Multi-way valve, thermal management system, and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a multi-way valve, a thermal management system and a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of valves.The multi-way valve comprises a valve shell, a flow-through port and a valve shell channel are arranged on the valve shell, the valve shell channel has an inlet and an outlet, a valve core is arranged in the valve shell, the valve core is provided with a communication channel, a sealing element is arranged between the valve shell and the valve core, the sealing element is provided with a plurality of avoidance channels, and a part of at least one avoidance channel is arranged in the sealing element and extends along the circumferential direction and / or the axial direction of the sealing element, wherein two flow-through ports are communicated through the communication channel and the avoidance channel, and / or wherein two flow-through ports are communicated through the communication channel, the avoidance channel and the valve shell channel; and the valve core is rotated to change the positions of the two flow-through ports in communication.The application realizes the transformation of multiple modes through the arrangement of the flow-through port, the avoidance channel, the communication channel and the valve shell channel, does not need to use multiple control valves to switch the flow path, reduces the cost and the control difficulty, and reduces the volume.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of control valve technology, and more particularly to a multi-way valve, a thermal management system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] As the energy efficiency of thermal management systems continues to improve, the architecture of thermal management systems becomes increasingly complex in order to achieve higher system energy efficiency. Consequently, the design of the corresponding cooling circulation loops also becomes more complex. Typically, multiple simple multi-way valves are set up to switch between various modes, resulting in too many simple multi-way valves, increasing costs and making control more difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a multi-way valve that reduces cost, size, and control difficulty.

[0004] This invention also proposes a thermal management system that utilizes the aforementioned multi-way valve, thereby reducing costs, decreasing size, and simplifying control.

[0005] The present invention also proposes a vehicle that applies the above-mentioned thermal management system, thereby reducing costs, decreasing size, and simplifying control.

[0006] A multi-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a valve housing having a plurality of flow ports and at least one valve housing channel, the valve housing channel having an inlet and outlet on the inner wall of the valve housing; a valve core rotatably disposed within the valve housing, the valve core having a communicating channel extending along the outer peripheral wall of the valve core; a seal disposed between the valve housing and the valve core and fixed to the inner wall of the valve housing, the seal having a plurality of clearance channels, at least one portion of the clearance channel being disposed within the seal and extending along the circumferential and / or axial direction of the seal, wherein two of the flow ports are connected through the communicating channel and the clearance channel; and / or wherein two of the flow ports are connected through the communicating channel, the clearance channel and the valve housing channel; the valve core is rotated to change the position of the two connected flow ports.

[0007] According to embodiments of the present invention, the multi-way valve can achieve multiple modes of change by setting a flow port, a clearance channel, a connecting channel, and a valve body channel, eliminating the need to use multiple control valves for flow path switching, reducing costs and control difficulty, and decreasing size.

[0008] In some embodiments, one of the clearance channels is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the seal and extends along the rotation direction of the valve core to communicate with at least two of the flow ports, the valve core rotating such that the communication channel communicates with or disconnects from the clearance channel.

[0009] In some embodiments, valve housing channels are provided on both sides of the plurality of flow ports in the direction of rotation of the valve core.

[0010] In some embodiments, there are multiple communication channels.

[0011] Specifically, at least two of the connecting channels extend in different directions.

[0012] More specifically, a portion of the communication channel extends axially along the valve core, and a portion of the communication channel extends circumferentially along the valve core.

[0013] In some embodiments, one of the seal and the valve core is provided with an elastic protrusion, and the other of the seal and the valve core is provided with a groove. When the valve core rotates to the point where the communicating channel communicates with the avoidance channel, the elastic protrusion extends into the groove.

[0014] Furthermore, the seal is an elastically deformable element.

[0015] In some embodiments, the valve housing is provided with a connecting plane, which is arranged parallel to the rotation axis of the valve core, and the plurality of flow ports are all provided on the connecting plane.

[0016] Optionally, one end of the valve core is rotatably supported on the valve housing, and the other end of the valve core extends out of the valve housing to be connected to the actuator.

