VALVE APPLIANCE

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve device (1) which is supplied in particular for a vehicle cooling system. The device comprises a housing (2) having at least two fluid connectors (3), a valve device (5) which can be adjusted at least between a first valve position and a second valve position, and a drive device (10) for adjusting the valve device (5) between the first valve position and the second valve position. The valve device is characterized by an integrated safety adjustment device (24). This device is provided such that it moves the valve device (5) from the first valve position to the second valve position in the event of an incident in which the electrical supply, in particular that of the vehicle, is interrupted. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: VALVE APPARATUS

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device, in particular for a vehicle cooling system.

[0002] A valve arrangement for a vehicle cooling system is described in DE 10 2017 107 688 A1. Said arrangement includes a housing having at least two coolant connectors, further including a valve element which is adjustable between an open position releasing an interface between the coolant connectors and a closed position separating the interface between the coolant connectors, and including a drive device for adjusting the valve element between the open position and the closed position.

[0003] For smaller valves used for switching auxiliary circuits in automotive cooling systems, electrically simple and inexpensive valve arrangements are desirable. Due to the relatively low flow rates in such auxiliary circuits, and in order to keep valve assemblies simple and inexpensive, mushroom valves (also known as piston or push-button valves) are often used in these applications.

[0004] The movement of the mushroom valves in the closed position is carried out against the liquid pressure of the coolant flowing through the cooling system. When the pressure difference induces actuation forces via the nearly closed valve element, drive devices for actuating the valve element must apply high forces in the closing zone, i.e., shortly before and until the valve element closes, over a short distance and for a short time. Before reaching this closing zone and also for opening the valve element, on the other hand, significantly lower forces are required.

[0005] In the prior art, electromagnetic coil-driven devices are used for such valve elements. Since the maximum available actuation force is predetermined by the arrangement of magnets, it must be large in size to be able to produce the relatively high maximum actuation force required for the aforementioned reasons. This makes the drive device complex and expensive.

[0006] Furthermore, in vehicle cooling systems, check valves are sometimes used, which, in one flow direction, operate spontaneously through the flow of the coolant, whereas, in the case of a flow When coolant flows in the opposite direction, they are closed off by the coolant flow. This is necessary, for example, when, after an internal combustion engine and its main water pump have stopped, a small flow of coolant generated by small electric auxiliary pumps must circulate through certain branches of the cooling system in the opposite direction to the flow direction that prevails during operation. In modern cooling systems that have what is called a cold start shutdown, meaning that no coolant circulation is allowed during the warm-up phase of the internal combustion engine, special check valves are required.These are designed to be, for example, lockable by an electrical device in the closed position to completely prevent the circulation of coolant, but can be unlocked later to perform their function as check valves. Providing this check valve function is also expensive with known drive systems.

[0007] In electric vehicles, solenoid valves are often used for locking battery cooling circuits, for example. Solenoid valves have a predetermined valve position due to the exposed spring-loaded valve mechanism, typically the closed position when they are not energized. In this way, in the event of a power failure, such as during an accident, the solenoid valve can still close the cooling circuit to prevent continuous pumping of coolant to the battery or battery pack.

[0008] However, a requirement for electric vehicles is to consume as little energy as possible to operate the corresponding vehicle components. Therefore, current-actuated valves, which only consume current when a valve is switched, are the preferred solution.

[0009] The problem of the present invention is to provide an alternative valve device that is safe and reliable in operation.

[0010] Another problem of the present invention is to provide a valve device with integrated safety, which also ensures integrated safety protection in the event of an incident, for example during an accident and associated power failure in a vehicle.

[0011] One or more of these problems are solved by the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous configurations are specified in the respective dependent subclaims.

[0012] The invention relates to a valve device that is supplied in particular for a vehicle cooling system. Said device comprises a housing comprising at least two liquid connectors, a valve device which can be set at least between a first valve position and a second valve position, and a drive device for setting the valve device between the first valve position and the second valve position.

[0013] The valve device is characterized by an integrated safety adjustment device. This device is provided so as to move the valve device from the first valve position (e.g., open position) to the second valve position (e.g., closed position) in the event of an incident in which the electrical supply, in particular that of the vehicle, is interrupted. Thus, the valve device is configured to move a valve element (closing element, locking body) from one position to another.

