Throttle valve assembly, fuel cell system and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a throttle valve device (3a) comprising a throttle actuator, a throttle valve channel central section (4a), and a first and second throttle valve channel end section (4b, 4c), wherein the throttle actuator includes a throttle valve (5). In a plane perpendicular to an axis (6) about which the throttle valve (5) is adjustable, a recess geometry (10a) of the first throttle valve channel end section (4b) is formed extending along an adjustment range of the throttle valve (5). The invention further relates to a fuel cell system (2) and a vehicle (1) with such a throttle valve device (3a).

Description

Technical FieldThe invention relates to a throttle valve device, a fuel cell system having such a throttle valve device and a vehicle having such a throttle valve device or such a fuel cell system.Prior ArtFrom the prior art, throttle valve actuators are known which are designed exclusively for their respective field of application.A particular disadvantage of the devices in the prior art is that new designs of throttle valve actuators are necessary if another application is intended.Presentation of the Invention, Object, Solution, AdvantagesIt is therefore the object of the present invention to provide an alternative throttle valve device which is distinguished in particular by simple mikroability, low production costs and / or its flexibility in use. Another object is to provide a fuel cell system having such a throttle device. A further object is to provide a vehicle having such a fuel cell system and / or such a throttle valve device.The object with respect to the throttle valve device is achieved by a throttle valve device having the features of claim 1.One aspect of the invention relates to a throttle valve device having a throttle valve actuator, a throttle valve duct middle section, and a first and second throttle valve duct end section, wherein the throttle valve actuator comprises a throttle valve, wherein the throttle valve is arranged adjustably in the throttle valve duct middle section and a flow cross section can be varied as a function of the position of the throttle valve, wherein the flow cross section is bounded by the throttle valve and by a recess geometry of the first throttle valve duct end section and / or by a recess geometry of the second throttle valve duct end section, wherein in a plane perpendicular to an axis about which the throttle valve can be adjusted, the recess geometry of the first throttle valve duct end section is formed extending along an adjustment range of the throttle valve and / or the recess geometry of the second throttle valve duct end section is formed extending along an adjustment range of the throttle valve.This creates a throttle valve device which is distinguished in particular by its simple manufacturing capability, low production costs and / or its flexible applicability.It is particularly advantageous if the throttle valve device is a throttle valve device for a fuel cell system. It is also advantageous if the throttle valve device is a throttle valve device for a fuel cell system of a vehicle, in particular of a motor vehicle.It is also advantageous if the throttle valve duct middle section is formed integrally with the throttle valve actuator. A separate mounting process can thus be saved, which further reduces the production costs.It is also advantageous if the throttle flap has a circular or oval cross section. The cross section refers to a view perpendicular to the axis about which the throttle valve is adjustable and / or perpendicular to the extension surface of the throttle valve.It is also expedient if the throttle flap is adjustable by means of an electric motor. The throttle actuator and / or throttle valve device preferably comprise this electric motor. The electric motor is advantageously coupled to the throttle valve in a drive-transmitting manner.Preferably, the position of the throttle valve is variable on the basis of its adjustability. In other words, the position of the throttle changes as the throttle is adjusted. This makes it possible to change the flow cross section and, in particular, to adapt it to an operating point, preferably of a fuel cell system.Preferably, the axis about which the throttle flap is adjustable extends in a plane in which the throttle flap extends. Alternatively, the axis about which the throttle valve is adjustable penetrates a plane in which the throttle valve extends at an angle. Alternatively, the axis about which the throttle is adjustable is parallel to and spaced from a plane in which the throttle extends.Regardless of the direction of extension of the axis about which the throttle flap is adjustable, the axis is defined by a shaft to which the throttle flap is connected in a drive-transmitting manner. This means that a shaft extends in the direction of the axis. The connection can be formed in a materially integral, positive-locking and / or non-positive-locking manner.In general, it is advantageous if the axis about which the throttle flap is adjustable is an adjustment axis, adjustment shaft or throttle flap adjustment axis, throttle flap adjustment shaft.It is particularly preferred if the adjustment range of the throttle valve means an adjustment movement profile of the throttle valve.In addition, it is particularly preferred if the two recess geometries are opposite one another. The throttle valve is preferably arranged between the two recess geometries.In principle, it is preferred if the recess geometry or the recess geometries are formed so as to be penetration-free and / or continuous. This reduces pressure drops of a flow to be regulated.A preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the adjustment range comprises a first adjustment sub-range, in that the recess geometry of the first throttle valve duct end section and / or the recess geometry of the second throttle valve duct end section is designed for the first adjustment sub-range in such a way that the flow cross section