[0017] A thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a multi-way valve, wherein the multi-way valve is the multi-way valve described above.

[0018] According to the thermal management system of the present invention, multiple modes can be changed by setting flow ports, avoidance channels, connecting channels, and valve shell channels, eliminating the need to use multiple control valves for flow path switching, reducing costs and control difficulty, and reducing volume.

[0019] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes: a manifold, wherein the manifold has multiple flow channels for circulating media, the multi-way valve is disposed on the manifold, the multiple flow channels are respectively connected to multiple flow ports, and the valve core rotates to control the multiple flow channels to change their connection in order to control the thermal management system to change modes.

[0020] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the thermal management system described above.

[0021] According to the vehicle of the present invention, multiple modes can be changed by setting flow inlets, avoidance channels, connecting channels, and valve body channels, eliminating the need to use multiple control valves for flow path switching, reducing costs and control difficulty, and reducing volume.

[0022] 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

[0023] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the multi-way valve in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the flow path of the medium in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing element in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the fit between the seal and the valve body and valve core in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure label:

[0030] 100. Multi-way valve;

[0031] 10. Valve housing; 11. Flow port; 12. Connecting plane; 15. Valve housing passage; 16. Column groove;

[0032] 20. Valve core; 21. Connecting channel; 25. Elastic protrusion;

[0033] 30. Seal; 31. Clearance passage; 311. First opening; 312. Second opening; 33. Groove; 34. Protrusion. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown 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 are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0035] The following is for reference. Figures 1-5 A multi-way valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a multi-way valve 100 includes: a valve body 10, a valve core 20, and a sealing element 30.

[0037] The valve body 10 is provided with multiple flow ports 11 and at least one valve body passage 15, the valve body passage 15 having inlets and outlets on the inner wall of the valve body 10. The medium can enter or exit the multi-way valve 100 through the flow ports 11, and multiple modes can be achieved when different flow ports 11 are connected. The flow ports 11 can be connected to external pipelines to discharge or draw in the medium. It is understood that the modes described here can be either a stepped change mode or a stepless change mode. The stepped change mode is an abrupt change, such as a switching valve, while the stepless change mode is a continuous change mode, such as a proportional valve.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown (the bold black lines in the figure represent the medium flow path), the medium can also enter the valve body channel 15, and the flow of the medium through the valve body channel 15 increases the possibilities for the multi-way valve 100. In some embodiments of the present invention, the medium can be water or other liquids.

[0039] For example, multiple flow ports 11 include flow port A, flow port B, and flow port C. In mode 1, flow port A is connected to flow port B; in mode 2, flow port A is connected to flow port C; in mode 3, flow port A is connected to both flow port B and flow port C; and in mode 4, flow port B is connected to flow port C. It should be noted that modes 1, 2, 3, and 4 are merely examples and do not represent limitations on this application.

[0040] The valve core 20 is rotatably disposed within the valve housing 10. The valve core 10 has a communicating channel 21 extending along the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20. By providing the communicating channel 21 on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20, and by connecting two flow ports 11 through the communicating channel 21, rotation of the valve core 20 connects the communicating channel 21 with different flow ports 11, thereby achieving mode switching. In some examples of the present invention, the communicating channel 21 can be configured to connect two adjacent flow ports 11, facilitating the production of the valve core 20; for example, the two flow ports 11 are adjacent.

[0041] The sealing element 30 is located between the valve housing 10 and the valve core 20 and is fixed on the inner wall of the valve housing 10. By setting the sealing element 30, the space between the valve housing 10 and the valve core 20 is sealed, preventing crossflow between different communication channels 21 and improving the sealing performance.

[0042] like Figure 1 , Figure 3As shown, the seal 30 is provided with multiple clearance channels 31. At least one portion of the clearance channel 31 is located within the seal 30 and extends along the circumference and / or axial direction of the seal 30. By providing at least one portion of the clearance channel 31 extending within the seal 30, compared to the clearance channel 31 being a straight hole directly connecting the flow port 11 and the connecting channel 21 on the same straight line, the connecting channel 21 is not limited to connecting the flow port 11 on the same straight line. This increases the medium flow path and provides users with more medium flow path options while ensuring that the aforementioned crossflow does not occur. Compared to the related technologies where only single-layer flow is available, this provides multiple channel options, achieving corresponding matching under complex working conditions.

