Fluid valve system

Abstract

A fluid valve system includes a housing defining a plurality of flow paths and a flow control member movably disposed and selectively positionable within the housing. The flow control member includes a channel having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, where a cross-sectional area of the fluid inlet is greater than a cross-sectional area of the fluid outlet. When the flow control member is in the first position, fluid is allowed to flow through the first flow path. When the flow control member is in the second position, fluid is allowed to flow through the second flow path. The fluid is allowed to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path when the flow control member is in an intermediate third position and / or a fourth position between the first position and the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to fluid valve systems, and more particularly to fluid valve systems having flow control assemblies with optimized performance. Background Art

[0002] Vehicle heat exchangers, such as radiators, have valves that control the flow of fluids, such as coolants, that are allowed to flow through the system. As government mandated fuel economy regulations increase, companies are increasingly looking for new technologies that will reduce parasitic losses and increase the efficiency of internal combustion engines. Additionally, the introduction of hybrid and all-electric vehicle powertrains has introduced powertrain and thermal management complexity due to the need to control the temperature of batteries, inverter electronics, electric motors, etc. These trends have led to a need for more intelligently controlled fluid valve systems.

[0003] Conventional valve systems include diverter balls, cylinders, etc. to enable the heat exchanger to accommodate various intake and exhaust flows. Therefore, a single heat exchanger can be used as a charge air cooler (CAC), an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler, and a heat recovery device. Although these designs can provide adequate performance for proportional flow applications, they do have some disadvantages. For example, some conventional valve systems have a vertical inlet at the base of the diverter valve. This allows for a wider outlet to provide a smooth mixing of flows between two horizontal outlets positioned 90 degrees apart radially. With a vertical inlet, the inlet does not take up space on the outer diameter of the cylinder body required for a wider outlet, and the inlet can be maintained in a stable position because the inlet is located on the axis of rotation of the cylinder body. However, the vertical inlet on the cylinder body usually requires a vertical inlet on the port housing of the valve system. Relative to all other vehicle components mounted around the valve system, the vertical inlet on the port housing and the fluid connection to the vertical inlet consume valuable packaging space in the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] Therefore, it is desirable to produce a fluid valve system wherein the size, weight, cost, and complexity of the fluid valve system are minimized while optimizing the performance of the fluid valve system.

[0006] Technical Solutions

[0007] In accordance with and consistent with the presently described subject matter, a fluid valve system has surprisingly been discovered wherein the size, weight, cost, and complexity of the fluid valve system are minimized while optimizing the performance of the fluid valve system.

[0008] In one embodiment, a flow control member for a fluid valve system includes: a body; and at least one channel formed in the body, the at least one channel having at least one fluid inlet and at least one liquid outlet, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one fluid inlet is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​at least one fluid outlet.

[0009] As an aspect of some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel intermediate the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one liquid outlet has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet.

[0010] As an aspect of some embodiments, the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet are located on a single plane.

[0011] As an aspect of some embodiments, at least one fluid inlet is configured to be at least partially open throughout operation of the fluid valve system.

[0012] In another embodiment, a fluid valve system includes: a housing defining a plurality of flow paths; and a flow control member movably disposed in the housing, wherein the flow control member is configured to selectively control the flow of at least one fluid through the fluid valve system, wherein the flow control member includes at least one channel having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, and wherein at least one fluid inlet is configured to be at least partially opened throughout the operation of the fluid valve system.

[0013] As an aspect of some embodiments, the housing includes at least one fluid inlet port and a plurality of fluid outlet ports.

[0014] As an aspect of some embodiments, one of the fluid outlet ports is formed on the housing at an angle of less than about 90 degrees relative to another of the fluid outlet ports formed on the housing.

[0015] As an aspect of some embodiments, one of the fluid outlet ports and at least one of the at least one fluid inlet port and another of the fluid outlet ports are located on a substantially similar transverse plane of the fluid valve system.

[0016] As an aspect of some embodiments, the flow control member is configured to allow at least one fluid to flow through a first flow path when in a first position, allow at least one fluid to flow through a second flow path when in a second position, and allow at least one fluid to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path when in at least one intermediate third position between the first position and the second position.

