Valve device for vehicle

Abstract

The present application discloses a valve device for a vehicle. The valve device for a vehicle includes: a housing having an open end and a closed end to form an internal space, and formed with a first inlet port and a second inlet port for receiving a transmission fluid from a transmission and an oil cooler, a bypass port for bypassing the transmission fluid to the transmission, and a discharge port for discharging the transmission fluid to the oil cooler; an inner cover at least partially inserted into the internal space, fixed to the housing, and having an opening inserted into the internal space; an operating unit disposed between the inner cover and the closed end of the housing and reciprocatingly moving according to the temperature of the transmission fluid; a valve unit disposed in the operating unit to selectively open and close the bypass port and the discharge port according to the movement of the operating unit; and an elastic member inserted between the inner cover and the operating unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a valve device for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a valve is a device installed in a pipe or a container to allow fluid including gas such as air and liquid such as water to flow in, and discharge the inflowing fluid to the outside or prevent discharge to control the flow rate and pressure of the fluid.

[0003] Typically, such valves are configured to control the flow of fluid by manipulating a valve seat through which the fluid passes using a valve stem and a handle, or to be remotely regulated by sensing the temperature of the fluid flowing through the valve seat using a separate temperature control device.

[0004] Meanwhile, in recent years, the valve capable of being controlled according to temperature as described above has been applied to a cooling device for cooling a transmission fluid such as transmission oil.

[0005] Conventional transmission fluid cooling systems are divided into air-cooled and water-cooled types to prevent excessive temperature rise due to the slip of transmission components by maintaining the temperature of the transmission fluid at a predetermined temperature, and at the same time, to prevent an increase in transmission friction loss and the resulting deterioration in fuel consumption due to an increase in oil viscosity when the transmission fluid is overcooled.

[0006] Among them, the air-cooled transmission fluid cooling system includes: an oil cooler, which is provided at a position where the outside air flows smoothly, such as in front of the radiator; and a bypass valve, which is installed in a pipe between the oil cooler and the transmission to open and close according to the temperature of the transmission fluid. Therefore, when the temperature of the oil is higher than a predetermined temperature, the transmission fluid is allowed to pass through the heat exchanger via the bypass valve, and when the temperature of the oil is lower than the predetermined temperature, the transmission fluid is not allowed to pass through the heat exchanger, thereby maintaining the transmission fluid at a predetermined temperature.

[0007] However, in the bypass valve applied to the conventional transmission fluid cooling system as described above, since each constituent element needs to be assembled sequentially and assembled to the valve mounting hole of the valve housing, there are disadvantages such as difficulty in accurately positioning each constituent element, requiring excessive assembly time, and increasing manufacturing costs.

[0008] In addition, the bypass valve used in the transmission fluid cooling system also has the following disadvantage: when there is no need to cool the transmission fluid, it is difficult to quickly heat up the transmission fluid because a portion of the low-temperature transmission fluid cooled by the oil cooler flows from the transmission into the bypass valve and then flows into the transmission together with the bypass transmission fluid in a high-temperature state.

[0009] Furthermore, since the conventional bypass valve is located in a flow passage pipe connecting the transmission and the oil cooler, and a relatively large bypass valve is located in the pipe, there is also a disadvantage that space utilization of the engine room is deteriorated.

[0010] The above information disclosed in this Background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the invention and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the invention

[0011] The present invention has been made in an effort to provide a valve apparatus for a vehicle having an advantage of being simple in structure to effectively distribute the flow of a transmission fluid.

[0012] An exemplary valve device for a vehicle includes: a housing having an open end and a closed end to form an internal space, and having a first inlet port for receiving a transmission fluid from a transmission and a bypass port for allowing the transmission fluid to bypass the transmission on a first side, and having a second inlet port for receiving the transmission fluid from an oil cooler and a discharge port for discharging the transmission fluid to the oil cooler on a second side; an inner cover having an open end inserted into the internal space, a closed end fixed to the open end of the housing, and at least one opening located in a portion inserted into the internal space; an operating unit disposed in the internal space between the inner cover and the closed end of the housing, and configured to move reciprocally along the length direction of the housing according to the temperature of the transmission fluid flowing into the housing through the first inlet port; a valve unit disposed in the operating unit to selectively open and close the bypass port and the discharge port according to the movement of the operating unit; and an elastic member disposed between the inner cover and the operating unit and providing an elastic force to the operating unit relative to the inner cover.

[0013] The operating unit may include: a fixed rod having one end fixed to a fixed recess formed on an inner side of a closed end of a housing; and a deforming member having one end partially inserted into the other end of the fixed rod, and the deforming member is configured to expand and contract according to a temperature of a transmission fluid flowing into the housing through a first inlet port, thereby reciprocatingly moving relative to the fixed rod.

[0014] The deformable member may include a wax material that contracts and expands according to the temperature of the transmission fluid.

[0015] The elastic member may be a coil spring that is selectively compressed according to the operation of the operating unit and abuts the inner cover at one end and the deformation member at the other end to provide elastic force to the operating unit.

