Device for regulating a through-flow and distributing a fluid in a fluid circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for regulating a through-flow and distributing a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit. The device (1) has a housing (2) with fluid connections (2a, 2b, 2c) for connecting to fluid lines, which are each connected via at least one through opening to an inner volume of the housing　(2) formed as a valve chamber (3), and a valve element (4) arranged in the valve chamber (3) and having a drive element (5) for moving the valve element (4) relative to the housing (2).

Description

DEVICE FOR REGULATING A THROUGH-FLOW AND DISTRIBUTING A FLUID IN A FLUID CIRCUIT

[0001] The invention relates to a device for regulating a through-flow and distributing a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular of a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit. The device has a housing with fluid connections for connecting to fluid lines, which are each connected via at least one through opening to at least one inner volume of the housing formed as a valve chamber, and at least one valve element arranged in the valve chamber and having a drive element for moving the valve element relative to the housing.

[0002] The invention also relates to a use of the device in a refrigerant circuit of a thermal system, in particular of a motor vehicle.

[0003] In motor vehicles known from the prior art, a high requirement for the comfort of passengers in the passenger compartment is met by air-conditioning systems with different circuits for refrigerant and coolant, each with differently operated heat exchangers. Refrigerant circuits of conventional air-conditioning systems can be formed to be operable both in a mode as a heat pump and in a mode as a refrigeration system in order to distribute thermal energies within the motor vehicle.

[0004] For example, in particular when operating the refrigerant circuit in a heat pump mode, heat can be transferred from the ambient air by means of a refrigerant-air heat exchanger or heat can be transferred from a coolant circuit to the refrigerant by means of a refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger, which heat can then be delivered to components of the motor vehicle with a heat demand or to the supply air to the passenger compartment. The refrigerant-air heat exchanger or the refrigerant-coolant heat exchanger is operated as an evaporator for the refrigerant.

[0005] During operation of the refrigerant circuit in a refrigeration system mode, heat can be absorbed from the passenger compartment or from the supply air to the passenger compartment or other components and transferred to the environment, for example in the refrigerant-air heat exchanger. In this case, the refrigerant-air heat exchanger is operated as a condenser or with carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, possibly also as a gas cooler.

[0006] If the refrigerant is liquefied with carbon dioxide during subcritical operation of the refrigerant circuit, such as with the refrigerant R1234yf, R290 or R152a, or at certain ambient conditions, the heat exchanger is referred to as a condenser. Some of the heat transfer takes place at a constant temperature. In supercritical operation or in the case of supercritical heat dissipation in the heat exchanger, the temperature of the refrigerant decreases continuously. In this case, the heat exchanger is also referred to as a gas cooler. Supercritical operation can occur under certain ambient conditions or operating modes of the refrigerant circuit, in particular with carbon dioxide as a refrigerant.

[0007] The working process with carbon dioxide as refrigerant differs thermodynamically from processes with other refrigerants, for example in the supercritical heat dissipation as an isobaric, non-isothermal state change of the refrigerant compared with the isobaric, isothermal state change of the subcritical heat dissipation in a classical cold steam process, for example with R1234yf, R290 or R152a as refrigerant. The term supercritical and subcritical heat dissipation refers to the critical point as the characteristic state of the refrigerant. With supercritical heat release, the process is also referred to as a transcritical process. The procedure of condensation or gas cooling as a process of heat release in the case of carbon dioxide as refrigerant takes place at a substantially higher pressure level than in processes with conventional refrigerants.

[0008] In order to be able to operate the heat exchangers in various functions, for example, on the one hand as an evaporator and on the other hand as a condenser / gas cooler of the refrigerant, depending on the operating mode of the air-conditioning system, in particular of the refrigerant circuit, the corresponding heat exchangers are integrated at different points within the refrigerant circuit and are thus acted upon by refrigerant in different states.

[0009] A plurality of valves and connection lines is required to provide the various functions of the refrigerant circuit. Each valve has an actuator and is to be connected to a control unit, which causes high system complexity. In addition to high costs, a high weight of the refrigerant circuit is therefore also caused. In addition, considerable installation space is required.

[0010] In the case of a refrigerant circuit with carbon dioxide as a refrigerant, a large amount of force is required, in particular for adjusting the valve between the functions at differential pressures of up to 100 bar.

[0011] In order, for example, to ensure the function of a 3 / 2-way valve, i.e. a valve with three connections and two switching positions for carbon dioxide as refrigerant, two separate valves, for example also as a so-called double valve, are used in the prior art. Preferably, metallically sealing needle valves, i.e. valves with valve bodies formed as needles, are used for sealing and controlling the through-flow.

[0012] DE 10 2020 101 031 A1 discloses a 3 / 2-way valve as a device for regulating a through-flow and distributing a fluid in a refrigerant circuit. The device has a housing with connections for connecting to fluid lines, which are each connected via a through opening to at least one inner volume of the housing formed as a valve chamber, and at least one valve element arranged in the valve chamber and having a drive element for moving the valve element relative to the housing. The at least one valve element is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis such that a passage for the fluid can be opened between a first connection formed as an inlet and a second connection formed as a first outlet or a third connection formed as a second outlet. The valve element is formed in the shape of a cylinder oriented in the axial direction, with a first section having the shape of a needle and a second section having the shape of a needle, which are connected to one another via a coupling element and are arranged spaced apart from one another in the axial direction.

