Valve device having a sealing unit
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/EP2026/054692
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2025-02-21
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-27
Smart Images
Figure EP2026054692_27082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] DESCRIPTION
[0002] Valve assembly with sealing unit
[0003] The present invention relates to a valve device, in particular for a water circuit of a motor vehicle, with a housing comprising a circular cylindrical housing wall circumferentially enclosing a distribution chamber and at least two media connections in and / or on the housing wall, each designed as an inlet or outlet connection for a hydraulic medium and opening into the distribution chamber at intervals from each other, and with a valve element rotatably mounted in the distribution chamber for selectively connecting or disconnecting at least two of the media connections with each other or from each other in a fluid-technical manner.
[0004] Valve devices of the type mentioned above are already known from the prior art. For example, a generic valve device is known from German patent application DE 10 2021 202 181 A1. To control or regulate media flows in a multi-channel water circuit, valve devices are used that have three or more media connections through which the valve device can be integrated into the water circuit, as well as a rotatable valve element by means of which the media connections can be connected to or disconnected from each other. Various embodiments of such valve devices with different numbers of media connections and different numbers of possible fluid connections are known.
[0005] To ensure that the valve assembly does not cause any leakage in the fluid system, especially in the water circuit of the motor vehicle, sealing elements are used which ensure that, regardless of the operating position of the valve element, the fluid guided through the valve assembly cannot escape into the environment.
[0006] The present invention is based on the objective of ensuring an improved seal for the valve assembly.
[0007] The problem underlying the invention is solved by a valve assembly with the features of claim 1. This assembly has the advantage of ensuring both an effective sealing action and simple assembly. According to the invention, a sealing unit is arranged in the distributor chamber of the valve assembly. This sealing unit has a casing wall with several openings that circumferentially surrounds the valve element. Each opening is associated with an elastically deformable sealing element. The sealing elements are attached to the casing wall, extending through the respective opening, and interact with both the valve element and the casing wall. The sealing unit is thus arranged between the valve element and the casing wall of the valve assembly and therefore constitutes an intermediate element that serves to hold the sealing elements.This ensures that the sealing elements can be pre-assembled on the sealing unit or the casing wall, allowing the sealing unit to be easily installed in the valve assembly as a pre-assembled component. Mounting the sealing elements on the casing wall significantly simplifies their attachment compared to attaching them to the housing wall. This advantageously reduces manufacturing time and effort. The sealing unit is designed as a sleeve. Alternatively, the sealing unit also has a base integrated with the casing wall, resulting in a cup-shaped design. By arranging the sealing elements directly on the casing wall of the sealing unit, they can be optimally designed for their respective tasks: interacting with the valve element on the one hand and with the housing wall on the other.Furthermore, the arrangement of the sealing elements on the outer wall of the sealing unit ensures that the sealing elements are optimally positioned in the distribution chamber relative to the media connections during assembly, without requiring any additional modifications to the housing wall. Preferably, the valve element also has a cylindrical valve body in which one or more media channels are formed or arranged, through which the media connections are connected or separated depending on the rotational position of the valve element. The valve body and the sealing unit are preferably designed such that the valve body is completely enclosed or can be accommodated within the sealing unit.
[0008] Preferably, the casing wall has a retainer for each of the sealing elements that provides a positive locking mechanism, at least in the circumferential direction. The retainer thus acts in the circumferential direction of the valve element or the casing wall and ensures that the respective sealing element does not dislodge from its position during a rotational movement of the valve element. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective retainer is designed as a receiving pocket on the inside or outside of the casing wall for receiving the respective sealing element. By being designed as a receiving pocket, the respective light element can be advantageously mounted in it and is protected from unintentional dislodgement, at least in the circumferential direction, by the positive locking mechanism.
[0009] Preferably, the respective receiving pocket is designed as an axially open insertion pocket into which the respective sealing element is axially inserted or can be inserted. In this respect, the insertion pocket is U-shaped. An axial extension or direction is understood to be a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the valve element or to the axis of rotation of the distributor chamber. Due to the insertion pocket design, the sealing elements can be advantageously positioned at the desired locations on the outer wall of the sealing unit with minimal effort during pre-assembly. Furthermore, the insertion mechanism advantageously ensures automated assembly of the sealing unit with one or more sealing elements.
