Proportional valve and cooling system having the same and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a proportional valve, a cooling system and a vehicle with the proportional valve, and the proportional valve comprises a shell, a valve body mechanism and a driving mechanism; a working cavity is formed in the shell, liquid inlet holes and liquid outlet holes which are communicated with the working cavity are formed on the shell, and the liquid outlet holes are arranged at least in two groups; the valve body mechanism is arranged in the working cavity and corresponds to the liquid outlet holes in one-to-one mode and is arranged at least in two groups; the driving mechanism corresponds to the valve body mechanism in one-to-one mode and is arranged at least in two groups; and the driving mechanism drives the corresponding valve body mechanism to rotate between a communication position and a closed position. According to the proportional valve, the functions of multiple two-way valves are integrated by arranging the liquid inlet holes and the multiple liquid outlet holes on the shell, and the valve body mechanism and the driving mechanism for driving the valve body mechanism are arranged in one-to-one mode and arranged at least in two groups, so that the fluid supply of multiple pipelines in one-to-many mode is realized, the space occupation is reduced, the installation difficulty of the cooling pipeline is reduced, and the light weight is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electric vehicle cooling system technology, and in particular to a proportional valve and a cooling system and vehicle having the same. Background Technology

[0002] Zoned cooling technology is widely used in battery cooling systems to ensure that the temperature of each battery pack operates within a suitable temperature range (around 30°C) and to achieve temperature balance (the temperature difference between each battery pack is controlled at around 3°C).

[0003] In existing technologies, two-way proportional valves can be used to regulate coolant flow. Specifically, multiple two-way proportional valves are installed sequentially on brackets on the vehicle body crossbeams and connected to corresponding battery packs via cooling pipes. The on-board control unit changes the coolant flow by sending signals and adjusting the opening of the inner ball valve orifice of the two-way proportional valve to meet the cooling requirements of each battery pack. However, this method requires a large layout space, is costly and heavy, and has a complex and difficult-to-assemble cooling pipe layout. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a proportional valve that can meet the battery cooling requirements, save installation space, optimize the cooling pipeline layout, reduce the difficulty of pipeline assembly, reduce costs, lighten the valve body weight, and improve the intelligence level of the proportional valve.

[0005] The present invention also proposes a cooling system having the above-mentioned proportional valve.

[0006] The present invention also proposes a vehicle having the above-described cooling system.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a proportional valve includes: a housing, a valve body mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The housing has a working chamber formed therein, and the housing has an inlet hole and an outlet hole communicating with the working chamber. The outlet holes include at least two spaced apart. The valve body mechanism includes at least two valves corresponding to the outlet holes, and the at least two valve body mechanisms are spaced apart within the working chamber. Each valve body mechanism includes a valve ball, which is rotatable between a connected position and a closed position. The valve ball has a valve cavity, and the valve ball has a valve inlet and a valve outlet communicating with the valve cavity. In the connected position, the valve inlet communicates with the working chamber, and the valve outlet communicates with the corresponding outlet hole. In the closed position, the valve ball blocks the corresponding outlet hole. The drive mechanism includes at least two valve body mechanisms corresponding to each other, and the drive mechanism is connected to the valve ball of the corresponding valve body mechanism for driving the valve ball to rotate between the connected position and the closed position.

[0008] According to the proportional valve of the present invention, by providing an inlet hole and multiple outlet holes on the housing, and by providing a valve body mechanism for opening and closing the outlet hole and a drive mechanism for driving the valve body mechanism in a one-to-one correspondence between each outlet hole position, the functions of multiple two-way valves can be integrated into one, realizing fluid supply to multiple pipelines in a one-to-many manner, reducing the number of parts, reducing space occupation, reducing the difficulty of arranging and installing cooling pipelines, reducing costs, and achieving lightweighting.

[0009] In some embodiments, the valve body mechanism further includes: a sealing element that extends circumferentially along the outlet hole in an annular shape, one axial end of the sealing element extending into the outlet hole and sealingly engaging with the peripheral wall of the outlet hole, and the other end of the sealing element sealingly abutting against the surface of the valve ball; and an elastic element connected to the sealing element and always pushing the sealing element against the valve ball.

[0010] In some embodiments, the proportional valve further includes: a liquid outlet pipe, the outer surface of which is provided with a positioning shoulder, the positioning shoulder extending in a ring shape along the circumference of the liquid outlet pipe, one end of the liquid outlet pipe being inserted into the liquid outlet hole, the positioning shoulder abutting against the circumference of the outer end of the liquid outlet hole, one end of the sealing member being sleeved on the outer surface of the one end of the liquid outlet pipe, and the elastic member being sleeved on the liquid outlet pipe with both ends abutting against the sealing member and the positioning shoulder respectively.

[0011] In some embodiments, a protruding connecting portion is provided on the outer side of the housing, the liquid outlet hole extends through the connecting portion along the thickness direction of the housing, a first groove is provided on the surface of the positioning shoulder, one end of the connecting portion is inserted into the first groove, and a first sealing ring is provided between the inner wall surface of the connecting portion and the side wall of the first groove.

[0012] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism includes: a drive shaft, one end of which extends into the working chamber and is fixedly connected to the valve ball; and a drive motor, which is connected to the other end of the drive shaft.

[0013] In some embodiments, the outer side of the housing is provided with a protruding mounting portion, and a mounting hole is formed on the housing that extends through the mounting portion in the direction of the inner and outer sides of the housing. One end of the drive shaft passes through the mounting hole and extends into the working cavity.

[0014] In some embodiments, a limiting protrusion is provided on one of the inner wall surface of the mounting portion and the drive shaft, and a limiting groove is provided on the other. The limiting groove extends circumferentially along the mounting hole, and the limiting protrusion is slidably fitted within the limiting groove. When the valve ball is in the communicating position, the limiting protrusion abuts against one end of the limiting groove. When the valve ball is in the closed position, the limiting protrusion abuts against the other end of the limiting groove.

[0015] In some embodiments, the mounting portion has a recessed mounting groove on the side face away from the working cavity. The mounting groove extends circumferentially along the mounting hole in an annular shape and penetrates the inner peripheral wall of the mounting hole. A bearing is sleeved on the drive shaft and is disposed in the mounting groove.

[0016] In some embodiments, a mounting port is formed on the valve ball, the mounting port and the valve inlet are radially opposite to the valve ball, one end of the drive shaft extends into the working chamber and passes through the mounting port and the valve inlet in sequence, wherein the drive shaft is fixed to the periphery of the mounting port, a shaft support is provided in the housing, the shaft support is located on the side of the valve ball opposite to the mounting port, and one end of the drive shaft is rotatably supported on the shaft support.

[0017] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism further includes: a worm gear, which is coaxially fixed to the motor shaft of the drive motor; and a drive gear, which is drively connected to the worm gear, and the drive shaft is coaxially fixed to the drive gear.

[0018] In some embodiments, one of the drive gear and the drive shaft has a locking protrusion and the other has a locking groove. The drive shaft is coaxially connected to the drive gear by inserting the locking protrusion into the locking groove. The cross-section of the locking protrusion is cross-shaped.

[0019] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism further includes: a first transmission assembly, the first transmission assembly including a first large gear and a first small gear fixed coaxially, the first large gear meshing with the worm gear; and a second transmission assembly, the second transmission assembly including a second large gear and a second small gear fixed coaxially, the second large gear meshing with the first small gear, and the second small gear meshing with the drive gear.

[0020] In some embodiments, the proportional valve further includes: a housing spaced apart from the housing, the housing having a mounting cavity, and at least one of the drive mechanisms being disposed within the mounting cavity.

