Valve device, valve and method for de-icing a valve inlet channel of the valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve device (46a), in particular a drain valve device for a fuel cell system, comprising a supply unit (10a), which is made at least in part, in particular for the most part, of a material having good thermal conductivity, in particular a metal material, and which forms, at least in part, in particular for the most part, at least one valve inlet channel (14a), which can be selectively closed by actuating a valve element (12a) and which is provided for skimming off liquids, in particular water of a water separator of the fuel cell system, and comprising at least one heating unit (16a) which is at least partially integrated into the supply unit (10a) and which is provided at least for heating at least one channel wall (18a) of the valve inlet channel (14a). According to the invention, the valve device (46a) has a casing unit (20a) which surrounds at least a large part of the supply unit (10a) at least in the circumferential direction and which is made of a material, in particular a plastic, which has a substantially lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the material of the supply unit (10a) having good thermal conductivity.

Description

[0001] Valve device, valve and method for de-icing a valve inlet channel of the valve

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to a valve device according to the preamble of claim 1, a valve according to claim 17 and a method according to the preamble of claim 19.

[0004] Especially in hydrogen PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) fuel cell systems, water is produced in the fuel cell during operation. Upon exiting the fuel cell, this water is mixed with hydrogen. To allow the unused hydrogen to be recirculated back into the fuel cell, this water must be separated in a water separator. The water collected in the separator is typically drained periodically via a drain valve, for example, into the environment. Particularly in mobile fuel cell systems, such as those in vehicles, this water can freeze in the drain valve's inlet channel during cold weather, rendering the fuel cell system inoperable. Therefore, a method for melting frozen water in the valve's inlet channel is desirable.

[0005] EP 4179240 A1 proposes a valve device comprising a supply line unit, at least partially constructed of a highly thermally conductive material, which at least partially forms a valve inlet channel that can be selectively closed by actuating a valve element and is designed for skimming off liquids, and comprising at least one heating unit integrated into the supply line unit, which is designed at least for heating the channel walls of the valve inlet channel. Due to several factors (e.g., the relatively massive valve block), the melting rate achievable with the solution presented in this document appears to be relatively low.

[0006] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with advantageous properties for de-icing valve supply lines. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent and dependent claims, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] Advantages of the invention

[0008] The invention relates to a valve device, in particular a drain valve device for a fuel cell system, with a supply line unit which is at least partly, in particular largely, made of a highly thermally conductive, in particular metallic, material, and which forms at least partly, in particular largely, a valve inlet channel which can be selectively closed by actuating a valve element and is provided for skimming off liquids, in particular water from a water separator of the fuel cell system, and with at least one heating unit integrated at least partly into the supply line unit, which is provided at least for heating channel walls of the valve inlet channel.

[0009] It is proposed that the valve assembly have a casing unit that surrounds at least a large part of the supply line unit, at least circumferentially, and which is made of a material, in particular a plastic, that has a significantly lower thermal conductivity than the highly thermally conductive material of the supply line unit. This allows for advantageous properties for heating the valve supply channel. Advantageously, rapid defrosting of a frozen valve supply channel can be achieved. Advantageously, high heating efficiency can be achieved. Advantageously, the proportion of heating energy transferred to the valve supply channel, and especially to any ice contained therein, can be increased. Advantageously, thermal decoupling of the heated supply line unit from the installation space of the valve assembly, i.e., for example, the valve housing, can be achieved.This can be achieved by a valve block or other holding device for the valve assembly. Advantageously, heat loss to the installation space can be prevented. Advantageously, thermal insulation of the supply unit from the installation space can be achieved. Advantageously, typically sized, frozen valve inlet channels can be melted within less than 2 minutes.

