Valve

Abstract

To provide a valve that can be manufactured at low cost and has a long service life without any negative effect on wear and required actuating force of an actuator.SOLUTION: A valve 1 has a valve casing 2 including a valve chamber 3. The valve chamber has a chamber wall 4 into which at least one fluid channel 5 opens. A valve core 6 is supported in the valve chamber. The valve core is provided with a channel structure which cooperates with the fluid channel. A seal member 7 is allocated to the fluid channel. The seal member has a sleeve-shaped retaining body 8. The retaining body is arranged in the fluid channel. A sealing body 10 is arranged on an end face 9 of the retaining body. The sealing body has a curved sealing contour 11 which points in the direction of the valve core.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve comprising a valve casing including a valve chamber having a chamber wall with at least one fluid passage opening into the chamber wall, a valve core supported within the valve chamber, the valve core being provided with a passage structure cooperating with the fluid passage, and a sealing member being arranged in correspondence with the fluid passage.

[0002] A valve of this kind is known from WO 2017 / 095994. The valve described there is configured as a rotary valve and is used in a cooling circuit to control the coolant flow. The coolant can flow into and out of the valve via fluid openings opening into the valve casing. A channel structure provided in the valve core controls the coolant flow, and depending on the configuration and number of the fluid channels, different cooling circuits can be controlled, the volumetric flow of the coolant can be adjusted and / or the throughflow direction of the coolant can be adapted.

[0003] In rotary valves, the cooling medium flow is adapted by rotation of the valve core, and the corresponding actuator for rotating the valve core is easily designed and easily controllable, so that the rotary valve and the actuator associated with it can be manufactured inexpensively and require little construction space.

[0004] The rotary valve is therefore particularly advantageous for use in a thermoregulation circuit in the field of electric mobility. The components to be thermoregulated of the electric vehicle are in this case, in particular, an electric energy accumulator, power electronics or a plug connection of a fast charging device. The thermoregulation medium flowing through the thermoregulation circuit can be heated in a heating device or cooled in a cooling device, as required. The control of the thermoregulation medium takes place via one or more rotary valves.

[0005] To prevent internal leakage, sealing bodies are arranged in the region of the transition between the fluid passage and the valve core, which, depending on the design, can cause high frictional forces, which can have a negative effect on the wear of the actuator and the required actuation force.

[0006] The problem underlying the present invention is to provide a valve which is inexpensive to manufacture and has a long service life.

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous configurations.

[0008] The valve according to the invention has a valve casing which includes a valve chamber, the valve chamber having a chamber wall into which at least one fluid passage opens, a valve core supported in the valve chamber, the valve core being provided with a passage structure which cooperates with the fluid passage, a sealing element being arranged in correspondence with the fluid passage, the sealing element having a sleeve-shaped retaining body which is arranged in the fluid passage, a sealing element being arranged in correspondence with an end face of the retaining body, the sealing element having a curved sealing contour which faces in the direction of the valve core.

[0009] The curved sealing contour causes the sealing element to apply linearly to the valve core. If the application is carried out under elastic preload, linear application results. Linear application involves a small contact surface, so that only a small pressing force is required to reach the surface pressure required for sealing. If the sealing element is made of a material with a low coefficient of friction, which is particularly the case for thermoplastic materials, only small friction forces have to be overcome, which reduces the required drive moment, especially in connection with small valve dimensions and the small working radii that result from this. This increases the service life of the valve and makes it possible to use cheaper components.

[0010] The sealing body can be bent into a collar. In such an arrangement, the sealing body is preferably thin-walled, the wall thickness of the sealing body being comparable to the wall thickness of the retaining body. This allows a particularly material-saving design of the sealing element. Due to the collar-like design, the sealing body is spring-like and can thus apply sealingly to the valve core by means of an elastic preload. In this case, a spring-like design is also possible when a non-elastic material is selected.

[0011] The section of the sealing body may be bent in a U-shape, and this U-shaped section is applied sealingly to the valve core. With this configuration, a linear application of the sealing body to the valve core can be realized by simple means. The section may then be shaped in such a way that the part of this section that contacts the valve core is located radially inward. In this configuration, the bent section is shaped in such a way that the top is displaced radially inward. This allows a low-dead-space configuration of the sealing contour and reduces the contact area between the sealing body and the valve core. In particular in conjunction with the collar-shaped configuration of the sealing body, the spring-like configuration results in a particularly good sealing effect.