[0016] The inner cover may include: a catching end, formed along the outer periphery of the closed end of the inner cover, so that the catching end can be caught by the inner periphery of the open end of the shell; an insertion portion, inserted into the interior of the shell, and having a plurality of openings formed at predetermined intervals along the outer periphery of the insertion portion at positions corresponding to the bypass port and the second inlet port; a first fixing portion, formed between the catching end and the insertion portion at a position close to the catching end, the outer periphery of the first fixing portion being supported by the inner periphery of the shell; a second fixing portion, formed at a position on the outer periphery of the insertion portion spaced apart from the first fixing portion, and inserted into the opening toward the open end of the inner cover; and a support portion, extending from the second fixing portion toward the opposite side of the catching end, partially receiving the operating unit, and having at least one open groove formed in the outer periphery of the support portion, so that the transmission fluid received from the transmission through the first inlet port can flow to the opening.

[0017] A retaining ring may be installed at the open end of the housing to prevent the inner cover from being separated from the housing.

[0018] The first sealing ring and the second sealing ring may be mounted to the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, respectively, so that the transmission fluid flowing into the housing may be prevented from leaking between the housing and the inner cover.

[0019] The open groove may connect the first inlet port with the bypass port through the opening while the operating unit maintains an initial state in which it is partially inserted into the support portion.

[0020] Corresponding to the valve unit, a valve hole having an inclined surface at an inner circumference may be formed at the housing at a position displaced from the first inlet port toward a closed end of the housing.

[0021] The valve unit may include: a valve seat coupled to a coupling step formed in the operating unit and extending outward in a radial direction of the operating unit; and a close contact member installed on an outer periphery of the valve seat, the outer periphery of the close contact member selectively in close contact with an inclined surface of the valve hole according to an operation of the operating unit.

[0022] The valve seat may be coupled to the coupling step in a detachable press-fit state.

[0023] The close contact member may be formed of a rubber material and configured to limit a movement range of the operating unit while being in close contact with the inclined surface by elastic force provided by the elastic member and enable communication between the first inlet port and the outlet port by opening the valve hole when the operating unit is operated.

[0024] The close contact member may be formed in a ring shape having a diameter greater than an inner diameter of the inclined surface. At least two close contact steps may be formed in the close contact member to contact the inclined surface. A groove may be formed between the close contact steps.

[0025] At least two close contact steps may include: a first close contact step that close contacts the inclined surface at a position near the first inlet port; and a second close contact step that close contacts the inclined surface at a position near the exhaust port, wherein the close contact member doubly contacts the inclined surface through the first close contact step and the second close contact step to prevent the transmission fluid from leaking between the close contact member and the valve hole.

[0026] When the operation unit is not operated, the valve unit may close the valve hole by maintaining close contact of the close contact member on the inclined surface so that the first inlet port and the outlet port are not connected to each other.

[0027] The inner cover may be integrally formed by injection molding.

[0028] Corresponding to the opening, the bypass port may be disposed on the first side of the housing on the same axis as the second inlet port.

[0029] The first inlet port and the second inlet port may be disposed at opposite positions on different sides of the housing.The exhaust port may be disposed on the second side of the housing at a staggered position relative to the first inlet port.

[0030] When the temperature of the transmission fluid is higher than a predetermined value, the operating unit may move toward the inner cover to compress the elastic member and simultaneously end the connection between the first inlet port and the bypass port, and the valve unit may open the valve hole to open the exhaust port, and

[0031] When the temperature of the transmission fluid is lower than a predetermined value, the operating unit may return to or remain in the initial position by elastic force of the elastic member to maintain the connection between the first inlet port and the bypass port, and the valve unit may close the valve hole to close the exhaust port.

[0032] According to the valve device for a vehicle of the exemplary embodiment, the flow of the transmission fluid can be quickly expanded or contracted with a simple structure according to the temperature of the transmission fluid to bypass or supply to the oil cooler. Therefore, the constituent elements can be simplified, and the production and assembly can also be simplified, thereby reducing the production cost.

[0033] Furthermore, it is possible to increase the flow rate by adopting the bypass flow passage and prevent the transmission fluid cooled at the oil cooler from leaking to the transmission, thereby achieving reliable flow control according to the temperature of the transmission fluid.

[0034] Frictional losses in the transmission can be reduced by rapidly warming the transmission fluid, thereby improving the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

[0035] Additionally, the power required by the hydraulic pump may be reduced by increasing the bypass flow of the transmission fluid.

[0036] The internal constituent elements can be post-assembled to the housing and replaced in the event of a failure, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving the convenience of replacement work. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a transmission fluid cooling system applicable to a valve apparatus for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a valve apparatus for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA.

[0040] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a valve apparatus for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of a valve apparatus for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0042] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Operation states of the valve apparatus for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment are respectively shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] The exemplary embodiments disclosed in this specification and the configurations depicted in the accompanying drawings are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not cover the entire scope of the present invention. Therefore, it will be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist when applying this specification.