[0013] The device has at least two soft sealing elements, preferably made of a rubber, two casings for the sections of the valve element, each formed as a needle, and a plurality of cooperating components. In order to ensure a necessary tightness of the device, a very high accuracy is required in the production of the components and their assembly to the device. In addition, the soft sealing elements are damaged as a result of the movement of the valve element with the sealing edges formed thereon along the sealing elements, so that these no longer fulfil the function of providing the seal. Furthermore, the formation of the two soft sealing elements requires a very large basic torque for moving the valve element.

[0014] The object of the invention is to provide a device for regulating a through-flow and distributing a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular in a refrigerant circuit, of a thermal system of a motor vehicle. The device is intended to combine functions of valves in order to minimise the costs, weight and installation space, in addition to the complexity of the system. In addition, when used in circuits with carbon dioxide as circulating fluid and thus at very high operating pressures and operating temperatures, in particular pressures up to 170 bar and temperatures up to 165　°C, the device should be simple to operate, in particular with little effort, and fluid-tight.

[0015] The object is achieved by the subject matters having the features of the independent claims. Further developments are indicated in the dependent claims.

[0016] The object is achieved by a device for regulating a through-flow and distributing a fluid in at least one fluid circuit, in particular of a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit. The device has a housing with fluid connections for connecting to fluid lines, which are each connected via at least one through opening to at least one inner volume of the housing formed as a valve chamber, and at least one valve element arranged in the valve chamber and having a drive element for moving the valve element relative to the housing.

[0017] According to the concept of the invention, the at least one valve element is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis between a first end position and a second end position such that a passage for the fluid is opened between a first fluid connection, which is formed in particular as an inlet, and a second fluid connection, which is formed in particular as a first outlet, or between the first fluid connection and a third fluid connection, which is formed in particular as a second outlet.

[0018] The valve element can be arranged in intermediate positions between the two end positions such that a passage for the fluid is at least partially opened between the first fluid connection and both the second fluid connection and the third fluid connection.

[0019] In addition, according to the invention, the valve element is substantially formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder with at least two sections. The sections represent a valve needle of a needle valve, especially a hollow needle of a hollow needle valve.

[0020] According to a further development of the invention, a wall of the valve element has through-flow openings which are preferably arranged around the entire circumference of the valve element. The centres of the through-flow openings with an advantageously circular flow cross-section are preferably arranged on a plane which is oriented in particular perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the valve element. The through-flow openings can be arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference of the wall and, in particular, can be formed with the same diameters.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first section and a second section of the valve element are arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis and are connected to one another via a third section. The third section is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the valve element between the first section and the second section. The sections of the valve element are oriented on the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal axis of the valve element is arranged coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the device, so that the longitudinal axes of the valve element and of the device are identical.

[0022] The second section of the valve element is preferably formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, in particular a hollow circular cylinder, which is substantially rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and has a base open on both sides. The second section is connected at a first end via the third section to the first section of the valve element. The symmetry axis of the hollow circular cylinder runs coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the valve element. In particular, a wall of the second section of the valve element has the through-flow openings in the region of the first end.

[0023] The second section of the valve element preferably has a larger diameter than the first section of the valve element.

[0024] The third section of the valve element is advantageously formed rotationally symmetrically about the longitudinal axis in the shape of a bell with a cross-section tapering in the direction of the longitudinal axis and having two open bases. In particular, an edge of an open first base of the third section with a maximum diameter is connected to an edge of the second section of the valve element, which edge runs around at a first end, around the entire circumference. The maximum diameter of the open first base of the third section of the valve element corresponds to the diameter of the edge running around the first end of the second section.

[0025] An edge of an open second base of the third section of the valve element with a small diameter is advantageously connected to an edge of the first section of the valve element, which edge runs around at a second end, around the entire circumference. The small diameter of the open second base of the third section of the valve element corresponds to the diameter of the edge running around the second end of the first section.

[0026] A further advantage of the invention is that an open base of the hollow-cylindrical valve element, which corresponds to a second end of the second section of the valve element distal to the first end, is oriented towards the through opening of the first fluid connection of the housing. The diameter of the open base of the second end of the second section of the valve element corresponds in particular approximately to the diameter of the through opening of the first fluid connection of the housing.

[0027] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one through opening of the second fluid connection or the at least one through opening of the third fluid connection each open into a flow channel. The respective flow channel is formed so as to run around the valve element, in particular as an annular channel, between an outer side of the valve element and the housing.

[0028] When the valve element is arranged in the first end position, the through-flow openings of the valve element are advantageously arranged fully in the region of the flow channel of the second fluid connection such that a flow path between the first fluid connection and the second fluid connection is opened through the valve element. The valve element is arranged such that there is no fluid connection between the inner volume of the valve element and thus the first fluid connection and the flow channel of the third fluid connection.

[0029] When the valve element is arranged in the second end position, the through-flow openings of the valve element are preferably arranged fully in the region of the flow channel of the third fluid connection such that a flow path between the first fluid connection and the third fluid connection is opened through the valve element. The valve element is arranged such that there is no fluid connection between the inner volume of the valve element and thus the first fluid connection and the flow channel of the second fluid connection.

[0030] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one through opening of the first fluid connection is oriented in the axial direction of the valve element, while the at least one through opening of the second fluid connection or the at least one through opening of the third fluid connection are oriented preferably in the radial direction with respect to the valve element. The through openings of the second fluid connection and of the third fluid connection are preferably arranged spaced apart from one another in the axial direction.

[0031] According to a further development of the invention, at least two sealing regions are formed between the housing and the valve element. The valve element in the sealing regions in each case bears directly against the housing around the entire circumference. The sealing regions are thus advantageously in each case formed as a metallic seal. A first sealing region is arranged in the axial direction, in particular between the first fluid connection and the third fluid connection, while a second sealing region is arranged between the first fluid connection and the second fluid connection.

