DE102013107712A1 - Multi-way valve, has plugs rotatable by respective adjusting elements around longitudinal axis such that respective first and second connectors are fluidly connectable with third connector based on rotational positions of respective plugs - Google Patents

Abstract

The valve has a first connector (6), a second connector (7) and third connector (8), which are opened into a valve chamber. Plugs (9, 10) are rotatable by respective adjusting elements (12, 13) in the valve chamber around a longitudinal axis (2) of the valve such that the respective first and second connectors are fluidly connectable with the third connector based on rotational positions of the respective plugs. The plugs are independently rotatable around the longitudinal axis. The adjusting elements are designed as actuators i.e. electric drives. The plugs, a coating element (5) and end elements (3, 4) of the valve are made of plastic.

Description

The present invention relates to a multiway valve.

Multiway valves are known in various configurations. As a rule, they have three or four connections which can be fluidly connected to one another by means of a so-called chick or can be separated from each other by flow technology.

In various fields of application there is the requirement to connect an inlet - depending on the rotational position of the plug - with one or at most two of several other connections. Analogously, there is a requirement to connect a return to one or at most two of the several further connections.

In the prior art, two multi-way valves are used for this purpose, one of the two multiway valves connecting the inlet to the other connections and the other of the two multiway valves connecting the return line to the other connections.

The solutions of the prior art are complicated, bulky and cumbersome in the assembly.

The object of the present invention is to provide a multi-way valve which is simple and compact and by means of which the disadvantages of the prior art are avoided.

The object is achieved by a multi-way valve with the features of claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the multi-way valve according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims 2 to 10.

• – wobei das Mehrwegeventil einen Ventilraum aufweist, der in Richtung einer Längsachse des Mehrwegeventils gesehen an einer ersten Stirnseite ein erstes Abschlusselement und an einer zweiten Stirnseite ein zweites Abschlusselement aufweist,
• – wobei das Mehrwegeventil ein Mantelelement aufweist, das sich in Richtung der Längsachse gesehen vom ersten Abschlusselement zum zweiten Abschlusselement erstreckt und um die Längsachse herum gesehen die Längsachse umgibt,
• – wobei in den Ventilraum ein erster Anschluss, ein zweiter Anschluss und eine Mehrzahl von dritten Anschlüssen münden,
• – wobei die dritten Anschlüsse in Richtung der Längsachse gesehen zwischen dem ersten Anschluss und dem zweiten Anschluss angeordnet sind,
• – wobei die dritten Anschlüsse am Mantelelement in Richtung der Längsachse gesehen bei einer für alle dritten Anschlüsse gleichen Axialposition angeordnet sind und um die Längsachse herum verteilt angeordnet sind,
• – wobei im Ventilraum ein erstes Küken angeordnet ist, das sich, ausgehend vom ersten Abschlusselement, bis zur Axialposition der dritten Anschlüsse erstreckt,
• – wobei im Ventilraum ein zweites Küken angeordnet ist, das sich, ausgehend vom zweiten Abschlusselement, bis zur Axialposition der dritten Anschlüsse erstreckt,
• – wobei das erste Küken mittels eines ersten Stellelementes im Ventilraum um die Längsachse drehbar ist, so dass mittels des ersten Kükens in Abhängigkeit von dessen Drehstellung der erste Anschluss mit jedem der dritten Anschlüsse fließtechnisch verbindbar ist,
• – wobei das zweite Küken mittels eines zweiten Stellelements im Ventilraum um die Längsachse drehbar ist, sodass mittels des zweiten Kükens in Abhängigkeit von dessen Drehstellung der zweite Anschluss mit jedem der dritten Anschlüsse fließtechnisch verbindbar ist,
• – wobei die beiden Küken unabhängig voneinander um die Längsachse drehbar sind.

