DE102016220876A1 - valve assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve arrangement (10), in particular a control valve for controlling a coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine. The valve assembly (10) includes a fluid passageway (12) for directing a fluid, a valve member (14) for controlling a flow of the fluid, and a seal inserter (16) for sealing the fluid passageway (12) against the valve member (14). In this case, the sealing insert (16) has a first component (18) and a second component (20), wherein only the first component (18) is in contact with the valve member (14) and only the second component (20) in contact with the fluid channel (12). Furthermore, the first component (18) is designed as a sealing snorkel (48).

Description

The invention relates to a valve arrangement according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Conventional internal combustion engines regularly have one or more coolant circuits for cooling, wherein the coolant, for example, can be passed through a first coolant path with a heat exchanger or through a second coolant path without a heat exchanger. To control the quantities of coolant to be conducted through the various coolant paths, valve arrangements, such as rotary slide valves, are regularly provided. Valve assemblies include an adjustable valve member, such as a rotary valve, which in a first valve position releases a passage between a fluid supply channel and a first fluid discharge channel and, in a second valve position, releases a passage between the fluid supply channel and a second fluid discharge channel. Also intermediate positions of the valve member are possible, for example. To be able to set an optimal coolant temperature.

Care must be taken in the respective valve positions for the end of the fluid supply channel facing the valve member to bear sealingly against the valve member so that the coolant does not penetrate to unintended areas of the valve arrangement, such as electrical components, and damage is prevented. Furthermore, in a closed valve position, no coolant should be able to advance further from the fluid supply channel past the valve member into the valve arrangement and vice versa. For this purpose, a sealing arrangement acting between the movable valve member and the end of the Fluidzuführkanals is regularly provided.

Such a sealing arrangement may typically have a guide sleeve, a sealing sleeve which is displaceable in the axial direction relative to the guide sleeve, a seal for sealing the gap between the sealing sleeve and the guide sleeve and a biasing member for pushing apart sealing sleeve and guide sleeve in the axial direction. The shape of the sealing sleeve and the shape of the valve member are matched as closely as possible to achieve optimum sealing effect.

The valve member is typically surrounded by a housing. In this housing can be created by machining, for example by drilling, a cavity in the housing, in which the seal assembly can be arranged. In this case, the cavity is tuned exactly for the optimum sealing effect on the seal assembly.

The invention has for its object to provide a valve assembly in which a transition between a fluid channel and a valve member can be sealed with only a small existing space.

This object is achieved by a valve assembly of the above. Art solved with the features characterized in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the further claims.

Accordingly, a valve arrangement, in particular a control valve for controlling a coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine, is provided. The valve assembly includes a fluid channel for conducting a fluid, a valve member for regulating a flow of the fluid, and a sealing insert for sealing the fluid channel against the valve member. Furthermore, the sealing insert has a first component and a second component. In this case, only the first component is in contact with the valve member and only the second component is in contact with the fluid channel. Next, the first component is designed as a sealing snorkel.

Characterized in that the sealing insert is used to seal the fluid channel against the valve member, can be dispensed with a conventional sealing arrangement at a location which is not suitable for the conventional sealing arrangement. The seal insert has only two components, which allow a flat design of the seal insert. In contrast, a conventional sealing arrangement has a sealing sleeve, a guide sleeve and a spring. This multi-part conventional seal assembly is therefore not flat but has a considerable height.

Advantageously, the seal insert can be used where there is not enough space available for the conventional seal assembly. In contrast, the conventional sealing arrangement generally requires a cylindrical space, i. in particular a bore in which the valve member surrounding housing with a certain depth.

Furthermore, the sealing insert can always be used where a hole is not possible due to the lack of tool accessibility. There may be areas in the housing surrounding the valve member which are suitable for a suitable tool for machining, i. in particular a hole, are not accessible.

