Multidirectional valve for controlling the refrigerant circuit

Abstract

To provide a multidirectional valve for the control of a refrigerant circuit.SOLUTION: Related to a multidirectional valve for controlling a refrigerant circuit of a cooling system having a heat pump function, the multidirectional valve has: a box body (12) having two mutually-opposing end faces (18, 19), in which the two mutually-opposing end faces (18, 19) comprise insertion openings (29, 30) which are connected with adjustment chambers (31, 32); multidirectional valve devices (21, 22) which are insertable into the adjustment chambers (31, 32), respectively, and have at least one base body (41) and rotation slide valve devices (51, 52); connection parts (25, 16) which are arranged one by one in the box body (12) and opened in the adjustment chambers (31, 32) in each case; and furthermore, at least connection parts (26, 27) in the box body (12) opened at least in one passage (34, 35). At least one passage (34, 35) extends between the adjustment chambers (31, 32).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-way valve for controlling a refrigerant circuit having a cooling system with a heat pump function.

Background Art

[0002] From German Patent Application Publication No. 102017102841A1 (Patent Document 1), a multi-way valve for controlling a refrigerant circuit is known. This multi-way valve includes a housing provided with a rotary sliding valve device therein, and controls various switching positions via a shaft driven by a motor. The housing includes a first inlet opening connected to an adjustment chamber by a first fluid passage. A second connection opening in the housing is connected to a second fluid passage, and the second fluid passage is connected to the adjustment chamber. A third passage and a fourth passage each lead from the adjustment chamber to an outlet connection. A plurality of switching positions and service positions for controlling the refrigerant circuit can be controlled by such a multi-way valve. In this embodiment, the housing includes a first housing half and a second housing half, and the first housing half and the second housing half arrange the rotary sliding valve device in the adjustment chamber and are actuated by a shaft.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention is based on the object of proposing a multi-way valve that enables a simple configuration and individual control for some switching positions of the refrigerant circuit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This objective is solved by a multidirectional valve that controls the refrigerant circuit of a cooling system having a heat pump function, the multidirectional valve comprising a housing having two mutually opposing end faces or two end faces assigned to each other, each end face having an insertion opening adjacent to a control chamber, into which each multidirectional valve device can be inserted, the multidirectional valve device comprising at least one base body and a rotary sliding valve device. In each case, the housing has a connection opening associated with the control chamber and at least two further connection openings provided between the two rotary sliding valve devices of the multidirectional valve device. This configuration allows the housing to be integrally formed. This configuration exhibits a structurally simple design. Furthermore, this multidirectional valve has the advantage that two multidirectional valve devices can be inserted into the same housing facing each other. The design of the multidirectional valve device can be simplified, and it is possible to set and control, for example, up to six switching positions, and preferably one service position.

[0006] Advantageously, the two opposing control chambers within the housing of the multidirectional valve are aligned along a common longitudinal axis. Each of the multidirectional valve devices that can be inserted into the housing is preferably aligned mirror-image of the other. This can simplify the structure between the two control chambers, particularly the conduit configuration. Alternatively, the two longitudinal axes of the control chambers are specified to be aligned relative to each other at an angle between 90° and 179°, preferably between 135° and 179°.

[0007] Furthermore, each insertion opening within the housing is preferably closed by the respective base of the multidirectional valve device. Thus, after inserting the multidirectional valve device into the housing, a pressure-resistant configuration is achieved.

[0008] Each rotary sliding valve device in the multidirectional valve system is preferably driven by a shaft, which is preferably on a common axis. This allows for a simplified configuration of the multidirectional valve. Furthermore, opposing adjustment chambers within the housing are preferably connected to two passages arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the housing. These passages preferably extend between the two rotary sliding valve devices located within the adjustment chambers.

[0009] Furthermore, at least one connection opening into the control chamber is preferably oriented tangentially to the control chamber. Thus, the connection is eccentrically aligned with the control chamber. In this way, optimization of the refrigerant flow and low pressure loss can be achieved when the refrigerant flows into the control chamber of the multi-way valve.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the housing for a multi-directional valve, at least one connection opening to the control chamber and at least one connection between two control chambers are aligned in the same direction on the housing. Therefore, installation can be simplified.

