WO2026014776A1

WO2026014776A1 - Device for regulating a flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit

Info

Publication number: WO2026014776A1
Application number: PCT/KR2025/009026
Authority: WO
Inventors: Carsten Ohrem; Malte Klein; Johann Uphoff
Original assignee: Hanon Systems Corp
Current assignee: Hanon Systems Corp
Priority date: 2024-07-08
Filing date: 2025-06-27
Publication date: 2026-01-15
Anticipated expiration: 2027-01-08
Also published as: DE102025118497A1

Abstract

A device for regulating a flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit, including a housing having at least two connectors for connecting to fluid lines of the fluid circuit, each connector has at least one through-opening into a volume enclosed by the housing, a valve element arranged within the volume and mounted in the axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the device so as to be movable in a linear movement between a first end position and a second end position relative to the housing, an actuating element for moving the valve element and a fixing element for applying an axial force to the valve element in the direction of the longitudinal axis, where the fixing element is fixedly arranged on the housing and on the valve element.

Description

DEVICE FOR REGULATING A FLOW OF A FLUID IN A FLUID CIRCUIT

The invention relates to a device for regulating a flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit. The device has a housing with connectors for connecting to fluid lines of the fluid circuit. Each connector is connected to a through-opening opening into a volume enclosed by the housing. A valve element for fluidically connecting or closing the through-openings is arranged within the volume. The valve element is mounted along a longitudinal axis of the device so as to be movable in a linear movement between a first end position and a second end position relative to the housing. An actuating element is provided for moving the valve element.

The invention also relates to a use of the device in a refrigerant circuit of a thermal system, in particular of a motor vehicle.

A valve, as a device for regulating a flow and possibly expanding a refrigerant, performs the functions of sealing when closed, regulating a mass flow, or expanding the refrigerant according to a characteristic curve, as well as allowing flow at full load with the flow cross section open to its maximum. Operation with the valve's flow cross section open to its maximum allows the refrigerant to flow with minimum or no significant pressure loss.

In addition to the functions mentioned, the valve must also meet other possible criteria. For example, the transition between the sealing and regulating or expanding functions should be as continuous as possible and thus without any discontinuity in the corresponding characteristic curve that represents the refrigerant mass flow as a function of the valve position. Furthermore, the characteristic curve should not exhibit any hysteresis, i.e., the mass flow of the refrigerant should depend solely on the valve position, any dependence of the mass flow through the valve on the starting point of the valve movement and thus on the positioning of the valve into the valve position, starting from one of the end positions, or on a pressure differential direction, should be avoided.

Devices known from the prior art for regulating a flow and expanding a refrigerant have an electric motor for driving a drive shaft, which is set into a rotational movement. The rotational movement of the drive shaft about a longitudinal axis is converted internally within the device via a conversion mechanism with a lead screw and an anti-rotation device allowing axial movement into a linear stroke movement of a valve element, preferably designed as a valve needle. The anti-rotation device allowing axial movement prevents the rotational movement of the valve element, which moves linearly relative to a housing exclusively in the axial direction and thus in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

The valve element is subjected to varying pressures. In this case, all surfaces subjected to pressure of the valve element are constructed in such a way that the pressure forces acting on the valve element are virtually in equilibrium. Due to the non-identical design of the corresponding surfaces, at least slight pressure forces can occur, particularly in the axial direction.

In addition, the valve element is sealed against the housing or to a valve seat element arranged within the housing via sealing elements for internally sealing the regions subjected to different pressure levels, such as a high-pressure side and a low-pressure side of a refrigerant circuit. In the closed state of the valve, the valve element bears with a sealing surface fully circumferentially especially against an inner surface of the valve seat seal of the housing.

The drive shaft is held within the housing by a bearing, particularly in the form of a ball bearing. The bearing, which fixes the drive shaft axially and absorbs the axial forces resulting from the movement as well as pressure forces of the refrigerant, the arrangement of the valve element within the valve seat element as well as a threaded connection of the conversion arrangement, each of which exhibits a clearance in the axial direction, result in a series of cumulative tolerances in the design and thus in an overall clearance of a plurality of components. As a result of the tolerances of the components, the position of the valve element can vary within the clearance in the axial direction, due to the direction of pressure differential within the device, which leads to inaccurate positioning of the valve element within the housing and thus to inaccurate regulation of the refrigerant mass flow. The inaccuracy of the position of the valve element within the housing results in the order of magnitude of the summed clearances of the components or the overall clearance. The inaccurate positioning of the valve element, depending on the direction of pressure differential, leads to a hysteresis of the characteristic curve of the device, which, with the mass flow of the refrigerant, represents a first and a second axial end-of-clearance position of the valve element depending on the valve position.

