Ball valve with multi-angle seal for coolant control regulator

Abstract

A coolant control regulator assembly includes a plurality of modular housings, an actuator, and a plurality of ball valves. The actuator is operably connected to at least one of the plurality of modular housings. Each of the modular housings includes an internal cavity, at least one inlet port, and at least one outlet port. Further, each of the internal cavities includes one of the plurality of ball valves positioned therein. At least one of the plurality of ball valves includes a plurality of orifices configured to align with the at least one inlet port and the at least one outlet port at certain rotational positions.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 035,233, filed June 5, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a coolant control regulator, and more specifically to a multi-angle seal on a ball valve. Background Technology

[0004] Coolant control regulators or valves are used in the coolant circuits of vehicles such as cars or trucks to cool or heat internal combustion engines or batteries. It is known in the art to install coolant control valves to regulate the flow of coolant through a vehicle.

[0005] Many known coolant control regulators include ball valves with a single seal, which only allows the ball valve to have a single open or closed section at a specific degree of rotation. Thus, the ball valve is limited to a finite number of sealing / flow states within its 360° rotation range. Therefore, there is a need for a coolant control valve with additional sealing or flow states that allow for additional flow control over conventional ball valve designs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, a coolant control regulator assembly includes a plurality of modular housings, an actuator, and a plurality of ball valves. The actuator is operatively connected to at least one of the modular housings. Each of the modular housings includes a cavity, at least one inlet port, and at least one outlet port. Further, each of the cavities includes one of the plurality of ball valves positioned therein. At least one of the plurality of ball valves includes a plurality of orifices configured to align with at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port in certain rotational positions.

[0007] On the other hand, a coolant control regulator assembly includes a plurality of modular housings. Each of the modular housings includes a cavity, at least one inlet port, and at least one outlet port. The coolant control regulator assembly further includes a plurality of ball valves. Each of the cavities includes one of the plurality of ball valves positioned therein. At least one of the plurality of ball valves includes a plurality of orifices configured to align with at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port in certain rotational positions. At least one of the plurality of ball valves includes more than two rotational positions that allow fluid to flow through the ball valve.

[0008] In a further aspect, a ball valve for a coolant control regulator assembly includes an annular body defining a circular wall. The body extends from a first lateral end to a second lateral end. The ball valve further includes: a plurality of arms extending radially inward from the circular wall; and a rod connecting the plurality of arms together. The circular wall includes a plurality of orifices extending therethrough. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The invention will be better understood when the following detailed description is considered, and features, aspects, and advantages in addition to those described above will become clear. This detailed description is taken into account in the following drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 This is a side view of a coolant control ball valve assembly according to one embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Isometric view of the coolant control ball valve assembly;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Isometric view of the first sleeve of the coolant control ball valve assembly;

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Side view of the first sleeve;

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Another side view of the first sleeve;

[0015] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 Front view of the first sleeve;

[0016] Figure 7 yes Figure 3 Rear view of the first sleeve;

[0017] Figure 8 This is an isometric view of the first and second ball valves, in which the [missing information] has been removed. Figure 3 The first sleeve;

[0018] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Another isometric view of the first and second ball valves;

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Another isometric view of the first and second ball valves;

[0020] Figure 11 yes Figure 8 An isometric view of the first ball valve, with the second ball valve removed;

[0021] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Front view of the first ball valve;

[0022] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 Rear view of the first ball valve;

[0023] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 Side view of the first ball valve;

[0024] Figure 15 yes Figure 11 Another side view of the first ball valve;

[0025] Figure 16 yes Figure 11 Top view of the first ball valve;

[0026] Figure 17 yes Figure 11 A bottom view of the first ball valve; and

[0027] Figure 18 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the first sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Before detailing the embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the details of the construction and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. This disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in many different ways. Moreover, it should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered limiting. The use of "comprising" and "including" and variations thereof means to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items and their equivalents. Throughout this disclosure, the terms "about" and "approximately" refer to plus or minus 5% of the numerical value following each term.

