VALVE FOR CONTROLLING A MEDIUM IN A REFRIGERATION OR HEATING CYCLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a valve, in particular for controlling a medium in a refrigeration or heating circuit.

[0002] US 2003 / 0150 486 A1 discloses a breakaway safety shutoff valve that comprises a safety valve and a vacuum relief valve. In the event of overpressure in a tank, the safety valve is moved to a closed position. Likewise, if the vacuum relief valve is damaged, the safety valve can be moved to a closed position. The safety valve remains permanently in this closed position after a damage event.

[0003] US Pat. No. 5,018,552 A discloses a valve arrangement comprising a main valve and an auxiliary valve. After a container is filled via the valve arrangement, the auxiliary valve is permanently closed by the main valve.

[0004] From EP 3 280 934 B1 an arrangement with a valve and an actuator is known, which is used in the supply or return flow of a water circuit for heating or cooling.

[0005] WO 2014 / 202369 A1 discloses a switching valve designed for insertion into a connection point in a connection device. This connection device can be a so-called chiller in a refrigerant circuit. The connection point of the switching valve comprises a passage opening that connects a supply opening and an outlet opening in a housing of the connection point. A valve closing element is provided for opening and closing the passage opening, which, in a closed position, can be arranged in a valve seat surrounding the passage opening. An opening movement of the valve closing element into a working position is controlled by a drive. The drive comprises an actuating element made of a shape memory alloy, by means of which the valve closing element can be transferred from the closed position to an open position.The actuator also includes a return element that counteracts the actuating movement of the actuating element and moves the valve closing element into the closed position. This switching valve is a so-called normally closed valve.

[0006] In electric vehicles, the battery must be cooled by a cooling circuit during operation and / or charging. At least one valve is used to control this cooling circuit. To fill the cooling circuit with a medium, the valve must be open, as the infrastructure for controlling the valve to an open position is either unavailable or undesirable for safety reasons.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of proposing a valve which is delivered open for a filling process of a refrigeration or heating circuit and is prepared for installation in the refrigeration or heating circuit and is ready for operation after filling.

[0008] This task is solved by a valve in which the securing element can be moved into a disengaged position from the valve closing element after the valve closing element has been moved into the working position for the first time, and the valve closing element can then be moved into the closed position. This securing element allows the valve closing element to be delivered and installed in the refrigeration circuit in an open position, namely the filling position. Upon the first actuation of the valve, i.e., moving it into a working position during filling of the circuit with medium or by controlling a drive, the securing element automatically releases itself from the valve closing element and moves into the disengaged position, so that the valve functions as intended and can be controlled.The arrangement of the safety element thus makes it possible to fill the refrigeration circuit directly after the valve has been installed and, without any additional work or handling, the filling position is unlocked and the valve closing element is released for operation.

[0009] Preferably, the filling position of the valve closure element is located between the closed position and the working position, in which the valve is open. When the circuit is filled or by actuating a drive, the valve closure element is moved from the filling position to the working position. The one-time filling position of the valve closure element is thereby canceled.

[0010] Preferably, the securing element is arranged in the control chamber in the valve housing. This has the advantage that interference with or unintentional unlocking of the securing element during delivery and assembly is avoided. In individual applications, provided the connection point of the connecting device allows this, the securing element can also be arranged to engage the outer circumference of the connection point on the valve housing and can be inserted into the connecting device together with the connection point.

[0011] The securing element preferably has a securing tab or a securing pin, which is arranged under prestress in the filling position relative to the valve closing element. This has the advantage that the filling position can be maintained securely even against vibrations during transport or assembly. It also allows the securing tab or the securing pin to release itself from the filling position after the valve closing element has been moved from the filling position to the working position and to be moved into the disengaged position relative to the valve closing element.

[0012] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the securing tab or the securing pin of the securing element can be moved from the filling position to the disengaged position by a pivoting or rotating movement or by a radial movement outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve closure member. This allows the valve closure member to be easily controlled between the closed position and the working position with a lifting movement.

[0013] To maintain the filling position of the securing tab or pin, a releasable snap-in connection or a releasable clamp connection is provided between the securing element and the valve closure member. In particular, an undercut is provided on the valve closure member, into which the securing tab or pin engages. This undercut can be provided as a circumferential groove on the valve closure member. This circumferential groove can be located in a conical region of the valve closure member, so that guide sections of the valve closure member, through which the valve closure member is guided for up-and-down movement in the regulating chamber, are not impaired.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the safety element comprises an annular base body that is designed to be open or closed, with the securing tab or pin on the annular base body being angled relative to a flat extension of the base body. This enables a simple geometry of the safety element and positioning of the valve closure member in the filling position.

