Multi-way valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-way valve comprising:-a body (1) having an internal housing,-two series of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices, and wherein:-the valve comprises three separate rotating members (3, 4, 5) rotatably mounted in the housing at a first, second and third stage, respectively,-the orifices of the first series are in communication with the first and second stages,-the orifices of the second series are in communication with the first and second stages, and-the orifices of the third series are in communication with the second and third stages. The first and second members (3, 4) are in fluid communication with the first stage such that the first and second members (3, 4) control the flow between the series of orifices, the second series of orifices are in fluid communication with the third stage such that the third member (5) controls the flow between the series of orifices, a conduit (DO) connecting the stages such that the rotating member controls the flow between the first and second series of orifices through the conduit.

Description

Technical field

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

[0002] The present invention particularly relates to the technical field of multi-way valves (stepped multi-way valves) having fluid inlet / outlet orifices at different levels. Background art

[0003] The size of components in a fluid circuit is a major limiting factor, especially in motor vehicles where there is a quest to miniaturize components to reduce the space they occupy. In the case of a heat pump, one solution is to make all its components compact.

[0004] Multi-way valves solve this problem because they generally combine a certain number of valves into a single valve.

[0005] In particular, patent documents WO2021 / 121922 and FR2844571 disclose stepped multi-way valves of the valve body type having a receiving portion. A first series of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices and a second series of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices lead to the outer surface of the valve body at different levels. A rotary member is mounted to be rotatable in the receiving portion about a rotation axis perpendicular to a plane, in such a way that the member takes up different angular positions, at which various orifices of the series are closed or left free, so as to control the fluid circulation between the orifices.

[0006] However, these valves have drawbacks. In document WO2021 / 121922, the orifices of the first series and the second series are always fluidically disconnected, which means that the number of fluid circulation paths (or operating modes) is limited.

[0007] In patent document FR2844571, the rotary member has two voids extending over two levels and enables the orifices of the first series to be fluidically connected to the orifices of the second series. Besides the fact that the design of the rotary member is complex and bulky, in this case too, the number of operating modes is limited.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art. More specifically, the object of the present invention is to propose a stepped multi-way valve capable of providing a greater number of operating modes. Another object of the present invention is to propose a stepped multi-way valve with a simple design, easy to assemble and not large in size. Summary of the invention

[0009] The solution proposed by the present invention is a multi-way valve comprising:

[0010] - a valve body having an internal receiving portion,

[0011] - The first series of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices and the second series of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices, which lead on the one hand to the receiving part and on the other hand to the outer surface of the body, are on separate levels and in parallel planes,

[0012] - At least one rotating member, which is mounted to be rotatable in the receiving part about a rotation axis perpendicular to the plane, so as to control the fluid flow between said orifices,

[0013] And wherein:

[0014] - The valve comprises a first rotating member, a second rotating member and a third rotating member, which are separate and are mounted to be rotatable about the rotation axis in the receiving part and are respectively mounted at the first level, the second level and the third level,

[0015] - The first series of orifices is in fluid communication with the first level and the second level, such that the first rotating member and the second rotating member are adapted to control the fluid flow between said first series of orifices,

[0016] - The second series of orifices is in fluid communication with the third level, such that the third rotating member is adapted to control the fluid flow between said second series of orifices,

[0017] - A common passage or conduit is configured to place the first level, the second level and the third level of the receiving part in fluid communication, such that the rotating members can control the fluid flow between the first series of orifices and the second series of orifices through said common passage or conduit.

[0018] Compared with the prior art stepped multi-way valves, the fact that two rotating members control the fluid flow between the first series of orifices, combined with the fact that the three levels can be in fluid communication, allows the number of possible operating modes to be greatly increased while maintaining radial and axial compactness. The multi-way valve according to the invention allows, for example, the combination of four three-way valves or three four-way valves. In addition, using three different rotating members allows each of them to be designed in a specific way so as to very simply provide all the combinations suitable for the required operating modes.

[0019] The following lists other advantageous features of the present invention (in its various aspects). Each of these features can be considered separately or in combination with the significant features defined above. Each of these features appropriately contributes to solving the specific technical problems further defined in the specification, while the other features defined above do not necessarily contribute to solving these problems. Therefore, the following features can appropriately form the subject matter of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0020] According to one embodiment, the dispenser is incorporated into the receiving part, between the valve body and at least the first and second rotating members. The dispenser has a first opening complementary to a first series of orifices, and the first opening extends in a first stage and a second stage of the receiving part.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the dispenser is incorporated into the receiving part, between the valve body and at least a third rotating member. The dispenser has a second opening complementary to a second series of orifices, and the second opening extends in a third stage of the receiving part.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the dispenser is incorporated into the receiving part, between the valve body and three rotating members. A common passage or conduit is formed in the dispenser.

