Multi-way valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-way valve (1) for controlling a liquid and / or gaseous flow of fluid or medium, wherein the multi-way valve (1) comprises a number of fluid connections (12, 13, 14), at least one drive shaft (20) and at least one pivotable closing part (3) for closing at least one fluid connection (12, 13, 14) of the multi-way valve (1), wherein fluid connections (12, 13, 14) that are to be closed and opened are positioned with respect to the at least one drive shaft (20) on at least one circular arc around said at least one drive shaft, at least the fluid connections (12, 13) that are to be closed and opened are each provided with at least one sealing surface (121, 131) and the multi-way valve (1) comprises a slotted-guide control unit (4) which is positioned on the at least one drive shaft (20) and has at least one control slotted guide (45), cooperating with the at least one closing part (3), for pressing the at least one closing part (3) against the at least one sealing surface (121, 131) of a respective fluid connection (12, 13) and for lifting it off therefrom, wherein the at least one closing part (3) is relatively movable with respect to the at least one drive shaft (20).

Description

[0001] Multi-way valve

[0002] The invention relates to a multi-way valve for controlling a liquid and / or gaseous fluid or medium flow, wherein the multi-way valve comprises a number of fluid connections, at least one drive shaft and at least one pivotable closing part for closing at least one fluid connection of the multi-way valve, wherein fluid connections to be closed and to be opened are arranged or lie on at least one circular arc around the at least one drive shaft.

[0003] Multi-way valves are known in the art. These are used to allow fluid or medium flowing into the multi-way valve to flow out selectively through one or partially or completely through several fluid ports of the multi-way valve, thus dividing the fluid or medium flow and / or allowing it to flow out selectively through only one of the fluid ports. Such multi-way valves are used, among other things, in motor vehicles to control fluid or medium flows, for example, in a cooling system with multiple cooling circuits.

[0004] For example, US Pat. No. 5,188,149 A discloses a changeover or multi-way valve having an inlet and a first and a second outlet. These are arranged along an arcuate path, with a pivot pin extending into a cavity of the valve body. Arranged on the pivot pin at a right angle to it is a closure pin which extends into a bore of a socket of a mushroom-shaped closure element. The surface of a domed head of the closure element is in contact with an O-ring seal at one of the outlets. As the rotor moves, the O-ring comes into contact with the surface of the domed head, carrying the closure element inward, causing it to slide on the closure pin, and causing the closure pin to penetrate deeper into the recess in the head of the closure element.As the closure element closes one of the outlets, the other outlet opens, and the pressure of the water flowing through the valve exerts a direct compressive force on the flat, annular underside of the closure element's head. The compressive force lines are directed perpendicular to the underside of the closure element and hold the closure element in tight contact with the O-ring seal.

[0005] A two-way valve with three cylinders is known from US 1,685,303 A. A valve stem extends within the valve cylinder, with a pair of valves on the valve stem interacting with the ports to open and close them. The valve stem is rotated to pivot the valves toward and away from the corresponding ports in alignment. Pivoting a corresponding cylindrical segment to open and close openings in a valve body of a multi-way valve is also known from FR 1 556 385 A.

[0006] EP 4 086490 A1 discloses a directional control valve for regulating a fluid flow, comprising a valve housing with fluid openings, a valve member that is adjustable to close and at least partially open the fluid openings, and a seal mounted in a seal receptacle of the valve member or the valve housing in an assembly direction. The seal and the seal receptacle engage with each other in a form-fitting manner to prevent the seal and valve member or valve housing from becoming removed counter to the assembly direction. The directional control valve comprises a slotted guide, by means of which the valve member is urged into a sealing contact switching state with the valve housing and guided into a release switching state offset relative to the sealing contact switching state. The slotted guide has a slotted path formed in a valve housing base and also a valve housing cover, in which the valve member is guided.The gate path, designed as a guide groove, is ring-shaped and has switches in the area of ​​the fluid openings in order to urge or move the valve member in the direction of the fluid openings to close them and to move it away from them again.

[0007] EP 2 314 900 A2 also discloses a valve device with a housing in which a valve seat and a movable valve body are arranged. The valve body is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis and is intended to be rotatable with low friction between a closed position and an open position. In its pre-closing position, the valve body is arranged in alignment with, and not yet sealingly against, the valve seat. It is adjustable radially to the axis on the valve seat for transfer from the pre-closing position to a closed position. A stop is provided in the housing of the valve device, against which the valve body rests once it has reached its pre-closing position.

[0008] DE 10 2016 118 133 A1 discloses a rotary slide valve for a motor vehicle cooling circuit, comprising a valve housing with a cylindrical valve interior defined by an inner valve wall, having a valve inlet, a valve outlet, and a radial passage between the valve inlet and the valve outlet. A control body is movably mounted in the valve housing to control the passage. The control body has a shaft extending coaxially through the valve interior, on which shaft a support structure protruding radially outward from the shaft is arranged to close the radial passage, said support structure having a closure element mounted on the support structure. The closure element bears slidably against the inner valve wall and is mounted with a spring load for radial displacement relative to the shaft.

[0009] Also known from DE 10 2006 011 835 A1 is a valve device for regulating a coolant flow. The valve device comprises a pressure-controlled bypass valve combined with a shut-off valve in its valve housing. The bypass valve opens the bypass between an engine inlet and an engine return line depending on the pressure. A closing device with a closing body is adjustably accommodated in the shut-off valve housing. A guide pin extends from the closing body and is guided longitudinally displaceably in a receiving element. A spring is preloaded between the receiving element and the closing body. The preload force of the spring ensures that the closing body is held in contact with the inside of the shut-off valve housing.

[0010] DE 100 52 327 A1 discloses a control valve for a motor vehicle heating system with heating medium circuits. The control valve is provided with a spring-loaded closure body and has at least three switching positions. The spring-loaded closure body is arranged on a support pivotably mounted in the valve housing. The support is provided with a recess for a compression spring that presses the closure body radially outward.

[0011] DE 32 24 311 A1 discloses a four-way valve for use in a railway air brake system. Within an inner chamber of a housing of the four-way valve, a valve body is movable between a number of positions. A sealing member is carried by the valve body and is urged outwardly relative to the valve body toward the openings by a spring device. A sealing device is provided for each opening, with floating sealing rings in each opening arranged for contact with the sealing member of the valve body. The spring device urges the carrier outwardly relative to the valve body. The valve body is movable about an axis of the cylindrical chamber.

[0012] DE 26 07 245 A1 discloses a multi-way valve with a shut-off element rotatably mounted in a cylindrical housing having at least two radially arranged outflow openings and coupled to the shaft of an electric motor. The shut-off element consists of a first part rigidly coupled to the shaft of the housing and a second part, which is radially movable relative to the first part and in which a sealing piece is fastened. A compression spring is arranged between the two parts of the support body. Clamping elements slide in bushings inserted radially into the drive shaft and are pressed against the inner wall of the housing by the compression springs. DE 1 064 308 B discloses a rotary slide valve with a partially cylindrical slide plate which is movably connected approximately in its center to a driver which is fastened to the drive spindle perpendicular to the latter and is pressed with slight pressure against an inner wall of the housing by a spring mounted on the driver.

[0013] DE 103 04 837 A1 discloses a valve for controlling volume flows, in particular of a cooling / heating system of a motor vehicle, comprising a valve housing, a valve chamber from which at least three flow channels branch off, and at least two valve bodies arranged in the valve chamber, rotatable about an associated axis and interacting with valve seats of the valve chamber. Furthermore, means are provided that enable a relative position of the valve bodies in the valve chamber to be varied via an actuator. The valve bodies are designed to be movable and arranged to rotate about a common axis. In one embodiment, the two valve bodies of the valve are moved via a cam disk, into which contours are incorporated, each of which engages a pin, each of which is firmly connected to one of the valve rods.The contours of the cam disc are designed so that only one of the valve bodies is moved within certain rotational ranges of the cam disc. The cam disc can rotate around a rotational axis and is driven by an electric motor via a shaft. The cam disc's rotational axis runs parallel to, but at a distance from, the valve body's rotational axis. The cam disc is connected to an actuator via a drive shaft, which can be driven by an electric motor.