is constant or variable over the entire first adjustment range when the throttle valve is adjusted in the first adjustment sub-range. In the case that the flow cross section is constant over the entire first adjustment range when the throttle flap is adjusted in the first adjustment sub-region, it is preferred if the throttle flap is adjustable about the axis in such a way that the recess geometry in the plane, perpendicular to the axis, runs parallel to the adjustment range or first adjustment sub-region of the throttle flap in the first adjustment sub-region. This relates to the first and / or second throttle passage end portion.The variability of the flow cross section over the entire first adjustment sub-region means, in particular, that the flow cross section can be changed as a function of the position of the throttle flap in the first adjustment sub-region. The variability and / or variability of the flow cross section is in particular intended to mean a variability of the flow cross-sectional area and / or of the flow cross-sectional shape of the flow cross section. The definitions mentioned above are preferably likewise valid for partial flow cross sections. In the case that the second throttle valve device does not comprise a second adjustment sub-region, the first adjustment sub-region is only an adjustment sub-region and not the first adjustment sub-region.In general, it is preferred if the flow cross section comprises a first and a second partial flow cross section. The first partial flow cross section is defined and / or limited by the throttle flap and the recess geometry of the first throttle flap end section. The second partial flow cross section is defined and / or limited by the throttle flap and the recess geometry of the second throttle flap end section. The two recess geometries can both be adapted to the first adjustment sub-region of the throttle valve in such a way that one of the two partial flow cross sections is constant over the entire first adjustment region during an adjustment of the throttle valve in the first adjustment sub-region, while the other partial flow cross section is variable. An embodiment in which both are constant or both are variable is also conceivable.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the adjustment range comprises a second adjustment sub-range, in that the recess geometry of the first throttle valve duct end section and / or the recess geometry of the second throttle valve duct end section is designed for the second adjustment sub-range in such a way that the flow cross section is variable over the entire second adjustment sub-range when the throttle valve is adjusted in the second adjustment sub-range.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the flow cross section in the second adjustment sub-region is variable when the throttle flap is adjusted than when the throttle flap is adjusted in the first adjustment sub-region. In other words, there is a greater change in the flow cross-sectional area and / or the flow cross-sectional shape with a comparable change in the position of the throttle flap. The change in position of the throttle valve preferably relates to a change in angular displacement of the throttle valve, this change in angle referring to the position of the throttle valve with respect to the axis about which the throttle valve is displaceable. As a result, the pressure drop achieved in the throttle valve device differs depending on the change in position of the throttle valve in the first and second adjustment subareas.It is also preferable if a curvature of the recess geometry in the plane, perpendicular to the axis about which the throttle flap is adjustable, is greater in the second adjustment sub-region than in the first adjustment sub-region.In addition, it is advantageous if the first adjustment sub-region, the second adjustment sub-region, the adjustment region and / or the transition between the first and the second adjustment sub-region is formed continuously in the plane, perpendicular to the axis about which the throttle flap is adjustable.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the first adjustment sub-region is arranged between the second adjustment sub-region and a closed position or minimum position. The closed position preferably means that the flow cross section is completely closed by the throttle valve. Completely closed is preferably understood here to mean that the flow cross-sectional area of the flow cross section is zero in terms of value. The minimum position preferably means that the throttle valve assumes a position in which the flow cross-sectional area assumes a minimum value compared to all other possible positions of the throttle valve.It is also preferable for the throttle flap to bear against a seal in one or the closed position of the throttle flap. The seal is preferably designed as an elastomer seal. In other words, it consists of or comprises an elastomer, which increases the sealing effect of the throttle valve in this position.In addition, it is advantageous if the seal is arranged clamped between the throttle valve duct middle section and one of the throttle valve duct end sections or between both throttle valve duct end sections. This simplifies the assembly of the seal.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the recess geometry of the second throttle valve duct end section is designed for the second adjustment sub-region in such a way that the flow cross section in the second adjustment sub-region increases with increasing distance of the position of the throttle valve from the closed position, minimum position or the first adjustment sub-region. In other words, the flow cross-sectional area increases with increasing distance. In this case, it is possible for one of the two partial flow cross sections to maintain a constant partial flow cross-sectional area with increasing distance of the position of the throttle flap from the closed position, minimum position or the first adjustment sub-region.