[0023] According to one embodiment: the dispenser is a one-piece component; the first opening and the second opening are formed in the wall of the dispenser; the common passage or conduit is in the form of an opening formed in the wall of the dispenser, and the opening extends in the first stage, the second stage and the third stage of the receiving part.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are configured to have angular positions that allow fluid to flow between at least two orifices of the first series and / or between at least one orifice of the first series and the common passage or conduit at the first stage.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the first rotating member and the second rotating member are configured to have at least one angular position that prevents any fluid flow in the common passage or conduit.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first rotating member has two separate cavities with no fluid communication therebetween. The cavities are surrounded by a partition, and the partition includes four orifices offset by 90° and complementary to the first opening and the common passage or conduit. Two orifices are arranged at the first cavity, and two orifices are arranged at the second cavity.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the second rotating member has a central cavity surrounded by a partition. The partition includes two adjacent first orifices distributed at 60°, a first solid part covering 30°, two adjacent second orifices distributed at 60°, a second solid part covering 30°, two adjacent third orifices distributed at 60°, and a solid part covering 120° and located between the third orifice and the first orifice. These orifices are complementary to the first opening and the common passage or conduit.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the third rotating member is configured to have an angular position that allows fluid to flow between at least two orifices of the second series and / or between at least one orifice of the second series and the common passage or conduit at the third stage.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the third rotating member has a central cavity surrounded by a partition, the partition including eleven adjacent holes uniformly distributed over 330° and a solid portion covering 30°, the holes being complementary to a second series of orifices and a common passage or conduit.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the actuator rotates the first, second and third rotating members simultaneously.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to a heat pump system including a radiator, a first fluid circulation circuit and a second fluid circulation circuit, and wherein the first and second circuits are connected at a multi-way valve according to any of the foregoing features, a first series of orifices being fluidly connected to the first circuit and a second series of orifices being fluidly connected to the second circuit.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the system, the first circuit and / or the second circuit includes one or more devices for regulating the fluid circulation, the one or more devices being mounted to block or allow fluid to flow to or from one or more orifices of the first and / or second series.

[0033] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle including a heat pump system configured to allow cooling and / or heating of the vehicle interior and / or components of the vehicle, wherein the heat pump system is a heat pump system according to one of the foregoing features. Description of the Drawings

[0034] With reference to the accompanying drawings, further advantages and features of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of embodiments, which are provided by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1A is a perspective view of the valve body of the valve according to the invention.

[0036] Figure 1B is Figure 1A a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve body of

[0037] Figure 2A is a perspective view of the distributor of the valve according to the invention.

[0038] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the distributor.

[0039] Figure 3A is a perspective view of the first rotating member of the valve according to the invention.

[0040] Figure 3B is Figure 3A a transverse cross-sectional view of the first member of

[0041] Figure 4A is a perspective view of a second rotating member of a valve according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4B is Figure 4A a transverse cross-sectional view of the second member of

[0043] Figure 4C shows Figure 4A and 4B a perspective view of the lower part of the second member of

[0044] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a third rotating member of a valve according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 5B is Figure 5A a transverse cross-sectional view of the third member of

[0046] Figure 5C shows Figure 5A and 5B a perspective view of the lower part of the third member of

[0047] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a cover of a stack of closing rotating members.

[0048] Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a valve according to the present invention, with various constituent elements in an assembled state.

[0049] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a valve according to the present invention.

[0050] Figure 9A , Figure 9B , Figure 9C , Figure 9D , Figure 9E , Figure 9F , Figure 9G , Figure 9H , Figure 9I and Figure 9J schematically shows the operation of a valve according to the present invention, wherein the rotating members are in different angular positions.

[0051] Figure 10 schematically shows the operation of a valve according to the present invention, wherein the rotating members are in another configuration.

[0052] Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 show a fluid flow circuit for fluid flow in a motor vehicle heat pump according to various operating modes.

[0053] Figure 14 , Figure 15 ,Figure 16 and Figure 17 shows a circuit similar to Figure 11 、 Figure 12 and Figure 13 but in which the three-way valve is replaced by the valve according to the invention. Detailed implementation mode

[0054] For the potential supplementation of their current definitions, the following clarifications are made for certain terms used in the claims and the description:

[0055] - As used herein, unless otherwise specified, any use of ordinal adjectives such as "first", "second", etc. describing an object only indicates that different instances of similar objects are referred to, and does not mean that the objects so described must be in any given order, whether in time, space, hierarchical order, etc.

[0056] - "X and / or Y" means: X alone or Y alone or X + Y.

[0057] - Generally speaking, it should be understood that in various drawings, for the convenience of reading the drawings, the objects are drawn arbitrarily.

[0058] Valve body

[0059] Referring to Figure 1A and 1B , the valve that is the subject of the present invention includes a body 1, which is composed of a generally cylindrical side wall 10 and a bottom wall 11 along the axis X-X. The body 1 has an internal receiving portion 12 that extends from the bottom wall 11 along the axis X-X to the open end of the body opposite to the bottom wall and is generally cylindrical.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the body 1 is made of a rigid material, such as steel, metal, plastic, etc.