[0043] It should be noted that a portion of the clearance channel 31 is located inside the seal 30 and extends along the circumference and / or axial direction of the seal 30. The clearance channel 31 has two openings. If a straight line passes through one of the openings and the axis of the seal 30, then the other opening does not need to be located on this straight line. Figure 2 As shown (the bold black lines in the figure represent the medium flow path), the flow path of the medium inside the seal 30 can be curved.

[0044] For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the clearance channel 31 is disposed inside the seal 30 and extends circumferentially along the seal 30. The opening of the clearance channel 31 toward the valve housing 10 is a first opening 311, and the opening of the clearance channel 31 toward the valve core 20 is a second opening 312, with the second opening 312 located to the right of the first opening 311; or, a portion of the clearance channel 31 is disposed inside the seal 30 and extends axially along the seal 30. The opening of the clearance channel 31 toward the valve housing 10 is a first opening 311, and the opening of the clearance channel 31 toward the valve core 20 is a second opening 312, with the second opening 312 located to the right of the first opening 311. The opening 312 is located above the first opening 311; or, a portion of the clearance channel 31 is located inside the seal 30 and extends along the circumference and axial direction of the seal 30. The opening of the clearance channel 31 toward the valve housing 10 is the first opening 311, and the opening of the clearance channel 31 toward the valve core 20 is the second opening 312. The second opening 312 is located to the upper right of the first opening 311. Of course, the above are just examples and do not represent a limitation of the present invention. The second opening 312 can also be located to the left, below, upper left, etc. of the first opening 311, which will not be elaborated here.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first opening 311 of the clearance channel 31 is located in front of the valve core 20, and the second opening 312 is located behind the valve core 20. The medium flows from the communication channel 21 to the rear of the valve core 20, passes through the seal 30, flows to the front of the valve core 20, and then flows out from the flow port 11.

[0046] Two of the flow ports 11 are connected by a connecting channel 21 and a clearance channel 31; and / or two of the flow ports 11 are connected by a connecting channel 21, a clearance channel 31 and a valve body channel 15. By setting up a connecting channel 21, a clearance channel 31, a valve body channel 15 and flow ports 11, a multi-layer flow space is constructed. Compared with the single-layer flow space method in related technologies, the multi-way valve 100 can adapt to more working conditions and improve the user experience.

[0047] In other words, the medium flowing into the multi-way valve 100 can have various flow paths. For example, the medium can enter the multi-way valve 100 from one flow port 11, pass through the first clearance channel 31, the connecting channel 21, the second clearance channel 31, and then flow out of the multi-way valve 100 from another flow port 11; or, the medium can enter the multi-way valve 100 from one flow port 11, pass through the first clearance channel 31, the first connecting channel 21, the valve body channel 15, the second clearance channel 31, and then flow out of the valve from another flow port 11; or, part of the medium enters the multi-way valve 100 from the first flow port 11, passes through the first clearance channel 31, the first connecting channel 21, the second clearance channel 31, and then flows out of the multi-way valve 100 from the second flow port 11, while at the same time, another part of the medium enters the multi-way valve 100 from the third flow port 11, passes through the third clearance channel 31, the second connecting channel 21, the valve body channel 15, the fourth clearance channel 31, and then flows out of the valve from the fourth flow port 11. Of course, the above are just examples. The medium can have other flow paths. The connecting channel 21, the avoidance channel 31, the valve body channel 15, and the flow port 11 can also have other combinations, which will not be elaborated here.

[0048] The valve core 20 rotates to change the position of the two connected flow ports 11. By rotating the valve core 20, multiple modes can be achieved. Compared with the multiple multi-way valves in related technologies, more modes can be achieved in the same volume, reducing control difficulty and cost.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-way valve 100 can achieve multiple modes of switching by setting a flow port 11, a clearance channel 31, a connecting channel 21, and a valve body channel 15, without the need to use multiple control valves for flow path switching, thereby reducing costs and control difficulty, and reducing size.

