DE102016100579B3 - Method for controlling a coolant flow of an internal combustion engine and valve device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A valve device (7) for a cooling circuit (1) of an internal combustion engine (2) is described, comprising: an engine block connection (32) for a coolant line (31) in communication with an engine block (3) of the internal combustion engine (2); a cylinder head port (42) for a coolant pipe (41) communicating with a cylinder head (4) of the internal combustion engine (2); a radiator port (52) for a coolant line (51) in communication with a radiator (5); a main line (10, 11, 110, 111) extending between the cylinder head port (42) and the radiator port (52), in which a rotary valve (12) is arranged, so that with the rotary valve (12) through the main line (10 , 11; 110, 111) is controllable; a bypass line (16, 17, 18; 116, 76, 118) passing between the cylinder head port (42) and the radiator port (52) past the rotary valve (12) and having a bypass valve (14) therewith the bypass line (16, 17, 18, 116, 76, 118) can be closed and the coolant flow flowing through the bypass line (16, 17, 18, 116, 76, 118) can be controlled. According to the invention, the valve device (7) has a line (22, 23, 16, 122, 76, 116) running between the engine block connection (32) and the rotary valve (12), which communicates with the main line (10, 110) in FIG Connection is and in which a valve (24) for controlling a through the engine block connection (32) flowing coolant flow is arranged.

Description

The invention is particularly suitable for use in motor vehicles and is based on a valve device for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine having the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method for controlling a coolant flow of an engine block and a cylinder head having an internal combustion engine with the features of the preamble of the claim 13th

It is known, for example, from the DE 10 2009 020 186 B4 in the cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine, a rotary valve and in parallel to the rotary valve to arrange a bypass valve, via which the coolant flow can be guided past the rotary valve. The rotary valve and the bypass valve are operated independently to control the flow of coolant. The rotary valve is also referred to as an "ECCV" or "electric coolant control valve" and includes a rotary valve rotatably mounted in a rotary valve chamber which can be rotated by an electric drive to control the flow of coolant. The bypass valve is opened in particular when the coolant flow controlled by the rotary valve valve is no longer sufficient for the proper cooling of the internal combustion engine due to a malfunction of the rotary slide valve. Depending on the requirements, further connections can be provided on the rotary slide valve, for example for heating a vehicle interior, an exhaust gas recirculation valve or a transmission oil. The rotary valve is therefore a complex and complex assembly.

Furthermore, it is known from practice to separate the coolant flow at least in the region of the cylinder head and the engine block in order to compensate for the different heating of the cylinder head and engine block during operation of the internal combustion engine. From the DE 10 2004 047 452 A1 and the DE 10 2010 010 594 A1 is such a cooling system of an internal combustion engine with a first cooling circuit of a cylinder head and a second cooling circuit of an engine block known. The two cooling circuits are connected to each other and in the cooling circuit of the engine block, a shut-off valve is provided to block this cooling circuit and thereby divide the coolant flow between the cylinder head and engine block.

From the US 2013/0160723 A1 a cooling system for an engine is known in which two interconnected cooling circuits are provided for an engine block and a cylinder head. The two cooling circuits are connected in parallel and each contain separately operable valves to control the coolant flows and to direct the motor through several heat exchangers and a cooler following the engine.

The invention has for its object to improve a valve device of the type mentioned and to provide an improved method for controlling a coolant flow of an internal combustion engine.

The object is achieved by a valve device having the features of claim 1 and by methods having the features of claims 13 and 14, respectively. Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

An inventive valve device for a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine includes an engine block connection for an engine block of the internal combustion engine in communication associated coolant line, in particular a coming from the engine block coolant line, and a cylinder head connection for a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine in communication with a coolant line, in particular one of the Cylinder head coming coolant line. The engine block port and the cylinder head port may be formed by a common flange which may include an engine block coolant line inlet and an intake for the cylinder head coolant line. The valve device may be fastened to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine via the common flange. The coolant line communicating with the engine block may be formed within the internal combustion engine through corresponding channels leading up to the engine block port located on the cylinder head. The valve device further includes a radiator port for a coolant line in communication with a radiator, in particular a coolant line leading to the radiator. The radiator disposed in the engine cooling circuit serves to release the heat received from the coolant flow in the engine to the ambient air, and may also be referred to as a "heat exchanger" or "radiator."

