Cam-driven fluid valve assembly

Abstract

The valve assembly includes an assembly housing and a fluid valve disposed in the assembly housing. The assembly housing includes a first header tank defining a plurality of first ports and a second header tank defining a plurality of second valve ports. Each second valve port is associated with a respective one of the first ports to form a port pair. The assembly housing includes a valve chamber disposed between the first header tank and the second header tank. A valve chamber is in fluid communication with an interior space of the first header tank through the first port and in fluid communication with an interior space of the second header tank through the second valve port. Each fluid valve is configured to control fluid flow between the first valve port and the second valve port of the respective port pair.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cam-actuated fluid valve assembly. Background Art

[0002] In electric vehicles, thermal management systems can be used to provide heating and / or cooling to control the temperature of various vehicle components, systems and / or compartments. Thermal management of electric vehicles can be complex. For example, to provide cooling, the thermal management system includes a coolant control system that guides coolant to vehicle components, systems and / or compartments through one or more fluid pumps, and guides coolant from vehicle components, systems and / or compartments through a complex system of fluid pipes and fluid valves. To provide heating, the thermal management system includes a refrigerant control system that guides refrigerant through components that provide a refrigeration cycle. In some vehicles, multi-port fluid valves can be used to control the flow of fluids through the thermal management system. However, when the thermal management system is complex enough, the size of the multi-port fluid valve will become larger to accommodate the three, eight, twelve, sixteen or more ports required by the system. In some cases, the size of the fluid valve becomes so large that it may be difficult to meet the packaging requirements of the thermal management system in the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] A vehicle thermal management system includes a coolant control system having a cam-actuated fluid valve assembly that can be used to direct coolant, for example, to cool a drive motor, a charge air heat exchanger, a battery, a power electronics module, a vehicle passenger compartment, and / or other vehicle components or systems requiring temperature control.

[0004] For the purpose of operational and packaging efficiency, it may be useful to combine multiple components of a vehicle thermal management system into a single integrated module. Such a module may include a coolant control system, a refrigerant control system, or both. The coolant control system may include, for example, one or more circulation pumps, a fluid reservoir, one or more fluid valves, a coolant control system controller, sensors, heat exchangers, etc. The housing of the module may include internal passages that allow fluid communication between the various components of the system contained in the module. Portions of the module housing may be configured to replace housing elements of certain components. For example, a portion of the module housing may be used to provide a cover for a fluid valve and / or a fluid valve assembly, thereby connecting the fluid valve assembly to the module housing. For other components, the module may be configured to allow the component to be "plugged into" an appropriately configured portion of the module housing.

[0005] In the illustrated embodiment, the cam-driven fluid valve assembly includes a valve housing that can be integrated into a module housing (e.g., at least a portion of the valve housing can be shared with the module housing). The valve housing of the cam-driven fluid valve assembly is configured to define a plurality of fluid channels and to support an array of sliding gate valves in the fluid channels in such a manner as to control the flow of fluid through the valve housing. The assembly includes a plurality of cam cams supported on a camshaft. The camshaft can be driven to rotate by an actuator. The cams rotate in unison with the camshaft, and each cam is arranged to control the open / closed state of a corresponding gate valve. The rotation of the camshaft causes the valve to be actuated by the cam, and the shape, size, and / or contact surface angle of the cam can vary to allow independent valve actuation times and durations. In some embodiments, the camshaft and the cam are arranged to open and close the fluid valves of the assembly in such a manner that, depending on vehicle operating conditions, a plurality of fluid valves can allow fluid to be directed to a single position and / or a single fluid valve can direct fluid to multiple positions.

[0006] The cam-driven fluid valve assembly receives fluid actuated by one or more fluid pumps, which can be integrated into an integrated module. The fluid pressure generated by the fluid pump is low enough so that many parts of the cam-driven fluid valve assembly (including the fixed gate and / or sliding gate of the gate valve) can be made of plastic, or can be plastic reinforced with metal at key locations, which reduces the cost and weight of the module and improves durability.

[0007] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes an assembly housing having a port. Each port is configured to allow fluid communication between the environment of the assembly housing and the internal space of the assembly housing. The valve assembly includes a camshaft supported on the assembly housing. The camshaft is configured to rotate about a rotation axis. The camshaft includes a cam supported on the camshaft and rotates in unison with the camshaft. In addition, the valve assembly includes a sliding gate valve, which has a first fixed plate, a movable plate, and a second fixed plate. The first fixed plate has a first plate through hole. The first fixed plate is disposed in the assembly housing and fixed relative to the assembly housing to face the first of the ports. The second fixed plate has a second plate through hole. The second fixed plate is parallel to the first fixed plate. The second fixed plate is disposed in the assembly housing and fixed relative to the assembly housing to face the second of the ports and align the second plate through hole with the first plate through hole. The movable plate has a movable plate through hole. The movable plate is disposed between the first fixed plate and the second fixed plate in the assembly housing. The movable plate is movable relative to the first fixed plate in a plane parallel to the first fixed plate. The rotation axis is disposed in the plane, and the movable plate is configured to be driven by the cam and move in the plane.

[0008] In some embodiments, the movable plate is configured to be driven by the cam to reciprocate along a radius of the cam shaft.

[0009] In some embodiments, the movable plate is movable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable plate through-hole is aligned with the first plate through-hole and the second plate through-hole, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the valve. In the second position, there is no alignment between the movable plate through-hole, the first plate through-hole, and the second plate through-hole, thereby preventing fluid from flowing through the valve.

[0010] In some embodiments, the movable plate is biased to the second position by a resilient member that is coplanar with the plane.

[0011] In some embodiments, the amount of fluid that flows through the valve may be varied by selectively positioning the movable plate between a first position and a second position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a push rod, which is arranged between the inner end of the movable plate and the outer peripheral surface of the cam. In addition, the valve assembly also includes an elastic member, which is arranged between the outer end of the movable plate and the inner surface of the assembly housing. The movable plate and the push rod are biased toward the cam by the spring force of the elastic member. When the camshaft rotates around the rotation axis, the cam drives the movable plate to move in the plane through the push rod.

[0013] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a first valve seal disposed between a first retaining plate and an assembly housing. The first valve seal surrounds a first one of the ports. Additionally, the valve assembly includes a second valve seal disposed between a second retaining plate and an assembly housing. The second valve seal surrounds a second one of the ports.

[0014] In some embodiments, the valve assembly is configured such that in certain positions of the movable plate, fluid is allowed to flow through the sliding gate valve in one of a first direction and a second direction. The second direction is opposite to the first direction. The first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the plane. The valve assembly includes a first valve seal and a second valve seal. The first valve seal provides a fluid seal between the first fixed plate and the assembly housing regardless of the direction of fluid flow through the valve. The second valve seal provides a fluid seal between the second fixed plate and the assembly housing regardless of the direction of fluid flow through the valve.

[0015] In some embodiments, the valve assembly is configured to provide bi-directional sealing of the sliding gate valve such that a fluid seal exists between the sliding gate valve and the assembly housing regardless of the direction of fluid flow through the valve.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cam includes a first cam and a second cam, and the sliding gate valve includes a first sliding gate valve and a second sliding gate valve. The movable plate of the first sliding gate valve is configured to be actuated by a camshaft through the first cam, and the movable plate of the second sliding gate valve is configured to be actuated by a camshaft through the second cam.

