DE202016106914U1 - Thermal bypass valve with brazed housing construction containing quick connect connections - Google Patents

Abstract

A bypass valve for a heat exchange circuit, which bypass valve comprises: a housing defining a chamber in its interior, the chamber having a first region, a second region and a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough; first, second, third and fourth ports communicating with the chamber, each of the ports being provided with a port for connecting the port to a fluid conduit; a valve seat defining valve opening, the valve seat separating the first and second areas of the chamber; a temperature responsive actuator located in the chamber and having a reciprocating central rod disposed along the axis; a valve member secured to the actuator and extending transversely of the central rod to engage the valve seat and fully close the valve port; a first biasing means of pressing the valve member toward the valve seat; a second biasing means connected to a lower end of the middle rod for urging the valve member away from the valve seat; wherein at least one of the terminals is formed separately from a main body of the housing and connected to the main body of the housing by a brazed joint; and wherein the at least one port includes a quick connect port configured to form a sealed connection with a mating port on one of the fluid lines.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an improved valve construction, and more particularly to a thermal bypass valve for use in a heat exchanger circuit for cooling transmission oil or engine oil having a brazed housing containing at least one quick connect port.

BACKGROUND

For certain applications, such as in the automotive industry, heat exchangers are used to cool or heat certain fluids, such as engine oil or transmission oil (also referred to as transmission fluid). In the case of a transmission, the heat exchanger is usually remote from the transmission and receives hot transmission oil from the transmission through a supply line, cools it, and delivers it back to the transmission through a return line. However, when the transmission is cold, as under starting conditions, the transmission fluid is very viscous and does not easily flow through the heat exchanger, if at all. In such cases, the transmission may suffer a lack of oil, and this may cause damage or at least irregular behavior. Cumulative damage to the transmission can also occur if the amount of oil returned is insufficient but overcooled due to low ambient temperatures. In this case, for example, condensation moisture in the oil (which would otherwise evaporate at higher temperatures) may accumulate and cause corrosion damage or oil degradation.

An example of a bypass valve for use in a heat exchanger circuit for cooling transmission oil or engine oil is in the U.S. Patent No. 6,253,837 disclosed, which is incorporated here in its entirety.

As can be seen, it is important that components of heat exchanger circuits be adaptable to various configurations, as dictated by the limitations of the space in which they are installed. For example, thermal bypass valves must be adaptable for use with various types of rigid and flexible conduits and associated ports. In some applications, a thermal bypass valve is connected through a "quick connect" coupling to another component, typically having a female connector and a male connector, which can be connected in a fluid tight manner without the use of tools and without welding, soldering, or soldering brazing. The quick connect connector or bushing typically projects outwardly from the valve housing to receive certain elements of the port. The extent of this outward protrusion is typically referred to as the "height" of the port.

It is known to provide thermal bypass valves in which a part of a quick connect coupling (generally the female part) is fastened to the valve housing by a screw connection. In this configuration, the port has an externally threaded end received within an internally threaded bore of the housing and an opposite end projecting outwardly from the valve housing and which may include one or more quick connect elements. While this construction provides flexibility in that the manufacture of the housing and the ports can be independent of each other, and allows the valve housing and ports to be made of different alloys, a threaded connection does not result in a metallurgical connection between the port and the housing. and this can have a negative impact on the sealing and heat distribution within the valve body. Also, a quick connect fitting with a threaded connection typically has a hexagonal outer surface for engagement with a wrench or socket that requires the fitting to protrude a certain height above the valve body. This limitation can have a negative impact on the adaptability of the valve for some configurations.

Threaded quick connect connections can also have a number of other disadvantages. For example, since they typically use an O-ring to form a seal with the housing, there is a risk of leakage. Furthermore, the production of threads on both the valve body and the quick connect port increases manufacturing costs. Also, the turns of the valve body may be thermally deformed when welding any pipe fittings to the valve body, which may cause difficulty in screwing the quick connect fitting into the valve body.

It is also known to provide thermal bypass valves in which a quick connect port is formed integrally with the valve housing. For example, the housing may be made of an extruded or formed metal blank, wherein at least some of the terminals may be machined by the Blanks are produced. While this integrated construction may provide sealing and thermal performance benefits, it may be more expensive and / or have limited flexibility in varying the height and shape of the fitting. In this regard, the machining of the terminals from the blank leads to a waste of the material surrounding the outwardly projecting part of the terminal. Since the height of the terminal must be accommodated within the blank, it is desirable to minimize the height of the terminal, and configurations where the terminal height is greater than the minimum height require a different blank or lead to a greater waste of material, both of which increase the cost.

There remains a need for an improved design of thermal bypass valves for vehicle heat exchanger circuits that are readily adaptable to various configurations, that are inexpensive to manufacture, and that use a minimum number of unique parts without sacrificing simplicity, manufacturability, and reliability.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a bypass valve is provided for a heat exchange circuit. The bypass valve comprises: a housing in which a chamber is defined, the chamber having a first region, a second region, and a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough; first, second, third and fourth ports communicating with the chamber, each of the ports being provided with a port for communicating the port with a fluid conduit; a valve port defining a valve seat, the valve seat separating the first and second portions of the chamber; a temperature sensitive actuator located in the chamber and having a reciprocating central rod disposed along the axis; a valve member secured to the actuator and extending transversely of the central rod to engage the valve seat and completely close the valve port; a first biasing means for urging the valve member toward the valve seat; and a second biasing means connected to a lower end of the middle rod for urging the valve member away from the valve seat.

At least one of the terminals is formed separately from a main body of the housing and is connected to the main body of the housing by a brazed joint; and the at least one port includes a quick connect port configured to form a sealed connection with a mating port on one of the fluid lines.

In one embodiment, the quick connect port includes a quick connect port configured to form a sealed connection with a quick connect connector on the fluid line, the quick connect port includes an elastic seal member configured to seal against the quick connect connector.

In one embodiment, the quick connect connector is provided with means for preventing retraction of the quick connect connector after the quick connector connector and receptacle are connected together.

