multi-way valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-way valve comprising a housing having a plurality of housing openings for fluidically connecting to external flow channels for a fluid, and a valve body rotatably arranged in the housing about an axis of rotation for fluidically connecting at least two of the housing openings of the housing, wherein a seal is arranged between the housing and the valve body, the seal having sealing openings corresponding to the housing openings in the housing for sealing said fluidic connections against the free ambient, and the valve body has a first layer with at least one first connection channel and a second layer arranged parallel to the first layer with at least one second connection channel, the connection channels being fluidically separated from each other, and the connection channels can be fluidically connected to at least two of the housing openings of the housing by rotating the valve body into a respectively predetermined rotational position of the valve body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-way valve. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-way valves are widely used in the technology in various implementations and in numerous applications for controlling complex fluid flows. They replace combinations of multiple check valves. For example, multi-way valves are used in vehicles to drive complex fluid systems with fluid circuits. Newer motor vehicle designs for land vehicles (e.g., hybrid or electric vehicles) also feature such complex fluid systems with fluid circuits. These fluid circuits can be, for example, cooling and / or heating circuits, where the same fluid circuit can be configured as both a cooling and heating circuit. Depending on the operating mode, it may be necessary to close or open, interconnect or disconnect the fluid circuits of such a system. In the case of common multi-way valves, multiple multi-way valves are therefore required, such as 2-position 3-way valves or 2-position 4-way valves. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This is the basis of the present invention.

[0004] The objective of this invention is to improve a multi-way valve.

[0005] The task is accomplished by a multi-way valve according to the invention, which includes: a housing having a plurality of housing openings for flow-directing connection to an external flow channel for fluid; and a valve body rotatably disposed in the housing about a rotation axis for flow-directing connection to at least two of the housing openings of the housing, wherein a seal is provided between the housing and the valve body, the seal having sealing openings corresponding to the housing openings in the housing, the seal for sealing the flow-directing connection relative to the free surrounding environment, and wherein the valve body has a first layer with at least one first connection channel and a second layer disposed parallel to the first layer with at least one second connection channel, wherein the connection channels are flow-technically separated from each other, and the connection channels can be flow-directingly connected to at least two of the housing openings of the housing by means of rotating the valve body to respectively predetermined rotation positions of the valve body.

[0006] The main advantage of the multi-way valve according to the invention lies particularly in its improvement over conventional multi-way valves. With the multi-way valve according to the invention, multiple external flow channels of a fluid system having, for example, multiple fluid loops can be driven and controlled in a manner simple in construction and wiring technology. Therefore, with the invention, multiple conventional multi-way valves can be eliminated and replaced by only a single, unique multi-way valve according to the invention. This correspondingly reduces assembly costs and the structural space required for this purpose.

[0007] In principle, the multi-way valve can be freely selected within a wide and suitable range according to its type, working principle, material, size, shape, and layout.

[0008] An advantageous further improvement to the multi-way valve according to the invention specifies that the first layer has a plurality of first connection channels, preferably three first connection channels, and / or the second layer has a plurality of second connection channels, preferably three second connection channels. This further improves the possibility of driving and controlling fluid systems, for example, having multiple fluid loops.

[0009] An advantageous further improvement to the above-mentioned embodiment of the multi-way valve according to the invention specifies that one of the first connecting channels and / or one of the second connecting channels is configured as a central channel, wherein the remaining first connecting channels and / or second connecting channels are respectively disposed on both sides of the central channel. Thus, the above-mentioned embodiment is implemented in a particularly simple manner.

[0010] An advantageous further improvement to the previously mentioned embodiment of the multi-way valve according to the invention stipulates that the remaining first and / or second connecting channels, respectively located on both sides of the central channel, are respectively constructed as arched or preferably arc-shaped openings in the valve body. In this way, the manufacturing of the other first and / or second connecting channels is significantly simplified. Furthermore, this achieves a space-saving arrangement of the first connecting channels.

