Multi-port valve, thermal management system with the multi-port valve and application thereof

Abstract

On one hand, the present invention provides a multi-port valve, comprising a valve housing and a valve core rotatably received within the valve housing, wherein the valve housing is provided with a plurality of external ports, at least some of which are disposed at the axial ends of the valve housing, the valve core is provided with a plurality of internal ports, at least some of which are disposed at the axial ends of the valve core, the valve core is provided with a plurality of flow channels, the flow channels being mutually disconnected within the valve core, and at least two of the flow channels intersecting in their projections on a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the valve core, each of the flow channels connecting two of the plurality of internal ports, and the valve core being capable of rotating relative to the valve housing about a central axis so that at least some of the internal ports are axially connected to the corresponding external ports. On the other hand, the present invention also provides a thermal management system and its application, wherein the thermal management system comprises the aforementioned multi-port valve and a plurality of cooling branches.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of valve technology, and in particular to a multi-port valve and a thermal management system having the multi-port valve. Background Art

[0002] Valves are control components in fluid delivery systems that can be used to control the flow, direction, etc. of fluids. For example, in the thermal management system of new energy vehicles, valves are usually required to control the flow of coolant. Common automotive thermal management systems include multiple cooling circuits, such as battery cooling circuits and electric drive system cooling circuits. In order to simplify the structure of the thermal management system, one solution currently used is to use a multi-port valve to switch between different circuits. However, this multi-port valve is large in size, expensive, and has low reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a multi-port valve that can solve the above problems or at least alleviate the above problems to a certain extent, and a thermal management system having the multi-port valve.

[0004] To this end, the present invention provides a multi-port valve on one hand, comprising a valve housing and a valve core rotatably accommodated in the valve housing, the valve housing and the valve core being both roughly cylindrical, the valve housing being provided with a plurality of external ports, at least some of the external ports being arranged at the axial end of the valve housing, the valve core being provided with a plurality of internal ports, at least some of the internal ports being arranged at the axial end of the valve core, the valve core being provided with a plurality of flow channels, the flow channels being not connected to each other inside the valve core, and at least two of the flow channels being intersected in their projections on a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the valve core, each of the flow channels being connected to two of the plurality of internal ports, and the valve core being able to rotate relative to the valve housing around a central axis so that at least some of the internal ports are connected axially with the corresponding external ports, and the flow channels with the intersecting projections extend toward the same axial end face of the valve core and are connected to the internal ports located on the same axial end face.

[0005] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a thermal management system, which includes the aforementioned multi-port valve and several cooling branches, which are respectively connected to the corresponding external ports of the valve housing, and one or more of these cooling branches form a cooling circuit through the multi-port valve.

[0006] Compared with a multi-port valve with a completely radial fluid flow path design, at least part of the connected inner ports of the multi-port valve of the present invention can be rotated to be connected axially with the corresponding outer ports, making the multi-port valve structure more compact, smaller in size, lower in cost, and further improving its reliability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 4 is a perspective view of a multi-port valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the multi-port valve shown.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of the multi-port valve is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Another exploded view of the multi-port valve is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a second base of a valve core of a multi-port valve is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Another perspective view of the second seat of the valve core of the multi-port valve is shown.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The illustrated perspective diagram of the second base is shown with arrowed marking lines added, wherein the arrowed marking lines indicate the direction of fluid flow in the corresponding flow channel.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A top view of the second base is shown.

[0015] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A bottom view of the second base is shown.

[0016] Figure 10 yes Figure 7 An axial perspective view of the second base is shown, wherein the fluid flow direction of each flow channel is projected on the same axial end surface by corresponding marking lines.

[0017] Figure 11 FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a multi-port valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Another exploded view of the multi-port valve is shown.

[0019] Figure 13 yes Figure 11 The diagram shows a perspective view of the second base of the valve core of the multi-port valve with arrowed lines added, wherein the arrowed lines indicate the direction of fluid flow in the corresponding flow channel.

[0020] Figure 14 yes Figure 11 Another perspective schematic diagram of the second base of the valve core of the multi-port valve is shown with arrowed lines added, wherein the arrowed lines indicate the direction of fluid flow in the corresponding flow channel.

