3-port valve

Abstract

This invention relates to a three-port valve for fluid passage, comprising a valve body, a main port, a first sub-port, and a second sub-port, wherein the main port is connected by a main line terminating in a connection region, the first sub-port has a first sub-port line connected to the connection region, the second sub-port has a second sub-port line connected to the connection region, and at least one valve member is disposed in the connection region, wherein the valve member is movable along its axis between an open position and a closed position in the connection region, such that in a first valve position, the main port is fluidly connected to the first sub-port, in a second valve position, the main port is fluidly connected to the second sub-port, in a third valve position, the main port is fluidly connected to both the first and second sub-ports, and in a fourth valve position, the main port is not fluidly connected to either the first or second sub-port. A feature of this invention is that the valve body is made of high-tempered steel or other suitable material, wherein the valve body is made of a solid ingot, and the connection region, the main port, the first sub-port line, and the second sub-port line are machined into the steel ingot. The heat transfer medium pipeline used to carry the heat transfer medium is also machined into the same valve body to regulate the fluid temperature. Alternatively, an electronic heating cylinder socket may be machined into the valve body ingot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a three-port valve for passing fluids, particularly thermoplastic fluids and polymer melts, having a main inlet line and two outlet lines. A plurality of linearly actuated valve components can be actuated individually or together to allow flow from the main inlet line to exit through a first outlet line, through a second outlet line, through both the first and second outlet lines, or to block flow from either outlet line. Prior Technology

[0002] Three-port valves for regulating fluid flow, particularly thermoplastic and polymer melts, are known. These three-port valves have various designs, each comprising a valve body. They also provide a valve port and first and second sub-ports. A main line connects to the port and terminates in a connection region. The first sub-port has a first sub-port line connected to the connection region. The second sub-port has a second sub-port line connected to the connection region. In the connection region, at least one valve member is mounted to be movable along a valve member axis between its open and closed positions. In the first valve position, the port is fluidly connected to the first sub-port. In the second valve position, the port is fluidly connected to the second sub-port. In the third valve position, the port is fluidly connected to both the first and second sub-ports. In the fourth valve position, the port is not fluidly connected to either the first or second sub-port. A heating or cooling system is arranged around the valve body to provide heating or cooling to the valve body from the outside, typically in the form of an external heating jacket. Generally, the valve body is a multi-component and modular design. This valve body is typically designed as a heavy, cylindrical tube, with the main inlet line cut into and welded to one side of the tube, and the sub-inlet line cut into and welded to the other side. This tube forms the valve body, and the valve components move longitudinally within the tube to direct flow from the inlet to one or both of the outlet sub-inlets. A larger diameter second tube may surround the valve body to form a heating jacket through which the heat transfer medium (HTM) passes. Similarly, the inlet and outlet connections for the HTM are welded to the external heating jacket, which is welded to the main and sub-inlet lines passing through it.

[0003] However, the conventional design of this three-port valve has drawbacks in that it occupies a lot of space and is very heavy. Furthermore, it requires a special support frame. At the same time, the associated heating or cooling devices are not very efficient and must be externally mounted on the valve body for this purpose. Another problem is that the valve can warp at high operating temperatures, which may cause the valve components to seize. Further disadvantages include the possibility that welds related to the connections between the valve body tube and the heating element tube may fail due to the thermal stress and fatigue involved, leading to frequent leaks in the valve and its heating jacket, and subsequent downtime due to required maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of this invention is to further develop three-port valves of the types described above, to achieve a compact design that does not have the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, the three-port valve of this invention should be able to operate reliably under high temperature and high pressure, for example, when the fluid passing through is a polymer melt. The valve of this invention should not leak, as there are no weldments on the valve body that could fail and cause leakage.

