Rotary valve

Abstract

A rotary valve (1), comprising a valve housing (2) having a valve chamber (3), the valve chamber (3) having a chamber wall (4), at least two fluid openings (5) being machined in the chamber wall (4), the valve chamber (3) accommodating a valve core (7), a passage structure (8) cooperating with the fluid openings (5) being provided in the valve core (7), the valve core (7) being rotatably supported in the valve chamber (3) and being rotatable via a drive shaft (9), the valve core (7) being formed from a plurality of members and having at least a first valve core element (10) and a second valve core element (11), the first valve core element (10) having a first passage structure (8'), the second valve core element (11) having a second passage structure (8''), the first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) being operatively coupled to the drive shaft (9), the rotary valve (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary valve, which comprises a valve housing having a valve chamber. The valve chamber has a chamber wall, at least two fluid openings are machined in this chamber wall, the valve chamber houses a valve core, and a passage structure cooperating with the fluid openings is provided in this valve core. The valve core is rotatably supported in the valve chamber.

Background Art

[0002] A rotary valve of such a form is known, for example, based on the specification of German Patent Application Publication No. 102018009680. The rotary valve of the above-described form is often used in a cooling circuit to control the refrigerant flow. Through the fluid openings machined in the valve housing, the cooling fluid can flow in and out. In this case, the passage structure machined in the valve core controls the refrigerant flow. In this case, different cooling circuits may be controlled according to the configuration and number of the fluid openings, or the volume flow rate may be adjusted, or the flow direction may be adapted.

[0003] In this case, the configuration as a rotary valve is advantageous because the adaptation of the refrigerant flow rate is performed by the rotation of the valve core. In this case, the corresponding actuator for rotating the valve core is simply formed and can be easily controlled. Correspondingly, the rotary valve and the corresponding actuator can be manufactured at low cost. Moreover, the rotary valve requires only a small installation space.

[0004] A rotary valve of this type is particularly advantageous for use in a temperature control circuit in the field of electromobility. To achieve a long range for an electric vehicle, for example, it is necessary to control the temperature of electrical components. In this case, the components to be temperature-controlled in the electric vehicle are, in particular, in addition to the electrical energy storage device, the power electronics or the plug-in connection means of a rapid charging device. The electrical energy storage device has a good capacity only within a very small temperature range. Therefore, it is necessary to heat the electrical energy storage device of the electric vehicle when the ambient temperature is low and to cool it when the outdoor temperature is high or when the load fluctuations are large.

[0005] For this purpose, it is known to provide a temperature control circuit through which a temperature control medium flows. In this case, the temperature control medium may be heated in a heating device or cooled in a cooling device as required. In this case, the control of the temperature control medium flow is effected at least in part via a rotary valve. In this case, a need arises for a complex passage structure of the valve core. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] The underlying problem of the present invention is to provide a rotary valve that can be manufactured inexpensively and enables complex control of a temperature control circuit. MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEM

[0007] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous configurations are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The rotary valve according to the present invention comprises a valve housing having a valve chamber. The valve chamber has a chamber wall, and at least two fluid openings are machined in this chamber wall. The valve chamber houses a valve core, and a passage structure cooperating with the fluid openings is provided in this valve core. The valve core is rotatably supported in the valve chamber and is rotatable via a drive shaft. The valve core is formed from a plurality of members and has at least a first valve core element and a second valve core element. The first valve core element has a first passage structure, and the second valve core element has a second passage structure. The first valve core element and the second valve core element are operatively coupled to the drive shaft.

[0009] By forming the valve core from a plurality of members, it becomes possible to realize a composite control of the temperature adjustment circuit. The first valve core element and the second valve core element are provided with passage structures that can cooperate with their respective fluid openings independently of each other. Correspondingly, the first temperature adjustment circuit can be realized via the passage structure of the first valve core element, and the second temperature adjustment circuit can be realized via the passage structure of the second valve core element. The first valve core element and the second valve core element are operatively coupled to the drive shaft. In this case, both valve core elements may be rotatable independently of each other. That is, selectively, only the first valve core element, or only the second valve core element, or both valve core elements can be rotated by the rotational movement of the drive shaft. This makes it possible to inexpensively realize a composite control of different temperature adjustment circuits by simple means.