The valve device includes a main line extending between the cylinder head port and the radiator port, in particular a main line leading from the cylinder head port to the radiator port. In the main line a rotary valve is arranged so that with the rotary valve valve flowing through the main line coolant flow is controllable. The main line can be closed with the rotary valve. The rotary valve may include a rotary valve chamber in which a rotary valve is arranged. The rotary valve can be a have cylindrical wall, in which at least one window-like passage opening can be arranged. The rotary valve can be sealed by at least one voltage applied to its cylindrical wall seal the rotary valve chamber. The rotary valve can be coupled to a, in particular electrical, drive, which can be controlled by an engine control unit of the internal combustion engine. The valve device can have further connections, which are in connection with the rotary slide valve, for further coolant lines, which serve for further heat exchangers, for example for heating a vehicle interior, an exhaust gas recirculation valve or transmission oil. The additional connections can be supplied with appropriate position of the rotary valve with coolant, which is branched off by the rotary valve from the flowing through the valve device coolant flow.

The valve device includes a bypass line which passes between the cylinder head port and the radiator port on the rotary valve and which, in particular in a main valve blocking rotary valve can allow an alternative flow path for the coolant from the cylinder head port to the radiator port. In the bypass line, a bypass valve is arranged, with which the bypass line can be closed and the coolant flow flowing through the bypass line can be controlled. The rotary valve and the bypass valve are thus arranged in parallel between the cylinder head port and the radiator port. It is not mandatory that the coolant flow bypassing the bypass valve at the rotary valve bypasses the rotary valve widely and without any contact. Rather, in particular to save valuable space, be provided that the bypassed through the bypass valve on the rotary valve flow through certain parts of the rotary valve, in particular those parts which even in a blocked by a fault of the rotary valve main line the alternative flow path through the Release the bypass line. This may be, for example, a part of the rotary valve chamber and / or a non-closable gap between the rotary valve and the rotary valve chamber.

The valve device according to the invention further comprises a line extending between the engine block port and the rotary valve, in particular a line leading from the engine block connection to the rotary valve, which communicates with the main line and in which a valve for controlling a flow of coolant flowing through the engine block port is arranged can also control the flow of coolant flowing between the engine block port and the rotary valve. During operation, this valve controls the coolant flow flowing through the engine block. Depending on the application, the valve device according to the invention can be flowed through in different flow directions during operation; for example, the coolant flow can enter the valve device via the cylinder head connection and the engine block connection and exit via the radiator connection. A reverse flow direction is also possible. Depending on the direction of flow in the valve device provided in the respective embodiment, the "valve for controlling the coolant flow flowing through the engine block" also becomes "valve for controlling the coolant flow coming from the engine block" or "valve for controlling the coolant flow flowing to the engine block " designated.

In a method according to the invention, the coolant flow is conducted via a cooler and via a parallel connection of a rotary slide valve and a bypass valve, wherein the rotary slide valve and the bypass valve are actuated independently of one another in order to control the coolant flow. A coolant flow coming from the engine block can be passed via a valve for controlling the coolant flow coming from the engine block, controlled with the latter and then combined with a coolant flow coming from the cylinder head. Subsequently, the combined coolant flow can be guided via the parallel circuit to the radiator. Alternatively - in the reverse flow direction in the cooling circuit - coming from the radiator coolant flow can be guided through the parallel circuit and then divided into a flowing to the cylinder head coolant flow and flowing to the engine block coolant flow. Subsequently, the coolant flow flowing to the engine block can be conducted via a valve for controlling the coolant flow flowing to the engine block and controlled therewith. The rotary valve can control the flow of coolant during normal operation of the internal combustion engine. In particular, when the temperature of the coolant reaches a critical temperature limit for the operation of the internal combustion engine, the bypass valve may open an alternative flow path leading to the radiator and / or a coolant delivery pump contained in the cooling circuit.

The valve device has a common actuator for the bypass valve and the valve for controlling the coolant flow flowing through the engine block port. The bypass valve and the valve for controlling the flow of coolant flowing through the engine block are successively opened by means of the common actuator, wherein the common Actuator first opens the valve for controlling the flow of coolant flowing through the engine block, while the bypass valve is still closed and then also opens the bypass valve.

A portion of the bypass line and a portion of the extending between the engine block connection and the rotary valve valve line is formed by a common line section, in particular a common channel in the housing. Depending on the operating state of the valve device, in particular depending on the position of the bypass valve, the common line section can be flowed through in opposite directions. The common valve chamber can communicate with the rotary valve chamber via the common line section. When the bypass valve is closed, for example in normal operation, the common line section can be traversed in the direction from the common valve chamber to the rotary valve chamber, namely with the coolant flow coming from the engine block. When the bypass valve is open, for example in emergency operation, the common line section can be traversed in the direction from the rotary valve chamber to the common valve chamber, namely with a coolant flow coming from the cylinder head.

