DE102017204209A1 - Refrigerant discharge valve for a motor vehicle, compressor and refrigerant cycle device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a refrigerant discharge valve (9) for a motor vehicle (1), which has a high pressure side (16) and a low pressure side (17), wherein a passage (18) of the refrigerant discharge valve (9) is arranged from the high pressure side (16) Low pressure side (17) for refrigerant (10) to be closed if a pressure difference between the high pressure side (16) and the low pressure side (17) is smaller than the high pressure limit and the passage (18) is adapted to be open for the refrigerant (10) If the pressure difference is greater than the high pressure limit, wherein the refrigerant discharge valve (9) has a control signal interface (21) and the refrigerant discharge valve (9) is arranged to be open for the passage of the refrigerant (10), if a control signal (22) Open at the control signal interface (21) is applied.

Description

The invention relates to a refrigerant discharge valve for a motor vehicle. The refrigerant discharge valve has a high pressure side and a low pressure side. A passage of the refrigerant discharge valve is configured to be closed from the high pressure side to the low pressure side for refrigerant, if a pressure difference between the high pressure side and the low pressure side is smaller than a high pressure limit. Furthermore, the passage is arranged to be open for the refrigerant, if the pressure difference is greater than the high pressure limit. The invention also relates to a compressor with a corresponding refrigerant discharge valve and a refrigerant cycle device with a corresponding refrigerant discharge valve.

Refrigerant discharge valves are known from the prior art. For example, the refrigerant discharge valve is connected to a compressor of a refrigerant cycle device to discharge refrigerant at excessive pressure in the compressor. By the discharge of the refrigerant, the compressor or the refrigerant cycle device can be prevented from overpressure damage.

The refrigerant discharge valve is usually designed as a passive safety valve, so that the refrigerant discharge valve opens without further intervention by other sensors, if a pressure difference between an interior of the compressor and an ambient air pressure of the compressor is greater than a high pressure limit.

It is an object to show a way how a functionally rich refrigerant discharge valve can be created.

This object is achieved by a refrigerant discharge valve, a compressor and a refrigerant cycle device according to the independent claims. Further features, embodiments, features and advantages will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

An inventive refrigerant discharge valve for a motor vehicle has a high pressure side and a low pressure side. A passage of the refrigerant discharge valve is configured to be closed from the high pressure side to the low pressure side for refrigerant if a pressure difference between the high pressure side and the low pressure side is smaller than a high pressure limit. Furthermore, the passage is arranged to be open for the refrigerant, if the pressure difference is greater than the high pressure limit. An important idea is to be seen in that the refrigerant discharge valve has a control signal interface and the refrigerant discharge valve is arranged to be open for the passage of the refrigerant, if a control signal for opening to the control signal interface is applied.

The approach is based on the finding that a previously passively controlled refrigerant discharge valve can also be used to active, so according to external specification at the control signal interface, i. in particular, when the pressure difference is smaller than the high pressure limit, to be controlled. The refrigerant can be drained according to a control signal.

The control signal interface increases the functionality of the refrigerant discharge valve and can be used for more diverse applications than just the known overpressure protection application. Furthermore, only one component to realize both functions to assemble. This space can be saved.

In particular, it is provided to use only one valve for discharging the refrigerant from the compressor of the motor vehicle or from the refrigerant cycle device of the motor vehicle through the refrigerant discharge valve. In this one valve are then preferably a passive function, ie, in particular a mechanical opening of the refrigerant discharge valve due to a certain pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the internal pressure of the compressor or the refrigerant cycle device and an active function, ie an active, controllable via the control interface opening the refrigerant discharge valve combined by applying the control signal to the control signal interface. In the active function, the refrigerant discharge valve is actuated by the control signal. While the refrigerant discharge valve is operable in the passive function by own medium.

In particular, the refrigerant discharge valve has only one, in particular one-piece, outer housing. In the outer housing then the active function and the passive function are combined.

