Multi-flow coolant valve

Abstract

A multi-flow coolant valve can include an outer housing including an outer main body formed with a first outer inlet, a second outer inlet, a first outer outlet, and a third outer outlet, and an auxiliary main body formed with a second outer outlet, and an inner housing rotatably disposed inside the outer housing. When the inner housing is rotated at a predetermined angle, the first outer inlet and the first outer outlet are in fluid communication with each other, or the first outer inlet and the second outer outlet are in communication with each other, and the second outer inlet and the third outer outlet are in communication with each other, or the first outer inlet and the second outer outlet are in communication with each other, and the second outer inlet and the first outer outlet are in communication with each other, or the first outer inlet and the third outer outlet are in communication with each other, the second outer inlet and the second outer outlet are in communication with each other, and the second outer inlet and the first outer outlet are in communication with each other.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0115254, filed on September 9, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a multi-flow coolant valve. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a multi-flow coolant valve with multiple cooling flow paths for simplifying heat pump systems. Background Technology

[0004] Typically, air conditioning systems for vehicles include air conditioning units that circulate refrigerant to heat or cool the vehicle interior.

[0005] The air conditioning system maintains a suitable temperature inside the vehicle to ensure a comfortable indoor environment, regardless of changes in the outside temperature. The air conditioning system is configured to heat or cool the vehicle interior by means of heat exchange in the evaporator as the refrigerant discharged by the compressor circulates through the condenser, receiver-drier, expansion valve and evaporator back to the compressor.

[0006] That is, in summer, in cooling mode, the air conditioning unit condenses the high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed from the compressor through the condenser, and then the refrigerant passes through the receiver-drier and expansion valve, and then evaporates in the evaporator, thereby reducing the indoor temperature and humidity.

[0007] Recently, with increasing attention to energy efficiency and environmental pollution, there is a need to develop an environmentally friendly vehicle that can substantially replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Environmentally friendly vehicles are generally classified into electric vehicles that are driven by fuel cells or electricity as a power source and hybrid vehicles that are driven by both engines and batteries.

[0008] Unlike the air conditioning in ordinary vehicles, electric or hybrid vehicles do not use separate heaters, and the air conditioning systems used in these environmentally friendly vehicles are usually called heat pump systems.

[0009] Meanwhile, electric vehicles generate power by converting the chemical reaction of oxygen and hydrogen into electrical energy. During this process, the chemical reaction within the fuel cell produces heat. Therefore, the generated heat must be effectively removed to ensure the performance of the fuel cell.

[0010] Furthermore, hybrid vehicles generate power by using electricity supplied from the aforementioned fuel cell or battery to drive a motor and an engine powered by conventional fuel. Therefore, only by effectively removing the heat generated from the fuel cell or battery and the motor can the motor's performance be ensured.

[0011] Therefore, in hybrid or electric vehicles according to the prior art, the cooling device, heat pump system and battery cooling system need to be constructed using separate closed loops to prevent the motor, electrical components and the battery including the fuel cell from generating heat.

[0012] Therefore, the size and weight of the cooling module located at the front of the vehicle increase, and the layout of the connecting pipes supplying coolant or refrigerant to each of the heat pump system, cooling device and battery cooling system in the engine compartment becomes complicated.

[0013] In addition, because a separate battery cooling system is set up to heat or cool the battery according to the vehicle's condition in order to make the battery perform at its best, multiple valves are used to connect the various connecting pipes to each other, which increases the vehicle's manufacturing cost.

[0014] The information disclosed above in the Background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art known to a person skilled in the art in that country. Summary of the Invention

[0015] An exemplary embodiment of this disclosure provides a multi-flow coolant valve that simplifies system layout and reduces manufacturing costs by forming multiple coolant flow paths through a single coolant valve.

[0016] Another embodiment of this disclosure provides a multi-flow coolant valve that forms multiple cooling flow paths in a single coolant valve through simple control.