[0010] The first valve core element may be operatively coupled to the drive shaft via a first clutch. The clutch transmits the torque of the drive shaft to the first valve core element. In this case, the clutch may be configured such that the power flow is selectively interrupted, whereby torque transmission does not occur during rotation of the drive shaft, and correspondingly, rotation of the valve core element does not occur either.

[0011] The second valve core element may be operatively coupled to the drive shaft via a second clutch. Depending on the requirements imposed on the control of the temperature adjustment circuit, it is possible to provide a clutch only for the first valve core element, or only for the second valve core element, or to provide clutches for both valve core elements respectively. In particular, a configuration with two clutches enables a particularly flexible and complex control of different temperature adjustment circuits. A configuration with only one clutch each is inexpensive.

[0012] The first clutch and / or the second clutch may be formed as a freewheel clutch. A clutch formed as a freewheel transmits torque only in one direction of rotation, while no torque transmission takes place in the opposite direction of rotation. The freewheel is a passive type of clutch that enables a switching operation without using auxiliary energy. Alternatively, the clutch may be formed as a switching clutch and can be switched, for example, via an actuator.

[0013] The freewheel of the first clutch may transmit torque in a first direction of rotation. The freewheel of the second clutch may transmit torque in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation. In this configuration, by rotating the drive shaft in the first direction, only one valve core element is rotated, and by rotating it in the opposite direction, the other valve core element is rotated. As a result, when the drive shaft rotates, one valve core element is held in position, while the other valve core element changes its position. This enables a complex switching operation to be realized by simple means.

[0014] A locking element may be provided. This locking element may be configured to cause an increase in the torque for the rotational movement of the valve core element at a preset rotational position. This can prevent, for example, an unwanted rotational movement of the valve core element based on fluid forces, vibrations or other influences, such as drag moments. To avoid unwanted rotational movement, the friction of the valve core against the chamber wall may be utilized.

[0015] The rotary valve may comprise one or more sensors for identifying the position of the valve core element. By means of this sensor, the angular position of the valve core element can be detected, which can be carried out, for example, via pressure measurement, fluid flow measurement or position measurement. When the position loss is determined by the sensor, the valve core element can be brought back to the proper position again via closed-loop control.

[0016] The freewheel clutch may be configured to be locked only at a predefined number of positions. With this configuration, idling is possible over a small distance interval even in the rotation direction in which torque is transmitted. This enables position monitoring without additional sensors.

[0017] The first valve core element and the second valve core element may be operatively coupled to each other via locking means. In this case, the locking means are such that both valve core elements are rotatable independently of each other in one direction of rotation and are locked to each other in the second direction of rotation, whereby both valve core elements may be configured to be rotated in the same manner relative to each other in the second direction of rotation. In this configuration, one valve core element can be rotated in both directions of rotation, while the other valve core element can only be rotated in one direction of rotation.

[0018] The first valve core element and the second valve core element may be arranged one above the other in the longitudinal direction, i.e., in the direction of the axis of rotation, when viewed in this direction. In this configuration, the valve core elements are stacked and arranged within the valve housing, and the passage structures of both valve core elements are preferably connected to the fluid openings independently of each other. This configuration is particularly well-suited for controlling a plurality of mutually independent temperature adjustment circuits. In this case, the first valve core element can influence the first temperature adjustment circuit, and the second valve core element can influence the second temperature adjustment circuit.

[0019] According to an alternative configuration, the first valve core element and the second valve core element are fitted to each other inside and outside in the radial direction. In this configuration, one of the valve core elements has a concentric notch, and another valve core element is arranged in this notch. In this configuration, the passage structure portions of both valve core elements can be connected to each other, and in particular, a complex passage structure portion can be realized.

[0020] According to another alternative configuration, a plurality of valve core elements are provided. Among these valve core elements, some valve core elements are arranged vertically with respect to each other when viewed in the longitudinal direction, and another valve core element is fitted to each other inside and outside.

[0021] The valve housing may be formed of a plurality of members. In this configuration, in particular, it is possible that the first valve core element is assigned to the first valve housing portion and the second valve core element is assigned to the second valve housing portion. In this configuration, it is particularly easy to separate various different material flows from each other, and thereby allow the first material flow to flow through the first valve core element and the second material flow to flow through the second valve core element. By forming the valve housing from a plurality of members, internal leakage can be avoided.

