VALVE DEVICE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve device, in particular for a water circuit of a motor vehicle, with a housing which has a circular-cylindrical housing wall which circumferentially encloses a distribution chamber and at least two media connections in and / or on the housing wall, which are each designed as an inlet connection or outlet connection for a hydraulic medium on or in the housing wall and open into the distribution chamber at a distance from one another, and with a valve element which is rotatably mounted in the distribution chamber for the selective fluidic connection or separation of at least two of the media connections with one another or from one another.

[0002] Valve devices of the type mentioned above are already known from the prior art. In order to control or regulate the media flows in a multi-channel water circuit, valve devices are known which have three or more media connections through which the valve device can be integrated into the water circuit, and a movable valve element by means of which the media connections can be connected to or separated from one another. Valves are known, such as so-called 3 / 2-way valves, which have three media connections and two different extreme positions. For example, in a first extreme position, a first media connection is connected to a second media connection while the third media connection is closed, and in a second extreme position, the second and third media connections are connected to one another while the first media connection is closed.Other settings are also known, in which, for example, all media ports are closed or all media ports are connected to each other.

[0003] From the published patent application DE 10 2012 022 212 A1, for example, a valve device is known in which a disk valve is used as the valve element. The disk has a valve disk rotatably mounted in the housing and has one or more through-openings. The disk rests on a valve disk fixedly arranged in the housing, which also has one or more through-openings. As soon as the through-openings are aligned or overlapping with one another, flow is possible. By providing the through-openings and a corresponding rotation of the valve disk, the media flow can be directed in a targeted manner from one media connection to another. Intermediate positions are also possible, in which the flow volume from one media connection to the other can be adjusted.

[0004] From the published patent application EP 0 884 507 A1, a valve device with a distribution chamber into which several media connections open, and with a rotatably mounted valve element is known, wherein the media connections are assigned sealing elements which project into the distribution chamber.

[0005] Further valve devices are known from the published patent applications CN 111 288 187 A, FR 2 844 571 A1, EP 3 385 583 A1, DE 10 2018 106298 A1, FR 2 940 396 A1, EP 1 482 222 A1, CH 328 844 A and US 2017 / 152957 A1.

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of creating an improved valve device which, on the one hand, enables a flow or a flow through of a medium through the valve device itself with the lowest possible flow resistance, ensures a long service life and can be implemented cost-effectively.

[0007] The object underlying the invention is achieved by a valve device having the features of claim 1. The valve device according to the invention leads to the above-mentioned advantages and, in addition, allows, in particular, an advantageous space-saving design with an advantageous arrangement of the media connections on the housing, which makes it possible to advantageously feed inlet and outlet channels of a water circuit to the valve device without requiring much additional installation space in the vicinity of the valve device.

[0008] The valve device according to the invention is characterized in that the valve element has a circular-cylindrical outer shell which is arranged coaxially to the housing wall and closes the media connections at least substantially, in particular at least in some valve positions, and in that the valve element has at least one media channel which has at least two openings in the outer shell which, in at least one rotational position of the valve element, are each assigned to a selected one of the media connections in order to release the selected media connections and to fluidically connect them to one another via the media channel. The valve element thus completely forms at least one media channel which opens into the openings in the outer shell which, in at least one rotational position, are each assigned to one of the media connections.By assigning the openings to the media connections, the outer casing is interrupted, thus removing the closure of the respective media connection by the outer casing, and establishing a fluidic connection between the media connection and the media channel. If the valve device has only the minimum number of media connections, i.e., two media connections, the valve device acts primarily as a shut-off valve that can allow a flow, completely interrupt it, or influence the flow rate.The valve element preferably has at least two media channels, each of which has two end openings in the outer casing wall and is designed to connect different media connections to one another depending on the rotational position of the valve element, such that, for example, a first media connection can be connected to a second media connection or the first media connection can be connected to a third media connection by rotating the valve element. This makes it possible to selectively establish and interrupt selected fluidic connections. A media channel can also have more than two openings, for example three openings, in order to connect, for example, a media connection acting as an inlet connection to two media connections of the valve device acting as outlet connections.The fact that the media channel is formed entirely within the valve element means that the media channel can be manufactured without, or without significant, flow cross-sectional tapers, thereby minimizing flow resistance through the valve device. Particularly preferably, at least one of the media channels has a total of four openings in the outer casing, preferably each of the media channels, which can interact with different media connections depending on the rotational position of the distributor element. This allows the respective media channel to be used for different connection directions or connections between the media connections. In particular, the openings are arranged such that two of the openings of a media channel can always be assigned to one of the media connections at a time.In addition, the valve device allows all media connections to be arranged in or on the circular-cylindrical housing wall, so that both the media supply and the media discharge take place on the housing wall, in particular radially or, for example, tangentially, whereby media connections in the axial extension of the valve device are eliminated. This reduces the installation space not only of the valve device, but also of the media channels outside the valve device. In this case, a media channel is understood to mean in particular a channel that is closed on the circumference except for the openings mentioned, so that the media channel ensures a targeted or guided course of a media flow. A flow-optimized course of the respective media channel further reduces flow resistance and, for example, prevents eddies or turbulence in the media flow.The fact that the media channel is completely formed within the valve element allows for optimal and particularly flexible design. Because the valve element interacts directly with the housing wall of the valve device, either sealing or releasing a media connection, the valve device itself is also designed to save space. For example, a second, but fixed sealing disc or the like in the housing, as is common with previously known valve devices, can be omitted.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the valve element has at least two media channels, each with two openings in the outer casing. This results in particular in the advantages already mentioned above. The media channels, in particular, have different paths to enable different connections between the media ports.

