DE102023203070A1 - sealing device and valve device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing device (10) for sealing a gap (23) between a component (21) and a valve element (22) that is movable relative to the component (21), having a first sealing section (11) that comprises a first sealing material in the form of an elastomer for defining dimensional stability between the component (21) and the valve element (22) for arrangement on the component (21), and a second sealing section (12) with a second sealing material in the form of a microporous foam for adaptation to the valve element (22). The invention further relates to a valve device (20).

Description

The invention relates to a sealing device for sealing a gap between a component and a valve element movable relative to the component, as well as a valve device.

A thermal management system for controlling the temperature of the battery, the pulse inverter and the vehicle interior is particularly important for battery-electric vehicles. The main components of this thermal management system are valve elements, often rotary valves or longitudinal valves, which open or close adjacent cooling circuits.

In order to ensure that the valve closes as leak-free as possible, seals are usually installed between the valve element and the housing and are pre-tensioned between these components depending on the operating pressure. In addition, the seal should compensate for slight shape errors in the rotary valve as well as slight wobbling movements. This requires elasticity from the seal used. For this purpose, it is necessary, for example, for the DE 10 2016 220 542 A1 It is known to compensate for geometric deviations of corresponding shapes in the sealing area by means of a spring-elastic preload.

However, it is desirable to make the seal simpler and more compact. However, the valve element should not be significantly hindered in its adjustment movement, i.e. in particular in its rotation, by the tight contact of the seal with the valve element. Furthermore, elasticity can also be disadvantageous if, for example, a rotary slide valve is halfway over the seal with its opening. In this case, the seal should not give way and sink into the opening of the rotary slide valve, so that its further movement is hindered/blocked and/or the seal is sheared off. In order to prevent the seal from sinking into the opening of the rotary slide valve through which the flow is carried, the seal should therefore be stiff rather than elastic. This represents a conflict of objectives.

It is an object of the present invention to at least partially eliminate the above disadvantages known from the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to enable a reliable and cost-effective seal between a component and a valve element that is movable relative to the component, in particular with regard to shape and/or movement tolerances of the valve element.

The above object is achieved by a sealing device with the features of claim 1, as well as a valve device with the features of claim 9. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description and the drawings. Features and details that are described in connection with the sealing device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the valve device according to the invention and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a sealing device is provided for sealing a gap between a component and a valve element that is movable relative to the component. The sealing device has a first sealing section that comprises a first sealing material in the form of an elastomer for arrangement on the component, preferably for defining a dimensional stability, in particular a dimensional stability of the sealing device, between the component and the valve element. Furthermore, the sealing device has a second sealing section with a second sealing material in the form of a, preferably microporous, foam for adaptation to the valve element.

The sealing device is preferably designed for arrangement in a valve device of a vehicle. The valve element can be, for example, a rotary slide valve or a longitudinal slide valve. The component can, for example, comprise a housing and/or part of a line system. The gap between the component and the valve element can be understood as a free space that can be filled by the sealing device. For this purpose, the sealing device can extend at least partially or completely over the gap when arranged as intended between the component and the valve element. The relative movement of the valve element to the component can be made possible by the gap. It can be provided that the sealing device has a rod-shaped cross-section at least in sections and/or is sleeve-shaped and/or tubular.

The first sealing section can preferably consist of the first sealing material. The elastomer can in particular comprise a synthetic elastomer or consist of a synthetic elastomer. As a result, the first elastomer can have a high resistance to weather influences, oils, greases, chemicals and/or heat.

For example, the elastomer can comprise neoprene, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, butyl rubber and chloroprene rubber. Preferably, the elastomer of the first sealing material comprises an ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) or consists of an EPDM. EPDM can have a high resistance to ozone, UV rays and weather influences and thus have a high durability, especially when used in a vehicle. In particular, EPDM has a high resistance to chemical influences and/or temperatures, ie preferably a high coolant resistance. Preferably, a seal to the component can be produced by the first sealing section. For this purpose, the first sealing section can be placed directly against the component.

The second sealing section can in particular consist of the second sealing material. The microporous foam can preferably be understood to mean a material that has a large number of pores that have a pore size of between 1 and 100 micrometers, preferably between 1 and 50 micrometers. The pores are preferably not connected to one another. In particular, the microporous foam can be designed with closed pores. The microporous foam can be produced, for example, by extrusion, expansion and/or foaming. The microporous foam can be elastically deformable to adapt to the valve element.

