Multiport valve for controlling medium

Abstract

To provide a multiport valve for controlling a medium in a refrigerant circuit of a cooling system having a heat pump function which has a simple design and can be operated with a small operating force.SOLUTION: A multiport valve 11 for controlling a medium in a refrigerant circuit of a cooling system having a heat pump function has: a valve body 37 which step operation of the valve body 37 along an axis can control by an operation element 34 of a driver 27; and a valve body chamber 36 directing the driver 27. The valve body 37 is tubular, passes at least one first pressure chamber 56 between an injection port 12 and outflow ports 14, 15 at a first end position 39 of the step operation and at least another pressure chamber 57 between the injection port 12 and at least one of the other outflow ports 15, 14. At least one of sealing parts 52, 58, 62 for contacting the valve body 37 is associated with each of pressure chambers 56, 57.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The invention relates in particular to a multiport valve for controlling a medium in a refrigerant circuit of a cooling system with heat pump function. [Background technology]

[0002] German Patent Application Publication No. 102017102841 A1 describes a multiport valve for controlling a refrigerant circuit of a cooling system with heat pump function. The multiport valve includes a housing with an inlet, which is connected to a fluid channel with a regulating chamber within the housing. The housing also includes a first outlet opening and a second outlet opening, which are also connected to the regulating chamber. A rotary slide valve arrangement is provided within the regulating chamber, which includes a first control disk and a second control disk. A driver operates at least the first control disk of the rotary slide valve arrangement, thereby controlling the first outlet opening and / or the second outlet opening as required. The control disk of the rotary slide valve arrangement is made of a wear-resistant, low-friction material, such as ceramic. There is an ever-increasing demand for simple designs with low operating forces as well as reduced construction volume. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102017102841(A1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of proposing a multiport valve for controlling a medium in a refrigerant circuit of a cooling system, in particular with a heat pump function, which has a simple design and can be operated with a small actuation force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This problem is solved not only by a multiport valve provided with an actuator, but also by a valve element whose stroke along a stroke axis can be controlled by an actuating element of the actuator. Furthermore, the multiport valve has a valve element chamber facing the actuator, in which the valve element can at least partially move. The valve element is tubular and extends along the stroke axis, so that at least one end of the valve element's stroke passes through at least one first pressure chamber between the inlet and the first outlet, and protrudes into or passes through at least one second pressure chamber between the inlet and at least one other outlet, thereby allocating at least one seal to each pressure chamber for contact with the valve element. This tubular design of the valve element communicating with the first pressure chamber and at least one second pressure chamber allows for the creation of a simple and space-saving arrangement. Additionally, the valve body can be configured such that a small actuation force is required to move the tubular valve body from one end position to another end position and / or to an intermediate position to individually actuate the pressure chambers.

[0006] Preferably, the tubular valve body has at least two flow openings, with a first flow opening assigned to the inlet and at least one second flow opening provided in the valve body and assigned to one outlet and / or at least one other outlet. This design makes it easy to connect the inlet to the first outlet or the second outlet by activating the stroke movement of the valve body. It is also possible that the inlet can be connected to the first and second outlets for a mixing operation.

[0007] Preferably, stops for the stroke movement of the disc are provided in the first end position and in the second or other end position, in particular in the disc chamber, so that the disc can assume a defined starting position, from which the lifting movement is clearly controlled by the driver.

[0008] Preferably, a pressure relief is provided between the valve disc and the valve disc chamber, which allows pressure equalization to be created so that the actuator force can be reduced when moving the valve disc from the first end position to the other end position. The tubular design of the valve disc, which has at least a first passage opening and a second passage opening, allows the medium pressure to be present in the valve disc chamber through at least one passage opening, so that the pressure difference does not effectively counteract the opening and closing movements or the movement of the valve disc at all.

[0009] The seal assigned to at least one of the pressure chambers is preferably designed as a radial seal pressing against the outer periphery of the tubular valve body. As a result, on the one hand, sufficient sealing can be achieved, and on the other hand, the actuation of the valve body can be achieved with reduced actuation force. Additionally, the radial seal placed against the outer periphery of the valve body can provide guidance. Alternatively, at least one seal assigned to a pressure chamber can be designed as an axial seal that can come into contact with the end face of the tubular valve body. Furthermore, it may be provided to provide at least one radial seal and at least one axial seal that come into sealing contact with the tubular valve body at at least one end position. For example, it may be provided to design a central seal as a radial seal surrounding the valve body, and to design at least one seal arranged on the end face of the valve body as an axial seal. The other seals assigned to the opposite end face of the tubular valve body can be designed as axial seals or radial seals.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, a first seal is provided between the actuator and the first pressure chamber, a second seal is provided between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, and a third seal is provided between the inlet and the second pressure chamber. This allows for a simple design for a multi-port valve, where an inlet can be connected to two outlets as required. Preferably, the series is provided in such a way that a first outlet is provided downstream of the inlet and a second outlet is provided downstream of the first outlet.

[0011] In the arrangement of the inlet, first outlet, and second outlet described above, it is preferable to provide that the tubular valve disc has a length such that at the first end position, the valve disc is guided within the range from the first sealing portion to the third sealing portion, and at the second end position, the valve disc is guided only by the first and second sealing portions. This arrangement has the advantage of shortening the overall length of the multiport valve structure. Alternatively, it may be provided that the valve disc has a length such that at the first end position, the valve disc is guided only by the first and second sealing portions and lifted against the third sealing portion, and at the second end position, the valve disc is guided only by the second and third sealing portions and lifted against the first sealing portion. In this embodiment, the valve disc may be shorter than in the embodiment described above.