According to the invention, it is provided to provide a multi-way valve,

• Wherein the multi-way valve has a valve chamber which, viewed in the direction of a longitudinal axis of the multi-way valve, has a first end element on a first end side and a second end element on a second end side,
• Wherein the multi-way valve has a jacket element which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis from the first closure element to the second closure element and surrounds the longitudinal axis as viewed around the longitudinal axis,
• Wherein a first port, a second port and a plurality of third ports open into the valve space,
• Wherein the third connections are arranged in the direction of the longitudinal axis between the first connection and the second connection,
• Wherein the third connections are arranged on the jacket element in the direction of the longitudinal axis at an axial position which is the same for all third connections and are distributed around the longitudinal axis,
• - Wherein a first chick is arranged in the valve space, which extends, starting from the first end element, to the axial position of the third terminals,
• Wherein a second chick is arranged in the valve space, extending from the second closing element to the axial position of the third connections,
• Wherein the first plug is rotatable about the longitudinal axis by means of a first adjusting element in the valve space, so that the first connection can be fluidly connected to each of the third connections by means of the first plug depending on its rotational position,
• Wherein the second plug is rotatable about the longitudinal axis in the valve space by means of a second actuating element, so that the second connection can be fluidly connected to each of the third connections by means of the second plug depending on its rotational position,
• - Wherein the two chicks are independently rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

It is possible that the first terminal and the second terminal are arranged on the termination elements. Preferably, however, the first and the second connection are arranged on the jacket element.

In individual cases, it may be useful if the control elements are manually operated. In general, however, the control elements are designed as actuators. The actuators can be designed in particular as electric drives.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first chick is designed in such a way that, depending on its rotational position, it is fluidly connected to a single or at the same time two of the third connections. This can be done - based on the first port - a proportional operation.

In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the second chick is designed such that, depending on its rotational position, it is either fluidly connected to none or only one of the third ports. As a result - with respect to the second connection - an operation similar to a discrete switching can take place.

The material of which the end elements, the shell element and the chicks are made may be determined as needed. For example, the end elements, the jacket element and the chicks can be made of metal, for example aluminum, brass, gunmetal or stainless steel. Alternatively, the end elements, the jacket element and the chicks may be made of plastic, for example.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the multiway valve according to the invention, the closing elements and the jacket element are each a separate part. In this case, the closing elements are connected via fastening elements liquid-tight with the jacket element. In particular, in this case, the jacket element may be formed as a section of a commercially available tube. The termination elements may be formed, for example, as discs or plates.

In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the jacket element for receiving the first connection, the second connection and the third connections has threaded bores. This simplifies the manufacturing effort.

Further advantages and details will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. In schematic schematic representation:

1 a section through a multi-way valve without chicks,

2 a perspective view of the multi-way valve of 1 .

3 a section through the multi-way valve of 1 with chicks,

4 the multiway valve of 1 with actuators and

5 in an unrolled view, an arrangement of third terminals and two chicks on an inner wall of a jacket element.

According to 1 a multi-way valve has a valve space 1 on. The valve room 1 is in the direction of a longitudinal axis 2 the multi-way valve seen at a first end side with a first end element 3 completed. On a second end face is the multi-way valve with a second end element 4 completed. The final elements 3 . 4 may be formed in particular as plates or discs. The multi-way valve further has a jacket element 5 on. The jacket element 5 extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis 2 seen from the first end element 3 to the second end element 4 , Around the longitudinal axis 2 seen around it surrounds the jacket element 5 the longitudinal axis 2 , The jacket element 5 may be formed, for example, as a cylindrical tube. The final elements 3 . 4 and the jacket element 5 limit the valve space 1 - with the exception of intended designated openings - liquid-tight.

As shown in the 1 and 2 the multi-way valve has a first connection 6 , a second connection 7 and a plurality of third terminals 8th on. The number of third ports 8th is at least three. Alternatively, there may be more than three third ports 8th be present, for example, four, five or six third ports 8th , All connections 6 to 8th open into the valve chamber 1 ,

The third connections 8th are in accordance with the 1 and 2 on the jacket element 5 arranged. They are in the direction of the longitudinal axis 2 seen at an axial position x arranged for all third ports 8th the same is. Around the longitudinal axis 2 seen around are the third ports 8th arranged distributed.