[0021] In some embodiments, the drive mechanism further includes a vibration damper, and the drive motor is fixed to the mounting cavity via the vibration damper.

[0022] In some embodiments, the housing is a cylindrical shape with both ends closed, and a plurality of liquid outlet holes are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the housing, and a plurality of driving mechanisms are disposed on both sides of the housing in the thickness direction; or, the housing is a cuboid shape, and a plurality of liquid outlet holes are arranged on one surface of the housing in the thickness direction, and a plurality of driving mechanisms are arranged on both sides of the housing in the width direction.

[0023] In some embodiments, the proportional valve is a five-way valve, and the liquid outlet includes four ports.

[0024] In some embodiments, the proportional valve further includes a controller, which is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism for controlling the opening degree of the valve ball.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the cooling system is applied to a battery pack of a vehicle, the battery pack including multiple battery cells, the cooling system comprising: a proportional valve, a pump, and a cooling pipe according to a first aspect of the present invention, the pump being connected to the cooling pipe, and the proportional valve being disposed on the cooling pipe for controlling the flow rate of coolant flowing to the battery cells.

[0026] According to the cooling system of the present invention, by providing the proportional valve described in the first aspect, the overall performance of the cooling system is improved.

[0027] A vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention includes a cooling system and a battery pack according to a second aspect of the present invention, the battery pack comprising a plurality of battery packs; the cooling system being used to dissipate heat from the plurality of battery packs.

[0028] According to the vehicle of the present invention, by providing the cooling system described in the second aspect, the overall performance of the vehicle is improved.

[0029] In some embodiments, the vehicle further includes a controller that is communicatively connected to the vehicle's pedal sensors, temperature sensors of the plurality of battery packs, and speed sensors of the pump.

[0030] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a proportional valve according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view of the housing of the proportional valve shown;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1The exploded view shown;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the upper cover of the housing of the proportional valve shown;

[0035] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows a proportional valve housing at one angle, representing a cuboid.

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of point A shown in the diagram;

[0037] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 The diagram shows the proportional valve housing as a cuboid at another angle;

[0038] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the valve ball in the valve body mechanism of the proportional valve shown;

[0039] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the outlet pipe of the proportional valve shown in the figure;

[0040] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the housing of the proportional valve shown.

[0041] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A sectional view of the housing of the proportional valve shown;

[0042] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the housing of the proportional valve shown at one angle;

[0043] Figure 13 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the proportional valve housing from another angle;

[0044] Figure 14 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the drive shaft of the drive mechanism of the proportional valve shown.

[0045] Figure 15 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the drive motor, worm gear, and first large gear of the drive mechanism of the proportional valve shown in the figure.

[0046] Figure 16 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the engagement of the second pinion gear with the drive gear in the drive mechanism of the proportional valve shown in the figure.

[0047] Figure 17yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a proportional valve with the valve ball at different opening degrees.

[0048] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 The cross-sectional view and schematic diagram of the coolant flow path at point AA are shown in the figure.

[0049] Figure 19 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing the position of the drive shaft when the ball valve of the proportional valve reaches its maximum opening.

[0050] Figure 20 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the second arrangement of the proportional valve shown;

[0051] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 An exploded view of the housing of the proportional valve shown;

[0052] Figure 22 yes Figure 20 A schematic diagram showing the connection between the valve body mechanism and the drive shaft of the proportional valve shown.

[0053] Figure 23 yes Figure 20 A sectional view of the housing of the proportional valve shown;

[0054] Figure 24 yes Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the housing of the proportional valve shown at one angle;

[0055] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 An enlarged view of point B shown in the image;

[0056] Figure 26 yes Figure 20 A cross-sectional view of the housing of the proportional valve shown;

[0057] Figure 27 yes Figure 20 The diagram shows the proportional valve ball at different opening degrees.

[0058] Figure 28 yes Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the drive shaft of the proportional valve shown in the figure at the maximum opening position of the valve ball;

[0059] Figure 29 yes Figure 20 A schematic diagram of the drive shaft of the proportional valve shown in the figure at the minimum opening position of the valve ball;

[0060] Figure 30 This is a schematic diagram of the control chip's structure and working principle.

[0061] Figure label:

[0062] 100. Proportional valve;

[0063] 10. Shell; 101. Shell body; 1011. Liquid outlet; 102. Shell cover; 1021. Liquid inlet; 11. Connecting part; 12. Mounting part; 121. Mounting hole; 122. Limiting groove; 123. Mounting slot; 1231. Bearing; 1232. Second sealing ring; 13. Shaft bracket; 14. Second bolt;

[0064] 20. Valve body mechanism; 21. Valve ball; 211. Mounting port; 212. Valve inlet; 213. Valve outlet; 22. Seal; 23. Elastic element;

[0065] 30. Drive mechanism; 31. Drive shaft; 311. Locking protrusion; 312. Limiting protrusion; 32. Drive motor; 321. Limiting flange; 33. Worm gear; 34. Drive gear; 341. Locking groove; 35. First transmission assembly; 351. First large gear; 352. First small gear; 36. Second transmission assembly; 361. Second large gear; 362. Second small gear; 37. Vibration damper; 371. First bolt;

[0066] 40. Discharge pipe; 41. Positioning shoulder; 411. First groove; 42. First sealing ring; 43. Flow channel;

[0067] 50. Chassis; 501. Box body; 502. Box cover; 51. Limiting bracket; 511. Limiting groove; 52. Fastener; 53. First positioning post; 54. Second positioning post; 55. Insertion hole; 56. Control chip; 57. Positioning through hole. Detailed Implementation

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0069] The following is for reference. Figures 1-30 A proportional valve 100 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention is described.

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the proportional valve 100 according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: a housing 10, a valve body mechanism 20, and a drive mechanism 30.

[0071] A working chamber is formed inside the housing 10. An inlet hole 1021 and an outlet hole 1011 communicating with the working chamber are formed on the housing 10. Liquid can enter the working chamber through the inlet hole 1021 and then flow out through the outlet hole 1011. The outlet hole 1011 includes at least two spaced apart. For example, there can be two, three, four or five outlet holes 1011. In this way, the liquid in the working chamber can flow out from multiple outlet holes 1011 respectively, thereby flowing to different pipelines.

[0072] The valve body mechanism 20 includes at least two valves corresponding to the liquid outlet 1011. The at least two valve body mechanisms 20 are arranged at intervals in the working chamber. The valve body mechanism 20 is used to control the opening and closing of the corresponding liquid outlet 1011 so as to realize the independent opening and closing of each liquid outlet 1011.

[0073] The valve body mechanism 20 includes a valve ball 21, which is rotatable between a connected position and a closed position. The valve ball 21 has a valve cavity, and an inlet 212 and an outlet 213 communicating with the valve cavity. When the valve ball 21 is in the connected position, the inlet 212 communicates with the working chamber, and the outlet 213 communicates with the corresponding liquid outlet 1011. At this time, liquid entering the working chamber from the inlet 1021 can enter the valve cavity through the inlet 212, flow through the outlet 213 to the outlet 1011, and finally flow out from the outlet 1011. When the valve ball 21 is in the closed position, it blocks the corresponding outlet 1011. At this time, the outlet 1011 is closed, and liquid in the working chamber cannot flow out through the outlet 1011.

[0074] The drive mechanism 30 includes at least two that correspond one-to-one with the valve body mechanism 20. The drive mechanism 30 is connected to the valve ball 21 of the corresponding valve body mechanism 20. The drive mechanism 30 is used to drive the valve ball 21 to rotate between the connected position and the closed position, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the liquid outlet 1011 corresponding to the position of the drive mechanism 30, and realizing the automation of the control of the liquid outlet 1011.

