Valve device

Abstract

The invention discloses a valve device. The first shell opening is provided with a first sealing contact face, and the first sealing contact face protrudes out of the shell side wall and surrounds the first shell opening. The second shell opening is provided with a second sealing contact face, and the second sealing contact face protrudes out of the shell side wall and surrounds the second shell opening. The rotating frame is rotatable about an axis between the first housing opening and the second housing opening. A first seal is rotatable by the rotating frame to open and close the first housing opening. A second seal is rotatable by the rotating frame to open and close the second housing opening. According to the valve device, due to the fact that the opening of the shell is provided with the sealing contact face protruding out of the side wall of the shell, the sealing piece can abut against the sealing contact face after rotating in place, and when rotating is not in place, the sealing piece is separated from the side wall of the shell, and therefore friction resistance cannot be caused.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a valve device, and particularly to a valve device including a seal Background Art

[0002] The valve device is applied to the temperature control system inside a vehicle. The valve device controls the flow path of the coolant by connecting different fluid channels inside the vehicle, and adjusts the temperature of each component inside the vehicle. The valve device generally includes a housing and a seal provided inside the housing. The housing is provided with a housing opening, and each housing opening is connected to the temperature control system inside the vehicle through a pipe. A rotating element is provided inside the housing, and different fluid channels are formed by opening or closing each housing opening through the rotating element to switch different flow paths of the coolant.

[0003] A seal is also provided between the rotating element and the housing. During the rotation of the rotating element, elastic deformation will occur when the seal is squeezed between the inner wall of the housing or the rotating element, thereby forming a frictional resistance that hinders the rotation of the seal between the seal and the housing or the rotating element. Especially with the development of new energy vehicles, the number of flow paths of the coolant required in the vehicle increases. The number of required housing openings and seals also increases accordingly, resulting in a greater frictional resistance between the housing or the rotating element and the seal. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a valve device that can reduce the frictional resistance during rotation.

[0005] In a first aspect of this application, a valve device is provided. The valve device includes a housing, at least two housing openings, at least one rotating frame, and at least two seals. The housing includes a housing bottom and a housing side wall. The housing side wall extends upward from the housing bottom. The at least two housing openings include a first housing opening and a second housing opening. The first housing opening is provided on the housing side wall, and the first housing opening has a first sealing contact surface that protrudes from the housing side wall and surrounds the first housing opening. The second housing opening is provided on the housing side wall, and the second housing opening has a second sealing contact surface that protrudes from the housing side wall and surrounds the second housing opening. The rotating frame can rotate around an axis between the first housing opening and the second housing opening. The at least two seals include a first seal and a second seal. The first seal is located at the first end of the rotating frame, and the first seal can be rotated by the rotating frame to open and close the first housing opening. The second seal is located at the second end of the rotating frame, and the second seal can be rotated by the rotating frame to open and close the second housing opening.

[0006] According to the first aspect described above, the rotating frame can rotate in a first direction so that the first seal can move towards the first sealing contact surface to cover the first housing opening. And the rotating frame can rotate in a second direction so that the second seal can move towards the second sealing contact surface to cover the second housing opening. Wherein, the radius of the rotating frame from the axis is set such that during the rotation of the rotating frame, the first seal and the second seal are separated from the side wall of the housing.

[0007] According to the first aspect described above, the first sealing contact surface has an inclined surface. The inclined surface is set such that after the first seal starts to contact the inclined surface, as the rotating frame rotates in the first direction, the frictional force between the first seal and the inclined surface gradually increases.

[0008] According to the first aspect described above, the first seal and the first sealing contact surface have complementary inclined surfaces. And the complementary inclined surfaces are set such that when the first seal is at the position of closing the first housing opening, the complementary inclined surfaces are fully engaged.

[0009] According to the first aspect described above, the first seal has an upward inclined surface, and the first sealing contact surface has a downward inclined surface. The upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are complementary.

[0010] According to the first aspect described above, the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are set such that before the first seal closes the first housing opening, the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are not engaged.

[0011] According to the first aspect described above, the second sealing contact surface has an inclined surface. The inclined surface is set such that after the second seal starts to contact the inclined surface, as the rotating frame rotates in the second direction, the frictional force between the second seal and the inclined surface gradually increases.

[0012] According to the first aspect described above, the second seal and the second sealing contact surface have complementary inclined surfaces. And the complementary inclined surfaces are set such that when the second seal is at the position of closing the second housing opening, the complementary inclined surfaces are fully engaged.

[0013] According to the first aspect described above, the second seal has an upward inclined surface, and the second sealing contact surface has a downward inclined surface. The upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are complementary.

[0014] According to the first aspect described above, the upwardly inclined surface and the downwardly inclined surface are arranged such that before the second seal closes the second housing opening, the upwardly inclined surface and the downwardly inclined surface do not engage.

[0015] According to the first aspect described above, the first seal, the second seal, the first sealing contact surface, and the second sealing contact surface are arranged such that when the first seal is in the position of closing the first housing opening or the second seal is in the position of closing the second housing opening, the most protruding part of the downwardly inclined surface contacts and cooperates with the most recessed part of the upwardly inclined surface, and the most protruding part of the upwardly inclined surface contacts and cooperates with the most recessed part of the downwardly inclined surface.

