MIXING VALVE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mixing valve, in particular for a heat transfer medium circuit and / or a motor vehicle, a heat transfer medium circuit and a motor vehicle with the mixing valve and a method for selectively connecting inlets and outlets of the mixing valve.

[0002] JPS61-38274A relates to a rotary four-way valve for switching a flow path by rotating a valve body, in particular to a rotary four-way valve capable of limiting both the flow rate and the direction of the fluid flow.

[0003] CN109424766A relates to a rotary directional control valve comprising a control piston element, the control piston element having a control piston with a first flow channel and a second flow channel, the first flow channel being located on the valve.

[0004] JP2018100682A relates to a flow path switchable valve comprising a valve chamber, a bottom opening at the bottom of the valve chamber and at least three openings, in particular a valve body with a plurality of side openings and a tubular valve body which is rotatably arranged in the valve chamber.

[0005] DE102018214174A1 relates to a multi-port valve assembly comprising a housing, a rotor disposed in the housing such that the rotor is operable to be placed in a plurality of positions, and a first channel integrally formed as part of the rotor.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve a valve.

[0007] This object is achieved by a mixing valve having the features of claim 1. Claims 9-11 represent a heat transport medium circuit and a

[0008] A motor vehicle with a mixing valve or heat transfer medium circuit described herein, as well as a method for operating such a mixing valve, is protected. The subclaims relate to advantageous developments.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a mixing valve comprises a housing with a first inlet, a second inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet as well as a valve member, in particular a valve body, which is adjustable, in one embodiment rotatable about a (virtual) axis of rotation, in a further embodiment by at least 30°, in a further embodiment by at least 45°, in a further embodiment endlessly or by more than 360°, is arranged at least partially in the housing and comprises: a) a first single- or multi-channel fluid passage which i) in a first position of the valve member connects the first inlet to the first outlet, ii) in a second position of the valve member connects the first inlet to the second outlet, and iii) in a third position of the valve member connects the first inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet; and b) a second single- or multi-channel fluid passage which i) in the first position of the valve member connects the second inlet to the second outlet, ii) in the second position of the valve member connects the second inlet to the first outlet; and iii) in the third position of the valve member, which in one embodiment lies between the first and second positions, connects the second inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet.

[0010] In an execution are a) in the first position of the valve member, only the first inlet is connected to the first outlet and the second inlet is connected to the second outlet, or the first inlet is not connected to the second outlet, the second inlet is not connected to the first outlet and the first inlet is not connected to the second inlet, or the first inlet is separated from the second inlet and outlet, and the second inlet is separated from the first outlet; and / or b) in the second position of the valve member, only the first inlet is connected to the second outlet and the second inlet is connected to the first outlet, or the first inlet is not connected to the first outlet, the second inlet is not connected to the second outlet, and the first inlet is not connected to the second inlet, or the first inlet is separated from the first outlet and the second inlet, and the second inlet is separated from the second outlet.

[0011] In one embodiment, this advantageously enables not only the separation and series or cross-connection of fluid streams, but also the mixing of the fluid streams. In one embodiment, the mixing valve is a fluid valve; in a further development, it is a valve for the selective separation, series or cross-connection, and mixing of fluids.

[0012] In one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross-section between the first inlet and the first outlet in the third position of the valve member is smaller than in the first position of the valve member, and in a further development, it is greater than zero. As explained above, in one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross-section between the first inlet and the first outlet in the second position of the valve member is zero.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross-section between the first inlet and the second outlet in the third position of the valve member is smaller than in the second position of the valve member, and in a further development, it is greater than zero. As explained above, in one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross-section between the first inlet and the second outlet in the first position of the valve member is zero.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross-section between the second inlet and the second outlet in the third position of the valve member is smaller than in the first position of the valve member, and in a further development, it is greater than zero. As explained above, in one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross-section between the second inlet and the second outlet in the second position of the valve member is zero.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross-section between the second inlet and the first outlet in the third position of the valve member is smaller than in the second position of the valve member, and in a further development, it is greater than zero. As explained above, in one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross-section between the second inlet and the first outlet in the first position of the valve member is zero.

[0016] In one embodiment, this enables advantageous mixing of fluid streams.

[0017] In one embodiment, in a fourth position of the valve member, the first fluid passage connects the first inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet, and the second fluid passage connects the second inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet.

