Multi-port valve assembly and use of such valve assembly

Abstract

A valve assembly is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing. The valve housing includes: a first fluid opening; a second fluid opening; a third fluid opening; a valve bore having an axial extension; and an intermediate portion axially located between the second fluid opening and the third fluid opening. The valve assembly further includes a plunger disposed within the valve bore and axially movable within the valve bore, where the plunger includes an upper plunger member and a lower plunger member axially movable independently of each other on respective axial sides of the intermediate portion, where the upper and lower plunger members, upon contacting the intermediate portion, are axially movable relative to each other. The first flow path is a flow path between the first fluid opening and the second fluid opening and the second flow path is a flow path between the first fluid opening and the third fluid opening while preventing fluid flow in the first flow path and the second flow path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to multi-port valve assemblies and uses of such valve assemblies. Background Art

[0002] Common in the art is a system arranged to provide a system where heated or cooled fluid from a source is distributed to a user side via two partial circuits (e.g., a heat exchanger). In such a system, in order to control the supply to the user side, two control valves are conventionally used, wherein the corresponding partial circuit is associated with a single such control valve. These control valves can be two-way types for controlling the flow through a partial circuit, and thus control the heating supply or cooling supply to the user side. In a system with two sources, if one of the valves is closed, heating or cooling will be prevented from being delivered from one of these sources. In a system with two user circuits, if one of the valves is closed, heating or cooling may be prevented from being delivered to one of the two user circuits. In a system with two user circuits (wherein the available heat from the source is usually insufficient and the supply to the corresponding user side is limited), a so-called priority function can be utilized, thus allowing a single valve to be opened at a time. In a system with two sources, one source can be dedicated to cooling, and the remaining sources can be dedicated to heating, thus meaning that only one of the sources is effective at a time. Based at least on the foregoing, there exists a need for a valve assembly that simplifies thermal prioritization, or switching between heating or cooling, in systems such as those exemplified above, as well as other systems, in terms of component count, installation, and maintenance. Summary of the invention

[0003] The general object of the inventive concept is to mitigate, alleviate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages and deficiencies in the art, singly or in any combination, and to at least partially solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0004] An object of the inventive concept is to provide a valve assembly having the functionality of multiple types of valve assemblies.

[0005] Another object is to provide a valve assembly comprising fewer parts.

[0006] Another object is to provide a valve assembly that is easier to manufacture.

[0007] Another object is to provide a valve assembly having relatively compact dimensions.

[0008] Another object is to provide a valve assembly that is easy to maintain / repair.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present inventive concept, a valve assembly is provided, which includes a valve housing. The valve housing includes: a first fluid opening; a second fluid opening; a third fluid opening; a valve hole having an axial extension; and an intermediate portion, which is axially located between the second fluid opening and the third fluid opening. The valve assembly further includes a plunger, which is disposed in the valve hole and can move axially in the valve hole, wherein the plunger includes an upper plunger member and a lower plunger member that can move axially independently of each other on respective axial sides of the intermediate portion, wherein the upper plunger member and the lower plunger member, when contacting the intermediate portion, simultaneously prevent fluid from flowing in a first flow path and a second flow path, the first flow path being a flow path between the first fluid opening and the second fluid opening, and the second flow path being a flow path between the first fluid opening and the third fluid opening.

[0010] The present inventive concept provides an overall improved valve assembly having a reduced number of parts, thereby facilitating manufacture and assembly of the valve assembly.

[0011] Further, the valve assembly can be used as a reversing valve, thereby allowing fluid to flow between two fluid openings at a time, while the remaining fluid openings are closed and thus prevent any fluid flow from flowing between these fluid openings. This is in contrast to conventional reversing valves (which are capable of reversing the incoming fluid to flow to any remaining valve opening and outflow therefrom), in which the opening of a specific flow path affects the flow path in the remaining flow paths. That is, if the first flow path of such a conventional reversing valve is opened to, for example, 70%, the second flow path is opened to 30%. Closing the first flow path in the same conventional reversing valve to open to 60% opens the second flow path to 40%, and so on.

[0012] The corresponding flow paths of the valve assembly can be controlled separately, thereby allowing the fluid flow in one of the flow paths to be controlled, while the remaining fluid openings are closed. Therefore, the valve assembly can be used as two traditional two-way valves, for example, to adjust the water flow in a system with independent flow paths. This can contribute to the maintenance and installation of the valve assembly and / or other components in the relevant system. Therefore, the installation cost can be reduced. Thus, in a heating or cooling system, for example, with two heat exchangers, the valve assembly contributes to a simplified method in terms of heat priority, because the number of components can be reduced by one or two valve assemblies (depending on whether the heat priority is performed electronically or by a reversing valve). Other systems in which the valve assembly can be installed are heating systems, cooling systems, drinking water systems, combined heating or cooling systems, systems for heating, cooling and / or drinking water, etc. The valve assembly can be a three-way valve connected to a pipe system accordingly. The valve assembly can combine the functions of two control valves and a reversing valve, which can thus reduce the number of components in, for example, a heating or cooling system, thereby reducing costs, simplifying maintenance, etc. Although the present disclosure provides an example where the valve assembly is a three-way valve, it will be appreciated by the skilled person that the valve assembly may have more than three fluid openings. For example, if the valve assembly has exactly four fluid openings, the inflowing fluid flow may flow from the first fluid opening to one or more of the second fluid opening, the third fluid opening, and the fourth fluid opening. In such a four-way valve, there may be multiple flow path options. The control of a specific flow path associated therewith may be as described above and below. Further, mentioning that a specific flow path is open for a fluid flow may thereby mean that one or more of the remaining flow paths are blocked.