[0017] A multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing including an outer body having a first external inlet, a second external inlet, a first external outlet, and a third external outlet, and an auxiliary body having a second external outlet; and an inner housing rotatably disposed inside the housing. When the inner housing rotates at a predetermined angle, the first external inlet and the first external outlet are in fluid communication with each other, or the first external inlet and the second external outlet are in communication with each other, and the second external inlet and the third external outlet are in communication with each other, or the first external inlet and the second external outlet are in communication with each other, and the second external inlet and the first external outlet are in communication with each other, or the first external inlet and the third external outlet are in communication with each other, the second external inlet and the second external outlet are in communication with each other, and the second external inlet and the first external outlet are in communication with each other.

[0018] A central chamber for mounting the inner shell can be formed inside the outer body, an auxiliary body for forming the auxiliary chamber can be formed on the side of the outer body, and a first auxiliary outlet and a second auxiliary outlet can be formed between the central chamber and the auxiliary chamber.

[0019] The first external entrance can be formed at the upper center of the outer body, the second external entrance can be formed eccentrically at a predetermined distance from the first external entrance at the upper part of the outer body, the first external exit can be formed on the side of the outer body, the third external exit is set at a predetermined angle away from the first external exit on the side of the outer body, and the second external exit can be set at a predetermined angle away from the third external exit on the side of the auxiliary body.

[0020] The first auxiliary outlet can be configured to be 90 degrees apart from the first external outlet in the circumferential direction, the second auxiliary outlet can be configured to be 90 degrees apart from the first auxiliary outlet in the circumferential direction, and the third external outlet can be configured to be 90 degrees apart from the second auxiliary outlet in the circumferential direction.

[0021] The inner shell may include: an inner body; a partition wall dividing the inner body into a first inner chamber and a second inner chamber; a first inner inlet formed at the upper center of the inner body and connected to a first outer inlet; second to fourth inner inlets formed on the upper surface of the inner body and selectively connected to the second outer inlet; a first inner outlet formed on the side of the inner body and connected to the first inner inlet; a second inner outlet formed on the side of the inner body and communicating with the fourth inner inlet through the first inner chamber; a third inner outlet formed on the side of the inner body and communicating with the second and third inner inlets through the second inner chamber; and a fourth inner outlet formed on the side of the inner body and communicating with the fourth inner inlet through the first inner chamber.

[0022] The second internal inlet may be formed eccentrically at a predetermined distance from the first internal inlet in the upper part of the second internal chamber, the third internal inlet may be formed in the upper part of the second internal chamber and spaced 90 degrees from the second internal inlet in the circumferential direction, and the fourth internal inlet may be formed in the upper part of the first internal chamber and spaced 90 degrees from the third internal inlet in the circumferential direction.

[0023] The first internal exit, the second internal exit, the third internal exit, and the fourth internal exit can be arranged to be 90 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0024] The first internal inlet and the first internal outlet can be connected to each other via an internal connecting conduit formed in the first internal chamber.

[0025] The inner housing can rotate at 90-degree intervals inside the outer housing to operate in modes one through four.

[0026] In the first mode, the first external inlet can be connected to the first external outlet through the first internal inlet and the first internal outlet, and the second external inlet and the second internal inlet to the fourth internal inlet are blocked, so that the coolant flowing into the first external inlet is discharged to the first external outlet through the first internal inlet and the first internal outlet.

[0027] In the second mode, the first external inlet can be connected to the second external outlet through the first internal inlet, the first internal outlet and the first auxiliary outlet, and the second external inlet can be connected to the third external outlet through the second internal inlet and the third internal outlet, so that the coolant flowing into the first external inlet can be discharged to the second external outlet, and the coolant flowing into the second external inlet can be discharged to the third external outlet.

[0028] In the third mode, the first external inlet can be connected to the second external outlet through the first internal inlet, the first internal outlet, and the second auxiliary outlet, and the second external inlet can be connected to the first external outlet through the third internal inlet and the third internal outlet, so that the coolant flowing into the first external inlet can be discharged to the second external outlet, and the coolant flowing into the second external inlet can be discharged to the first external outlet.

[0029] In the fourth mode, the first external inlet can be connected to the third external outlet through the first internal inlet and the first internal outlet, the second external inlet can be connected to the second external outlet through the fourth internal inlet and the second auxiliary outlet, and the second external inlet can be connected to the first external outlet through the fourth internal inlet and the second internal outlet, so that the coolant flowing into the first external inlet can be discharged to the third external outlet, and the coolant flowing into the second external inlet can be discharged to the first external outlet and the second external outlet.