In one embodiment, the quick connect female connector has a cylindrical outer surface and a flat annular base in which a central opening is defined, wherein the aperture in which the quick connect connector is received has a cylindrical bore with a cylindrical sidewall in sealed engagement with the cylindrical one outer annular surface of the quick connect port and a flat annular base having an annular shoulder which engages at least a portion of the flat annular base of the quick connect port, the annular shoulder of the flat annular base defining a central opening which communicates with the central opening of the flat one aligned annular base of the quick connection port.

In one embodiment, a portion of the housing surrounding the cylindrical bore has a thickness that is similar to a wall thickness of at least a portion of the quick connect port. For example, this portion of the quick connect port may include the cylindrical outer surface of the quick connect port and is received within the cylindrical bore.

In another aspect, a bypass valve is provided for a heat exchange circuit. The bypass valve comprises: a housing in which a chamber is defined, the chamber having a first area, a second area, and a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough; first, second, third and fourth ports communicating with the chamber, each of the ports being provided with a port for communicating the port with a fluid conduit, the first and second ports communicating with the first portion of the chamber communicate, the third and the fourth opening communicates with the second area of the chamber and the first and second openings are axially offset from one another; a first valve port defining a first valve seat, the first valve seat separating the first and second portions of the chamber; a second valve port defining a second valve seat, the second valve seat located in the first region of the chamber and disposed along the axis between the first and second ports; a temperature responsive actuator located in the chamber and having a reciprocating central rod disposed along the axis, the central rod having an upper end and a lower end; a first valve member secured to the actuator and extending transversely of the central rod near its lower end to engage the first valve seat and fully close the first valve port; a second valve member secured to the actuator and extending transversely from the central rod near its upper end to engage the second valve seat and fully close the second valve port; a first biasing means for urging the first valve member toward the first valve seat and for simultaneously urging the second valve member away from the second valve seat; and a second biasing means connected to a lower end of the middle rod for urging the first valve member away from the first valve seat and simultaneously urging the second valve member toward the second valve seat.

In yet another aspect, a method of manufacturing a bypass valve is provided. The method comprises: (a) providing a first quick connect port configured to form a sealed connection with a mating port on a fluid line; (b) providing a valve housing in which a chamber is defined, the chamber having: a first region, a second region, a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough, a valve port defining a valve seat, the valve seat being the first and separating the second region of the chamber and the valve housing further having a plurality of openings communicating with the chamber, including a first opening having a bore configured to receive one end of the first quick connect port; (c) inserting the end of the first quick connect port into the bore of the first port such that an outer surface of the end of the first quick connect port is in close proximity to an inner surface of the bore of the first port; (d) providing a brazing filler metal in close proximity to the outer surface of the end of the first quick connect port and the inner surface of the bore of the first opening; and (e) melting the brazing filler metal to form a braze joint between the outer surface of the end of the first quick connect port and the inner surface of the bore of the first opening.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: (f) providing a temperature sensitive actuator having a reciprocating central rod, with a valve member attached to the actuator and extending transversely of the central rod, the valve member therewith is configured to engage the valve seat and fully close the valve opening; and (g) inserting the temperature-responsive actuator into the valve chamber through an open end thereof, the reciprocating rod extending along the central longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the temperature sensitive actuator is part of a valve cartridge subassembly further comprising a first biasing means configured to urge the valve towards the valve seat and a second biasing means connected and configured to a lower end of the middle rod; to push the valve member away from the valve seat has.

In one embodiment, the valve cartridge subassembly is inserted after step (e) of melting the braze filler metal into the open end of the chamber.

In one embodiment, step (e) of brazing the brazing filler metal includes flame brazing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 a perspective view of a bypass valve according to a first embodiment;

2 a view of the valve after 1 with the line 2-2 'in 1 is cut housing, wherein the open configuration of the bypass valve is shown;

3 a view of the valve after 1 with the like in 2 is cut housing, wherein the closed configuration of the bypass valve is shown;

4 a perspective view of a bypass valve according to a second embodiment;

5 a cross-sectional view of the valve after 4 along the line 5-5 'in 4 with the open configuration of the bypass valve shown;

6 a cross-sectional view of the valve as in 5 with the closed configuration of the bypass valve shown;

7 Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to a third embodiment in the open bypass configuration;

8th a cross-sectional view of the valve after 7 in the closed bypass configuration;

9 a side view of a quick connect connector is; and

10 a view of a clamping spring for a quick connection coupling is.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although terms such as "upper", "lower", "above", "below", "left", "right", etc., may be used in the specification and claims, these terms are for convenience only. It should not be construed that the use of any of these terms requires that the bypass valves described herein have a specific orientation in use.

The 1 - 3 illustrate a thermal bypass valve 10 with four openings according to a first embodiment. The valve 10 includes a housing 12 in which a chamber 14 is defined. The housing 12 has four openings in the drawings with 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 Marked are. Each of the openings is provided with a connection for connection to a branch line. The valve 10 contains quick connect sockets 24 and 26 , each with one of the openings 16 and 18 are associated, and cylindrical connections 28 . 30 , each with one of the openings 20 . 22 are associated. In operation, a fluid line is attached to each of the ports. For example, shows 1 cables 32 and 34 attached to the cylindrical connections 28 and 30 for receiving or delivering a fluid, such as oil or coolant, to or to the ports 20 and 22 ,

In the in the 1 - 3 the specific embodiment shown are the two upper openings 16 . 20 face each other directly and are in fluid communication with each other over a first area 36 the chamber 14 , In the same way are the two lower openings 18 and 22 face each other directly and are in fluid communication with each other over a second area 38 the chamber 14 ,

The first and the second area 36 . 38 the chamber 14 are through an annular bridge 40 separated from each other, the inward into the chamber 14 protrudes, and have an upper surface which has an annular peripheral valve seat 42 defined, and the inner circumference of the bridge 40 defines a middle valve opening 44 , A temperature-sensitive actuator 46 is inside the chamber 14 and is operational with a valve member 48 coupled. The valve part 48 is to form a seal with the valve seat 42 designed, and the actuator 46 moves the valve part 48 between an opened bypass position, in 2 is shown in which the valve member 48 a distance from the valve seat 42 and a closed bypass position, which in 3 is shown in the valve part 48 in sealing engagement with the valve seat 42 is.

