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 valve core, a first communication channel and a second communication channel. The valve shell is provided with a plurality of flow-through openings. The valve core is rotatably arranged in the valve shell. The valve core is provided with the first communication channel and the second communication channel. The first communication channel extends along the outer peripheral wall of the valve core. The first communication channel is used for communicating two flow-through openings. The second communication channel is used for communicating two flow-through openings. The second communication channel comprises an inner layer flow channel and two communication openings. The two communication openings are communicated through the inner layer flow channel. The two communication openings are located on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core. The inner layer flow channel is located in the interior of the valve core. The valve core is rotated to make the first communication channel communicate with different flow-through openings and / or the second communication channel communicate with different flow-through openings. By arranging the first communication channel and the second communication channel, the space utilization rate is improved, and the cost and control difficulty are reduced.

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 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 and used to connect two of the flow ports, the second connecting channel being used to connect two of the flow ports, 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, the inner flow channel being located inside the valve core, and the valve core being 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, with the first connecting channel and the second connecting channel respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and the inside of the valve core, makes full use of the space of the valve core, improves space utilization, and achieves more modes of transformation under the same volume constraints, reducing the use of simple multi-way valves, and reducing costs and control difficulty; by providing multiple flow ports corresponding to the first connecting channel and the second connecting channel, the number of usable modes is further increased, further reducing costs and control difficulty.

[0008] In some embodiments, there are multiple first communication channels.

[0009] Specifically, at least two of the first connecting channels extend in different directions.

[0010] In some embodiments, a portion of the first communication channel extends axially along the valve core, and a portion of the first communication channel extends circumferentially along the valve core.

[0011] Specifically, there are multiple second connection channels.

[0012] More 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] Specifically, the multiple flow ports are arranged in multiple rows and columns with uniform spacing.

[0015] Optionally, the multi-way valve further includes a seal disposed between the valve body and the valve core, and the seal has corresponding clearance openings for the plurality of flow ports.

[0016] Specifically, the seal is fixed to the inner wall of the valve housing.

[0017] In some embodiments, the valve housing is provided with at least one valve housing channel, the valve housing channel having an inlet and an outlet on the inner wall of the valve housing, wherein two of the flow ports are connected to the valve housing channel through a first connecting channel, and / or two of the flow ports are connected to the valve housing channel through a second connecting channel.

[0018] 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.

[0019] According to the thermal management system of the present invention, by setting a first connecting channel and a second connecting channel, and the first connecting channel and the second connecting channel being respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and the inside of the valve core, the space of the valve core is fully utilized, the space utilization rate is improved, and more modes can be changed under the same volume constraints, reducing the use of simple multi-way valves, reducing costs and control difficulty; by setting multiple flow ports corresponding to the first connecting channel and the second connecting channel, the number of usable modes is further increased, further reducing costs and control difficulty.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the thermal management system described above.

[0022] According to the vehicle of the present invention, by setting a first connecting channel and a second connecting channel, and the first connecting channel and the second connecting channel being respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and the inside of the valve core, the space of the valve core is fully utilized, the space utilization rate is improved, and more modes can be changed under the same volume constraints, reducing the use of simple multi-way valves, reducing costs and control difficulty; by setting multiple flow ports corresponding to the first connecting channel and the second connecting channel, the number of usable modes is further increased, further reducing costs and control difficulty.

[0023] 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

[0024] 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:

[0025] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of the multi-way valve in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-way valve in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the flow of the medium in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the flow of the medium through the first connecting channel and the valve shell channel in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the flow of the second connecting channel 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; 15. Valve housing passage;

[0033] 20. Valve core; 21. First connecting channel; 22. Second connecting channel; 221. Inner flow channel; 222. Connecting port; 23. Third connecting channel;

[0034] 30. Sealing element; 31. Clearance 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 1-5 The multi-way valve 100 of an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0037] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the multi-way valve 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: valve housing 10 and valve core 20.

[0038] The valve body 10 is provided with multiple flow ports 11. The medium can enter the multi-way valve 100 from the flow ports 11 or flow out from the multi-way valve 100 (e.g., Figure 3 As shown (the bold lines represent the flow path of the medium), multiple modes can be achieved when different flow ports 11 are connected. 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.

[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] 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 achieving a change in the mode. In some examples 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 is used to connect two flow ports 11. 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 valve core 20 rotates to connect the first connecting channel 21 with different flow ports 11 and / or the second connecting channel 22 with 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.

