Heat pump valve unit, heat pump, and building

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat pump valve unit (100), comprising: a housing (2) with fluid inlets and fluid outlets (K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, K6), wherein the housing (2) has a high-pressure housing portion (2a) with a high-pressure fluid chamber (HDR), the high-pressure housing portion (2a) is closed off by an associated housing cover (D2) which forms the high-pressure fluid chamber (HDR), and the housing cover (D2) fluid-tightly receives at least one component in the form of a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pressure and temperature sensor (PT2), service valve (SV2), and / or pressure switch (PS), which as such extends into the high-pressure fluid chamber (HDR). The invention also relates to a heat pump and a building.

Description

[0001] 202500017

[0002] 1

[0003] Description

[0004] Heat pump valve unit, heat pump and building

[0005] The present invention relates to a heat pump valve unit, a heat pump with such a heat pump valve unit and a building with such a heat pump.

[0006] Heat pumps are used, among other things, for heating or cooling buildings, for example in the form of a so-called air-to-water heat pump.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to improve such a heat pump.

[0008] This problem is solved by a heat pump valve unit proposed and protected according to claim 1.

[0009] The proposed heat pump valve unit represents a compact solution or module whose integrated components provide a correspondingly extended range of functions.

[0010] Thus, with at least one sensor in the form of a pressure and / or temperature sensor, a state variable of a conveyed refrigerant can be recorded, which allows a refrigerant circuit to be monitored.

[0011] The service valve allows such a refrigerant circuit to be filled or emptied. And the pressure switch allows the power supply to a compressor connected to the heat pump valve unit to be temporarily interrupted and then restored, if necessary.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fluid inlets and fluid outlets associated with the high-pressure housing section are located in an associated 202500017

[0013] 2

[0014] The base of the housing and the housing lid opposite it are provided or shaped accordingly.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the housing also has a low-pressure housing section with a low-pressure fluid chamber, wherein the low-pressure housing section is closed off with an associated housing cover which forms the low-pressure fluid chamber;

[0016] wherein this housing cover also fluid-tightly accommodates at least one component in the form of a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pressure and temperature sensor and / or service valve, which as such extends into the low-pressure fluid space.

[0017] In one embodiment, a fluid inlet and fluid outlet associated with the low-pressure housing section are provided or formed in an associated housing base and opposite the housing cover.

[0018] The two housing sections can be connected to each other via a jointly formed bridge section. This bridge section can be formed integrally with the two housing sections.

[0019] This bridge section can be arranged and oriented in such a way, at least in sections, that it connects the two housing sections and stiffens them against each other in the sense of a rib or rib section.

[0020] The two housing sections – excluding their respective housing covers – can each be shaped either trough-shaped or cuboid-shaped. A trough shape is defined as having at least partially concave or convex surfaces on both housing sections.

[0021] 3

[0022] In another embodiment, the proposed

[0023] Heat pump valve unit also on:

[0024] an electric motor enclosed through the housing;

[0025] a valve actuator within the high-pressure fluid space, adjustable by the electric motor – in an axial stroke – to a first or second position, in the form of a body functioning as a sliding seal, fluid guide and fluid deflector with a low-pressure fluid passage; wherein the

[0026] The valve actuator, together with the high-pressure housing section and the fluid inlets and outlets associated with the high-pressure housing section, forms a reversing valve;

[0027] wherein the low-pressure fluid passage in these two positioning positions connects a low-pressure fluid inlet of the high-pressure housing section with a low-pressure fluid outlet of the high-pressure housing section, while a high-pressure fluid inlet of the high-pressure housing section is connected to a high-pressure fluid outlet of the high-pressure housing section; and a spindle drive - in the high-pressure fluid chamber - between the electric motor and the valve actuator;

[0028] wherein by a spindle nut of the spindle drive, which is connected to the

[0029] The valve actuator interacts in a form-fitting manner, the axial stroke of the

[0030] The valve actuator can be moved into the first or second position.

[0031] The valve actuator is adjusted purely electrically. No fluid control channels within the housing or high-pressure housing section, nor fluid control lines outside the housing or high-pressure housing section, are required to adjust or move the valve actuator.