It is the object of the invention to provide a device for regulating a flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular in a refrigerant circuit, of a thermal system of a motor vehicle. The device is intended to perform the functions of valves, in particular sealing and regulating a mass flow of a fluid. In this case, the mass flow of the fluid is intended to depend solely on the valve position and not on the direction of pressure differential or on the starting point of the movement and thus on the positioning of the valve element into the desired valve position. The characteristic curve of the device is intended to be free from hysteresis. Furthermore, the complexity, in particular with a minimum number of components, and thus the costs for manufacturing and maintaining the device are intended to be minimum.

The object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of the independent claims. Refinements are specified in the dependent claims.

The object is achieved by a device for regulating a flow and expanding a fluid in at least one fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit. The device has a housing with at least two connectors for connecting to fluid lines of the fluid circuit. In this case, each connector is connected to a through-opening opening into a volume enclosed by the housing. A valve element for fluidically connecting or closing the through-openings is arranged within the volume. The valve element is mounted in the axial direction along a longitudinal axis of the device so as to be movable in a linear movement between a first end position and a second end position relative to the housing. The device also has an actuating element for moving the valve element.

According to the inventive concept, the device is designed with a fixing element for applying an axial force to the valve element in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In this case, the fixing element is fixedly arranged on the housing and on the valve element.

The valve element is preferably designed to be substantially circular-cylindrical, in particular in the form of a needle, rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and is arranged with an axis of symmetry extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the device.

According to a refinement of the invention, a spring element is provided as a fixing element. In this case, the fixing element is preferably designed as a helical spring extending along the longitudinal axis, in particular made from a rod with a round cross section, specifically as a conical helical spring, with a first end section and a second end section distal to the first end section. The rod of the fixing element designed as a helical spring is wound about the longitudinal axis. With the conical design of the fixing element, the first end section of the helical spring advantageously has a larger outer diameter than the second end section.

A further advantage of the invention is that the first end section of the fixing element is designed with a first end oriented substantially in the axial direction, and the second end section of the fixing element is designed with a second end oriented substantially in the axial direction. In this case, the ends of the fixing element, which is designed as a rod in the form of a helical spring, are bent toward the respective end sections in the direction of the longitudinal axis, in particular at an angle of approximately 90°.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing has a first support and the valve element has a second support. In this case, the fixing element is fixed to the housing with its first end section and to the valve element with its second end section. In particular, the fixing element is connected directly or indirectly to the housing with its first end section and to the valve element with its second end section in each case.

The first support is preferably designed as a fully-circumferential groove or a radial notch about the longitudinal axis within the housing, in particular on an inner surface of the housing. The fixing element is preferably fixed to the housing in the axial direction with the first end section within the notch-shaped groove of the first support. In this case, a cross-sectional shape of the notch-shaped groove of the first support corresponds to a cross section of the first end section of the fixing element, which is preferably designed as a rod wound about the longitudinal axis as a helical spring.

The second support is advantageously designed on the valve element as a fully-circumferential groove or a radial notch about the longitudinal axis, particularly in the region of an end face of the valve element. The fixing element is preferably fixed to the valve element in the axial direction with the second end section within the notch-shaped groove of the second support. In this case, a cross-sectional shape of the notch-shaped groove of the second support corresponds to a cross section of the second end section of the fixing element, which is preferably designed as a rod wound about the longitudinal axis as a helical spring.

According to an advantageous configuration of the invention, the housing has a first receptacle for the fixing element in the region of the first support, and the valve element has a second receptacle for the fixing element in the region of the second support.

The first receptacle is preferably designed as a groove oriented substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis or as a notch oriented in the axial direction for receiving the fixing element. In this case, the fixing element is fixed to the housing with its first end within the first receptacle in the circumferential direction. A cross-sectional shape of the notch-shaped groove of the first receptacle corresponds to the cross section of the first end of the fixing element. In combination with the first end section fixed to the housing in the axial direction within the notch-shaped groove of the first support, the fixing element is firmly connected to the housing both in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction.

The second receptacle is preferably designed as a groove oriented substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis or as a notch oriented in the axial direction for receiving the fixing element. In this case, the fixing element is fixed to the valve element with its second end within the second receptacle in the circumferential direction. A shape of a cross section of the notch-shaped groove of the second receptacle corresponds to the cross section of the second end of the fixing element. In combination with the second end section fixed to the valve element in the axial direction within the notch-shaped groove of the second support, the fixing element is firmly connected to the valve element both in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction.