[0010] Preferably, the respective holder, in particular the respective insert pocket, is formed by at least two retaining webs spaced apart from each other and projecting radially from the outer wall, which in particular run parallel to each other. Advantageously, the retaining webs project from the outer wall either both outwards or both inwards. The retaining webs are each arranged next to one of the openings in the outer wall, so that a sealing element held between the retaining webs is assigned to the opening in between and securely positioned relative to it.
[0011] Preferably, the retaining webs each have a radial rear grip contour for receiving the respective sealing element, which ensures that the respective sealing element is held securely against the shell wall even in radial extension. This further increases the positional stability of the respective sealing element.
[0012] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the respective receiving pocket or insertion pocket is designed as an axial recess or indentation in the outer wall of the sealing unit. The axial recess is open towards an end face of the outer wall, allowing a sealing element to be inserted axially into the recess. The axial recess then simultaneously forms the desired opening of the sealing unit with the aid of the sealing element. Preferably, the edge of the recess has a C-shaped, V-shaped, or U-shaped indentation in which the respective sealing element is guided and held. In particular, the respective sealing element has a guide contour on its outer edge that corresponds to the indentation, so that the respective sealing element is positively locked in the indentation.
[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the respective sealing element comprises, on the one hand, at least one elastically deformable, in particular annular, sealing rib and / or sealing lip, and on the other hand, at least one retaining strip designed to fit snugly and with at least substantially no play in the receiving pocket. In addition to the actual sealing function, which is ensured by the sealing rib and / or the sealing lip, the sealing element thus also includes means for guiding and positioning the sealing element in the respective receiving pocket. For example, it is provided that a sealing element is designed as a whole as a retaining strip on which one or more annularly shaped sealing ribs and / or sealing lips are arranged, each of which, in the assembled state, is associated with at least one opening in the casing wall.For example, the retaining strip can have several openings, each with a sealing rib or lip that completely surrounds the opening. This is particularly advantageous when the openings in the shell wall are arranged one behind the other in axial extension. Preferably, the retaining strip has the guide contour mentioned above.
[0014] Preferably, the sealing element has sealing ribs and / or sealing lips arranged in an X-shape in cross-section. The X-shape results in two sealing ribs or sealing lips being present on both the inner side of the sealing unit facing the valve element and the outer side facing the housing wall of the distributor chamber. These ribs or lips project radially inwards and concentrically surround an opening of the sealing element. This double seal for the associated opening thus increases the sealing effect, enabling the seal to withstand even high fluid pressures.
[0015] Preferably, the sealing unit has a base with an additional opening for a further media connection of the distribution chamber. If a media connection is also formed in the base of the distribution chamber, this allows for or creates a further fluid connection. Preferably, the opening in the base of the sealing element is arranged centrally, i.e., coaxially with the axis of rotation of the valve element. This further increases the number of possible fluid connections of the valve assembly. Optionally, one or more additional sealing elements, in particular one or more O-rings, are arranged between the base of the distribution chamber and the base of the sealing unit to prevent leakage at this point as well.
[0016] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the sealing unit has at least one rotation stop for the valve element. This rotation stop limits the maximum rotation angle of the valve element, thereby preventing, for example, incorrect assembly and incorrect actuation of the valve assembly. Optionally, the sealing unit has two rotation stops to further restrict the rotation or swivel range of the valve element. The rotation stop preferably serves to calibrate a drive unit that is operatively connected to the valve element for its actuation. By rotating the valve element against the rotation stop, a zero position can be established, and from there, the rotation angle of the valve element can be advantageously adjusted.
[0017] Preferably, the rotation stop is formed or arranged on the base of the sealing unit. Preferably, the valve element has a counter-stop on its base that interacts with the rotation stop in at least one rotational position. The rotation stop is preferably formed integrally with the base of the sealing unit, thus offering a particularly robust and cost-effective solution.
