multi-way valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-way valve for a cooling system of a motor vehicle, having a valve housing (12) which has a plurality of inlets (14) and a plurality of outlets (20) and delimits a cylindrical valve chamber (16), wherein the inlets (14) and the outlets (20) open into the cylindrical valve chamber (16), a valve unit (18) which is arranged within the cylindrical valve chamber (16) of the valve housing (12) and can be rotated about a rotation axis between a plurality of switching positions by means of an actuator (23), wherein, depending on the switching position of the valve unit (18), different inlets (14) can be fluidically connected with different outlets (20), wherein the valve unit (18) has a plurality of fluid channel structures (22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34; 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64; 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82; 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100) which are staggered in a circumferential direction from one another, wherein each switching position is respectively assigned a fluid channel structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-way valve for a cooling system of a motor vehicle, the multi-way valve comprising: a valve housing having a plurality of inlets and a plurality of outlets and defining a cylindrical valve cavity, wherein the inlets and outlets open into the cylindrical valve cavity; and a valve unit disposed within the cylindrical valve cavity of the valve housing and rotatable about a rotation axis between a plurality of switching positions by means of an actuator, wherein, depending on the switching position of the valve unit, different inlets can be fluidly connected to different outlets. Background Technology

[0002] Valves are used in various applications to control fluid flow in fluid flow systems. For example, motor vehicles have at least one cooling system to cool various components and thus ensure the normal operation of the vehicle. Electric vehicles have a particularly large number of components that need to be cooled or heated, such as the traction battery, traction motor, and various components of the charging device used to charge the traction battery. Cooling or heating of these components is typically achieved through multiple cooling / heating loops, resulting in relatively high costs for cooling. In other cases, cooling or heating of components is achieved through a single cooling / heating system or a few cooling / heating systems. In this case, multiple different valves must be used, leading to relatively high costs for the cooling / heating system.

[0003] To reduce the cost of multiple separate valves, multiple valves are combined into a multi-way valve, which performs the functions of multiple individual valves. For example, EP 3 384 187A1 discloses such a multi-way valve, which is a component of the cooling system of an electric vehicle. The cooling system cools various components of the electric vehicle. The multi-way valve controls the cooling medium within the cooling system and has five fluid ports, valve chambers fluidly connected to these fluid ports, and valve units. The valve unit has two connection channels through which different fluid ports are fluidly connected to each other depending on the switching position of the valve unit. The multi-way valve is adjusted by an actuator that rotates the multi-way valve between different switching positions.

[0004] The disadvantage of such a multi-way valve is that it has a relatively small number of fluid interfaces, which is limited by the valve's design. Therefore, multiple additional valves are needed to control the fluid flow within the cooling system. In this case, only a few fluid interfaces can be connected simultaneously. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a multi-way valve that is simple to manufacture and cost-effective, by which multiple inlets and multiple outlets can be connected as needed, thereby reducing the number of valves in the cooling system.

[0006] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved through the multi-way valve of the present invention.

[0007] The multi-way valve according to the invention has a valve unit having a plurality of fluid channel assemblies that are circumferentially offset from each other and substantially fluidly isolated from each other. Each fluid channel assembly is assigned to a predefined switching position, such that fluid flows through a different fluid channel assembly at each switching position. Thus, multiple inlet-outlet combinations are provided independently of other switching positions at each switching position, wherein these inlet-outlet combinations are predefined by the fluid channel structure and its design associated with the switching position.

[0008] Preferably, each fluid channel assembly has multiple tubular fluid connection elements arranged side-by-side and each having two open ends. These open ends can be fluidly connected to an inlet and an outlet, respectively. By providing multiple fluid connection elements, multiple inlets can be connected to outlets through each fluid channel assembly at various switching positions.

[0009] This design of a multi-way valve allows for the simple connection of multiple inlets and outlets as needed, thereby reducing the number of valves in the cooling system. The multi-way valve is implemented very compactly with minimal radial and axial structural space.

[0010] In a preferred design, the inlet and outlet are arranged in a single row, i.e., side-by-side in a single row. This reduces the radial structural space of the multi-way valve, where the outlet and inlet are arranged only within a certain circumferential section, and therefore the connecting pipes or conduits adjacent to these inlets and outlets are also arranged only within that circumferential section.

