Device for temperature-regulated circuits

Abstract

The device (1) for a temperature-regulating circuit comprises a base (2) in which at least one flow path (3) for conveying a temperature-regulating medium is processed, and at least one check valve (4) for at least limiting the conveyance of the temperature-regulating medium in the flow direction of the flow path (3), the check valve (4) being formed as an insert and at least partially accommodated in the base (2).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for a temperature-regulating circuit, comprising a substrate in which at least one flow channel for transporting a temperature-regulating medium is processed, and at least one check valve for at least limiting the transport of the temperature-regulating medium in the flow direction of the flow channel.

[0002] The prior art is known for devices for cooling equipment in which check valves are integrated into the temperature control medium circuit so that the temperature control medium flows through various components of the temperature control medium circuit depending on the flow direction of the temperature control medium.

[0003] Basically, temperature-control medium flows are used in many applications where devices must be temperature-controlled, either heated or cooled as needed. This is particularly true for electric vehicles, which must achieve the longest possible driving range. Electrical components must be temperature-controlled. In this case, the components to be temperature-controlled are, in particular, electrical energy storage devices, but also power electronics or plug connections of fast-charging devices. Electrical energy storage devices only have the best possible capacity over a very narrow temperature spectrum. Therefore, it is necessary to heat the electrical energy storage devices of electric vehicles when the ambient temperature is low and to cool them when the external temperature is high or when load fluctuations are high. Another essential aspect relates to the air conditioning of the vehicle interior, which is air-conditioned by a temperature-control device in the form of an air conditioning system.

[0004] For this purpose, it is known to provide a temperature control circuit through which a temperature control medium flows. The temperature control medium can be heated in a heating device or cooled in a cooling device, as required. In this case, the flow of the temperature control medium can be controlled via a solenoid valve. However, it is also known to control the flow of the temperature control medium using a check valve, which is integrated into the temperature control circuit as a separate component.

[0005] In the present invention, temperature regulation, in particular cooling, can be achieved by means of a cooling medium circuit in which a temperature regulation medium, for example in the form of a refrigerant, such as CO2 or a halogenated hydrocarbon, circulates. In the case of a cooling medium circuit based on CO2, the refrigerant (R744), a high system pressure of 170 bar prevails in the circuit. In this case, the temperature of the refrigerant varies between -30°C and 100°C.

[0006] The problem underlying the present invention is to provide a low-cost, compact device for cooling equipment.

[0007] The above-mentioned problem is solved by the characterizing features of claim 1. The dependent claims relate to advantageous features.

[0008] The device according to the invention for a temperature-regulating circuit comprises a base body in which at least one flow channel for conveying a temperature-regulating medium is processed, and at least one check valve for at least limiting the conveyance of the temperature-regulating medium in the flow direction of the flow channel, the check valve being formed as an insert and at least partially accommodated in the base body.

[0009] Accordingly, at least one check valve is at least partially integrated into the base body, resulting in a particularly compact device. Furthermore, by directly integrating the check valve into the base body, it is possible, depending on the design, to dispense with additional piping connections between the base body and the check valve, such as hoses, pipes, or the like. By configuring the check valve as an insert, the check valve is removably accommodated in the base body. This allows for the replacement of individual components of the device.

[0010] The base body may be configured as a distribution channel. The distribution channels of the annular circuit are used to distribute the temperature-regulating medium. In a preferred embodiment, the temperature-regulating circuit is configured as a refrigerant circuit. In this case, the temperature-regulating medium is a refrigerant, and the device according to the present invention is particularly suitable for use with the refrigerant CO2 (R744). Here, the distribution channel has at least one channel. In a preferred embodiment, the distribution channel has multiple channels, which makes the actuation and control of the various components of the refrigerant circuit particularly easy and inexpensive. Furthermore, the base body allows for the construction of a particularly compact device. The base body is preferably made of a metal material, although in principle it could also be made of plastic. The channels may lead to an inlet or outlet, which may be provided with another base body or another component of the temperature-regulating circuit to accommodate the piping. A particularly compact design of the device results if the base body is configured in a block shape. The base body may have multiple channels and multiple check valves.

[0011] The check valve restricts the flow of the temperature adjustment medium in one direction or blocks the flow of the temperature adjustment medium in the flow direction. If the device has multiple flow paths, the check valve can be integrated into the device so that the temperature adjustment medium flows through only certain flow paths depending on the flow direction. In other flow paths, the flow of the temperature adjustment medium is blocked by the check valve. Accordingly, the temperature of various components connected to the device can be adjusted depending on the flow direction of the temperature adjustment medium. Here, components should be understood to mean not only the device to be temperature-adjusted, but also the device that brings the temperature adjustment medium to a predetermined temperature, i.e., heats or cools the temperature adjustment medium.