[0016] According to the first aspect described above, the complementary inclined surfaces are complementary arc shapes.

[0017] According to the first aspect described above, the valve device further includes a third housing opening, a first fluid passage, and a second fluid passage. The third housing opening is provided on the side wall of the housing. The first fluid passage is located between the first housing opening and the third housing opening. The second fluid passage is located between the second housing opening and the third housing opening. The first seal and the second seal are arranged such that when the first seal opens the first housing opening, the second seal closes the second housing opening, so that the first housing opening and the third housing opening are in fluid communication along the first fluid passage. And when the second seal opens the second housing opening, the first seal closes the first housing opening, so that the second housing opening and the third housing opening are in fluid communication along the second fluid passage.

[0018] According to the first aspect described above, the first seal is integrally formed on the first end of the rotating frame by an injection molding process. And the second seal is integrally formed on the second end of the rotating frame by an injection molding process.

[0019] According to the first aspect described above, the valve device further includes a rotating shaft and an operating rod. The rotating shaft is located at the axis. The operating rod connects the rotating shaft and the rotating frame.

[0020] According to the first aspect described above, the rotating shaft can be driven by an actuator.

[0021] According to the first aspect described above, the bottom of the housing is cylindrical, and the side wall of the housing is cylindrical around the axis. The side wall of the housing is formed by vertically extending upward from the bottom of the housing.

[0022] According to the first aspect above, the at least two housing openings include a first pair of housing openings and a second pair of housing openings, the at least two seals include a first pair of seals and a second pair of seals, and the at least one rotating frame includes a pair of rotating frames. The first pair of seals are respectively connected to the first ends of a pair of rotating frames, and the second pair of seals are respectively connected to the second ends of a pair of rotating frames. Wherein the pair of rotating frames can rotate synchronously in a first direction so that the first pair of seals respectively close the first pair of housing openings, and fluid flows through the second pair of housing openings. And the pair of rotating frames can rotate synchronously in a second direction so that the second pair of seals respectively close the second pair of housing openings, and fluid flows through the first pair of housing openings.

[0023] In a second aspect of the present application, a valve device is provided. The valve device includes a housing, a first housing opening, a third housing opening, a rotating frame, and a first seal. The housing includes a housing bottom and a housing sidewall. The housing sidewall extends upward from the housing bottom. The first housing opening is provided on the housing sidewall, and the first housing opening has a first sealing contact surface that protrudes from the housing sidewall and surrounds the first housing opening. The third housing opening is provided on the housing sidewall. The rotating frame can rotate around an axis toward or away from the first housing opening. The first seal is provided on the rotating frame, and the first seal can be rotated by the rotating frame to open and close the first housing opening. Wherein the first seal is arranged such that when the first seal opens the first housing opening, fluid can flow between the first housing opening and the third housing opening. And wherein when the first seal closes the first housing opening, any fluid is blocked between the first housing opening and the third housing opening.

[0024] According to the second aspect above, the radius of the rotating frame from the axis is set such that during the rotation of the rotating frame, the first seal is separated from the housing sidewall.

[0025] According to the second aspect above, the first sealing contact surface has an inclined surface. Wherein the inclined surface is arranged such that after the first seal starts to contact the inclined surface, as the rotating frame rotates in the first direction, the frictional force between the first seal and the inclined surface gradually increases.

[0026] According to the second aspect above, the first seal and the first sealing contact surface have complementary inclined surfaces. And wherein the complementary inclined surfaces are arranged such that when the first seal is at the position of closing the first housing opening, the complementary inclined surfaces are fully engaged.

[0027] According to the second aspect described above, the first seal has an upward inclined surface, and the first seal contact surface has a downward inclined surface. The upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are complementary.

[0028] According to the second aspect described above, the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are arranged such that before the first seal closes the first housing opening, the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface do not engage.

[0029] According to the second aspect described above, the first seal and the first seal contact surface are arranged such that when the first seal is at the position of closing the first housing opening, the most protruding part of the downward inclined surface contacts and mates with the most recessed part of the upward inclined surface, and the most protruding part of the upward inclined surface contacts and mates with the most recessed part of the downward inclined surface.

[0030] According to the second aspect described above, the complementary inclined surfaces are complementary arc shapes.

[0031] According to the second aspect described above, the first seal is integrally formed on the rotating frame by an injection molding process.

[0032] According to the second aspect described above, the valve device further includes a rotating shaft and an operating rod. The rotating shaft is located at the axis. The operating rod connects the rotating shaft and the rotating frame.

[0033] According to the second aspect described above, the rotating shaft can be driven by an actuator.

[0034] According to the second aspect described above, the bottom of the housing is cylindrical, and the side wall of the housing is cylindrical around the axis. The side wall of the housing is formed by vertically extending upward from the bottom of the housing.

