Valve pump unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve pump unit (VPE) comprising a single electric motor (EM) for driving at least one pump stage (PS1) and for adjusting a multi-port valve (MWV), a reduction gearbox (RG) that can be driven by the electric motor (EM), at least one first pump stage (PS1) that can be driven by the electric motor (EM) for conveying a heat transfer medium in a first heat transfer medium circuit, a multi-port valve (MWV) that can be adjusted via the reduction gearbox (G) and having heat transfer medium channels (6) for providing at least two switch positions between the first heat transfer medium circuit and a second heat transfer medium circuit of a heat transfer medium system, as well as a common housing section (Gg) for accommodating the electric motor (EM), the multi-port valve (MWV), the reduction gearbox (RG) and the pump stage (PS1). In a pump operation, in a first rotational direction of the electric motor (EM), the reduction gearbox (RG) is decoupled from the electric motor (EM) via a freewheel (FL). In a second rotational direction of the electric motor (EM), opposite the pump operation, the reduction gearbox (RG) can be operated to adjust the multi-port valve (MWV).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Valve-pump unit

[0003] The present invention relates to a valve-pump unit, in particular for a heat transport system of a vehicle, a heat transport system with such a valve-pump unit and a vehicle with such a valve-pump unit.

[0004] One object of the present invention is to improve a heat transport system, particularly for a vehicle. A further object is to simplify such a heat transport system.

[0005] A valve-pump unit is proposed. This valve-pump unit has:

[0006] - a single electric motor for driving at least one pump stage and for adjusting a multi-way valve,

[0007] - a reduction gear which is driven by the electric motor,

[0008] - at least one first pump stage driven by the electric motor for conveying a heat transport medium in a first heat transport medium circuit,

[0009] - a multi-way valve adjustable via the reduction gear with heat transfer medium channels for providing at least two switching positions between the first heat transfer medium circuit and a second heat transfer medium circuit of a heat transfer medium system and

[0010] - a common housing section to accommodate the electric motor, the multi-way valve, the reduction gear and the pump stage.

[0011] During pump operation, the reduction gear is decoupled from the electric motor via a freewheel in a first direction of rotation of the electric motor. The reduction gear can be operated in a second direction of rotation of the electric motor, opposite to pump operation, to adjust the multi-way valve.

[0012] The proposed valve-pump unit represents an advantageous integration of several components of such a heat transfer medium circuit into one unit or core module.

[0013] This also involves a reduction in the number of components required to operate such a heat transfer medium circuit. By eliminating such components, such a heat transfer medium circuit or a heat transfer medium system featuring such a heat transfer medium circuit is simplified.

[0014] With such a highly integrated valve-pump unit (in the sense of a core module), weight, installation space and costs can also be saved.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the multi-way valve is joined to the electric motor in such a way that the multi-way valve encloses the electric motor, approximately in a ring shape.

[0016] At least one inner contour of the multi-way valve surrounding the electric motor can be at least substantially circular.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, an outer contour of the multi-way valve can be at least substantially circular.

[0018] The multi-way valve can thus have an at least substantially annular shape and thereby enclose the electric motor in a ring or at least substantially annularly. The multi-way valve can be designed with a closed, circumferential design. Such a closed, circumferential structure offers increased structural rigidity compared to an open structure.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, the multi-way valve has at least one (valve) section which is stationary relative to the common housing section and has individual channel sections, as well as at least one (valve) section which is pivotable relative to the common housing section in the first or second direction of rotation and has individual channel sections, via which the said switching positions of the multi-way valve between the first heat transport medium circuit and the second heat transport medium circuit of the heat transport medium system can be adjusted.