[0045] In order to clarify the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted, and the same elements or equivalents are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0046] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each element are arbitrarily shown in the drawings, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and in the drawings, the thickness of layers, films, panels, regions, etc., are exaggerated for clarity.

[0047] In addition, unless explicitly described to the contrary, the word “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0048] Furthermore, each of the terms such as “unit,” “means,” “portion,” and “member” described in the specification means a unit of an integrated element that performs at least one function or operation.

[0049] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a transmission fluid cooling system applicable to a valve apparatus for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 2 is a perspective view of a valve apparatus for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment, and Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line AA of Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a valve apparatus for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Figure 6 and Figure 7 Operation states of the valve apparatus for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment are respectively shown.

[0051] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a valve device 100 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment is arranged between a fluid cooler (hereinafter referred to as an oil cooler) 9 and a transmission 5, and controls the flow of the transmission fluid according to the temperature of the transmission fluid, wherein the oil cooler 9 can be formed in a known simple structure to cool the transmission fluid.

[0052] For this purpose, Figure 1 As shown, a valve device 100 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment is arranged between a transmission and an oil cooler 9 included in a transmission fluid cooling system having an oil cooler 9, which is arranged in front of a radiator 7 and cools the transmission fluid by exchanging heat with flowing ambient air to prevent the transmission fluid filled in a transmission 5 mounted on an engine 3 from being overheated.

[0053] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, such a valve apparatus 100 for a vehicle includes a housing 101 , an inner cover 110 , an operation unit 120 , a valve unit 140 , and an elastic member 150 .

[0054] The housing 101 includes an open side and a closed side, and forms an inner space S.

[0055] The housing 101 is formed in a rectangular column shape.

[0056] On a first side of the housing 101 (eg, Figure 2 On the right side in FIG. 1 , a first inlet port 102 for receiving the transmission fluid from the transmission 5 and a bypass port 103 for bypassing the fluid to the transmission 5 are formed.

[0057] On the second side of the housing 101 (eg, Figure 2On the left side in FIG. 1 ), a second inlet port 104 for receiving the transmission fluid from the oil cooler 9 and a discharge port 105 for discharging the transmission fluid to the oil cooler 9 may be formed.

[0058] Here, the first inlet port 102 and the second inlet port 104 may be disposed at opposite positions on different sides of the housing 101 .

[0059] In more detail, the first inlet port 102 is formed at a lower position on the first side of the housing 101 , and is connected to the transmission 5 through a pipe or a hose.

[0060] The second inlet port 104 is formed at an upper position of the second side of the housing 101 , and is connected to the oil cooler 9 through a pipe or a hose.

[0061] The exhaust port 105 may be disposed on the second side of the housing 101 at a staggered position relative to the first inlet port 102 , for example, at a position close to the bottom side of the housing 101 from the height of the first inlet port 102 .

[0062] That is, the exhaust port 105 is formed on the second side of the housing 101 at a position spaced apart from the second inlet port 104 toward the bottom side of the housing 101. The bypass port 103 is formed on the first side of the housing 101 at the same height as the second inlet port 104.

[0063] Therefore, by selectively operating the operating unit 120 according to the temperature of the transmission fluid, the transmission fluid flowing from the transmission 5 into the housing 101 through the first inlet port 102 may flow back to the transmission 5 through the bypass port 103 or be discharged to the oil cooler 9 through the discharge port 105 .

[0064] In addition, the transmission fluid supplied from the oil cooler 9 may flow to the housing 101 through the second inlet port 104 and be discharged to the transmission 5 through the bypass port 103 .

[0065] The first and second inlet ports 102 and 104 , the bypass port 103 , and the exhaust port 105 may communicate with the inner space S of the housing 101 .

[0066] The housing 101 may be formed of a synthetic resin material such as plastic, but is not limited thereto. The housing 101 may be formed of a material that can withstand the flow rate and flow velocity of the transmission fluid and has excellent heat resistance.

[0067] In this exemplary embodiment, the inner cover 110 has an open end ( Figure 3 The lower end) and the closed end ( Figure 3 middle).

[0068] An open end of the inner cover 110 is partially inserted into the inner space S, and a closed end of the inner cover 110 is fixed to the open end of the housing 101 .

[0069] The inner cover 110 may be formed at a portion inserted into the inner space S with at least one opening 111 .

[0070] In the present exemplary embodiment, four opening holes 111 spaced apart at 90 degrees may be formed along the outer circumference of the inner cover 110 .

[0071] The four openings 111 spaced apart at 90 degrees along the outer circumference of the inner cover 110 may be merely an example and are not limited thereto. The number and position of the at least one opening 111 may vary.

[0072] The inner cover 110 may be cylindrical in shape. The open end and the closed end of the inner cover 110 are disposed in opposite directions of the open end and the closed end of the housing 101. The inner cover 110 may be integrally formed by injection molding.