[0029] Embodiments of this disclosure provide a coolant control regulator or coolant control ball valve assembly comprising a ball valve having multiple sealing or flow possibilities. Specifically, the ball valve includes multiple sealing and flow openings / orifices that can be shared on the same spherical valve surface. Due to the ball valve, the coolant control regulator can enhance cooling / heating mode capabilities and control multiple control loops.

[0030] Figures 1 to 18 A coolant control ball valve assembly or coolant control regulator assembly 100 according to this disclosure is shown. Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The figures show a side view and an isometric view of the control valve assembly 100. The control valve assembly 100 is configured for a cooling system of a vehicle, such as a passenger motor vehicle, autonomous vehicle, or truck. In some embodiments, the cooling system may be part of the vehicle's engine (e.g., an internal combustion engine), or it may be part of an electric vehicle. In one embodiment, the control valve assembly 100 may be arranged in an auxiliary circuit of such a cooling system. As noted herein, it is contemplated that the control valve assembly 100 can be used in any type of engine or vehicle system. For example, as discussed above, the control valve assembly 100 may be part of a hybrid motor vehicle or an all-electric motor vehicle. Further, the control valve assembly 100 may be part of an auxiliary circuit coolant control system, such as corresponding to a transmission or vehicle cabin heating system. It is contemplated that the control valve assembly 100 may be connected to any type or number of fluid circuit systems in the vehicle to cool and / or heat any part of the vehicle.

[0031] Still referencing Figure 1 and Figure 2 The control valve assembly 100 includes a first sleeve 102 and a second sleeve 104. The first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 104 are connected to each other in any known manner. Further, the first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 104 include a plurality of inlet ports 106 and a plurality of outlet ports 108 positioned around the periphery of the sleeves 102, 104. The inlet ports 106 and outlet ports 108 are generally cylindrical in shape. As noted herein, the inlet ports 106 are shown with arrows pointing toward the control valve assembly 100, while the outlet ports 108 are shown with arrows pointing away from the control valve assembly 100. In alternative embodiments, the control valve assembly 100 may include more sleeves 102, 104 than shown, or the control valve assembly 100 may include fewer sleeves 102, 104 than shown. For example, the control valve assembly 100 may include one sleeve, or two sleeves, or three sleeves, or four sleeves, or five sleeves, or any number of sleeves. Furthermore, the control valve assembly 100 may include any number of inlet ports 106 and outlet ports 108.

[0032] In some embodiments, each sleeve 102, 104 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or any number of inlet ports 106. Further, each sleeve 102, 104 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or any number of outlet ports 108. Further, the number of inlet ports 106 on each sleeve 102, 104 may be the same as the number of outlet ports 108. Alternatively, the number of inlet ports 106 on each sleeve 102, 104 may differ from the number of outlet ports 108. Further, the number of inlet ports 106 may be greater than the number of outlet ports 108. Alternatively, the number of outlet ports 108 may be greater than the number of inlet ports 106. Further, the number of inlet ports 106 and outlet ports 108 on sleeves 102, 104 may be the same. Alternatively, the number of inlet ports 106 and outlet ports 108 on sleeves 102, 104 may be different.

[0033] The number of inlet ports 106 and outlet ports 108 included in the control valve assembly 100 can vary depending on the number of cooling and heating systems in the vehicle. The number of inlet ports 106 and outlet ports 108 used in combination can be varied to maximize the thermodynamic efficiency of a given vehicle.