[0005] This invention is based on the discovery that, on the one hand, a valve body design made from a steel ingot occupies significantly less space, and on the other hand, such a valve body can withstand high pressure and temperature, and therefore can be used without problems under such high pressure and temperature. Furthermore, no weldments are involved in the construction of the valve body of this invention, thus avoiding leakage due to weld failure. The heating device of the valve body is integrated with the valve body, formed and machined from the same ingot, thus also preventing leakage in the heating device.

[0006] For this reason, the present invention provides a valve body manufactured from a solid ingot, and a connection area, main pipeline, first and second sub-port pipelines, and heat transfer medium pipeline machined into the solid ingot. This not only significantly reduces the required space but also significantly reduces manufacturing costs.

[0007] Preferably, the solid ingot and therefore the valve body are formed of highly quenched and tempered steel.

[0008] A solid ingot is a rectangular block, typically machined into the valve body before processing, and is larger than the finished valve body excluding accessories. Solid ingots may undergo an additional forging process.

[0009] To prevent temperature variations in the fluid passing through it, the valve body may have at least one cooling / heating line for the heat transfer medium. This at least one cooling / heating line is also machined into the valve body and surrounds the valve components and connection areas. This at least one cooling / heating line with an HTM passing through it maintains a constant temperature within the valve body, ensuring that the fluid flowing through the three-port valve does not experience any temperature changes.

[0010] Alternatively or otherwise, the valve body may have at least one socket for at least one cooling / heating element adapted to be inserted into the socket of the valve body. For this purpose, electric heating may be provided, for example by means of a heating cylinder inserted into the socket.

[0011] Preferably, the socket and / or cooling / heating lines are in the form of drilled holes machined into a solid ingot, at least in a specific area. This simplifies its manufacturing. Valve bodies with sockets and / or cooling / heating lines can be easily manufactured using CNC machine tools.

[0012] The uniform temperature distribution within the valve body is achieved because the insertion holes and / or cooling / heating pipelines extend in different directions within the valve body.

[0013] In some implementations, the valve body may be surface hardened. This can improve durability and long-term fatigue strength by reducing erosion, wear, and deformation.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, a first valve member and a second valve member are arranged opposite to each other. Each valve member is adapted to move along a common valve member axis between an open position and a closed position within a connection region. The first valve position is formed by the open position of the first valve member and the closed position of the second valve member. The second valve position is formed by the open position of the second valve member and the closed position of the first valve member. The third valve position is formed by the open positions of both the first and second valve members. The fourth valve position is formed by the closed positions of both the first and second valve members. Providing two valve members increases the reliability of the three-port valve. Furthermore, there are other possible applications that can improve the flow behavior of the fluid passing through, which will be apparent below.

[0015] In particular, the first sub-port pipeline is oriented at a first angle relative to the valve component axis and therefore relative to the longitudinal axis of the connection area.

[0016] Alternatively or otherwise, the second sub-port line may be oriented at a second angle relative to the valve component axis and the longitudinal axis of the connection area.

[0017] Preferably, the sum of the first and second angles is 180°.

[0018] In one embodiment of the invention, the (plural) valve components are adapted to rotate 180° when moved from the open position to the closed position.

[0019] The front end portion of the first valve component in the open position may have a chamfer corresponding to the first angle.

[0020] Furthermore, the front end portion of the second valve component in the open position may have a chamfer corresponding to the second angle.

[0021] The first and second angles can be measured clockwise or counterclockwise relative to the valve component axis.

[0022] In the closed position of the first and second valve components, their forward portions provide a positive seal against the valve body on the annular surface. This is a simple method to prevent leakage.

[0023] The main pipeline forms an angle with respect to the valve component axis, especially a right angle.

[0024] The longitudinal axis of the connecting area and the axis of the valve component are the same.

[0025] Preferably, the fluid passing through has an operating pressure of up to 300 bar.

[0026] Meanwhile, the operating temperature of the fluid passing through can reach up to 320°C.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is a thermoplastic resin, more specifically a polymer melt.

[0028] To increase the cooling / heating efficiency of the valve body, multiple cooling / heating lines are provided, which are arranged in the form of a cooling / heating line cage. These cooling / heating lines are formed and integrated into the valve body, and can be drilled or machined into the valve body.