[0032] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a sealing element is provided between the housing and the valve element, which sealing element is formed in particular as a sealing ring and bears against the valve element around the entire circumference. The sealing element is arranged in the axial direction, in particular between the second fluid connection and the third fluid connection, sealing the fluid connections with respect to one another.

[0033] The device can be configured such that the fluid is expanded when flowing through the device. In addition, the device can be formed such that fluid can flow through bidirectionally.

[0034] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the at least one valve element is connected via an actuating element to a drive element arranged outside the housing.

[0035] The actuating element is preferably formed as a drive shaft orientated in the axial direction. The actuating element is arranged, in particular, at a first end, firmly connected to the drive element and at a second end, distal to the first end, projecting into the housing and connected to the valve element.

[0036] The drive element can be formed as a linear motor or as a rotary motor with a transmission arrangement, in particular a thread, and an anti-skid element for transmitting a rotational movement of the drive element about the longitudinal axis into a linear movement of the valve element in the direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the housing. The transmission arrangement, in connection with the anti-skid element, serves to transmit the rotational movement of the drive element or of the actuating element about its longitudinal axis into a translatory lifting movement of the valve element, wherein the translatory lifting movement corresponds to a linear movement.

[0037] A drive element provided as a rotary motor is preferably formed as an electric servomotor, in particular as a stepping motor or servomotor, which advantageously permits, for example, the control of the angular position. The motor can be formed with a sensor for determining the position. The rotational position of the connecting element determined by the sensor can be transmitted continuously to an electronic control system which regulates the movement of the motor in a control circuit according to adjustable desired values, such as desired angular positions of the connecting element.

[0038] The transmission arrangement is advantageously formed as a thread pairing between the actuating element and the valve element. The actuating element is arranged inserted into an opening of the valve element, in particular of the first section of the valve element. The actuating element preferably has an external thread on an outer side, while an internal thread corresponding to the external thread is formed within the opening of the valve element.

[0039] As a 3 / 2-way valve, especially with a hollow needle as a valve element as a passage for the fluid and an actuator, the device advantageously represents a combination of two valves, in particular two shut-off valves. The fluid, especially the refrigerant, is conducted from the inlet to the first or primary and / or second or secondary outlet.

[0040] A mass flow of the fluid flowing into the device can consequently be passed in each case through one of the two outlets, while the other one of the two outlets is sealed and thus closed. Between the end positions of the valve element, in which the mass flow flows out of the device with a division of 100% / 0% or 0% / 100% through the two outlets, the flow cross-sections of the outlets behave proportionally to one another.

[0041] The use of such a device in air-conditioning systems, in particular of motor vehicles, with a refrigerant circuit with carbon dioxide as a refrigerant often requires a bidirectional flow through at least some components, since the flow direction of the refrigerant within the refrigerant circuit, for example between the operating modes of refrigeration system operation and heat pump operation, also referred to as heating operation, is reversed. The device can also fulfil this function and be flown through in two directions or bidirectionally.

[0042] The device according to the invention is formed as a highly integrated component, especially as a refrigerant valve, for carrying out several functions. Functions of individual valves are combined in the device.

[0043] The advantageous embodiment of the invention makes it possible to use the device for regulating a through-flow and distributing a fluid in a refrigerant circuit of a thermal system, in particular of a thermal management system, of a motor vehicle, for example for conditioning an air mass flow to be fed to a passenger compartment or a component of a drive train. The device then also serves as an adaptive multi-way refrigerant valve for vehicle air conditioning.

[0044] The refrigerant circuit in which a device is used can be operated with any desired refrigerant, in particular R1234yf, R1234a, R134a, R744, R404a, R600 or R600a, R290, R152a, R32 and mixtures thereof.

[0045] The device according to the invention, which is preferably formed as an electrically driven 3 / 2-way needle valve for the refrigerant carbon dioxide, has various advantages, in particular as a highly variable refrigerant valve having a plurality of possible through-flow paths for the refrigerant, in summary:

[0046] combining different valve functions, in particular two valves, especially shut-off valves, in a 3 / 2-way valve,

[0047] reducing the complexity of assembly leads to simple control and lower probability of errors and failures, which reduces expected warranty costs,

[0048] easy operability also by reducing the required actuating force for moving the valve element, in particular by the pressure compensation on the valve element, which is in a virtually isostatic state and no resulting pressure forces act specifically in the axial direction on the valve element,

[0049] minimising weight, also since only one actuator is required and connection lines are eliminated,

[0050] minimising leakage of refrigerant by eliminating the connection lines and sealing points, thereby reducing the costs for the end customer in the case of servicing,

[0051] long service life, since the valve element is sealed substantially metallically and thus with low wear, and a possible soft sealing element is not moved along or over a sealing edge, and

[0052] minimum production, maintenance and operating costs as well as minimum installation space required.

[0053] Further details, features and advantages of embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the associated drawings. Wherein:

[0054]

[0055] Fig. 1a: shows a first device, formed as a double valve of two separate valves, for regulating a through-flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit, having a housing with one inlet and two outlets and two valve elements from the prior art, each of which is arranged in a valve chamber of the common housing, in a lateral sectional representation,

[0056] Fig. 1b: shows a second device for regulating a through-flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit, having a housing with one inlet and two outlets and a valve element from the prior art arranged in a valve chamber in a lateral sectional representation,

[0057] Fig. 2: shows a device according to the invention for regulating a through-flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular of a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit of an air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle, having a housing and a valve element arranged within the housing in a perspective sectional representation,

[0058] Figs. 3a and 3b: show the device of Fig. 2 in the opened state of a first outlet and in the closed state of a second outlet of the device, and in the closed state of the first outlet and in the opened state of the second outlet of the device, in a lateral sectional representation,

[0059] Figs. 4a and 4b: show the device of Figs. 3a and 3b in detailed views, and

[0060] Figs. 5a and 5b: show the device of Figs. 4a and 4b in detailed views with representation of the pressure compensation.