[0017] As an aspect of some embodiments, the flow control member is configured to allow at least one fluid to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path when in the fourth position.

[0018] As an aspect of some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one fluid inlet of at least one channel is greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one fluid outlet of at least one channel.

[0019] As an aspect of some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of ​​a portion of at least one channel intermediate the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet.

[0020] As an aspect of some embodiments, at least one fluid inlet of at least one channel is located on a substantially similar horizontal plane as at least one fluid outlet of at least one channel.

[0021] As an aspect of some embodiments, the fluid valve system further includes at least one sealing element disposed between the housing and the flow control member to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the housing and the flow control member.

[0022] In another embodiment, a method for controlling fluid flow includes the following steps: providing a fluid valve system, the fluid valve system including a housing and a flow control member movably disposed in the housing, wherein the flow control member includes at least one channel, the at least one channel having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, and wherein at least one fluid inlet is configured to be at least partially open throughout the operation of the fluid valve system; and selectively positioning the flow control member to selectively control the flow of at least one fluid through the fluid valve system.

[0023] As an aspect of some embodiments, the housing includes at least one fluid inlet port and a plurality of fluid outlet ports, and wherein one of the fluid outlet ports is formed on the housing at an angle less than about 90 degrees relative to another of the fluid outlet ports formed on the housing.

[0024] As an aspect of some embodiments, one of the fluid outlet ports and at least one of the at least one fluid inlet port and another of the fluid outlet ports are located on a substantially similar transverse plane of the fluid valve system.

[0025] As an aspect of some embodiments, the flow control member is configured to allow at least one fluid to flow through a first flow path when in a first position, allow at least one fluid to flow through a second flow path when in a second position, and allow fluid to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path when in at least one intermediate third position between the first position and the second position.

[0026] As an aspect of some embodiments, a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one fluid inlet of at least one channel is greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one fluid outlet of at least one channel.

[0027] As an aspect of some embodiments, at least a portion of the channel intermediate the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet.

[0028] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of a flow control member for a fluid valve system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front view of a flow control member showing a fluid inlet formed in the flow control member;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 and Figure 2 another front view of a flow control member of FIG. 1 showing a fluid outlet formed in the flow control member;

[0033] Figure 4 is a top plan view of a fluid valve system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with a housing cover removed, wherein the fluid valve system includes a first position oriented Figures 1 to 3 A flow control member;

[0034] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A top plan view of a fluid valve system with a housing cover removed, wherein the fluid valve system includes a Figures 1 to 3 A flow control member;

[0035] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 A side view of a fluid valve system;

[0036] Figure 7 yes Figures 4 to 6 The fluid valve system is along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken along the section line AA shown in FIG.

[0037] Figure 8 yes Figures 4 to 6 The fluid valve system is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken along the section line BB shown in FIG. 1 shows a first operating mode of the fluid valve system. In the first operating mode, Figures 1 to 3 The flow control member is oriented in a first position;

[0038] Fig. 9 yes Figures 4 to 6 The fluid valve system is along Figure 6 BB shown in the cross-sectional view, which shows the second operating mode of the fluid valve system, in the second operating mode, Figures 1 to 3 the flow control member being oriented in a second position;

[0039] Fig.10 yes Figures 4 to 6 The fluid valve system is along Figure 6 , which shows a third operating mode of the fluid valve system. In the third operating mode, Figures 1 to 3 The flow control member is oriented in one of intermediate third positions between the first position and the second position; and

[0040] Fig.11 yes Figures 4 to 6 The fluid valve system is along Figure 6 , which shows an optional fourth operating mode of the fluid valve system, in which the fourth operating mode, Figures 1 to 3 The flow control member is oriented in a fourth position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The following technical description of the subject matter, manufacture and use of one or more of the present inventions is essentially exemplary only, and is not intended to limit the scope, application or use of any particular invention claimed in this application or in other such applications that may claim priority for this application or be submitted according to the priority of the patent authorized by this application. With respect to the disclosed method, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and therefore, the order of the steps may be different in various embodiments. As used herein, "one" and "a" represent "at least one" item in the existence of an item; where possible, there may be multiple such items. Except for otherwise explicitly indicated, when describing the broadest scope of the present technology, all numerical quantities in this description will be understood to be modified by the word "about", and all geometric and spatial descriptors are understood to be modified by the word "substantially". When applied to numerical values, "about" means that the calculation or measurement allows the value to have some slight imprecision (approximate to a certain extent the exact value of the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; approximately). If for some reason the imprecision provided by "about" and / or "substantially" is not understood with its ordinary meaning in the art, then "about" and / or "substantially" as used herein at least represents the variation that may result from ordinary methods of measuring or using these parameters.