[0011] According to an advantageous further improvement of the multi-way valve of the present invention, the first connecting channel and / or the second connecting channel are respectively constructed as arched or preferably arc-shaped openings in the valve body. This allows the first and / or second connecting channels to be implemented in a structurally simple manner and, moreover, in a space-saving way.

[0012] In another advantageous further improvement of the multi-way valve according to the invention, the valve body has at least one third connecting channel that is flow-technically separated from the first and second connecting channels, wherein the third connecting channel extends over the first and second layers, preferably configured as a central channel. Therefore, by means of the at least one third connecting channel, the connection between the first and second layers can be achieved in a manner simple in structure and manufacturing, and thus the connection to the housing openings respectively belonging to the layers can be achieved.

[0013] A particularly advantageous further improvement to the multi-way valve according to the invention specifies that the housing opening, sealing opening, and connecting channels are constructed and arranged in a mutually coordinated manner such that the housing opening and sealing opening can be at least partially connected to the at least one first connecting channel, the at least one second connecting channel, and the at least one third connecting channel in a flow-guiding manner. Preferably, the housing opening and sealing opening can be partially connected to the at least one first connecting channel, partially connected to the at least one second connecting channel, partially connected to the at least one third connecting channel, and partially simultaneously connected to the at least one first connecting channel and the at least one second connecting channel. In this way, the multi-way valve according to the invention can be better matched to the corresponding requirements of individual situations.

[0014] In another advantageous further improvement of the multi-way valve according to the invention, the multi-way valve is configured such that three external fluid circuits can be simultaneously driven by means of the multi-way valve, wherein each of the three external fluid circuits is flowably connected to at least two different housing openings via an external flow passage. Preferably, at least one of the three external fluid circuits has an external flow passage configured as a bypass passage for at least one component of the external fluid circuit, wherein the bypass passage is flowably connected separately to one of the housing openings of the multi-way valve. Thus, for example, it is also possible to drive very complex fluid systems with fluid circuits with only a single multi-way valve according to the invention. This is particularly applicable to the preferred embodiment.

[0015] In principle, the seals can be freely selected within a wide and suitable range according to their type, working principle, material, size, and arrangement.

[0016] A further advantageous improvement to the multi-way valve according to the invention specifies that the seal is constructed as an integral part of the housing and / or valve body. This eliminates the need for separate storage and logistics of the seal, as well as its assembly between the housing and valve body.

[0017] An alternative advantageous further improvement to the multi-way valve according to the invention specifies that the seal is constructed as a separate component of the multi-way valve. Thus, the seal can be specifically adapted to its sealing function, and no compromise needs to be made between the sealing function and the connection between the seal and the housing and / or valve body when selecting the seal. Furthermore, the seal, constructed as a separate component, can also be replaced individually.

[0018] The valve body can also be freely selected within a wide and suitable range according to its type, material, shape, and size.

[0019] In another advantageous further improvement of the multi-way valve according to the invention, the valve body is constructed as a single piece. In this way, unlike valve bodies constructed as multi-piece components, assembly costs within the valve body are eliminated. Consequently, overall assembly costs are reduced. This also further simplifies warehousing management and logistics. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of the accompanying rough schematic diagrams and two embodiments. In the diagrams:

[0021] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the multi-way valve according to the present invention is shown in an exploded perspective view.

[0022] Figure 2 The first embodiment is shown in top view.

[0023] Figure 3 Along Figure 2 The side view cut by section line AA shows the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4a A partial perspective view of the first layer shows the multi-way valve of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4b Shown in perspective according to Figure 4a A cross-sectional view of a multi-way valve.

[0026] Figure 5a A partial perspective view of the first layer shows the multi-way valve of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5b Shown in perspective according to Figure 5a A cross-sectional view of a multi-way valve.

[0028] Figure 6a A partial perspective view of the second layer shows the multi-way valve of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6b Shown in perspective according to Figure 6a A cross-sectional view of a multi-way valve.

