Throttle valve devices, fuel cell systems, and vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a throttle valve device (3a) comprising a throttle valve actuator, a throttle valve channel intermediate section (4a), and first and second throttle valve channel end sections (4b, 4c), wherein the throttle valve actuator comprises a throttle valve (5). In a plane perpendicular to an axis (6) around which the throttle valve (5) can be adjusted, the recess shape (10a) of the first throttle valve channel end section (4b) is formed to extend along the adjustment region of the throttle valve (5). The present invention also relates to a fuel cell system (2) and a vehicle (1) comprising such a throttle valve device (3a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a throttle valve device, a fuel cell system including this type of throttle valve device, and a vehicle including this type of throttle valve device or this type of fuel cell system.

Background Art

[0002] Throttle valve controllers designed specifically for each field of use are known from the prior art.

[0003] The disadvantage of the prior art devices is, in particular, that when different applications are intended, a new design of the throttle valve controller is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an alternative throttle valve device, which is characterized in that the production is particularly simple, the production cost is low, and / or it has excellent flexibility in use. A further object is to provide a fuel cell system including this type of throttle valve device. A further object is to provide a vehicle including this type of fuel cell system and / or this type of throttle valve device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The object regarding the throttle valve device is achieved by a throttle valve device having the features of claim 1.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a throttle valve device including a throttle valve controller, a central portion of a throttle valve channel, and first and second end portions of the throttle valve channel, The throttle valve controller includes a throttle valve, The throttle valve is adjustablely positioned in the center of the throttle valve channel, and the flow cross section is variable depending on the position of the throttle valve, and the flow cross section is demarcated by the throttle valve and the recess shape of the first throttle valve channel end and / or the recess shape of the second throttle valve channel end, and in a plane perpendicular to the axis around which the throttle valve is adjustable, the recess shape of the first throttle valve channel end is configured to extend along the adjustment region of the throttle valve, and / or the recess shape of the second throttle valve channel end is configured to extend along the adjustment region of the throttle valve. Regarding throttle valve devices.

[0007] This results in the manufacture of a throttle valve device that is particularly easy to manufacture, has low manufacturing costs, and / or offers excellent flexibility in use.

[0008] This is particularly advantageous when the throttle valve device is a throttle valve device for a fuel cell system. It is also advantageous when the throttle valve device is a throttle valve device for a vehicle, especially a fuel cell system in an automobile.

[0009] This is also advantageous when the central part of the throttle valve channel is integrated with the throttle valve controller. In this way, individual assembly work can be eliminated, further reducing production costs.

[0010] It is also advantageous if the throttle valve has a circular or elliptical cross-section. The cross-section relates to a view perpendicular to the axis around which the throttle valve can be adjusted, and / or to a view perpendicular to the extent of the area over which the throttle valve extends.

[0011] It is also advantageous if the throttle valve can be adjusted by an electric motor. The throttle valve controller and / or throttle valve device preferably includes this electric motor. The electric motor is advantageously coupled to the throttle valve in a drive-transmission manner.

[0012] The position of the throttle valve is preferably variable to allow for adjustment. In other words, adjusting the throttle valve changes its position. As a result, it becomes possible to change the flow cross-section and, in particular, preferably, adapt it to the operating point of the fuel cell system.

[0013] The shaft around which the throttle valve can be adjusted preferably extends within the plane from which the throttle valve extends. Alternatively, the shaft around which the throttle valve can be adjusted may pass diagonally through the plane from which the throttle valve extends. Alternatively, the shaft around which the throttle valve can be adjusted may extend parallel to and spaced apart from the plane from which the throttle valve extends.

[0014] Regardless of the direction in which the shaft extending around which the throttle valve can be adjusted is defined by the shaft to which the throttle valve is connected in a drive transmission manner. This means that the shaft extends axially. The connection can consist of an integral coupling, a positive lock, and / or a non-positive lock configuration.