[0073] The inner cover 110 may include a clamping end 112 , an inserting portion 113 , first and second fixing portions 114 and 115 , and a supporting portion 116 .

[0074] The clamping end 112 may be formed along the outer periphery of the closed end of the inner cover 110 , so that the clamping end 112 may be clamped by the inner periphery of the open end of the housing 101 .

[0075] Here, a fixing ring 106 may be installed at an open end of the housing 101 to prevent the inner cover 110 from being separated from the housing 101 .

[0076] The fixing ring 106 may be installed in an annular groove 106 a formed along the outer circumference of the open end of the housing 101 .

[0077] That is, while the clamping end 112 of the inner cover 110 is supported by the housing 101 , the fixing ring 106 holds the closed end of the inner cover 110 , and thus, the inner cover 110 can be prevented from being separated from the housing 101 .

[0078] The insertion portion 113 is inserted into the interior of the housing 101 , and may be formed with a plurality of openings 111 at predetermined intervals along an outer circumference of the insertion portion 113 at positions corresponding to the bypass port 103 and the second inlet port 104 .

[0079] In the present exemplary embodiment, the first fixing portion 114 is formed between the clamping end 112 and the inserting portion 113 at a position close to the clamping end 112 , and an outer periphery of the first fixing portion 114 is supported within the inner space S by an inner periphery of the housing 101 .

[0080] The second fixing portion 115 is formed on the outer circumference of the insertion portion 113 at a position spaced apart from the first fixing portion 114 , and is inserted into the opening 111 toward the open end of the inner cover 110 .

[0081] The outer circumference of the second fixing portion 115 may be supported in the inner space S by the inner circumference of the housing 101 .

[0082] Here, the first and second sealing rings 114 a and 115 a may be mounted to the first and second fixing portions 114 and 115 , respectively, so that the transmission fluid flowing into the housing 101 may be prevented from leaking between the housing 101 and the inner cover 110 .

[0083] The first sealing ring 114 a and the second sealing ring 115 a intervene in the opening 111 and can form a seal between the outer periphery of the first fixing portion 114 and the second fixing portion 115 and the inner periphery of the housing 101 , respectively.

[0084] Therefore, the first and second sealing rings 114 a and 115 a may prevent the transmission fluid from leaking along the inner circumference of the housing 101 and the outer circumferences of the first and second fixing portions 114 and 115 .

[0085] The support portion 116 extends from the second fixing portion 115 toward the opposite side of the clamping end 112. The deformation member 123 of the operation unit 120 may be partially inserted into the support portion 116.

[0086] Furthermore, at least one open groove 117 may be formed in the outer periphery of the support portion 116 so that the transmission fluid received from the transmission 5 through the first inlet port 102 may flow to the opening 111 .

[0087] The opening grooves 117 may be formed at positions spaced apart at a predetermined angle along the circumferential direction. In the present exemplary embodiment, four opening grooves 117 may be spaced apart from each other at 90 degrees along the circumference of the support portion 116 .

[0088] When the operation unit 120 maintains an initial state of being partially inserted into the support portion 116 , the opening groove 117 may connect the first inlet port 102 and the bypass port 103 through the opening hole 111 .

[0089] Here, the bypass port 103 may be disposed on the same axis as the second inlet port 104 at the first side of the housing 101 corresponding to the opening 111 .

[0090] In the present exemplary embodiment, the operation unit 120 includes a fixing lever 121 and a deformation member 123 .

[0091] One end portion of the fixing rod 121 is fixed to a fixing recess 107 formed on the inner side of the closed end of the housing 101 .

[0092] The fixing rod 121 is formed in a round rod shape, one end of which may be fixed to the fixing recess 107 .

[0093] One end of the deformation member 123 is partially inserted into the other end of the fixing rod 121 (ie, the end not fixed to the fixing recess 107 ).

[0094] The deformation member 123 expands and contracts according to the temperature of the transmission fluid flowing into the housing 101 through the first inlet port 102 , thereby reciprocatingly moving relative to the fixing rod 121 .

[0095] That is, the deformation member 123 changes its position relative to the fixing rod 121 by being displaced in a straight line.

[0096] Here, the first inlet port 102 may be positioned at a position near the deformation member 123 so that deformation of the deformation member 123 is easily generated by the transmission fluid flowing in through the first inlet port 102 .

[0097] Such a deformation member 123 may include a wax material that contracts and expands according to the temperature of an operating fluid such as a transmission fluid.

[0098] The wax material changes its volume according to temperature, that is, the volume increases when the temperature increases, and the volume decreases when the temperature decreases.

[0099] That is, the deformation member 123 is a component in which a wax material is included, and when volume deformation of the wax material occurs according to temperature, the operating unit 120 may reciprocate along the axis of the fixing rod 121 .

[0100] When the transmission fluid having a temperature higher than a predetermined temperature is received through the first inlet port 102 , the volume of the deformation member 123 expands, and the deformation member 123 may move from an initial position toward the other end of the fixing rod 121 , ie, upward in the drawing.