It has been recognized within the scope of the present invention that a combination of an elastomer, such as EPDM, with a microporous foam can create a sealing device that has a high degree of dimensional stability for arrangement on the component and at the same time enables advantageous adaptation to a jacket surface of the valve element. To define the seal shape, the elastomer can have a high degree of dimensional stability in order to at least partially or completely prevent deformation of the sealing device even during relative movement of the valve element. The elasticity of the sealing device can be increased locally by the second sealing section. Surface defects on the jacket surface of the valve element can thereby be compensated. For example, the elasticity of the second sealing section can be used by the sealing device to fill surface valleys on the jacket surface and/or to envelop surface peaks on the jacket surface. Deviations from a reference movement of the valve element that occur, for example, as a result of a wobbling movement, in particular with a deflection of less than 1 mm, can be compensated for jointly by the first and second sealing sections. As a result, advantageous properties for sealing the gap can be combined by pairing the first and second sealing materials in order to at least partially or completely resolve a conflict of objectives between stability and sealing effect when using the sealing device in a cost-effective manner.

Furthermore, in a sealing device according to the invention, it is conceivable that a contact area for contacting the valve element is formed on a surface of the second sealing material, wherein the contact area has a contact means for reducing friction with the valve element. Thus, when the sealing device is used as intended, the second sealing material can be arranged or can be arranged between the first sealing section and the valve element. In particular, the contact area can be pressed against the valve element when the sealing device is prestressed in order to achieve the adaptation of the second sealing section to the valve element and to seal the gap. This can improve the adaptation of the second sealing section to the valve element. The reduction in friction can be understood to mean that the contact means has a lower coefficient of friction than the microporous foam. The contact means can comprise, for example, graphite, talc, molybdenum disulfide, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and/or a silicone oil. Graphite has low adhesion and high lubricity, which helps to reduce friction and wear. Talc has low adhesion and can help improve heat dissipation. Molybdenum disulfide has high lubricity and can help reduce wear. PTFE is a polymeric lubricant and has low adhesion and is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. Silicone oil has high lubricity and is resistant to high temperatures and chemicals. It is conceivable that the contact agent is formed by a tensile agent of the second sealing material. The contact agent can extend over part of the volume of the second sealing material or over the entire volume of the second sealing material. The contact agent can combine the advantageous elastic properties of the second sealing material with a low friction effect.

Furthermore, in a sealing device according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the contact means is formed by a film and/or a coating and/or comprises a fluorinated polymer for contacting the valve element. The contact means can extend completely over the surface of the second sealing material extend, preferably completely enveloping the surface. Fluorinated polymers can be understood to mean polymers in whose chemical structure fluorine atoms are integrated, in particular to enable the reduction of friction. For example, the fluorinated polymer can be PFA (perfluoroalkoxy polymers), FEP (fluoroethylene propylene types), ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer) and/or PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride). The fluorinated polymer is preferably PTFE. PTFE has the advantage that it has a high chemical resistance, in particular to aggressive chemicals such as acids, alkalis and solvents. PTFE is also resistant to temperature influences, which makes its use particularly advantageous in a coolant circuit. The coating can, for example, be vapor-deposited or sprayed onto the second sealing material. The film can, for example, be attached to the second sealing material in a form-fitting, force-fitting and/or material-fitting manner. Thus, the contact agent can form the contact area in a cost-effective manner without affecting the chemical and/or structural properties of the microporous foam.

Furthermore, in a sealing device according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the first sealing section is designed in a ring shape for at least partial arrangement in a line section of the component, in particular with the second sealing section extending in a ring shape along the first sealing section. The first and second sealing sections can thus be formed by two ring-shaped layers, which in particular form a stack-like composite. For example, the first and second sealing sections can form an O-ring. The ring-shaped design of the first and second sealing sections allows the line section to be sealed all the way around, for example if the gap is also designed in a ring shape. Especially with a ring-shaped design of the first and second sealing sections, it is therefore advantageous that the first sealing material is designed in the form of the elastomer and the second sealing material in the form of the microporous foam, since different surface topologies of the valve element can interact with the sealing device at the same time over the circumference and/or a shearing effect during the relative movement of the valve element can cause different loads over the circumference. The material combination of the first and second sealing materials makes it possible to reliably counteract shearing during a rotary movement of the valve element while maintaining a high sealing effect.