[0018] Furthermore, the distribution chamber is preferably equipped with a lid for closing it, the lid being connected, in particular welded, to the outer wall of the sealing unit. The distribution chamber is closed axially, or at its axial end faces, by the aforementioned base on one side and by the lid on the other. The base and the outer wall are preferably formed integrally, thus constituting a substantially cup-shaped component. The lid closes the distribution chamber at the end face opposite the base after the sealing unit and the valve element have been inserted into the distribution chamber. The connection with the sealing unit optimizes the sealing effect of the valve assembly. The optional welding also ensures a permanently leak-proof connection between the sealing unit and the lid.
[0019] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the cover and the outer wall of the sealing unit are preferably formed integrally, so that the cover and outer wall form a single unit or component. In this case, the cover and outer wall are formed integrally, with the base of the sealing unit being connected to the outer wall of the sealing unit, in particular by a form-fit, force-fit, and / or material-fit connection. This results in a reversed design of the sealing unit, in which the cover and outer wall are formed integrally and the base is formed as a separate component. Furthermore, the base, which is initially formed separately from the sealing unit, enables the installation of the valve assembly, in particular the valve element, within the sealing unit.Only after the inner valve elements have been installed is the sealing unit then closed on the bottom side by the base, which rests on the end face of the casing wall opposite the cover. Preferably, the base can be locked or secured to the casing wall by at least one locking device. Thus, the base and / or the casing wall preferably have one or more protruding locking elements distributed around the circumference, which are elastically deformable or displaceable and lock positively to each other in the mounting position of the base on the casing wall. Preferably, the aforementioned rotary stop is also formed or arranged on the separately formed base.Alternatively, the rotation stop is formed or arranged on the cover, so that the separately formed base no longer needs to absorb torsional forces and can therefore be designed and manufactured more simply. Essentially, the base then only needs to absorb the axial forces for fixing, holding, or even bearing the valve components inside the sealing unit. This variant of the valve assembly also has the advantage of improved tolerance control. The preferably one-piece formation of the outer wall with the cover also results in improved leak tightness at this point. According to a further embodiment, the outer wall, the cover, and the base are preferably each formed as separate components and joined together by force-fit, form-fit, and / or material-fit connections.
[0020] Preferably, the sealing unit, together with the cover and the valve element, forms a pre-assembled module that is pre-installed in the distribution chamber. This results in simple assembly in just a few steps. The pre-assembled module is inserted into the distribution chamber like a cartridge, and depending on the valve element used, different switching options for the valve assembly can be implemented with the same distribution chamber.
[0021] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an advantageous valve assembly.
[0022] Figure 2 shows a longitudinal section view of the valve assembly,
[0023] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly.
[0024] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of a sealing unit of the valve assembly,
[0025] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the partially assembled valve assembly,
[0026] Figure 6 shows a top view of the sealing unit,
[0027] Figure 7 shows another longitudinal section view of the valve assembly,
[0028] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a pre-assembly group.
[0029] Figure 9 shows the valve assembly in a perspective view according to a further embodiment, and
[0030] Figure 10 shows the valve assembly according to the further embodiment in a longitudinal section view.
[0031] Figure 1 shows a simplified perspective view of an advantageous valve assembly 1 for a motor vehicle. The valve assembly 1 is, for example, installed in a motor vehicle's cooling water circuit to direct and regulate the flow of cooling water.
[0032] The valve assembly 1 comprises a housing 2 that forms a circular cylindrical valve chamber 3, which is closed at one end face by a base 4 of the housing and at the end face opposite the base 4 by a cover 5. On the side of the cover 5 facing away from the distributor chamber 3, a controllable actuator or drive unit 46 is also arranged, which is, for example, an electric motor and a gearbox for driving a valve element 7 arranged in the distributor chamber 3, as shown, for example, in Figure 2.