Advantageously, the seal insert can be made much cheaper than the conventional seal assembly. Next you can Leaks are better avoided when a seal insert is used, as if no seal at all, so only a sealing gap is used. The sealing gap is the smallest possible gap between valve member and fluid channel.

The sealing insert has a first component and a second component. In this case, the first component and the second component can represent two geometrically different subregions of the sealing insert. Accordingly, the sealing insert may be formed in one piece or from a plurality of sections, in particular two sections.

Characterized in that only the first component is in contact with the valve member, the first component may be formed so that it seals optimally against the valve member and optimally slides on the valve member. The first component is designed as a sealing snorkel. Advantageously, the sealing snore has a geometric shape which is suitable for sealing the sealing snore against the valve member. In particular, the sealing snorkel may have a concave sealing surface for sealing against the valve member.

Characterized in that only the second component is in contact with the fluid channel, the second component may be formed so that it seals optimally against the fluid channel.

The fluid passage may direct a fluid toward or away from the valve member. Accordingly, the fluid channel is a fluid supply channel or a fluid discharge channel. The fluid may be, in particular, coolant.

The valve member can be rotated to control the flow of the fluid. Further, the seal insert is disposed between the fluid passage and the valve member to seal the transition between the fluid passage and the valve member.

According to an alternative valve arrangement, the second component has a bulge on a side facing the fluid channel, whereby the first component is pressed against the valve member. Advantageously, the bulge represents an excess of the space between the valve member and the fluid channel. Therefore, a good sealing effect can be achieved by means of the sealing insert. In this case, both the second component seals against the fluid channel and the first component against the valve member well.

According to an alternative valve arrangement, the first component has a first material and the second component has a second material.

Advantageously, the seal insert may comprise two components of different materials. The first component has a first material and is optimized for sealing against the valve member and for sliding on the valve member. The second component has a second material and is optimized for sealing against the fluid channel.

The second component of the sealing insert may comprise a plastic. In this respect, the second component may deform to achieve a seal against the fluid channel. In the conventional seal arrangement, the guide sleeve is made of metal. So that the guide sleeve made of metal can seal against the fluid channel, a machined space, in particular a cylindrical bore, in which the fluid channel forming housing is required. It is necessary to coordinate the conventional seal arrangement and the hole geometrically exactly. Due to the use of the gasket insert, the geometric requirements for the installation space are reduced.

Advantageously, it may be more convenient to use different materials for the first and second components. If, for example, the requirements for the second component are lower than for the first component, a more favorable material can be used for the second component.

According to an alternative valve arrangement, the sealing snorkel has a tube-like insertion region and a concave sealing surface for sealing against the valve member. By means of the hose-like insertion region of the sealing snorkel, so the first component, connected to the second component.

In contrast, the concave sealing surface of the sealing snorkel is formed to seal against a spherical or cylindrical valve member.

According to an alternative valve arrangement, the second component has a passage in which the tube-like insertion region of the first component is inserted in order to seal the first and the second component in a direction radial to the passage. The tube-like insertion area can be the same size or slightly larger than the passage. In particular, the diameter of the tubular insertion region can be equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the passage. Accordingly, the tubular insertion region seals in the radial direction against the passage.

According to an alternative valve arrangement, the first component has an annular Contact surface on which the second component is pressed, so that the first component is pressed onto the valve member to seal the seal insert against the valve member. Due to the fact that the second component is pressed onto the annular abutment surface of the first component, the first and the second component are sealed against each other in the axial direction. The axial direction is defined by the first and the second component. In particular, the first component and / or the second component may be formed symmetrically to the axial direction.

Further, the first component is pressed onto the valve member, whereby the first component and the valve member are sealed from each other.

According to an alternative valve arrangement, the sealing insert with the first and the second component is produced in a two-component injection molding process. Next, the first and the second component are materially interconnected. Advantageously, the first and the second component are then already sealed together due to the production. In this way, a 100% density is achieved between the first and second components.