[0010] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that at least one media channel has at least one third opening in the outer casing. This allows the one media channel to be used in a variety of ways to achieve different switching positions of the valve device.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the valve element is designed in several parts and has a cup-shaped outer element that forms the outer shell, and a distributor element arranged in the outer element, which is designed to be radially open towards the outer element at least in sections, so that the respective media channel is formed between the distributor element and the outer shell of the outer element. The distributor element thus rests on the outside against the inside of the outer shell and is designed to be radially open to the outer shell in sections, so that the respective media channel is formed between the outer element or outer shell and the distributor element in the sections open to the outer shell.The multi-part design of the valve element ensures that the outer element can be manufactured particularly cost-effectively, for example, in a cup-shaped configuration. The distributor element, by being open in radial sections or having radial recesses that, together with the outer shell, form the media channels, enables cost-effective production. In particular, the distributor element can be molded cost-effectively in a two- or multi-part injection mold, the mold parts of which are movable radially relative to the distributor element.

[0012] According to a preferred development of the invention, the distributor element and the outer element are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. This ensures that the assignment of the openings in the outer casing of the outer element to the respective media channel formed by the distributor element is permanently guaranteed. The rotationally fixed connection is preferably ensured by a positive connection between the outer element and the distributor element. For this purpose, for example, the distributor element has one or more radially projecting driving elements and the outer element one or more radially formed driving recesses, wherein the driving projections are designed to lie in the driving recesses in order to form a positive connection in the circumferential direction, which brings about the rotational drive.In particular, the respective driving projection is designed to correspond to the respective driving recess or depression, so that, viewed in the circumferential direction, an at least substantially play-free reception of the driving projection in the driving receptacle is ensured. According to a further embodiment, at least one driving projection is arranged or formed alternatively or additionally on the outer element and at least one driving receptacle is arranged or formed additionally or alternatively on the distributor element. According to a further embodiment, the distributor element and the outer element are alternatively or additionally glued, welded, or clamped to one another in order to ensure the rotationally fixed connection. Preferably, at least one of the driving projections or driving receptacles is formed by a cross-sectional contour of the outer element and the distributor element that deviates from a circle.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the distributor element has a core, in particular a cylindrical core, from which a plurality of side walls defining the course of the media channels protrude radially and extend up to or almost up to the inside of the outer shell. The core forms a wall section, in particular a base section, of the respective media channel, while the side walls define the course of the respective media channel. Two sides of a media channel cross-section are thus formed by the side walls, a further side by the core and the remaining side by the outer shell of the outer element. The fact that the side walls protrude radially outwards from the core ensures easy demolding of the distributor element during its manufacture, thereby reducing manufacturing effort and costs.The distribution element designed in this way allows for even complex media channel layouts along the outer circumference of the core or between the core and the outer shell. If the side walls extend to the inside of the outer shell, the inner walls seal the respective media channel directly with the outer shell. If they extend almost to the inside, an additional sealing element is preferably provided between each side wall and the outer shell, which ensures the sealing of the media channel, particularly under elastic deformation.

[0014] It is particularly preferred that an elastically deformable sealing ridge be arranged on the end face of each side wall facing the outer casing, said sealing ridge extending along the entire end face of the respective side wall and resting against the outer casing. The additional sealing element ensures simple assembly of the distributor element in the outer element because the increased elasticity of the sealing ridge compared to the respective side wall ensures easy adaptation of the distributor element to the outer element. The elasticity of the respective sealing ridge also simplifies assembly because, for example, jamming of the distributor element when inserted into the outer element is prevented.

[0015] Preferably, the respective sealing ridge is integrally formed, in particular injection-molded, onto the end face of the respective side wall. The distributor element is thus manufactured as a two-component component, with a first material from which the core and the side walls are made, and a second material that has greater elasticity than the first material and from which the sealing ridges or sealing ridge are formed. By integrally forming the sealing ridge onto the side wall, the sealing ridge is already created during the manufacture of the distributor element, thereby reducing assembly steps and ensuring long durability and permanent attachment of the sealing ridge to the side wall.

[0016] Preferably, each side wall of the distributor element forms a closed ring. The respective side wall thus has no beginning or end. The closed design of the side wall creates a media channel between the outer casing and the distributor element, particularly one that is closed at the ends and is accessible only through the openings in the outer casing.

[0017] According to the invention, each of the media connections is assigned a sealing element that annularly surrounds an orifice of the respective media connection leading into the distribution chamber. The sealing element protrudes into the distribution chamber with an elastically deformable, annular sealing lip to sealingly interact with the outer casing of the valve element or to create a tight connection between the media connection or its orifice and the valve element. The sealing elements thus serve to seal between the housing wall and the outer casing, which is rotatable relative to the housing wall. The sealing elements thus rub along the outside of the outer casing and are attached to the housing wall.The inner diameter of each sealing element is at most as large as the inner diameter of one of the openings in the outer casing, so that, when the opening and media connection are aligned, a tight connection between the media channel and the media connection is ensured and leakage into the area between the outer casing and the housing wall is at least largely prevented. The sealing lip protrudes so far that it forms a ring-shaped, sealing contact with the outer casing of the valve element.

[0018] Preferably, the respective sealing element is inserted into the associated orifice opening. This ensures a positive connection of the sealing element to the housing wall, at least in the direction of rotation of the valve element, so that spontaneous detachment of the sealing element from the housing is reliably prevented, especially when the sealing element interacts with the outer casing of the valve element.