[0020] The heat transfer medium channels of the multi-way valve or its individual (valve) sections forming the heat transfer medium channels extend between the common housing section and the electric motor.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the multi-way valve is designed as a 4 / 2-way valve. The multi-part design of the multi-way valve, as described above, also allows for combinations of valves to be created by appropriately designing individual valve sections—with associated channel sections—for example, a combination of a 4 / 2-way valve with a 3 / 2-way valve.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the valve-pump unit also has a second pump stage for conveying the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit. It is proposed that this second pump stage also be accommodated – at least indirectly – by the common housing section in order to increase the integration density of the valve-pump unit.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, a clutch is arranged between the electric motor and the second pump stage, which detachably connects the electric motor and the second pump stage. The clutch can be designed as an opening clutch, such as a centrifugal clutch, via which the second pump stage can be uncoupled or ejected. Alternatively, this clutch can also be designed as a closing clutch, such as a centrifugal clutch, via which the second pump stage can be coupled.

[0024] Such a coupling makes it possible to operate only the first heat transfer medium circuit if required or to convey the heat transfer medium only in the first heat transfer medium circuit, for example for rapid charging of a battery in the first heat transfer medium circuit.

[0025] Alternatively, in another design, such a coupling is omitted, so that the two pump stages are permanently connected to each other.

[0026] According to another design, the electric motor is designed as a dry rotor.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, the first pump stage (PS1) and / or the second pump stage (PS2) is / are designed in the form of a radial pump stage.

[0028] However, the pump stages can be designed as flow pumps (stages) or as displacement pumps (stages).

[0029] Furthermore, a heat transport system with a valve-pump unit of the type described above is proposed, in particular for a vehicle, with a first heat transport circuit and a second heat transport circuit, wherein the valve-pump unit is provided or arranged between the two circuits.

[0030] Furthermore, a vehicle with a valve-pump unit of the type described above or a heat transfer system of the type described above is proposed. Furthermore, an operating method for a valve-pump unit of the type described above is proposed, in which the electric motor is operated to drive the at least one pump stage in the first direction of rotation and to drive the reduction gear in the second direction of rotation opposite to pump operation for adjusting the multi-way valve. In pump operation, the reduction gear is decoupled from the electric motor via the freewheel.

[0031] According to one design, the first pump stage and the second pump stage are driven by the electric motor during pumping operation. Depending on the clutch design, the second pump stage can be disengaged or thrown off via the clutch, for example, in the form of an opening centrifugal clutch, or coupled via a closing centrifugal clutch, above a certain speed of the electric motor.

[0032] The invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the figures. Further advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description of preferred embodiments. These are shown in:

[0033] Fig. 1 shows a valve-pump unit in a perspective view;

[0034] Fig. 2 shows the valve-pump unit shown in Fig. 1 in a sectional view;

[0035] Fig. 3 is a perspective sectional view with respect to the cutting line

[0036] 51 - Si in Fig. 2;

[0037] Fig. 4 is a perspective sectional view with respect to the cutting line

[0038] 52 — S2 in Fig. 2;

[0039] Fig. 5 is a perspective sectional view with respect to the cutting line

[0040] 53 - S3 in Fig. 2; and Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of the coupling shown in Fig. 5.

[0041] Fig. 1 illustrates a proposed, substantially cylindrical valve-pump unit VPE, which can be hydraulically connected to a first heat transfer medium circuit (or cooling circuit) via a first connection end hAEi and hydraulically connected to a second heat transfer medium circuit (or cooling circuit) of a heat transfer medium system (or thermal management system), in particular of a vehicle, via a second connection end hAE2.

[0042] This valve-pump unit VPE provides two selective switching positions of a multi-way valve MWV, in the form of a 4 / 2-way valve between the first circuit and the second circuit.

[0043] Fig. 2 illustrates which components of the first and second circuits are integrated into this valve-pump unit VPE by means of a common housing section Gg. The housing section Gg thus has a central supporting and integrating function.

[0044] A single electric motor (EM), designed as an internal rotor and dry rotor, is joined to the multi-way valve (MWV) in such a way that the MWV multi-way valve encloses the EM electric motor in a ring shape—approximately completely or closed circumferentially—within the common housing section (Gg). The EM electric motor forms a central or centrally driving component of the valve-pump unit (VPE).