[0035] The concept, specific structure and technical effects of the present application will be further described below in conjunction with the drawings to fully understand the purpose, features and effects of the present application. Description of the Drawings

[0036] Figure 1A is a three-dimensional structural view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 1B is Figure 1A the exploded view of the valve device shown;

[0038] Figure 2A is Figure 1A the three-dimensional structural view of the housing and its interior in ;

[0039] Figure 2B is Figure 2A the left view of ;

[0040] Figure 2C is Figure 2A an axial sectional view;

[0041] Figure 3A - Figure 3D A partial enlarged view showing the process of the first housing opening from open to closed;

[0042] Figure 4A is a three-dimensional structural view of the housing and its interior in a valve device according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 4B When the first housing opening is closed, Figure 4A an axial sectional view of the valve device shown;

[0044] Figure 4C When the first housing opening is open, Figure 4A an axial sectional view of the valve device shown;

[0045] Figure 5A is a three-dimensional structural view of the housing and its interior in a valve device according to still another embodiment of the present application;

[0046] Figure 5B When the first housing opening and the third housing opening are open, Figure 5A an axial sectional view of the valve device shown;

[0047] Figure 5C When the second housing opening and the fourth housing opening are open, Figure 5A an axial sectional view of the valve device shown. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0048] Various specific embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the drawings forming a part of this specification. It should be understood that although directional terms such as "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc. are used in the present application to describe the orientation of various exemplary structural parts and elements of the present application, these terms are used herein only for the purpose of convenience of description and are determined based on the exemplary orientation shown in the drawings. Since the embodiments disclosed in the present application can be arranged in different directions, these directional terms are used only as an illustration and should not be regarded as a limitation. Where possible, the same or similar reference numerals used in the present application refer to the same components.

[0049] Figure 1A and Figure 1B show a general structure of a valve device 100 according to an embodiment of the present application. Among them Figure 1A is a three-dimensional view of the valve device 100, Figure 1B is an exploded view of the valve device 100. As Figure 1A andFigure 1B As shown, the valve device 100 includes a housing cover 101 and a housing 102. The housing 102 includes a housing bottom 151 and a housing side wall 152, and the housing side wall 152 extends upward from the housing bottom 151. The housing cover 101 is sealingly connected to the top edge of the housing side wall 152 to enclose the housing 102 and form a cavity inside the housing 102. The housing side wall 152 is provided with a first housing opening 231, a second housing opening 232, and a third housing opening 233 (see Figure 2C as shown), as well as a first pipe 103, a second pipe 104, and a third pipe 105. One ends of the first pipe 103, the second pipe 104, and the third pipe 105 are respectively in fluid communication with the inside of the housing 102 through the first housing opening 231, the second housing opening 232, and the third housing opening 233, and the other ends are used for connection with pipes outside the valve device 100, such as connection with a vehicle temperature regulation system. By connecting different pipes, the flow of the coolant through different flow paths can be controlled to adjust the temperature of components such as the battery, motor, and cockpit of the electric vehicle inside the vehicle. In this embodiment, the housing 102 is cylindrical, the housing bottom 151 is a circular bottom, and the housing side wall 152 is a cylindrical shape extending vertically upward from the housing bottom 151. Those skilled in the art can understand that, according to actual needs, the housing of the present application can also be set to other shapes.

[0050] The valve device 100 further includes a rotating frame 115, a rotating shaft 153, and an operating rod 106. The rotating shaft 153 rotates around an axis 190, and the operating rod 106 connects the rotating frame 115 and the rotating shaft 153. The valve device 100 further includes an actuator 110, and the actuator 110 is connected to the rotating shaft 153. The rotating shaft 153 is located at the axis 190 so that the actuator 110 can drive the rotating shaft 153 to rotate around the axis 190, and then drive the rotating frame 115 to rotate around the axis 190 through the operating rod 106. In this embodiment, the rotating frame 115 rotates between the first housing opening 131 and the second housing opening 132. And in this embodiment, the housing side wall 152 is cylindrical around the axis 190.

[0051] The valve device 100 further includes a first seal 128 and a second seal 129. In this embodiment, the first seal 128 is disposed on the first end 141 of the rotating frame 115. The second seal 129 is disposed on the second end 142 of the rotating frame 115. Here, the first end and the second end refer to the ends of the rotating frame 115 in the rotating direction. And the first seal 128 and the second seal 129 are located outside the rotating frame 115, that is, on the side facing the housing 102. In this embodiment, the first seal 128 and the second seal 129 are integrally formed on the rotating frame 115 by an injection molding process, which facilitates processing. In other embodiments, the first seal 128 and the second seal 129 can also be formed on the rotating frame 115 by an assembly method. As the rotating frame 115 rotates, the first seal 128 can open or close the first housing opening 231, and the second seal 129 can open or close the second housing opening 232. This will be described in detail later.

[0052] Inside the housing 102, there are a flow channel partition 107 and a flow channel cover 108, and the flow channel cover 108 is connected to the top of the flow channel partition 107. In this embodiment, the flow channel partition 107 and the flow channel cover 108 define and form a first fluid channel 263 and a second fluid channel 264 (see Figure 2B shown). The first fluid channel 263 is used to connect the third housing opening 233 and the first housing opening 231, and the second fluid channel 264 is used to connect the third housing opening 233 and the second housing opening 232. This will be described in detail later in combination with the housing openings. In other embodiments, according to different requirements of the housing and the housing openings, fluid channels may not be provided inside the housing or fluid channels may be defined in other ways.

