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 valve field. The multi-way valve comprises a valve shell, a valve core, a sealing element and a plurality of flow-through ports. The valve core is provided with a first communication channel and a second communication channel. The second communication channel comprises an inner layer flow channel and two communication ports. The inner layer flow channel is located in the interior of the valve core. The sealing element is arranged between the valve shell and the valve core. The sealing element is provided with a plurality of avoidance channels. At least a part of the avoidance channels is arranged in the sealing element. The first communication channel is communicated with two of the flow-through ports through the avoidance channels. The second communication channel is communicated with two of the flow-through ports through the avoidance channels. The valve core rotates to change the communication between the first communication channel and different flow-through ports and / or the communication between the second communication channel and different flow-through ports. The application sets the first communication channel and the second communication channel, fully utilizes the space of the valve core, improves the space utilization, reduces the cost and control difficulty, and increases the selection of users.

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; a valve core rotatably disposed within the valve housing, the valve core having a first connecting channel and a second connecting channel, the first connecting channel extending along the outer peripheral wall of the valve core, the second connecting channel including an inner flow channel and two connecting ports, the two connecting ports being connected through the inner flow channel, the two connecting ports being located on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core, and the inner flow channel being located inside the valve core; a sealing member disposed between the valve housing and the valve core, the sealing member having a plurality of clearance channels, at least a portion of at least one clearance channel being disposed within the sealing member and extending along the circumferential and / or axial direction of the sealing member, the first connecting channel being connected to two of the flow ports through the clearance channel, and the second connecting channel being connected to two of the flow ports through the clearance channel; the valve core is rotated such that the first connecting channel is connected to different flow ports and / or the second connecting channel is connected to different flow ports.

[0007] According to embodiments of the present invention, the multi-way valve, by providing a first connecting channel and a second connecting channel, which are respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and the inside of the valve core, makes full use of the valve core space, improves space utilization, and achieves more modes of change under the same volume constraint, reducing the use of simple multi-way valves, and lowering costs and control difficulty; by providing multiple flow ports that are connected to the first and second connecting channels in different ways, the number of changeable modes is further increased, further reducing costs and control difficulty; by providing a sealing element between the valve body and the valve core, and the sealing element having multiple clearance channels partially located inside the sealing element, the number of changeable modes is further increased while ensuring that crossflow occurs between the first and second connecting channels, increasing user choices.

[0008] In some embodiments, the seal is fixed to the inner wall of the valve housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, there are multiple first communication channels.

[0010] Furthermore, at least two of the first connecting channels extend in different directions.

[0011] Furthermore, a portion of the first connecting channel extends axially along the valve core, and a portion of the first connecting channel extends circumferentially along the valve core.

[0012] In some embodiments, there are multiple second communication channels.

[0013] Specifically, in the axial direction of the valve core, a portion of the communication port of the second communication channel is positioned directly opposite the first communication channel.

[0014] Optionally, 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.

[0015] In some embodiments, the multiple flow ports are arranged in multiple rows and columns and are evenly spaced.

[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, by setting a first connecting channel and a second connecting channel, which are respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and the inside of the valve core, the space of the valve core is fully utilized, improving space utilization. Under the same volume constraint, more modes can be changed, reducing the use of simple multi-way valves, and reducing costs and control difficulty. By setting multiple flow ports to connect with the first and second connecting channels, the number of changeable modes is further increased, further reducing costs and control difficulty. By setting a sealing element between the valve body and the valve core, and the sealing element having multiple clearance channels partially located inside the sealing element, the number of changeable modes is further increased while ensuring that crossflow occurs between the first and second connecting channels, increasing user choices.

[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 embodiments of the present invention, by providing a first connecting channel and a second connecting channel, which are respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and the inside of the valve core, the space of the valve core is fully utilized, improving space utilization. Under the same volume constraint, more modes can be changed, reducing the use of simple multi-way valves and reducing costs and control difficulty. By providing multiple flow ports that can be connected to the first and second connecting channels, the number of changeable modes is further increased, further reducing costs and control difficulty. By providing a sealing element between the valve body and the valve core, and the sealing element having multiple clearance channels partially located inside the sealing element, the number of changeable modes is further increased while ensuring that crossflow occurs between the first and second connecting channels, increasing user choices.