[0015] It is generally advantageous if the shaft around which the throttle valve can be adjusted is an adjustment shaft, adjustment shaft, throttle valve adjustment shaft, or throttle valve adjustment shaft.

[0016] It is particularly preferable that the adjustment range of the throttle valve indicates the adjustment movement path of the throttle valve.

[0017] Furthermore, it is particularly preferable that the two recessed shapes are located on opposite sides of each other. The throttle valve is preferably positioned between the two recessed shapes.

[0018] Basically, it is preferable that the recessed shape or group of recessed shapes is configured without penetration and / or a constant configuration. As a result, the pressure drop of the flow being regulated is reduced.

[0019] A preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the adjustment region comprises a first adjustment portion region, and the recess shape of the end of the first throttle valve channel and / or the recess shape of the end of the second throttle valve channel are designed such that, with respect to the first adjustment portion region, the flow cross-section when adjusting the throttle valve in the first adjustment portion region is constant or variable over the entire first adjustment region. When adjusting the throttle valve in the first adjustment portion region, if the flow cross-section is constant over the entire first adjustment region, it is preferable that the throttle valve can be adjusted around the axis in the first adjustment portion region such that the recess shape extends perpendicular to the axis in the throttle valve adjustment region or in a plane parallel to the first adjustment portion region. This relates to the ends of the first and / or second throttle valve channels.

[0020] The variability of the flow cross-section across the entire first adjustment region means, in particular, that the flow cross-section is variable depending on the position of the throttle valve in the first adjustment region. The modifiability and / or variability of the flow cross-section means, in particular, the modifiability of the flow cross-sectional area and / or flow cross-sectional shape of the flow cross-section. The above definitions are preferably equally valid for partial flow cross-sections. If the second throttle valve device does not have a second adjustment region, the first adjustment region is merely an adjustment region and not the first adjustment region.

[0021] It is very generally preferred that the flow cross section comprises a first partial flow cross section and a second partial flow cross section. The first partial flow cross section is defined and / or demarcated by the recess shape of the throttle valve and the first throttle valve end. The second partial flow cross section is defined and / or demarcated by the recess shape of the throttle valve and the second throttle valve end. Both of the two recess shapes can be adapted to a first adjustment portion region of the throttle valve, such that, in the case of adjusting the throttle valve in the first adjustment portion region, one of the two partial flow cross sections is constant over the entire first adjustment region, while the other partial flow cross section is variable. One embodiment is also conceivable in which both are constant or both are variable.

[0022] A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the adjustment region includes a second adjustment sub-region, and the recess shape at the end of the first throttle valve channel and / or the recess shape at the end of the second throttle valve channel are designed such that, with respect to the second adjustment sub-region, the flow cross-section in the case of adjusting the throttle valve in the second adjustment sub-region is variable over the entire second adjustment sub-region.

[0023] A more preferred embodiment is characterized in that the flow cross-section in the second adjustment sub-region in the case of adjusting the throttle valve is more variable than in the case of adjusting the throttle valve in the first adjustment sub-region. In other words, when the position of the throttle valve changes by the same amount, here the change in the flow cross-sectional area and / or the cross-sectional shape of the flow is greater. The change in the position of the throttle valve is preferably related to the change in the angular adjustment of the throttle valve, and this change in angle is related to the position of the throttle valve with respect to the axis about which the throttle valve can be adjusted. As a result, the pressure drops achieved in the first and second adjustment sub-regions in the throttle valve device are different depending on the change in the position of the throttle valve.

[0024] Also, it is preferable that the curvature of the recess shape in a plane perpendicular to the axis about which the throttle valve can be adjusted is greater in the second adjustment sub-region than in the first adjustment sub-region.

[0025] Furthermore, it is advantageous that the first adjustment sub-region, the second adjustment sub-region, the adjustment region, and / or the transition between the first adjustment sub-region and the second adjustment sub-region have a constant configuration in a plane perpendicular to the axis about which the throttle valve can be adjusted.