[0012] In a first configuration, the seal member is constructed from an elastomeric material and the seal profile of the seal body is formed in a U-shape.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the sealing element is made of a form-stable and / or hard plastic. In particular, non-elastomeric materials, preferably thermoplastics, come into consideration here. The material is selected in such a way that the sealing element is form-stable and generates low frictional forces when applied to the valve core. The shaping of the sealing element also results in additional spring properties, so that the sealing element is applied to the valve core with an elastic preload. Due to the low coefficient of friction, in particular in comparison with elastomeric sealing elements, a particularly low force has to be applied to the valve core by the actuator in order to be able to move the valve core relative to the sealing element. Polypropylene (PP) or polyamide (PA) come into consideration in this case as a material for the sealing element. Preferably, the sealing element is formed in one piece. In particular, in an advantageous embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a separate spring element, for example made of an elastomer.

[0014] The free end of the sealing body may be oriented in the direction of the chamber wall. In this case, in particular in connection with the collar-shaped configuration of the sealing body made of a thin-walled material, the free end of the sealing body spring-loadedly presses against the chamber wall of the valve casing. The sealing body then provides a seal in the direction of the valve casing and blocks leakage flows between the sealing element and the valve casing. In this configuration, the configuration of the support is advantageously not critical, and the sealing function between the sealing element and the valve casing is realized by the sealing body, with the free end of the sealing body facing in the direction of the chamber wall and pressing there in a sealing manner by means of an elastic preload. In this case, the free end of the sealing body is pressed against the chamber wall in a linear manner, so that a high sealing effect can already be obtained with only a small pressing force.

[0015] The holder may be supported in the fluid passage in a floating manner. In this case, the holder forms a simple support element that fixes the position of the sealing element relative to the fluid passage. The floating support allows the sealing element to slide in the fluid passage. The floating support can be carried out in such a way that a clearance fit is formed between the sealing element and the fluid passage. The slidable arrangement ensures a continuous sealing effect and a sufficiently elastic pressing of the sealing element against the valve core. This is advantageous, in particular during the assembly of the valve, since the sealing element only needs to be inserted into the fluid passage. In contrast, when the valve core is assembled into the valve housing, the orientation of the sealing element can be carried out automatically. The sealing element can rotate automatically in the fluid passage. In particular, therefore, it is not necessary to rotate the sealing element already into the correct position during the assembly sequence.

[0016] The sealing body can be bent in an S-shape between the free end and the U-shaped section, which improves the spring action of the sealing body and thus contributes to an improved sealing action overall.

[0017] The valve may be a rotary valve, in which case the valve core is supported in a rotatable manner in the valve chamber. The adaptation of the fluid flow is effected by rotation of the valve core and can be controlled particularly simply by an actuator. If configured as a rotary valve, the valve housing may be provided with a number of fluid channels which cooperate with the valve core, so that different fluid flows can be realized by simple means. If the rotary valve is thus a component of a temperature control circuit, it is conceivable that a temperature control medium can be supplied to different components via the rotary valve and that this temperature control medium can be used for heating or cooling.

[0018] In this case, the valves may be changeover valves that selectively control the various components. Alternatively, the valves may be proportional valves that are also capable of controlling the volumetric flow of fluid.

[0019] Several configurations of the valve according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings, each of which is shown diagrammatically. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a valve in the form of a rotary valve with proportional control. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the valve according to FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve according to FIG. 1 having an alternatively configured sealing member. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the valve. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of a third embodiment of a valve. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing details of an area of ​​a thermoplastic seal member. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing details of an area of ​​the elastomeric seal member. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing details of a seal member.

[0021] The figures show a valve 1 in the form of a rotary valve, which forms part of the thermoregulation circuit of an apparatus to be air-conditioned. In this case, the valve 1 is used in electromobility applications as a component of the thermoregulation circuit of an electric vehicle. In this case, the valve 1 is integrated into the thermoregulation circuit of an electric motor-type drive of an electric vehicle and directs the volumetric flow of the medium guided in the thermoregulation circuit towards an electric energy accumulator and an electric motor as well as towards the power electronics. By means of the valve 1, the thermoregulation medium flow in the thermoregulation circuit can be varied.

[0022] The volumetric flow of the temperature adjustment medium can be increased or decreased by the valve 1. Furthermore, by rotating the valve core 6, the various fluid passages 5 can be connected in a flow-guiding manner, thereby allowing the flow direction of the temperature adjustment medium to be changed.