[0010] The valve device is specifically designed as a drain valve for a fuel cell system, but can also be a purge and / or drain valve. In particular, the valve device is intended for use in a purge valve as well as a drain valve. The fuel cell system is specifically designed as a mobile fuel cell system, such as a vehicle with a fuel cell as an energy source for propulsion or other energy applications. The valve device is specifically designed to control the drainage of the extracted reaction product (water) from the fuel cell system. "Designed" is understood to mean specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped for this purpose.The phrase "an object is intended for a specific function" means, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating condition. The supply line unit, in particular, forms a supply line for the reaction product water of the fuel cell system to a valve seat of the valve device. The supply line unit can, for example, be made, at least partially, preferably predominantly, of aluminum, steel, or brass. The supply line unit preferably has a thermal conductivity (at 0°C) of more than 10 W / (m*K), preferably more than 50 W / (m*K), and more preferably more than 100 W / (m*K). "Predominantly" means, in particular, 66%, preferably 75%, preferably 85%, and most preferably 98%.The valve inlet channel of the supply unit can be opened and closed via a valve element of the valve assembly that interacts with the valve seat. The valve element comprises a sealing element, which can be fitted onto the valve seat, for example, in a flat or conical seat. The valve element is, in particular, a magnetic armature, a valve plunger, a valve disc, or the like. The valve element is mounted to generate closing and / or opening movements, in particular to be axially movable, hinged, or pivotable. The valve inlet channel is preferably designed for connection to a water separator, in particular a collection tank of a water separator.The valve inlet channel is preferably formed as a recess, more preferably a bore, in a base body made of a highly thermally conductive, particularly metallic, material. The valve inlet channel is specifically bounded directly by the material of the base body of the inlet unit / by the highly thermally conductive material. The material of the base body of the inlet unit / the highly thermally conductive material preferably forms the channel wall(s) of the valve inlet channel. The valve inlet channel preferably extends parallel to an axis of movement of the valve element and / or perpendicular to a valve seat plane of the valve seat. The heating unit is specifically designed for generating heat. The heating unit is specifically designed as an electric heating unit. The heating unit preferably comprises one or more heating elements which can be heated depending on an electric current.The heating unit is, in particular, directly thermally connected to the supply unit. The phrase "at least partially integrated into the supply unit" means, in particular, that the heating unit, preferably the heating element(s) of the heating unit, directly contacts the supply unit, especially the base body of the supply unit made of a highly thermally conductive material, at least with one side, preferably with at least two mutually perpendicular sides, and most preferably with at least three mutually perpendicular sides. Preferably, at least one side, preferably at least two sides, and most preferably at least three sides of the heating unit, especially of the heating element(s), are completely covered by the supply unit, especially by the base body of the supply unit made of a highly thermally conductive material.It is also conceivable that the heating unit, in particular the heating element(s) of the heating unit, is / are completely enclosed by the supply line unit. Specifically, the heating unit is designed to generate a heating power of at least 10 W, preferably at least 15 W, and preferably at least 20 W. A maximum heating power of the heating unit could be approximately 50 W.

[0011] The casing unit can have a pot shape (open at the bottom or at least partially closed at the bottom) or a tube sleeve shape. The casing unit is preferably closed (free of holes, recesses, etc.) along at least a large part of its axial extent in the circumferential direction. The casing unit preferably surrounds the supply line unit along its entire axial length. The casing unit preferably rests directly against a radial outer surface of the supply line unit. The casing unit preferably fits snugly against the supply line unit. An axial direction of the supply line unit, in particular a central axis of the supply line unit, preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the valve inlet channel.The term "essentially parallel" here refers in particular to an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, especially in a plane, wherein the direction has a deviation from the reference direction of preferably less than 8°, advantageously less than 5°, and particularly advantageously less than 2°. At least a large part of the casing unit is preferably rotationally symmetrical. The casing unit is preferably made of a plastic with low thermal conductivity. The casing unit is preferably made of a polyamide (PA) or polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Alternatively, however, other plastics are also conceivable, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), or polystyrene (PS), etc. Preferably, the casing unit has a thermal conductivity (at 0°C) of less than 3 W / (m*K), preferably less than 1 W / (m*K), and particularly preferably less than 0.5 W / (m*K).The difference in the thermal conductivity coefficients of the highly thermally conductive material of the supply unit and the material of the casing element is in particular greater than a factor of 50, preferably greater than a factor of 100.

[0012] In a further aspect of the invention, which can be considered on its own or in combination with at least one, and in particular in combination with any number of, the other aspects of the invention, it is proposed that the heating unit comprise one or more heating elements which surround the valve inlet channel on at least two sides opposite each other (perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve inlet channel) and which are at least partially integrated into the supply line unit in the immediate vicinity of the valve inlet channel. This advantageously allows for rapid defrosting. It also advantageously ensures that the heat from the heating unit quickly reaches the walls of the valve inlet channel. Furthermore, it advantageously allows for the most homogeneous possible distribution of heat around the valve inlet channel.The heating unit can comprise just one heating element, or exactly two heating elements, or exactly three heating elements, or exactly four heating elements, or a number exceeding four, which are preferably arranged uniformly around the valve inlet channel. In particular, at least one-tenth, preferably at least one-eighth, preferably at least one-fifth, and most preferably at least half of each heating element is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the valve inlet channel. It is also conceivable that the entire heating unit is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the valve inlet channel. In particular, the heating unit, and preferably each of the heating elements, is designed separately from the channel walls of the valve inlet channel. In particular, the heating unit does not directly border the valve inlet channel.

[0013] If the immediate area encompasses all points in space whose distance from the portion of the valve inlet channel formed by the supply unit is less than a, in particular, average, preferably minimum, diameter of the valve inlet channel, rapid defrosting can advantageously be achieved. Advantageously, the heat from the heating unit can quickly reach the walls of the valve inlet channel. Advantageously, the melting of typically dimensioned, iced-up valve inlet channels can be achieved within less than 2 minutes. Furthermore, a compact design can be advantageously achieved. In particular, the heating elements are closer to the channel walls of the valve inlet channel than the nearest radial outer surfaces of the housing unit.