The first connection 6 and the second connection 7 are in accordance with the 1 and 2 also on the jacket element 5 arranged. Alternatively, they could be in the final elements 3 . 4 be arranged. Regardless of their specific arrangement fork forwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis 2 seen the first connection 6 and the second connection 7 the third connections 8th one. The third connections 8th So are in the direction of the longitudinal axis 2 seen between the first port 6 and the second port 7 arranged. The first connection 6 and the second connection 7 can be around the longitudinal axis 2 seen in principle be arranged at any tangential positions. Often they are arranged at the same tangential position. Preferably, at this tangential position, none of the third ports 8th arranged. As a result, the multi-way valve can be made particularly compact.

The way in which the connections 6 to 8th with the jacket element 5 can be designed close to needs. For example, in the jacket element 5 appropriate tapped holes are introduced, in which the connections 6 to 8th are screwed in.

In the valve room 1 are a first chick 9 and a second chick 10 arranged. The first chick 9 extends, starting from the first end element 3 , to to the axial position x of the third ports 8th , In an analogous manner, the second chick extends 10 , starting from the second end element 4 to the axial position x of the third ports 8th , The two chicks 9 . 10 can according to the presentation of 3 by means of a connecting element 11 - For example, a pin - be connected to each other. The connections 6 to 8th are in 3 not shown to 3 not to overload. But they are of course available.

The first chick 9 is by means of a first control element 12 (please refer 4 ) in the valve chamber 1 around the longitudinal axis 2 rotatable. It is possible that the first actuator 12 is a manually operated actuator. Preferably, the first actuating element 12 however, as shown in 4 designed as - possibly pneumatic, possibly hydraulic, usually electric - actuator.

The second chick is analogous 10 by means of a second control element 13 in the valve room 1 around the longitudinal axis 2 rotatable. The second control element 13 can be analogous to the first actuator 12 be educated.

Regardless of the design of the control elements 12 . 13 are the two chicks 9 . 10 but independently of each other about the longitudinal axis 2 rotatable.

Depending on the rotational position of the first chick 9 can by means of the first chick 9 the first connection 6 with each of the third ports 8th fluidly connected. The required design of the first chick 9 is known to those skilled in the art. In an analogous manner, depending on the rotational position of the second chick 10 by means of the second chick 10 the second connection 7 with each of the third ports 8th fluidly connected. Also the design of the second chick 10 is - analogous to the first chick 9 - known to professionals as such.

Regarding the concrete design of the chicks 9 . 10 Various configurations are possible.

This is the case, for example 5 possible, the first chick 9 such that, depending on its rotational position, alternatively with a single or simultaneously with two of the third terminals 8th fluidly connected. For example, the third ports 8th around the longitudinal axis 2 seen to be spaced apart by an offset angle α. In this case, only an opening angle β of the first chick 9 be dimensioned such that it is greater than the offset angle α.

Alternatively or additionally, it is according to 5 possible, the second chick 10 in such a way that, depending on its rotational position, it is alternatively possible with no or only one of the third connections 8th fluidly connected. In this case, only an opening angle γ of the second chick 10 be dimensioned such that it is at most as large as the offset angle α.

Out 5 is also apparent that the third connections 8th preferably regularly around the longitudinal axis 2 are arranged distributed around. The offset angle α is thus for each two immediately adjacent third terminals 8th always the same. At the tangential position where the first port is 6 and the second connection 7 are arranged, however, there is preferably a larger angular offset. This larger angular offset should preferably be between the offset angle α and twice the offset angle α. The first connection 6 and the second connection 7 should also preferably - in relation to the tangential position - centrally between the two adjacent third terminals 8th be arranged.

According to 5 are five third connections 8th available. This embodiment is currently preferred. As mentioned earlier, the number of third ports 8th but also bigger or smaller.

The materials that make up the final elements 3 . 4 , the jacket element 5 and the chicks 9 . 10 can be determined as needed. For example, the said elements may be made of metal. Suitable metals include aluminum, brass, gunmetal and stainless steel. Other metals are possible. As an alternative to metal, plastic can also be used as the material. Also mixed forms are possible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the termination elements 3 . 4 and the jacket element 5 each a separate part. In particular, in this case, the termination elements 3 . 4 according to 3 about fasteners 14 liquid-tight with the jacket element 5 be connected. The fasteners 14 may be formed, for example, as a threaded bolt.

