ROTARY VALVE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rotary valve comprising a valve housing with a valve chamber, wherein the valve chamber has a chamber wall into which at least two fluid openings are introduced, wherein the valve chamber accommodates a valve core, wherein the valve core is provided with a channel structure which cooperates with the fluid openings, wherein the valve core is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber.

[0002] Such a rotary valve is known, for example, from DE 10 2018 009 680 A1. Rotary valves of this type are frequently used in cooling circuits to control the coolant flow. A cooling fluid can flow in and out through the fluid openings in the valve housing. The channel structure incorporated into the valve core controls the coolant flow. Depending on the design and number of fluid openings, different cooling circuits can be controlled, the volume flow can be regulated, or the flow direction can be adjusted.

[0003] The rotary valve design is advantageous because the coolant flow is adjusted by rotating the valve core, while the corresponding actuator for rotating the valve core is simple and easy to control. Accordingly, rotary valves and the associated actuators are cost-effective to manufacture. Furthermore, rotary valves require very little installation space.

[0004] Such rotary valves are particularly advantageous for use in temperature control circuits in the field of electromobility. To achieve a long range in electric vehicles, for example, it is necessary to control the temperature of electrical components. Electric vehicle components that require temperature control include, in particular, electrical energy storage units, but also power electronics or connectors for rapid charging devices. An electrical energy storage unit has its best possible capacity only within a very narrow temperature range. Therefore, it is necessary to heat the electrical energy storage units of electric vehicles at low ambient temperatures and cool them at high outside temperatures or during high load changes.

[0005] For this purpose, it is known to provide a temperature control circuit through which a temperature control medium flows. Depending on the requirements, the temperature control medium can be either heated in a heating device or cooled in a cooling device. The flow of the temperature control medium is controlled, at least in part, via a rotary valve. This may require complex channel structures in the valve core.

[0006] WO 2017 / 217112 A1 discloses a rotary valve in which several valve cores are nested within the valve housing. DE 10 2019 005 163 A1 discloses a rotary valve in which the valve cores are coupled via drivers.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing a rotary valve which can be manufactured cost-effectively and which enables complex control of temperature control circuits.

[0008] This object is achieved by the features of claim 1. The subclaims refer to advantageous embodiments.

[0009] The rotary valve according to the invention comprises a valve housing with a valve chamber, wherein the valve chamber has a chamber wall into which at least two fluid openings are introduced, wherein the valve chamber accommodates a valve core, wherein the valve core is provided with a channel structure which interacts with the fluid openings, wherein the valve core is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber and can be set in rotation via a drive shaft, wherein the valve core is designed in several parts and has at least a first valve core element and a second valve core element, wherein the first valve core element has a first channel structure and the second valve core element has a second channel structure, wherein the first valve core element and the second valve core element are operatively connected to the drive shaft.

[0010] The multi-part design of the valve core makes it possible to implement complex temperature control circuits. The first valve core element and the second valve core element are provided with channel structures that can interact independently of one another with the respective fluid openings. Accordingly, a first temperature control circuit can be implemented via the channel structure of the first valve core element, and a second temperature control circuit via the channel structure of the second valve core element. The first valve core element and the second valve core element are operatively connected to the drive shaft, whereby the two valve core elements can be rotated independently of one another. This means that either only the first valve core element, only the second valve core element, or both valve core elements can be rotated by the rotational movement of the drive shaft.This makes it possible to implement complex controls of various temperature control circuits cost-effectively using simple means.

[0011] According to the invention, the first valve core element is operatively connected to the drive shaft via a first clutch. The clutch transmits the torque of the drive shaft to the first valve core element. The clutch can be designed such that the power flow is selectively interrupted, so that when the drive shaft rotates, no torque is transferred and, accordingly, no rotation of the valve core element occurs.