According to a further preferred configuration of the invention, the fixing element has a stop for the valve element in the direction of the longitudinal axis or in the axial direction, in particular in the region of the first end section of the fixing element. Advantageously, the stop is formed from structural features, which deviate from a substantially circular design of the first end section of the fixing element and are directed radially inward, against which the valve element bears with an end face in an end position. The structural features are preferably oriented in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

The structural features can be distributed evenly around the circumference and, in particular, can be designed in pairs. In this case, the structural features provided in pairs can be arranged opposite the longitudinal axis.

According to a refinement of the invention, the actuating element is supported on the housing via a bearing, which is designed in particular as a ball bearing, and is arranged to be guided in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, the at least one through-opening of the first connector is oriented in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis and thus to the valve element. At least two through-openings of the first connector can be designed to open into a flow channel, which can be designed between an outer side of the valve element and the housing, in particular fully circumferentially encircling the valve element.

The at least one through-opening of the second connector is preferably oriented in the direction of the longitudinal axis and thus in the axial direction relative to the valve element.

The device can be configured in such a way that the fluid expands as it flows through the device. The device can also be designed to allow bidirectional fluid flow.

According to a further advantageous configuration of the invention, the valve element is connected to a drive element arranged outside the housing via the actuating element for driving the valve element. The actuating element is preferably designed as a drive shaft oriented in the axial direction or in the direction of the longitudinal axis. In this case, in particular, the actuating element is arranged at a first end fixedly connected to the drive element, as well as, at a second end distal to the first end, protruding into the housing and connected to the valve element.

A linear motor or a rotary motor can be provided as the drive element. A drive element provided as a rotary motor is preferably designed as an electric actuator, in particular as a stepper motor or servomotor, which advantageously allows, for example, the control of the angular position. The motor can be designed to have a sensor for position determination. The rotational position of the actuating element determined by the sensor can be continuously transmitted to control electronics, which regulates the movement of the motor in a control loop according to adjustable setpoints, such as target angular positions of the actuating element.

According to a further preferred configuration of the invention, a conversion mechanism is provided which, in conjunction with the fixing element, is designed to convert a rotational movement of the actuating element about the longitudinal axis into a linear movement of the valve element, in particular a linear stroke movement of the valve element, in the direction of the longitudinal axis relative to the housing. In this case, the fixing element prevents the rotational movement of the valve element about the longitudinal axis and, due to extensibility as well as, within the limits of extensibility in the axial direction, allows the linear movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis.

Advantageously, the conversion mechanism is designed as a threaded connection between the actuating element and the valve element. The actuating element is preferably inserted into an opening provided in the valve element. An external thread can be formed on an outer side of the rotationally symmetrical actuating element, and an internal thread can be formed within the opening of the valve element.

The advantageous configuration of the invention enables the use of the device for regulating a flow of a fluid in a refrigerant circuit of a thermal system, in particular a thermal management system, of a motor vehicle, for example for conditioning an air mass flow to be supplied to a passenger compartment or a component of a drive train.

The refrigerant circuit in which a device is used can be operated with any refrigerant, in particular R1234yf, R1234a, R134a, R744, R404a, R600 or R600a, R290, R152a, R32 as well as mixtures thereof.

The device according to the invention, which is preferably designed as an electrically driven needle valve, has, in summary, in particular as a refrigerant valve, various advantages:

- minimizing the axial clearance of the valve element, i.e. the clearance in the direction of the longitudinal axis and thus in the direction of movement, and thereby

- eliminating or compensating the hysteresis of the device's characteristic curve as well as maximizing the control performance of the device and precisely regulating the fluid mass flow within the fluid circuit, which leads to maximum energy efficiency when operating the system with the fluid circuit and the device,

- minimum complexity of the device, which in particular leads to minimum costs for assembly and manufacturing as well as maintenance and operation and thus to minimum overall costs, as well as

- minimum required installation space.

Further details, features, and advantages of configurations of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the associated drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1a: shows a first device for regulating a flow and expanding a fluid in a fluid circuit from the prior art having a housing and components arranged within the housing, such as an electric drive and valve element in the closed state as well as an actuating element with a conversion arrangement in a lateral sectional illustration,

Fig. 1b: shows a detailed view of the valve element within a valve seat element of the device according to Fig. 1a,

Fig. 1c and 1d: show an arrangement of the valve element within the housing of the first device according to Fig. 1a with an anti-rotation device allowing axial movement for converting a rotational movement of the actuating element into a linear movement of the valve element along the axis of rotation in a sectional view of a plane through the axis of rotation as well as a sectional illustration perpendicular to the axis of rotation,