[0030] Figure 7a A partial perspective view of the second layer shows the multi-way valve of the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7b Shown in perspective according to Figure 7a A cross-sectional view of a multi-way valve.

[0032] Figures 8a to 8f A simplified top view shows the first embodiment in different rotational positions of the valve body, wherein the two layers of the valve body are shown together.

[0033] Figure 9a and Figure 9b A second embodiment of the multi-way valve according to the present invention is shown in an exploded perspective view.

[0034] Figure 10a and Figure 10b The second embodiment is shown in perspective view and in sectional perspective view.

[0035] Figure 11 The second embodiment is shown in top view.

[0036] Figure 12a The second embodiment is shown in the bottom view of the first section of the first layer.

[0037] Figure 12b The second embodiment is shown in a bottom view of the second section of the second layer. Detailed Implementation

[0038] exist Figures 1 to 8f The first embodiment of the multi-way valve according to the present invention is illustrated by way of example.

[0039] The multi-way valve 2 includes: a housing 4 having a plurality of housing openings 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18, each housing opening being used to guide a flow through an external flow channel (not shown) for a fluid (not shown); and a valve body 22 rotatably disposed within the housing 4 about a rotation axis 20, the valve body being used to guide a flow through at least two of the housing openings 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 of the housing 4, wherein a seal 24 is provided between the housing 4 and the valve body 22, the seal having sealing openings 26, 28, and 30 corresponding to the housing openings 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 in the housing 4. 32, 34, 36, 38, the seals are used to seal the flow-guiding connection relative to the free surrounding environment, and wherein the valve body 22 has a first layer 40 with three first connecting channels 42, 44, 46 and a second layer 48 arranged parallel to the first layer 40 with three second connecting channels 50, 52, 54, wherein the connecting channels 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54 are flow-technically separated from each other and the connecting channels can be flow-guidingly connected to at least two of the housing openings 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 of the housing 4 by means of rotating the valve body 22 to respectively predetermined rotational positions of the valve body 22. The valve body 22 is constructed as a single piece and is automatically rotated in a predetermined manner about the rotation axis 20 of the valve body in a manner known to those skilled in the art by means of a drive device not shown. The seal 24 is constructed as a separate seal.

[0040] This embodiment relates to a multi-way valve for a land vehicle configured as a hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle, wherein multiple different fluid loops of the fluid system of the hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle can be simultaneously driven in a desired manner by means of the multi-way valve 2, which will be described in more detail below.

[0041] The fluid system with fluid loops is not shown in more detail. For example, a cooling loop or a heating loop may be involved here, wherein one of the fluid loops can also be configured as a cooling and heating loop.

[0042] As by Figure 4a As clearly shown, the first connecting channel 44 is constructed as a central channel, and the other two first connecting channels 42 and 46 are respectively located on both sides of the central channel 44. The two first connecting channels 42 and 46 located on both sides of the central channel 44 are respectively constructed as arc-shaped open portions of the valve body 22.

[0043] In contrast, all second connecting channels 50, 52, and 54 are constructed as arc-shaped openings within the valve body 22. See in particular... Figure 6a .

[0044] Furthermore, the housing openings 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, the sealing openings 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and the connecting channels 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54 are constructed and arranged in such a coordinated manner that the housing openings 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and the sealing openings 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 can be at least partially connected to the first and second connecting channels 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54 (i.e., partially connected to the first connecting channel 42, 44, 46, partially connected to the second connecting channel 50, 52, 54, and partially connected to the first and second connecting channels 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54) in a flow-guiding manner. For example, in this embodiment, the housing opening 8 with the corresponding sealing opening 28 can only be connected to the first connecting channels 42, 44, and 46 of the first layer 40 in a flow-guiding manner, while the housing opening 6 with the corresponding sealing opening 26 can only be connected to the second connecting channels 50, 52, and 54 of the second layer 48 in a flow-guiding manner. See [reference needed] for more details. Figure 2 Combination Figure 3 as well as Figure 4a Combination Figure 5a and Figure 6a Combination Figure 7a In contrast, the remaining shell openings 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and their corresponding sealing openings 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 can be connected in a flow-guided manner to the connection channels 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54 of the two layers 40, 48 of the connector 22. See in particular... Figure 5a .