[0018] In one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross section between the first inlet and the first outlet in the fourth position of the valve member is smaller than in the first and third positions of the valve member and, in a further development, is greater than zero.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross section between the first inlet and the second outlet in the fourth position of the valve member is smaller than in the second position of the valve member and larger than in the third position of the valve member, in a further development greater than zero.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross section between the second inlet and the second outlet in the fourth position of the valve member is smaller than in the first and third positions of the valve member and, in a further development, is greater than zero.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, a minimum flow-through cross section between the second inlet and the first outlet in the fourth position of the valve member is smaller than in the second position of the valve member and larger than in the third position of the valve member, in a further development greater than zero.

[0022] In one embodiment, this advantageously enables different or variable mixing of fluid streams.

[0023] In one embodiment, in a further position of the valve member, the first fluid passage connects the first inlet only to the first outlet and the second fluid passage connects the second inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, in a further position of the valve member, the first fluid passage connects the first inlet only to the second outlet and the second fluid passage connects the second inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, in a further position of the valve member, the first fluid passage connects the first inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet, and the second fluid passage connects the second inlet only to the first outlet.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, in a further position of the valve member, the first fluid passage connects the first inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet, and the second fluid passage connects the second inlet only to the second outlet.

[0027] In one embodiment, this advantageously enables different or variable mixing of fluid streams.

[0028] In one embodiment, the valve member is or will be continuously or continuously adjustable or adjusted, in particular rotatable or twisted, between at least two of the positions mentioned here, in a further development reversibly from the first into the third or fourth or (one of the) further, from the second into the fourth or third or (one of the) further and / or from the third into the fourth or (one of the) further positions.

[0029] In one embodiment, the valve member has, in addition to the positions mentioned here, several intermediate positions, in one embodiment an infinite number, which can in particular continuously transition into one another. In In one embodiment, the valve member is or will be continuously or continuously adjustable or adjusted, in particular rotatable or rotated, and in one embodiment successively passes through one or more of the positions mentioned here.

[0030] In one embodiment, this enables advantageous mixing of fluid flows, in particular with low losses and / or shocks.

[0031] According to the invention, the first fluid passage has a branch with a first branch which is connected to the first inlet in the first, second and third positions of the valve member, in a further development in the first, second, third and fourth positions of the valve member, a second branch which is connected to the first outlet in the first and third positions of the valve member, in a further development in the first, third and fourth positions of the valve member, and a third branch which is connected to the second outlet in the second and third positions of the valve member, in a further development in the second, third and fourth positions of the valve member.

[0032] In addition, in one embodiment, an outer surface of the valve member has a first recess, which in a further development is groove-like.

[0033] In a further development, the first recess in the third position, in an embodiment in the third and fourth position, of the valve member connects the two inlets to one another, the two outlets to one another, or at least one of the inlets and at least one of the outlets to one another.

[0034] In one embodiment, the first recess in the third position, in one embodiment in the third and fourth positions, at least partially overlaps the two inlets, the two outlets or this at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the first recess is connected by a through passage to a second recess, which in a further embodiment is groove-like, which in turn connects the two inlets to one another, connects the two outlets to one another, or connects at least one of the inlets and at least one of the outlets to one another in at least one position of the valve member.

[0036] In one embodiment, the second recess in this at least one (further) position at least partially overlaps the two inlets, the two outlets or this at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, at least one section of an outer surface of the valve member, in a further development a section with an opening, in particular an inlet opening, of the first branch and / or a section with an opening, in particular an outlet opening, of the second branch and / or a section with an opening, in particular an outlet opening, of the third branch and / or a section with the first recess and / or a section with the second recess, is rotationally symmetrical, in one embodiment spherical segment-shaped.

[0038] In this way, in particular by combining two or more of the aforementioned features, an advantageous mixing valve can be realized which is compact, reliable, easily adjustable and / or has low flow resistance.

[0039] In one embodiment, the two inlets are offset from each other in a rotational direction about a rotational axis of the valve member, in one further development by at least 45°, in another embodiment by at least 90°. In one embodiment, these inlets are arranged in one plane.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the two outlets are offset from each other in a rotational direction about a rotational axis of the valve member, in one embodiment by at least 45°, and in one embodiment by at least 90°. In one embodiment, these outlets are arranged in one plane.