[0019] The sealing element is in particular inserted directly, i.e. without further, separate support or holding elements, into the mouth opening with a section so that the positive connection is formed directly between the sealing element and the housing wall in the mouth opening. The sealing lip protrudes in particular freely from the housing wall, except for the sealing contact on the outer casing, so that it is elastically deformable and thus ensures a high level of tightness. The sealing lip is in particular designed such that the sealing element in the area of ​​the sealing lip is V-shaped, seen in longitudinal section, or V-shaped, i.e. with an outer and inner diameter that increases towards the distribution chamber, protruding from the housing wall into the distribution chamber. Optionally, the sealing lip has a support ring on its side facing away from the casing wall, by means of which the sealing lip is radially supported on the housing wall.The support ring is in particular formed in one piece with the sealing lip or with the sealing element.

[0020] According to the invention, the outer shell has a radial elevation surrounding the opening only in the area of ​​the respective opening in the outer shell as a guide aid for the sealing element. The radial elevation ensures that when the valve element is rotated, the sealing lip of the sealing element is safely lifted over the respective opening and does not jam or tilt in it. Furthermore, the radial elevation ensures that in the areas away from the respective opening, the radial distance between the outer shell and the housing wall is increased, thus reducing the elastic deformation of the sealing element. As a result, the friction acting between the sealing element and the outer shell is reduced when the valve element is rotated, and thus the drive torque required to drive the valve element can also be reduced.The valve element is therefore easier to turn, reduces wear and tear and still ensures a connection between the respective media connection and the associated media channel of the valve element that seals against the environment. The radial elevation is preferably designed such that its radial height increases continuously in the direction of the opening in order to avoid a step or the like. The radial elevation is shaped and designed such that the sealing element rests securely on the outer casing when an opening is located directly opposite the sealing element or the media connection. In particular, the elevation has a plateau surrounding the opening, on which the sealing lip of the sealing element rests in a line or strip over its entire circumference.

[0021] According to a preferred development of the invention, the housing has a base that axially delimits the distribution chamber, wherein the distribution element, at an end assigned to the base, forms a rotary joint with the base. The distribution element is thus rotatably mounted on or in the base. Because the distribution element forms the rotary joint together with the base, the rotary joint is directly integrated into the distribution device and separate joint components, such as ball bearings, are not required. This allows the valve device to be designed to save space. The rotary joint on the base ensures that an inclined position of the valve element in the housing is avoided and thus the coaxial arrangement of housing and valve element or the radial distance between the outer casing and the housing wall is always maintained over the circumference.

[0022] Furthermore, the distributor element preferably has an axial projection or an axial recess at the end associated with the base, which, together with an axial recess or an axial projection of the base, forms the rotary joint. With the axial projection, the distributor element protrudes, for example, into the axial recess of the base in order to be rotatably mounted therein. For this purpose, the axial projection has, in particular, a circular cross-section with an outer diameter that is only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the, in particular, circular axial recess, in order to ensure the lowest possible friction rotary bearing with minimal radial play.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer element further comprises a cover, from which the outer casing protrudes, in particular axially, and against which the distributor element axially rests at its end facing away from the base. The distributor element is thus axially secured between the cover of the outer element and the base of the housing. This allows for simple assembly of the valve device and secure placement of the distributor element in the valve device.

[0024] The housing preferably has a housing cover which is arranged on the side of the valve element facing away from the base and axially delimits the distribution chamber. The distribution chamber is thus defined or delimited by the base, the housing cover and the housing wall extending between the base and the housing cover. The distributor element is connected at its end facing away from the base to a control shaft which is passed through an opening in the housing cover, in particular in a radially sealed manner. The control shaft serves to drive or adjust the valve element in the housing of the valve device. The control shaft projects through the housing cover such that a torque can be applied to the control shaft or to the valve element from outside the valve device.The fact that the control shaft is preferably guided radially through the opening in the housing cover ensures that no medium can escape from the distributor housing between the control shaft and the housing cover. For the radially sealed passage of the control shaft, at least one elastically deformable sealing element, for example an O-ring or the like, is provided, which acts between the control shaft and the housing cover. The control shaft is preferably designed as a separate component from the valve element and is connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner. For this purpose, the control shaft is inserted, for example, at one end into a recess in the cover or the outer element and has, at least at the end, a cross-sectional shape that deviates from a circle and interacts correspondingly with the inner contour of the recess in the cover or the outer element in order to form a positive-locking anti-rotation device.The control shaft is thus positively connected to the valve element in a rotationally secured manner, so that any torque applied to the control shaft is reliably transmitted to the valve element. Alternatively or additionally, the control shaft is integrally connected to the cover, in particular by gluing or welding. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control shaft is preferably integrally connected to the cover of the outer element. Particularly preferably, the cover of the outer element is also integrally connected to the outer casing.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the control shaft has at least one radially projecting axial stop, and that a spring element is held axially preloaded between the axial stop and the cover of the valve element. The spring element applies a preload force to the cover of the valve element and thus the outer element in the direction of the base, which also clamps the distributor element between the outer element and the base. This permanently ensures that the valve element is clearly positioned in the housing of the valve device. However, if pressure peaks occur, the valve element can be displaced axially against the spring force, which effectively compensates for pressure peaks and permanently improves the durability of the valve device.For this purpose, the cover element is normally preferably arranged axially spaced from the housing cover, so the distribution chamber is preferably (axially) higher than the valve element.

