Temperature control system, motor vehicle with temperature control system, valve block for temperature control system, method for manufacturing valve blocks and method for operating a temperature control system

Abstract

A temperature control circuit system has a fluid valve arrangement with at least two fluid valves (AV1-AV3, EV1, EV2; AV1'-AV3', EV1'-EV3') for influencing a fluid flow in the temperature control circuit system, wherein the fluid valve arrangement is arranged on a valve block (11; 11') which has several ports (21, 22; 21'-24') and several fluid passages (31-34).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control circuit system, a motor vehicle with the temperature control circuit system, a valve block for the temperature control circuit system, a method for producing valve blocks for such temperature control circuit systems and a method for operating the temperature control circuit system.

[0002] The object of the present invention is to improve a temperature control circuit system, its operation and / or production.

[0003] This object is achieved by a temperature control circuit system having the features of claim 1. Claims 11-14 protect a motor vehicle with a temperature control circuit system described herein, a valve block for a temperature control circuit system described herein, preferably a temperature control circuit system described herein, a method for manufacturing such valve blocks, and a method for operating a temperature control circuit system described herein, respectively. The subclaims relate to advantageous developments.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a temperature control circuit system has a fluid valve arrangement with at least two, preferably at least three, in a further development at least four, in particular at least five, fluid valves which, during operation, influence a fluid flow in the temperature control circuit system, in one embodiment at least temporarily control or direct a flow and / or at least temporarily regulate a pressure drop, or are configured or used for this purpose.

[0005] As a result, the temperature control circuit system can be advantageously regulated and operated in one embodiment, particularly in a situation-adapted and / or variable manner.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid valve arrangement is arranged on, preferably at least partially in and / or at least partially on, a valve block having a plurality of ports, preferably external ports, and a plurality of fluid passages, preferably internal, which in one embodiment are at least partially integrally formed. In one embodiment, the fluid valves are connected to one another and / or to ports and / or ports to one another via fluid passages.

[0007] By arranging these multiple fluid valves in a single, rather than distributed manner, arrangement on a valve block, they can advantageously be assembled, disassembled, and / or maintained more easily in one embodiment. Additionally or alternatively, this can improve the connection of a control device for actuating these fluid valves, in particular by shortening the lines for this purpose. Additionally or alternatively, this can improve, in particular simplify, the (fluidic) connection of components of the temperature control circuit system, such as heat exchangers, fluid conveyors, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, this can allow the respective valve block to be specifically configured in a modular manner in one embodiment, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0008] In one embodiment, the valve block has a plurality of blind holes and / or a plurality of through holes, preferably provided with external connections and / or covers, in particular plugs or the like, which form the fluid passages or sections of the fluid passages.

[0009] This can simplify their training in one version.

[0010] In one embodiment, the valve block (monolithic) consists of a body or several block parts fastened to one another, wherein in a further development two or more block parts are or will be fastened to one another in a manner that is at least non-destructively detachable, in particular by a material fit, and / or two or more block parts are or will be fastened to one another in a manner that is detachable, in particular by a friction fit and / or a form fit.

[0011] This can improve manufacturing, tightness, and / or space requirements in one design. A non-removable fastening in one design can improve reliability and / or compactness, while a removable fastening in another design can improve assembly (and disassembly), manufacturing, and / or maintenance.

[0012] In one embodiment, one or more of the fluid valves of the fluid valve arrangement is / are or will be detachably fastened to the valve block, in a further development in a form-fitting and / or friction-fitting manner, in one embodiment by means of screws.

[0013] This can improve assembly and / or modularity in one design.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the fluid valves of the fluid valve arrangement in one embodiment is / are or will be arranged at least partially in the valve block.

[0015] In one embodiment, this can improve assembly and disassembly, actuation by the control device and / or a fluidic connection to the fluid passages.

[0016] In one embodiment, at least one, preferably at least two, and in a further development, at least three, of the fluid valves (each) is / are a shut-off valve. Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, at least one, preferably at least two, and in a further development, at least three, of the fluid valves (each) is / are a preferably regulated expansion valve.

[0017] The combination of two or more shut-off valves on the valve block enables particularly advantageous control of fluid flows in one embodiment. The combination of two or more expansion valves on the valve block enables particularly advantageous control of the temperature control circuit system in one embodiment. By combining shut-off and expansion valves on a common valve block, assembly (and disassembly) and / or modularity can be (further) improved in one embodiment.