The temperature-sensitive actuator 46 sometimes referred to herein as a thermal engine and has a piston 50 and a cylinder 52 on, with the cylinder 52 is filled with a thermally sensitive material, such as wax, which expands and contracts in response to temperature changes, causing the piston to expand axially when heated to a predetermined temperature, and allowing it to submerge upon cooling to retract the predetermined temperature. For example, if the valve 10 used in conjunction with an oil cooler for an automotive transmission, the predetermined temperature about 80-90 ° C.

The temperature-sensitive actuator 46 is along a central longitudinal axis A ( 2 ) the chamber 14 arranged. The cylinder 52 of the actuator 46 forms a middle pole 54 which is arranged along the central axis. The middle pole 54 has a closed end area 56 with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the valve opening 44 is, in that it is designed, the valve opening 44 partially closed. The valve part 48 has the shape of a circular ring, which is adjacent to the closed end area 56 is arranged and extending transversely or radially from the middle rod 54 extends to fully close the valve opening 44 with the valve seat 42 to engage, as in 3 is shown. The valve part 48 and the closed end area 56 thus form a reciprocating plug which moves along the central axis A about the valve opening 44 to open and close.

The valve part 48 can be slidable or rigid at the middle pole 54 of the actuator 46 be attached. Although not essential to the present invention, the one described herein is described in U.S.P. The valve part shown in the drawings 48 slidable on the middle pole 54 attached. A return spring 58 is at the middle pole 54 near the closed end area 56 appropriate. For example, if the return spring 58 a coil spring is, as illustrated in the drawings, the closed end portion 56 with a groove 64 (not in the 2 - 3 shown, but in 5 shown in connection with the second embodiment), in which one end of the return spring 58 is arranged, whereby the upper end of the return spring 58 at the closed end area 56 of the actuator 46 is appropriate. The return spring 58 thus acts as a stop to prevent the valve member 48 from the lower end of the middle pole 54 sliding down.

It is shown that the middle rod 54 an inner annular shoulder 60 near its upper end, and a coil spring 62 is on the middle pole 54 between the shoulder 60 and the valve part 48 attached, whereby the valve part 48 to the return spring 58 and to the valve seat 42 pressed down or biased.

The piston 50 the temperature-sensitive actuator 46 has an axially extending pin which is in an axial recess 66 (visible in 5 ) is inserted or pressed in a removable closure 68 (also referred to herein as a "cap") which is part of one end of the housing 12 is or closes this and more precisely an end of the chamber 14 closes. The closure 68 has an O-ring seal 70 and may be held in position in any suitable manner. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the closure becomes 68 through a C-clamp or a snap ring 72 held, the / in an annular groove 74 that is slightly inward of the open end 76 of the housing 12 is arranged. As will be described in detail below, when the actuator 46 reaches the predetermined temperature, causes the piston 50 extends axially. Because the piston 50 in its position relative to the axial recess 66 of the lock 68 is fixed, the middle rod moves 54 down through the valve opening 44 , causing the return spring 58 compressed and the valve opening 44 is closed. When the temperature inside the chamber 14 falls below the predetermined temperature, the piston is caused to 64 retracts under the pressure of the springs, and the return spring 58 pushes the middle pole 54 upwards to thereby the valve part 48 upwards and out of engagement with the valve seat 42 to move. When the valve opening 44 is opened as in 2 is shown, the return spring extends 58 through the valve opening 44 and in the first area 36 the chamber 14 but does not significantly affect the flow through the valve port 44 ,

Like from the 2 and 3 it can be seen form the shutter 68 , the actuator 46 , the coil spring 62 and the return spring 58 together a valve cartridge subassembly 78 for the bypass valve 10 , If the sub-assembly 78 from the case 12 is disconnected, the various lines and / or connections on the housing 12 be attached, for example, by flame brazing, without the components of the sub-assembly 78 to damage. After the brazed components are bonded together and cooled, the valve cartridge subassembly becomes 78 through the open end 76 used hereby and by the C-clamp 72 held in place, and the valve 10 is usable.

In the present embodiment, the two cylindrical terminals 28 . 30 in one piece as part of the housing 12 educated. However, it should be noted that the cylindrical connections 28 . 30 instead may be in the form of separately formed cylindrical tubes or tubes which are in the main body of the housing 12 formed holes are brazed, as in the 3 and 4 of the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 6,253,837 is shown. In other embodiments, the cylindrical terminals 28 . 30 be replaced with quick connect connectors or jacks, such as the connectors 24 and 26 , which are described in detail below.

The two cylindrical connections 28 . 30 each have a hollow cylindrical interior configured to closely receive the ends of the tubular conduits 32 respectively. 34 , The hollow cylindrical interior of the connections 28 . 30 ends respectively at an inwardly projecting annular shoulder 80 that are in one of the respective openings 20 . 22 on the in the 2 and 3 shown left side of the valve 10 located. Those shoulders 80 act as stops to prevent the tubular lines 32 . 34 be introduced too far.

In the present embodiment, the ends of the tubular conduits 32 . 34 in the respective connections 28 . 30 introduced and are sealingly connected by brazing, for example by flame brazing, with these.

The two quick connect sockets 24 . 26 in the present embodiment are of the main body of the housing 12 formed separately, for example by machining and / or molding. The connections 24 . 26 can be identical to each other and each have one end in the housing 12 is included, and an end that comes out of the case 12 protrudes, provided. The end that in the casing 12 is received, has a cylindrical outer surface 82 that is sized to fit tightly within a respective cylindrical bore 84 . 86 placed in the main body of the case 12 is formed, is included. Every hole 84 . 86 ends at an inwardly projecting annular shoulder 88 that are in one of the respective openings 16 . 18 on the in the 2 and 3 shown right side of the valve 10 located. Shoulders 88 act as stops to prevent over-insertion into the quick connect ports 24 . 26 to prevent. In the present embodiment, the quick connect terminals are 24 . 26 in the respective holes 84 . 86 inserted and sealing with the main body of the housing 12 brazing, such as flame brazing. This creates a tight metallurgical bond between the terminals 24 . 26 and the housing 12 , resulting in a sealing and heat distribution between the terminals 24 . 26 and the housing 12 to be obtained.