Fig. 1e: shows a second device for regulating a flow and expanding a fluid in a fluid circuit from the prior art having a housing and a valve element arranged within the housing in the closed state as well as the actuating element with the conversion mechanism in a lateral sectional illustration,

Fig. 1f: shows a characteristic curve of a device from the prior art as an illustration of the mass flow of the fluid depending on the valve position,

Fig. 2a: shows a device according to the invention for regulating a flow and expanding a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, having a housing and a valve element arranged within the housing with the valve element in the closed position having a fixing element in a lateral sectional illustration,

Fig. 2b: shows the device according to Fig. 2a in a detailed illustration,

Fig. 3a: shows the device according to Fig. 2a with the valve element in the open position in a lateral sectional illustration,

Fig. 3b: shows the device according to Fig. 3a in a detailed illustration,

Fig. 4: shows a detailed view of the device according to Fig. 2a with the fixing element in conjunction with the housing and the valve element in a closed position in a perspective sectional illustration, and

Fig. 5a and 5b: show each a detailed view of the device according to Fig. 3a with the fixing element in conjunction with the housing and the valve element in an open position in a perspective as well as in a lateral sectional illustration.

Figs. 1a to 1d show a first device 1' known from the prior art for regulating a flow and expanding a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit, while Fig. 1e shows a second such device 1''. Here, Figs. 1a and 1e show devices 1', 1'' each with components arranged within a housing 2', 2'', such as an electric drive element 3 designed as an electric motor, and a valve element 7', 7'' in a closed state, as well as an actuating element 4 with a conversion mechanism 5 in a lateral sectional illustration. Fig. 1b shows a detailed view of valve element 7' within a valve seat element of first device 1' according to Fig. 1a. The difference between devices 1', 1'' lies substantially in the design of housing 2', 2''. Second device 1'' according to Fig. 1e is designed as a plug-in valve or screw-in valve in comparison to first device 1' according to Fig. 1a.

With drive element 3 as an electric drive, a drive shaft provided as actuating element 4 is set into a rotational movement 4a. By means of conversion mechanism 5 formed on the drive shaft oriented in the axial direction, in particular a thread, specifically a so-called lead screw, rotational movement 4a of actuating element 4 about its longitudinal axis 6 is converted into a linear stroke movement of valve element 7', 7'', which is preferably designed as a valve needle. The linear stroke movement thus corresponds to a linear movement 7a of valve element 7', 7'' in the axial direction, i.e. in the direction of longitudinal axis 6. Actuating element 4 and valve element 7', 7'' are each oriented coaxially to one another on common longitudinal axis 6.

The threaded connection of conversion mechanism 5 is provided in each case between the drive shaft designed as actuating element 4 and valve element 7', 7''. In this case, actuating element 4, which substantially has the shape of a cylindrical rod, in particular a round rod with sections of different diameters, is inserted with a free end into an opening 7b', 7b'' formed in valve element 7', 7''. The free end of actuating element 4 is arranged distally to an end connected to drive element 3. Actuating element 4 thus has an external thread at the free end as a first element of the threaded connection, while an internal thread is formed within opening 7b', 7b'' of valve element 7', 7' as a second element of the threaded connection. Valve element 7' of first device 7' is arranged and guided in a valve seat element.

Valve element 7', 7'', which moves linearly in the axial direction and extends substantially in the axial direction, is held by an anti-rotation device 8', 8'' allowing axial movement, which prevents a rotational movement of valve element 7', 7'' about the axial direction or about common longitudinal axis 6 of actuating element 4 and valve element 7', 7'' as well as allows linear movement 7a in the axial direction.

Valve element 7' of first device 1' has structural features 7c' in the region sliding within housing 2'. Structural features 7c' are formed on an end of valve element 7' aligned with drive element 3 and protrude in pairs opposite from valve element 7', as can be seen in particular from Figs. 1c and 1d. Thus, valve element 7' of first device 1' has a T-shape in a cross section through longitudinal axis 6. Figs. 1c and 1d show the arrangement of valve element 7' within housing 2' of first device 1' according to Fig. 1a with anti-rotation device 8' allowing axial movement for converting rotational movement 4a of actuating element 4 into the linear movement of valve element 7' along the axis of rotation in a sectional illustration of a plane through the axis of rotation as well as a sectional illustration perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

Housing 2' of first device 1' is formed in the region of structural features 7c' of valve element 7' with notch-shaped or groove-like recesses 2a' arranged opposite with respect to longitudinal axis 6 of valve element 7', each of which corresponds in shape to a structural feature 7c' of valve element 7'. In this case, the shapes of recesses 2a' of housing 2' correspond to the outer shape of structural features 7c' of valve element 7' plus a clearance for the sliding movement of valve element 7' within housing 2' in the axial direction.