[0022] Hereinafter, several configurations of the rotary valve according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Figure 1 shows a rotary valve 1 which is a component of the temperature adjustment circuit of an internal device to be air - conditioned. In this specification, this rotary valve 1 is used as a component of the temperature adjustment circuit of an electric vehicle in the field of electromobility. In this case, the rotary valve 1 is incorporated into the temperature adjustment circuit of an electric - motor - type drive device of an electric vehicle, and guides the volume flow of the medium guided in this temperature adjustment circuit to an electrical energy storage device, an electric motor, and power electronics. By means of the rotary valve 1, the temperature adjustment medium flow of the temperature adjustment circuit can be controlled.

[0025] In particular, it is possible to change, for example, increase or decrease the volume flow rate of the temperature adjustment medium. Furthermore, by the rotation of the valve core 7, different fluid openings 5 can be connected to each other for guiding the flow, and thus the flow direction of the temperature adjustment medium can be changed or another component of the temperature adjustment circuit can be controlled. To this extent, the rotary valve 1 according to the present invention also constitutes a direction - control valve, and by means of this direction - control valve, the temperature adjustment medium can be individually and purposefully supplied to various different components of the device to be temperature - adjusted, and if necessary, the components can also be separated from the temperature adjustment medium flow.

[0026] According to the ambient temperature and the output requirement, for example, the temperature adjustment medium flow is first guided exclusively to the electrical energy storage device, where the electrical energy storage device can be cooled or heated according to the ambient temperature. When the output requirement is high, the refrigerant flow can be guided to both the power electronics and the electric motor, thereby cooling these components. In this case, the change in the refrigerant flow rate is effected by the rotary valve 1. In this case, the rotary valve 1 can replace a plurality of solenoid valves, whereby the temperature adjustment circuit can be manufactured at low cost.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a rotary valve 1 having a valve housing 2 formed of plastic, and a valve chamber 3 is disposed within the valve housing 2. This valve chamber 3 has a chamber wall 4, and a plurality of fluid openings 5 are machined in this chamber wall 4. The valve chamber 3 has an accommodation opening 6 on the end face side and accommodates a valve core 7. The valve core 7 is provided with a passage structure portion 8 that cooperates with the fluid opening 5. The valve core 7 is rotatably supported within the valve chamber 3 and includes a drive shaft 9, and the valve core 7 can be rotated by an actuator via this drive shaft 9. The valve housing 2 and the valve core 7 are formed of plastic and are manufactured by an injection molding method.

[0028] The valve core 7 is formed of a plurality of members and has a first valve core element 10 and a second valve core element 11. A first passage structure portion 8' is machined in the first valve core element 10, and a second passage structure portion 8'' is machined in the second valve core element 11. The first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are operatively coupled to the drive shaft 9. A first clutch 12 is disposed between the drive shaft 9 and the first valve core element 10, and a second clutch 13 is disposed between the drive shaft 9 and the second valve core element 11. The first clutch 12 and the second clutch 13 are formed as freewheel clutches, and the freewheel of the first clutch 12 transmits torque in a first rotation direction, and the freewheel of the second clutch 13 is arranged to transmit torque in a second rotation direction that is opposite to the first rotation direction. Correspondingly, rotation of the drive shaft 9 in the first rotation direction causes the first valve core element 10 to rotate, whereas the drive shaft 9 does not transmit torque to the second valve core element 11. In the second rotation direction, torque is not transmitted from the drive shaft 9 to the first valve core element 10, and the second valve core element 11 is rotated by torque transmission.

[0029] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are arranged one above the other in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft 9 as viewed. The passage structure portions 8', 8'' are each operatively connected to the fluid opening 5.

[0030] Figure 2 shows an improved form of the rotary valve 1 shown in Figure 1. In the illustrated configuration, a first valve core element 10 is operatively coupled to a second valve core element 11 via a locking means 14. This locking means 14 is formed as a freewheel clutch and can rotate the first valve core element 10 independently of the second valve core element 11 in a first rotation direction. In contrast, both valve core elements 10 and 11 are caused to rotate similarly to each other by torque transmission via the locking means 14 in a second rotation direction. In this configuration, the first valve core element 10 is coupled to the drive shaft 9 via a first clutch 12, and the second valve core element 11 is coupled to the drive shaft 9 via a second clutch 13. By the rotation of the drive shaft 9 in the first rotation direction, only one of the valve core elements 10 is rotated, whereas in the second rotation direction, both valve core elements 10 and 11 are rotated similarly to each other by the locking of the locking means 14.