[0029] Here, the cooling / heating lines within the valve body can all have the same diameter.

[0030] In particular, heat transfer media, such as superheated steam or heat transfer oil, are introduced into the cooling / heating lines.

[0031] For a smaller design, the first exhaust port or drain valve is integrally provided in the valve body between the connection area and the first sub-port, and / or the second exhaust port or drain valve is integrally provided between the connection area and the second sub-port.

[0032] Preferably, the cross-sections of the connecting area, main pipeline, first sub-port pipeline, second sub-port pipeline, first valve component, and second valve component are all circular. This ensures simple and cost-effective production.

[0033] To further improve efficiency, the valve body is insulated on the outside; more specifically, an insulation plate is installed on the valve body.

[0034] Additional advantages, features and possible applications of the present invention will become apparent in the following description, with reference to the embodiments depicted in the drawings. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0035] In the specification, the scope of the patent application, and the drawings, terms and related symbols are used as described in the following symbol list.

[0036] In the diagram, [Figure 1] is a side perspective view of the sub-port pipeline of the three-port valve according to the present invention, viewed from an overhead angle; [Figure 2] is a schematic cross-sectional view of the valve body of a three-port valve passing through the valve component area, wherein the second valve component is in the open position and the first valve component is in the closed position; [Figure 3] is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the valve body of the three-port valve, where the first valve component is in the open position and the second valve component is in the closed position; [Figure 4] is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the valve body of a three-port valve, wherein the first valve component and the second valve component are in the open position; and [Figure 5] is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the valve body of a three-port valve with access to the adjacent connection area and sub-port pipeline, in which cooling / heating pipelines are provided. [Figure 6] is a side perspective view of a prior art three-port valve. Implementation

[0037] As shown in Figure 6, the prior art three-port valve has a valve body 12 formed from a single pipe, and a main port line 24 and daughter ports 20a and 20b (not shown) welded to the pipe of the valve body. Outside the valve body is a heating / cooling jacket, also formed from a section of pipe, and has cooling / heating lines 32 for allowing the heating element (HTM) to pass through the inside of the jacket and the outside of the valve body pipe. As shown, a weldment 56 connects the cooling / heating lines to the pipe forming the jacket. Similarly, the main port line 24 and daughter ports 20a and 20b are welded (not shown) to the main valve body pipe. The disadvantages of such three-port valves are described in the "Prior Art" section above; the main disadvantage is that weldment failure can lead to fluid leakage from the valve body or from the HTM of the heating / cooling jacket.

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates the invention as a three-port valve 10, comprising a valve body 12 and two valve members 14a and 14b movably mounted opposite each other within the valve body 12. Each valve member 14a and 14b has a valve member head 15a and 15b and a valve member rod 15c and 15d distal to the valve member head 15a and 15b. The valve member rods 15c and 15d are mounted within frames 16a and 16b, wherein they are connected to shaft actuators 18a and 18b and rotation guides 18c and 18d. The rotation guides 18c and 18d convert the axial movement of each valve member 14a and 14b from an open position to a closed position, such that each valve member 14a and 14b is rotated 180° in the process.

[0039] The valve body 12 is manufactured from a high-tempered steel ingot and can be surface-hardened. It allows polymer melt to pass through the three-port valve 10. This polymer melt has an operating pressure of up to 300 bar and an operating temperature of up to 320°C.

[0040] The valve body 12 is provided with a first sub-port line 20a having a first sub-port opening 22a, a second sub-port line 20b having a second sub-port opening 22b, and a main port line 24 having a main port opening 26. Sub-port lines 20a, 20b, and 24 all intersect in the valve body 12 at a connection region 58, shown in Figure 4 as a connection region enclosed by a dashed ellipse. Through the connection region 58, fluid can flow from the main port line 24 to one or both of the sub-port lines 20a and 20b.