[0011] Preferably, the housing has, within its cross-section, a rectangular section and at least one connection opening to a control chamber, and the connection between two control chambers and the opening to the passage are aligned on the same side of the housing. Preferably, at least one connection for a further control chamber is aligned on an adjacent or opposite side of the housing. This improves installation and allows for connection to further components of a refrigerant circuit, such as a cooler in a battery cooling system or an evaporator for an air conditioning system.

[0012] Each multi-directional valve device in a multi-directional valve preferably includes a drive unit that drives a shaft, and the shaft controls a rotary sliding valve device. In this way, each multi-directional valve device can preferably be controlled in a harmonious manner with one another at its respective switching position.

[0013] Preferably, a common control is provided that can control two multidirectional valve devices. By combining individual switching positions for each multidirectional valve device, a rotary sliding valve device with a simple structural design can control a large number of switching positions.

[0014] The drive unit of the multidirectional valve device is preferably formed as a flat rectangular housing. The longitudinal axis of the housing is oriented differently from the sides of the housing which have multiple connection points. This allows for optimized connections.

[0015] Preferably, there are no connectors on at least one side of the housing. This allows for an assembly interface.

[0016] In the case of a multi-directional valve, one connection opening to the control chamber is preferably controllable as a refrigerant inlet at all adjustable switching positions, and preferably the first multi-directional valve device is positioned toward the high-pressure side of the housing. The first multi-directional valve device is preferably designed to suit the dominant pressure conditions in the control chamber.

[0017] The second multidirectional valve device, opposite the first multidirectional valve device, is preferably located on the low-pressure side of the housing. Since the flow conditions on the low-pressure side of the housing are different from those on the high-pressure side, the rotary sliding valve device of the second multidirectional valve device can be adapted accordingly.

[0018] To simplify the structure of the multidirectional valve, the first and second multidirectional valve devices preferably have a drive unit, and preferably a connection point for the same drive unit. In particular, the bases of the two multidirectional valve devices may also be of the same design.

[0019] Furthermore, the first and second multidirectional valve devices preferably include a drive between the base and the rotary sliding valve device, which is rotatably controlled by a shaft and rotatably controls each control disc of the rotary sliding valve device. Thus, the principle structure of such a rotary sliding valve device can be maintained in both multidirectional valve devices. In particular, the control discs of the rotary sliding valve devices coincide with each other so that they are sealed to each other at different switching positions without the need for further seals.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first multi-way valve device is insertable into the adjustment chamber, the connection part formed as an inlet is pressurizable, the refrigerant is conveyed in proportion to one passage, or the other passage, or the two passages, and the rotary sliding valve device of the first multi-way valve device is formed by a rotatable rotary sliding valve and a fixed rotary sliding support body, and the fixed rotary sliding support body is preferably defined to be arranged in contact with the bottom of the adjustment chamber under pressure.

[0021] For the rotary sliding valve device, the second multi-way valve device is preferably configured differently from the rotary sliding valve device of the first multi-way valve device. This is for acting on the rotary sliding support body first and adapting to the pressure gradient and the direction of the flow. In this second multi-way valve device, the pressure acts in a direction opposite to that of the first multi-way valve device.

[0022] Preferably, in the second multi-way valve device, the rotary sliding support body has two connection bushes, the two connection bushes are connectable to sections of the conduit and are each sealed by a sealing body. Preferably, the end face of the connection bush facing the conduit has an inserted chamfer part. Thereby, on the one hand, the flow can be optimized, and on the other hand, the surface pressure due to the pressure of the refrigerant on the end face of the connection bush can be reduced.

[0023] Advantageously, the above-described embodiment of the multi-way valve can be used to control up to six different switching positions, and preferably one switching position for service work of the refrigerant circuit. In this context, it should be understood that the six switching positions mean that the connection parts are connected in different manners to each other and still the setting is possible between the switching positions for the individual flow volumes.