[0101] Then, the deformation member 123 is inserted into the support portion 116 toward the second fixing portion 115 , thereby closing the open groove 117 communicating with the opening hole 111 and compressing the elastic member 150 .

[0102] On the contrary, when receiving the transmission fluid below the predetermined temperature, the temperature of the deformation member 123 decreases, and the volume of the deformation member 123 contracts from the expanded state. Therefore, the deformation member 123 moves toward the fixing recess 107 by the elastic force of the compressed elastic member 150.

[0103] That is, the deformation member 123 may return to the original position from the state of being expanded toward the inner cover 110 along the fixing rod 121 by the elastic force of the elastic member 150 together with the volume contraction.

[0104] In the present exemplary embodiment, the elastic member 150 is interposed between the inner cover 110 and the operation unit 120 , and may provide elastic force to the operation unit 120 with respect to the inner cover 110 .

[0105] The elastic member 150 may be a coil spring having one end abutting the inner cover 110 and the other end abutting the deformation member 123 , so that the elastic member 150 may be selectively compressed according to the operation of the operation unit 120 and provide elastic force to the operation unit 120 .

[0106] Although not shown in detail, a heater (not shown) may be installed in the operation unit 120 to directly heat the deformation member 123 independently of the transmission fluid according to driving conditions such as a load state of the vehicle.

[0107] In the present exemplary embodiment, corresponding to the valve unit 140 , the valve hole 108 having the inclined surface 109 at the inner circumference may be formed at the housing 101 at a position shifted from the first inlet port 102 toward the closed end of the housing 101 .

[0108] Here, the valve unit 140 includes a valve seat 141 and a close contact member 143 .

[0109] The valve seat 141 is coupled to a coupling step 125 formed in the operating unit 120 , and may extend outward in a radial direction of the operating unit 120 .

[0110] Here, the valve seat 141 may be coupled to the coupling step 125 in a detachable press-fit state.

[0111] The close contact member 143 is installed on the outer circumference of the valve seat 141. The outer circumference of the close contact member 143 may be selectively brought into close contact with the inclined surface 109 of the valve hole 108 according to the operation of the operation unit 120.

[0112] Here, the close contact member 143 is formed of a rubber material, and the close contact member 143 may limit the movement range of the operation unit 120 while closely contacting the inclined surface 109 by the elastic force provided by the elastic member 150 .

[0113] Furthermore, when the operation unit 120 is operated, the close contact member 143 may enable communication between the first inlet port 102 and the outlet port 105 by opening the valve hole 108 .

[0114] The close contact member 143 is formed in a ring shape having a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the inclined surface 109 .

[0115] Here, at least two close contact steps may be formed in the close contact member 143 to contact the inclined surface 109 , and the groove 149 may be formed between the close contact steps.

[0116] In the present exemplary embodiment, the close contact step may include a first close contact step 145 close contacting the inclined surface 109 at a position near the first inlet port 102 and a second close contact step 147 close contacting the inclined surface 109 at a position near the outlet port 105 .

[0117] Therefore, the close contact member 143 may doubly contact the inclined surface 109 through the first close contact step 145 and the second close contact step 147 to prevent the transmission fluid from leaking between the close contact member 143 and the valve hole 108 .

[0118] When the operation unit 120 is not operated, the valve unit 140 closes the valve hole 108 by maintaining the close contact of the close contact member 143 on the inclined surface 109 so that the first inlet port 102 and the outlet port 105 are not connected to each other.

[0119] The groove 149 formed between the first and second close contact steps 145 and 147 may improve the closeness of contact between the first and second close contact steps 145 and 147 and the inclined surface 109 .

[0120] Since the close contact member 143 double-closely contacts the inclined surface 109 through the first close contact step 145 and the second close contact step 147, the sealing force is increased when the valve hole 108 is closed, thereby causing the transmission 5 to heat up quickly, thereby improving the fuel consumption of the vehicle.

[0121] Furthermore, since the close contact member 143 is formed of an elastic rubber material, the sealing force and the contact closeness can have excellent characteristics.

[0122] The valve seat 141 is supported by the coupling step 125 , and can be detachably pressed into the outer circumference of the operation unit 120 .

[0123] Therefore, when the valve unit 140 is worn or damaged, a worker can easily perform a replacement work of the valve unit 140 .

[0124] On the other hand, when the size of the valve hole 108 is changed to ensure a required fluid amount of the transmission fluid, the valve unit 140 may be applied by changing the size of the valve seat 141 .

[0125] Therefore, since various conditions can be satisfied by ensuring a required fluid amount of the transmission fluid only by changing the size of the valve seat 141 without changing the entire components, a customized effect can be expected.

[0126] In addition, since the close contact member 143 is formed of a material such as rubber, the close contact member 143 may provide a repulsive force against the elastic force of the elastic member 150 to the operation unit 120 .