[0061] In Fig. 1a, a first device 1' formed as a double valve of two separate valves for regulating a through-flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit having a housing 2' with one inlet and two outlets and two valve elements 4' from the prior art, each arranged in a valve chamber 3' of the common housing 2', is shown in a lateral sectional representation.

[0062] The housing 2' of the device 1' is formed with a first fluid connection 2a', a second fluid connection 2b' and a third fluid connection 2c' in each case for connecting to fluid lines. A through opening to the first fluid connection 2a' is oriented in the axial direction of the valve elements 4', while through openings of the second fluid connection 2b' and of the third fluid connection 2c' are each oriented in the radial direction to the valve element 4'. The device 1' can be operated as a 3 / 2-way valve.

[0063] The device 1', which is formed in particular from two electrically driven valves, has a drive element 5' for each valve, which in each case sets a drive shaft, which is provided as an actuating element 6', into a rotational movement. The drive element 5' is in each case formed, for example, as an electric servomotor for driving the actuating element　6'.

[0064] With the help of a transmission arrangement 7' provided on the actuating element 6' orientated in an axial direction, the rotational movement of the actuating element 6' is transmitted in each case about its longitudinal axis into a translatory lifting movement of the valve element 4' preferably formed as a valve needle. The translatory lifting movement corresponds in each case to a linear movement 8' of the valve element 4' in the axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the actuating element　6' and of the valve element 4'.

[0065] The transmission arrangement 7' is provided in each case between the actuating element 6' and the valve element 4'. The actuating element 6', which in each case substantially has the shape of a cylinder rod, in particular a round rod with sections of different diameters, is inserted with a free end into an opening formed in the valve element 4'. The free end of the actuating element 6' is arranged in each case distal to an end connected to the drive element 5'.

[0066] Each valve element 4' is arranged in a valve seat element 9'. The valve element 4', which is moved linearly in the axial direction and extends substantially in the axial direction, is held in each case via an anti-skid element 10', which prevents a rotational movement of the valve element 4' about the axial direction or the longitudinal axis of the valve element 4' and permits the linear movement 8' in the axial direction.

[0067] The valve elements 4' are each arranged in a sealing manner via two sealing elements　11', 12', in particular with respect to the housing 2' or with respect to the valve seat element 9'. A first sealing element 11' is in each case formed as a seat seal, in particular as a valve seat seal, and is arranged between the housing 2', the valve element 4' and the valve seat element 9', while a second sealing element 12' is in each case formed as a sliding seal, in particular a rod seal, in the shape of an axial seal or an annular seal.

[0068] Due to the dimensioning of the electric drive, only a limited force is available for moving the valve element 4', i.e. the valve needle. In addition, a tight contact of the valve element 4' within the valve seat element 9' must be ensured in each case in the non-energised state of the electric drive element 5' and at temperatures of -40 °C to +120　°C, in particular up to +165 °C. By generating a force acting on the valve element　4' and thus pressing the valve element 4' into the valve seat element 9', the valve element 4' can be held by the transmission arrangement 7' formed as a self-locking movement thread. However, a combination of the force pressing the valve element 4' into the valve seat element 9' with a change in temperature and an associated different expansion of the components leads to a jamming of the components, in particular of the valve element 4' within the first sealing element 11'.

[0069] Fig. 1b shows a second device 1" for regulating a through-flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit having a valve element 4" arranged in a common housing 2" from the prior art in a lateral sectional representation. The device 1" is formed to replace two separate valves, according to the device 1" of Fig. 1a, in particular in order to reduce the number of two valves to one component.

[0070] The device 1" has the housing 2" with a first fluid connection 2a" as an inlet for the fluid, a second fluid connection 2b" as a first outlet for the fluid and a third fluid connection 2c" as a second outlet for the fluid. The fluid connections 2a", 2b", 2c" for fluid lines as connecting lines to other components of the fluid circuit are each connected via through openings to an inner volume of the housing 2". The through openings of the fluid connections 2a", 2b", 2c" each open into a valve chamber 3". The valve element 4" is arranged within the valve chamber 3".

[0071] The valve element 4", which is substantially formed from three sections 4a", 4b", 4c", has a cylindrical shape with circular cross-sections. Two outer sections 4a", 4b" arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of the symmetry axis and thus in the longitudinal direction of the valve element 4 are fixedly connected to one another via a section 4c" referred to as a coupling element. A first section 4a" and a second section 4b" are also referred to as the first valve needle and the second valve needle. A third section 4c" formed as the coupling element is provided in the longitudinal direction of the valve element 4" between the outer sections 4a", 4b". The sections 4a", 4b", 4c" are arranged oriented on a common symmetry axis or longitudinal axis.

[0072] The valve element 4" is arranged so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction both in the region of the first section 4a" and in the region of the second section 4b" in each case in a valve seat element 9a", 9b". The valve seat elements 9a", 9b", which are arranged in a sealed manner via sealing elements 11", 12" with respect to the housing 2" or with respect to the valve element 4", respectively, permit a linear movement 8" of the valve element 4" in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

[0073] The valve element 4" is connected via an actuating element 6", also referred to as an actuator, to a drive element 5" arranged outside the housing 2". The longitudinal axes of the valve element 4" and of the actuating element 6" are oriented coaxially with respect to one another. The actuating element 6" which is formed, for example, as a shaft, is fixedly connected at a first end to the drive element 5". With the second end formed distally to the first end, the actuating element 6" is arranged through the wall of the housing 2", projecting into the housing 2" on an end face, in a sealed manner with respect to the housing 2". The drive element 5" is formed, for example, as an electric servomotor for driving the actuating element 6". The cylindrical valve element 4" extending substantially in the axial direction is guided in the linear movement 8" in the axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the actuating element 6".