[0012] Furthermore, it may be provided that the valve body has a length such that in the first end position and in the second end position the valve body is guided by the second sealing portion, the second sealing portion preferably being designed as a radial sealing portion and the first and third sealing portions being designed as radial and / or axial sealing portions, and that in the first end position the valve body is lifted relative to the first sealing portion and in the second end position the valve body is lifted relative to the third sealing portion.

[0013] Alternatively, it may be provided that the valve body has a length such that in the first end position the first and second sealing portions guide the valve body and the valve body presses against the third sealing portion in an axially sealing manner, and in the second end position the first and second sealing portions only guide the valve body and pull it up from the third sealing portion.

[0014] In the above-described arrangement of the inlet, the first outlet and the second outlet, it can alternatively be provided that the tubular valve body has a length that guides the valve body in both the first and second end positions within the range from the first seal to the third seal, and in this arrangement, preferably further passage openings are provided in the peripheral wall and / or on the end faces of the valve body to enable control of the individual switching positions.

[0015] According to an alternative embodiment, a first seal is provided between the actuator and the first pressure chamber, a second seal is provided between the inlet and the first pressure chamber, and a third seal is provided between the inlet and the second pressure chamber. This alternative embodiment makes it possible, for example, to position the inlet between the first and second pressure chambers. In particular, this means that only laterally arranged conduit connections can be provided at the connection points serving the at least two pressure chambers.

[0016] In the aforementioned embodiment, it is preferably provided that the valve body extends in each case from the passage opening assigned to the inlet on both sides in the direction of at least one outlet and is guided within the range of at least three, in particular four, preferably radial seals.

[0017] According to other preferred embodiments, it can be provided that the tubular valve body is round or elliptical when viewed in cross section. In particular, elliptical embodiments have the advantage that no anti-rotation devices are required, which can be arranged, for example, in the valve body chamber.

[0018] According to another preferred embodiment of the multiport valve, a first valve chamber sleeve is provided in association with the actuator, extending away from the actuator and surrounding the valve body. This first valve chamber sleeve is associated with the first pressure chamber, and a first seal that seals the pressure chamber against the actuator is housed between the first valve chamber sleeve and the actuator. This arrangement has the advantage that the first valve chamber sleeve can house the first seal and be inserted into the insertion opening of the connection point together with the actuator and the tubular valve body.

[0019] According to another preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first valve chamber sleeve extends through the first pressure chamber and accommodates a second sealing portion arranged opposite the first sealing portion adjacent to the first pressure chamber, thereby sealing the chamber through which the valve body extends on both sides and activating the outlet assigned to the first pressure chamber depending on the position of the passage opening of the valve body.

[0020] Furthermore, it is preferred that the second seal separates the first pressure chamber from the second pressure chamber, or separates the first and second pressure chambers from the inlet, depending on the positioning of the inlet relative to the first and second pressure chambers. This embodiment has the advantage that only one seal must be provided, forming a seal towards both the first and second pressure chambers, or in an alternative embodiment, forming a seal between the first pressure chamber and the inlet.

[0021] Another embodiment provides for a first valve chamber sleeve adjacent to a second valve chamber sleeve extending through the second pressure chamber, the first and second valve chamber sleeves being separated by a common second seal, which allows for a simple design.

[0022] Furthermore, it may be preferable to provide that the second valve chamber sleeve has a third sealing portion opposite the first valve chamber sleeve, which seals the second pressure chamber from the inlet. In this way, the second valve chamber sleeve, which can be inserted into the second pressure chamber, can seal against the valve element extending through the second pressure chamber.

[0023] According to an alternative embodiment, the second valve chamber sleeve has a third sealing portion facing the first valve chamber sleeve, sealing the second pressure chamber into which the inlet opens from a third pressure chamber into which the second outlet opens, preferably when the inlet is arranged between two outlets.

[0024] Advantageously, the first and at least second valve chamber sleeves can be designed in one or more sections, with at least one radial seal being accommodated at the interface between at least two valve chamber sleeves, or at the interface of the multi-section valve chamber sleeve, or at the interface between the first valve chamber sleeve and the actuator. This arrangement allows the multiport valve, together with the valve chamber sleeve, to form a so-called cartridge housing, which can be completely inserted into the injection opening of the connection point.

[0025] Furthermore, it may be preferable to provide for a permanent connection of the first valve chamber sleeve and at least one other valve chamber sleeve to one another, thereby creating a structural unit for positioning the actuator together with the valve body fixedly assigned to the valve chamber sleeve, thereby enabling a defined positioning at the connection point.