[0026] According to a preferred development of the invention, the housing has at least three, in particular four or more media connections, which are arranged, in particular, distributed on an axial plane over the circumference of the housing. These media connections are thus arranged, viewed axially, at the same height or in a plane distributed over the circumference of the housing. In particular, the media connections are evenly distributed over the circumference of the housing. This reliably ensures easy access for connecting hoses, lines, or ducts. Furthermore, this enables an axially short version of the valve device.

[0027] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the said media connections are arranged on two axial planes in such a way that at least two of the media connections lie on different axial planes, wherein the two media connections are preferably arranged on the same circumferential section of the housing and thus lie one above the other from an axial perspective. The media connections are particularly preferably arranged on the two axial planes in such a way that in each case two media connections lie axially opposite one another, i.e. lie on one axial plane, and in each case two of the media connections are diametrically opposite one another. This means that on one side of the housing there are two media connections arranged (axially) one above the other, and on the diametrically opposite side there are also two media connections. As a result, these four media connections all lie in a common plane, in which the rotational axis of the valve element also lies.This allows media channels or hoses to be fed into or connected to the valve assembly from two opposite sides. This has the advantage that no media connections are required in a direction perpendicular to this connection plane, allowing the valve assembly to be designed to be particularly space-saving, including with regard to the connection periphery. This ensures advantageous integration of the valve assembly even in tight spaces, such as those found in a motor vehicle.

[0028] The valve device is particularly preferably designed as a 4 / 2-way valve, a 2 / 2-way valve, or a 5 / 3-way valve. The valve device thus preferably has four, two, or five media connections and at least two or three extreme positions in which at least selected openings in the outer casing are each aligned with a media connection in order to ensure the largest possible flow volume for at least one of the media channels. Depending on the design, different tasks can be assumed and implemented by the valve device in a water circuit or in another media circuit or media supply system of a motor vehicle. Of course, other variants not explicitly mentioned here regarding the number of media connections and / or extreme positions are also possible.

[0029] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows an advantageous valve device according to a first exemplary embodiment in a simplified longitudinal sectional view, Figure 2 shows a perspective detailed view of the valve device, Figures 3A and 3B show different switching positions of the valve device, Figure 4 shows a detailed sectional view of the valve device, Figure 5 shows a further detailed view of the valve device, Figure 6 shows a further detailed view of the valve device, Figure 7 shows the valve device according to a second exemplary embodiment in a simplified longitudinal sectional view, Figure 8 shows the valve device according to the second exemplary embodiment in a simplified plan view, Figures 9A and 9B show different switching states of the valve device according to the second exemplary embodiment, and Figure 10 shows the valve device according to a third exemplary embodiment in a simplified longitudinal sectional view.

[0030] Figure 1shows, in a simplified longitudinal section, a first embodiment of an advantageous valve device 1, which is designed to be used in a water circuit of a motor vehicle, in particular a cooling water circuit. For this purpose, the valve device 1 has a housing 2, which has a bottom 3 and a circular-cylindrical jacket wall or housing wall 4 extending from the bottom 3, so that the housing 2 is essentially cup-shaped with a U-shaped longitudinal section, as in Figure 1 shown. On the side facing away from the base 3, the housing 2 is closed by a housing cover 5, so that a distribution chamber 6 is formed in the housing 2, delimited by the housing cover 5, the base 3, and the housing wall 4, which has a circular-cylindrical cross-section.

[0031] According to the present embodiment, four media connections 7, 8, 9, and 10 are formed on the housing wall 4, each of which opens into the distribution chamber 6. According to the present embodiment, the media connections 7, 9 are located at an axial height relative to a geometric axis of rotation or central longitudinal axis 11 of the housing 2. The media connections 8 and 10 lie on an axial plane axially spaced therefrom. Viewed in cross-section or in a plan view, the media connections 7, 9 are diametrically opposite one another, as are the media connections 8 and 10. All media connections 7 to 10 lie in a plane in which the central longitudinal axis 11 also lies.As a result, the media connections 7, 8 and the media connections 9, 10 are each located one above the other, and connecting lines which are connected to the media connections 7, 9, 8, 10 are also located in a common plane on different sides of the housing 2, at least in the area of ​​the valve device 1. As a result, the valve device 1 is designed to save installation space in such a way that the supply or discharge lines or media lines or channels to be connected to it can also be arranged in a space-saving manner or can be fed to the valve device 1.

[0032] A valve element 12 is arranged in the distribution chamber 6, through which the media connections 7-10 can be fluidly connected to or separated from one another. According to the present embodiment, the valve element 12 is formed in two parts and comprises a cup-shaped outer element 13 and a distributor element 14 arranged in the outer element 13.

[0033] The outer element 13 has an outer shell 15, which is circular-cylindrical in shape and arranged coaxially with the housing wall 4, and a cover element 16, which has a circular outer contour and from which the outer shell 15 protrudes. The outer shell 15 lies axially between the cover element 16 and the base 3. The cover element 16 is thus spaced from the base 3, so that the outer element 13 is open towards the base 3. The cover element 16 lies above the upper media connections 7, 9, which are further away from the base 3, so that the outer shell 15 extends completely axially from the base 3 past the media connections 7, 8 to the cover element 16.

[0034] Figure 2 shows the valve element 12 in a simplified perspective view. The outer element 13 is shown transparently by dashed lines in Figure 2shown. The cover element 16 has a recess 17 in the center, through which an axial projection 18 of the distributor element 14 extends. The opening 17 and the axial projection 18 each have a cross-sectional contour that deviates from a circle, wherein the contours of the axial projection 18 and the recess 17 are designed to correspond to one another in such a way that the axial projection 18 is held non-rotatably in the axial recess 17. As a result, the axial projection 18 and the recess 17 together form an anti-rotation device 19 that acts between the outer element 13 and the distributor element 14.