[0014] In this way, even in the event of an incident, for example following an accident, it is guaranteed that if the normal (on-board) electrical supply to a vehicle, in particular an electric or hybrid vehicle, is interrupted by one or more batteries, the valve device can still be closed. Therefore, among other things, it is possible to safely and reliably prevent, for example after an accident, coolant from being pumped into a battery box, since the valve device of the valve assembly can be closed by means of the adjustment device.

[0015] An incident can be a state in which an electrical supply, in particular that of a vehicle, is interrupted and / or in which an invalid signal is present and / or in which an interference signal is present and / or in which a corresponding switching signal for the setting of the valve device via the setting device is present.

[0016] Preferably, a sensor or detection device may be provided for incident detection.

[0017] The safety-integrated control device may include a safety-integrated power source for the deflection or at least partially or completely the passage of the valve device from the first [open position / valve position] in the direction of the second valve position.

[0018] The integrated safety power source preferably supplies electrical power to the drive device so that it deflects the eccentric gear out of a neutral gear position in which the valve device is disposed in its first valve position over a predetermined angular range in a deflected gear position.

[0019] The integrated safety adjustment device may include a spring device for the passage, at least partially or completely, of the valve device from the first valve position towards the second valve position.

[0020] The integrated safety adjustment device may include an eccentric gear for the passage, at least partially or completely, of the valve device from the first valve position towards the second valve position.

[0021] The adjusting device or the closing device may preferably include a safety-integrated power source and / or an eccentric gear and / or a spring device, wherein the eccentric gear is coupled to the valve device and wherein the adjusting device or the closing device is configured such that, when the valve device is disposed in the open position, the safety-integrated power source supplies energy to the drive device so that it deflects the eccentric gear out of a neutral gear position in which the valve device from the first valve position (for example, an open position) is disposed over a predetermined angular range into a deflected gear position,in which the spring device is coupled to the eccentric gear such that the eccentric gear in the deflected gear position is moved by means of (or at least locally supported by) the spring force of the spring device so that the valve device is disposed in the second valve position (e.g., closed position).

[0022] The safety-integrated regulating device combines the advantages of the efficiency of a DC-actuated ball valve with the built-in mechanical safety of a solenoid valve. The regulating device is designed to move the valve assembly from the open position to the closed position in the event of an incident. An incident could occur, for example, after a motor vehicle has been in an accident and the valve assembly can no longer operate with the DC voltage that normally supplies it. An incident could also be a simple failure of the vehicle's electrical power supply. The regulating device thus comprises the safety-integrated power source, the eccentric disc with the eccentric spindle, and the spring mechanism.The eccentric disc is coupled to the valve device so that when the valve device is placed in the open position, the integrated safety power source supplies power to the valve device drive, so that it deflects the eccentric disc and the eccentric spindle out of the open position over a predetermined angular range, in which the spring device is coupled to the eccentric spindle so that the eccentric spindle is moved by means of a spring force so that the valve device is disposed in the closed position.

[0023] Therefore, even in the event of an incident, the integrated safety adjusting device is capable of moving the valve device of the valve apparatus from the open position to the closed position, even when the power supply The normally available power supply is interrupted. Due to the provision of the corresponding spring device, the integrated safety power source must supply only a small amount of current or electrical energy for a short time to deflect the eccentric spindle over a predetermined angular range. The spring force of the spring device then takes over the movement of the valve device from the first valve position (e.g., open position) to the second valve position (e.g., closed position).

[0024] The amount of electrical energy supplied by the integrated safety power source depends on the structural configuration of the valve device. The larger the closing body and the greater the resistances (e.g., friction) and therefore the torque required to actuate the closing body, the more electrical energy is needed to deflect the eccentric spindle.

[0025] The integrated safety power source may have a capacity of between about 2500 uF (microfarad) and about 7500 uF, or between about 3500 uF and about 6500 uF, or between about 4500 uF and about 5500 uF, and preferably about 5000 uF.

[0026] The energy stored in the system for the passage of a locking body from a first valve position to a second valve position is then preferably a combination of the spring force stored in the spring device (mechanical energy) and the current stored in the integrated safety energy source (electrical energy).

