KR20170026056A - Combination manifold valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a combination type manifold valve which can avoid problems of an existing manifold valve, wherein the existing manifold valve increases assembly costs and maintenance costs due to increase in the number of interfaces. According to the present invention, the combination type manifold valve (1) includes: a fluid supply channel (2) as a fluid inlet; and two switchable fluid outlets comprising a fluid penetration channel (11) and a fluid discharge channel (12). The fluid outlets are closed by closing members (3.1, 3.2). The combination type manifold valve (1) also includes two actuators applied to the closing member (3.1, 3.2). The one continuous actuator is formed to continuously change an inflow transverse cross section of the fluid penetration channel (11) of the combination type valve (1). The other one discontinuous actuator discontinuously changes the inflow transverse cross sections of the fluid penetration channel (11) and the fluid discharge channel (12) of the combination type valve (1).

Description

Combination Manifold Valve {COMBINATION MANIFOLD VALVE}

The present invention relates to a combination manifold valve that can be used, in particular, for use in mobile R744 refrigerant circulation in automobiles. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling such a combination manifold valve. In particular, the present invention is characterized in that the combined manifold valve has not only the function of an expansion valve but also the function of a high-speed closing valve and furthermore the function of a safety-discharge valve. In this case, Under certain circumstances, refrigerant from the refrigerant circulation system can be discharged quickly and as intended.

The valves for use as expansion valves in the refrigerant circulation system must be able to precisely control the fluid flow in particular. A small volumetric flow can be controlled by a choking valve or an expansion valve, and such controllability is achieved through a continuous change in the cross-section of the flow. In addition, when using fluids that are potentially hazardous to humans and the environment, the high-speed shut-off function (English: shut off function It is necessary to be able to carry out, and in part, to be legally stipulated. Furthermore, for example, when using a combustible or toxic refrigerant, it provides a valve for making a high-speed free state in the refrigerant circulation system, or for discharging the refrigerant from the circulation system, especially in case of a disaster, from a safety point of view .

In the prior art, in the case of conventional expansion valves for carbon dioxide R744 refrigerant circulation, valves with the minimum closure time, so-called fast closing valves, are designed in series connection. The fast closing valve makes it possible for the perfusion state to be abruptly stopped by discontinuous change of the cross section of the cross section. Also, for safety-related discharge functions, a series circuit consisting of an expansion valve and a three-pass-valve is also known.

By using two or more separate valves connected in series, it is possible to implement the correct perfusion control function necessary for expansion in the event of a catastrophic accident, the ability to quickly cut off the line, and the discharge function for the refrigerant, Such an embodiment with two or more valves increases the cost of the part, increases the weight of the entire plant to increase the total cost, and also increases the cost for the installation space.

In some cases, the strategy of providing such a plurality of valves thus increases the risk associated with sealing and increases the cost of assembly and management due to the increase in the number of interfaces. Another disadvantage is that each valve requires its own electrical supply line with a corresponding connection plug, etc. and a unique drive.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a valve that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art described above. However, the expansion function, safety shut-off function and safety discharge function must also be realized.

This problem is solved by objects and methods having the features of the independent patent claims. Improvements are described in the dependent patent claims.

In particular, according to the concept of the present invention, there is provided a combined manifold valve capable of not only an accurate volume flow control function of an expansion valve but also a safe technical high-speed closing function and a safe technical discharge function for a refrigerant Is solved.

For this purpose, the combined manifold valve is formed as a manifold valve with one fluid inlet and two fluid outlets. Thereby, two fluid passages are realized in the valve, each of which can be closed by one closing member. The fluid inlet is formed as a fluid inlet channel that branches into two fluid outlets, a fluid through channel and a fluid outlet channel. The closure members are moved by the two actuators acting independently on the closure members.