[0045] The stator S of the electric motor EM is arranged within a pipe section RA or an at least pipe-like section RA, wherein this pipe section RA is sufficiently sealed at both ends in a respectively assigned area with respect to its periphery and thus forms a dry space for the stator S and the rotor R of the electric motor EM within the pipe section RA. The multi-way valve MWV joined to the pipe section RA has at least one section 2 that is stationary relative to the housing section Gg and at least one section 4 that can be pivoted relative to the housing section Gg in a first or a second direction of rotation of the electric motor EM. Heat transport medium channels 6 (or liquid channels 6) in the multi-way valve MWV extend between the housing section Gg and the electric motor EM.

[0046] In this case, the individual sections 2, 4 of the multi-way valve MWV can be recessed in sections on the outer circumference to save weight and, in conjunction with the common housing section Gg, form individual cavities in which the pumped fluid or liquid can collect (Fig. 2).

[0047] The valve-pump unit VPE has a first pump stage PS-i, for example in the form of a flow pump stage, for example in the form of a radial pump stage, and a second pump stage PS2, for example in the form of a flow pump stage, for example in the form of a radial pump stage, which can each be driven via a drive shaft 8 of the electric motor EM.

[0048] The two pump stages PSi, PS2 each have at least a first and second housing section G1a, G2b, and G2a, G2b, respectively. The two housing sections Gw, G2b—which, as such, face the common housing section Gg—are joined to the housing section Gg or are accommodated by it.

[0049] Between the pump stage PSi and the electric motor EM, for example, a three-stage reduction gear RG is provided or arranged for the selective adjustment of the multi-way valve MWV. The sectional view in Fig. 4 (corresponding to a section through the section line or plane Si - S1 in Fig. 2) illustrates the gears Z1, Z2, Z3 of the first and second gear stage and the sectional view in Fig. 2 (corresponding to a section through the section line or plane S2 - S2 in Fig. 2) illustrates the gear Z4 of the fourth gear stage. The gear Z4 meshes with an internal toothing 24 formed on the pivotable section 4 of the multi-way valve MWV, so that section 4 functions like a ring gear which can be selectively pivoted via the gear Z4. In the present embodiment of the reduction gear RG, section 4 pivots in a direction of rotation of the electric motor EM, which corresponds to the pump operation of the electric motor EM.In an alternative design of the reduction gear RG, section 4 can also pivot in a direction of rotation of the electric motor EM opposite to the pump operation.

[0050] A freewheel FL – for example, in the form of a roller-clamping freewheel – is provided or arranged between the drive shaft 8 and the gear Z1. This freewheel transmits torque to the reduction gear RG only in a direction of rotation opposite to the pumping operation of the electric motor EM, thus enabling the selective adjustment of the multi-way valve MWV to at least two switching positions (Fig. 4, Fig. 2). Alternatively, the freewheel FL could also be arranged at a different location on the reduction gear RG.

[0051] In the direction of the pump stage PSi, the drive shaft 8 extends through a rolling bearing arrangement - in the form of a floating bearing - for receiving the drive shaft 8 in the housing section Gg, the freewheel FL, a seal 12, a plain bearing 16 and into a metallic bushing 20, e.g. a brass bushing, on which the impeller of the pump stage PSi sits.

[0052] In the direction of the pump stage PS2, however, the drive shaft 8 extends into a hub section N of a centrifugal clutch K, via which the pump stage PS2 is connected to the electric motor EM. On the output side, a drive shaft 10 extends from this centrifugal clutch K through a seal 14, a plain bearing 18 and into a metal bushing 22, e.g. a brass bushing, on which the impeller of the pump stage PS2 sits. The centrifugal clutch K is designed as an opening clutch, which opens above a certain speed of the drive shaft 8 and thereby releases the operative connection between the electric motor EM and the pump stage PS2. Thus, the pump stage PS2 can be uncoupled or ejected during pump operation if necessary in a corresponding operating mode of the electric motor EM using the centrifugal clutch K. The centrifugal clutch K is arranged within the pipe section RA between the electric motor EM and the pump stage PS2.The two seals 12, 14 help to keep the reduction gear RG, the centrifugal clutch K and the electric motor EM dry.