[0027] The total stored energy (electrical and mechanical energy) contains at least about 3% and at most about 12%, or at least 7% and at most about 10%, of stored electrical energy. The proportion of stored mechanical energy is at least about 97% and at most about 88%, or at least 93% and at most about 90%.

[0028] The spring device may include a spring designed as a tension spring or a compression spring so as to retain or store the spring force.

[0029] A tension spring provides a straight, linear tension force that is almost inherently safe and therefore preferred. Supplying a compression spring is also possible. With a suitable guiding device, any potential jamming of the compression spring can be prevented.

[0030] The eccentric gear may include an eccentric disc and an eccentric spindle.

[0031] The predetermined angular range can be at least 1° or 2° or 3° or 5° or 7.5° or 10° and at most 30° or 25° or 20° and preferably about 15°.

[0032] In order to deflect the eccentric pin over such a predetermined angular range, only a small amount of current is required.

[0033] The eccentric gear can be moved along a circular path by means of the drive when the direction of the valve is set between the open position and the closed position, in which the eccentric spindle, and with it the valve device, is disposed in a lowest position of 180° in the open position and in a highest position of 360° in the closed position.

[0034] The highest position of the 360° eccentric pin, in which the valve device is disposed in the closed position, is a position in which the eccentric pin is at the greatest distance from the spring device in one direction of the spring.

[0035] The open position of the valve device, in which the eccentric pin is disposed in a lowest position of 180°, is the position in which the eccentric pin is at the smallest distance from the spring device in one direction of the spring.

[0036] The direction of the spring means a direction in which the spring device applies a spring force to the eccentric spindle.

[0037] The eccentric spindle can be coupled to the spring device so that, when the valve device moves from the closed position to the open position, the spring device is pre-stressed.

[0038] In this way, during the normal operation of the valve device, the necessary mechanical energy is stored so as to move the spring device from the open position to the closed position in the event of an incident.

[0039] The drive device can be coupled to the valve device via a gear, in particular via the eccentric gear or another gear, preferably a multi-stage gear train, in which one level of this gear is formed by the eccentric disc and is designated as the eccentric gear.

[0040] The eccentric gear has a tooth-free section, so that less spring force is required when the valve device moves from the first valve position to the second valve position.

[0041] The spring device can be coupled to the eccentric spindle via an actuating element for the actuating of said eccentric spindle.

[0042] Due to the provision of the actuating element, the force flow of the prestressed spring elements of the spring device can be optimally passed to the eccentric spindle in the direction of the spring.

[0043] The actuation element can be mounted slidably in a linear guide in a linear manner.

[0044] In this way, an efficient transmission of the spring force from the spring device to the eccentric spindle is possible.

[0045] An electric motor can preferably be supplied as a drive device, which preferably drives the valve device indirectly via the gear. By way of example, and in a particularly inexpensive manner, the electric motor is a direct current motor.

[0046] The integrated safety power source can be a battery, an accumulator or preferably a capacitor.

[0047] The integrated safety power source provides sufficient energy to deflect the eccentric spindle over a predetermined angular range in the event of an incident.

[0048] The valve device may be a ball valve element, in which a ball having a passage forms a locking body of the ball valve element.

[0049] Furthermore, a sensor and preferably a plurality of sensors, in particular Hall sensors, may be provided so as to detect a valve position of the valve device, wherein at least one other sensor may be provided for the detection of an incident, and wherein a control device may be provided for the actuation of the valve device and the adjusting device, which actuates the elements of the valve device on the basis of the data acquired by the sensors.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the adjusting device may include a built-in safety power source whose quantity of electrical energy is sufficient to move the valve device of the valve apparatus from the open position to the closed position.

[0051] With the valve device according to the invention, the efficiency with respect to the current demand of a current-operated valve, in particular a ball valve, and the mechanical reliability of a magnetic valve are combined for the first time.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the present invention, an integrated or redundant safety method for closing or locking the valve device is provided. This method can be implemented by the aforementioned sensors in connection with the control device.

[0053] In the valve device according to the invention, it is provided that, when the power voltage is no longer available and the valve device is disposed in a first position, for example the open position (or the closed position), a failure assistance mode is activated and the adjusting device intervenes.

[0054] It is provided here that the integrated safety power source supplies power to the motor, whereby a motor drive shaft is preferably moved counterclockwise.