[0012] According to the invention, the second valve core element is operatively connected to the drive shaft via a second coupling. Depending on the requirements for controlling the temperature control circuit, it is conceivable that only the first valve core element is provided with a coupling, or only the second valve core element is provided with a coupling, or that both valve core elements are each provided with a coupling. In particular, the design with two couplings enables particularly flexible and complex control of different temperature control circuits. The design with only one coupling each is cost-effective.

[0013] The first clutch and the second clutch are designed as one-way clutches. A clutch designed as a one-way clutch transmits torque only in one direction of rotation, whereas no torque is transmitted in the opposite direction. A one-way clutch is a passive clutch and enables gear shifting without the use of auxiliary energy. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the clutches are designed as shift clutches and are shifted, for example, via an actuator.

[0014] The freewheel of the first clutch transmits torque in a first direction of rotation. The freewheel of the second clutch transmits torque in a second direction of rotation, which is opposite to the first direction of rotation. In this configuration, rotation of the drive shaft in a first direction causes only one valve core element to rotate, while rotation in the opposite direction causes the other valve core element to rotate. As a result, when the drive shaft rotates, one valve core element remains in one position, while the other valve core element changes position. This allows complex switching processes to be implemented using simple means.

[0015] Locking elements can be provided. These can be designed in such a way that they cause an increased torque for the rotational movement of the valve core elements at predetermined rotational positions. This can counteract unwanted rotational movements of the valve core elements, for example, due to fluid forces, vibrations, or other influences such as drag torque. The friction of the valve core against the chamber wall can be used to prevent unwanted rotational movements.

[0016] The rotary valve can be equipped with one or more sensors to determine the position of the valve core elements. These sensors enable the angular position of the valve core elements to be detected, for example, via pressure, fluid flow, or position measurement.

[0017] If the sensors detect a loss of position, the valve core elements can be brought back into the correct position via a control system.

[0018] The overrunning clutch can be designed so that it only engages at a predetermined number of positions. This configuration allows freewheeling over a short distance, even in the direction of rotation in which the torque is transmitted. This enables position monitoring without additional sensors.

[0019] According to the invention, the first valve core element and the second valve core element are operatively connected to one another via a locking means. The locking means can be designed such that the two valve core elements can rotate independently of one another in one rotational direction and lock with one another in a second rotational direction, so that the two valve core elements rotate equally in the second rotational direction. In this embodiment, one valve core element can be rotated in both rotational directions, while the other valve core element can only rotate in one rotational direction.

[0020] The first valve core element and the second valve core element can be arranged one above the other, viewed longitudinally, i.e., in the direction of the rotation axis. In this configuration, the valve core elements are stacked in the valve housing, and the channel structures of the two valve core elements are preferably connected to fluid openings independently of one another. This configuration is particularly well-suited for controlling multiple independent temperature control circuits. The first valve core element can influence a first temperature control circuit, and the second valve core element can influence a second temperature control circuit.

[0021] According to an alternative embodiment, the first valve core element and the second valve core element are nested radially within one another. In this embodiment, one valve core element has a concentric recess in which the further valve core element is arranged. In this embodiment, the channel structures of the two valve core elements can be connected to one another, allowing particularly complex channel structures to be realized.

[0022] According to a further alternative embodiment, a plurality of valve core elements are provided, of which valve core elements are arranged one above the other when viewed in the longitudinal direction and further valve core elements are nested one within the other.

[0023] The valve housing can be constructed in multiple parts. In this configuration, it is particularly conceivable for the first valve core element to be assigned to a first valve housing part and the second valve core element to be assigned to a second valve housing part. This configuration makes it particularly easy to separate different material flows from one another, so that a first material flow flows through the first valve core element and a second material flow through the second valve core element. The multi-part design of the valve housing prevents internal leaks.

[0024] Some embodiments of the rotary valve according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. These show, each schematically: Fig. 1 shows a section through a rotary valve with two valve core elements arranged one above the other in the longitudinal direction; Fig. 2 shows the rotary valve according to Fig. 1with locking means; Fig. 3 a rotary valve with a multi-part valve housing; Fig. 4 a rotary valve with nested valve core elements.