[0042] Unless otherwise expressly indicated, all documents cited in this detailed description, including patents, patent applications, and scientific literature, are incorporated herein by reference. In the event of any conflict or ambiguity between a document incorporated by reference and this detailed description, the latter shall prevail.

[0043] Although the open-ended term "comprising" is used herein as a synonym for non-limiting terms such as includes, contains, or having to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, alternatively, more restrictive terms such as "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" may be used to describe embodiments. Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or processing steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of or consisting essentially of those materials, components, or processing steps, without including additional materials, components, or processes (for consisting of) and without including additional materials, components, or processes (for consisting essentially of) that affect significant properties of the embodiment, even if such additional materials, components, or processes are not expressly described in this application. For example, a description of a composition or process reciting elements A, B, and C specifically contemplates an embodiment consisting of A, B, and C and an embodiment consisting essentially of A, B, and C without including element D that may be described in the art, even if element D is not expressly described herein as not included.

[0044] As described herein, unless otherwise stated, all composition percentages are by weight of total composition. Unless otherwise stated, the disclosure of ranges includes endpoints and includes all different values ​​and further divided ranges within the entire range. Therefore, for example, the range of "from A to B" or "from about A to about B" includes A and B. The value and range of values ​​of a specific parameter (such as amount, weight percentage, etc.) disclosed do not exclude other values ​​and ranges of values ​​used herein. It is conceivable that two or more specific exemplified values ​​for a given parameter can define the endpoints of the range of values ​​that may be claimed for the parameter. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein as having a value A, and is also exemplified as having a value Z, it is conceivable that parameter X may have a value range from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is conceivable that the disclosure of two or more value ranges for a parameter (whether these ranges are nested, overlapping or different) includes all possible range combinations of values ​​that may be claimed using the endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is illustrated herein as having a value in the range of 1 to 10, or 2 to 9, or 3 to 8, it is also contemplated that parameter X may have other ranges of values, including 1 to 9, 1 to 8, 1 to 3, 1 to 2, 2 to 10, 2 to 8, 2 to 3, 3 to 10, 3 to 9, etc.

[0045] When an element or layer is referred to as being "on another element or layer," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may be an intervening element or layer. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intermediate element or intermediate layer. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0046] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used in this article to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can only be used to distinguish an element, component, region, layer or part from another region, layer or part. Unless the context clearly indicates, terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply sequence or order when used in this article. Therefore, the first element, first component, first region, first layer or first section discussed below can be referred to as the second element, second component, second region, second layer or second section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0047] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "inside", "outside", "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship between an element or feature illustrated in the figure and another (other) element or feature. Spatially relative terms may be intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the accompanying drawings. For example, if the device in the accompanying drawings is turned over, the elements described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented to be "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the example term "below" can cover both the above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein can be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] Figures 1 to 3 A flow control member 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The flow control member 10 can be used in the fluid valve system 100 described below. It should be understood that the flow control member 10 can be used in other applications if desired. In a preferred embodiment, the flow control member 10 may include a body 12. The body 12 has a generally cylindrical shape. However, it will be understood that the body 12 can have any suitable shape as desired. If desired, the body 12 can be a unitary structure or formed by multiple parts. It will also be understood that the body 12 can be formed, for example, by any suitable material, such as metal, non-metal (e.g., plastic), etc., or a combination thereof. The body 12 can be formed by a molding process, a three-dimensional printing process, a machining process, or any other molding process or a combination thereof as desired.

