VALVE UNIT

Abstract

A valve unit includes an actuator, a first valve and a second valve. The first/second valve includes a first/second valve housing and a first/second valve body. The first/second valve body is rotatably arranged in the first/second valve housing. The two valves are arranged coaxially to one another and rotatable about a common adjusting axis. The actuator is non-releasably coupled to the first valve body and releasably coupled to the second valve body via the first valve body. The first valve body is rotatable in a first and second direction of rotation with the actuator. The second valve body in the coupled state is co-rotatable with the first valve body in the first/second direction of rotation and in the decoupled state is not co-rotatable with the first valve body at least in the second direction of rotation. In addition, a method for adjusting the valve unit is provided.

Claims

1. A valve unit, comprising: an actuator; a first valve; and a second valve, wherein the first valve comprises a first valve housing and a first valve body that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation in the first valve housing, wherein the second valve comprises a second valve housing and a second valve body that is rotatable about a second axis of rotation in the second valve housing, wherein the first valve and the second valve are arranged coaxially to one another so that the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation coincide to form a common adjusting axis, wherein the actuator is non-releasably coupled to the first valve body and releasably coupled to the second valve body via the first valve body, wherein the first valve body in the first valve housing is rotatable with the actuator in a first direction of rotation rotating about the adjusting axis and into a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation, and wherein the second valve body in the state coupled to the actuator is co-rotatable with the first valve body in the first direction of rotation and/or in the second direction of rotation and in the state decoupled from the actuator is not co-rotatable with the first valve body at least in the second direction of rotation.

2. The valve unit according to claim 1, further comprising: a switchable coupling, and wherein via the switchable coupling the first valve body and the second valve body can be rigidly connected to one another.

3. The valve unit according to claim 1, wherein: the second valve body in the state coupled to the actuator is co-rotatable with the first valve body only in the first direction of rotation, and the second valve body in the state decoupled from the actuator is not co-rotatable with the first valve body in the second direction of rotation.

4. The valve unit according to claim 3, further comprising: a rigid coupling, and wherein the first valve body and the second valve body are connected to one another via the rigid coupling with a freewheel, in particular a switchable freewheel.

5. The valve unit according to claim 1, wherein: the respective valve housing comprises at least three connections and the respective valve body comprises at least one continuous opening, and the respective opening when the respective valve body is rotated in the first direction of rotation and/or in the second direction of rotation fluidically interconnects the respective connections of the respective valve housing in pairs and alternately.

6. The valve unit according to claim 1, wherein the respective valve body is a sphere or a cylinder or a cylinder with rounded outer surfaces.

7. The valve unit according to claim 1, wherein: the first valve housing and the second valve housing integrally adjoin one another and form a common housing, and the first valve and the second valve are fluidically separated from one another within the common housing.

8. The valve unit according to claim 1, wherein: the first valve housing and the second valve housing integrally adjoin one another and form a common housing, and the first valve and the second valve are fluidically connected to one another within the common housing via at least one fluid line.

9. A method for adjusting the valve unit according to claim 1 into a valve unit switching position, wherein in a coupling step the second valve body is passively or actively coupled to the actuator, wherein in a first adjusting step the second valve body is rotated with the actuator in the second valve housing in the first direction of rotation or in the second direction of rotation until the second valve reaches the switching position correlating to the desired valve unit switching position, wherein in a decoupling step the second valve body is passively or actively decoupled from the actuator, and wherein in a second adjusting step the first valve body is rotated with the actuator in the first valve housing in the first direction of rotation or in the second direction of rotation until the first valve reaches the switching position correlating to the desired valve unit switching position.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein after the decoupling step and before the second adjusting step an intermediate step is carried out during which the first valve is adjusted into a position between the previous switching position and the switching position correlating to the desired valve unit switching position and because of this an intermediate position of the valve unit is made possible.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0029] FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a valve unit according to the disclosure with a switchable coupling;

[0030] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the valve unit according to the disclosure with a rigid coupling having a freewheel;

[0031] FIG. 3 shows a part view of a cooling circuit with valves according to the prior art;

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a part view of the cooling circuit from FIG. 3 with the valve unit according to the disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a view of a first valve of the valve unit according to the disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 6 shows a view of multiple possible switching positions of the first valve of the valve unit according to the disclosure; and