[0014] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least one of the heating elements has the form of a hollow cylinder, which is arranged in the supply unit such that at least a portion of the valve inlet channel, particularly parallel to the hollow cylinder, runs within the interior of the hollow cylinder. This advantageously ensures particularly uniform heating of the channel walls of the valve inlet channel and / or particularly rapid defrosting. In particular, the hollow cylindrical heating element does not directly define the valve inlet channel. It is conceivable that the valve assembly comprises only the hollow cylindrical heating element. Alternatively or additionally, it is proposed that at least two of the heating elements are designed as linearly extended heating cartridges arranged parallel to each other. This advantageously results in a simple design. Furthermore, it advantageously ensures particularly rapid defrosting.In particular, each of the linearly extended heating elements can be designed as a high-performance (HLHE) heating cartridge. The use of HLHE heating cartridges advantageously allows for a compact design and / or placement of the heating elements close to the valve inlet channel. However, linearly extended heating elements based on alternative heating methods are also conceivable. It is conceivable that the valve device comprises only linearly extended heating elements, preferably only the two linearly extended heating elements. The linearly extended heating elements extend, in particular, in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the valve inlet channel and / or the casing element. Alternatively, the linearly extended heating elements can also be arranged parallel or obliquely to the axial direction of the valve inlet channel. It is also conceivable, as an alternative, that the at least two heating elements are arranged perpendicular to or at an angle to each other.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that at least one of the heating elements is designed as a heating coil that wraps around at least part of the valve inlet channel. This advantageously allows for a uniformly distributed heat input around the valve inlet channel. Furthermore, a high relative heating power can be advantageously achieved. In particular, the heating coil is wound around at least half, preferably at least two-thirds, of the total longitudinal extent of the valve inlet channel. Preferably, the heating coil comprises more than one, advantageously more than two, more preferably more than five, and particularly preferably more than ten windings circulating around the valve inlet channel. In particular, the heating coil is a resistance heating coil. Specifically, the heating coil heats up during operation due to power loss and transfers this heat to the supply line unit.In particular, the heating coil comprises a heating wire which heats up due to its inherent resistance when a sufficient current flows through it. The hollow cylinder heating element could also, in principle, consist of a heating wire. Various types of heating elements (heating cartridges, heating coils, hollow cylinders, etc.) can be combined with one another.

[0016] It is further proposed that at least one of the heating elements, preferably the hollow cylinder heating element, be designed as a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating element. This allows for advantageous heating characteristics. Advantageously, dynamic self-regulation of the heating power can be achieved, particularly in the smallest possible installation space. Overheating of the heating unit can also be advantageously prevented. PTC heating elements are, in particular, ceramic-based components that are contacted by an aluminum profile and pressed into it. Alternatively, thermistors (NTCs) are also conceivable as heating elements.

[0017] Furthermore, it is proposed that the casing unit, or the casing unit together with the supply line unit, forms a fixing and / or guiding device for the orderly routing of electrical connection elements of the heating unit. This advantageously creates a defined connection point. In addition, a high level of operational reliability can be advantageously achieved. The casing unit can also be advantageously assigned an additional technical function. In particular, the fixing and / or guiding device forms a defined cable guide for routing electrical connection cables or a defined fixing for positioning die-cut grids or the like. Specifically, the casing unit, preferably the casing unit together with the supply line unit, forms a cable guide channel in which electrical connection elements / cables of the heating unit can be routed.It is conceivable that cable guide grooves are incorporated into the casing element and / or the supply unit, forming the fixing and / or guiding device. Additionally, a potting compound between the casing element and the supply unit, particularly in a cavity formed by the fixing and / or guiding device, can be provided for cable fixation. Instead of or in addition to potting, the cables can also be bonded within the cavity formed by the fixing and / or guiding device. In particular, cables guided in cable guide grooves of the supply unit can also be fixed by overmolding the supply unit.

[0018] Additionally, it is proposed that the housing unit be formed at least partially by a prefabricated plastic part attached to the supply line unit, by (plastic) overmolding of the supply line unit, or by (plastic) heat shrink tubing. This would advantageously enable a simple and / or cost-effective design and / or manufacturing process.

[0019] Furthermore, it is proposed that the portion of the supply unit made from the highly thermally conductive material be monolithic. This advantageously allows for rapid, uniform, and efficient heat distribution. It also advantageously minimizes complexity. In particular, the portion of the supply unit made from the highly thermally conductive material forms the base body. Specifically, this portion is designed as a turned, drilled, and / or milled aluminum part. Specifically, this monolithic portion of the supply unit provides a receiving area for the heating unit / elements and at least a significant portion of the valve inlet channel.