[0030] The multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: an actuator that generates power for rotating the inner housing; and an actuator housing that houses the actuator by connection to the lower part of the outer housing.

[0031] The multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may further include: sealing members disposed inside the first external inlet, the second external inlet, the first external outlet, the first auxiliary outlet, the second auxiliary outlet, the third external outlet, and the housing.

[0032] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, multiple cooling flow paths can be formed between the outer shell and the inner shell based on the rotation of the inner shell.

[0033] Moreover, since a single coolant valve forms multiple cooling flow paths, the overall structure of the heat pump system can be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the vehicle can be reduced.

[0034] In addition, since the inner housing rotates at a predetermined angle and forms multiple cooling flow paths between the outer housing and the inner housing, the coolant valve can be easily controlled. Attached Figure Description

[0035] In the following detailed description, certain exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are shown and described by way of illustration only.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an outer casing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a partial cross-section of the housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an inner housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a partial cross-section of the inner housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the state of the assembled outer shell and inner shell according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a multi-flow coolant valve in a first mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a multi-flow coolant valve in a second mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a multi-flow coolant valve in a third mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 13A and Figure 13BThis is a diagram illustrating the operation of a multi-flow coolant valve in a fourth mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] For the purpose of clarifying this disclosure, parts unrelated to the description will be omitted, and throughout the specification, the same components or equivalent components will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0049] The dimensions and thicknesses of each component are shown arbitrarily in the accompanying drawings, but this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the thicknesses of layers, films, plates, regions, etc. are shown enlarged in the drawings for clarity.

[0050] Throughout this specification and the appended claims, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the word “comprising” or variations such as “including” or “containing” shall be construed as implying the inclusion of the said component but not excluding any other component.

[0051] In addition, the terms “…unit”, “…device”, “…section”, “…component”, etc. used in this article refer to units of integrated components that perform at least one or more functions or operations.

[0052] In the following, a multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing a multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include an outer housing 100 and an inner housing 200 rotatably disposed inside the outer housing 100.

[0055] The actuator 300 is disposed at the lower part of the inner housing 200, and the actuator 300 generates power for rotating the inner housing 200. The actuator housing 400 is disposed at the lower part of the outer housing 100, and the actuator housing 400 houses the actuator 300.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, since the inner housing 200 rotates at 90-degree intervals, the coolant flowing into the inlet of the outer housing 100 is selectively discharged through the inner housing 200. Therefore, the actuator 300 can be implemented by a stepper motor or a solenoid to rotate the inner housing 200 at 90-degree intervals.

[0057] The actuator housing 400 may be formed as a cylindrical shape with an open upper portion and a hollow interior to accommodate the actuator 300, and the actuator 300 is accommodated by being connected to the housing 100.

[0058] The outer shell 100 and the inner shell 200 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an outer casing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a partial cross-section of the housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0060] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the outer casing 100 may include an outer body 110 and an auxiliary body 140.

[0061] The outer body 110 is generally cylindrical in shape with a central chamber 125 inside, and its lower part is open. The inner housing 200 is rotatably mounted inside the outer body 110. As described above, the inner housing 200 is rotated at a predetermined angle by the power of the actuator 300.

[0062] A first external entrance 111 and a second external entrance 112 are formed on the upper part (e.g., the upper surface) of the outer body 110. The first external entrance 111 is formed at the upper center of the outer body 110, and the second external entrance 112 is formed eccentrically at a predetermined distance from the first external entrance 111 on the upper part of the outer body.

[0063] An auxiliary body 140 protrudes from the side of the outer body 110, and an auxiliary chamber 145 is formed between the outer surface of the outer body 110 and the auxiliary body 140. A first external outlet 121 and a third external outlet 123 are formed on the side of the outer body 110, and a second external outlet 122 is formed on the side of the auxiliary body 140.

[0064] A first auxiliary outlet 141 and a second auxiliary outlet 142 are formed between the outer body 110 and the auxiliary body 140 to connect the central chamber 125 of the outer body 110 and the auxiliary chamber 145 of the auxiliary body 140.