[0024] The present invention and further advantageous embodiments and further embodiments will be described and explained in more detail below with reference to the illustrated examples. The features understood from the description and the drawings can be applied individually or in any combination according to the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a multi-directional valve. [Figure 2] It is a schematic side view of the multi-directional valve according to FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the multi-directional valve according to FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a schematic enlarged view of the first multi-directional valve device of the multi-directional valve. [Figure 5] It is a schematic enlarged sectional view of the second multi-directional valve device of the multi-directional valve. [Figure 6] It is a diagram of the schematic configuration of a refrigerant circuit showing the first switching position of the multi-directional valve according to FIG. 1. [Figure 7a] It is a schematic diagram of the switching position of the multi-directional valve and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device of the multi-directional valve device at the switching position of the multi-directional valve according to FIG. 6. [Figure 7b] It is a schematic diagram of the switching position of the multi-directional valve and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device of the multi-directional valve device at the switching position of the multi-directional valve according to FIG. 6. [Figure 7c] It is a schematic diagram of the switching position of the multi-directional valve and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device of the multi-directional valve device at the switching position of the multi-directional valve according to FIG. 6. [Figure 8a] It is a schematic diagram of the switching position of the multi-directional valve in the refrigerant flow direction and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device of the multi-directional valve device. [Figure 8b] It is a schematic diagram of the switching position of the multi-directional valve in the refrigerant flow direction and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device of the multi-directional valve device. [Figure 8c] It is a schematic diagram of the switching position of the multi-directional valve in the refrigerant flow direction and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device of the multi-directional valve device. [Figure 9a] It is a schematic diagram of the switching position of the multi-directional valve in the refrigerant flow direction and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 9b] It is a schematic diagram of the switching position of the multi-directional valve in the refrigerant flow direction and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 9c] It is a schematic diagram of the switching position of the multi-directional valve in the refrigerant flow direction and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 10a] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 10b] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 10c] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 11a] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 11b] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 11c] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 12a] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 12b] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 12c] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram of a refrigerant circuit with further switching positions for a multi-directional valve. [Figure 14a] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 14b] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Figure 14c] This diagram shows a schematic representation of the switching positions of the multi-directional valve in the direction of refrigerant flow, and a diagram of the rotary sliding valve device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the multi-directional valve 11. This multi-directional valve 11 is used to control the refrigerant circuit 12 (Figures 6 and 13) of a cooling system that has a heat pump function.

[0027] The multi-directional valve 11 comprises, for example, a housing 12 having a rectangular cross-section. The housing 12 has an assembly interface 14 on one end face, and the assembly interface 14 is provided with holes for attaching fastening elements, for example. The other end face is provided with a connection portion 16 for supplying or discharging refrigerant. A first multi-directional valve device 21 is arranged on one end face 18 and the opposite end face 19 of the housing 12, and a second multi-directional valve device 22 is arranged on the opposite side of the first multi-directional valve device 21. Only one drive unit 23 is found in each of these multi-directional valve devices 21 and 22. The multi-directional valve devices 21 and 22 will be described in more detail below with reference to the cross-sectional views in Figures 3 to 5.

[0028] In the side view of the multi-directional valve 11 shown in Figure 2, for example, three further connection parts 25, 26, and 27 are provided within the further side surfaces of the housing 12. These connection parts 25, 26, and 27 are preferably provided on side surfaces aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis 24 of the drive unit 23.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the multi-directional valve 11, all connection parts 16, 25, 26, and 27 may be located on one side of the housing 12. Alternatively, the connection parts 16, 25, 26, and 27 may be located on each side of the housing. The number and orientation of the connection parts on each side 12 of the housing can be adapted to the installation conditions.

[0030] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the multi-directional valve 11 shown in Figure 1. The drive units 23 of the first multi-directional valve device 21 and the second multi-directional valve device 22 are shown only in part.

[0031] This longitudinal section shows that the housing 12 of the multi-directional valve 11 is preferably formed integrally. Insertion openings 29 and 30 are provided on end faces 18 and 19, respectively, and each of the end faces 18 and 19 is adjacent to adjustment chambers 31 and 32. The first connection 25 is associated with adjustment chamber 31. Two passages 34 and 35 are provided between the two adjustment chambers 31 and 32, with one passage 34 connected to connection 26 and the other passage 35 connected to connection 27. The second adjustment chamber 32, opposite the first adjustment chamber 31, is connected to connection 16.