[0033] Figure 2 shows a simplified longitudinal section of the valve assembly 1, along line AA from Figure 1, which intersects a rotation axis 19 of the distributor chamber 3. The housing 2 has the base 4 mentioned above, as well as a housing wall 6 extending along the outer edge of the base 4 and covering the entire circumference of the base 4, so that the housing 2 is at least substantially cup-shaped. The housing wall 6 and the base 4 are, in particular, formed in one piece, as shown here. The cover 5 with the drive unit 46 is not shown in Figure 2.
[0034] As mentioned above, the housing 2 forms a distribution chamber 3. For this purpose, several media connections 8, 9, 10, as also shown in Figure 1, are formed on the housing wall 6 and each opens through the housing wall 6 into the interior of the housing 2, which forms the distribution chamber 3.
[0035] The valve element 7 is arranged in the distributor chamber 3 and is rotatably mounted within it. The valve element 7 has a control shaft 11 extending along the axis of rotation 19 and coupled, or connectable, to the drive unit 46. Furthermore, the valve element 7 has a cylindrical valve body 12, which is rigidly connected to the control shaft 11, preferably integrally, and substantially fills the distributor chamber 3. A media channel 13 is formed within the valve body 12.
[0036] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 1 at the level of the media channel 13. The media channel 13 extends from the outside of the valve body 12 approximately radially inwards to the center of the valve body 12 and then radially outwards again at an angle of approximately 120°, so that the media channel 13 has two outlet openings 14, 15, which are arranged at least circumferentially spaced apart from each other on the outside of the valve body 12. In particular, the outlet openings 14, 15 are arranged 120° apart from each other around the circumference.
[0037] According to the present embodiment, the valve body 12 has a further media channel 16, which extends axially from a base of the valve body 12 facing away from the control shaft 11 into the media channel 13. The media channel 16 has a further opening 17 formed in the base 23 of the valve body 12, which is opposite a further media connection 18 of the housing 2 in the base 4 of the housing 2. The media channel 16 is arranged coaxially with the axis of rotation 19, so that the fluid connection between the media channel 16 and the media connection 18 is ensured regardless of the rotational position of the valve element 7. When the valve body 12 is rotated, however, the openings 14, 15 in the distributor chamber 3 are pivoted such that different media connections 8, 9, 10 are selectively connected or disconnected from each other via the media channel 13.In the present embodiment, only two of the media connections 8, 9, 10 can be connected to each other simultaneously via the media channel 13, whereby one of the media connections 8, 9, 10 is always closed.
[0038] An advantageous sealing unit 20 is arranged in the distributor chamber 3, which ensures that unwanted leakage of the valve assembly 1 is prevented regardless of the position of the valve element 7. The sealing unit 20 has a cup-shaped base body 21, which comprises a shell wall 22 and a base 23, which are preferably formed integrally. The outer diameter of the shell wall 22 corresponds at least substantially to the inner diameter of the distributor chamber 3, while, according to the present embodiment, the inner diameter of the shell wall 22 is larger than the outer diameter of the valve body 12, so that the valve element 7, in the assembled state, is arranged in the base body 21 within the distributor chamber 3 and is rotatable. Due to the advantageous outer dimensions, the base body 21 can be positively fitted into the distributor chamber 3 with particularly little or no play.In particular, the inner contour of the distribution chamber 3 corresponds at least substantially to the outer contour of the base body 21.
[0039] According to the present embodiment, the base 23 of the base body 21 has an axially inwardly projecting, annular web 24, which forms a bearing receptacle for a bearing element 25 of the valve body 12. The bearing element 25 is also designed as a circular web, which can be inserted or inserted into the bearing receptacle with minimal radial play to ensure rotary bearing of the valve element 7. Advantageously, the rotary bearing thus formed is designed coaxially with the axis of rotation 19 of the valve body 12 or the valve element 7.
[0040] In its assembled state, the valve body 12 rests with its base on the base 23 of the sealing unit 20, which in turn rests on the base 4 of the housing 2. In the assembled state, the components are held axially in a form-fitting manner by the cover 5.