[0055] In the valve device, the eccentric spindle is located in its lowest operating position in the open position. The rotational movement of the motor drive shaft causes the eccentric disc to move counterclockwise.

[0056] After a rotational movement through a predetermined angular range, preferably 15°, the eccentric gear and the second gear are separated from each other. By means of the spring force of the spring device, the eccentric disc and the associated valve device are subjected to the spring force of the spring device and are preferably displaced up to 303 degrees. The interface between the liquid connectors is disconnected so that the second valve position, for example the closed (or open) position, is present.

[0057] When the power supply is available again, for example in a vehicle, it is detected by means of corresponding sensors, for example by means of Hall sensors, that there is no longer an integrated safety signal, given that the valve device is disposed either in the normally open position or in the normally closed position.

[0058] The drive device is then operated so that it rotates slowly, preferably clockwise, in order to ensure that the gears of the second gear and the eccentric gear are not blocked.

[0059] The remaining spring force of the springs in the spring device, which are not yet fully extended, ensures that the eccentric gear and the second gear re-engage with each other. The eccentric gear then moves clockwise until the highest position of the eccentric spindle is detected.

[0060] The valve is then returned to normal operating mode.

[0061] The normal position of the valve device is the closed position. The eccentric pin on the eccentric gear is in the highest position.

[0062] As soon as the valve device receives the signal to switch from the closed position to the open position, the motor drive shaft preferably rotates counterclockwise. The eccentric gear then moves clockwise.

[0063] Using a magnet and a corresponding Hall sensor, the lowest position of the eccentric spindle can be detected and the rotational movement is stopped. During this movement, the eccentric spindle pushes the actuating element and the spring device connected to it downwards against the direction of the spring and pre-tensions the spring(s) of the spring device.

[0064] The valve assembly is now in the open position. When the valve assembly receives the signal to place the valve element in the closed position, the motor drive shaft preferably rotates clockwise. The eccentric gear then rotates counterclockwise.

[0065] With another Hall sensor, the highest position of the eccentric spindle can be detected.

[0066] The valve device is back in the normal closed position.

[0067] The valve device can be adjusted, for example, between an open position which It opens an interface between the fluid connectors, particularly between the coolant connectors, and a closed position that separates the interface between the fluid connectors. The first or second valve position can therefore be an open or closed valve position, depending on the need and the use of the integrated safety valve device.

[0068] Within the framework of the present invention, a valve device may be an element for locking or controlling the flow of fluids (liquids or gases) such as an angled valve, a bypass valve or a directional control valve, which may be designed as (electric) motor-driven valves with or without a valve drive device.

[0069] [With] the valve device, a liquid can thus be hindered in flowing in both directions (flow valves), or, depending on the direction of flow (retaining valves), the liquid can be hindered by pressure (pressure valves), or the flow can be controlled simultaneously on several conduits (flow valves, 3 / 2 or more).

[0070] The valve device may [be] a locking valve or a flow valve, such as a butterfly valve, a delay valve, a change valve (OR element), a two-pressure valve (AND element), a quick-opening valve, a bypass valve, a flow switching valve, a 2 / 2-way valve, or a check valve (throttle check valve, quick-drain valve, KFR [combined free-flow valve with integrated check valve prevention device]) or a pressure valve (pressure limiting valve and sequential valve, pressure balancing valve (differential pressure valve), pressure reducing valve, pressure regulating valve) or a directional control valve (three-way valves, four-way valves, or higher-order directional valves).

[0071] As types of closure, a distinction must be made between seat valves and cylindrical spool valves. The sealing body moves either in the flow shaft or perpendicular to it, that is, towards the sealing surface (seat valve) or along it (spool valve). The valve apparatus can be configured as a mushroom valve (seat valve), a tube valve, or a double seat valve (seat valve), a piston valve (spool valve), a roller diaphragm valve, a sleeve valve, a needle valve (seat valve), and preferably as a ball valve (optionally a seat valve or a cylindrical spool valve).