One actuator is formed as a continuous actuator that can continuously change the cross-sectional area of the fluid passageway channel and meet the requirements of the expansion valve. Here, the expression "continuous" in the sense of the present invention means that the closure member can change the perfusion cross-section in multiple steps or without steps. In this sense, it is also included that the continuous actuator moves the closing member of the combined valve as an expansion valve through the fluid through channel for accurate setting of the refrigerant flow rate.

The other actuator is formed as a discontinuous actuator that meets the requirements of a high-speed shut-off valve by allowing the fluid cross-section of the fluid through channel and the fluid exit channel to change discontinuously to the closest closure time.

A discrete actuator in the sense of the present invention is understood to mean that the actuator can open or close the two fluid passages of the manifold valve with the shortest switching time, The cross-sectional flow cross-section does not necessarily have to be completely open, but rather is sent to a position where it is completely blocked from each position of the closure member by such a discontinuous actuator.

Preferably, the discontinuous actuator is configured to simultaneously move the closure members and to close the cross-section of the fluid flow channel and the fluid exit channel. Thereby, the shutoff function of the valve is performed, and the two fluid passages are closed.

Thus, in the event of a disaster in which fluid is discharged from the circulation system, regions of the refrigerant system are formed such that they can be separated from the point of occurrence of the accident by the high-speed shut-off valve, Is prevented.

The continuous actuator is preferably formed as a stepper motor, in which the stepper motor rotates the shaft connected to the closing members of the valve. The closure members are moved in a translational motion manner through the worm gear which converts the rotational motion into the translational motion. Thereby, the cross-sectional flow cross-section of the at least one fluid passage is formed so as to be continuously variable.

In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, an electromagnet is formed in which discrete actuators for the closure member can be switched separately along the travel section. Electromagnets, which are actively switched in particular, fix the closing members in a certain position. When the other electromagnets are actively switched along the moving section, the shaft is moved, and the closing members together with the shaft are moved axially in the direction of rotation by the electromagnetic force toward the switched area. This principle is also called the solenoid principle.

Particularly preferably, the worm gear for converting the rotational motion of the stepper motor into the movement of the closing member in combination of rotational motion and translational motion comprises an internal screw thread sleeve and an external threaded sleeve corresponding to the internal threaded sleeve, (external screw thread sleeve), in which case the external threaded sleeve is implemented as a coupling permanent magnet. This coupling permanent magnet corresponds to the electromagnet again. The position of the worm gear, the position of the shaft connected to the worm gear, and the position of the closure members together therewith are determined by the switching of the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is switched to the other position, the entire worm gear is moved in the axial direction of the shaft by the coupling permanent magnet, thereby causing a closing operation or an opening operation of the closing members depending on the respective positions.

Preferably, the combined manifold valve is formed as a piston slide valve with a recoil member, wherein the shaft having a fluid through channel and a closure member for the fluid exit channel is formed as a piston slide, The recoil member is formed as a spring.

By using a spring to realize or support the closure operation of the closure, the closure time of the combination manifold valve can be much shorter.

Preferably, the closure members are formed as various regions of the shaft, and are thereby formed to be movable with the shaft. The regions of the closure member, as well as the closure members themselves, are disposed relative to each other such that, in the first closed position, the fluid through channel is fully open and the fluid exit channel is fully closed. In the second closed position, the fluid through channel is at least partially closed, and the fluid exit channel is completely closed. In the third closed position both the fluid through channel and the fluid exit channel are fully closed, and in the fourth closed position the fluid through channel is completely closed and the fluid exit channel is at least partially open.

Particularly preferably, an interlocking device for opening the fluid discharge channel is formed.

At this time, the interlocking device is preferably formed independently, independent of the actuator for the closing member, in which case the interlocking device preferably again acts on the position of the shaft and, in addition, of the closing member.

The interlocking device is preferably formed as a mechanical interlocking system for opening the fluid discharge channel through a groove-pin-guide onto the shaft.

According to an improvement of the present invention, a BUS-connection for connecting the control unit of the combined manifold valve to the vehicle central control unit is provided for connecting the combined manifold valve to the inside of the air conditioner and the vehicle control unit Respectively.