[0075] In this embodiment, the proportional valve 100 has a liquid inlet 1021 and multiple liquid outlets 1011 on its housing 10. Each liquid outlet 1011 is provided with a valve body mechanism 20 for opening and closing the liquid outlet 1011 and a drive mechanism 30 for driving the valve body mechanism 20. Thus, when the proportional valve 100 of this embodiment is working, the coolant enters the working chamber inside the housing 10 from the liquid inlet 1021 on the housing 10, and then flows out from different liquid outlets 1011 through the multiple valve body mechanisms 20.

[0076] Specifically, for any outlet 1011, if the pipeline connected to that outlet 1011 requires liquid (e.g., coolant), the drive mechanism 30 can drive the valve ball 21 to rotate to the connected position, opening the outlet 1011. At this time, the coolant in the working chamber can flow out through the outlet 1011 to supply the cooling pipeline that needs coolant. Simultaneously, the drive mechanism 30 can control the rotation angle of the valve ball 21 to control the area of ​​the valve outlet 213 facing the outlet 1011, thereby controlling the flow rate of coolant flowing from the valve outlet 213. In other words, the opening degree of the valve ball 21 can be controlled to adjust the flow rate of coolant flowing out of the outlet 1011. When the pipeline connected to this outlet 1011 does not require coolant, the drive mechanism 30 can drive the valve ball 21 to rotate to the closed position, closing the outlet 1011.

[0077] In this embodiment, when there are two outlet holes 1011, the proportional valve 100 is a three-way valve, and the two outlet holes 1011 can be connected to two pipelines respectively to supply coolant to the two pipelines separately and independently; when there are three outlet holes 1011, the proportional valve 100 is a four-way valve, and the three outlet holes 1011 can be connected to three pipelines respectively to supply coolant to the three pipelines separately and independently; when there are four outlet holes 1011, the proportional valve 100 is a five-way valve, and the four outlet holes 1011 can be connected to four pipelines respectively to supply coolant to the four pipelines separately and independently; when there are five outlet holes 1011, the proportional valve 100 is a six-way valve, and the five outlet holes 1011 can be connected to five pipelines respectively to supply coolant to the five pipelines separately and independently. And so on.

[0078] Thus, the proportional valve 100 of this embodiment can achieve fluid supply to multiple pipelines in a one-to-many manner. Compared to setting a two-way valve on each fluid supply pipeline separately, the proportional valve 100 of this embodiment can integrate the functions of multiple two-way valves into one, reducing the number of parts and space occupation. When the proportional valve 100 of this embodiment is applied to the vehicle's cooling system, it can reduce the space occupied by the proportional valve 100 in the vehicle's front compartment, reduce the difficulty of cooling pipeline layout and installation, reduce costs, and achieve weight reduction. In addition, it can also ensure that each battery pack in the vehicle's battery pack operates within a suitable temperature range, ensuring that the battery packs in the battery pack do not overheat, thus ensuring vehicle safety.

[0079] In short, the proportional valve 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has an inlet hole 1021 and a plurality of outlet holes 1011 on the housing 10, and each outlet hole 1011 is provided with a valve body mechanism 20 for opening and closing the outlet hole 1011 and a drive mechanism 30 for driving the valve body mechanism 20. Thus, not only can the functions of multiple two-way valves be integrated into one, realizing fluid supply to multiple pipelines in a one-to-many manner, but also the number of parts can be reduced, space occupancy can be reduced, the layout and installation difficulty of cooling pipelines can be reduced, costs can be reduced, and lightweighting can be achieved.

[0080] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the valve body mechanism 20 also includes: a seal 22 and an elastic element 23. The seal 22 extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the liquid outlet 1011, and one end of the seal 22 in the axial direction (e.g.) Figure 2 The lower end of the seal 22 shown extends into the outlet hole 1011 and seals against the peripheral wall of the outlet hole 1011. The other end of the seal 22 (e.g. Figure 2 The upper end of the seal 22 shown in the diagram seals against the surface of the valve ball 21; the elastic element 23 is connected to the seal 22 and always pushes the seal 22 against the valve ball 21. In this embodiment, by setting the seal 22 to cooperate with the peripheral wall of the outlet hole 1011 and the valve ball 21, the sealing between the valve ball 21 and the outlet hole 1011 can be ensured while maintaining communication between the valve cavity of the valve ball 21 and the outlet hole 1011. Simultaneously, since the outer wall of the seal 22 and the inner wall of the outlet hole 1011 are slidably connected, this embodiment, by setting the elastic element 23 to be connected to the seal 22 and always pushing the seal 22 against the valve ball 21, can further prevent coolant leakage, ensuring that coolant only flows into the outlet hole 1011 from the valve outlet 213 of the valve ball 21, thereby allowing precise control of the coolant flow rate.

[0081] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 As shown, the valve body mechanism 20 also includes: a liquid outlet pipe 40, the outer surface of which is provided with a positioning shoulder 41, the positioning shoulder 41 extending in a ring shape along the circumference of the liquid outlet pipe 40, and one end of the liquid outlet pipe 40 (e.g. Figure 2 The upper end of the outlet pipe 40 shown is inserted into the outlet hole 1011, the positioning shoulder 41 abuts against the periphery of the outer end of the outlet hole 1011, and one end of the sealing member 22 (e.g. Figure 2 The lower end of the seal 22 shown is sleeved on the outer surface of one end of the liquid outlet pipe 40, and the elastic element 23 is sleeved on the liquid outlet pipe 40 with its two ends abutting against the seal 22 and the positioning shoulder 41 respectively.

[0082] In this embodiment, the outlet pipe 40 not only guides the flow of coolant at the outlet hole 1011, but also facilitates the connection of the proportional valve 100 to external pipelines. Furthermore, by providing a positioning shoulder 41 on the outlet pipe 40, the positioning shoulder 41 abuts against the periphery of the outer end of the outlet hole 1011. One end of the elastic member 23 is connected to the sealing member 22, and the other end of the elastic member 23 abuts against the positioning shoulder 41. The sealing member 22 is sleeved on the outer surface of one end of the outlet pipe 40. Thus, the length of the outlet pipe 40 inserted into the outlet hole 1011 can be quickly determined, making it convenient to install the outlet pipe 40 in the outlet hole 1011. It also ensures that the end of the outlet pipe 40 inserted into the outlet hole 1011 is in direct communication with the valve outlet 213 of the valve ball 21.

[0083] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, a protruding connecting portion 11 is provided on the outer side of the housing 10. The liquid outlet 1011 extends through the connecting portion 11 along the thickness direction of the housing 10. In other words, the housing 10 forms an annular tubular connecting portion 11, and the inner side of the connecting portion 11 defines the liquid outlet 1011. A first groove 411 is provided on the surface of the positioning shoulder 41. One end of the connecting portion 11 is inserted into the first groove 411, and a first sealing ring 42 is provided between the inner wall of the connecting portion 11 and the side wall of the first groove 411. In this embodiment, by providing an annular tubular connecting portion 11, the connecting portion 11 can play a role in positioning and guiding the liquid outlet pipe 40 during the assembly process, thereby improving assembly efficiency. At the same time, by providing the first sealing ring 42 between the positioning rib of the liquid outlet pipe 40 and the connecting portion 11, the first sealing ring 42 can ensure the sealing of the connection between the positioning shoulder 41 and the connecting portion 11, thus preventing coolant leakage.

