Apparatus

Abstract

2. Device for controlling fluid flows between a fluid storage device (1), such as a storage tank, and a consumer (2), such as a motor, comprising at least: - a first fluid connection point (1. FAS) for supplying fluid from the fluid storage device (1), - a second fluid connection point (2. FAS) for discharging fluid to the consumer (2), - a third fluid connection point (3. FAS) for supplying fluid originating from the consumer (2), - a fourth fluid connection point (4. FAS) for discharging fluid into the fluid storage device (1), - a first (10) and a second (12) fluid connection between the first fluid connection point (1. FAS) and the second fluid connection point (2. FAS) and between the third (3. FAS) and the fourth (4. FAS), respectively.FAS) Fluid connection point, characterized in that a thermo-bypass valve (TBV) is connected between the first (10) and the second (12) fluid connection, which can be controlled from an unactuated state exclusively by the temperature in the first fluid connection (10) and in that a check valve (RSV) is connected in the second fluid connection (12), which opens in the direction of the fourth fluid connection point (4. FAS).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for controlling fluid flows between a fluid storage device, such as a storage tank, and a consumer, such as a motor, at least comprising a first fluid connection point for supplying fluid from the fluid storage, a second fluid connection point for discharging fluid to the consumer, a third fluid connection point for supplying fluid originating from the consumer, a fourth fluid connection point for discharging fluid into the fluid storage, a first and a second fluid connection between the first fluid connection point and the second fluid connection point or between the third and the fourth fluid connection point.

[0002] EP 1 843 036 B1 discloses a device for controlling the temperature of fuel supplied to an engine, wherein the device comprises: a first inlet for receiving fuel from a fuel tank, a second inlet for receiving fuel returned from an engine, a first outlet for allowing fuel to pass to an engine, a second outlet for allowing fuel to pass to a fuel tank, and a valve for directing fuel received from the engine via the second inlet to one or both of the first and second outlets, wherein the valve is operable to divide a continuously adjustable portion of the fuel received by the second inlet between the first and second outlets, and wherein the division of the flow is controlled by the combined fuel temperatures of the fuel from the first and second inlets.

[0003] To realize the feature, namely that the division of the flow is controlled by the combined fuel temperatures of the fuel from both the first and second inlets, a valve device according to Figure 7 is used, the valve body of which has a slot arrangement in the form of two openings "from port 1" and "from port 3".

[0004] Based on this state of the art, the invention aims to create a device for controlling fluid flows between a fluid storage unit and a consumer, which is reliable in use and cost-effective in its implementation.

[0005] A device with the features of claim 1 in its entirety solves such a problem. By connecting a thermo-bypass valve between the first and second fluid connections, which, starting from an unactuated state, can be controlled solely by the temperature in the first fluid connection, and by connecting a check valve in the second connection line, which opens towards the fourth fluid connection point, a reliable device for controlling fluid flows between a fluid storage device, such as a reservoir tank, and a consumer, such as a motor, is created with just two valves of inherently simple construction. Furthermore, both the thermo-bypass valve and the check valve can be obtained cost-effectively, thus reducing the overall manufacturing costs for the entire device.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, a temperature tap is provided at a connection point in the first fluid connection between the first and the second fluid connection points for controlling the thermocouple of the thermo-bypass valve. In this way, the temperature tap can be made at the relevant point so that the thermo-bypass valve can respond directly to control the fluid flows.

[0007] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the check valve, preferably in the form of a spring-loaded check valve, is connected in the second fluid connection between the fourth fluid connection point and a further connection point for the thermo-bypass valve. This check valve biases the fluid flow towards the discharge side with the fluid reservoir, so that no gas / air can enter the engine system via the fourth fluid connection point.