[0018] In one embodiment, one or more of the fluid valves, in particular one or more of the shut-off valves and / or one or more of the expansion valves, are (each) a pilot-operated valve for connecting (each) at least two fluid passages, which has a pilot valve.

[0019] This can improve operation and / or actuation in one embodiment.

[0020] In one embodiment, a temperature control circuit system for the or one or more of the pilot-controlled valve(s) each comprises a valve arrangement with at least two pressure-controlled shuttle valves.

[0021] The valve arrangement connects an inlet (connection) of the pilot valve to a first of the fluid passages connected to the (respective) pilot-operated valve and an outlet (connection) of the pilot valve to a second of the fluid passages connected to this pilot-operated valve when a higher fluid pressure is present in the first fluid passage than in the second fluid passage, and conversely connects this inlet (connection) of the pilot valve to the second fluid passage and this outlet (connection) of the pilot valve to the first fluid passage when a lower fluid pressure is present in the first fluid passage than in the second fluid passage, preferably automatically, or is designed to do so.

[0022] As a result, in one embodiment, pilot-controlled valves can advantageously be operated or used bidirectionally or with alternating flow directions, and thus the temperature control circuit system can preferably be used more variably and / or made more compact.

[0023] In one embodiment, the valve block has at least one insert, preferably at least two, in one embodiment at least four, in a further development at least six inserts, which (each) is / are detachably fastened to the valve block and / or is / are or will be arranged at least partially in the valve block and / or is / are (each) connected to at least two fluid passages of the valve block.

[0024] As a result, especially through the alternative use of different inserts in the same position in identical valve blocks, the modularity can be (further) improved in one design.

[0025] In one embodiment, the at least two pressure-controlled shuttle valves of the valve arrangement(s) are each arranged in an insert. Additionally or alternatively, one or more inserts each have one or more fluid passages, each of which is connected to at least two fluid passages of the valve block.

[0026] This allows the installation and / or modularity of a design to be (further) improved.

[0027] In one embodiment, the valve block has one or more, preferably internal, in one embodiment at least partially integrally formed, branches between (each) two or more fluid valves of the fluid valve arrangement and / or fluid passages. In one embodiment, a branch has at least three inlets and / or at least three possible fluid paths, in particular from a first to a second inlet, from a first to a third inlet, and from the second to the third inlet.

[0028] In one embodiment, this allows the modularity and / or space requirements to be improved and / or the temperature control circuit system to be operated better, in particular more variably.

[0029] In one embodiment, the temperature control circuit system comprises one or more heat exchangers, preferably one or more evaporators and / or (fluid) condensers, each of which is connected to at least one of the ports of the valve block. In a further development, one or more heat exchangers, preferably one or more evaporators and / or condensers, are each connected to at least two of the ports of the valve block.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the temperature control circuit system comprises one or more fluid conveyors, preferably one or more pumps and / or one or more compressors, each of which is connected to at least one of the ports of the valve block. In a further development, one or more fluid conveyors, preferably one or more pumps and / or one or more compressors, each of which is connected to at least two of the ports of the valve block.

[0031] In one embodiment, this can (further) improve the modularity, (dis)assembly, maintenance and / or space requirements and / or operation of the temperature control circuit system.

[0032] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the temperature control circuit system comprises a control device that actuates the fluid valve arrangement, in particular, in a further development, electromagnetic or motor-driven actuators of the fluid valves, or is configured to do so. In one embodiment, the control device is connected to the fluid valve arrangement, preferably electrically.

[0033] In one embodiment, this allows the temperature control circuit system to be operated more advantageously.

[0034] In one embodiment, one or more of the connections and / or one or more of the fluid passages and / or one or more of the fluid valves are / are flowed through in opposite flow directions (in different operating states or temporarily) or are configured to do so. Additionally or alternatively, the or at least one of the heat exchangers heats and cools the fluid flowing through it alternatively or in different operating states or temporarily or is configured to do so.

[0035] In one embodiment, this allows the temperature control circuit system to be operated more advantageously and / or space requirements to be reduced and / or modularity to be (further) improved.