[0012] The check valve may include a sleeve, a piston, and a mounting portion. The sleeve has at least one through-hole on its circumferential surface, and the sleeve has a through-hole on its end surface opposite the mounting portion. The piston is positioned corresponding to the through-hole. The piston's side facing the through-hole may be plunger-shaped or spherical and blocks the flow of temperature-regulating medium through the through-hole in the flow direction. Preferably, the configuration is such that the temperature-regulating medium can flow into the sleeve through the through-hole on the end surface, but the temperature-regulating medium flowing through the sleeve toward the through-hole is blocked. In this case, the piston presses against the through-hole and prevents the temperature-regulating medium from flowing out. A spring may be positioned corresponding to the piston, which applies an elastic preload to the piston against the annular edge of the through-hole.

[0013] The sleeve may have a plurality of through-holes formed on the circumferential surface thereof, through which the temperature adjustment medium can flow out of the sleeve.

[0014] The sleeve protects the piston of the check valve and allows particularly easy assembly and installation of the check valve into the device. Furthermore, the check valve formed from the sleeve and piston is particularly compact.

[0015] Preferably, the temperature adjustment medium flows into the check valve through the through-hole on the end face side and flows out through the through-hole on the circumferential face side.

[0016] The base body may have annular channels formed therein, each of which corresponds to one of the through-holes on the circumferential surface. The annular channels extend around the through-holes to form a collecting channel, and the temperature control medium can be collected in the collecting channel and discharged through the flow channel. The annular channels can reduce flow losses.

[0017] The mounting part and the base body may each be provided with at least one anti-rotation device. Preferably, the anti-rotation devices of the mounting part and the base body cooperate to ensure correct installation of the check valve in the device. This is particularly advantageous when correct alignment of the end and / or peripheral through-holes relative to the flow channel is desired.

[0018] The mounting part may form a conical receiving part for the line connection, which may then form a coupling part to which the line can be attached, in which case local deformation of the line can be carried out, resulting in a particularly tight connection between the check valve and the line.

[0019] The mounting part may be provided with a positioning aid. This is particularly advantageous when the check valve is housed or integrated in a device and it is not possible to rotate the check valve easily. Accordingly, the positioning aid makes it possible to easily assemble the check valve in the correct position in the device. For this purpose, for example, holes or protrusions or the like may be formed in the mounting part, which allow the check valve to be rotated using a suitable tool.

[0020] An expansion valve may be arranged in association with at least one of the flow paths, the expansion valve being a component of the temperature-regulating circuit, and the direct association of an expansion valve with one of the flow paths may result in a particularly compact design of the device.

[0021] A transverse flow channel extending transversely to the sleeve may be provided. In this case, it is particularly conceivable that the temperature-regulating medium flows into the sleeve through a first through-hole on the periphery and flows out of the sleeve through a second through-hole on the periphery. The piston is not operated during this process. The first through-hole may be located opposite the second through-hole. The configuration of the transverse flow channel accordingly allows for the creation of a bypass through which the temperature-regulating medium can flow. The check valve is not operated during this process. In addition to the transverse flow channel, the base body may have multiple flow channels, each of which is associated with a check valve. Through the check valve, the temperature-regulating medium can flow through the flow channel in only one flow direction, while the temperature-regulating medium can flow through the transverse flow channel in two flow directions.

[0022] The peripheral through-holes and / or end through-holes may form abutment sections whose cross-sections expand from the inside to the outside of the sleeve. A line element, such as a pipe, can be tightly connected to the check valve via the abutment sections. For this purpose, the line element may have a tubular section and a thickened section formed at one end of the line element. A connecting element may be slipped onto the line element, the connecting element having a recess into which the line element is received so that the connecting element is positively and securely held on the line element by the thickened section. The connecting element and the component may each have a thread, which engages and forms a threaded connection, and the thickened section forms a contact section. The contact section may tightly abut the abutment section, thereby connecting the line element to the sleeve in a flow-guiding manner. The thread connection presses the contact section against the abutment section by means of a form-locking connection between the connection element and the track element, which abutment section can form a conical cross section.

[0023] In the following, some configurations of the device according to the invention will be explained in more detail on the basis of figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a device incorporating a check valve; [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of the device shown in FIG. 1 with a tube receiving portion formed from a check valve. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus having a check valve with a tube receiving portion. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the device shown in FIG. 1 with multiple tube receiving sections. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing details of a check valve.

[0025] The drawing shows a device 1 for a temperature-regulating circuit. The device 1 forms a component of a refrigerant circuit in an air-conditioning installation. The device 1 comprises a base body 2 in which a number of channels 3 for the transport of a temperature-regulating medium are fabricated. The temperature-regulating medium here is a refrigerant, in particular CO2. In this case, the base body 2 forms distribution channels that guide the refrigerant to the components of the refrigerant circuit.