[0021] Figure 15 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a thermal management system including a multi-port valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] refer to Figures 1 to 2 A multi-port valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes a valve housing 10 and a valve core 20 rotatably received within the valve housing 10. Both the valve housing 10 and the valve core 20 are generally cylindrical. The valve housing 10 is provided with a plurality of external ports 11, at least some of which are located on the axial end surface of the valve housing 10. In this embodiment, the plurality of external ports 11 are provided on the axial end surface of the valve housing 10 and are distributed circumferentially. The valve core 20 is provided with a plurality of internal ports, at least some of which are located at the axial ends of the valve core 20. In this embodiment, the plurality of internal ports are formed on the axial end surface of the valve core 20. The valve core 20 is rotatable relative to the valve housing 10 about a central axis so that at least some of the internal ports are axially connected to corresponding external ports 11. Compared to multi-port valves with a completely radial fluid flow path design, the connected internal ports of the multi-port valve according to this embodiment can be rotated to axially connect to different external ports 11, making the multi-port valve more compact, smaller, and more cost-effective, while also improving reliability. It can be understood that in other embodiments, internal ports can also be formed at other positions of the valve core, such as on the peripheral wall. Correspondingly, corresponding external ports can also be formed at other positions of the valve housing, such as on the peripheral wall, so that part of the internal ports are connected with the corresponding external ports in the axial direction and part of the internal ports are connected with the corresponding external ports in the radial direction, and it is not limited to the axial connection between all the internal ports and the corresponding external ports in the present embodiment.

[0023] Also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this embodiment, the valve housing 10 includes a first base 12 having an open end, and a circular cover plate 13 covering the open end of the first base 12. The first base 12 and the cover plate 13 are fixedly connected (for example, by a plurality of screws) and together enclose a receiving cavity 15 ( Figure 2(visible), for accommodating the valve core 20. In this embodiment, the first base 12 includes an annular peripheral wall 120 and an end wall located at one axial end of the peripheral wall 120, wherein the end of the peripheral wall 120 away from the end wall forms the open end. The end wall includes a centrally located hub 122, a rim 123 connected to the peripheral wall 120 of the first base 12, and a plurality of ribs 124 connecting the hub 122 and the rim 123, wherein the external port 11 is formed between adjacent ribs 124. Preferably, the first base 12 is integrally formed.

[0024] See also Figures 3 to 6 In this embodiment, the valve core 20 is cylindrical and has a split structure, comprising a second base 23, and a first end plate 24a and a second end plate 24b, respectively sealed and secured to opposite axial ends of the second base 23. When assembled, the first and second end plates 24a, 24b are fixedly connected to the second base 23 and housed in the accommodating cavity 15, with the second end plate 24b positioned adjacent to the open end of the first base 12. In this embodiment, a drive shaft 231 is formed protruding from the center of the second base 23 toward one end of the second end plate 24b. The drive shaft 231 extends axially to the cover plate 13, which extends through the second end plate 24b and protrudes from the valve housing 10. Preferably, a sealing ring 25 is disposed between the drive shaft 231 and the cover plate 13. An external drive source, such as a motor 80, drives the valve core 20 to rotate within the valve housing 10 via the drive shaft 231. In this embodiment, the motor 80 is further connected to the drive shaft 231 via a transmission gear train. The center of the second base 23 is away from the second end plate 24b and is formed with a protruding column 232 that further penetrates the first end plate 24a. The center of the hub 122 of the first base 12 is formed with a groove 125 ( Figure 2 The boss 232 is rotatably received in the groove 125. The first end plate 24a is further provided with a plurality of through holes serving as the inner ports 26.

[0025] The valve core 20 of the split structure is easy to process. It is understandable that in other embodiments, the valve core 20 may not adopt a split structure, but an integrated structure.

[0026] See also Figures 5 to 10, m flow channels are provided in the second base 23 of the valve core 20, where m≥2. Each of the flow channels is used to connect two of the inner ports. At least two of the m flow channels include an axial extension section connected to the inner port on the axial end face of the valve core 20 and a lateral extension section connected to the axial extension section. The flow channels are not connected to each other inside the valve core 20, and the projections of at least two of the flow channels on a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the valve core 20 intersect. The lateral extension sections of at least two of the m flow channels are at different axial heights. The valve core with such a flow channel structure forms a 3D staggered effect in space, that is, there are both axial extension sections and lateral extension sections on the valve core. This makes the multi-port valve structure more compact, smaller in size, lower in cost, and further improves reliability.