[0041] Figure 4 shows a simplified exploded view of the sealing unit 20 with the base body 21, in which one of the sealing elements 27 is shown axially pulled out of the base body 21 and rotated approximately 180° about its vertical axis. The base body 21 has several receiving pockets 26 distributed around its circumference on the inside of its outer wall 22, each for a sealing element 27. The receiving pockets 26 each form a holder for at least one sealing element 27 and are formed in this example by radially inwardly projecting retaining ribs 28, which are arranged on both sides of an opening 29 in the outer wall 22. According to the present embodiment, the openings 29 are offset from each other by 120° in the circumferential direction in the outer wall 22. Thus, for each media connection 8, 9, 10 in the housing wall 6, there is a corresponding opening 29 in the outer wall 22.A further opening 29 is formed in the base 23 of the main body, which is aligned with the outlet opening 17 and the media connection 18, as shown in particular in Figure 2.
[0042] The retaining webs 28 extend axially along their longitudinal extent on the inside of the shell wall 22, spaced apart from the openings 29.
[0043] The retaining webs 28 have a radial rear grip contour 30 in cross-section. This is formed in the present case by the fact that the respective drive web 28 is narrower in cross-section when viewed close to the shell wall 22 than when further away from it, so that the respective drive web 28 widens radially inwards in its cross-section.
[0044] Each sealing element 27 has a base body 31 that forms a retaining strip 32. According to the present embodiment, several inwardly and outwardly projecting annular sealing webs 33 are formed on the respective retaining strip 32. As can be seen, for example, in Figures 2 or 3, the sealing webs 33 are together in cross-section in an X-shape, such that two sealing webs 33 project outwards and two inwards. The sealing webs 33 are arranged coaxially to each other both on the outside and inside and each surrounds an opening 34 of the sealing element 27, which, in the assembled state of the sealing unit, is opposite one of the media connections 8, 9, 10.
[0045] The retaining strip 32 is designed such that the base body 31 of the respective sealing element 27 has two opposing side edges, which serve as guides for the sealing element 27 between or within the retaining webs 28 or in the receiving pockets 26. The retaining strip 32 allows the respective sealing element 27 to be inserted axially into the respective receiving pocket 26, which is designed as an axial insertion pocket. This ensures easy assembly of the sealing elements 27 onto the base body 21. The majority of the respective sealing element 27 rests against the inner surface of the outer wall 22, with the outwardly projecting sealing webs 33 or sealing lips penetrating the respective opening 29 of the base body 21 to project radially outwards from the outer wall 22.
[0046] As shown in Figure 2, which shows the sealing element 27 associated with the media connection 8, the sealing webs 33 are under elastic preload on the inside of the housing wall 6 on the one hand and on the outside of the valve body 12 on the other hand and are each assigned to one of the media connections 8, 9, 10 in such a way that the openings 34 are aligned with the media connections 8, 9, 10 for the fluid connection.
[0047] The base body 21 of the sealing unit 20 is also designed such that an anti-rotation device 47, in particular a positive-locking anti-rotation device, forms an engagement with the housing 2 in the distributor chamber 3. According to the present embodiment, the outer wall 22 has two radially outwardly projecting projections 35 on its end face facing away from the base 23, as shown, for example, in Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7.
[0048] The housing 2 has radial recesses 36 in its housing wall 6 that correspond to the projections 35. In this case, there are two projections 35 and two recesses 36, arranged asymmetrically around the circumference of the outer wall 22 and the housing wall 6, so that the projections 35, which are inserted into the recesses 36, ensure a clear positioning of the sealing unit 20 in the distributor chamber 3. This is shown by way of example in Figure 5, which shows a perspective view of the sealing unit 20 inserted into the distributor chamber 3.
[0049] Figure 6 shows a top view of the sealing unit 20 with the installed sealing elements 27. A rotary stop 37 is also formed on the base 23 of the sealing unit 20, which serves to limit the rotation or pivoting range of the valve element 7. The valve element 7 preferably has a counter-stop 38 on an underside of the valve body 12 facing away from the control shaft 11, which interacts with the rotary stop 37 in at least one rotational position, so that the valve element 7 can only be pivoted over a limited rotation or pivoting range by means of the drive device 46.