• • Der durch den Motorblock fließende Kühlmittelstrom kann separat und unabhängig von dem durch den Zylinderkopf fließenden Kühlmittelstrom gesteuert oder geregelt werden. Hierdurch kann insbesondere in der Aufwärmphase der Brennkraftmaschine die mit dem Motorblock in Verbindung stehende Kühlmittelleitung verschlossen und der durch den Motorblock fließende Kühlmittelstrom blockiert werden. Während der Warmlaufphase erwärmt sich der Zylinderkopf schneller als der Motorblock und diese Wärme kann durch die Abschaltung des durch den Motorblock fließenden Kühlmittelstroms besser genutzt werden, beispielsweise zur Beheizung eines Fahrzeuginnenraums oder eines Abgasrückführventils.
• • Durch die Erfindung wird das ohnehin aufwendige und komplizierte Drehschieberventil von einer Steueraufgabe entlastet, so dass der dort zur Verfügung stehende Bauraum für andere Steueraufgaben genutzt oder das Drehschieberventil verkleinert werden kann.
• • Das Ventil zum Steuern des durch den Motorblockanschluss fließenden Kühlmittelstroms kann sehr einfach und platzsparend ausgebildet sein, beispielsweise in Form eines Tellerventils, welches sich platzsparend in ein Gehäuse der Ventilvorrichtung integrieren lässt. Die erfindungsgemäße Ventilvorrichtung ist – auch wenn neben Drehschieberventil und Bypassventil ein zusätzliches Ventil benötigt wird – bei verbesserter Funktionalität insgesamt weniger aufwendig und benötigt weniger Bauraum und Gewicht.
• • Die gemeinsame Betätigungseinrichtung ermöglicht eine besonders kompakte und bauraumsparende Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Ventilvorrichtung.
• • Bei einer Störung des Drehschieberventils kann sowohl der durch den Zylinderkopf als auch der durch den Motorblock strömende Kühlmittelstrom über das Bypassventil am Drehschieber vorbeigeleitet werden, so dass insbesondere in einem Notbetrieb eine bessere Kühlung der Brennkraftmaschine gewährleistet werden kann.

The invention has significant advantages:

• • The coolant flow flowing through the engine block can be controlled or regulated separately and independently of the coolant flow passing through the cylinder head. As a result, in particular in the warm-up phase of the internal combustion engine, the coolant line connected to the engine block can be closed and the coolant flow flowing through the engine block can be blocked. During the warm-up phase, the cylinder head heats up faster than the engine block and this heat can be better utilized by switching off the coolant flow flowing through the engine block, for example for heating a vehicle interior or exhaust gas recirculation valve.
• By the invention, the already complicated and complicated rotary slide valve is relieved by a control task, so that the space available there for other control tasks used or the rotary valve can be reduced in size.
• The valve for controlling the coolant flow flowing through the engine block connection can be made very simple and space-saving, for example in the form of a poppet valve, which can be integrated in a housing of the valve device to save space. The valve device according to the invention is - even if in addition to rotary valve and bypass valve an additional valve is needed - with improved functionality overall less expensive and requires less space and weight.
• • The common actuator allows a particularly compact and space-saving design of the valve device according to the invention.
• In the event of a malfunction of the rotary slide valve, both the coolant flow flowing through the cylinder head and through the engine block can be guided past the rotary valve via the bypass valve, so that better cooling of the internal combustion engine can be ensured, in particular in an emergency operation.

In an embodiment of the invention, the valve device may comprise a housing having at least one channel which forms a portion of the main line, the bypass line and / or extending between the engine block connection and the rotary valve valve line. The rotary valve may have a rotatably arranged in a rotary valve chamber of the housing rotary valve. The main line may comprise a passage extending between the cylinder head port and the rotary valve chamber and a passage extending between the rotary valve chamber and the radiator port, in particular a passage leading from the cylinder head port to the rotary valve chamber and a passage leading from the rotary valve chamber to the radiator port, so that by turning the rotary valve a coolant flow flowing between the cylinder head port and the radiator port is controllable. The line extending between the engine block port and the rotary valve may open into the main passage between the cylinder head port and the rotary valve chamber. In this case, the coolant flow coming from the cylinder head before reaching the rotary valve chamber is brought together with the coolant flow coming from the engine block and the combined coolant flow can be conducted into the rotary valve chamber via a common inlet. Alternatively, the line extending between the engine block connection and the rotary valve valve can also open into the rotary valve chamber and communicate via the rotary valve chamber with the main line, in particular the channel extending between the cylinder head connection and the rotary valve chamber. The coolant flow coming from the engine block can in this case be combined in the rotary valve chamber with the coolant flow coming from the cylinder head. The bypass line may communicate with the passage between the rotary valve chamber and the radiator port and on the other hand via the rotary valve chamber with the channel extending between the cylinder head port and the rotary valve chamber.