[0035] The outer casing 15 has four openings 20, evenly distributed over its circumference, in a first axial plane or height. The openings 20 are circular and have an inner diameter that is preferably at most equal to the inner diameter of the media connections 7, 8, 9, 10, and preferably slightly smaller. Due to the even distribution of the openings 20 over the circumference of the outer casing 13, two of the openings 20 are diametrically opposite each other.

[0036] On a further axial plane, spaced apart from the openings 20, there are four further openings 21 in the outer casing 13, which are also evenly distributed over the circumference of the outer casing 13. In this case, it is provided that the openings 20, 21 are evenly distributed over the circumference of the outer casing 13 such that one opening 21 is located below one of the openings 20 or, in the axial or longitudinal extension of the outer casing 15, below one of the openings 20.

[0037] The distributor element 14 arranged in the outer element 13, together with the outer casing 15, forms several, in this case two, media channels. For this purpose, the distributor element has an at least substantially cylindrical core 22, from which side walls 23, 24 protrude at least substantially radially. The side walls 23, 24 each extend in the manner of a closed ring, so that they have no beginning and no end. The side walls 23, 24 each enclose a media channel 25, 26 together with the outer casing 15. For this purpose, the side walls 23, 24 protrude up to or almost to the inside of the outer casing 15, so that a space is created which is enclosed by one of the side walls 23, 24, the outer casing 15, and the core 22 and is accessible through the openings 20, 21, which are at the level of the space.

[0038] The space defined by the respective side walls 23, 24, the core 22, and the outer shell 15 becomes the flow-through media channel 25, 26 through the openings 20, 21. The respective space or media channel 25, 26 is each formed in an S-shape, so that the media channel 25, 26 has a first end closed by the respective side walls 23, 24 in the circumferential direction at the first level of the openings 20 and a closed second end at the level of the openings 21.

[0039] Due to its S-shape, the media channel 25 has a first section 25' extending circumferentially, a second section 25" extending axially of the valve element 12, and a third section 25" extending circumferentially, wherein the sections 25' and 25" extend at least substantially over different circumferential sections of the valve element 12. The sections 25' and 25" are connected to one another by the central section 25". The media channel 26 is designed in particular analogously to the media channel 25 and preferably runs on the side of the distributor element 14 facing away from the media channel 25.

[0040] The end of the media channel 25 in the section 25' is assigned to a first of the openings 20 of the outer casing 15. The opposite end of the section 25', at which the section 25' merges into the section 25", is assigned to a second of the openings 20. The opposite end of the section 25" is assigned to a first of the openings 21, which is correspondingly also assigned to an end of the section 25‴. The end of the section 25‴ opposite this end is assigned to a further opening 21.

[0041] For easier understanding, the circumferentially distributed openings 20 and 21 are designated 20_1, 20_2, 20_3 and (in Figure 2 not recognizable) 20_4 as well as 21_1, 21_2, 21_3 and (in Figure 2not visible) 21_4. The openings 20_1 and 21_1 are located in axial extension on a line or one above the other or one behind the other, as are the openings 20_2 and 21_2, as well as 20_3 and 21_3 and finally also 20_4 and 21_4, which are on the Figure 2 not visible back of the valve element 12. The media channel 25 runs, as described above, in an S-shape such that it leads from the opening 20_1 through the section 25' to the opening 20_2, from the opening 20_2 through the section 25" to the opening 21_2, and from there through the section 25‴ to the opening 21_3. Accordingly, the Figure 2The channel 26 formed on the rear side is designed such that it leads from the opening 20_3 to the opening 20_4, from there to the opening 21_4, and from there to the opening 21_1. Both channels 25, 26 are thus S-shaped and interact with two openings 20 and two openings 21 in the outer casing 15. The previously described anti-twist device 19 ensures that the assignment of the openings 20, 21 to the media channels 25, 26 is always maintained.

[0042] When inserted into the housing 2, the valve element 12 now has the following function, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B The valve device 1 is in this case designed as a 4 / 2-way valve, which therefore has four connections (media connections 7, 8, 9, 10) and two extreme positions, Figures 3A and 3B shown, in which a maximum flow volume is guaranteed.

[0043] In the first switching position according to Figure 3A the valve element 1 is arranged rotated in the housing 2 in such a way that the openings 20_2 and 21_2 are assigned to the media connections 7, 8, and the Figure 2 not visible openings 20_4 and 21_4 to the diametrically opposite media connections 9, 10. The openings 21_1 and 21_3 or 20_3 and 21_1 are assigned to a section of the housing 2 or the housing wall 4, which has no opening or no media connection 7, 8, 9, 10. In this respect, the function results that a media flow, which is supplied for example through the media connection 7 of the valve device 1, is supplied or forwarded through the section 25" to the opening 21_2 and thus the media connection 8, so that according to the embodiment of Figure 3AThe medium flows in through media connection 7 and flows out again through media connection 8. The same applies on the opposite side, where the medium flows in through media connection 9 and flows out through media connection 10, or vice versa. Medium flowing out of the media channel 25 through openings 20 or 21 that are not assigned to one of the media connections 7 to 10 enters the interior of the housing 2, from which it cannot escape, however, because the distribution chamber 6 is tightly sealed by the housing 2 on the one hand and the housing cover 5 on the other.

[0044] If the valve element is rotated by 45°, none of the openings 20, 21 are opposite the media connections 7, 8, 9, 10, but rather the media connections 7, 8, 9, 10 are then closed by the outer casing 15 of the valve element 2, so that the valve device 1 prevents or interrupts a flow.