[0050] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, one of the clearance channels 31 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the seal 30 and extends along the rotation direction of the valve core 20 to communicate with at least two flow ports 11. The rotation of the valve core 20 causes the communication channel 21 to be connected to or disconnected from the clearance channel 31. By providing one of the clearance channels 31 to be connected to at least two flow ports 11, the diversity of the medium flow path is increased, and the multi-way valve 100 is given more selectable modes.

[0051] In some embodiments, valve housing channels 15 are provided on both sides of multiple flow ports 11 in the rotation direction of valve core 20. By providing multiple valve housing channels 15, the flow path of the medium can be increased, and the number of selectable modes can be further increased.

[0052] In some embodiments, at least one valve housing passage 15 extends along a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the valve core 20. By setting the valve housing passage 15 to extend along a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the valve core 20, multiple connecting passages 21 parallel to the rotation axis can be connected, thereby allowing the flow ports 11 connected to the connecting passages 21 to be connected, increasing the selectable modes and adapting to complex operating conditions. For example, the multi-way valve 100 is placed on a horizontal plane, the rotation axis of the valve core 20 is in the up-down direction, and the valve housing 10 is provided with six flow ports 11, arranged in three rows and two columns. When the first connecting passage 21 connects the inlet of the valve housing passage 15 with the flow port 11 in the first row and second column, and the second connecting passage 21 connects the outlet of the valve housing passage 15 with the flow port 11 in the third row and second column, the medium can enter the multi-way valve 100 from the flow port 11 in the first row and second column, flow through the first connecting passage 21, the valve housing passage 15, the second connecting passage 21, and then flow out of the multi-way valve 100 from the flow port 11 in the third row and second column.

[0053] like Figure 1 In some embodiments shown, there are multiple connecting channels 21. By setting multiple connecting channels 21 to connect more flow ports 11, control of multiple flow ports 11 can be achieved. Multiple connecting channels 21 are provided on the valve core 20. When the valve core 20 rotates, multiple connecting channels 21 will rotate with the valve core 20.

[0054] Specifically, at least two connecting channels 21 extend in different directions. By setting at least two connecting channels 21 to extend in different directions, the connecting channels 21 can connect more flow ports 11, achieving connectivity between flow ports 11 in different locations. For example, the connecting channel 21 can extend horizontally, connecting two horizontally arranged flow ports 11; the connecting channel 21 can also extend vertically, connecting two vertically arranged flow ports 11; the connecting channel 21 can also be tilted at a 45-degree angle, connecting two tilted flow ports 11; of course, the connecting channel 21 can also extend in other directions, providing a variety of connectivity options with the same effect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0055] More specifically, one portion of the connecting channel 21 extends axially along the valve core 20, and another portion extends circumferentially along the valve core 20. By setting one portion of the connecting channel 21 to extend axially along the valve core 20 and the other portion to extend axially along the valve core 20, multiple connection methods for the flow port 11 are provided to meet customer needs.

[0056] As shown in the figure, specifically, the connecting channel 21 is a groove on the valve core 20, with the groove opening facing the valve body 10. The groove is connected to two flow ports 11, so that the medium entering from one flow port 11 flows through the groove to the other flow port 11, thereby realizing the connection between the two flow ports 11.

[0057] In some embodiments, the valve core 20 is one or any combination of a column valve, ball valve, and butterfly valve. For example, the valve core 20 is a column valve, which facilitates the positioning of the communication channel 21; or, the valve core 20 is a ball valve, which improves space utilization; or, the valve core 20 is a butterfly valve, which is easy to control.

[0058] It should be noted that rotating the valve core 20 can control the flow rate. When the flow port 11 and the slot or connecting port 222 are connected, the flow rate of the medium will change. When the connecting area is small, the flow rate is small, and when the connecting area is large, the flow rate is large. Rotating the valve core 20 can adjust the size of the connecting area, thereby controlling the flow rate of the medium.