It can be seen from the drawings that the thickness of the areas of the housing 12 that the cylindrical holes 86 . 88 surrounded, similar to the thickness of the end of each quick connect connection 24 . 26 is that in the cylindrical holes 86 . 88 introduced and brazed with these. In some embodiments, the wall thickness of the inserted ends of the quick connect terminals 24 . 26 be the same or similar as that of the areas of the housing 12 that the holes 86 . 88 surrounded, as this helps to uniform heating of the terminals 24 . 26 and the housing 12 during brazing, thereby reducing the risk of deformation of the quick connect connections 24 . 26 during the brazing process is reduced. As can be seen, deformation of the terminals 24 . 26 their ability to interfere with the case 12 and may impair its ability to reliably seal against a mating portion of the quick connect coupling located at the end of a fluid conduit.

The connections 24 . 26 and the case 12 Each typically consists of a brazeable aluminum alloy, the alloy of the terminals 24 . 26 the same as the alloy of the case 12 or different from this one.

It should be noted that the above ranges of quick connect connections 24 . 26 may be of different height and structure, without this having a significant impact on the overall manufacturing cost of the valve 10 Has.

The quick connect connections 24 . 26 are configured to receive and seal quick connect connectors of a pair of wires, such quick connect connectors having an appearance similar to that of the present invention 9 shown quick connector connector 128 can have. Examples of quick connect couplings are for example in the U.S. Patent Nos. 4,538,679 and 4 640 534 shown and described, which are included here in their entirety. The connection sockets 24 . 26 of the valve 10 are each with a plurality of circumferentially extending slots 90 provided, which are configured, radially inwardly projecting parts of a C-shaped spring wire clip, as in 10 shown wire clip 130 , the radially inwardly projecting portions 132 has to take up.

Each of the quick connect sockets 24 . 26 has a bore configured to sealingly receive the tip of a corresponding quick connector connector 128 , Inside the hole of each connection socket 24 . 26 there is an annular groove 92 adapted to receive an O-ring seal (not shown) to abut against a cylindrical outer surface 134 the corresponding quick connector connector 128 to be pressed and to form a seal with this.

The quick connect connector 128 also has a conical surface 136 on, on a radial shoulder 138 ends. During the insertion of the connector 128 into the bore of the connection socket 24 . 26 becomes the conical surface 136 of the connector 128 away from the inward protruding areas 132 the wire clip 130 pushed, whereby this is extended until the connector 128 is introduced to a sufficient extent, leaving the shoulder 138 on the wire clip 130 has moved past, at which point the wire clip 130 contracts and the inward protruding areas 132 in engagement with the radial shoulder 138 of the connector 128 occur to retract the connector 128 from the connection socket 24 . 26 to prevent.

Although the valve 10 it is shown that there are quick connect sockets 24 . 26 and cylindrical connections 28 . 30 It should be noted that one or both of the quick connect sockets 24 . 26 can be replaced with quick connect connectors that have a similar or identical configuration to that in 9 shown connector 128 may have, with the cylindrical surface at the lower end of the connector 128 in 9 equivalent to the outer cylindrical surface described herein 82 a connection socket 24 . 26 can be. Also, one or both of the cylindrical ports can 28 . 30 be replaced by quick connect connectors or jacks. The specific choice of connections depends, at least in part, on the specific use of the valve 10 from.

As shown in the drawings, the housing can 12 of the valve 10 with means for attaching the valve 10 be provided on a vehicle. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, there is an opening 94 through a massive area of the housing 12 provided, which is designed for receiving a fastening means, such as a bolt (not shown).

The operation of the valve 10 will now be related to the 2 and 3 described. In the following description will be the valve 10 as a component of a heat exchange circuit 110 for cooling hot gear oil or hot engine oil of a vehicle. However, it should be noted that the valve 10 instead may be used in other circuits for cooling hot fluids in which a bypass is required.

The heat exchange circuit 110 has a heat exchanger 112 which may be a transmission oil cooler (TOC) or an engine oil cooler (EOC) in which hot gear oil or engine oil is cooled by thermal contact with either a gaseous or a liquid coolant. A suitable type of heat exchanger 112 can in the circle 110 be included. In the present specification, it is assumed that the coolant is a liquid coolant, such as a glycol engine coolant, that can circulate through the coolant circulation system of the vehicle.

The circle 110 includes a coolant inlet line 114 for supplying coolant to the heat exchanger 112 and a coolant outlet line 116 through which the coolant from the heat exchanger 112 is released after heat has been drawn from the hot oil. The opposite ends of the coolant conduits are connected to other components (not shown) of the vehicle coolant circulation system, which may typically include other heat generating components and / or additional heat exchangers, such as a fan cooled radiator.

The circle 110 contains four oil lines, which in the drawings with 118 . 120 . 122 . 124 are designated. The oil pipes 118 . 120 each have a first end that with a heat generating component 126 , such as a vehicle engine or a transmission, and a second end connected to one of the openings of the valve 10 connected is. In the illustrated embodiment, the second ends of the oil lines 118 . 120 with respective openings 16 . 18 on the right side of the valve 10 connected, and therefore are the second ends of the lines 118 . 120 with quick connect connectors, such as the connector 128 in 9 provided that are adapted for mating and sealing with the quick connect sockets 24 . 26 of the valve 10 , Furthermore, the oil line 118 in the 2 and 3 as the line designates, the oil from the upper right opening 16 of the valve 10 to the heat generating component 126 supplies, and the oil line 120 is referred to as the conduit containing the oil from the heat generating component 126 to the lower right opening 18 of the valve 10 supplies.

The oil pipes 122 . 124 each have a first end connected to the heat exchanger 112 connected, and a second end, which is connected to one of the openings of the valve 10 connected is. In the illustrated embodiment, the second ends of the oil lines 122 . 124 with respective openings 20 . 22 on the left side of the valve 10 connected, and therefore the second ends of the oil lines 122 . 124 cylindrical tubes or tubular conduits 32 . 34 which are mentioned above. Furthermore, the oil line 122 in the 2 and 3 as the conduit designates the oil from an outlet opening of the heat exchanger 112 to the upper left opening 20 of the valve supplies, and the oil line 124 is referred to as the pipe, the oil from the lower left opening 22 of the valve 10 to the inlet opening of the heat exchanger 112 supplies.