[0044] For example, the valve core 20 rotates to connect the first connecting channel 21 with different flow ports 11, while the two connecting ports 222 of the second connecting channel 22 are not connected to the flow ports 11; or, the valve core 20 rotates to connect the second connecting channel 22 with different flow ports 11, while the first connecting channel 21 is not connected to the flow ports 11; or, the valve core 20 rotates to connect the first connecting channel 21 with different flow ports 11 and the second connecting channel 22 with different flow ports 11, so that the rotation of a single valve core 20 simultaneously connects the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22 with different flow ports 11.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the multi-way valve 100, by providing a first connecting channel 21 and a second connecting channel 22, with the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22 respectively distributed on the outer peripheral wall and inside of the valve core 20, makes full use of the space of the valve core 20, improves space utilization, and achieves more modes under the same volume constraint, without the need to use multiple control valves for flow path switching, reducing cost and control difficulty; by providing multiple flow ports 11 connected to the first connecting channel 21 and the second connecting channel 22, the number of usable modes is further increased, further reducing cost and control difficulty.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Specifically, at least two first connecting channels 21 extend in different directions. By setting at least two 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.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, a portion of the first connecting channel 21 extends axially along the valve core 20, and a 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, 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 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] More specifically, the diameter of valve core 20 is less than 150 mm.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, specifically, 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.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, more 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.

[0055] like Figure 1As 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. The connecting plane 12 facilitates the connection of the multi-way valve 100 to external devices. 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.

[0056] like Figure 1 As shown, specifically, multiple flow ports 11 are arranged in multiple rows and columns with even spacing. This arrangement of multiple flow ports 11 in multiple rows and columns makes the layout clear and regular, further facilitating the identification of the flow port 11's location and making it easier to position the flow ports 11, thus avoiding installation errors. For example, if there are sixteen flow ports 11 arranged in four rows and four columns, each flow port 11 can be quickly located. 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, optionally, the multi-way valve 100 also includes a sealing element 30, which is disposed between the valve body 10 and the valve core 20. The sealing element 30 is provided with corresponding clearance openings 31 for the multiple flow ports 11. By setting the sealing element 30, the space between the valve body 10 and the valve core 20 is sealed, so as to prevent different first connecting channels 21 and second connecting channels 22 from communicating with each other.

[0059] In some examples of the present invention, the sealing element 30 is fixed to the valve core 20 to rotate synchronously with the valve core 20. At this time, the sealing element 30 is fixed to the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20, so that the sealing element 30 is relatively stationary relative to the valve core 20, and the valve core 20 and the sealing element 30 rotate relative to the valve housing 10. It should be noted that the number of clearance ports 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 ports 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 ports 31, arranged in four rows and five columns. When the sealing element 30 is in the first state, the left four rows and four columns of the clearance ports 31 in the four rows and five columns are connected to the flow ports 11 in the four rows and four columns. Moving the sealing element 30 to the second state, the right four rows and four columns of the clearance ports 31 in the four rows and five columns are connected to the flow ports 11 in the four rows and four columns. Optionally, the seal 30 and valve core 20 are designed as a single unit, reducing the number of parts and facilitating installation.

[0060] For example, when the valve core 20 rotates to connect the first connecting channel 21 with multiple flow ports 11, the sealing element 30 has a relief opening 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 relief opening 31. Alternatively, when the valve core 20 rotates to connect the second connecting channel 22 with multiple flow ports 11, the sealing element 30 has a relief opening 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. Instead of flowing into the second connecting channel 22, the medium flows to the corresponding bypass port 31 and enters the corresponding flow port 11; 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 bypass port 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 to the corresponding bypass port 31 and enter the corresponding flow port 11. Of course, after such a setting, the medium in the second connecting channel 22 will not flow into the first connecting channel 21, thereby making the flow path of the medium clearer.

[0061] Specifically, 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.

[0062] Optionally, the seal 30 is integrated with the valve body 10, reducing the number of parts and facilitating installation.

[0063] 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.

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, in some embodiments, the valve core 20 is further provided with a third connecting channel 23. The third connecting channel 23 extends along the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20 and is used to connect at least two flow ports 11. By setting the third connecting channel 23, more modes are provided, giving users more choices. For example, the valve body 10 has four horizontally arranged flow ports 11, and the valve core 20 has one third connecting channel 23. The third connecting channel 23 extends horizontally and is connected to all four flow ports 11. The medium can flow from one flow port 11 into the third connecting channel 23 and then flow out of the third connecting channel 23 from the other three flow ports 11. Of course, the medium can also flow into the third connecting channel 23 from three flow ports 11 and then flow out from another flow port 11. After the four flow ports 11 are connected through the third connecting channel 23, all of the above can be achieved. The third connecting channel 23 can also be connected to five flow ports 11, six flow ports 11, etc., with the same effect, which will not be elaborated here.