Furthermore, in a sealing device according to the invention, it can advantageously be provided that the first and second sealing sections are connected in a form-fitting and/or material-fitting manner. Preferably, the first and second sealing sections can be connected to one another by a splicing process. For the material-fitting connection, the second sealing section can be applied directly to the first sealing section, in particular in a two-component plastic injection molding process. This can enable the first and second sealing sections to be manufactured in the same mold. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the first and second sealing sections are glued and/or welded directly to one another. For the form-fitting connection, the first and second sealing sections can have fastening sections that correspond to one another, in particular in the form of a tongue and groove connection. For example, the fastening sections can be T-shaped and/or dovetail-shaped. Instead of a dovetail-like or T-like structure, it is also conceivable that the positive connection is formed by a circumferential step, in particular to prevent the second sealing section from radially deviating from the first sealing section. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second sealing sections can be connected to one another in a force-fitting manner.

Preferably, in a sealing device according to the invention, it can be provided that the microporous foam comprises a cellular rubber. Preferably, the microporous foam can consist of a cellular rubber and/or be formed by the cellular rubber. The cellular rubber forms in particular a type of foam that is made from rubber-like materials and has a porous, elastic structure. In particular, the cellular rubber differs from other types of foams, such as polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam and/or polyethylene foam. Advantageously, the cellular rubber can be formed by a foamed EPDM. The cellular rubber enables an advantageous combination of sealing ability, sound insulation, resistance to moisture and chemicals, insulating properties and/or durability, whereby the sealing device can have a high level of reliability when sealing the gap. Furthermore, this can enable a high level of responsiveness when adapting to the valve element for the second sealing section.

Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable that at least one stabilizing element for mounting the sealing device on the component is provided, wherein the stabilizing element is arranged on the first and/or second sealing section. The stabilizing element can comprise a plastic, in particular in the form of a hard component and/or an elastomer. In particular, the stabilizing element can be designed as a sleeve. However, it is also conceivable for the stabilizing element to be made of a metal or another material. The stabilizing element can advantageously be designed in a ring shape and preferably arranged all the way around the first and/or second sealing section. The stabilizing element can prevent the seal from collapsing even under high load conditions. In particular, the first and second sealing sections can be stabilized by the stabilizing element in a housing bore and/or in a line section of the component. Furthermore, it is conceivable for the sealing device to have a plurality of stabilizing elements which are arranged on the first and/or second sealing section, in particular in a regular pattern.

Furthermore, in a sealing device according to the invention, it is conceivable that the first sealing section forms a first layer on which the second sealing section is arranged in the form of a second layer, in particular wherein the first layer has a greater layer thickness than the second layer. The first and second layers can form an annular composite. In particular, if the sealing device has a rod-shaped cross-section at least in sections, the sealing device can have a rod axis along which the first and second layers are layered on top of one another. One end of the rod-shaped extension can be formed by the second layer. An opposite end can be formed, for example, by the first layer. Due to the layered design of the first and second sealing sections, the advantageous properties of the first and second sealing sections can each be made available at an advantageous location and can be locally limited. For example, the second layer and/or the contact means can be arranged directly on the valve element and the first layer on the component. In particular, to compensate for small topologies of the lateral surface of the valve element, it can be sufficient to provide a small layer thickness for the second layer. The greater layer thickness of the first layer can provide high dimensional stability and/or high preload of the sealing device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a valve device is provided. The valve device has a component and a valve element that is movable relative to the component. The valve device also comprises a sealing device according to the invention, which is arranged at least partially or completely in a gap between the component and the valve element.

A valve device according to the invention thus brings with it the same advantages as have already been described in detail with reference to a sealing device according to the invention. The valve element can preferably be a rotary slide valve. The component can have a bore in which the sealing device is arranged. The sealing device is preferably prestressed between the component and the valve element. The first and second sealing materials can be compressed so that a contact force acts between the sealing device and the component and between the sealing device and the valve device. In particular, the first and second sealing sections can be compressed to different degrees between the component and the valve element depending on their elasticity by clamping, in particular in which the same clamping force acts on the first and second sealing sections. Furthermore, it can be provided that the valve device is designed for arrangement in a vehicle. For example, the valve device can be designed for integration into a thermal management system for controlling the temperature of a vehicle battery, a pulse inverter and/or a vehicle interior of the vehicle. For this purpose, the component can be part of a line system for the thermal management system. In particular, the valve device can be designed for integration into a main water pump and/or a follow-up pump of the thermal management system.