[0011] Preferably, the inlets and outlets are arranged alternately. This allows for a relatively simple design of the fluid channel assembly, in which two inlets are directly adjacent to an outlet, such that at least these two inlets can be easily connected to each other without needing to bypass other inlets or outlets.

[0012] In a preferred design, the inlets and outlets are arranged in rows, with the inlets in the first row and the outlets in the second row, the first row being staggered relative to the second row in the circumferential direction. Preferably, the fluid passage structures have equal spacing relative to each other. "Equal spacing" should be understood as meaning that when adjusting the valve unit between the two switching positions, the valve unit always undergoes the same rotation angle. By arranging the inlets and outlets in two rows, the multi-way valve can be implemented with such equidistant spacing, thereby simplifying the adjustment of the valve unit between switching positions and the triggering of the actuator. In other designs of the multi-way valve, the fluid passage structures can also, in principle, have equal spacing relative to each other. However, it is also advantageous to choose different rotation angles between the switching positions.

[0013] In a preferred design, the inlet and outlet are arranged in multiple rows, with at least one inlet and at least one outlet in each row. This allows for a more compact implementation of the multi-way valve.

[0014] Preferably, the valve unit is fluidly connected to the inlet and outlet via a single cylindrical sealing surface. The valve cavity has a cylindrical inner circumferential surface, with the inlet and outlet located on this surface. The valve unit and its fluid passage assembly also have at least a partial cylindrical shape, particularly the end of the fluid connection element, which forms the cylindrical shape of the valve unit. When the valve unit is adjusted between switching positions, i.e., when it rotates, the valve unit slides along the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the valve cavity. This simplifies the sealing between the valve unit and the valve housing.

[0015] In a preferred design, four inlets and three or four outlets are provided, wherein the valve unit is adjustable between seven switching positions. This allows multiple inlets and outlets to be fluidly connected as needed, wherein multiple fluid connections can be established between predefined inlets and predefined outlets at the switching positions through various fluid channel structure designs.

[0016] Preferably, the valve unit is implemented in annular shape, with the outlet arranged on the inner circumferential surface and the inlet arranged on the outer circumferential surface, or vice versa, wherein the fluid passage structure extends substantially radially. This reduces the axial structural space of the multi-way valve. In a preferred design, four inlets and four outlets are provided, wherein the valve unit is adjustable between seven switching positions. This allows multiple inlets and outlets to be fluidly interconnected as needed.

[0017] In principle, a multi-way valve can be implemented with any number of inlets and outlets. Here, the valve unit can be adjusted between multiple switching positions, the number of which depends on the selected number of inlets and outlets.

[0018] Preferably, the fluid channel structure has a circular, square, or rectangular cross-section. The fluid channel structure may also have any other freehand cross-section.

[0019] In a preferred design, the actuator is radially surrounded by the valve unit, thus the actuator is arranged inside and integrated into the valve unit. This reduces the structural space of the multi-way valve. The actuator is, in particular, an electric actuator and includes an electric motor and connecting elements for connection to the valve unit. Alternatively, the actuator is arranged separately outside the valve unit, thereby simplifying the replacement of defective actuators.

[0020] Preferably, the two fluid channel structures have a shared fluid connection element, which can reduce the structural space of the multi-way valve.

[0021] Preferably, the two fluid channel structures are fluidly connected to each other, with fluid flow passing only through the fluid channel structure configured by the switching position, and the other fluid channel structure being closed. This reduces the radial structural space of the valve unit, where the two fluid channel structures use a shared section to guide the fluid. In this case, for example, the end side of the fluid connection element of two adjacent fluid channel assemblies is implemented as a shared end side, wherein this shared end side is fluidly connected to the inlet or outlet at both switching positions of the two fluid channel structures. At the switching position where fluid flows through one of the two fluid channel assemblies, the end side opposite to the shared end side of the fluid connection element is fluidly connected to the inlet or outlet. No fluid flows through the other fluid channel structure because the end side opposite to the shared end side abuts against the continuous, cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the valve cavity, thereby fluid-tightly sealing that end side.