[0008] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the fluid connection points, fluid connections, the thermal bypass valve, and the check valve are combined in a functional block that can be attached to parts of a filter housing of a fluid filter. Although essential components of the device are thus combined in a main control or functional block, the thermal bypass valve is spatially separated from the check valve, so that the operation of each valve is not adversely affected by the other. Nevertheless, combining the aforementioned components in one block creates a space-saving design that can be easily exchanged on-site for an existing functional block during maintenance, thus also enabling retrofitting to existing supply systems.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the functional block has a housing with the first and second fluid connection points arranged concentrically on two opposite sides, and the first fluid connection having a receiving space in the housing for the thermo-bypass valve. This allows for unimpeded, turbulence-free fluid flow, which proves to be energy-efficient. Preferably, the second fluid connection runs transversely to the actuation direction of a valve closing element of the thermo-bypass valve, opening at its ends into the third and fourth fluid connection points, respectively, and the valve closing element actuates a third fluid connection between the second fluid connection and the receiving space in the housing.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the thermo-bypass valve with its thermocouple is laterally surrounded by fluid in the receiving chamber, which flows from the first fluid connection point to the second fluid connection point. In this way, the thermocouple of the thermo-bypass valve comes into direct contact with the fluid, so that direct heat-transferring control is achieved in a timely manner.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the valve closing element, contrary to the action of an energy storage device such as a valve spring, moves into a position that opens the third fluid connection at low temperatures and successively closes this third fluid connection at higher temperatures. In this way, a reduction of the fluid flow is achieved, which enables smooth control behavior. It is preferably provided that the operating or actuation axes of the thermo-bypass valve and the check valve are perpendicular to each other.

[0012] The invention also relates to a fluid supply consisting at least of The device comprises a fluid storage unit, a consumer, an intermediate device as described above, a fluid filter, and a fluid pump, particularly in the form of a pre-supply pump. In this way, the device, with all its essential functional components, can be accommodated in a space-saving manner within a machine, which in particular has a fuel tank and an internal combustion engine, such as a diesel engine.

[0013] The device is explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment as shown in the drawing. The drawing is a simplified, not to-scale, representation of the device. Figure 1 shows the essential components of a fluid supply system in the form of a fluid circuit; and Figure 2, in a partial longitudinal section, shows a view of a device as used in fluid supply systems according to the... Figure 1 is installed.

[0014] The Figure 1The diagram shows, in the form of a basic circuit diagram, a device for controlling fluid flows between a fluid storage device 1, such as a storage tank for fuel, for example in the form of diesel fuel, and a consumer 2, such as an engine, for example in the form of a diesel engine, which burns diesel fuel from the fluid storage device 1 in the form of the storage or fuel tank for its operation.

[0015] The device further comprises a first fluid connection point (1. FAS) for supplying fluid from the fluid reservoir 1 and a second fluid connection point (2. FAS) for discharging fluid to the consumer 2, which, when using diesel fuel, can be equipped with a common-rail system 3 on its inlet side in the usual manner. A third fluid connection point (3. FAS) is also provided for supplying fluid that originates from consumer 2 via an engine return line 4. A fourth fluid connection point (4. FAS) serves to discharge fluid back into the fluid reservoir 1. Furthermore, a first 10 and a second 12 fluid connection are connected to the supply circuit 5 between the first (1. FAS) and second (2. FAS) fluid connection points, and between the third (3. FAS) and fourth (4. FAS) fluid connection points, respectively.

[0016] The second fluid connection point (2nd FAS) is connected on its outlet side, in the direction of fluid flow, to a fluid filter 6, which serves to remove particulate contaminants from the fluid flow and has a leakage drain 7 connected to the fluid accumulator 1 or the storage tank. On its outlet side, the fluid filter 6 is connected to a hydraulic or fluid pump 8, which in turn supplies fluid at a predetermined pressure to a main filter (HF), which serves to remove particulate contaminants. The fluid cleaned by the fluid filter 6 and the main filter (HF), usually in the form of diesel fuel, reaches the consumer 2, usually a diesel engine, via the common rail system 3. Excess, unused fuel then returns to the third fluid connection point (3rd FAS) via the engine return line 4, passing through the main filter (HF) as part of the supply circuit 5.In addition to the motor return 4, the supply circuit 5 also includes an inlet 9 for supplying the consumer 2 with fluid from the fluid storage tank 1.