[0032] It is proposed that the valve actuator has a flat sliding sealing surface via which it interacts with a flat counter-sliding sealing surface of the high-pressure housing section, and is adjustable along this counter-sliding sealing surface from the first to the second positioning position or vice versa. 202500017

[0033] 4

[0034] The actuating force applied by the electric motor must overcome a resistance, or frictional force, which results from the pressure of the valve actuator against a corresponding running surface – or the counter-sealing surface – of the high-pressure housing section. This pressure, in turn, is determined, influenced, or caused by the pressure in the high-pressure fluid chamber and the pressure in the low-pressure fluid passage of the valve actuator.

[0035] A pressure in the high-pressure fluid chamber, reduced by the pressure prevailing in the low-pressure fluid passage, ultimately determines the actual contact pressure of the valve actuator against the running surface of the high-pressure housing section. This is also referred to as the differential pressure exerted on the valve actuator, which results in a normal force that presses the actuator against the running surface of the high-pressure housing section. And depending on the friction conditions between the

[0036] A corresponding frictional force is exerted between the valve actuator and the running surface, which must be overcome as a resistance by the electric motor.

[0037] A drive spindle of the spindle drive can be formed as part of a rotor shaft of the electric motor or joined to this rotor shaft.

[0038] In one embodiment, the counter-sliding sealing surface is recessed or lowered relative to a surrounding housing base surface of the high-pressure housing section. This creates a groove by which the valve actuator is guided.

[0039] The valve actuator can be shaped, for example, in the form of a trough body or a trough-shaped or trough-like body, or essentially cuboid or cuboid-like, which with its open side or a flat end sealing surface associated with the open side - or the sliding sealing surface - faces 202500017

[0040] 5

[0041] The flat counter-sliding sealing surface of the high-pressure housing section is placed on it and can be moved or adjusted along this counter-sliding sealing surface from the first to the second position or vice versa.

[0042] A trough shape is understood to mean that the inner surface and / or the outer surface of the valve actuator (each) are at least partially concave or convex.

[0043] It is proposed that at least the surface forming the low-pressure fluid passage, or the outer surface, of the valve actuator should be shaped concavely, at least in sections. Furthermore, if the surface facing the high-pressure fluid chamber, or the outer surface, of the valve actuator is also shaped convexly, at least in sections, such a trough-like design will minimize the mass of the valve actuator, thus saving weight and costs. From a fluid dynamics perspective, the concave shape of the low-pressure fluid passage also reduces turbulence in the conveyed gaseous or vaporous refrigerant, which in itself represents a flow resistance.

[0044] Furthermore, a heat pump with a heat pump valve unit of the type described above is proposed.

[0045] Furthermore, a building with a heat pump of the type described above is proposed.

[0046] Furthermore, the use of a heat pump of the type described above for heating or cooling a building is proposed. 202500017

[0047] 6

[0048] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the figures. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the subsequent description of preferred embodiments. These are shown, in part schematically:

[0049] Fig. 1 shows a proposed heat pump valve unit in a perspective or spatial representation,

[0050] Fig. 2 shows the heat pump valve unit shown in Fig. 1 in a planar sectional view,

[0051] Fig. 3 shows the heat pump valve unit shown in Fig. 1 in a three-dimensional sectional view,

[0052] Fig. 4 shows the heat pump valve unit shown in Fig. 1 in a spatial exploded view,

[0053] Fig. 5 shows a heat pump system with such a proposed heat pump valve unit and

[0054] Fig. 6 schematic representation of switching states of connections of the proposed heat pump valve unit.

[0055] The heat pump valve unit 100 (see e.g. Fig. 1) has a housing 2 which is divided into a high-pressure housing section 2a and a low-pressure housing section 2b.

[0056] This housing 2 accommodates a large number of components.

[0057] At the right end of this housing 2, an electric motor 4 is flanged via its housing G or its housing flange to a flange 2F of the high-pressure housing section 2a. The high-pressure housing section 2a contains 202500017

[0058] 7

[0059] It also includes a service valve SV2, a pressure switch PS and a pressure and temperature sensor PT2.