[0059] More specifically, the diameter of the valve core 20 is less than 150 mm. For example, the diameter of the valve core 20 is 140 mm; or, the diameter of the valve core 20 is 145 mm.

[0060] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, one of the seal 30 and the valve core 20 is provided with an elastic protrusion 25, and the other of the seal 30 and the valve core 20 is provided with a groove 33. When the valve core 20 rotates to the point where the connecting channel 21 connects with the avoidance channel 31, the elastic protrusion 25 extends into the groove 33. By providing the elastic protrusion 25 and the groove 33, when the valve core 20 rotates to the point where the connecting channel 21 connects with the avoidance channel 31, the valve core 20 can remain relatively stable and stationary with the seal 30, ensuring the stability of the connection between the connecting channel 21 and the avoidance channel 31. At the same time, it can be understood that when the valve core 20 rotates to the point where the connecting channel 21 connects with the avoidance channel 31, the elastic protrusion 25 extends into the groove 33, helping the user to perceive that the valve core 20 has rotated to the correct position, thereby improving the user experience.

[0061] For example, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the sealing element 30 is provided with an elastic protrusion 25, and the valve core 20 is provided with a groove 33. When the valve core 20 rotates to the point where the connecting channel 21 and the clearance channel 31 are connected, the elastic protrusion 25 extends into the groove 33; or, the sealing element 30 is provided with a groove 33, and the valve core 20 is provided with an elastic protrusion 25. When the valve core 20 rotates to the point where the connecting channel 21 and the clearance channel 31 are connected, the elastic protrusion 25 extends into the groove 33.

[0062] Furthermore, there are multiple elastic protrusions 25, which form a wave-like shape to create a multi-contact configuration, thereby further increasing the stability of the connection between the valve core 20 and the seal 30.

[0063] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, a protrusion 34 is provided on one of the seal 30 and the valve housing 10, and a groove 16 is provided on the other of the seal 30 and the valve housing 10. The protrusion 34 and the groove 16 cooperate to fasten the seal 30 and the valve housing 10. By providing the protrusion 34 to cooperate with the valve housing 10 to fasten the seal 30 and the valve housing 10, relative movement between the seal 30 and the valve housing 10 is prevented, further improving the stability between the two.

[0064] For example, a protrusion 34 is provided on the seal 30, and a groove 16 is provided on the valve body 10, with the protrusion 34 extending into the groove 16; or, a groove 16 is provided on the seal 30, and a protrusion 34 is provided on the valve body 10, with the protrusion 34 extending into the groove 16.

[0065] Optionally, the seal 30 is integrated with the valve body 10, reducing the number of parts and facilitating installation.

[0066] Furthermore, the sealing element 30 is an elastically deformable element. By configuring it as an elastically deformable element, the sealing performance is improved by utilizing the inherent properties of the elastically deformable element. During operation, the elastically deformable element provides static sealing pressure between itself and the valve body 10, and provides dynamic sealing pressure between itself and the valve core 20. For example, the elastically deformable element structure is an EPDM structure or an elastic mechanism plus an EPDM structure.

[0067] More specifically, the material of the seal 30 is a sponge, rubber or other elastic material, so that there is a certain pressure between the seal 30 and the valve body 10 and the valve core 20, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0068] In some embodiments, the surface of the seal 30 facing the valve core 20 is provided with an anti-friction layer to improve durability. Specifically, the anti-friction layer is made of a fluorine-containing material.

[0069] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve housing 10 is provided with a connecting plane 12, which is parallel to the rotation axis of the valve core 20. Multiple flow ports 11 are located on the connecting plane 12. By providing the connecting plane 12, the connection between the multi-way valve 100 and external devices is facilitated. For example, the external device may be an external pipe, which is inserted into the flow port 11. By providing the connecting plane 12 on the valve housing 10, the location of the flow port 11 is easily identified, facilitating connection.