[0014] DE 22 01 940 A1 discloses a shut-off device with a flap disc that, in a closed position, rests sealingly on a stationary sealing seat via an edge strip. The actuating lever, whose free end is connected to the center of the flap disc by means of pivot pins, can be preloaded against the sealing seat in this closed position of the flap disc and can be lifted off to open the shut-off device. Guide means in the first movement section of the flap disc lift it approximately normally from the sealing seat and, as the opening process progresses, cause the flap disc to rotate with increasing steepness around the pivot pins connecting it to the actuating levers.The length of the actuating levers of the flap plate is less than its radius and the guide means have projections which are connected to the flap plate in the area of ​​the bearing blocks for the pivot pins for engagement of the actuating levers at the distances exceeding the pivot pin from the flap plate and engage in guide curves of stationary support elements which project into the housing from its wall parallel to the pivoting plane of the actuating levers.DE 28 10 446 A1 discloses a ball valve for blocking the passage in large-diameter conveying lines, comprising a spherically shaped valve body, a valve seat, a closure element, and a linkage for the rotational movement of the closure element about a rotary shaft rotatably mounted on the valve body, the linkage advancing the closure element toward the seat, and a servomotor that drives the rotary shaft via a lever arrangement located laterally and externally of the valve body. The linkage for the rotational movement of the closure element and the subsequent return movement toward the seat comprises an internal rotary shaft arranged perpendicular to the flow direction and driven by a servomotor. Two angle levers are attached to both sides of the shaft, which, in conjunction with levers, form a toggle lever arrangement.These are each hinged at both ends of a fork joint and inserted into linear sliding guides formed on a rigid U-shaped guide structure. The guide structure is freely movable on the internal rotating shaft and supports the closure element. The central bearing bush of the closure element is inserted into a bore provided in alignment with the axis of symmetry of the U-shaped structure and is resiliently connected to the fork joint. The rotational movement of the U-shaped rigid guide structure is limited to an angle of 90° by locking planes supported by the valve body.

[0015] US 2005 / 0224743 A1 discloses a flow control valve system comprising a housing defining a flow path, a throttle element disposed in the flow path, and a linkage coupled to the throttle element and disposed outside the flow path. With such an orientation, the linkage arrangement has minimal influence on a pressure gradient or pressure drop within the flow control valve system. As such, the linkage arrangement enables the flow control valve system to convey a fluid from a fluid inlet channel to a fluid outlet channel with a relatively large volumetric flow rate. In all multi-way valves, a closing part is thus pivoted through an angle and simultaneously serves to seal respective fluid connections or openings in the valve housing. The closing part or valve body of the prior art multi-way valves rests with its surface on the cylindrical inner surface of the valve housing.When pivoting, damage or wear to the closing part or seals of the respective state-of-the-art valves may occur.

[0016] The present invention is therefore based on the object of improving a multi-way valve with a number of fluid connections, at least one drive shaft and with at least one pivotable closing part for closing at least one of the fluid connections of the multi-way valve, wherein fluid connections to be closed and to be opened are arranged on at least one circular arc around the at least one drive shaft, in such a way that damage and wear of the pivotable closing part for closing at least one of the fluid connections of the multi-way valve are kept as low as possible and frictional forces and adjusting torque are reduced.

[0017] The problem is solved for a multi-way valve according to the preamble of claim 1 in that at least the fluid connections to be closed and opened are each provided with at least one sealing surface, and the multi-way valve comprises a gate control unit arranged on the drive shaft with at least one control gate interacting with the at least one closing part for pressing the at least one closing part against the at least one sealing surface of a respective fluid connection and for lifting it off therefrom, wherein the at least one closing part is movable relative to the at least one drive shaft. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0018] This creates a multi-way valve which has a gate control unit with at least one control gate, wherein the gate control unit is arranged on the drive shaft and the at least one control gate interacts with the at least one closing part. The gate control unit is thus arranged on the drive shaft, i.e. fastened or fixed to it. The at least one closing part is movable relative to the drive shaft and thus also to the gate control unit and its at least one control gate. The interaction of the control gate of the gate control unit and the at least one closing part makes it possible, on the one hand, to tightly close a respective fluid connection and, on the other hand, to enable the at least one closing part to be actively lifted off a sealing surface of a respective fluid connection. Accordingly, the at least one closing part can be pivoted without damaging orWear of sealing surfaces of the respective fluid connections and of the at least one closing part is possible, and with reduced frictional forces and adjustment torques compared to the prior art solutions, since the front side or front surface of the at least one closing part is initially spaced apart from the respective sealing surface of the respective fluid connection by the gate control unit before pivoting of the closing part is enabled or released or occurs. Accordingly, during pivoting, the front side or front surface of the at least one closing part is not in contact with a respective sealing surface of a respective fluid connection or with an inner surface of a valve housing of the multi-way valve, but is lifted away from them.By means of the at least one control link of the link control unit, the at least one closing part is held in a position which is repeatably accurate in every position, so that, unlike the spring-actuated closing parts of the prior art which are subject to aging, the link control unit of the present multi-way valve can always be used to press the closing part onto at least one sealing surface of a respective fluid connection and to lift it off from this in a reproducible and precise manner.

[0019] In contrast to EP 4 086 490 A1, according to the present invention, the at least one closing part is first lifted off the respective fluid connection by the control link of the link control unit and only then pivoted or can only be pivoted within the multi-way valve or its valve housing. In EP 4 086 490 A1, the valve member does not first lift off the valve seat on the fluid connection before a rotational movement occurs. Rather, the valve member is pulled off the position adhering to the valve seat or the sealing contact surface by a superimposed rotational and translational movement. As a result, transverse forces are exerted on the sealing contact surface during rotation, which leads to wear thereon. Furthermore, due to the guidance of the valve member in guide grooves in the valve housing base and cover, in EP 4 086 490 A1 the valve member can jam during pivoting and thus lead to malfunctions in the operation of the multi-way valve.This is advantageously avoided by the gate control unit according to the invention, since it is attached or attached to the drive shaft and rotates with it, and the at least one closing part is arranged in the valve housing of the multi-way valve or in its valve chamber so that it can move relative to the drive shaft. The at least one closing part moves relative to the drive shaft due to its interaction with the control gate of the gate control unit when the gate control unit pivots by rotating the drive shaft.

[0020] To move the at least one locking part by the link control unit and interact with its at least one control link, at least one element directly or indirectly connected to the locking part, such as a pin element or link pin with a link roller, is advantageously movable along the control link. The link control unit is designed as an elongated and plate-like, flat element. It is arranged along the longitudinal extent of the drive shaft, fastened to the drive shaft so that it rotates with it, and provided with the at least one control link. The at least one element engages in the control link, in particular the link roller, and is advantageously simultaneously connected to the at least one locking part, in particular via the link pin.The length of the guide roller advantageously corresponds to the thickness of the guide control unit, whereas the guide pin is longer and is in contact with or connected to the at least one closing part. The guide pin extends through the guide roller and projects beyond it, in particular at both ends. The at least one element, in particular the guide roller with the guide pin guided through it, moves along the control guide when the guide control unit is pivoted by rotating the drive shaft. By connecting the at least one element, in particular the guide pin, and the at least one closing part, the at least one closing part is moved in accordance with the course of the control guide in the direction away from the drive shaft or in the direction towards the drive shaft and thus in the direction towards a fluid connection to be closed or in the direction away from a fluid connection to be opened.