[0127] More specifically, when the valve unit 140 is in close contact with the inclined surface 109 of the valve hole 108 while the deformation member 123 is elastically pressurized by the elastic member 150 , the valve unit 140 may be restricted from movement of the operation unit 120 toward the fixing recess 107 .

[0128] In other words, the repulsive force generated between the coupling step 125 coupled to the valve seat 141 and the close contact force of the close contact member 143 relative to the inclined surface 109 may limit the movement range of the operating unit 120 so that the operating unit 120 is not pushed toward the fixing recess 107 .

[0129] Therefore, a separate stopper device for limiting the operating range of the operating unit 120 may not be employed, so that the entire constituent elements of the valve apparatus 100 may be reduced, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0130] That is, the valve unit 140 installed by the operating unit 120 may realize a valve function of opening and closing the valve hole 108 , and may also realize a stopper function of limiting an operating range of the operating unit 120 elastically pressurized by the elastic member 150 .

[0131] In the present exemplary embodiment, it has been described that the valve unit 140 opens and closes the valve hole 108 according to the operation of the operation unit 120 , but it is understood that this is merely an exemplary embodiment and is not limited thereto.

[0132] For example, at least one flow hole (not shown) may be formed at the valve seat 141 so that a portion of the transmission fluid flowing into the first inlet port 102 may be discharged to the oil cooler 9 through the discharge port 105 when the operating unit 120 operates according to the temperature of the transmission fluid.

[0133] Therefore, even if the operation unit 120 fails, the flow hole enables a predetermined amount of the transmission fluid to flow to the oil cooler 9 , and thus, overheating and damage of the transmission 5 can be prevented.

[0134] In the following, reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The operation of the valve apparatus 100 for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment is described in detail.

[0135] refer to Figure 6 , the valve hole 108 is closed in an initial state in which the close contact member 143 of the valve unit 140 is in close contact with the inclined surface 109 of the valve hole 108 .

[0136] Therefore, the operation unit 120 may maintain a state in which the deformation member 123 is partially inserted into the support portion 116. Then, the first inlet port 102 may be connected to the bypass port 103 through the opening groove 117 and the opening hole 111.

[0137] In this state, when the transmission fluid having a temperature lower than a predetermined temperature flows through the first inlet port 102 , the deformation member 123 does not expand or contract, and the position does not change.

[0138] In this case, the valve unit 140 keeps the valve hole 108 closed.

[0139] Therefore, the transmission fluid flowing from the transmission 5 through the first inlet port 102 flows into the interior of the inner cover 110 through the open groove 117 , and is discharged to the bypass port 103 through the opening hole 111 .

[0140] The transmission fluid exhausted to the bypass port 103 flows back to the transmission 5 .

[0141] Here, the operation unit 120 may be prevented from further moving toward the elastic member 150 by the repulsive force of the valve unit 140 between the coupling step 125 and the valve hole 108 .

[0142] When the transmission fluid is lower than a predetermined temperature, the valve device 100 bypasses the transmission fluid received from the transmission 5 back to the transmission 5 through the bypass port 103 so that the transmission fluid may not be cooled by passing through the oil cooler 9. Therefore, the transmission 5 may be quickly heated up.

[0143] Here, although the cooled transmission fluid discharged from the oil cooler 9 flows to the second inlet port 104 which is in an open state, the transmission fluid does not flow to the oil cooler 9 through the discharge port 105, and therefore, only a small amount of transmission fluid is received through the second inlet port 104 and flows to the transmission 5 together with the bypass transmission fluid having a predetermined temperature.

[0144] That is, the small amount of cooled transmission fluid received through the second inlet port 104 does not affect the temperature of the bypass transmission fluid, and the transmission fluid having a predetermined temperature continues to bypass the transmission 5 , thereby enabling the transmission 5 to warm up faster.

[0145] Through such operation of the valve apparatus 100 for a vehicle according to the exemplary embodiment, the transmission 5 may be enabled to warm up faster, thereby quickly reducing the friction loss of the transmission 5 and improving the overall fuel consumption of the vehicle.

[0146] On the contrary, Figure 7As shown, when the transmission fluid received through the first inlet port 102 is higher than a predetermined temperature, the deformation member 123 of the operating unit 120 expands and moves toward the second fixing portion 115 .

[0147] Then, the valve unit 140 may move together with the deformation member 123 to open the valve hole 108. At the same time, the deformation member 123 is partially inserted into the second fixing portion 115 and closes the opening groove 117 to prevent communication between the opening groove 117 and the opening hole 111.

[0148] That is, the valve unit 140 moves upward together with the deformation member 123 to open the closed valve hole 108 , and the deformation member 123 compresses the elastic member 150 .

[0149] At this time, the transmission fluid above a predetermined temperature received through the first inlet port 102 passes through the opened valve hole 108 to flow to the oil cooler 9 through the exhaust port 105 .