[0060] The low-pressure housing section 2b, however, accommodates a service valve SV1 and a pressure and temperature sensor PT1.

[0061] The service valves SV-i, SV2, the pressure and temperature sensors PT1, PT2, and the pressure switch PS extend through their respective housing covers Di, D2, which contain the components in a fluidically sealed manner and form an associated housing chamber into which the components extend or project (see Fig. 2). The two housing covers Di, D2 can be welded or, alternatively, screwed to their respective housing sections.

[0062] The two service valves SV-i and SV2 allow the refrigerant circuit to be filled or emptied. The pressure switch PS allows the power supply to a compressor connected to the high-pressure housing section 2a to be temporarily interrupted and then restored, if necessary.

[0063] The two housing sections 2a, 2b are each shaped like a trough or trough and are closed off by their respective housing covers Di, D2. The high-pressure housing section 2a forms a high-pressure fluid chamber HDR and the low-pressure housing section 2b a low-pressure fluid chamber NDR (see Fig. 2).

[0064] The housing 2 is described as tub-shaped or tub-like because this shape results in material and cost savings in the forming of these two housing sections 2a, 2b, for example, compared to a cuboid or cuboid-like shape for these two housing sections 2a, 2b. Alternatively, such a cuboid shape could also be used for forming the housing 2 or the two housing sections 2a, 2b.

[0065] 8

[0066] To save weight, it is proposed to use as much plastic as possible, or even exclusively, for the construction of the housing 2, 2a, 2b. The same applies at least to the housing G of the electric motor 4.

[0067] The high-pressure housing section 2a has fluid inlets or fluid inlet channels as well as fluid outlets or fluid outlet channels. These channels Ki, K2, K3, K4, which are assigned to the high-pressure housing section 2a, are formed or provided in an associated housing base and opposite the housing cover Di.

[0068] Channel K1 is always a high-pressure inlet channel that can be connected to or is connected to a compressor K (see Fig. 5).

[0069] Channel K4, on the other hand, is always a low-pressure drain channel that can be connected to or is connected to a collection tank or accumulator A, in which a liquid portion of a conveyed, evaporated refrigerant or liquid refrigerant accumulates (see Fig. 5).

[0070] Depending on the first or second position of a valve actuator 16 within the high-pressure fluid chamber HDR, one of the two channels K2, K3 is connected to the high-pressure fluid chamber HDR and the other channel is connected via a low-pressure fluid passage FP of the valve actuator 16 to the channel K4 or low-pressure drain channel.

[0071] In Fig. 2, channel K2 functions as a high-pressure outlet channel and is connected to an internal heat exchanger (not shown), to which a compressed refrigerant is supplied. Channel K3, on the other hand, functions as a low-pressure inlet channel in Fig. 2 and is connected to an external heat exchanger (not shown), from which evaporated refrigerant is supplied to channel K3.

[0072] 9

[0073] The positioning position of the valve actuator 16 shown in Fig. 2 can be defined as the first of two positioning positions in which the fluid passage FP connects the channel K3 with the channel K4.

[0074] In the second position - not shown - the fluid passage FP connects channel K2 with channel K4, in which channel K2 functions as a low-pressure inlet channel, whereas channel K3 functions as a high-pressure outlet channel.

[0075] The outer heat exchanger (not shown) represents a thermal connection or interface to an environment, whereas the inner heat exchanger (not shown) represents a thermal connection or interface to at least one space, which can be heated as such by means of a heat pump 200 (see Fig. 5) (outer heat exchanger).

[0076]

[0077] Acting as an evaporator; internal heat exchanger

[0078]

[0079] (acting as a condenser) or to cool (external heat exchanger)

[0080]

[0081] acting as a condenser; internal heat exchanger

[0082]

[0083] (acting as an evaporator).

[0084] The low-pressure housing section 2b has a fluid inlet or fluid inlet channel K5 and a fluid outlet or fluid outlet channel Ke. Channel K5 is connectable to or connected with the collection tank or accumulator A (see Fig. 5), from which evaporated refrigerant is supplied to channel K5, whereas channel Ke is directly or indirectly connected to the compressor K via a separator S (see Fig. 5).