By arranging structural features 7c' of valve element 7' having a T-shaped cross-section within notch-shaped or groove-like recesses 2a' of housing 2' of first device 1', a rotational movement of valve element 7', driven by actuating element 4 rotating about longitudinal axis 6, is prevented. Thus, valve element 7' is set into linear movement 7a by rotational movement 4a of actuating element 4 without rotating itself about longitudinal axis 6.

The devices 1', 1'' are also each designed with a first connector 9 and a second connector 10, each having a through-opening 9a, 10a. A through-opening 9a of first connector 9 is oriented in the radial direction toward valve element 7', 7'', while a through-opening 10a of second connector 10 is oriented in the axial direction of valve element 7', 7''.

Through-opening 9a of first connector 9 is subjected to refrigerant at a first pressure p1, such that pressure p1 acts on valve element 7' substantially in the radial direction. Through-opening 10a of second connector 10 is subjected to refrigerant at a second pressure p2, such that pressure p2 acts on valve element 7' substantially in the axial direction. The pressure forces acting on valve element 7' are shown in Fig. 1b as an example for first device 1', but also apply to second device 1''. All pressurized surfaces of valve element 7' are constructed in such a way that valve element 7' is arranged in a nearly isostatic state. The pressure forces acting on valve element 7' are nearly in equilibrium. A section 5a of the thread of actuating element 4, which otherwise has a circular cross section, formed as a flattened region according to Figs. 1c and 1d, ensures, as a flow opening in combination with opening 7b' of valve element 7' formed as a through-bore, pressure equalization in the axial direction with respect to second pressure p2 within first device 1'. In this case, due to the non-identical design of the corresponding pressurized surfaces, especially their size in the axial direction, at least small pressure forces, in particular in the axial direction, can act at valve element 7'.

Actuating element 4, designed as a drive shaft, is guided within housing 2', 2'' via a bearing 11, designed in particular as a ball bearing. With bearing 11 axially fixing actuating element 4 and absorbing the axial forces resulting from the movement as well as the pressure forces of the refrigerant, the arrangement of valve element 7' within the valve seat element according to first device 1', as well as the threaded connection of the lead screw of the conversion mechanism 5, which each have a clearance in the axial direction, a sum of tolerances results as a combined total clearance of a plurality of components due to the design. Based on the direction of the pressure differential and the tolerances of the individual components, the position of valve element 7', 7'' can vary within the total axial clearance in housing 2', 2'' of device 1', 1'', which leads to inaccurate positioning of valve element 7', 7'' within housing 2', 2'' and thus to inaccurate control of the refrigerant mass flow. The inaccurate positioning of valve element 7', 7'' within housing 2', 2'', which results in the order of magnitude of the summed clearances of the components or the total clearance, depending on the direction of the pressure differential, leads, according to Fig. 1f, to a hysteresis of the characteristic curve of device 1', 1'' in each case, which, with the mass flow, represents in each case a first and a second axial end-of-clearance position of valve element 7', 7'' depending on the valve position.

Figs. 2a and 2b show a device 1 according to the invention for regulating a flow and expanding a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system of a motor vehicle, having a housing 2 and a valve element 7 arranged within a valve chamber enclosed by housing 2, in a closed position as the first end position, with a fixing element 12, in a lateral sectional illustration as well as a detailed illustration. Figs. 3a and 3b show device 1 according to Fig. 2a with valve element 7 in an open, in particular fully open, position as the second end position, in a lateral sectional illustration as well as a detailed illustration.

In comparison to devices 1', 1'' shown in Figs. 1a to 1e, identical or similar components of device 1 are provided with identical or similar reference numerals.

Device 1 has first connector 9 and second connector 10, each with at least one associated through-opening 9a, 10a within housing 2. First connector 9 is formed from circumferentially, in particular evenly distributed through-openings 9a, which are oriented radially toward valve element 7 and are connected to one another via a flow channel. The flow channel is designed as an annular channel between an outer side of valve element 7 and housing 2. Through-opening 10a of second connector 10 is oriented in the axial direction of valve element 7.

Actuating element 4, designed as a drive shaft, is set into rotational movement 4a about longitudinal axis 6 by means of drive element 3 designed as an electric motor, which rotational movement 4a is converted into linear movement 7a of valve element 7 by means of conversion mechanism 5 formed on the drive shaft oriented in the axial direction in conjunction with fixing element 12 arranged between housing 2 and valve element 7.

Actuating element 4, which rotates around longitudinal axis 6, is guided in the radial direction within housing 2 via bearing 11, which is designed in particular as a ball bearing. In this case, bearing 11 also serves to fix actuating element 4 in the axial direction as well as to absorb the axial forces resulting from the movement and pressure forces of the refrigerant.