[0027] Specifically, in this embodiment, a first flow channel 21 and a second flow channel 22 are provided in the second base 23, wherein: Figure 7 The arrowed lines added therein indicate the direction of fluid flow in the corresponding flow channel. The first flow channel 21 includes a first transverse extension section 213, and a first axial extension section 211 located at both ends of the first transverse extension section 213 and connected to the first transverse extension section 213. The second flow channel 22 includes a second transverse extension section 223, and a second axial extension section 221 located at both ends of the second transverse extension section 223 and connected to the second transverse extension section 223. Preferably, the first transverse extension section 213 and the second transverse extension section 223 extend laterally on the second base 23 of the valve core 20, respectively, and the two are spaced apart in the axial direction. More preferably, the axial projections (i.e., on a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the valve core 20) of the first transverse extension section 213 and the second transverse extension section 223 are cross-arranged.

[0028] Herein, axial direction refers to the direction coinciding with or parallel to the central axis of the drive shaft 231 of the multi-port valve, circumferential direction refers to the rotation direction along the valve core 20, radial direction refers to the direction in the plane perpendicular to the central axis of the drive shaft 231 of the multi-port valve and passing through the central axis of the drive shaft 231, and transverse direction refers to the direction in the plane perpendicular to the central axis of the drive shaft 231 of the multi-port valve and intersecting with the radial direction.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first and second transverse extensions 213, 223 are respectively recessed inwardly from opposite axial ends of the second base 23 of the valve core 20, and are axially spaced apart from each other. In this embodiment, preferably, the first and second transverse extensions 213, 223 each extend in an arcuate shape around the center of the second base 23. During installation, the first and second end plates 24a, 24b seal the recesses at the ends of the second base 23, thus axially sealing the first and second transverse extensions 213, 223. Furthermore, the inner port 26 provided on the first end plate 24a aligns with and connects to the first axial extension 211 of the first flow channel 21 and the second axial extension 221 of the second flow channel 22, and can further selectively connect to the outer port 11 of the valve housing 10.

[0030] In this embodiment, the multi-port valve further includes a third flow channel 27, comprising a third transverse extension 273 and third axial extensions 271 located at opposite ends of the third transverse extension 273 and communicating with the third transverse extension 273. In this embodiment, the third transverse extension 273 and the first transverse extension 213 are recessed from the same axial end of the second base 23 and are both enclosed by the first end plate 24a during installation. Therefore, the third transverse extension 273 and the first transverse extension 213 at least partially overlap in the axial direction, but are spaced apart in their projections on a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the valve core 20. Specifically, the third transverse extension 273 is arc-shaped and located in the middle of the valve core 20, spaced apart from the periphery of the valve core 20. The third axial extension 271 extends axially along the second base 23 of the valve core 20 and communicates with the inner ports 26 corresponding to the axial ends of the valve core 20, and further communicates with the outer port 11 of the valve housing 10.

[0031] The first transverse extension section 213, the second transverse extension section 221, and the third transverse extension section 273 are respectively located in the central region of the valve core 20 and spaced apart from the periphery of the valve core 20. In this embodiment, the first transverse extension section 213 and the third transverse extension section 273 are located at substantially the same axial height relative to the second base 23 of the valve core 20. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first transverse extension section 213 and the third transverse extension section 273 may be located at different axial positions.

[0032] Reference again Figure 3 and Figure 4In this embodiment, the multi-port valve preferably further includes a sealing member 30, axially disposed between the end wall of the first base 12 and the second base 23. Specifically, the sealing member 30 is provided with a plurality of openings 31 corresponding to the external port 11 and the internal port 26 at the end of the valve. Furthermore, the sealing member 30 is preferably a rubber sheet with a polytetrafluoroethylene layer 36 formed on the surface facing the valve core 20. The polytetrafluoroethylene layer 36 provides a lubricating effect, reducing friction between the valve core 20 and the sealing member 30 during rotation, thereby increasing the service life of the sealing member 30 and further improving fluid sealing performance.

[0033] See also Figures 11 to 14 In the second embodiment, the multi-port valve has a similar structure to the multi-port valve of the previous embodiment, differing in that the second flow channel 22a includes a second transverse extension 223a, a second axial extension 221, and a radial extension 221a located at each end of the second transverse extension 223a and communicating with the second transverse extension 223a. The second transverse extension 223a is located in the middle of the valve core 20. The second axial extension 221 communicates with the inner port 26 corresponding to the axial end of the second base 23 of the valve core 20, while the radial extension 221a communicates with the inner port 28 on the peripheral wall of the second base 23 of the valve core 20. Furthermore, an outer port 29 is provided on the peripheral wall 120 of the first base 12, corresponding to the inner port 28. The second transverse extension 223a is recessed from the axial end surface of the second base 23 facing away from the outer port 11 of the first base 12. Accordingly, the structures of the sealing member 30a and the first end plate 24c are adjusted accordingly.