[0013] As used herein, spatial terms such as "upper" and "lower" should be understood in the accompanying drawings (e.g. Figure 1 ) is understood in the orientation depicted by the valve hole, that is, it is not limited to the everyday terms "vertical" or "elevated". However, the terms "vertical" or "elevated" may also be occasionally used in this article without being narrowly interpreted. This will not obscure the clear understanding of the terms used in this article. It is easy for those skilled in the art to understand that if the valve assembly may be viewed and / or installed "upside down", etc., the above terms do not affect the scope of the claims. Therefore, in general, the term "upper" refers to a specific side of the middle part of the valve hole. Therefore, the term "lower" refers to the side of the middle part of the valve hole opposite to the specific side.

[0014] Correspondingly, relative spatial terms such as "top", "bottom", "above", "below", "under", "beneath", "lateral", "longitudinal", etc. should be understood as being related to the above terms, such as viewing along the vertical / normal direction.

[0015] Throughout the text, references to "plunger" may refer to either or both of the upper and lower plunger members.

[0016] The valve assembly may further include an upper biasing member for biasing the upper plunger member toward the intermediate portion and a lower biasing member for biasing the lower plunger member toward the intermediate portion.

[0017] Therefore, the upper and lower plunger members are biased toward a substantially central region of the valve bore. In the event of a power failure or the like, the valve assembly will thus be positioned in a fluid flow blocking state, thereby contributing to safety, liquid leakage, and the like.

[0018] The upper biasing member may be an upper spring and the lower biasing member may be a lower spring.

[0019] The use of springs as biasing members is particularly suitable for harsh environments, such as valve bores that are substantially continuously wet or humid environments. The respective springs of the upper spring and the lower spring may be compression springs, or any other suitable springs.

[0020] The valve assembly may further include a plunger movement preventing member arranged at the middle portion for preventing at least a portion of the upper plunger member from moving below the plunger movement preventing member and for preventing at least a portion of the lower plunger member from moving above the plunger movement preventing member.

[0021] The plunger movement preventing member may be configured to prevent at least a portion of the upper plunger member from moving below the plunger movement preventing member, and to prevent at least a portion of the lower plunger member from moving above the plunger movement preventing member. Thus, the upper plunger member and the lower plunger member may be partially or entirely (preferably entirely) spatially confined to respective sides of the plunger movement preventing member, respectively. This contributes to the reliability of the flow of liquid through the valve assembly.

[0022] The valve housing may include a protrusion at the intermediate portion, the protrusion extending radially into the valve hole. In other words, the plunger movement preventing member may be an integral part of the valve housing.

[0023] Thus, the protrusion may have the function of a plunger movement preventing member as described above. Thus, the protrusion may be an integral part of the valve housing and may therefore contribute to the strength of the valve assembly. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the protrusion may be of any form. Preferably, the protrusion is a circumferentially arranged protrusion, thus extending along a circumferential edge (substantially perpendicular to the axial extension of the valve bore) at a mid-portion of the valve bore.

[0024] The plunger movement preventing member may have an open circumferential geometry temporarily attachable to a complementary indentation of the intermediate portion such that the plunger movement preventing member is radially biased in the complementary indentation.

[0025] In addition to the above, the upper and lower plunger members may be biased toward a substantially central region of the valve bore. In the event of a power failure, etc., the valve assembly may thus be positioned in a fluid flow blocking state, thereby aiding safety, preventing liquid leaks, etc. This option may be similar in structure to the previously described protrusions.

[0026] The upper and lower plunger members may be biased toward the plunger movement preventing member when in contact with the plunger movement preventing member.

[0027] This may further assist in biasing the upper and lower plunger members toward a substantially central region of the valve bore.

[0028] The valve assembly may further comprise a plunger member mover arranged to axially move the upper plunger member and the lower plunger member.

[0029] The plunger member mover may include a single moving portion that selectively contacts either or both plunger members, thereby facilitating a particularly convenient method for moving the respective plunger member within the valve bore.

[0030] The upper plunger member and the lower plunger member may have open ends on axially opposite sides.

[0031] This contributes to the reliability of liquid flow through the valve assembly. Further, the plunger (member) having an open end can be structurally strong, thereby facilitating the use of less material for manufacture. This can achieve a structurally smaller plunger, at least relative to the axial extension of the valve hole and the plunger. For the sake of clarity, the term "open end" should be understood as at least a portion of the end in question being open to allow fluid / liquid to pass therethrough.

[0032] The upper and lower plunger members may each comprise a clear sleeve.

[0033] Thus, fluid flowing through the valve assembly may flow only through the upper plunger member or the lower plunger member, depending on which fluid opening is open.

[0034] A first junction between the second fluid opening and the valve bore and a second junction between the third fluid opening and the valve bore may be axially separated along an axial extension of the valve bore such that the first and second junctions are located on axially opposite sides of the middle portion of the valve housing.