[0020] Furthermore, it is proposed that the portion of the supply line unit formed from the highly thermally conductive material has at least one recess, preferably at least one axial recess and at least one radial recess. This advantageously allows for rapid heat distribution of the heat generated by the heating unit across the supply line unit, thus resulting in a short response / defrosting time. Additionally, the weight and material usage can be advantageously kept low. The heat capacity of the supply line unit can also be advantageously kept low. The total energy required for defrosting can also be advantageously kept low. A recess is, in particular, a material cavity. An axial recess is, in particular, a cavity extending in the axial direction and / or opening in the axial direction. For example, the axial recess can be a circular groove on an axial underside of the supply line unit.A radial recess is, in particular, a cutout extending in the radial direction and / or opening in the radial direction. For example, the radial recess can be a circumferential groove on a radial outer surface of the supply line unit.

[0021] Furthermore, it is proposed that the maximum axial cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the supply line unit made from the highly thermally conductive material be less than ten times, preferably less than eight times, more preferably less than six times, and most preferably less than four times, the maximum axial cross-sectional area of ​​the valve inlet channel. This advantageously allows for rapid heat distribution of the heat generated by the heating unit via the supply line unit, thus resulting in a short response / defrosting time. Additionally, the weight and material usage can be advantageously kept low. The heat capacity of the supply line unit can also be advantageously kept low. Finally, the total energy required for defrosting can be advantageously kept low.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that the valve outlet channel of the valve device, towards which the valve inlet channel can be selectively closed by actuating the valve element, has an oblique course relative to the valve inlet channel. This advantageously prevents water (e.g., water previously thawed in the valve inlet channel) from flowing into the valve outlet channel after the valve is opened, remaining there, and freezing, particularly when the fuel cell system and valve device are not installed on level ground (e.g., when a fuel cell vehicle is parked on a slope). It is advantageously achieved that even with a 20° tilt of the valve device, no water remains in the valve outlet channel and can freeze there. Specifically, "oblique" should be understood as neither perpendicular nor parallel.In particular, the course of the valve outlet channel is also oblique to the axial direction of the valve inlet channel, the valve element and / or the housing element. In particular, the course of the valve outlet channel is also oblique to a radial direction of the valve inlet channel, the valve element and / or the housing element.

[0023] If the angle between the course of the valve outlet channel and the course of the valve inlet channel is between 10° and 30°, preferably between 15° and 25°, preferably about 20°, typical maximum slope parking locations can be advantageously covered.

[0024] Furthermore, it is proposed that the valve device include a valve seat through which the valve inlet channel can be selectively closed, depending on whether the valve element is seated or not. The valve seat is formed by the part of the supply line unit made of a highly thermally conductive material. This ensures complete defrosting. Advantageously, the heating effect of the heating unit can extend as far as the valve seat. This also advantageously prevents the valve element from freezing to the valve seat and thus potentially avoids damage to the valve element.

[0025] Alternatively, it is proposed that the valve seat be formed by a component separate from the supply line assembly, wherein the valve assembly includes a heat-conducting element that projects into the component in the direction of the valve seat to transfer heat from the supply line assembly to the valve seat. The heat-conducting element can be formed separately from the highly thermally conductive monolithic part of the supply line assembly (base body). In this case, the heat-conducting element can be designed as a sleeve (pressed into the valve inlet channel), in particular a metal sleeve. This metal sleeve can have a comparable thermal conductivity coefficient to the supply line assembly. However, the heat-conducting element can also be formed integrally and / or monolithically with the highly thermally conductive monolithic part of the supply line assembly (base body).In this case, the heat-conducting element extends axially away from the supply unit and preferably lengthens the valve inlet channel.

[0026] Furthermore, a valve, in particular a drain valve for a fuel cell system, is proposed, comprising the valve assembly and an electromagnet containing the valve element. Advantageously, the valve ensures the usability of the fuel cell system even at freezing temperatures. Advantageously, usability can be restored very quickly after the fuel cell system has been shut down. The electromagnet is preferably a magnetic actuator for adjusting the axial position of the valve element. The valve element is preferably a magnetic armature of the electromagnet or at least operatively connected to a magnetic armature of the electromagnet. Preferably, the drain valve can also be used as a purge valve in the fuel cell system. Alternatively, the valve is also intended for use in electrolyzers, e.g., as a drain valve of an electrolyzer system.

[0027] Furthermore, it is proposed that the electromagnet forms a drain and / or purge valve that functions independently (even without a heating adapter), and that the valve assembly forms a heating adapter which can be optionally mounted to the electromagnet to add a heating function to a valve inlet channel of the drain and / or purge valve. This advantageously allows for a high degree of flexibility. Advantageously, identical electromagnets can be used to form drain valves with and without a heating function. Advantageously, the same electromagnets can also be used to form purge valves (with or without heating). Advantageously, the heating adapter can provide an optional additional function for specific applications. Advantageously, the separation of the electromagnet and the heating adapter creates flexibility within a common parts concept, especially when interfaces to the

[0028] Water separators are standardized.