According to an alternative valve arrangement, the fluid channel has a groove, and the second component is fixed by means of the groove on the fluid channel. The fluid channel can be formed by the housing surrounding the valve member. The groove is an example U-shaped recess, which is formed at the end of the fluid channel, which faces the valve member. Further, the second component may be inserted into the groove, so that the second component is fixed to the fluid channel. The fluid may then be passed through the passageway in the second component.

According to an alternative valve arrangement, the second component is designed as an elastomer block, and / or the first component has a lubricious optimized plastic, in particular polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDE) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on.

The elastomer block is a dimensionally stable, but elastically deformable plastic block which elastically deforms under tensile or compressive loading but then returns to its original, undeformed shape. Advantageously, the elastomeric block can compensate for certain deviations from an ideal shape of the groove into which it can be inserted. As a result, an exact cylindrical bore is not necessary, unlike the use in a conventional seal assembly.

According to an alternative valve arrangement, the first component has an apron to prevent an edge of the valve member from catching the first component. The skirt is formed at an edge portion of the end of the first component facing toward the valve member. In this case, the skirt is a bent portion which leads away in the direction of the valve member. By the skirt can be prevented that hooked when turning the valve member, an edge of the opening of the valve member with the first component.

Further possible implementations of the invention also include not explicitly mentioned combinations of features described above or below. The skilled person will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

• 1 eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Schnitts durch eine Ventilanordnung,
• 2 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Dichteinlegers aus 1,
• 3 eine Explosionsansicht des Dichteinlegers aus 2,
• 4 eine perspektivische Schnittansicht des Dichteinlegers von 2 entlang der Linie IV-IV, und
• 5 eine perspektivische Ansicht des Gehäuses, in welchem der Fluidkanal gebildet ist.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the subclaims and the examples of the invention described below. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. These show in

• 1 a perspective view of a section through a valve assembly,
• 2 a perspective view of the seal insert 1 .
• 3 an exploded view of the seal insert 2 .
• 4 a sectional perspective view of the sealing insert of 2 along the line IV-IV, and
• 5 a perspective view of the housing in which the fluid channel is formed.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements have been given the same reference numerals. It should also be noted that the illustrations in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

1 shows a perspective view of a section through a valve assembly 10 , The valve arrangement 10 has a fluid channel 12 , a valve member 14 and a sealer 16 on. In this case, the fluid channel 12 a fluid to the valve member 14 or from the valve member 14 divert. By means of the valve member 14 the flow of fluid can be controlled by the valve member 14 is turned. The sealer 16 serves to seal between the fluid channel 12 and the valve member 14 , Further, it may be in the valve assembly 10 to act a control valve for controlling a coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine. Accordingly, the fluid may be a coolant.

The sealer 16 has a first component 18 from a first material and a second component 20 from a second material. Here comes only the first component 18 in contact with the valve member 14 and only the second component 20 in contact with the fluid channel 12 , Thus, the first material can be tuned to that of the first component 18 Good seals against the valve member or well on the valve member 14 slides. Further, the second material may be tuned to the second component 20 good against the fluid channel 12 seals.

Alternatively, the seal insert 16 be integrally formed of a single material.

In addition to the valve arrangement 10 are in 1 nor a conventional seal arrangement 22 and a housing 24 shown. The conventional seal arrangement is used 22 for sealing the valve member 14 opposite to another fluid channel 26 ,

The conventional seal arrangement 22 has a sealing sleeve 28 , a guide sleeve 30 , a biasing element 32 and a seal 34 on. The guide sleeve 30 may be partially within the sealing sleeve 28 are located. This guide sleeve 30 and sealing sleeve 28 cylindrical about an axis 68 educated. Next are the guide sleeve 30 and the sealing sleeve 28 along the axis 68 displaceable relative to each other.