[0034] Still referencing Figure 1 and Figure 2The first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 104 each include a plurality of modular housings 110. Specifically, the first sleeve 102 includes a first modular housing 110a and a second modular housing 110b. Additionally, the second sleeve 104 includes a third modular housing 110c and a fourth modular housing 110d. Thus, both the first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 104 include two modular housings 110. However, in alternative embodiments, the first sleeve 102 and the second sleeve 104 may include any number of modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d. For example, in some embodiments, the control valve assembly 100 may include a single sleeve comprising one modular housing 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, or two modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, or three modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, or four modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the control valve assembly 100 may include: three sleeves (not shown) comprising a plurality of modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, or four sleeves (not shown) comprising a plurality of modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, or any number of sleeves comprising a plurality of modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d includes a cavity 150 in which a ball valve 200 is positioned. Thus, the first modular housing 110a includes a first ball valve 200a, the second modular housing 110b includes a second ball valve 200b, the third modular housing 110c includes a third ball valve 200c, and the fourth modular housing 110d includes a fourth ball valve 200d. As will become more apparent in further discussion herein, each of the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d includes a plurality of orifices 220 aligned with a plurality of inlet ports 106 and a plurality of outlet ports 108 to direct fluid to various parts of the vehicle. As further noted herein, all the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d are substantially similar to each other, except for the arrangement of the plurality of orifices 220.

[0036] refer to Figure 1The valve assembly 100 includes an actuator 230 positioned on one side of either the first sleeve 102 or the second sleeve 104. Although the actuator 230 is shown on the left side of the valve assembly 100, it is contemplated that the actuator 230 could be positioned on either side of the control valve assembly 100. A DC motor (not shown) drives the actuator 230; however, any type of motor or device can be used as the actuator 230. For example, in some embodiments, a wax motor, a vacuum motor, a DC actuator, etc., can actuate ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d. The actuator 230 rotates the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d to align the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d with a plurality of inlet ports 106 and a plurality of outlet ports 108. It is envisioned that actuator 230 is connected to each of ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d in any conventional manner. For example, rod 232 may extend through each of ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d and be connected to actuator 230. In an alternative embodiment, all ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d may be attached to each other, such that actuator 230 only needs to rotate one of ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d to rotate all ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a valve assembly failure protection device (not shown) may be coupled to actuator 230 such that when a signal indicating a valve control failure is provided, the valve assembly failure protection device can automatically rotate the control valve assembly 100 to a default position.

[0037] refer to Figures 3 to 7 The first sleeve 102 of the control valve assembly 100 is shown as separate from the second sleeve 104. As noted herein, the first sleeve 102 is substantially similar to the second sleeve 104 except for the number of outlet ports 108. Therefore, all components described with respect to the first sleeve 102 are included in the second sleeve 104. The first sleeve 102 includes a generally cylindrical body 250 extending from a first end 252 to a second end 254. As discussed above, the first sleeve 102 includes a first modular housing 110a and a second modular housing 110b. In this embodiment, the first modular housing 110a and the second modular housing 110b are separately sealed to define an inner cavity 150 (see...). Figure 18 Thus, the first modular housing 110a includes a first inner cavity 150a, and the second modular housing 110b includes a second inner cavity 150b. A plurality of inlet ports 106 and a plurality of outlet ports 108 extend outward from the first modular housing 110a and the second modular housing 110b.

[0038] like Figures 3 to 7As shown, each of the modular housings 110a, 110b includes one inlet port 106 and multiple outlet ports 108. In some embodiments, each of the modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d may include multiple inlet ports 106. Depending on the purpose of the control valve assembly 100, each of the modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d may include more or fewer inlet ports 106 than shown. For example, in some embodiments, each of the modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d may include one inlet port 106, or two inlet ports 106, or three inlet ports 106, or four inlet ports 106, or five inlet ports 106, or six inlet ports 106, or seven inlet ports 106, or eight inlet ports 106, or any number of inlet ports 106. Furthermore, the control valve assembly 100 may include more or fewer outlet ports 108 than shown. For example, each of the modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d may include one outlet port 108, or two outlet ports 108, or three outlet ports 108, or four outlet ports 108, or five outlet ports 108, or six outlet ports 108, or seven outlet ports 108, or eight outlet ports 108, or any number of outlet ports 108. Furthermore, on each of the modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d, the number of inlet ports 106 may be the same as the number of outlet ports 108. Alternatively, on each of the modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d, the number of inlet ports 106 may differ from the number of outlet ports 108. Furthermore, the number of inlet ports 106 may be greater than the number of outlet ports 108. Alternatively, the number of exit ports 108 may be greater than the number of inlet ports 106. As noted herein, all modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d are substantially similar to each other except for the number of exit ports 108.