[0045] If the valve element is rotated by a further 45° or starting from the Figure 3A If the position shown is rotated by 90°, the result is Figure 3B shown situation: The opening 20_1 is then opposite the media connection 7 and the opening 21_1 is opposite the media connection 8. The opening 20_3 is opposite the media connection 9 and the opening 21_3 is opposite the media connection 10. The openings 20_2, 21_2, 20_4 and 21_4 are opposite the closed housing wall 4. A medium is still supplied to the media connection 7, as indicated by arrows in Figures 3A and 3B As shown, this medium is passed through the entire channel 25 so that it leaves the valve device 1 through the media connection 10. Accordingly, the media flow supplied to the media connection 9 is fed through the media channel 26 to the media connection 8.

[0046] The advantageous valve device 1 thus enables different switching positions in which, for example, the media flow is completely interrupted, the media flow is switched from a media connection 7, 9 located at the top to a Figure 1 lower media connection 8, 10, or in which the media flow is directed from an upper media flow 7 to a diametrically opposite lower media connection 10 or from an upper media connection 9 to a diametrically opposite lower media connection 8. Of course, the flow direction can also be reversed.

[0047] In order to ensure that the flow loss and / or resistance is as low as possible, each media connection 7, 8, 9, 10 is assigned a sealing element 27. Because the sealing elements 27 are all designed identically, they are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0048] Figure 4shows the design of the respective sealing element 27 using the example of the media connection 7 in an enlarged detailed view. The sealing element 27 is designed as a sealing ring and is inserted into an opening 28 of the media connection 7 from the distribution chamber 6, so that the sealing element 27 protrudes into the distribution chamber 6 with a sealing lip 29. The sealing element 27 is designed such that it bears sealingly on the outside of the outer casing 15, at least in the region of the openings 20, 21, so that it surrounds the respective opening 20, 21 in a sealing ring. The radial distance between the outer casing 15 and the housing wall 4, as well as the dimensions of the sealing lip 29, are selected such that the sealing lip 29 is elastically deformed, at least in this operating state, so that a preload force acts, which ensures that the sealing element 27 sits securely and tightly against the outer casing 15.Because the sealing element 27 is radially clamped or tensioned between the outer element 13 and the housing wall 4, spontaneous loosening of the sealing element 27 is reliably prevented. Viewed in the direction of rotation of the valve element 12 or in the circumferential direction, the sealing element 27 is securely held on the housing wall 4 by the section inserted into the mouth opening 28. The sealing lips 29 are preferably designed such that they also rest on the outside of the remaining sections of the outer casing 15 with a residual prestressing force in order to ensure a tight connection there as well and to minimize or prevent leakage. The sealing element 27 is in particular inserted directly, i.e. without further, separate support or holding elements, with a section into the mouth opening 28, so that the positive connection is formed directly between the sealing element 27 and the housing wall 4 in the mouth opening 28.The sealing lip 29 protrudes freely from the housing wall 4, in particular up to the sealing contact on the outer casing 15, so that it is elastically deformable and thus ensures a high level of tightness. The sealing lip 29 is designed in particular such that the sealing element 27 in the region of the sealing lip 29, seen in longitudinal section, is V-shaped or protrudes in a V-shape from the housing wall 4 into the distribution chamber 6. Optionally, the sealing lip 29 has a support ring on its side facing away from the casing wall 15, by means of which the sealing lip 29 is radially supported on the housing wall 4, thereby in particular increasing the preload force. The support ring is, as shown in . Figure 4 shown, in particular formed integrally with the sealing lip 29 or with the sealing element 27.

[0049] Figure 5shows a detailed view of the distributor element 14 in the region of the side wall 23, wherein the side wall 24 is designed analogously to the side wall 23. The side wall 23, which projects radially from the core 22, has a free end face 30, which is assigned to the inside of the outer casing 15. In order to ensure sealing of the media channel 25, the end face 30 has an elastically deformable sealing web 31, which extends along the entire end face 30 or the side wall 23 and is designed for tight or sealing contact with the outer casing 15. In particular, in the assembled state, the distributor element 14 is inserted into the outer element 13 with elastic deformation of the respective sealing web 31. This ensures that medium can only pass into or out of the media channels 25, 26 through the openings 20, 21. According to the present embodiment, the sealing web 31 is formed integrally with the side wall 23.Optionally, the sealing ridge 31 is molded onto the end face 30 of the side wall 23 and, in particular, is integrally connected thereto. Thus, the distributor element 14 is manufactured, in particular, as a two-component component comprising a first, less elastic or hard material for the side walls 23, 24 and the core 22, and a second, more elastic or soft material, thus having greater elasticity than the first material, for the respective sealing ridge 31.

[0050] Optionally, the sealing web 31 is protected from damage by securing webs 32 running parallel thereto on the end face 30, which in particular have a lower elasticity and extend radially outwards less far than the sealing web 31.