[0065] In some embodiments, the valve housing 10 is provided with at least one valve housing channel 15, which has inlets and outlets on the inner wall of the valve housing 10. Two flow ports 11 are connected to the valve housing channel 15 via a first connecting channel 21, and / or two flow ports 11 are connected to the valve housing channel 15 via a second connecting channel 22. By configuring the first connecting channel 21, the second connecting channel 22, the valve housing channel 15, and the flow ports 11, a multi-layer flow space is constructed. Compared to the single-layer flow space method in related technologies, this allows the multi-way switching valve 100 to adapt to more operating conditions and improves the user experience. Figure 4 As shown (the bold black line in the figure represents the medium flow path), the medium can also enter the valve body channel 15. The medium flowing through the valve body channel 15 increases the possibilities for the multi-way switching valve 100.

[0066] In other words, the medium flowing into the multi-way switching valve 100 can have various flow paths. For example, the medium can enter the multi-way switching valve 100 from one flow port 11, pass through the first connecting channel 21, and then flow out of the multi-way switching valve 100 from another flow port 11; or, the medium can enter the multi-way switching valve 100 from one flow port 11, pass through the first first connecting channel 21, the valve body channel 15, and the second first connecting channel 21, and then flow out of the switching valve from another flow port 11; or, the medium can enter the multi-way switching valve 100 from one flow port 11, pass through the second connecting channel 22, and then flow out of the multi-way switching valve 100 from another flow port 11; or, the medium can enter the multi-way switching valve 100 from one flow port 11, pass through the first second connecting channel 22, the valve body channel 15, and the second second connecting channel 22, and then flow out of the switching valve from another flow port 11. Of course, the above are just examples. The medium can have other flow paths. The first connecting channel 21, the second connecting channel 22, the valve body channel 15, and the flow port 11 can also have other combinations, which will not be elaborated here.

[0067] The following is combined Figures 1 to 5 This describes a specific embodiment of the multi-way valve 100 of the present invention.

[0068] A multi-way valve 100 includes: a valve body 10, a valve core 20, and a seal 30.

[0069] The valve body 10 is provided with a connecting plane 12, and the connecting plane 12 is provided with multiple flow ports 11. There are a total of sixteen flow ports 11, which are arranged in four rows and four columns and are spaced apart. From top to bottom, the first row from left to right is flow port A1, flow port A2, flow port A3, and flow port A4; the second row from left to right is flow port B1, flow port B2, flow port B3, and flow port B4; the third row from left to right is flow port C1, flow port C2, flow port C3, and flow port C4; and the fourth row from left to right is flow port D1, flow port D2, flow port D3, and flow port D4.

[0070] The valve core 20 is a column valve with a diameter of 140 mm. The valve core 20 is rotatably disposed inside the valve housing 10. The valve core 20 is provided with a first connecting channel 21, a second connecting channel 22 and a third connecting channel 23.

[0071] The first connecting channel 21 is a groove opened on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20. There are five first connecting channels 21 in total. Three first connecting channels 21 are evenly spaced from top to bottom: first connecting channel A, first connecting channel B, and first connecting channel C. First connecting channels A, B, and C extend along the circumference of the valve core 20. The fourth first connecting channel 21 is located to the right of the first connecting channel B and is the first connecting channel D. The first connecting channel D extends obliquely from left to right downward. The fifth first connecting channel 21 is located to the right of the first connecting channel D and is the first connecting channel E. The first connecting channel E extends along the axial direction of the valve core 20 and extends from the height of the first connecting channel A to the height of the first connecting channel B.

[0072] The second connecting channel 22 includes a second connecting channel A and a second connecting channel B. The second connecting channel A includes an inner flow channel A1 and connecting ports A2 and A3. Connecting port A2 is at the same height as the first connecting channel B and is located between the first connecting channels D and E. Connecting port A3 is located directly below the first connecting channel E, and the height of connecting port A3 is lower than the height of the first connecting channel C. The inner flow channel A1 is located inside the valve core 20 and connects connecting ports A2 and A3. The second connecting channel B includes an inner flow channel B1 and connecting ports B2 and B3. Connecting port B2 is at the same height as the first connecting channel C. Connecting port B2 is located to the right of the first connecting channel D. At the same time, connecting port B2 is directly below the first connecting channel E and directly above connecting port A3. Connecting port B3 is directly below connecting port A2, and the height of connecting port B3 is equal to the height of connecting port A3. The inner flow channel B1 is located inside the valve core 20, and the inner flow channel B1 connects connecting port B2 and connecting port B3.