The refrigerant discharge valve can thus be opened in two different ways and thus be used for a variety of applications. These two functions are combined in the one refrigerant discharge valve. Thus, the refrigerant discharge valve replaces, for example, two known valves, if the known valves each have only one function, ie active or passive. In addition, it is through the use of two separate valves as these are known in the art to increased maintenance and increased manufacturing costs by the refrigerant discharge valve according to the invention, the maintenance can be reduced and the production costs can be reduced.

Preferably, it is provided that the refrigerant discharge valve has a force applied to the high pressure limit, in particular Federkraftbeaufschleses closure element and the closure element is adapted to take an open position, if the pressure difference is greater than the high pressure limit and the closure element is set to take a closed position, if the pressure difference is less than the high pressure limit. By applying force to the refrigerant discharge valve, this is designed as a so-called passive valve. Thus, in particular, no active control signal or electrical control signal is required to open the refrigerant discharge valve. The closure element may be formed, for example, as a pin or as a pin, which is pressed by a spring in the direction of the high pressure side. The spring force preferably corresponds to the high pressure limit. So if the pressure difference is greater than the high pressure limit, the closure element is brought into the open position. Advantageously, the passive function of the refrigerant discharge valve, since thereby the opening of the refrigerant discharge valve without electrical energy, for example in the case of a power supply interruption, is possible. The motor vehicle can thus be operated safely.

Preferably, it is provided that the refrigerant discharge valve has a power supply interface for connection to a power supply network of the motor vehicle. For example, energy for operating an actuator is transmitted via the power supply interface. The power supply interface differs in particular from the control signal interface in that a greater power is transmitted via the power supply interface than via the control signal interface. The power supply interface and the control signal interface can be arranged, for example, in a common connection element, in particular a plug or a socket, or in a common contact device. Alternatively, the power supply interface may be formed separately and spaced from the control signal interface. For example, the power supply interface can be arranged in a first connection element, while the control signal interface is arranged in a second connection element. The power supply interface gives the possibility of expanding the refrigerant discharge valve by a so-called active function. The active function can be carried out, for example, by an actuator.

Preferably, it is provided that the refrigerant discharge valve has an, in particular electromagnetic, actuator for moving a closure element of the refrigerant discharge valve relative to a main element of the refrigerant discharge valve and the closure element is movable by the actuator from at least one closed position to an open position. The actuator expands the refrigerant release valve with an active function. It is now possible to actively open the refrigerant discharge valve at least by bringing the closure element into the open position. However, it can also be provided that the refrigerant discharge valve is closed by the actuator by the closure element is moved from the open position to the closed position. The refrigerant discharge valve may be formed, for example, as a directly controlled valve, pilot-operated valve, positively controlled valve or directly controlled valve.

Preferably, it is provided that the refrigerant discharge valve has only the one passage from the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side for the refrigerant. The refrigerant discharge valve thus offers the refrigerant in particular only one way to get from the high pressure side to the low pressure side. This passage is then preferably actively or passively opened or closed. By only one passage, the refrigerant discharge valve is space-saving than with multiple passages.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the control signal, in particular exclusively, is provided by a control unit of an accident control logic of the motor vehicle. The accident control logic includes, for example, an electronic architecture of an airbag control logic of the motor vehicle. In particular, the accident control logic is responsible for driver assistance systems, which are used for the safety of the motor vehicle and in particular in accident situations. The accident control logic differs from a climate control logic of the motor vehicle. The climate control logic controls an air conditioning system of the motor vehicle. Preferably, therefore, the control signal is not provided by the climate control logic. This is advantageous because the control unit of the accident control logic is designed for increased safety requirements as the control unit of the climate control logic.

Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the refrigerant is carbon dioxide. The refrigerant carbon dioxide is also referred to as R-744. It has a very large volumetric cooling capacity, whereby the circulating volume of refrigerant is relatively small compared to other refrigerants. Furthermore, the carbon dioxide can be used to combat, for example, a combustion process.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a compressor for a motor vehicle, which is designed for compressing refrigerant, with a refrigerant discharge valve according to the invention connected to the compressor.