[0021] Advantageously, the at least one control gate of the gate control unit is shaped such that, in order to generate a lifting movement of the at least one closing part from the at least one sealing surface of the respective fluid connection of the multi-way valve, the closing part is moved in the direction of the drive shaft of the multi-way valve and is thus lifted from the sealing surface and released. Further advantageously, the at least one control gate can be shaped like a wing-like, curved V, with a central section facing the drive shaft and arranged closest to it in order to move the at least one closing part in the direction of the drive shaft, and with two lateral curved sections projecting from the central section on either side, which serve to press the closing part against the at least one sealing surface of a respective fluid connection.The at least one control link is thus preferably shaped in a wing-like manner with a central section that is arranged closest to the drive shaft of the multi-way valve. Furthermore, the at least one control link can advantageously have a concavely shaped transition region between the two lateral wing-like curved sections to prevent jamming of the element that engages in the at least one control link and is movable along it, in particular the link roller, and to center it in a zero or starting position. The concavely shaped transition section in the region of the zero or starting point of the control link flattens the transition from one wing-like curved section of the control link to the other, thus preventing jamming of the element that is movable along the control link, in particular the link roller.At the same time, the concavely shaped transition section enables centering of the element, particularly the cam roller with cam pin, in the zero or initial position. The concavely shaped transition section is positioned opposite the central section between the two wing-shaped curved sections of the control cam, which faces closest to the drive shaft, creating a larger gap between the two walls bordering the control cam at the edges. This larger gap can accordingly prevent jamming of the element, particularly the cam roller, that can be moved along the control cam.

[0022] If the at least one element, such as the guide pin accommodated in the guide roller, which is directly or indirectly connected to the locking part for moving the at least one locking part by the guide roller control unit and interacting with its at least one control guide, is in the position in the central section of the V-shaped, wing-like curved control guide, the at least one locking part is lifted away from the respective fluid connection and its at least one sealing surface. This position represents the zero or starting position of the element, such as the guide roller with guide pin, and at the same time a release position in which pivoting of the at least one locking part is enabled or enabled.When the at least one element engaging in the control gate, in particular the gate roller, is moved along the control gate, the at least one closing part of the multi-way valve can be in the position pressed closest to the respective fluid connection or its at least one sealing surface in the position in the wing-like lateral sections thereof at which the element, in particular the pin element or gate pin, is furthest away from the drive shaft of the multi-way valve.

[0023] In order to move the at least one element, in particular the guide roller with the guide pin accommodated therein, along the at least one control guide, the guide control unit is advantageously pivoted by rotating the at least one drive shaft within the valve housing or the valve chamber of the multi-way valve. To enable this, the guide control unit is advantageously fastened to the drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and so as to rotate with the drive shaft. To enable rotation with the drive shaft, the guide control unit can be arranged on the drive shaft in a form-fitting manner. For example, the drive shaft can be pivoted in the area in which the guide control unit is to be fastened to the drive shaft.is attached, may be polygonal on the outside, wherein the link control unit may have a correspondingly polygonal opening, so that the link control unit positively receives the correspondingly polygonal drive shaft in the region of its polygonal opening. A fastening pin, a fastening screw, or the like may also be used to further fasten the link control unit to the drive shaft, by means of which the link control unit is fastened to the drive shaft. In particular, such a fastening pin or fastening screw may extend approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the drive shaft.

[0024] Thus, in contrast to EP 4 086490 A1, the gate control unit is designed as a separate element that is attached to the drive shaft along the longitudinal extent of the drive shaft, spaced apart from the valve housing base and cover, and is therefore not designed as a control gate in a valve cover or valve base, as in EP 4 086 490 A1. The gate control unit advantageously has at least one head section with a control gate and at least one section that is connected to or attached to the drive shaft. The latter section advantageously has at least one polygonal through-opening through which the drive shaft extends, in order to enable a rotationally fixed connection between the gate control unit and the drive shaft.

[0025] In order to connect the at least one closing part to the drive shaft and / or to couple the at least one closing part to it, at least one retaining bracket is advantageously provided or comprised by the multi-way valve. Further advantageously, the at least one retaining bracket is arranged on the drive shaft without frictional connection and can pivot about it. Pivoting can be made possible in particular by providing at least one spring element which engages on the one hand on the at least one retaining bracket and on the other hand on the drive shaft. The at least one spring element thus serves to apply a force for pivoting the at least one closing part within the valve housing of the multi-way valve. The at least one closing part is thus provided for arrangement on the drive shaft with the at least one retaining bracket which is arranged around the drive shaft and to which the at least one spring element is fastened, which likewise engages the drive shaft.The at least one retaining bracket is provided, in particular, with at least one sleeve element or a through-hole, which can be arranged along the drive shaft, encompassing it. A frictional connection is not provided between the drive shaft and the at least one retaining bracket. This is created by the at least one spring element, which engages on the retaining bracket on the one hand and on the drive shaft on the other, so that force is transmitted for pivoting the at least one locking part via this at least one spring element.

[0026] The at least one spring element can, for example, be wound around a receiving pin arranged on the retaining bracket on the one hand, and can also engage around the outside of the drive shaft on the other. In order to be able to secure the spring element particularly well to the drive shaft and at the same time to have the option of tensioning or pretensioning it in order to enable very good power transmission from the drive shaft to the at least one spring element for pivoting the at least one locking part, at least one eccentric element is further advantageously provided for pretensioning the at least one spring element relative to the drive shaft. The at least one eccentric element can further advantageously be arranged on the drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner and so as to rotate with the drive shaft.If a polygonal outer shape is provided for the drive shaft, the at least one eccentric element can, for example, have a correspondingly shaped opening, wherein this opening surrounds the drive shaft in a form-fitting manner after the at least one eccentric element has been attached to the latter and, due to the polygonal shape, enables the at least one eccentric element to rotate with the drive shaft. The pretension of the at least one spring element ensures that, during a pivoting process, the link control unit is first brought into its release position and the closing part is lifted from the at least one sealing surface of a respective fluid connection. The at least one spring element further advantageously rests on the outside of the at least one eccentric element and is wound around the deflection pin on the at least one retaining bracket.In particular, the at least one spring element can be arranged in at least one outer groove of the eccentric element. This prevents the at least one spring element from moving unintentionally along the longitudinal extension of the drive shaft or of the at least one eccentric element thereon. If the at least one spring element or a portion of the spring element is mounted in the outer groove of the eccentric element, such unintentional movement in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft can be prevented. To set a desired spring force, the number of turns of the at least one spring element around the deflection pin can be suitably selected.

[0027] The at least one retaining bracket can be approximately U-shaped in side view, with a central section and two arms, wherein the at least one retaining bracket with its two arms, in particular sleeve sections arranged on the ends thereof, surrounds the drive shaft. The at least one locking part extends through the central section of the at least one retaining bracket and is connected to the element, in particular the pin element or guide pin, which engages in the guide control unit, in particular its control guide, and can be moved along the control guide, wherein the guide roller engages in the control guide. The element or guide roller with the guide pin received therein, which engages through the control guide and can be moved along it, advantageously extends approximately parallel to the central section of the at least one retaining bracket.The at least two arms of the at least one retaining bracket can be sleeve-shaped at their ends for arrangement on the drive shaft and can surround the drive shaft with the end sleeve sections without any frictional connection. In the direction pointing away from the two sleeve sections arranged at the ends on the arms of the at least one retaining bracket, the at least one closing part can be arranged on the central section of the U-shaped retaining bracket. The closing part comprises, for example, two web-shaped elements or holding webs for reaching through a through-opening in the central section of the retaining bracket, which, after penetrating the central section of the retaining bracket, are arranged approximately perpendicular to the extension of the central section of the U-shaped retaining bracket.The pin element, such as the guide pin, which engages the control guide of the guide control unit via the guide roller, can be arranged at right angles to the two approximately parallel retaining webs of the closing part, reaching through both retaining webs. The guide control unit is arranged between the two retaining webs of the closing part. The pin element or guide pin then extends approximately parallel to the central section of the U-shaped retaining bracket through the two retaining webs of the closing part and the control guide of the guide control unit accommodated between them, approximately perpendicular to these. The at least one closing part can thus be or is connected captively to the guide control unit via its two retaining webs together with the retaining bracket.The two retaining webs of the locking part, which protrude through one or more openings in the central section of the retaining bracket, extend approximately parallel to the two arms of the retaining bracket when mounted on the retaining bracket. Instead of two retaining webs of the at least one locking part, more can also be provided, in particular if the design of the link control unit makes it seem sensible that more than two retaining webs are advantageous for connecting or interlocking with them. The plane of the link control unit further advantageously extends approximately parallel to the respective plane of the two arms of the retaining bracket and correspondingly also to the planes of the retaining webs that are arranged on the at least one locking part. The link control unit further extends spatially between the two arms of the retaining bracket along the longitudinal extent of the drive shaft.The at least one closing part, the at least one retaining bracket, the gate control unit, the at least one spring element and the drive shaft of the multi-way valve form a unit by interlocking with one another.