[0035] The term "junction" is understood herein as a region through which a fluid / liquid can flow, ie the opening between the valve bore and the fluid opening. An axial separation of the junction may facilitate manufacturing.

[0036] The first fluid opening may be a fluid inlet, the second fluid opening may be a first fluid outlet, and the third fluid opening may be a second fluid outlet.

[0037] Therefore, the valve assembly can be used as a reversing valve for reversing the inflowing fluid (entering the valve hole via the first fluid opening) to the second fluid opening (first fluid outlet) or the third fluid opening (second fluid outlet).

[0038] The first fluid opening may be a fluid outlet, the second fluid opening may be a first fluid inlet, and the third fluid opening may be a second fluid inlet.

[0039] Thus, the valve assembly can be used as a mixing valve for mixing the inflowing fluid from the second fluid opening (first fluid inlet) or from the third fluid opening (second fluid inlet) to the first fluid opening (fluid outlet). However, it should be understood that no matter how the valve assembly is installed in the circuit, the valve assembly allows a single flow path at a time, i.e., fluid flow between one inlet and one outlet.

[0040] The valve assembly may further include: an electrically controlled linear actuator; and a translator extending along the axial extension of the valve hole, wherein the translator is operably connected to the electrically controlled linear actuator and the piston member mover so that axial movement of the translator produces movement of the upper piston member or the lower piston member.

[0041] Electronic control of fluid flow allows for precise and convenient control of fluid flow through the valve assembly.

[0042] One or more parts of the valve assembly may be made of one or more materials / compounds selected from the group consisting of: brass, steel, bronze, plastic and / or fiber composite materials, and iron.

[0043] Therefore, the material / compound constituting one or more parts of the valve assembly can be durable. This can achieve a valve assembly that can withstand considerable fluid pressure and can operate in a harsh environment for a considerable period of time.

[0044] Further, the plunger movement preventing member of the valve assembly as described above may be a separate part that may be temporarily or permanently attached at the middle portion of the valve housing.

[0045] Further, the valve assembly described above can be configured to allow the fluid to flow through the lower plunger member when the fluid flows in the first flow path FP1, and not allow the fluid to flow through the upper plunger member. The valve assembly can be configured to allow the fluid to flow through the lower plunger member when the fluid flows in the second flow path FP2, and not allow the fluid to flow through the upper plunger member.

[0046] Further, one of the first fluid opening, the second fluid opening and the third fluid opening may be located at an axial end of the valve housing. Thus, the valve assembly may include an axial fluid opening, which is a fluid opening facing in an axial direction. It can be seen that the axial direction extends along the axial extension of the valve hole.

[0047] Further, two of the first fluid opening, the second fluid opening and the third fluid opening may each be located at a corresponding radial portion of the valve housing. Thus, the valve assembly may include two radial fluid openings, which are two fluid openings each facing a radial direction. The radial direction may be considered transverse to the axial direction.

[0048] According to a second aspect, the inventive concept relates to the use of a valve assembly according to the first aspect in a heating or cooling system and / or a water system.

[0049] Features described above in connection with the first aspect also apply, where applicable, to this second aspect.In order to avoid excessive repetitions, reference is therefore made to the above.

[0050] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become clear from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that although the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred embodiments of the present invention, they are given by way of illustration only, because various changes and modifications within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

[0051] Therefore, it should be understood that the inventive concept is not limited to the specific parts of the described equipment or the actions of the described methods, because such equipment and methods can be changed. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. It must be noted that, unless the context clearly stipulates otherwise, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the articles "a", "an", "the" and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more elements. Therefore, for example, mentioning "unit" or "the unit" can include several devices, etc. In addition, the words "comprise", "comprises", "contains" and similar words do not exclude other elements or steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The above and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings should not be considered limiting; rather, they are for explanation and understanding. Throughout the text, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0053] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a valve assembly is shown.

[0054] Figure 2A cross-sectional view of the valve assembly is shown with the lower plunger member in the bottom plunger position.

[0055] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the valve assembly is shown with the upper plunger member in a top plunger position.

[0056] Figure 4A A perspective view of the lower plunger member, upper plunger member, and plunger member mover are shown separated from the rest of the valve assembly.

[0057] Figure 4B Shows Figure 4A Top view of the portion shown.

[0058] Figure 5 A perspective view of a valve assembly is shown.

[0059] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A first example use case of the valve assembly is shown.

[0060] FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B A second example use of the valve assembly is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] The inventive concept will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. However, the inventive concept may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to the skilled person.

[0062] Figure 1 1 shows a cross section of a valve assembly 1000. The valve assembly 1000 includes a valve housing 100. The valve housing 100 includes a first fluid opening 20, a second fluid opening 40, and a third fluid opening 60. The first fluid opening 20 can be considered as a fluid inlet 20. Such a fluid inlet 20 is configured to allow fluid to flow from the outside of the valve housing 100 to the inside of the valve housing 100 via, for example, a connected fluid pipe (not shown). The remaining fluid openings 40, 60 (i.e., the second fluid opening 40 and the third fluid opening 60) can be considered as fluid outlets 40, 60. Therefore, the fluid can flow out of the interior of the valve housing 100 through any one of the second fluid opening 40 and the third fluid opening 60. However, it should be understood that, depending on the current use case, any one or both of the second fluid opening 40 and the third fluid opening 60 can serve as a fluid inlet. As described above, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments (not shown), the valve assembly can include more than three fluid openings without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0063] The valve housing 100 further comprises a valve hole 80 having an axial extension A1. If not explicitly stated otherwise, reference to axial movement means movement substantially parallel to the axial extension A1 of the valve hole 80. The valve hole 80 may have a cylindrical geometry. Preferably, the valve hole 80 has a cylindrical geometry. The cylindrical geometry may facilitate the manufacture of the valve assembly 1000. The fluid discussed throughout this document may be a liquid suitable for use in pipes of a heating or cooling system. Such a liquid may be water or any suitable equivalent.