The compressor is designed in particular as an air compressor or refrigerant compressor and ensures in particular for the compression of the gaseous refrigerant in the circuit of an air conditioner. The compressor can be driven for example via a main drive unit of the motor vehicle, the main drive unit can be present for example as an internal combustion engine or as an electric motor.

The refrigerant discharge valve is preferably disposed on a high pressure side of the compressor.

In particular, the compressor is included in a refrigerant cycle device.

Preferably, it is provided that the refrigerant discharge valve is connected to an extinguishing agent supply line which is adapted to supply extinguishing agent to a fire-endangered component. The extinguishing agent here is the refrigerant. The extinguishing agent supply line has an extinguishing agent outlet opening of the extinguishing medium supply line, which is aligned with the at least one fire-risk component of the motor vehicle, in particular a battery and / or a main drive unit and / or a fuel supply unit. The extinguishing agent supply line may be formed, for example, as a hose or as a line and runs for example from the compressor by the motor vehicle to the fire-endangered component. The component is in particular the battery or a plurality of batteries and / or line electronics and / or the main drive unit and / or the fuel supply unit. It is also possible for a plurality of extinguishing agent supply lines to depart from the refrigerant discharge valve, which are then guided, for example, to different components of the motor vehicle. Due to the extinguishing agent outlet opening, the refrigerant exits when the refrigerant discharge valve is open and reaches the component of the motor vehicle which is at risk of fire. By the fire-extinguishing property of carbon dioxide can then be deleted, for example, a burning component of the motor vehicle or it can be a flame of fire-prone component to be prevented.

Furthermore, the invention also relates to a refrigerant cycle device for a motor vehicle with circuit elements comprising a condenser, a throttle device, an evaporator and at least one connecting element, a compressor and a refrigerant discharge valve according to the invention. The refrigerant discharge valve is connected to one of the different from the compressor circuit elements of the refrigerant cycle device. For example, the refrigerant discharge valve may be connected to the condenser, to the throttle device, to the evaporator and / or to the connecting element. By the connecting elements, the circuit elements are connected to each other, for example. The connecting elements also serve for connection between the circuit elements and the compressor. For example, by connecting the refrigerant discharge valve to at least one of the circuit elements, the refrigerant may be drained closer to a component susceptible to fire than might be the case when the refrigerant discharge valve is attached to the compressor.

The refrigerant cycle device may include a plurality of refrigerant discharge valves.

Advantageous embodiments of the refrigerant discharge valve are also to be regarded as advantageous embodiments of the compressor and the refrigerant cycle device.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from the claims, the figures and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures can be used not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in other combinations or in isolation.

• 1 eine schematische Draufsicht auf ein Kraftfahrzeug mit einem Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Kältemittelkreislaufvorrichtung mit einem Kompressor mit einem Kältemittelablassventil; und
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung des Kältemittelablassventils mit einem Verschlusselement, einem Aktor und einer Steuersignalschnittstelle.

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. Show it:

• 1 a schematic plan view of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of a refrigerant circuit device according to the invention with a compressor with a refrigerant discharge valve; and
• 2 a schematic representation of the refrigerant discharge valve with a closure element, an actuator and a control signal interface.

In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a motor vehicle 1 in a schematic plan view with a refrigerant cycle device 2. The Refrigerant cycle device 2 is for example of an air conditioning system of the motor vehicle 1 includes.

The refrigerant cycle device 2 includes circuit elements 3 , The circuit elements 3 include a liquefier 4 , a throttle device 5, an evaporator 6 and fasteners 7 , Through the fasteners 7 In particular, the circuit elements 3 are connected and in particular connected to each other.