[0015] The annular base body of the securing element is advantageously provided with locking elements that engage or engage at or in the connection point and secure the securing element in an installed position relative to the connection point. These locking elements can be locking elements that engage by being placed, pushed, or inserted into a recess or cutout in the regulating chamber or on an outer side of the connection point.

[0016] Advantageously, at least one locking element is designed as a radially outwardly projecting locking lug on the annular base body, which engages in a recess in the housing, in particular in the regulating chamber, and secures the securing element in the regulating chamber in the installed position. This design of the at least one locking element also enables simple assembly.

[0017] The annular base body, in particular, has an opening that is aligned with the passage opening. In particular, the annular base body borders the valve seat circumferentially on the outside. Thus, the safety element can be provided in the regulating chamber in a flow-optimized manner.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment of the locking element, the at least one locking element engages or engages with or in an access opening or outlet opening in the connection point of the housing. This can provide additional fixation of the securing element to the housing.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the securing element is aligned with the securing tab or the securing pin toward a supply opening or an outlet opening and is arranged in the regulating chamber. This assignment of the securing tab or the securing pin to the supply opening or the outlet opening allows the securing tab or the securing pin to be easily moved into the filling position using a tool, and the valve closure member subsequently engages with the securing element.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the valve, the securing element is made of metal, in particular spring steel. This has the advantage that the preload can be maintained even during a very long storage period, during which the securing tab or the securing pin is held in the filling position. Alternatively, the securing element can also be made of plastic. Furthermore, the securing element can be designed as a composite component made of metal and plastic, preferably as a metal element coated with plastic.

[0021] Advantageously, the metallic securing element is designed as a bent and stamped part. The plastic securing element can be manufactured as an injection-molded part.

[0022] According to a preferred application, the valve can be designed as a check valve, in which the valve closing element is arranged in the closed position by a return element. The valve closing element can be moved into the working position by the operating pressure during filling of the refrigeration circuit, which automatically unlocks the filling position, ensuring that the valve closes automatically or independently at the end of the filling process.

[0023] Alternatively, it can be provided that the valve is designed as a switching valve with a drive that can be connected to or in the housing and by means of which the valve closing member can be controlled to open and close the passage opening, wherein the drive comprises an actuating element made of a shape memory alloy, by means of which the valve closing member can be transferred from a closed position when the drive is actuated into a working position in which the valve closing member is lifted relative to the valve seat, and wherein the drive comprises a return element that counteracts the actuating movement of the actuating element and transfers the valve closing member into the closed position relative to the valve seat and holds it in the closed position when the drive is not actuated. Such switching valves have the advantage that the cooling circuit can be filled immediately after the switching valve has been installed in the cooling circuit without energizing the drive.This enables increased operational reliability during assembly and / or commissioning. After the initial power supply to the control element, the switching valve is ready for operation.

[0024] The invention, as well as further advantageous embodiments and developments thereof, are described and explained in more detail below with reference to the examples shown in the drawings. The features shown in the description and the drawings can be used individually or in any combination according to the invention. They show: Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve in a filling position, Figure 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the valve according to Figure 1 in a working position, Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the valve according to Figure 1 in a closing position, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a securing element for the filling position of the valve closing member in Figure 1, Figure 5 a schematic sectional view of the valve in a filling position with an alternative safety element for Figure 4 , Figure 6 a perspective view of the securing element in Figure 5 , Figure 7 a schematic sectional view of the valve in a filling position with an alternative safety element for Figure 4 , Figure 8 a perspective view of the securing element in Figure 7 , Figure 9 a schematic sectional view of the valve in a filling position with an alternative safety element for Figure 4 , Figure 10 a perspective view of the securing element in Figure 9 , Figure 11 a schematic side view of a switching valve with the valve according to Figure 1 , Figure 12 a schematic sectional view of the switching valve according to Figure 11 , and Figure 13 a schematic sectional view of a check valve.

[0025] In Figure 1A schematic sectional view of a valve 11 is shown. This valve 11 comprises a housing 12, which has a connection point 14 for insertion into a connection device (not shown in detail), such as a chiller. The connection point 14 has a circumferential groove 17 at the upper and lower ends, in each of which a seal 18 is provided. In the housing 12, a passage opening 21 is provided, which connects a supply opening 22 with an outlet opening 24. In this embodiment according to Figure 1Several supply openings 22 and only one outlet opening 24 are provided. The passage opening 21 is surrounded by a valve seat 26. A valve closing member 27 rests against the valve seat 26 in a closed position 28 (Figure 3) and closes the passage opening 21. The valve closing member 27 is provided at one end of a valve body 29. A preferably conical section 31 extends from the valve closing member 29 to at least one guide section 32 on the valve body 29. The valve body 29 is guided by this guide section 32 so that it can move up and down in the housing 12, in particular the connection point 14.