[0026] The invention, as well as other advantageous and alternative embodiments of the invention, will be described and explained in more detail below with reference to examples shown in the drawings, in which the features taken from this description and the drawings can be used according to the invention individually or in any combination. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a multiport valve in a first end position. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multiport valve according to FIG. 1 in a second end position. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the multiport valve according to FIG. 1 in an intermediate position. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the multiport valve shown in FIG. 1 in a first end position. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the multiport valve according to FIG. 4 in a second end position. [Figure 6] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment according to FIG. 4 in an intermediate position. [Figure 7] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the multiport valve according to FIG. 4 in a first end position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the front end portion of the valve body shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the multiport valve according to FIG. 4 in a second end position. [Figure 10] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment according to FIG. 4 in an intermediate position. [Figure 11]5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the multiport valve shown in FIG. 4 in a first end position. [Figure 12] 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the multiport valve according to FIG. 7 in a first end position. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment according to FIG. 12 in a second end position. [Figure 14] 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment according to FIG. 12 in an intermediate position. [Figure 15] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the multiport valve shown in FIG. 4 in a first end position. [Figure 16] 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment according to FIG. 15 in a second end position. [Figure 17] 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the multiport valve according to FIG. 15 in an intermediate position. [Figure 18] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the multiport valve shown in FIG. 4 in a first end position. [Figure 19] 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a multiport valve according to FIG. 18 in a second end position. [Figure 20] 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a multiport valve according to FIG. 18 in an intermediate position. [Figure 21] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a controllable volumetric flow by a multi-port valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a multiport valve 11, which can be used to control the refrigerant circuit of a cooling system with heat pump function. The multiport valve 11 is designed, for example, as a three-way valve with not only an inlet 12 and a first outlet 14, but also a second outlet 15. Alternatively, the multiport valve 11 can also have several inlets and / or outlets.

[0029] The multiport valve 11 is shown in an exemplary installed position at a connection point 16. This connection point 16 comprises an insertion opening 17 into which the multiport valve 11 can be inserted and which can be connected to the connection point 16, in particular by means of a detachable threaded connection. An inlet opening 21 and first and second outlet openings 22, 23 are provided at the connection point 16. The inlet opening 21 and the first and second outlet openings 22, 23 open into the insertion opening 17. This insertion opening 17 can also form a regulating chamber which connects the inlet 12 and the first and second outlets 14, 15 to one another.

[0030] The multiport valve 11 comprises a valve housing 25. This valve housing 25 is connected to an actuator 27. The actuator 27 is designed as an electrically controllable actuator 27. For this purpose, a connection 28 is provided. This connection 28 can be used for power supply and / or data transmission for the electronics in the actuator 27, not shown in detail. The driver 27 is designed, for example, as a separating cap motor. The electronics of the driver 27 preferably enable precise control of the stroke of the valve disc 37. This actuation can be stepwise or continuous. This allows the valve disc 37 to be controlled and assume a defined stroke position. The actuator 27 comprises a stationary stator 31 and a rotatingly drivable rotor 32. A separating cap 33 is arranged between the stator 31 and the rotor 32. The separating cap 33 is arranged at the connection point 16 or at the insertion opening 17 in a medium-tight manner. The rotor 32 rotates the actuating element 34. The adjusting element 34 has a screw thread 35 on its outer periphery. The adjusting element 34 is fixed in position axially relative to the rotor 32 and rotates about its longitudinal axis. Alternatively or additionally, a proportional magnetic drive may also be provided, in particular with a magnetic armature position control or other electrically controllable drive.

[0031] The actuating element 34 extends through the valve housing 25. In particular, the actuating element 34 is positioned in a valve disc chamber 36. The actuating element 34 is connected to a valve disc 37. The valve disc 37 is subjected to a stroke movement along its longitudinal axis by the actuating element 34 or the actuator 27. The valve disc 37 can be moved by the driver 27, for example, from a first end position 39 shown in FIG. 1 to a second end position 41 shown in FIG. 2. In addition, the driver 27 also allows the valve disc 37 to be moved to one or more intermediate positions 42, which are shown by way of example in FIG. 3.

[0032] The anti-rotation device 44 prevents the valve disc 37 from moving against rotation relative to the control element 34. The anti-rotation device 44 can move within the valve disc chamber 36. For example, a flattened portion or a spring is provided on the outer periphery of the anti-rotation device 44 which is guided in a groove in the valve disc chamber 36 or the like.

[0033] A pressure relief 46 is provided between the valve disc 37 and the valve disc chamber 36. This pressure relief 46 is formed between the thread 35 of the actuating element 34 and the anti-rotation device 44, for example, as a run-in of the actuating element 34. Furthermore, the pressure relief 46 can be formed between the anti-rotation device 44 and the valve disc chamber 36.

[0034] The valve body 37 is tubular. The body 37 can be made of plastic. The valve body 37 can also be made of light metal alloys and other materials suitable for use with various refrigerants. One end portion of the valve body 37 is rigidly connected to the control element 34 or the anti-rotation device 44. The valve body 37 has at least two through-openings 48, 49. In the exemplary embodiment, a first passage opening 48 is provided at the end face of the tubular valve body 37. Another passage opening 49 is provided on the opposite side, radially aligned, and in the peripheral wall. The second passage opening 49 is formed, for example, by a round recess. One or more recesses distributed around the circumference of a cylinder can be provided on the tubular valve body 37, forming the passage openings 49. The through-openings 48, 49 can be designed, for example, as circular openings. The through-openings 48, 49 can also be polygonal or rectangular. In addition, at least one of the passage openings 48, 49 may have a drop-shaped profile or inlet area, so that with increased stroke action a varying, in particular decreasing or increasing, volumetric flow of medium can be released or controlled into the valve body 37 for outflow or inflow.