[0032] The multidirectional valve 11 houses a first multidirectional valve device 21 and a second multidirectional valve device 22 on opposite sides within a housing 12. These can be inserted into corresponding adjustment chambers 31 and 32 via insertion openings 29 and 30, respectively, and are fixed inside via detachable fastening means (not shown in more detail). The multidirectional valve devices 21 and 22 have a similar structure. The multidirectional valve devices 21 and 22 include a base body 41 that can be inserted into the insertion openings 29 and 30. At least one seal 42 is provided on the outer circumference of the base body to seal the adjustment chambers 31 and 32 from the outside. In the base body 41, the shaft 43 is rotatably guided by a shaft support 45. Furthermore, the seal is provided to the adjustment chamber by a shaft seal 44 positioned between the shaft 43 and the base body 41. A toothed gear 47 is provided at the front end of the shaft 43, and the shaft 43 is driven to a complementary drive element 48 of the drive unit 23 (Figures 4 and 5).

[0033] At least one sealing body 49 (Figures 4 and 5) is also provided between the base body 41 and the drive unit 23 or its housing.

[0034] On the opposite side of the drive unit 23, the shaft 43 is connected to the rotary sliding valve devices 51 and 52. The rotary sliding valve device 51 of the first multi-directional valve device 21 is preferably different from the rotary sliding valve device 52 of the second multi-directional valve device 22, and will be described in more detail below in Figures 4 and 5.

[0035] The driver 53 is provided between the rotary sliding valve devices 51, 52 and the shaft 44. The driver 53 is fixedly connected to the shaft 43 and controls the rotational motion of the rotary sliding valves 54, 55 relative to the rotary sliding supports 56, 57 of the rotary sliding valve devices 52, 53. The shaft 43 may be welded, particularly laser-welded, soldered, press-formed, or riveted to the driver 54, for example.

[0036] The connection section 25 is formed as an inlet for the refrigerant. Therefore, high pressure exists within this first adjustment chamber 31. The first multi-directional valve device 21 is provided on the high-pressure side within the adjustment chamber 31 and is formed accordingly.

[0037] Connections 26 and 27 are provided on the low-pressure side. Furthermore, the second multi-directional valve device 22 is located in the second adjustment chamber 32 on the low-pressure side. Connection 16 is configured as an outlet. Connections 26 and 27, which open into conduits 34 and 35, can be controlled as inlets or outlets and are pressurized on the low-pressure side regardless of the control.

[0038] The inlet 25 leading from the housing 12 to the adjustment chamber 31, and the connection portion 16 from the second adjustment chamber 32 to the outside of the housing 12, are preferably positioned eccentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the respective multi-directional valve devices 21 and 22. The inlet 25 and connection portion 16 open eccentrically to the adjustment chambers 31 and 32, supplying refrigerant to the round cross-section base 41. This enables optimized supply and / or discharge of the refrigerant flow. Furthermore, the leading edge of the connection portion 25 to the adjustment chamber 31, and the edge between the adjustment chamber 32 and the outlet 16 have internal chamfers, thereby reducing the pressure drop between the connection portion 25 and the adjustment chamber 31, and / or between the adjustment chamber 32 and the connection portion 16. The connection portions 26 and 27 are also positioned eccentrically with respect to the passages 34 and 35.

[0039] The adjustment chambers 31 and 32 face each other, and after the insertion of the first multidirectional valve device 21 and the second multidirectional valve device 22, they are aligned so that the longitudinal axes of the shafts 43 are preferably aligned along a common longitudinal axis. The passages 34 and 35 are aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the housing 12 and the longitudinal axis of the shafts 43. Alternatively, the longitudinal axes of the shafts 43 may be aligned parallel to each other within the common housing 12. The longitudinal axes of the two shafts 43 of the multidirectional valve devices 21 and 22 can also be positioned at an angle of <180° within the common housing 12. Depending on the installation configuration, alignment of the adjustment chambers 31 and 32 at an angle of 90° or between 90° and 180° can also be achieved by the passages 34 and 35, which have corresponding shapes that are favorable to the flow.