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the recess geometry of the first throttle valve duct end section and / or the recess geometry of the second throttle valve duct end section is designed to be spherical, preferably as a negative spherical. Alternatively or additionally, the recess geometry of at least one of the two throttle flap end sections is designed in the plane, perpendicular to the axis about which the throttle flap is adjustable, in an ellipsoidal, preferably also continuous manner.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the first throttle valve duct end section and / or the second throttle valve duct end section is formed separately from the throttle valve actuator and / or from the throttle valve duct central section. It is thus possible to create different throttle valve devices with one and the same throttle valve actuator by merely providing different throttle valve duct end sections.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the first throttle valve duct end section and / or the second throttle valve duct end section is detachably fastened to the throttle valve actuator and / or to the throttle valve duct middle section. Preferably, a screw connection is provided for this fastening.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the throttle flap duct middle section comprises a receiving space in which the throttle flap is arranged, and in that the first throttle flap duct end section comprises a fluid duct which is fluidically connected to the receiving space, and / or the second throttle flap duct end section comprises a fluid duct which is fluidically connected to the receiving space. In other words, the fluid channels of the two throttle valve channel end sections lead fluidically into the receiving space in such a way that a fluid which can be conveyed into the receiving space by means of the fluid channel of the first throttle valve channel end section can be led out of the receiving space by means of the fluid channel of the second throttle valve channel end section.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the receiving space is arranged fluidically between the fluid channel of the first throttle valve channel end section and the fluid channel of the second throttle valve channel end section. It is also preferable if a fluid which enters the receiving space through one of the fluid channels can only emerge from the receiving space via the other fluid channel and / or through the same fluid channel.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that a first vector, which runs through the area centroid of the flow cross section of the fluid channel of the first throttle valve channel end section, and / or in that a second vector, which runs through the area centroid of the flow cross section of the fluid channel of the second throttle valve channel end section.In general, it is preferred if the flow cross section of the fluid channel of the first and / or second throttle valve channel end section runs perpendicular to a flow direction of a fluid that can be conveyed through the respective fluid channel. In principle, it is preferred if the first or the second vector runs perpendicular to the respective flow cross section.In general, it is preferred if the throttle valve device is designed for a gas, preferably air.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the throttle flap is cut at a first location which is arranged at a distance from a further location at which the throttle flap is cut by the second vector. In other words, it is preferred if the two fluid channels of the throttle valve channel end sections are arranged offset with respect to one another. This offset preferably refers to a plane that is perpendicular to either or both of the vectors.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the throttle flap moves away from the first throttle flap duct end section at a first location at which it is cut by the first vector when the throttle flap is adjusted from the closed position or the minimum position in the direction of the first adjustment sub-region or from the first adjustment sub-region in the direction of the second adjustment sub-region.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the throttle flap moves away from the second throttle flap duct end section at a second location at which it is cut by the second vector when the throttle flap is adjusted from the closed position or the minimum position in the direction of the first adjustment sub-region or from the first adjustment sub-region in the direction of the second adjustment sub-region.A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the vectors run at a distance from one another and / or the vectors intersect outside the receiving space.The object with respect to the fuel cell system is achieved by a fuel cell system which comprises at least one throttle valve device according to the invention.The object with respect to the vehicle is achieved by a vehicle which comprises a fuel cell system according to the invention and / or at least one throttle valve device according to the invention. The vehicle is preferably a motor vehicle, a passenger car or a truck, which particularly preferably has an electric drive. It is particularly preferred if the vehicle has only an electric drive.Advantageous refinements of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and in the following description of the figures.Brief Description of the DrawingsThe invention is explained in detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, there are shown: FIG. 1 shows a vehicle having a fuel cell system and a throttle valve device, FIG. 2a shows a throttle valve device, FIG. 2b is a sectional view through a throttle valve device, FIG. 2 cshows a detailed view of FIG. 2 b, FIG. 3a shows a throttle valve duct end section, and FIG. 3 bshows a further throttle valve duct end section.Preferred Embodiment of the InventionFIG. 