[0050] The advantageous rotary stop, for example, ensures that the initialization or calibration of the valve assembly 1 by the drive unit 6 can be advantageously carried out in such a way that the position of the valve element 7 can be unambiguously determined. For this purpose, the valve element is rotated by the drive unit 46 until it reaches the rotary stop 37. The obstruction is detected by a control device, for example, by a sudden increase in the operating current of the electric motor, and the current position is thereby defined as an end position. From this point, the valve element can then be precisely rotated by the drive unit 46 to any desired position within its rotational range. This ensures advantageous control of the drive unit 6 and thus advantageous and reliable adjustment of the desired fluid connections between the media ports 8, 9, 10, and 18.
[0051] For assembly, the sealing elements 27 are first placed in the receiving pockets 26, as shown by way of example in Figure 4. The retaining ribs 28 ensure that they are also held securely in the circumferential direction against the casing wall 22.
[0052] The valve element 7 is then inserted into the distributor chamber 3, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, so that the rotary bearing is advantageously formed by the webs 25 and 24, as previously described. The cover 5 is then mounted on the sealing unit 20 on the side of the base 23 facing away from the base 4. An additional sealing element in the form of a sealing ring 39 is advantageously arranged between the cover and the control shaft or valve element 7 to ensure a tight connection to the drive unit 6 even in axial extension. The sealing ring is arranged coaxially with the control shaft 11 and, in particular, is pushed onto it up to an axial stop 40 above the valve body 12.
[0053] Figure 7 shows an enlarged sectional view of the valve assembly 1 in the area of the cover 5. The cover 5 is placed on the base body 21, the cover 5 preferably having an annular recess 41 into which an annular projection 42 on the free end face of the base body 21 is inserted. Preferably, the cover 5 and the base body 21 are welded together at this point, resulting in a permanent and tight connection between the cover 5 and the base body 21 or sealing unit 20.
[0054] The pre-assembled group 44, consisting of cover 5, sealing unit 20, and valve element 7, is shown by way of example in Figure 8. The control shaft 11 projects with one coupling end through an opening 43 in the cover 5 to be operatively connected to the drive unit 46. The pre-assembled group 44 is then inserted into the distributor chamber 3, as shown in Figure 1, with the cover 5 being screwed to the housing 2. For this purpose, the housing 2 has several screw holes 45 into which fastening screws can be screwed, in particular in such a way that they themselves cut a thread into the screw holes 45.
[0055] While the valve assembly 1 has four media connections 8, 9, 10, 18 according to the present embodiment, a further embodiment provides that the valve assembly 1 has more or fewer media connections. Multiple media connections can also be present in different planes along the axis of rotation 19. In this case, several openings 34 can also be formed adjacent to one another in a sealing element 27, each of which is associated with one or more sealing webs 33.
[0056] Figures 9 and 10 show an alternative embodiment of the valve assembly 1, wherein elements already known from the previous embodiment are provided with the same reference numerals, so reference is made to the description above. The differences will be discussed in detail below.
[0057] In contrast to the previous embodiment, the variant shown in Figures 9 and 10 provides that the base 23 of the sealing unit 20 is designed as a separate component and is attached to the outer wall 22. The cover 5, on the other hand, is formed integrally with the outer wall 22, as can be seen particularly in Figure 10.