[0053] Those skilled in the art can understand that, according to specific requirements, the valve device can also be provided with more housing openings and housing seals. For example, in the Figure 4A - Figure 4C embodiment shown, the valve device includes an openable or closable housing opening, a corresponding seal, and a housing opening that remains open. And in the Figure 5A - Figure 5C embodiment shown, the valve device includes two pairs of openable or closable housing openings and corresponding two pairs of seals.

[0054] Figure 2A - Figure 2C Shows the structure of the valve device 100 after omitting the housing cover 101, the actuator 110, and the flow channel cover 108, which is used to illustrate the more specific internal structure of the valve device 100. In this embodiment, the first housing opening 231, the second housing opening 232, and the third housing opening 233 are substantially located in the same plane, where Figure 2A Shows a three-dimensional structure diagram inside the valve device 100, Figure 2B Shows Figure 2A The left view ofFigure 2C shown Figure 2A is an axial sectional view at each housing opening. As Figure 2A - Figure 2C shown, the flow channel partition 107 includes a first flow channel partition 271, a second flow channel partition 272, and a third flow channel partition 273. The first flow channel partition 271 is in the shape of an arc plate and is connected to the adjacent edges between the first housing opening 231 and the third housing opening 233. The second flow channel partition 272 is in the shape of a straight plate and is connected to the adjacent edges between the second housing opening 232 and the third housing opening 233. The third flow channel partition 273 is in the shape of a bent plate bent in the direction of the axis 190. In this embodiment, the third flow channel partition 273 is not connected to the housing side wall 152 but is spaced apart from the housing side wall 152 by a certain distance. The rotating frame 115 is disposed between the third flow channel partition 273 and the housing side wall 152. The inner side of the rotating frame 115 is kept in contact with the third flow channel partition 273, and the outer side of the rotating frame 115 is spaced apart from the housing side wall 152 by a certain distance.

[0055] The first housing opening 231 has a first sealing contact surface 238, and the first sealing contact surface 238 protrudes from the housing side wall 152 and surrounds the first housing opening 231. In this embodiment, the valve device 100 includes a first protruding portion 211, and the first protruding portion 211 protrudes inward relative to the housing side wall 152. The inner surface of the first protruding portion 211 forms the first sealing contact surface 238, and the first housing opening 231 penetrates through the first protruding portion 211.

[0056] Similarly, the second housing opening 232 also has a second sealing contact surface 239, and the second sealing contact surface 239 protrudes from the housing side wall 152 and surrounds the second housing opening 232. And in this embodiment, the valve device 100 includes a second protruding portion 212, and the second protruding portion 212 protrudes inward relative to the housing side wall 152. The inner surface of the second protruding portion 212 forms the second sealing contact surface 239, and the second housing opening 232 penetrates through the second protruding portion 212. In this embodiment, the first protruding portion 211 is formed by the end of the first flow channel partition 271 close to the first housing opening 231. The second protruding portion 212 is formed by the end of the second flow channel partition 272 close to the second housing opening 232. In other embodiments, the first protruding portion 211 and the second protruding portion 212 may also be directly disposed inside the housing side wall 152.

[0057] Since the first sealing contact surface 238 and the second sealing contact surface 239 protrude from the housing side wall 152, the radius of the rotary frame 115 from the axis 190 enables the first seal 128 and the second seal 129 to separate from the housing side wall 152 during the rotation of the rotary frame 115. And after the rotary frame 115 rotates into place, the first seal 128 and the second seal 129 contact the first sealing contact surface 238 and the second sealing contact surface 239. In this embodiment, the rotary frame 115 is in an arc shape, and the radius of the rotary frame 115 from the axis 190 refers to the rotation radius of the rotary frame 115. Since the first seal 128 and the second seal 129 can at least partially leave the housing side wall 152 when the rotary frame 115 rotates, the rotary frame 115 can reduce or be unaffected by the frictional resistance when rotating.

[0058] The rotary frame 115 can rotate in the first direction (i.e., the clockwise direction) so that the first seal 128 moves toward the first sealing contact surface 238 to cover the first housing opening 131, thereby sealingly closing the first housing opening 131. And the rotary frame 115 can rotate in the second direction (i.e., the counterclockwise direction) so that the second seal 129 moves toward the second sealing contact surface 239 to cover the second housing opening 132, thereby sealingly closing the second housing opening 132.

[0059] In Figure 2A - Figure 2C the state shown, the second end 142 of the rotary frame 115 abuts against the second flow channel partition 272, and the second seal 129 sealingly closes the second housing opening 232. The first seal 128 leaves the first sealing contact surface 238 to open the first housing opening 231. At this time, the first fluid channel 263 fluidly connects the first housing opening 231 and the third housing opening 233. When the rotary frame 115 rotates clockwise (i.e., the first direction) from the position as Figure 2C shown, the first seal 128 can move toward the first sealing contact surface 238. Until the first end 141 of the rotary frame 115 abuts against the first flow channel partition 271, the first seal 128 sealingly closes the first housing opening 231. The second seal 129 leaves the second sealing contact surface 239 to open the second housing opening 232. At this time, the second fluid channel 264 fluidly connects the second housing opening 232 and the third housing opening 233.