[0064] The valve housing 100 further comprises an intermediate portion 110 axially located between the second fluid opening 40 and the third fluid opening 60. The intermediate portion 110 may be a physical and / or geometric region located near an axial center region of the valve bore 80. The intermediate portion may extend along the axial extension A1 to less than 30%, preferably 2% to 15%, of the axial length AL1 of the valve bore.

[0065] The valve assembly 1000 further includes a plunger 200. The plunger 200 is disposed in the valve hole 80. The plunger 200 is axially movable in the valve hole 80. "Axially movable" refers to movement along the axial extension A1 of the valve hole 80. It should be understood that in the case where the valve hole 80 and the plunger have a substantially circular geometry, the plunger 200 may be able to rotate around the axial extension at least to a certain extent, i.e., rotate in a plane perpendicular to the axial extension. However, throughout the text, it may be preferred that the plunger 200 can only move along the axial extension A1 of the valve hole 80. Therefore, the plunger 200 may be arranged to be prevented from rotating around the axial extension A1 when disposed in the valve hole 80.

[0066] The plunger 200 includes an upper plunger member 210 and a lower plunger member 220. The upper plunger member 210 and the lower plunger member 220 are axially movable independently of each other on respective axial sides of the intermediate portion 110. Thus, the upper plunger member 210 can move along the axial extension A1 above the intermediate portion 110, and the lower plunger member 220 can move along the axial extension A1 below the intermediate portion 110; independently of each other. Likewise, it should be understood that the upper plunger member 210 and the lower plunger member 220 may rotate independently of each other about the axial extension A1 of the valve bore 80, at least to some extent.

[0067] The upper plunger member 210 and the lower plunger member 220 simultaneously block the flow of the fluid in the first flow path FP1 and the second flow path FP2 when contacting the middle portion 110 .

[0068] The first flow path is the flow path between the first fluid opening 20 and the second fluid opening 40. This flow path is facilitated when the lower plunger member 220 is positioned near the bottom of the valve bore. This situation is depicted in FIG. Figure 2, the figure shows the position of the lower plunger member 220 at its bottommost position in the valve bore 80, thus allowing the first flow path FP1 to be fully opened.

[0069] The second flow path FP2 is the flow path between the first fluid opening 20 and the third fluid opening 60. This flow path is facilitated when the upper plunger member 210 is positioned toward the upper region 82 of the valve bore. This situation is depicted in FIG. Figure 3 , the figure shows the position of the upper plunger member 210 in its uppermost position in the valve bore 80, thus allowing the second flow path FP2 to be fully opened.

[0070] Thus, the valve assembly 1000 can allow fluid to flow between two fluid openings at a time, while the remaining fluid openings are closed and thus prevent any fluid flow. Fluid flow is only allowed in the first flow path FP1 or the second flow path FP2, and therefore not in both at the same time. Further, the respective flow paths FP1, FP2 can be controlled separately, thereby allowing fluid volume flow control in a specific flow path FP1 (FP2), while the remaining flow paths FP2 (FP1) are blocked / closed. Given a set of specific system conditions such as fluid flow, temperature, etc., the degree of opening of a specific flow path depends on the axial position of the upper plunger member 210 / lower plunger member 220 of the plunger. The upper plunger member 210 can take any axial position in the upper region 82 of the valve hole 80. The lower plunger member 220 can take any axial position in the lower region 84 of the valve hole 80. Thus, the fluid flow in the specific flow path FP1 (FP2) can be substantially continuously controlled, while the remaining flow paths FP2 (FP1) are substantially closed. However, there may be some discontinuity in the control of the fluid, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. In practical applications, for example, the plunger members 210, 220 may each take 10 to 1000 different axial positions within the valve bore 80.

[0071] The term "contact" as used above and below may be understood herein to mean that, in reference to the upper plunger member 210, the bottom portion 212 of the upper plunger member is in direct or indirect contact with the middle portion 110 such that the second flow path FP2 is closed to any flow of liquid. That is, as will be readily appreciated by the skilled person, the direct or indirect contact (i.e., sealing) and simultaneous closing of the third fluid opening 60 prevent fluid from flowing between the first fluid opening 20 and the third fluid opening 60. Similar reasoning applies to the lower plunger member 220, wherein "contact" refers to the top portion 222 of the lower plunger 220 being in direct or indirect contact with the middle portion 110 such that the first flow path FP1 is closed to any flow of liquid. Accordingly, the direct or indirect contact (i.e., sealing) and simultaneous closing of the second fluid opening 40 prevent fluid from flowing between the first fluid opening 20 and the second fluid opening 40. Thus, when both the upper plunger member 210 and the lower plunger member 220 are in contact / abutting contact with the middle portion 110, the valve assembly 1000 may be considered to be in a closed state.