In a further embodiment, the bypass valve and the valve for controlling the coolant flow flowing through the engine block connection can each have a closing body and have a rest position in which each of the closing bodies closes the respective line. The common actuator may be coupled to the two closure members such that when the common actuator is actuated from the rest position, the valve first opens to control the flow of coolant passing through the engine block port while the bypass valve remains closed, and that when the common actuator continues to be actuated, the bypass valve also opens. The common actuating device can form a mechanical positive control of the two closing bodies. The common actuator can be controlled based on the temperature of the coolant or the pressure present in the cooling circuit, in particular regulated. The common actuator may include a thermostat which detects the temperature of the coolant flowing in the valve device and increases the actuation travel of the common actuator with increasing coolant temperature. The opening degree of the valve for controlling the coolant flow flowing through the engine block port and the bypass valve can thereby be regulated in the form of a closed loop. The thermostat may include a thermostat housing having an interior and a plunger projecting into the interior, the interior being filled with a mixture of at least two substances which expand at different temperatures to different extents, for example two different waxes. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the common actuating device can be controlled by the motor control, for example by the thermostat being electrically heatable. The bypass valve and the valve for controlling the flow of coolant flowing through the engine block port may have a common valve chamber. The common actuating device, in particular the thermostat housing, can protrude into the common valve chamber.

Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment in conjunction with the figures. Show it:

1 a schematic representation of a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine with a valve device according to the invention,

2 a partially sectioned side view of a valve device according to the invention with a rotary valve, a bypass valve and a valve for controlling a flowing through the engine block coolant flow, wherein the bypass valve and the valve for controlling the flow of coolant flowing through the engine block are closed,

3 the valve device according to 2 in which the bypass valve is closed and the valve for controlling the flow of coolant flowing through the engine block is opened,

4 the valve device according to 2 in which the bypass valve and the valve for controlling the flow of coolant flowing through the engine block are opened.

In 1 is schematically a cooling circuit 1 an internal combustion engine 2 shown. The internal combustion engine 2 contains in a conventional manner an engine block 3 and a cylinder head 4 , The cooling circuit 1 also includes a radiator 5 and a valve device 7 , The coolant is in the cooling circuit 1 from a not shown, but known per se coolant pump circulates and transported in the internal combustion engine 2 resulting heat to the radiator 5 which releases it to the ambient air. In the described embodiment, the flow direction of the internal combustion engine 2 over the valve device 7 to the radiator 5 and back to the internal combustion engine 2 , Depending on the application, however, the flow direction can also be chosen vice versa. In known manner, the coolant flow in the engine block 3 and in the cylinder head 4 Run separately, with the through the engine block 3 flowing coolant flow through a coolant line 31 and the through the cylinder head 4 flowing coolant flow through a coolant line 41 to the valve device 7 is directed. In a manner to be described in more detail, the two coolant flows in the valve device 7 merged and as a combined coolant flow through the coolant line 51 to the radiator 5 guided. From the radiator 5 can the coolant through a coolant line 8th back to the engine 2 be returned, so that the cooling circuit is closed. The valve device 7 contains an engine block connection 32 for the coolant line coming from the engine block 31 , a cylinder head connection 42 for the cylinder head 4 coming coolant line 41 and a radiator connection 52 for the cooler 5 coming coolant line 51 , In the valve device 7 is a sections 10 . 11 containing main line, which between the cylinder head port 42 and the radiator connection 52 runs. In the main 10 . 11 is a rotary valve 12 arranged so that with the rotary valve 12 one through the main line 10 . 11 flowing coolant flow is controllable. In parallel with the rotary valve 12 is in the valve device 7 a bypass valve 14 arranged. The bypass valve 14 is in one of the sections 16 . 17 . 18 containing bypass line arranged. The bypass line 16 . 17 . 18 runs on the rotary valve 12 over between the cylinder head connection 42 and the radiator connection 52 and branches at junctions 20 and 21 from the main sections 10 respectively. 11 from. With the bypass valve 14 the bypass line is closable and that through the bypass line sections 17 . 18 flowing coolant flow controllable.