[0040] Each of the rotary sliding valve devices 51 and 52 comprises a first rotatable rotary sliding valve 54 and 55, which each comprises, for example, two through-openings 61 and 62. These rotary sliding valves 54 and 55 are associated with rotary sliding supports 56 and 57, which also each comprise through-openings 63 and 64. Depending on whether the first rotary sliding valves 54 and 55 overlap or offset relative to the rotary sliding supports 56 and 57, the corresponding passage openings can be shut off, completely unshut off, independently open, or partially open together. This is illustrated in Figures 7 through 12 and 14 below. Each of the through-openings 63 and 64 within the rotary sliding supports 56 and 57 is aligned with passages 34 and 35.

[0041] The rotary sliding valves 54, 55 and the rotary sliding supports 56, 57 are preferably made of ceramic. The rotary sliding valves 54, 55 and the rotary sliding supports 56, 57 can also be made of plastic or metal.

[0042] In this embodiment of the multi-directional valve 11, for example, the refrigerant entering through the connection portion 25 formed as an inlet is supplied by the first multi-directional valve device 21 to either only passage 34 or only passage 35, or the refrigerant is supplied proportionally to both passages 34 and 35. Depending on the switching position of the second rotary sliding valve device 52 of the second multi-directional valve device 21, for example, the refrigerant present in passage 34 can flow out through the connection portion 26 formed as an outlet. Similarly, the refrigerant supplied to passage 35 can be discharged through the connection portion 27. The switching position can also be set so that the connection portion 16 configured as an outlet discharges the refrigerant.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a schematic enlarged view of the first multi-directional valve device 21, which is a further cross-sectional view of Figure 3. The cross-sectional view shown in Figure 4 is rotated 90° with respect to the cross-sectional view in Figure 3. From this cross-sectional view, it can be seen that the rotating sliding support 56 is rotatably fixed to the housing 12 by a pin 58. Alternatively, the rotating sliding support 56 may be fixedly held to the housing 12 by a screw connection. When the rotating sliding support 56 is sealed to the housing 12, a sealing body 59 can be provided as shown in Figure 3, and the sealing body 59 provides a sealing configuration between the housing 12 and the rotating sliding support 56 for each passage opening 63, 64.

[0044] The rotary sliding valve 54, when viewed in the direction of the rotary sliding support 56, has a cup-shaped recess that starts from the top and merges with the through openings 61 and 62. This allows for a streamlined configuration.

[0045] The driver 53 is preferably fixed to the rotation of the rotatable rotary sliding valve 54 by at least one, particularly two, pins 68 (Figure 3). Preferably, the sliding surface 69 is provided between the rotatable rotary sliding valve 54 and the rotary sliding support 56 and is raised relative to the end face of the rotary sliding support 56. This can thus facilitate the rotational movement of the rotary sliding valve 54 toward the rotary sliding support 56. At the same time, a sealing surface can be formed by this raised sliding surface 59 extending around the through holes 63, 64. Furthermore, the sliding surfaces 69 of individual segmental shapes can be formed as support surfaces.

[0046] Figure 5 shows a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view of the second multi-directional valve device 22. This cross-sectional view is also rotated 90° from the cross-sectional view in Figure 3. From this cross-sectional view, it is clear that the driver 53 engages with the rotatable rotary sliding valve 55 via a pin 68 and is rotatably connected to the rotatable rotary sliding valve 55. For example, the pin 68, in particular a dowel pin, can be press-fitted into the driver 53 and engage with a recess in the rotatable rotary sliding valve 55. Preferably, an interference fit is provided between the pin 68 and the rotary sliding valve 55. Preferably, the pin 68 is press-fitted into a hole in the rotary sliding valve 55 by a plastic sleeve to transmit torque without lateral force. This connection between the driver 18 and the rotary sliding valve 55 can also be provided in the rotary sliding valve device 51 shown in Figure 4.