[0028] The multi-way valve can further comprise at least one stop for limiting the pivoting movement of the closing part. In particular, the at least one stop can be positioned such that the at least one retaining bracket of the at least one closing part can be brought into contact with it, or is brought into contact with it. The pivoting movement of the closing part can thus be limited by such a stop, so that only a pivoting movement within a limited angular range is possible for the at least one closing part. The angular range is advantageously selected such that the fluid connections of the multi-way valve can be selectively closed.In particular, only one of the fluid connections can be provided as an inlet for the medium and at least two fluid connections as an outlet for the medium, or only one of the fluid connections can be provided as an outlet and the others as an inlet, so that the fluid connection(s) that can be closed and opened by the at least one closing part can be closed or closed by the at least one closing part and can be opened again. All fluid connections of the multi-way valve can thus be used as an inlet and an outlet for the medium. The multi-way valve can thus be used for all flow directions.

[0029] The sealing surface of a respective fluid connection is further advantageously tapered or formed as a chamfer running around the respective fluid connection. The respective fluid connection can thus be tapered in the area with which a circumferential closure surface of the closing part comes into contact therewith, just like the circumferential closure surface of the closing part. The circumferential closure surface of the closing part can thus be provided with a correspondingly conically tapered circumferential closure surface directed in the direction of the respective fluid connection. By providing such conically tapered surfaces, on the one hand the sealing surface of a respective fluid connection, and on the other hand the circumferential closure surface of the closing part, particularly good sealing is possible when closing the respective fluid connection by the at least one closing part.Further advantageously, at least one sealing element, such as an O-ring, can be arranged on the edge adjacent to the circumferentially tapered closure surface of the closure part and at least partially encircling it. This enables additional sealing in the region of a respective fluid connection of the multi-way valve. Since only the conically tapered sealing surface of a respective fluid connection is provided, but the flow area or flow cross-section is not reduced by sealing elements on the inside of a respective fluid connection, the multi-way valve not only provides better sealing but also allows the provision of a larger flow cross-section than with prior art solutions.Furthermore, the sealing surfaces and sealing elements of this multi-way valve are not subjected to continuous stress, especially when pivoting the at least one closing part within the multi-way valve. Such a multi-way valve allows a flow rate of 800 l / min at a flow pressure of approximately 0.5 bar.

[0030] As already mentioned, the drive shaft is polygonal on the outside, at least in the area where the link control unit and the at least one eccentric element are arranged. In particular, the drive shaft can be hexagonal there, for the rotationally secure and positively locking arrangement of the link control unit and the eccentric element on or on the drive shaft. This ensures particularly reliable power transmission.

[0031] The gate control unit presses the at least one closing part of the multi-way valve against the at least one sealing surface of a respective fluid connection or actively lifts it off this at least one sealing surface again. In order to enable pivoting of the at least one closing part of the multi-way valve, the at least one closing part is first moved into the release position via the gate control unit and the at least one element or gate roller with the at least one gate pin, which is movable or is moved along the control gate of the gate control unit, and in the case of the V-shaped, wing-like curved control gate, is moved into its central section. As a result, the at least one closing part lifts off the at least one sealing surface of the respective fluid connection and thus releases the closing part for pivoting.The pivoting process can be carried out by rotating the drive shaft, which can be driven by an actuator, through force transmission via the at least one spring element. In this case, the closing part can be pivoted in front of another fluid connection of the multi-way valve. The force for pivoting is transmitted exclusively via the at least one spring element. As soon as the closing part has reached the desired fluid connection to be closed or opened, the at least one element ormove the link roller with the link pin along the control link of the link control unit into the corresponding lateral curved section of the control link, so that upon further rotation of the drive shaft, the closing part is moved radially outwards, i.e. away from the drive shaft of the multi-way valve, and thus into the desired sealing position, in which the closing part rests sealingly on the at least one sealing surface of the desired fluid connection. In this case, the at least one spring element for moving the retaining bracket and accordingly also the closing part is tensioned on the eccentric element in order to enable the retaining bracket with the closing part to be pivoted again via this pretension, but beforehand the link control unit is brought back into its release position and thus the element orThe link roller with link pin moves along the control link again into the middle section of the latter, so that in this release position the closing part is again lifted from the sealing surface of the fluid connection and the closing part can thus be pivoted without causing damage to all sealing elements of the multi-way valve that are arranged in the area of ​​the closing part and fluid connections.

[0032] Further advantageously, the at least one closing part can be provided on the outside, in particular in its outside edge region, with at least one locking pin which interacts with at least one locking groove in the valve housing to form a pivot lock or pivot lock. Since the retaining bracket is only positioned by the at least one spring element, the retaining bracket can move into unwanted positions at high volume flows or strong flow forces. This leads to the closing part being extended or retracted unintentionally. As a result, the mixing or split ratio of a medium or fluid that flows or is intended to flow through the at least two fluid connections does not correspond to a predeterminable or predetermined target value. Furthermore, an unintentionally extended closing part can collide with the fluid connections and in this way lead to damage, among other things, to the sealing elements.The at least one locking pin, which is or is arranged in the outer edge region of the at least one closing part, can, in cooperation with the at least one locking groove provided in the valve housing, form a pivot lock that can prevent such unintentional twisting of the retaining bracket. When the closing part moves towards a respective fluid connection, the at least one locking pin slides into the at least one locking groove, which is formed in particular in the valve housing base and / or valve housing cover. This prevents twisting of the closing part. The locking grooves are each arranged in the region of the fluid connections. Their orientation corresponds to that of the respective fluid connection. In particular, the central axis of the locking groove can lie in extension of the central axis of the corresponding fluid connection.

[0033] To form the at least one locking groove, projecting elements can be arranged in the valve housing, which form the at least one locking groove between them. The projecting elements, which form the at least one locking groove between them, can advantageously be designed differently. In particular, one of the two projecting elements can be shorter than the other and chamfered at the end. Further advantageously, the end chamfer can protrude into the interior of the valve housing and the chamfer can be directed away from the other element. The respective shorter chamfered elements can be positioned in the region of two adjacent fluid connections with their chamfers facing each other.This makes it possible to prevent the locking pin from becoming jammed in the respective locking groove between the elements, and to release it from sliding out of the respective locking groove in the direction of the adjacent fluid connection more quickly than if both elements delimiting the respective locking groove were of the same length. Furthermore, when the closing part is pivoted, the longer element can be used as a type of stop against which the locking pin comes to rest, in which case the shorter element provided with a chamfer does not hinder movement of the closing part and at the same time, due to the chamfer, even supports movement of the locking pin in the direction of the longer element, provided that the locking pin comes into contact with the chamfer of the shorter element during the pivoting movement of the closing part. To explain the invention in more detail, an exemplary embodiment of the same is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show in:

[0034] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a multi-way valve according to the invention with three fluid connections,

[0035] Figure 2 is a plan view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 1 with the cover element removed therefrom, wherein a gate control unit according to the invention is in a release position in which a closing part according to the invention of the multi-way valve is lifted off one of the fluid connections in front of which the closing part is positioned,

[0036] Figure 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 1, cut along the line AA of Figure 2,

[0037] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view according to Figure 1, cut along the line BB of Figure 3,

[0038] Figure 5 is a further cross-sectional view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 1, cut along the line CC of Figure 3,

[0039] Figure 6 is a plan view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 1 with the cover element removed, wherein the gate control unit of the multi-way valve is in a position closing the fluid connection by the closing part,