[0061] Fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices A1, B1, C1, A2, B2, C2 are formed in the side wall 10 and lead to the receiving portion 12 on the one hand and the outer surface of the side wall 10 on the other hand. The orifices are divided into two series: the first series A1, B1, C1 installed at the first stage and the second series A2, B2, C2 installed at the third stage. These two stages are separated from each other and are located in parallel planes perpendicular to the axis X-X. In the drawings, each stage has three orifices, but more orifices can be provided in one and / or the other stage. The orifices of each stage are preferably aligned, although this configuration is not important for the operation of the valve. According to a preferred embodiment, the orifices A1, B1, C1 of the first series are positioned at 90° to each other, and the orifices A2, B2, C2 of the second series are advantageously positioned at 90° to each other.

[0062] In Figure 1A andFigure 1B In it, the orifices A1, B1, C1, A2, B2, C2 are each connected to a tube 13 extending from the outer surface of the side wall 10.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the receiving part 12 has axial grooves 120, 121 oriented parallel to the axis X-X, which extend from the bottom wall 11 to the open end of the body 1. In Figure 1A and Figure 1B it, the groove marked 120 is formed at the orifices A1, B1, C1, A2, B2, C2 such that two orifices each belonging to a separate series lead to each of said grooves. None of the orifices leads to the groove marked 121.

[0064] Distributor

[0065] Figure 2A and Figure 2B shows a distributor 2, which is configured to be mounted in the receiving part 12 between the body 1 and the rotating member, which will be further described in the specification. The distributor 2 consists of a side wall 20 generally in the shape of a cylinder, whose axis X-X defines an internal receiving part 22. The distributor 2 is open at both ends, but can be closed at said one end, for example by a bottom wall. The side wall 20 has axial ribs 220, 221 oriented parallel to the axis X-X, and these ribs extend along the length of the distributor 2. These ribs 220, 221 are complementary to the grooves 120, 121 in order to position the distributor 2 in the receiving part 12. The contact between the outer surface of the wall 20 and the inner wall of the receiving part 12 is preferably a tight contact to ensure fluid tightness.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the distributor 2 is a one-piece component. It is preferably made of a flexible material, such as of the rubber or elastomer type, in order to form a fluid seal between the body 1 and the rotating member, which will be further described in the specification.

[0067] First openings AO1, BO1, CO1 are formed in the ribs 220 intended to be received in the groove 120. These first openings AO1, BO1, CO1 lead on the one hand to the receiving part 22 and on the other hand to the outer surface of the side wall 20.

[0068] The first openings AO1, BO1, CO1 are complementary to the first series of orifices A1, B1, C1 such that when the distributor 2 is mounted in the body 1, the orifice A1 leads to the opening AO1, the orifice B1 leads to the opening BO1, and the orifice C1 leads to the opening CO1. The lengths of the first openings AO1, BO1, CO1 are such that they extend in a first stage and a second stage, as further explained in the specification. The openings AO1, BO1, CO1 are different from each other.

[0069] The first openings AO1, BO1, CO1 are arranged such that they extend in the first and second stages (but not in the third stage), as further explained in the specification. Thus, the orifices A1, B1, C1 are in fluid communication with the first and second stages. In Figure 2A and 2B the first openings AO1, BO1, CO1 extend along the length of the lower half of the dispenser 2.

[0070] Second openings AO2, BO2, CO2 are also formed in the ribs 220. These second openings AO2, BO2, CO2 lead on the one hand to the receiving part 22 and on the other hand to the outer surface of the side wall 20. The second openings AO2, BO2, CO2 are different from each other and from the first openings AO1, BO1, CO1.

[0071] The second openings AO2, BO2, CO2 are complementary to the first series of orifices A2, B2, C2 such that when the dispenser 2 is installed in the body 1, the orifice A2 leads to the opening AO2, the orifice B2 leads to the opening BO2, and the orifice C2 leads to the opening CO2.

[0072] The second openings AO2, BO2, CO2 are arranged such that they extend in the third stage (but not in the first or second stage), as further explained in the specification. Thus, the orifices A2, B2, C2 are in fluid communication with the third stage. In Figure 2A and Figure 2B the second openings AO2, BO2, CO2 extend along the length of the upper half of the dispenser 2.

[0073] An opening DO leading to the receiving part 22 and possibly to the outer surface of the side wall 20 is formed in the rib 221 intended to be received in the groove 121. This opening DO defines a common passage or conduit which is configured to place the first, second and third stages of the receiving part 12 in fluid communication, as further explained in the specification. In Figure 2A and Figure 2B the opening DO extends over the three stages, substantially over the entire length of the dispenser 2.