[0060] In this embodiment, the first seal 128 and the second seal 129 have upwardly inclined surfaces 261, and the first seal contact surface 238 and the second seal contact surface 239 have downwardly inclined surfaces 262. The upwardly inclined surface 261 and the downwardly inclined surface 262 have complementary shapes such that when the first seal 128 closes the first housing opening 231 or the second seal 129 closes the second housing opening 232, the upwardly inclined surface 261 and the downwardly inclined surface 262 are fully engaged. And before the first seal 128 closes the first housing opening 231 or the second seal 129 closes the second housing opening 232, the upwardly inclined surface 261 and the downwardly inclined surface 262 are not engaged. The full engagement in this embodiment means that the most protruding part of the downwardly inclined surface 162 contacts and mates with the most recessed part of the upwardly inclined surface 161, and the most protruding part of the upwardly inclined surface 161 contacts and mates with the most recessed part of the downwardly inclined surface 162. The inclined surface here refers to an inclined surface whose distance from the axis 190 gradually increases or decreases in the radial direction. The upwardly inclined surface 261 of the first seal 128 and the second seal 129 means that in the direction from the front end to the rear in the rotational direction, the distance from the axis 190 gradually increases. The downwardly inclined surface 262 of the first seal contact surface 238 and the second seal contact surface 239 refers to an inclined surface that is inclined in the opposite direction to the upwardly inclined surface 261. In this embodiment, the upwardly inclined surface 261 and the downwardly inclined surface 262 are in a fully engaged arc shape. In other embodiments, the inclined surface may also be inclined in other directions as long as the inclined surfaces of the first seal 128 and the second seal 129 are complementary to the inclined surfaces of the first seal contact surface 238 and the second seal contact surface 239.

[0061] Thus, when the rotary frame 115 rotates in the first direction from the position where the first seal 128 closes the first housing opening 231, the upwardly inclined surface 261a of the first seal 128 gradually separates from the downwardly inclined surface 262a of the first seal contact surface 238, and the first seal 128 separates from the housing side wall 152. During this process, the second seal 129 also does not contact the housing side wall 152 and the second seal contact surface 239. It is not until the second seal 129 is in the position of closing the second housing opening 232 that the upwardly inclined surface 261b of the second seal 129 contacts and mates with the downwardly inclined surface 262b of the second seal contact surface 239. Therefore, during the rotation of the rotary frame 115, the first seal 128 and the second seal 129 do not generate frictional forces that impede the rotation of the rotary frame 115.

[0062] In some other embodiments, it is also possible that only the first sealing contact surface and the second sealing contact surface are provided with inclined surfaces, while the first sealing member and the second sealing member are not provided with inclined surfaces. For example, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are in the shape of a circular arc with a uniform thickness. At this time, as the rotary frame 115 rotates, when the first sealing member or the second sealing member starts to contact the first sealing contact surface or the second sealing contact surface, the frictional force gradually increases. However, during the rotation of the rotary frame 115, the first sealing member and the second sealing member are at least separated from the side wall of the housing where the sealing contact surface is not provided.

[0063] Figure 3A - Figure 3D A partial enlarged view showing the process of the first housing opening 231 from being opened to being closed. Those skilled in the art can understand that as the rotary frame 115 rotates, the process of the first housing opening 231 from being opened to being closed will correspondingly cause the second housing opening 232 to open from being closed. As Figure 3A shown, the first housing opening 231 is in an open state. The first sealing member 128 has not yet reached the position to close the first housing opening 231 and is still separated from the side wall 152 of the housing. Therefore, no frictional resistance is generated between the first sealing member 128 and the side wall 152 of the housing and the first sealing contact surface 238. As the rotary frame 115 rotates in the first direction (i.e., Figure 3A the clockwise direction indicated by the arrow in Figure 3B ) towards the first sealing contact surface 238, the first sealing member 128 reaches the position as

[0064] shown in Figure 3B . Figure 3A shown in Figure 3C .

[0065] As shown in Figure 3CAs shown, the first seal 128 has not yet reached the position of closing the first housing opening 231, and the first housing opening 231 is still not in a closed state. At this time, the upward inclined surface 261a of the first seal 128 approaches the first seal contact surface 238, but still does not contact the downward inclined surface 262a of the first seal contact surface 238. As the rotating frame 115 continues to rotate in the first direction (i.e., the clockwise direction shown by the arrow in Figure 3A towards the first seal contact surface 238, the first seal 128 reaches the position shown in Figure 3D .

[0066] As shown in Figure 3D , the first seal 128 reaches the position of closing the first housing opening 231. At this time, the upward inclined surface 261a of the first seal 128 is fully engaged and in contact with the downward inclined surface 262a of the first seal contact surface 238, so that the first housing opening 231 is hermetically closed by the first seal 128.

[0067] During the opening process of the first housing opening 231, the first seal 128 and the rotating frame 115 can be rotated in the second direction (i.e., the counterclockwise direction) according to the process of Figure 3D - Figure 3A .