[0039] Still referencing Figures 3 to 7 The first modular housing 110a includes a first ball valve 200a positioned within a first inner cavity 150a, and the second modular housing 110b includes a second ball valve 200b positioned within a second inner cavity 150b. The first modular housing 110a and the second modular housing 110b are separate from each other, such that the first ball valve 200a and the second ball valve 200b are independent of each other (see...). Figure 18 Therefore, there is no fluid crosstalk between the first cavity 150a and the second cavity 150b.

[0040] Refer again Figures 3 to 7 The first end 252 of the body 250 is adjacent to the first inner cavity 150a, and the second end 254 of the body 250 is adjacent to the second inner cavity 150b. As noted herein, the first end 252 and the second end 254 of the body 250 of the first sleeve 102 are shown open, allowing the first ball valve 200a and the second ball valve 200b to be exposed. In a preferred embodiment, the first end 252 and the second end 254 of the body 250 are closed with circular walls (not shown) to completely enclose the first inner cavity 150a and the second inner cavity 150b. It is contemplated that any type of wall or closure can be arranged on the first end 252 and the second end 254 of the body 250 to close the first inner cavity 150a and the second inner cavity 150b.

[0041] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A first ball valve 200a and a second ball valve 200b are respectively positioned within a first cavity 150a and a second cavity 150b. The first ball valve 200a and the second ball valve 200b are configured to rotate within the first cavity 150a and the second cavity 150b, respectively, to align with a plurality of inlet ports 106 and outlet ports 108. Depending on the rotation of the first ball valve 200a and the second ball valve 200b, fluid is directed from the inlet port 106 to a specific outlet port 108 on the first sleeve 102. In a preferred embodiment, all of the plurality of outlet ports 108 in the control valve assembly 100 include a sealing system or sealing assembly (not shown) between the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d and the outlet port 108. In some embodiments, the sealing system or sealing assembly used is of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,963,455 and 9,951,878, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As noted herein, the inlet port 106 does not include any type of sealing system. Therefore, fluid is always allowed to flow into the modular housing 110 from the inlet port 106. However, as will become more apparent in further discussion herein, depending on the rotational position of the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, fluid will exit the modular housing 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d through specific outlet ports 108.

[0042] Go to Figures 8 to 10 The first ball valve 200a and the second ball valve 200b are shown removed from the first modular housing 110a and the second modular housing 110b. As discussed above and as... Figure 8As shown, apart from the arrangement of the multiple orifices 220, the first ball valve 200a is substantially similar to the second ball valve 200b. As noted herein, all components described with respect to the first ball valve 200a are included in all ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d.