[0074] Referring to Figure 7 and Figure 8 the sealing cap 7 seals the receiving part 12.

[0075] The valve further includes three independent rotating members, which are rotatably mounted in the receiving portion 12 about the axis X-X, which is a common axis of rotation. In use, these different rotating members assume different angular positions. More specifically, the first rotating member 3 is mounted at the first stage, the second rotating member 4 is mounted at the second stage, and the third rotating member 5 is mounted at the third stage. Since the first series of orifices A1, B1, C1 are in fluid communication with the first and second stages via the openings AO1, BO1, CO1, the first member 3 and the second member 4 are adapted to control the fluid flow between the first series of orifices. In addition, since the second series of orifices A2, B2, C2 are in fluid communication with the third stage via the openings AO2, BO2, CO2, the third member 5 is adapted to control the fluid flow between the second series of orifices.

[0076] The first rotating member

[0077] The first member 3 is configured to have an angular position such that the fluid flow between at least two of the first series of orifices A1, B1, C1 and / or between at least one of the first series of orifices and the common passage or conduit DO can be controlled at the first stage. The first member 3 is also advantageously configured to have at least one angular position to prevent any fluid flow between the respective orifices A1, B1, C1 of the first series and / or any fluid flow between at least one of the first series of orifices and the common passage or conduit DO at the first stage.

[0078] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The first member 3 according to a preferred embodiment is shown. The member 3 consists of a generally cylindrical side partition 33 having an axis X-X and a bottom wall 36. Its outer diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the receiving portion 22. It includes two separate cavities 31, 32 that are not in fluid communication with each other and are surrounded by the partition 33. The internal partition 34 enables the isolation of the two cavities 31, 32. In Figure 3A and 3B the partition 34 extends diagonally from the inner surface of the partition 33 towards the central portion forming the axis of rotation 35 through the member 3.

[0079] The partition 33 includes holes 331, 332 that are complementary to the first openings AO1, BO1, CO1. These holes lead on the one hand to the cavities 31, 32 and on the other hand to the outer surface of the partition 33. One or more holes 331 are arranged at the first cavity 31, and one or more holes 332 are arranged at the second cavity 32. In Figure 3A and Figure 3BIn the embodiment, the component 3 has four holes 331, 332 offset by 90°, two holes 331 are located at the first cavity 31 and the other two holes 332 are arranged at the second cavity 32. 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.

[0080] The upper edges of the partitions 33 , 34 and of the rotation axis 35 are advantageously ribbed in order to receive seals (not shown) which ensure the sealing of the cavities 31 , 32 when the first and second components 3 , 4 are assembled.

[0081] The second rotating member

[0082] The second member 4 is configured to have an angular position so that the fluid communication at the second stage can be controlled between at least two orifices A1, B1, C1 of the first series and / or between at least one orifice of the first series and a common channel or duct DO. The second member 4 is also advantageously configured to have at least one angular position to prevent any fluid communication between the individual orifices A1, B1, C1 of the first series and / or any fluid communication between at least one orifice of the first series and a common channel or duct DO at the second stage.

[0083] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C A second member 4 according to a preferred embodiment is shown. This member 4 consists of a substantially cylindrical side partition 43 and a bottom wall 46 with an axis XX. Its outer diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the housing 22. It comprises an annular central cavity 41 surrounded by the partition 43. A central portion forming a rotation axis 45 is arranged in the center of the cavity 41. Reference Figure 4C The shaft 45 has a tenon 450 that protrudes axially from the bottom wall 46 and includes one or more splines. The tenon 450 is adapted to engage with a complementary receiving portion 350 formed in the rotation axis 35 of the first member ( Figure 3A ). Thus, when the second member 4 is mounted on the first member 3, the tenon 450 fits into the receiving portion 350 so that the members can be rotationally driven simultaneously.

[0084] The partition 43 comprises holes 431 complementary to the first openings AO1, BO1, CO1. These holes open to the cavity 41 on the one hand and to the outer surface of the partition 43 on the other hand. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C , the component 4 has six holes 431 .

[0085] Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe holes 431 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°, two adjacent third holes distributed over 60°, and a solid portion covering 120° 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.

[0086] The upper edges of the partition 43 and of the rotation axis 45 are advantageously ribbed in order to receive a seal (not shown) which ensures the sealing of the cavity 41 when the second and third components 4, 5 are assembled.

[0087] The third rotating member

[0088] The third member 5 is configured to have an angular position so that the fluid communication between at least two orifices A2, B2, C2 of the second series and / or between at least one orifice of the second series and a common channel or duct DO can be controlled at the third stage. The third member 5 can also be configured to have at least one angular position to prevent any fluid communication between the individual orifices A2, B2, C2 of the second series and / or any fluid communication between at least one orifice of the second series and a common channel or duct DO at the third stage.