[0045] As will be explained in more detail below, the multi-way valve 2 according to this embodiment is configured such that it can simultaneously drive three external fluid circuits (not shown), each of which is connected via an external fluid passage (not shown) to at least two distinct housing openings 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18. Preferably, one of the three external fluid circuits has an external fluid passage configured as a bypass passage for at least one component of that external fluid circuit, wherein the bypass passage (not shown) is separately and flowably connected to the housing opening 8 of the multi-way valve 2. In this embodiment, the external fluid circuit with the bypass passage is thus connected to the housing opening 6 on one side via the housing opening 18 and on the other side, and is additionally connected to the housing opening 8 and flowably connected to the multi-way valve 2 via the bypass passage. The other two external fluid circuits are connected only to the two housing openings of the multi-way valve 2. That is, on the one hand, one of the two external fluid circuits is connected to the housing openings 10 and 12, while on the other hand, the other of the remaining two external fluid circuits is connected to the housing openings 14 and 16.

[0046] The following uses Figures 1 to 8f The working principle of the multi-way valve according to this embodiment is explained in more detail.

[0047] exist Figures 8a to 8f The diagram shows the multi-way valve 2 in different rotational positions as it rotates around the rotation axis 20, as shown in top view.

[0048] Figures 8a to 8f The arrows here symbolize the flow direction of fluid flowing through the housing openings 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, the corresponding sealing openings 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and the first and second layers 40, 48 of the valve body 22, respectively, and the first and second connecting channels 42, 44, 46, 50, 52, 54 respectively, which are flow-guidedly connected to these housing openings. Further explanation follows, and see also the relevant references. Figures 1 to 7b .

[0049] Accordingly, by means of Figure 8aIn the rotating position of the multi-way valve shown, the housing opening 6 and its corresponding sealing opening 26 are connected to the housing opening 18 and its corresponding sealing opening 38 via the second connecting channel 52; the housing opening 12 and its corresponding sealing opening 32 are connected to the housing opening 10 and its corresponding sealing opening 30 via the first connecting channel 46 and the second connecting channel 54; and the housing opening 16 and its corresponding sealing opening 36 are respectively connected to the housing opening 14 and its corresponding sealing opening 34 via the first connecting channel 42 and the second connecting channel 50.

[0050] According to multi-way valve 2 Figure 8b In the rotational position shown, housing opening 8 and its corresponding sealing opening 28 are connected to housing opening 10 and its corresponding sealing opening 30 via the second connecting channel 54; housing opening 12 and its corresponding sealing opening 32 are connected to housing opening 14 and its corresponding sealing opening 34 via the first connecting channel 42 and the second connecting channel 50; and housing opening 16 and its corresponding sealing opening 36 are connected to housing opening 18 and its corresponding sealing opening 38 via the second connecting channel 52 in a flow-conducting manner.

[0051] According to multi-way valve 2 Figure 8c In the rotational position shown, the housing opening 16 and its corresponding sealing opening 36 are connected to the housing opening 10 and its corresponding sealing opening 30 via the first connecting channel 44, and the housing opening 12 and its corresponding sealing opening 32 are respectively connected to the housing opening 14 and its corresponding sealing opening 34 via the first connecting channel 42 and the second connecting channel 50.

[0052] According to multi-way valve 2 Figure 8d In the rotational position shown, the housing opening 8 and its corresponding sealing opening 28 are connected to the housing opening 14 and its corresponding sealing opening 34 via the first connecting channel 44, and the housing opening 16 and its corresponding sealing opening 36 are respectively connected to the housing opening 18 and its corresponding sealing opening 38 via the first connecting channel 42 and the second connecting channel 50.