[0047] The rotary sliding valve device 52, located in the second adjustment chamber 32, is designed differently from the rotary sliding valve device 51 due to the dominant pressure conditions. Low pressure is present in the adjustment chamber 32. In passages 34 and 35, the refrigerant is still under high pressure. To enable a sealing configuration between the rotary sliding support 57 of the second rotary sliding valve device 52 and the adjustment chamber 32, it is specified that insert bushings 71 be inserted into each of the conduits 34 and 35. The sealing configuration is sealed to the outside of passages 34 and 35 by a sealing body 72. The insert bushings 71 are positioned to be axially displaceable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the conduits 34 and 35. Preferably, a spring element 73 is positioned between the shoulder 74 of the insert bushing 71 and the bottom 75 of the adjustment chamber 32. Thus, the insert bushing 71 is biased toward the rotary sliding valve device 52. On the inlet side as viewed in the flow direction, the insert bushing 71 may have an inclined portion 77 that forms a streamlined configuration. On the opposite side, the insertion bush 71 may include a contact surface or receiver that contacts and / or engages with the rotary sliding support 57. The rotary sliding support 57 may be formed by two annular bodies that are received and held on the insertion bush 71. The two annular bodies can engage with the rotary sliding valve 55 by a sliding surface 69.

[0048] Figure 6 shows an exemplary structure of a refrigerant circuit 90. This refrigerant circuit 90 operates in cooling mode. Described in terms of flow direction, this refrigerant circuit 90 includes a condenser 91 that supplies refrigerant to an expansion valve 92 under high pressure. On the low-pressure side of the expansion valve 92 is an evaporator 93 that supplies expanding refrigerant to a compressor 94. At the outlet of the compressor 94 is a fluid pipe 95 that leads directly to a connection 25 of the housing 12 of the multi-directional valve 11. Due to the switching position of the first multi-directional valve device 21 shown in Figure 3, the refrigerant flows into the passage 35 and then to the connection 27, thereby supplying refrigerant to the condenser 91. Due to the switching position of the second multi-directional valve device 22, the refrigerant accumulated inside the condenser 96 can be extracted, thereby supplying the refrigerant to the passage 34 via the connection 26, from the passage 34 to the adjustment chamber 32 via the second rotary sliding valve device 52, and again to the refrigerant circuit 90 via the connection 16.

[0049] Figure 7a shows a schematic diagram of the switching position shown in Figure 6. Figure 7b shows a diagram of the first rotary sliding valve device 51 viewed in the direction of flow. From this diagram, it is clear that the passage openings 61 and 63 form a common passage, while the second passage openings 62 and 64 do not overlap and block this passage. Figure 7c shows a diagram of the second rotary sliding valve device 52 viewed in the direction of flow. The passage opening 62 of the rotatable rotary sliding valve 55 partially opens the passage opening 64 of the rotary sliding support 57, while the reduced flow of refrigerant reaches the connection 16. The other through openings 61 and 63 are blocked.

[0050] Figure 8a shows another switching position of the multi-directional valve 11. This switching position can control the pure cooling mode. Here, according to Figure 8b, the first rotary sliding valve device 51 is configured to open one passage to the connection 27 and block a further passage to the connection 26. Figure 8c shows a switching position of the second rotary sliding valve device 52 that blocks the passage of passages 34 and 35 to the adjustment chamber 32.

[0051] Figure 9a shows another switching position of the multi-directional valve 11. This switching position can be a transition from cooling mode to heat pump mode. Figure 9b shows the switching position of the first rotary sliding valve device 51. The two through holes 61 and 62 of the rotatable rotary sliding valve 54 only partially cover the through holes 63 and 64 of the rotary sliding support 56, so that the refrigerant flows from the regulating chamber 31 to the passages 34 and 35. According to the switching position of the second rotary sliding valve device 52 shown in Figure 9c, further flow to the regulating chamber 32 is blocked, so that the refrigerant open to the passages 34 and 35 flows completely to the connections 26 and 27.

[0052] Figure 10a shows another possible switching position of the multi-directional valve 11. In Figure 10b, the first rotary sliding valve device 51 is controlled so that passages 62 and 64 are open, allowing refrigerant to enter passage 34 and be transported to connection 26. The passage to connection 27 is closed. In Figure 10c, the second rotary sliding valve device 52 is positioned in the closed position.

[0053] Figure 11a shows another possible switching position of the multi-directional valve 11. Here, this switching position can be heat pump mode, in particular heating with simultaneous extraction from the cooling circuit. In this case, the first rotary sliding valve device 51 shown in Figure 11b is positioned as shown in Figure 10b. When simultaneous extraction from the cooling circuit is performed, the second rotary sliding valve device 52 moves to the switching position shown in Figure 11c, and the passage openings 61, 63 are opened only partially.