[0150] Then, the transmission fluid flowing into the oil cooler 9 is cooled at the oil cooler 9 by exchanging heat with the surrounding air. After being cooled at the oil cooler 9, the transmission fluid flows into the housing 101 through the second inlet port 104, and then flows to the transmission 5 through the bypass port 103 connected to the second inlet port 104 via the opening 111.

[0151] Therefore, the transmission fluid cooled in the oil cooler 9 flows into the transmission 5 overheated due to the temperature increase of the transmission fluid to cool the transmission 5. Therefore, the transmission fluid cooled at the oil cooler 9 flows to the transmission 5 containing the heated transmission fluid, and can cool the transmission 5.

[0152] On the other hand, the elastic member 150 is compressed by the deformation member 123 that has expanded and moved from the fixing rod 121 .

[0153] In this state, when the temperature of the transmission fluid received through the first inlet port 102 decreases below a predetermined temperature, the deformation member 123 contracts to an initial state and moves toward the fixing recess 107 along the fixing rod 121 .

[0154] At this time, the deformation member 123 may be quickly returned to its original position by the elastic force of the compressed elastic member 150 .

[0155] At the same time, the valve unit 140 moves together with the deformation member 123 to return to the original position, and thereby closes the opened valve hole 108 .

[0156] That is, in this exemplary embodiment, when the temperature of the transmission fluid is higher than a predetermined value, the operating unit 120 moves toward the inner cover 110 to compress the elastic member 150 and simultaneously ends the connection between the first inlet port 102 and the bypass port 103 , and the valve unit 140 opens the valve hole 108 to open the exhaust port 105 .

[0157] Conversely, when the temperature of the transmission fluid is lower than a predetermined value, the operating unit 120 may return to or remain in the initial position by the elastic force of the elastic member 150 to maintain the connection between the first inlet port 102 and the bypass port 103 , and the valve unit 140 closes the valve hole 108 to close the exhaust port 105 .

[0158] As described above, the valve apparatus 100 can improve reliability and responsiveness of valve operation by selectively warming or cooling the transmission 5 through the operating unit 120 operated according to the temperature of the transmission fluid received from the transmission 5 and through the valve unit 140 operated by the operating unit 120 .

[0159] According to the valve device 100 for a vehicle of the exemplary embodiment, it is possible to quickly expand or contract with a simple structure according to the temperature of the transmission fluid to control the flow of the transmission fluid to bypass or supply to the oil cooler 9. Therefore, the constituent elements can be simplified, and the production and assembly can also be simplified, thereby reducing the production cost.

[0160] Furthermore, it is possible to increase the flow rate by adopting the bypass flow passage and prevent the transmission fluid cooled at the oil cooler 9 from leaking to the transmission 5 , thereby achieving reliable flow control according to the temperature of the transmission fluid.

[0161] Frictional losses in the transmission 5 may be reduced by rapidly warming the transmission fluid, thereby improving the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle.

[0162] Additionally, the power required by the hydraulic pump may be reduced by increasing the bypass flow of the transmission fluid.

[0163] The internal constituent elements may be post-assembled to the housing 101 and may be replaced in the event of a failure, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving convenience in replacement work.

[0164] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0139308 filed on November 4, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0165] While the invention has been described in conjunction with what are presently considered to be practical example embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0166] <Tag Description>