[0041] The basic shape of the valve body 12 is a cube with a cubic protrusion connecting it, wherein the cubic protrusion has a symmetrical, equilateral trapezoidal cross-section with the side surfaces 12a and 12b. Two sub-port openings 22a and 22b are disposed on the two side surfaces 12a and 12b of the valve body 12. Sub-port opening 22a is provided on the side surface 12a of the valve body 12, and sub-port opening 22b is provided on the side surface 12b of the valve body 12. Sub-port lines 20a and 20b and sub-port openings 22a and 22b disposed on the side surfaces 12a and 12b are machined into the valve body 12 at angles α and β, respectively, measured clockwise from the longitudinal axis 57 of the valve components 14a and 14b to the first and second centerlines 38a and 38b (see Figure 2). The valve body 12 is symmetrically formed to the longitudinal center plane through the longitudinal axis 28 of the main port line 24.

[0042] A plurality of connection sockets 34 are circumferentially inserted around the sub-port openings 22a, 22b and the main port opening 26. The connection sockets 34 may be in the form of threaded bolt holes for receiving corresponding threaded bolts to attach mounting flanges and fluid lines (not shown) to the main and sub-port openings. Sub-port lines 20a and 20b are each adapted for fluid connection to a sub-line, and the main port line 24 is adapted for fluid connection to a main line. For this purpose, corresponding connection devices engage with the connection sockets 34. Sub-lines and the main line are not shown. Air vents (also not shown) are provided between each sub-port opening 22a, 22b and the sub-line. Alternatively, the air vents may be integrated with each individual sub-port line.

[0043] The top portion of the valve body 12 has a plurality of cooling / heating line openings 30 for cooling / heating lines 32, as shown in Figure 1. One or more of these openings 30 can be converted into heat transfer medium inlets / outlets 55, which have a plurality of connection sockets 34 that are circumferentially inserted around the inlet / outlet 55 for mounting connection flanges (not shown) to the inlet / outlet. Valve component openings 36a, 36b are disposed on two side surfaces 12c, 12d of the basic cubic shape of the valve body 12.

[0044] Preferably, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, the sub-port openings 22a and 22b for sub-port lines 20a and 20b are configured such that the centerlines 38a and 38b of the sub-port openings 22a and 22b define a 120° angle between them. Other angular measurements between the centerlines 38a and 38b are acceptable depending on the required configuration of the valve assembly.

[0045] All pipelines and openings in the valve body, as well as related components incorporated or to be incorporated therein, are preferably cylindrical.

[0046] Valve components 14a and 14b are axially moved along their respective insertion directions 46a and 46b between their respective open and closed positions as required by the associated axial actuators 18a and 18b, and are rotated 180° by the associated rotary guides 18c and 18d during this process.

[0047] Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the valve body 12 and two valve components 14a and 14b of the three-port valve 10. A heat insulation plate 39 is attached to the valve body 12 for heat insulation, and this plate 39 covers the entire valve body 12. However, for clarity, only a portion of the valve body on which the heat insulation plate 39 is mounted is shown. Each of the two cylindrical valve components 14a and 14b includes valve component rods 15c and 15d, respectively, which terminate in shaft actuators 18a and 18b, and respectively include valve component heads 15a and 15b disposed at their free ends. The cylindrical valve components 14a and 14b are disposed in cylindrical valve component insertion holes 40, which extend from one valve component opening 36a through the valve body 12 to the other valve component opening 36b. Depending on the positions of the valve components 14a and 14b, the valve component insertion holes 40 are fluidly connected to the sub-port lines 20a and 20b and the main port line 24.

[0048] The two valve components 14a and 14b have chamfers 42a and 42b at their free ends on the valve component heads 15a and 15b. These chamfers 42a and 42b are formed such that when the valve components 14a and 14b are in the open position relative to the sub-port lines 20a and 20b, each chamfer 42a and 42b will extend the corresponding sidewall of the sub-port lines 20a and 20b.