[0026] A more preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the first adjustment partial region is arranged between the second adjustment partial region and the closed position or the minimum position. The closed position preferably means that the flow cross-section is completely closed by the throttle valve. Here, being completely closed preferably means that the flow cross-sectional area of the flow cross-section is zero as a value. The minimum position preferably means that the throttle valve takes a position where the flow cross-sectional area is the minimum value compared to all other possible positions of the throttle valve.

[0027] Also preferably, the throttle valve abuts against the seal at the position or the open position of the throttle valve. The seal is preferably configured as an elastomer seal. In other words, it is made of or contains an elastomer, enhancing the sealing effect of the throttle valve at this position.

[0028] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the seal is clamped and arranged between the central part of the throttle valve channel and one of the ends of the throttle valve channel, or between the two ends of the throttle valve channel. This simplifies the attachment of the seal.

[0029] A further preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the recess shape at the end of the second throttle valve channel is designed such that, with respect to the second adjustment partial region, the flow cross-section in the second adjustment partial region increases as the position of the throttle valve moves away from the closed position, the minimum position, or the first adjustment partial region. In other words, as the distance increases, the flow cross-sectional area here increases. Here, when the position of the throttle valve is at the closed position, the minimum position, or moves away from the first adjustment partial region, it is possible for one of the two partial flow cross-sections to maintain a constant partial flow cross-sectional area.

[0030] A more preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the recess shape of the first throttle valve channel end and / or the recess shape of the second throttle valve channel end is spherical, preferably negatively spherical. Alternatively or additionally, the recess shape of at least one of the two throttle valve ends in a plane perpendicular to the axis around which the throttle valve can be adjusted is elliptical, preferably constant in shape.

[0031] A more preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the first throttle valve channel end and / or the second throttle valve channel end are configured separately with respect to the throttle valve controller and / or the central part of the throttle valve channel. In this way, different throttle valve devices can be provided using the same throttle valve controller simply by providing different throttle valve channel ends.

[0032] A more preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the first throttle valve channel end and / or the second throttle valve channel end are releasably fixed to the throttle valve controller and / or the center of the throttle valve channel. A screw connection is preferably used for this fixing.

[0033] A more preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the central portion of the throttle valve channel comprises a receiving space in which a throttle valve is positioned, and the first end of the throttle valve channel comprises a fluid channel fluidically connected to the receiving space, and / or the second end of the throttle valve channel comprises a fluid channel fluidically connected to the receiving space. In other words, the fluid channels of the two throttle valve channel ends are fluidically connected to the receiving space such that fluid that can be transported into the receiving space by the fluid channel of the first throttle valve channel end is led out of the receiving space by the fluid channel of the second throttle valve channel end.

[0034] A more preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the receiving space is fluidly arranged between the fluid channel at the end of the first throttle valve channel and the fluid channel at the end of the second throttle valve channel. It is also preferable that the fluid entering the receiving space through one of the fluid channels can exit the receiving space only through the other fluid channels and / or through the same fluid channel.

[0035] A more preferred exemplary embodiment features a first vector extending through the centroid of the flow cross-section of the fluid channel at a first throttle valve channel end, and / or a second vector extending through the centroid of the flow cross-section of the fluid channel at a second throttle valve channel end.

[0036] Preferably, the flow cross-section of the fluid channel at the end of the first throttle valve channel means the flow cross-section at a location along the path of the same fluid channel. Preferably, it is a flow cross-section that is fluidly adjacent to or in direct contact with the receiving space.

[0037] Preferably, the flow cross-section of the fluid channel at the end of the second throttle valve channel means the flow cross-section at a location along the path of the same fluid channel. It is preferably a flow cross-section that is fluidly directly adjacent to or in contact with the receiving space.