[0029] Furthermore, a method for de-icing the valve inlet channel of the aforementioned valve, in particular a drain valve for a fuel cell system, is proposed. This method reduces the loss of heat generated by the heating unit through a casing that surrounds at least a large part of the inlet unit, at least circumferentially, and is made of a material, in particular a plastic, that has a significantly lower thermal conductivity than the highly thermally conductive material of the inlet unit. Advantageously, rapid de-icing of a frozen valve inlet channel can be achieved. Advantageously, high heating efficiency can be achieved. Advantageously, the proportion of heating energy delivered to the valve inlet channel, and especially to the ice contained therein, can be increased.Advantageously, thermal decoupling of the heated supply line unit from the installation space of the valve containing the valve device can be achieved.

[0030] The valve device, the valve, and the method according to the invention are not to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the valve device, the valve, and the method according to the invention may, to achieve a functionality described herein, comprise a different number of individual elements, components, process steps, and units than that specified herein.

[0031] Drawings

[0032] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate three exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. A person skilled in the art will expediently consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

[0033] They show:

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a valve with an electromagnet and a valve device forming a heating adapter.

[0035] Fig. 2a is a schematic axial sectional view of the valve,

[0036] Fig. 2b shows another schematic axial sectional view of the valve with a section plane rotated by 90°,

[0037] Fig. 2c shows a schematic radial sectional view of a part of the valve device (without the casing element),

[0038] Fig. 3 shows a schematic flowchart of a method for de-icing a valve inlet channel of the valve,

[0039] Fig. 4 shows a schematic axial sectional view of a valve with a first alternative valve device and

[0040] Fig. 5 shows a schematic axial sectional view of a valve with a second alternative valve device.

[0041] Description of the exemplary implementations

[0042] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a valve 50a. The valve 50a can be used as a drain valve for a fuel cell system. Alternatively, the valve 50a can also be used as a purge valve for a fuel cell system. The valve 50a has an electromagnet 52a. The electromagnet 52a forms a self-contained, functional drain valve and / or a self-contained, functional purge valve. The valve 50a has a valve assembly 46a. The valve assembly 46a forms a heating adapter 54a. The heating adapter 54a can be optionally mounted to the electromagnet 52a to provide a heating function for a valve inlet channel 14a of the drain valve and / or the purge valve. The electromagnet 52a and the heating adapter 54a have identical interfaces 56a for connection to the fuel cell system, in particular a water separator of the fuel cell system.The heating adapter 54a has electrical connection elements 32a (connection cable). The heating adapter 54a can be mounted to the electromagnet 52a in a fluid-tight manner. In Fig. 1, the heating adapter 54a is shown in a mounting state separate from the electromagnet 52a.

[0043] Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c each show different sections through the valve device 46a, in particular the heating adapter 54a. In Figures 2a to 2c, the heating adapter 54a is shown in a state attached to the electromagnet 52a. In Figures 2a and 2b, a section of the electromagnet 52a is also shown. The electromagnet 52a has a valve element 12a. The valve element 12a is designed to open and close a valve inlet channel 14a to a valve outlet channel 38a. The valve element 12a is part of a magnetic armature 60a of the electromagnet 52a. The electromagnet 52a has a sealing element 62a. The sealing element 62a is designed to seal the valve inlet channel 14a when the valve element 12a is seated on a valve seat 42a of the valve device 46a. The sealing element 62a is designed as a sealing diaphragm.

[0044] The sealing element 62a is designed to create a media separation within the electromagnet 52a.

[0045] The valve assembly 46a forms a drain valve assembly for the fuel cell system. The valve assembly 46a comprises a supply line unit 10a. The supply line unit 10a has a valve inlet channel 14a. The valve inlet channel 14a is designed for skimming off liquids, in particular water from a water separator of the fuel cell system. During skimming, the water flows from the water separator into the valve inlet channel 14a, where it collects when the valve element 12a is closed and can freeze if it cools below freezing. The supply line unit 10a is made of a highly thermally conductive metallic material. The part of the supply line unit 10a made of the highly thermally conductive material is monolithic. The part of the supply line unit 10a made of the highly thermally conductive material has out-of-phases 34a, 36a.The portion of the supply unit 10a made of the highly thermally conductive material has an axial flattening 34a (see Fig. 2a). The portion of the supply unit 10a made of the highly thermally conductive material has a radial flattening 36a (see Figs. 2b and 2c). The maximum axial cross-sectional area 64a of the portion of the supply unit 10a made of the highly thermally conductive material is less than four times the maximum axial cross-sectional area 66a of the valve inlet channel 14a (see Fig. 2a).