[0022] This design of a multi-way valve allows for the simple connection of multiple inlets and outlets as needed, thereby reducing the number of valves in the cooling system. The multi-way valve is implemented very compactly with minimal radial and axial structural space. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1a A first embodiment of the multi-way valve according to the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 1b It shows Figure 1a The valve unit of the first embodiment of the multi-way valve in the middle,

[0026] Figure 1c It shows Figure 1aThe channel matrix of the first embodiment of the multi-way valve in the middle,

[0027] Figure 1d The arrangement of the entrance in the first embodiment is shown horizontally.

[0028] Figure 2a A second embodiment of the multi-way valve according to the present invention is shown.

[0029] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a The valve unit of the second embodiment of the multi-way valve in the middle,

[0030] Figure 2c It shows Figure 2a The channel matrix of the second embodiment of the multi-way valve in the middle,

[0031] Figure 2d The arrangement of the entrance in the second embodiment is shown horizontally.

[0032] Figure 3a A third embodiment of the multi-way valve according to the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 3b It shows Figure 3a The valve unit of the third embodiment of the multi-way valve in the middle,

[0034] Figure 3c It shows Figure 3a The channel matrix of the third embodiment of the multi-way valve in the middle,

[0035] Figure 3d The arrangement of the entrance in the third embodiment is shown horizontally.

[0036] Figure 4a A fourth embodiment of the multi-way valve according to the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 4b It shows Figure 4a The valve unit of the fourth embodiment of the multi-way valve, and

[0038] Figure 4c It shows Figure 4a The channel matrix of the fourth embodiment of the multi-way valve in the middle,

[0039] Figure 4d The arrangement of the entrance in the fourth embodiment is shown horizontally.

[0040] Figure 5a A first arrangement of the actuator for the multi-way valve is shown, and

[0041] Figure 5b A second arrangement of the actuator for the multi-way valve is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Figure 1a , Figure 1b and Figure 1c A first embodiment of a multi-way valve 101 according to the present invention is shown. The multi-way valve 101 includes a valve housing 12 having an annular cross-section, thus having an outer peripheral surface and an inner peripheral surface. The inner peripheral surface defines a valve cavity 16, which is open, for example, on both axial sides. Alternatively, the valve cavity 16 may also be closed. The valve housing 12 also includes seven through-holes extending from the inner peripheral surface to the outer peripheral surface.

[0043] These through-holes are arranged axially in rows, forming multiple entrances 14 and multiple exits 20. Here, entrances 14 and exits 20 alternate, with a first entrance 141 arranged at the edge, followed by a first exit 201, and then a second entrance 142. The second exit 202, the third entrance 143, the third exit 203, and the fourth entrance 144 are arranged in the same manner.

[0044] Connecting pipes 15 and 21 are arranged at each inlet 14 and each outlet 20, respectively, wherein connecting pipes 15 and 21 are identical and implemented as corner pipes. Alternatively, these connecting pipes may have other shapes and be implemented differently from each other. Fluid conduits, not shown in the figure, are connected to connecting pipes 15 and 21, respectively, wherein the corner pipe 15 associated with inlet 14 and the corner pipe 21 associated with outlet 20 are oriented in opposite directions to each other.

[0045] A valve unit 18 is arranged within the valve cavity 16. The valve unit 18 has multiple fluid passage structures 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34, arranged side-by-side in the circumferential direction. Fluid passage structure 28 is obscured by fluid passage structure 26 in the figure and is therefore not visible. Fluid passage structures 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 are interconnected and together form the valve unit 18. Each fluid passage structure 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 has multiple fluid connection elements interconnected in the axial direction. Each fluid connection element is exemplaryly implemented as a tube and has two open ends, which face and abut against the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing 12, which forms a unique sealing surface 17. Alternatively, the fluid connection elements may also have any cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular). The fluid connection elements have the same or different axial extension dimensions, which vary depending on which inlet 14 is connected to which outlet 20. Here, the first and third fluid channel structures 22 and 26 each have three fluid connection elements, wherein, depending on the switching position of the valve unit 18, the three inlets 14 can be fluidly connected to each outlet 20 via the fluid channel structures 22 and 26. The second and sixth fluid channel structures 24 and 32 each have four fluid connection elements, wherein, depending on the switching position of the valve unit 18, the two inlets 14 can be fluidly connected to each outlet 20 via the fluid channel structures 24 and 32, and the two inlets 14 can be fluidly connected to a common outlet 20. The fourth, fifth, and seventh fluid channel structures 28, 30, and 34 each have two fluid connection elements, thereby allowing the two inlets 14 to be fluidly connected to each outlet 20 via the fluid channel structures 28, 30, and 34 depending on the switching position of the valve unit 18.

[0046] The ends of the fluid connection elements are configured such that these ends fluid-tightly abut against the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing 12. Here, fluid flows through these fluid connection elements only when both ends coincide with the inlet 14 or outlet 20. In all other cases, these ends are sealed by the inner circumferential surface of the valve housing 12.

[0047] The fourth fluid channel structure 28 and the fifth fluid channel structure 30 are fluidly connected to each other. Each of these two fluid channel structures 28 and 30 has a fluid connection element sharing a common section, which crosses the inlet 14 and is configured via a switching position for the fluid channel structure 30. Another common section is shared by the fluid connection elements of the fifth fluid channel structure 30 and the sixth fluid channel structure 32, which crosses the inlet 14 and the outlet 20. The connection between the two fluid channel structures is permitted because fluid flow only through the fluid channel structure configured via the switching position, and the other fluid channel structure is closed.

[0048] The multi-way valve 101 also includes an actuator 23, schematically shown, which is connected to the valve unit 18 in such a way that it can rotate the valve unit 18 between multiple switching positions along the rotation direction D and about the rotation axis. The actuator 23 can be radially arranged in the cavity between the fluid passage structures 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34 (i.e., integrated into the valve unit 18) or arranged externally to the valve unit 18. (Figures 5a and 5b are referenced here.) Figure 5b These two alternatives are presented.

[0049] Figure 1c A channel matrix of a first embodiment of the multi-way valve 101 is shown, illustrating which inlets 14 and outlets 20 are fluidly connected to each other according to the switching position of the valve unit 18. Here, the channel matrix and... Figure 1d The inlets and outlets 141, 142, 143, 144, 201, 202, and 203 are shown horizontally side by side, and the seven switching positions of the valve unit 18 are shown vertically.

[0050] The number of switching positions corresponds to the number of fluid channel structures 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 within valve unit 18. Therefore, at each switching position, all fluid connections are achieved through the fluid channel structure 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 associated with that switching position. Each fluid channel structure 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 consists of one or more fluid connection elements. The fluid channel structures 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 are labeled in the channel matrix with two Arabic numerals next to one or more fluid connection elements. The fluid connection elements within the fluid channel structures 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and 34 are all filled with the same pattern. In the channel matrix, switching positions are marked using braces and Roman numerals. The first switching position is marked with the Roman numeral 1 "I", the second switching position with the Roman numeral 2 "II", and so on.

[0051] In the first switching position I, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the second inlet 142 to the second outlet 202, and the third inlet 143 to the third outlet 203 via the first fluid channel structure 22. In the second switching position II, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the second inlet 142 to the second outlet 202, the third inlet 143 to the third outlet 203, and the fourth inlet 144 to the third outlet 203 via the second fluid channel structure 24. In the third switching position III, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the third inlet 143 to the second outlet 202, and the fourth inlet 144 to the third outlet 203 via the third fluid channel structure 26. In the fourth switching position IV, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, and the second inlet 142 to the second outlet 202 via the fourth fluid channel structure 28. In the fifth switching position V, the third inlet 143 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, and the fourth inlet 144 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, through the fifth fluid channel structure 30. In the sixth switching position VI, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the third inlet 143 is fluidly connected to the third outlet 203, and the fourth inlet 144 is fluidly connected to the third outlet 203, through the sixth fluid channel structure 32. In the seventh switching position VII, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, and the third inlet 143 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, through the seventh fluid channel structure 34.