[0035] A first valve chamber sleeve 51 is arranged on the valve housing 25 opposite the actuator 27. This second valve chamber sleeve 51 is tubular in shape and surrounds the valve disc 37. The first valve chamber sleeve 51 is preferably removably attached to the valve housing 25. A first seal 52 is provided between the valve housing 25 and the valve chamber sleeve 51. This first seal 52 has, for example, a sealing ring 53 directly adjacent the outer periphery of the valve disc 37. This sealing ring 53 can be made, for example, from PTFE. An elastomeric seal 54 can surround the sealing ring 53.

[0036] This arrangement allows for a seal to be provided between the actuator 27 and the valve body 37, which can be at least partially housed in the valve body chamber 36. In addition, a seal can be created between the actuator 27 and the first pressure chamber 56, which is preferably formed in the connection point 16, in particular in the insertion opening 17. At the same time, the detachable connection of the first valve chamber sleeve 51 to the valve housing 25 allows for an easy fixation of the first seal 52. The first seal 52 is preferably designed as a radial circumferential seal that engages with the outer periphery of the tubular valve body 37.

[0037] In this embodiment according to FIG. 1 , the valve body 37 protrudes freely relative to the first valve chamber sleeve 51. The actuator 27, the first valve chamber sleeve 51, and the multiport valve 11 with the protruding valve body 37 are inserted as an installation unit into the connection point 16. At the connection point 16, a first pressure chamber 56 is assigned, for example, to the second outlet 15. A second pressure chamber 57 is provided adjacent to the first pressure chamber 56. This second pressure chamber 57 is assigned, for example, to the first outlet 14. This second pressure chamber 57 is preferably positioned between the first pressure chamber 56 or the second outlet 15 and the inlet 12. A second seal 58 is preferably provided between the first pressure chamber 56 and the second pressure chamber 57. This second seal 58 is inserted, preferably separately from the multiport valve 11, into the insertion opening 17 and fixed at the connection point 16, for example, by means of a fastening element 61, in particular a screw ring. As a result, the first pressure chamber 56 is sealed from the second pressure chamber 57 .

[0038] Furthermore, a third sealing part 62 is inserted into the insertion opening 17. This third sealing part 62 can be fixed in the insertion opening 17 by means of fastening elements 61 in the same way as the second sealing part 58. This third sealing part 62 seals the second pressure chamber 57 from the inlet 12 and the first outlet 14.

[0039] To position the multiport valve 11 in the insertion opening 17 of the connection point 16, the valve disc 37 is preferably moved to a first end position 39. This first end position 39 means that the actuator 27 has moved the valve disc 37 into its maximum stroke position relative to the valve housing 25. The valve disc 37 is inserted first into the second seal 58 and then into the third seal 62. The actuator 27 is then firmly connected to the connection point 16, preferably by means of a removable threaded connection. For example, an axial seal 64 is provided at this interface.

[0040] The multiport valve 11 is shown with the valve body 37 in a first switching position in a first end position 39 within the connection point 16. In this first switching position, the inlet 12 is connected to the first passage opening 48 and the second passage opening 49 is connected to the second outlet 15, thereby completely transferring the volume flow of medium from the inlet 12 to the second outlet 15. The tubular valve body 37 is fully extended between the second sealing part 58 and the third sealing part 62, so that the first outlet 14 is blocked.

[0041] In this embodiment of the multiport valve 11, the length of the valve disc 37 is designed so that when the valve disc 37 is positioned in the first end position 39 of the valve disc 37, the valve disc 37 extends from the first sealing portion 52, along the second sealing portion 58, and into the third sealing portion 62. As a result, the valve disc 37 is guided by the first sealing portion 52, the second sealing portion 58, and the third sealing portion 62.

[0042] The first seal 52 is understood to be a seal arranged between the first pressure chamber and the valve housing.

[0043] The second seal 58 is understood to be a seal arranged between the first and second pressure chambers or a seal separating the first pressure chamber from the second pressure chamber.

[0044] The third seal 62 is understood to be a seal positioned between the inlet and the downstream pressure chamber.

[0045] 1, it is also possible to apply the pressure of the medium applied to the inlet 12 to the valve chamber 36 via the pressure relief 46. As a result, a reduced actuation force of the actuator 27 is required to move the valve body 37 from the first end position 39 according to FIG. 1 to the second end position 41 according to FIG. 2.

[0046] In this second end position 41, the free end face of the valve body 37 is guided outside the third sealing part 62. The end face of the valve body 37 is arranged within the second pressure chamber 57. From there, the tubular valve body 37 extends continuously to the first sealing part 52, thereby blocking the second outlet 15. A free passage is formed between the inlet 12 and the first outlet 14. The second sealing part 58 prevents the flow of medium from the second pressure chamber 57 into the first pressure chamber 56.

[0047] The valve body 37 preferably has an insertion bevel at its front end to ensure that the front end of the valve body 37 can be re-inserted into the third sealing portion 62 .

[0048] 3 shows another schematic cross-sectional view of the multiport valve 11 according to FIG. 1, with the valve body 37 arranged in an intermediate position 42. In this intermediate position 42, the inlet 12 provides for supplying medium to both the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15, for example by lifting the end face edge of the valve body 37 again against the third seal 62. At the same time, however, it is still assumed to be in a stroke position that positions the passage opening 49 within the first pressure chamber 56, so that a volume flow can pass into the second outlet 15.

[0049] Depending on the arrangement of the passage openings 48 assigned to the first pressure chamber 56 as well as the arrangement of the end face ends of the valve body 37, the volume flow through the first outlet 14 and / or the second outlet 15 can be controlled and distributed proportionally.