[0040] Figure 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 1 in the position according to Figure 6, cut along the line DD of Figure

[0041] 6,

[0042] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 1 in the position according to Figure 6, cut along the line EE of Figure

[0043] 7,

[0044] Figure 9 is a further cross-sectional view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 1 in the position according to Figure 6, cut along the line FF from Figure 7, Figures 10 to 14 are perspective detail views to illustrate the various positions that can be set by the gate control unit according to the invention, wherein

[0045] Figure 10 shows the first open position of the closing part and the first fluid connection according to Figures 2 to 5,

[0046] Figure 11 shows the second closed position of the closing part with respect to the first fluid connection according to Figures 6 to 9,

[0047] Figure 12 shows a pivoting position of the closing part between the first fluid connection and the second fluid connection of the multi-way valve according to Figure 1,

[0048] Figure 13 shows an open position of the closing part with respect to the second fluid connection, and

[0049] Figure 14 shows a closed position of the closing part with respect to the second fluid connection,

[0050] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a link control unit according to the invention with a control link having a concavely shaped transition area between its two lateral wing-like curved sections,

[0051] Figure 16 is a plan view of the gate control unit according to Figure 15,

[0052] Figure 16a shows a detailed view of the gate control unit according to Figure 15 in the area of ​​the concave transition area,

[0053] Figure 17 is a perspective and partially sectioned view of a second embodiment of a multi-way valve according to the invention with three fluid connections in a first position in which the closing part is extended, the fluid connection is therefore closed by the closing part and the retaining bracket cannot be pivoted together with the closing part,

[0054] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view through the multi-way valve according to Figure 17 along the line GG,

[0055] Figure 18a shows a detailed view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 17 in the marked area M1 from Figure 18,

[0056] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view through the multi-way valve according to Figure 17 along the line HH, Figure 19a is a detailed view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 17 in the marked area M2 from Figure 19,

[0057] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view through the multi-way valve according to Figure 17 along the line ll,

[0058] Figure 20a shows a detailed view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 17 in the marked area M3 from Figure 20,

[0059] Figure 21 is a perspective and partially sectioned view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 17 in a second position, in which the closing part is retracted from the fluid connection, the fluid connection is therefore slightly opened and the retaining bracket can be pivoted together with the closing part,

[0060] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view through the multi-way valve according to Figure 21 along the line JJ,

[0061] Figure 22a shows a detailed view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 21 in the marked area N1 from Figure 22,

[0062] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view through the multi-way valve according to Figure 21 along the line KK,

[0063] Figure 23a shows a detailed view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 21 in the marked area N2 from Figure 23,

[0064] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view through the multi-way valve according to Figure 21 along the line LL, and

[0065] Figure 24a shows a detailed view of the multi-way valve according to Figure 21 in the marked area N3 of Figure 24.

[0066] Figure 1 shows a multi-way valve 1 with a valve housing 10 with a cover element 11 and with a first fluid connection 12, a second fluid connection 13 and a third fluid connection 14. The valve housing 10 defines an inner valve chamber 15 through which a drive shaft 20 extends. The drive shaft 20 is part of a drive unit 2, which serves to rotate the drive shaft 20 and is arranged on the cover element 11 of the valve housing 10 of the multi-way valve 1. As can be further seen from Figures 1 and 2, the three fluid connections 12, 13, 14 are attached to the outer side 19 of the valve housing 10 of the multi-way valve 1 via respective mounting flanges 120, 130, 140.As can be seen in particular from the plan views of the multi-way valve 1 in Figures 2 to 9, the three fluid connections 12, 13, 14 are arranged approximately in a Y-shape relative to one another, wherein in this embodiment the drive shaft 20 is arranged at approximately the same distance from the three fluid connections 12, 13, 14 inside the valve chamber 15. In the embodiment shown here, the drive shaft 20 extends approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the three fluid connections 12, 13, 14. It also extends approximately along the central axis M of the valve housing 10 of the multi-way valve 1. This can also be different in another embodiment. For example, the distance of the third fluid connection 14 from the central axis M or the drive shaft 20 can also be shorter or longer than the distance of the other two fluid connections 12, 13 from the central axis M or the drive shaft 20.

[0067] Within the valve chamber 15, a closing part 3 is pivotably arranged by means of the drive shaft 20 around the valve chamber and thus also around the central axis M. By means of this closing part 3, one of the fluid connections 12, 13, 14 can be selectively closed and reopened, thus enabling flow through the corresponding fluid connection. In the design of the multi-way valve 1 shown in Figures 1 to 14 and 17 to 24a, each of the fluid connections 12, 13, 14 can serve for the inflow of medium into the inner valve chamber 15 of the multi-way valve 1 and each can also serve for the outflow from it. For example, the third fluid connection 14 can serve for the inflow of medium, such as liquid medium, into the valve chamber 15 of the multi-way valve 1, i.e. as an inlet, while the two fluid connections 12 and 13, i.e. the first fluid connection 12 and the second fluid connection 13, can serve for the outflow of the medium from the valve chamber 15, i.e. as an outlet.The multi-way valve 1 can, for example, be used both as a 3 / 2-way valve and as a 3 / 1-way valve. It is therefore also possible for the third fluid connection 14 to be the only outlet of the multi-way valve, and for medium to flow into the multi-way valve 1 or its valve chamber 15 through one of the two other fluid connections 12, 13, or through both. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, only the two fluid connections 12, 13 can be opened and closed by the closing part 3. The two fluid connections 12, 13 to be closed and opened lie on an arc of a circle around the drive shaft 20, and the drive shaft 20 is thus arranged at a circle center with respect to these two fluid connections 12, 13, in order to be able to completely or partially close and also reopen the two fluid connections 12, 13 when the closing part 3 is pivoted.The two fluid connections 12, 13 are thus located on a circular arc around the drive shaft 20, thus at approximately the same distance from it. Since the third fluid connection 14 is not intended to be closed and opened by the closing part 3, the distance of the third fluid connection 14 from the drive shaft 20 can also be longer or shorter than the distance of the two fluid connections 12, 13 from the drive shaft 20.

[0068] To close and open the two fluid connections 12, 13 via the closing part 3, a link control unit 4 is provided and is arranged on the drive shaft 20 in a rotationally fixed manner or is connected to it in a rotationally fixed manner. This can be seen particularly clearly in Figures 3 and 4 as well as 7 and 8. To connect the link control unit 4 and the drive shaft 20 in a rotationally fixed manner, a positive connection is provided between the two, wherein the drive shaft 20 is polygonal in the area in which the link control unit 4 is fastened to it and the link control unit 4 has a correspondingly polygonal shaped through-opening 40 through which the drive shaft 20 passes. This can be seen particularly clearly in Figures 4 and 8. To secure the position of the link control unit 4 in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft 20, a locking pin 41 or a locking screw is additionally provided.which is arranged approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal extent of the drive shaft 20 and projects through the body of the link control unit 4 in the direction of the drive shaft 20, as can also be seen in Figures 4 and 8. The locking pin 41 can, on the one hand, engage in a clamping manner on the outside of the drive shaft 20, but on the other hand can also be provided engaging therein, particularly if a locking screw is provided instead of a locking pin. This can also be seen in particular in Figures 18 and 23. Figure 15 also shows the polygonal through-opening 40 in section 43 of the link control unit 4 and a further opening 47 arranged there for inserting the locking pin 41 for securing the link control unit 4 to the drive shaft 20.

[0069] The link control unit 4 is designed as a plate-like, flat element and, in plan view, has a section 43 provided with the through-opening 40, a web-shaped section 42 adjoining the latter, and a head section 44 provided with a control link 45. The head section 44 is provided with the V-shaped, wing-like curved control link 45. The shape of the control link 45 can be seen particularly clearly in Figures 4 and 8. Due to its V-shaped, wing-like curved shape, the control link 45 has a central section 450, which is arranged closest to the drive shaft 20, and two lateral wing-like curved sections 451, 452. This can be seen particularly clearly in Figures 4, 8, and 14.