[0052] At all switching positions, no inlet 14 or outlet 20 coinciding with fluid channel structures 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, or 34 is closed by the cover plate 46. These closed inlets 14 and outlets 20 are... Figure 1c The channel matrix is ​​shown in dark.

[0053] Figure 2a , Figure 2b and Figure 2c A second embodiment of the multi-way valve 102 is shown. Similar to the first embodiment in FIG. 1, the second embodiment of the multi-way valve 102 includes a valve housing 12 having an inner and outer circumferential surface, a valve unit 18 arranged in a valve cavity 16, and an actuator 23 connected to the valve unit 18. The decisive difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment in FIG. 1 is that the arrangement of the inlet 14 and outlet 20 is different, and correspondingly, the fluid passage structures 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62 are implemented differently. Here, the inlet 14 is arranged in a first row 51 extending in the axial direction, and the outlet 20 is arranged in a second row 53 extending in the axial direction. Furthermore, the second embodiment of the multi-way valve 102 has four inlets 14 and four outlets 20.

[0054] Figure 2c A channel matrix of a second embodiment of the multi-way valve 102 is shown, illustrating which inlets 14 and outlets 20 are fluidly connected to each other according to the switching position of the valve unit 18. Here, the channel matrix and... Figure 2dThe inlets 141, 142, 143, and 144 arranged in the first row 51 are shown horizontally, and the outlets 201, 202, 203, and 204 arranged in the second row 53 are shown horizontally. In the first switching position I, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, and the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the third outlet 203, through the first fluid channel structure 50. In the second switching position II, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the third outlet 203, and the third inlet 143 is fluidly connected to the fourth outlet 204, through the third fluid channel structure 52. In the third switching position III, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the third outlet 203, and the third inlet 143 and the fourth inlet 144 are fluidly connected to the fourth outlet 204, through the third fluid channel structure 54. In the fourth switching position IV, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, the third inlet 143 to the third outlet 203, and the fourth inlet 144 to the fourth outlet 204 via the fourth fluid channel structure 56. In the fifth switching position V, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, and the third inlet 143 to the third outlet 203 via the fifth fluid channel structure 58. In the sixth switching position VI, the third inlet 143 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, and the fourth inlet 144 to the third outlet 203 via the sixth fluid channel structure 60. In the seventh switching position VII, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the second inlet 142 to the second outlet 202, and the third inlet 143 and the fourth inlet 144 to the fourth outlet 204 via the seventh fluid channel structure 62.

[0055] Here, the inlet 14 and outlet 20, which do not interact with the fluid channel structures 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, and 62, are also sealed by the cover plate 46 and... Figure 2c It is shown in dark color.

[0056] Figure 3a , Figure 3b and Figure 3c A third embodiment of the multi-way valve 103 is shown. The third embodiment of the multi-way valve 103 is substantially similar in construction to... Figure 2aCorresponding to the second embodiment in FIG2. Similar to the second embodiment in FIG2, the multi-way valve includes a valve housing 12 having an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, a valve unit 18 arranged in a valve cavity 16, and an actuator 23 connected to the valve unit 18. The decisive difference between the third embodiment and the second embodiment in FIG2 is that the arrangement of the inlet 14 and outlet 20 arranged in two rows 51, 53 is different, and correspondingly, the fluid channel structures 88, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100 are implemented differently. Here, the inlet 14 and outlet 20 are mixed in the two rows 51, 53, so that multiple inlets 14 and multiple outlets 20 are arranged in the first row 51, and multiple inlets and multiple outlets 20 are also arranged in the second row 53. Here, the inlet 14 and outlet 20 are distributed on the two rows 51, 53 in such a way that according to Figure 3c All fluid connection elements are either horizontally or vertically oriented. The advantage is that the valve unit 18 can be implemented more compactly.