[0050] In this embodiment, the multiport valve 11 can be designed as an assembly that also includes a second sealing portion 58 and a third sealing portion 62 that can be separately inserted and secured at the connection point 16. Fastening elements 61 for the sealing portions 58, 62 can also be included.

[0051] 1 to 3, which is not shown in detail, it may be provided, for example, that the second sealing portion 58 and the third sealing portion 62 form a second valve chamber sleeve 66. This second valve chamber sleeve 66 can be inserted into the second pressure chamber 57 and has the second sealing portion 58 and the third sealing portion 62 at corresponding ends. This second valve chamber sleeve 66 can be inserted into the connection point 16 separately from the multiport valve 11 and fixed therein. Preferably, the second valve chamber sleeve 66 has a sealing portion 67 aligned with the insertion opening 17, in each case outside the second sealing portion 58 and the third sealing portion 62.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the multiport valve 11 according to Figures 1 to 3, which is not shown in greater detail, it may be provided that the first valve chamber sleeve 51 extends along the first pressure chamber 56. In this case, the first sealing part 52 and the second sealing part 58 are fixed to the first valve chamber sleeve 51. The third sealing part 62 can be inserted separately into the connection point 16 and removably fixed by means of a fastening element 61.

[0053] 4-6 show an alternative embodiment of the multiport valve 11 to the embodiment described above. In this embodiment of the multiport valve 11, the first valve chamber sleeve 51 and the second valve chamber sleeve 66 are connected to each other and attached to the valve housing 25. In this embodiment, a second seal 58 is preferably positioned and fixed at the interface between the first valve chamber sleeve 51 and the second valve chamber sleeve 66. At the same time, a seal 67 is provided on the outer periphery of the interface between the first valve chamber sleeve 51 and the second valve chamber sleeve 66. This seal 67 is preferably housed in a circumferential groove on either the first valve chamber sleeve 51 or the second valve chamber sleeve 66, depending on whether the first valve chamber sleeve 51 surrounds the second valve chamber sleeve 66 on the outside, or vice versa. A seal 67 is also provided circumferentially outward at the free end face of the second valve chamber sleeve 66.

[0054] Thus, the multiport valve 11 includes the actuator 27, the valve housing 25, the valve element 37, and a cartridge housing 68 composed of at least a first valve chamber sleeve 51 and a second valve chamber sleeve 66, with the second sealing portion 58 arranged between the first valve chamber sleeve 51 and the second valve chamber sleeve 66 and the third sealing portion 62 arranged on the end face of the second valve chamber sleeve 66. In this way, the multiport valve 11 together with the cartridge housing 68 can be inserted into the insertion opening 17 of the connection point 16 as a single unit.

[0055] Furthermore, with regard to the operation modes of the multiport valve 11, reference can be made to the explanation given in FIGS.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows a schematic diagram of another alternative embodiment of the multiport valve 11 compared to the above-described embodiment. This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiment in the design of the valve body 37. This embodiment provides for an even shorter valve body 37 compared to the above-described embodiment. This is due to the fact that the through-holes 49 provided radially in the peripheral wall of the valve body 37 in the above-described embodiment are omitted. This valve body 37 provides for at least one passage opening 49 formed in the end face connecting the valve body 37 to the actuating element 34. This passage opening 49 is star-shaped, as can be seen in the perspective view of FIG. 8 . For example, at least one through-hole 49, or at least one lamella 69 or at least one rib extending from the through-hole 49, preferably two or three lamellas or ribs, can be provided. In this way, the peripheral wall of the valve body 37 is completely closed.

[0057] The shortened length of the valve body 37 can be seen from the view shown in FIG. 7. On the one hand, one end face of the valve body 37, which provides the passage opening 48, is positioned in the third sealing part 62. The opposite end of the valve body 37 can terminate between the first pressure chamber 56 and the second pressure chamber 57. The medium can pass directly from the inlet 12 into the first pressure chamber 56 and then into the second outlet 15 through the end opening 49 pointing towards the actuator 27.

[0058] Figure 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the multiport valve 11 according to Figure 7 with the valve body 37 in the second end position 41. Figure 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the multiport valve 11 according to Figure 7 with the valve body 37 arranged in an intermediate position 42.

[0059] A protruding design of the valve body 37 with two opposing end openings 48, 49 can also be used in the above described embodiments.

[0060] FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of another alternative embodiment of the multiport valve 11 compared to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 10. This multiport valve 11 differs from the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 to 6 in the design of the third sealing element 62. In FIGS. 1 to 10, the third sealing element 62 is designed as a radial sealing element. In the multiport valve 11 according to FIG. 11, the third sealing element 62 is designed as an axial sealing element. This sealing element 62 points toward the end face of the valve body 37. When the valve body 37 is moved to the first end position 39 by a pulling movement, the annular surface of the end face of the valve body 37 comes into sealing contact with the axial sealing element 62. This axial sealing element 62 can be arranged in a retaining ring 65 and can be securely held therein, for example, by beading. This retaining ring 65 can be inserted, pressed into, or integrated into the second valve chamber sleeve 66. This third sealing element 62 can be surrounded by a peripheral sealing element 67. In this embodiment of the multiport valve 11, during the stroke between the first end position 39 and the second end position 41, the valve element 37 is guided by the radial first sealing element 52 and by the radial second sealing element 58, providing that in the first end position 39 the valve element 37 rests sealingly on the third sealing element 62, which is designed as an axial sealing element.