[0038] In general, it is preferable that the flow cross-sections of the fluid channels at the ends of the first and / or second throttle valve channels extend perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid that can be transported through each fluid channel. Basically, it is preferable that the first vector or the second vector extends perpendicular to each flow cross-section.

[0039] Throttle valve devices are generally configured for gas, preferably air.

[0040] A more preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the throttle valve intersects a first vector at a first position, the first position being spaced apart from a further position where the throttle valve intersects a second vector. In other words, it is preferable that the two fluid channels at the end of the throttle valve channel are offset from each other. This offset is preferably related to a plane extending perpendicular to one of the vectors, or to a plane extending perpendicular to both vectors.

[0041] A more preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that, in a first position intersecting the first vector, the throttle valve moves away from the end of the first throttle valve channel when adjusting the throttle valve from the closed or minimum position towards the first adjustment portion region, or from the first adjustment portion region towards the second adjustment portion region.

[0042] A more preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that, in a second position intersecting the second vector, the throttle valve moves away from the end of the second throttle valve channel when the throttle valve is adjusted from the closed or minimum position towards the first adjustment portion region, or from the first adjustment portion region towards the second adjustment portion region.

[0043] A more preferred exemplary embodiment is characterized in that the vectors extend apart from each other and / or intersect outside the receiving space.

[0044] The objectives relating to fuel cell systems are achieved by a fuel cell system having at least one throttle valve device according to the present invention.

[0045] The vehicle-related objective is achieved by a vehicle having a fuel cell system and / or at least one throttle valve device according to the present invention. The vehicle is preferably an automobile, passenger car, or truck, and is particularly preferably having an electric drive system. It is especially preferable when the vehicle is equipped only with an electric drive system.

[0046] Advantageous improvements of the present invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description of the drawings.

[0047] The present invention will now be described in detail based on exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] This shows a vehicle equipped with a fuel cell system and a throttle valve device. [Figure 2a] This shows the throttle valve device. [Figure 2b] A cross-sectional view of the throttle valve device is shown. [Figure 2c] A detailed view of Figure 2b is shown. [Figure 3a] This shows the end of the throttle valve channel. [Figure 3b] This shows yet another throttle valve channel end. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 1 according to the present invention, which includes a fuel cell system 2 and a throttle valve device 3a. The vehicle 1 is an automobile equipped with an electric drive system, which can receive electrical energy via the fuel cell system 2, and the throttle valve device 3a can adjust the flow path of the fuel cell system 2.

[0050] Figure 2a shows a throttle valve device 3a according to the present invention, which is equipped with an electric motor 12, and the throttle valve of the throttle valve device 3a can be adjusted by this electric motor 12. The throttle valve device 3a comprises a throttle valve channel central portion 4a, a first throttle valve channel end portion 4b, and a second throttle valve channel end portion 4c. The throttle valve channel central portion 4a is integrally configured with the housing of the throttle valve controller, but the two throttle valve channel ends 4b and 4c are configured separately from the throttle valve channel central portion 4a and are fixed to the throttle valve channel central portion 4a by a releasable screw connection.

[0051] Figure 2b shows a cross-sectional view of the throttle valve device 3a of Figure 2a. The cross-section of the cross-section extends in the XY plane perpendicular to the axis 6, around which the throttle valve 5 can be adjusted. Along with one recess shape 10a, 10b in each case of the two throttle valve channel ends 4b, 4c, the throttle valve 5 demarcates the flow cross-section within the receiving space 13 in which the throttle valve 5 is located. A seal 9 is clamped and positioned between the central part 4a of the throttle valve channel and the first throttle valve channel end 4b. In the closed position, the throttle valve 5 is in close contact with the seal 9. The first throttle valve channel end 4b has a fluid channel 7a, and its flow cross-section has a flow cross-sectional area with a center of gravity, through which a first vector 7b extends perpendicular to the associated flow cross-sectional area. The second throttle valve channel end 4c also has a fluid channel 8a, and its flow cross section has a flow cross-sectional area with a center of gravity, through which a second vector 8b extends perpendicular to the associated flow cross-sectional area. The two vectors 7b and 8b extend spaced apart from each other and intersect the throttle valve at two spaced-apart positions when the throttle valve 5 is in the closed position. When adjusting the throttle valve 5 from the closed position, the position where the first vector 7b intersects moves away from the first throttle valve channel end 4b. When adjusting the throttle valve 5 from the closed position, the position where the second vector 8b intersects moves away from the second throttle valve channel end 4c.