[0043] Figures 11 to 17 The first ball valve 200a is described. (Example) Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, a first ball valve 200a defines a generally spherical or annular shape having a circular wall 280 extending from a first end 272 to a second end 274. The first ball valve 200a includes a through-hole 276 extending therethrough. The through-hole 276 forms an inner chamber 278 that is open at both the first end 272 and the second end 274 of the first ball valve 200a. Further, a flange 280 extends circumferentially around the first ball valve 200a from the circular wall 270 at both the first end 272 and the second end 274. Figures 11 to 13 As shown, the first ball valve 200a includes an arm 282 extending radially inward from a flange 280 at a first end 272 and a second end 274. The arm 282 extends through the central axis A of the first ball valve 200a (see...). Figure 11 The cylindrical rods 284 are connected to each other. In some embodiments, the cylindrical rods 284 may be rods 232 extending from the actuator 230 through the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d (see rod 232). Figure 1 The first ball valve 200a is a component of the cylindrical rod 284. In other embodiments, rod 232 or an adjacent ball actuation feature may be inserted or slid onto cylindrical rod 284 to rotate the first ball valve 200a. In such embodiments, the outer diameter of cylindrical rod 284 and / or the inner diameter of rod 232 or ball actuation feature may include interlocking geometry. It is contemplated that ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d may be rotated by actuator 230 in any conventional manner. In a preferred embodiment, the first ball valve 200a rotates about cylindrical rod 284. Additionally, each of arms 282 may include an arrow-shaped cutout 286 formed therethrough to indicate the position of the first ball valve 200a. In some embodiments, arm 282 may not include arrow-shaped cutout 286 or any type of cutout. In a preferred embodiment, the first ball valve 200a is molded from plastic; however, ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d may be formed in any conventional manner. In an alternative embodiment, ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d can be of any size such that they are suitably fitted within modular housings 110a, 110b, 110c, and 110d.

[0044] refer to Figure 11 and Figures 14 to 18 The first ball valve 200a includes a plurality of orifices 220 extending through a circular wall 270 into an inner chamber 278 of the first ball valve 200a. The orifices 220 are spaced apart at different radial angles on the circular wall 270 of the first ball valve 200a to provide a multi-angle seal. Some of the orifices 220 are positioned adjacent to each other in a pattern (see...). Figure 17 Other openings can be spaced diagonally apart (see...). Figure 16 ).

[0045] refer to Figures 16 to 18 Multiple apertures 220 can define multiple approximately square arrays, or square arrays or groups SA. A square array SA can contain four array positions. A square array SA can be in one of the four array positions (see...). Figure 18 ), or two of the four array positions (see Figure 16 ), or three of the four array positions (see Figure 18 ), or all four of the four array positions (see Figure 17 The ball valve 200a includes orifices 220. Further, the plurality of orifices 220 may define one, two, three, four, five, six, or any number of square arrays SA. As noted herein, the plurality of orifices 220 may otherwise be positioned on the first ball valve 200a in any pattern or configuration. Additionally, the first ball valve 200a may include any number of orifices 220 on the circular wall 270. Further, the orifices 220 may have any size. In other embodiments, the size of the plurality of orifices 220 may vary on the circular wall 270. For example, one orifice 220 may include a diameter D1 (see...). Figure 17 The other orifice 220 may include a diameter D2 (see...). Figure 14 ).

[0046] As discussed above, each of the plurality of outlet ports 108 includes a sealing system (not shown) between outlet port 108 and the first ball valve 200a. Thus, the circular wall 270 of the first ball valve 200a seals the sealing system of outlet port 108 (see...). Figure 6 Therefore, the only way for fluid to leave the inner cavity 150a of the modular housing 110a is when one of the plurality of orifices 220 on the ball valve 200a is aligned with one of the plurality of outlet ports 108 (see...). Figure 18 Therefore, the multiple orifices 220 on the first ball valve 200a provide multi-angle seals on the first ball valve 200a.

[0047] refer to Figure 18 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the first sleeve 102. (See image for details.) Figure 18 As shown, ball valves 200a and 200b are arranged in a first rotational position. In this position, multiple orifices 220 are aligned with specific outlet ports 108, allowing fluid to flow from the inlet port 106 through ball valves 200a and 200b and out of one of the multiple outlet ports 108. Additionally, in this position, some of the outlet ports 108 are blocked by ball valves 200a and 200b and do not receive fluid. Once ball valves 200a and 200b are rotated to a second rotational position, different outlet ports 108 will be aligned with the orifices 220 on ball valves 200a and 200b, such that fluid will flow through a different set of outlet ports 108 compared to the first rotational position.