[0061] For other designs and embodiments of the multiport valve 11 of FIG. 11, reference can be made to FIGS.

[0062] This third seal 62, designed as an axially aligned seal, can also be used in the embodiment of the multiport valve 11 according to FIGS. 1 to 3, as well as in the alternative embodiments described with reference to FIGS.

[0063] 12 to 14 show another alternative embodiment of the multiport valve 11. FIG. 12 shows the multiport valve 11 in the first end position 39. FIG. 13 shows the multiport valve 11 according to FIG. 12 in the second end position 41, and FIG. 14 shows the multiport valve 11 according to FIG. 12 in the intermediate position 42. In this embodiment, the valve body 37 corresponds to the embodiment according to FIGS. 7 to 10. Other configurations of this embodiment also correspond to the embodiments according to FIGS. 7 to 10. Deviating from the embodiment according to FIGS. 12 to 14, the first sealing portion 52 and the third sealing portion 62 are each designed as axial sealing portions. This means that the end faces of the valve body 37 are in sealing contact with the first sealing portion 52 or the third sealing portion 62 both in the first end position 39 and in the second end position 41. In between, the second sealing portion 58 is designed as a radial sealing portion, thereby displaceably guiding the valve body 37 during its movement between the first end position 39 and the second end position 41. As an alternative to this embodiment, it can also be provided that the first sealing portion 52 is designed as a radial sealing portion and only the third sealing portion 62 is designed as an axial sealing portion. An interchanged arrangement can also be provided.

[0064] 15 to 17 show an alternative embodiment of the multiport valve 11 to the embodiment described above. In this embodiment of the multiport valve 11, the tubular valve element 37 has a longer extension than in the embodiment described above. In FIG. 15, similar to FIG. 4, the valve element 37 is positioned in a first end position 39. As a result, the medium flows from the inlet 12 through the valve element 37 and into the second outlet 15 via the passage opening 49. FIG. 16 shows the multiport valve 11 with the valve element 37 in a second end position 41. In this second end position 41, the inlet 12 is connected to the first outlet 14. The flow of the medium into the second outlet 15 is blocked.

[0065] In this embodiment, the longer length of the valve disc 37 provides for guiding the valve disc 37 within the first to third sealing portions 52, 58, 62 during the stroke of the valve disc 37 from the first end position 39 to the second end position 41. In this way, the valve disc 37 does not break free relative to the third sealing portion 62. This longer version of the valve disc 37 can also be provided in the alternative embodiments shown above but not shown in more detail.

[0066] 17 shows a multiport valve 11 as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 with the valve body 37 in the intermediate position 42. The volumetric flow of medium entering the through opening 48 of the valve body 37 via the inlet 12 can therefore flow out via the other through opening 49 into the first pressure chamber 56 and the second pressure chamber 57.

[0067] 18-20 show another alternative embodiment of the multiport valve 11. This multiport valve 11 is adapted with respect to the valve body 37 in such a way as to provide at least one laterally arranged inlet 12 and also laterally arranged outlets 14, 15 at the connection point 16. In the embodiments described above according to FIGS. 1-10 and 15-17, the inlet 12 is provided on the end face of the connection point 16, whereas the outlets 14, 15 are arranged on side walls arranged at right angles to the connection point 16. The connections 14, 15 can be arranged on the same side or on side walls opposite the inlet 12.

[0068] 18 to 20, the above-described embodiment provides for the arrangement of the outlets 14, 15 on the side wall of the connection point 16, and for at least one inlet 12 on another or opposite side wall, in particular not on the end face of the connection point 16. Advantageously, the inlet 12 is positioned between the two outlets 14, 15. Due to this arrangement of the inlet 12 and the outlets 14, 15, the valve body 37 comprises, for example, three passage openings 48, 49, 50. Preferably, two passage openings 48, 49 are provided in the peripheral wall, spaced apart from each other. These two passage openings 48, 49 are arranged at a distance from each other that corresponds to the distance between the inlet 12 and the first outlet 14 when viewed in the stroke direction of the valve body 37. Advantageously, the distance between the inlet 12 and the second outlet 15 is the same as the distance between the inlet 12 and the first outlet 14 when viewed in the stroke direction.

[0069] The length of the valve disc 37 is such that it can be moved from a first end position 39, as shown in Figure 18, to a second end position 41, as shown in Figure 19. In the first end position 39, as shown in Figure 18, the inlet 12 is connected to the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 is blocked. In the second end position 41 of the valve disc 37, as shown in Figure 19, the first outlet 14 is blocked and the second outlet 15 is connected to the inlet 12. Figure 20 shows the valve disc 37 in an intermediate position 42, so that the medium flowing into the inlet 12 can be supplied to both outlets 14, 15.

[0070] In this embodiment, a permanent guiding of the valve body 37 is provided by the first sealing portion 52, by two third sealing portions 62 and, for example, by a fourth sealing portion 71.