[0085] These two channels K5, Ke are formed or provided in a housing base of the low-pressure housing section 2b and opposite the housing cover Di.

[0086] Each of the channels K1, K2, K3, K4, K5, Ke shown in Fig. 2 has an associated fluid hose or connection hose or fluid line in the form of a hose or connection hose that can be connected or is already connected. 202500017

[0087] 10

[0088] The two housing sections 2a, 2b are connected to each other via a jointly formed web section 2st, which extends both into and out of the image plane in Fig. 2. This web section 2st terminates in, or extends into, a jointly formed rib section 8 between the two housing sections 2a, 2b, which also connects the two housing sections 2a, 2b and, due to its orientation parallel to the image plane, stiffens them against each other. Alternatively, this rib section 8 can be omitted to allow for an air gap between the two housing sections 2a, 2b.

[0089] The valve actuator 16 forms a so-called reversing valve RV in the form of a 4 / 2-way valve (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 5), which can be operated in a first or second position and through which a refrigerant circuit can be reversed or operated in a first or second mode (see Fig. 5).

[0090] The valve actuator 16 is shaped as a body functioning as a sliding sealing body, fluid guide and fluid deflection body with a low-pressure fluid passage FP that connects the channel K4 (or low-pressure inlet channel) either with the channel K3 or the channel K2, depending on the actuating position or position of the valve actuator 16.

[0091] The valve actuator 16 has a flat sliding sealing surface 20 on its open side, via which it can be adjusted from the first to the second position or vice versa along a flat counter-sliding sealing surface 22 of the housing section 2a - thereby sealing in a surface manner with the counter-sliding sealing surface 22 (see Fig. 3).

[0092] The counter-sliding sealing surface 22 can be slightly lowered, recessed, offset, or deepened relative to a surrounding base surface, housing base surface, or tray base (see, for example, Fig. 3).202500017

[0093] 11

[0094] This counter-sliding sealing surface 22 thus forms a groove or shallow groove with the surrounding wall, through which the valve actuator 16 is guided. This proposed recess of the counter-sliding sealing surface 22 can be produced, for example, by machining. In this way, a suitable surface finish can be achieved on the counter-sliding sealing surface 22 to ensure a sufficiently effective seal in conjunction with the sliding sealing surface 20 of the valve actuator 16. The sliding sealing surface 20 also exhibits a suitable surface finish.

[0095] Furthermore, at least one guide rail 24 can be formed in this base surface or in this basin base and project from it. This guide rail 24 extends longitudinally or along the counter-sliding sealing surface 22 and thus flanks the valve actuator 16 on one side, supporting its axial stroke or movement in the XX direction. Alternatively, two such guide rails 24 spaced apart from each other can be formed or provided in the base surface, thus supporting the valve actuator 16 on both sides. This completely prevents any deviation of the valve actuator 16 from its intended axial stroke in the X - X direction.

[0096] In addition to or as an alternative to such a guide rail 24 or such guide rails 24, the said groove with the counter-sliding sealing surface 22 could also be formed deeper.

[0097] The axial stroke or axial movement of the valve actuator 16 in the X - X direction is effected by a spindle drive 10 in the high-pressure fluid chamber HDR, which converts a rotary movement of the electric motor 4 into this axial movement of the

[0098] converts valve actuator 16.

[0099] A spindle nut 14 of the spindle drive 10 is partially inserted into the valve actuator 16, i.e., positively connected to it. The valve actuator 16 has a corresponding shape with a kind of pocket for this purpose.

[0100] 12

[0101] The receptacle 18 is located on the outer surface of the casing, into which the spindle nut 14 is inserted. This spindle nut 14, which is movable or travelable along a spindle or drive spindle 12 of the spindle drive 10, takes the valve actuator 16 with it accordingly and thereby causes its axial stroke.

[0102] The drive spindle 12 can be formed as part of a rotor shaft 6 or joined to such a rotor shaft 6.