[0048] Refer again Figure 6 Ball valves 200a and 200b can be configured to include a plurality of rotational positions, each rotational position specifically directing fluid to a particular outlet port 108 at each discrete position. For example, ball valves 200a and 200b can be configured to rotate between two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any number of rotational positions. Further, each of the rotational positions can be non-uniformly spaced. Alternatively, each of the rotational positions can be uniformly spaced by a rotation angle θ. In some embodiments, the rotation angle θ can be between about 10 degrees and about 40 degrees, or between about 15 degrees and about 35 degrees, or between about 20 degrees and about 30 degrees.

[0049] In some embodiments, the rotation angle θ can be approximately 10 degrees, or approximately 15 degrees, or approximately 20 degrees, or approximately 25 degrees, or approximately 30 degrees, or approximately 35 degrees, or approximately 40 degrees, or any other degree. In a preferred embodiment, and as... Figure 6 As shown, ball valves 200a and 200b are configured to rotate between six rotational positions, which are evenly spaced apart by a rotational angle θ of approximately 24 degrees. As noted herein, the first ball valve 200a includes an orifice 220 configuration different from that of the second ball valve 200b. Thus, each ball valve 200a and 200b operates independently and can open and close different outlet ports 108. As further noted herein, each rotational position of ball valves 200a and 200b can open an outlet port 108 that is different from or the same as a previous rotational position.

[0050] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 18Multiple orifices 220 are designed to align with multiple inlet ports 106 and outlet ports 108 on the modular housing 110 in certain rotational positions to direct fluid to various parts of the vehicle. Therefore, depending on the rotational position of the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, at least one (and possibly all) of the multiple orifices 220 will partially or entirely align with some of the multiple outlet ports 108 to direct fluid accordingly. Thus, the multiple orifices 220 of the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d are specifically positioned to align with certain outlet ports 108 in specific rotational positions to provide multi-angle seals with the multiple outlet ports 108. Therefore, depending on the number of outlet ports 108 and the required number of rotational positions, the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d can include any type, configuration, and / or number of orifices 220 to satisfy predetermined conditions. Therefore, ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d can be customized to accommodate the required number of outlet ports 108 for a vehicle. This allows multiple orifices 220 on ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d to incorporate more flow control than in conventional ball valve designs. In alternative embodiments, the control valve assembly 100 may include more or fewer ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, and 200d than shown.

[0051] Return to reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each modular housing 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d may include one of the aforementioned ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d. Therefore, depending on the rotational position of the ball valves 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d, each ball valve 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d can guide fluid from each modular housing 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d through different outlet ports 108. This increases the capability of the control valve assembly 100, allowing multiple fluid control loops (e.g., transition oil heaters, cabin heating systems, battery cooling, electronic thermal control, etc.) to be connected to a single control valve assembly 100. This improves cooling / heating mode capability compared to conventional ball valve designs. In particular, the control valve assembly 100 includes more fluid loop system options while still being single-driven by actuator 230.

[0052] Furthermore, the control valve assembly 100 can improve the efficiency of a vehicle by allowing the connection of multiple fluid control loops. Thus, a single control valve assembly 100 can extract waste heat from other parts of the vehicle and direct it to specific areas where it is needed. For example, heat from the battery can be diverted to heat the cabin. Additionally, coolant from one area of ​​the vehicle can be diverted to lower the battery temperature, thereby increasing the driving range of an electric vehicle, for example.

[0053] While various spatial and directional terms such as top, bottom, lower, middle, side, horizontal, vertical, front, and back may be used to describe embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that such terms are used only with respect to the orientations shown in the accompanying drawings. These orientations may be reversed, rotated, or otherwise altered, such that upper is lower, or vice versa, horizontal becomes vertical, and so on.

[0054] Variations and modifications to the foregoing are within the scope of this disclosure. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed and defined herein extend to all alternative combinations of two or more individual features mentioned in or apparent from the text and / or drawings. All these different combinations constitute a variety of different alternative aspects of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein illustrate how to practice this disclosure and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize it. The claims should be construed as including alternative embodiments within the scope permitted by the prior art.