[0074] By the linear movement of the valve element 4", the first fluid connection 2a" as an inlet for the fluid is fluidly connected either to the second fluid connection 2b" as a first outlet for the fluid or to the third fluid connection 2c" as a second outlet for the fluid. With a certain arrangement of the valve element 4", the first fluid connection 2a" can be fluidly connected both to the second fluid connection 2b" and to the third fluid connection 2c".

[0075] The devices 1', 1" from the prior art have at least two fast-wearing sealing elements　11', 11", 12', 12", two housings 2 or a housing 2" which is designed in a complicated manner and a plurality of components. Ensuring the required tightness of the device 1', 1" requires extremely high accuracy in the production of the components and their assembly to the device 1', 1". Due to the movement of the respective valve element 4', 4" with sealing edges formed thereon along the sealing elements 11', 11", 12', 12", the sealing elements 11', 11", 12', 12" are damaged so that the sealing elements 11', 11", 12', 12" cannot fulfil the function of sealing.

[0076] In Fig. 2, a device 1 according to the invention for regulating a through-flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular of a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit of an air-conditioning system of a motor vehicle, having a housing 2 and a valve element 4 arranged within a valve chamber 3 enclosed by the housing 2, is shown in a perspective sectional representation. Fig. 3a shows the device 1 of Fig. 2 in an opened state of a first fluid connection 2a as an inlet for the fluid and a second fluid connection 2b as a first outlet for the fluid and in a closed state of a third fluid connection 2c as a second outlet for the fluid in a lateral sectional representation, while Fig. 3b shows the device 1 of Fig.　2 in an opened state of the first fluid connection 2a and the third fluid connection 2c and in a closed state of the second fluid connection 2b in a lateral sectional representation. In Figs. 4a and 4b, the device 1 of Figs. 3a and 3b is respectively represented in detail views.

[0077] The housing 2 of the device 1, which is formed in particular as a 3 / 2-way valve, has the first fluid connection 2a, the second fluid connection 2b and the third fluid connection 2c in each case for connecting to fluid lines of the fluid circuit. A through opening of the first fluid connection 2a is oriented in the axial direction of the valve element 4, while through openings of the second fluid connection 2b and of the third fluid connection 2c are oriented substantially in the radial direction with respect to the valve element 4. The second fluid connection 2b and the third fluid connection 2c on the housing 2 each have circumferentially distributed through openings. The through openings of a respective fluid connection 2b, 2c are each connected to one another via a flow channel. The flow channel is in each case formed as an annular channel between the outer side of the wall of the valve element 4 and the housing 2.

[0078] The valve element 4, which is arranged within the valve chamber 3 enclosed by the housing 2 and is formed substantially rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and as a hollow valve needle, has three sections 4a, 4b, 4c along the longitudinal axis. A first section 4a and a second section 4b are formed as hollow cylinders, and the second section is formed in particular as a hollow circular cylinder, each with circular open cross-sections.

[0079] The first section 4a and second section 4b, which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of the symmetry axis and thus in the longitudinal direction of the valve element 4, are connected to one another by means of a third section 4c formed as a transition. The sections 4a, 4b, 4c of the valve element 4 are arranged oriented on a common symmetry axis or longitudinal axis. The third section 4c is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the valve element 4 between the outer sections　4a, 4b.

[0080] The device 1, which is formed in particular as an electrically driven valve, has an electric motor as drive element 5, which sets a drive shaft, which is provided as an actuating element 6, into a rotational movement 6a. With the help of a transmission arrangement 7 provided on the actuating element 6 orientated in the axial direction, in particular a thread, especially a so-called movement thread, the rotational movement 6a of the actuating element 6 about its longitudinal axis is transmitted into a translatory lifting movement of the valve element 4 formed as a hollow valve needle. The translatory lifting movement corresponds to a linear movement 8 of the valve element　4 in the axial direction and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the actuating element 6 formed as a drive shaft.

[0081] The thread pairing of the transmission arrangement 7 is provided between the valve element 4 and the actuating element 6. In this case, the actuating element 6, which substantially has the shape of a cylinder rod, in particular a round rod with sections of different diameters, is inserted with a free end into an opening 4-1 formed in the valve element 4, in particular in the first section 4a of the valve element 4. The free end of the actuating element 6 is arranged distal to an end connected to the drive element 5.

[0082] The actuating element 6 thus has an external thread at the free end as the first element of the thread pairing of the transmission arrangement 7, while an internal thread is formed within the opening 4-1 of the valve element 4 as the second element of the thread pairing of the transmission arrangement 7. The opening 4-1 is arranged at a first end orientated in the axial direction within the first section 4a of the valve element　4, penetrating the first section 4a in the direction of the longitudinal axis. Depending on the arrangement of the actuating element 6 within the opening 4-1 of the valve element 4, the actuating element 6 can project into the third section 4c of the valve element 4 and thus project through the first section 4a of the valve element 4.

[0083] The valve element 4, which is moved linearly in the axial direction and extends substantially in the axial direction, is held via an anti-skid element 10, which prevents a rotational movement of the valve element 4 about the axial direction or the longitudinal axis of the valve element 4 and permits the linear movement 8 in the axial direction.