[0041] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, at least one of the inlets and at least one of the outlets are offset from one another in a rotational direction about a rotational axis of the valve member, in one embodiment by at least 45°, and in one embodiment by at least 90°. In one embodiment, these at least one inlet and at least one outlet are arranged in one plane.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the two inlets are offset from one another in a circumferential direction about an offset axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the valve member, in a further development by at least 45°, in particular by at least 60°, in one embodiment by at least 85°.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the two outlets are offset from one another in a circumferential direction about an offset axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the valve member, in a further development by at least 45°, in particular by at least 60°, in one embodiment by at least 85°.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, at least one of the inlets and at least one of the outlets are offset from one another in a circumferential direction about an offset axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the valve member, in a further development by at least 45°, in particular by at least 60°, in one embodiment by at least 85°.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, in one embodiment, the (virtual or kinematic) axis of rotation of the valve member pierces at least one of the inlets and / or at least one of the outlets.

[0046] In this way, in particular by combining two or more of the aforementioned features, an advantageous mixing valve can be realized which is compact, reliable, easily adjustable and / or has low flow resistance.

[0047] The mixing valve can, in particular due to the structural, thermal, fluid-mechanical and / or control-related boundary conditions, be used with particular advantage for or in a heat transfer medium circuit and / or motor vehicle, in particular passenger cars, in particular therefore for or in a motor vehicle heat transfer medium circuit, without, however, being limited thereto.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car, or a heat transport medium circuit has at least one mixing valve as described here, a first sub-circuit which is connected to the first inlet and the first outlet of the mixing valve, and a second sub-circuit which is connected to the second inlet and the second outlet of the mixing valve. In In one embodiment, the motor vehicle has the heat transport medium circuit with the mixing valve.

[0049] Thus, in one embodiment in or through the mixing valve, the first and second sub-circuits can be separated from one another, connected in series, or a portion of the heat transport medium flowing through the first sub-circuit can be branched off from the latter into the second sub-circuit and a portion of the heat transport medium flowing through the second sub-circuit can be returned from the latter into the first sub-circuit.

[0050] "Connecting" or "connected" is in one version "fluidically connecting" or "fluidically (technically) connected".

[0051] Further advantages and features emerge from the subclaims and the exemplary embodiments. The following shows, partly schematically: Fig. 1: a mixing valve according to an embodiment of the present invention in perspective view; Fig. 2: a valve member of the mixing valve in perspective view; Fig. 3: a perspective partial section of the valve member in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the Fign. 5 vertical section plane; Fig. 4: a perspective partial section of the valve member in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the Fign. 3 , 5 vertical section plane; Fig. 5A: a section of the mixing valve along the line VV in Fig. 2 with the valve member in a first position; Fig. 5B: a Fig. 5A corresponding section with the valve member in a second position; Fig. 5C: a Fign. 5A , 5Bcorresponding section with the valve member in a third position; Fig. 5D: a Fign. 5A-5C corresponding section with the valve member in a fourth position; Fig. 5E: a Fign. 5A-5D corresponding section with the valve member in a further position; and Fig. 6: a functional principle of the mixing valve.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows a mixing valve according to an embodiment of the present invention in perspective view.

[0053] The mixing valve comprises a housing 100 with a first inlet 11, a second inlet 12, a first outlet 21 and a second outlet 22 and a spherical valve member 200 which is rotatably arranged in the housing (cf. Fign. 5 ) and a first fluid passage 211-213 and a second fluid passage 221-223.

[0054] Seals between housing 100 and valve member 200 are designated by 300. One or more of these seals 300 may also be omitted in a modification not shown.

[0055] The first fluid passage 211-213 connects in a first position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5A , 6(a) ) the first inlet 11 with the first outlet 21, in a second position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5B , 6(b) ) the first inlet 11 with the second outlet 22, and in a third position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5C , 6(c) ) and a fourth position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5D ) the first inlet 11 with the first outlet 21 and with the second outlet 22.

[0056] The second fluid passage 221-223 connects the second inlet 12 with the second outlet 22 in the first position of the valve member, the second inlet 12 with the first outlet 21 in the second position of the valve member, and in the third and fourth positions of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5D ) the second inlet 12 with the first outlet 21 and with the second outlet 22.

[0057] The first fluid passage has a branch with a first branch 211, which is connected to the first inlet 11 in the first, second, third and fourth positions of the valve member, a second branch 212, which is connected to the first outlet 21 in the first, third and fourth positions of the valve member and is not connected to the first outlet 21 in the second position of the valve member, and a third branch 213, which is connected to the second outlet 22 in the second, third and fourth positions of the valve member and is not connected to the second outlet 22 in the first position of the valve member.

[0058] The outer surface of the valve member has a groove-like first recess 221 which connects the two outlets 21, 22 to one another in the third and fourth positions of the valve member, wherein the first recess 221 intersects or overlaps with the two outlets 21, 22.