1 shows a vehicle 1 according to the invention having a fuel cell system 2 according to the invention and a throttle flap device 3 a. The vehicle 1 is a motor vehicle with an electric drive, wherein the electric drive can be supplied with electric energy by the fuel cell system 2 and a flow channel of the fuel cell system 2 can be regulated by means of the throttle valve device 3 a.FIG. 2 ashows the throttle valve device 3 aaccording to the invention, which comprises an electric motor 12 with which a throttle valve of the throttle valve device 3 acan be adjusted. The throttle device 3a includes a throttle passage central portion 4a, a first throttle passage end portion 4b, and a second throttle passage end portion 4c. While the throttle valve duct middle section 4 ais formed integrally with the housing of the throttle valve actuator, the two throttle valve duct end sections 4 b, 4 care formed separately from the throttle valve duct middle section 4 aand are fastened to the throttle valve duct middle section 4 aby means of a releasable screw connection.FIG. 2 bshows a sectional view through the throttle valve device 3 aof FIG. 2 a. The section of the sectional view runs in the X-Y plane, which extends perpendicular to an axis 6, about which a throttle valve 5 is adjustable. Together with a respective recess geometry 10 a, 10 bof the two throttle valve duct end sections 4 b, 4 c, the throttle valve 5 delimits a flow cross section in a receiving space 13 in which the throttle valve 5 is arranged. A gasket 9 is clamped between the throttle passage central portion 4a and the first throttle passage end portion 4b. The throttle valve 5 sealingly abuts against the seal 9 in a closed position. The first throttle valve duct end section 4 bincludes a fluid duct 7 a, the flow cross section of which has a flow cross-sectional area with a centroid through which a first vector 7 bruns perpendicularly to the associated flow cross-sectional area. The second throttle valve duct end section 4 calso comprises a fluid duct 8 a, the flow cross section of which has a flow cross-sectional area with a centroid through which a second vector 8 bruns perpendicularly to the associated flow cross-sectional area. The two vectors 7 b, 8 brun at a distance from one another and intersect the throttle flap at two locations at a distance from one another in the closed position of the throttle flap 5. The point cut by the first vector 7 bmoves away from the first throttle valve duct end section 4 bwhen the throttle valve 5 is adjusted from the closed position. The point cut by the second vector 8 bmoves away from the second throttle valve duct end section 4 cin the event of an adjustment of the throttle valve 5 from the closed position.The throttle valve device 3 afurther includes a plug 3 bwhich serves to supply power to the throttle valve device 3 a, including primarily to supply power to the electric motor. In addition, the plug 3b is used to output signals representative of the position of the throttle valve 5. For this purpose, the throttle valve device 3 aincludes a position sensor which is designed to measure the position of the throttle valve 6 via the position of the shaft 6.FIG. 2 cshows a detailed view of the sectional view from FIG. 2 a. An adjustment region 11 can be seen, which comprises a first adjustment sub-region 11 aand a second adjustment sub-region 11 b. The adjustment region 11 of the throttle valve 5 extends from the closed position into an open position with a maximum flow cross section.FIG. 3a shows the first throttle-valve duct end section 4b from FIGS. 2a to 2c. The throttle passage end portion 4b is separately formed and includes uniformly circumferentially spaced through holes 4e which are screw-connected to the throttle passage center portion of the throttle device. Furthermore, a monolithically formed shaped element 4 dis used to ensure that proper assembly at the correct location of the throttle valve device in the correct orientation with respect to the throttle valve duct central section occurs. For this purpose, an associated recess is provided on the throttle flap middle section. Furthermore, a recess geometry 10 ais illustrated, which together with the throttle valve delimits the flow cross section of the throttle valve device. The fluid channel 7a is also shown.FIG. 3 bshows the second throttle-valve duct end section 4 cof FIGS. 2 ato 2 c. The throttle passage end portion 4c is formed separately and includes uniformly circumferentially distributed through holes 4e for screw connections with the throttle passage center portion of the throttle device. Furthermore, a projection 4f is shown which serves for a clamping connection of a seal between the throttle duct end portion 4c and the throttle duct middle portion. In addition, the fluid channel 8a can be seen. Furthermore, a recess geometry 10 bis shown, which together with the throttle valve delimits the flow cross section of the throttle valve device.The exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 3b have in particular no limiting character and serve to clarify the concept of the invention.List of reference characters1 Vehicle 2 Fuel cell system 3 aThrottle device 3 bPlug 4 aThrottle channel central section 4 bThrottle channel end section 4 cThrottle channel end section 4 d Formschluss element 4 e Befestigungs opening 4 f Vorsprung 5Throttle 6 Axle 7 a Fluidkanal channel 7 bVector 8 a Fluidkanal channel 8 bVector 9 Seal 10 a Ausnehmung geometry 10 b Ausnehmung geometry 11 Adjustment region 11 a Verstell portion 11 b Portion 12 Electric motor 13 Receiving space

Claims