[0026] A regulating chamber 35 is formed in the housing 12. This regulating chamber 35 extends in particular between the at least one supply opening 22 and the passage opening 21. A securing element 41 is arranged in the housing 12, in particular in the regulating chamber 35. The securing element 41 allows the valve closing member 27 to be arranged in a filling position 44. This filling position 44 is shown in Figure 1. In this filling position 44, the valve closing member 27 is raised relative to the valve seat 26, i.e., the passage opening 21 is open.

[0027] In Figure 2 The valve 11 is arranged with a valve closing member 27 in a working position 30. In the working position 30, the valve closing member 27 is lifted from the valve seat 26 and releases the passage opening 21. The opening stroke of the valve closing member 27 from the closed position 28 according to Figure 3 into the filling position 44 according to Figure 1is smaller than an opening stroke for transferring the valve closing member 27 into the working position 30 according to Figure 2 .

[0028] The valve closing member 27 is arranged in the filling position 44 by a securing tab 42 of the securing element 41. A free end of the securing tab 42 engages an undercut 46 on the valve closing member 27. Preferably, the undercut 46 is provided in a conical section 31 of the valve body 29. This undercut 46 is preferably provided circumferentially in the conical section 31 of the valve body 29.

[0029] The securing element 41 is shown in perspective in Figure 4shown. This securing element 41 has an annular base body 51. This annular base body 51 is closed in this embodiment. The securing tab 42 is aligned at an angle on the outer circumference of the base body 51. Furthermore, at least one locking element 52 is provided on the annular base body 51. Preferably, several such locking elements 52 are designed, for example, as locking lugs. These are also angled in the same direction as the securing tab 42 relative to the annular base body 51. The locking elements 52 can be centered in a range of 1° to 89° relative to a flat extension of the base body 51. The securing tab 42 is preferably angled by more than 90° relative to the base body 51 under pretension in the filling position 44. A through opening 53 is provided within the annular base body 51.

[0030] The securing element 41 can be inserted into the connection point 14 of the housing 12. In particular, the securing element 41 is positioned in the regulating chamber 35. A support surface 55 is provided in the regulating chamber 35, which is located radially outside the passage opening 21 and the valve seat 26. A circumferential recess 56 in the housing 12 is assigned to the support surface 55. After the securing element 41 has been inserted into the regulating chamber 35, the securing element 41 rests with the annular base body 51 on the support surface 55. The locking elements 52 engage in the recess 56. This secures the securing element 41 in the installed position. In the installed position, the securing element 41 rests with the annular base body 51 preferably on the support surface 55. Regardless of the flow direction of the connection point 14, no flow losses occur due to the large through-opening 53 of the annular base body 51.

[0031] The securing element 41 is preferably made of metal. In particular, it is made of spring steel. This securing element 41 can be manufactured simply and cost-effectively as a bent and stamped part.

[0032] When inserting the securing element 41 into the regulating chamber 35, it is preferably provided that the securing tab 41 is aligned with the at least one feed opening 22. As a result, the securing tab 42 can be actuated from the outside with a tool in order to transfer it into the filling position 44, in which a front end of the securing tab 42 engages in the undercut 46 of the valve body 29, so that the securing element 42 is securely arranged in the undercut 46. The valve closing member 27 is pressed towards the passage opening 21 by a return element, whereby the locking of the securing tab 42 to the undercut 46 is maintained. The securing tab 42 is arranged under prestress relative to the annular base body 51 in the filling position 44.

[0033] The valve 11 is delivered in the filling position 44 and installed in a cooling or heating circuit (not shown in detail). After filling the cooling or heating circuit with a medium during initial commissioning, the valve closing element 27 is actuated for the first time, so that it can be transferred from the filling position 44 to the working position 30. In this case, the valve closing element 27 is subjected to a further stroke from the filling position 44 in the opposite direction to the valve seat 26. The securing tab 42 is released from the undercut 46 on the valve closing element 27 or valve body 29. The securing tab 42 assumes a disengaged position 61. This disengaged position 61 of the securing element 41 relative to the valve closing element 27 is shown in Figure 3shown. Due to the securing tab 42 being pre-tensioned in the filling position 44, it springs radially outwards. Subsequently, the valve closing member 27 can be moved unhindered by the securing element 41 between the Figure 1 shown closing position 28 and the one in Figure 2 shown working position 30. The safety element 41 does not interfere with the operation of the refrigeration circuit.