[0031] Figure 3 shows an improved form of the rotary valve 1 shown in Figure 1. In this configuration, the valve housing 2 is formed from a plurality of members and has a first valve housing element 2' and a second valve housing element 2''. In this case, the first valve core element 10 is disposed within the first valve housing element 2', and the second valve core element 11 is disposed within the second valve housing element 2''.

[0032] Figure 4 shows a rotary valve 1 provided with a valve housing 2 formed of plastic, and a valve chamber 3 is disposed within the valve housing 2. This valve chamber 3 has a chamber wall 4, and a plurality of fluid openings 5 are machined in this chamber wall 4. The valve chamber 3 has a receiving opening 6 on the end face side and houses a valve core 7. The valve core 7 is provided with a passage structure portion 8 that cooperates with the fluid opening 5. The valve core 7 is rotatably supported within the valve chamber 3 and includes a drive shaft 9, and via this drive shaft 9, the valve core 7 can be rotated by an actuator.

[0033] The valve core 7 is formed from a plurality of members and has a first valve core element 10 and a second valve core element 11. A first passage structure portion 8' is machined in the first valve core element 10, and a second passage structure portion 8'' is machined in the second valve core element 11. The first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are operatively coupled to the drive shaft 9. A first clutch 12 is disposed between the drive shaft 9 and the first valve core element 10, and a second clutch 13 is disposed between the drive shaft 9 and the second valve core element 11. The first clutch 12 and the second clutch 13 are formed as freewheel clutches, and the freewheel of the first clutch 12 is locked in a first rotation direction, and the freewheel of the second clutch 13 is arranged to be locked in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction. Correspondingly, when the first valve core element 10 rotates due to the rotation of the drive shaft in the first rotation direction, the drive shaft 9 does not transmit torque to the second valve core element 11. In the second rotation direction, torque is not transmitted from the drive shaft 9 to the first valve core element 10, and the second valve core element 11 is rotated by torque transmission.

[0034] In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the first valve core element 10 and the second valve core element 11 are fitted to each other inside and outside. For this purpose, a concentric notch is machined in the first valve core element 10, and the second valve core element 11 is disposed in this notch. In this case, both passage structure portions 8', 8'' are operatively connected to each other.

Claims

1. A rotary valve (1), comprising a valve housing (2) having a valve chamber (3), said valve chamber (3) having a chamber wall (4), at least two fluid openings (5) being machined in said chamber wall (4), said valve chamber (3) accommodating a valve core (7), said valve core (7) being provided with a passage structure (8) cooperating with said fluid opening (5), said valve core (7) being rotatably supported in said valve chamber (3) and being rotatable via a drive shaft (9). In the rotary valve (1), said valve core (7) is formed from a plurality of members and has at least a first valve core element (10) and a second valve core element (11), said first valve core element (10) having a first passage structure (8'), said second valve core element (11) having a second passage structure (8''), and said first valve core element (10) and said second valve core element (11) being operatively coupled to said drive shaft (9). The rotary valve (1) is characterized in that.

2. The rotary valve according to claim 1, wherein said first valve core element (10) is operatively coupled to said drive shaft (9) via a first clutch (12).

3. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said second valve core element (11) is operatively coupled to said drive shaft (9) via a second clutch (13).

4. The rotary valve according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first clutch (12) and / or said second clutch (13) is formed as a freewheel clutch.

5. The rotary valve according to claim 4, wherein the freewheel of said first clutch (12) transmits torque in a first rotation direction, and the freewheel of said second clutch (13) transmits torque in a second rotation direction opposite to said first rotation direction.

6. The rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first valve core element (10) and said second valve core element (11) are operatively coupled to each other via locking means (14).

7. The rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first valve core element (10) and said second valve core element (11) are arranged vertically above and below each other when viewed in the direction of the rotation axis.

8. The rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first valve core element (10) and the second valve core element (11) are fitted to each other inside and outside in the radial direction.

9. The rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the valve housing (2) is formed of a plurality of members.

10. The rotary valve according to claim 9, wherein a first valve housing element (2') houses the first valve core element (10), and a second valve housing element (2'') houses the second valve core element (11).

11. A temperature control circuit of a vehicle, comprising the rotary valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The temperature control circuit according to claim 11, wherein the vehicle is an electronically driven vehicle.

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