[0053] The sectional views in Figs. 5, 6 (corresponding to a section through the section line or plane S3 - S3 in Fig. 2) illustrate the said centrifugal clutch K, which comprises a closed-circuiting disc section 34 formed on the hub section N and a closed-circuiting ring section 32 formed on the disc section 34. Furthermore, three arcuate claws 30, evenly spaced from one another in the circumferential direction of the centrifugal clutch K, are formed on the end face of the disc section 34 for receiving a closed-circuiting spring element 28.

[0054] These claws 30 are radially spaced from the ring section 32 with respect to their extension in the circumferential direction of the centrifugal clutch K in such a way that they form an arcuate gap with the ring section 32, into which an associated spring element 28 is inserted.

[0055] On the radial inside, each of these spring elements 28 carries a so-called coupling lining element 26, which is shaped to correspond to or complement the section of the drive shaft 10 shown in Fig. 5. This coupling lining element 26 can be an element consisting of suitable frictional means and binding agents, or an element comprising such frictional means and binding agents. The coupling lining element 26 can also be formed from an elastomer or comprise such an elastomer. The coupling lining element 26 forms a positive and non-positive connection with the aforementioned output shaft section (Fig. 5).

[0056] In a further embodiment—not shown here—it is proposed to implement the clutch in the form of a closing centrifugal clutch. The electric motor EM of the valve-pump unit VPE can be operated in two directions of rotation: a) in a first direction of rotation during pump operation; and b) to drive the reduction gear RG in a second direction of rotation, opposite to pump operation, for adjusting the multi-way valve MWV.

[0057] During pump operation, the reduction gear RG is decoupled from the electric motor EM via the freewheel FL.

[0058] The adjustment of the swivelling or rotating multi-way valve MWV can be carried out stepwise or in stages or continuously from one switching position to another switching position of the multi-way valve MWV.

[0059] In Fig. 2 one of two switching positions of the 4 / 2 multi-way valve MWV can also be seen, in which an outlet or outlet connection APS2 of the pump stage PS2 or of the second circuit is in fluidic connection or flow connection with the pump stage PSi via an associated channel 6.

[0060] Fig. 2 illustrates a series connection of the two aforementioned circuits—i.e., the first and second heat transfer medium circuits—in which the outlet APS2 is fluidically connected to an inlet ZPSI of the pump stage PSi or the first circuit—not shown in Fig. 2. The same applies to an outlet or outlet connection APSI of the pump stage PSi or the first circuit—not shown in Fig. 2—which is fluidically connected to an inlet ZPS2 of the pump stage PS2 or the second circuit—not shown in Fig. 2.

[0061] In contrast, in a parallel connection of the two aforementioned circuits (not shown here), the APSI outlet is fluidically connected to the ZPSI inlet, on the one hand, and the APS2 outlet is fluidically connected to the ZPS2 inlet, on the other, via a dedicated channel 6 in the MWV multi-way valve. This means that the pumped fluid or liquid is diverted accordingly in the MWV multi-way valve.

[0062] Fig. 5 illustrates the outlet APS2 and the inlet ZPS2 of the second circuit.

[0063] Between this series and parallel connection of the two circuits, various mixing positions of section 4 or the multi-way valve MW are also possible. For this purpose, the multi-way valve MWV can have an arrangement of appropriately designed channels 6 (not shown here), which bring about or effect such mixing conditions within the multi-way valve MWV.