[0035] FIGS. 7 and 8 show views of multiple possible valve unit switching positions of the valve unit according to the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a sectional view of a valve unit 1 according to the disclosure. The valve unit 1 comprises an actuator 2, a first valve 3a and a second valve 3b. The first and second valve 3a and 3b respectively comprises a first and second valve housing 4a and 4b respectively and a first and second valve body 5a and 5b respectively. Here, the first and the second valve housing 4a and 4b integrally adjoin one another and form a common housing 4. The first and second valve body 5a and 5b respectively is rotatable in the first and second valve housing 4a and 4b respectively about a first and second axis of rotation D1 and D2 respectively. The two valves 3a and 3b are arranged coaxially to one another so that the first and second axis of rotation D1 and D2 coincide to form a common adjusting axis VA.

[0037] Here, the actuator 2 is rigidly connected to the first valve body 5a and because of this non- releasably coupled to the first valve body 5a. The first valve body 5a is thus always co-rotated when the actuator 2 is rotated. Here, the actuator 2 is designed so that it can rotate the first valve body 5a about the adjusting axis VA in a first direction of rotation DR1 and in a second direction of rotation DR2. The first direction of rotation DR1 and the second direction of rotation DR2 rotate about the adjusting axis VA and are directed against one another.

[0038] The first valve body 5a is releasably connected to the second valve body 5b via a switchable coupling 6 of the valve unit 1. Because of this, the actuator 2 is releasably coupled to the second valve body 5b via the first valve body 5a and the switchable coupling 6. When the coupling 6 is switched, the second valve body 5b is rigidly coupled to the first valve body 5a and thus to the actuator 2. Thus, the second valve body 5b is in a state coupled to the actuator 2 and is co-rotated with the first valve body 5a. When the coupling 6 is switched off, the second valve body 5b is released or decoupled the first valve body 5a and thus from the actuator 2. Thus, the second valve body 5b is in a state decoupled from the actuator 2 and is not co-rotated with the first valve body 5a.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of the valve unit 1 according to the disclosure. Here, no common housing 4 or the first and second valve housing 4a and 4b respectively are shown for the sake of clarity. In contrast with the valve unit 1 in FIG. 1, no switchable coupling 6 is provided here. Here, the first valve body 5a and the second valve body 5b are rigidly connected to one another via a rigid coupling 7 with a 90° freewheel. By way of the coupling 7, the second valve body 5b is only coupled to the first valve body 5a when the first valve body 5a is rotated in the first direction of rotation DR1 with the actuator 2. When by contrast the first valve body is rotated in the second direction of rotation DR2 with the actuator 2, the second valve body 5b is not co-rotated because of the 90° freewheel.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a part view of a cooling circuit 8 — for example in a motor vehicle — with valves 9a, 9b and 9c known from the prior art. The conventional valves 9a, 9b and 9c shown in FIG. 3 are not part of the present disclosure. The valve 9a is a three-way valve and comprises three connections A-1a, A-1b, A-1. The valve 9b is a four-way valve and comprises four connections B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4. The valve 9c is a four-way valve and comprises four connections C-5, C-6, C- 7 and C-8. The connections A-1 and B-1 of the valves 9a and 9b and the connections B-3 and C- 5 of the valves 9b and 9c are fluidically connected to one another.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a part view of a cooling circuit 8 with the valve unit 1 according to the disclosure. Here, the first valve 3a and the second valve 3b are only shown next to one another for the sake of clarity. In fact — as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 — the two valves 3a and 3b are arranged coaxially and adjustable with the actuator 2.