The problem of the present invention is also solved by a method for controlling a combined manifold valve comprising completely opening the fluid through channel at the first closed position and completely closing the fluid exit channel with the associated closing member Wherein the shaft and the worm gear are fixed by the coupling magnet of the external threaded sleeve by the electromagnet for the perfusion stage.

In the second closed position, the fluid through channel is at least partially closed by the associated closing member, and the fluid outlet channel is closed completely by the associated closing member, wherein the shaft is moved rotationally by the stepping motor together with the closing member do. The closure member is rotationally and translationally moved through the worm gear so that the cross-sectional area of the flow-through channel of the fluid through channel is enlarged or reduced according to the direction of movement. In the third closed position, both the fluid through channel and the fluid exit channel are completely closed, in which case the entire worm gear entirely passes through the external threaded sleeve together with the internal threaded sleeve, the shaft and the closing member to block the flow cross- Is moved to the closed position of the closing member by the switching operation of the step electromagnet.

Finally, in the fourth closed position, the fluid through channel is completely closed and the fluid exit channel is at least partially opened, at which time the interlocking device is unlocked.

Preferably, the combined manifold valve is used as an expansion valve with a fast closing function and a refrigerant discharge function in the refrigerant circulation system.

Particularly preferably, the combined manifold valve is used in a refrigerant circulation system using carbon dioxide as the refrigerant, that is, R744.

In accordance with the inventive concept, the combination manifold valve incorporates all the necessary functions into one device, i.e., an integrated part. Depending on the specific geometry and arrangement of the channels and the integrated electronics inside the valve, safety functions such as the main function of the part, namely the blocking function and the discharge function of the part in addition to the inflation function, can be easily performed.

The basis for the combined manifold valve is a piston slide valve with a recoil spring in relation to the structural configuration of the valve. Switching between expansion and switch-off safety functions is achieved by incorporating a gear designed as a worm gear in combination with a gear following the solenoid principle.

It is a further feature to integrate the discharge channel into the valve body, to enlarge the position of the piston slide, to integrate the BUS connection and electronics, and to avoid the situation where the refrigerant is unwantedly discharged. .

An advantage of the present invention is that it is possible to implement such functions in a smaller footprint compared to a comparable structural solution according to the prior art that can implement the required functions.

It is also desirable that the weight of the component can be lighter by incorporating known functions into one component. These advantages are also associated with simpler assembly processes. What is especially striking is that the risk of leakage is reduced by integrating various functions into one component.

A further desirable effect is that EMV-optimized operation is achieved by incorporating the drive directly into the valve. In summary, with such an effect, the cost of the component itself and the cost of installing the component in the vehicle can be reduced.

Further details, features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Explanation of drawings:
1 is a schematic longitudinal section view of a combined manifold valve,
2 is a schematic view showing a combined manifold valve at the time of fluid passage,
3 is a schematic view showing a combined manifold valve that performs an expansion function,
Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing a combination manifold valve that performs a shutoff function, and
5 is a schematic view showing a combination manifold valve that performs a discharge function.