[0070] A guide roller 46b engages in the control guide 45 and can be moved along the control guide 45. The guide roller 46b is designed as a hollow cylindrical element, as can be seen in Figure 15. The length of the guide roller 46b corresponds to the thickness of the guide control unit 4. As can be seen in Figures 3, 7, 10 to 14, 17 and 21, a guide pin 46a extends through the guide roller 46b. When the guide roller 46b moves along the control guide 45, rolling friction occurs between the outer side of the guide roller 46 and the wall of the control guide 45, while sliding friction occurs between the inner side of the guide roller 46b and the guide pin 46a. The link pin 46a is longer than the link roller 46b and therefore projects beyond the link control unit 4 on both sides, which can be seen in particular in Figures 3, 7, 17 and 21.The guide pin 46a, like the guide roller 46b, is arranged approximately perpendicular to the plane of the guide control unit 4 and approximately parallel to the longitudinal extension of the drive shaft 20 in the valve chamber 15 of the multi-way valve 1. This can be clearly seen in particular in Figures 3 and 7. The guide pin 46a is in contact with the closing part 3. It is mounted in two parallel retaining webs 30, 31 of the closing part 3. The two retaining webs 30, 31 of the closing part 3 are arranged on the side of the closing part 3 facing the drive shaft 20. The two retaining webs 30, 31 of the closing part 3 accommodate the head section 44 of the guide control unit 4 between them, so that the retaining web 30 is arranged on the top side and the retaining web 31 is arranged on the bottom side of the head section 44. The link control unit 4 is thus sandwiched between the two retaining webs 30, 31 of the locking part 3.The link pin 46a penetrates the two holding webs 30, 31, the link roller 46b penetrates the head section 44 of the link control unit 4, both extending approximately perpendicular to these.

[0071] In order to mount the locking part 3 on the drive shaft 20, a retaining bracket 5 is provided. This is approximately U-shaped and has a central section 52 and two arms 53, 54 extending approximately at right angles thereto. A sleeve section 50 and 51, respectively, is arranged at the ends of the two arms 53, 54. The two sleeve sections 50, 51 surround the drive shaft 20 at a circumferential distance from it, as can be seen from Figures 3 and 7. The central section 52 of the retaining bracket 5 is provided with a through-opening 55 through which the two retaining webs 30, 31 of the locking part 3 extend. The central section 52 of the retaining bracket 5 is arranged perpendicular to the respective plane of the two retaining webs 30, 31 of the locking part 3. The locking part 3 further comprises a head section 32 and lies with this on the side 56 of the central section 52 of the retaining bracket 5 facing away from the drive shaft 20.The head section 32 of the closing part 3 has a front surface 33 which is chamfered all the way around on the outside, creating a conical shape with a circumferential closing surface 34. This circumferential closing surface 34 serves to ensure that the closing part 3 fits sealingly against a respective circumferential sealing surface 121, 131 of the two fluid connections 12, 13. The two fluid connections 12, 13 are also conical in the region of their sealing surfaces 121, 131, so that the circumferential sealing surfaces 121, 131 are designed to be opposite to the circumferential closing surface 34 of the front surface 33 of the closing part 3. A sealing element 35 is provided adjacent to the chamfered circumferential closing surface 34 of the closing part 3 in order to provide an even better seal for the closing part 3 closing the respective fluid connection 12, 13. Furthermore, the sealing surfaces 121, 131 of the two fluid connections 12, 13 can also be provided with a respective sealing element.

[0072] As already mentioned, the retaining bracket 5 is attached to the drive shaft 20 via its sleeve elements 50, 51 arranged at the ends of the two arms 53, 54. This occurs without frictional connection. The two retaining webs 30, 31 of the closing part 3, which extend through the through-opening 55 of the retaining bracket 5, are slidably arranged or received in this through-opening 55. In order to be able to pivot the closing part 3 in arrangement on the retaining bracket 5 within the valve chamber 15, a spring element 6 is provided. This spring element 6 is preloaded between the two, engaging on the one hand on the retaining bracket 5 and on the other hand on the drive shaft 20. As can be seen in particular from Figures 3 and 7, the second arm 54 of the retaining bracket 5 is provided with a deflection pin 57, around which the spring element 6 is wound helically. Furthermore, an eccentric element 7 is attached to the drive shaft 20, surrounding it on the outside.The spring element 6 is guided around the eccentric element 7 or arranged in an external groove 70 of the eccentric element 7 and preloaded thereon. The preload of the spring element 6 on the eccentric element 7 serves to secure the gate control unit 4 against a respective

[0073] Pivoting operation in each case back into a release position in which the closing part 3 is lifted away from the respective fluid connection 12 or 13, thus lifting the closing part 3 from the respective sealing surface 121, 131 of the respective fluid connection 12 or 13. The force for pivoting the retaining bracket 5 with the closing part 3 movably arranged thereon is thus transmitted from the drive shaft 20 to the spring element 6 and from there via the deflection pin 57 to the retaining bracket 5 and thus also to the closing part 3. The eccentric element 7 is therefore a spring moment element since it exerts a moment on the retaining bracket 5. Figure 10 also shows a fastening screw 71 for fastening the eccentric element 7 to the drive shaft 20. Instead of such a fastening screw 71, another fastening means for connecting the eccentric element 7 and the drive shaft 20 can also be provided. For the locking part 3 orTwo stops 16, 17 are formed in the valve housing 10 for the retaining bracket 5, as can be seen, for example, in Figures 2, 5, and 9. The stops 16, 17 serve to limit the pivoting movement of the closing part 3 or the retaining bracket 5, which can come into contact with them.

[0074] As can be seen from a modified embodiment of the link control unit 4 in Figures 15, 16 and 16a, the control link 45, which is delimited by a circumferential wall 454 in which the two wing-like curved sections 451, 452 are each delimited by two spaced-apart wall sections 454a, 454b, can have a concavely shaped transition region 453 arranged between the two wing-like curved sections 451, 452. This can be seen particularly well in the detailed view in Figure 16a. It is arranged in the zero or starting position of the link roller 46b, opposite the central section 450 of the control link 45, which is also arranged there, as can also be seen in Figure 16a.By concavely shaping the transition region 453, the clear width of the control link 45 and thus the distance a between the concavely shaped transition section 453 and the central section 450 can be made larger than the outer diameter d of the link roller 46b, as can be seen in particular from Figure 16a. This can prevent the link roller 46b from jamming in this area of ​​the control link 45, i.e. in the zero or starting position. In addition, centering of the link roller 46b in the zero or starting position can be ensured. Both prove to be advantageous because the force vector marked with the arrow P1, which results from the pressure difference in the valve chamber 15 when the closing part 3 is lifted off the respective fluid connection 12, 13, acts on the link roller 46b in the control link 45.

[0075] The function of the multi-way valve 1 with regard to closing and opening the individual fluid connections 12, 13 is explained in more detail below, particularly with reference to Figures 10 to 14. As can be seen from Figures 2 to 5 and Figure 10, the closing part 3 is lifted off the sealing surface 121 of the fluid connection 12. To enable this, the link roller 46b of the link control unit 4 is located in the central section 450 of the control link 45 (see Figures 4, 15, 16, 16a). This position is referred to as the zero or initial position. By moving the link roller 46b and thus also the link pin 46a arranged therein into this position, the closing part 3 is moved in the direction of the drive shaft 20, thus into a position lifted off the sealing surface 121 of the fluid connection 12, which is also referred to here as the release position.In this release position, pivoting of the closing part 3 within the valve chamber 15 is fundamentally possible without any problems, i.e. without damage and wear, in particular of the sealing surfaces 121, 131 of the two fluid connections 12, 13 and also without wear of the sealing element 35 of the closing part 3. The closing part 3 is arranged with its front surface 33 and its circumferential closure surface 34 away from the sealing surface 121 of the fluid connection 12 and also the inner surface 18 of the valve chamber 15 of the multi-way valve 1.