[0058] The base 23 is preferably positively locked or held against the outer wall 22. For this purpose, according to the present embodiment, the base 23 has several openings 48, which are arranged, in particular, evenly distributed around its outer edge. The outer wall 22 has, on its free end face facing away from the cover 5, a number of projections 49 corresponding to the number of openings 28. These projections are preferably pin-shaped and are arranged around the circumference of the outer wall 22 according to the arrangement of the openings 48. According to the present embodiment, the projections 49 are plastically deformed after assembly, in particular crimped, so that the projections engage behind the base 23 at the edge of the respective opening 48, thus ensuring that the base 23 is positively locked against the sealing wall 22 and cannot be lost.According to a further embodiment, the respective projection 49 alternatively has a locking lug at its free end and is, in particular, elastically deformable, so that the projection 49 can only be inserted into the respective opening 48 by elastic deformation, whereby, due to its inherent elasticity, the locking lug of the projection then comes into a rear-engaging position with respect to the base 23 and thus engages it positively. In this case, the respective projection 49 is thus designed as a locking element. This allows for particularly simple assembly of the sealing unit 20 by simply attaching the base 23 to the outer wall 22. According to an alternative embodiment, the protruding locking elements are formed on the base 23 and the openings or other locking counter-elements are formed on the outer wall 22.
[0059] According to a further embodiment, the base 23 still has the rotary stop 38. According to an alternative embodiment, as shown here, the rotary stop 38 is now formed on the cover 5 and thus now interacts with the valve element 7 on the cover side. This limits the function of the base 23 to the axial retention of the sealing unit 20, so that the connection points, in particular the projections 49 and openings 48, do not have to withstand torsional forces and can therefore be designed more simply and cost-effectively.
Claims
REQUIREMENTS 1. Valve assembly (1), in particular for a water circuit of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (2) having a circular cylindrical housing wall (6) circumferentially enclosing a distribution chamber (3) and at least two media connections (8-10) in and / or on the housing wall (3), each designed as an inlet or outlet connection for a hydraulic medium and opening into the distribution chamber (3) at intervals from each other, and comprising a valve element (7) rotatably mounted in the distribution chamber (3) for selectively connecting or disconnecting at least two of the media connections (8-10) with each other or from each other, characterized in that a sealing unit (20) is arranged in the distribution chamber (3), which has a jacket wall (22) circumferentially surrounding the valve element (7) with several openings (29), each opening (29) being assigned an elastically deformable sealing element (27).wherein the sealing elements (27) are attached to the casing wall (22) extending through the respective opening (27) in order to interact on the one hand with the housing wall (6) of the distributor chamber (3) and on the other hand with the valve element (7).
2. Valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the casing wall (22) has a retaining device for each of the sealing elements (27) that acts in a form-fitting manner at least in the circumferential direction.
3. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective holder is designed as a receiving pocket (26) on the inside or outside of the casing wall (22) for receiving the respective sealing element (27).
4. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective receiving pocket (26) is designed as an axially open insertion pocket into which the respective sealing element (27) is axially inserted.
5. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective holder, in particular the respective receiving pocket (26), is formed by at least two spaced-apart and radially projecting retaining webs (28).
6. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining webs (28) have a radial rear grip contour (30) for receiving the respective sealing element (27).
7. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective receiving pocket (26) is designed as an axial recess in the jacket wall (22).
8. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective sealing element (27) has, on the one hand, at least one elastically deformable, in particular sealing web (33) and / or sealing lip, and on the other hand, at least one retaining strip (32) which is designed to lie in the receiving pocket (26) in a form-fitting manner and at least substantially without play.
9. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing element (27) has sealing webs (33) and / or sealing lips arranged in an x-shape in cross-section.
10. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing unit (20) has a base (23) with a further opening (29) for a further media connection (18) of the distribution chamber (3).
11. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing unit (20) has at least one rotation stop (38) for the valve element (7).
12. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary stop (38) is formed or arranged on the base (23) of the sealing unit (20) and is in particular formed integrally with it.
13. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cover (5) for closing the distributor chamber (3) is associated with the distributor chamber (3), wherein the cover (5) is connected to the outer wall (22) of the sealing unit (20), in particular by welding.
14. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover (5) is formed integrally with the outer wall (22), wherein the bottom (23) of the sealing unit (20) is connected to the outer wall (22) by a form-fit, force-fit and / or material-fit connection.
15. Valve assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing unit (20) together with the cover (5), the base (23) and the valve element (7) forms a pre-assembly group (44).