[0025] Figure 1 shows a rotary valve 1, which forms a component of a temperature control circuit of an interior facility to be air-conditioned. In this case, the rotary valve 1 is used in electromobility applications as a component of the temperature control circuit of an electric vehicle. The rotary valve 1 is integrated into a temperature control circuit of an electric motor drive of an electric vehicle and directs volume flows of the medium fed into the temperature control circuit to the electrical energy storage units and electric motors, as well as to the power electronics. The rotary valve 1 can be used to control the temperature control medium flows of the temperature control circuit.

[0026] In particular, it is conceivable to modify the volume flow of the temperature control medium, for example, to increase or decrease it. Furthermore, by rotating the valve core 7, different fluid openings 5 ​​can be connected in a flow-conducting manner, thus changing the flow direction of the temperature control medium or controlling other components of the temperature control circuit. In this respect, the rotary valve 1 according to the invention also forms a directional control valve, through which various components of the devices to be temperature-controlled can be individually and specifically supplied with temperature control medium and, if necessary, also separated from the temperature control medium flow.

[0027] Depending on the ambient temperature and power requirements, for example, a temperature control medium flow can initially be directed exclusively to the electrical energy storage units, where it can cool or heat the electrical energy storage units depending on the ambient temperature. For high power requirements, a coolant flow can be directed to the power electronics and also to the electric motors to cool these components. The coolant flow is modified using rotary valve 1. Rotary valve 1 can replace several solenoid valves, allowing the temperature control circuit to be manufactured cost-effectively.

[0028] Figure 1shows a rotary valve 1 with a valve housing 2 made of plastic, in which a valve chamber 3 is arranged. The valve chamber 3 has a chamber wall 4 into which several fluid openings 5 ​​are introduced. The valve chamber 3 has a receiving opening 6 on its front side, and the valve chamber 3 accommodates a valve core 7. The valve core 7 is provided with a channel structure 8 which interacts with the fluid openings 5. The valve core 7 is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber 3 and is provided with a drive shaft 13, via which the valve core 7 can be set in rotation by an actuator. The valve housing 2 and the valve core 7 are made of plastic and manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0029] The valve core 7 is constructed in several parts and has a first valve core element 10 and a second valve core element 11. A first channel structure 8' is incorporated into the first valve core element 10, and a second channel structure 8" is incorporated into the second valve core element 11. The first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are operatively connected to the drive shaft 9. A first clutch 12 is arranged between the drive shaft 9 and the first valve core element 10, and a second clutch 13 is arranged between the drive shaft 9 and the second valve core element 11. The first clutch 12 and the second clutch 13 are designed as one-way clutches and are arranged such that the one-way clutch of the first clutch 12 transmits a torque in a first direction of rotation, and the one-way clutch of the second clutch 13 transmits a torque in a second direction of rotation that is opposite to the first direction of rotation.Accordingly, rotation of the drive shaft 9 in the first direction of rotation causes the first valve core element 10 to rotate, while the drive shaft 9 does not transmit any torque to the second valve core element 11. In the second direction of rotation, no torque is transmitted from the drive shaft 9 to the first valve core element 10, and the second valve core element 11 is set in rotation by torque transfer.

[0030] When designing according to Figure 1 The first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are arranged one above the other, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft 9. The channel structures 8', 8" are each operatively connected to fluid openings 5.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a further development of the Figure 1shown rotary valve 1. In the present embodiment, the first valve core element 10 is operatively connected to the second valve core element 11 via a locking means 14. The locking means 14 is designed as a one-way clutch and causes the first valve core element 10 to rotate in a first direction of rotation independently of the second valve core element 11, whereas both valve core elements 10, 11 rotate equally in a second direction of rotation through torque transfer via the locking means 14. In this embodiment, the first valve core element 10 is connected to the drive shaft 9 via the first clutch 12 and the second valve core element 11 via the second clutch 13. Rotation of the drive shaft 9 in a first direction of rotation causes only one valve core element 10 to rotate, whereas in the second direction of rotation both valve core elements 10, 11 rotate equally due to the locking of the locking means 14.