[0072] The valve assembly 1000 may further include an upper biasing member 230 for biasing the upper plunger member 210 toward the middle portion 110. The upper biasing member 230 may be an upper spring 230, which is shown in FIG. Figure 1 Therefore, the upper biasing member 230 is preferably a pressure spring 230.

[0073] The valve assembly 1000 may further include a lower biasing member 240 for biasing the lower plunger member 220 toward the intermediate portion 110. The lower biasing member 240 may be a lower spring 240, which is located at the bottom of the valve assembly 1000. Figure 1 , depicted as two rows of vertically arranged circles. Therefore, the lower biasing member 240 is also preferably a pressure spring 240. It should be understood that the present concept can alternatively be implemented by using a tension spring disposed in the valve hole 80. In this case, the upper plunger member can be biased upward along the axial extension A1 of the valve hole 80, and will therefore benefit from an independent plunger member mover configured to move the upper plunger member. Therefore, the lower plunger member 220 can also be biased downward by another tension spring disposed in the valve hole 80 and can be moved by another plunger member mover. The plunger member mover 250 of the preferred case of the present invention for the pressure springs 230, 240 is described below.

[0074] Alternatively, the respective plunger members 210, 220 may be movable by being attached to a movable translator, i.e., without a plunger member mover. In this case, the upper plunger member 210 may be attached to a first axially movable translator and the lower plunger member 220 may be attached to a second axially movable translator, wherein the first axially movable translator and the second axially movable translator may be independently movable along the axial extension A1.

[0075] The valve assembly 1000 may further include a plunger movement preventing member 120, which is arranged at the middle part 110, and is used to prevent at least a portion of the upper plunger member 210 from moving below the plunger movement preventing member 120, and / or to prevent at least a portion of the lower plunger member 220 from moving above the plunger movement preventing member 120.

[0076] The plunger movement preventing member 120 may have an open circumferential geometry. The plunger movement preventing member 120 may be temporarily attached to the complementary notch 130 of the middle portion 110 such that the plunger movement preventing member 120 is radially biased in the complementary notch. Thus, as will be appreciated, the plunger movement preventing member 120 may be a separate part that may be temporarily or permanently attached at the middle portion 110 of the valve housing 100. In other words, the plunger movement preventing member 120 may be an open ring, the outer diameter of which in its relaxed state is greater than the diameter of the complementary notch 130 such that when installed, the plunger movement preventing member 120 becomes radially biased outward in the complementary notch 130. Thus, the plunger movement preventing member 120 may be sufficient to achieve its purpose as described above without the need for additional fastening means. Alternatively, however, the plunger movement preventing member 120 may be fastened in the middle portion 110 by any suitable fastening means while retaining functionality. For example, the plunger movement preventing member 120 may be in the form of one or more protrusions that protrude axially into the valve hole 80 near the middle portion 110. Alternatively or additionally, the plunger movement preventing member 120 may be an integral part of the valve housing. That is, the valve housing 100 may alternatively or additionally include a protrusion (not shown) at the middle portion 110 that extends radially into the valve hole. Radially extending in this article refers to being transverse to the axial extension A1, and therefore may be any kind of protrusion extending from the inner wall of the valve hole 80 into the valve hole 80. Therefore, this integral part option may serve the same purpose as the above-mentioned option of the plunger movement preventing member 120 and have a similar structure. It should be further understood that the plunger movement preventing member (or protrusion) may have any shape or radial extension to sufficiently prevent undesirable movement of the plunger member. It is further possible that the protrusion may include two (or more) protrusions separated along the axial extension A1.

[0077] The upper plunger member 210 and the lower plunger member 220 may be biased towards the plunger movement preventing member 120 when abutting the plunger movement preventing member. This is clearly understood from the above-mentioned pressure spring example. As previously mentioned, the term "abutting" as used herein may be understood as when referring to the upper plunger member 210, the bottom portion 212 of the upper plunger member 210 is in direct or indirect contact with the plunger movement preventing member 120. Preferably, but not necessarily, the upper plunger member 210 and the lower plunger member 220 are biased towards the plunger movement preventing member when in direct contact with the plunger movement preventing member 120. It should be understood that the valve assembly 1000 can function even without the plunger movement preventing member 120. For example, this may be the case when the upper biasing member 230 and the lower biasing member 240 are in a substantially relaxed state and the upper plunger member and the lower plunger member abut the intermediate portion 110.

[0078] The valve assembly 1000 may further include a plunger member mover 250 arranged to axially move the upper and lower plunger members. Figure 4A , an example plunger member mover 250 is shown separately in FIG. The plunger member mover 250 can be attached to the translator 310 (discussed further below). The plunger member mover 250 may include a first protrusion 252 and a second protrusion 254. The first protrusion 252 and the second protrusion 254 may be arranged oppositely, for example, away from each other. Therefore, when the plunger member mover 250 is disposed in the valve hole 80, the protrusions 252, 254 may be located between the bottom portion 212 of the upper plunger member 210 and the top portion 222 of the lower plunger member 220. Whenever the upper plunger member 210 is to be moved upward, the first protrusion 252 and the second protrusion 254 abut the bottom portion 212 of the upper plunger member 210 and push the upper plunger member 210 to a certain axial position in the valve hole 80. To this end, the upper plunger member 210 may include a radially extending circumferential portion 213. This helps the first protrusion 252 and the second protrusion 254 of the plunger member mover 250 to safely abut / grasp the upper plunger member when moving the upper plunger member 210. At the same time, the plunger movement prevention member 120 prevents the lower plunger member 220 from moving upward as described above. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, this also applies mutatis mutandis to the case where the lower plunger member 220 moves axially downward. The plunger member mover 250 may alternatively include additional protrusions for similar purposes, rather than the two 252, 254 exemplified above.