[0042] Here, the first valve 3a is a five-way valve and realizes the connections A-1a, A-1b, A-1, B-1, B-2, B-3, B-4 of the conventional valves 9a and 9b from FIG. 3. Because of this, the first valve 3a advantageously replaces the conventional valves 9a and 9b. Here, the connections A-1 and B-1 are no longer required in the first valve 3a because of the uniting of the conventional valves 9a and 9b. The connections A-1a, A-1b, B-2, B-3, B-4 are formed in the first valve housing 4a or in the common housing 4 of the valve unit 1. The individual connections A-1a, A-1b, B-2, B-3, B-4 of the first valve 3a can be alternately connected fluidically via a total of four continuous openings 10 in the first valve body 5a. As already explained above, the first valve body 5a is rotatable in the first and/or the second direction of rotation DR1 and/or DR2 with the actuator 2. Because of this, the first valve 3a can be adjusted into diverging switching positions as is explained in more detail in the following by way of FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0043] The second valve 3b is a four-way valve and comprises the connections C-5, C-6, C-7, C- 8 of the conventional valve 9c from FIG. 3. The second valve 3b is of the identical design as the conventional valve 9c and replaces the conventional valve 9c. Here, the connections C-5, C-6, C- 7, C-8 are formed in the second valve housing 4b or in the common housing 4. The individual connections C-5, C-6, C-7, C-8 of the second valve 3b can be alternately connected fluidically via two continuous openings 10 in the second valve body 5b. As already explained above, the second valve body 5b is releasably coupled to the actuator 2 via the first valve body 5a. In the state coupled to the actuator, the second valve body 5b can co-rotate with the first valve body 5a, which is rotated with the actuator 2, in the first and/or second direction of rotation DR1 and/or DR2. In the state decoupled from the actuator 2, the second valve body 5b cannot co-rotate with the first valve body 5a, which is rotated with the actuator 2, in the first and/or second direction of rotation DR1 and/or DR2. Because of this, the second valve 3b can be adjusted into diverging switching positions as is explained in more detail in the following by way of FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0044] In the valve unit 1, the connection B-3 of the first valve 3a is additionally fluidically connected to the connection C-5 of the second valve 3b via a fluid line 11.

[0045] Advantageously, the first valve 3a replaces the conventional valves 9a and 9b and the second valve 3b the conventional valve 9c. Thus, the valve unit 1 in the cooling circuit 8 advantageously replaces the conventional valves 9a, 9b and 9c from FIG. 3. Moreover, in contrast with the conventional valves 9a, 9b and 9c, the valve unit 1 can be additionally adjusted with the sole actuator 2. Because of this, significant cost, wait and installation space advantages materialize compared with the conventional valves 9a, 9b and 9c.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows an enlarged view of the first valve 3a of the valve unit 1 according to the disclosure. FIG. 6 shows a view of multiple — here four — possible switching positions of the first valve 3a of the valve unit 1 according to the disclosure. From left to right, the following connections each are fluidically connected to one another in FIG. 6: A-1b to B-4 and B-2 to B-3; A-1b to B-3 and B-2 to B-4; A-1a to B-3 and B-2 to B-4; A-1a to B-4 and B-2 to B3. Because of this, a total of four switching positions can be achieved in the first valve 3a.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows views of multiple possible valve unit switching positions MODE-1a, MODE- 2a and MODE-3a of the valve unit 1 according to the disclosure. The respective valve unit switching position MODE-1a, MODE-2a and MODE-3a of the valve unit 1 materializes from the combination of the respective switching positions of the first valve 3a and of the second valve 3b. In FIG. 7, the switching between the valve unit switching positions MODE-1a, MODE-2a and MODE-3a is shown from left to right.

[0048] In the valve unit switching position MODE-1a, the following connections each are fluidically connected to one another: A-1a to B-3 and B-2 to B-4; C5 to C8 and C6 to C7. In addition, connections B-3 and C-5 are always fluidically connected via the fluid line 11.

[0049] During the transition from the valve unit switching position MODE-1a to the valve unit switching position MODE-2a the first valve body 5a is rotated in the second direction of rotation DR2 with the actuator 2. The second valve body 5b is decoupled from the actuator 2 or from the first valve body 5a and is not co-rotated. Now, the valve unit 1 reaches the valve unit switching position MODE-2a. In the valve unit switching position MODE-2a, the following connections each are fluidically connected to one another: A-1a to B-4 and B-2 to B-3; C5 to C8 and C6 to C7. In addition, the connections B-3 and C-5 are always fluidically connected via the fluid line 11.

[0050] During the transition from the valve unit switching position MODE-2a to the valve unit switching position MODE-3a, the second valve body 5b is first coupled to the actuator 2 or to the first valve body 5a. Following this, the first valve body 5a and because of this the second valve body 5b is rotated in a second direction of rotation DR2 with the actuator 2 until the second valve 3b is adjusted into the switching position correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE- 3a. However, the first valve 3a is in a switching position not correlating to the switching position MODE-3a. The second valve body 5b is now decoupled from the actuator 2 or from the first valve body 5a. The first valve body 5a is rotated in the first direction of rotation DR1 until the first valve 3a reaches a switching position correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE-3a. The valve unit 1 now reaches the valve unit switching position MODE-3a. In the valve unit switching position MODE-3a, the following connections are each fluidically connected to one another: A-1ato B-4 and B-2 to B-3; C5 to C7 and C6 to C8. In addition, connections B-3 and C-5 are always fluidically connected via the fluid line 11.