By means of the biasing element 24 can the guide sleeve 30 and the sealing sleeve 28 in the direction of the axis 68 be pressed apart, leaving the guide sleeve 30 for sealing against the further fluid channel 26 and the sealing sleeve 28 for sealing against the valve member 14 be pressed. By means of the seal 34 can the sealing sleeve 28 and the guide sleeve 30 sealed against each other.

The construction of the conventional seal arrangement 22 requires a cylindrical bore 36 in the case 24 , In addition, the guide sleeve meets 30 made of metal for sealing on the further fluid channel 26 , For a close contact may arise, is a machining of the housing 24 required.

In contrast, the seal insert 16 for sealing only in a groove 38 plugged in. Next, the seal insert 16 much flatter than the conventional seal assembly 22 be educated.

Next, the second component 20 at your side 40 which is the fluid channel 12 facing, a bulge 42 on. The bulge 42 represents an excess of the available space. This becomes the second component 20 sealing against the fluid channel 12 pressed, the second component 20 sealing against the first component 18 pressed and the first component 18 sealing against the valve member 14 pressed. Accordingly, by the seal insert 16 the corresponding functions, compared with the conventional seal arrangement 22 how to seal against the fluid channel 12 . 26 , Sealing within the assembly and sealing against the valve member 14 Fulfills. By means of the bulge 42 is also the necessary delivery force or contact force realized with which the first component 18 on the valve member 14 pressed.

As the 1 further shows, the first component 18 of the seal inserter 16 an apron 44 exhibit. The skirt 44 serves to catch an edge 46 an opening of the valve member 14 with the first component 18 to prevent. Here is the apron 44 at the end of the first component 18 arranged, which in the direction of the valve member 14 has. In addition, the apron 44 in the direction of the fluid channel 12 bent.

2 shows a perspective view of the seal inserter 16 out 1 , Shown are the first component 18 and the second component 20 ,

3 shows an exploded view of the seal inserter 16 out 2 , The first component 18 and the second component 20 are therefore shown separately. As in 3 to see, may be the first component 18 as a sealing snorkel 48 be educated. Next, the sealing snorkel 48 a hose-like insertion area 50 and a concave sealing surface 52 exhibit. Here is the concave sealing surface 52 trained to the sealing snorkel 48 against the valve member 14 seal.

4 shows a perspective sectional view of the sealing insert 16 from 2 along the line IV-IV. The second component 20 has a passage 54 on, through which the fluid can be passed. The passage 54 defines an axis 56 , In the passage 54 the second component 20 is the tube-like insertion area 50 the sealing snorkel 48 plugged in. The diameter of the tube-like insertion area 50 can be the same size or slightly larger than the diameter of the passage 54 be. This is the tube-like insertion area 50 against the passage 54 that is the first component 18 against the second component 20 , in one to the axis 56 sealed radial direction.

The sealing snorkel 48 has at the end which the valve member 14 is facing, one collar 58 , On the fluid channel 12 facing side of the collar 58 points the sealing snorkel 48 an annular contact surface 60 on. Because of the bulge 42 on the fluid channel 12 facing side 40 becomes the second component 20 on the annular contact surface 60 pressed. As a result, on the one hand, the first and the second component 18 . 20 sealed against each other and the other is the concave sealing surface 52 on the valve member 14 pressed to the sealing insert 16 against the valve member 14 seal. By means of the annular contact surface 60 is therefore the along the axis 56 on the valve member 14 acting Zustellkraft or contact pressure also used to seal between the first and the second component 18 . 20 to realize.

The first component 18 may have a slip-optimized plastic. In particular, this plastic may be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDE) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Next, the second component 20 be designed as an elastomeric block. This is the second component 20 elastic and can by means of the bulge 42 the feed force or contact force on the valve member 14 produce. This results in the delivery force or contact force from the deformation of the elastomer block.