[0017] As can be further seen from the basic circuit diagram representation according to the Figure 1As a result, a thermo-bypass valve (TBV) is connected between the first fluid connection 10 and the second fluid connection 12. This TBV is controlled exclusively by the temperature in the first fluid connection 10. A check valve (RSV), preferably a spring-loaded check valve, is connected in the second fluid connection 12. This check valve opens towards the fourth fluid connection (4th FAS) and closes towards the third fluid connection (3rd FAS). Both the first 10 and the second fluid connection, with their fluid-carrying pipe sections, are part of the supply circuit designated as a whole by 5. Figure 1 also shows the thermo-bypass valve (TBV) in its open position, in which it connects the two fluid connections 10 and 12.

[0018] A thermocouple 13, regularly formed by a so-called wax component as an integral part of the thermobypass valve (TBV), is used to control the thermobypass valve (TBV). For the required temperature measurement at a connection point 14 in the first fluid connection 10 between the first (1st FAS) and the second (2nd FAS) fluid connection points, the thermocouple 13 is in permanent fluid contact with the aforementioned connection point 14. The check valve (RSV) is connected in the second fluid connection 12 between the fourth (4th FAS) fluid connection point and a further connection point 16 for a branch with a thermobypass valve (TBV).

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the fluid connection points (1 to 4 FAS), the fluid connections 10, 12, the thermo-bypass valve (TBV) and the check valve (RSV) are combined in a functional block 17, to which parts of a filter housing 18 of the fluid filter 6 can be fixed, as can be seen in particular from the illustration according to the Figure 2 The functional block 17 as such has a housing 20 which has the first (1st FAS) and the second (2nd FAS) fluid connection point arranged on two opposite sides and preferably concentrically to each other, wherein the first fluid connection 10 located between them has a receiving space 22 in the housing 20 for receiving the thermo-bypass valve (TBV) with its thermocouple 13.

[0020] As can be seen further from the Figure 2As a result, the filter housing 18 is detachably connected along its upper side to the underside of the functional block housing 20, for example by screws, so that a used filter element of the fluid filter 6 can be quickly replaced with a new, unused element if necessary. As can be seen further from the Figure 2 The second fluid connection 12 runs transversely to the actuation direction of a valve closing element 23 of the thermo-bypass valve (TBV), opening at its ends into the third (3rd FAS) and fourth (4th FAS) fluid connection points, respectively. The valve closing element 23 actuates a third fluid connection 24 between the second fluid connection 12 and the receiving chamber 22 in the housing 20 of the functional block 17. The thermo-bypass valve (TBV), with its thermocouple 13 in the receiving chamber 22, is continuously surrounded laterally by fluid flowing from the first fluid connection point (1st FAS) to the second fluid connection point (2nd FAS).

[0021] At low fluid temperatures, the valve closing element 23, contrary to the action of an energy storage device such as a valve spring 26, is in a position that opens the third fluid connection 24. This allows the fluid in the engine return line 4 to be routed directly to the second fluid connection (2nd FAS) of the functional block 17 via the third fluid connection (3rd FAS) and the thermo-bypass valve (TBV). In this way, excess fuel is returned directly to the consumer 2 in a kind of short-circuit operation, bypassing the fluid storage tank 1. At higher temperatures, however, this third fluid connection 24 is successively closed by means of the thermo-bypass valve (TBV), and heated fuel in the return line 4 flows back into the fluid storage tank 1 for further cooling, against the preload effect of the check valve (RSV). This allows for a renewed withdrawal process via the inlet 9 to the consumer 2, i.e., the diesel engine.In particular, when starting consumer 2, in the form of the respective internal combustion engine, it is ensured that excess, unused fuel in a partially heated state is returned directly to consumer 2 via the thermo-bypass valve (TBV), thus improving its engine-side starting behavior. This does not affect the central fluid supply from the fluid reservoir 1 to consumer 2 via the direct path in the inlet 9, including the fluid filter 6 of the pre-supply pump 8 and the main filter (HF).