[0049] At least one driven element 13 (eg, a driven gear, a pinion, etc.) and at least one positioning element 14 may be formed on the main body 12. Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in , the driven element 13 and the positioning element 15 can extend outwardly and axially along the central axis of the body 12. The driven element 13 can be configured to be coupled to a drive element or actuator (not depicted) to cause rotational movement of the flow control member 10 in a first direction (e.g., clockwise) and an opposite second direction (e.g., counterclockwise). It will be understood that the drive element can be any component designed to cause rotational movement as desired. The positioning element 14 can be configured to cooperate with at least a portion of the fluid valve system 100, which will be described below.

[0050] In some embodiments, the body 12 has at least one channel 15 formed therein. The channel 15 may include Figure 1 and Figure 2 At least one fluid inlet 16 as shown in Figure 3 The at least one fluid inlet 16 and the at least one fluid outlet 18 can be in the same or substantially similar plane (e.g., a horizontal plane, a transverse plane, etc. of the fluid valve system 100). By comparison Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be best seen, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inlet 16 can be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid outlet 18. In certain embodiments, the fluid inlet 16 can be configured to be at least partially open throughout operation of the fluid valve system 100. The fluid outlet 18 can be configured to be at least partially open and / or at least partially closed during operation of the fluid valve system 100.

[0051] In some embodiments, the channel 15 can have an hourglass shape. A portion 20 of the channel 15 between the fluid inlet 16 and the fluid outlet 18 can also be narrowed, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the portion 20 can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inlet 16 and / or the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid outlet 18. Thus, the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel 15 varies from the fluid inlet 16 to the fluid outlet 18. However, it will be understood that in other embodiments, the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel 15 can be substantially constant from the fluid inlet 16 to the fluid outlet 18.

[0052] Now refer to Figures 4 to 10 , an embodiment of a fluid valve system 100 including a flow control member 10 is shown. The fluid valve system 100 including the flow control member 10 can be used in various applications, such as proportional flow applications, heat exchange applications, etc. It should be understood that the fluid valve system 100 can be used in any suitable application as needed. The fluid valve system 100 can be in fluid communication with at least one fluid source (not depicted) for supplying at least one fluid (not depicted) and at least one fluid destination (not depicted) for receiving at least one fluid (not depicted).

[0053] In certain embodiments, the fluid valve system 100 may include a housing 102. As shown, the housing 102 may include at least one fluid inlet port 106 and a plurality of fluid outlet ports 108. The at least one fluid inlet port 106 may be in fluid communication with at least one liquid source, and each of the fluid outlet ports 108 may be in fluid communication with at least one fluid destination. It will be appreciated that the housing 102 may include more or fewer fluid inlet ports 106 and fluid outlet ports 108 than shown, if desired. It will also be appreciated that each of the fluid inlet ports 106 may be in fluid communication with the same fluid source or separate and different fluid sources, and each of the fluid outlet ports 108 may be in fluid communication with the same fluid destination or separate and different fluid destinations.

[0054] In some embodiments, one of the fluid outlet ports 108 and at least one of the at least one fluid inlet port 106 and another of the fluid outlet ports 108 can be located on the same or substantially similar plane (e.g., a horizontal plane, a transverse plane, etc. of the fluid valve system 100). Figure 7 As depicted, the flow of fluid from the at least one fluid inlet port 106 into and through the flow control member 10 can be substantially parallel to the flow of fluid from the flow control member 10 into the fluid outlet port 108. Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figures 8 to 10 As best seen in FIG. 1 , one of the fluid outlet ports 108 may be formed on the housing 102 at an angle α relative to another one of the fluid outlet ports 108 formed on the housing 102 .

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 102 may include a fluid inlet port 106 for receiving a fluid from a fluid source, a first fluid outlet port 108a for dispensing the fluid to a first fluid destination, and a second fluid outlet port 108b for dispensing the fluid to a second fluid destination. In one embodiment, the fluid outlet port 108a and the fluid outlet port 108b may be located on the same or substantially similar plane (e.g., a horizontal plane, a transverse plane, etc. of the fluid valve system 100). In another embodiment, the fluid inlet port 106 and one of the fluid outlet ports 108a, 108b may be located on the same or substantially similar plane (e.g., a horizontal plane, a transverse plane, etc. of the fluid valve system 100). In yet another embodiment, both of the fluid inlet port 106 and the fluid outlet ports 108a, 108b may be located on the same or substantially similar plane (e.g., a horizontal plane, a transverse plane, etc. of the fluid valve system 100). Thus, the size (eg, vertical packaging profile), weight, cost, and complexity of the fluid valve system 100 are minimized and fluid is allowed to flow directly through the fluid valve system 100 to minimize pressure losses through the fluid valve system 100 and optimize performance of the fluid valve system 100 .