Furthermore, in a valve device according to the invention, it is conceivable that the valve element has a cylindrical or spherical outer surface which contacts the sealing device. For example, the outer surface of a rotary slide valve can be cylindrical or spherical. In particular, a valve position of the rotary slide valve can be changed by rotating the outer surface relative to the component and/or the sealing device. The outer surface of the valve element can be understood to mean, in particular, an outer surface. During the relative movement of the valve element to the component, the outer surface can be movable relative to the sealing device. The outer surface preferably contacts the sealing device permanently. The second sealing material can compensate for manufacturing, storage and/or movement tolerances of the valve element. The first sealing material serves, in particular, to To maintain dimensional stability under shear forces occurring during rotation.

• 1 einen Querschnitt eines Teils einer erfindungsgemäßen Dichtungsvorrichtung,
• 2 eine erfindungsgemäße Ventilvorrichtung mit der Dichtungsvorrichtung in einer geschnittenen Ansicht, und
• 3 einen Querschnitt eines Teils einer erfindungsgemäßen Dichtungsvorrichtung mit einer formschlüssigen Befestigung einer ersten und einer zweiten Schicht.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention emerge from the following description, in which embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show schematically:

• 1 a cross-section of a part of a sealing device according to the invention,
• 2 a valve device according to the invention with the sealing device in a sectional view, and
• 3 a cross-section of a part of a sealing device according to the invention with a positive fastening of a first and a second layer.

In the following description of some embodiments of the invention, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features even in different embodiments.

1 shows a cross section of a section of a sealing device 10 according to the invention for sealing a gap 23 between a component 21 and a valve element 22 movable relative to the component 21 in a first embodiment. The component 21 and the valve element 22 are in 2 shown.

As in 1 As shown, the sealing device 10 has a first sealing section 11 and a second sealing section 12. The first sealing section 11 forms a first layer 31, on which the second sealing section 12 is arranged in the form of a second layer 32. In particular, the first and second sealing sections 11, 12 are rod-shaped. The width and height of the rod-shaped design of the first and second sealing sections 11, 12 can define an elasticity and/or a hardness of the sealing device 10. The first and second sealing sections 11, 12 can advantageously be connected in a form-fitting and/or material-fitting manner. For example, a material-fitting connection can be realized by the second sealing section 12 being attached to the first sealing section 11 by splicing and/or gluing and/or being injection-molded onto the first sealing section 11 in a plastic injection-molding process. This allows a flat contact surface, as in 1 shown, between the first and second sealing sections 11, 12. However, it is also conceivable that the first and second sealing sections 11, 12 have mutually corresponding shapes in the region of contact between the first and second sealing sections 11, 12 in order to achieve a positive connection, as in 3 shown.

2 shows a valve device 20 according to the invention with the component 21 and the valve element 22. The gap 23 is formed between the component 21 and the valve element 22 and is sealed by the sealing device 10, which is arranged in the gap 23. The sealing device 10 is preferably prestressed between the component 21 and the valve element 22 by compressing the first sealing section 11 and the second sealing section 12. In particular, the first sealing section 11 and the second sealing section 12 can be compressed to different degrees. In the present exemplary embodiment, the valve element 22 is designed as a rotary slide valve and has a cylindrical or spherical outer surface 22.1, which contacts the sealing device 10. The component 21 is designed in particular as a housing and has a line section 24, the flow through which can be influenced by the valve element 22. To seal the gap 23, the first sealing section 11 is annular and arranged in the line section 24 of the component 21. The second sealing section 12 extends in the form of the second layer 32 annularly along the first sealing section 11 between the first sealing section 11 and the valve element 22.