[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 2This is a schematic diagram of the sealing element in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-way valve in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow of the medium inside the multi-way valve in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flow of the medium inside the multi-way valve in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the seal in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 100. Multi-way valve;

[0032] 10. Valve housing; 11. Flow port; 12. Connecting plane;

[0033] 20. Valve core; 21. First connecting channel; 22. Second connecting channel; 221. Inner flow channel; 222. Connecting port;

[0034] 30. Seal; 31. Clearance passage; 311. First opening; 312. Second opening. Detailed Implementation

[0035] 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.

[0036] The following is for reference. Figures 1-6 A multi-way valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0037] 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.

[0038] The valve body 10 is provided with multiple flow ports 11. 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 media to the outside. 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 in a switching valve, while the stepless change mode is a continuous change mode, such as in a proportional valve.

[0039] For example, the 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. The medium can be water or other liquids.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 5 As shown, the valve core 20 is rotatably disposed within the valve housing 10. The valve core 20 has a first connecting channel 21 and a second connecting channel 22. The first connecting channel 21 extends along the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20 and is used to connect two flow ports 11. By providing the first connecting channel 21 on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20 and connecting the two flow ports 11, the rotation of the valve core 20 allows the first connecting channel 21 to connect with different flow ports 11, thereby realizing the change of mode. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first connecting channel 21 can be configured to connect two adjacent flow ports 11, which facilitates the production of the valve core 20. For example, the two flow ports 11 are adjacent.

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the second connecting channel 22 includes an inner flow channel 221 and two connecting ports 222. The two connecting ports 222 are connected through the inner flow channel 221. The two connecting ports 222 are located on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20, and the inner flow channel 221 is located inside the valve core 20. By setting the inner flow channel 221 inside the valve core 20, the space occupied by the valve core 20 is fully utilized. Based on the first connecting channel 21 set on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20, the number of selectable modes is further increased, thereby meeting more working requirements.

[0042] Meanwhile, the inner flow channel 221 of the second connecting channel 22 is located inside the valve core 20, which can satisfy the connection of the two flow ports 11 under complex conditions. For example, if there are sixteen flow ports 11 arranged in a 4x4 pattern, the two flow ports 11 located on the diagonal will inevitably affect the connection of the two flow ports 11 on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20 if they are directly connected through the first connecting channel 21 on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20. By setting the inner flow channel 221 inside the valve core 20, this problem can be avoided and the design difficulty of the valve core 20 can be reduced.

[0043] The sealing element 30 is provided between the valve body 10 and the valve core 20. By providing the sealing element 30, the space between the valve body 10 and the valve core 20 is sealed, so as to prevent crossflow between different first connecting channels 21, different second connecting channels 22, and between the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22.

[0044] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, the sealing element 30 is provided with multiple clearance channels 31. At least one clearance channel 31 is partially located within the sealing element 30 and extends along the circumference and / or axial direction of the sealing element 30. The first connecting channel 21 is connected to two flow ports 11 through the clearance channel 31, and the second connecting channel 22 is connected to two flow ports 11 through the clearance channel 31. By providing at least one clearance channel 31 extending within the sealing element 30, compared to the clearance channel 31 being a straight hole directly connecting the flow ports 11 on the same straight line to the first connecting channel 21 or the second connecting channel 22, the first connecting channel 21 or the second connecting channel 22 is not limited to connecting to the flow ports 11 on the same straight line, increasing the medium flow path and providing users with more medium flow path options while ensuring that the aforementioned crossflow does not occur. By setting a partial clearance channel 31 extending within the sealing element 30 based on the inner layer flow channel 221 inside the valve core 20, a multi-layer flow space is constructed. Compared to the related technology where only a single layer of flow is provided, multiple channel options are provided, achieving corresponding matching under complex working conditions.

[0045] like Figure 2 , Figure 6 As shown, 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, so that the flow path of the medium inside the seal 30 can be curved.

[0046] For example, a portion of the clearance channel 31 is located 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 located 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.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown (the bold black lines in the figure represent the flow path of the medium), in some embodiments of the present invention, the first opening 311 of the avoidance 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 second connecting channel 22 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.