[0073] The valve core 20 is provided with a third connecting channel 23. The third connecting channel is a groove opened on the outer peripheral wall of the valve core 20. The third connecting channel 23 is located below the first connecting channel C. The third connecting channel 23 is at the same height as the connecting port A3 and the connecting port B3. The third connecting channel 23 extends along the circumference of the valve core 20.

[0074] A sealing element 30 is disposed between the valve housing 10 and the valve core 20. The sealing element 30 has multiple clearance ports 31, a total of twenty, arranged in four rows and five columns at even intervals. The distance between two adjacent clearance ports 31 is the same as the distance between two adjacent flow ports 11 on the valve housing 10, thus allowing the clearance ports 31 and flow ports 11 to communicate with each other. From top to bottom, the first row, from left to right, consists of clearance ports 31. The first row, from left to right, lists the following: A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5. The second row, from left to right, lists the following: B1, B2, B3, B4, and B5. The third row, from left to right, lists the following: C1, C2, C3, C4, and C5. The fourth row, from left to right, lists the following: D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5. The seal 30 is fixed on the shell core. The first connecting channel A is connected to the corresponding clearance ports A1 and A2. The first connecting channel B is connected to the corresponding clearance ports B1 and B2. The first connecting channel C is connected to the corresponding clearance ports C1 and C2. One end of the first connecting channel D is connected to the corresponding clearance port B3, and the other end is connected to the corresponding clearance port C4. The first connecting channel E is connected to the corresponding clearance ports A5 and B5. The connecting port A2 of the second connecting channel A is connected to the corresponding clearance port B4. The connecting port A3 of the second connecting channel A is connected to the corresponding clearance port D5. The connecting port B2 of the second connecting channel B is connected to the corresponding clearance port C5. The connecting port B3 of the second connecting channel B is connected to the corresponding clearance port D4. The third connecting channel 23 is connected to the corresponding clearance ports D1, D2, and D3.

[0075] The valve core 20 rotates to connect the first connecting channel with different flow ports 11, the second connecting channel 22 with different flow ports 11, and the third connecting channel 23 with different flow ports 11, including the following eight modes:

[0076] First mode: The entire multi-way valve 100 is in the closed state. This can be because all the bypass ports 31 and the flow ports 11 are not connected, or the bypass port A1 is connected to the flow port A4, the bypass port B1 is connected to the flow port B4, the bypass port C1 is connected to the flow port C4, and the bypass port D1 is connected to the flow port D4.

[0077] Second mode: Avoidance port A5 is connected to flow port A1, avoidance port B5 is connected to flow port B1, avoidance port C5 is connected to flow port C1, avoidance port D5 is connected to flow port D1, and the first connecting channel E connects flow port A1 and flow port B1.

[0078] Third mode: Avoidance port A5 is connected to flow port A2, avoidance port B5 is connected to flow port B2, avoidance port C5 is connected to flow port C2, avoidance port D5 is connected to flow port D2, avoidance port A4 is connected to flow port A1, avoidance port B4 is connected to flow port B1, avoidance port C4 is connected to flow port C1, avoidance port D4 is connected to flow port D1, the first connecting channel E connects flow port A2 and flow port B2, the second connecting channel A connects flow port B1 and flow port D2, and the second connecting channel B connects flow port C2 and flow port D1.

[0079] Fourth mode: Avoidance port A5 is connected to flow port A3, avoidance port B5 is connected to flow port B3, avoidance port C5 is connected to flow port C3, avoidance port D5 is connected to flow port D3, avoidance port A4 is connected to flow port A2, avoidance port B4 is connected to flow port B2, avoidance port C4 is connected to flow port C2, avoidance port D4 is connected to flow port D2, avoidance port A3 is connected to flow port A1, avoidance port B3 is connected to flow port B1, avoidance port C3 is connected to flow port C1, avoidance port D3 is connected to flow port D1, the first connecting channel E connects flow port A3 to flow port B3, the second connecting channel A connects flow port B2 to flow port D3, the second connecting channel B connects flow port C3 to flow port D2, and the first connecting channel D connects flow port B1 to flow port C2.