The multi-way valve according to the invention is versatile. For example, the third ports 8th be associated with the different temperature levels of a liquid heat storage. In this case, the first connection 6 be connected for example to the flow of a heating circuit, by means of which thermal energy is removed from the liquid heat storage or by means of which the liquid heat storage thermal energy is supplied. The second connection 7 can in both cases form the return of the heating circuit.

The above description is only for explanation of the present invention. The scope of the present invention, however, is intended to be determined solely by the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

valve chamber

2

longitudinal axis

3, 4

termination elements

5

jacket element

6 to 8

connections

9, 10

chick

11

connecting element

12, 13

actuators

14

fasteners

x

axial position

α

offset angle

β, γ

opening angle

Claims (10)

Multiway valve, - wherein the multiway valve has a valve space ( 1 ), which in the direction of a longitudinal axis ( 2 ) of the multi-way valve seen at a first end face a first end element ( 3 ) and on a second end face a second end element ( 4 ), wherein the multi-way valve is a jacket element ( 5 ), which extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis ( 2 ) seen from the first end element ( 3 ) to the second end element ( 4 ) and about the longitudinal axis ( 2 ) seen around the longitudinal axis ( 2 ), wherein - in the valve space ( 1 ) a first connection ( 6 ), a second connection ( 7 ) and a plurality of third terminals ( 8th ), the third connections ( 8th ) in the direction of the longitudinal axis ( 2 ) seen between the first port ( 6 ) and the second connection ( 7 ), the third connections ( 8th ) on the jacket element ( 5 ) in the direction of the longitudinal axis ( 2 seen at one for all third ports ( 8th ) same axial position (x) are arranged and about the longitudinal axis ( 2 ) are distributed around, - being in the valve space ( 1 ) a first chick ( 9 ), which, starting from the first terminating element ( 3 ) to the axial position (x) of the third ports ( 8th ), wherein - in the valve space ( 1 ) a second chick ( 10 ), which, starting from the second end element ( 4 ) to the axial position (x) of the third ports ( 8th ), the first chick ( 9 ) by means of a first actuating element ( 12 ) in the valve chamber ( 1 ) about the longitudinal axis ( 2 ) is rotatable, so that by means of the first chick ( 9 ) depending on the rotational position of the first terminal ( 6 ) with each of the third ports ( 8th ) is fluidically connectable, - wherein the second chick ( 10 ) by means of a second actuating element ( 13 ) in the valve chamber ( 1 ) about the longitudinal axis ( 2 ) is rotatable, so that by means of the second chick ( 10 ) depending on the rotational position of the second terminal ( 7 ) with each of the third ports ( 8th ) is flow-technically connectable, - whereby the two chicks ( 9 . 10 ) independently of each other about the longitudinal axis ( 2 ) are rotatable. Multiway valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the first connection ( 6 ) and the second connection ( 7 ) on the jacket element ( 5 ) are arranged. Multi-way valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjusting elements ( 12 . 13 ) are designed as actuators. Multi-way valve according to claim 3, characterized in that the actuators ( 12 . 13 ), are designed as electrical drives. Multi-way valve according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the first chick ( 9 ) is designed such that, depending on its rotational position, it can be equipped with a single or simultaneously with two of the third connections ( 8th ) is fluidly connected. Multiway valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second chick ( 10 ) is designed such that, depending on its rotational position, either with no or only one of the third connections ( 8th ) is fluidly connected. Multi-way valve according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the closing elements ( 3 . 4 ), the jacket element ( 5 ) and the chicks ( 9 . 10 ) consist of metal, for example, aluminum, brass, gunmetal or stainless steel. Multi-way valve according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the closing elements ( 3 . 4 ), the jacket element ( 5 ) and the chicks ( 9 . 10 ) consist of plastic. Multiway valve according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the closing elements ( 3 . 4 ) and the jacket element ( 5 ) are each a separate part and that the final elements ( 3 . 4 ) via fastening elements ( 14 ) liquid-tight with the jacket element ( 5 ) are connected. Multiway valve according to one of the above claims, characterized in that the jacket element ( 5 ) for receiving the first connection ( 6 ), the second port ( 7 ) and the third connections ( 8th ) Has threaded holes.

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