[0049] Each of the two valve components 14a and 14b has a circumferential seal 44a and 44b provided on a valve component head 15a and 15b, respectively. The seals 44a and 44b are in sealing contact with the valve component insertion hole 40. They each seal the valve component insertion hole 40 in a direction opposite to the respective insertion directions 46a and 46b. The cylindrical valve component insertion hole 40 has circumferential sealing surfaces 48a and 48b, each provided between the main port line 24 and the daughter port lines 20a and 20b. In the closed position, the seals 44a and 44b are in sealing contact with the sealing surfaces 48a and 48b. When the valve components 14a and 14b are in an axial position along their respective insertion directions 46a and 46b, wherein the seals 44a and 44b terminate at the sealing surfaces 48a and 48b, the valve component heads 15a and 15b are fully inserted into the valve component insertion hole 40.

[0050] In Figure 2, the second valve member 14b is shown in the open position, while the first valve member 14a is simultaneously in its closed position. The open position of the second valve member 14b is characterized by the main port line 24 being fluidly connected to the second daughter port line 20b. The second valve member 14b is rotated circumferentially such that the second chamfer 42b forms an extension of the corresponding sidewall of the daughter port line 20b. In this position, the second valve member head 15b is not fully inserted into the valve member insertion hole 40.

[0051] In its closed position, the first valve member 14a is rotated 180° relative to the second valve member 14b. Further, the seal 44a of the first valve member 14a contacts the first sealing surface 48a. The rotation and axial movement of the first valve member 14a into the closed position results in the closure of the fluid connection between the main port line 24 and the first sub-port line 20a by the first valve member 14a. Simultaneously, the first chamfer 42a is flush with the main port line 24, thus allowing the fluid connection between the main port line 24 and the second sub-port line 20b, thereby achieving laminar flow of the polymer melt.

[0052] In Figure 3, the first valve component 14a is shown in the open position, and the second valve component 14b is simultaneously in its closed position. The transition between the open and closed positions is achieved in the same manner as the other individual valve components 14a and 14b described above. Here, the main port line 24 is fluidly connected to the first sub-port line 20a, and the connection from the main port line to the second sub-port line 20b is closed.

[0053] In Figure 4, the two valve components 14a and 14b are shown in their open positions. Therefore, the main port line 24 is fluidly connected to the two sub-port lines 20a and 20b.

[0054] Another position change of the two valve components 14a and 14b is the closed position of the two valve components 14a and 14b (not shown). Here, the connection from the main port line 24 to each of the two sub-port lines 20a and 20b is closed. This prevents the polymer melt from flowing through the three-port valve 10.

[0055] Figure 5 is another horizontal cross-sectional view of the valve body 12, which differs vertically from the cross-sectional views of Figures 2 to 4, specifically at the level of the cooling / heating lines 32. This view shows the cooling / heating lines 32 and their associated cooling / heating line openings 30. The cooling / heating lines 32 may each have the same circular diameter and may extend through the valve body 12 in both horizontal and vertical directions. The cooling / heating lines 32 form a three-dimensional grid around the lines 24, 20a, 20b and the valve component insertion holes 40. More specifically, the cooling / heating line openings 30 are recessed into the top surface and side surfaces 12c, 12d of the valve body 12.

[0056] In one embodiment, the horizontal cooling / heating line 32 may terminate on both sides of the manifold (not shown), thus ensuring that all lines are supplied through the manifold. One manifold is used to introduce the heat transfer medium, and the other manifold is used to discharge the heat transfer medium.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the HTM can be introduced into the valve body through a single inlet line opening 30 and exit through a single outlet line opening 30. All other line openings 30 are blocked. The cooling / heating line 32, through which the HTM passes, prevents the polymer melt passing through the three-port valve 10 from cooling and also serves to maintain the polymer melt at a predetermined temperature.