1 is a schematic longitudinal section view of a combined manifold valve. The combination manifold valve 1 comprises a fluid supply channel 2 which branches into a fluid flow channel 11 and a fluid discharge channel 12 in accordance with the concept of the present invention. Thus, the combined manifold valve 1 has one manifold valve in accordance with its basic structure, but this manifold valve is designed to perform various functions when used in a refrigerant circulation system in particular. The fluid through channel (11) can be closed by the closure member (3.1). Similarly, the fluid exit channel 12 is configured to be closed by the closure member 3.2. The two closure members 3.1 and 3.2 are formed in various regions of the shaft 4 or are disposed in these various regions. The shaft 4 is formed as a piston slide according to the preferred embodiment shown in the figures. The shaft with the closure members 3.1 and 3.2 is part of the actuator and is driven by a stepping motor 5 which moves the shaft 4 in a rotational motion manner. The rotational movement of the shaft 4 is transformed into the axial movement of the shaft 4 by the worm gear formed from the elements of the external threaded sleeve 8 and the internal threaded sleeve 9. [ Depending on the axial movement or motion of the shaft 4, the closure members 3.1 and 3.2 may be positioned in the closed position or positioned in the open position depending on function. The worm gear is fixed in two different positions by the electromagnets 6 and 7 in the combined manifold valve 1, via an external threaded sleeve 8 formed as a coupling permanent magnet. At this time, the magnets 6 and 7 are arranged at positions displaced along the shaft 4 in pairs in the axial direction. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the electromagnet 6 for the perfusion step is arranged towards the closing members 3.1 and 3.2, and at the end facing away from the closing member, the electromagnet 7 for the blocking step is positioned. A reaction element 10 acting on the shaft 4 and also on the closing elements 3.1 and 3.2 is formed in the combined manifold valve 1 and is structurally formed as a reaction spring . Finally, in the combined manifold valve 1, the control unit 13 and the interlocking device 14 are implemented. The control unit 13 is used to control actuators acting in the form of a stepper motor 5 and through the electromagnets 6 and 7 to the worm gear and in addition to the closing members 3.1 and 3.2.

The interlocking device 14 is likewise regulated and interlocked via the control unit 13 or the fluid discharge channel 12 is unlocked by opening of the closure member 3.2 only under very specific circumstances, Restricts the movement of the shaft 4 so that the refrigerant from the circulation system can be discharged from the circulation system through the fluid discharge channel 12 to the outside. The interlocking device 14 is preferably embodied as a groove-pin-system that applies a spring load to guide the shaft 4. In the interlocked state, the axial length extension of the groove enables axial movement of the shaft 4 along the length path of the groove, and such axial movement is limited by the engagement of the pin with the groove interior.

Fig. 2 shows the combined manifold valve 1 with the passage of the fluid through channel 11 fully open. The refrigerant is introduced into the combined manifold valve 1 via the fluid supply channel 12 as indicated by the arrow and reaches the fluid through channel 11 which is not closed by the closing member 3.1 And passes through the valve in a non-flow limited state. As the fluid discharge valve 12 is closed by the closure member 3.2, there is no refrigerant that can eventually escape from the refrigerant system through this fluid path. The worm gear composed of the external threaded sleeve 8 and the internal threaded sleeve 9 is fixed by the electromagnet 6 for the perfusion stage. The closure member 3.1 is withdrawn from the fluid through channel 11 in the downward direction as viewed in the drawing with the shaft 4 and is fixed in this state, in which case the recoil member 10 is compressed to its maximum extent have. The movement of the shaft 4 is restricted in the form of a stopper by means of an interlocking device 14 in which the pin of the interlocking device is positioned at the upper end of the groove, ) Is prevented by the shape-fitting method.

In Fig. 3, the combination manifold valve 1 when performing the expansion function is shown. The refrigerant flows into the valve again through the fluid supply channel 2 and reaches the interior of the fluid through channel 11. [ At this time, however, the fluid through channel is partially closed by the closure member 3.1, and consequently, the flow restriction of the refrigerant is performed according to the function in such a place where the cross section is narrowed. The closure member 3.1 is moved continuously through the worm gear, whereby all the cross sections can be adjusted according to the desired and, if desired, between fully open and fully closed conditions. Although an unauthorized setting is preferred, it may be desirable to have a setting consisting of a variety of predetermined discontinuous steps as an alternative. The worm gear is formed by an external threaded sleeve 9 and an internal threaded sleeve 9. The internal threaded sleeve 9 is connected to the shaft 4 while the external threaded sleeve 8 is formed as a coupling permanent magnet and is fixed at a corresponding position by a magnetic field by the flow- do. In this function, by the rotation operation of the shaft 4 by the step motor 5, the movement operation of the rotational motion of the shaft is performed by the closing member 3.1, which acts on the fluid through channel 11, It is converted into translational motion for changing the cross-sectional plane. Thus, the correct expansion of the refrigerant can be set and adjusted by the rotation of the shaft using the stepper motor 5 and the kinetic component of the translational motion system using the pitch of the worm gear.