[0034] In Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of the valve according to Figure 1 with an alternative embodiment of the securing element 41. In Figure 6 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the securing element 41 according to Figure 5 In this embodiment, it is provided that the locking elements 52 are designed differently from one another. Otherwise, this embodiment corresponds to the Figure 4. At least one of the locking elements 52 is designed as a locking lug in an angled shape according to Figure 4 At least one further locking element 52 is designed as a hook-shaped spring element. This hook-shaped spring element has a radially outwardly angled end. This spring element can engage in a feed opening 22 and additionally secure the securing element 41 in the installed position in the regulating chamber 35.

[0035] In Figure 7 is a sectional view of the valve according to Figure 1 with an alternative embodiment of the securing element 41. The Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the alternative embodiment of the securing element 41 according to Figure 7 In this embodiment, in contrast to the one in Figure 6It is provided that the at least one locking element 52 is designed as an L-shaped locking element with an end pointing radially towards the through-opening 53 of the annular base body 51. This end of the securing tab 52 can in turn engage in the feed opening 22 and secure the securing element 41 in the installed position in the regulating chamber 35. The at least one locking element 54, which is provided for engaging or engaging in the feed opening 22, is aligned with the securing tab 42 such that the securing tab 42 is also assigned to a feed opening in the housing 12. This assignment also applies to the securing element 41 according to Figure 6 .

[0036] In Figure 9 is a sectional view of the valve according to Figure 1 with an alternative embodiment of the securing element. The Figure 10 shows the alternative embodiment of the securing element according to Figure 9 .

[0037] In this embodiment, the securing element 41 comprises an annular, open base body 51. The securing tab 42 is provided on this base body, wherein the securing tab 42 is held by a semicircular spring element. The securing tab 42 is arranged on the semicircular spring element, which, analogous to the illustration in Figure 1 engages the undercut 46 of the valve body 29.

[0038] In Figure 11 A perspective view of a switching valve 71 is shown. Figure 12 shows a schematic partial section of the switching valve 71 according to Figure 11. The connection point 14 is provided on the underside of the switching valve 71. This connection point 14 can be plugged into a connection device (not shown in detail) and positioned in a passage between an inlet opening and an outlet opening of the connection device. The valve 11 of the switching valve 21 controls the passage between a closed position and an open position. This connection device can be, for example, a so-called chiller. The switching valve 71, positioned with the connection point 14 in the connection device, can be releasably fixed by a clamp, screw connection, a plug connection, or the like.

[0039] A drive 76 is provided on the housing 12 of the valve 11. The drive 76 is supplied with power, preferably from an on-board power supply, via a plug connection 81. This drive 76 comprises at least one actuating element 77 made of a shape memory alloy and at least one return element 78, which counteracts an actuating movement of the actuating element 77. The return element 78 allows the valve closing member 27 to be arranged in the closed position 28. The drive 76 further comprises connections 79 for energizing the actuating element 77. If the actuating element 77 is energized, the valve closing member 27 is moved from the closed position 28 into the working position 30. If the drive 76 is not activated and the actuating element 77 is not energized, the valve closing member 27 is moved into the closed position 28 by the return element 78.

[0040] The drive 76 can alternatively also be provided as a magnetic drive or as a stepper motor or other electrically driven motor for controlling an actuating movement of the valve closing member 27.

[0041] In Figure 13 A schematic sectional view of a check valve 85 with a valve 11 is shown. The valve 11 is arranged in a filling position 44 by the securing element 41. In this filling position 44, the valve closing member 27 is lifted relative to the valve seat 26. The valve 11 is open. In this open position of the valve 11, the refrigeration circuit can be filled through the outlet opening 24 or the supply opening 22. To transfer the valve 11 from the filling position 44 to a closed position 28, as shown for example in Figure 3As shown, the refrigerant is supplied into the refrigeration circuit at a pressure via the supply opening 22 to the valve 11, so that the valve closing member 27 is moved into the working position 30 according to Figure 2 The securing element 41 moves from the locking position shown in Figure 13 into a disengaged position 61. The securing tab 42 is released from the undercut 46. Subsequently, the valve closing member 27 is moved into the closed position 28 by means of a return element 78, which corresponds to the Figure 3 The check valve 85 is thus in a starting position. In this starting position, a passage between the supply opening 22 and the outlet opening 24 is closed. When operating pressure is applied to the supply opening 22, the valve closing member 27 can lift off the valve seat 26. A passage between the supply opening 22 and the outlet opening 24 is opened.