[0084] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 and Figure 10 As shown, the drive mechanism 30 includes a drive shaft 31 and a drive motor 32. One end of the drive shaft 31 extends into the working chamber and is fixedly connected to the valve ball 21; the drive motor 32 is connected to the other end of the drive shaft 31. The drive motor 32 drives the drive shaft 31 to rotate, and the drive shaft 31 drives the valve ball 21, causing the valve ball 21 to rotate between the connected position and the closed position. By using the drive motor 32 and the drive shaft 31 for transmission, not only is the structure simple, but the drive motor 32 can also output power stably and continuously, which can improve the reliability of the drive mechanism 30.

[0085] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 3 and Figure 5As shown, a protruding mounting portion 12 is provided on the outer side of the housing 10. A mounting hole 121 is formed on the housing 10, extending through the mounting portion 12 in the inward and outward directions of the housing 10. One end of the drive shaft 31 passes through the mounting hole 121 and extends into the working cavity. That is, the outer side of the housing 10 is provided with a tubular mounting portion 12, and the inner side of the mounting portion 12 defines the mounting hole 121. One end of the mounting hole 121 extends to the inner wall of the working cavity, and the drive shaft 31 passes through the mounting hole 121 on the inner side of the mounting portion 12 and extends into the working cavity. Thus, the mounting portion 12 can position and guide the drive shaft 31 during assembly, facilitating the extension of the drive shaft 31 into the working cavity and improving assembly efficiency.

[0086] For example, a protruding mounting portion 12 is provided on the outer side of the housing 10. Specifically, multiple mounting portions 12 are arranged at intervals on the left and right sides of the housing 10 along the circumference of the housing 10. A mounting hole 121 extends through the mounting portion 12 from the inside to the outside along the side wall of the housing 10. One end of the drive shaft 31, which is fixedly connected to the valve ball 21, passes through the mounting hole 121 and extends into the working cavity inside the housing 10. The mounting portion 12 is located on the outer side of the housing 10, which facilitates the insertion of the drive shaft 31 into the working cavity through the mounting hole 121. The working cavity can provide a dust-free working environment for the drive shaft 31, enabling stable transmission of the drive shaft 31 and extending its service life.

[0087] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 , Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, a limiting protrusion 312 is provided on one of the inner wall surface of the mounting part 12 and the driving shaft 31, and a limiting groove 122 is provided on the other. That is, when the inner wall surface of the mounting part 12 is provided with the limiting protrusion 312, the driving shaft 31 is provided with the limiting groove 122; when the inner wall surface of the mounting part 12 is provided with the limiting groove 122, the driving shaft 31 is provided with the limiting protrusion 312. The limiting groove 122 extends circumferentially along the mounting hole 121, and the limiting protrusion 312 is slidably fitted within the limiting groove 122. When the valve ball 21 is in the connected position, one end of the limiting protrusion 312 abuts against the limiting groove 122; when the valve ball 21 is in the closed position, the other end of the limiting protrusion 312 abuts against the limiting groove 122. Therefore, by controlling the limiting protrusion 312 on the drive shaft 31 to slide between the two ends of the limiting groove 122, the valve ball 21 can be switched between the connected position and the closed position. This control method is simple and reliable, does not require the addition of other control mechanisms, and achieves lightweight design.

[0088] For example, a fan-shaped limiting groove 122 is provided on the inner wall surface of the mounting part 12, extending circumferentially along the mounting hole 121, and a limiting protrusion 312 is provided on the outer surface of the connecting part 11 of the drive shaft 31. The limiting protrusion 312 can slide within the fan-shaped limiting groove 122.

[0089] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the mounting part 12 has a recessed mounting groove 123 on the side face away from the working cavity. The mounting groove 123 extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the mounting hole 121 and penetrates the inner circumferential wall of the mounting hole 121. A bearing 1231 is sleeved on the drive shaft 31 and is located in the mounting groove 123. A second sealing ring 1232 is provided between the side wall of the mounting groove 123 and the drive shaft 31. The second sealing ring 1232 is located on the side of the bearing 1231 facing the working cavity. When coaxially mounting the drive shaft 31 and bearing 1231 in the mounting hole 121, first place the second sealing ring 1232 into the mounting groove 123, then install the bearing 1231 into the mounting groove 123, and finally install the drive shaft 31 into the mounting hole 121 through the bearing 1231. The drive shaft 31 can rotate within the bearing 1231, and the bearing 1231 also provides support for the drive shaft 31, allowing the drive shaft 31 to rotate stably. The second sealing ring 1232 can ensure the sealing between the bearing 1231 and the working cavity, preventing coolant leakage.

[0090] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, a mounting port 211 is formed on the valve ball 21, which is radially opposite to the valve inlet 212. One end of the drive shaft 31 extends into the working chamber and passes through the mounting port 211 and the valve inlet 212 in sequence. The drive shaft 31 is fixed to the periphery of the mounting port 211. A shaft support 13 is provided inside the housing 10, located on the side of the valve ball 21 away from the mounting port 211. One end of the drive shaft 31 is rotatably supported on the shaft support 13. The lower part of the drive shaft 31 extends into the working chamber and is fixedly connected to the mounting port 211 of the valve ball 21. The drive shaft 31 can directly drive the valve ball 21 to rotate, controlling the valve ball 21 to switch between the connected and closed positions, thereby controlling the flow rate of the coolant. This simplifies the transmission structure and achieves weight reduction. Meanwhile, by directly connecting the drive shaft 31 to the valve ball 21 and setting the shaft bracket 13 to support the drive shaft 31, the stability of the drive shaft 31 can be improved, ensuring that the drive shaft 31 works stably.

[0091] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 10As shown, the drive mechanism 30 also includes a worm gear 33 and a drive gear 34. The worm gear 33 is coaxially fixed to the motor shaft of the drive motor 32; the drive gear 34 is drive-connected to the worm gear 33, and the drive shaft 31 is coaxially fixed to the drive gear 34. In this embodiment, since the worm gear 33 is coaxially fixed to the output end of the motor shaft of the drive motor 32, the drive motor 32 can drive the worm gear 33 to rotate. At the same time, the drive gear 34 is drive-connected to the worm gear 33, so the worm gear 33 can drive the drive gear 34 to rotate. Furthermore, since the drive shaft 31 is coaxially fixed to the drive gear 34, the drive shaft 31 will rotate together with the drive gear 34. This transmission method ensures smooth transmission between the drive gear 34 and the worm gear 33, guaranteeing the normal operation of the valve ball 21 and reducing the failure rate of the proportional valve 100.

[0092] Furthermore, such as Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown, one of the drive gear 34 and the drive shaft 31 has a locking protrusion 311 and the other has a locking groove 341. The drive shaft 31 is coaxially connected to the drive gear 34 by inserting the locking protrusion 311 into the locking groove 341. The cross-section of the locking protrusion 311 is cross-shaped. The locking protrusion 311 can be set on the drive gear 34 or the drive shaft 31. Correspondingly, the locking groove 341 can be set on the drive shaft 31 or the drive gear 34. Since the cross-section of the locking protrusion 311 is cross-shaped, the cross-section of the locking groove 341 is also cross-shaped. The cross-shaped cross-section design facilitates quick positioning and installation of the drive shaft 31 and the drive gear 34, while also increasing the strength of the locking protrusion 311 and the locking groove 341. Since the drive shaft 31 is coaxially connected to the drive gear 34 by inserting the locking protrusion 311 into the locking groove 341, the reliability of the connection part 11 between the drive shaft 31 and the drive gear 34 can be improved, thereby improving the transmission stability between the drive shaft 31 and the drive gear 34.

[0093] For example, the locking protrusion 311 is provided on the drive shaft 31, and the locking groove 341 is provided on the drive gear 34. Setting the locking protrusion 311 on the drive shaft 31 can preserve the strength of the drive shaft 31, extend the service life of the drive shaft 31, and ensure the stability of the transmission between the drive shaft 31 and the drive gear 34.