[0079] The upper plunger member 210 may have open ends 216 , 218 on opposite axial sides. Therefore, when fluid flows in the second flow path FP2 , ie, between the first and third fluid openings 20 , 60 , there is no net flow of fluid through the upper plunger member 210 .

[0080] The lower plunger member 220 may have open ends 226, 228 on opposite axial sides. Therefore, when the fluid flows in the second flow path FP2, there is a net flow of fluid through the lower plunger member 220. Further, when the fluid flows in the first flow path FP1, that is, between the first fluid opening 20 and the second fluid opening 40, there is a net flow of fluid through the lower plunger member 220, but there is still no net flow of fluid through the upper plunger member 210.

[0081] The open ends 216, 218, 226, 228 discussed above may refer to ends that are at least partially open. Therefore, the open ends 216, 218, 226, 228 do not necessarily refer to the entire area spanned by the inner circumference of the respective plunger members 210, 220. For example, the open ends 218, 226 of the respective plunger members 210, 220 that face each other when disposed in the valve bore 80 may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the open ends 216, 228 of the respective plunger members 210, 220 that face away from each other. This is because the upper plunger member 210 may include a radially extending circumferential portion 214, and the lower plunger member 220 may include a similar radially extending circumferential portion 224 to facilitate movement of the respective plunger members 210, 220 by the plunger member mover 250 as described above.

[0082] The term "open end" should be interpreted broadly. For example, the open end of the respective plunger member 210, 220 may include a plate having one or more through openings. Alternatively, the open end may include a plurality of spokes or other obstructions.

[0083] The upper and lower plunger members 210, 220 may include unobstructed sleeves 217, 227, respectively. This means that the plunger members 210, 220 lack any through openings (e.g., circumferential through openings) through which fluid may flow. Thus, in mathematical terms, the sleeves 217, 227 may be "simply connected," thereby referring to sleeves "without through holes / openings."

[0084] The first confluence 81 between the second fluid opening 40 and the valve hole 80 and the second confluence 83 between the third fluid opening 60 and the valve hole 80 can be axially separated along the axial extension A1 of the valve hole 80, so that the first confluence 81 and the second confluence 83 are located on the axially opposite sides 82, 84 of the middle part 110 of the valve housing 100. Therefore, the axial extension A40 of the second fluid opening 40 and the axial extension A60 of the third fluid opening 60 can be substantially parallel. However, it should be understood that, alternatively, the axial extensions A40, A60 can have any appropriate angle with respect to each other while substantially retaining the function. Such an angle can be in the range of 30 degrees to 330 degrees, more preferably in the range of 90 degrees to 270 degrees, and even more preferably in the range of 170 degrees to 190 degrees (as depicted in the accompanying drawings). As discussed herein, the confluences 81, 83 refer to the intersection area between two spaces through which the fluid can flow. Thus, given a specific set of system conditions such as fluid flow, temperature, etc., the cross-section of the junction 81, 83 can set constraints on the volume flow of a specific fluid flowing between the two spaces. From a technical point of view of construction or for fluid flow reasons, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings, the cross-section of the junction 81, 83 can be smaller than its corresponding fluid opening 40, 60 that is further away from the valve orifice 80.

[0085] The first fluid opening 20 can be a fluid inlet, the second fluid opening 40 can be a first fluid outlet, and the third fluid opening 60 can be a second fluid outlet. This can be used as a typical use case, in which the valve assembly 1000 is used as a reversing valve according to the above. However, without changing any of the structural features of the valve assembly 1000, the opposite situation can be possible. That is, the first fluid opening 20 can be a fluid outlet, the second fluid opening 40 can be a first fluid inlet, and the third fluid opening 60 can be a second fluid inlet. Thus, the valve assembly 1000 can be installed as a mixing valve, thereby improving the flexibility of the valve assembly 1000. However, it should be understood that no matter how the valve assembly 1000 is installed in the circuit, the valve assembly 1000 allows a single flow path at a time. Other combinations of fluid inlets and outlets can be further possible.