[0065] The first external outlet 121, the third external outlet 123, the first auxiliary outlet 141, and the second auxiliary outlet 142 are each formed at a 90-degree interval from each other in the circumferential direction of the external body 110. The second external outlet 122 may be formed on the outer surface of the auxiliary body 140 in the central portion between the first auxiliary outlet 141 and the second auxiliary outlet 142.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an inner housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figures 6 to 8 This is a perspective view showing a partial cross-section of the inner housing according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] like Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the inner shell 200 may include an inner body 210 that is formed in a cylindrical shape and is hollow inside.

[0068] A partition wall 220 is formed inside the inner body 210 to divide the interior of the inner body 210 into a first inner chamber 231 and a second inner chamber 232.

[0069] The first internal entrance 211 is formed at the upper center of the internal body 210 and is connected to the first external entrance 111.

[0070] The second internal entrance 212, the third internal entrance 213, and the fourth internal entrance 214 are formed on the upper part (e.g., the upper surface) of the internal body 210 and selectively communicate with the second external entrance 112. The second internal entrance 212 to the fourth internal entrance 214 may be formed apart from each other at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0071] For example, the second internal entrance 212 to the fourth internal entrance 214 can be separated by 90-degree intervals based on the second internal entrance 212 along a predetermined direction (e.g., based on the counterclockwise direction in the figure).

[0072] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, with the second internal inlet 212 and the second external inlet 112 connected, the third internal inlet 213 may be configured to be 90 degrees apart from the second internal inlet 212 in a counterclockwise direction, and the fourth internal inlet 214 may be configured to be 90 degrees apart from the third internal inlet 213 in a counterclockwise direction.

[0073] Therefore, when the inner housing 200 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise in sequence, the second internal inlet 212 to the fourth internal inlet 214 are sequentially connected to the second external inlet 112.

[0074] The first internal inlet 211 is formed at the upper center of the internal body 210 and is always in communication with the first external inlet 111 formed at the upper center of the external body 110. That is, the coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 always flows into the first internal inlet 211.

[0075] When the inner housing 200 rotates at 90-degree intervals, the second external inlet 112 selectively communicates with the second internal inlet 212 to the fourth internal inlet 214. That is, depending on the rotation of the inner housing 200, the coolant flowing into the second external inlet 112 selectively flows into the second internal inlet 212 to the fourth internal inlet 214.

[0076] A first internal outlet 221, a second internal outlet 222, a third internal outlet 223, and a fourth internal outlet 224 are formed on the side of the internal body 210. The first internal outlet 221 to the fourth internal outlet 224 can be spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the internal body 210. Referring to the attached drawings, the second internal outlet 222 to the fourth internal outlet 224 can be arranged at 90-degree intervals based on the first internal outlet 221.

[0077] The first internal inlet 211 is connected to the first internal outlet 221 via an internal connecting conduit, ensuring that the first internal inlet 211 and the first internal outlet 221 are always in communication with each other. That is, coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 is discharged to the first internal outlet 221 through the first internal inlet 211 and the internal connecting conduit. At this time, the internal connecting conduit can be installed inside the first internal chamber 231.

[0078] A fourth internal inlet 214 is formed on the upper surface of the internal body 210 above the first internal chamber 231 to communicate with the first internal chamber 231. A second internal inlet 212 and a third internal inlet 213 are formed on the upper surface of the internal body 210 above the second internal chamber 232 to communicate with the second internal chamber 232.

[0079] A second internal outlet 222 and a fourth internal outlet 224 are formed on the side of the internal body 210 to communicate with the first internal chamber 231. A third internal outlet 223 is formed on the side of the internal body 210 to communicate with the second internal chamber 232.

[0080] Reference Figure 2 The sealing member 500 can be respectively disposed inside the first external inlet 111, inside the second external inlet 112, inside the first external outlet 121, inside the first auxiliary outlet 141, inside the second auxiliary outlet 142, inside the third external outlet 123 and inside the external body 110.

[0081] Therefore, when coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 or the second external inlet 112 of the housing 100 is discharged through the inner housing 200 to any one of the first external outlet 121 to the third external outlet 123 of the housing 100, the sealing member 500 prevents coolant from leaking into an unwanted path.