In Fig. 4, a combination manifold valve 1 when performing a shutoff function is shown. The shut-off function is a safety technically desirable function in which, for example, in the event of a catastrophe, the areas of the refrigerant circulation system can be separated from the additional refrigerant supply by means of a maximum quick closing action of the valve. The refrigerant reaches the interior of the valve through the fluid supply channel 2, but continues to flow through the closure members 3.1 and 3.2 in the closed position. This situation is indicated by the cross marks in the respective regions of the closure member (3.1 and 3.2). This blocking function is achieved by the action of the electromagnet 7 for the interruption phase whereby the shaft 4 is axially moved in accordance with the solenoid principle by means of an external threaded sleeve 8 formed of a coupling magnet, And moves upward in the direction of the arrow. The movement of the shaft 4 is limited by the interlocking device 14 on the end side. Thus, in this position, two fluid passages, i.e., the fluid passage channel 11 and the fluid discharge channel 12 are blocked. The rapid movement of the shaft 4 is assisted by the recoil member 10 which is shown as a spring in this embodiment and which is directed towards the shaft 4 in the direction of the closing movement To the top, acting mechanically.

Fig. 5 shows a combined manifold valve 1 that performs a discharge function for discharging the refrigerant from the circulation system. The closure member 3.1 of the fluid through channel 11 is in the closed position and consequently the refrigerant is guided through the fluid supply channel 2 into the open fluid discharge channel 12 as indicated by the arrows . In order to reach the state of such closure members 3.1 and 3.2 the shaft 4 can be brought into engagement with the locking member 14 by means of unlocking of the interlocking device 14, Position to a corresponding position, with the result that the closure member 3.2 opens the fluid discharge channel 12. At this point, the refrigerant may leak through the fluid discharge channel 12, depending on its function, which may be desirable and necessary to reduce the likelihood of danger by the refrigerant in certain exceptional circumstances, such as, for example, a catastrophe .

Thus, the embodiment of the combined manifold valve 1 shown in the figures enables a combination of the three desired functions using one manifold valve in a generally preferred manner. Particularly preferably, three functions such as expansion, blocking and fluid discharge can be structurally performed in one part.

1: Combination type manifold valve
2: fluid supply channel
3.1: Closure member for fluid through channel
3.2: Closure member for fluid discharge channel
4: Shaft, piston slide valve
5: Step motor
6: Electromagnet for perfusion stage
7: Electromagnet for blocking stage
8: External threaded sleeve
9: Internal thread sleeve
10: reaction member, spring
11: fluid through channel
12: fluid discharge channel
13: Control unit
14: Interlocking device

Claims (14)