[0089] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C A third member 5 according to a preferred embodiment is shown. This member 5 consists of a substantially cylindrical side partition 53 and a bottom wall 56 with an axis XX. Its outer diameter corresponds to the outer diameter of the housing 22. It comprises an annular central cavity 51 surrounded by the partition 53. A central portion forming a rotation axis 55 is arranged in the center of the cavity 51. Reference Figure 5C The shaft 55 has a receiving portion 551 in the bottom wall 56. The receiving portion 551 is suitable for contacting with a second member ( Figure 4A ) engages with a complementary tenon 451 in the rotation axis 45 of the second member 4 and comprises one or more splines. Therefore, when the third member 5 is mounted on the second member 4, the tenon 451 fits into the receiving portion 551 so that the members can be driven to rotate simultaneously.

[0090] The partition 53 comprises holes 531 complementary to the second openings AO1, BO1, CO1. These holes open to the cavity 51 on the one hand and to the outer surface of the partition 53 on the other hand. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C In the embodiment, the component 5 has eleven adjacent holes 531 evenly distributed over 330° and a solid portion covering 30°. A greater or lesser number of holes and / or solid portions can be envisaged.

[0091] The upper edges of the partition 53 and the rotary shaft 55 are advantageously ribbed to receive a seal (not shown) that ensures the seal between the third member 5 and the cover 6 ( Figure 6 ), and the cover 6 seals the enclosed cavity 51. The cover 6 has a tenon 650 that projects axially and includes one or more splines. The tenon 650 is adapted to engage with a complementary receiving portion 550 formed in the rotary shaft 55 of the third member 5 ( Figure 5A ).

[0092] Figure 7 The assembled valve is shown. The rotary members 3, 4, 5 are mounted in the receiving portion 12, and the distributor 2 is incorporated into the receiving portion between the body 1 and the members. The members 3, 4, 5 are stacked along the axis X-X, and each defines a stage. The lower tenon 450 of the second member 4 fits into the receiving portion 350 of the first member, the upper tenon 451 of the second member fits into the receiving portion 551 of the third member 5, and the tenon 650 of the cover 6 fits into the receiving portion 550 of the third member. In this configuration, the members 3, 4, and 5 are fixed to each other such that they can be rotationally driven simultaneously. The members and the cover 6 can be held in place by threaded fasteners. The assembled members 3, 4, and 5 form a central core.

[0093] An actuator 8 of the rotary motor type ensures the simultaneous rotation of the members 3, 4, 5, which have the same number of angular positions. In Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the actuator 8 is fixed to the cover 7. It includes a rotary shaft 80 that engages with the cover 6 to rotate the stack of rotary members 3, 4, 5. According to another rotation mode, the rotary shaft extends into the receiving portion 12 to engage with each rotary member 3, 4, 5.

[0094] Examples of valve operating modes

[0095] Figures 9A to 9J The operation of the valve at different angular positions of the rotary members 3, 4, and 5 is schematically shown. In these examples, the valve 1 is operated by the rotation of the rotary members 3, 4, 5 (forming the central core), with each rotation increment being 30°.

[0096] Table 1, identified below as "[Table 1]", summarizes the fluid communication between the orifices A1, B1, C1 of the first series and / or the orifices A2, B2, C2 of the second series at different angular positions. A rotary member or stage is said to be active when fluid can pass through it. For example, in Figure 9AIn the example, the first member 3 is in an angled position where the solid part of the partition 33 faces the openings AO1, BO1, CO1 and the common passage DO, thus preventing fluid from flowing between the holes of the member. Therefore, the first member 3 is inactive like the first stage. In contrast, the second member 4 is in an angular position where its holes face the openings BO1, CO1 and the common passage DO, thus allowing fluid to flow through the member. Therefore, the second member 4 is active like the second stage. Similarly, the third member 5 is in an angular position where its holes face the openings AO2, BO2, CO2 and the common passage DO, thus allowing fluid to flow through the member. Therefore, the third member 5 is also active, and so is the third stage. It should be noted that in this example, the common passage DO enables the second and third stages to be placed in fluid communication.

[0097] [Table 1]

[0098]

[0099]

[0100] Table 1 shows a large number of possible combinations of the fluid connections of the orifices provided by the valve 1 compared to the prior art staged multi-way valves. Each combination provides a specific operating mode, examples of which are further described in the specification.

[0101] In Figure 9C 、 Figure 9D 、 Figure 9E 、 Figure 9F and Figure 9H configurations, two different fluid flow circuits are formed by the valve. For example, in the Figure 9C configuration, the first circuit extends between the orifices A1 and C1, and the second circuit extends between the orifices B1, A2, B2 and C2. In the Figure 9E configuration, the first circuit extends between the orifices A1, B1 and C1, and the second circuit extends between the orifices A2 and B2. Thus, a first type of fluid (e.g., high-temperature heating liquid) can flow in the first circuit, and a second type of fluid (e.g., air or refrigerant liquid) can flow in the second circuit. In the cases of Figure 9D 、 Figure 9E and Figure 9H , the third stage remains isolated from the first and second stages. Then, a first series of orifices A1, B1, C1 can be placed in fluid communication with a first circuit in which a fluid of a first nature flows, and a second series of orifices A2, B2, C2 can be placed in fluid communication with a second circuit in which a fluid of a second nature flows.