[0094] Furthermore, such as Figure 10As shown, the drive mechanism 30 further includes a first transmission assembly 35 and a second transmission assembly 36. The first transmission assembly 35 includes a first large gear 351 and a first small gear 352 fixed coaxially, with the first large gear 351 meshing with a worm gear 33. The second transmission assembly 36 includes a second large gear 361 and a second small gear 362 fixed coaxially, with the second large gear 361 meshing with the first small gear 352 and the second small gear 362 meshing with a drive gear 34. By setting the first transmission assembly 35 and the second transmission assembly 36, the output speed of the drive motor 32 can be increased or decreased, thereby meeting different cooling requirements of the battery pack and improving the applicability of the proportional valve 100. The first transmission assembly 35 and the second transmission assembly 36, through gear transmission, can ensure transmission stability, thereby improving the transmission stability of the drive mechanism 30.

[0095] Specifically, when the drive mechanism 30 is working, the drive motor 32 drives the worm gear 33 to rotate, the worm gear 33 drives the first large gear 351 to rotate, and the first large gear 351 coaxially drives the first small gear 352 to rotate; the first small gear 352 drives the second large gear 361 to rotate, the second large gear 361 drives the coaxially fixed second small gear 362 to rotate, the second small gear 362 drives the drive gear 34 to rotate, the drive gear 34 drives the drive shaft 31 to rotate, and finally the drive shaft 31 drives the valve ball 21 to rotate. In this embodiment, the gear transmission structure is compact and reliable, which can improve the reliability of the drive mechanism 30. At the same time, by setting the worm gear 33, the first transmission component 35 and the second transmission component 36, the speed of the drive motor 32 can be reduced step by step to match the rotation requirements of the ball valve.

[0096] According to some specific embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 10 As shown, the proportional valve 100 further includes a housing 50 spaced apart from the housing 10. The housing 50 has a mounting cavity, and at least one drive mechanism 30 is disposed within the mounting cavity. The mounting cavity within the housing 50 can house one drive mechanism 30, or multiple drive mechanisms 30 can be disposed within the mounting cavity of the housing 50. By placing the drive mechanism 30 within the mounting cavity of the housing 50, installation and maintenance are facilitated, and interference from the external environment on the drive mechanism 30 is reduced, enabling the drive mechanism 30 to transmit power stably, thereby improving the stability of the drive mechanism 30. When multiple drive mechanisms 30 are disposed within a housing 50, the multiple drive mechanisms 30 can be integrated together, further reducing the size of the proportional valve 100 and minimizing space occupation.

[0097] For example, the mounting cavity of the housing 50 can be equipped with 2, 3, or 4 drive mechanisms 30. Setting multiple mechanisms in the housing 50 can improve the flexibility of the proportional valve 100 in the front compartment and save installation space.

[0098] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 and Figure 15 As shown, the drive mechanism 30 also includes a vibration damper 37, through which the drive motor 32 is fixed in the mounting cavity. In this embodiment, the vibration damper 37 absorbs the vibration energy generated by the drive motor 32 during operation, accelerates vibration attenuation, and prevents the vibration generated by the drive motor 32 from causing other connecting parts 11 of the drive mechanism 30 to loosen, thereby preventing the failure of other components of the drive mechanism 30 and further improving the reliability of the drive mechanism 30. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the damping component 37 is arranged radially along the drive motor 32 and wraps around both ends of the drive motor 32. The drive motor 32 is fastened to the mounting cavity of the housing 50 at both ends of the damping component 37 by the first bolt 371.

[0099] Furthermore, such as Figure 12 As shown, the housing 50 is equipped with a limiting bracket 51, which has a limiting mating groove 511. The drive motor 32 has a limiting flange 321, which is shape-fitted to the limiting mating groove 511 and is at least partially located within the limiting mating groove 511. In this embodiment, the limiting flange 321 and the limiting bracket 51 can support the drive motor 32 and facilitate the positioning and installation of the drive motor 32, reducing installation difficulty. For example, the limiting flange 321 is located at both ends of the drive motor 32's axial direction. During installation, the limiting flange 321 at both ends of the drive motor 32 is first installed in the limiting mating groove 511 on the limiting bracket, and then the drive motor 32 is fixed in the mounting cavity by the vibration damping member 37 connected to the drive motor 32.

[0100] Furthermore, such as Figure 10 As shown, the housing 50 includes a housing body 501 and a housing cover 502. One side of the housing body 501 is open, and the housing cover 502 covers the open side of the housing body 501. The housing cover 502 is fixed to the housing body 501 by fasteners 52. For example, the housing cover 502 covers the upper side of the housing body 501 and is fixed to the housing body 501 by fasteners 52. Multiple fasteners 52 are provided along the circumference of the housing cover 502. In this embodiment, by setting the housing body 501 and the housing cover 502, on the one hand, it can facilitate the installation and maintenance of the drive mechanism 30, reducing the installation difficulty; on the other hand, it can provide a stable working environment for the drive mechanism 30, enabling the drive mechanism 30 to transmit power stably and improving the reliability of the drive mechanism 30.

[0101] Furthermore, such as Figure 11As shown, the housing 50 has a first positioning post 53 and a second positioning post 54 arranged at intervals. A first transmission component 35 is disposed on the first positioning post 53, and a second transmission component 36 is disposed on the second positioning post 54. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first positioning post 53 is disposed on the lower surface of the housing cover 502, and the second positioning post 54 is disposed on the upper surface of the housing body 501. By arranging the first transmission component 35 and the second transmission component 36 on the first positioning post 53 and the second positioning post 54 respectively, the load generated during the transmission of the first transmission component 35 and the second transmission component 36 can be distributed, allowing the first transmission component 35 and the second transmission component 36 to continuously transmit power. The first positioning post 53 plays a positioning role during the installation of the first transmission component 35, and the second positioning post 54 plays a positioning role during the installation of the second transmission component 36, which can reduce the installation difficulty of the first transmission component 35 and the second transmission component 36.

[0102] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 20 As shown, the housing 10 is a cylindrical shape with both ends closed, and multiple liquid outlet holes 1011 are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the housing 10. Multiple drive mechanisms 30 are disposed on both sides of the housing 10 in the thickness direction. When the housing 10 is a cylindrical shape with both ends closed, the multiple liquid outlet holes 1011 are arranged sequentially along the axial extension direction of the housing 10, and the multiple drive mechanisms 30 are spaced apart on both sides of the housing 10 in the vertical direction.

[0103] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the housing 10 is cuboid in shape, with multiple liquid outlet holes 1011 arranged on one side surface of the housing 10 in the thickness direction, and multiple drive mechanisms 30 arranged on both sides of the housing 10 in the width direction. For example, when the housing 10 is cuboid in shape, multiple liquid outlet holes 1011 are arranged at the bottom of the housing 10, and multiple drive mechanisms 30 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the housing 10.

[0104] By designing the housing 10 in cylindrical and cuboid shapes, the position of the drive mechanism 30 and the arrangement direction of the liquid outlet 1011 are different, which makes it convenient for the proportional valve 100 to be flexibly arranged in the front compartment space and improves the application range of the proportional valve 100.

[0105] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 and Figure 20 As shown, the proportional valve 100 is a five-way valve with four outlet holes 1011. Since the proportional valve 100 has four outlet holes 1011, the coolant flowing into the proportional valve 100 can flow to four different pipelines. Therefore, the proportional valve 100 can be used to regulate the coolant flow rate in the four pipelines. Thus, by setting up one proportional valve 100, it can perform the function of four two-way proportional valves 100, while also reducing installation space, simplifying pipeline layout, and lowering costs.

[0106] According to some embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 10 As shown, the proportional valve 100 also includes a controller, which is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism 30 to control the opening degree of the valve ball 21. The controller establishes a communication connection with the drive mechanism 30 through a control chip 56, thereby controlling the opening degree of the valve ball 21. The control chip 56 is installed in the mounting cavity of the housing 50. The control chip 56 includes a power supply circuit and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). The ECU consists of four parts: an input circuit, a microprocessor, an output circuit, and a communication circuit, and all four parts are connected through integrated circuits. Controlling the opening degree of the valve ball 21 through the communication connection between the controller and the drive mechanism 30 can improve the intelligence of the proportional valve 100.

[0107] Furthermore, such as Figure 13 As shown, the housing 10 of the housing 50 is also provided with a plug-in hole 55. The plug-in hole 55 is located on the side of the housing 10. The plug-in hole 55 includes three ports, namely 12V, GND (Ground, wire grounding end) and signal port; one end of the 12V and GND ports are connected to the external power supply and the other end is connected to the power supply circuit; one end of the signal port is connected to the sensor and the other end is connected to the input circuit; the output circuit and communication circuit are connected to the drive motor 32 and the vehicle control unit, respectively.

[0108] A cooling system according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a proportional valve 100, a pump, and a cooling pipe according to the first aspect of the present invention described above; the cooling system is applied to a battery pack of a vehicle, the battery pack including multiple battery groups, the pump being connected to the cooling pipe, and the proportional valve 100 being disposed on the cooling pipe for controlling the flow rate of coolant flowing to the battery groups.

[0109] According to the cooling system of the present invention, by providing the proportional valve 100 of the first aspect embodiment described above, the overall performance of the cooling system is improved.

[0110] A vehicle according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: a cooling system and a battery pack according to a second aspect of the present invention; the battery pack includes a plurality of battery packs, and the cooling system is used to dissipate heat from the plurality of battery packs.

[0111] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention improves the overall performance of the vehicle by providing the cooling system of the second aspect embodiment described above.

[0112] Furthermore, the vehicle also includes a controller, which communicates with the vehicle's pedal sensors, multiple battery pack temperature sensors, and pump speed sensors. The vehicle's pedal opening sensor, pump speed sensor, and multiple battery pack temperature sensors collect analog signals such as accelerator pedal opening and rate of change of opening, pump speed, coolant temperature, and battery pack temperature, respectively, and transmit them to the input circuit via wiring harness. The input circuit converts the analog signals into digital signals and sends them to the microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates the rotation angle of the valve ball 21 according to a built-in algorithm and transmits the digital signal to the output circuit. The output circuit converts the digital signal into a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal and transmits it to the drive motor 32. The drive motor 32 sends its status information or fault information to the ECU via the PWM signal, and the communication circuit transmits the fault information to the vehicle control unit.

[0113] The following will refer to Figures 1-30 A vehicle having a proportional valve 100 according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0114] The vehicle includes: a cooling system, a battery pack, and a controller; the battery pack includes multiple battery cells, the cooling system is used to dissipate heat from the multiple battery cells in the vehicle battery pack, and the controller is communicatively connected to the vehicle's pedal sensor, the temperature sensors of the multiple battery cells, and the speed sensor of the pump; the cooling system of the second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: a proportional valve 100, a pump, and a cooling pipe; the cold pump is connected to the cooling pipe, and the proportional valve 100 is disposed on the cooling pipe to control the flow rate of coolant flowing to the battery cells.

[0115] Example 1,

[0116] like Figure 1 As shown, the proportional valve 100 includes: a housing 10, a valve body mechanism 20, and a drive mechanism 30. The housing 10 is rectangular in shape, with four liquid outlet holes 1011 arranged on the lower side and the upper side of the housing 10. In this configuration, the proportional valve 100 is a vertical five-way proportional valve 100. Four drive mechanisms 30 are symmetrically arranged on the left and right sides of the housing 10. The valve body mechanism 20 is located inside the housing 10, and the drive mechanisms 30 are located inside the housing 50.

[0117] like Figures 2-9As shown, the housing 10 includes a housing body 101 and a housing cover 102. The outer surface of the housing cover 102 is provided with a liquid inlet hole 1021. The housing cover 102 is fixedly connected to the housing body 101 by a second bolt 14. The housing body 101 is provided with an upward-opening working cavity, and a shaft support 13 is provided inside the working cavity. The bottom and side surfaces of the housing body 101 are respectively provided with four liquid outlet holes 1011 and four mounting portions 12. A liquid outlet pipe 40 is connected to the lower end of each liquid outlet hole 1011, and a flow channel 43 is machined at the center of the liquid outlet pipe 40. An elastic element 23 and a sealing element 22 are coaxially mounted inside the liquid outlet hole 1011. One end of the elastic element 23 abuts against a sealing assembly, and the other end of the elastic element 23 abuts against the positioning shoulder 41 of the liquid outlet pipe 40. One end of the sealing element 22 seals against the surface of the valve ball 21. The outer wall of the sealing element 22 is slidably connected to the inner wall of the outlet hole 1011, and the sealing assembly forms a flow passage with the valve outlet 213 of the valve ball 21; the valve ball 21 has a valve cavity, which is connected to the valve outlet 213 and the flow channel 43 of the outlet pipe 40 through the flow passage; the top of the mounting part 12 is machined with a mounting groove 123, and the inner wall of the mounting part 12 is provided with a limiting groove 122. The drive shaft 31 and the bearing 1231 are coaxially mounted in the mounting part 12. The top of the drive shaft 31 is machined with a cross-shaped boss, and the outer surface of the drive shaft 31 connecting part 11 is provided with a limiting protrusion 312. The limiting protrusion 312 can slide in the limiting groove. The lower part of the drive shaft 31 passes through the mounting port 211 of the valve ball 21 and is fixedly connected to the valve ball 21. The lower part of the drive shaft 31 is arranged on the shaft support 13.

[0118] like Figures 10-16 As shown, the drive mechanism 30 is disposed inside the housing 50, which includes a housing body 501 and a cover 502. The cover 502 covers the open side of the housing body 501 and is fixed to the housing body 501 by fasteners 52. A first positioning post 53 is provided on the side of the cover 502 facing the housing body 501. A plug-in hole 55 is provided on the side of the housing body 501, which contains three ports: 12V, GND, and a signal port. The housing body 501 is provided with an upward-opening mounting cavity, in which a second positioning post 54 is disposed. The limiting bracket 51 and the positioning through hole 57 are included; the control chip 56 is installed in the mounting cavity. The control chip 56 includes a power supply circuit and an ECU. The ECU consists of four parts: an input circuit, a microprocessor, an output circuit, and a communication circuit. All four parts are connected through integrated circuits. One end of the 12V and GND ports is connected to an external power supply, and the other end is connected to the power supply circuit. One end of the signal port is connected to a sensor, and the other end is connected to the input circuit. The output circuit and the communication circuit are connected to the drive motor 32 and the vehicle control unit, respectively.