[0051] During the transition from the valve unit switching position MODE-3a to the valve unit switching position MODE-1a, the second valve body 5b is first coupled to the actuator 2 or to the first valve body 5a. Following this, the first valve body 5a and because of this the second valve body 5b is rotated in the first direction of rotation DR1 with the actuator 2 until the second valve 3b is adjusted into the switching position correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE- 1a. However, the first valve 3a is in a switching position not correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE-1a. Now, the second valve body 5b is decoupled from the actuator 2 or from the first valve body 5a. The first valve body 5a is now rotated until the first valve 3a reaches a switching position correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE-1a. The valve unit 1 now reaches the switching position MODE-1a.

[0052] FIG. 8 shows views of multiple possible valve unit switching positions MODE-1b, MODE- 2b and MODE-3b of the valve unit 1 according to the disclosure. Here, the respective valve unit switching position MODE-1b, MODE-2b and MODE-3b of the valve unit 1 materializes from the combination of the respective switching positions of the first valve 3a and of the second valve 3b. In FIG. 8, the switching between the valve unit switching positions MODE-1b, MODE-2b and MODE-3b is shown from left to right.

[0053] In the valve unit switching position MODE-1b, the following connections are each fluidically connected to one another: A-1b to B-3 and B-2 to B-4; C5 to C8 and C6 to C7. In addition, connections B-3 and C-5 are always fluidically connected via the fluid line 11.

[0054] During the transition from the valve unit switching position MODE-1b to the valve unit switching position MODE-2b, the first valve body 5a is rotated in the first direction of rotation DR1 with the actuator 2. The second valve body 5b is decoupled from the actuator 2 or the first valve body 5a and is not co-rotated. Now, the valve unit 1 reaches the valve unit switching position MODE-2b. In the valve unit switching position MODE-2b, the following connections are each fluidically connected to one another: A-1b to B-4 and B-2 to B-3; C5 to C8 and C6 to C7. In addition, connections B-3 and C-5 are always fluidically connected via the fluid line 11.

[0055] During the transition from the valve unit switching position MODE-2b to the valve unit switching position MODE-3b, the second valve body 5b is firstly coupled to the actuator 2 or to the first valve body 5a. Following this, the first valve body 5a and because of this the second valve body 5b is rotated in the first direction of rotation DR1 with the actuator 2 until the second valve 3b is adjusted into the switching position correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE- 3b. However, the first valve 3a is in a switching position not correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE-3b. The second valve body 5b is now decoupled from the actuator 2 or from the valve body 5a. The first valve body 5a is now rotated in the second direction of rotation DR2 until the first valve 3a reaches a switching position correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE-3b. The valve unit 1 now reaches the valve unit switching position MODE-3b. In the valve unit switching position MODE-3b, the following connections are each fluidically connected to one another: A-1b to B-4 and B-2 to B-3; C5 to C7 and C6 to C8. In addition, connections B-3 and C-5 are always fluidically connected via the fluid line 11.

[0056] During the transition from the valve unit switching position MODE-3b to the valve unit switching position MODE-lb, the second valve body 5b is firstly coupled to the actuator 2 or to the first valve body 5a. Following this, the first valve body 5a and because of this the second valve body 5b is rotated in the second direction of rotation DR2 with the actuator 2 until the second valve 3b is adjusted into the switching position correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE- 1b. However, the first valve 3a is in a switching position not correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE-1b. The second valve body 5b is now decoupled from the actuator 2 or from the first valve body 5a. The first valve body 5a is now rotated until the first valve 3a reaches a switching position correlating to the valve unit switching position MODE-1b. The valve unit 1 now reaches the valve unit switching position MODE-lb.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, a total of eight valve unit switching positions MOD- la, MODE-2a, MODE-3a, MODE-lb, MODE-2b and MODE-3b can be achieved in the valve unit 1.

[0058] It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims.