Fluid valve

Abstract

A vehicle fluid valve enables fluid to flow into a plurality of branches by forming a plurality of flow paths within a flow path switching housing without positioning the flow paths in different layers and communicating a plurality of ports with each other by rotation of the flow path housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluid valve for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Recently, the demand for electric vehicles as environmentally friendly vehicles that do not cause air pollution has increased significantly.

[0003] Generally, even in a vehicle using an internal combustion engine, a valve is used to control the flow of a coolant to cool the engine, etc. Since an electric vehicle uses electric energy of a mounted battery pack, it is important to maintain the temperature of the temperature-sensitive battery within a predetermined range.

[0004] In particular, since the charge capacity or discharge capacity of the battery rapidly decreases at a certain temperature or lower or at a certain temperature or higher, the temperature of the battery pack mounted in the electric vehicle always needs to be maintained within a predetermined temperature range.

[0005] A method of adjusting the temperature of the battery pack by using a coolant is mainly used. In the case where the coolant is used to adjust the temperature of the battery pack as described above, a coolant valve is basically used to change the flow direction of the coolant according to the operating conditions of the vehicle.

[0006] Figure 1 A branch pipe 20 is provided in a valve housing 10 in the form of a cylindrical pipe elongated in the longitudinal direction to change the flow path of the coolant, and has a plurality of communication flow paths 21 provided at different heights therein.

[0007] In the case where the heights of the communication flow paths 21 of the branch pipes 20 are different so that the flow paths for the coolant are changed in the valve housing 10 without overlapping each other, there is a problem of an increase in size of the coolant valve.

[0008] In addition, the sealing member 30 is inserted between the communication flow path 21 of the branch pipe 20 and the inside of the valve housing 10 to prevent coolant leakage. However, there is a problem in that the size of the valve housing 10 is increased and the area of ​​the sealing member 30 is increased by the communication flow path 21 provided at different heights.

[0009] As a related document, there is Korean Patent No. 10-2179242 (November 16, 2020). Summary of the invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a fluid valve in which a plurality of ports are allowed to communicate with each other by rotation of a flow path switching housing in a main body housing so that a fluid such as a coolant can flow through several branches.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] The present invention provides a fluid valve, which includes: a main body shell, the main body shell having an outer peripheral surface, in which a plurality of ports are formed on the same line in the height direction; and a flow path switching shell, the flow path switching shell having an outer peripheral surface, in which a plurality of connecting holes are formed on the same line in the height direction, the flow path switching shell having a plurality of flow paths separated by separation walls so that the plurality of connecting holes are selectively connected, and the flow path switching shell can be rotatably arranged in the main body shell and configured to rotate around the center of the main body shell, wherein the plurality of ports are allowed to selectively connect to each other through the rotation of the flow path switching shell, so that the flow path of the fluid changes.

[0014] Beneficial Effects

[0015] According to the present invention, a plurality of flow paths can be formed in the flow path switching housing without being placed in different layers, and a plurality of ports can be allowed to communicate with each other by rotation of the flow path switching housing so that fluid can flow through several branches. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a fluid valve in the related art.

[0017] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a fluid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a fluid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a flow path switching housing of a fluid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a fluid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a flow path in a flow path switching case of a fluid valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is selected.

[0023] Figure 8 is to show the selection and Figure 7 The flow paths in the diagram show the states of different flow paths.

[0024] [Explanation of Reference Numerals] 100: Main body shell 110: first port, 120: second port 130: Third port, 140: Fourth port 150: fifth port, 160: sixth port 170: Sealing member 200: Flow path switching housing 210: Connecting hole 210a: first communication hole, 210b: second communication hole 210c: third communication hole, 210d: fourth communication hole 210e: fifth communication hole, 210f: sixth communication hole 210g: seventh communication hole, 210h: eighth communication hole 210k: ninth connecting hole, 210m: tenth connecting hole 210n: eleventh communication hole, 210p: twelfth communication hole 220: Group 1 221: first flow path, 222: second flow path 223: third flow path, 230: second group 231: fourth flow path, 232: fifth flow path 233: Sixth flow path 240: Connection 300: Drive unit DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to fully understand the present invention. The embodiments of the present invention may be modified in various forms, and it should not be understood that the scope of the present invention is limited to the embodiments described in detail below. The present embodiments are provided to explain the present invention more comprehensively to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the shapes of the elements in the accompanying drawings, etc. may be exaggerated to emphasize a clearer explanation. It should be noted that in each of the accompanying drawings, the same components are sometimes represented by the same reference numerals. In addition, when it is determined that a specific description may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the description of the known related functions or configurations will be omitted.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] The fluid valve according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a main body housing 100 and a flow path switching housing 200 provided in the main body housing 100 .

[0028] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The main body housing 100 has a plurality of ports formed on the same line in its outer peripheral surface in the height direction. Ports each having an inlet and an outlet through which a fluid flows may be formed in the outer peripheral surface of the main body housing 100 and arranged at the same position in the height direction.

[0029] The flow path switching housing 200 has a plurality of communication holes 210 formed on the same line in its outer peripheral surface in the height direction. The flow path switching housing 200 has a plurality of flow paths separated by a separation wall 250 so that the plurality of communication holes 210 are selectively connected. The flow path switching housing 200 is rotatably disposed in the main body housing 100 and is configured to rotate around the center of the main body housing 100.

[0030] The first port 110, the second port 120, the third port 130, the fourth port 140, the fifth port 150, and the sixth port 160 are formed in the outer peripheral surface of the main body housing 100. A plurality of communication holes 210 are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the flow path switching housing 200, and the plurality of communication holes 210 are connected in the flow path switching housing 200 and define a plurality of flow paths. Among the plurality of communication holes 210, two communication holes are connected and define a flow path among the plurality of flow paths in the flow path switching housing 200.

[0031] The flow path switching housing 200 is rotatably disposed in the main body housing 100. The flow path switching housing 200 rotates around the center of the main body housing 100 to change the flow path through which the fluid flows, and allows the first port 110, the second port 120, the third port 130, the fourth port 140, the fifth port 150, and the sixth port 160 to selectively communicate with each other.

[0032] The driving part 300 may be disposed above or below the main body housing 100 and rotates the flow path switching housing 200. The driving part 300 is connected to the flow path switching housing 200 and rotates the flow path switching housing 200 by a preset angle. A connecting part 240 is provided on the central portion of the flow path switching housing 200, and the connecting part 240 protrudes upward or downward from the main body housing 100. The rotational force of the driving part 300 is transmitted to the flow path switching housing 200 through the connecting part 240.

[0033] Return to reference Figure 3, the first port 110, the second port 120, the third port 130, the fourth port 140, the fifth port 150, and the sixth port 160 may be arranged at preset intervals based on the central axis of the main body housing 100. In addition, the first port 110, the second port 120, the third port 130, the fourth port 140, the fifth port 150, and the sixth port 160 may be radially arranged at intervals of 60° based on the central axis of the main body housing 100.

[0034] Return to reference Figure 4 The multiple connecting holes 210 may include a first connecting hole 210a, a second connecting hole 210b, a third connecting hole 210c, a fourth connecting hole 210d, a fifth connecting hole 210e, a sixth connecting hole 210f, a seventh connecting hole 210g, an eighth connecting hole 210h, a ninth connecting hole 210k, a tenth connecting hole 210m, an eleventh connecting hole 210n and a twelfth connecting hole 210p which are arranged at preset intervals based on the central axis of the flow path switching housing 200.

[0035] The first communication hole 210a, the second communication hole 210b, the third communication hole 210c, the fourth communication hole 210d, the fifth communication hole 210e, the sixth communication hole 210f, the seventh communication hole 210g, the eighth communication hole 210h, the ninth communication hole 210k, the tenth communication hole 210m, the eleventh communication hole 210n, and the twelfth communication hole 210p are provided around the outer peripheral surface of the flow path switching housing 200. A flow path made by connecting two pairs of communication holes among the first communication hole 210a, the second communication hole 210b, the third communication hole 210c, the fourth communication hole 210d, the fifth communication hole 210e, the sixth communication hole 210f, the seventh communication hole 210g, the eighth communication hole 210h, the ninth communication hole 210k, the tenth communication hole 210m, the eleventh communication hole 210n, and the twelfth communication hole 210p is formed in the flow path switching housing 200.

[0036] Reference Figure 5 In the flow path switching housing 200, a first flow path 221 connecting the first communication hole 210a and the third communication hole 210c is formed, a second flow path 222 connecting the fifth communication hole 210e and the ninth communication hole 210k is formed, and a third flow path 223 connecting the seventh communication hole 210g and the eleventh communication hole 210n is formed. Figure 6 , forming a fourth flow path 231 connecting the second connecting hole 210b and the twelfth connecting hole 210p, forming a fifth flow path 232 connecting the fourth connecting hole 210d and the sixth connecting hole 210f, and forming a sixth flow path 233 connecting the eighth connecting hole 210h and the tenth connecting hole 210m.

[0037] In the flow path switching housing 200, the first flow path 221, the second flow path 222, and the third flow path 223 constitute the first group 220, and the fourth flow path 231, the fifth flow path 232, and the sixth flow path 233 constitute the second group 230. The first group 220 or the second group 230 is selected by rotation of the flow path switching housing 200, and the fluid flows to the selected first group 220 or the selected second group 230.

[0038] When the first group 220 or the second group 230 including flow paths through which a fluid will flow in the flow path switching housing 200 is selected by rotation of the flow path switching housing 200, the first port 110, the second port 120, the third port 130, the fourth port 140, the fifth port 150, and the sixth port 160 are connected in groups of two through the flow paths formed by the selected group.

[0039] When the first group 220 or the second group 230 is selected, the first port 110 , the second port 120 , the third port 130 , the fourth port 140 , the fifth port 150 , and the sixth port 160 are connected to each other in groups of two, so that the fluid flows through the first port 110 , the second port 120 , the third port 130 , the fourth port 140 , the fifth port 150 , and the sixth port 160 .

[0040] The first flow path 221, the second flow path 222 and the third flow path 223 and the fourth flow path 231, the fifth flow path 232 and the sixth flow path 233 formed by connecting the connecting hole 210 are divided into a first group 220 and a second group 230, and are formed at the same position in the height direction of the flow path switching housing 200.

[0041] The first group 220 and the second group 230 are formed such that flow paths are separated at the same height, and are not formed in layers separated at different positions in the height direction.

[0042] The first connecting hole 210a and the third connecting hole 210c are formed at intervals of 60° in the first flow path 221, the fifth connecting hole 210e and the ninth connecting hole 210k are formed at intervals of 120° in the second flow path 222, and the seventh connecting hole 210g and the eleventh connecting hole 210n are formed at intervals of 120° in the third flow path 223.

[0043] The communication holes are formed at intervals of 60° in the fourth flow path 231, the fifth flow path 232, and the sixth flow path 233. The second communication hole 210b and the twelfth communication hole 210p are formed at intervals of 60° in the fourth flow path 231, the fourth communication hole 210d and the sixth communication hole 210f are formed at intervals of 60° in the fifth flow path 232, and the eighth communication hole 210h and the tenth communication hole 210m are formed at intervals of 60° in the sixth flow path 233.

[0044] To this end, the first communication hole 210a, the second communication hole 210b, the third communication hole 210c, the fourth communication hole 210d, the fifth communication hole 210e, the sixth communication hole 210f, the seventh communication hole 210g, the eighth communication hole 210h, the ninth communication hole 210k, the tenth communication hole 210m, the eleventh communication hole 210n, and the twelfth communication hole 210p are radially formed at intervals of 30° based on the central axis of the flow path switching housing 200. The first communication hole 210a, the second communication hole 210b, the third communication hole 210c, the fourth communication hole 210d, the fifth communication hole 210e, the sixth communication hole 210f, the seventh communication hole 210g, the eighth communication hole 210h, the ninth communication hole 210k, the tenth communication hole 210m, the eleventh communication hole 210n, and the twelfth communication hole 210p are sequentially formed at intervals of 30° in the outer peripheral surface of the flow path switching housing 200.

[0045] In the flow path switching housing 200, the first flow path 221 and the second flow path 222 are formed on the same plane while penetrating the inside of the flow path switching housing 200, and the third flow path 223 is formed to penetrate the flow path switching housing 200 while bypassing the first flow path 221 and the second flow path 222 in the vertical direction.

[0046] The fourth flow path 231, the fifth flow path 232, and the sixth flow path 233 may be separated by a separation wall 250 formed in the flow path switching housing 200. Return to Reference Figure 4 , the three separation walls 250 may equally divide the inner space of the flow path switching housing 200 , and the divided three spaces may define a fourth flow path 231 , a fifth flow path 232 , and a sixth flow path 233 .

[0047] In this case, the first flow path 221 and the second flow path 222 may be formed to cross partial spaces in the fourth flow path 231 , the fifth flow path 232 , and the sixth flow path 233 .

[0048] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8A configuration is described in which the first port 110 , the second port 120 , the third port 130 , the fourth port 140 , the fifth port 150 , and the sixth port 160 communicate with each other as the flow path switching housing 200 rotates.

[0049] Assume that the fluid branches and flows through Figure 7 The mode of the position of the flow path switching housing 200 shown is the first mode, and the first group 220 is selected in the first mode. The first port 110 and the second port 120 are allowed to communicate with each other through the first flow path 221, the third port 130 and the fifth port 150 are allowed to communicate with each other through the second flow path 222, and the fourth port 140 and the sixth port 160 are allowed to communicate with each other through the third flow path 223. In this case, among the fourth flow path 231, the fifth flow path 232, and the sixth flow path 233 of the remaining second group 230, the second communication hole 210b, the fourth communication hole 210d, the sixth communication hole 210f, the eighth communication hole 210h, the tenth communication hole 210m, and the twelfth communication hole 210p connecting the fourth flow path 231, the fifth flow path 232, and the sixth flow path 233 are blocked by the inner peripheral surface of the main body housing 100.

[0050] Next, when the flow path switching housing 200 is rotated 30° clockwise, the second group 230 is selected in the flow path switching housing 200. Then, the first port 110 and the second port 120 are allowed to communicate with each other through the fourth flow path 231, the third port 130 and the fourth port 140 are allowed to communicate with each other through the fifth flow path 232, and the fifth port 150 and the sixth port 160 are allowed to communicate with each other through the sixth flow path 233. This mode can be defined as the second mode. In this case, among the first flow paths 221, the second flow paths 222, and the third flow paths 223 of the remaining first group 220, the first communicating hole 210a, the third communicating hole 210c, the fifth communicating hole 210e, the seventh communicating hole 210g, the ninth communicating hole 210k, and the eleventh communicating hole 210n connecting the first flow path 221, the second flow path 222, and the third flow path 223 are blocked by the inner circumferential surface of the main body housing 100.

[0051] Next, when the flow path switching housing 200 rotates 30° clockwise, the first group 220 is selected again in the flow path switching housing 200, and the first port 110, the second port 120, the third port 130, the fourth port 140, the fifth port 150 and the sixth port 160 are selected and communicated with each other in groups of two.

[0052] In this way, as the flow path switching housing 200 rotates 30° clockwise, the first group 220 and the second group 230 are alternately selected and allow the first port 110 , the second port 120 , the third port 130 , the fourth port 140 , the fifth port 150 and the sixth port 160 to communicate with each other.

[0053] Only the first mode and the second mode are described above, but a total of eleven modes can be achieved as the flow path switching housing 200 rotates 30° clockwise. In this case, the modes have been described assuming that the rotation direction is clockwise. However, counterclockwise rotation may also be set.

[0054] As described above, the plurality of ports are allowed to communicate with each other through the rotation of the flow path switching housing, so that the fluid can flow through several branches.

[0055] Return to reference Figure 3 , the sealing member 170 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main body housing 100, and prevents leakage of the fluid at a position where a plurality of ports are formed.

[0056] The sealing member 170 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main body housing 100 at a position where the first port 110, the second port 120, the third port 130, the fourth port 140, the fifth port 150 and the sixth port 160 are formed. The flow path switching housing 200 is provided in the main body housing 100, and the sealing member 170 is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the main body housing 100 and the outer peripheral surface of the flow path switching housing 200.

[0057] When the communicating hole 210 is connected to the first port 110, the second port 120, the third port 130, the fourth port 140, the fifth port 150 and the sixth port 160, the sealing member 170 prevents the fluid from leaking to the outside of the flow path switching housing 200. In addition, the communicating holes 210 are positioned on the same line in the circumferential direction in the outer peripheral surface of the flow path switching housing 200. Therefore, the sealing member 170 only needs to be arranged at a position corresponding to the first port 110, the second port 120, the third port 130, the fourth port 140, the fifth port 150 and the sixth port 160, and does not need to be arranged to correspond to all the communicating holes 210. Therefore, the size of the sealing member 170 to be used is reduced. This can reduce the amount of torque generated by the drive part 300 when the flow path switching housing 200 rotates.

[0058] The above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention are for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications of the embodiments and other embodiments equivalent thereto are available. Therefore, it will be well understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms mentioned in the detailed description. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents and substitutes within the spirit and scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A fluid valve, comprising: a main body housing having an outer peripheral surface in which a plurality of ports are formed on the same line in a height direction; as well as a flow path switching housing having an outer peripheral surface in which a plurality of communication holes are formed on the same line in the height direction, a plurality of flow paths separated by a separation wall so that the plurality of communication holes are selectively connected, and the flow path switching housing is rotatably provided in the main body housing and configured to rotate about the center of the main body housing, The plurality of ports are allowed to selectively communicate with each other by rotation of the flow path switching housing, so that the flow path of the fluid is changed.

2. The fluid valve according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of ports are formed at preset intervals based on a central axis of the main body housing.

3. The fluid valve according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of communication holes are formed at preset intervals based on a central axis of the flow path switching housing.

4. The fluid valve according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of flow paths are divided into a first group and a second group by the separation wall, and by rotation of the flow path switching housing, the first group or the second group is selected as a flow path through which the fluid flows.

5. The fluid valve according to claim 4, wherein: When the first group or the second group is selected, the plurality of ports are communicated with each other in groups of two, so that the fluid flows.

6. The fluid valve according to claim 2, wherein: The plurality of ports are radially formed at preset intervals based on a central axis of the main body housing.

7. The fluid valve according to claim 3, wherein: The plurality of communication holes are radially formed at preset intervals based on a central axis of the flow path switching housing.

8. The fluid valve according to claim 1, wherein: A sealing member is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the main body housing at a position where the plurality of ports are formed, and the sealing member prevents leakage of the fluid.

9. The fluid valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A driving portion is provided above or below the main body housing, is connected to the flow path switching housing, and is configured to rotate the flow path switching housing.

Images