[0017] In some embodiments, the movable plate of the first sliding gate valve and the movable plate of the second sliding gate valve are coplanar and located on opposite sides of the rotation axis.

[0018] In some embodiments, the movable plate of the first sliding gate valve and the movable plate of the second sliding gate valve are coplanar and located on the same side of the rotation axis.

[0019] In some embodiments, the movable plate of the first sliding gate valve and the movable plate of the second sliding gate valve are coplanar and offset relative to each other along the rotational axis.

[0020] In some embodiments, the movable plate of the first sliding gate valve is biased toward the first cam by a first elastic member, and the movable plate of the second sliding gate valve is biased toward the second cam by a second elastic member.

[0021] In some aspects, the valve assembly includes an assembly housing having a port. Each port is configured to allow fluid communication between the environment of the assembly housing and the interior space of the assembly housing. The valve assembly includes a camshaft supported on the assembly housing. The camshaft is configured to rotate about a rotation axis. The camshaft includes a cam supported on the camshaft and rotates in unison with the camshaft. In addition, the valve assembly includes a sliding gate valve. The sliding gate valve includes a first fixed plate and a movable plate. The first fixed plate has a first plate through hole. The first fixed plate is disposed in the assembly housing and is fixed relative to the assembly housing to face the first of the ports. The movable plate has a movable plate through hole. The movable plate is disposed in the assembly housing in a stacked arrangement relative to the first fixed plate. The movable plate can move relative to the first fixed plate in a plane parallel to the first fixed plate. The rotation axis is disposed in the plane, and the movable plate is configured to be driven by the cam and move in the plane.

[0022] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a second fixing plate having a second plate through hole. The second fixing plate is parallel to the first fixing plate, disposed in the assembly housing, and fixed relative to the assembly housing so as to face the second of the ports and align the second plate through hole with the first plate through hole.

[0023] In some aspects, the valve assembly includes a fluid valve disposed in an assembly housing. The assembly housing includes a first manifold and a second manifold, the first manifold defining a plurality of first ports, and the second manifold defining a plurality of second valve ports. Each second valve port is associated with a corresponding one of the first ports to form a port pair. The assembly housing includes a valve chamber disposed between the first manifold and the second manifold. The valve chamber is fluidically connected to an interior space of the first manifold via the first port, and is fluidically connected to an interior space of the second manifold via the second valve port. Each fluid valve is disposed in the valve chamber and is configured to control fluid flow between a first valve port and a second valve port of a respective port pair.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first header box includes a first header box plate defining a plurality of first valve ports, and the second header box includes a second header box plate parallel to and spaced apart from the first header box plate. The second header box plate defines a plurality of second valve ports.

[0025] In some embodiments, the first axis extends in a direction perpendicular to the first header plate and the second header plate. Each second valve port is aligned with a corresponding one of the first valve ports in a direction parallel to the first axis to form a respective port pair. In addition, each fluid valve is arranged in the valve chamber in alignment with the respective port pair and controls the fluid flow between the first valve port and the second valve port of the respective port pair.

[0026] In some embodiments, each fluid valve is a sliding gate valve.

[0027] In some embodiments, at least one of the fluid valves is a sliding gate valve.

[0028] In some embodiments, the valve chamber is partitioned into a plurality of cells such that each fluid valve is separated from an adjacent fluid valve by a wall portion surrounding each first valve port.

[0029] In some embodiments, each cell is shaped and sized to house and support a single fluid valve therein.

[0030] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a camshaft. The camshaft is supported for rotation by the corresponding wall portion. The camshaft includes cams, and each cam is configured to actuate one of the fluid valves.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first header box includes a first header box plate defining a plurality of first ports and a first partition plate protruding from the first header box plate in a direction away from the second header box. The partition plate divides the interior space of the first header box into a plurality of first fluid channels in such a manner that each first fluid channel is separated from adjacent first fluid channels.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least one first fluid channel is in fluid communication with a single first port, while other first fluid channels are in fluid communication with a plurality of first ports.

[0033] In some embodiments, the second header box includes a second header box plate, the second header box plate defining a plurality of second valve ports, and a second partition plate protruding from the second header box plate in a direction away from the first header box. The second partition plate divides the interior space of the second header box into a plurality of second fluid channels in such a manner that each second fluid channel is separated from an adjacent second fluid channel.

[0034] In some embodiments, at least one second fluid channel is in fluid communication with a single second valve port, while other second fluid channels are in fluid communication with a plurality of second valve ports.

[0035] In some embodiments, the assembly housing includes a third passage connecting the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage, wherein the third passage bypasses the fluid valve.

[0036] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a camshaft. The camshaft is supported to rotate in the valve chamber. The camshaft includes a cam. Each cam is configured to actuate one of the fluid valves. The valve chamber is divided into a first region and a second region, wherein the first wall portion is configured to support the fluid valve in the first region, and the second wall portion surrounds the camshaft and the cam in the second region. In addition, the valve assembly includes a first manifold port located in one of the second wall portions, the first manifold port allowing fluid communication between the first manifold and the second region, and a second manifold port located in another of the second wall portions, the second manifold port communicating between the second manifold and the second region. The second region provides a third fluid channel extending between the first manifold chamber and the second manifold chamber.

[0037] In some aspects, a cam-driven valve assembly includes a fluid valve disposed in an assembly housing. The assembly housing includes a first manifold defining a plurality of first ports and a second manifold defining a plurality of second valve ports. Each second valve port is aligned parallel to the first axis with a corresponding one of the first ports to form a port pair. The assembly housing includes a valve chamber that accommodates a fluid valve and is disposed between the first manifold and the second manifold. The valve chamber is in fluid communication with the first manifold through the first port and in fluid communication with the second manifold through the second valve port. The valve assembly includes a camshaft extending into the valve chamber. The camshaft is supported by the assembly housing for rotation. The camshaft is configured to be driven by an actuator to rotate about an axis of rotation. In addition, the valve assembly includes a cam supported on the camshaft. The cam rotates in unison with the camshaft. The cam is arranged on the camshaft so that each cam is aligned with a unique valve in the fluid valve. The shape and size of the cam are designed to engage the corresponding fluid valve at certain rotational orientations of the camshaft relative to the assembly housing. Each fluid valve is disposed in the valve chamber in alignment with the port pair such that for certain rotational orientations of the cam shaft relative to the assembly housing, at least one cam engages a corresponding one of the fluid valves in such a manner that one of the fluid valves moves between a first position in which fluid flow is permitted between a first port of the port pair and a second valve port and a second position in which fluid flow is prevented between the first port of the port pair and the second valve port.

[0038] In some embodiments, the camshaft and cam are arranged to open and close the fluid valves in such a manner that, depending on the operating conditions of the component, multiple fluid valves in the fluid valves can allow fluid to be directed to a single other fluid valve, and a single fluid valve in the fluid valves can direct fluid to multiple other fluid valves in the fluid valves.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first header box includes a first header box plate and each first port is defined in the first header box plate, the second header box includes a second header box plate parallel to the first header box plate and each second valve port is defined in the second header box plate.