[0023] Depending on the ambient temperature and the power demand, for example, the temperature control medium flow can first be directed only to the electric energy accumulator, where it can be cooled or heated depending on the demand. In the case of high power demands, the cooling medium flow can be directed to the power electronics and also to the electric motor in order to cool these components. In this case, the change in the cooling medium flow is performed by one or more valves 1. The actuator which rotates the valve core 6 can in this case be formed in such a way that the valve core 6 can assume discrete positions, whereby the valve 1 is a switching valve. Alternatively, the actuator can be configured in such a way that the valve core 6 can also assume intermediate positions, forming in this configuration a proportional valve.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a valve 1, which has a valve casing 2 made of plastic, in which a valve chamber 3 is formed. The valve chamber 3 has a chamber wall 4, into which a number of fluid passages 5 open. In the illustrated embodiment, three fluid passages 5 are provided, one of which supplies a fluid and two of which remove the fluid. A valve core 6 is rotatably supported in the valve chamber 3 and is provided with a passage structure which cooperates with the fluid passages 5. As the valve core 6 is rotatably supported in the valve chamber 3, the valve 1 forms a rotary valve. The valve 1 is shown partially cut away so that the individual components can be clearly seen.

[0025] The valve core 6 has a valve core circumferential wall 14. The valve core circumferential wall 14 is formed in an annular shape. The valve core circumferential wall has a first area 15 for closing the fluid passage 5 by tightly contacting the sealing element 7 depending on the position of the valve core 6. The valve core circumferential wall 14 has a second area 16 which is formed for fully or partially opening the fluid passage 5 depending on the position of the valve core 6 and for flow-guidingly connecting the fluid passage 5 to the valve chamber 3. The first area 15 may in particular be a ring area which can block the entire cross section of the fluid passage 5. For this purpose, the first area 15 may be formed as a cylindrical area. The second area 16 may be formed as a ring area which does not block the entire cross section of the fluid passage 5.

[0026] In FIG. 1, the valve core peripheral wall 14 is connected to the valve core shaft via three connecting webs 17 .

[0027] In Fig. 1, a sealing element 7 is arranged in each of the two fluid channels 5, which are formed as fluid channels for the flow out of the valve chamber 3. The sealing elements 7 have sleeve-shaped retaining bodies 8, which are respectively arranged in the fluid channels 5. A sealing body 10 is arranged on an end face 9 of the retaining bodies 8, which has a curved sealing contour 11 facing in the direction of the valve core 6.

[0028] The sealing body 10 is bent into a collar, the wall thickness of which corresponds essentially to the wall thickness of the retaining body 8. A section 13 of the sealing body 10 is bent into a U-shape, which U-shaped section 13 sealingly applies to the valve core 6. A free end 12 (see also FIG. 2) of the sealing body 10 faces towards the chamber wall 4 and is sealingly applied thereto.

[0029] The holder 8 is supported in a floating manner within the fluid passage 5. In this case, a clearance fit is generated between the holder 8 and the fluid passage 5, so that the holder 8 can rotate automatically relative to the fluid passage 5.

[0030] The valve 1 designed as a rotary valve has only a small number of parts and essentially consists only of the valve housing 2, the valve core 6, one sealing element 7 per fluid passage 5 and, if necessary, additional sealing elements which seal the valve core 6 on its end side against the through-hole of the switching shaft in the direction of the actuator.

[0031] The valve 1 shown in Fig. 1 is configured as a proportional valve. The valve core 6 is configured in such a way that only one fluid channel 5 can be completely blocked off. In this case, intermediate positions are also possible, whereby all fluid channels 5 can guide at least some partial volume flows.

[0032] Figure 2 shows the valve 1 according to figure 1 in a cross-sectional view. It can be seen that in this case a section 13 of the sealing body 10 is bent into a U-shape, this U-shaped bent section 13 sealingly abutting against the valve core 6. A free end 12 of the sealing body 10 faces towards the chamber wall 4 and abuts therein in a sealing manner. Between the free end 12 and the U-shaped section 13 the sealing body 10 is bent into an S-shape. The sealing element 7 is made of a form-stable thermoplastic plastic, for example polypropylene or polyamide.

[0033] Figure 3 shows the valve 1 according to Figure 1, where the sealing element 7 is in this configuration made of an elastomeric material. In this configuration, a section 13 of the sealing body 10 is likewise U-bent, and this U-bent section 13 sealingly rests against the valve core 6. In this case, however, the sealing body 10 is not made thin-walled but consists of a solid material.