[0076] To move the closing part 3 into a position that closes the fluid connection 12, the drive shaft 20 is rotated clockwise, so that the guide roller 46b in the control guide 45 moves into the second lateral, wing-like curved section 452. The shape of this second lateral, wing-like curved section 452 is such that the guide roller 46b assumes a position at the outer end of the second lateral, wing-like curved section 452 that is as far away from the drive shaft 20 as possible. In this case, the closing part 3 is moved in the direction of the fluid connection 12 via the guide pin 46a. Since the retaining bracket 5 does not rotate when the guide control unit 4 is pivoted due to the non-positive arrangement of the retaining bracket 5 on the drive shaft 20, the closing part 3 maintains its position and is thus aligned in front of the fluid connection 12.Therefore, by moving the closing part 3 in the direction of the fluid connection 12, the closing part 3 can rest with its circumferential, conically tapered closing surface 34 sealingly against the sealing surface 121 of the fluid connection 12. This closing position of the link control unit 4 is shown in Figures 6 to 9 on the one hand and in Figure 11, there in a perspective view. In order to enable pivoting of the closing part 3 after the closing part 3 has been lifted off the circumferential sealing surface 121 of the fluid connection 12 (see Figures 2 to 5 and 10), the drive shaft 20 is rotated counterclockwise and the force for pivoting the closing part 3 is transmitted via the spring element 6 to the retaining bracket 5 and from there to the closing part 3. The cam roller 46b is located in the middle section 450 of the control cam 45 during the pivoting process. This can be seen particularly clearly in Figure 12.

[0077] As soon as the closing part 3 has reached the aligned position with the fluid connection 13, further pivoting is prevented by the second stop 17, against which the retaining bracket 5 abuts. The closing part 3 is thus aligned with its circumferential closure surface 34 in front of the fluid connection 13 or its circumferential sealing surface 131. This position is shown in Figure 13.

[0078] Figure 14 shows the position of the closing part 3 in which the fluid connection 13 is closed. In order to be able to move the closing part 3 into this position, the link roller 46b in the control link 45 has reached the first lateral, wing-like curved section 451. This is achieved by rotating the drive shaft 20 counterclockwise. The first lateral, wing-like curved section 451 of the control link 45 is shaped as a mirror image of the second lateral, wing-like curved section 452 of the control link 45, so that even in the end position of the link roller 46b in the first lateral, wing-like curved section 451, the link pin 46a has its greatest distance from the central axis M orof the drive shaft 20, when the guide roller 46b and thus also the guide pin 46a move into this end position, the closing part 3 is simultaneously displaced in the direction of the second fluid connection 13, thereby enabling the latter to be closed. In the end position of the guide roller 46b in the first lateral, wing-like curved section 451 of the control guide 45, the circumferential closure surface 34 of the closing part 3 bears sealingly against the circumferential sealing surface 131 of the fluid connection 13. With the multi-way valve 1, an active lifting of the closing part 3 from the respective fluid connection 12 or 13 is thus possible in a repeatable and precise manner due to the provision of the link control unit 4 with its control link 45 fastened to the drive shaft 20. When the closing part 3 is pivoted within the valve chamber 15, the active lifting from the respective fluid connection 12 or 13 can therefore be achieved.13 raised position of the closing part 3, a distance is created between the inside or inner surface 18 of the valve chamber 15 and the front surface 33 of the closing part 3 or its circumferential closure surface 34, so that damage and wear to sealing elements and closing part when pivoting thereof within the valve chamber 15 can be reliably avoided. Before each pivoting, the closing part 3 is automatically lifted from the respective fluid connection, since the link control unit 4 always first brings the link roller 46b, which is movable in and along the control link 45, into its middle section 450, thus the release position, in which orthe link roller 46b and thus also the link pin 46a are arranged closest to the drive shaft 20 of the multi-way valve 1, so that the closing part 3 is also pulled over its holding webs 30, 31 in the direction of the drive shaft 20 and is maximally removed from the respective fluid connection 12, 13.

[0079] The multi-way valve 1 shown in the figures allows a large flow rate of 800 l / min and a flow through pressure of 0.5 bar.

[0080] Since the retaining bracket 5 is only positioned by the spring element 6, at high volume flows or strong flow forces, the retaining bracket 5 may move into unwanted positions due to the acting forces. This then leads to the closing part 3 unintentionally extending or retracting. As a result, the mixing or split ratio of medium or fluid that is intended to flow through the two fluid connections 12, 13 does not correspond to a predeterminable or predetermined target value. Furthermore, the unintentionally extended closing part 3 may collide with its head section 32 or its closing surface 34 with the fluid connections 12, 13 in the region of their sealing surfaces 121, 131.To prevent this, the multi-way valve 1 in the embodiment shown in Figures 17 to 24a is provided with a locking groove 8 in the valve housing 10 of the multi-way valve 1 and a locking pin 39 on the closing part 3, in particular in the area of ​​its sealing element retaining disc 37, on the outer edge region, which cooperate to form a pivoting lock for the closing part 3. The locking pin 39 is arranged in the outer edge region of the closing part 3 or of its head section 32, which points in the direction of the valve housing base 101. The locking groove 8 can, as can be seen from Figures 19 to 20a and 22, 22a and 24, 24a, be formed as a distance between two elements 80, 81 projecting from the valve housing base 101 in the region of the fluid connection 12 or two elements 83, 84 projecting from the valve housing base 101 in the region of the fluid connection 13.To ensure a symmetrical force distribution, two elements 80, 81, 83 can also be provided on the inside of the cover element 11 of the valve housing 10 facing the valve chamber 15.

[0081] 84, which each form a locking groove 8 between them. In the embodiment shown in Figures 19 to 24a, one of the two elements, namely element 80 or element 83, is longer than the other element 81 or 84. The shorter elements 81, 84 are provided with a respective chamfer 82 or 85. The two shorter elements 81, 84 of the two adjacent fluid connections 12, 13 are arranged adjacent to one another and at a distance from one another in the valve housing 10 or the valve chamber 15. The respective chamfer 82,

[0082] 85 of the two shorter elements 81, 84 are directed towards each other, as can be clearly seen from Figures 19 and 24.

[0083] The pivot lock prevents the retaining bracket 5 from being accidentally positioned in the area of ​​the fluid connections 12, 13 by sliding the locking pin 39 on the closing part 3 into the respective locking groove 8 in the valve housing 10 when the closing part 3 is moved toward the respective fluid connection 12 or 13 to close it. As can be seen from Figures 17, 18, and in particular 18a, the closing part 3 closes the fluid connection 12. In Figure 18a in particular, the closing part 3, with its circumferential, conically tapered closure surface 34, lies sealingly against the sealing surface 121 of the fluid connection 12. Figure 18a also shows the sealing element 35, which is arranged in the circumferential groove 36 of the sealing element holding disc 37, as well as one of the fastening means 38 for connecting the locking part 3 and the sealing element holding disc 37, here a fastening screw.The guide roller 46b is located in the wing-like curved section 452 of the control guide 45, as can be seen in Figure 18. Figures 19, 19a, 20, 20a show that the locking pin 39 is located in the locking groove 8, thus being held between the two elements 80, 81. This prevents unintentional pivoting of the retaining bracket 5 and thus also of the locking part 3.

[0084] When the closing part 3 has been lifted from the fluid connection 12 and the fluid connection 12 has thus been opened again, as shown in Figures 21 to 24a, the locking pin 39 slides out of the locking groove 8 as the closing part 3 moves away from the fluid connection 12 and toward the drive shaft 20. Pivoting the retaining bracket 5 or the closing part 3 is then possible again, as can be seen particularly in Figures 24 and 24a. Since the projecting element 81 is shorter than the projecting element 80, release for pivoting the retaining bracket 5 and the closing part 3 is possible earlier than if both elements 80, 81 were of the same length. By providing the respective chamfer 82 or 85 on the two shorter projecting elements 81, 84, which rises in the direction of the respective longer element 80, 83, it is possible for the locking pin 39 to be guided in the direction of the respective longer element 80, 83.Furthermore, the locking pin 39 can slide into the respective locking groove 8 between the elements 80, 81 and 83, 84 more easily than if both elements 80, 81 and 83, 84 were of the same length.