Furthermore, the refrigerant cycle device 2 a compressor 8 and a refrigerant discharge valve 9 on. The refrigerant discharge valve 9 is connected to the compressor 8th connected. The connection of the refrigerant drain valve 9 on the compressor 8th is possible in a variety of places, but preferably so that refrigerant 10 from an interior 11 of the compressor 8th in an outer space 12 of the compressor 8th can be drained. The inner space 11 is, for example, a compression chamber of the compressor 8. The outer space 12 For example, is a space surrounding the compressor 8, such as an engine compartment of the motor vehicle 1 ,

According to the embodiment, to the refrigerant discharge valve 9 an extinguishing agent supply line 13 connected. The extinguishing agent supply line 13 points at a refrigerant discharge valve 9 opposite end of an extinguishing agent outlet opening 14 on. Through the extinguishing agent supply line 13 becomes the refrigerant 10 from the compressor 8 via the refrigerant discharge valve 9 led to the extinguishing agent outlet opening 14. From the extinguishing agent outlet opening 14, the refrigerant enters 10 in particular in the outer space 12.

The refrigerant 10 is especially carbon dioxide and is therefore suitable for fire fighting, although other non-flammable refrigerant can be used.

The extinguishing agent outlet opening 14 is according to the embodiment of a fire-prone component 15 of the motor vehicle 1 directed. The orientation of the extinguishing agent outlet opening 14 on the fire-risk component 15 takes place in such a way that from the extinguishing agent outlet opening 14 escaping refrigerant 10 on the component 15 arrives. Thus, there is a distance between the extinguishing agent outlet opening 14 and the component 15 also preferably so large that the refrigerant 10 with the component 15 can come in contact, if the refrigerant 10 from the extinguishing agent outlet opening 14 exit.

The fire-endangered component 15 For example, as a battery of the motor vehicle 1 and / or main drive unit of the motor vehicle 1 and / or fuel supply unit of the motor vehicle 1. The fuel supply unit comprises, for example, a fuel tank and / or a fuel line.

The refrigerant drain valve 9 can be opened passively or actively. Thus, the refrigerant discharge valve 9 at least two functions, which in FIG 2 be explained in more detail.

Through the passive function, the refrigerant from the compressor 8 and the refrigerant cycle device 2 be discharged in order to avoid overpressure damage. By contrast, the active function makes it possible for the refrigerant 10 be given deliberately, for example, the fire-prone component 15 with the refrigerant 10 in contact or this with the refrigerant 10 to flow around.

With the active function can then, for example, a solution attempt of the burning component 15 be undertaken.

In another embodiment, not shown, the extinguishing agent outlet opening 14 aligned such that the exiting refrigerant 10 can not get into a cab of the motor vehicle 1. This is done, for example, in that the extinguishing agent outlet opening 14 directed away from the driver's cab and / or is arranged with a sufficient distance to this. Additionally or alternatively it can be provided that the extinguishing agent outlet opening 14 is placed only where the driver's cab sufficiently against the entry of the refrigerant 10 is sealed.

The driver's cab is the part of the motor vehicle 1 denotes, in which the breathing air for occupants of the motor vehicle 1 located.

2 shows a schematic representation of the refrigerant discharge valve 9. The refrigerant discharge valve 9 has a high pressure side 16 and a low pressure side 17 on. According to the embodiment, the high-pressure side 16 to the interior 11 of the compressor 8th directed, while the high pressure side 16 from the interior 11 of the compressor 8th turned away. On the high pressure side 16 is in particular a higher pressure than on the low pressure side 17. A pressure difference results between the pressure on the high pressure side 16 , so for example in the interior 11 of the compressor 8th and the pressure at the low pressure side 17, so for example in the outer space 12 or in the extinguishing agent supply line 13 ,

The refrigerant discharge valve further has a passage 18 on. The passage 18 extends from the low pressure side 17 to the high pressure side 16 , The passage 18 is consistent for that Refrigerant 10. In particular, the refrigerant discharge valve 9 only this passage 18 from the high pressure side 16 to the low pressure side 17.