[0102] It should also be understood that other combinations of fluid connections of the orifices can be obtained by modifying the configuration of one or more of the rotating members 3, 4, 5. In Figure 10 the example of Figure 3A and Figure 3B described configuration. The first member 3 is in an angular position where the orifice of one cavity is opposite the opening BO1 and the common passage DO, and the orifice of the other cavity is opposite the openings AO1 and CO1. The second member 4 is in an angular position where its solid part is opposite the openings AO1, BO1, CO1 and the common passage DO. The third member 5 is in an angular position where its orifice is opposite the openings AO2, BO2, CO2 and the common passage DO. Thus, the orifices A1 and C1 are in fluid communication through the first member 3. The orifices A2 and B2 are fluidly connected through the third member 5. In addition, the orifices B1 and C2 are fluidly connected by the first member 3 and the third member 5 through the common passage DO. Thus, three different flow circuits are possible, so that three different fluids can flow through the valve 1.

[0103] Figures 11 to 13 shows a fluid flow circuit for fluid flow in a heat pump for a motor vehicle according to different operating modes. The circuit includes a motor 90, a battery pack 91, a radiator 92 for heating (or cooling) the vehicle interior, an air-conditioning cooler 93, a heating element 94 (such as an electric heating radiator or condenser), and a radiator-cooler 95. Various pumps P1, P2, P3 allow fluid to flow in the various branches of the circuit. The three-way valves V1, V2, V3, V4 and V5 make it possible to control the flow in different branches.

[0104] In Figure 11 the valves V1, V2, V3 and V5 are in positions that enable the branches including the motor 90, the battery 91 and the radiator-cooler 95 to be placed in parallel. The position of the valve V2 also makes it possible to isolate the branch including the cooler 93. The positions of the valves V4 and V5 make it possible to form an independent circuit including the radiator 92 and the heating element 94. The pumps P1 and P3 are activated, while the pump P2 is deactivated. In this configuration, the motor 90 and the battery 91 are cooled by the cooling fluid flowing through the radiator-cooler 95. In addition, the vehicle interior is heated by the radiator 92, through which the heating fluid heated by the heating element 94 flows.

[0105] In Figure 12In [a certain situation], valves V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5 are in positions such that a first independent circuit including motor 90 and battery 91 and a second independent circuit including radiator 92 and heating element 94 can be formed. Pumps P1 and P3 are activated, while pump P2 is deactivated. In this configuration, battery 91 is heated by the heating fluid flowing through motor 90. Additionally, the interior of the vehicle is heated by radiator 92, in which the heating fluid heated by heating element 94 circulates.

[0106] In Figure 13 In [a certain situation], valves V1, V2, V3, V4, and V5 are in positions such that a first independent circuit including motor 90, battery 91, and cooler 93 and a second independent circuit including radiator 92, heating element 94, and radiator 95 can be formed. Pumps P1, P2, and P3 are activated. In this configuration, battery 91 and motor 90 are cooled by the fluid flowing through cooler 93. Additionally, the interior of the vehicle is heated by radiator 92, in which the heating fluid heated by heating element 94 circulates, and some thermal energy is dissipated to the outside of the vehicle through radiator 95.

[0107] In these examples, five three-way valves V1 - V5 are necessary to form the flow circuits according to the desired operating mode. The valves according to the present invention make it possible to replace at least four three-way valves V1 - V4 with a single valve, thereby reducing the overall size and simplifying the assembly.

[0108] Figure 14 ,, Figure 15 and Figure 16 show circuits similar to Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 , but in which three-way valves V1 - V4 are replaced by the valves according to the present invention. Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 The operating modes of Figure 11 , Figure 12 and Figure 13 correspond to the operating modes of

[0109] In Figure 14 , the valve is in Figure 9FPosition. Orifices B1 and C1 are in fluid communication via rotary member 3; and orifices A1, A2, B2 and C2 are in fluid communication via rotary members 3 and 5 and common passage DO. Valve V5 is in the position where its ports a and c are open and port b is closed. Pumps P1 and P3 are activated. Pump P2 is deactivated so as to block the passage through orifice C2 of the valve. In a configuration similar to Figure 11 the motor 90 and the battery 91 are cooled by a cooling fluid flowing through the radiator-cooler 95. In addition, the interior of the vehicle is heated by radiator 92 through which a heating fluid heated by heating element 94 flows.