[0057] Figure 3c A channel matrix of a third embodiment of the multi-way valve 103 is shown, illustrating which inlets 14 and outlets 20 are fluidly connected to each other according to the switching position of the valve unit 18. Here, the channel matrix and... Figure 3dThe diagram illustrates inlet 141, 144 and outlet 202, 204 arranged in the first row 51, and inlet 142, 143 and outlet 201, 203 arranged in the second row 53. In the first switching position I, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, and the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202 via the first fluid channel structure 88. In the second switching position II, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, and the third inlet 143 is fluidly connected to the third outlet 203 via the second fluid channel structure 90. In the third switching position III, the third inlet 143 is fluidly connected to the third outlet 203, and the fourth inlet 144 is fluidly connected to the fourth outlet 204 via the third fluid channel structure 92. In the fourth switching position IV, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the fourth outlet 204, the second inlet 142 to the first outlet 201, the third inlet 143 to the third outlet 203, and the fourth inlet 144 to the third outlet 203 via the fourth fluid channel structure 94. In the fifth switching position V, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, and the third inlet 143 to the fourth outlet 204 via the fifth fluid channel structure 96. In the sixth switching position VI, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the third inlet 143 to the fourth outlet 204, and the fourth inlet 144 to the third outlet 203 via the sixth fluid channel structure 98. In the seventh switching position VII, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the second inlet 142 to the second outlet 202, the third inlet 143 and the third outlet 203, and the fourth inlet 144 and the third outlet 203 via the seventh fluid channel structure 100.

[0058] Figure 3c The diagram illustrates a shared fluid connection element between two fluid channel structures 90 and 92. In fluid channel structure 90, this fluid connection element connects a third inlet 143 to a third outlet 203 at a second switching position II. In fluid channel structure 92, the same fluid connection element connects a fourth inlet 144 to a fourth outlet 204 at a third switching position III. Another multiple use of the fluid connection element can be seen in fluid channel structures 92 and 94, where the fluid connection element connects a third inlet 143 to a first outlet 201 at a third switching position III in fluid channel structure 92, and a first inlet 141 to a fourth outlet 204 at a fourth switching position IV in fluid channel structure 94.

[0059] Figure 4a , Figure 4b and Figure 4c A fourth embodiment of the multi-way valve 104 is shown. (Compared to...) Figure 1a The first implementation method in Figure 2a The second implementation method and Figure 3a Similar to the third embodiment 103, the fourth embodiment of the multi-way valve 104 includes a valve housing 12, a valve unit 18 arranged in a valve cavity 16, and an actuator 23 connected to the valve unit 18. Unlike... Figure 1a and Figure 2a In two embodiments, the valve housing 12 has an annular inner housing element 66 and an outer housing element 68, wherein the inner housing element 66 is radially surrounded by the outer housing element 68. The inner circumferential surface of the outer housing element 68 and the outer circumferential surface of the inner housing element 66 define an annular valve cavity 16 at the upper radial limit, in which the valve unit 18 is disposed. An inlet 14 is provided on the outer housing element 68 and an outlet is provided on the inner housing element 66, thereby enabling the inlet 14 to connect to the outlet 20 via the valve unit 16 and its substantially radially extending fluid passage structures 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82.

[0060] Figure 4c A channel matrix of a fourth embodiment of the multi-way valve 104 is shown, illustrating which inlets 14 and outlets 20 are fluidly connected to each other according to the switching position of the valve unit 18. The two columns on the left show the path of the fluid connection elements starting from the external inlet 14. The two columns on the right show the exit paths of the fluid connection elements at each switching position via the internal outlets 20.

[0061] The multi-way valve 104 has four inlets 141, 142, 143, 144 and four outlets 201, 202, 203, 204, wherein each inlet 141, 142, 143, 144 is arranged opposite to each outlet 201, 202, 203, 204. Figure 4cIn the diagram, X indicates that inlet 14 is fluidly connected to the opposite outlet 20 via a straight fluid connection element. Arrows indicate that inlet 14 is fluidly connected to outlet 20, which is not arranged in a straight line. In the first switching position I, through the first fluid channel structure 70, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the second inlet 142 to the second outlet 202, the third inlet 143 to the third outlet 203, and the fourth inlet 144 to the third outlet 203. In the second switching position II, through the second fluid channel structure 72, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, and the second inlet 142 to the second outlet 202. In the third switching position III, through the third fluid channel structure 74, the first inlet 141 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the second inlet 142 to the second outlet 202, and the third inlet 143 to the fourth outlet 204. In the fourth switching position IV, through the fourth fluid channel structure 76, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, and the fourth inlet 144 to the fourth outlet 204. In the fifth switching position V, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the third inlet 143 to the third outlet 203, and the fourth inlet 144 to the fourth outlet 204 via the fifth fluid channel structure 78. In the sixth switching position VI, the second inlet 142 is fluidly connected to the first outlet 201, the first inlet 141 to the fourth outlet 204, the fourth inlet 144 to the third outlet 203, and the third inlet 143 to the third outlet 203 via the sixth fluid channel structure 80. In the seventh switching position VII, the third inlet 143 is fluidly connected to the second outlet 202, and the fourth inlet 144 to the first outlet 201 via the seventh fluid channel structure 82.