[0053] According to multi-way valve 2 Figure 8e In the rotational position shown, the housing opening 8 and its corresponding sealing opening 28 are connected to the housing opening 10 and its corresponding sealing opening 30 via the first connecting channel 46, and the housing opening 12 and its corresponding sealing opening 32 are connected to the housing opening 18 and its corresponding sealing opening 38 via the first connecting channel 44.

[0054] According to multi-way valve 2 Figure 8fIn the rotation position shown, the housing opening 6 and its corresponding sealing opening 26 are connected to the housing opening 10 and its corresponding sealing opening 30 via the second connecting channel 50, and the housing opening 12 and its corresponding sealing opening 32 are connected to the housing opening 18 and its corresponding sealing opening 38 via the first connecting channel 44.

[0055] exist Figures 9a to 12b The following is an exemplary embodiment of a multi-way valve according to the present invention.

[0056] The multi-way valve 2 of the second embodiment corresponds in basic structure to the multi-way valve 2 of the first embodiment, and thus reference can be made extensively to the description of the first embodiment above. Accordingly, the descriptions of the first and second embodiments complement each other, so that, for example, in other embodiments of the invention, the details of the first and second embodiments can be combined with each other completely or in part.

[0057] Therefore, the description of the second embodiment is only provided to the extent that it differs from that of the first embodiment. Otherwise, as already described in detail, refer to the description relating to the first embodiment. Identical or functionally equivalent components are given the same reference numerals.

[0058] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment primarily in the housing opening, the corresponding sealing opening, and the number and arrangement of the first and second connecting channels. Furthermore, a key difference from the first embodiment is that the valve body 22 replaces the first connecting channel 44, which is configured as a central channel, with a third connecting channel 60, which extends over the first layer 40 and the second layer 48, i.e., extends in such a way that the third connecting channel 60 is configured as a central channel. Accordingly, the embodiment of the present invention according to the second embodiment enables the connection of other flow channels between the external flow channels of the fluid circuit.

[0059] In order to Figures 9a to 12b To make the orientation easier and to better distinguish it from the first embodiment, the housing openings are indicated by letters as reference numerals, wherein the sealing openings associated with these housing openings are not additionally indicated by reference numerals.

[0060] Here, the multi-way valve 2 has a total of ten housing openings, namely housing openings A (upper), A (lower), B, C (upper), C (lower), D, E (upper), E (lower), F, and G. Housing openings A (upper), B, C (upper), D, and E (upper) belong to the second layer 48 of the valve body 22, and housing openings A (lower), C (lower), E (lower), F, and G belong to the first layer 40 of the valve body 22. See in particular... Figure 9a and Figure 9bThe sealing opening of seal 24 corresponds to the housing opening mentioned above and is therefore not explicitly marked. Unlike in the first embodiment, in this embodiment there is no housing opening belonging not only to the first layer 40 of valve body 22 but also to the second layer 48.

[0061] exist Figures 10a to 1 Figure 2 shows the multi-way valve 2 in the assembly position, that is, in the assembled state of the multi-way valve 2 according to the second embodiment.

[0062] The orientation of the third connecting channel 60, that is, the extension of the third connecting channel not only on the first layer 40 of the valve body 22 but also on the second layer 48. Figure 10b It is clearly visible in the middle.

[0063] Figure 12a The first cross-section of the multi-way valve 2 is shown, i.e., the cross-section such that the first layer 40 of the valve body 22 is visible. As thus shown, in addition to the third connection channel 60 described above, two first connection channels 42 and 46 are additionally provided in the first layer 40 of the valve body 22. Unlike the third connection channel 60, the first connection channels 42 and 46 extend only on the first layer 40 of the valve body 22.