[0034] like Figure 15 As shown, the present invention also provides a thermal management system, which includes multiple cooling branches, such as a battery cooling branch, an electric drive system cooling branch, and a cooler branch, and the multi-port valve of the first embodiment described above. Each cooling branch of the thermal management system is connected to a corresponding external port of the valve housing 10. During use, the valve core 20 is rotated so that the internal port of the valve core 20 is connected to the corresponding external port, so that one or more of these cooling branches form a cooling circuit through the multi-port valve. The thermal management system can be used to regulate the temperature of the vehicle cooling circuit.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments listed above. Any simple changes or equivalent replacements of the technical solutions that can be obviously obtained by any technician familiar with this technical field within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-port valve for use in a thermal management system having a plurality of cooling branches, comprising a valve housing and a valve core rotatably received in the valve housing, characterized in that: The valve housing and valve core are both roughly cylindrical. The valve housing is provided with multiple external ports, corresponding to the cooling branches of the thermal management system. The external ports are arranged at the same axial end of the valve housing, and the valve core is provided with multiple internal ports. The internal ports are arranged at the same axial end of the valve core. The valve core is provided with several flow channels, which realize fluid separation inside the valve core, and the projections of at least two of the flow channels on a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the valve core intersect. Each of the flow channels connects two of the multiple internal ports, and the valve core can be rotated around a central axis relative to the valve housing to a specified position so that the internal port is connected to the corresponding external port in the axial direction. Any internal port can be connected to different external ports as the valve core rotates to different positions. All these external ports are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the valve housing, and all these internal ports are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the valve core.

2. The multi-port valve according to claim 1, wherein: The flow channels where the projections intersect are staggered with each other in the circumferential direction.

3. The multi-port valve according to claim 1, wherein: Any one of the intersecting flow channels includes an axial extension section communicating with the inner port on the axial end surface of the valve core and a transverse extension section communicating with the axial extension section.

4. The multi-port valve according to claim 3, wherein: The transverse extension sections of the flow channels whose projections intersect extend transversely and are spaced apart in the axial direction, and their projections on a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the valve core intersect.

5. The multi-port valve according to claim 4, characterized in that Any one of the intersecting flow channels further includes an axial extension section further extending from both ends of the respective lateral extension section, and the axial extension section is communicated with an inner port corresponding to the axial end portion of the valve core.

6. The multi-port valve according to claim 5, characterized in that A non-projection intersecting flow channel is also provided in the valve core, and the non-projection intersecting flow channel includes a lateral extension section and axial extension sections extending from both ends of its lateral extension section. The axial extension section of the non-projection intersecting flow channel is connected to the inner port corresponding to the axial end of the valve core, and the lateral extension section of the non-projection intersecting flow channel and the lateral extension section of any one of the projected intersecting flow channels are arranged at a projection interval on a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the valve core.

7. The multi-port valve according to claim 6, wherein: The transverse extension sections of the flow channel are all located in the middle of the valve core and spaced apart from the periphery of the valve core.

8. The multi-port valve according to claim 7, wherein: The valve core includes a cylindrical base and a first end plate and a second end plate respectively fixed at the two axial ends of the base. The transverse extension sections of the projection phase exchange channel are respectively recessed from the two axial ends of the base of the valve core. The first end plate and the second end plate respectively close the transverse extension sections of the projection phase exchange channel from the axial direction.

9. The multi-port valve according to claim 8, wherein: One of the projection phase communication channels and the transverse extension section of the non-projection phase communication channel are recessed at the same axial end of the base of the valve core and are both axially closed by the first end plate.

10. The multi-port valve according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The inner port is a through hole provided on the first end plate.

11. The multi-port valve according to claim 1, wherein: The multi-port valve further includes a sealing member axially disposed between the plurality of external ports of the valve housing and the internal port of the valve core.

12. The multi-port valve according to claim 11, wherein: The sealing member is made of rubber, is fixed to the valve housing and forms a polytetrafluoroethylene layer on the side facing the valve core.

13. The multi-port valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and 11 to 12, characterized in that: The valve core is connected to a motor and can be driven by the motor to rotate within the valve housing.

14. A thermal management system, characterized in that: The thermal management system comprises a multi-port valve according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a plurality of cooling branches, wherein the cooling branches are connected to corresponding external ports of the valve housing, and one or more of the cooling branches form a cooling circuit through the multi-port valve.

15. The thermal management system of claim 14, used to regulate the temperature of a vehicle cooling circuit.

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