[0072] The present invention will be described below on the basis of an embodiment shown in the figures. Brief description of the drawings

[0073] The figures show:

[0074] [Fig-1] a valve device according to the invention with an open housing in a view perspective in closed position, in which an eccentric pin is arranged in a 0-degree or 360-degree position,

[0075] [Fig.2] another open view of the valve device in the closed position,

[0076] [Fig.3] a side view of the valve device with the open housing in which the The eccentric spindle is positioned at a 90-degree angle.

[0077] [Fig.4] another side view of the valve device with the open housing in which the eccentric spindle is arranged in a 180-degree position and the valve device is in the open position,

[0078] [Fig. 5] another side view of the valve apparatus with the housing open, in which The eccentric spindle was deflected out of the closed position by 15 degrees because a built-in safety signal was detected, in which the eccentric spindle is now positioned at 195 degrees.

[0079] [Fig.6] a side view of the valve device with the open housing in which the The valve device is almost closed by the adjusting device and in which the eccentric spindle is arranged in a 303-degree position.

[0080] [Fig.7] an exploded view of the valve apparatus according to the invention, and

[0081] [Fig. 8] to 16 other views of the valve apparatus according to the invention in different states of operation,

[0082] [Fig. 17] a perspective view of a valve device with a switching function, and

[0083] [Fig. 18] a side view of the valve apparatus of [Fig. 17]. Detailed description

[0084] The invention relates to a valve device 1 for a cooling system which is described below on the basis of an embodiment ([Fig.1] to 16).

[0085] The valve device 1 includes a housing 2 with at least two liquid connectors 3, 4 which are configured as coolant connectors in the present embodiment.

[0086] A valve device 5 is disposed in the housing 1. The valve device 5 is a ball valve, in which a ball 6 with a passage 7 forms a locking body of the ball valve element.

[0087] According to the present embodiment, the ball 6 or the locking body with the passage 7 is adjustable between an open position 8, which releases an interface between the liquid connectors 3, 4 and constitutes a first valve position, and a closed position 9, which separates the interface between the liquid connectors and constitutes a second valve position.

[0088] In addition, a drive device 10 for adjusting the valve device 5 between the open position 8 and the closed position 9 is provided. The drive device 10 is designed as an electric motor.

[0089] The drive device is connected to a safety-integrated power source (not shown) and may be a battery, a rechargeable battery, or preferably a capacitor. The safety-integrated power source provides sufficient energy to deflect the eccentric spindle over a predetermined angular range in the event of an incident.

[0090] A drive shaft 11 of the drive device 10 is connected to a gear of the drive device 12. The drive gear 12 is connected to an eccentric disc 20 having teeth 19 via a first gear device 13 having two gears 14, 15 and a second gear device 16 having two gears 17, 18. This toothing forms an eccentric gear 35.

[0091] The eccentric disc 20 also has a tooth-free section 33, so that less spring force is required when moving the valve device from the open position 8 to the closed position 9.

[0092] The teeth 19 of the eccentric disc 20 extend approximately over an angular range of the eccentric disc 20 of approximately 180° to 270°. The remaining angular range forms the tooth-free section 33.

[0093] The eccentric disc 20 is also referred to below as the eccentric gear. The teeth 19 of the eccentric disc 20 are coupled to the gear 18 of the second gear device 16.

[0094] In addition, the eccentric disc 20 is connected to the ball 6 of the valve device 5 via a valve pin 21 and a corresponding fixing and storage device 22.

[0095] An eccentric pin 23 is formed in one piece on one side of the eccentric disc 20 turned away from the ball device 5. The eccentric pin 23 is formed as a rod of round section which extends orthogonally outwards from an end wall of the eccentric disc 20.

[0096] The eccentric disc 20 and the eccentric spindle 23 are part of an integrated safety adjustment device 24, which in the present embodiment is a closing device 24.

[0097] The adjustment device 24 also includes a spring device 25.

[0098] In the present embodiment, the spring device 25 comprises two springs 26. The springs extend approximately parallel to the end face of the eccentric disc 20 in a direction of the spring 32.

[0099] In the present embodiment, the spring device 25 is formed by two compression springs. According to one variant, one or more tension springs may also be provided so as to form the spring device.

[0100] Furthermore, the springs 26 are arranged on corresponding pins 27 of a spring seat 28. The spring seat 28 also includes a linear guide 29. The linear guide 29 comprises two guide rails 30, which extend approximately parallel to the end wall of the eccentric disk 20.