The valve device 7 has one between the engine block port 32 and the rotary valve 12 extending line on which the line sections 22 . 23 . 16 contains which with the main line 10 is in communication and in which a valve 24 for controlling one through the engine block 3 and the engine block connector 32 is arranged flowing coolant flow. The bypass line 16 . 17 . 18 and between the engine block port 32 and the rotary valve 12 running line 22 . 23 . 16 have a common line section 16 from which at a junction 26 the sections 17 and 23 branch. The rotary valve 12 can be constructed in a conventional manner and a rotary valve chamber 60 and a rotary valve 62 which is rotatable in the rotary valve chamber 60 is arranged and has a cup-shaped, cylindrical shape. The rotary valve chamber 60 forms a section of the main. The rotary valve 62 is with an electric drive device 64 coupled. The rotary valve 62 points in its cylindrical wall 66 at least one window-like passage opening 67 on. In an area where the main line section 11 in the rotary valve chamber 60 is a seal 68 arranged, which the mouth of the main line 11 surrounds and the wall 66 of the rotary valve 62 opposite the rotary valve chamber 60 seals so that over the main section 10 in the rotary valve chamber 60 entering coolant does not have one between the wall 66 and the rotary valve chamber 60 provided gap 70 in the main section 11 can flow. In the in 1 shown position of the rotary valve 62 is the flow of coolant from the rotary valve 62 blocked. Only when the rotary valve 62 from the drive device 64 is rotated and the passage opening 67 the main section 11 is facing, is from the rotary valve 12 a flow of coolant through the main line 10 . 11 from the cylinder head connection 42 to the radiator connection 52 Approved. In a manner not shown, but known per se, can be on the rotary valve 12 be connected to other lines whose accesses with appropriate seals against the rotary valve 62 are sealed and through corresponding passage openings (not shown) in the wall 66 can be controlled. The rotary valve 62 thus blocks the outlet from the rotary valve chamber 60 in the to the radiator connection 52 leading main section 11 , Instead of the connection point 20 can also use the line sections 10 and 16 next to each other in the rotary valve chamber 60 lead to and communicate with each other.

The engine block 3 incoming coolant flow is through the valve 24 directed, controlled with this and then with the cylinder head 4 merged coming coolant flow. The combined coolant flow is via the parallel connection of the rotary valve 12 and the bypass valve 14 guided, wherein the rotary valve 12 and the bypass valve 14 be operated independently to control the flow of coolant. Merging the engine block 3 coming coolant flow with the cylinder head 4 coming coolant flow can, depending on the switching position of the rotary valve 12 or the bypass valve 14 at the junction 20 or 26 respectively.

Based on 2 . 3 and 4 is a particularly space-saving and compact embodiment of a valve device 7 described, wherein like parts with matching reference numerals as in 1 are designated. The valve device 7 contains a housing 72 , which the engine block connection 32 , the cylinder head connection 42 and the radiator connection 52 having. The housing 72 contains a flange 73 , which the engine block connection 32 and the cylinder head port 42 contains. With the flange 73 becomes the valve device 7 on a corresponding surface 74 the internal combustion engine 2 For example, on the cylinder head 4 , attached. The coolant lines 31 and 41 are in the cylinder head 4 as corresponding channels 31 respectively. 41 formed, with the engine block 3 related coolant channel 31 separated from the other channels 41 in the cylinder head 4 to the corresponding, in the 2 to 4 illustrated location in the cylinder head 4 is guided to the through the engine block 3 flowing coolant flow separated from that by the cylinder head 4 flowing coolant flow to the valve device 7 to lead. The engine block connection 32 and the cylinder head connection 42 can through at the flange 73 arranged seals 75 be sealed. For example, the seals 75 in grooves of the flange 73 be arranged, which the engine block connection 32 and the cylinder head port 42 surround. The housing 72 also contains the rotary valve 12 , the bypass valve 14 and the valve 24 for controlling through the engine block port 32 flowing coolant flow. The housing 72 contains the rotary valve chamber 60 in which the rotary valve 62 is arranged. At the housing 72 is the drive device 64 for the rotary valve 62 appropriate. Between the wall 66 of the rotary valve 62 and the inner wall of the rotary valve chamber 60 there is a gap 70 , The main section 10 is through a between the cylinder head port 42 and the rotary valve chamber 60 running channel 110 educated. The main section 11 is through a between the rotary valve chamber 60 and the radiator connection 52 running channel 111 educated. The main line here is thus through the channels 110 . 111 and the rotary valve chamber 60 formed, so that by turning the rotary valve 62 the between the cylinder head connection 42 and the radiator connection 52 flowing coolant flow is controllable. The pipe sections 18 and 22 be through channels 118 and 122 in the case 72 educated. The bypass valve 14 and the valve 24 have a common valve chamber 76 on which in the in the 2 to 4 shown valve device to 1 described line sections 17 and 23 as well as the connection point 26 united in itself. The common line section 16 is through a common channel 116 formed in the housing, which the common valve chamber 76 with the rotary valve chamber 60 combines. In the 1 outside the rotary valve chamber 60 intended connection point 20 is thus in the 2 to 4 in the rotary valve chamber 60 integrated. The channel 116 at least stands over the gap 70 with the channel 110 in connection. The bypass line branches from the rotary valve chamber 60 off and off the channel 116 , the valve chamber 76 and the channel 118 educated. Even if the bypass line 116 . 76 . 118 directly from the rotary valve chamber 60 branches off, it is in the context of the invention as "on the rotary valve 12 passing by "and becomes the bypass valve 14 as "in parallel with the rotary valve 12 arranged "because the mouth of the channel 116 always over the gap 70 with the cylinder head connection 42 communicates and because also the rotary valve 62 in no position access to the canal 116 can shut off.