[0070] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, multiple flow ports 11 are arranged in multiple rows and columns with uniform spacing. By arranging multiple flow ports 11 in multiple rows and columns, the arrangement of the flow ports 11 becomes clear and regular, further facilitating the identification of the position of the flow ports 11 and making it easier to locate the flow ports 11, thus avoiding installation errors. For example, there are sixteen flow ports 11, arranged in four rows and four columns, which allows for quick location of each flow port 11. Of course, multiple flow ports 11 can also be arranged in three rows and three columns, five rows and five columns, three rows and four columns, three rows and five columns, four rows and five columns, etc., with the same effect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0071] Of course, multiple flow ports 11 can also be set unevenly, for example, the distance between two adjacent flow ports 11 is different, the third flow port between two flow ports 11 is blocked, etc. The multi-row and multi-column flow ports can be arranged in a matrix or staggered manner to adapt to more working conditions.

[0072] Optionally, one end of the valve core 20 is rotatably supported on the valve housing 10, and the other end of the valve core 20 extends out of the valve housing 10 to be connected to the actuator. By setting one end of the valve core 20 to be rotatably supported on the inner wall of the valve housing 10, the rotation of the valve core 20 is made smoother. By setting the other end of the valve core 20 to extend out of the valve housing 10 and be connected to the actuator, the actuator is prevented from being affected by the medium inside the valve housing 10, thus ensuring sealing.

[0073] Specifically, the inner wall of the valve housing 10 is provided with an annular groove, and one end of the valve core 20 is rotatably engaged with the inner wall of the annular groove. By setting the annular groove, the rotation of the valve core 20 is restricted, thereby improving the stability of the rotation of the valve core 20. The structure is simple and durable.

[0074] Optionally, the rotating shaft of the valve core 20 is provided with an annular groove, and the valve housing 10 is provided with a corresponding cylinder that rotates in conjunction with the annular groove to improve rotational stability.

[0075] In some embodiments, the bottom of the valve housing 10 is provided with a mounting hole, one end of the valve core 20 is rotatably disposed in the mounting hole, and the other end of the valve core 20 extends out of the valve housing 10 to be connected to the actuator, which facilitates the positioning and installation of the valve core 20 and improves production efficiency.

[0076] The following combines 1 to... Figure 5 This describes a specific embodiment of the multi-way valve 100 of the present invention. It is understood that the following embodiment is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention; modifications can be made to the embodiment according to actual circumstances.

[0077] A multi-way valve 100 includes: a valve body 10, a valve core 20, and a seal 30.

[0078] The valve housing 10 has a connecting plane 12 with multiple flow ports 11. There are six flow ports 11 in total, arranged in three rows and two columns with intervals. From top to bottom, the first row from left to right consists of flow ports 2B and 2A; the second row from left to right consists of flow ports 1 and 3; and the third row from left to right consists of flow ports 4B and 4A. Valve housing channels A and B are respectively located on the left and right sides of the six flow ports 11. Valve housing channel A is located on the left side of the six flow ports 11, and valve housing channel B is located on the right side. The valve housing channel 15 extends parallel to the rotation axis of the valve core 20, i.e., it extends vertically. The bottom inner wall of the valve housing 10 has mounting holes. The valve housing 10 also has a groove 16.

[0079] The valve core 20 is a column valve with a diameter of 140 mm. The valve core 20 is rotatably mounted inside the valve housing 10. The bottom end of the valve housing 10 rotatably engages with the inner wall of the mounting hole. The valve core 20 has multiple communicating channels 21. Each communicating channel 21 is a groove formed on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20 and extends along the outer peripheral wall. The valve core 20 also has multiple elastic protrusions 25, which form a wavy shape.