[0036] The temperature control circuit system can be used with particular advantage in motor vehicles, especially passenger cars, due to structural, thermal and / or assembly-related boundary conditions.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a valve block described here is used for a temperature control circuit system described here, in particular in a temperature control circuit system described here, or is designed for this purpose.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of valve blocks described here are produced (for) temperature control circuit systems described here, wherein an identical first fluid valve arrangement or fluid valve arrangement in or with the same first configuration of fluid valves, preferably with the same first configuration of inserts arranged on the (respective first) valve block, is arranged on one or more identical first valve blocks (in each case), and a second fluid valve arrangement or fluid valve arrangement in or with the identical second configuration of fluid valves, preferably with the identical second configuration of inserts arranged on the (respective second) valve block, is arranged on one or more second valve blocks (in each case) which are identical to the first and to one another, wherein the second (configuration of the) fluid valve arrangement(s) is determined by the first valve block(s).the first fluid valve arrangements or their configuration is different and preferably the first and second configuration of the inserts are also different from each other.

[0039] This allows different types of temperature control circuit systems to be manufactured in a modular manner from identical valve blocks in one design, or identical valve blocks for different types of temperature control circuit systems can be equipped differently with fluid valve (arrangements) and, if necessary, inserts, thus improving production in one design.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in order to operate a temperature control circuit system described here, its control device actuates the fluid valve arrangement, which in turn, as a result of this actuation, influences a fluid flow in the temperature control circuit system, in one embodiment controls or directs it differently and / or regulates or causes different pressure drops.

[0041] Preferably, in a first operating state, at least one connection and / or at least one fluid passage and / or at least one fluid valve is flowed through in a first flow direction and / or at least one heat exchanger extracts heat from fluid flowing through it, and in a second operating state, this connection and / or this fluid passage and / or this fluid valve is flowed through in a second flow direction opposite to the first flow direction and / or this heat exchanger releases heat to fluid flowing through it.

[0042] Tempering can in particular comprise, preferably selectively, cooling and / or heating of a usable space and / or component, in particular a passenger compartment and / or of, preferably electrical, components, in particular drive components, of the motor vehicle.

[0043] Further advantages and features emerge from the subclaims and the exemplary embodiments. The following shows, partly schematically: Fig. 1: a temperature control circuit system with a valve block and its operation according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2: a valve block for a temperature control circuit system according to a further embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3: a shut-off valve of the valve block of the Fig. 1 or Fig. 2; and Fig. 4: a method for manufacturing such valve blocks according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 1 shows a temperature control circuit system of a motor vehicle 100 with a valve block 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which has a plurality of connections, of which two are identified by reference numerals 21, 22, and a plurality of internal fluid passages, of which two are identified by reference numerals 31, 32. Fig. 2 shows a valve block for a, in particular a, temperature control circuit system(s) according to a further embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view with - again by way of example - four connections 21'-24'.

[0045] A fluid valve arrangement is arranged on the valve block 11 or 11', which in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 has three shut-off valves AV1 - AV3 and two expansion valves EV1, EV2 for influencing a fluid flow in the temperature control circuit system. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2, it has, by way of example, three shut-off valves AV1' - AV3' and three expansion valves EV1' - EV3', with one shut-off valve AV1 and one expansion valve EV1 being indicated in the not yet mounted state or arranged on the valve block 11'. As particularly illustrated by this, the fluid valves AV1 - EV3' are or will be detachably attached to the respective valve block 11 or 11' and partially arranged therein.

[0046] One or more of the fluid valves AV1 - EV3' is (each) a pilot-operated valve. Fig. 3 shows, by way of example, a shut-off valve AV1 or AV1' with an orifice 7 in front of a pilot valve, whose actuator 5 is adjustable by a drive 1 so that fluid (pressure) can escape through a pilot bore 8, opening a piston 2 of the valve. 33, 34 denote two fluid passages of the valve block 11 or 11', which are connected to the pilot-operated valve.

[0047] For this pilot-operated valve, a valve arrangement is provided with a pressure-controlled shuttle valve 9 with a through-connection function and a pressure-controlled shuttle valve 10 with a switching function or negation, which connects an inlet 61 of the pilot valve to the fluid passage in which a higher fluid pressure is present, and an outlet 81 of the pilot valve to the fluid passage in which the lower fluid pressure is present, or is designed to do so.