[0046] The valve inlet channel 14a is integrated directly into the material of the supply unit 10a. The valve inlet channel 14a is bounded by channel walls 18a, which are part of the section of the supply unit 10a made of a highly thermally conductive material. The valve inlet channel 14a can be selectively closed and opened by actuating (axially moving) the valve element 12a. The valve assembly 46a includes a component 44a, which is separate from the supply unit 10a. Component 44a includes the valve seat 42a. Depending on whether the valve element 12a is seated or not, the valve inlet channel 14a can be selectively closed and opened via the valve seat 42a. The valve assembly 46a includes a heat-conducting element 48a. The heat-conducting element 48a is designed to transfer heat from the supply unit 10a to the valve seat 42a. The heat-conducting element 48a projects into the component 44a in the direction of the valve seat 42a.In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a and 2b, the heat conducting element 48a is designed as a metal sleeve that is highly thermally conductive and separate from the component 44a and the supply unit 10a.

[0047] The valve device 46a, in particular the heating adapter 54a, has a heating unit 16a. The heating unit 16a is designed to heat the channel wall 18a of the valve inlet channel 14a. Heat from the heating unit 16a can thus be transferred via the channel wall 18a into the liquid frozen in the valve inlet channel 14a. The heating unit 16a is integrated into the supply line unit 10a. The heating unit 16a comprises two heating elements 22a and 24a. The heating elements 22a and 24a surround the valve inlet channel 14a on two opposite sides. The heating elements 22a and 24a are partially integrated into the supply line unit 10a in the immediate vicinity 26a of the valve inlet channel 14a. The near area 26a includes all spatial points whose distance from the part of the valve inlet channel 14a formed by the supply unit 10a is less than an average diameter of the valve inlet channel 14a.The two heating elements 22a, 24a are each designed as linearly extended heating cartridges. The two heating elements 22a, 24a are arranged parallel to each other. One or both of the two heating elements 22a, 24a are designed as PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating elements.

[0048] The valve device 46a has a casing unit 20a. The casing unit 20a surrounds at least a large part of the supply line unit 10a in the circumferential direction. The casing unit 20a is made of a material that has a significantly lower thermal conductivity than the highly thermally conductive material of the supply line unit 10a. The casing unit 20a is made of plastic. The casing unit 20a is formed in one piece. The casing unit 20a is monolithic. The casing unit 20a is formed by a prefabricated plastic part that is attached to the supply line unit 10a. Alternatively, the casing unit 20a could be formed by overmolding the supply line unit 10a or by using heat-shrink tubing that is slipped over the supply line unit 10a and then shrunk. The casing unit 20a together with the supply unit 10a forms a fixing and / or guiding device 30a (see Fig.2c) for the orderly guidance of the electrical connection elements 32a for the connection of the heating adapter 54a, in particular the heating unit 16a. The fixing and / or guiding device 30a forms cable channels 58a for the electrical connection elements 32a. Figure 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for defrosting the valve inlet channel 14a of the valve 50a. In at least one process step 70a, the loss of heat generated by the heating unit 16a through the casing unit 20a is reduced. The reduction effect is achieved by thermal decoupling of the supply line unit 10a from the parts of the valve 50a surrounding the supply line unit 10a and by thermal insulation of an interior 72a of the casing unit 20a.

[0049] Figures 4 and 5 show two further embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions and drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby, with regard to identically designated components, particularly those with the same reference numerals, reference may also be made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, especially Figures 1 to 4. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter "a" is appended to the reference numerals of the embodiment in Figures 1 to 4. In the embodiments of Figures 5 and 6, the letter "a" is replaced by the letters "b" and "c".

[0050] Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve 50b with a first alternative valve device 46b. The first alternative valve device 46b forms an integral part of the valve 50b. The first alternative valve device 46b is not a heating adapter. The first alternative valve device 46b has a supply unit 10b with a valve inlet channel 14b, which can be selectively closed or opened by a valve element 12b of the valve 50b. The supply unit 10b of the first alternative valve device 46b simultaneously forms a discharge unit 68b with a valve outlet channel 38b. The valve element 12b closes and opens a fluid connection from the valve inlet channel 14b to the valve outlet channel 38b. The supply unit 10b / discharge unit 68b is formed in one piece. The supply unit 10b / discharge unit 68b is monolithic.The supply unit 10b / discharge unit 68b forms a valve seat 42b of the valve device 46b in one piece. The valve seat 42b is thus directly formed by the part of the supply unit 10b made of the highly thermally conductive material.