[0058] A heat transfer medium (preferably superheated steam or heat transfer oil) is introduced into the cooling / heating line 32. In addition to the cooling / heating line 32 and the heat transfer medium, or alternatively, an jack for the electric heating cylinder may be provided to prevent temperature variations in the fluid passing through it.

[0059] The valve body 12, made from a solid steel ingot and featuring cooling / heating lines 32, main port lines 24, and subsidiary ports 20a and 20b, as well as a machined valve component socket 40 integrally formed therein, is a compact design that easily meets operating conditions, especially under high pressure and / or high temperature. This prevents valve components 14a and 14b from jamming in the valve component socket 40 due to temperature or pressure. This is achieved through the material properties of steel and possible surface hardening, allowing the three-port valve 10 to operate reliably even under high pressure and high temperature. It also avoids leakage problems associated with prior art valves. It should be noted that the valve body can be formed from materials other than steel ingots formed by forging or other methods, provided that the selected material has the characteristics to withstand the high pressures and temperatures involved without causing valve component jamming or fluid or HTM leakage.

[0060] 10: Three-port valve 12: Valve body 12a: First side surface of valve body 12 12b: Second side surface of valve body 12 12c: The first side surface of valve body 12 12d: The second side surface of valve body 12 14a: First valve component 14b: Second valve component 15a: First valve component head 15b: Second valve component head 15c: First valve component rod 15d: Second valve component rod 16a: First Frame 16b: Second Frame 18a: First Axial Driver 18b: Second Axial Driver 18c: First rotating guide 18d: Second Rotary Guide 20a: First sub-port pipeline 20b: Second sub-port pipeline 22a: First sub-mouth opening 22b: Second sub-mouth opening 24: Main pipeline 26: Main opening 28: Vertical axis of main pipeline 24 30: Cooling / heating line opening 32: Cooling / Heating Piping 34: Connection jack 36a: Opening of the first valve component 36b: Opening of the second valve component 38a: First median line 38b: Second median line 39: Insulation board 40: Valve component insertion hole 42a: First chamfer 42b: Second chamfer 44a: First seal 44b: Second seal 46a: First insertion direction 46b: Second insertion direction 48a: First sealing surface 48b: Second sealing surface 50a: First stop 50b: Second stop 54a: First stop device 54b: Second stop device 55: Heat Transfer Medium (HTM) Inlet / Outlet 56: Welded parts 57: Longitudinal axis of valve components 14a and 14b 58: Connecting Area

Claims

1. A three-port valve for fluid passage, comprising a valve body, a main port opening, a first sub-port opening, and a second sub-port opening, the main port opening being connected via a main port line terminating in a connection region, the first sub-port opening having a first sub-port line connected to the connection region, the second sub-port opening having a second sub-port line connected to the connection region, at least one valve member disposed in the connection region, wherein the valve member is movable along a valve member axis in the connection region between an open position and a closed position, such that in a first valve position, the main port line is fluidly connected to the valve body. The main port is fluidly connected to the second sub-port in a second valve position, and to both the first and second sub-ports in a third valve position. In a fourth valve position, the main port is not fluidly connected to either the first or second sub-port. The valve body is manufactured from a solid ingot, and the connection area, the main port, and the first and second sub-ports are machined into the solid ingot. The valve member can rotate 180° about its axis when it moves from the open position to the closed position.

2. The three-port valve as described in claim 1, wherein, The valve body has at least one socket for at least one cooling / heating element adapted to be inserted into the socket of the valve body, wherein the cooling / heating element includes an electronic flash.

3. The three-port valve as described in claim 1, wherein, The valve body has at least one cooling / heating line for a heat transfer medium.

4. The three-port valve as described in claim 2, wherein, At least one jack is machined into a specific area of ​​the solid ingot.

5. The three-port valve as described in claim 3, wherein, The at least one cooling / heating line is a drilled hole machined into a specific area of ​​the solid ingot.

6. The three-port valve as described in claim 2, wherein, The valve body includes a plurality of sockets that extend in different directions within the valve body, thus ensuring uniform tempering of the valve body.