[0052] Furthermore, the throttle valve device 3a includes a plug 3b responsible for supplying energy to the throttle valve device 3a, including, in particular, the energy supply to the electric motor. The plug 3b is also responsible for outputting a signal indicating the position of the throttle valve 5. For this purpose, the throttle valve device 3a includes a position sensor configured to measure the position of the throttle valve 6 via the position of the shaft 6.

[0053] Figure 2c shows a detailed cross-sectional view of Figure 2a. The adjustment region 11, which includes a first adjustment region 11a and a second adjustment region 11b, can be seen. The adjustment region 11 of the throttle valve 5 extends from the closed position to the open position having the maximum flow cross-section.

[0054] Figure 3a shows the first throttle valve channel end 4b of Figures 2a-2c. The throttle valve channel end 4b is a separate component, uniformly distributed circumferentially, and includes passage openings 4e that serve as threaded connections to the central part of the throttle valve channel of the throttle valve device. Furthermore, a monolithic molded element 4d ensures that the throttle valve device is correctly assembled in the correct position with the correct orientation relative to the central part of the throttle valve channel. For this purpose, a corresponding recess is provided in the central part of the throttle valve. Furthermore, a recess shape 10a that separates the flow cross-section of the throttle valve device together with the throttle valve is shown. Furthermore, a fluid channel 7a is shown.

[0055] Figure 3b shows the second throttle valve channel end 4c of Figures 2a and 2c. The throttle valve channel end 4c is a separate component, uniformly distributed circumferentially, and includes passage openings 4e that serve as threaded connections to the central part of the throttle valve channel of the throttle valve device. Furthermore, projections 4f are shown that are responsible for clamping the seal connection between the throttle valve channel end 4c and the central part of the throttle valve channel. Further, the fluid channel 8a can be seen. In addition, a recessed shape 10b that separates the flow cross-section of the throttle valve device together with the throttle valve is shown.

[0056] The exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3b are not particularly limiting and are useful for illustrating the concept of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1 vehicle 2. Fuel cell system 3a Throttle valve device 3b plug 4a Center of the throttle valve channel 4b Throttle valve channel end 4c Throttle valve channel end 4d Positive Locking Element 4e Fixed opening 4f protrusion 5. Throttle valve 6 axes 7a Fluid channel 7b Vectors 8a Fluid channel 8b Vectors 9 stickers 10a Recessed shape 10b Recessed shape 11 Adjustment area 11a Adjustment partial area 11b Adjustment subarea 12 Electric motors 13 Receptive Space

Claims

1. A throttle valve device (3a), - Throttle valve controller, - The central part of the throttle valve channel (4a) and, - The first and second throttle valve channel ends (4b, 4c), Equipped with, The throttle valve controller includes a throttle valve (5), The throttle valve (5) is adjustablely positioned in the central part (4a) of the throttle valve channel, and the flow cross-section is variable depending on the position of the throttle valve (5). In a throttle valve device (3a), the flow cross section is demarcated by the throttle valve (5) and the recess shape (10a) of the first throttle valve channel end (4b) and / or the recess shape (10b) of the second throttle valve channel end (4c), Around it, in a plane perpendicular to the adjustable shaft (6) of the throttle valve (5), The recess shape (10a) of the first throttle valve channel end (4b) is configured to extend along the adjustment region of the throttle valve (5), and / or the recess shape (10b) of the second throttle valve channel end (4c) is configured to extend along the adjustment region (11) of the throttle valve (5). Throttle valve device (3a).