The bypass valve 14 and the valve 24 are each as a poppet valve with a plate-shaped closing body 80 . 81 and a valve seat 82 . 83 educated. The closing body 80 . 81 each have a rest position, see 1 in which each of the closing body 80 . 82 at his valve seat 82 . 83 is present and the respective channel 122 . 118 closes. Each of the closing bodies 80 . 81 is a spring 84 . 85 assigned to the closing body 80 . 81 to return to their respective rest position. The valve device 7 has a common actuator 90 for the bypass valve 14 and the valve 24 on. The common actuator 90 includes a thermostat, which is a thermostat housing 91 in which in known and not shown manner is a filled with a wax mixture cavity, in which a plunger 92 protrudes. That from the thermostat housing 91 outstanding end of the pestle 92 is in the case 72 the valve device 7 fixed. The thermostat housing 91 is filled with a wax mixture of at least two waxes, which greatly expand at different temperatures. For example, a first wax may expand greatly at 72 ° C and the second wax at 100 ° C, for example. The stated limit temperatures are merely exemplary and can be varied depending on the application. The common actuator 90 protrudes into the common valve chamber 76 into it, namely with its thermostat housing 91 , The closing body 80 is on the thermostat housing 91 fixed. The closing body 81 is displaceable by a certain distance on the thermostat housing 91 arranged. This opens the valve 24 at the first limit temperature (eg 72 ° C) and the bypass valve 14 at the second limit temperature (eg 100 ° C).

In not shown embodiment can in the interior of the thermostat housing 91 an electrically operable heating element can be arranged, which can be controlled, for example, by an engine control unit. The heating element can be formed, for example, by a heating coil wound around the plunger. This allows the control behavior of the common actuator 90 affect, so that the valve 24 and optionally also the bypass valve 14 already open prematurely before the coolant reaches the respective limit temperature at which the valve 24 or the bypass valve 14 would actually open. In a further embodiment, not shown, the actuating device 20 Also be associated with a position sensor to detect their hub and monitor.

To clarify the operation of the valve device 7 hereafter, her operation after a cold start of the internal combustion engine 2 described. The coolant is still cold and the bypass valve 14 as well as the valve 24 are closed and the two closing bodies 80 . 81 are in their resting position. The valve 24 blocks the engine block 3 coming coolant flow, so that it is not traversed by coolant. This condition is in the 1 and 2 shown. The from the cylinder head 4 incoming coolant flow is through the rotary valve 12 controlled and can not, for example, first to the radiator connection 52 but in a non-illustrated, are passed to a serving for the vehicle interior heating heat exchanger. With gradually increasing temperature of the cylinder head 4 coming coolant flow is then the rotary valve 62 turned into a position in which at least a part of the cylinder head 4 coming coolant flow through the passage opening 67 to the cooler connection 52 and from there on through the radiator 5 flows. The coolant heats up further and exceeds the first limit temperature of z. B. 72 ° C, the first wax expands in the thermostat housing 91 contained wax mixture strong and pushes the pestle 92 from the thermostat housing 91 out. As the pestle 92 on the housing 72 is fixed, pushes the thermostat housing 91 in the valve chamber 76 (in the representation of 2 down) and reaches the in 3 shown position. This takes the actuator 90 on the thermostat housing 91 fixed closing body 80 with and the valve 24 opens. As the closing body 81 on the thermostat housing 91 is movable, this remains in its rest position and the bypass valve 14 remains closed, see 3 , Through the open valve 24 now flows in from the engine block 3 incoming coolant flow over the channel 122 in the common valve chamber 76 and from there on the common channel 116 in the rotary valve chamber 60 , There he is with the cylinder head 4 merged coming coolant flow. The combined coolant flow is from the rotary valve 12 distributed in the desired manner by the rotary valve 62 is rotated in a corresponding position. The internal combustion engine 2 is now in normal operation. The actuating device 90 Regulates the temperature dependent by the engine block 3 flowing proportion of the coolant flow.