[0080] A sealing element 30 is disposed between the valve housing 10 and the valve core 20. The sealing element 30 is fixed to the inner wall of the valve housing 10. The sealing element 30 has multiple clearance channels 31, a total of nine clearance channels 31. Six of the clearance channels 31 are clearance channel A1, clearance channel A2, clearance channel B1, clearance channel B2, clearance channel C1, and clearance channel C2. Each clearance channel 31 has two openings: one opening 311 facing the valve housing 10, and the other opening 312 facing the valve core 20. The first opening A11 of clearance channel A1 corresponds to the connecting flow port 2B; the first opening A21 of clearance channel A2 corresponds to the connecting flow port 2A; and the first opening B11 of clearance channel B1 corresponds to the connecting flow port 1. The first opening A21 of channel B2 corresponds to the connecting flow port 3, the first opening C11 of bypass channel C1 corresponds to the connecting flow port 4B, and the first opening C21 of bypass channel C2 corresponds to the connecting flow port 4A. The first openings A11, A21, B11, B21, C11, and C21 are arranged in three rows and two columns at even intervals. The distance between two adjacent first openings is the same as the distance between two adjacent flow ports 11 on the valve body 10. From top to bottom, the first row from left to right is the first opening A11 and the first opening A21, the second row from left to right is the first opening B11 and the first opening B21, and the third row from left to right is the first opening C11 and the first opening C21. The seal 30 has six second openings 312 of clearance channels 31 on the side facing the valve core 20. The six second openings 312 are arranged in three rows and two columns at even intervals. From top to bottom, the first row from left to right consists of the second opening C12 of clearance channel C1 and the second opening B22 of clearance channel B2; the second row from left to right consists of the second opening A12 of clearance channel A1 and the second opening A22 of clearance channel A2; and the third row from left to right consists of the second opening B12 of clearance channel B1 and the second opening C22 of clearance channel C2. One clearance channel 31, clearance channel D, is located to the left of clearance channels B1 and C1, extending downwards. The other two clearance channels 31 are clearance channels E and F. Clearance channel E is located to the right of clearance channel A2, and clearance channel F is located to the right of clearance channel C2. Clearance channel E is located above clearance channel F. Avoidance channel A1 corresponds to the connecting flow port 2B, avoidance channel A2 corresponds to the connecting flow port 2A, avoidance channel B1 corresponds to the connecting flow port 1, avoidance channel B2 corresponds to the connecting flow port 3, avoidance channel C1 corresponds to the connecting flow port 4B, avoidance channel C2 corresponds to the connecting flow port 4A, avoidance channel D corresponds to the connecting valve body channel A, and avoidance channels E and F both connect to the valve body channel B.The sealing element 30 is also provided with multiple grooves 33 and protrusions 34. The multiple grooves 33 form a wave shape. When the valve core 20 rotates to connect the connecting channel 21 and the avoidance channel 31, the elastic protrusion 25 extends into the groove 33; the protrusion 34 extends into the column groove 16.

[0081] The valve core 20 rotates to change the coordination of the flow port 11, valve body channel 15, connecting channel 21, and avoidance channel 31, so that one of the flow ports 11 can change and connect with other flow ports 11, forming multiple modes.

[0082] By using the above-described configuration, this invention reduces the number of four-way valves and three-way valves, decreases the volume occupied, and improves the degree of integration compared to related technologies that use N four-way valves and N three-way valves to achieve multiple circulation loops.

[0083] A thermal management system (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a multi-way valve 100. The multi-way valve 100 is the multi-way valve 100 described above.

[0084] The thermal management system is installed within the vehicle and is used for energy distribution among different systems, such as the battery system and motor system. Functions include heating the battery and adjusting the cabin temperature. With the development of new energy vehicles, the thermal management systems are constantly being upgraded, requiring the control of more and more circulation loops throughout the vehicle, thus placing increasing demands on electronic valves. Currently, to meet the thermal management needs of new energy vehicles, the requirement for multiple circulation loops is mainly achieved by connecting 3-way and 4-way electronic valves in parallel or series. This results in a larger overall space occupied by the electronic valves and lower integration levels. This invention, by setting a multi-way valve 100, eliminates the need for multiple electronic valves, reducing the overall size and control complexity.

[0085] According to the thermal management system of the present invention, by setting a first connecting channel 21 and a second connecting channel 22, and the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22 being respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and the inside of the valve core 20, the space of the valve core 20 is fully utilized, the space utilization rate is improved, and more modes of use are realized under the same volume constraints, reducing the use of simple multi-way valves, and reducing costs and control difficulty; by setting multiple flow ports 11 to connect with the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22, the number of usable modes is further increased, and costs and control difficulty are further reduced.