[0064] Similarly, Figure 12b The second cross-section of the multi-way valve 2 is shown, i.e., the cross-section below, making the second layer 48 of the valve body 22 visible. As thus shown, in addition to the third connection channel 60 described above, three second connection channels 50, 52, and 54 are additionally provided in the second layer 48 of the valve body 22. Unlike the third connection channel 60, the second connection channels 50, 52, and 54 extend only on the second layer 48 of the valve body 22.

[0065] As will be described in more detail below, the multi-way valve 2 according to this second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment. The multi-way valve is configured such that it can simultaneously drive three external fluid circuits (not shown), each of which is connected via an external fluid passage (not shown) to at least two distinct housing openings A (upper), A (lower), B, C (upper), C (lower), D, E (upper), E (lower), F, and G). Preferably, at least one of the three external fluid circuits has an external fluid passage configured as a bypass passage for at least one component of that external fluid circuit, wherein the bypass passage (not shown) can be individually connected via a bypass passage to one of the housing openings A (upper), A (lower), B, C (upper), C (lower), D, E (upper), E (lower), F, and G) of the multi-way valve 2.

[0066] The following uses Figures 9a to 12b The working principle of the multi-way valve according to this embodiment is explained in more detail.

[0067] For example, by means of multi-way valve 2, in the multi-way valve Figure 12a and Figure 12b In the rotational positions shown, the lower housing opening C and G are connected via their corresponding sealing openings of the seal 24 and via the first connecting channel 46; the lower housing opening E and upper housing opening A are connected via their corresponding sealing openings of the seal 24 and via the third connecting channel 60; and the housing openings B and D are connected via their corresponding sealing openings of the seal 24 and via the second connecting channel 50. See also [reference needed]. Figure 10b The remaining housing openings, namely the lower opening A, the upper opening F, the upper opening C, and the upper opening E, are closed by means of valve body 22, such as by... Figure 12a and Figure 1 b is visible.

[0068] Similar to the first embodiment, the multi-way valve 2 of the second embodiment can also establish or disconnect, i.e., close, multiple additional flow connections between at least two of the housing openings A (above and below A), B, C (above and below C), D, E (above and below E), F, and G. Accordingly, the above description is to be understood as purely exemplary. Therefore, the multi-way valve 2 according to the second embodiment can also establish multiple distinct flow connections between external flow channels of an external fluid circuit or disconnect said flow connections from each other.

[0069] As shown in the above description, the multi-way valve according to the invention enables three external fluid circuits to be connected in a variety of possible combinations, i.e., to be interconnected in a fluidic manner. The multi-way valve according to the invention enables the external fluid circuits to be closed or opened individually, connected or separated from each other.

[0070] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described. For example, the invention can also be advantageously used in other land vehicles, air vehicles, and sea vehicles, as well as in other technical fields. Furthermore, the multi-way valve according to the invention can be constructed differently from that in the embodiments described. For example, the seal can be constructed as an integral part of the housing and / or valve body.