If the line 120 the inlet pipe is, in other words, oil from the heat-generating component 126 sometimes this is conveniently called "normal flow". In this case, the line is 118 the outlet or recirculation line and supplies the oil to the heat-generating component 126 back.

If the line 118 the oil from the heat generating component 126 receiving inlet pipe is and the pipe 120 the outlet or return line for supplying the oil to the same or a different heat-generating component 126 , this configuration is sometimes conveniently referred to as "reverse flow".

When first treating the normal flow configuration, if the oil and the heat exchange circuit has 110 are heated to operating temperatures, for example, above about 80-90 degrees Celsius, the valve 10 this in 3 shown appearance. In this configuration, referred to herein as the "closed bypass configuration", the wax is inside the actuator 46 in its extended state and has caused the piston 50 has expanded, causing the cylinder 52 (or the middle rod 54 ) and the valve part 48 down to the valve part 48 on the valve seat 42 sits and seals it. As a result, the closed end region extends 56 of the cylinder through the valve opening 44 , and the return spring 58 is compressed.

In the normal flow or closed bypass configuration, see 3 The oil passes through the circulation through the heat generating component 126 was heated, through the inlet pipe 120 in the valve 10 and goes through the opening in turn 18 , the second area 38 the chamber 14 and the opening 22 through to the heat exchanger inlet line 124 , The hot oil is cooled when passing through the heat exchanger 112 passes through, and the cooled oil returns through the outlet 122 to the valve 10 back, goes through the opening in turn 20 , the first area 36 the chamber 14 and the opening 16 through to the heat generating component 126 to return. In this case there is no bypass flow as the valve opening 44 by sealing engagement between the valve member 48 and the valve seat 42 is closed, and therefore the oil is cooled when passing through the heat exchanger 112 passes. The flow of oil in a circle 110 is in 3 indicated by arrows.

When the temperature of the oil returning to the heat-generating component drops below about 80-90 degrees Celsius, the wax contracts within the actuator 46 together, and the biasing force of the return spring 58 pushes the cylinder 52 (or the middle rod 54 ) and the valve part 48 upward, causing a retraction of the piston 50 is effected and causes the valve member 48 from the valve seat 42 lifts off, whereby a bypass flow communication between the first and the second area 36 . 38 of the housing 12 is opened.

This "open bypass configuration" is in 2 illustrates and creates a bypass flow, in turn, from the inlet conduit 120 through the opening 18 , through the second area 38 the chamber 14 , through the valve opening 44 , through the first area 36 the chamber 14 and through the opening 16 is going to come up with the flow of oil passing through the exhaust port 118 returns to the heat generating component. The flow path of the bypass oil flow is in 2 indicated by arrows.

If the temperature of the oil is very low, as at the start of the machine, the oil can be so viscous that virtually no flow through the heat exchanger 112 passes through and the flow is substantially or completely from the inlet conduit 120 to the outlet pipe 118 is redirected. However, as the oil begins to warm up, the flow through the inlet line begins 124 in the heat exchanger 112 occurs to increase, and over time, the oil reaches the desired operating temperature, a full flow takes place through the heat exchanger 112 instead, and the valve part 48 closes the valve opening 44 to interrupt the bypass flow.

A bypass valve 200 will now be related to the 4 - 6 described. The valve 200 is similar to the valve described above 10 but sees complete blockage of the flow to the heat exchanger 112 in the in 5 shown opened bypass configuration. The valve 200 shares a number of common elements with the valve 10 and like reference numerals will be used in the following description to refer to these same elements. Furthermore, the description of each of these same elements is in connection with the valve 10 in the same way to the valve 200 unless otherwise indicated below, and therefore a detailed description of the same elements is not provided below. Instead, the following description is for the differences between the valves 10 and 200 directed.

In the valve 200 contains the housing 12 a chamber 14 which is open at its upper end and at its lower end. The first and the second area 36 . 38 the chamber 14 are through the valve seat 42 separated, which has the shape of an annular shoulder, wherein the second region 38 the chamber 14 a smaller diameter than the first area 36 Has. The lower end of the chamber 14 is through a second annular shoulder 202 defines a support surface for the lower end of the return spring 58 offers. The second annular shoulder 202 defines a middle connection passage 204 through which flow communication between the second area 38 the chamber 14 and the openings 18 and 22 on the bottom of the valve 200 is obtained. In the present embodiment, it can be seen that the return spring 58 not in the connection passage 204 extends and not the flow through the valve 200 between the lower opening 18 . 22 with special needs.

The valve 200 forms part of a heat exchange circuit 110 , the oil lines 118 . 120 . 122 . 124 contains. The oil pipes 118 . 120 each have a first end connected to the heat exchanger 112 connected, and a second end, which is connected to one of the openings of the valve 200 connected is. In the illustrated embodiment, the second ends of the oil lines 118 . 120 with respective openings 16 . 18 on the right side of the valve 200 connected. Furthermore, the oil line 118 in the 5 and 6 as the conduit designates the oil from an outlet opening of the heat exchanger 112 to the upper right opening 16 of the valve 200 supplies, and the oil line 120 is referred to as the pipe, the oil from the lower right opening 18 of the valve 200 to the inlet opening of the heat exchanger 112 supplies.

The oil pipes 122 . 124 each have a first end that with the heat generating component 126 connected, and a second end, which is connected to one of the openings of the valve 200 connected is. In the illustrated embodiment, the second ends of the oil lines 122 . 124 with respective openings 20 . 22 on the left side of the valve 200 connected. Furthermore, the oil line 122 in the 5 and 6 as the line designates, the oil from the upper left opening 20 of the valve 200 to the heat-generating component 126 supplies, and the oil line 124 is referred to as the conduit containing the oil from the heat generating component 126 to the lower left opening 22 of the valve 200 supplies. This configuration defines the normal flow configuration of the valve 200 wherein the reverse flow configuration is achieved by reversing the flow of oil through the components of FIG 5 and 6 shown heat exchange circuit 110 ,

As mentioned above, the valve contains 200 Elements that completely block the flow to the heat exchanger 112 in the open bypass configuration. First, it can be seen that the two upper openings 16 . 20 of the valve 200 are not directly opposite each other, but instead along the longitudinal axis of the valve 200 offset from each other. Therefore, that will be between the openings 16 . 20 flowing oil undergoes longitudinal displacement when passing through the first area 36 the chamber 14 passes.