[0059] The outer surface of the valve member has a groove-like second recess 222. If the valve member is removed from its Fig. 5B shown second position is further rotated counterclockwise, this second recess 222 then connects the second inlet 12 and the second outlet 22 or the two outlets 21, 22 in some of these resulting further positions (not shown), likewise with a varying minimum flow-through cross-section between them, wherein the second recess 222 then intersects or overlaps with the second inlet and outlet 12, 22 in each case.

[0060] A curved passage 223 connects the first and second recesses 221, 222.

[0061] The second inlet 12 and the second outlet 22 as well as the second and first outlet 22, 21 are in a direction of rotation about a rotation axis D of the valve member, which is on the plane of the drawing of the Fign. 5 vertical, offset from each other by at least 90° and arranged in a common plane.

[0062] The first inlet 11 and the second inlet 12, the first inlet 11 and the first outlet 21 as well as the first inlet 11 and the second outlet 22 are each offset from one another by 90° in a circumferential direction about an offset axis perpendicular to the rotational axis D of the valve member, wherein the rotational axis D of the valve member pierces the first inlet 11, which is in the Fign. 5 is covered by the valve member 200 or below or behind the plane of the Fign. 5 lies.

[0063] In the third position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5C ) a minimum flow-through cross section between the first inlet 11 and the first outlet 21 is smaller than in the first position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5A ) and a minimum flow-through cross-section between the first inlet 11 and the second outlet 22 is smaller than in the second position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5B ).

[0064] A minimum flow-through cross-section between the second inlet 12 and the second outlet 22 is in the third position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5C ) smaller than in the first position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5A ) and a minimum flow-through cross section between the second inlet 12 and the first outlet 11 in the third position of the valve member is smaller than in the second position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5B ).

[0065] In the fourth position of the valve member (cf. Fig. 5D ) a minimum flow-through cross section between the first inlet 11 and the first outlet 21 is smaller than in the first and third positions of the valve member, a minimum flow-through cross section between the first inlet 11 and the second outlet 22 is smaller than in the second and larger than in the third position of the valve member, a minimum flow-through cross section between the second inlet 12 and the second outlet 22 is smaller than in the first and third positions of the valve member, and a minimum flow-through cross section between the second inlet 12 and the first outlet 21 is smaller than in the second and larger than in the third position of the valve member.

[0066] Fig. 5E shows in Fig. 5A-D corresponding representation shows another position of the valve member.

[0067] In this, the first fluid passage 211-213 connects the first inlet 11 only with the second outlet 22 and the second fluid passage 221-223 connects the second inlet 12 with the first outlet 21 and with the second outlet 22.

[0068] As in particular the Fign. 5A-5E As illustrated, the valve element can be continuously adjusted and in particular moves through the positions shown here.

[0069] In Fig. 6(a), a heat transfer medium circuit is shown with the mixing valve, a first sub-circuit 1000, which is connected to the first inlet 11 and the first outlet 21 of the mixing valve, and a second sub-circuit 2000, which is connected to the second inlet 12 and the second outlet 22 of the mixing valve. In addition, to clarify the functionality, Fig. 6 the flows of the heat transfer medium in or through the mixing valve are indicated.

[0070] 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 of protection, applications, or structure in any way. Rather, the foregoing description provides the skilled person with a guide for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby various modifications, particularly with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, can be made without departing from the scope of protection as defined by the claims. Bezugszeichenliste

[0071] 11First inlet 12Second inlet 21First outlet 22Second outlet 100Housing 200Valve member 211First branch 212Second branch 213Third branch 221First recess 222Second recess 223Through passage 300Seal 1000First sub-circuit 2000Second sub-circuit DRotation axis

Claims

1. Mixing valve, in particular for a heat-transport-medium circuit and / or a motor vehicle, the mixing valve comprising a housing (100) with a first inlet (11); with a second inlet (12); with a first outlet (21); and with a second outlet (22); and comprising a valve element (200), which valve element is arranged adjustably at least partially in the housing (100) and has a first fluid passage (211-213) which, in a first position of the valve element, connects the first inlet (11) to the first outlet (21); in a second position of the valve element, connects the first inlet (11) to the second outlet (22); and, in a third position of the valve element, connects the first inlet (11) to the first outlet (21) and to the second outlet (22); and which valve element has a second fluid passage (221-223) which, in the first position of the valve element, connects the second inlet (12) to the second outlet (22); in the second position of the valve element, connects the second inlet (12) to the first outlet (21); and, in the third position of the valve element, connects the second inlet (12) to the first outlet (21) and to the second outlet (22), characterized in that the first fluid passage has a branch with a first limb (211) which, in the first, second and third positions, in particular in the first, second, third positions and a fourth position, of the valve element, is connected to the first inlet, with a second limb (212) which, in the first and third positions, in particular in the first, third and fourth positions, of the valve element, is connected to the first outlet, and with a third limb (213) which, in the second and third positions, in particular in the second, third and fourth positions, of the valve element, is connected to the second outlet.