[0022] For a well-functioning operating mechanism, the operating or actuation axes of the thermo-bypass valve (TBV) and the check valve (RSV) are perpendicular to each other, so that an extremely short fluid path is realized between the valves.

[0023] The fluid supply system presented above therefore consists at least of a fluid storage tank 1, a consumer 2, an intermediate device as shown, a fluid filter 7 and a fluid pump 8.

Claims

1. Device for controlling fluid flows between a fluid storage device (1), such as a storage tank, and a consumer (2), such as a motor, comprising at least: - a first fluid connection point (1. FAS) for supplying fluid from the fluid storage device (1), - a second fluid connection point (2. FAS) for discharging fluid to the consumer (2), - a third fluid connection point (3. FAS) for supplying fluid originating from the consumer (2), - a fourth fluid connection point (4. FAS) for discharging fluid into the fluid storage device (1), - a first (10) and a second (12) fluid connection between the first fluid connection point (1. FAS) and the second fluid connection point (2. FAS) and between the third (3. FAS) and the fourth (4. FAS) fluid connection point, respectively. characterized by the fact thata thermo-bypass valve (TBV) is connected between the first (10) and the second (12) fluid connection, which, starting from an unactuated state, can be controlled exclusively by the temperature in the first fluid connection (10), and a check valve (RSV) is connected in the second fluid connection (12), which opens in the direction of the fourth fluid connection point (4. FAS).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that For the control of the thermocouple (13) of the thermo-bypass valve (TBV), a temperature tap is taken at a connection point (14) in the first fluid connection (10) between the first (1st FAS) and the second fluid connection point (2nd FAS).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact thatthe check valve (RSV), preferably in the form of a spring-loaded or gravity-operated check valve (RSV), is connected in the second fluid connection (12) between the fourth fluid connection point (4. FAS) and a further connection point (16) for the thermo-bypass valve (TBV).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the fluid connection points (1st to 4th FAS), the fluid connections (10, 12), the thermo-bypass valve (TBV) and the check valve (RSV) are combined in a functional block (17) which can be fixed to parts of a filter housing (18) of the fluid filter (6).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe functional block (17) has a housing (20) which has the first (1. FAS) and the second (2. FAS) fluid connection points arranged on two opposite sides and preferably concentrically to each other, and the first fluid connection (10) located between them has a receiving space (22) in the housing (20) for receiving the thermo-bypass valve (TBV).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The second fluid connection (12) runs transversely to the actuation direction of a valve closing element (23) of the thermo-bypass valve (TBV), which opens at its end into the third (3rd FAS) and fourth (4th FAS) fluid connection points, and the valve closing element (23) actuates a third fluid connection (24) between the second fluid connection (12) and the receiving space (22) in the housing (20).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact thatthe thermo-bypass valve (TBV) with its thermocouple (13) in the receiving chamber (22) is laterally surrounded by fluid flowing from the first fluid connection point (1. FAS) to the second fluid connection point (2. FAS).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The valve closing element (23) is in a position releasing the third fluid connection (24) at low temperatures, contrary to the action of an energy storage device, such as a valve spring (26), and successively blocks this third fluid connection (24) at higher temperatures.

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that The working or actuation axes of the thermo-bypass valve (TBV) and check valve (RSV) are perpendicular to each other.

10. Fluid supply comprising at least - a fluid storage tank (1), - a consumer (2), - a device arranged in between according to one of the preceding claims, - a fluid filter (17), and - a fluid pump (8).

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