[0026] Furthermore, a check valve 4 is provided, which blocks the transport of the temperature-regulating medium in the flow direction in the flow path. The check valve 4 is configured as an insert and is accommodated in the base body 2. Here, the check valve 4 is integrated into the device 1 so that the temperature-regulating medium flow can be varied. Depending on the flow direction, various components of the temperature-regulating circuit can flow through, while the temperature-regulating medium flow is blocked by the check valve 4 in other flow paths. This makes it possible to vary the temperature-regulating medium flow, i.e., the circulation of the refrigerant, depending on, for example, the ambient temperature and power requirements. Here, the variation in the temperature-regulating medium flow is achieved using the check valve 4 arranged in the base body 2. In this case, the components of the refrigerant circuit are directly connected to the base body 2. However, depending on the construction space and the arrangement of the components, the components can also be connected to the base body 2 via hose lines or pipes. In this case, the components of the refrigerant circuit are, in particular, a heat exchanger, an evaporator, a cooler, a condenser, a gas cooler, a battery cooling plate, a compressor, and a storage battery. These components can be selectively driven and controlled using the device 1. The base 2 is made of aluminum in this configuration.

[0027] In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the check valve 4 is completely housed within the base body 2 and terminates flush with the base body 2. For this purpose, a recess is formed in the base body 2, into which the check valve 4 is located. The check valve 4 comprises a sleeve 5, a piston 6 disposed within the sleeve 5, and a mounting part 7. The sleeve 5 has a number of through-holes 8 bored into it on its circumferential surface, evenly distributed over its periphery. In this configuration, the sleeve 5 and the mounting part 7 form two independent components. The sleeve 5, together with the piston 6 housed within it, is configured as an insert that fits into the recess. The mounting part 7 is configured as a screw cap and secures the sleeve 5 in the recess. On the end opposite the mounting part 7, another through-hole 8' is bored into the sleeve 5, and the piston 6 is positioned corresponding to the through-hole 8'. The piston 6 is pressed against the inside of the another through-hole 8' via a spring. Via a through hole 8', the check valve 4 is connected in a flow-guiding manner to a channel 3 arranged inside the base body 2. The sleeve 5 and the mounting part 7 are made of steel in this configuration.

[0028] The temperature adjustment medium passes through the inner flow passage 3, flows into the sleeve 5 through the through-hole 8' on the end face side, and flows out through the through-hole 8 on the circumferential face side. In the reverse flow direction, the piston 6 abutting against another through-hole 8' blocks the temperature adjustment medium, so the temperature adjustment medium cannot flow out through the other through-hole 8'.

[0029] An annular flow path 9 is formed in the base body 2 , and this annular flow path 9 is disposed in correspondence with the through holes 8 on the peripheral surface side, and forms a collecting flow path extending around the sleeve 5 .

[0030] The mounting part 7 is provided with positioning aids 12. One anti-rotation means 12 is machined into the mounting part 7 and one into the base body 2, and the anti-rotation means 12 ensures that the sleeve 5 of the check valve 4 is positioned correctly within the base body 2. The anti-rotation means 12 includes a radial protrusion machined into the outer surface of the sleeve 5, which engages with a corresponding recess machined into the notch in the base body 2.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a further development of the device 1 shown in Figure 1. In this device 1, the through-hole 8 and the further through-hole 8' are conically shaped and widen from the inside to the outside of the sleeve 5. As a result, the through-hole 8 and the further through-hole 8' form a receiving section 10 against which the thickened end of each of the pipes 13 rests closely. The receiving section 10 is part of the pipe connection 11.

[0032] In the configuration of FIG. 3, the check valve 4 is screwed into the base body 2, and a receiving portion formed by the check valve 4 for connecting the check valve 4 to a pipeline protrudes from the base body 2. The base body 2 has a notch in which the check valve 4 is partially received. The check valve 4 has a sleeve 5, a piston 6 arranged in the sleeve 5, and a mounting portion 7. The sleeve 5 has a plurality of through holes 8 machined on its circumferential surface, and these through holes 8 are evenly distributed around the circumferential surface of the sleeve 5. The mounting portion 7 and the notch of the base body 2 are provided with threads.

[0033] On the side facing the mounting part 7, a further through-hole 8' is machined in the sleeve 5, and the piston 6 is arranged in correspondence of this through-hole 8'. The further through-hole 8' widens from the inside to the outside of the sleeve 5 and is of a conical shape. This forms a receiving part 10 against which the thickened end of the line 13 tightly abuts. The receiving part is part of the line connection 11.