[0048] For this purpose, the shuttle valve 9 is connected to the inlet 61 of a control chamber 6 of the pilot-operated or pilot valve and the two fluid passages 33, 34 and the shuttle valve 10 is connected to the outlet 81 of the pilot valve or the pilot bore 8 and the two fluid passages 33, 34. If the higher pressure is present in the fluid passage 33, the shuttle valves 9, 10 switch to the Fig. 3 and thereby connect the inlet 61 of the control chamber 6 with the fluid passage 33 and the outlet 81 of the pilot valve or the pilot bore 8 with the fluid passage 34. Conversely, if the higher pressure is present in the fluid passage 34, the shuttle valves 9, 10 switch to the Fig. 3 other position and in this or thereby connect the inlet 61 of the control chamber 6 now with the fluid passage 34 and the outlet 81 of the pilot valve or the pilot bore 8 instead of with the fluid passage 34 now with the fluid passage 33. In this way, the control chamber 6 is always subjected to the higher fluid pressure, which can escape through the pilot bore 8 to the lower pressure level when the pilot valve is open.

[0049] In this way, a pilot-operated valve can also be used when reversing the direction of a pressure difference.

[0050] The valve block 11 or 11' has a plurality of inserts, each of which is detachably attached to the valve block and at least partially arranged therein and (then each) is connected to at least two fluid passages of this valve block. Fig. 2, Fig. 3 shows examples of such inserts 71-74. As can be seen from this, the shuttle valves 9, 10, in particular, can be arranged in such inserts. Likewise, the inserts can also connect different fluid passages of the valve block by arranging another insert, for example, insert 71 or 72, in the same position.

[0051] The valve block 11 or 11' has branches between several fluid valves of the fluid valve arrangement and between several of its fluid passages, of which Fig. 1, two examples are marked with reference numerals 51, 52.

[0052] The temperature control system of the Fig. 1 comprises a compressor 41 connected to a port of the valve block, a heat exchanger 42 connected to the compressor 41 and a port of the valve block, two further heat exchangers 43, 44 each connected to two ports of the valve block, and a control device 45 for actuating the fluid valve arrangement.

[0053] To produce the valve blocks 11 and 11', for example, the valve block 11 is provided with the first fluid valve arrangement AV1 - EV2 of the Fig. 1 equipped ( Fig. 4: Step S10) and an identical second valve block instead with the fluid valve arrangement AV1 - EV3 of the Fig. 2 ( Fig. 4: Step S20).

[0054] In Fig. 1, a first operating state is indicated by dash-dotted flow arrows and a second operating state is indicated by solid flow arrows.

[0055] In the second operating state, fluid flows from the compressor 41 to the heat exchanger 42 and from there via one of the connections into the valve block 11.

[0056] The shut-off valve AV1 is closed by the control device 45, which controls the expansion valve EV1, so that fluid flows under variable expansion via the connection 21 to the heat exchanger 43.

[0057] From heat exchanger 43, the fluid flows back into valve block 11 and is further expanded in a variable or controlled manner in expansion valve EV2. From there, it flows out of valve block 11 to heat exchanger 44 and from there back into valve block 11 via a connection.

[0058] Due to the closed shut-off valves AV1, AV2, the fluid finally flows out of port 22 via the open shut-off valve AV3 and from there back to the compressor 41.

[0059] In this second operating state, the heat exchanger 44 absorbs heat from the environment and transfers it to the fluid flowing through it.

[0060] In the first operating state (dash-dotted flow arrows), heat exchanger 44 instead heats its surroundings. To do this, the flow direction through various connections, fluid passages, and fluid valves is reversed. To this end, control device 45 closes shut-off valve AV3 and opens shut-off valves AV1 and AV2.

[0061] Again, fluid flows from the compressor 41 to the heat exchanger 42 and from there into the valve block 11.

[0062] The expansion valve EV1 is now closed by the control device 45 so that fluid flows to the heat exchanger 44.

[0063] From the heat exchanger 44, the fluid flows back into the valve block 11 and, in the opposite direction to the second operating state, through the expansion valve EV2, where it expands in a variable or controlled manner. For this purpose, the valve arrangements with the directional valves 9, 10 switch over as described above with reference to Fig. 3 explained.

[0064] From the expansion valve EV2, the fluid flows from the valve block 11 to the heat exchanger 43 and from there back into the valve block 11.