[0048] The valve core 20 rotates to change the connection between the first connecting channel 21 and different flow ports 11 and / or the second connecting channel 22 and different 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] For example, the valve core 20 rotates to change the connection between the first connecting channel 21 and different flow ports 11, while the two connecting ports 222 of the second connecting channel 22 are never connected to the flow ports 11; or, the valve core 20 rotates to change the connection between the second connecting channel 22 and different flow ports 11, while the first connecting channel 21 is never connected to the flow ports 11; or, the valve core 20 rotates to change the connection between the first connecting channel 21 and different flow ports 11 and the second connecting channel 22 and different flow ports 11, so that the rotation of a single valve core 20 simultaneously achieves the connection between the first connecting channel 21, the second connecting channel 22 and different flow ports 11.

[0050] The multi-way valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing a first connecting channel 21 and a second connecting channel 22, which are respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and the inside of the valve core 20, makes full use of the space of the valve core 20, improves space utilization, and achieves more modes of change under the same volume constraint, reduces the use of simple multi-way valves, and reduces cost and control difficulty; by providing multiple flow ports 11 to change the connection with the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22, the number of changeable modes is further increased, and the cost and control difficulty are further reduced; by providing a sealing element 30 between the valve body 10 and the valve core 20, and providing multiple avoidance channels 31 partially located inside the sealing element 30, the number of changeable modes is further increased while ensuring that crossflow occurs between the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22, increasing the user's choice.

[0051] In some embodiments, the seal 30 is fixed to the inner wall of the valve housing 10, so that the seal 30 is relatively stationary relative to the valve housing 10, and the valve core 20 rotates relative to the seal 30.

[0052] Optionally, the seal 30 is integrated with the valve body 10, reducing the number of parts and facilitating installation.

[0053] In some examples of the present invention, the seal 30 is fixed to the valve core 20 to rotate synchronously with the valve core 20. At this time, the seal 30 is fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20, so that the seal 30 is relatively stationary relative to the valve core 20, and the valve core 20 and the seal 30 rotate relative to the valve housing 10. It should be noted that the number of clearance channels 31 provided corresponding to the flow port 11 is not limited to the same number as the number of flow ports 11. The number of clearance channels 31 can be greater than the number of flow ports 11. For example, there are a total of sixteen flow ports 11, arranged in four rows and four columns, and a total of twenty clearance channels 31, arranged in four rows and five columns. When the seal 30 is in the first state, the left four rows and four columns of the four rows and five columns of clearance channels 31 are connected to the four rows and four columns of flow ports 11. Moving the seal 30 to the second state, the right four rows and four columns of the four rows and five columns of clearance channels 31 are connected to the four rows and four columns of flow ports 11. Optionally, the seal 30 and valve core 20 are designed as a single unit, reducing the number of parts and facilitating installation.

[0054] For example, when the valve core 20 rotates, causing the first connecting channel 21 to switch connections with multiple flow ports 11, the sealing element 30 has a clearance channel 31 corresponding to the flow port 11. The medium in one of the first connecting channels 21 will not flow into another first connecting channel 21, but will instead flow into the corresponding flow port 11 through the clearance channel 31. Alternatively, when the valve core 20 rotates, causing the second connecting channel 22 to switch connections with multiple flow ports 11, the sealing element 30 has a clearance channel 31 corresponding to the flow port 11. The medium in one of the second connecting channels 22 will not flow into another second connecting channel 11. Instead of flowing into the second connecting channel 22, the medium flows into the corresponding flow port 11 through the corresponding clearance channel 31; or, when the valve core 20 rotates so that both the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22 are connected to multiple flow ports 11, the sealing element 30 is provided with a clearance channel 31 corresponding to the flow port 11. The medium in the first connecting channel 21 will not flow into the second connecting channel 22, but will flow into the corresponding flow port 11 through the corresponding clearance channel 31. Of course, after such a setting, the medium in the second connecting channel 22 will not flow into the first connecting channel 21, thus making the flow path of the medium clearer.

[0055] 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.