Claims

1. Valve, in particular for controlling a medium in a cooling or heating circuit, - with a housing (12), which has a connection point (14) for insertion into a connection device, - wherein the connection point (14) has a passage opening (21) which connects at least one feed opening (22) and at least one outlet opening (24), - with a valve seat (26) assigned to the passage opening (21), which is closable by a valve closing member (27), - with a regulating chamber (35) in the connection point (14), which is formed between the feed opening (22) and the through-opening (21) or between the through-opening (21) and the outlet opening (24), - wherein the valve has a safety element and wherein the valve closing member is arrangeable in three positions: - a filling position (44), in which the securing element holds the valve closing member raised relative to the valve seat and releases the passage opening, - a working position (30) in which the valve closing member is lifted by a drive or relative to the valve seat and releases the passage opening, - a closing position (28) in which the valve closing member closes the valve seat, characterized in - that the securing element (41) is movable into an external engagement position (61) with respect to the valve closing member (27) after the valve closing member (27) has been moved from the filling position (44) into the working position (30) for the first time and the valve closing member (27) is then be moveable into the closing position (28).

2. . Valve according to claim 1, characterized in that an opening stroke of the valve closing member (27) into the filling position (44) is smaller than an opening stroke of the valve closing member (27) into the working position (30).

3. . Valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the securing element (41) is provided in the regulating chamber (35).

4. . Valve according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the securing element (41) has a securing tab (42) or a securing pin, which is arranged under pretension in the filling position (44) with respect to the valve closing member (27).

5. . Valve according to claim 4, characterized in that a releasable latching or clamping connection is provided between the securing element (41) and the valve closing member (27) and the securing tab (42) or the securing pin is transferrable independently from the filling position (44) into the disengaged position (61) and preferably is transferrable into the disengaged position (61) by a pivoting or rotating movement or by a radial movement outwards relative to a longitudinal axis of the valve closing member (27).

6. . Valve according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a releasable latching or clamping connection is provided between the securing element (41) and the valve closing member (27) and the securing tab (42) or the securing pin engages on an undercut (46) provided on the valve closing member (27) and is secured in the filling position (44).

7. . Valve according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the securing element (41) has an annular base body (51) which is open or closed and the securing plate (42) or the securing pin is angled relative to a planar extension of the annular base body (51), preferably in a range between 60° and 120°.

8. . Valve according to claim 7, characterized in that the annular base body (51) has at least one latching element (52) which engages or engages on or in the connection point (14) and secures the securing element (41) in an installation position relative to the connection point (14).

9. . Valve according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one latching element (52) is designed as a radially outwardly projecting latching lug on the base body (51), which engages in a recess (56) in the housing (12) and secures the securing element (41) in the regulating chamber (35) in the installation position.

10. . Valve according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that a through-opening (53) of the annular base body (51) of the securing element (41) is aligned with the through-opening (21) in the housing (12) and the annular base body (51) is associated with the valve seat (26) on the outside circumferentially.

11. . Valve according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one latching element (52) is provided on the annular base body (51), which engages or engages on and in a feed opening (22) or outlet opening (24) of the housing (12).

12. . Valve according to one of claims 4 to 11, characterized in that the securing tab (42) or the securing pin of the securing element (41) is arranged in the regulating chamber (35) in alignment with a feed opening (22) or an outlet opening (24).

13. . Valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (41) is formed from a metal, in particular spring steel, or from plastic or from a composite component made of metal and plastic, and preferably the metallic securing element (41) is formed as a bent stamped part, or in that the securing element (41) consisting of plastic is formed as an injection-moulded part.

14. . Valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve (11) is designed as a check valve (85), in which the valve closing member (27) is arranged in the closed position (28) by a resetting element (78).

15. . Valve according to one of claims 1 to 14, <b>characterized in, - that the valve (11) is a switching valve (71), in which the drive (76) is provided on or in the housing (12), by means of which the valve closing member (27) is actuatable to open and close the passage opening (21), - that the drive (76) comprises an actuating element (77) made of a shape memory alloy, by means of which the valve closing member (27) is transferrable from the closed position (28) into the working position (30) when the drive (76) is actuated, in which the valve closing member (27) is raised relative to the valve seat (26), and - that the drive (76) comprises a reset element (78) which counteracts the actuating movement of the actuating element (77) and transfers the valve closing member (27) into the closed position (28) relative to the valve seat (26) and holds the valve closing member (27) in the closed position (28) when the drive (76) is not actuated.