[0103] This drive shaft 6 extends from the high-pressure fluid chamber HDR into the electric motor 4, where it carries its rotor R. The rotor R is located inside a stator S and within a containment shell ST, which separates a wet chamber of the electric motor 4 from a dry chamber. This electric motor 4 can be contacted and controlled via the connector socket StB.

[0104] By means of a so-called dipole magnet M at one end of the drive shaft 6, which interacts with an associated Hall sensor (see, for example, Fig. 2; to the right of the right bearing of the drive shaft 6 and to the left of the containment shell ST), the valve actuator 16 can be precisely positioned by counting the revolutions of the drive shaft 6. In conjunction with a given gear ratio of the spindle drive 10, an axial stroke X - X of the valve actuator 16 can be precisely set. With a gear ratio of, for example, 1 mm / revolution, thirty revolutions result in a total stroke of 30 mm. The drive shaft 6 is supported within the drive unit or the electric motor 4 by a fixed bearing on one side and a floating bearing on the other (see Fig. 2; fixed bearing).

[0105]

[0106] left of rotor R and loose bearing

[0107]

[0108] to the right of the rotor R).

[0109] The heat pump 200 shown schematically in Fig. 5 - which can also be referred to as a heat pump system - has a heat pump valve unit 100 of the type described above.

[0110] All previously introduced or described components are shown. 202500017

[0111] 13

[0112] The rectangle shown with dashed lines represents the system boundary of the heat pump valve unit 100 and its housing 2 with the various components accommodated by the housing 2 and the channels Ki , K2, K3, K4, K5, Ke.

[0113] The collection tank or accumulator A, the separator S and the compressor K, all of which are located outside this system boundary, are connected to the associated channels of the housing 2 via assigned, separate refrigerant lines.

[0114] Outside this system boundary lie the aforementioned heat exchangers – not shown – which must be imagined. The inner heat exchanger should be visualized as connected to channel K2, while the outer heat exchanger should be visualized as connected to channel K3.

[0115] The heat pump 200 is used to heat a room in a so-called...

[0116] The system operates in heating mode, in which the reversing valve RV assumes a first position (corresponding to the first position of the valve actuator 16). In this mode, a refrigerant coming from the compressor K – and under high pressure – is routed through channels K1 and K2 and the internal heat exchanger. Simultaneously, an evaporated refrigerant coming from the external heat exchanger is routed through channels K3 and K4.

[0117] For cooling the room, the heat pump 200 is operated in a so-called cooling mode, in which the reversing valve RV assumes a second position (corresponding to the second position of the valve actuator 16). In this mode, the refrigerant coming from the compressor K – and under high pressure – is routed through channels K1 and K3 and the external heat exchanger. The evaporated refrigerant coming from the internal heat exchanger is routed through channels K2 and K4.

[0118] 14

[0119] Fig. 6 describes, on the one hand – in the left half – a first state of the heat pump valve unit 100, in which – by the position of the reversing valve RV – the two connections or channels Ki and K2 are connected to each other, and the two connections or channels K3 and K4 are connected to each other. The valve actuator 16 assumes the aforementioned first position.

[0120] Position set. This switching state therefore describes the heating mode of the heat pump 200.

[0121] Fig. 6, on the other hand, describes – in the right half – a state of the heat pump valve unit 100 in which – by the position of the reversing valve RV – the two connections or channels K1 and K3 are connected on the one hand, and the two connections or channels K2 and K4 are connected on the other. In this state, the valve actuator 16 assumes the aforementioned second position.

[0122] Position set. This switching state therefore describes the cooling mode of the heat pump 200.

[0123] The proposed heat pump valve unit represents a compact solution or module whose integrated components provide a correspondingly extended range of functions.

[0124] At this point, it is clarified that the previously used notation of terms with brackets, such as refrigerant circuit(run), is intended to cover possible alternative designations that each describe the same thing (e.g. refrigerant circuit = refrigerant cycle).

[0125] Although exemplary embodiments are explained in the preceding description, it should be noted that a large number of variations are possible. Furthermore, it should be noted that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to restrict the scope of protection, applications, or structure in any way. Rather, the preceding description provides the skilled person with a guideline for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment, taking into account various modifications, particularly with regard to the function and arrangement of the 202500017

[0126] 15

[0127] described components can be modified without leaving the scope of protection as defined by the claims and these equivalent combinations of features.