[0032] Figure 3 shows a further development of the Figure 1 shown rotary valve 1. In this embodiment, the valve housing 2 is formed in several parts and has a first valve housing element 2' and a second valve housing element 2". The first valve core element 10 is arranged in the first valve housing element 2' and the second valve core element 11 in the second valve housing element 2".

[0033] Figure 4shows a rotary valve 1 with a plastic valve housing 2 in which a valve chamber 3 is arranged. The valve chamber 3 has a chamber wall 4 into which several fluid openings 5 ​​are introduced. The valve chamber 3 has a receiving opening 6 on its front side, and the valve chamber 3 accommodates a valve core 7. The valve core 7 is provided with a channel structure 8 which interacts with the fluid openings 5. The valve core 7 is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber 3 and provided with a drive shaft 13, via which the valve core 7 can be set in rotation by an actuator.

[0034] The valve core 7 is constructed in several parts and has a first valve core element 10 and a second valve core element 11. A first channel structure 8' is incorporated into the first valve core element 10, and a second channel structure 8" is incorporated into the second valve core element 11. The first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are operatively connected to the drive shaft 9. A first clutch 12 is arranged between the drive shaft 9 and the first valve core element 10, and a second clutch 13 is arranged between the drive shaft 9 and the second valve core element 11. The first clutch 12 and the second clutch 13 are designed as one-way clutches and are arranged such that the one-way clutch of the first clutch 12 locks in a first direction of rotation, and the one-way clutch of the second clutch 13 locks in a second direction of rotation that is opposite to the first direction of rotation.Accordingly, rotation of the drive shaft in the first rotational direction causes the first valve core element 10 to rotate, while the drive shaft 9 does not transmit any torque to the second valve core element 11. In the second rotational direction, no torque is transmitted from the drive shaft 9 to the first valve core element 10, and the second valve core element 11 is set in rotation by torque transfer.

[0035] When designing according to Figure 4 The first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are nested within each other. For this purpose, a concentric recess is formed in the first valve core element 10, in which the second valve core element 11 is arranged. The two channel structures 8', 8" are operatively connected to one another.

Claims

1. Rotary valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) with a valve chamber (3), wherein the valve chamber (3) has a chamber wall (4) into which at least two fluid openings (5) are introduced, wherein the valve chamber (3) accommodates a valve core (7), wherein the valve core (7) is provided with a channel structure (8) which interacts with the fluid openings (5), wherein the valve core (7) is rotatably mounted in the valve chamber (3) and can be set in rotation via a drive shaft (9), wherein the valve core (7) is designed in multiple parts and has at least a first valve core element (10) and a second valve core element (11), wherein the first valve core element (10) has a first channel structure (8') and the second valve core element (11) has a second channel structure (8"), wherein the first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) are operatively connected to the drive shaft (9), wherein the first valve core element (10) is operatively connected to the drive shaft (9) via a first clutch (12) and wherein the second valve core element (11) is operatively connected to the drive shaft (9) via a second clutch (13), wherein the first clutch (12) and the second clutch (13) are designed as a freewheel clutch, and the freewheel of the first clutch (12) transmits a torque in a first direction of rotation and the freewheel of the second clutch (13) transmits a torque in a second direction of rotation which is opposite the first direction of rotation, characterized in that the first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) are operatively connected to one another via a latching means (14).

2. Rotary valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) are arranged one above the other when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis.

3. Rotary valve according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) are nested radially within one another.

4. Rotary valve according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the valve housing (2) is designed in multiple parts.

5. Rotary valve according to claim 4, characterized in that a first valve housing element (2') accommodates the first valve core element (10), and a second valve housing element (2") accommodates the second valve core element (11).

6. Temperature control circuit of a vehicle, comprising a rotary valve (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

7. Temperature control circuit according to claim 6, characterized in that the vehicle is an electronically driven vehicle.