[0056] In some embodiments, the fluid outlet port 108a may be formed on the housing 102 at an angle α of less than about 90 degrees relative to the fluid outlet port 108b formed on the housing 102. In particular, the fluid outlet port 108a may be formed on the housing 102 at an angle α in the range of about 40 degrees to about 80 degrees, and more preferably in the range of about 60 degrees to about 75 degrees relative to the fluid outlet port 108b formed on the housing 102. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet port 108a may be formed on the housing 102 at an angle of about 72 degrees relative to the fluid outlet port 108b formed on the housing 102. Such an angle α between the fluid outlet ports 108a, 108b reduces the rotational movement required for the flow control member 10 to travel between the fluid outlet ports 108a, 108b. Additionally, the angle α between the fluid outlet ports 108a, 108b reduces directional changes in fluid flow from the at least one fluid inlet port 106 to the fluid outlet ports 108a, 108b, which further minimizes pressure losses through the fluid valve system 100 and optimizes performance of the fluid valve system 100.

[0057] like Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 as well as Figures 8 to 11 As shown, the housing 102 may include an outer wall 112 and opposing top and bottom walls 114 and 116 (eg, Figure 6It should be understood that the chamber 110 can have any size and shape as needed to accommodate the flow control member 10 therein. Figures 4 to 5 as well as Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the flow control member 10 may be movably disposed in the chamber 110 of the housing 102 such that the fluid inlet 16 is generally aligned with the fluid inlet port 106 and such that the fluid outlet 18 is generally aligned with the fluid outlet port 108. Figures 8 to 10 As more clearly shown in the figure, the fluid inlet port 106 can be fluidly connected to the fluid inlet 16 of the channel 15 of the flow control member 10 through a hole 118 formed in the outer wall 112 of the shell 102, and the fluid outlet ports 108a, 108b can be fluidly connected to the fluid outlet 18 of the channel 15 of the flow control member 10 through corresponding holes 120, 122 formed in the outer wall 112 of the shell 102.

[0058] The flow control member 10 may be selectively positionable within the housing 102 of the fluid valve system 100 and configured to selectively control the flow of fluid therethrough. Figure 4 , a first flow path is formed, which includes at least one fluid inlet port 106 of the housing 102, the channel 15 of the flow control member 10, and one of the fluid outlet ports 108 of the housing 102. Figure 5 , a second flow path is formed, the second flow path including at least one fluid inlet port 106 of the housing 102, the channel 15 of the flow control member 10, and another fluid outlet port among the fluid outlet ports 108 of the housing 102. Therefore, the flow control member 10 can be configured to allow fluid to flow through the first flow path when in the first position, allow fluid to flow through the second flow path when in the second position, and allow fluid to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path when in a third position intermediate between the first and second positions.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, the flow control member 10 can be shaped and dimensioned to be Figure 8 ) covers the entire hole 122 and leaves the entire holes 118, 120 uncovered, and in the second position (as depicted in Fig. 9 ) covers the entire hole 120 while leaving the entire holes 118, 122 uncovered, and in an intermediate third position between the first position and the second position (as depicted in Fig.10106) while covering a portion of each of the holes 120, 122 and leaving the remaining portion of each of the holes 120, 122 and the hole 118 uncovered. By making the fluid outlet port 108a formed on the housing 102 at an angle of less than about 90 degrees relative to the fluid outlet port 108b formed on the housing 102 and / or utilizing the relatively large cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid inlet 16 of the flow control member 10, the flow control member 10 can be selectively positioned so that the fluid inlet 6 of the flow control member is in continuous fluid communication with the at least one fluid inlet port 106 of the housing 102, which allows fluid to flow through the first flow path and / or the second flow path without interrupting the flow of fluid from the at least one liquid inlet port 106 into and through the channel 15 of the flow control member 10.