The valve 200 contains a removable lock 68 (also referred to here as the "cap"), which is the open end 76 of the housing 12 closes and more precisely the upper end of the chamber 14 closes. The closure 68 has an axial recess 66 for receiving the piston 50 of the actuator 46 as well as an O-ring seal 70 and can be held in position in any suitable manner. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the closure becomes 68 through a C-clamp or a snap ring 72 held in an annular groove 74 that is slightly inward of the open end 76 of the housing 12 is arranged. The closure 68 of the valve 200 differs from that of the valve 10 in that he moves down to the first area 36 the chamber 14 extends to a point along the longitudinal axis extending between the opposed upper openings 16 . 20 located.

The closure 68 of the valve 200 has several side openings 206 , which are arranged at intervals along its circumference, with the side openings 206 through bars 208 are separated and with a hollow interior 210 of the lock 68 communicate. At least one of the side openings 206 is in direct communication with the inlet opening 16 , such that through the opening 16 in the chamber 14 entering oil through the at least one side opening 206 in the hollow interior 210 of the lock 68 entry. The closure 68 also has a lower annular surface 212 extending longitudinally between the inlet and outlet ports 16 . 20 located and a second annular valve seat 214 defines a second valve opening 216 ( 6 ) surrounding a fluid connection between the openings 16 . 20 through the hollow interior 210 of the lock 68 provides.

The actuator 46 of the valve 200 contains an upper annular shoulder 218 near its upper end defining a second valve member configured to engage and seal with the second annular valve seat 214 and thus blocking the flow between the inlet and outlet ports 16 . 20 when the valve part 62 in the open position is as in 5 is shown, ie in the bypass mode.

The bypass valve according to the second embodiment is particularly useful when a large heat exchanger 112 is used with a relatively low internal flow resistance under cold flow conditions. In this case, it is better to have the flow to the heat exchanger 112 using the annular shoulder 218 and the second valve seat 214 To block or too much cold oil can cause the heat generating component 126 be recycled, thereby increasing the time that the heat-generating component 126 needed to be heated to its operating temperature.

It first handles the normal flow in the closed bypass configuration, after which the oil and the heat exchange circuit 110 were heated to their operating temperatures, for example, above about 80-90 degrees Celsius, the valve 200 this in 6 has shown appearance. In this configuration, the wax has become inside the actuator 46 extended, which causes the piston 50 has expanded. This extension of the piston 50 causes the cylinder 52 (or the middle rod 54 ) against the biasing force of the return spring 58 is offset downwards, whereby the upper annular shoulder 218 of the actuator 46 from the second annular valve seat 214 is offset away so that the second valve opening 216 open, and at the same time the cylinder 52 (or the middle rod 54 ) and the valve part 48 downwards until the valve part 48 on the valve seat 42 sits and seals it to the valve opening 44 close.

Hot oil from the heat generating component 126 passes through the inlet pipe 124 in the valve 200 and goes through the inlet opening in turn 22 , the middle connection passage 204 and the outlet opening 18 through to the line 120 to an inlet opening of the heat exchanger 112 , The hot oil is passing through the heat exchanger 112 cooled and returns through the outlet 118 to the valve 200 back, goes through the opening in turn 16 , through at least one side opening 206 and the hollow interior 210 of the lock 68 , through the second valve opening 216 and through the outlet opening 20 through to the heat generating component 126 to return. In this case there is no bypass flow as the valve opening 44 by the sealing engagement between the valve member 48 and the valve seat 42 closed is.

When the temperature of the heat-generating component 126 returning oil drops below about 80-90 degrees Celsius, the wax drags inside the actuator 46 together, and the biasing force of the return spring 58 pushes the cylinder 52 (or the middle rod 54 ) and the valve part 48 upward, causing the piston to retract, and causing the valve member 48 from the valve seat 42 is lifted, whereby the bypass flow connection between the first and the second area 36 . 38 of the housing 12 is opened. At the same time the upward displacement of the cylinder causes 52 (or the middle rod 54 ), that the upper annular shoulder 218 in engagement with the second valve seat 214 passes and the second valve opening 216 completely blocked, leaving the valve 200 in the 5 shown configuration. Therefore, the retraction of the actuator leads 46 to the opening of a bypass flow passage and the complete blocking of the flow between the heat exchanger 112 and the valve 200 , The bypass flow in the valve 200 in turn goes from the inlet pipe 124 through the inlet opening 22 through the middle connection passage 204 , at the second annular shoulder 202 past, through the second area 38 the chamber 14 , on the valve seat 42 past, through the first area 36 the chamber 14 and through the outlet opening 20 to go through the outlet pipe 122 to the heat generating component 126 to return.

A bypass valve 300 will now be related to the 7 - 8th described. The valve 300 is similar to the valve described above 200 in that there is complete blockage of the flow to the heat exchanger 112 in the in 7 shown opened bypass configuration. The valve 300 shares a number of common elements with the valves 10 and 200 and like reference numerals will be used in the following description to refer to these same elements. Furthermore, the description of each of these same elements is in connection with the valves 10 and or 200 in the same way to the valve 300 unless otherwise indicated below and therefore a detailed description of the same elements will not be made below. Instead, the following description is for the differences between the valves 300 and 200 directed.

The valve 300 has a larger flow capacity than the valve 200 because there are larger openings 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 and a wider chamber 14 Has. In addition, the closure 68 of the valve 300 similar to the valve 200 , with side openings 206 passing through footbridges 208 and a hollow heart 210 are separated, with a lower annular surface 212 that with a second valve seat 214 is provided, which has a second valve opening 216 surrounds. The second valve opening 216 of the valve 300 has a larger diameter than the valve 200 , and consequently has the upper annular shoulder 218 of the actuator 46 a diameter that does not suffice, the opening 216 seal. Therefore, the actuator 46 with a second sealing part 302 provided in the form of a circular ring, which is above the upper annular shoulder 218 of the actuator 46 is arranged. The second sealing part 302 has a larger diameter than the actuator 46 wherein the diameter is sufficient to communicate with the second valve seat 214 to engage and seal this.