[0084] The valve element 4, which is substantially formed rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis, has, in the first section 4a and thus at the first end orientated in the axial direction, formations 4-2 which deviate from the symmetry and point in the radial direction. The formations 4-2 provided at the first end of the valve element 4 in the first section 4a, which end faces the drive element 5, project in pairs opposite the valve element 4 and extend along the longitudinal axis.

[0085] The anti-skid element 10, which is arranged within the housing 2 in a rotationally fixed manner and is in particular disk-shaped, has a passage opening with notch-shaped or groove-like recesses which are arranged opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal axis of the valve element 4 and correspond in shape and dimensions to those of the formations 4-2 of the valve element 4. The shapes of the recesses of the passage opening of the anti-skid element 10 correspond in each case to the outer shape of the formations 4-2 of the valve element 4 plus a play for the sliding movement of the valve element 4 in the axial direction within the passage opening of the anti-skid element 10.

[0086] By forming the formations 4-2 on an outer side of the first region 4a of the valve element　4 and arranging the formations 4-2 within the notch-shaped or groove-like recesses of the anti-skid element 10 fixed in the housing 2, a rotational movement of the valve element 4, driven by the actuating element 6 rotating about the longitudinal axis, is prevented. The valve element 4 is thus guided in the linear movement 8 by the rotational movement 6a of the actuating element 6 without its own rotation about the longitudinal axis.

[0087] A 3 / 2-way valve is realised with the linear movement 8 of the valve element 4 formed as a hollow needle along the longitudinal axis of the device 1. In particular, the second section 4b of the valve element 4 serves to adjust the corresponding flow paths of the fluid through the device 1.

[0088] The second section 4b of the valve element 4 is formed in the shape of a hollow circular cylinder and has a base open on both sides. The symmetry axis of the hollow circular cylinder is oriented coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the device 1. The second section 4b is connected at a first end via the third section 4c to the first section 4a of the valve element 4. The second section 4b has a larger diameter than the first section　4a of the valve element 4.

[0089] In order to connect the first section 4a and the second section 4b of the valve element　4 to one another, the third section 4c is formed in the shape of a bell with a cross-section tapering in the direction of the longitudinal axis, calyx-shaped or hemispherical and having two open bases. An edge of an open base of the third section 4c with the maximum diameter is connected to the edge of the second section 4b, which edge runs around at a first end, around the entire circumference. The maximum diameter of the open base of the third section 4c corresponds to the diameter of the edge running around the first end of the second section 4b.

[0090] In addition, an edge of an open base of the third section 4c with a small diameter is connected to an edge of the first section 4a, which edge runs around at a second end, around the entire circumference. The small diameter of the open base of the third section 4c corresponds to the diameter of the edge running around the second end of the first section 4a.

[0091] The opened base of a second end, distal to the first end, of the second section 4b of the valve element 4, which also corresponds to the second end of the valve element　4, is arranged oriented towards the through opening of the first fluid connection 2a.

[0092] The wall of the second section 4b of the valve element 4, which is preferably of constant wall thickness, has through-flow openings 4-3 in the region of the first end and transition to the third section 4c of the valve element 4. The through-flow openings 4-3 are in particular uniformly distributed over the circumference of the wall and preferably have the same diameter.

[0093] When the valve element 4 is arranged in a first end position, according to Figs. 2, 3a and 4a, the through-flow openings 4-3 are arranged fully in the region of the flow channel of the second fluid connection 2b so that a flow path between the first fluid connection 2a as the inlet of the device 1 for the fluid and the second fluid connection 2b as the first outlet of the device 1 for the fluid is opened. The valve element 4 is arranged with the wall of the second section 4b such that no fluid connection is opened between the inner volume of the valve element 4 and the flow channel of the third fluid connection 2c. The flow path between the first fluid connection 2a as the inlet of the device 1 for the fluid and the third fluid connection 2c as the second outlet of the device　1 for the fluid is closed. The fluid flows through the first fluid connection 2a into the device 1 and out of the device 1 through the second fluid connection 2b.

[0094] In a second end position of the valve element 4, according to Figs. 3b and 4b, the valve element 4 is arranged such that the flow channel of the third fluid connection 2c with the associated through openings to the first fluid connection 2a is fully opened and consequently a flow path between the first fluid connection 2a as the inlet of the device　1 for the fluid and the third fluid connection 2c as the second outlet of the device　1 for the fluid is opened. The valve element 4 is arranged with the wall of the second section 4b such that no fluid connection is opened between the inner volume of the valve element 4 and the flow channel of the second fluid connection 2b. The flow path between the first fluid connection 2a as the inlet of the device 1 for the fluid and the second fluid connection 2b as the first outlet of the device 1 for the fluid is closed. The fluid flows through the first fluid connection 2a into the device 1 and out of the device 1 through the third fluid connection 2c.

[0095] The valve element 4 is sealed off from the housing 2 in two different sealing regions　11, 12, each of which is formed as a sealing edge, and by means of a sealing element 13, which is shown in particular in Figs. 4a and 4b. The valve element 4 bears directly against the housing 2 in the sealing regions 11, 12, while the sealing element 13 is arranged between the housing 2 and the valve element 4, in particular the second section 4b of the sealing element 4, bearing around the entire circumference. The sealing element 13 is preferably formed as a sealing ring.