[0068] Thus, the first seal 128 contacts the first seal contact surface 238 only when it reaches the position of closing the first housing opening 231, and during the rotation process before reaching the position of closing the first housing opening 231, the first seal 128 does not generate a frictional force that hinders the rotation of the rotating frame 115.

[0069] Figure 4A - Figure 4C shows the specific structure of the valve device 400 according to another embodiment of the present application. Among them Figure 4A shows a three-dimensional structural view of the valve device 400 after omitting the housing cover, the flow channel cover and the actuator, Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the valve device when the first seal closes the first housing opening, Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the valve device when the first seal opens the first housing opening. As shown in Figure 4A - Figure 4C , the structure of the valve device 400 is generally similar to the structure of the valve device 100. In this embodiment, the housing side wall 452 is not cylindrical, but the rotating frame 415 still rotates around the axis 490 of the rotating shaft 453. And the valve device 400 only includes the first housing opening 431 and the third housing opening 433, and the rotating frame 415 only includes the first seal 428. The first seal 428 is driven by the rotating frame 415 to rotate, so as to open or close the first housing opening 431. When the first housing opening 431 is open, the first housing opening 431 and the third housing opening 433 are in fluid communication through the first fluid channel 463.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first housing opening 431 also has a first sealing contact surface 438 that protrudes from the housing sidewall 452 and surrounds the first housing opening 431. The first sealing contact surface 438 has a downward inclined surface 462. The first seal 428 has an upward inclined surface 461 that is complementary to the downward inclined surface 462. Since the first sealing contact surface 438 protrudes from the housing sidewall 452, the rotation radius of the rotary frame 415 can be set such that as the rotary frame 415 rotates, the first seal 428 separates from the housing sidewall 452. And when the rotary frame 415 rotates to a position where the first seal 428 is near the first sealing contact surface 438 but has not closed the first housing opening 431, the downward inclined surface 462 and the upward inclined surface 461 are not engaged. It is not until the rotary frame 415 rotates to close the first housing opening 431 that the downward inclined surface 462 and the upward inclined surface 461 come into contact and full engagement. Thus, during the rotation process before the rotary frame 415 drives the first seal 428 to reach the position of closing the first housing opening 431, the first seal 428 does not generate a frictional force that hinders the rotation of the rotary frame 415.

[0071] Figure 5A - Figure 5C Shows the specific structure of a valve device 500 according to another embodiment of the present application. Among them Figure 5A Shows a perspective view of the valve device 500 after omitting the housing cover, the flow channel cover, and the actuator. Figure 5B Shows a cross-sectional view of the valve device when the first pair of seals closes the first pair of housing openings. Figure 5C Shows a cross-sectional view of the valve device when the second pair of seals closes the second pair of housing openings. As Figure 5A - Figure 5C shown, the structure of the valve device 500 is generally similar to the structure of the valve device 100. The housing sidewall 552 is also in the shape of a cylinder surrounding the axis 590. The valve device 500 includes a first pair of housing openings 531 and a second pair of housing openings 532, a first pair of seals 528 and a second pair of seals 529, and a pair of rotary frames 515. The first pair of housing openings 531 and the second pair of housing openings 532 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the housing sidewall 152, and the first pair of housing openings 531 are provided on opposite sides of the axis 590, and the second pair of housing openings 532 are provided on opposite sides of the axis 590.

[0072] A pair of rotating frames 515 are arranged on opposite sides of the axis 590, and are each drivingly connected to the rotating shaft 553 through the operating rod 106 and the transmission gear 554, so that the rotating shaft 553 drives the pair of rotating frames 515 to rotate synchronously. The first pair of seals 528 are each integrally formed at the first end 541 of the pair of rotating frames 515 through an injection molding process, and the second pair of seals 529 are integrally formed at the second end 542 of the pair of rotating frames 515 through an injection molding process. The first pair of seals 528 and the second pair of seals 529 are driven by their respective rotating frames 415 to rotate, thereby opening or closing the first pair of housing openings 531 and the second pair of housing openings 532. When the second pair of housing openings 532 are closed by the second pair of seals 529, the first pair of housing openings 531 are opened, and the space between the first pair of housing openings 531 can be in fluid communication. When the first pair of housing openings 531 are closed by the first pair of seals 528, the second pair of housing openings 532 are opened, and the space between the second pair of housing openings 532 can be in fluid communication.

[0073] In this embodiment, each of the first pair of housing openings 531 has a first sealing contact surface 538 that protrudes from the housing sidewall 552 and surrounds the corresponding first pair of housing openings 531, and each of the second pair of housing openings 532 has a second sealing contact surface 539 that protrudes from the housing sidewall 552 and surrounds the corresponding second pair of housing openings 532. The first sealing contact surface 538 and the second sealing contact surface 539 have a downward inclined surface 562. Each of the first pair of seals 528 and each of the second pair of seals 529 have an upward inclined surface 561 that is complementary to the downward inclined surface 562. Since the first sealing contact surface 538 and the second sealing contact surface 539 protrude from the housing sidewall 552, the rotation radius of the rotating frame 515 can be set such that as the pair of rotating frames 515 rotate, the first pair of seals 528 and the second pair of seals 529 separate from the housing sidewall 552. And when the rotating frame 515 rotates to a position where the first pair of seals 528 are near the first sealing contact surface 538 but have not yet closed the corresponding first pair of housing openings 531 or the second pair of seals 529 are near the second sealing contact surface 539 but have not yet closed the corresponding second pair of housing openings 532, the downward inclined surface 562 and the upward inclined surface 561 are not engaged. It is not until the rotating frame 515 rotates to a position where the first pair of seals 528 close the first pair of housing openings 531 or the second pair of seals 529 close the second pair of housing openings 532 that the downward inclined surface 562 and the upward inclined surface 561 come into contact and are fully engaged.

[0074] Thus, during the rotation process before the rotary frame 515 drives the first pair of seals 528 to reach the position where the first pair of housing openings 531 are closed, or before the second pair of seals 529 reach the position where the second pair of housing openings 532 are closed, the first pair of seals 528 and the second pair of seals 529 do not generate frictional forces that impede the rotation of the rotary frame 515.

[0075] When the valve device selectively connects each housing opening, it is necessary for the seal to press against the housing side wall near the housing opening and apply a pressing force to ensure the sealing performance of the fluid connection. However, the tight contact between the seal and the housing side wall will cause frictional resistance, and rotating the seal requires overcoming the frictional resistance brought by the seal.

[0076] In the valve device of the present application, since the housing opening has a sealing contact surface protruding from the housing side wall, the seal can abut against the sealing contact surface after rotating into place, and when the rotation is not in place, the seal is separated from the housing side wall, so no frictional resistance is caused.

[0077] And in the valve device of the present application, the seal and the sealing contact surface have complementary inclined surfaces, so that the seal only fully engages and contacts with the sealing contact surface at the position where the housing opening is closed. Therefore, even when the seal is about to reach the position where the housing opening is closed during the rotation process, no frictional resistance is caused.

[0078] In addition, in the present application, by directly overmolding the seal onto the rotary frame, on the premise of ensuring the sealing performance of the seal, the connection structure of the seal is simplified, the assembly steps are reduced, automation is easy to achieve, and the cost is reduced.

[0079] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with examples of the embodiments outlined above, various alternative solutions, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalent solutions, whether known or now or soon foreseeable, may be apparent to those of at least ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, the examples of the embodiments of the present disclosure as stated above are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to cover all known or earlier developed alternative solutions, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantially equivalent solutions. The technical effects and technical problems in this specification are exemplary rather than restrictive. It should be noted that the embodiments described in this specification may have other technical effects and may solve other technical problems.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that: The valve device includes: A housing, the housing includes: A housing bottom; and A housing side wall, the housing side wall extending upward from the housing bottom; At least two housing openings, the at least two housing openings include: A first housing opening, the first housing opening is provided on the housing side wall And has a first sealing contact surface, the first sealing The contact surface protrudes from the housing side wall and surrounds the first housing opening; and A second housing opening, the second housing opening is provided on the housing side wall And has a second sealing contact surface, the second sealing The contact surface protrudes from the housing side wall and surrounds the second housing opening; At least one rotating frame, the rotating frame can rotate around an axis between the first housing opening and the second housing opening; and At least two seals, the at least two seals include: A first seal, the first seal is located at the first End of the rotating frame, and the first seal can be rotated by the rotating frame to open and Close the first housing opening; and A second seal, the second seal is located at the second End of the rotating frame, and the second seal can be rotated by the rotating frame to open and Close the second housing opening.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotating frame can rotate in a first direction so that the first seal can move towards the first sealing contact surface to cover the first housing opening; and The rotating frame can rotate in a second direction so that the second seal can move towards the second sealing contact surface to cover the second housing opening; Wherein, the radius of the rotating frame from the axis is set so that during the rotation of the rotating frame, the first seal and the second seal are separated from the housing side wall.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first sealing contact surface has an inclined surface; Wherein the inclined surface is set such that after the first seal starts to contact the inclined surface, as the rotating frame rotates in the first direction, the frictional force between the first seal and the inclined surface gradually increases.

4. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first seal and the first sealing contact surface have complementary inclined surfaces; And wherein the complementary inclined surfaces are set such that when the first seal is at the position of closing the first housing opening, the complementary inclined surfaces are fully engaged.

5. The valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first seal has an upward inclined surface, and the first sealing contact surface has a downward inclined surface; Wherein the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are complementary.

6. The valve device according to claim 5, characterized in that: Wherein the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are set such that before the first seal closes the first housing opening, the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are not engaged.

7. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second sealing contact surface has an inclined surface; Wherein the inclined surface is arranged such that after the second seal starts to contact the inclined surface, as the rotating frame rotates along the second direction, the frictional force between the second seal and the inclined surface gradually increases.

8. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The second seal and the second sealing contact surface have complementary inclined surfaces; And wherein the complementary inclined surfaces are arranged such that when the second seal closes the second housing opening, the complementary inclined surfaces are fully engaged.

9. The valve device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The second seal has an upward inclined surface, and the second sealing contact surface has a downward inclined surface; Wherein the upward inclined surface is complementary to the downward inclined surface.