[0119] The drive mechanism 30 is located within the mounting cavity. The drive mechanism 30 includes a drive shaft 31, a drive gear 34, a drive motor 32, a first transmission assembly 35, and a second transmission assembly 36. Limiting flanges 321 are provided on both sides of the drive motor 32. The limiting flanges 321 are at least partially installed in the limiting grooves 511 on the limiting bracket 51. The drive motor 32 is fastened to the mounting cavity by a first bolt 371 via a damping element 37. A worm gear 33 is coaxially mounted at the output end of the drive motor 32. The worm gear 33 meshes with the first large gear 351 of the first transmission assembly 35, forming a worm gear mechanism. The first small gear 352 of the first transmission assembly 35 is mounted on the lower side of the first large gear 351. A transmission gear set consists of a first large gear 351 and a first small gear 352. The first transmission assembly 35 is coaxially mounted with the first positioning post 53 on the cover 502. The second transmission assembly 36 consists of a second large gear 361 and a second small gear 362. The second transmission assembly 36 is coaxially mounted on the second positioning post 54. The second large gear 361 meshes with the first small gear 352. The second small gear 362 is mounted on the lower side of the second large gear 361. The second small gear 362 meshes with the drive gear 34. The drive gear 34 is coaxially arranged with the positioning through hole 57, and the output end of the drive gear 34 extends out of the positioning through hole 57 with a boss. The inner wall of the output end of the drive gear 34 is machined with a cross-shaped groove.

[0120] The vehicle also includes a controller, which communicates with the vehicle's pedal sensors, multiple battery pack temperature sensors, and pump speed sensors. The pedal opening sensor, pump speed sensor, and multiple battery pack temperature sensors collect analog signals such as accelerator pedal opening and rate of change, pump speed, coolant temperature, and battery pack temperature, respectively, and transmit them to the input circuit via wiring harness. The input circuit converts the analog signals into digital signals and sends them to the microprocessor. The microprocessor calculates the valve ball 21 rotation angle based on a built-in algorithm and transmits the digital signal to the output circuit. The output circuit converts the digital signal into a PWM signal and transmits it to the drive motor 32. The drive motor 32 sends its status information or fault information to the ECU via the PWM signal. The communication circuit then transmits the fault information to the vehicle control unit.

[0121] The flow control principle of the 100-way proportional valve is as follows:

[0122] After the coolant enters the working chamber through the inlet hole 1021, it flows out of the five-way proportional valve 100 through the valve ball 21 chamber, the flow passage, and the flow channel 43, and enters the corresponding battery pack. The controller adjusts the rotation angle of the valve ball 21 by changing the speed and direction of the drive motor 32, and meets the cooling requirements of the battery pack by regulating the coolant flow rate.

[0123] The working principle of the 5-way proportional valve 100 is as follows:

[0124] In the initial state, the right side of the limiting protrusion 312 is tightly attached to the inner wall of the limiting groove 122, the opening direction of the valve ball 21 valve outlet 213 is directly opposite the outlet direction of the flow channel 43, the area of ​​the flow channel reaches the maximum, and the coolant flow rate reaches the maximum.

[0125] If the controller detects that the battery pack temperature is too low, the control chip 56 sends a signal to the drive motor 32 to increase the rotation angle of the valve ball 21. Upon receiving the signal, the drive motor 32 starts, and its output rotates clockwise. The worm 33, the first large gear 351, and the first small gear 352 all rotate clockwise, while the second large gear 361 and the second small gear 362 rotate counterclockwise, and the second large gear 361 rotates clockwise. During torque transmission, the output torque of the drive motor 32 passes through the worm gear 33 mechanism (the worm 33 and the first large gear 351 form the worm gear 33 mechanism), the first transmission gear assembly, and the second transmission gear assembly. After the wheel assembly is enlarged, it is output from the output end of the drive gear 34 and transmitted to the drive shaft 31. The drive shaft 31 rotates clockwise, causing the valve ball 21 to rotate clockwise. The opening direction of the valve outlet 213 of the valve ball 21 deviates from the outlet direction of the flow channel 43, the flow channel area decreases, and the coolant flow rate decreases. As the limiting protrusion 312 rotates clockwise in the limiting groove 122, when the left side of the limiting protrusion 312 is in contact with the inner wall of the other side of the limiting groove 122, the valve ball 21 rotates to the maximum angle. The deflection angle between the valve outlet 213 of the valve ball 21 and the outlet of the flow channel 43 of the liquid outlet pipe 40 reaches the maximum, the flow channel area reaches the minimum, and the coolant flow rate reaches the minimum.

[0126] If the controller detects that the battery pack temperature is too high, the control chip 56 sends a signal to the drive motor 32 to reduce the rotation angle of the valve ball 21. After receiving the signal, the drive motor 32 starts and its output end rotates counterclockwise. The worm gear 33 and the first large gear 351 rotate counterclockwise. After being transmitted through the first transmission gear assembly and the second transmission gear assembly, the drive gear 34 rotates counterclockwise, and the output torque of the drive motor 32 increases. Under the action of the output end of the drive gear 34, the drive shaft 31 rotates counterclockwise, which drives the valve ball 21 to rotate counterclockwise. The deflection angle between the valve ball 21 outlet 213 and the flow channel 43 decreases, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow channel increases, and the coolant flow rate increases.

[0127] The control method of the five-way proportional valve 100 is as follows:

[0128] During the charging process, the controller collects temperature information at regular intervals, such as the coolant temperature and the temperature of each battery pack. If the controller detects that the temperature of a certain battery pack deviates from the normal operating temperature range, the corresponding controller starts a self-check and adjusts the coolant flow rate by changing the rotation angle of the valve ball 21. After the pump starts, the controller collects temperature information and pump speed information at regular intervals and adjusts the coolant flow rate by changing the rotation angle of the valve ball 21.

[0129] After the electric vehicle is powered on, the controller begins self-testing. The controller receives fault information and records the initial position of each valve ball 21, while collecting temperature information, such as coolant temperature and the temperature of each battery pack. After the electric vehicle starts, the controller collects data at intervals, such as accelerator pedal opening and opening change rate, pump speed, coolant temperature and battery pack temperature.

[0130] If a battery pack is detected to be too cold and no fault information is found, the ECU calculates the rotation angle of the valve ball 21 and sends a PWM_IN signal to the drive motor 32. Upon receiving the signal to increase the duty cycle, the drive motor 32 starts, and its output rotates clockwise. The valve ball 21 also rotates clockwise, reducing the area of ​​the flow channel. When the valve ball 21 reaches a specified angle, the ECU sends a signal to the drive motor 32. Upon receiving the signal that the duty cycle is zero, the drive motor 32 stops operating, the valve ball 21 stops rotating, and the area of ​​the flow channel remains unchanged. Conversely, if a battery pack is detected to be too hot and no fault information is found, the ECU calculates the rotation angle of the valve ball and sends a PWM_IN signal to the drive motor 32. Upon receiving the signal to increase the duty cycle, the drive motor 32 starts, and its output rotates counterclockwise. The valve ball 21 also rotates counterclockwise. As the area of ​​the flow channel increases, when the valve ball 21 is detected to have rotated to a specified angle, the ECU sends a signal to the drive motor 32. Upon receiving the signal with a zero duty cycle, the drive motor 32 stops operating, the valve ball 21 stops rotating, and the area of ​​the flow channel remains unchanged. If a communication fault is detected, the ECU sends a PWM_IN signal to the drive motor 32. Upon receiving the signal, the drive motor 32 starts, and its output rotates counterclockwise. The valve ball 21 rotates counterclockwise to its initial position. Simultaneously, the ECU sends a fault signal to the vehicle control unit, which reports the fault information to the driver. If the drive motor 32 malfunctions, it transmits the motor fault information by sending a PWM_OUT signal to the ECU. The ECU then sends a fault signal to the vehicle control unit, which limits the battery current output and reports the fault information to the driver.