[0071] List of reference numerals

[0072] 2 multi-way valve

[0073] 4 housings

[0074] 6. Shell openings

[0075] 8 shell openings

[0076] 10. Shell opening

[0077] 12 shell openings

[0078] 14 Shell openings

[0079] 16 shell openings

[0080] 18 shell openings

[0081] 20 Rotation axis of valve body 22

[0082] 22 Valve Body

[0083] 24 seals

[0084] 26 Sealed opening

[0085] 28 Sealed opening

[0086] 30 Sealed Opening

[0087] 32 Sealed opening

[0088] 34 Sealed opening

[0089] 36 Sealed opening

[0090] 38 Sealed opening

[0091] 40 Valve body 22 first layer

[0092] 42 First Connection Channel

[0093] 44 First Connection Channel

[0094] 46 First Connection Channel

[0095] 48 Valve body 22 second layer

[0096] 50 Second Connection Channel

[0097] 52 Second Connection Channel

[0098] 54 Second Connection Channel

[0099] 60 Third Connection Channel

[0100] A. Upper shell opening

[0101] A. Lower shell opening

[0102] B housing opening

[0103] C Upper shell opening

[0104] C Lower housing opening

[0105] D-shell opening

[0106] E Upper casing opening

[0107] E Lower housing opening

[0108] F housing opening

[0109] G housing opening

Claims

1. A multi-way valve (2), the multi-way valve comprising: A housing (4) having a plurality of housing openings (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) for flow-directing connection to an external flow channel for fluid; and a valve body (22) rotatably disposed in the housing (4) about a rotation axis (20), the valve body for flow-directing connection to at least two of the housing openings (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) of the housing (4), wherein a seal (24) is provided between the housing (4) and the valve body (22), the seal having sealing openings (26, 28) corresponding to the housing openings (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) in the housing (4). , 30, 32, 34, 36, 38), the seal is used to seal the flow-guiding connection relative to the free surrounding environment, and the valve body (22) has a first layer (40) with a plurality of first connection channels (42, 44, 46) and a second layer (48) with a plurality of second connection channels (50, 52, 54) arranged parallel to the first layer (40), the connection channels being flow-technically separated from each other, and the connection channels being flow-guidingly connected to at least two of the housing openings (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) of the housing (4) by means of rotating the valve body (22) to respectively predetermined rotation positions of the valve body (22), The housing opening, sealing opening, and connecting channel are constructed and arranged in a coordinated manner so that the housing opening and sealing opening can be partially connected to the first connecting channel, partially connected to the second connecting channel, and partially connected to the first and second connecting channels in a flow-guiding manner.

2. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first layer (40) has three first connection channels (42, 44, 46), and / or the second layer (48) has three second connection channels (50, 52, 54).

3. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, One of the first connecting channels and / or one of the second connecting channels is configured as a central channel, and the remaining first connecting channels and / or second connecting channels are respectively arranged on both sides of the central channel.

4. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The remaining first connecting channels and / or second connecting channels respectively located on both sides of the central channel are respectively constructed as arched openings of the valve body (22).

5. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The remaining first connecting channels and / or second connecting channels respectively located on both sides of the central channel are respectively constructed as arc-shaped open portions of the valve body (22).

6. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first connecting channel and / or the second connecting channel are respectively constructed as arched openings of the valve body (22).

7. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first connecting channel and / or the second connecting channel are respectively constructed as arc-shaped empty portions of the valve body (22).

8. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The valve body (22) has at least one third connection channel that is flow-technically separated from the first connection channel and the second connection channel, the third connection channel extending over the first layer (40) and the second layer (48).

9. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The third connecting channel is constructed as a central channel.

10. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The housing openings (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18), sealing openings (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38), and connecting channels are constructed and arranged in a coordinated manner such that the housing openings (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) and sealing openings (26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38) can be at least partially connected to a first connecting channel, a second connecting channel, and the at least one third connecting channel in a flow-guiding manner.

11. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The housing opening and sealing opening can be partially connected to a first connection channel (42, 44, 46), partially connected to a second connection channel (50, 52, 54), partially connected to the at least one third connection channel, and partially connected to both a first connection channel and a second connection channel in a flow-guided manner.

12. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The multi-way valve (2) is configured to simultaneously drive three external fluid circuits, wherein each of the three external fluid circuits is connected via an external flow channel to at least two housing openings (6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18) that are different from each other.

13. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that, At least one of the three external fluid circuits has an external flow passage for at least one component of the external fluid circuit configured as a bypass passage, wherein the bypass passage is individually and guideably connected to one of the housing openings of the housing of the multi-way valve (2).

14. The multi-way valve according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The seal is constructed as an integral part of the housing and / or valve body.

15. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The seal (24) is constructed as a separate component of the multi-way valve (2).

16. The multi-way valve (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The valve body (22) is constructed as a single piece.

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