[0055] As previously stated, those skilled in the art will understand that although the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments and examples, the invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and many other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications and deviations from the embodiments, examples and uses are intended to be covered by the appended claims. The full disclosure of the various patents and publications cited herein is incorporated by reference, just as each such patent or publication is individually incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A coolant control regulator assembly, comprising: A plurality of modular housings, wherein each of the plurality of modular housings includes an inner cavity, at least one inlet port and at least one outlet port; An actuator, operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of modular housings; and A plurality of ball valves, wherein each of the plurality of cavities includes one of the plurality of ball valves positioned therein. At least one of the plurality of ball valves comprises a plurality of square arrays, each of the plurality of square arrays having a configuration of one to four orifices, the orifices being configured to align with the at least one inlet port and the at least one outlet port at certain rotational positions of the at least one ball valve.

2. The coolant control regulator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one ingress port includes multiple ingress ports.

3. The coolant control regulator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The at least one outlet port includes a plurality of outlet ports, and the one to four orifices are configured to align with the at least one inlet port and the plurality of outlet ports at certain rotational positions of the at least one ball valve, thereby causing a predetermined number of the plurality of outlet ports to be opened or closed.

4. The coolant control regulator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The number of inlet ports is different from the number of outlet ports.

5. The coolant control regulator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The number of exit ports is greater than the number of inlet ports.

6. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 1, further comprising a rod extending through each of the plurality of ball valves.

7. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 6, wherein, The rod is configured to rotate each of the plurality of ball valves.

8. The coolant control regulator assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The actuator is configured to rotate at least one of the plurality of ball valves.

9. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 8, wherein, When the actuator rotates one of the plurality of ball valves, the actuator rotates all of the plurality of ball valves.

10. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of modular housings has an independent cavity, such that the cavities are not in fluid communication with each other.

11. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of ball valves includes more than two rotational positions to allow fluid to pass through the ball valve.

12. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 11, wherein, The rotational positions are spaced between 10 and 40 degrees apart.

13. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 1, wherein, At least one of the plurality of ball valves is annular and defines a circular wall, from which a plurality of arms extend radially inward.

14. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 1, further comprising a sealing system between each of the plurality of ball valves and its respective outlet port.

15. A coolant control regulator assembly, comprising: A plurality of modular housings, wherein each of the plurality of modular housings includes an inner cavity, at least one inlet port, and at least one outlet port; and A plurality of ball valves, wherein each of the plurality of cavities includes one of the plurality of ball valves positioned therein. At least one of the plurality of ball valves comprises a plurality of square arrays, each of the plurality of square arrays having a configuration of one to four orifices, the orifices being configured to align with the at least one inlet port and the at least one outlet port at certain rotational positions of the at least one ball valve, and At least one of the plurality of ball valves includes more than two rotational positions to allow fluid to pass through the ball valve.

16. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 15, further comprising an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of modular housings.

17. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 16, wherein, The actuator is configured to rotate at least one of the plurality of ball valves.

18. The coolant control regulator assembly of claim 15, wherein, The rotational positions are spaced between 10 and 40 degrees apart.

19. A ball valve for a coolant control regulator assembly, the ball valve comprising: A ring-shaped body defining a circular wall, the body extending from a first lateral end to a second lateral end; Multiple arms, the multiple arms extending radially inward from the circular wall; as well as A rod that connects the multiple arms together. The circular wall comprises a plurality of square arrays, each of which has one to four openings penetrating the circular wall.

20. The ball valve as claimed in claim 19, wherein, The rod extends through the central axis of the body.

21. The ball valve of claim 19, further comprising a flange extending circumferentially inward from the circular wall at both the first lateral end and the second lateral end, wherein, The plurality of arms extend radially inward from the flange.

22. The ball valve as claimed in claim 19, wherein, The plurality of arms include a plurality of free ends that extend radially inward from the circular wall toward the central axis.

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