[0101] The guide rails 30 are arranged to guide an actuating element 31 in and against a direction of the spring 32.

[0102] The springs 26 are arranged on the pins 27 of the spring seat 28 of the spring device 25 and are coupled to the actuating element 31 which is guided linearly in the guide rails 30.

[0103] In addition, a sensor and preferably a plurality of sensors (not shown), in particular Hall sensors, are provided for detecting a valve position of the valve device.

[0104] In addition, at least one other sensor or detection device (not shown) is provided for the detection of an incident.

[0105] For this purpose, a control device (not shown) for driving the valve device and the regulating device is provided, said control device driving the elements of the valve device on the basis of the data recorded by the sensors.

[0106] According to another embodiment, a valve device 1 with a switching function is provided ([Fig. 17] and 18). This valve device has the same technical characteristics as the valve device described above.

[0107] The valve device 1 with the switching function has three liquid connectors 3, 4 and serves to demonstrate that the integrated safety adjusting device is suitable for a variety of the types of valves described above.

[0108] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the control device includes an integrated safety power source whose quantity of electrical energy is sufficient to move the valve device of the valve apparatus from the open position to the closed position.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the present invention, a method with built-in or redundant safety for closing or locking the valve device 1 is provided. This method is implemented by the aforementioned sensors in connection with the device of control, which actuates the drive device 10 and with it the adjustment device 24.

[0110] In the valve device 1 according to the invention, it is provided that, when a power voltage is no longer available and the valve device 1 is disposed, for example, in the open position 8 (first position), a failure assistance mode is activated, and the adjustment device intervenes.

[0111] The integrated safety power source is intended to supply power to the drive device 10 or the electric motor, thereby moving a drive shaft 11 of the motor 10 preferably in a counterclockwise direction. However, the direction of rotation can be freely selected according to the design of the valve device.

[0112] In the valve device 1, the eccentric spindle 23 is in a lowest operating position in the first position, for example the open position 8. As a result of the rotational movement of the drive shaft 11 of the motor 10 and the corresponding gear stages of the eccentric gear 35, the eccentric disc 20 moves in a counterclockwise direction.

[0113] After a rotational movement through a predetermined angular range of approximately 15°, the eccentric gear and the second gear are separated from each other. By means of the spring force of the spring device 25, the eccentric disc 20 and the valve device 5 connected to it are subjected to the spring force of the spring device 25 and displaced up to 303 degrees. The interface between the liquid connectors 3, 4 is disconnected so that the second valve position, for example a closed position, is present.

[0114] When the power voltage is available again, for example in a vehicle, it is detected by means of at least one Hall sensor that there is no longer an integrated safety signal, given that the valve device 5 is disposed either in the first valve position, for example a normally open position, or in the second valve position, for example a normally closed position.

[0115] The motor 10 is then operated to rotate slowly, preferably clockwise, so as to ensure that the gears of the second gear and the eccentric gear are not blocked.

[0116] The remaining spring force of the springs of the spring device 25, which have not yet fully expanded, ensures that the eccentric gear and the second gear re-engage with each other. The eccentric gear then moves clockwise until the highest position of the eccentric spindle is detected.

[0117] The valve is then returned to normal operating mode.

[0118] The normal position of the valve device 1 is, for example, the closed position. The eccentric shaft 23 on the eccentric gear is in its highest position. Alternatively, depending on the use of the valve unit 1, the normal position of the valve unit 1 may be, for example, the open position. In this case, the eccentric shaft 23 of the eccentric gear is always in its lowest position to ensure built-in safety.

[0119] As soon as the valve device receives the signal to switch from the closed position to the open position (or vice versa), the drive shaft 11 of the motor 10 preferably rotates counterclockwise. The eccentric gear then consequently moves clockwise.

[0120] Using a magnet and a corresponding Hall sensor, the lowest position of the eccentric spindle 23 can be detected, and the rotational movement is stopped. During this movement, the eccentric spindle 23 pushes the actuating element 31 and the spring device 25 connected to it downwards against the direction of the spring and pre-tensions the spring(s) of the spring device.

[0121] The valve device 1 is now in the open position. When the valve device receives the signal to place the valve element in the closed position, the motor drive shaft preferably rotates clockwise. The eccentric gear then rotates counterclockwise.