Throttle valve device (3a) having - a throttle valve actuator, - a throttle valve duct central portion (4a), and - a first and second throttle valve duct end portion (4b, 4c), wherein the throttle valve actuator comprises a throttle valve (5), wherein the throttle valve (5) is arranged adjustably in the throttle valve duct central portion (4a) and a flow cross section can be varied as a function of the position of the throttle valve (5), wherein the flow cross section is bounded by the throttle valve (5) and by a recess geometry (10a) of the first throttle valve duct end portion (4b) and / or by a recess geometry (10b) of the second throttle valve duct end portion (4c), characterized in that in a plane, perpendicular to an axis (6), about which the throttle valve (5) can be adjusted, the recess geometry ( 10 a) of the first throttle valve duct end section ( 4 b) is configured to run along an adjustment range of the throttle valve ( 5) and / or the recess geometry ( 10 b) of the second throttle valve duct end section ( 4 c) is configured to run along an adjustment range ( 11) of the throttle valve ( 5).Throttle valve device (3a) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the adjustment region (11) comprises a first adjustment subregion (11a), in that the recess geometry (10a) of the first throttle valve duct end section (4b) and / or the recess geometry (10b) of the second throttle valve duct end section (4c) is designed for the first adjustment subregion (11a) in such a way that the flow cross section is constant or variable over the entire first adjustment region (11a) when the throttle valve (5) is adjusted in the first adjustment subregion (11).Throttle valve device (3a) according to Claim 2, characterized in that the adjustment region (11) comprises a second adjustment subregion (11b), in that the recess geometry (10a) of the first throttle valve duct end section (4b) and / or the recess geometry (10b) of the second throttle valve duct end section (4c) is laid out on the second adjustment subregion (11b) in such a way that the flow cross section is variable over the entire second adjustment subregion (11b) when the throttle valve (5) is adjusted in the second adjustment subregion (11b).Throttle valve device (3a) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the flow cross section in the second adjustment sub-region (11b) is variable when the throttle valve (5) is adjusted than when the throttle valve is adjusted in the first adjustment sub-region (11a).Throttle valve device (3a) according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first adjustment sub-region (11a) is arranged between the second adjustment sub-region (11b) and a closed position or minimum position.Throttle valve device (3a) according to one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the cutout geometry (10b) of the second throttle valve duct end section (4c) is designed for the second adjustment sub-region (11b) in such a way that the flow cross section in the second adjustment sub-region (11b) increases with increasing distance of the position of the throttle valve (5) from the closed position, minimum position or the first adjustment sub-region.Throttle valve device (3a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess geometry (10a) of the first throttle valve duct end section (4b) and / or the recess geometry (10b) of the second throttle valve duct end section (4c) is of spherical design.Throttle valve device (3a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first throttle valve duct end section (4b) and / or the second throttle valve duct end section (4c) is formed separately from the throttle valve actuator (5) and / or from the throttle valve duct central section (4a).Throttle valve device (3a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first throttle valve duct end section (4b) and / or the second throttle valve duct end section (4b) is fastened detachably to the throttle valve actuator and / or to the throttle valve duct middle section (4a).Throttle valve device (3a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the throttle valve duct central section (4a) comprises a receiving space (13) in which the throttle valve is arranged, and in that the first throttle valve duct end section (4b) comprises a fluid duct (7a) which is fluidically connected to the receiving space, and / or the second throttle valve duct end section (4c) comprises a fluid duct (8a) which is fluidically connected to the receiving space (13).Throttle valve device (3a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving space (13) is arranged fluidically between the fluid duct (7a) of the first throttle valve duct end section (4b) and the fluid duct (8a) of the second throttle valve duct end section (4c).Throttle valve device (3a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first vector (7b) which runs through the area centroid of the flow cross section of the fluid duct (7a) of the first throttle valve duct end section (4b) and / or in that a second vector (8b) which runs through the area centroid of the flow cross section of the fluid duct (8a) of the second throttle valve duct end section (4c).Throttle valve device (3a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the throttle valve (5) is cut at a first location which is arranged at a distance from a further location at which the throttle valve (5) is cut by the second vector.Throttle valve device (3a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the throttle valve (5) moves away from the first throttle valve duct end section (4b) at a first location at which it is cut by the first vector (7b), when the throttle valve (5) is adjusted from the closed position or the minimum position in the direction of the first adjustment sub-region (11a) or from the first adjustment sub-region (11a) in the direction of the second adjustment sub-region (11b).Throttle valve device (3a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the throttle valve (5) moves away from the second throttle valve duct end section (4c) at a second location at which it is cut by the second vector (8b), when the throttle valve (5) is adjusted from the closed position or the minimum position in the direction of the first adjustment sub-region (11a) or from the first adjustment region (11a) in the direction of the second adjustment region (11b).Fuel cell system (2) having at least one throttle valve device (3a) according to one of the preceding claims.Vehicle (1) having a fuel cell system (2) according to Claim 16 and / or at least one throttle valve device (3a) according to one of Claims 1 to 15.

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