[0064] In a further embodiment - not shown here - additional freewheels can also be provided, namely on the pump stage PSi between the metallic bushing 20 and the drive shaft 8 and / or on the pump stage PS2 between the metallic bushing 22 and the drive shaft 10. This has the advantage that pumped fluid is not slowed down in the direction of rotation of the electric motor EM opposite to the pump operation, but can advantageously continue to flow due to its mass inertia.

[0065] The proposed valve-pump unit allows the aforementioned heat transfer medium circuits or a heat transfer medium system comprising such heat transfer medium circuits to be greatly simplified.

[0066] This allows individual components that were previously required to be eliminated, along with weight, installation space and costs.

[0067] Although exemplary embodiments are explained in the foregoing description, it should be noted that numerous modifications are possible. Furthermore, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection, applications, or structure in any way. Rather, the foregoing description provides the skilled person with a guide for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, whereby various modifications, particularly with regard to the function and arrangement of the described components, can be made without departing from the scope of protection as it results from the claims and equivalent combinations of features.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Valve-pump unit (VPE) comprising a single electric motor (EM) for driving at least one pump stage (PSi) and for adjusting a multi-way valve (MWV), a reduction gear (RG) which can be driven by the electric motor (EM), at least one first pump stage (PSi) driven by the electric motor (EM) for pumping a heat transfer medium in a first heat transfer medium circuit, a multi-way valve (MWV) adjustable via the reduction gear (G) with heat transfer medium channels (6) for providing at least two switching positions between the first heat transfer medium circuit and a second heat transfer medium circuit of a heat transfer medium system, and a common housing section (Gg) for accommodating the electric motor (EM), the multi-way valve (MWV), the reduction gear (RG), and the pump stage (PSi), wherein in pump operation,In a first direction of rotation of the electric motor (EM), the reduction gear (RG) is decoupled from the electric motor (EM) via a freewheel (FL), wherein the reduction gear (RG) can be operated in a second direction of rotation of the electric motor (EM), opposite to pump operation, for adjusting the multi-way valve (MWV).

2. Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 1, wherein the multi-way valve (MWV) is joined to the electric motor (EM) such that the multi-way valve (MWV) surrounds the electric motor (EM). Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the multi-way valve (MWV) has at least one section (2) fixed relative to the common housing section (Gg) and at least one section (4) pivotable relative to the common housing section (Gg) in the first or second direction of rotation. Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein individual channel sections forming the heat transfer medium channels (6) are arranged between the common housing section (Gg) and the electric motor (EM). Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to any one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a second pump stage (PS2) for pumping the heat transfer medium in the second heat transfer medium circuit. Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 5, wherein the second pump stage (PS2) is also accommodated by the common housing section (Gg).Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a coupling (K) is arranged between the electric motor (EM) and the second pump stage (PS2), which detachably connects the electric motor (EM) and the second pump stage (PS2) to each other. Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to claim 7, wherein the coupling (K) is designed as an opening or closing centrifugal coupling. Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (EM) is designed as a dry-running motor.

10. Valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pump stage (PSi) and / or the second pump stage (PS2) is / are designed in the form of a radial pump stage.

11. Heat transfer medium system, in particular for a vehicle, comprising a first heat transfer medium circuit and a second heat transfer medium circuit, wherein a valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10 is provided between the two circuits.

12. Vehicle with a valve-pump unit (VPE) according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 10 or a heat transfer medium system according to claim 11.

13. Operating method for a valve-pump unit (VPE) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 10, in which the electric motor (EM) is operated to drive the at least one pump stage (PSi) in the first direction of rotation and to drive the reduction gear (RG) in the second direction of rotation opposite to pump operation for adjusting the multi-way valve (MWV), wherein in pump operation the reduction gear (RG) is decoupled from the electric motor (EM) via the freewheel (FL).

14. Operating method according to claim 13, wherein in pump operation the first pump stage (PSi) and the second pump stage (PS2) are driven by the electric motor (EM).

15. Operating method according to claim 14, wherein, during pump operation above a certain speed of the electric motor (EM), the second pump stage (PS2) is disconnected or connected via the coupling (K).

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