control section of the valve chamber, and an actuator 1 for adjusting this actuator.

[0052] The piston 2 has the pilot or drain passage or bore 8 from a control section-side inlet 2.1 on an end face of the piston to the outlet 2.2.

[0053] In the Fig. In the position shown in Figure 1, the actuator 5 closes this inlet 2.1.

[0054] To open the shut-off valve, the actuator 1 removes the actuator 5 from the inlet 2.1, thus releasing it. This is shown in Fig. 2 illustrated.

[0055] There are also schematically indicated a first, control section-side active surface A1 of the piston 2, the action of which by fluid in the control section 6 causes a load in the closing direction on the piston 2, a second, connection section-side active surface A2 for closing the second access 4.2, the action of which by fluid in the second fluid passage 4 when the second access is closed causes a load in the opening direction on the piston, and a third, connection section-side active surface A3, the action of which by fluid in the connection section 21 when the second access is closed causes a load in the opening direction on the piston 2.

[0056] The piston has a first control section side section 2A with a first outer circumference and a second connection section side section 2B with a smaller second outer circumference.

[0057] The first valve 9 has an outlet passage 9.3 to the control section 6, in which an orifice 7 is arranged, a first inlet passage 9.1 from a peripheral surface of the connecting section 21, and a second inlet passage 9.2 from the second fluid passage 4.

[0058] The second valve 10 has an inlet passage 10.3 from an opening in the peripheral surface of the valve chamber, which communicates with the outlet 2.2 of the pilot passage 8, a first outlet passage 10.1 to the second fluid passage 4 and a second outlet passage 10.2 to the first fluid passage 3.

[0059] Fig. 3, Fig. 4 show in Fig. 1, Fig. 2 correspondingly, the shut-off valve in a second operating mode, in which, conversely, a higher pressure is applied to the second connection 4.1 of the shut-off valve than to the first connection 3.1 of the shut-off valve, so that a flow direction of the shut-off valve in this second operating mode and a flow direction of the shut-off valve in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 illustrated first operating mode are opposite.

[0060] In the second operating mode, the pressure-controlled first shuttle valve 9 with switching function connects the second fluid passage 4 and thus the second connection 4.1 with the control section 6 and the pressure-controlled second shuttle valve 10 with switching function connects the outlet 2.2 of the piston 2 or the pilot passage 8 with the first fluid passage 3 and thus the first connection 3.1.

[0061] When the inlet 2.1 is open, fluid (pressure) escapes from the control section 6 through the pilot passage 8 to the second valve 10, which always blocks the passage to the higher pressure level or inlet pressure and opens a passage to the lower pressure level or outlet pressure.

[0062] Fig. 5 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a step S10, the system switches to the first operating mode, opens the shut-off valve in a step S20, and closes it in a step S30. In a step S40, the system switches to the second operating mode, opens the shut-off valve in a step S50, and closes it in a step S60. Of course, other sequences of steps are possible, in particular multiple opening and closing and / or switching of operating modes.

[0063] In the present disclosure, "has an X" generally does not imply an exhaustive list, but is a shortened form of "has at least one X" and also includes "has two or more Xs" and "has Y in addition to X." Although exemplary embodiments have been explained in the foregoing description, it should be noted that numerous modifications are possible. Furthermore, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applications, or construction in any way.Rather, the foregoing description provides the person skilled in the art with a guide for the implementation of at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby various changes, in particular with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, can be made without departing from the scope of protection as it results from the claims and combinations of features equivalent to these. List of reference symbols 1 actuator 2 pistons (valve member) 2.1 Admission 2.2 Outlet 2A first section 2B second section 3 first fluid passage 3.1 first connection 3.2 First access 4 second fluid passage 4.1 second connection 4.2 second access 5 pin (actuator) 6 Control section of the valve chamber 7 aperture 8 Pilot / drain passage / bore 9 first valve 9.1 first inlet passage of the first valve 9.2 second inlet passage of the first valve 9.3 Drain passage of the first valve 10 second valve 10.1 first drain passage of the second valve 10.2 second drain passage of the second valve 10.3 Inlet passage of the second valve 20 housings 21 Connecting section of the valve chamber 100 motor vehicles / refrigeration circuit A1 first effective area A2 second effective area A3 third effective area

Claims

[1] Shut-off valve, comprising: a housing (20) having a valve chamber; a first fluid passage (3) from a first connection (3.1) of the shut-off valve to a first access (3.2) of a connecting section (21) of the valve chamber; a second fluid passage (4) from a second connection (4.1) of the shut-off valve to a second access (4.2) of the connecting section; a valve member (2) which is arranged in the valve chamber such that it closes the second access in a closed position and in an open position is spaced from the second access; wherein the valve chamber has a control section (6) on a side of the valve member opposite the connecting section; wherein the shut-off valve further comprises: a first valve (9) which is arranged to in a first operating mode, to connect the control section to the first terminal and in a second operating mode, to connect the control section to the second terminal instead; a second valve (10) arranged to open a pilot passage arranged to discharge fluid from the control section, in the first operating mode to connect to the second port and in the second operating mode, to be connected to the first terminal instead; an actuator (5); and an actuator (1) for adjusting the actuator; wherein the actuator is adapted to reversibly close the pilot passage. [2] Shut-off valve according to claim 1, characterized by that the valve member has a movable piston. [3] Shut-off valve according to claim 2, characterized by that the piston has the pilot passage with an inlet (2.1) and an outlet (2.2), wherein the actuator is adapted to reversibly close the inlet. [4] Shut-off valve according to claim 3, characterized by , that the outlet is arranged on a peripheral surface of the piston; and / or the inlet is arranged on an end face of the piston. [5] Shut-off valve according to one of the preceding claims 2-4, characterized by that the piston is axially displaceable in the valve chamber and / or has a first control section-side section (2A) with a first outer circumference and a second connection section-side section (2B) with a smaller second outer circumference. [6] Shut-off valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuator is axially displaceable in the valve chamber. [7] Shut-off valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first access is arranged on a peripheral surface of the connecting section; and / or the second access is arranged on an end face of the connecting section. [8] Shut-off valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first valve a discharge passage (9.3) to the control section; and / or a first inlet passage (9.1) from the connecting section or the first fluid passage; and / or a second inlet passage (9.2) from the second fluid passage; and / or the second valve an inlet passage (10.3) from the valve chamber; and / or a first outlet passage (10.1) to the second fluid passage; and / or a second drain passage (10.2) to the first fluid passage; has. [9] Shut-off valve according to the preceding claim, characterized by that at least one orifice (7) is arranged in the outlet passage of the first valve. [10] Shut-off valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first valve is a pressure-controlled valve and / or shuttle valve with a switching function; and / or the second valve is a pressure-controlled valve and / or shuttle valve with switching function. [11] Shut-off valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the actuator is a binary actuator. [12] Motor vehicle or refrigeration circuit with at least one shut-off valve according to one of the preceding claims. [13] A method for selectively shutting off a fluid flow using a shut-off valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein to open the shut-off valve, the actuator moves the actuator away from the pilot passage; and / or To close the shut-off valve, the actuator moves the actuator to close the pilot passage. [14] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized bythat the shut-off valve is operated temporarily in the first operating mode and temporarily in the second operating mode, wherein a flow direction of the shut-off valve in the first operating mode and a flow direction of the shut-off valve in the second operating mode are opposite.

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