[0034] The piston 6 is pressed against the inside of another through-hole 8' via a spring means, via which the check valve 4 is connected in a flow-guiding manner to a channel 3 arranged inside the base body 2.

[0035] The temperature adjustment medium passes through the inner flow passage 3, flows into the sleeve 5 through the through-hole 8' on the end face side, and flows out through the through-hole 8 on the circumferential face side. In the reverse flow direction, the piston 6 abutting against another through-hole 8' blocks the temperature adjustment medium, so the temperature adjustment medium cannot flow out through the other through-hole 8'.

[0036] An annular flow path 9 is formed in the base body 2 , and this annular flow path 9 is disposed in correspondence with the through holes 8 on the peripheral surface side, and forms a collecting flow path extending around the sleeve 5 .

[0037] 4 shows a further development of the device 1 shown in FIG. 2. In this device 1, a further through-hole 8' widens from the inside to the outside of the sleeve 5 and is formed in a conical shape. A further cross-sectional expansion is formed from the channel 3 arranged corresponding to the through-hole 8. Accordingly, the cross-sectional expansion arranged corresponding to the channel 3 is formed from the base body. The through-hole 8 and the cross-sectional expansion formed from the channel 3 form a receiving section 10, against which the thickened end of each of the lines 13 abuts closely. The receiving section 10 is each part of a line connection 11.

[0038] The base body 2 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 may be configured to accommodate several check valves 4. The base body 2 may also form a tubing arrangement for a temperature-regulating device. In this case, transverse channels are formed in the base body 2, which extend transversely to the check valves 4 and connect the peripheral through-holes 8 of the check valves 4 in a flow-guiding manner. The transverse channels may form bypasses. In this connection, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the channels 3 extend on both sides of the sleeve 5, so that the temperature-regulating medium can flow through the sleeve 5 and the check valves 4 in two flow directions, unhindered by the piston 6.

[0039] An expansion valve may be arranged correspondingly in one or more of the flow channels 3. In this connection, it is particularly conceivable that the expansion valve is formed from the sleeve 5, in particular from one of these through-holes 8 of the check valve 4. In this case, the expansion valve forms an integral component of the check valve 4.

[0040] 5 shows in detail the check valve 4 of the device 1 according to one of the preceding figures. The check valve 4 has a sleeve 5, a piston 6 arranged in the sleeve 5, and a mounting part 7, the sleeve 5 having a number of through-holes 8 on its circumferential side, the through-holes 8 being evenly distributed over the periphery of the sleeve 5. On the end face opposite the mounting part 7, a further through-hole 8' is formed in the sleeve 5, and the piston 6 is arranged corresponding to this through-hole 8'. The piston 6 is pressed against the inside of the further through-hole 8' by a spring means.

Claims

1. A device (1) for a temperature-regulating circuit, comprising: a substrate (2) having at least one flow path (3) for transporting a temperature adjustment medium processed therein; at least one check valve (4) for at least limiting the transport of the temperature control medium in the flow direction of the flow channel (3); Including, The device (1), wherein the check valve (4) is formed as an insert and is at least partially housed within the base body (2).

2. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate (2) is formed as a distribution channel.

3. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the check valve (4) comprises a sleeve (5), a piston (6), and a mounting portion (7), wherein the sleeve (5) has at least one through hole (8) formed on its circumferential surface, the sleeve (5) has another through hole (8') on its end surface opposite the mounting portion (7), and the piston (6) is arranged corresponding to the another through hole (8').

4. 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the sleeve (5) is provided with a plurality of peripheral through-holes (8).

5. 5. The device according to claim 3, wherein the temperature-regulating medium flows in through the further through-holes (8') and flows out through the through-holes (8) on the circumferential side.

6. 6. The device according to claim 3, wherein an annular flow path (9) is formed in the base body (2), and the annular flow path (9) is arranged corresponding to the through holes (8) on the circumferential surface side.

7. 7. The device according to claim 3, wherein the mounting portion (7) and the base body (2) each have at least one anti-rotation means formed thereon.

8. 8. The device according to claim 3, wherein the mounting part (7) forms a conical receiving part (10) for a line connection (11).

9. 9. Device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the mounting part (7) is provided with positioning aids (12).

10. 10. The device according to claim 1, wherein an expansion valve (13) is associated with at least one of the flow paths (3).

11. 11. The device according to claim 3, further comprising a transverse channel extending transversely to the sleeve (5).

12. 12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is made of a metallic material.

13. 13. The device according to any one of claims 3 to 12, wherein the sleeve (5) and the mounting part (7) are made of metallic material.

14. A temperature control circuit, It comprises a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13. Temperature control circuit.

15. The temperature control circulation path, and the temperature control medium is CO ２ 15. The temperature regulated circuit of claim 14, wherein the base refrigerant is a refrigerant.

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