[0110] In Figure 15 the valve is in Figure 9E Position. Orifices A1, B1 and C1 are in fluid communication via rotary member 4; and orifices A2 and B2 are in fluid communication via rotary member 5. Valve V5 is in the position where its ports a, b and c are closed. Since port c is closed, the passage through orifice A1 of the valve is blocked. Pumps P1 and P3 are activated while pump P2 is deactivated. In a configuration similar to Figure 12 the battery 91 is heated by a heating fluid flowing through the motor 90. In addition, the interior of the vehicle is heated by radiator 92 through which a heating fluid heated by heating element 94 flows.

[0111] In Figure 16 the valve is in Figure 9D Position. Orifices A1, B1 and C1 are in fluid communication via rotary member 4; and orifices A2, B2 and C2 are in fluid communication via rotary member 5. Valve V5 is in the position where its ports b and c are open and port a is closed. Pumps P1, P2 and P3 are activated. In a configuration similar to Figure 13 the battery 91 and the motor 90 are cooled by a fluid flowing through cooler 93. In addition, the interior of the vehicle is heated by radiator 92 through which a heating fluid heated by heating element 94 flows, and some thermal energy is dissipated to the outside of the vehicle through radiator-cooler 95.

[0112] It should be understood that other operating modes with other fluid flow circuits can be envisioned.

[0113] It will also be noted that pumps P1, P2, P3 and valve V5 form a regulating device for regulating fluid flow such that fluid can be blocked or allowed to flow to or from one or more orifices of the first series and / or the second series. Additional regulating devices can be installed in the first circuit PC1 and / or the second circuit PC2 as required.

[0114] For example, in Figure 17 the valve is in Figure 9EPosition. The orifices A1, B1, and C1 are in fluid communication via the rotary member 4; and the orifices A2 and B2 are in fluid communication via the rotary member 5. The valve V5 is in a position where its ports b and c are open and port a is closed. The pump P1 is activated and the pump P2 is deactivated. The pump P3 is also deactivated to block the passage through the orifice C1 of the valve. The pump P4 is mounted on the radiator-cooler 95 and this pump is activated. In this configuration, the battery 91 is heated by the heating fluid flowing through the motor 90. In addition, the interior of the vehicle is cooled by the radiator 92 in which the cooling fluid cooled by the radiator-cooler 95 circulates.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the valve V5 is incorporated into the valve body 1. The valve then has a third series of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices leading, on the one hand, to the receiving portion 12 and, on the other hand, to the outer surface of the body 1. A fourth rotary member is mounted to be rotatable about the axis X-X in the receiving portion 12 and is mounted at the fourth stage. The third series of orifices is in fluid communication with the fourth stage such that the fourth rotary member is adapted to control the fluid flow between the said third series of orifices. An actuator different from the aforementioned actuator 8 ensures the rotation of the fourth rotary member.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the arrangement of the various elements and / or devices and / or steps of the present invention should not be construed as requiring such an arrangement in all embodiments. In any case, it should be understood that various modifications can be made to these elements and / or devices and / or steps without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In particular:

[0117] - The valve can include a greater number of stages, such as three, four, or five stages, each of said stages being associated with a rotary member.

[0118] - The grooves 120, 121 and the ribs 220, 221 are not necessary and the side walls 10 and 20 can be without them.

[0119] - The first series of orifices A1, B1, C1 and / or the second series of orifices A2, B2, C2 do not have to be positioned at 90° to each other.

[0120] - The valve can be without the distributor 2. In this case, the fluid tightness can be achieved, for example, by using seals provided in the receiving portion 12 and / or on the rotary members 3, 4, 5.

[0121] - In the absence of the distributor 2, the first openings AO1, BO1, CO1 and / or the second openings AO2, BO2, CO2 can be made directly in the inner wall of the receiving portion 12, particularly in the groove 120, for example by machining or molding. In this case, the configuration of the inner wall of the receiving portion 12 serves as a distributor function.

[0122] - The valve may have only one distributor, which is installed at the first and second levels between the body 1 and the rotating members 3 and 4, and the distribution at the third level is ensured by the configuration of the inner wall of the receiving portion 12. According to another variant, the distributor is installed only at the third level between the body 1 and the rotating member 5, and the distribution at the first and second levels is ensured by the configuration of the inner wall of the receiving portion 12. In another embodiment, the valve includes one distributor at the first and second levels and another distributor at the third level. According to yet another embodiment, the valve includes separate distributors at each level.

[0123] - The members 3, 4, 5 may have other configurations, and each member is configured according to the desired operating mode.

[0124] In addition, one or more features set forth in only one embodiment may be combined with one or more other features set forth in only one other embodiment. Similarly, one or more features set forth in only one embodiment may be extended to other embodiments, even if these features are described only in combination with other features.