If the temperature of the coolant continues to increase and the second limit temperature of z. B. exceed 100 ° C, the actuator 90 further actuated by the second wax in the thermostat housing 91 wax mixture greatly expands and the pestle 92 further out of the thermostat housing 91 pushes out. The thermostat housing 91 slides in the presentation of the 3 further down and now takes the closing body 81 with, so that by further pressing the common actuator 90 now also the bypass valve 14 opens. This in 4 shown state, for example, occur when at the rotary valve 12 a malfunction occurs, so there is insufficient flow from the rotary valve chamber 60 to the radiator connection 52 more is guaranteed. At the in 4 shown state flows from the cylinder head 4 coming coolant flow through the cylinder head port 42 , the channel 110 , the rotary valve chamber 60 and the common channel 116 in the common valve chamber 76 , One from the engine block 3 incoming coolant flow flows through the engine block connection 32 and the channel 122 in the common valve chamber 76 and gets there with the cylinder head 4 merged coming coolant flow. At the in 1 illustrated embodiment, this merging is done with open valves 24 and 14 at the junction 26 , The combined coolant flow is through the opened bypass valve 14 in the channel 118 ( 3 ) or in the line section 18 ( 1 ) and flows from there via the radiator connection 52 to the radiator 5 , Thus, in particular, an emergency operation of the internal combustion engine 2 be ensured when the rotary valve 12 blocked the flow through the main line.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Cooling circuit

2

Internal combustion engine

3

block

4

cylinder head

5

cooler

7

valve device

8th

Coolant line

10

Main section

11

Main section

12

Rotary valve

14

bypass valve

16

line section

17

Bypass line section

18

Bypass line section

20

junction

21

junction

22

line section

23

line section

24

Valve

26

junction

31

Coolant line

32

Engine block connection

41

Coolant line

42

Cylinder head port

51

Coolant line

52

cooler connection

60

Rotary valve chamber

62

rotary vane

64

driving means

66

wall

67

Through opening

68

poetry

70

gap

72

casing

73

flange

74

area

75

poetry

76

valve chamber

80

closing body

81

closing body

82

valve seat

83

valve seat

84

feather

85

feather

90

actuator

91

thermostat housing

92

tappet

110

channel

111

channel

116

channel

118

channel

122

channel

Claims (14)