[0096] With the formation of both the housing 2 and the valve element 4 of a metal, the valve element 4 is metallically sealed in the sealing regions 11, 12 to the housing 2. The housing 2 and the valve element 4 are formed from a stainless steel. According to Fig.　4a, a first sealing region 11 is formed in the axial direction between the first fluid connection 2a as an inlet for the fluid into the device 1 and the third fluid connection 2c as a second outlet for the fluid from the device 1. The valve element 4 rests against the housing 2 in the region of the second end and thus also in the region of the second end of the second section 4b of the valve element 4 around the entire circumference and sealingly. According to Fig. 4b, a second sealing region 12 is formed between the first fluid connection 2a as an inlet for the fluid into the device 1 and the second fluid connection 2b as a first outlet for the fluid from the device 1. In the region of the second section 4b, the valve element 4 bears against the housing 2 around the entire circumference and sealingly. In addition, with the sealing element 13 arranged in the axial direction between the second fluid connection 2b as a first outlet for the fluid from the device 1 and the third fluid connection 2c as a second outlet for the fluid from the device 1, the fluid connections 2b, 2c each serving as an outlet for the fluid are sealed with respect to one another. This ensures that, in the end positions of the valve element　4, the mass flow of the fluid flowing into the device flows out of the device 1 through one of the outlets in each case to 100%.

[0097] Even during the movement of the valve element 4, the sealing element 13 is always in contact, especially in flat contact, with an outer side of the valve element 4, in particular of the second section 4b of the valve element 4, so that the sealing element 13 is not swept over with a sealing edge of the valve element 4.

[0098] In the respective arrangement of the valve element 4 in one of either end positions, according to Figs. 2, 3a and 4a on the one hand and Figs. 3b and 4b on the other hand, the mass flow flowing through the first fluid connection 2a as the inlet of the device 1 is in each case discharged through one of the two fluid connections 2b, 2c as the outlet of the device 1 for the fluid which is open, while at the same time the respective other one of the two fluid connections 2c, 2b as the outlet of the device 1 for the fluid is closed or sealed off by means of the valve element 4. The mass flow of the fluid flowing into the device 1 is in each case 100% discharged again from the device 1 through one of the fluid connections 2b, 2c as an outlet for the fluid.

[0099] When the valve element 4 is arranged between the two end positions, not represented, the opening cross-sections of the flow paths and thus the partial mass flows of the fluid through the second fluid connection 2b and the third fluid connection 2c are proportional to one another.

[0100] As can be seen in particular from Figs. 4a and 4b and Figs. 5a and 5b, the valve element 4 is acted upon by fluid with a first pressure p1 via the through opening of the first fluid connection 2a, so that the pressure p1 acts on the valve element 4 substantially in the axial direction. The through openings of the second fluid connection　2b and of the third fluid connection 2c are each acted upon by fluid with a second pressure p2, so that the pressure p2 acts on the valve element 4 substantially in the radial direction. All the pressurised surfaces of the valve element 4 are designed such that the valve element 4 is arranged in an almost isostatic state. The compressive forces acting on the valve element 4 are in equilibrium, so that no resulting compressive forces are applied to the valve element 4, particularly in the axial direction. The valve element 4 is completely relieved of pressure, which permits a drive with a low torque even at high operating pressures and, for example, does not require the use of expensive pressure compensation springs.

[0101] The device 1 preferably has flow cross-sections from the first fluid connection 2a to the second fluid connection 2b in the diameter range of 3 mm to 9 mm and from the first fluid connection 2a to the third fluid connection 2c in the diameter range of 3 mm to 10 mm. The smaller maximum flow cross-section through the second fluid connection 2b is due to the flow through the valve element 4. The stroke travel of the valve element　4 in the direction of the linear movement is 8.5 mm with a length L of the installation, according to Fig. 4b, of approximately 41 mm, specifically 41.2 mm.

[0102] Particularly in both end positions of the valve element 4 within the housing 2, the fluid can flow bidirectionally through the device 1, so that the second fluid connection 2b and the third fluid connection 2c can each serve as an inlet for the fluid, while the first fluid connection 2a then serves as an outlet for the fluid. Likewise, the second fluid connection 2b or the third fluid connection 2c could serve as an inlet for the fluid, while the respective other fluid connection 2b, 2c correspondingly serves as an outlet for the fluid.

[0103] The device 1 can be formed as a so-called plug-in valve, also referred to as a "drop-in valve". The device 1 or several devices 1 are each inserted into a block, in particular a block formed from aluminium, which is also aimed specifically at use in a refrigerant circuit with carbon dioxide as refrigerant.

[0104] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0105] 1, 1', 1" device

[0106] 2, 2', 2" housing

[0107] 2a, 2a', 2a" first fluid connection

[0108] 2b, 2b', 2b" second fluid connection

[0109] 2c, 2c', 2c" third fluid connection

[0110] 3, 3', 3" valve chamber

[0111] 4, 4', 4" valve element

[0112] 4-1 opening of valve element 4

[0113] 4-2 formation of valve element 4

[0114] 4-3 through-flow opening of valve element 4

[0115] 4a, 4a" first section of valve element 4, 4"

[0116] 4b, 4b" second section of valve element 4, 4"

[0117] 4c, 4c" third section of valve element 4, 4"