[0086] The upper plunger member 210 and the lower plunger member 220 may include one or more soft sealing elements to prevent unnecessary fluid leakage during use. For example, the upper plunger member 210 may include a first soft sealing element 211-1 present in the first circumferential notch 213-1 of the upper plunger member 210. The first soft sealing element 211-1 may have a circular cross-sectional profile, thus having the form of an O-ring. The upper plunger member 210 may further include a second soft sealing element 211-2 present in the second circumferential notch 213-2 of the upper plunger member 210. The second soft sealing element 213-1 may have a quadrilateral cross-sectional profile, thus having the form of a flat ring. Similarly, the lower plunger member 220 may include a first soft sealing element 221-1 present in the first circumferential notch 223-1 of the lower plunger member 220. The first soft sealing element 221-1 may have a circular cross-sectional profile, thus having the form of an O-ring. The lower plunger member 220 may further include a second soft sealing element 221-2 present in the second circumferential notch 223-2 of the lower plunger member 220. The second soft sealing element 221-2 may have a quadrilateral cross-sectional profile and thus have the form of a flat ring. To avoid unnecessary confusion in the drawings, the soft sealing elements 211-1, 211-2, 221-1, 221-2 are only shown in FIG. Figure 1 , are provided with reference numerals. Soft sealing elements 211-1, 211-2, 221-1, 221-2 can be made of any suitable elastic material (such as rubber). Preferably, the rubber can be nitrile rubber, also known as nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). Alternatively, the rubber can be ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM), but other natural or synthetic rubbers are also possible, such as natural rubber (NR), styrene rubber (SBR), chloroprene rubber (CR), butyl rubber (IIR), silicone rubber (Q) or mixtures thereof, such as mixtures of natural rubber and styrene rubber (NR / SBR). In this article, this can be further applied to other disclosed O-rings, flat rings, etc. It should be understood that, herein, any disclosed O-ring, flat ring, etc. can be replaced with any soft sealing element without departing from the scope of the claims. It is easy for the technician to understand that the above-mentioned soft sealing element can have any suitable geometric shape. For example, all of the above-mentioned soft sealing elements can have the form of a commonly available O-ring.

[0087] The valve assembly 1000 may further include: an electrically controlled linear actuator 300; a translator 310 extending along the axial extension A1 of the valve bore 80, wherein the translator 310 is operably connected to the electrically controlled linear actuator 300 and the plunger member mover 250, such that axial movement of the translator 310 produces movement of the upper plunger member 210 or the lower plunger member 220. Therefore, control of the volume flow through the valve assembly 1000 may be performed by the electrically controlled linear actuator 300. The electrically controlled linear actuator 300 may be electrically connected to a controller including a circuit system configured to perform a control function for controlling the temperature of a device installed in, for example, a heating or cooling system.

[0088] One or more portions of the valve assembly 1000 may be made of one or more materials / compounds selected from the group consisting of: brass, steel, bronze, plastic and / or fiber composite materials, and iron.

[0089] Combination FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B , shows a first set of example usage of the valve assembly 1000. Herein, the valve assembly 1000 is installed in a heating / cooling / water system or a combination thereof. Fig. 6A In the embodiment, the valve assembly is installed as a reversing valve, thereby allowing one incoming fluid flow and two outgoing fluid flows. Figure 6B In, the valve assembly is installed as a mixing valve, thereby allowing two incoming fluid flows and one outgoing fluid flow. In a first example use case, the radiator RA1 is connected to the first heat exchanger HX1, and the tap water device TW1 is connected to the second heat exchanger HX2. The heating or cooling system considered here further includes a first fluid pump P1 and a second fluid pump P2. The valve assembly 1000 is connected to both the first heat exchanger HX1 and the second heat exchanger HX2, so that the first fluid outlet 40 of the valve assembly 1000 is fluidly connected to the first heat exchanger HX1 and the second fluid outlet 60 is fluidly connected to the second heat exchanger HX2. The fluid inlet 20 of the valve assembly 1000 is fluidly / liquid cyclically connected to the first heat source HS1. In Fig. 6A In the embodiment, the fluid flows from the heat source HS1 in the pipe of the heating or cooling system to the valve assembly 1000, after which the fluid is switched to flow to the first heat exchanger HX1 or the second heat exchanger HX2. Therefore, a single valve assembly 1000 can be used to control the temperature of both the first radiator RA1 and the tap water to be tapped in the tap water device TW1. Figure 6B , showing the Fig. 6A A device similar to the device in , where the fluid flows in the opposite direction but the functionality is retained. The direction of the fluid flow in the heating or cooling system can be adjusted by changing the position of the pumps P1, P2 or by connecting the pumps P1, P2 in the opposite direction, etc.

[0090] Combination FIG. 7A to FIG. 7B , shows a second example use of the valve assembly 1000, where the valve assembly 1000 is installed in a heating or cooling system. Fig. 7A In the embodiment, the valve assembly 1000 is installed as a mixing valve, wherein the valve assembly 1000 allows two inflowing fluid flows and one outflowing fluid flow. Figure 7B In the embodiment of the present invention, the valve assembly 1000 is installed to allow one inflow fluid flow and two outflow fluid flows. The heat supply or heat removal in the first heating or cooling device RA1 can be performed by connecting the valve assembly 1000 to the first heating or cooling device RA1 fluid / liquid circulation via the first fluid opening 20 of the valve assembly 1000, wherein the first fluid opening 20 is used as the fluid outlet 20 of the valve assembly 1000. Herein, the remaining fluid openings 40, 60 are used as fluid inlets 40, 60, wherein the first fluid opening 40 is used as the first fluid inlet 40 connected to the heat source HS1, and wherein the second fluid opening 60 is used as the second fluid inlet 60 connected to the heat sink HS2. Preferably, the heat source HS1 can provide a first thermostatic fluid having a temperature higher than the ambient temperature. For example, the first thermostatic fluid can have a temperature in the range of 40 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius. The heat sink HS2 can provide a second thermostatic fluid having a temperature lower than the ambient temperature. For example, the second thermostatic fluid can have a temperature in the range of 5 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius. Thus, valve assembly 1000 can transfer heat from two sources separately. Fig. 7A In the embodiment, the valve assembly 1000 is installed on the supply side, and Figure 7B , the valve assembly 1000 is installed on the return side.