2. The throttle valve device (3a) according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment region (11) comprises a first adjustment portion region (11a), and the recess shape (10a) of the first throttle valve channel end (4b) and / or the recess shape (10b) of the second throttle valve channel end (4c) are designed such that, with respect to the first adjustment portion region (11a), the flow cross-section in the adjustment of the throttle valve (5) in the first adjustment portion region (11) is constant or variable over the entire first adjustment portion region (11a).

3. The throttle valve device (3a) according to claim 2, wherein the adjustment region (11) comprises a second adjustment portion region (11b), and the recess shape (10a) of the first throttle valve channel end (4b) and / or the recess shape (10b) of the second throttle valve channel end (4c) are designed such that, with respect to the second adjustment portion region (11b), the flow cross-section when adjusting the throttle valve (5) in the second adjustment portion region (11b) is variable over the entire second adjustment portion region (11b).

4. The throttle valve device (3a) according to claim 3, wherein the flow cross section in the second adjustment portion region (11b) when adjusting the throttle valve (5) is more variable than when adjusting the throttle valve in the first adjustment portion region (11a).

5. The throttle valve device (3a) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first adjustment portion region (11a) is located between the second adjustment portion region (11b) and the closed position or minimum position.

6. The throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the recess shape (10b) of the second throttle valve channel end (4c) is designed such that the flow cross-section in the second adjustment portion region (11b) increases as the position of the throttle valve (5) moves to the closed position, minimum position, or further away from the first adjustment portion region.

7. The throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the recess shape (10a) of the first throttle valve channel end (4b) and / or the recess shape (10b) of the second throttle valve channel end (4c) is spherical.

8. The throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first throttle valve channel end (4b) and / or the second throttle valve channel end (4c) are configured separately from the throttle valve controller (5) and / or the central part of the throttle valve channel (4a).

9. The throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first throttle valve channel end (4b) and / or the second throttle valve channel end (4b) are releasably fixed to the throttle valve controller and / or the central part (4a) of the throttle valve channel.

10. The throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the central portion (4a) of the throttle valve channel comprises a receiving space (13) in which the throttle valve is arranged, the first throttle valve channel end (4b) comprises a fluid channel (7a) fluidly connected to the receiving space, and / or the second throttle valve channel end (4c) comprises a fluid channel (8a) fluidly connected to the receiving space (13).

11. The throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving space (13) is fluidly arranged between the fluid channel (7a) of the first throttle valve channel end (4b) and the fluid channel (8a) of the second throttle valve channel end (4c).

12. A throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by a first vector (7b) extending through the centroid of the flow cross-section of the fluid channel (7a) at the first throttle valve channel end (4b), and / or a second vector (8b) extending through the centroid of the flow cross-section of the fluid channel (8a) at the second throttle valve channel end (4c).

13. The throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the throttle valve (5) intersects the first vector (7b) at a first position, and the first position is spaced apart from further positions where the throttle valve (5) intersects the second vector (8b).

14. The throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the throttle valve (5) moves away from the first throttle valve channel end (4b) when adjusting the throttle valve (5) from the closed position or the minimum position toward the first adjustment portion region (11a), or from the first adjustment portion region (11a) toward the second adjustment portion region (11b), at a first position intersecting the first vector (7b).

15. The throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the throttle valve (5) moves away from the second throttle valve channel end (4c) when the throttle valve (5) is adjusted from the closed position or the minimum position toward the first adjustment portion region (11a), or from the first adjustment region (11a) toward the second adjustment region (11b), at a second position intersecting the second vector (8b).

16. A fuel cell system (2) having at least one throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. A vehicle (1) having a fuel cell system (2) according to claim 16 and / or at least one throttle valve device (3a) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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