[0034] Figure 4 shows an alternative configuration of the valve 1 shown in Figure 1. In this embodiment, the valve has four fluid passages 5. The valve 1 shown in Figure 4 is also configured as a proportional valve. However, the valve core 6 is configured in such a way that two adjacent fluid passages 5 are connected in a flow-directing manner. In this case, intermediate positions are also possible, so that the volume flow can be changed in the direction of one fluid passage 5. For this purpose, the valve core 6 is configured cylindrically. The cylindrical wall is provided with a recess that extends over a portion of the circumference of the wall.

[0035] 5 shows a bottom view of another embodiment of the valve 1. In this embodiment, the valve 1 has three fluid passages 5. One sealing element 7 is arranged in every fluid passage 5. The inflow of the fluid can in this embodiment be via openings in the underside (not shown) of the valve casing 2.

[0036] In Figures 4 and 5, the valve core peripheral wall 14 has a recess 18 in the second section 16 which flow-guidingly connects the fluid passage 5 to the valve chamber 3 depending on the position of the valve core 6.

[0037] Figure 6 shows a detail in a cross-section in the region of the sealing element 7 of the valve 1 according to Figure 4. It can be seen here that a section 13 of the sealing body 10 is bent into a U-shape, this U-shaped bent section 13 sealingly abutting against the valve core 6. A free end 12 of the sealing body 10 faces towards the chamber wall 4 and abuts therein in a sealing manner. Between the free end 12 and the U-shaped section 13 the sealing body 10 is bent into an S-shape. The sealing element 7 is made of a thermoplastic material, for example polypropylene or polyamide.

[0038] Figure 7 shows a detail in cross section in the region of the sealing element 7 of the valve 1 according to Figure 4, which in this configuration is made of an elastomeric material. In this configuration, a section 13 of the sealing body 10 is likewise U-bent, which U-bent section 13 sealingly rests against the valve core 6. In this case, however, the sealing body 10 is not made thin-walled but consists of a solid material.

[0039] Alternatively, it is conceivable that the valve 1 is configured as a changeover valve. In this configuration, the valve core 6 is configured in such a way that the fluid passages 5 are selectively connected to one another in a flow-directing manner. The valve casing 2 may alternatively be provided with a different number and arrangement of fluid passages 5. The arrangement and configuration of the valve core 6 are likewise variable. The variable configuration of the valve casing 2 and the valve core 6 allows, for example, the configuration of a proportional valve with one or more recesses, the configuration of a changeover valve with the valve core 6 with a passage structure, or a combined proportional / changeover valve configuration.

[0040] Figure 8 shows details of a sealing element 7 for the valve 1 shown above. In this case, a sealing element 7 is floatingly supported in each fluid passage 5 that is to be sealed against the valve core 6. The floating support allows the sealing element 7 to slide within the fluid passage 5 and also to rotate during assembly.

[0041] In Figures 2, 3, 6 and 7, the sealing body 10 is shown in an undeformed state, which is shown diagrammatically by overlapping with the valve core 6. In the actual product, this results in a preload of the sealing member between the valve core 6 and the valve casing 2, which improves the sealing action.

Claims

1. 1. A valve (1), comprising a valve casing (2) including a valve chamber (3), the valve chamber (3) having a chamber wall (4) into which at least one fluid passage (5) opens, a valve core (6) supported in the valve chamber (3), the valve core (6) being provided with a passage structure cooperating with the fluid passage (5), a sealing element (7) having a sleeve-shaped retaining body (8) correspondingly arranged in the fluid passage (5), the retaining body (8) being arranged in the fluid passage (5), a sealing body (10) arranged on an end face (9) of the retaining body (8), the sealing body (10) having a curved sealing contour (11) facing in the direction of the valve core (6).

2. 2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the sealing body (10) is bent into a collar.

3. 3. A valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the section (13) of the sealing body (10) is bent in a U-shape, said section (13) being applied sealingly against the valve core (6).

4. 4. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the sealing element (7) is made of a form-stable plastic.

5. 5. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member (7) is made of hard plastic.

6. 6. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member (7) is formed integrally.

7. 7. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member (7) is made from a thermoplastic material.

8. 8. The valve according to claim 1, wherein a free end (12) of the sealing body (10) faces towards the chamber wall (4).

9. 9. A valve as claimed in claim 8, wherein the free end (12) of the sealing body (10) abuts against the chamber wall (4).

10. 10. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the retainer (8) is floatingly supported in the fluid passage (5).

11. 11. The valve according to claim 3, wherein the sealing body (10) is bent in an S-shape between the free end (12) and the U-shaped section (13).

12. 12. The valve according to claim 1, which is configured as a rotary valve, the valve core (6) being rotatably supported in the valve chamber (3).

13. The valve (1) is configured as a changeover valve or as a proportional valve.

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