[0040] In some embodiments, the first header plate includes a first plate inner side facing the valve chamber and a first plate outer side facing away from the valve chamber. The first header plate includes a first plate outer side partition protruding from the first plate outer side, the first plate outer side partition partitioning the first port into a plurality of first fluid channels, wherein at least one first fluid channel is connected to the plurality of first ports.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second header plate includes a second plate inner side facing the valve chamber and a second plate outer side facing away from the valve chamber. The second header plate includes a second plate outer side partition protruding from the second plate outer side, the second plate outer side partition partitioning the second valve port into a plurality of second fluid channels, wherein at least one second fluid channel is connected to the plurality of second valve ports.

[0042] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a wall portion disposed in a valve chamber between the first header tank and the second header tank, the wall portion configured to support the fluid valve relative to the port.

[0043] In some embodiments, the valve chamber is divided into a plurality of cells by a wall portion, and the wall portion is configured to separate each valve from an adjacent valve.

[0044] In some embodiments, a wall portion surrounds each port pair.

[0045] In some embodiments, each cell is shaped and sized to house and support a single fluid valve therein.

[0046] In some embodiments, the valve assembly includes a camshaft, wherein the camshaft is supported for rotation by the wall portion. The camshaft includes cams, each cam being configured to actuate a corresponding one of the fluid valves.

[0047] In some embodiments, the camshaft is disposed between the port pairs of the first array and the port pairs of the second array, the port pairs being disposed side by side within each array. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an integrated module of a thermal management system including a cam-actuated fluid valve assembly.

[0049] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a cam-actuated fluid valve assembly as seen through line 2-2.

[0050] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of a cam-actuated fluid valve assembly forming part of an integrated module with the first header tank cover omitted so that the fluid passages in the first header tank are visible.

[0051] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of a cam-actuated fluid valve assembly forming part of an integrated module with the second header tank cover omitted so that the fluid passages in the second header tank are visible.

[0052] Figure 5 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a cam-actuated fluid valve assembly as seen through line 5-5.

[0053] Figure 6 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a cam-actuated fluid valve assembly as viewed along line 6-6. Figure 6 In the figure, the shell region is represented by a dashed line.

[0054] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a cam-actuated fluid valve assembly.

[0055] Figure 8 is an exploded top perspective view of a slide gate fluid valve.

[0056] Fig. 9 is an exploded bottom perspective view of a sliding gate fluid valve.

[0057] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a sliding gate fluid valve.

[0058] Fig.11 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding gate fluid valve with a moving plate shown in a second position in which fluid flow through the fluid valve is blocked.

[0059] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view of a sliding gate fluid valve wherein a moving plate is shown in a first position in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid valve.

[0060] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid valve assembly, wherein the section is taken on a plane parallel to the plane in which the movable plate moves, the plane passing through the first fixed plate.

[0061] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid valve assembly, wherein the section is taken on a plane in which the movable plate moves, the plane passing through the movable plate.

[0062] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid valve assembly, wherein the section is taken on a plane parallel to the plane in which the movable plate moves, the plane passing through the second fixed plate.

[0063] Fig.16 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cam-actuated fluid valve assembly as seen along line 16-16.

[0064] Fig.17 is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the cam-actuated fluid valve assembly as seen along line 17-17. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] See also Figure 1 The cam-actuated fluid valve assembly 5 can be used to control the flow of fluid in a fluid circuit, such as that found in a vehicle thermal management system, for example, to control the flow of coolant through a coolant circuit. In some embodiments, the valve assembly 5 can be a separate component that can be connected to a fluid line of the fluid circuit. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 5 is integrated into a module 1 that also includes other components of the vehicle thermal management system and integrates them into a single integrated unit.

[0066] See also Figure 2-Figure 7 , the valve assembly 5 includes an assembly housing 10. The assembly housing 10 is a multi-layer structure, which includes a first header box 20, a second header box 50 and a valve chamber 80. The assembly housing 10 has a stacked or layered configuration, wherein the first header box 20 is placed on the second header box 50, so that the valve chamber 80 is defined therebetween. References to directions used herein, such as above, below, above, below, placed above, placed below, etc., are relative to Figure 1 and 2 The orientation of the valve assembly 5 is shown. The orientation of the valve assembly 5 is not limited to Figure 1 and 2 The illustrations and directional references are relative only and are not intended to be limiting.

[0067] The first header tank 20 has a first fluid passage 30 that provides a fluid connection between a first circuit port 40 and a first valve port 21. The first circuit port 40 provides a connection between the coolant circuit and the first fluid passage 30 of the first header tank 20. The first valve port 21 provides a connection between the first fluid passage 30 and a fluid valve 120 of the valve assembly 5.

[0068] Similarly, the second header tank 50 has a second fluid passage 60 that provides a fluid connection between a second circuit port 70 and a second valve port 51. The second circuit port 70 provides a connection between the coolant circuit and the second fluid passage 60 of the second header tank 50. The second valve port 51 provides a connection between the second fluid passage 60 and the fluid valve 120 of the valve assembly 5. Each second valve port 51 is associated with a corresponding one of the first valve ports 21 to form a port pair 34.

[0069] The valve assembly housing 10 includes a valve chamber 80 located between the first header tank 20 and the second header tank 50. In addition, the valve assembly 5 includes a fluid valve 120 and a camshaft 160, the camshaft 160 including a cam 166, and the cam 166 is configured to independently actuate each fluid valve 120. The fluid valve 120 and the camshaft 160 are disposed in the valve chamber 80 and cooperate to control the fluid flow between the first and second valve ports 21, 51 of each port pair 34.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, actuation of the camshaft 160 allows each cam 166 to move the valve body of the corresponding fluid valve 120, thereby accurately controlling the timing, sequence and mode of fluid flow through the component housing 10 and the coolant circuit. In addition, the first and second headers 20, 50 of the valve assembly 5 each provide a large number of valve ports 21 (1), 21 (2), 21 (3) ... 21 (n) and 51 (1), 51 (2), 51 (3), ... 51 (n) in a compact package to accommodate complex fluid circuits and allow for a variety of fluid delivery modes. The variable n is an integer greater than zero. The value of n is determined by the requirements of the specific application. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the number n of the first valve port 21, the second valve port 51 and the valve port pair 34 is 21. The cam-driven fluid valve assembly 5 will now be described in detail.

[0071] The first header tank 20 includes a first header tank plate 22, which is adjacent to and surrounded by the first header tank housing 23. The first header tank housing 23 is closed at one end by the first header tank plate 22. The other end of the first header tank housing 23 can be closed by a first header tank cover 24 (such as Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the first header tank cover 24 is an internal portion of the assembly housing 10, which is shared with a portion of the module 1 and may therefore include a first return port 40 that allows fluid to flow from the first fluid channel 30 to other components of the module 1. The first header tank cover 24 is placed above the first header tank plate 22, and the interior space of the first header tank 20 is defined between the first header tank plate 22, the first header tank cover 24 and the first header tank housing 23.

[0072] The first header tank plate 22 has a first plate inner side 25 facing the second header tank 50 and shared with the valve chamber 80. In addition, the first header tank plate 22 has a first plate outer side 26 facing away from the valve chamber 80 and the second header tank 50.

[0073] The first header plate 22 includes a plurality of first valve ports 21 ( 1 ), 21 ( 2 ), 21 ( 3 ), . . . 21 ( n ), which are through holes extending from the first plate inner side 25 to the first plate outer side 26 .