[0060] In other embodiments, the flow control member 10 can also be oriented in a fourth position (eg, Fig.11 ), such that the fluid inlet 16 is substantially aligned with the fluid outlet port 108, and the fluid outlet 18 is substantially aligned with the fluid inlet port 106. Thus, the fluid inlet 16 functions as a fluid outlet, and the fluid outlet 18 functions as a fluid inlet. The flow control member 10 can be configured to allow fluid to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path when in the fourth position. In such an embodiment, the flow control member 10 can be shaped and sized so that the entirety of each of the holes 118, 120, 122 is not covered.

[0061] Figures 7 to 11 One or more sealing elements 124 (e.g., O-rings, gaskets, elastomeric seals, etc.) shown in the figure can be disposed between the flow control member 10 and the inner surface of the housing 102 to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the flow control member 10 and the inner surface of the housing 102 and prevent undesired fluid leakage around the periphery of the ports 106, 108. It will be appreciated that various other sealing methods may be employed if desired. It will be further appreciated that more or fewer sealing elements 123 than shown may be employed as desired.

[0062] Figures 8 to 10 The operating modes of the fluid valve system 100 are illustrated. Figure 8 In the first operation mode shown in , the flow control member 10 can be in the first position. When in the first position, the flow control member 10 covers the hole 122 in fluid communication with the fluid outlet port 108b, thereby leaving the hole 120 in fluid communication with the fluid outlet port 108a uncovered. Therefore, the fluid supplied by the fluid source can be allowed to flow through the first flow path to the first fluid destination.

[0063] exist Fig. 9 In the second operating mode shown in , the flow control member 10 can be in the second position. In some embodiments, the flow control member 10 can be rotated less than about 90° from the first position to the second position. When in the second position, the flow control member 10 covers the hole 120 in fluid communication with the fluid outlet port 108a, thereby leaving the hole 122 in fluid communication with the fluid outlet port 108b uncovered. Therefore, the fluid supplied by the fluid source can be allowed to flow through the second flow path to reach the second fluid destination.

[0064] exist Fig.10 In the third operation mode shown in , the flow control member 10 can be in an intermediate third position between the first position and the second position. When in the intermediate third position, the flow control member 10 covers a portion of the holes 120, 122 that are fluidly connected to the fluid outlet ports 108a, 108b, respectively, so that the remaining portions of the holes 120, 122 that are fluidly connected to the fluid outlet ports 108a, 108b are not covered. Therefore, the fluid supplied by the fluid source can be allowed to flow through the first flow path to the first fluid destination and flow through the second flow path to the second fluid destination.

[0065] Fig.11 An optional fourth operating mode of the fluid valve system 100 is illustrated. In the fourth operating mode, the flow control member 10 can be in a fourth position. In some embodiments, the flow control member 10 can be rotated through one of the first position and the second position to reach the fourth position. When in the fourth position, the flow control member 10 leaves the entirety of each of the holes 120, 122 in fluid communication with the fluid outlet ports 108a, 108b uncovered. Therefore, the fluid supplied by the fluid source can be allowed to flow both through the first flow path to the first fluid destination and through the second flow path to the second fluid destination.

[0066] In some embodiments, the fluid valve system 100 may also include a drive element or an actuator. The drive element or actuator may be drivingly coupled to the driven element 13 to cause the rotational motion of the flow control member 10. The drive element or actuator may cause the flow control member 10 to rotate in a first rotational direction (e.g., clockwise) and in an opposite second rotational direction (e.g., counterclockwise). More preferably, the drive element or actuator may cause the flow control member 10 to rotate from a first position along a first rotational direction to a second position, and from a second position along a second rotational direction to a first position. The drive element or actuator may be powered by any electric motor capable of generating rotational motion. For example, the drive element or actuator may be driven by a stepper motor or a brushless DC (BLDC) motor. It will be understood that other methods of actuating and causing the flow control member 10 to rotate in the fluid valve system 100 may be used.