Claims

202500017 16 Patent claims 1. Heat pump valve unit (100), comprising: a housing (2) with fluid inlets and fluid outlets (Ki, K2, K3, K4, K5, Ke), wherein the housing (2) has a high-pressure housing section (2a) with a high-pressure fluid space (HDR), wherein the high-pressure housing section (2a) is closed off with an associated housing cover (D2) which forms the high-pressure fluid space (HDR); wherein the housing cover (D2) fluid-tightly accommodates at least one component in the form of a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pressure and temperature sensor (PT2), service valve (SV2) and / or pressure switch (PS), which as such extends into the high-pressure fluid space (HDR).

2. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the fluid inlets and fluid outlets (K1 , K2, K3, K4) associated with the high pressure housing section (2a) are formed in an associated housing base and opposite the housing cover (Di).

3. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (2) further comprises a low-pressure housing section (2b) with a has a low-pressure fluid space (NDR), wherein the low-pressure housing section (2b) is closed off with an associated housing cover (Di) which forms the low-pressure fluid space (NDR); wherein the housing cover (Di) fluid-tightly accommodates at least one component in the form of a pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pressure and temperature sensor (PT1) and / or service valve (SV1), which as such extends into the low-pressure fluid space (NDR).

4. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to claim 3, wherein a fluid inlet and fluid outlet (K5, Kß) associated with the low-pressure housing section (2b) are formed in an associated housing base and opposite the housing cover (Di). 17 5. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein these two housing sections (2a, 2b) are connected to each other via a jointly formed web section (2st).

6. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to claim 5, wherein this web section (2st, 8) is at least partially arranged and oriented such that it connects the two housing sections (2a, 2b) to each other and stiffens them in the sense of a rib.

7. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the two housing sections (2a, 2b) are each shaped in a trough or cuboid shape.

8. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, further comprising: an electric motor (4) received through the housing (2); a valve actuator (16) within the high-pressure fluid space (HDR) adjustable by the electric motor (4) in an axial stroke (X - X) to a first or second position in the form of a body functioning as a sliding sealing body, fluid guide and fluid deflection body with a low-pressure fluid passage (FP); wherein the valve actuator (16) forms a reversing valve (RV) with the high-pressure housing section (2a) and the fluid inlets and fluid outlets (Ki, K2, K3, K4) associated with the high-pressure housing section (2a); wherein the low-pressure fluid passage (FP) in these two positioning positions connects a low-pressure fluid inlet (K2, K3) of the high-pressure housing section (2a) with a low-pressure fluid outlet (K4) of the high-pressure housing section (2a), while a high-pressure fluid inlet (K1) of the high-pressure housing section (2a) is connected to a high-pressure fluid outlet (K2, K3) of the high-pressure housing section (2a); and a spindle drive (10) - in the high-pressure fluid chamber (HDR) - between the electric motor (4) and the valve actuator (16); wherein by a spindle nut (14) of the spindle drive (10), which is connected to the 202500017 18 The valve actuator (16) interacts in a form-fitting manner, and the axial stroke (XX) of the valve actuator (16) can be effected into the first or second positioning position.

9. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to claim 8, wherein the valve actuator (16) has a planar sliding sealing surface (20) via which it interacts with a planar counter-sliding sealing surface (22) of the high-pressure housing section (2a) in a planar sealing manner and is thereby adjustable along this counter-sliding sealing surface (22) from the first to the second positioning position or vice versa.

10. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a drive spindle (12) of the spindle drive (10) is formed as part of a rotor shaft (6) of the electric motor (4) or is joined to the rotor shaft (6).

11. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the counter-sliding sealing surface (22) is recessed relative to a housing bottom surface of the high pressure housing section (2a) surrounding it.

12. Heat pump valve unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, wherein the valve actuator (16) is shaped in a trough or cuboid shape.

13. Heat pump (200) with a heat pump valve unit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

14. Building with a heat pump according to claim 13.

15. Use of a heat pump according to claim 13 for heating or cooling a building.

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