[0051] The first alternative valve device 46b has a heating unit 16b. The heating unit 16b is designed to heat the channel walls 18b of the valve inlet channel 14b. The heating unit 16b is integrated into the supply line unit 10b. The heating unit 16b comprises a heating element 22b. The heating element 22b is in the form of a hollow cylinder. The heating element 22b, which is in the form of a hollow cylinder, includes an interior space 28b. The heating element 22b, which is in the form of a hollow cylinder, is arranged in the supply line unit 10b such that a portion of the valve inlet channel 14b runs within the interior space 28b of the hollow cylinder. The valve inlet channel 14b runs parallel to the hollow cylinder within the interior space 28b of the hollow cylinder. The heating element 22b, which is in the form of a hollow cylinder, is a PTC heating element.

[0052] Figure 5 shows a schematic sectional view of a valve 50c with a second alternative valve device 46c. The valve 50c is shown in a scooping installation position of 20°. The valve 50c is shown installed in an external interface 74c. The external interface 74c can be an interface of a water separator of a fuel cell system. The valve 50c has an electromagnet 52c. The electromagnet 52c forms a self-contained drain valve and / or a self-contained purge valve. The second alternative valve device 46c forms a heating adapter 54c. The heating adapter 54c can be optionally mounted to the electromagnet 52c to provide a heating function for a valve inlet channel 14c of a supply line unit 10c of the drain valve and / or the purge valve. The second alternative valve device 46c, in particular the heating adapter 54c, has a heating unit 16c.The heating unit 16c comprises a heating element 22c. The heating element 22c is designed as a heating coil that wraps around part of the valve inlet channel 14c. The second alternative valve device 46c has a valve seat 42c. The valve inlet channel 14c is integrated directly into the material of the supply line unit 10c. The valve inlet channel 14c is bounded by channel walls 18c, which are part of the supply line unit 10c, made of a highly thermally conductive material. The valve inlet channel 14c can be selectively closed and opened by actuating (axially moving) a valve element 12c of the electromagnet 52c. The second alternative valve device 46c has a component 44c, which is separate from the supply line unit 10c. The component 44c has the valve seat 42c.Depending on whether the valve element 12c is seated or not, the valve inlet channel 14c can be selectively closed or opened via the valve seat 42c. The second alternative valve device 46c has a heat-conducting element 48c. The heat-conducting element 48c is designed to transfer heat from the supply unit 10c to the valve seat 42c. The heat-conducting element 48c projects into the component 44c in the direction of the valve seat 42c. In the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the heat-conducting element 48c is designed as a one-piece, preferably monolithic, part / collar of the supply unit 10c.

[0053] The second alternative valve device 46c has a valve outlet channel 38c. The valve outlet channel 38c is formed by component 44c. The valve element 12c is designed to open and close the valve inlet channel 14c to the valve outlet channel 38c. The valve outlet channel 38c has an oblique angle to the valve inlet channel 14c. The angle 40c between the valve outlet channel 38c and the valve inlet channel 14c is approximately 20°. Reference numeral

[0054] 10 supply unit

[0055] 12 Valve element

[0056] 14 Valve inlet channel

[0057] 16 heating units

[0058] 18 Canal wall

[0059] 20 Unit of measurement

[0060] 22 Heating element

[0061] 24 heating elements

[0062] 26 Close range

[0063] 28 Interior

[0064] 30 Fixing and / or guiding device

[0065] 32 Connection element

[0066] 34 Axial leanness

[0067] 36 Radial Emaciation

[0068] 38 Valve outlet channel

[0069] 40 angles

[0070] 42 Valve seat

[0071] 44 Component

[0072] 46 Valve device

[0073] 48 Heat conducting element

[0074] 50 valve

[0075] 52 Electromagnet

[0076] 54 heating adapters

[0077] 56 Interface

[0078] 58 cable duct

[0079] 60 magnetic anchors

[0080] 62 Sealing element

[0081] 64 cross-sectional area

[0082] 66 Cross-sectional area Derivation unit Process step Interior External interface

Claims

Claims 1. Valve device (46a-c), in particular a drain valve device for a fuel cell system, comprising a supply line unit (10a-c) which is formed at least partially, in particular largely, from a highly thermally conductive, in particular metallic, material, and which forms at least partially, in particular largely, a valve inlet channel (14a-c) that can be selectively closed by actuating a valve element (12a-c) and is provided for skimming off liquids, in particular water from a water separator of the fuel cell system, and comprising at least one heating unit (16a-c) at least partially integrated into the supply line unit (10a-c), which is provided for heating at least one channel wall (18a-c) of the valve inlet channel (14a-c), characterized by a casing unit (20a-c),which surrounds at least a large part of the supply unit (10a-c) at least in the circumferential direction and which is made of a material, in particular a plastic, which has a significantly lower thermal conductivity than the highly thermally conductive material of the supply unit (10a-c).

2. Valve device (46a-c) at least according to the preamble of claim 1 , characterized in that the heating unit (16a-c) comprises one or more heating elements (22a-c, 24a) which surround the valve inlet channel (14a-c) at least on two opposite sides and which are at least partially integrated into the supply line unit (10a-c) in a near area (26a-c) of the valve inlet channel (14a-c).