A fluid supply channel 2 as a fluid inlet and two switchable fluid outlets formed as a fluid through channel 11 and a fluid exit channel 12 and these fluid outlets are connected to the closure members 3.1, In a combination manifold valve (1) designed to be closed by a valve
Two actuators acting on the closing member 3.1, 3.2 in the combined manifold valve 1 are provided and one continuous actuator is provided in the fluid communication channel 11 of the combined valve 1, And one discontinuous actuator is formed so as to discretely change the cross-sectional flow cross-sections of the fluid passage channel (11) and the fluid discharge channel (12) of the combined valve (1) Combined manifold valve. The method according to claim 1,
Characterized in that the discontinuous actuator is formed so as to simultaneously move the closure member (3.1, 3.2) and close the cross-sectional flow cross-sections of the fluid passage channel (11) and the fluid discharge channel (12) Manifold valve. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The continuous actuator is formed as a step motor 5 which is arranged to rotate the shaft 4 connected to the closure members 3.1 and 3.2 in a rotary motion manner (11) and the fluid discharge channel (12) to move the closure member (3.1, 3.2) in a translatory manner through a worm gear Wherein the at least one cross-sectional surface of the manifold valve is formed to be capable of continuously changing at least one of the cross-sectional flow cross-sections. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Wherein discontinuous actuators for the closing members 3.1 and 3.2 are formed as electromagnets 6 and 7 along the solenoid principle and the electromagnets 6 and 7 are formed by the closing members 3.1, Characterized in that the shaft (4) connected to the first and second actuators (2, 3, 2, 3) is moved axially by a translational motion by an electromagnetic force. The method according to claim 3 or 4,
The worm gear is formed as a combination of an internal screw thread sleeve and a corresponding external screw thread sleeve 8 which is implemented as a coupling permanent magnet And the coupling permanent magnet corresponds to the position of the worm gear, the position of the shaft (4) connected to the worm gear, and the position of the worm gear connected thereto by the switching operation of the electromagnets (6, 7) And is configured to set the position of the closing member (3.1, 3.2). 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Wherein the combination manifold valve 1 is formed by a piston slide valve having a recoil member and the closure members 3.1 and 3.2 for the fluid through channel 11 and the fluid exit channel 12 Characterized in that the shaft (4) with the shaft (4) is formed as a piston slide and the recoil element (10) for the shaft (4) is formed as a spring. 7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
Characterized in that the closure member (3.1, 3.2) is configured to be movable as a region of the shaft (4) and with the shaft (4), the closure member (3.1, 3.2) The fluid through channel 11 is at least partially closed at the second closed position so that the fluid through channel 11 is fully opened and the fluid exit channel 12 is completely closed and the fluid exit channel 12 is completely closed The fluid through channel 11 is completely closed at the third closed position and both the fluid through channel 11 and the fluid exit channel 12 are completely closed at the third closed position and the fluid through channel 11 is completely closed at the fourth closed position, And are partially open with respect to one another. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
An interlocking device (14) is formed to open the fluid discharge channel (12). 9. The method of claim 8,
Characterized in that the interlocking device (14) is formed independently of the actuators (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) for the shaft (4). 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9,
Characterized in that the interlocking device (14) is formed as a mechanical interlocking system for opening the fluid discharge channel (12) through a groove-pin-guide. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Wherein a BUS-connection is formed to connect the control unit (13) of the combination manifold valve (1) to the vehicle central control unit. 11. A method for controlling a combination manifold valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
In the first closed position the shaft 4 and the worm gear are connected to the electromagnet 6 for the perfusion stage 6 by completely opening the fluid through channel 11 and completely closing the fluid discharge channel 12 by the closure member 3.1. , By the coupling magnet of the external threaded sleeve 8,
- in the second closed position the fluid through channel (11) is at least partly closed by the closure member (3.1) and the fluid outlet channel (12) is closed completely by the closure member (3.2) Is moved in a rotary motion manner by a step motor (5) together with the closure member (3.1), and the closure member (3.1) is moved in a rotational motion and in a translational manner via the worm gear The cross-sectional area of the flow-through channel 11 is enlarged or reduced in accordance with the direction,
In the third closed position, the entire worm gear is fully engaged with the internal thread sleeve (8) through the external threaded sleeve (8) in order to completely close the flow cross-section by completely closing both the fluid through channel (11) Is moved to the closed position of the closing member (3.1, 3.2) by the switching operation of the electromagnet (7) for the blocking step together with the shaft (9), the shaft (4) and the closing members
Characterized in that, in the fourth closed position, the interlocking device (14) is unlocked by completely closing the fluid through channel (11) and at least partially opening the fluid outlet channel (12) A method of controlling a folded valve. Use of the combination manifold valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for use as an expansion valve with a fast closing function and a refrigerant discharge function in a refrigerant circulation system. Use of the combination manifold valve (1) according to claim 13 for use in a refrigerant circulation system using R744 as refrigerant.

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