[0056] In some embodiments, there are multiple first connecting channels 21. By setting multiple first connecting channels 21 to connect more flow ports 11, control of multiple flow ports 11 can be achieved. Multiple first connecting channels 21 are provided on the valve core 20. When the valve core 20 rotates, multiple first connecting channels 21 will rotate with the valve core 20.

[0057] Furthermore, at least two of the first connecting channels 21 extend in different directions. By setting at least two of the first connecting channels 21 to extend in different directions, the first connecting channels 21 can connect more flow ports 11, achieving connectivity between flow ports 11 in different locations. For example, the first connecting channel 21 can extend horizontally, connecting two horizontally arranged flow ports 11; the first connecting channel 21 can also extend vertically, connecting two vertically arranged flow ports 11; the first connecting channel 21 can also be inclined at 45 degrees, connecting two inclined flow ports 11; of course, the first 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.

[0058] Furthermore, a portion of the first connecting channel 21 extends axially along the valve core 20, and another portion of the first connecting channel 21 extends circumferentially along the valve core 20. By setting a portion of the first connecting channel 21 to extend axially along the valve core 20 and a portion of the first connecting channel 21 to extend axially along the valve core 20, multiple connection methods for the flow port 11 are provided to meet customer needs.

[0059] like Figure 1 As shown, specifically, the first connecting channel 21 is a groove on the valve core 20, with the groove opening facing the valve housing 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.

[0060] In some embodiments, the valve core 20 is one or any combination of a column valve, a ball valve, and a butterfly valve. For example, the valve core 20 is a column valve, which facilitates the positioning of the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22; 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] More specifically, the diameter of valve core 20 is less than 150 mm.

[0063] In some embodiments, there are multiple second connecting channels 22. By setting multiple second connecting channels 22 to connect different flow ports 11, the number of connecting channels for the flow ports 11 is further increased based on the setting of multiple first connecting channels 21, thereby providing more options.

[0064] Specifically, in the axial direction of the valve core 20, a portion of the connecting port 222 of the second connecting channel 22 is directly opposite to the first connecting channel 21. By setting the connecting port 222 of the second connecting channel 22 directly opposite to the first connecting channel 21, when the connecting port 222 of the second connecting channel 22 is connected to the flow port 11, the first connecting channel 21 can also be connected to the other connecting port 222, thus enabling the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22 to work simultaneously. For example, if the axial direction of the valve core 20 is vertical, the connecting port 222 of the second connecting channel 22 is located below the first connecting channel 21, and the valve body 10 has at least four flow ports 11 arranged vertically, two of which are connected through the second connecting channel 22, and the other two are connected through the first connecting channel 21, thereby enabling the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22 to work simultaneously.

[0065] Optionally, 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 all provided on the connecting plane 12. By providing the connecting plane 12, it is convenient to connect the multi-way valve 100 to external devices. For example, the external device is an external pipe, which is inserted into the flow port 11. By providing the connecting plane 12 on the valve housing 10, the position of the flow port 11 is easily identified, facilitating connection.

[0066] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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 groove. By setting the annular groove, the rotation of the valve core 20 is restricted, thereby improving the rotational stability of the valve core 20. The structure is simple and durable.

[0070] Optionally, the valve core 20 has an annular groove on its rotating shaft, and the valve housing 10 has a corresponding protrusion that rotates in conjunction with the groove to improve rotational stability.

[0071] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 6 This describes a specific embodiment of the multi-way valve 100 of the present invention.

[0072] A multi-way valve 100 includes: a valve body 10, a valve core 20, and a seal 30.

[0073] The valve housing 10 has a connecting plane 12, on which there are 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 has flow ports 2B and 2A, the second row from left to right has flow ports 1 and 3, and the third row from left to right has flow ports 4B and 4A. The bottom inner wall of the valve housing 10 has an annular groove.

[0074] 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 core 20 rotatably engages with the inner wall of a groove. The valve core 20 has a first connecting channel 21 and a second connecting channel 22. The first connecting channel 21 is a groove formed on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20, extending along the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20. The connecting channel connects two adjacent flow ports 11. The second connecting channel 22 includes an inner flow channel 221 and two connecting ports 222. The inner flow channel 221 is located inside the valve core 20, and the two connecting ports 222 are connected through the inner flow channel 221 and located on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20.