[0071] A fourth seal is understood to be another seal provided in addition to the pressure chamber for sealing the pressure chamber on one side. In this embodiment of the multiport valve 11, the first seal 52 provides sealing of the first pressure chamber 56 relative to the valve housing 25. The third seal 62 seals the first pressure chamber 56 relative to the inlet 12. The other third seal 62 in turn seals the inlet 12 relative to the second pressure chamber 57. Preferably, this embodiment also provides a fourth seal 71. In addition, this fourth seal 71 can be used to seal and / or guide the valve body 37, which opens, for example, through the end passage opening 50. In this embodiment, a third pressure chamber 72 is preferably provided between the inlet 12 on the one hand and the first outlet 14 and the second outlet 15 on the other hand. 18 to 20, a cartridge housing 68 is provided that includes a first valve chamber sleeve 51, a second valve chamber sleeve 66, and a third valve chamber sleeve 74. The third valve chamber sleeve 74 is constructed similarly to the second valve chamber sleeve 66 and is adjacent to the second valve chamber sleeve 66.

[0072] Alternatively, in this embodiment of the connection point 16, it may be provided that the second to fourth sealing portions 58, 62, and 71 are each inserted into the insertion opening 17 and fixed separately. Alternatively, it may be provided that the first sealing portion 52 and the second sealing portion 58 are received by the first valve chamber sleeve 51, and the third sealing portion 66 and the fourth sealing portion 71 are inserted into the connection point 16. Furthermore, it may be provided that only the fourth sealing portion 71 is inserted separately into the connection point 16, and the first to third sealing portions 52, 58, and 62 are attached to or received by the valve chamber sleeves 51, 66.

[0073] In all of the embodiments of the multi-port valve 11 provided, the reverse operation is also possible, so that two outlets act as two inlets and one inlet serves as an outlet.

[0074] FIG. 21 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the controllable volumetric flow through a multiport valve 11 according to one of the above-described embodiments. The figure shows the volumetric flow as a function of the stroke path of the valve element 37. The stroke path of the valve element 37 between the first end position 39 and the second end position 41 is plotted along the X-axis. The Y-axis shows the volumetric flow of the medium as a function of the movement of the valve element 37 through the first outlet 14 (characteristic curve A) and the second outlet 15 (characteristic curve B). The multiport valve 11 is designed in such a way that it releases the entire volumetric flow of the medium in the end position 39 or 41. In the end position 39, the volumetric flow between the inlet 12 and the second outlet 15 is fully open, and the first outlet 14 is blocked. In the second end position 41, the volumetric flow between the inlet 12 and the first outlet 14 is fully open, and the volumetric flow between the inlet 12 and the second outlet 15 is blocked. In the intermediate position 42, depending on the stroke path of the valve body 37, a mixed operation can be enabled, whereby, for example, one volumetric flow is continuously reduced and the other volumetric flow is continuously increased. A non-linear reduction or increase, or a combination of reduction and increase, can also be controlled. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 11 Multi-port valve 12 Inlet 14 First Outlet 15 Second Outlet 16 Connection Points 17 Insertion opening 21 Inlet opening 22 first outlet opening 23 Second outlet opening 25 Valve body 27 Driver 28 connections 31 Stator 32 rotor 33 Separation Cap 34 Actuating Elements 35 threads 36 Valve chamber 37 Valve body 39 First end position 41 Second end position 42 Intermediate position 44 Anti-rotation devices 46 Pressure Relief 48 First opening passage, through opening, end opening 49 Second opening passage, through opening, end opening 50 Third opening passage, end passage opening 51 First valve chest sleeve 52 first sealing portion 53 Sealing ring 54 Elastomer seal 56 First Pressure Chamber 57 Second Pressure Chamber 58 Second sealing portion 61 Fastening Elements 62 Third sealing portion 64 Axial seal 65 Pick-up ring, receiving ring 66 Second valve chest sleeve 67 Sealing part 68 Cartridge housing 69 Thin plate 71 Fourth sealing part 72 Third Pressure Chamber 74 Third valve chest sleeve

Claims

1. A multiport valve for controlling a medium in a refrigerant circuit of a cooling system, in particular with a heat pump function, comprising: - a driver (27), a valve body (37) whose stroke movement along a stroke axis is controllable by an actuating element (34) of the driver body (27); a valve chamber (36) facing the driver (27), in which the valve body (37) can move at least partially; and - said valve body (37) is tubular and extends along said stroke axis; and - the valve body (37) in the end positions (39, 41) of its stroke passes through at least one first pressure chamber (56) between the inlet (12) and the outlet (14, 15) and protrudes into or passes through at least one second pressure chamber (57) between the inlet (12) and at least one other outlet (15, 14), associating with each said pressure chamber (56, 57) at least one sealing portion (52, 58, 62, 71) for abutment against the valve body (37); A multi-port valve characterized by:

2. 2. The multiport valve according to claim 1, wherein the tubular valve body (37) has at least two passage openings (48, 49, 50), a first passage opening (48) being assigned to the inlet (12) and at least one other passage opening (49) being assigned to at least one of the outlets (14, 15).

3. 2. A multiport valve according to claim 1, characterized in that in each case the valve body (37) provides a stop for the stroke into a first of the end positions (39) and one of the second end positions (41).

4. 4. The multiport valve according to claim 3, wherein the valve body (37) connects the inlet (12) and one of the outlets (14, 15) at a first end position (39) of the valve body (37) and connects the inlet (12) to the other of the outlets (15, 14) at a second end position (41).

5. 2. A multiport valve as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it provides a pressure relief (46) between the valve body (37) and the valve body chamber (36).