The valve 300 forms part of the heat exchange circuit 110 in which the flow of the oil and the operation of the bypass valve are the same as above with respect to the valve 200 discussed.

The bypass valves 10 . 200 and 300 have been described above for use with a transmission oil cooler or engine oil cooler for automobiles as heat exchangers, but the bypass valves may be used with other types of heat exchangers, such as fuel cooling heat exchangers, as well as for non-automotive applications.

Although the bypass valves 10 . 200 and 300 Described herein as having temperature sensitive actuators in the form of wax type actuators, it should be noted that other types of temperature sensitive actuators can be used instead. For example, bimetallic temperature-sensitive actuators or shape-memory alloy actuators may be used in place of the wax-type actuators disclosed herein.

According to a method for producing a bypass valve described here 10 . 200 . 300 is a first quick connect connector, such as a connector 24 . 26 , provided, wherein the first quick connection port 24 . 26 is configured to form a sealed connection with a mating port on a fluid line, such as a connector 128 ,

Also, according to the method, a valve housing 12 provided in which a chamber 14 is defined, which chamber is a first area 36 , a second area 38 , a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a valve opening 44 holding a valve seat 42 defined, has, with the valve seat 42 the first and the second area 36 . 38 the chamber 14 separates. The valve housing 12 also has several openings 16 . 18 . 20 . 22 on that with the chamber 14 communicate, containing a first opening 16 with a hole 84 configured to receive one end of the first quick connect port 24 ,

According to the method, the end of the first quick connect connection is 24 into the hole of the first opening 16 used such that an outer surface 82 the end of the first quick connect connection 24 in close proximity to an inner surface of the bore 84 the first opening 16 is.

A brazing filler metal is in close proximity to the outer surface 82 the end of the first quick connect connection 24 and the inner surface of the bore 84 the first opening 16 intended. For example, the brazing filler metal may be in the form of a layer, a paste, a wedge or between the outer surface 82 of the connection 24 and the inner surface of the bore 84 be provided. The brazing filler metal is then melted and forms a braze joint between the outer surface upon cooling 82 the end of the first quick connect connection 24 and the inner surface of the bore 84 the first opening 16 ,

In a similar manner, one or more of the other openings 18 . 20 . 22 with a quick connect connector, such as a connector 24 . 26 or a connector 128 , be provided.

The method may further include the steps of providing a temperature sensitive actuator 46 with a reciprocating middle bar 54 , with a valve part 48 that on the actuator 46 is attached and extending across the middle pole 54 extends, wherein the valve member 48 designed for engagement with the valve seat 42 and to completely close the valve opening 44 ; and inserting the temperature-sensitive actuator 46 in the valve chamber 14 through an open end 76 from this, taking the reciprocating rod 54 extends along the central longitudinal axis.

According to the method, the temperature-sensitive actuator 46 Part of a valve cartridge subassembly 78 be, further comprising a first biasing means, such as a coil spring 62 , which is designed to press the valve member 48 to the valve seat 42 and a second biasing means, for example a return spring 58 with a lower end of the middle rod 54 is connected and designed to press the valve member 48 from the valve seat 42 away, has. When the valve cartridge subassembly 78 is provided, it is in the open end 76 the chamber 14 after the step of melting the brazing filler metal, for example after the brazing is completed, and the housing 12 cooled, used to damage the valve cartridge subassembly 78 to avoid.

According to the method, the melting of the brazing filler metal can be performed by flame brazing.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with particular embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Instead, the invention includes all embodiments which may fall within the scope of the following claims.

• 1. Ein Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Bypassventils, welches aufweist: (a) Vorsehen eines ersten Schnellverbindungsanschlusses, der ausgestaltet ist zum Bilden einer abgedichteten Verbindung mit einem zusammenpassenden Anschluss an einer Fluidleitung; (b) Vorsehen eines Ventilgehäuses, in dem eine Kammer definiert ist, welche Kammer einen ersten Bereich, einen zweiten Bereich, eine sich durch diese erstreckende mittlere Längsachse und eine einen Ventilsitz definierende Ventilöffnung hat, wobei der Ventilsitz den ersten und den zweiten Bereich der Kammer trennt, und das Ventilgehäuse weiterhin mehrere mit der Kammer kommunizierende Öffnungen aufweist, enthaltend eine erste Öffnung mit einer Bohrung, die ausgestaltet ist zum Empfangen eines Endes des ersten Schnellverbindungsanschlusses; (c) Einsetzen des Endes des ersten Schnellverbindungsanschlusses in die Bohrung der ersten Öffnung derart, dass eine äußere Oberfläche des Endes des ersten Schnellverbindungsanschlusses in enger Nähe zu einer inneren Oberfläche der Bohrung der ersten Öffnung ist; (d) Vorsehen eines Hartlöt-Füllmetalls in enger Nähe zu der äußeren Oberfläche des Endes des ersten Schnellverbindungsanschlusses und der inneren Oberfläche der Bohrung der ersten Öffnung; und (e) Schmelzen des Hartlöt-Füllmetalls, um eine Hartlötverbindung zwischen der äußeren Oberfläche des Endes des ersten Schnellverbindungsanschlusses und der inneren Oberfläche der Bohrung der ersten Öffnung zu bilden.
• 2. Das Verfahren nach Aspekt 1, weiterhin aufweisend die Schritte: (f) Vorsehen eines temperaturempfindlichen Aktuators mit einer hin- und hergehenden mittleren Stange, mit einem an dem Aktuator befestigten Ventilteil, das sich quer zu der mittleren Stange erstreckt, wobei das Ventilteil ausgestaltet ist für einen Eingriff mit dem Ventilsitz und zum vollständigen Schließen der Ventilöffnung; und (g) Einsetzen des temperaturempfindlichen Aktuators in die Ventilkammer durch ein offenes Ende von dieser, wobei sich die hin- und hergehende Stange entlang der mittleren Längsachse erstreckt.
• 3. Das Verfahren nach Aspekt 2, bei dem der temperaturempfindliche Aktuator Teil einer Ventilkassetten-Unteranordnung ist, die weiterhin ein erstes Vorspannmittel, das ausgestaltet ist zum Drücken des Ventilteils zu dem Ventilsitz hin, und ein zweites Vorspannmittel, das mit einem unteren Ende der mittleren Stange verbunden ist und ausgestaltet ist zum Drücken des Ventilteils von dem Ventilsitz weg, aufweist.
• 4. Das Verfahren nach Aspekt 3, bei dem die Ventilkassetten-Unteranordnung nach dem Schritt (e) des Schmelzens des Hartlöt-Füllmetalls in das offene Ende der Kammer eingesetzt wird.
• 5. Das Verfahren nach Aspekt 1, bei dem der Schritt (e) des Schmelzens des Hartlöt-Füllmetalls das Flammenhartlöten aufweist.