[0067] Example embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and the scope will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Many specific details, such as examples of specific parts, devices and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be adopted, the example embodiments can be implemented in many different forms, and neither the specific details nor the example embodiments should be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures and well-known technologies are not described in detail. Equivalent changes, modifications and variations of some embodiments, materials, components and methods can be made within the scope of the present technology, and have substantially similar results.

[0068] Industrial Applicability

[0069] The present disclosure relates to fluid valve systems, and more particularly to fluid valve systems having flow control assemblies with optimized performance.

Claims

1. A flow control member for a fluid valve system, the flow control member comprising: main body; as well as At least one channel is formed in the body, the at least one channel having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, wherein a cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one fluid inlet is greater than a cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one fluid outlet.

2. The flow control member according to claim 1, wherein At least a portion of the channel intermediate the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet.

3. The flow control member according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet are located on a single plane.

4. The flow control member according to claim 1, wherein The at least one fluid inlet is configured to be at least partially open throughout operation of the fluid valve system.

5. A fluid valve system, comprising: a housing defining a plurality of flow paths; as well as A flow control member movably disposed in the housing, wherein the flow control member is configured to selectively control the flow of at least one fluid through the fluid valve system, wherein the flow control member includes at least one channel having at least one fluid inlet and at least one liquid outlet, and wherein the at least one flow inlet is configured to be at least partially open throughout the operation of the fluid valve system.

6. The fluid valve system according to claim 5, wherein: The housing includes at least one fluid inlet port and a plurality of fluid outlet ports.

7. The fluid valve system according to claim 6, wherein: One of the fluid outlet ports is formed on the housing at an angle of less than about 90 degrees relative to another of the fluid outlet ports formed on the housing.

8. The fluid valve system according to claim 6, wherein: One of the fluid outlet ports and at least one of the at least one fluid inlet port and another of the fluid outlet ports are located on a substantially similar transverse plane of the fluid valve system.

9. The fluid valve system according to claim 5, wherein: The flow control member is configured to allow the at least one fluid to flow through a first flow path when in a first position, to allow the at least one fluid to flow through a second flow path when in a second position, and to allow the at least one fluid to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path when in at least one intermediate third position between the first position and the second position.

10. The fluid valve system of claim 9, wherein: The flow control member is configured to allow the at least one fluid to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path when in a fourth position.

11. The fluid valve system according to claim 5, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one fluid inlet of the at least one channel is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one fluid outlet of the at least one channel.

12. The fluid valve system of claim 11, wherein: At least a portion of the channel intermediate the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet.

13. The fluid valve system of claim 5, wherein: The at least one fluid inlet of the at least one channel is located on a substantially similar horizontal plane as the at least one fluid outlet of the at least one channel.

14. The fluid valve system of claim 5, further comprising at least one sealing element disposed between the housing and the flow control member to form a substantially fluid-tight seal between the housing and the flow control member.

15. A method for controlling fluid flow, the method comprising the steps of: Providing a fluid valve system, the fluid valve system comprising a housing and a flow control member movably disposed in the housing, wherein the flow control member comprises at least one channel, the at least one channel having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, and wherein the at least one fluid inlet is configured to be at least partially open throughout operation of the fluid valve system; and The flow control member is selectively positionable to selectively control the flow of at least one fluid through the fluid valve system.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The housing includes at least one fluid inlet port and a plurality of fluid outlet ports, and wherein one of the fluid outlet ports is formed on the housing at an angle of less than about 90 degrees relative to another of the fluid outlet ports formed on the housing.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: One of the fluid outlet ports and at least one of the at least one fluid inlet port and another of the fluid outlet ports are located on a substantially similar transverse plane of the fluid valve system.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The flow control member is configured to allow the at least one fluid to flow through a first flow path when in a first position, to allow the at least one fluid to flow through a second flow path when in a second position, and to allow the at least one fluid to flow through the first flow path and the second flow path when in at least one intermediate third position between the first position and the second position.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one fluid inlet of the at least one channel is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the at least one fluid outlet of the at least one channel.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein: At least a portion of the channel intermediate the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of ​​at least one of the at least one fluid inlet and the at least one fluid outlet.

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