[0065] Due to the closed expansion valve EV1, the fluid finally flows out of port 22 via the open shut-off valve AV2 and from there back to the compressor 41.

[0066] In this first operating state, the heat exchanger 44 extracts heat from the fluid flowing through it and releases it to the environment.

[0067] As is particularly clear from this and the solid and dash-dotted flow arrows, in the two operating states, connections, fluid passages and in particular the expansion valve EV2 are flowed through in two opposing flow directions.

[0068] The above-explained structure of the temperature control circuit system for heating and cooling is, of course, only exemplary; the temperature control circuit system can also be designed differently, in particular, have additional or alternative components and / or fluid paths. 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 preceding description, it should be noted that a multitude of modifications are possible. Furthermore, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples that are not intended to limit the scope, applications, or structure 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 drive 2 pistons 5 Pilot valve actuator 6 Control room 7 aperture 8 Pilot hole 9, 10 shuttle valve 11; 11' valve block 21, 22 21'-24' connection 31-34 Fluid passage 41 Compressor 42-44 Heat exchanger 45 Control device 51, 52 branching 61 Entrance 71-74 deployment 81 Outlet 100 motor vehicles AV1-AV3 AV1'-AV3' shut-off valve EV1, EV2 EV1'-EV3' Expansionsventil

Claims

[1] Temperature control circuit system, comprising: a fluid valve arrangement with at least two fluid valves (AV1-AV3, EV1, EV2; AV1'-AV3', EV1'-EV3') for influencing a fluid flow in the temperature control circuit system; wherein the fluid valve arrangement is arranged on a valve block (11; 11') which has a plurality of connections (21, 22; 21'-24') and a plurality of fluid passages (31-34). [2] Temperature control system according to claim 1, characterized by that at least one of the fluid valves is detachably attached to the valve block and / or at least partially arranged in the valve block. [3] Temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the fluid valves is a shut-off valve and / or at least one of the fluid valves is an expansion valve. [4] Temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one of the fluid valves is a pilot-operated valve for connecting at least two fluid passages, which has a pilot valve. [5] Temperature control system according to the preceding claim, characterized by a valve arrangement with at least two pressure-controlled shuttle valves (9, 10), which are designed to connect an inlet (61) of the pilot valve to the fluid passage in which a higher fluid pressure is present, and an outlet (81) of the pilot valve to the fluid passage in which the lower fluid pressure is present. [6] Temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the valve block has at least one insert (71-74) which is detachably attached to the valve block and / or at least partially arranged in the valve block and / or is connected to at least two fluid passages of the valve block. [7] Temperature control system according to the two preceding claims, characterized by that the at least two pressure-controlled shuttle valves are each arranged in one insert. [8] Temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the valve block has at least one branch (51, 52) between at least two fluid valves of the fluid valve arrangement and / or at least one branch between at least two fluid passages. [9] Temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one heat exchanger (42-44) connected to at least one of the connections and / or at least one fluid conveyor (41) connected to at least one of the connections and / or a control device (45) for actuating the fluid valve arrangement. [10] Temperature control system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat at least one connection and / or at least one fluid passage and / or at least one fluid valve is arranged for flow in two opposing flow directions and / or at least one heat exchanger is arranged for alternatively heating and cooling fluid flowing through it. [11] Motor vehicle (100), in particular passenger car, with a temperature control circuit system according to one of the preceding claims. [12] Valve block (11; 11') for a temperature control circuit system according to one of the preceding claims, on which the fluid valve arrangement (AV1-AV3, EV1, EV2; AV1'-AV3', EV1'-EV3') is arranged. [13] Method for producing valve blocks for temperature control circuit systems according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first fluid valve arrangement is arranged on a first valve block and a second fluid valve arrangement different from the first fluid valve arrangement is arranged on a second valve block of the same construction. [14] Method for operating a temperature control circuit system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device actuates the fluid valve arrangement to influence a fluid flow in the temperature control circuit system. [15] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that in an initial operating state at least one connection and / or at least one fluid passage and / or at least one fluid valve is flowed through in a first flow direction and / or at least one heat exchanger extracts heat from the fluid flowing through it; and in a second operating state the at least one connection and / or the at least one fluid passage and / or the at least one fluid valve is flowed through in an opposite second flow direction and / or the at least one heat exchanger transfers heat to fluid flowing through it.

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