[0080] Fifth Mode: The following are connected configurations: A5 (avoidance point) connects to A4 (flow point); B5 (avoidance point) connects to B4 (flow point); C5 (avoidance point) connects to C4 (flow point); D5 (avoidance point) connects to D4 (flow point); A4 (avoidance point) connects to A3 (flow point); B4 (avoidance point) connects to B3 (flow point); C4 (avoidance point) connects to C3 (flow point); D4 (avoidance point) connects to D3 (flow point); A3 (avoidance point) connects to A2 (flow point); B3 (avoidance point) connects to B2 (flow point); C3 (avoidance point) connects to C2 (flow point); D3 (avoidance point) connects to D2 (flow point). The connecting and bypassing ports A2, B2, C2, and D2 are connected to the flow port A1, B2 and C1 respectively. The first connecting channel E connects the flow port A4 and the flow port B4. The second connecting channel A connects the flow port B3 and the flow port D4. The second connecting channel B connects the flow port C4 and the flow port D3. The first connecting channel D connects the flow port B2 and the flow port C3. The third connecting channel 23 connects the flow port D2 and the flow port D1.

[0081] Sixth Mode: The following ports are connected: A4 (avoidance point A4) and B4 (avoidance point B4), C4 (avoidance point C4), D4 (avoidance point D4), A3 (avoidance point A3), B3 (avoidance point B3), C3 (avoidance point C3), D3 (avoidance point D3), A2 (avoidance point A2), B2 (avoidance point B2), C2 (avoidance point C2), and D2 (avoidance point D2). The bypass port A1 is connected to the flow port A1, the bypass port B1 is connected to the flow port B1, the bypass port C1 is connected to the flow port C1, and the bypass port D1 is connected to the flow port D1. The first connecting channel A connects the flow port A1 to the flow port A2, the first connecting channel B connects the flow port B1 to the flow port B2, the first connecting channel C connects the flow port C1 to the flow port C2, the first connecting channel D connects the flow port B3 to the flow port C4, and the third connecting channel 23 connects the flow ports D1, D2, and D3.

[0082] Seventh Mode: The bypass port A3 is connected to the flow port A4; the bypass port B3 is connected to the flow port B4; the bypass port C3 is connected to the flow port C4; the bypass port D3 is connected to the flow port D4; the bypass port A2 is connected to the flow port A3; the bypass port B2 is connected to the flow port B3; the bypass port C2 is connected to the flow port C3; the bypass port D2 is connected to the flow port D3; the bypass port A1 is connected to the flow port A2; the bypass port B1 is connected to the flow port B2; the bypass port C1 is connected to the flow port C2; the bypass port D1 is connected to the flow port D2; the first connecting channel A connects the flow port A2 to the flow port A3; the first connecting channel B connects the flow port B2 to the flow port B3; the first connecting channel C connects the flow port C2 to the flow port C3; the third connecting channel 23 connects the flow port D4, the flow port D2, and the flow port D3.

[0083] Eighth Mode: Avoidance port A2 connects to flow port A4, avoidance port B2 connects to flow port B4, avoidance port C2 connects to flow port C4, avoidance port D2 connects to flow port D4, avoidance port A1 connects to flow port A3, avoidance port B1 connects to flow port B3, avoidance port C1 connects to flow port C3, avoidance port D1 connects to flow port D3, the first connecting channel A connects flow port A4 to flow port A3, the first connecting channel B connects flow port B4 to flow port B3, the first connecting channel C connects flow port C4 to flow port C3, and the third connecting channel 23 connects flow port D4 and flow port D3.

[0084] In various modes, the multi-way valve 100 can adjust the connection area between the clearance port 31 and the flow port 11, thereby adjusting the flow rate.

[0085] By using the above-described configuration, compared with related technologies that use N four-way valves and N three-way valves, this invention reduces the number of four-way valves and three-way valves, thereby reducing the cost per vehicle by 300 to 600 yuan. At the same time, it reduces the difficulty of controlling multiple three-way valves and four-way valves and reduces the volume occupied.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] A vehicle (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the above-described thermal management system.

[0092] 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.

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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 and is used to connect two flow ports. The second connecting channel is used to connect two flow ports. 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. The inner flow channel is located inside the valve core. 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. The valve housing is provided with at least one valve housing channel, the valve housing channel having an inlet and an outlet on the inner wall of the valve housing, wherein two of the flow ports are connected to the valve housing channel through the first connecting channel, and / or two of the flow ports are connected to the valve housing channel through the second connecting channel.

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

3. The multi-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two of the first connecting channels extend in different directions.

4. The multi-way valve according to claim 3, 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.

5. The multi-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second connection channel is multiple.

6. The multi-way valve according to claim 5, 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.

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 claim 7, characterized in that, The multiple flow ports are arranged in multiple rows and columns with uniform spacing.

9. The multi-way valve according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, It also includes a sealing element, which is disposed between the valve body and the valve core, and the sealing element is provided with corresponding clearance openings for the plurality of flow ports.

10. The multi-way valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The seal is fixed to the inner wall of the valve housing.

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 to 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 described in claim 11 or claim 12.

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