[0085] The two longer projecting elements 80, 83 can be used as stops when pivoting the closing part 3. This makes it unnecessary to provide the stops 16, 17. If the locking pin 39 comes into contact with the element 80 or the element 83 when pivoting the closing part 3, further pivoting of the closing part 3 can be prevented. In addition to the design variants of multi-way valves for controlling a liquid and / or gaseous fluid or media flow described above and shown in the figures, numerous other variants can be formed, in particular any combination of the aforementioned features, wherein at least the fluid connections of the multi-way valve to be closed and opened are each provided with at least one sealing surface, and the multi-way valve comprises at least one gate control unit.which is arranged on the at least one drive shaft and which has at least one control link, wherein the at least one control link cooperates with the at least one closing part, the at least one closing part is movable relative to the at least one drive shaft and the link control unit serves to press the at least one closing part of the multi-way valve, which is pivotable within its valve chamber, against the at least one sealing surface of a respective fluid connection and to lift it off therefrom.

[0086] List of reference symbols

[0087] 1 multi-way valve

[0088] 2 drive unit

[0089] 3 locking part

[0090] 4 Scene control unit

[0091] 5 holding brackets

[0092] 6 spring element

[0093] 7 Eccentric element

[0094] 8 locking groove

[0095] 10 valve housings

[0096] 11 Cover element

[0097] 12 first fluid connection

[0098] 13 second fluid connection

[0099] 14 third fluid connection

[0100] 15 valve chamber

[0101] 16 first attack

[0102] 17 second attack

[0103] 18 inner surface

[0104] 19 Outside

[0105] 20 drive shaft

[0106] 30 first stop bridge

[0107] 31 second landing stage

[0108] 32 head section

[0109] 33 Front surface

[0110] 34 closure surface

[0111] 35 Sealing element

[0112] 36 grooves

[0113] 37 Sealing element retaining disc

[0114] 38 fasteners

[0115] 39 Locking pin

[0116] 40 passage opening

[0117] 41 locking pin

[0118] 42 web-shaped section with through opening 40 section

[0119] Head section

[0120] Control link a Link pin b Link roller

[0121] Opening for 41

[0122] Sleeve section

[0123] Sleeve section middle section first arm second arm

[0124] passage opening

[0125] Page

[0126] Deflection pin outside groove

[0127] Fixing screw longer cantilever element shorter cantilever element

[0128] Chamfer longer cantilever element shorter cantilever element

[0129] Chamfer 1 Valve housing base 0 Mounting flange 1 Sealing surface 0 Mounting flange 1 Sealing surface 0 Mounting flange 0 Middle section 1 First lateral wing-like curved section 2 Second lateral wing-like curved section 3 Concavely shaped transition area 4 Circumferential wall 4a Wall section 454b Wall section a Distance d Outside diameter

[0130] M central axis

[0131] P1 force vector

Claims

Claims 1. Multi-way valve (1) for controlling a liquid and / or gaseous fluid or medium flow, wherein the multi-way valve (1) comprises a number of fluid connections (12, 13, 14), at least one drive shaft (20) and at least one pivotable closing part (3) for closing at least one fluid connection (12, 13, 14) of the multi-way valve (1), wherein fluid connections (12, 13, 14) to be closed and opened are arranged with respect to the at least one drive shaft (20) on at least one circular arc around the latter, characterized in that at least the fluid connections (12, 13) to be closed and opened are each provided with at least one sealing surface (121,131 ) and the multi-way valve (1 ) comprises a link control unit (4) arranged on the at least one drive shaft (20) with at least one control link (45) cooperating with the at least one closing part (3) for pressing the at least one closing part (3) against the at least one sealing surface (121, 131) of a respective fluid connection (12, 13) and for lifting it off therefrom, wherein the at least one closing part (3) is movable relative to the at least one drive shaft (20).

2. Multi-way valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one control link (45) of the link control unit (4) is shaped such that, in order to generate a lifting movement of the at least one closing part (3) from the at least one sealing surface (121, 131) of the respective fluid connection (12, 13) of the multi-way valve (1), the closing part (3) is moved in the direction of the drive shaft (20) of the multi-way valve (1) and is thus lifted off the sealing surface (121, 131) and released.

3. Multi-way valve (3) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one control link (45) is shaped in the manner of a wing-like curved V with a central section (450) which points towards the drive shaft (20) and is arranged closest to it in order to move the at least one closing part (3) in the direction of the drive shaft (20), and with two lateral wing-like curved sections (451, 452) projecting from the central section (450) on both sides, which serve to press the closing part (3) against the at least one sealing surface (121, 131) of a respective fluid connection (12, 13).

4. Multi-way valve (3) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one control link (45) has a concavely shaped transition region (453) between the two lateral wing-like curved sections (451, 452) to prevent jamming of an element that can engage in the at least one control link (45) and be moved along it, in particular a link roller (46b), and to center it in a zero or initial position.

5. Multi-way valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the link control unit (4) is fastened to the drive shaft (20) in a rotationally fixed manner and so as to rotate with the drive shaft (20), in particular is arranged and fastened to the drive shaft in a form-fitting manner.

6. Multi-way valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-way valve (1) comprises at least one retaining bracket (5) for connecting to and / or coupling the at least one closing part (3) to the drive shaft (20).

7. Multi-way valve (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one retaining bracket (5) is arranged on the drive shaft (20) without frictional connection and is pivotable about the latter.

8. Multi-way valve (1) according to claim 5 or 7, characterized in that at least one spring element (6) is provided, which acts on the one hand on the at least one retaining bracket (5) and on the other hand on the drive shaft (20), wherein the at least one spring element (6) serves to apply a force for pivoting the at least one closing part (3).

9. Multi-way valve (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one eccentric element (7) is provided for pretensioning the at least one spring element (6) relative to the drive shaft (20) and is arranged on the drive shaft (20) in a rotationally fixed manner and rotating therewith.

10. Multi-way valve (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the at least one spring element (6) rests on the outside of the at least one eccentric element (7), in particular can be arranged or is arranged in at least one outside groove (70) of the eccentric element (7), and is guided, in particular wound, around a deflection pin (57) on the at least one retaining bracket (5).

11. Multi-way valve (1) according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the at least one retaining bracket (5) is approximately U-shaped, with a central section (450) and two arms (451, 452), the at least one retaining bracket (5) surrounding the drive shaft (20) with its two arms (451, 452) and the at least one closing part (3) passing through the central section (450) of the at least one retaining bracket (5) and being provided with an element, in particular a guide roller (46b), which engages in the guide control unit (4), in particular its control guide (45), and can be moved along the latter.

12. Multi-way valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the multi-way valve (1) comprises at least one stop (16, 17) for limiting the pivoting movement of the closing part (3) and / or the retaining bracket (5), in particular the at least one stop (16, 17) is positioned such that the at least one retaining bracket (5) of the at least one closing part (3) can be or comes to rest against the stop (16, 17).

13. Multi-way valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing surface (121, 131) of a respective fluid connection (12, 13) is tapered or is designed as a chamfer running around the respective fluid connection (12, 13).

14. Multi-way valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one closing part (3) is provided with a conically tapered closing surface (34) directed in the direction of the respective fluid connection (12, 13).

15. Multi-way valve (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one sealing element (35), in particular an O-ring, can be arranged or is arranged adjacent to the edge of the conically tapered closure surface (34) of the closing part (3) and at least partially encircling it.

16. Multi-way valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one closing part (3) is provided on the outside, in particular in its outer edge region, with at least one locking pin (39) which cooperates with at least one locking groove (8) in the valve housing (10) to form a pivot lock.

17. Multi-way valve (1) according to one of claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the drive shaft (20) is polygonal, in particular hexagonal, at least in the region of the arrangement of the link control unit (4) and in the region of the at least one eccentric element (7) on the outside for the rotationally secure and form-fitting arrangement of the link control unit (4) and the eccentric element (7) on the drive shaft (20).

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