Conversion mechanism 5, designed as a thread, in particular as a lead screw, in combination with fixing element 12 arranged between housing 2 and valve element 7, transforms rotational movement 4a of actuating element 4 about its longitudinal axis 6 into the linear stroke movement as a linear movement 7a of valve element 7, which is preferably formed substantially rotationally symmetrical about longitudinal axis 6 as well as designed as a valve needle, in the direction of longitudinal axis 6. Actuating element 4 and valve element 7 are oriented coaxially with longitudinal axis 6 and with one another.

Conversion mechanism 5 is provided as a threaded connection between actuating element 4 and valve element 7. Actuating element 4, which substantially has the shape of a cylindrical rod, has a free end inserted into opening 7b formed in valve element 7. The free end of actuating element 4 is arranged distal to the end connected to drive element 3. Actuating element 4 has the external thread at the free end as the first element of the threaded connection, and the internal thread as the second element of the threaded connection within the opening 7b of valve element 7.

The arrangement of valve element 7 and bearing 11 of actuating element 4 within housing 2 as well as the threaded connection of the lead screw of conversion mechanism 5 between actuating element 4 and valve element 7, each have tolerances in the axial direction and thus a clearance. The different tolerances of the components, when combined, result in a series or a sum of tolerances as a total clearance of the design oriented in the axial direction.

Fixing element 12, designed as a spring, in particular as a torsion spring, specifically a conical helical spring made of a rod or wire with a round cross section, is also referred to as a pressure and holding element due to its functions. Fixing element 12, which is arranged substantially completely and fully circumferentially about valve element 7, is supported by a first end section 12a on housing 2 and by a second end section 12b distal to first end section 12a on valve element 7, and is oriented with a longitudinal axis in the direction of longitudinal axis 6 of device 1.

In this case, within the valve chamber, housing 2 has a first support 13 for fixing element 12, which is designed in the form of a fully-circumferential groove or radial notch and which corresponds in cross section to the cross section of fixing element 12 designed as a rod or wire. Fixing element 12 is fixed, in particular inserted or snapped in, with first end section 12a within first support 13 of housing 2, specifically in the direction of longitudinal axis 6 as the axial direction. The arrangement of first end section 12a within first support 13 of housing 2 prevents any movement relative to housing 2 that would displace fixing element 12 in the direction of longitudinal axis 6.

Valve element 7 has a second support 14 for fixing element 12 at the axial end facing actuating element 4. Second support 14 is designed in particular in the form of a fully-circumferential groove or radial notch, which corresponds in cross section to the cross section of fixing element 12 designed as a rod or wire. Fixing element 12 is arranged with second end section 12b inserted within second support 14 of valve element 7 and is fixed specifically in the direction of longitudinal axis 6 as the axial direction. The connecting arrangement of second end section 12b of fixing element 12 and second support 14 of valve element 7 prevents a movement that displaces valve element 7 in the direction of longitudinal axis 6 relative to fixing element 12, in particular to second end section 12b of fixing element 12. In this case, due to the possible elongation of fixing element 12 and thus a varying spacing of end sections 12a, 12b of fixing element 12, linear movement 7a of valve element 7 within housing 2 is possible.

When valve element 7 is in the closed position as a first end position, according to Figs. 2a and 2b, fixing element 12 is elongated, in particular maximally stretched, as well as arranged in a first end position, while, when valve element 7 is in the closed position as a second end position, according to Figs. 3a and 3b, fixing element 12 is compressed as well as arranged in a second end position. In the first end position, fixing element 12 has the greatest extent in the direction of longitudinal axis 6, while in the second end position fixing element 12 has the smallest extent in the direction of longitudinal axis 6.

With the orientation of fixing element 12, in particular the axis of symmetry, in the axial direction or in the direction of longitudinal axis 6 of valve element 7, an axial, unidirectional force acts on valve element 7, so that valve element 7 is always in an end-of-clearance position during a movement between the end positions. The end-of-clearance position is understood to mean one of two end positions of valve element 7 within the existing total clearance of the components of device 1 in the axial direction, between which valve element 7 can be arranged due to the accumulated clearances of the components and the applied forces.

In this case, the spring force of the fixing element 12 is designed in such a way that all forces acting within device 1 are reliably overcome, and valve element 7 is always pushed or pulled in the corresponding direction and thus into one of the end-of-clearance positions. The spring force of fixing element 12 is always greater than the sum of the forces acting within device 1 in a common direction, in particular in the direction of longitudinal axis 6, such as pressure forces acting on valve element 7 and frictional forces on sealing surfaces.

