Multi-way valve for fluid circuit

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-way valve, comprising:-a valve body having a first receptacle and a first set of orifices (A1, B1, C1) leading to said receptacle,-a first rotating member (3) movable in rotation in the first receptacle, which member controls the flow of fluid between said first set of orifices,-a second receptacle arranged in the valve body, and-a second rotating member (4) movable in rotation in the second receptacle, which member controls the flow of fluid between said first set of orifices. The invention relates to a valve (1) comprising:-a valve body (2) comprising a first housing (3) adjacent to the first housing and located in the same plane,-a second set of orifices (A2, B2, C2) arranged in the valve body, which orifices open to the second housing,-a second rotating member (4) movable in rotation in the second housing, which member controls the flow of fluid between the second set of orifices, -a common channel or conduit (DO) connecting the two receptacles,-an orifice (D) leading to the common channel or conduit (DO) and to the outer surface of the valve body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a multi-way valve for a fluid circuit. The invention also relates to a heat exchanger system comprising such a valve and a motor vehicle comprising such a system.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to the technical field of multi-way valves having multiple fluid inlet / outlet orifices. Background Art

[0003] The size of components in a fluid circuit is a major limiting factor, especially in the motor vehicle sector when seeking to miniaturize motor vehicles in order to reduce the space they occupy. In the case of heat exchangers, one of the solutions is to make all the components of the heat exchanger compact.

[0004] Multi-port valves solve this problem as they usually combine a certain number of valves into a single valve.

[0005] In particular, patent documents WO2021 / 121922 and CN110118269A disclose a multi-way valve of the type comprising a valve body having a housing. A first set of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices and a second set of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices lead to the outer surface of the valve body at different stages. A rotating member is mounted to rotate in the housing about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the plane so that the member can adopt different angular positions in which the individual orifices of each group are closed or remain open in order to control the fluid flow between the orifices.

[0006] However, these valves also have disadvantages. First, these valves are stepped, so their overall axial size is quite large. In addition, the number of fluid flow paths (or operating modes) is limited. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a multi-way valve with a smaller overall axial size. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-way valve that can provide more operating modes. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-way valve that is easy to design and assemble and simple to operate.

[0008] The solution proposed by the present invention is a multi-way valve, comprising:

[0009] a one-piece valve body in which a first housing portion and a first set of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices are arranged, said orifices opening into said first housing portion,

[0010] a first rotating member mounted in the first housing so as to be rotationally movable about a first axis of rotation, such that the first member adopts different angular positions, the first member being suitable for controlling the fluid communication between the first set of orifices as a function of the angular position,

[0011] And among them:

[0012] a second receiving portion is arranged in the valve body, the second receiving portion being adjacent to the first receiving portion and being located in the same plane as the first receiving portion,

[0013] a second set of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices is arranged in the valve body, said orifices opening into a second housing,

[0014] a second rotating member is mounted in the second housing so as to be rotationally movable about a second rotation axis different from and parallel to the first rotation axis, so that the second member adopts different angular positions, the second member being suitable for controlling the fluid communication between the second set of orifices according to the angular position,

[0015] - a common channel or conduit connecting the first housing portion and the second housing portion to allow fluid communication between said housing portions,

[0016] A common fluid inlet and / or outlet orifice is arranged in the valve body, which orifice opens on the one hand into a common channel or duct and on the other hand into an outer surface of the valve body.

[0017] Compared to the multi-way valve of the prior art, the fact that two rotating members control the fluid circulation between the first group of orifices, combined with the fact that the two housings can be in fluid communication, significantly increases the number of possible operating modes. Moreover, each rotating member can adopt different angular positions independently of each other, which further increases the number of operating modes. In addition, the fact that the two housings and their respective rotating members are on the same plane makes it possible to obtain a smaller overall axial dimension. The multi-way valve according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to combine a plurality of three-way valves or a plurality of four-way valves. Finally, the use of two different rotating members allows each rotating member to be designed in a specific way so as to very easily provide all the combinations suitable for the desired operating modes.

[0018] Other advantageous features of the invention (in its various aspects) are listed below. Each of these features can be considered alone or in combination with the distinctive features defined above. Where appropriate, each of these features contributes to solving the specific technical problems defined above in the specification, while the distinctive features defined above do not necessarily contribute to solving these problems. Where appropriate, these features may constitute the subject of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0019] According to one embodiment, a first actuator rotates the first rotating member and a second actuator spaced apart from the first actuator rotates the second rotating member.

[0020] According to a variant embodiment, a common actuator ensures the simultaneous rotation of the first and second rotating members by means of a gear or pinion meshing with said members.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the first rotating member is configured to have an angular position allowing fluid to flow between at least two orifices in the first set and / or between at least one orifice in the first set and a common channel or conduit.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the second rotating member is configured to have an angular position allowing fluid communication between at least two orifices in the second group and / or between at least one orifice in the second group and a common channel or conduit.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first rotating member has a central cavity surrounded by a partition, wherein the partition includes two adjacent first holes distributed over 60°, a first solid portion covering 30°, two adjacent second holes distributed over 60°, a second solid portion covering 30°, a third hole distributed over 30°, and a solid portion covering 150° and located between the third hole and the first hole, wherein the holes are complementary to the first set of orifices and the common channel or duct.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the second rotating member has two different cavities with no fluid communication between them, the cavities being surrounded by a partition comprising four holes offset by 90° and complementary to the second set of orifices and the common channel or duct, two holes being arranged at the first cavity and two holes being arranged at the second cavity.

[0025] According to one embodiment, a sealing element is mounted in the common channel or duct and in the housing between the valve body and the rotating member, the sealing element having a first opening complementary to the first set of orifices and a second opening complementary to the second set of orifices, thereby forming a fluid seal between the first rotating member and the first set of orifices on the one hand and between the second rotating member and the second set of orifices on the other hand.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the sealing element comprises a connecting portion complementary to the common channel or duct, which has two openings, which lead to the first and second receiving portions respectively, so as to form a fluid seal between the first rotating component and the common channel or duct on the one hand, and between the second rotating component and the common channel or duct on the other hand.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the central cavity of the first rotating member is sealed by a first sealing cover, and the cavity of the second rotating member is sealed by a second sealing cover; or, the central cavity of the first rotating member and the cavity of the second rotating member are sealed by a common sealing cover.

[0028] According to one embodiment, one or more actuators are fixed to a cover sealing the valve body.

[0029] Another aspect of the invention relates to a heat exchanger system comprising a heat exchanger, a first fluid circulation circuit and a second fluid circulation circuit, wherein the first circuit and the second circuit are connected to a multi-way valve according to any of the preceding features, a first set of ports being fluidly connected to the first circuit and a second set of ports being fluidly connected to the second circuit.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the first circuit and / or the second circuit comprises one or more devices for regulating the flow of fluid, which are arranged to prevent or allow the flow of fluid from or to one or more orifices in the first group and / or the second group.

[0031] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising a heat exchanger system configured to allow cooling and / or heating of a passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or components of said vehicle, the heat exchanger system complying with any of the preceding characteristics. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from reading the following description of preferred embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings, provided by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

[0033] Figure 1A is a perspective view of a valve body of a valve according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve body.

[0035] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a first rotating member of a valve according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2B yes Figure 2A A transverse cross-sectional view of a first component.

[0037] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a second rotating member of a valve according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A transverse cross-sectional view of a second component.

[0039] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a sealing element which can be installed in a valve according to the invention.

[0040] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Longitudinal cross-sectional view of a sealing element.

[0041] Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of a valve according to the invention with its various constituent elements in an assembled state.

[0042] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a valve according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 7 is an exploded view of a valve according to the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B , Figure 8C , Fig.8D , Fig. 8E , Fig.8F , Figure 8G , Figure 8H and Fig. 9 The operation of the valve according to the invention in different angular positions of the rotating member is schematically illustrated.

[0045] Fig. 10A , Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C A fluid flow circuit in a heat exchanger system according to the invention and according to various operating modes is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] To supplement their current definitions, the following clarifications are made to certain terms used in the claims and description:

[0047] - As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the use of ordinal adjectives "first", "second", etc. to describe an object merely indicates that different instances of similar objects are referred to and does not imply that the objects so described must have any given order, whether temporal, spatial or hierarchical.

[0048] - "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X+Y.

[0049] - In general, it should be understood that various objects in the various figures are arbitrarily drawn in order to make the figures easier to read.

[0050] Valve body

[0051] See also Figure 1A and 1BThe valve V that is the subject of the present invention comprises a valve body 1 constituted by a side wall 10 and a bottom wall 11 of substantially parallelepiped shape. The valve body 1 has two internal housings 12A and 12B extending from the bottom wall 11 to the open end of the valve body opposite to the bottom wall. Each housing is substantially cylindrical with a respective axis Xa-Xa, Xb-Xb. These two axes are parallel.

[0052] The two housings 12A and 12B are adjacent and lie in a common plane, which is perpendicular to the axes Xa-Xa and Xb-Xb. According to a preferred embodiment that simplifies the design of the valve, the two housings 12A, 12B are identical and are arranged in mirror symmetry.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the valve body 1 is a single piece made of a rigid material, such as steel, metal, plastic or the like.

[0054] Fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices A1, B1, C1, A2, B2, C2 are arranged in the side wall 10, which orifices open on the one hand to the housings 12A, 12B and on the other hand to the outer surface of the side wall. The orifices are divided into two groups: a first group A1, B1, C1 is installed at the first housing 12A, and a second group A2, B2, C2 is installed at the second housing 12B.

[0055] In the drawings, there are three orifices in each group, but more orifices may be provided at one and / or the other of the housings 12A, 12B. According to a preferred embodiment, the first group of orifices A1, B1, C1 is positioned at 90° to each other, and the second group of orifices A2, B2, C2 is advantageously positioned at 90° to each other. The two groups are preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically. The orifices A1, B1, C1, A2, B2, C2 may each be connected to a tube (not shown) protruding from the outer surface of the side wall 10.

[0056] A common channel or duct DO connects the first housing 12A and the second housing 12B to allow fluid communication between said housings. To optimize the overall dimensions, this common channel or duct DO is advantageously arranged in the valve body 1 along its mid-plane, which passes through the axes Xa-Xa and Xb-Xb.

[0057] The valve body 1 also has a common fluid inlet and / or outlet orifice D which opens into a common channel or duct DO on the one hand and into the outer surface of the side wall 10 on the other hand.

[0058] The valve also includes two independent rotating members, a first member 3 is mounted in the first receiving portion 12A so as to be rotatable and movable around the axis Xa-Xa, and a second member 4 is mounted in the second receiving portion 12B so as to be rotatable and movable around the axis Xb-Xb. In use, these rotating members 3 and 4 take different angular positions so as to control the fluid circulation between different groups of orifices according to the angular positions. More specifically, since the first group of orifices A1, B1, C1 are in fluid communication with the first receiving portion 12A, the first member 3 is suitable for controlling the fluid circulation between the first group of orifices. Since the second group of orifices A2, B2, C2 are in fluid communication with the second receiving portion 12B, the second member 4 is suitable for controlling the fluid circulation between the second group of orifices.

[0059] The first rotating member

[0060] The first member 3 is configured to have an angular position that makes it possible to control the fluid communication between at least two orifices A1, B1, C1 of the first group and / or between at least one orifice of the first group and a common channel or duct DO at the first housing 12A. The first member 3 is also advantageously configured to have at least one angular position that prevents any fluid communication between the individual orifices A1, B1, C1 of the first group and / or any fluid communication between at least one orifice of the first group and a common channel or duct DO.

[0061] Figure 2A and 2B A first member 3 according to a preferred embodiment is shown. This member 3 is constituted by a substantially cylindrical lateral partition 33 with an axis Xa-Xa and a bottom wall 36. Its outer diameter corresponds substantially to the outer diameter of the first housing 12A. It comprises an annular central cavity 31 surrounded by the partition 33. A central portion forming a rotation axis 35 is arranged in the center of the cavity 31. Reference Figure 2A The shaft 35 has a tenon 350 that protrudes axially and includes one or more splines. The tenon 350 is suitable for engaging with the first actuator 8A described further in the specification.

[0062] The partition 33 comprises holes 331 complementary to the first set of orifices A1, B1, C1 and the common channel or duct DO. These holes open on the one hand to the cavity 31 and on the other hand to the outer surface of the partition 33. Figure 2A and 2B , the component 3 has five holes 331 .

[0063] Figure 2A and 2BThe holes 331 in the are distributed as follows (in a clockwise direction): two adjacent first holes distributed over 60°, a first solid portion covering 30°, two adjacent second holes distributed over 60°, a second solid portion covering 30°, a third hole distributed over 30°, and a solid portion covering 150° and located between the third hole and the first hole. However, other configurations can be envisaged, in particular a greater or lesser number of holes and / or solid portions can be envisaged, depending on the desired operating mode.

[0064] The upper edges of the partition 33 and of the rotation axis 35 are advantageously ribbed to receive a seal (not shown) to ensure the sealing of the cavity 31 when the valve is assembled.

[0065] The second rotating member

[0066] The second member 4 is configured to have an angular position that makes it possible to control the fluid communication between at least two orifices A2, B2, C2 in the second group and / or between at least one orifice in the second group and a common channel or duct DO at the second housing 12B. The second member 4 is also advantageously configured to have at least one angular position that prevents any fluid communication between the individual orifices A2, B2, C2 in the second group and / or any fluid communication between at least one orifice in the second group and a common channel or duct DO.

[0067] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A second member 4 according to a preferred embodiment is shown. This member 4 is composed of a lateral partition 43 and a bottom wall 46 of substantially cylindrical shape with axis Xb-Xb. Its outer diameter corresponds substantially to the outer diameter of the housing 12B. It comprises two separate cavities, respectively 41, 42, which are not in fluid communication with each other and which are surrounded by the partition 43. An internal partition 44 makes it possible to isolate the two cavities 41, 42. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the embodiment, the partition 44 extends diagonally through the member 4 from the inner surface of the partition 43 toward the central portion forming the rotation axis 45.

[0068] The partition 43 comprises holes 431, 432 complementary to the orifices A2, B2, C2 and the common channel or duct DO. These holes open on the one hand to the cavities 41, 42 and on the other hand to the outer surface of the partition 43. One or more holes 431 are arranged in the first cavity 41 and one or more holes 432 are arranged at the second cavity 42. Figure 3A and Figure 3BIn the embodiment, the member 4 has four holes 431, 432 offset by 90°, two holes 431 are located at the first cavity 41 and the other two holes 432 are arranged at the second cavity 42. However, other configurations can be envisaged, in particular a greater or lesser number of holes and / or solid parts, depending on the desired operating mode.

[0069] The upper edges of the partitions 43, 44 and of the rotation axis 45 are advantageously ribbed in order to receive seals (not shown) to ensure the sealing of the cavities 41, 42 when the valve is assembled.

[0070] See also Figure 3A The shaft 45 has a tenon 450 that protrudes axially and includes one or more splines. The tenon 450 is suitable for engaging with a second actuator 8B further described in the specification.

[0071] Sealing elements

[0072] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A sealing element 5 is shown which is configured to be mounted in the housings 12A and 12B, between the valve body 1 and the rotating members 3, 4. Advantageously, it is in the form of a double sleeve 50, 51 which is complementary to the housings 12A and 12B and connected by a complementary connecting portion 52 of the channel DO. The contact between the outer surface of the element 5 and the inner walls of the housings 12A, 12B and the channel DO is preferably a tight contact ensuring sealing.

[0073] According to an embodiment that simplifies design and assembly, the element 5 is a one-piece component. It is preferably made of a flexible material, for example of the rubber or elastomer type, so as to form a fluid seal between the valve body 1 and the rotating members 3,4.

[0074] At the first sleeve 50, the element 5 has first openings AO1, BO1, CO1 complementary to the first set of orifices A1, B1, C1, so that when the element is mounted in the valve body 1, the orifice A1 opens into the opening AO1, the orifice B1 opens into the opening BO1 and the orifice C1 opens into the opening CO1. The openings AO1, BO1, CO1 are different from each other.

[0075] Second openings AO2, BO2, CO2 are also provided in the second sleeve 51. These second openings AO2, BO2, CO2 are complementary to the second set of orifices A2, B2, C2, so that when the element is mounted in the valve body 1, the orifice A2 opens into the opening AO2, the orifice B2 opens into the opening BO2 and the orifice C2 opens into the opening CO2. The second openings AO2, BO2, CO2 are different from each other and from the first openings AO1, BO1, CO1.

[0076] Openings DO1, DO2 are formed in the connecting portion 52 and open into the first housing 12A and the second housing 12B respectively. The connecting portion 52 also has an opening DO3 complementary to the orifice D so that it opens into the opening D when the element is mounted in the valve body 1.

[0077] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The assembled valve V is shown. The rotating members 3 and 4 are mounted in the housings 12A and 12B, and the sealing element 5 is integrated in the valve body 1. The tenon 350 of the first member 3 engages with the shaft of the first actuator 8A, and the tenon 450 of the second member 4 engages with the shaft of the second actuator 8B.

[0078] The actuators 8A, 8B are of the rotary motor type and ensure the rotation of the members 3, 4, respectively. The members 3, 4 can have the same number of angular positions and can pivot simultaneously. However, the fact of having two different actuators offers the advantage of being able to control each member 3, 4 individually with a different number of angular positions and / or at different speeds, thus adapting to different desired operating modes with great flexibility. For example, the first member 3 can have four different angular positions, while the second member 4 has only two different angular positions.

[0079] According to a variant embodiment, a single common actuator can ensure the simultaneous rotation of the two members 3 and 4, in particular by means of a gear or pinion meshing with said members, more particularly with the shafts 35, 45 and / or the tenons 350, 450. The gear or pinion can be configured and arranged to drive the members 3, 4 simultaneously at the same angular position (for example 30°) or at different angular positions, or in other words, in first increments (for example 30° increments) for the first member 3 and in second increments (for example 90° or 180° increments) for the second member 4.

[0080] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the embodiment, the actuators 8A, 8B are fixed to a cover 6 which closes the valve body 1 in a sealed manner by cooperating with a sealing element 5 or other dedicated sealing element. According to a variant embodiment, each actuator 8A, 8B is fixed to its own cover.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the cavity 31 of the first member 3 is sealed by the first sealing cover 7A, and the cavities 41 and 42 of the second member 4 are sealed by the second sealing cover 7B. Each of these covers 7A and 7B has an opening, allowing the tenon 350 and the tenon 450 to pass through respectively. According to another embodiment, the cavities 31, 41 and 42 are sealed by a common cover, which can be the aforementioned cover 6 or other special covers. However, the cavities 31, 41 and 42 are closed by two covers 7A and 7B so that intervention (for example, repair and / or replacement of components 3, 4) can be performed only on a part of the valve V, particularly on the accommodation portion 12A or 12B. On the contrary, the existence of a single common cover simplifies and facilitates the assembly of the valve V.

[0082] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the valve V, showing the various components of the valve V.

[0083] Examples of valve operating modes

[0084] Figures 8A to 8H The operation of the valve V is schematically shown in different angular positions of the rotating members 3 and 4. In these examples, the valve V is operated by rotation of the rotating members 3 and 4 alone.

[0085] Table 1 below summarizes the fluid communication between the first set of orifices A1, B1, C1 and / or the second set of orifices A2, B2, C2 in different angular positions. A rotating member is considered to be effective when fluid is able to pass through the rotating member. For example, at Figure 8G In the example of , the second member 4 is in an angular position such that the solid part of the partition 43 is located opposite the openings AO2, BO2, CO2 and the common channel DO, thereby preventing the fluid from circulating between the holes of the members. Therefore, the second member 4 is ineffective. In contrast, the first member 3 is in an angular position such that its holes are located opposite the openings BO1, CO1 and the common channel DO, thereby allowing the fluid to circulate through the member. Therefore, the first member 3 is effective.

[0086] Table 1

[0087]

[0088]

[0089] Table 1 illustrates a number of possible combinations of fluid connections of ports provided by valve V compared to prior art multi-way valves. Each combination provides a specific mode of operation, examples of which are further described in the following description.

[0090] exist Fig. 8A , 8B In the configurations 8D-8F and 8H, two different fluid flow circuits are formed by the valve. Fig. 8A In the configuration of , the first circuit runs between ports A1, C2, D, and the second circuit runs between ports A2 and B2. Figure 8H In the configuration of , the first circuit runs between ports A2 and D, and the second circuit runs between ports B2 and C2. Thus, a first type of fluid (e.g., high temperature heating liquid) can circulate in the first circuit, and a second type of fluid (e.g., air or refrigerant liquid) can circulate in the second circuit.

[0091] exist Figure 8C In the case of , three different fluid circulation circuits are formed through the valve. The first circuit runs between orifices B1 and C1, the second circuit runs between orifices C2 and D, and the third circuit runs between orifices A2 and B2, so that three fluids of different properties can flow through the valve.

[0092] exist Figures 8A to 8H In the embodiment, the first member 3 adopts five angular positions and the second member 4 adopts two angular positions. It should be understood that the members 3 and / or 4 can adopt more or fewer angular positions to accommodate other operating modes.

[0093] It will also be appreciated that by modifying the configuration of one or more rotating members 3, 4, other combinations of fluid connections of the orifices may be obtained. Fig. 9 In the example of FIG. 1 , the two rotating members 3 and 4 have the same configuration, in particular, referring to Figure 3A and Figure 3B In the corresponding angular positions of the members 3 and 4 , the first circuit runs between the orifices A1 and B1 , the second circuit runs between the orifices C1 , C2 and D, and the third circuit runs between the orifices A2 and B2 .

[0094] Fig. 10A , 10B 10C illustrates a fluid circulation circuit in a heat exchanger system of a motor vehicle according to different operating modes. The circuit includes a valve V, an engine 90, a battery pack 91, a heat exchanger 92 for heating (or cooling) the passenger compartment, an air conditioning cooler 93 and a heating element 94 (e.g., an electric heating radiator). Various pumps P1, P2, and P3 allow the fluid to circulate in the various branches of the circuit. The three-way valve V1 can control the circulation in different branches. The valve flap Cp is used to control the inflow of the fluid at the orifice D and prevent its discharge. The valve V according to the present invention makes it possible to replace multiple three-way valves with a single valve, thereby reducing the overall size and simplifying the assembly.

[0095] exist Fig. 10A In the case of valve V Fig.8Dposition. Orifices C1 and C2 are fluidically connected through rotating members 3 and 4 and a common channel DO; orifices A2 and B2 are fluidically connected through a second member 4. Orifices A1 and B1 are closed by the first member 3. Valve flap Cp prevents fluid from being discharged from channel DO through orifice D. Valve V1 is in a position so that its paths a and c are open and path b is closed. Pumps P1 and P3 are activated, while pump P2 is deactivated. In this configuration, two circulation circuits PC1 and PC2 are formed, and different types of fluids can circulate in each circulation circuit. Through the first circuit PC1, the passenger compartment is cooled by means of a heat exchanger 92, in which a cooling fluid cooled by a cooler 93 circulates. In addition, in the second circuit PC2, the battery 91 is heated by a heat transfer fluid circulating through the engine 90.

[0096] exist Fig. 10B In the case of valve V Fig. 8A position. Orifices A1 and C2 are fluidically connected through rotating members 3 and 4 and a common channel DO; orifices A2 and B2 are fluidically connected through a second member 4. Orifices B1 and C1 are closed by the first member 3. Valve flap Cp prevents fluid from being discharged from channel DO through orifice D. Valve V1 is in a position so that its paths a and b are open and path c is closed. Pumps P2 and P3 are activated, while pump P1 is deactivated. In this configuration, through the first circuit PC1, the passenger compartment is heated by means of a heat exchanger 92, in which a heat transfer fluid heated by a heating element 94 flows. In addition, in the second circuit PC2, the battery 91 is heated by a heat transfer fluid flowing through the engine 90.

[0097] exist Fig. 10C In the case of valve V Figure 8H position. Orifices D and A2 are fluidically connected through the second member 4; and orifices B2 and C2 are fluidically connected through the second member. Orifices A1, B1 and C1 are closed by the first member 3. Valve flap Cp allows fluid to enter through orifice D. Valve V1 is in a position so that its paths a and c are open and path b is closed. Pumps P1 and P3 are activated, while pump P2 is deactivated. In this configuration, a single circuit PC2 is formed. The engine 90 and the battery 91 are cooled by a cooling fluid that circulates through the cooler 93.

[0098] It should be understood that other modes of operation using other fluid flow circuits are contemplated.

[0099] It should also be noted that the pumps P1, P2, P3, the valve V1 and the valve flap Cp form means for regulating the flow of the fluid, making it possible to prevent or allow the flow of the fluid from or to one or more orifices of the first and / or second group. Additional regulating means may be installed in the first circuit PC1 and / or the second circuit PC2 as required.

[0100] In the above-described embodiments, the arrangement of various elements and / or devices and / or steps of the present invention should not be interpreted as requiring such an arrangement in all embodiments. In any case, it should be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or devices and / or steps without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In particular:

[0101] - The valve body 1 does not have to be integral; for example, the bottom wall 11 may be attached.

[0102] The valve may comprise more adjacent housings, for example three, four or five housings situated in the same plane, each of said stages being associated with a rotating member.

[0103] The common channel or duct DO does not necessarily have to be arranged along the middle plane of the valve body 1 , but can be arranged at another location of the wall 10 .

[0104] The openings A1 and / or B1 and / or C1 and / or A2 and / or B2 and / or C2 and / or D are not necessarily arranged on the side wall 10. For example, they may be arranged on the bottom wall 11 and / or at the cover 6 or the covers 7A, 7B.

[0105] The first set of orifices A1 , B1 , C1 and / or the second set of orifices A2 , B2 , C2 are not necessarily positioned at 90° to each other.

[0106] The sealing element 5 does not have to be integral but can be composed of a plurality of separate parts. In addition, the sealing can also be achieved, for example, by seals arranged in the receptacles 12A, 12B and / or on the rotating components 3, 4.

[0107] - The components 3, 4 may have other configurations, each component being configured according to the desired operating mode.

[0108] -The first housing 12A and / or the second housing 12B may include a plurality of rotating members installed at different stages from each other and located in parallel planes. For example, the first housing 12A may include two independent first rotating members, which are installed to rotate and move around the rotation axis Xa-Xa and are installed at the first stage and the second stage respectively. The first group of orifices A1, B1, C1 are in fluid communication with the first and second stages, so that the two first rotating members are suitable for controlling the fluid circulation between the first group of orifices. Alternatively or in a complementary manner, the second housing 12B may include two independent second rotating members, which are installed to rotate and move around the rotation axis Xb-Xb and are installed at the first and second stages respectively. The second group of orifices A2, B2, C2 are in fluid communication with the first and second stages, so that the two second rotating members are suitable for controlling the fluid circulation between the second group of orifices. This embodiment makes it possible to increase the circulation path through the valve V and the desired operating mode.

[0109] In addition, one or more features listed only in one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features listed only in another embodiment. Likewise, one or more features listed only in one embodiment may be extended to other embodiments, even if the one or more features are described only in combination with other features.

[0110] Use of the verb "comprise" or "comprising" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those stated in a claim.

Claims

1. A multi-way valve, comprising: a one-piece valve body (1) in which a first housing (12A) and a first set of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices (A1, B1, C1) are arranged, the orifices (A1, B1, C1) opening into the first housing, a first rotating member (3) which is mounted in the first housing (12A) so as to be rotationally movable about a first axis of rotation (Xa-Xa) so that the first member can adopt different angular positions, - said first member is suitable for controlling the fluid communication between said first set of orifices as a function of said angular position, Features: a second housing portion (12B) is arranged in the valve body (1), the second housing portion being adjacent to the first housing portion (12A) and being located in the same plane as the first housing portion, a second set of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices (A2, B2, C2) is arranged in said valve body (1), said orifices (A2, B2, C2) opening into said second housing (12B), a second rotating member (4) mounted in said second housing (12B) so as to be rotatably movable about a second rotating axis (Xb-Xb) different from and parallel to said first rotating axis (Xa-Xa), so that said second member adopts different angular positions, said second member being suitable for controlling the fluid communication between said second set of orifices (A2, B2, C2) according to said angular positions, - a common channel or conduit (DO) connecting said first housing (12A) and said second housing (12B) so as to allow fluid communication between said housings (12A, 12B), - A common fluid inlet and / or outlet orifice (D) is arranged in the valve body (1), said orifice (D) opening on the one hand into the common channel or duct (DO) and on the other hand into the outer surface of the valve body.

2. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, wherein: A first actuator (8A) rotates the first rotating member (3), and a second actuator (8B) separated from the first actuator rotates the second rotating member (4).

3. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, wherein: A common actuator causes the first rotating member (3) and the second rotating member (4) to rotate simultaneously via a gear or pinion arrangement engaging said members.

4. A multi-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first rotating member (3) is configured to have an angular position allowing fluid to flow between at least two orifices (A1, B1, C1) in the first group and / or between at least one orifice in the first group and the common channel or conduit (DO).

5. A multi-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second rotating member (4) is configured to have an angular position allowing fluid to flow between at least two orifices (A2, B2, C2) in the second group and / or between at least one orifice in the second group and the common channel or conduit (DO).

6. A multi-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first rotating member (3) has a central cavity (31) surrounded by a partition (33), the partition comprising two adjacent first holes distributed over 60°, a first solid portion covering 30°, two adjacent second holes distributed over 60°, a second solid portion covering 30°, a third hole distributed over 30°, and a solid portion covering 150° and located between the third hole and the first hole, the hole (331) being complementary to the first set of orifices (A1, B1, C1) and the common channel or duct (DO).

7. A multi-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second rotating member (4) has two independent cavities (41, 42) without fluid communication between the cavities, the cavities are surrounded by a partition (43), the partition includes four holes (431, 432) offset by 90°, these four holes (431, 432) are complementary to the second group of orifices (A2, B2, C2) and the common channel or duct (DO), two holes (431) are arranged in the first cavity (41), and two holes (432) are arranged in the second cavity (42).

8. A multi-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: A sealing element (5) is mounted in the common channel or duct (DO) and in the housing (12A, 12B) between the valve body (1) and the rotating members (3, 4), the sealing element having a first opening (AO1, BO1, CO1) complementary to the first set of orifices (A1, B1, C1) and a second opening (AO2, BO2, CO2) complementary to the second set of orifices (A2, B2, C2), thereby forming a fluid seal between the first rotating member (3) and the first set of orifices (A1, B1, C1) on the one hand, and between the second rotating member (4) and the second set of orifices (A2, B2, C2) on the other hand.

9. The multi-way valve according to claim 8, wherein: The sealing element (5) comprises a connecting portion (52) complementary to the common channel or duct (DO), the connecting portion having two openings (DO1, DO2) leading to the first housing portion (12A) and the second housing portion (12B), respectively, so as to form a fluid seal between the first rotating member (3) and the common channel or duct on the one hand, and between the second rotating member (4) and the common channel or duct on the other hand.

10. A multi-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claims 6 and 7, wherein: - the central cavity (31) of the first rotating member (3) is sealed by a first sealing cover (7a), and the cavities (41, 42) of the second rotating member (4) are sealed by a second sealing cover (7b), or - The central cavity (31) of the first rotating member (3) and the cavities (41, 42) of the second rotating member (4) are closed in a sealed manner by a common sealing cover.

11. A multi-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims in combination with claim 2 or 3, wherein: One or more actuators (8A, 8B) are fixed to a cover (6) closing the valve body (1) in a sealing manner.

12. A heat exchanger system, comprising a heat exchanger (92), a first fluid circulation circuit (PC1) and a second fluid circulation circuit (PC2), characterized in that: A first circuit (PC1) and a second circuit (PC2) are connected to a multi-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims, a first set of orifices (A1, B1, C1) being fluidically connected to the first circuit (PC1) and a second set of orifices (A2, B2, C2) being fluidically connected to the second circuit (PC2).

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein: The first circuit (PC1) and / or the second circuit (PC2) comprises one or more devices (V1, P1, P2, P3, Cp) for regulating fluid flow, wherein the one or more devices are arranged to prevent or allow fluid to flow from or to one or more orifices in the first group and / or the second group.

14. A motor vehicle comprising a heat exchanger system configured to allow cooling and / or heating of a passenger compartment of the vehicle and / or components of the vehicle, characterized in that The heat exchanger system is a heat exchanger system according to claim 12 or 13.

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