10. The valve device according to claim 9, characterized in that: Wherein the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are arranged such that before the second seal closes the second housing opening, the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are not engaged.

11. The valve device according to claim 5 or 9, characterized in that: The first seal, the second seal, the first sealing contact surface, and the second sealing contact surface are arranged such that: When the first seal closes the first housing opening or the second seal closes the second housing opening, the most protruding part of the downward inclined surface contacts and cooperates with the most recessed part of the upward inclined surface, and the most protruding part of the upward inclined surface contacts and cooperates with the most recessed part of the downward inclined surface.

12. The valve device according to claim 4 or 8, characterized in that: The complementary inclined surfaces are complementary arc shapes.

13. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that Further comprising: A third housing opening provided on the side wall of the housing; A first fluid passage located between the first housing opening and the third housing opening; A second fluid passage located between the second housing opening and the third housing opening; Wherein the first seal and the second seal are arranged such that: When the first seal opens the first housing opening, the second seal closes the second housing opening so that the first housing opening and the third housing opening are in fluid communication along the first fluid passage; And when the second seal opens the second housing opening, the first seal closes the first housing opening so that the second housing opening and the third housing opening are in fluid communication along the second fluid passage.

14. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first seal is integrally formed on the first end of the rotating frame by an injection molding process; And the second seal is integrally formed on the second end of the rotating frame by an injection molding process.

15. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein Further comprising: A rotating shaft located at the axis; And An operating rod connecting the rotating shaft and the rotating frame.

16. The valve device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The rotating shaft can be driven by an actuator.

17. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the housing is cylindrical, and the side wall of the housing is cylindrical around the axis; Wherein the side wall of the housing is formed by vertically extending upward from the bottom of the housing.

18. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The at least two housing openings include a first pair of housing openings and a second pair of housing openings, the at least two seals include a first pair of seals and a second pair of seals, and the at least one rotating frame includes a pair of rotating frames. The first pair of seals are respectively connected to the first ends of the pair of rotating frames, and the second pair of seals are respectively connected to the second ends of the pair of rotating frames; Wherein the pair of rotating frames can rotate synchronously in a first direction so that the first pair of seals respectively close the first pair of housing openings, and fluid flows through the second pair of housing openings; And the pair of rotating frames can rotate synchronously in a second direction so that the second pair of seals respectively close the second pair of housing openings, and fluid flows through the first pair of housing openings.

19. A valve device, characterized in that: The valve device includes: A housing, the housing includes: A housing bottom; and A housing side wall, the housing side wall extending upward from the housing bottom; A first housing opening, the first housing opening is provided on the housing side wall, the first housing opening has a first sealing contact surface, and the first sealing contact surface protrudes from the housing side wall and surrounds the first housing opening; A third housing opening, the third housing opening is provided on the housing side wall; A rotating frame, the rotating frame can rotate around an axis toward or away from the first housing opening; and A first seal, the first seal is provided on the rotating frame, and the first seal can be rotated by the rotating frame to open and close the first housing opening; Wherein the first seal is arranged such that when the first seal opens the first housing opening, fluid can flow between the first housing opening and the third housing opening; And wherein when the first seal closes the first housing opening, any fluid is blocked between the first housing opening and the third housing opening.

20. The valve device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The radius of the rotating frame from the axis is set such that during the rotation of the rotating frame, the first seal is separated from the housing side wall.

21. The valve device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The first sealing contact surface has an inclined surface; Wherein the inclined surface is arranged such that after the first seal starts to contact the inclined surface, as the rotating frame rotates in the first direction, the friction force between the first seal and the inclined surface gradually increases.

22. The valve device according to claim 19, characterized in that: The first seal and the first sealing contact surface have complementary inclined surfaces; And the complementary inclined surfaces are arranged such that when the first seal closes the opening of the first housing, the complementary inclined surfaces are fully engaged.

23. The valve device according to claim 18, wherein: The first seal has an upward inclined surface, and the first sealing contact surface has a downward inclined surface; Wherein the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are complementary.

24. The valve device according to claim 23, wherein: The upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are arranged such that before the first seal closes the opening of the first housing, the upward inclined surface and the downward inclined surface are not engaged.

25. The valve device according to claim 23, wherein: The first seal and the first sealing contact surface are arranged such that: When the first seal is in a position of closing the opening of the first housing, the most protruding part of the downward inclined surface contacts and cooperates with the most sunken part of the upward inclined surface, and the most protruding part of the upward inclined surface contacts and cooperates with the most sunken part of the downward inclined surface.

26. The valve device according to claim 22, wherein: The complementary inclined surfaces are complementary arc shapes.

27. The valve device according to claim 19, wherein: The first seal is integrally formed on the rotating frame by an injection molding process.

28. The valve device according to claim 19, characterized in that Further comprising: A rotating shaft located at the axis; And An operating rod connecting the rotating shaft and the rotating frame.

29. The valve device according to claim 28, wherein: The rotating shaft can be driven by an actuator.

30. The valve device according to claim 19, wherein: The bottom of the housing is cylindrical, and the side wall of the housing is cylindrical around the axis; Wherein the side wall of the housing is formed by vertically extending upward from the bottom of the housing.

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