[0091] Accordingly, in summary, in some of the embodiments discussed above, a valve assembly 1000 that can be used as a reversing valve has been described. The valve assembly 1000 can thus allow fluid to flow individually in different flow paths, such that when one flow path is open to fluid flow, the remaining flow paths are completely closed to fluid flow. Further, the fluid flow rate in the open flow path can be substantially continuously changed while the remaining flow paths are blocked. In addition, when the upper plunger member 210 and the lower plunger member 220 abut the middle portion 210 of the valve hole 80, the fluid is prevented from flowing through the valve assembly.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, within the scope of the appended claims, many modifications and variations are possible. When practicing the claimed invention, the skilled person can understand and implement the variations of the disclosed embodiments by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

Claims

1. A valve assembly (1000), comprising: A valve housing (100), the valve housing comprising: a first fluid opening (20); a second fluid opening (40); a third fluid opening (60); a valve hole (80) having an axial extension (A1); and an intermediate portion (110) axially located between the second fluid opening (40) and the third fluid opening (60); and a plunger (200) disposed in the valve hole (80) and axially movable in the valve hole, wherein the plunger (200) includes an upper plunger member (210) and a lower plunger member (220) axially movable independently of each other on respective axial sides of the intermediate portion (110), The upper plunger member (210) and the lower plunger member (220) simultaneously prevent the fluid from flowing in a first flow path (FP1) and a second flow path (FP2) when contacting the middle portion (110), wherein the first flow path (FP1) is a flow path between the first fluid opening (20) and the second fluid opening (40), and the second flow path (FP2) is a flow path between the first fluid opening (20) and the third fluid opening (60).

2. The valve assembly (1000) according to claim 1, further comprising an upper biasing member (230) for biasing the upper plunger member (210) toward the intermediate portion (110); and A lower biasing member (240) is provided for biasing the lower plunger member (220) toward the intermediate portion (110).

3. The valve assembly (1000) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper biasing member (230) is an upper spring and the lower biasing member (240) is a lower spring.

4. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprises a plunger movement preventing member (120), which is arranged at the middle part (110) and is used to prevent at least a portion of the upper plunger member (210) from moving below the plunger movement preventing member (120), and is used to prevent at least a portion of the lower plunger member (220) from moving above the plunger movement preventing member (120).

5. A valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plunger movement preventing member (120) has an open circumferential geometry and can be temporarily attached to a complementary notch (130) of the middle part (110) so that the plunger movement preventing member (120) is radially offset in the complementary notch.

6. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the upper plunger member (210) and the lower plunger member (220) are biased toward the plunger movement preventing member (120) when in contact with the plunger movement preventing member.

7. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a plunger member mover (250) arranged to axially move the upper plunger member (210) and the lower plunger member (220).

8. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the upper plunger member (210) and the lower plunger member (220) have open ends (216, 218, 226, 228) on axially opposite sides.

9. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the upper plunger member (210) and the lower plunger member (220) comprise clear sleeves (217, 227), respectively.

10. A valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a first confluence (81) between the second fluid opening (40) and the valve hole (80) and a second confluence (83) between the third fluid opening (60) and the valve hole (80) are axially separated along the axial extension (A1) of the valve hole (80), so that the first confluence (81) and the second confluence (83) are located on axially opposite sides of the middle part (110) of the valve housing (100).

11. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first fluid opening (20) is a fluid inlet, the second fluid opening (40) is a first fluid outlet, and the third fluid opening (60) is a second fluid outlet.

12. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first fluid opening (20) is a fluid outlet, the second fluid opening (40) is a first fluid inlet, and the third fluid opening (60) is a second fluid inlet.

13. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising: An electrically controlled linear actuator (300); as well as A translator (310) extends along an axial extension (A1) of the valve hole (80), wherein the translator (310) is operably connected to the electrically controlled linear actuator (300) and the piston member mover (250), so that axial movement of the translator (310) produces movement of the upper piston member (210) or the lower piston member (220).

14. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein one or more parts of the valve assembly are made of a durable material, which is any one of brass, steel, plastic and / or fiber composite materials, iron or any combination thereof.

15. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 4 or 6 to 14, wherein the plunger movement preventing member (120) is a separate part that can be temporarily or permanently attached at the middle part (110) of the valve housing (100).

16. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the valve assembly (1000) is configured as follows: When the fluid flows in the first flow path FP1, the fluid is allowed to flow through the lower plunger member (220), and the fluid is not allowed to flow through the upper plunger member (210).

17. The valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 8 to 16, wherein the valve assembly (1000) is configured as follows: When the fluid flows in the second flow path FP2, the fluid is allowed to flow through the lower plunger member (220), and the fluid is not allowed to flow through the upper plunger member (210).

18. Use of the valve assembly (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 in a heating or cooling system and / or a tap water system.

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