3. Valve device (46a-c) according to claim 2, characterized in that the near area (26a-c) comprises all points in space whose distance from the part of the valve inlet channel (14a-c) formed by the supply unit (10a-c) is less than a, in particular average, preferably minimum, diameter of the valve inlet channel (14a-c).

4. Valve device (46b) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that at least one of the heating elements (22b) has the form of a hollow cylinder which is arranged in the supply unit (10b) such that at least a part of the valve inlet channel (14b), in particular parallel to the hollow cylinder, runs in an interior (28b) of the hollow cylinder.

5. Valve device (46a) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that at least two of the heating elements (22a, 24a) are designed as linearly extended and parallel heating cartridges.

6. Valve device (46c) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the heating elements (22c) is designed as a heating coil wrapping at least a part of the valve inlet channel (14c).

7. Valve device (46a-c) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the heating elements (22a-c; 24a) is designed as a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heating element.

8. Valve device (46a-c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the casing unit (20a-c) or the casing unit (20a-c) together with the supply unit (10a-c) forms a fixing and / or guiding device (30a-c) for an ordered guiding of electrical connection elements (32a-c) of the heating unit (16a-c).

9. Valve device (46a-c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing unit (20a-c) is formed at least partially by a prefabricated plastic part attached to the supply unit (10a-c), by overmolding the supply unit (10a-c) or by a shrink tube.

10. Valve device (46a-c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part of the supply unit (10a-c) formed from the highly thermally conductive material is monolithic.

11. Valve device (46a; 46c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the part of the supply unit (10a; 10c) formed from the highly thermally conductive material has at least one leaning (34a, 36a; 34c, 36c), preferably at least one axial leaning (34a; 34c) and at least one radial leaning (36a; 36c).

12. Valve device (46a-c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a maximum axial cross-sectional area (64a-c) of the part of the supply line unit (10a-c) formed from the highly thermally conductive material is less than ten times, preferably less than eight times, preferably less than six times, and particularly preferably less than four times, of a maximum axial cross-sectional area (66a-c) of the valve supply channel (14a-c).

13. Valve device (46c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a valve outlet channel (38c) towards which the valve inlet channel (14c) can be selectively closed by actuating the valve element (12c), and which has an oblique course relative to the course of the valve inlet channel (14c).

14. Valve device (46c) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an angle (40c) between the course of the valve outlet channel (38c) and the course of the valve inlet channel (10c) is between 10° and 30°, preferably between 15° and 25°, preferably about 20°.

15. Valve device (46b) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a valve seat (42b) via which, depending on whether the valve element (12b) is seated or not seated, the valve inlet channel (14b) can be selectively closed, wherein the valve seat (42b) is formed by the part of the supply line unit (10b) consisting of the highly thermally conductive material.

16. Valve device (46a; 46c) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by a valve seat (42a; 42c) via which, depending on whether the valve element (12a; 12c) is seated or not seated, the valve inlet channel (14a; 14c) can be selectively closed, wherein the valve seat (42a; 42c) is formed by a component (44a; 44c) separate from the supply unit (10a; 10c), and wherein the valve device (46a; 46c) has a heat conducting element (48a; 48c) which projects into the component (44a; 44c) in the direction of the valve seat (42a; 42c) for the purpose of transferring heat from the supply unit (10a; 10c) to the valve seat (42a; 42c).

17. Valve (50a-c), in particular a drain valve for a fuel cell system, comprising a valve device (46a-c) according to one of the preceding claims and comprising an electromagnet (52a-c) comprising the valve element (12a-c).

18. Valve (50a; 50c) according to claim 17, wherein the electromagnet (52a; 52c) forms an independently functioning drain and / or purge valve, characterized in that the valve device (46a; 46c) forms a heating adapter (54a; 54c) which can be selectively mounted to the electromagnet (52a; 52c) to supplement a heating function for a valve inlet channel (14a; 14c) of the drain and / or purge valve.

19. Method for de-icing a valve inlet channel (14a-c) of a valve (50a-c), in particular a drain valve for a fuel cell system, preferably according to one of claims 17 or 18, with an inlet unit (10a-c) which at least the channel that can be selectively closed by actuating a valve element (12a-c) and which leads to a Skimming of liquids, in particular water from a water separator of the fuel cell system, forms a valve inlet channel (14a-c) provided, and with at least one heating unit (16a-c) integrated into the supply unit (10a-c), which at least leads to heating of channel walls (18a-c) of the a valve inlet channel (14a-c) is provided, characterized in that a loss of heating energy generated by the heating unit (16a-c) is reduced by a shell unit (20a-c) which surrounds at least a large part of the supply unit (10a-c) at least in the circumferential direction and which is made of a material, in particular a plastic, which has a significantly lower thermal conductivity than a highly thermally conductive material of the supply unit (10a-c).

Images