Claims

1. A multi-way valve, comprising: - A valve body (1) having an internal receiving portion (12), - A first series of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices (A1, B1, C1) and a second series of fluid inlet and / or outlet orifices (A2, B2, C2), which on the one hand lead to said receiving portion (12) and on the other hand to the outer surface of said body (1), on separate levels and in parallel planes, - At least one rotating member, said at least one rotating member being mounted to be rotatable in said receiving portion (12) about a rotation axis (X-X) perpendicular to the plane, so as to control the fluid flow between said orifices, Characterized in that: - The valve comprises a first rotating member (3), a second rotating member (4) and a third rotating member (5), these members being separate and rotatably mounted in said receiving portion (12) about the rotation axis (X-X), and being respectively mounted at a first level, a second level and a third level, - The first series of orifices (A1, B1, C1) is in fluid communication with the first level and the second level, such that the first rotating member (3) and the second rotating member (4) are adapted to control the fluid flow between the first series of orifices, - The second series of orifices (A2, B2, C2) is in fluid communication with the third level, such that the third rotating member (5) is adapted to control the fluid flow between the second series of orifices, - A common passage or conduit (DO) is configured to place the first level, the second level and the third level of said receiving portion (12) in fluid communication, such that the rotating members (3, 4, 5) can control the fluid flow between the first series of orifices (A1, B1, C1) and the second series of orifices (A2, B2, C2) through said common passage or conduit.

2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein A distributor (2) is incorporated into said receiving portion (12), between said valve body (1) and at least the first rotating member (3) and the second rotating member (4), said distributor having first openings (AO1, BO1, CO1) complementary to the first series of orifices (A1, B1, C1), said first openings extending in the first and second levels of said receiving portion.

3. The valve according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein A distributor (2) is incorporated into said receiving portion (12), between said valve body (1) and at least the third rotating member (5), said distributor having second openings (AO2, BO2, CO2) complementary to the second series of orifices (A2, B2, C2), said second openings extending in the third level of said receiving portion.

4. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A distributor (2) is incorporated into said receiving portion (12), between said valve body (1) and the three rotating members (3, 4, 5), and said common passage or conduit (DO) is formed in said distributor.

5. The valve according to claims 2, 3 and 4, wherein: - The distributor (2) is a one-piece component, - The first openings (AO1, BO1, CO1) and the second openings (AO2, BO2, CO2) are formed in the wall (20) of said distributor, - The common passage or duct (DO) is in the form of an opening formed in the wall (20) of the dispenser, which extends in the first, second and third levels of the receiving part (12).

6. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first rotating member (3) and the second rotating member (4) are configured to have angular positions that allow fluid to flow between at least two orifices (A1, B1, C1) of the first series and / or between at least one orifice of the first series and the common passage or duct (DO) at the first level.

7. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first rotating member (3) and the second rotating member (4) are configured to have at least one angular position that prevents any fluid flow in the common passage or duct (DO).

8. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims when considered in combination with claim 2, wherein, The first rotating member (3) has two separate cavities (31, 32) with no fluid communication therebetween, which are surrounded by a partition (33) including four holes (331, 332) offset by 90° and complementary to the first openings (AO1, BO1, CO1) and the common passage or duct (DO), with two holes (331) arranged at the first cavity (31) and two holes (332) arranged at the second cavity (32).

9. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second rotating member (4) has a central cavity (41) surrounded by a partition (43) including two adjacent first holes distributed at 60°, a first solid part covering 30°, two adjacent second holes distributed at 60°, a second solid part covering 30°, two adjacent third holes distributed at 60°, and a solid part covering 120° and located between the third hole and the first hole, and these holes are complementary to the first openings (AO1, BO1, CO1) and the common passage or duct (DO).

10. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The third rotating member (3) is configured to have an angular position that allows fluid to flow between at least two orifices (A2, B2, C2) of the second series and / or between at least one orifice of the second series and the common passage or duct (DO) at the third level.

11. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The third rotating member (5) has a central cavity (51) surrounded by a partition (53) including eleven adjacent holes (531) evenly distributed at 330° and a solid part covering 30°, and these holes are complementary to the orifices (A2, B2, C2) of the second series and the common passage or duct (DO).

12. The valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The actuator (8) causes the first rotating member (3), the second rotating member (4) and the third rotating member (5) to rotate simultaneously.

13. A heat pump system, comprising a radiator (92), a first fluid circulation circuit (PC1) and a second fluid circulation circuit (PC2), characterized in that, The first circuit (PC1) and the second circuit (PC2) are connected at the multi-way valve according to any one of the preceding claims, and the orifices (B1, C1) of the first series are fluidly connected to the first circuit (PC1), and the orifices (A2, B2, C2) of the second series are fluidly connected to the second circuit (PC2).

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The first circuit (PC1) and / or the second circuit (PC2) includes one or more devices (V5, P1, P2, P3) for regulating the fluid flow, the one or more devices being installed to block or allow the fluid to flow from and / or to one or more orifices of the first series and / or the second series.

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

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