[0051] Figure 6 shows a further detailed view of the valve device 1 in the area of ​​a sealing element 27. On the one hand, Figure 6 ,that the sealing web 31 lies sealingly against the inside of the outer casing 15 in order to seal the respective media channel 25, 26, and on the other hand shows Figure 6a further development of the outer casing 15. This has a radial elevation 33 only in the area of ​​the respective opening 20 or 21, which surrounds the respective opening 20, 21 in a ring. The radial elevation or radial elevation 33 serves, on the one hand, as a guide aid for the sealing lip 29, so that when the valve element 12 is rotated, it is safely lifted or pushed over the respective opening 20, 21, so that it cannot jam or tilt one of the openings 20, 21. On the other hand, the radial elevation 33 has the effect that in the remaining area of ​​the outer casing 15, the radial distance between the outer casing 15 and the sealing element 27 is increased, thereby reducing the deformation of the sealing lip 29. As a result, the preload with which the sealing lip 29 is pressed against the outside of the outer casing 15 also decreases.As a result, the valve element 12 can be rotated with less force in sections where the outer casing 15 is closed than in sections where an opening 20, 21 is provided. This reduces wear and, on the other hand, reduces the power required by a drive for adjusting the valve element 12.

[0052] To rotate the valve element 12, it can be mechanically connected to a drive arranged outside the housing 2, as will be explained in more detail below. In particular, the axial projection 18 of the cover element 16, as shown in Figure 2 shown, an axial recess 34 which has a cross-sectional shape other than a circle. A control shaft 35 is inserted into the axial recess 34 with a free end, as shown in Figure 1shown. Due to the shape of the axial recess 34 and the corresponding shape of the cross section of the control shaft 35 at its free end facing the axial projection 18, a further rotation lock or rotational drive is formed between the control shaft 35 and the valve element 12. The control shaft 35 protrudes axially from the housing 2 in sections through an opening 36 in the housing cover 5 with an actuating end 37. A sealing element 38 in the form of a sealing ring, in particular an O-ring, which acts in particular axially and / or radially between the actuating end 37 and the housing cover 5, ensures that the control shaft 35 is guided outwards through the housing cover 5 in a sealing or tight manner, i.e. the medium cannot escape from the distribution chamber 6 into the environment.An optional drive 39, for example an electric motor with or without a transmission gear, is attached to the housing cover 5 and is plugged onto the actuating end 37 in such a way that it can transmit a torque to the control shaft 35 in order to operate the valve element 12 or to rotate it in the distribution chamber 6, so that the above-mentioned valve settings can be carried out automatically.

[0053] Figure 7 shows a further longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of the advantageous valve device 1, wherein elements already known from the previous embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals and reference is made to the above description. In the following, only the differences will be discussed.

[0054] In contrast to the first embodiment, the media connections 7, 8, 9, 10 in the second embodiment are all arranged in an axial plane or height of the valve device 1, evenly distributed over the circumference of the housing 2 or the housing wall 4, as shown in a plan view of the valve device 1 according to the second embodiment in Figure 8 shown.

[0055] The media channels 25,26 are designed in such a way that they are located in the Figure 8 shown extreme position extend only in the circumferential direction from one opening 20, 21 of the outer shell 15 to the next adjacent opening in the circumferential direction, as for example in Figure 8 Accordingly, only one plane of openings 20 or 21, in this case openings 20, is present in the outer shell, which are evenly distributed over the circumference.

[0056] Figures 9A and 9Bshow schematic representations of the valve functions of the valve device 1 according to the second embodiment. In a first position, for example, the media connections 9 and 10 as well as the media connections 8 and 7 are each connected to each other, and in a second position ( Figure 9B ) the media connections 9, 8 and the media connections 10, 7 are connected to each other. In an intermediate position (rotation of only 45°), all media connections 7, 8, 9, 10 are closed by the outer casing 15.

[0057] As in Figures 7 and 1As shown, the control shaft 35 also has an axial stop 40, which is formed by a radially projecting annular projection extending over the entire circumference of the control shaft 35. A spring element, according to the present embodiment a helical spring 41, is held prestressed between the axial projection 40 and the upper side of the cover element 16 facing the housing cover 5 and is arranged coaxially to the control shaft 35. The helical spring 41 applies a prestressing force to the valve element 12 as a whole in the direction of the base 3, so that the outer element 13 presses the distributor element 14 against the base 3, thereby holding them axially together.

[0058] For the rotatable mounting of the valve element 12, the distributor element 14 also has a central axial projection 42 at its end facing the base 3, which lies in an axial recess 43 of the base 3 and thus, together with the base 3 or the axial recess 43, forms a rotary joint 44 for the valve element 12. The valve element 12 is thus rotatably mounted in the housing 2 by the control shaft 35 in the housing cover 5 on the one hand and by the rotary joint 44 on the base 3 on the other hand. This is also provided in particular in the first embodiment of FIG. Figure 1 shown.

[0059] Figures 10shows a third exemplary embodiment of the advantageous valve device 1, wherein elements already known from the preceding exemplary embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals, and reference is made to the above description in this regard. In the following, only the differences will be discussed.

[0060] In contrast to the previous embodiments, the valve device 1 according to Figure 10a further or fifth media connection 45. The further media connection 45 is formed or arranged in particular below or in a further axial plane between the base 3 and the previous media connections 7, 8, 9, 10 in the housing wall 4 of the housing 2 and likewise opens into the distribution chamber 6. The distribution element 14 has an additional media channel or media channel section 46 which, for example in a rotational position of the distribution element 14 or valve element 12, allows a fluidic connection from the media connections 7 and / or 8 to the media connection 45. For this purpose, the outer casing 15 has at least one further opening 47 for the additional media channel or media channel section 46. The valve device 1 is thus designed as a 5 / 3-way valve in this exemplary embodiment.

[0061] Of course, the valve devices 1 according to the third embodiment can also assume intermediate positions, wherein the number of rotational positions with maximum flow cross-section is limited to the number described above.