7. The three-port valve as described in claim 3, wherein, The valve body contains a plurality of cooling / heating lines that extend in different directions within the valve body, thus ensuring uniform tempering of the valve body.

8. The three-port valve as described in claim 1, wherein, The valve body is surface hardened.

9. The three-port valve as described in claim 1, wherein, The at least one valve member includes a first valve member and a second valve member disposed opposite to each other. The first and second valve members each have a front end portion extending into the connection region. The first and second valve members are adapted to move along a common valve member axis between one of their open positions and one of their closed positions in the connection region. The first valve position is formed by one of the open positions of the first valve member and one of the closed positions of the second valve member. The second valve position is formed by one of the open positions of the second valve member and one of the closed positions of the first valve member. The third valve position is formed by one of the open positions of both the first and second valve members. The fourth valve position is formed by one of the closed positions of both the first and second valve members.

10. The three-port valve as described in claim 9, wherein, The first sub-port line is oriented at a first angle relative to the axis of the valve component.

11. The three-port valve as described in claim 10, wherein, The second sub-port line is oriented at a second angle relative to the axis of the valve component.

12. The three-port valve as described in claim 11, wherein, The first and second angles, when measured clockwise from the axis of the valve component, total 180°.

13. The three-port valve as described in claim 10, wherein, In the open position, the front end portion of the first valve component has a chamfer corresponding to the first angle.

14. The three-port valve as described in claim 11, wherein, In the open position, the front end portion of the second valve component has a chamfer corresponding to the second angle.

15. The three-port valve as described in claim 9, wherein, When the first and second valve components are in the closed position, their front ends seal against one of the annular surfaces in the valve body.

16. The three-port valve as described in claim 1, wherein, The main inlet line is oriented at an angle relative to the axis of the valve component, specifically a right angle.

17. The three-port valve as described in claim 1, wherein, The longitudinal axis of one of the connection areas and the axis of the valve component are the same.

18. A three-port valve for fluid passage, comprising a valve body, a main port opening, a first sub-port opening, and a second sub-port opening, the main port opening being connected via a main port line terminating in a connection region, the first sub-port opening having a first sub-port line connected to the connection region, the second sub-port opening having a second sub-port line connected to the connection region, at least one valve member disposed in the connection region, wherein the valve member is movable along a valve member axis in the connection region between an open position and a closed position, such that in a first valve position, the main port line is fluidly connected to the first sub-port line, and in a... In the second valve position, the main port line is fluidly connected to the second sub-port line; in the third valve position, the main port line is fluidly connected to both the first and second sub-port lines; and in the fourth valve position, the main port line is not fluidly connected to either the first or second sub-port line. The valve body is characterized by being manufactured from a solid ingot, wherein the connection area, the main port line, and the first and second sub-port lines are machined into the solid ingot; and a plurality of cooling / heating lines are provided, arranged in a cooling / heating line cage, wherein the plurality of heating / cooling lines are machined into the solid ingot.

19. A three-port valve for passing fluid, comprising a valve body, a main port opening, a first sub-port opening, and a second sub-port opening, the main port opening being connected via a main port line terminating in a connection region, the first sub-port opening having a first sub-port line connected to the connection region, the second sub-port opening having a second sub-port line connected to the connection region, at least one valve member disposed in the connection region, wherein the valve member is movable along a valve member axis in the connection region between an open position and a closed position, such that in a first valve position, the main port line... The main valve body is fluidly connected to the first sub-port line. In a second valve position, the main valve line is fluidly connected to the second sub-port line. In a third valve position, the main valve line is fluidly connected to both the first and second sub-port lines. In a fourth valve position, the main valve line is not fluidly connected to either the first or second sub-port line. The valve body is characterized by being manufactured from a solid ingot, wherein the connection area, the main valve line, and the first and second sub-port lines are machined into the solid ingot; and the valve body is externally insulated, particularly with an insulation plate mounted on the valve body.

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