The realization of the sealing insert 16 by means of two separate components 18 . 20 allows the use of virtually any material combination. Alternatively, the seal insert 16 be prepared in a two-component injection molding process. In this case, the first and second components are 18 . 20 cohesively connected to each other. This results in a 100% density between the first and the second component 18 . 20 ,

5 shows a perspective view of the housing 24 in which the fluid channel 12 is formed. In this case, the fluid channel 12 by means of a machining of the housing 24 in the case 24 be educated. Alternatively, the fluid channel 12 formed by a tube which passes through the housing 24 runs.

According to the in the 5 The example shown has the fluid channel 12 at its end, which is the valve member 14 facing, a groove 38 on. The groove 38 can by means of a machining of the housing 24 in the case 24 be educated. The groove can 38 in particular U-shaped, so that the seal insert 16 in the groove 38 can be inserted. This makes it possible, in particular, the second component 20 at the fluid channel 12 to fix. Accordingly, the passage 54 positioned so that the passage 54 and the fluid channel 12 are conductively connected.

The sealer 16 is so plugged into the groove that the edge 62 ie the circumferential contour of the second component 20 (please refer 3 ) with the inner wall 64 the groove 38 (please refer 5 ) is sealingly connected. Alternatively, the second component 20 also with the fluid channel 12 facing side 40 axially against a corresponding contact surface of the housing 24 be pressed so as to achieve an axial seal. In particular, then can completely on a machining of the housing 24 be waived. Like in the 5 shown, requires the seal insert 16 which is in the groove 38 can be inserted, less space than the conventional seal assembly 22 , which into the cylindrical bore 66 can be inserted.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

valve assembly

12

fluid channel

14

valve member

16

sealing insert

18

first component

20

second component

22

conventional sealing arrangement

24

casing

26

another fluid channel

28

sealing sleeve

30

guide sleeve

32

biasing member

34

poetry

36

cylindrical bore

38

groove

40

Side of the second component

42

bulge

44

apron

46

edge

48

sealing snorkel

50

hose-like insertion area

52

concave sealing surface

54

passage

56

axis

58

collar

60

annular contact surface

62

Edge of the second component

64

Inner wall of the groove

66

cylindrical bore

68

axis

Claims (10)

Valve arrangement (10), in particular a control valve for controlling a coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine, comprising - a fluid channel (12) for conducting a fluid, - a valve member (14) for regulating a flow of the fluid, and - a sealing insert (16) for sealing the fluid channel (12) against the valve member (14), characterized in that the sealing insert (16) comprises a first component (18) and a second component (20), wherein only the first component (18) is in contact with the valve member (14). and only the second component (20) is in contact with the fluid channel (12), wherein the first component (18) is formed as a sealing snorkel (48). Valve arrangement after Claim 1 , characterized in that the second component (20) on a fluid channel (12) facing side (40) has a bulge (42), whereby the first component (18) against the valve member (14) is pressed. Valve arrangement after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the first component (18) comprises a first material and the second component (20) comprises a second material. Valve arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing snorkel (48) has a hose-like insertion region (50) and a concave sealing surface (52) for sealing against the valve member (14). Valve arrangement after Claim 4 characterized in that the second component (20) has a passage (54) into which the hose-like male portion (50) of the first component (18) is inserted to connect the first and second components (18, 20) in one of the first and second components Passage (54) seal radial direction. Valve arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component (18) has an annular contact surface (60) on which the second component (20) is pressed, so that the first component (18) on the valve member (14 ) is pressed to seal the seal insert (16) against the valve member (14). Valve arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sealing insert (16) with the first and the second component (18, 20) is produced in a two-component injection molding process and the first and the second component (18, 20) are cohesively connected to each other. Valve arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fluid channel (12) has a groove (38) and the second component (20) by means of the groove (38) is fixed to the fluid channel (12). Valve arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second component (20) is designed as an elastomeric block and / or that the first component (18) has a sliding-optimized plastic, in particular PVDE or PTFE. Valve arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first component (18) has a skirt (44) in order to prevent a hooking of an edge (46) of the valve member (14) with the first component (18).

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