[0167] 3: Engine

[0168] 5: Transmission

[0169] 7: Radiator

[0170] 9: Oil cooler

[0171] 100: Valve

[0172] 101: Shell

[0173] 102, 104: first entry port and second entry port

[0174] 103: Bypass port

[0175] 105: Exhaust port

[0176] 106: Fixed ring

[0177] 106a: Annular groove

[0178] 107: Fixed recess

[0179] 108: Valve hole

[0180] 109: Sloped surface

[0181] 110: Inner cover

[0182] 111: Opening

[0183] 112: Card terminal

[0184] 113: Insertion

[0185] 114, 115: first fixing portion and second fixing portion

[0186] 114a, 115a: first sealing ring and second sealing ring

[0187] 116: Support

[0188] 117: Open slot

[0189] 120: Operation unit

[0190] 121: Fixed rod

[0191] 123: Deformed components

[0192] 125: Coupling step

[0193] 140: Valve unit

[0194] 141: Valve seat

[0195] 143: Close contact components

[0196] 145: First close contact step

[0197] 147: Second close contact step

[0198] 149: Slot

[0199] 150: Elastic member

[0200] S: Internal space

Claims

1. A valve device for a vehicle, wherein: The valve device comprises: a housing having an open end and a closed end to form an interior space, and the housing having on a first side a first inlet port configured to receive a transmission fluid from a transmission and a bypass port configured to bypass the transmission fluid to the transmission, and the housing having on a second side a second inlet port configured to receive the transmission fluid from an oil cooler and a discharge port configured to discharge the transmission fluid to the oil cooler; an inner cover having an open end inserted into the inner space, a closed end fixed to the open end of the housing, and at least one opening in a portion inserted into the inner space; an operating unit disposed in the internal space between the inner cover and the closed end of the housing, and configured to reciprocate along a length direction of the housing according to a temperature of the transmission fluid flowing into the housing through the first inlet port; a valve unit provided in the operating unit and configured to selectively open and close the bypass port and the exhaust port according to movement of the operating unit; and an elastic member, interposed between the inner cover and the operating unit and providing elastic force to the operating unit relative to the inner cover, Wherein, the inner cover comprises: A clamping end is formed along the outer periphery of the closed end of the inner cover so that the clamping end can be clamped by the inner periphery of the open end of the shell; an insertion portion inserted into the interior of the housing, the insertion portion having a plurality of openings at predetermined intervals along an outer periphery of the insertion portion at positions corresponding to the bypass port and the second inlet port; A first fixing portion is formed at a first position between the clamping end and the inserting portion and close to the clamping end, wherein an outer periphery of the first fixing portion is supported by the inner periphery of the housing; a second fixing portion formed at a second position spaced apart from the first fixing portion on the outer periphery of the insertion portion, and inserted into the opening toward the open end of the inner cover; and A support portion extends from the second fixing portion toward the opposite side of the clamping end, the support portion partially receives the operating unit, and at least one open groove is formed in the outer periphery of the support portion so that the transmission fluid received from the transmission through the first inlet port flows to the opening.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The operating unit comprises: a fixing rod having one end fixed to a fixing recess formed on an inner side of the closed end of the housing; and A deformation member having one end partially inserted into the other end of the fixing rod and configured to expand and contract according to a temperature of the transmission fluid flowing into the housing through the first inlet port to reciprocate relative to the fixing rod.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein: The deformation member includes a wax material that contracts and expands according to a temperature of the transmission fluid.

4. The valve device according to claim 2, wherein: The elastic member is a coil spring that is selectively compressed according to an operation of the operating unit and abuts the inner cover at one end and the deformation member at the other end to provide elastic force to the operating unit.

5. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein A fixing ring is installed at the open end of the housing to prevent the inner cover from being separated from the housing.

6. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein A first seal ring and a second seal ring are mounted to the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion, respectively, thereby preventing the transmission fluid flowing into the housing from leaking between the housing and the inner cover.

7. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The opening groove connects the first inlet port with the bypass port through the opening while the operating unit maintains an initial state of being partially inserted into the support portion.

8. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: Corresponding to the valve unit, a valve hole having an inclined surface at an inner periphery is formed at the housing at a first position displaced from the first inlet port toward the closed end of the housing.

9. The valve device according to claim 8, wherein: The valve unit comprises: a valve seat coupled to a coupling step formed in the operating unit and extending outward in a radial direction of the operating unit; and A close contact member is mounted on an outer circumference of the valve seat, wherein the outer circumference of the close contact member is selectively in close contact with the inclined surface of the valve hole according to the operation of the operation unit.

10. The valve device according to claim 9, wherein The valve seat is coupled to the coupling step in a detachable press-fit state.

11. The valve device according to claim 9, wherein: The close contact member is formed of a rubber material and is configured to limit a movement range of the operating unit while being in close contact with the inclined surface by an elastic force provided by the elastic member, and enable communication between the first inlet port and the outlet port by opening the valve hole when the operating unit is operated.

12. The valve device according to claim 9, wherein: The close contact member is formed in a ring shape having a diameter larger than an inner diameter of the inclined surface; at least two close contact steps are formed in the close contact member to contact the inclined surface; and Grooves are formed between the close-contact steps.

13. The valve device according to claim 12, wherein: The at least two close contact steps include: a first close contact step that closely contacts the inclined surface at a second position near the first inlet port; and a second close contact step that closely contacts the inclined surface at a third position near the discharge port, The close contact member doubly contacts the inclined surface through the first close contact step and the second close contact step to prevent the transmission fluid from leaking between the close contact member and the valve hole.

14. The valve device according to claim 9, wherein: When the operation unit is not operated, the valve unit is configured to close the valve hole by maintaining the close contact member on the inclined surface so that the first inlet port and the outlet port are not connected to each other.

15. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein The inner cover is an integrally formed injection-molded inner cover.

16. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein The bypass port is disposed on the first side of the housing on the same axis as the second inlet port, corresponding to the opening.

17. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The first inlet port and the second inlet port are disposed at opposing positions on different sides of the housing; and The exhaust port is disposed on the second side of the housing at a staggered position relative to the first inlet port.

18. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: When the temperature of the transmission fluid is higher than a predetermined value, the operating unit is configured to move toward the inner cover to compress the elastic member and simultaneously end the connection of the first inlet port and the bypass port, and the valve unit is configured to open the valve hole to open the exhaust port; and When the temperature of the transmission fluid is lower than the predetermined value, the operating unit is configured to return to or remain in an initial position by elastic force of the elastic member to maintain the connection between the first inlet port and the bypass port, and the valve unit is configured to close the valve hole to close the exhaust port.

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