Due to the action of the unidirectional force, in particular the spring force of fixing element 12 in the direction of longitudinal axis 6, which is greater than the forces acting on valve element 7 due to friction and pressure, the overall clearance of the components is overcome and compensated. Consequently, fixing element 12 applies an axial force to eliminate the overall clearance in the axial direction of valve element 7. Valve element 7 is thus always arranged in the end-of-clearance position in the direction of the spring force of fixing element 12.

In addition, fixing element 12 performs the function of an end stop for valve element 7 in the axial direction as well as the function of the anti-rotation device allowing axial movement and thus serves to prevent the rotational movement or twisting of valve element 7 about longitudinal axis 6 during the driving and movement of valve element 7 within housing 2.

In order to perform the function of the anti-rotation device allowing axial movement, rod-shaped or wire-shaped fixing element 12 has, at end sections 12a, 12b, an end 12aa, 12bb which is bent essentially in the direction of longitudinal axis 6 or in the axial direction, as can also be seen from Fig. 4 as well as Figs. 5a and 5b. In this case, Fig. 4 shows a detailed view of device 1 according to Fig. 2a with fixing element 12 in conjunction with housing 2 and valve element 7 in a closed position in a perspective sectional illustration, while Figs. 5a and 5b each show a detailed view of device 1 according to Fig. 3a with fixing element 12 in conjunction with housing 2 and valve element 7 in an open position in a perspective as well as a lateral sectional illustration.

Within the valve chamber, in the region of first support 13 for fixing element 12, housing 2 has a first receptacle 15 designed in the shape of an axial groove or notch for receiving first end 12aa of fixing element 12, which corresponds in cross section to the cross section of fixing element 12 formed as a rod or wire. Fixing element 12 is fixedly arranged with first end 12aa within first receptacle 15 of housing 2, in particular in the circumferential direction.

In the region of second support 14 for fixing element 12, valve element 7 has a second receptacle 16 designed in the shape of an axial groove or notch for receiving second end 12bb of fixing element 12, which corresponds in cross section to the cross section of fixing element 12. Fixing element 12 is fixedly arranged with second end 12bb within second receptacle 16 of valve element 7. Since fixing element 12 is fixed in the circumferential direction with the arrangement of first end 12aa within first receptacle 15 of housing 2, the arrangement of second end 12bb of fixing element 12 within second receptacle 16 of valve element 7 also fixes valve element 7 in the circumferential direction, in particular relative to housing 2.

With the formation of ends 12aa, 12bb of fixing element 12 which are bent in the axial direction and which correspondingly engage in axially oriented receptacles 15, 16 formed in housing 2 and in valve element 7, a rotational movement of fixing element 12 and valve element 7 about the axial direction or about common longitudinal axis 6 of actuating element 4, fixing element 12 and valve element 7 relative to housing 2 is prevented, while linear movement 7a of valve element 7 in the axial direction between the end positions of fixing element 12 relative to housing 2 is permitted.

As a result of linear movement 7a of valve element 7 in the axial direction, which compresses or swages or stretches or lengthens fixing element 12, ends 12aa, 12bb of fixing element 12 can be rotated minimumly, in particular by a maximum of 10°, relative to one another about longitudinal axis 6. The minimum possible rotation of fixing element 12 and thus of valve element 7 about longitudinal axis 6 has no impact on the hysteresis of the characteristic curve of device 1 as a representation of the mass flow of the fluid flowing through device 1 depending on the position of valve element 7 between the two end positions.

To perform the function of the axial end stop for valve element 7, fixing element 12 is designed with an axial stop 17 in the region of first end section 12a. First end section 12a of rod-shaped or wire-shaped fixing element 12, which is otherwise arranged circumferentially in groove-shaped first support 13 formed in housing 2, has structural features that deviate from a circular design and project inward in the radial direction.

The structural features, which are oriented in a plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis 6 and are in particular formed in pairs, are evenly distributed over the circumference. The structural features, which are identical in shape and extent, are arranged as a pair opposite one another with respect to longitudinal axis 6, so that stop 17 is formed in several parts, preferably in two parts. With stop 17 having the structural features as an end stop for valve element 7, fixing element 12 is designed in such a way that valve element 7 bears against fixing element 12 in the axial direction when valve element 7 has reached the second end position “fully open” or is arranged in the second end position. In the second end position, valve element 7 bears against stop 17 with an end face formed with an axial end pointing toward actuating element 4.