[0075] 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 six clearance channels 31, namely 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 is the second opening C12 of clearance channel C1 and the second opening B22 of clearance channel B2. The second row from left to right is the second opening A12 of clearance channel A1 and the second opening A22 of clearance channel A2. The third row from left to right is the second opening B12 of clearance channel B1 and the second opening C22 of clearance channel C2.

[0076] The valve core 20 rotates to connect the first connecting channel 21 with the flow changer and the second connecting channel 22 with the flow port 11, forming the following five modes:

[0077] First mode: One first connecting channel 21 connects flow port 1 to flow port 2B, and another first connecting channel 21 connects flow port 3 to flow port 4A.

[0078] Second mode: A first connecting channel 21 connects flow port 1 and flow port 2B, and a second connecting channel 22 connects flow port 4B and flow port 3.

[0079] Third mode: A second connecting channel 22 connects flow port 1 and flow port 2A, and another second connecting channel 22 connects flow port 3 and flow port 4B.

[0080] Fourth mode: A first connecting channel 21 connects flow port 3 to flow port 2A, and a second connecting channel 22 connects flow port 1 to flow port 4A.

[0081] Fifth mode: One second connecting channel 22 connects flow port 1 to flow port 4A, and another second connecting channel 22 connects flow port 3 to flow port 2B.

[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 an outer flow channel 21 and an inner flow channel 22, and the outer flow channel 21 and the inner flow channel 22 being respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and inside of the valve core 20, the space of the valve core 20 is fully utilized, improving space utilization. Under the same volume constraint, more modes of transformation can be achieved, improving the degree of integration. There is no need to use multiple control valves for flow path transformation, reducing costs and control difficulty. By setting multiple flow ports 11 to connect with the outer flow channel 21 and the inner flow channel 22, the number of transformable modes is further increased, further improving the degree of integration and reducing costs and control difficulty.

[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 thermal management system described above.

[0089] According to the vehicle of the present invention, by setting an outer flow channel 21 and an inner flow channel 22, and the outer flow channel 21 and the inner flow channel 22 being respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and inside of the valve core 20, the space of the valve core 20 is fully utilized, improving space utilization. Under the same volume constraint, more modes of transformation can be achieved, improving the degree of integration. There is no need to use multiple control valves for flow path transformation, reducing costs and control difficulty. By setting multiple flow ports 11 to connect with the outer flow channel 21 and the inner flow channel 22, the number of transformable modes is further increased, further improving the degree of integration and reducing costs and control difficulty.

[0090] Other configurations and operations of the multi-way valve 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: Valve housing, wherein the valve housing is provided with multiple flow ports; A valve core is rotatably disposed within the valve housing. The valve core has a first connecting channel and a second connecting channel. The first connecting channel extends along the outer peripheral wall of the valve core. The second connecting channel includes an inner flow channel and two connecting ports. The two connecting ports are connected through the inner flow channel. The two connecting ports are located on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core, and the inner flow channel is located inside the valve core. A sealing element is disposed between the valve body and the valve core. The sealing element has multiple clearance channels. At least one portion of the clearance channel is disposed within the sealing element and extends along the circumferential and / or axial direction of the sealing element. A first connecting channel communicates with two of the flow ports through the clearance channel. A second connecting channel communicates with two of the flow ports through the clearance channel. The clearance channel has two openings. If a straight line passes through one of the openings and the axis of the sealing element, the other opening does not need to be located on this straight line. The valve core rotates such that the first communication channel is connected to different flow ports and / or the second communication channel is connected to different flow ports.

2. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The seal is fixed to the inner wall of the valve body.

3. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first connecting channel is multiple.

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

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

6. The multi-way valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The second connection channel is multiple.

7. The multi-way valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the axial direction of the valve core, a portion of the communication port of the second communication channel is positioned opposite to the first communication channel.

8. 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.

9. The multi-way valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The multiple flow ports are arranged in multiple rows and columns with uniform spacing.

10. The multi-way valve according to any one of claims 1-9, 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.

11. 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 1-10.

12. The thermal management system according to claim 11, 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.

13. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the thermal management system according to claim 11 or claim 12.

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