[0118] 5, 5', 5" drive element

[0119] 6, 6', 6" actuating element

[0120] 6a rotational movement

[0121] 7, 7' transmission arrangement

[0122] 8, 8', 8" linear movement

[0123] 9', 9a", 9b" valve seat element

[0124] 10, 10' anti-skid element

[0125] 11 first sealing region

[0126] 11', 11" first sealing element

[0127] 12 second sealing region

[0128] 12', 12" second sealing element

[0129] 13 sealing element

[0130] p1, p2 pressure

[0131] L length

Claims

1.A device (1) for regulating a through-flow and distributing a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit, having a housing (2) with fluid connections (2a, 2b, 2c) for connecting to fluid lines, which are each connected via at least one through opening to an inner volume of the housing (2) formed as a valve chamber (3), and a valve element (4) arranged in the valve chamber (3) and having a drive element (5) for moving the valve element (4) relative to the housing　(2), characterised in that the valve element (4) is mounted so as to be linearly displaceable in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis between a first end position and a second end position such that a passage for the fluid is / are opened between a first fluid connection (2a) and a second fluid connection (2b) and / or between the first fluid connection (2a) and a third fluid connection (2c), and in that the valve element (4) is substantially formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder with at least two sections (4a, 4b).2.The device (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that a wall of the valve element (4) has through-flow openings (4-3).3.The device (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the through-flow openings (4-3) of the valve element (4) are arranged around the entire circumference of the valve element (4).4.The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that a first section (4a) and a second section (4b) of the valve element (4) are arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis and are formed connected to one another via a third section (4c).5.The device (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that the second section (4b) of the valve element (4) is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, in particular a hollow circular cylinder, which is substantially rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and has a base open on both sides, wherein the second section　(4b) is connected at a first end via the third section (4c) to the first section　(4a) of the valve element (4).6.The device (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that a wall of the second section (4b) of the valve element (4) has the through-flow openings (4-3) in the region of the first end.7.The device (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the second section　(4b) of the valve element (4) has a larger diameter than the first section　(4a) of the valve element (4).8.The device (1) according to claim 7, characterised in that the third section (4c) of the valve element (4) is formed rotationally symmetrically about the longitudinal axis in the shape of a bell with a cross-section tapering in the direction of the longitudinal axis and having two open bases, wherein an edge of an open base of the third section (4c) with a maximum diameter is connected to an edge of the second section (4b) of the valve element (4), which edge runs around at a first end, around the entire circumference.9.The device (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that an edge of an open base of the third section (4c) with a small diameter is connected to an edge of the first section (4a) of the valve element (4), which edge runs around at a second end, around the entire circumference.10.The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that an open base of the hollow-cylindrical valve element (4) is arranged oriented towards the through opening of the first fluid connection (2a).11.The device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterised in that the at least one through opening of the second fluid connection (2b) and / or the at least one through opening of the third fluid connection (2c) are / is in each case formed to open into a flow channel, wherein the respective flow channel is formed so as to run around the valve element (4) between an outer side of the valve element (4) and the housing (2).12.The device (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that, when the valve element (4) is arranged in the first end position, the through-flow openings (4-3) of the valve element (4) are arranged fully in the region of the flow channel of the second fluid connection (2b) such that a flow path is formed between the first fluid connection (2a) and the second fluid connection (2b).13.The device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that, when the valve element (4) is arranged in the second end position, the through-flow openings (4-3) of the valve element (4) are arranged fully in the region of the flow channel of the third fluid connection (2c) such that a flow path is formed between the first fluid connection (2a) and the third fluid connection (2c).14.The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the at least one through opening of the first fluid connection (2a) is arranged oriented in the axial direction of the valve element (4).15.The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterised in that the at least one through opening of the second fluid connection (2b) and / or the at least one through opening of the third fluid connection (2c) are / is arranged oriented in the radial direction with respect to the valve element (4).16.The device (1) according to claim 15, characterised in that the through openings of the second fluid connection (2b) and of the third fluid connection (2c) are formed spaced apart from one another in the axial direction.17.The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterised in that at least two sealing regions (11, 12) are formed between the housing (2) and the valve element (4), wherein the valve element (4) in the sealing regions (11, 12) bears directly against the housing (2) around the entire circumference and the sealing regions (11, 12) in each case are formed as a metallic seal.18.The device (1) according to claim 17, characterised in that a first sealing region　(11) is arranged in the axial direction between the first fluid connection (2a) and the third fluid connection (2c).19.The device (1) according to claim 17 or 18, characterised in that a second sealing region (12) is arranged between the first fluid connection (2a) and the second fluid connection (2b).20.The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that a sealing element (13) is arranged between the housing (2) and the valve element　(4), which sealing element bears against the valve element (4) around the entire circumference.21.The device (1) according to claim 20, characterised in that the sealing element　(13) is arranged in the axial direction between the second fluid connection　(2b) and the third fluid connection (2c), sealing the fluid connections　(2b, 2c) with respect to one another.22.The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterised in that the device (1) is formed so that it can be flowed through bidirectionally.23.The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterised in that the valve element (4) is connected via an actuating element (6) to the drive element　(5) arranged outside the housing (2).24.The device (1) according to claim 23, characterised in that the actuating element　(6) is formed as a drive shaft orientated in the axial direction.25.The device (1) according to claim 24, characterised in that the actuating element　(6) is arranged at a first end firmly connected to the drive element (5) and at a second end, which is formed distally to the first end, projecting into the housing　(2) and connected to the valve element (4).26.The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterised in that the drive element (5) is formed as a servomotor.27.The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterised in that the actuating element (6) and a transmission arrangement (7) and an anti-skid element　(10) are formed for transmitting a rotational movement (6a) of the drive element (5) about the longitudinal axis into a linear movement (8) of the valve element (4) in the direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the housing (2).28.The device (1) according to claim 27, characterised in that the transmission arrangement (7) is formed as a thread pairing between the actuating element (6) and the valve element (4), wherein the actuating element (6) is arranged inserted into an opening (4-1) of the valve element (4).29.Use of a device (1) for regulating a through-flow and distributing a fluid according to any one of claims 1 to 28 in a refrigerant circuit of a thermal system, in particular a thermal management system, of a motor vehicle.

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