For arrangement on the component 21, the first sealing section 11 has a first sealing material in the form of an elastomer for defining a sealing shape between the component 21 and the valve element 22. The elastomer can achieve a sealing effect between the sealing device 10 and the component 21, in particular under the prestress of the sealing device 10. To mount the sealing device 10 on the component 21, at least one, in particular sleeve-like, stabilizing element 14 can also be provided, which is arranged on the first sealing section 11 and/or on the second sealing section 12. The stabilizing element 14 can support the first sealing section 11 and/or the second sealing section 12, in particular with respect to the component 21, in order to further increase the dimensional stability. The stabilizing element 14 can thus achieve a lateral and/or radial supporting effect, in particular if lateral support by the component 21 is not provided, at least in sections or completely.

The second sealing section 12 further comprises a second sealing material in the form of a microporous foam for adaptation to the valve element 22. The microporous foam comprises in particular a cellular rubber, preferably in the form of a foamed EPDM.

By combining the elastomer of the first sealing section 11 with the microporous foam, a high degree of dimensional stability for arrangement on the component 21 and, at the same time, an advantageous adaptation to the outer surface 22.1 of the valve element 22 can be utilized. To define the sealing shape, the elastomer can have a high degree of dimensional stability in order to at least partially or completely prevent deformation of the sealing device 10 even during relative movement of the valve element 22. For this purpose, a layer thickness 31.1 of the first layer 31 can be greater than a layer thickness 32.1 of the second layer 32. The different layer thicknesses 31.1, 32.1 can control the dimensional stability and/or the contact pressure of the sealing device 10. The elasticity of the sealing device 10 in the area of the valve element 22 can be increased locally by the second sealing section 12. This allows surface defects of the jacket surface 22.1 as well as bearing and movement tolerances of the valve element 22 to be compensated.

As can be seen from the 1 and 3 As can be seen, a contact region 13 for contacting the valve element 22 is also formed on a surface 12.1 of the second sealing material in order to generate the lowest possible mechanical resistance during the movement of the valve element 22. The contact region 13 has a contact means 13.1 for reducing the friction with the valve element 22, which is formed by a film and/or a coating and comprises a fluorinated polymer, in particular in the form of PTFE, for contacting the valve element 22. In particular, the contact means 13.1 can reduce a coefficient of friction caused by the second sealing material.

The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively in the context of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically reasonable, in particular within the scope of protection defined by the patent claims, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

list of reference symbols

10

sealing device

11

first sealing section

12

second sealing section

12.1

surface

13

contact area

13.1

contact agent

14

stabilizing element

20

valve device

21

component

22

valve element

22.1

lateral surface

23

gap

24

line section

31

first layer

31.1

layer thickness of 31

32

second layer

32.1

layer thickness of 32

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

Cited patent literature

• DE 102016220542 A1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Sealing device (10) for sealing a gap (23) between a component (21) and a valve element (22) movable relative to the component (21), comprising a first sealing section (11) which, for arrangement on the component (21), comprises a first sealing material in the form of an elastomer for defining a dimensional stability between the component (21) and the valve element (22), and a second sealing section (12) with a second sealing material in the form of a microporous foam for adaptation to the valve element (22). Sealing device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that a contact region (13) for contacting the valve element (22) is formed on a surface (12.1) of the second sealing material, wherein the contact region (13) has a contact means (13.1) for reducing the friction with the valve element (22). Sealing device (10) according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the contact means (13.1) is formed by a film and/or a coating and comprises a fluorinated polymer for contacting the valve element (22). Sealing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing section (11) is annular for at least partial arrangement in a line section (24) of the component (21), wherein the second sealing section (12) extends annularly along the first sealing section (11). Sealing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second sealing sections (11, 12) are connected in a form-fitting and/or material-fitting manner. Sealing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microporous foam comprises a cellular rubber. Sealing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one stabilizing element (14) is provided for mounting the sealing device (10) on the component (21), wherein the stabilizing element (14) is arranged on the first and/or second sealing section (11, 12). Sealing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first sealing section (11) forms a first layer (31) on which the second sealing section (12) is arranged in the form of a second layer (32), wherein the first layer (31) has a greater layer thickness (31.1) than the second layer (32). Valve device (20) comprising a component (21), a valve element (22) movable relative to the component (21), and a sealing device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged at least partially in a gap (23) between the component (21) and the valve element (22). Valve device (20) according to claim 9 , characterized in that the valve element (22) has a cylindrical or spherical outer surface (22.1) which contacts the sealing device (10).

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