[0082] In the following, the operation of a multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0083] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the inner housing 200 can be operated in four modes (first mode to fourth mode) that rotate at 90-degree intervals. The inner housing 200 can be operated in any of the four modes by power from the actuator 300.

[0084] The first to fourth modes can refer to the rotational position of the inner housing 200. When the inner housing 200 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise based on the first mode, the inner housing 200 is in the second to fourth modes.

[0085] In a first mode, the first internal outlet 221 of the inner housing 200 is connected to (or in fluid communication with) the first external outlet 121 of the outer housing 100. In a second mode, the inner housing 200 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the first mode, such that the first internal outlet 221 of the inner housing 200 is connected to (or in fluid communication with) the second external outlet 122 of the outer housing 100 via the first auxiliary outlet 141. In a third mode, the inner housing 200 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the second mode, such that the first internal outlet 221 of the inner housing 200 is connected to (or in fluid communication with) the second external outlet 122 via the second auxiliary outlet 142. In a fourth mode, the inner housing 200 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the third mode, such that the first internal outlet 221 of the inner housing 200 is connected to (or in fluid communication with) the third external outlet 123.

[0086] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a multi-flow coolant valve in a first mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B In the first mode, the first external inlet 111 of the outer casing 100 is connected to the first internal inlet 211 of the inner casing 200, and the first internal outlet 221, which is always connected to the first internal inlet 211, is connected to the first external outlet 121 of the outer casing 100. The second external inlet 112 of the outer casing 100 is not in communication with the second internal inlet 212 to the fourth internal inlet 214 of the inner casing 200.

[0088] Therefore, the coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 of the outer casing 100 is discharged to the first external outlet 121 of the outer casing 100 through the first internal inlet 211 and the first internal outlet 221 of the inner casing 200.

[0089] However, the coolant flowing into the second external inlet 112 of the outer casing 100 will not flow into the inner casing 200 because the second external inlet 112 is not connected to the second internal inlet 212 to the fourth internal inlet 214 of the inner casing 200.

[0090] That is, in the first mode, only the coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 is discharged to the first external outlet 121, while the coolant flowing into the second external inlet 112 is not discharged to the outlet of the outer casing 100, thereby forming a cooling flow path.

[0091] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a multi-flow coolant valve in a second mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B In the second mode, the first external inlet 111 of the outer shell 100 is connected to the first internal inlet 211 of the inner shell 200, and the first internal outlet 221, which is always connected to the first internal inlet 211, is connected to the second external outlet 122 through the first auxiliary outlet 141 of the outer shell 100.

[0093] Therefore, the coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 of the outer casing 100 is discharged to the second external outlet 122 of the outer casing 100 via the first internal inlet 211 of the inner casing 200, the first internal outlet 221 of the inner casing 200, the first auxiliary outlet 141 of the outer casing 100 and the auxiliary chamber 145 of the outer casing 100.

[0094] The second external inlet 112 of the outer casing 100 is connected to the second internal inlet 212 of the inner casing 200, and the third internal outlet 223 of the inner casing 200 is connected to the third external outlet 123 of the outer casing 100.

[0095] Therefore, the coolant flowing into the second external inlet 112 of the outer casing 100 is discharged to the third external outlet 123 of the outer casing 100 via the second internal inlet 212 of the inner casing 200, the second internal chamber 232 of the inner casing 200 and the third internal outlet 223 of the inner casing 200.

[0096] That is, in the second mode, the coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 is discharged to the second external outlet 122, and the coolant flowing into the second external inlet 112 is discharged to the third external outlet 123, thereby forming two cooling flow paths.

[0097] Figure 12A and Figure 12B This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a multi-flow coolant valve in a third mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 12B In the third mode, the first external inlet 111 of the outer casing 100 is connected to the first internal inlet 211 of the inner casing 200, and the first internal outlet 221, which is always connected to the first internal inlet 211, is connected to the second external outlet 122 through the second auxiliary outlet 142 of the outer casing 100.

[0099] Therefore, the coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 of the outer casing 100 is discharged to the second external outlet 122 of the outer casing 100 via the first internal inlet 211 of the inner casing 200, the first internal outlet 221 of the inner casing 200, the second auxiliary outlet 142 of the outer casing 100, and the auxiliary chamber 145 of the outer casing 100.