The design of fixing element 12 non-rotatably arranged between housing 2 and valve element 7 prevents the variation of the position of valve element 7 within the clearance in the axial direction in housing 2 of device 1 and leads to a precise positioning of valve element 7 within housing 2 and thus to a precise regulation of the mass flow of the fluid without the occurrence of a hysteresis in the characteristic curve of device 1. In this case, the mass flow of the fluid is exclusively dependent on the valve position and independent of the starting point of the valve movement as the positioning of valve element 7 into the respective valve position, starting from one of the end positions, or on the pressure differential direction.

In addition to the function of applying the spring force in the axial direction to avoid the hysteresis of the characteristic curve due to tolerances of the individual components, fixing element 12 performs the additional function of preventing rotation of valve element 7 when converting rotational movement 4a of drive element 3 about longitudinal axis 6 into linear movement 7a of valve element 7 in the direction of longitudinal axis 6 and the function of the end stop for valve element 7 in the axial direction, so that device 1 has a minimum number of components and a simple construction, since fixing element 12 also takes on the function of an anti-rotations disk of an anti-rotation device allowing axial movement and a stop element, for example.

Device 1, which is specifically designed as a drop-in valve, can be arranged inserted into a block, in particular a block made of aluminum. It is also possible for several such devices 1 being inserted into the block.

Claims

A device (1) for regulating a flow of a fluid in a fluid circuit, in particular a refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit, having

- a housing (2) having at least two connectors (9, 10) for connecting to fluid lines of the fluid circuit, each connector (9, 10) having at least one through-opening (9a, 10a) opening into a volume enclosed by the housing (2),

- a valve element (7) arranged within the volume and mounted in the axial direction along a longitudinal axis (6) of the device (1) so as to be movable in a linear movement (7a) between a first end position and a second end position relative to the housing (2), and

- an actuating element (4) for moving the valve element (7),

characterized in that a fixing element (12) is designed to apply an axial force to the valve element (7) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (6), wherein the fixing element (12) is fixedly arranged on the housing (2) and on the valve element (7).
The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve element (7) is designed to be substantially circular-cylindrical, in particular in the form of a needle, rotationally symmetrical about the longitudinal axis (6).
The device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the fixing element (12) is designed as a spring element.
The device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fixing element (12) is designed as a helical spring extending along the longitudinal axis (6), in particular from a rod with a round cross section, specifically as a conical helical spring, having a first end section (12a) and a second end section (12b) distal to the first end section (12a).
The device (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the first end section (12a) of the fixing element (12) has a first end (12aa) oriented substantially in the axial direction, and the second end section (12b) of the fixing element (12) has a second end (12bb) oriented substantially in the axial direction.
The device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing (2) has a first support (13) and the valve element (7) has a second support (14), wherein the fixing element (12) is fixedly arranged with the first end section (12a) on the housing (2) and with the second end section (12b) on the valve element (7).
The device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first support (13) is designed as a fully-circumferential groove about the longitudinal axis (6) within the housing (2).
The device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the fixing element (12) is fixedly arranged with the first end section (12a) within the first support (13) in the axial direction on the housing (2), wherein a shape of a cross section of the first support (13) corresponds to a cross section of the fixing element (12).
The device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the second support (14) is designed as a fully-circumferential groove about the longitudinal axis (6) on the valve element (7), in particular in the region of an end face of the valve element (7).
The device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the fixing element (12) is fixedly arranged with the second end section(12b) within the second support (14) in the axial direction on the valve element (7), wherein a shape of a cross section of the second support (14) corresponds to a cross section of the fixing element (12).
The device (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the housing (2) has a first receptacle (15) for the fixing element (12) in the region of the first support (13), and the valve element (7) has a second receptacle (16) for the fixing element (12) in the region of the second support (14).
The device (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the first receptacle (15) is designed as a groove oriented substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis (6) for receiving the fixing element (12), wherein the fixing element (12) is fixedly arranged with the first end (12aa) within the first receptacle (15) in the circumferential direction on the housing (2).
The device (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the second receptacle (16) is designed as a groove oriented substantially in the direction of the longitudinal axis (6) for receiving the fixing element (12), wherein the fixing element (12) is fixedly arranged with the second end (12bb) within the second receptacle (16) in the circumferential direction on the valve element (7).
The device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the fixing element (12) is designed to have with a stop (17) for the valve element (7) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (6).
The device (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the stop (17) is designed to be in the region of a first end section(12a) of the fixing element (12).
The device (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the stop (17) is formed from structural features, which deviate from a substantially circular design and are directed radially inward and against which the valve element (7) bears with an end face in an end position.
Use of a device (1) for regulating a flow of a fluid according to any one of claims 1 to 16 in a refrigerant circuit of a thermal system, in particular a thermal management system, of a motor vehicle.