[0062] It can thus be seen that the advantageous design of the valve device 1 fulfills various requirements of the valve device 1 and enables simple adaptation to different boundary conditions. The advantageous design of the valve element 12 also ensures that it can be manufactured cost-effectively, for example by injection molding, since radial demolding, in particular of the distributor element 14, is possible even with complicated channel layouts. The features known from the exemplary embodiments described above can also be combined with one another. Furthermore, further variants of the valve device 1 are also possible, which differ from one another, for example, in the number of media channels 25, 26 and / or media connections 7-10, 45.For example, a further embodiment of the valve device 1 has only two media connections 7 and 8, which are located in a common axial plane or on different axial planes, and interact with a distributor element 14, which, for example, has only one media channel 25. In this case, the valve device 1 then forms a shut-off valve that either completely opens a flow, completely closes it, or influences the flow rate.

Claims

1. Valve device (1), in particular for a water circuit of a motor vehicle, with a housing (2) comprising a circular-cylindrical housing wall (3) enclosing a distribution chamber (6) on the circumferential side and at least two media connections (7-10,45) in and / or on the housing wall (3), which are each designed as an inlet connection or outlet connection for a hydraulic medium and open into the distribution chamber (6) at a distance from one another, and with a valve element (12) rotatably mounted in the distribution chamber (6) for the purpose of optionally connecting or disconnecting at least two of the media connections (7-10,45) to or from each other fluidically, wherein the valve element (12) comprises a circular-cylindrical outer casing (15) that is arranged coaxially to the housing wall (3) and closes the media connections (7-10,45), and that the valve element (12) comprises at least one media channel (25,26) that comprises at least two openings (20,21) in the outer casing (15), which, in at least one rotational position of the valve element (12), are assigned to a selected one of the media connections (7-10,45) in order to release the selected media connections (7-10,45) and to connect them to one another fluidically through the media channel (25,26), characterized in that a sealing element (27) enclosing an orifice (28) of the respective media connection (7-10,45) leading into the distribution chamber (6) is assigned to each of the media connections (7-10,45), which projects with an elastically deformable and annular sealing lip (29) into the distribution chamber (6) in order to interact sealingly with the outer casing (15) of the valve element (12), and that the outer casing (15) comprises a radial elevation (33) surrounding the opening (20,21) only in the area of the respective openings (20,21) of the outer casing (15) as a guiding aid for the sealing element (27).

2. Valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve element (12) comprises at least two media channels (25,26) each having at least two openings (20,21) in the outer casing (15).

3. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one media channel (25,26) comprises at least one third opening (20_1,20_2,21_2,21_3), in particular four openings (20_1,20_2,21_2,21_3), in the outer casing (15).

4. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve element (12) is designed in several parts and comprises a cup-shaped outer element (13), which forms the outer casing (15), and a distribution element (14) arranged in the outer element (13), which is designed to be open at least in sections towards the outer casing (15), so that the respective media channel (25,26) is formed between the distribution element (14) and the outer casing (15).

5. Valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that the distribution element (14) and the outer element (13) are non-rotatably connected to one another.

6. Valve device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the distribution element (14) comprises a core (22), in particular a cylindrical core, from which a plurality of side walls (23,24) defining the course of the media channels (25,26) project radially and extend up to or almost up to the inside of the outer casing (15).

7. Valve device according to claim 6, characterized in that an elastically deformable sealing web (31) is arranged on the front side (30) of each side wall (23,24) facing the outer casing (15), that extends along the entire front side (30) of the respective side wall (23,24) and is clamped between the front side (30) and the outer casing (15).

8. Valve device according to claim 7, characterized in that the sealing web (31) is formed on, in particular injection-moulded on, the front side (30).

9. Valve device according to one of claims 6 to 7, characterized in that each side wall (23,24) forms a closed ring.

10. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective sealing element (27) is inserted into the respective orifice (28) so that a form-fitting connection of the sealing element (27) to the housing wall (4) is ensured at least in the direction of rotation of the valve element (12).

11. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element (27) projects in the area of the sealing lip (29), as seen in longitudinal section, in a V-shaped manner from the housing wall (4) into the distribution chamber (6).

12. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) comprises a base (3) axially delimiting the distribution chamber (6), and in that the distribution element (14) forms a pivot joint (44) with the base (3) at an end assigned to the base (3), wherein preferably the distribution element (14) comprises at the end assigned to the base (3) an axial projection (42) or an axial recess, which together with an axial recess (43) or an axial projection of the base (3) forms the pivot joint (44).

13. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outer element (13) comprises a cover element (16), from which the outer casing (15) projects and on which the distribution element (14) rests axially at its end facing away from the base (3).

14. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) comprises a housing cover (5) which is arranged on that side of the valve element (12) which faces away from the base (3) and delimits the distribution chamber (6) axially, and that the distribution element (14) is connected, on the end facing away from the base (3), to a control shaft (35) that is guided through an opening (36) in the housing cover (5), in particular in a radially sealed manner, wherein preferably the control shaft (35) comprises at least one radially projecting axial stop (40), and that a spring element, in particular a helical spring (41), is held pretensioned axially between the axial stop (40) and the cover element (16) of the valve element (12).

15. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) comprises at least three, in particular four or more media connections (7-10,45), which are arranged in particular in an axial plane distributed over the circumference of the housing (2).

16. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that four media connections (7-10,45) are arranged on two axial levels in such a way that in each case two media connections (7-10,45) are located axially one above the other and in each case two of the media connections (7-10,45) are located diametrically opposite one another.

17. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve device (1) is designed as a 4 / 2-way valve, 2 / 2-way valve or as a 5 / 3-way valve.