The passage 18 is for the refrigerant 10 opened if the pressure difference is greater than a high pressure limit. The high-pressure limit therefore specifies from which pressure difference the passive function of the refrigerant drain valve 9 is executed and the passage 18 thus for the refrigerant 10 is opened.

Furthermore, the refrigerant discharge valve 9 according to the embodiment, a closure element 19 on. The closure element 19 may be formed, for example, pin-shaped or leaflet-shaped. According to the embodiment, the closure element 19 with the power of a spring 20 applied. The force with which the closure element 19 is applied, corresponds in particular to the high pressure limit. By the spring-loaded closure element 19 becomes the passive function of the refrigerant drain valve 9 provided. The closure element 19 can assume an open position if the pressure difference is greater than the high pressure limit. The closure element 19 but can also assume a closed position, if the pressure difference is smaller than the high pressure limit. At the open position may be refrigerant 10 through the passage 18 pass through, while the passage 18 prevents passage of the refrigerant 10 at the closed position, or is blocked.

Furthermore, the refrigerant discharge valve 9 a wireless or wired control signal interface 21 on. The control signal interface 21 can be connected to the motor vehicle 1 be coupled. For example, the control signal interface 21 via radio or preferably by a wired connection to the motor vehicle 1 be contacted. At the control signal interface 21 a control signal 22 may be received. If the control signal 22 is applied to the control signal interface 21, the passage 18 for the refrigerant 10 open. Through the control signal interface 21 becomes the refrigerant discharge valve 9 supplemented by the active function. So can the refrigerant drain valve 9 now active and aware by applying the control signal 22 regardless of whether the pressure difference is greater than the high pressure limit.

Preferably, the control signal interface 21 with a control unit 23 of an accident control logic 24 of the motor vehicle 1 coupled. The accident control logic 24 includes, for example, an accident detection system and / or an airbag deployment control or impact cushion triggering control and / or a rear-end accident detection system and / or a fire detection system. The accident control logic 24 in particular does not include a climate control logic of the motor vehicle 1 which is used, for example, to adapt a room climate, in particular a room temperature, of the driver's compartment of the motor vehicle 1. Preferably, the control signal interface 21 is thus only with the control unit 23 connected and receives the control signal 22 even only from the control unit 23 ,

Furthermore, the refrigerant discharge valve 9 according to the embodiment an actuator 25 on. The actor 25 is preferably designed as an electromagnetic actuator. By the actuator 25, the closure element 19 relative to a main element 26 of the refrigerant discharge valve 9 to be moved. By the actor 25 can the closure element 19 be moved in particular from a closed position to an open position.

The actor 25 can be arranged manifold on or in the refrigerant discharge valve 9. Preferably, the actuator 25 such with the refrigerant discharge valve 9 connected, that the closure element 19 can be moved.

By the actor 25 then in particular the force of the spring 20 with which the closure element is acted upon and in the direction of the high pressure side 16 is pressed, overcome.

The closure element 19 can move in a variety of ways in the refrigerant discharge valve 9. So can the closure element 19 for example, along a longitudinal axis 27 the refrigerant discharge valve 9 are moved or the closure element 19 can be transverse to the longitudinal axis 27 be moved while, for example, in one to the passage 18 adjacent bulge to be sunk to the passage 18 to open. However, the closure element 19 can also simultaneously both in the direction of the longitudinal axis 27 as well as across the longitudinal axis 27 to be moved. In particular, however, it is intended that during a movement of the closure element 19 of the passage 18 for the refrigerant 10 is opened.

Furthermore, the refrigerant discharge valve 9 an energy supply interface 28. The power supply interface 28 is for connection to a power supply network of the motor vehicle 1 educated. The power supply interface 28 may be connected to the control signal interface 21 be arranged in a connector housing or spaced therefrom. The arrangement of the power supply interface 28 at the refrigerant discharge valve 9 is manifold possible, but preferably at the low pressure side 17 , The energy received via the power supply interface 28 in particular causes the actuator 25 provided.