Valve device ( 7 ) for a cooling circuit ( 1 ) an internal combustion engine ( 2 ) with the following features: • an engine block connection ( 32 ) for one with an engine block ( 3 ) of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) associated coolant line ( 31 ); • a cylinder head connection ( 42 ) for one with a cylinder head ( 4 ) of the internal combustion engine ( 2 ) associated coolant line ( 41 ); • a radiator connection ( 52 ) for one with a cooler ( 5 ) associated coolant line ( 51 ); • one between the cylinder head connection ( 42 ) and the radiator connection ( 52 ) main line ( 10 . 11 ; 110 . 111 ), in which a rotary valve ( 12 ) is arranged so that with the rotary valve ( 12 ) through the main line ( 10 . 11 ; 110 . 111 ) flowing coolant flow is controllable; • a bypass line ( 16 . 17 . 18 ; 116 . 76 . 118 ), which between the cylinder head connection ( 42 ) and the radiator connection ( 52 ) on the rotary valve ( 12 ) passes by and in which a bypass valve ( 14 ) is arranged, with which the bypass line ( 16 . 17 . 18 ; 116 . 76 . 118 ) and by the bypass line ( 16 . 17 . 18 ; 116 . 76 . 118 ) flowing coolant flow is controllable; the valve device ( 7 ) one between the engine block connector ( 32 ) and the rotary valve ( 12 ) running line ( 22 . 23 . 16 ; 122 . 76 . 116 ) which is connected to the main line ( 10 ; 110 ) and in which a valve ( 24 ) for controlling through the engine block connection ( 32 ) is arranged flowing coolant flow, characterized in that the valve device ( 7 ) a common actuator ( 90 ) for the bypass valve ( 14 ) and the valve ( 24 ) for controlling the engine block connection ( 32 ) has flowing coolant flow, and that the bypass line ( 16 . 17 . 18 ; 116 . 76 . 118 ) and between the engine block connection ( 32 ) and the rotary valve ( 12 ) running line ( 22 . 23 . 16 ; 122 . 76 . 116 ) a common line section ( 16 ; 116 ) exhibit. Valve device according to claim 1, which comprises a housing ( 72 ) with at least one channel ( 110 ; 111 ; 116 ; 118 ; 122 ) having a portion of the main line ( 10 . 11 ; 110 . 111 ), the bypass line ( 16 . 17 . 18 ; 116 . 76 . 118 ) and / or between the engine block connection ( 32 ) and the rotary valve ( 12 ) extending line ( 22 . 23 . 16 ; 122 . 76 . 116 ). Valve device according to claim 2, in which the rotary valve ( 12 ) a rotatable in a rotary valve chamber ( 60 ) of the housing ( 72 ) arranged rotary valve ( 62 ), and in which the main line ( 10 . 11 ; 110 . 111 ) one between the cylinder head port ( 42 ) and the rotary valve chamber ( 12 ) running channel ( 110 ) and one between the rotary valve chamber ( 60 ) and the radiator connection ( 52 ) running channel ( 111 ), so that by turning the rotary valve ( 62 ) between the cylinder head port ( 42 ) and the radiator connection ( 52 ) flowing coolant flow is controllable. Valve device according to claim 3, in which the between the engine block connection ( 32 ) and the rotary valve ( 12 ) running line ( 22 . 23 . 16 ; 122 . 76 . 116 ) in the rotary valve chamber ( 60 ) and via the rotary valve chamber ( 60 ) with the between the cylinder head connection ( 42 ) and the rotary valve chamber ( 60 ) running channel ( 110 ). Valve device according to claim 3 or 4, in which the bypass line ( 16 . 17 . 18 ; 116 . 76 . 118 ) on the one hand with the between the rotary valve chamber ( 60 ) and the radiator connection ( 52 ) running channel ( 111 ) and on the other hand via the rotary valve chamber ( 60 ) with the between the cylinder head connection ( 42 ) and the rotary valve chamber ( 60 ) running channel ( 110 ). Valve device according to claim 1, with the following further features: • the bypass valve ( 14 ) and the valve ( 24 ) for controlling the engine block connection ( 32 ) flowing coolant flow each have a closing body ( 80 . 81 ) and have a rest position in which each of the closing body ( 80 . 81 ) the respective line ( 18 ; 22 ; 118 ; 122 ) closes; • the common control device ( 90 ) is such with both closing bodies ( 80 . 81 ), that when the common actuator ( 90 ) is actuated from the rest position, first the valve ( 24 ) for controlling the engine block connection ( 32 ) flowing coolant flow opens while the bypass valve ( 14 ) remains closed, and that if the common control device ( 90 ), also the bypass valve ( 14 ) opens. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the bypass line ( 16 . 17 . 18 ; 116 . 76 . 118 ) and between the engine block connection ( 32 ) and the rotary valve ( 12 ) running line ( 22 . 23 . 16 ; 122 . 76 . 116 ) a common channel ( 116 ) in the housing ( 72 ) exhibit. Valve device according to claim 1, in which the common line section ( 16 ; 116 ) depending on the operating state of the valve device ( 7 ) can be flowed through in opposite directions. Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the bypass valve ( 14 ) and the valve ( 24 ) for controlling the engine block connection ( 32 ) flowing coolant flow a common valve chamber ( 76 ) exhibit. Valve device according to claim 9, in which the common valve chamber ( 76 ) with the rotary valve chamber ( 60 ). Valve device according to claim 10, in which the common valve chamber ( 76 ) over the common line section ( 16 ; 116 ) with the rotary valve chamber ( 60 ). Valve device according to one of the preceding claims, in which the bypass valve ( 14 ) and / or the valve ( 24 ) for controlling the engine block connection ( 32 ) flowing coolant flow is formed as a poppet valve. Method for controlling a coolant flow of an engine block ( 3 ) and a cylinder head ( 4 ) having internal combustion engine ( 2 ), in which the coolant flow through a cooler ( 5 ) and via a parallel connection of a rotary valve ( 12 ) and a bypass valve ( 14 ), wherein the rotary valve ( 12 ) and the bypass valve ( 14 ) are operated independently of each other to control the flow of coolant, characterized in that one of the engine block ( 3 ) coming coolant flow via a valve ( 24 ), controlled with this and then with a cylinder head ( 4 ) and that the combined coolant flow through the parallel connection to the radiator ( 5 ) and that the bypass valve ( 14 ) and the valve ( 24 ) for controlling the engine block ( 3 ) flowing coolant flow successively by means of a common actuator ( 90 ), the common actuator ( 90 ) first the valve ( 24 ) for controlling the engine block ( 3 ) flowing coolant flow opens while the bypass valve ( 14 ) remains closed and then the bypass valve ( 14 ) opens. Method for controlling a coolant flow of an engine block ( 3 ) and a cylinder head ( 4 ) having internal combustion engine ( 2 ), in which the coolant flow through a cooler ( 5 ) and via a parallel connection of a rotary valve ( 12 ) and a bypass valve ( 14 ), wherein the rotary valve ( 12 ) and the bypass valve ( 14 ) are operated independently of each other to control the flow of coolant and in which one of the radiator ( 5 ) leading coolant flow over the parallel circuit and then into a cylinder head ( 4 ) flowing coolant flow and one to the engine block ( 3 ) flowing coolant flow is divided, wherein the engine block ( 3 ) flowing coolant flow through a valve ( 24 ) and controlled therewith, characterized in that the bypass valve ( 14 ) and the valve ( 24 ) for controlling the engine block ( 3 ) flowing coolant flow successively by means of a common actuator ( 90 ), the common actuator ( 90 ) first the valve ( 24 ) for controlling the engine block ( 3 ) flowing coolant flow opens while the bypass valve ( 14 ) remains closed and then the bypass valve ( 14 ) opens.

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