[0054] In contrast to Figure 11a, Figure 12a shows that the flow rate of refrigerant from connection 26 to connection 16 is increasing. This is shown by comparing Figures 11c and 12c, which indicate that the through-openings 61 and 63 of the second rotary sliding valve device 52 are congruent, and therefore the maximum opening is open.

[0055] This switching position of the multi-directional valve 11 shown in Figure 12 controls the refrigerant circuit 90 shown in Figure 13 in the heating mode, indicated by the flow arrows.

[0056] Figure 14a shows another possible switching position of the multi-directional valve 11. This switching position is a so-called service position, which allows, for example, discharge from the refrigerant circuit 90 and subsequent refrigerant refilling. In this switching position, the first rotary sliding valve device 51 is partially open to the passage openings 61, 63 and 62, 64, so that passages 34, 35 can be filled and the refrigerant can flow out through the connections 26, 27. Furthermore, the second rotary sliding valve device 52 is partially open so that the refrigerant can flow into the second adjustment chamber 32 and flow out through the connection 16.

[0057] Further switching positions beyond those described above are also possible. These intermediate positions can be used to change and control individual volumetric flow rates. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 11. Multidirectional valve 12 cabinets 14 Assembly Interface 16. Connection Port (Port 4) 18 Front 19 Front 21. First multidirectional valve device (HD) 22. Second multidirectional valve device (LP) 23 Drive unit 24 Longitudinal axis 25 Connection part (port 1) 26 Connection part (port 2) 27 Connection section (port 3) 29 Insertion opening 30 Insertion opening 31. First Control Room 32 Second Control Room 33 12 Longitudinal axis 34 aisles 35 aisle 41 Base 42 sealing elements 43 shafts 44 Shaft seal 45 Shaft support section 47 Gears 48 Drive elements 49 Sealing body 51 First rotary sliding valve device 52 Second rotary sliding valve device 53. Drive unit 54 52 Rotary sliding valve 55 53 Rotary sliding valve Rotating sliding support of 56 51 Rotating sliding support of 57 52 58 pins 59 Gasket 61 Through hole 62 Through-opening 63 Through holes 64 Through-opening 68 pins 69 Sliding surface 71 Insertion bush 72 Gasket 73 Spring elements 74 Shoulder 75 Bottom 77 Slope 90 Refrigerant Circuit 91 Condenser 92 Expansion valve 93 Evaporator 94 Compressor 95 Fluid tube 96 Internal condenser

Claims

1. A multi-directional valve for controlling the refrigerant circuit of a cooling system having a heat pump function, wherein the multi-directional valve is - A housing (12) having two end faces (18, 19) that are opposite to each other or assigned to each other, wherein the first end face (18) of the two end faces (18, 19) has an insertion opening (29) adjacent to a first adjustment chamber (31), and the second end face (19) of the end faces (18, 19) has an insertion opening (30) adjacent to a second adjustment chamber (32), - A first multidirectional valve device (21) insertable into the first adjustment chamber (31), and a second multidirectional valve device (22) insertable into the second adjustment chamber (32), wherein each of the first and second multidirectional valve devices (21, 22) comprises at least one base (41) and rotary sliding valve devices (51, 52), - The respective connection parts (25, 16) within the housing (12) that open to the first and second adjustment chambers (31, 32), - At least further connection parts (26, 27) within the housing (12), It has, At least one of the further connecting parts (26, 27) (26) opens to the first passage (34), and at least one of the further connecting parts (26, 27) (27) opens to the second passage (35). The first and second passages (34, 35) extend between the first and second multidirectional valve devices (21, 22) provided in the first and second adjustment chambers (31, 32), and are multidirectional valves.

2. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, wherein the housing (12) comprises two adjustment chambers (31, 32), and the two adjustment chambers (31, 32) are aligned with each other at an angle between 90° and 179°, or aligned along the longitudinal axis of the housing (12).

3. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the insertion openings (29, 30) in the housing (12) are each closed by the base (41) of each of the multidirectional valve devices (21, 22).

4. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the rotary sliding valve devices (51, 52) are each driven by the respective shafts (43) of the multidirectional valve devices (21, 22), and the shafts (43) arranged relative to each other within the housing (12) are aligned along a common longitudinal axis (33).

5. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the opposing adjustment chambers (31, 32) are connected to two passages (34, 35) arranged along the longitudinal axis (33) of the housing (12) and extend from the two rotary sliding valve devices (51, 52) of the multidirectional valve device (21, 22).

6. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one connecting portion (16, 25) opening into the adjustment chambers (31, 32) is oriented tangentially to the adjustment chambers (31, 32).

7. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one connecting portion (16, 25) opening into the adjustment chambers (31, 32), and the at least one connecting portion (26, 27) provided between the two rotary sliding valve devices (51, 52) of the multidirectional valve device (21, 22), are aligned in the same direction on the housing (12).

8. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, wherein the housing (12) has at least a rectangular cross-section and at least one connecting portion (25) located within the adjustment chamber (31), the connecting portions (26, 27) opening into the passages (34, 35) are aligned on the same side of the housing (12), and at least one further connecting portion (16) of a further adjustment chamber (32) is aligned on an adjacent or opposing side of the housing (12).

9. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the multidirectional valve devices (21, 22) is provided with a drive unit (23), and the drive unit (23) drives a shaft (34) connected to the rotary sliding valve devices (51, 52).

10. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the first multidirectional valve device (21) and the second multidirectional valve device (22) can be driven by a common control.

11. The multidirectional valve according to claim 9, wherein the drive unit (23) of the multidirectional valve device (21, 22) comprises a flat rectangular housing, and the longitudinal axis (24) of the housing of the drive unit (23) is oriented differently from the lateral side of the housing (12) on which the plurality of connection parts (25, 26, 27) are provided.

12. The multi-directional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the side surface of the housing (12) does not have connection parts (16, 25, 26, 27) and forms an arrangement interface.

13. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, at all switching positions of the rotary sliding valve devices (51, 52), the one connection part (25) connected to the adjustment chamber (31) is positioned as a refrigerant inlet, and the first multidirectional valve device (21) is positioned on the high-pressure side of the housing (12).

14. The multidirectional valve according to claim 13, characterized in that the second multidirectional valve device (22), opposite to the first multidirectional valve device (21), is arranged on the low-pressure side of the housing (12).

15. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the first multidirectional valve device (21) and the second multidirectional valve device (22) each have at least one sealing body (42) provided on the outer circumference of the base body (41).

16. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, wherein the first multidirectional valve device (21) and the second multidirectional valve device (22) are provided with a drive unit (53) between the base body (41) and the rotary sliding valve devices (51, 52), the drive unit (53) is rotatably driven by the shaft (43), and drives the respective rotary sliding valves (54, 55) of the rotary sliding valve devices (51, 52) to be rotatably driven.

17. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the first multidirectional valve device (21) is insertable into the adjustment chamber (31), the connection portion (25) designed as an inlet is pressurizable, and refrigerant is transported to one or both passages (34, 35), and the rotary sliding valve device (51) of the first multidirectional valve device (21) is formed by a first rotatable rotary sliding valve (54) and a second rotary sliding support (57), and the second rotary sliding support (57) is in contact with and held against the bottom (75) of the adjustment chamber (32) under the pressure of the refrigerant.

18. The multi-directional valve according to claim 1, wherein the rotary sliding valve device (52) of the second multi-directional valve device (22) is configured such that the refrigerant flows from the two passages (34, 35) to the adjustment chamber (32), and first acts on the second rotary sliding support (57).

19. The multidirectional valve according to claim 18, wherein the second rotary sliding support (57) of the rotary sliding valve device (52) of the second multidirectional valve device (22) comprises two connecting bushings, the connecting bushings being at least partially insertable into the passages (34, 35), guided to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction within the passages (34, 35), and each being sealed from the passages (34, 35) by a sealing body, and the end faces of the connecting bushings facing the passages (34, 35) are provided with insertion chamfers (77).

20. The multidirectional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second multidirectional valve devices (21, 22) are movable to a maximum of six different positions.

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