2. Mixing valve according to Claim 1, characterized in that - a minimum through-flowable cross section between the first inlet and the first outlet is smaller in the third position of the valve element than in the first position of the valve element; - a minimum through-flowable cross section between the first inlet and the second outlet is smaller in the third position of the valve element than in the second position of the valve element; - a minimum through-flowable cross section between the second inlet and the second outlet is smaller in the third position of the valve element than in the first position of the valve element; and / or - a minimum through-flowable cross section between the second inlet and the first outlet is smaller in the third position of the valve element than in the second position of the valve element.

3. Mixing valve according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the fourth position of the valve element, the first fluid passage connects the first inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet, and the second fluid passage connects the second inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet, wherein - a minimum through-flowable cross section between the first inlet and the first outlet is smaller in the fourth position of the valve element than in the first and third positions of the valve element; - a minimum through-flowable cross section between the first inlet and the second outlet is smaller in the fourth position of the valve element than in the second position of the valve element and greater in the fourth position of the valve element than in the third position of the valve element; - a minimum through-flowable cross section between the second inlet and the second outlet is smaller in the fourth position of the valve element than in the first and third positions of the valve element; and / or - a minimum through-flowable cross section between the second inlet and the first outlet is smaller in the fourth position of the valve element than in the second position of the valve element and greater in the fourth position of the valve element than in the third position of the valve element.

4. Mixing valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, - in a further position of the valve element, the first fluid passage connects the first inlet only to the first outlet, and the second fluid passage connects the second inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet; and / or, - in a further position of the valve element, the first fluid passage connects the first inlet only to the second outlet, and the second fluid passage connects the second inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet; and / or, - in a further position of the valve element, the first fluid passage connects the first inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet, and the second fluid passage connects the second inlet only to the first outlet; and / or, - in a further position of the valve element, the first fluid passage connects the first inlet to the first outlet and to the second outlet, and the second fluid passage connects the second inlet only to the second outlet.

5. Mixing valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element is adjustable in a continuously variable manner.

6. Mixing valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an outer surface of the valve element has an in particular groove-like first cutout (221) - which, in the third position, in particular in the third and fourth positions, of the valve element, connects the two inlets to one another, connects the two outlets to one another, or connects at least one of the inlets and at least one of the outlets to one another; and / or - which is connected by a through-passage (223) to an in particular groove-like second cutout (222) which, in at least one position of the valve element, connects the two inlets to one another, connects the two outlets to one another, or connects at least one of the inlets and at least one of the outlets to one another.

7. Mixing valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one portion of an outer surface of the valve element, in particular a portion with an opening of the first limb (211), a portion with an opening of the second limb (212), a portion with an opening of the third limb (213), a portion with the first cutout (221) and / or a portion with the second cutout (222), is of rotationally symmetrical, in particular spherical-segment-shaped form.

8. Mixing valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two inlets, the two outlets and / or at least one of the inlets and at least one of the outlets are arranged so as to be offset with respect to one another, in particular by at least 45°, in a direction of rotation about an axis of rotation (D) of the valve element, and in particular in a plane, and / or the two inlets, the two outlets and / or at least one of the inlets and at least one of the outlets are offset with respect to one another, in particular by at least 45°, in a direction of revolution about an offset axis that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation (D) of the valve element, and, in particular, the axis of rotation (D) of the valve element passes through at least one of the inlets and / or at least one of the outlets.

9. Heat-transport-medium circuit, in particular for a motor vehicle, having a mixing valve according to one of the preceding claims, having a first partial circuit (1000), which is connected to the first inlet and to the first outlet of the mixing valve, and having a second partial circuit (2000), which is connected to the second inlet and to the second outlet of the mixing valve.

10. Motor vehicle, in particular passenger motor vehicle, having a mixing valve, in particular heat-transport-medium circuit, according to one of the preceding claims.

11. Method for selectively connecting inlets and outlets of a mixing valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (200) of said mixing valve is adjusted into the first position, the second position and the third position, in particular into the fourth position.