[0062] This embodiment also includes multiple uses of a single fluid connection element for both fluid channel structures. The first multiple use involves the fluid connection element connecting the first inlet 141 to the first outlet 201 in a first switching position I within the fluid channel structure 70, and connecting the second inlet 142 to the second outlet 202 in a second switching position II within the fluid channel structure 72. Similarly, the fluid connection element is also dual-used between switching positions II and III, IV and V, and V and VI.

[0063] Structural implementations, different from those described, are also possible and fall within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A multiple-way valve for a cooling system of a motor vehicle, having: a valve housing (12) having a plurality of inlets (14) and a plurality of outlets (20) and bounding a cylindrical valve chamber (16), wherein the inlets (14) and the outlets (20) open into the cylindrical valve chamber (16); a valve unit (18) arranged within the cylindrical valve chamber (16) of the valve housing (12) and rotatable about an axis of rotation between a plurality of switching positions by means of an actuator (23), wherein, depending on the switching position of the valve unit (18), each inlet (14) of the plurality of inlets can be fluidically connected with a respectively different outlet (20) of the plurality of outlets, wherein the valve unit (18) has a plurality of fluid channel structures which are staggered in a circumferential direction from one another, wherein each switching position of the plurality of switching positions is respectively assigned one fluid channel structure of the plurality of fluid channel structures.

2. The multiple-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlets (14) and the outlets (20) are arranged in a row.

3. The multiple-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that the inlets (14) and the outlets (20) are respectively alternately arranged.

4. The multiple-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlets (14) and the outlets (20) are arranged in rows, wherein the inlets (14) are arranged in a first row (51) and the outlets (20) are arranged in a second row (53), wherein the first row (51) is arranged staggered in a circumferential direction relative to the second row (53).

5. The multiple-way valve according to claim 4, characterized in that the fluid channel structures have an equal spacing relative to one another in such a way that the valve unit always rotates the same adjustment angle when adjusting between two switching positions.

6. The multiple-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the inlets (14) and the outlets (20) are arranged in a plurality of rows (51, 53), wherein at least one inlet (14) and at least one outlet (20) are arranged in a row (51, 53).

7. The multiple-way valve according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the valve unit (18) can be fluidically connected with the inlets (14) and the outlets (20) by means of a unique cylindrical sealing surface (17).

8. The multiple-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve unit (18) is embodied as a circular ring, wherein the outlets (20) are arranged on an inner circumferential surface and the inlets (14) are arranged on an outer circumferential surface, or, the inlets (14) are arranged on an inner circumferential surface and the outlets (20) are arranged on an outer circumferential surface, wherein the fluid channel structures extend substantially radially.

9. The multiple-way valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fluid channel structures have a circular, square, rectangular cross-section or any other freely shaped cross-section.

10. The multiple-way valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ characterized in that The actuator (23) is radially surrounded by the valve unit (18).

11. Multi-way valve according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that Each fluid channel structure has a plurality of individual fluid connection elements, by means of which a respective inlet (14) can be connected to a respective outlet (20).

12. Multi-way valve according to claim 11, characterized in that Two fluid channel structures have a shared fluid connection element.

13. Multi-way valve according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that Two fluid channel structures are fluidically connected to one another, wherein fluid flow only flows through the fluid channel structure set by the switching position, and the other fluid channel structure is closed.

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