[0131] Example 2,

[0132] like Figure 20As shown, the structure of this embodiment is roughly the same as that of Embodiment 1, and the control principle and control method are the same. The same components are referred to by the same reference numerals. The only difference is that the housing 10 in Embodiment 1 is rectangular, while the housing 10 in this Embodiment 2 is a cylindrical shape with both ends closed, and the four liquid outlet holes 1011 are arranged in sequence along the length of the housing 10. The four drive mechanisms 30 are located on both sides of the housing 10 in the thickness direction. At this time, the proportional valve 100 is a horizontal five-way proportional valve 100.

[0133] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0134] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0135] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0136] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0137] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A proportional valve, characterized in that, include: A housing (10) has a working cavity formed inside it. The housing (10) has an inlet hole (1021) and an outlet hole (1011) communicating with the working cavity. The outlet hole (1011) includes at least two holes spaced apart. A valve body mechanism (20) includes at least two valve body mechanisms (20) corresponding one-to-one with the liquid outlet (1011). The at least two valve body mechanisms (20) are arranged at intervals in the working chamber. The valve body mechanism (20) includes a valve ball (21). The valve ball (21) is rotatable between a connected position and a closed position. The valve ball (21) has a valve cavity. The valve ball (21) has a valve inlet (212) and a valve outlet (213) communicating with the valve cavity. In the connected position, the valve inlet (212) communicates with the working chamber, and the valve outlet (213) communicates with the corresponding liquid outlet (1011). In the closed position, the valve ball (21) blocks the corresponding liquid outlet (1011). The drive mechanism (30) includes at least two that correspond one-to-one with the valve body mechanism (20). The drive mechanism (30) is connected to the valve ball (21) of the corresponding valve body mechanism (20) for driving the valve ball (21) to rotate between the connected position and the closed position. A sealing element (22) extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the liquid outlet hole (1011). One axial end of the sealing element (22) extends into the liquid outlet hole (1011) and seals against the circumferential wall of the liquid outlet hole (1011). The other end of the sealing element (22) seals against the surface of the valve ball (21). An elastic element (23) is connected to the sealing element (22) and always pushes the sealing element (22) against the valve ball (21); The liquid outlet pipe (40) has a positioning shoulder (41) on its outer surface. The positioning shoulder (41) extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the liquid outlet pipe (40). One end of the liquid outlet pipe (40) is inserted into the liquid outlet hole (1011). The positioning shoulder (41) abuts against the circumference of the outer end of the liquid outlet hole (1011). A protruding connecting portion (11) is provided on the outer side of the housing (10), and the liquid outlet (1011) extends through the connecting portion (11) along the thickness direction of the housing (10). The surface of the positioning shoulder (41) is provided with a first groove (411), one end of the connecting part (11) is inserted into the first groove (411), and a first sealing ring (42) is provided between the inner wall surface of the connecting part (11) and the side wall of the first groove (411).

2. The proportional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the sealing element (22) is sleeved on the outer surface of one end of the liquid outlet pipe (40), and the elastic element (23) is sleeved on the liquid outlet pipe (40) with its two ends abutting against the sealing element (22) and the positioning shoulder (41) respectively.

3. The proportional valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (30) includes: A drive shaft (31) has one end extending into the working chamber and fixedly connected to the valve ball (21); A drive motor (32) is connected to the other end of the drive shaft (31).

4. The proportional valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The outer side of the housing (10) is provided with a protruding mounting portion (12), and a mounting hole (121) is formed on the housing (10) that penetrates the mounting portion (12) along the inner and outer directions of the housing (10). One end of the drive shaft (31) passes through the mounting hole (121) and extends into the working cavity.

5. The proportional valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The inner wall surface of the mounting part (12) and one of the drive shaft (31) are provided with a limiting protrusion (312) and the other is provided with a limiting groove (122). The limiting groove (122) extends circumferentially along the mounting hole (121), and the limiting protrusion (312) is slidably fitted within the limiting groove (122). When the valve ball (21) is in the connected position, the limiting protrusion (312) abuts against one end of the limiting groove (122), and when the valve ball (21) is in the closed position, the limiting protrusion (312) abuts against the other end of the limiting groove (122).

6. The proportional valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mounting part (12) has a recessed mounting groove (123) on the side face away from the working cavity. The mounting groove (123) extends in a ring shape along the circumference of the mounting hole (121) and penetrates the inner circumferential wall of the mounting hole (121). A bearing (1231) is sleeved on the drive shaft (31) and the bearing (1231) is located in the mounting groove (123).

7. The proportional valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, A mounting port (211) is formed on the valve ball (21). The mounting port (211) and the valve inlet (212) are opposite each other in the radial direction of the valve ball (21). One end of the drive shaft (31) extends into the working chamber and passes through the mounting port (211) and the valve inlet (212) in sequence. The drive shaft (31) is fixed to the periphery of the mounting port (211). A shaft support (13) is provided in the housing (10). The shaft support (13) is located on the side of the valve ball (21) away from the mounting port (211). One end of the drive shaft (31) is rotatably supported on the shaft support (13).

8. The proportional valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (30) further includes: Worm gear (33), the worm gear (33) is coaxially fixed with the motor shaft of the drive motor (32); A drive gear (34) is connected to the worm gear (33) for transmission, and the drive shaft (31) is fixed coaxially with the drive gear (34).

9. The proportional valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, One of the drive gear (34) and the drive shaft (31) is provided with a locking protrusion (311) and the other is provided with a locking groove (341). The drive shaft (31) is inserted into the locking groove (341) through the locking protrusion (311) and coaxially connected with the drive gear (34).

10. The proportional valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (30) further includes: The first transmission assembly (35) includes a first large gear (351) and a first small gear (352) fixed coaxially, and the first large gear (351) meshes with the worm (33); The second transmission assembly (36) includes a second large gear (361) and a second small gear (362) fixed coaxially. The second large gear (361) meshes with the first small gear (352), and the second small gear (362) meshes with the drive gear (34).

11. The proportional valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The proportional valve (100) further includes a housing (50) spaced apart from the housing (10), the housing (50) having a mounting cavity, and at least one of the drive mechanisms (30) being disposed in the mounting cavity.

12. The proportional valve according to claim 11, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (30) also includes a vibration damper (37), and the drive motor (32) is fixed in the mounting cavity by the vibration damper (37).

13. The proportional valve according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The housing (10) is a cylindrical shape closed at both ends, and a plurality of liquid outlet holes (1011) are arranged sequentially along the length direction of the housing (10). A plurality of driving mechanisms (30) are provided on both sides of the housing (10) in the thickness direction; or The housing (10) is rectangular in shape, and a plurality of liquid outlet holes (1011) are arranged on one side surface of the housing (10) in the thickness direction, and a plurality of drive mechanisms (30) are arranged on both sides of the housing (10) in the width direction.

14. The proportional valve according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, The proportional valve (100) is a five-way valve, and the liquid outlet (1011) includes four outlets.

15. The proportional valve according to any one of claims 1-12, characterized in that, It also includes a controller, which is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism (30) for controlling the opening degree of the valve ball (21).

16. A cooling system applied to a battery pack of a vehicle, the battery pack comprising a plurality of battery cells, characterized in that, The cooling system includes: a pump, a cooling pipe, and a proportional valve (100) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the pump is connected to the cooling pipe, and the proportional valve (100) is disposed on the cooling pipe for controlling the flow rate of coolant to the battery pack.

17. A vehicle, characterized in that, include: A battery pack, the battery pack comprising multiple battery packs; The cooling system of claim 16 is used to dissipate heat for the plurality of battery packs.

18. The vehicle according to claim 17, characterized in that, It also includes a controller that is communicatively connected to the vehicle's pedal sensors, multiple temperature sensors of the battery packs, and a pump speed sensor.

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