6. 2. The multiport valve according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sealing element (52, 58, 62, 71) assigned to the pressure chamber (56, 57) is designed as a radial sealing element pressing against the outer periphery of the tubular valve body (37), or the at least one sealing element (52, 62, 71) assigned to the pressure chamber (56, 57) is designed as an axial sealing element pressing against an end face of the tubular valve body (37) in a sealing manner at one of the end positions (39, 41), or the multiport valve is provided with at least one radial sealing element and at least one axial sealing element (52, 58, 62, 71) against which the tubular valve body (37) presses in a sealing manner at at least one of the end positions (39, 41).

7. 2. The multiport valve of claim 1, further comprising: a first seal (52) between the driver (27) and the first pressure chamber (56); a second seal (58) between the first pressure chamber (56) and the second pressure chamber (57); and a third seal (62) between the inlet (12) and the second pressure chamber (57).

8. The valve body (37) has a length such that the valve body (37) is guided among the first sealing portion (52) to the third sealing portion (52, 58, 62) at the first end position (39) and is guided only among the first sealing portion (52) and the second sealing portion (58) at the second end position (41), or the valve body (37) has a length such that the valve body (37) is guided among the second sealing portion (58, 62) at the first end position (39) and is lifted against the first sealing portion (52), and is guided among the first sealing portion (52) and the second sealing portion (58) at the second end position (41).

8. A multiport valve according to claim 7, characterized in that the valve body (37) has a length such that it is guided only in the first end position (39) and the second end position (41) of the valve body (37) and lifted against the third sealing portion (62), or the valve body (37) has a length such that it is guided through the second sealing portion (58) in the first end position (39) and in the second end position (41) and preferably the second sealing portion (58) is designed as a radial sealing portion and the first sealing portion (52) and the third sealing portion (62) are designed as radial and / or axial sealing portions.

9. 8. A multiport valve according to claim 7, characterized in that the tubular valve body (37) has a length such that it is guided in the first to third sealing portions (52, 58, 62) in the first end position (39) and in the second end position (41), and further passage openings (50) leading to the second passage opening (49) are provided in the peripheral wall and / or on the end face of the valve body (37).

10. 3. The multiport valve according to claim 2, characterized in that a first sealing portion (52) is provided between the driver (27) and the first pressure chamber (56), a third sealing portion (62) is provided between the inlet (12) and the second pressure chamber (57), and a fourth sealing portion (71) is provided opposite the third sealing portion (2) to the second pressure chamber (57), the third sealing portion (62) also being adjacent to the second pressure chamber (57).

11. 11. The multiport valve according to claim 10, wherein the valve body (37) extends on both sides from the passage opening (48) assigned to the inlet (12) in the direction of the corresponding outlet (14, 15) and is guided inside at least the first sealing part (52) and the third sealing part (62).

12. 2. A multiport valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the tubular valve body (37) has a round or elliptical cross section.

13. 2. The multi-port valve according to claim 1, wherein a first valve chamber sleeve (51) extending in an opposite direction relative to a precursor driver (27) and surrounding the valve body (37) is assigned to the driver (27) and is assigned to the first pressure chamber (56), and a first sealing portion (52) sealing the first pressure chamber (56) relative to the driver (27) is accommodated between the first valve chamber sleeve (51) and the driver (27).

14. 14. A multiport valve according to claim 13, wherein the first valve chamber sleeve (51) extends through the first pressure chamber (56) and receives a second sealing portion (58) opposite and associated with the first sealing portion (52) of the first pressure chamber (56), preferably the second sealing portion (58) separating the first pressure chamber (56) from the second pressure chamber (57).

15. 14. The multiport valve of claim 13, wherein the first valve chamber sleeve (51) is adjacent to a second valve chamber sleeve (66) extending through the second pressure chamber (57), the second sealing portion (58) is received at an interface between the first valve chamber sleeve (51) and the second valve chamber sleeve (66), and the second valve chamber sleeve (66) receives a third sealing portion (62) opposing the first valve chamber sleeve (51), the third sealing portion (62) sealing the second pressure chamber (57) from the inlet (12).

16. 16. A multiport valve according to claim 15, characterized in that a third valve chamber sleeve (74) is provided between the second valve chamber sleeve (66) and the first valve chamber sleeve (51) assigned to the inlet (12) positioned between the first of the outlets (14) and the at least one other outlet (15).

17. 17. A multiport valve according to claim 16, characterized in that each valve chamber sleeve (51, 66, 74) is designed in one or more parts, and at least one radial sealing portion (52, 58, 62, 71) facing the valve body (37) is provided at the interface between two valve chamber sleeves (51, 66, 74), or at the interface between a valve chamber sleeve (51, 66, 74) made of multiple parts, or at the interface between the valve chamber sleeve (51) and the driver (27), and at least one sealing portion (67) is provided outside the interface.

18. 17. The multiport valve according to claim 16, wherein the first valve chamber sleeve and at least one other valve chamber sleeve (51, 66, 74) are non-detachably connected to one another to form a cartridge housing (68) and are insertable together into an insertion opening (17) of a connection point (16).

19. 2. The multiport valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve body (37) is insertable into an insertion opening (17) of a connection point (16), the connection point (16) having an inlet (12) and at least two outlets (22, 23) that can be selectively activated by movement of the valve body (37).

20. 2. A multiport valve according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed as a three-way / two-way valve, in particular serving refrigerants R744 or R290.

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