[0122] With another Hall sensor, the highest position of the eccentric spindle can be detected.

[0123] The valve device is back in the normal closed position. List of reference numbers

[0124] 1 Valve device

[0125] 2 Housing

[0126] 3 Liquid connector

[0127] 4 Liquid connector

[0128] 5 Valve device

[0129] 6 Ball

[0130] 7 Passage

[0131] 8 Open position

[0132] 9 Closed position

[0133] 10 Training device

[0134] 11 Drive shaft

[0135] 12 Drive gear

[0136] 13 First geared device

[0137] 14 Gear

[0138] 15 Gear

[0139] 16 Second geared device

[0140] 17 Gear

[0141] 18 Gear

[0142] 19 Denture

[0143] 20 Eccentric disc

[0144] 21 Valve shaft

[0145] 22 Safety and storage device

[0146] 23 Eccentric pin

[0147] 24 Adjustment device

[0148] 25 Spring device

[0149] 26 Spring

[0150] 27 Pin

[0151] 28 Spring Seat

[0152] 29 Linear guide

[0153] 30 Guide rail

[0154] 31 Actuating element

[0155] 32 Spring direction

[0156] 33 Tooth-free section

[0157] 34 Liquid connector

[0158] 35 Eccentric gear

Claims

1. Demands Valve device (1), in particular for a vehicle cooling system, comprising a housing (2) having at least two fluid connectors (3), a valve device (5) that can be adjusted at least between a first valve position and a second valve position, and a drive device (10) for adjusting the valve device (5) between the first valve position and the second valve position, characterized in that a safety-integrated adjustment device (24) is provided so as to move the valve device (5) from the first valve position to the second valve position in the event of an incident, the safety-integrated adjustment device (24) comprising an eccentric gear (35) and a spring device (25), wherein the eccentric gear is coupled to the valve device (5) and wherein the adjustment device is designed such that,when the valve device (5) is disposed in the first valve position, the integrated safety power source supplies energy to the drive device (10) so that it deflects the eccentric gear (35) out of a neutral gear position in which the valve device is disposed in its first valve position over a predetermined angular range into a deflected gear position, in which the spring device (25) is coupled to the eccentric gear (35) so that the eccentric gear in the deflected gear position is moved by means of the spring force of the spring device (25) so that the valve device is disposed in the second valve position; the eccentric gear (35) comprising an eccentric disc (20) and an eccentric spindle (23), wherein the eccentric spindle (23) is moved along a circular path by means of the drive device (10) when the valve direction is set between the first valve position and the second valve position, and wherein the eccentric spindle, and with it the valve device, is disposed in a lowest position in the direction of the spring (32) at 180° in the first valve position and in a highest position in the direction of the spring (32) at 360° in the second valve position.

2. Valve device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an incident is a state in which an electrical supply, in particular that of a vehicle, is interrupted, and / or in which there is an invalid signal, and / or in which there is an interference signal, and / or there is a switching signal to adjust the valve device by means of the adjustment device.

3. Valve device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the safety-integrated adjusting device (24) includes a safety-integrated power source for the deflection or at least partially or completely the passage of the valve device (5) from the first valve position in the direction of the second valve position.

4. Valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the integrated safety adjusting device (24) includes a spring device (25) for at least partially or completely the passage of the valve device (5) from the first valve position in the direction of the second valve position.

5. Valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the integrated safety adjusting device (24) includes an eccentric gear (35) for at least partially or completely passing the valve device (5) from the first valve position in the direction of the second valve position.

6. Valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the eccentric spindle (23) is coupled to the spring device (25) so that, when the valve device (5) moves from the second valve position to the first valve position, the spring device (25) is pre-stressed so as to be able to retain the spring force.

7. Valve device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the eccentric gear (35) has a tooth-free section (33), so that less spring force is required when the valve device (5) moves from the first valve position to the second valve position.

8. Valve device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one sensor and preferably a plurality of sensors, in particular Hall sensors, are provided so as to detect a valve position of the valve device (5), in which at least one other sensor is provided for the detection of an incident, and in which a control device is provided for the actuation of the valve device (5) and the adjusting device, said control device actuating the elements of the valve apparatus using the data acquired by the sensors.

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