[0086] In some embodiments, the thermal management system further includes a manifold with multiple flow channels for the flow of the medium. A multi-way valve 100 is disposed on the manifold, and the multiple flow channels are respectively connected to multiple flow ports 11. The valve core 20 rotates to control the switching of the multiple flow channels to control the mode switching of the thermal management system. By setting the manifold to concentrate the multiple flow channels together, the integration is improved and management is facilitated. In some embodiments of the present invention, the manifold has single-layer or multi-layer chambers to contain the medium, and the manifold is provided with multiple joints to connect to external pipes, thereby improving the integration.

[0087] Optionally, the valve body 10 of the multi-way valve 100 is provided with multiple flow channels, which can be applied to a simple thermal management system to give full play to the function of the manifold, reduce the use of the manifold and improve the integration.

[0088] A vehicle (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the above-described thermal management system.

[0089] According to the vehicle of the present invention, by setting a first connecting channel 21 and a second connecting channel 22, and the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22 being respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and the inside of the valve core 20, the space of the valve core 20 is fully utilized, the space utilization rate is improved, and more modes of use are realized under the same volume constraints, reducing the use of simple multi-way valves, and reducing costs and control difficulty; by setting multiple flow ports 11 to connect with the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22, the number of usable modes is further increased, and costs and control difficulty are further reduced.

[0090] Other configurations and operations of the multi-way valve 100 according to embodiments of the present invention are known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0091] 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," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing the 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0092] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0093] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "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 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.

[0094] 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 multi-way valve, characterized in that, include: A valve housing, wherein the valve housing is provided with a plurality of flow ports and at least one valve housing channel, the valve housing channel having an inlet and outlet provided on the inner wall of the valve housing; A valve core is rotatably disposed within the valve housing. The valve core has multiple communicating channels that extend along the outer peripheral wall of the valve core. A sealing element is disposed between the valve housing and the valve core and fixed to the inner wall of the valve housing. The sealing element has multiple clearance channels, at least one portion of which is disposed within the sealing element and extends circumferentially and / or axially along the sealing element. Two flow ports are connected through the connecting channel and the clearance channel; and / or two flow ports are connected through the connecting channel, the clearance channel, and the valve housing channel. The valve core rotates to change the position of the two connected flow ports. In the direction of rotation of the valve core, valve body channels are provided on both sides of the plurality of flow ports.

2. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the clearance channels is located on the outer peripheral wall of the seal and extends along the rotation direction of the valve core to communicate with at least two of the flow ports, and the rotation of the valve core causes the communication channel to connect with or disconnect from the clearance channel.

3. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least two of the connecting channels extend in different directions.

4. The multi-way valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, A portion of the connecting channel extends axially along the valve core, and a portion of the connecting channel extends circumferentially along the valve core.

5. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, An elastic protrusion is provided on one of the seal and the valve core, and a groove is provided on the other of the seal and the valve core. When the valve core rotates to the point where the connecting channel communicates with the clearance channel, the elastic protrusion extends into the groove.

6. The multi-way valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sealing element is an elastically deformable element.

7. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve housing is provided with a connecting plane, which is parallel to the rotation axis of the valve core, and multiple flow ports are provided on the connecting plane.

8. The multi-way valve according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, One end of the valve core is rotatably supported on the valve housing, and the other end of the valve core extends out of the valve housing to be connected to the actuator.

9. A thermal management system, characterized in that, include: A multi-way valve, wherein the multi-way valve is the multi-way valve according to any one of claims 1-8.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 9, characterized in that, include: The manifold has multiple flow channels for the flow of medium. The multi-way valve is located on the manifold. The multiple flow channels are respectively connected to multiple flow ports. The valve core rotates to control the multiple flow channels to change the connection and control the thermal management system to change modes.

11. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the thermal management system according to claim 9 or claim 10.

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