[0074] The first collecting box 20 includes a plurality of first plate partitions 28 extending between the first plate outer side 26 and the first collecting box cover 24. The first plate partitions 28 separate the first valve port 21 into a plurality of first valve port groups 32. Each first valve port group 32 includes at least one first valve port 21. The first plate partitions 28 can be arranged so that some first valve port groups 32 include a plurality of first valve ports 21. The arrangement of the first valve port groups 32 is determined by the requirements of the specific application. In addition, at a position between the first valve port 21 and the first collecting box housing 23, the first plate partition 28 can separate the internal space of the first collecting box 20 into a plurality of first fluid channels 30, which connect the first valve port group 32 and one or more of the first circuit ports 40 that, for example, provide a connection to a fluid line of a coolant circuit, and allow fluid communication between the first valve port group 32 and one or more of the first circuit ports 40.

[0075] The second header tank 50 includes a second header tank plate 52, which is adjacent to and surrounded by the second header tank shell 53. The second header tank shell 53 is closed at one end by the second header tank plate 52. The other end of the second header tank shell 53 can be closed by a second header tank cover 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the second header tank cover 54 is an external portion of the component housing 10, which is shared with a portion of the module 1 and may therefore include a second circuit port 70 that allows fluid to flow from the second fluid channel to other components of the coolant system. The second header tank cover 54 is placed below the second header tank plate 52, and the internal space of the second header tank 50 is defined between the second header tank plate 52, the second header tank cover 54 and the second header tank shell 53.

[0076] The second header plate 52 is parallel or substantially parallel to the first header plate 22. As used herein, the term "substantially" means within two to four degrees from parallel and is used to account for variations that may typically occur during manufacturing and / or assembly. The second header plate 52 has a second plate inner side 55 that faces the first header 20 and is shared with the valve chamber 80. In addition, the second header plate 52 has a second plate outer side 56 that faces away from the valve chamber 80 and the first header 20.

[0077] The second header plate 52 includes a plurality of second valve ports 51(1), 51(2), 51(3) ... 51(n), which are through holes extending from the second plate inner side 55 to the second plate outer side 56. The number of the second valve ports 51 corresponds to the number of the first valve ports 21, so in the illustrated embodiment, the number n of the second valve ports 51 is equal to 21.

[0078] Each second valve port 51 is aligned with a corresponding one of the first valve ports 21 in a direction parallel to the port pair axis 36 to form a respective port pair 34, wherein the port pair axis 36 is perpendicular to each of the first header plate 22 and the second header plate 52. In other words, each second valve port 51(1), 51(2), 51(3) ... 51(n) is paired with a corresponding one of the first valve ports 21(1), 21(2), 21(3) ... 21(n) to form a respective port pair 34(1), 34(2), 34(3) ... 34(n), wherein the valve ports 21, 51 providing the port pair 34 are aligned in a direction parallel to the port pair axis 36.

[0079] The second collecting box 50 includes a plurality of second plate partitions 58 extending between the second plate outer side 56 and the second collecting box cover 54. The second plate partitions 58 separate the second valve port 51 into a plurality of second valve port groups 62. Each second valve port group 62 includes at least one second valve port 51. The second plate partitions 58 can be arranged so that some second valve port groups 62 include a plurality of second valve ports 51. The arrangement of the second valve port groups 62 is determined by the requirements of the specific application. In addition, at a position between the second valve port 51 and the second collecting box housing 53, the second plate partition 58 can separate the internal space of the second collecting box 50 into a plurality of second fluid channels 60, which connect the second valve port group 62 and one or more of the second circuit ports 70, for example, providing a connection to a fluid line of a coolant circuit, and allow fluid communication between the second valve port group 62 and one or more of the second circuit ports 70.

[0080] The valve chamber 80 is disposed between and adjacent to the first header tank 20 and the second header tank 50. The valve chamber 80 is in fluid communication with the first header tank 20 through the first valve port 21 and in fluid communication with the second header tank 50 through the second valve port 51. The valve chamber 80 includes a wall portion 84 extending between the first plate inner side 25 and the second plate inner side 55. The wall portion 84 divides the valve chamber 80 into three areas 85, 86, 88 ( Figure 6). Specifically, the wall portion 84 defines a central region 88 configured to rotatably support the camshaft 160, a first lateral region 85 disposed on one side of the central region 88, and a second lateral region 86 disposed on a side of the central region 88 opposite to the first lateral region 85. The first and second lateral regions 85, 86 serve as a fluid valve group and are each configured to support the fluid valve array 120.

[0081] The wall portion 84 (lr) in each of the first and second lateral regions 85, 86 surrounds the first valve port 21 and the second valve port 51 of each port pair 34 and divides the valve chamber 80 into a plurality of cells 82 in such a manner that each cell 82 is separated from an adjacent cell 82. The shape and size of each cell 82 are designed to accommodate and support a single fluid valve 120 therein, as discussed in more detail below. In addition, each cell 82 and the fluid valve 120 disposed therein are aligned with one of the port pairs 34, and each fluid valve 120 is configured to control the flow of fluid between the first valve port 21 and the second valve port 51 of the respective port pair 34.

[0082] The wall portion 84(lr) in the first lateral region 85 defines a 1×i array of first cells 82(1), while the wall portion 84(lr) in the second lateral region defines a 1×(i+1) array of second cells 82(2). As used herein, the variable i represents the number of cells and is an integer greater than zero. In the illustrated embodiment, i is 10, whereby the array of first cells 82(1) includes ten first cells 82(1), while the array of second cells 82(2) includes eleven second cells 82(2). The first cells 82(1) are arranged to be offset relative to the second cells 82(2) in a direction parallel to the rotation axis 162 of the camshaft 160.

[0083] The valve assembly 5 includes a camshaft 160 extending into the valve chamber 80. In the illustrated embodiment, the camshaft 160 is a rigid rod having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape. The camshaft 160 is supported for rotation by the assembly housing 10. More specifically, the opposite ends of the camshaft 160 are supported for rotation by bearings 165, which are in turn supported by the wall portion 84 (cr) in the central region 88. In addition, the portion of the camshaft 160 located between the opposite ends is supported by the wall portion 84 (cr) providing the sliding bearing 89. The first end 160 (1) of the camshaft 160 is connected to the actuator 4 via a gear set (not shown) disposed in the actuator housing. The actuator 4 drives the camshaft 160 to rotate around the camshaft rotation axis 162. The valve assembly 5 includes an annular shaft seal 106, which surrounds the camshaft 160 and is disposed at the first end 160 (1) of the camshaft. The shaft seal 106 provides a fluid seal between the camshaft 160 and the assembly housing 10 , thereby preventing fluid from flowing between the central region 88 and the interior space of the actuator housing.

[0084] In addition to providing support for the bearing 165, the central area wall portion 84(cr) completely surrounds the camshaft 160 and the cam 166. To this end, the central area wall portion 84(cr) includes an upper wall portion 84(1) disposed above the camshaft 160 and adjacent to the first header tank 20, a lower wall portion 84(2) disposed below the camshaft 160 and adjacent to the second header tank 50, and a side wall portion 84(3) adjacent to the unit 82.

[0085] The valve assembly 5 includes a cam 166 supported on a camshaft 160. Each cam has a central opening 169 through which the camshaft 160 extends. The shape and size of the central opening are designed so that the cam rotates with the camshaft 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the central opening is hexagonal to correspond to the shape of the camshaft 160. However, in other embodiments, splines, keys, or other known structures may be used to secure the cam 166 to the camshaft 160.

[0086] The camshaft 160 includes a cam 166 for each fluid valve 120. The cams 166 are arranged on the camshaft 160 such that each cam 166 is aligned with a unique one of the units 82(1), 82(2), and therefore also with a unique one of the fluid valves 120. Thus, the plurality of cams 166 are spaced apart along the camshaft 160 in a direction parallel to the camshaft rotation axis 162.

[0087] The cams 166 are independently shaped and sized to engage with corresponding fluid valves 120 at certain rotational orientations of the camshaft 160 relative to the assembly housing 10. Each cam 166 may include one or more cam lobes 168 and may have a different peripheral shape and size than adjacent cams 166. Some cams 166 may have the same peripheral shape and size as other cams 166, but may be fixed to the camshaft 160 at a different angular orientation than other cams 166.

[0088] See also Figure 7-Figure 15In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid valve 120 is a sliding gate valve. Actuation of the camshaft 160 allows each cam 166 to move the movable plate 141 of the corresponding fluid valve 120. In the valve assembly 5, the sliding gate fluid valve 120 is provided in each unit 82 and is configured to control the fluid flow between the first valve port 21 and the second valve port 51 of the respective port pair 34. Each sliding gate fluid valve 120 includes a first fixed plate 121, a second fixed plate 131 and a movable plate 141 disposed between the first fixed plate 121 and the second fixed plate 131 in a stacked or layered configuration. Each sliding gate fluid valve 120 includes an elastic member 180 that biases the sliding gate fluid valve 120 to a normally closed position, and each sliding gate fluid valve 120 includes a push rod 190 extending between the sliding gate fluid valve 120 and the corresponding cam 166 of the camshaft 160. The sliding gate fluid valve 120 will now be described in detail.

[0089] Although the first and second fixing plates 121 and 131 are assembled in opposite orientations in the sliding gate fluid valve 120, the first and second fixing plates 121 and 131 are identical in shape and size. Therefore, common elements are indicated by common reference numerals, and only the first fixing plate 121 will be described in detail.

[0090] The first fixing plate 121 is a rigid rectangular plate with a length dimension L S Greater than its width dimension W S , and the width dimension W S Greater than its thickness T S (e.g., height) dimension. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the length dimension L S At least width dimension W S Three times the width W S At least thickness dimension T S five times.

[0091] The first fixed plate 121 has a first working surface 123 facing the respective ports, and a second working surface 124 opposite to the first working surface 123 and facing the movable plate 141. In the case of the first fixed plate 121, the first working surface 123 faces the first valve port 21, and in the case of the second fixed plate 131, the first working surface 123 faces the second valve port 51. The first and second working surfaces 123, 124 are parallel to each other and are spaced apart by the thickness T of the first fixed plate 121. S The corresponding distance.

[0092] The first fixing plate 121 has at least one first plate through hole 122 extending between the first working surface 123 and the second working surface 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the first fixing plate 121 has four first plate through holes 122 extending along the length dimension L of the first fixing plate 121. S Each of the first plate through holes 122 has a rectangular outline when viewed facing the first working surface 123, but is not limited to having an outline of such a shape.

[0093] The first fixing plate 121 includes an outer annular ridge 125 that protrudes from the first working surface 123 and surrounds the entire first plate through hole 122. In the case of the first fixing plate 121, the outer annular ridge 125 positions the first valve seal 100 relative to the first working surface 123 of the first fixing plate 121. The first valve seal 100 provides a fluid seal between the first fixing plate 121 (e.g., the sliding gate fluid valve 120) and the first header tank 20. In the case of the second fixing plate 131, the outer annular ridge 125 positions the second valve seal 102 relative to the first working surface 123 of the second fixing plate 131. The second valve seal 102 provides a fluid seal between the second fixing plate 131 (e.g., the sliding gate fluid valve 120) and the second header tank 50.

[0094] The first fixed plate 121 includes an inner annular ridge 126 protruding from the second working surface 124. The inner annular ridge 126 surrounds each first plate through the opening 122. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the first fixed plate 121 includes four inner annular ridges 126. The end 126 (1) of each inner annular ridge is planar and abuts against the movable plate 141. In the case of the first fixed plate 121, the planar end 126 (1) forms a fluid seal between the first fixed plate 121 and the movable plate 141. In the case of the second fixed plate 131, the planar end 126 (1) forms a fluid seal between the second fixed plate 131 and the movable plate 141. With this configuration, the inner annular ridge 126 reduces the sliding friction between the (fixed) first and second fixed plates 121, 131 and the movable plate 141 during valve operation, compared to fixed plates without inner annular ridges.

[0095] Each of the first and second fixing plates 121, 131 of a given fluid valve 120 is disposed in a corresponding cell 82, and each of the first and second fixing plates 121, 131 is fixed relative to a wall portion 84(lr) defining the cell 82. To this end, the shape and size of the wall portion 84(lr) of each cell 82 is provided so that each of the first and second fixing plates 121, 131 is immovable within the cell 82. For example, the wall portion 84(lr) defines a rectangular opening that receives the first fixing plate 121 therein in a clearance fit (e.g., each cell 82 is formed to closely follow the contour and size of the first fixing plate 121 disposed therein).

[0096] The movable plate 141 is a rigid, generally rectangular plate having a length dimension L M Greater than its width dimension W M , and the width dimension W M Greater than its thickness T M (e.g., height) dimension. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the length dimension L M At least the width W M three times the width W M At least the thickness dimension T M The overall dimension L of the movable plate M , W M 、T M The overall size L of the first and second fixing plates 121 and 131 is S , W S 、T S Basically the same.

[0097] The movable plate 141 has a first working surface 143 facing the respective first fixing plate 121, and a second working surface 144 opposite to the first working surface 143 and facing the second fixing plate 151. The first and second working surfaces 143, 144 are parallel to each other and spaced apart by a thickness T of the movable plate 141. M Furthermore, the first and second working surfaces 143, 144 are planar (eg, lie in one plane) and substantially smooth.

[0098] The movable plate 141 has an outer peripheral surface 145 extending between a first working surface 143 and a second working surface 144. The outer peripheral surface 145 includes a first end surface 145(1) facing the camshaft 160, a second end surface 145(2) opposite to the first end surface 145(1), and a pair of side surfaces 145(3), 145(4) extending in the length direction between the first end surface 145(1) and the second end surface 145(2).

[0099] The width of the movable plate 141 is non-uniform. Specifically, the width of the central portion of the movable plate 141 is greater than the width of the movable plate 141 at each of the first and second end surfaces 145(1), 145(2). A shoulder 145(6) is formed at the transition between the widths. The shoulder 145(6) is closer to the respective first and second end surfaces 145(1), 145(2) than the middle length of the movable plate 141. As seen when the movable plate 141 is viewed in a top plan view (e.g., in a direction facing the first working surface 143), the central portion of the movable plate 141 is rectangular and has a width W corresponding to the width WS of the fixed plates 121, 131. M。

[0100] The second end surface 145(2) includes a locating post 146 that projects outwardly toward the camshaft 160. The locating post 146 is shaped and dimensioned to engage with one end of a resilient member 180 that extends between the cam 166 of the camshaft 160 and the second end surface 145(2) in such a manner that the locating post 146 locates the resilient member 180 relative to the second end surface 145(2) and retains the resilient member 180 thereon. For example, when the resilient member 180 is a coil spring, the locating post 146 is shaped and dimensioned to be received in the open end of the coil spring. In the illustrated embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the locating post 146 is rectangular and has a maximum dimension corresponding to the inner diameter of the coil spring.

[0101] The central portion of the movable plate 141 has at least one movable plate through hole 142 extending between the first working surface 143 and the second working surface 144. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable plate 141 has four movable plate through holes 142 extending along the length dimension L of the movable plate 141. M Each movable plate through hole 142 has the same outline shape as the first plate through hole 122 when viewed facing the first working surface 143. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the movable plate through hole 142 has a rectangular outline.

[0102] The movable plate 141 is movable relative to the first fixed plate 121 and the second fixed plate 131 in a plane 150 parallel to the first fixed plate 121. To this end, a wall portion 84 (1r) of each cell 82 is provided near the movable plate 141 to have substantially the same shape as the movable plate 141 ( Fig.14 ). Although the wall portion 84 (lr) has a width dimension W of the movable plate 141 M The same width dimension, but the wall portion 84 (lr) defines a greater length dimension L than MA longer opening is provided to allow the movable plate 141 to move in the plane 150 in a radial direction of the cam shaft 160. Because the wall portion 84(lr) near the movable plate 141 has substantially the same shape as the movable plate 141, the wall portion 84(lr) defines an internal shoulder 84(s) that acts as a stop to limit the extent of translation of the movable plate 141 within the unit 82.

[0103] In each unit 82, the first fixed plate 121 is fixed relative to the wall portion 84 (lr) so as to face the corresponding first valve port 21. Similarly, the second fixed plate 131 is fixed relative to the wall portion 84 (lr) so as to face the corresponding second valve port 51 and to align the second plate through hole 122 with the first plate through hole 122 in a direction parallel to the port pair axis 36 and perpendicular to the plane 150. The movable plate 141 is disposed between the first fixed plate 121 and the second fixed plate 131 in the unit 82 and is movable relative to the first and second fixed plates 121, 131 in the plane 150. Specifically, the movable plate 141 is constrained by the wall portion 84 (lr) and the fixed plates 121, 131 to move in the plane 150 along a direction parallel to the length dimension L. M In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation axis 162 of the camshaft 160 lies in the plane 150 , and the direction of movement corresponds to the radius of the camshaft 160 .

[0104] Each sliding gate fluid valve 120 includes a push rod 190 extending between the inner end of the movable plate 141 (e.g., the movable plate first end surface 145 (1)) and the outer peripheral surface of the cam 166 of the cam shaft 160. Each push rod 190 is an elongated rigid body, which includes a head 193 and a handle 194 protruding from the head 193. The head 193 includes a smoothly curved convex surface 193 (1) facing the cam 166. The handle 194 protrudes from the side of the head 193 opposite to the convex surface 193 (1). In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 194 is cylindrical and has a uniform diameter that is much smaller than the diameter of the head 193. The head 193 is disposed in the central area 88 of the valve chamber 80, and the proximal end 194 (1) of the handle 194 is disposed in the lateral area 85 or 86 of the valve chamber 80. To this end, the handle 194 protrudes through the opening in the unit 82 and the handle proximal end 194 ( 1 ) abuts the movable plate first end surface 145 ( 1 ).

[0105] Each sliding gate fluid valve 120 includes an elastic member 180, such as a coil spring, disposed in the unit 82. The coil spring 180 is disposed between the movable plate second end surface 145 (2) and the facing wall portion 84 (lr) in a compressed state. More specifically, one end of the coil spring 180 abuts against the wall portion 84 (lr), while the opposite end of the coil spring 180 abuts against the movable plate second end surface 145 (2) while engaging the positioning column 146. With this configuration, the center line of the coil spring 180 is located in the plane 150. In addition, the coil spring 180 biases the movable plate 141 together with the push rod 190 toward the cam shaft 160. As a result, the head 193 of the push rod 190 is pushed against the cam surface of the corresponding cam 166 by the coil spring 180, so that when the cam shaft 160 rotates, the push rod head 193 abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the cam 166 and follows the outer peripheral surface of the cam 166.

[0106] When the camshaft 160 rotates about the rotation axis 162, the movable plate 141 of each fluid valve 120 is driven by the cam 166 to reciprocate along the movement axis 148 that is perpendicular to the rotation axis 162 and coincides with the radius of the camshaft 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the movable plate 141 can move (e.g., reciprocate) between a first position and a second position. In the first position ( Fig.12 ), the movable plate through hole 142 is aligned with the through holes 122 of the first and second fixed plates 121, 131, and fluid is allowed to flow through the sliding gate valve 120 between the first valve port 21 and the second valve port 51. In the second position ( Fig.11 ), the movable plate through hole 142 is not aligned with the through holes 122 of the first and second fixed plates 121, 131, and fluid is blocked from flowing through the sliding gate fluid valve 120 between the first valve port 21 and the second valve port 51. Since there is no overlap between the movable plate through hole 142 and the fixed plate through hole 122, when the movable plate 141 is in the second position, fluid is blocked from flowing through the fluid valve 120. Since the movable plate 141 is biased to the second position by the elastic member coplanar with the plane, the fluid valve 120 is normally closed.

[0107] By selectively positioning the movable plate 141 between the first position and the second position, the amount of fluid flowing through the fluid valve 120 may be varied.

[0108] Each sliding gate fluid valve 120 includes an annular valve seal 100, 102, which is disposed between the fluid valve 120 and the first and second header tanks 20, 50. Specifically, each sliding gate fluid valve 120 includes a first valve seal 100, which is disposed between a first working surface 123 of a first fixing plate 121 and the first header tank 20, providing a fluid seal therebetween. The position of the first valve seal 100 relative to the first working surface 123 of the first fixing plate 121 is maintained by an outer annular ridge 125, and the first valve seal 100 surrounds and abuts against the outer annular ridge 125. The first valve seal 100 surrounds the corresponding first valve port 21 and the first fixing plate through the opening 122.

[0109] Each sliding gate fluid valve 120 includes a second valve seal 102 disposed between a first working surface 123 of a second fixing plate 131 and a second header tank 50 to provide a fluid seal therebetween. The position of the second valve seal 102 relative to the first working surface 123 of the second fixing plate 131 is maintained by an outer annular ridge 125, and the second valve seal 102 surrounds and abuts against the outer annular ridge 125. The second valve seal 102 surrounds the corresponding second valve port 51 and the second fixing plate through the opening 122.

[0110] When the movable plate 141 is in the first position or between the first position and the second position, the fluid is allowed to flow through the sliding gate fluid valve 120 in one of the first direction and the second direction. The first direction corresponds to the fluid flow from the first port 21 to the second port 51, and the second direction corresponds to the fluid flow from the second port 51 to the first port 21, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction, and the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the plane 150. Since each sliding gate fluid valve 120 includes a first valve seal 100 disposed between the first working surface 123 of the first fixed plate 121 and the first header tank 20 and a second valve seal 102 disposed between the first working surface 123 of the second fixed plate and the second header tank 50, each fluid valve 120 has a bidirectional seal. Since each fluid valve 120 includes a bidirectional seal, the pressurized fluid can flow through each fluid valve in a fluid-tight manner from the first port 21 of each port pair 34 to the second port 51, and from the second port 51 of each port pair 34 to the first port 21. Additionally, the sealing efficiency of the downstream seal 100 or 102 increases as the fluid pressure increases.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, each sliding gate fluid valve 120 is sandwiched between a first valve seal 100 and a second valve seal 102. Since the first and second valve seals 101, 102 are elastic, the first and second valve seals 101, 102 cooperate to provide an elastic force that compresses the movable plate 141 between the first and second fixed plates 121, 131.

[0112] Each of the first valve seal 100 and the second valve seal 102 may be formed of an elastomer compatible with automotive coolants, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second valve seals 100, 102 have a "U" cross-sectional shape that opens toward the respective header tanks 20, 50. In other embodiments, the first and second valve seals 100, 102 may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as, but not limited to, circular, rectangular, oval, "X" or "I".

[0113] As previously described, the valve assembly 5 includes two arrays of fluid valves 120, wherein a first array is arranged in a valve chamber first lateral region 85 on a first side of the cam shaft 160 and a second array is arranged in a valve chamber second lateral region 86 on an opposite second side of the cam shaft 160. Each fluid valve 120 is arranged in a respective cell 82 in the valve chamber 80 and aligned with the port pair 34 such that for certain rotational orientations of the cam shaft 160 relative to the assembly housing 10, at least one cam 166 engages a corresponding one of the fluid valves 120 in such a manner that one of the fluid valves 120 is movable between a first position in which fluid is allowed to flow between the first valve port 21 and the second valve port 51 of the port pair 34, and a second position in which fluid is prevented from flowing between the first valve port 21 and the second valve port 51 of the port pair 34.

[0114] Each unit 82 is arranged so that the length dimension L of the valve movable plate 141 is M The movable plates 141 extend in a direction perpendicular to the camshaft rotation axis 162, and the plane 150 in which the movable plate 141 is located also includes the rotation axis 162. Therefore, the movable plates 141 of the sliding gate valves 120 of the first and second lateral regions 85, 86 are coplanar ( Fig.14 The movable plate 141 of the sliding gate fluid valve 120 of the first lateral region 85 is disposed on a first side of the rotation axis 162 , while the movable plate 141 of the sliding gate fluid valve 120 of the second lateral region 86 is disposed on an opposite side of the rotation axis 162 .

[0115] The camshaft 160 includes a plurality of cams 166, for example, 21 cams 166 in the illustrated embodiment. Each unit 82 is aligned with a single cam 166 that drives a movable plate 141 located in the unit 82. The units 82 of the first lateral region 85 are offset from the units 82 of the second lateral region 86 in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 162, so that the push rod 190 (1) of the first unit 82 of the second lateral region 86 contacts the first cam 166 (1), the push rod 190 (2) of the first unit 82 of the first lateral region 85 contacts the second cam 166 (2), the push rod 190 (3) of the second unit 82 of the second lateral region 86 contacts the third cam 166 (3), the push rod 190 (4) of the second unit 82 of the first lateral region 85 contacts the fourth cam 166 (4), and so on ( Fig.14 ). Therefore, the movable plate 141 of the sliding gate fluid valve 120 of the first lateral region 85 and the movable plate 141 of the sliding gate fluid valve 120 of the second lateral region 86 are coplanar and offset relative to each other along the rotation axis 162, and each movable plate 141 is biased toward the corresponding cam 166 by its own elastic member 180.

[0116] Actuation of the camshaft 160 allows each cam 166 to move the valve body (in this embodiment, the movable plate 141) of the corresponding fluid valve 120, so that the timing, sequence and pattern of the fluid flowing through the cooling system 2 can be precisely controlled. The camshaft 160 and the cam 166 are arranged to open and close the fluid valve 120 in such a manner that, depending on the operating conditions of the system, in cooperation with the first fluid channel 30 of the first header tank 20 or the second fluid channel 60 of the second header tank 50, multiple valves in the sliding gate fluid valve 120 can allow fluid to be directed to a single other sliding gate fluid valve 120, and / or a single valve in the sliding gate fluid valve 120 can direct fluid to multiple other valves in the sliding gate fluid valve 120.

[0117] refer to Fig.16 and 17In some applications, it may be beneficial to provide a fluid connection between one or more fluid passages 30 of the first fluid header 20 and one or more fluid passages 70 of the second fluid header 50 without passing through one of the sliding gate fluid valves 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve chamber central region 88 is a chamber adjacent to the first and second headers 20, 50 and has an axial dimension substantially the same as the axial dimension of the assembly housing 10, and the valve chamber central region 88 provides a third fluid passage 90 through the valve assembly 5. The valve chamber central region 88 includes a first header port 91 that allows fluid communication between the third fluid passage 90 (e.g., the valve chamber central region 88) and the first header 20. In addition, the valve chamber central region 88 includes a second header port 92 that allows fluid communication between the third fluid passage 90 (e.g., the valve chamber central region 88) and the second header 50. The first and second header ports 91, 92 allow fluid to flow in a direction parallel to the port pair axis 36. The number of first header ports 91 and second header ports 92 provided in the valve assembly 5 depends on the requirements of a specific application.

[0118] See also Figure 1 and Figure 7 , the valve assembly housing 10 can be formed from multiple parts, such as by injection molding, and then assembled. In some embodiments, the separate housing elements that combine to form the valve assembly housing 10 can be held in an assembled configuration using fasteners. For example, the valve assembly housing 10 may include a first housing portion 10(1), which includes a first manifold 20 and a valve chamber 80, and a second housing portion 10(2), which includes a second manifold 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second housing portions 10(1), 10(2) are held in an assembled configuration using clips 200 and fasteners (e.g., bolts 202). This approach facilitates assembly by allowing the unit 82 to be exposed, thereby allowing the fluid valve 120 to be easily positioned in the unit 82.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 5 includes a housing seal 104 disposed between the wall portion 84 of the valve chamber 80 and the second header tank 50 (e.g., between the first housing portion 10(1) and the second housing portion 10(2)). The housing seal 104 has a generally rectangular profile and may include inner and outer sealing rings and is configured to retain fluid within a predefined area of ​​the valve assembly housing 10. The housing seal 104 may be formed from an elastomer compatible with automotive coolants, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). In the illustrated embodiment, the housing seal 104 has a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape, wherein the sealing surface includes a pair of parallel grooves extending along the circumference of the housing seal 104. In other embodiments, the housing seal may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as, but not limited to, circular, oval, "H", "X", or "I" shapes. In some embodiments, the clamp 200 is configured to place the housing seal 104 in a compressed state, thereby ensuring a fluid seal between the first and second housing portions 10(1), 10(2).

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid valve 120 is a sliding gate valve, and each fluid valve 120 is driven by the rotation of the cam 166 to move within the plane 150, but the cam-driven fluid valve assembly 5 is not limited to being implemented by a sliding gate valve. For example, in other embodiments, the sliding gate valve can be replaced by other types of valves, such as a lift valve, a disk valve, a plug valve, etc.

[0121] Although the illustrated embodiment shows that each fluid valve 120 is a sliding gate valve, the cam-driven fluid valve assembly 5 is not limited to having only sliding gate valves. For example, in some embodiments, multiple types of valves can be combined in the assembly housing 10. In some embodiments, at least one fluid valve is a sliding gate valve.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed in a direction facing the first working surface 123, the first and second fixing plates 121, 131 have a rectangular profile. However, the first and second fixing plates are not limited to having such a shape. For example, in some embodiments, the corners of the rectangular profile may be rounded. In other embodiments, the first and second fixing plates 121, 131 may have an oval or irregularly shaped profile.

[0123] Selective illustrative embodiments of cam-driven valve systems are described above in detail. It should be understood that only the structures considered necessary to illustrate the cam-driven valve system are described herein. Other conventional structures and structures of supplementary and auxiliary components of the cam-driven valve system are considered to be known and understood to those skilled in the art. In addition, although working examples of cam-driven valve systems have been described above, the cam-driven valve system is not limited to the above-described working examples, but various design changes can be made without departing from the cam-driven valve system as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, comprising: Fluid valves; as well as A component housing, the component housing comprising a first header tank defining a plurality of first ports, a second header tank defining a plurality of second valve ports, each second valve port being associated with a respective one of the first ports to form a port pair, a valve chamber disposed between the first header tank and the second header tank, the valve chamber being in fluid communication with the interior space of the first header tank through a first port and in fluid communication with the interior space of the second header tank through a second valve port, in Each fluid valve is disposed in the valve chamber and is configured to control fluid flow between a first valve port and a second valve port of a respective port pair.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first header box comprises a first header box plate defining the plurality of first valve ports, The second header box includes a second header box plate that is parallel to and spaced apart from the first header box plate, the second header box plate defining the plurality of second valve ports.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein The first axis extends in a direction perpendicular to the first header plate and the second header plate, Each second valve port is aligned with a corresponding one of the first valve ports in a direction parallel to the first axis to form a corresponding port pair, and Each fluid valve is disposed in the valve chamber, aligned with a respective port pair, and controls fluid flow between a first valve port and a second valve port of the respective port pair.

4. The valve assembly of claim 3, wherein each fluid valve is a sliding gate valve.

5. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one of the fluid valves is a sliding gate valve.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein the valve chamber is partitioned into a plurality of units such that each fluid valve is separated from an adjacent fluid valve by a wall portion surrounding each first valve port.

7. The valve assembly of claim 6, wherein each unit is shaped and dimensioned to receive and support a single fluid valve therein.

8. The valve assembly of claim 6, comprising a camshaft, wherein: The camshaft is supported for rotation by the corresponding wall portion, the camshaft including cams, each cam being configured to actuate one of the fluid valves.

9. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the first header tank comprises a first header plate defining a plurality of first ports, A first partition protrudes from the first header tank plate in a direction away from the second header tank, the partition partitioning the inner space of the first header tank into first fluid channels such that each first fluid channel is separated from adjacent first fluid channels.

10. The valve assembly of claim 9, wherein at least one first fluid passage is in fluid communication with a single first port, and other first fluid passages are in fluid communication with a plurality of first ports.

11. The valve assembly according to claim 9, wherein the second header tank comprises a second header plate defining a plurality of second valve ports, A second partition protrudes from the second header tank plate in a direction away from the first header tank, and the second partition partitions the inner space of the second header tank into second fluid channels, so that each second fluid channel is separated from an adjacent second fluid channel.

12. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one second fluid passage is in fluid communication with a single second valve port, and the other second fluid passages are in fluid communication with a plurality of second valve ports.

13. The valve assembly of claim 11, comprising a third passage connecting the first fluid passage to the second fluid passage, wherein: The third passage bypasses the fluid valve.

14. The valve assembly of claim 1, comprising a camshaft, wherein the camshaft is supported for rotation within the valve chamber, the camshaft comprising cams, each cam being configured to actuate one of the fluid valves, wherein The valve chamber is divided into a first area and a second area, in which the first wall portion is configured to support the fluid valve and in which the second wall portion surrounds the cam shaft and the cam, and The valve assembly includes a first collecting tank port located in one of the second wall portions, which allows fluid communication between the first collecting tank and the second area, and a second collecting tank port located in the other of the second wall portions, which communicates between the second collecting tank and the second area, thereby providing a third fluid channel extending between the first collecting tank chamber and the second collecting tank chamber in the second area.

15. A cam-driven valve assembly comprising: Fluid valves; A component housing, the component housing comprising a first header tank defining a plurality of first ports, a second header defining a plurality of second valve ports, each second valve port being aligned parallel to the first axis with a corresponding one of the first ports to form a port pair, and a valve chamber accommodating a fluid valve and disposed between the first header tank and the second header tank, the valve chamber being in fluid communication with the first header tank through a first port and in fluid communication with the second header tank through a second valve port, a camshaft extending into the valve chamber, the camshaft being supported for rotation by the assembly housing, the camshaft being configured to be driven by the actuator for rotation about a shaft rotation axis, and cams supported on the camshaft, the cams rotating in unison with the camshaft, the cams arranged on the camshaft such that each cam is aligned with a unique one of the fluid valves, the cams being shaped and dimensioned to engage the corresponding fluid valve at certain rotational orientations of the camshaft relative to the assembly housing, in Each fluid valve is disposed in the valve chamber in alignment with the port pair such that for certain rotational orientations of the camshaft relative to the assembly housing, at least one cam engages a corresponding one of the fluid valves in such a manner that one of the fluid valves moves between a first position and a second position, in which the first position allows fluid to flow between a first port and a second valve port of the port pair, and in which the second position prevents fluid from flowing between the first port and the second valve port of the port pair.

16. A cam-driven valve assembly according to claim 15, wherein the camshaft and the cam are arranged to open and close the fluid valves in such a manner, depending on the operating conditions of the assembly, that multiple fluid valves among the fluid valves can allow fluid to be directed to a single other fluid valve, and a single fluid valve among the fluid valves can direct fluid to multiple other fluid valves among the fluid valves.

17. The cam-actuated valve assembly of claim 15, wherein The first header tank includes a first header tank plate, and each first port is defined in the first header tank plate, The second header tank includes a second header tank plate parallel to the first header tank plate, and each second valve port is defined in the second header tank plate.

18. The cam-actuated valve assembly of claim 17, wherein the first header plate comprises the inner side of the first plate facing the valve chamber and the outer side of the first plate facing away from the valve chamber, A first plate outer side partition protrudes from the outer side of the first plate and divides the first port into a plurality of first fluid channels, wherein at least one first fluid channel is in communication with the plurality of first ports.

19. The cam-actuated valve assembly of claim 17, wherein the second header plate comprises The inner side of the second plate facing the valve chamber and the outer side of the second plate facing away from the valve chamber, A second plate outer side partition protrudes from the outer side of the second plate and divides the second valve port into a plurality of second fluid channels, wherein at least one second fluid channel is in communication with the plurality of second valve ports.

20. The valve assembly of claim 17, comprising a wall portion disposed in the valve chamber between the first header tank and the second header tank, the wall portion configured to support the fluid valve relative to the port.

21. The valve assembly according to claim 20, wherein the valve chamber is partitioned into a plurality of cells by the wall portion, the wall portion being configured to separate each valve from adjacent valves.

22. The valve assembly of claim 21, wherein a wall portion surrounds each port pair.

23. The valve assembly of claim 21, wherein each unit is shaped and sized to receive and support a single fluid valve therein.

24. The valve assembly of claim 20, comprising a camshaft, wherein: The camshaft is supported for rotation by the wall portion, the camshaft including cams, each cam being configured to actuate a corresponding one of the fluid valves.

25. The valve assembly of claim 24, wherein the camshaft is disposed between the port pairs of the first array and the port pairs of the second array, the port pairs being disposed side by side within each array.

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