[0100] In addition, the second external inlet 112 of the outer shell 100 is connected to the third internal inlet 213 of the inner shell 200, and the third internal outlet 223 of the inner shell 200 is connected to the first external outlet 121 of the outer shell 100.

[0101] Therefore, the coolant flowing into the second external inlet 112 of the outer casing 100 is discharged to the first external outlet 121 of the outer casing 100 via the third internal inlet 213 of the inner casing 200, the second internal chamber 232 of the inner casing 200 and the third internal outlet 223 of the inner casing 200.

[0102] That is, in the third mode, the coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 is discharged to the second external outlet 122, and the coolant flowing into the second external inlet 112 is discharged to the first external outlet 121, thereby forming two cooling flow paths.

[0103] Figure 13A and Figure 13B This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a multi-flow coolant valve in a fourth mode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Reference Figure 13A and Figure 13B In the fourth mode, the first external inlet 111 of the outer casing 100 is connected to the first internal inlet 211 of the inner casing 200, and the first internal outlet 221, which is always connected to the first internal inlet 211, is connected to the third external outlet 123 of the outer casing 100.

[0105] Therefore, the coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 of the outer casing 100 is discharged to the third external outlet 123 of the outer casing 100 via the first internal inlet 211 and the first internal outlet 221 of the inner casing 200.

[0106] Furthermore, the second external inlet 112 of the outer casing 100 is connected to the fourth internal inlet 214 of the inner casing 200, and the second internal outlet 222 of the inner casing 200 is connected to the second auxiliary outlet 142 of the outer casing 100, so that the second external inlet 112 is in fluid communication with the first external outlet 121. The fourth internal outlet 224 of the inner casing 200 is connected to the second external outlet 122 of the outer casing 100.

[0107] Therefore, the coolant flowing into the second external inlet 112 of the outer casing 100 is discharged to the first external outlet 121 of the outer casing 100 via the fourth internal inlet 214 of the inner casing 200, the first internal chamber 231 of the inner casing 200 and the second internal outlet 222 of the inner casing 200.

[0108] Furthermore, the coolant flowing into the second external inlet 112 of the outer casing 100 is discharged to the second external outlet 122 of the outer casing 100 via the fourth internal inlet 214 of the inner casing 200, the first internal chamber 231 of the inner casing 200, the fourth internal outlet 224 of the inner casing 200, the second auxiliary outlet 142 of the outer casing 100, and the auxiliary chamber 145 of the outer casing 100.

[0109] That is, in the fourth mode, the coolant flowing into the first external inlet 111 is discharged to the third external outlet 123, and the coolant flowing into the second external inlet 112 is discharged to the first external outlet 121 and the second external outlet 122, thereby forming three cooling flow paths.

[0110] As described above, the multi-flow coolant valve according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can form multiple cooling flow paths between the outer shell and the inner shell according to the rotation of the inner shell 200.

[0111] Moreover, since multiple cooling flow paths are formed by a single coolant valve, the overall structure of the heat pump system can be simplified and the manufacturing cost of the vehicle can be reduced.

[0112] In addition, since the inner housing 200 rotates at a predetermined angle (e.g., 90 degrees) and forms multiple cooling flow paths between the outer housing and the inner housing, it is convenient to control the coolant valve.

[0113] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments now considered practical, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Rather, this disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-flow-path coolant valve, comprising: The outer shell includes an outer body having a first external inlet, a second external inlet, a first external outlet, and a third external outlet, and an auxiliary body having a second external outlet; as well as The inner housing is rotatably disposed inside the outer housing. Wherein, when the inner housing rotates at a predetermined angle, the first external inlet and the first external outlet are in fluid communication with each other, or The first external inlet and the second external outlet are connected to each other, and the second external inlet and the third external outlet are connected to each other, or The first external inlet and the second external outlet are connected to each other, and the second external inlet and the first external outlet are also connected to each other, or The first external inlet and the third external outlet are connected to each other, the second external inlet and the second external outlet are connected to each other, and the second external inlet and the first external outlet are connected to each other. The inner shell includes: Internal main body; A partition wall divides the internal body into a first internal chamber and a second internal chamber; A first internal entrance is formed at the upper center of the internal body and is connected to the first external entrance; The second to fourth internal inlets are formed on the upper surface of the internal body and are selectively connected to the second external inlet; A first internal outlet is formed on the side of the internal body and connected to the first internal inlet; A second internal outlet is formed on the side of the internal body and communicates with the fourth internal inlet through the first internal chamber; A third internal outlet is formed on the side of the internal body and communicates with the second internal inlet and the third internal inlet via the second internal chamber; and A fourth internal outlet is formed on the side of the internal body and communicates with the fourth internal inlet through the first internal chamber.

2. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 1, wherein, The outer body includes a central chamber for mounting the inner shell. The auxiliary body forming the auxiliary chamber is formed on the side of the outer body, and The first auxiliary outlet and the second auxiliary outlet are formed between the central chamber and the auxiliary chamber.

3. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 1, wherein, The first external entrance is formed at the upper center of the external body. The second external entrance is formed eccentrically from the first external entrance at a predetermined distance on the upper part of the external body. The first external outlet is formed on the side of the external body. The third external outlet is positioned at a predetermined angle from the first external outlet on the side of the external body, and The second external outlet is positioned at a predetermined angle from the third external outlet on the side of the auxiliary body.

4. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 2, wherein, The first auxiliary outlet is formed to be 90 degrees apart from the first external outlet in the circumferential direction. The second auxiliary outlet is formed to be 90 degrees apart from the first auxiliary outlet in the circumferential direction. The third external outlet is formed to be 90 degrees apart from the second auxiliary outlet in the circumferential direction.

5. The multi-flow-path coolant valve according to claim 2, wherein, The second internal inlet is formed eccentrically from the first internal inlet at a predetermined distance in the upper part of the second internal chamber. The third internal inlet is formed at the upper part of the second internal chamber, spaced 90 degrees from the second internal inlet along the circumferential direction, and The fourth internal entrance is formed at the upper part of the first internal chamber and is 90 degrees away from the third internal entrance along the circumferential direction.

6. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 1, wherein, The first internal outlet, the second internal outlet, the third internal outlet, and the fourth internal outlet are formed to be 90 degrees apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

7. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 1, wherein, The first internal inlet and the first internal outlet are connected to each other via an internal connecting conduit formed in the first internal chamber.

8. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 1, wherein, The inner housing rotates within the outer housing at 90-degree intervals to operate in modes one through four.

9. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 5, wherein, In the first mode, the first external inlet is connected to the first external outlet via the first internal inlet and the first internal outlet, and the second external inlet and the second internal inlet to the fourth internal inlet are blocked. The coolant flowing into the first external inlet is discharged to the first external outlet through the first internal inlet and the first internal outlet.

10. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 5, wherein, In the second mode, the first external inlet is connected to the second external outlet via the first internal inlet, the first internal outlet, and the first auxiliary outlet, and The second external inlet is connected to the third external outlet via the second internal inlet and the third internal outlet. The coolant flowing into the first external inlet is discharged to the second external outlet, and The coolant flowing into the second external inlet is discharged to the third external outlet.

11. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 5, wherein, In the third mode, the first external inlet is connected to the second external outlet via the first internal inlet, the first internal outlet, and the second auxiliary outlet, and The second external inlet is connected to the first external outlet through the third internal inlet and the third internal outlet. The coolant flowing into the first external inlet is discharged to the second external outlet, and The coolant flowing into the second external inlet is discharged to the first external outlet.

12. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 5, wherein, In the fourth mode, the first external inlet is connected to the third external outlet via the first internal inlet and the first internal outlet. The second external inlet communicates with the second external outlet through the fourth internal inlet and the second auxiliary outlet, and The second external inlet is connected to the first external outlet through the fourth internal inlet and the second internal outlet. The coolant flowing into the first external inlet is discharged to the third external outlet, and The coolant flowing into the second external inlet is discharged to the first external outlet and the second external outlet.

13. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 1, further comprising: An actuator that generates power to rotate the inner housing; and The actuator housing accommodates the actuator by being connected to the lower part of the outer casing.

14. The multi-flow coolant valve according to claim 2, further comprising: Sealing components are respectively disposed inside the first external inlet, the second external inlet, the first external outlet, the first auxiliary outlet, the second auxiliary outlet, the third external outlet, and the outer casing.

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