Through the refrigerant drain valve 9 So two functions are provided. On the one hand the passive function, in which the refrigerant 10 from the compressor 8th or the refrigerant circuit or the refrigerant cycle device 2 can emerge if the pressure difference is greater than the high pressure limit and on the other hand, the active function in which the control signal 22 to the control signal interface 21 is applied, whereby the actuator 25 is actuated and the closure element 19 is brought by means of the actuator 25 in the open position to the passage 18 for the refrigerant 10 to open.

Through the active function of the refrigerant drain valve 9 then, for example, the refrigerant 10 on the fire-endangered component 15 if this is intended.

To the compressor 8th or the refrigerant cycle device 2 For example, several refrigerant drain valves 9 be connected.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

motor vehicle

2

Refrigerant cycle device

3

Circuit elements

4

condenser

5

throttling device

6

Evaporator

7

connecting member

8th

compressor

9

Refrigerant drain valve

10

refrigerant

11

inner space

12

outer space

13

Extinguishing agent supply line

14

Extinguishing agent outlet opening

15

fire-endangered component

16

High pressure side

17

Low pressure side

18

passage

19

closure element

20

feather

21

Control signal interface

22

control signal

23

control unit

24

Accident control logic

25

actuator

26

main element

27

longitudinal axis

28

Power supply interface

Claims (10)

A refrigerant discharge valve (9) for a motor vehicle (1) having a high pressure side (16) and a low pressure side (17), wherein a passage (18) of the refrigerant discharge valve (9) is arranged from the high pressure side (16) to the low pressure side (17) for refrigerant (10) to be closed if a pressure difference between the high pressure side (16) and the low pressure side (17) is smaller than a high pressure limit, and the passage (18) is arranged to be open for the refrigerant (10) if the pressure difference is greater than the high pressure limit, characterized in that the refrigerant discharge valve (9) has a control signal interface (21) and the refrigerant discharge valve (9) is arranged to be open for the passage (18) of the refrigerant (10) if a control signal (22) for opening at the control signal interface (21) is applied. Refrigerant discharge valve (9) after Claim 1 characterized in that the refrigerant discharge valve (9) has a shut-off member (19) force-loaded with the high-pressure limit, and the closure member (19) is arranged to assume an open position if the pressure difference is greater than the high-pressure limit and the closure member (19) is established to assume a closed position if the pressure difference is less than the high pressure limit. Refrigerant discharge valve (9) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the refrigerant discharge valve (9) has a power supply interface (28) for connection to a power supply network of the motor vehicle (1). Refrigerant discharge valve (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigerant discharge valve (9) has an actuator (25) for moving a closure element (19) of the refrigerant discharge valve (9) relative to a main element (26) of the refrigerant discharge valve (9) and the closure element (19) can be moved by the actuator (25) from at least one closed position into an open position. Refrigerant discharge valve (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigerant discharge valve (9) only the one Passage (18) from the high pressure side (16) to the low pressure side (17) for the refrigerant (10). Refrigerant discharge valve (9) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control signal (22) from a control unit (23) of an accident control logic (24) of the motor vehicle (1) is provided. Refrigerant discharge valve (9) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the refrigerant (10) is carbon dioxide. Compressor (8) for a motor vehicle (1) for compressing refrigerant (10) with a refrigerant discharge valve (9) connected to the compressor (8) according to one of the preceding claims. Compressor (8) after Claim 8 , characterized in that the refrigerant discharge valve (9) with an extinguishing agent supply line (13) is connected and an extinguishing agent outlet opening (14) of the extinguishing agent supply line (13) on at least one fire-prone component (15) of the motor vehicle (1) is aligned. Refrigerant circulation device (2) for a motor vehicle (1) with circuit elements (3), which comprise a condenser (4), a throttle device (5), an evaporator (6) and at least one connecting element (7), a compressor (8) and a Refrigerant discharge valve (9) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the refrigerant discharge valve (9) is connected to one of the circuit elements (3) of the refrigerant cycle device (2) different from the compressor (8).

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