The subject matter of the present invention includes, inter alia, the following aspects:

• A method of manufacturing a bypass valve, comprising: (a) providing a first quick connect port configured to form a sealed connection with a mating port on a fluid line; (b) providing a valve housing in which a chamber is defined, which chamber has a first region, a second region, a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and a valve opening defining a valve seat, the valve seat defining the first and second regions of the chamber and the valve housing further includes a plurality of openings communicating with the chamber, including a first opening having a bore configured to receive one end of the first quick connect port; (c) inserting the end of the first quick connect port into the bore of the first port such that an outer surface of the end of the first quick connect port is in close proximity to an inner surface of the bore of the first port; (d) providing a brazing filler metal in close proximity to the outer surface of the end of the first quick connect port and the inner surface of the bore of the first opening; and (e) melting the brazing filler metal to form a braze joint between the outer surface of the end of the first quick connect port and the inner surface of the bore of the first opening.
• 2. The method of aspect 1, further comprising the steps of: (f) providing a temperature responsive actuator having a reciprocating central rod with a valve member secured to the actuator extending transversely of the central rod, the valve member configured is for engagement with the valve seat and fully closing the valve opening; and (g) inserting the temperature sensitive actuator into the valve chamber through an open end thereof, the reciprocating rod extending along the central longitudinal axis.
• 3. The method of aspect 2, wherein the temperature sensitive actuator is part of a valve cartridge subassembly further comprising a first biasing means configured to urge the valve member toward the valve seat and a second biasing means connected to a lower end of the middle valve Rod is connected and is configured for pressing the valve member away from the valve seat has.
• 4. The method of aspect 3, wherein the valve cartridge subassembly is inserted after step (e) of fusing the braze filler metal into the open end of the chamber.
• 5. The method of aspect 1, wherein the step (e) of brazing the brazing filler metal comprises flame brazing.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 6253837 [0003, 0042]
• US 4538679 [0049]
• US 4640534 [0049]

Claims (7)

Bypass valve for a heat exchanger circuit, which has by-pass valve: a housing defining a chamber therein, the chamber having a first region, a second region, and a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough; first, second, third and fourth ports communicating with the chamber, each of the ports being provided with a port for connecting the port to a fluid conduit; a valve seat defining valve opening, the valve seat separating the first and second areas of the chamber; a temperature responsive actuator located in the chamber and having a reciprocating central rod disposed along the axis; a valve member secured to the actuator and extending transversely of the central rod to engage the valve seat and fully close the valve port; a first biasing means of pressing the valve member toward the valve seat; a second biasing means connected to a lower end of the middle rod for urging the valve member away from the valve seat; wherein at least one of the terminals is formed separately from a main body of the housing and connected to the main body of the housing by a brazed joint; and wherein the at least one port includes a quick connect port configured to form a sealed connection with a mating port on one of the fluid conduits. The bypass valve of claim 1, wherein the quick connect port includes a quick connect port configured to form a sealed connection with a quick connect connector on the fluid line, the quick connect port includes a resilient seal member adapted for sealing with the quick connect connector is designed. A bypass valve according to claim 2, wherein the quick connect port is provided with means for preventing retraction of the quick connect port after the quick connect port and jack are connected together. A bypass valve according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the quick connect port has a cylindrical outer surface and a flat annular base defining a central opening, the opening in which the quick connect port is received having a cylindrical bore with a cylindrical bore Side wall in sealed engagement with the cylindrical outer surface of the quick connect port and a flat annular base having an annular shoulder in engagement with at least a portion of the flat annular base of the quick connect port, and wherein the annular shoulder of the flat annular base defines a central opening, which is aligned with the central opening of the flat annular base of the quick connect port. A bypass valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a portion of the housing surrounding the cylindrical bore has a thickness which is similar to a wall thickness of at least a portion of the quick connect port. The bypass valve of claim 5, wherein the region of the quick connect port includes a cylindrical outer surface of the quick connect port and is received within the cylindrical bore. A bypass valve for a heat exchange circuit having a bypass valve: a housing in which a chamber is defined, the chamber having a first region, a second region, and a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough; a first, a second, a third and a fourth port communicating with the chamber, each of the ports being provided with a port for communicating the port with a fluid conduit, the first and second ports communicating with the first portion of the first port Chamber communicate, the third and the fourth opening communicate with the second region of the chamber and the first and the second opening are axially offset relative to each other; a first valve port defining a first valve seat, the first valve seat separating the first and second portions of the chamber; a second valve port defining a second valve seat, the second valve seat located in the first region of the chamber and disposed along the axis between the first and second ports; a temperature sensitive actuator located in the chamber and having a reciprocating central rod disposed along the axis, the middle rod having an upper end and a lower end; a first valve member attached to the actuator and extending transversely of the central rod near its lower end to engage with the first one Engage valve seat and close the first valve opening completely; a second valve member secured to the actuator and extending transversely of the central rod near its upper end to engage the second valve seat and fully close the second valve port; a first biasing means for urging the first valve member toward the first valve seat and for simultaneously urging the second valve member away from the second valve seat; a second biasing means connected to a lower end of the middle rod for urging the first valve member away from the first valve seat and simultaneously urging the second valve member toward the second valve seat.

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