Valve assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a valve assembly in which a plurality of ports are provided at the same height on a cylindrical member rather than in a plurality of layers, positions of a first flow channel and a second flow channel in an axial direction of the cylindrical member overlap each other, and the positions of the first flow channel and the second flow channel overlap each other. And each of the flow channels is formed to have the same cross-sectional area from one end to the other end of the flow channel, so that a plurality of flow channels may be formed in a compact manner in one barrel and pressure loss may be minimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve assembly, and more particularly to a valve assembly in which a plurality of ports are provided at the same height in a cylindrical member rather than in a plurality of layers, the positions of a first flow path and a second flow path with respect to the axial direction of the cylindrical member overlap each other, and the cross-sectional area of the flow path is constant from one end to the other end of the flow path, so that a plurality of flow paths can be formed compactly in one cylindrical member and the pressure loss can be minimized. Background Art

[0002] A valve assembly refers to a device that is installed in a flow path through which a fluid flows and is configured to control the flow direction of the fluid. The valve assembly has a structure in which a cylindrical member having a plurality of flow paths through which a fluid passes is inserted into a housing and is rotated by operating a handle or a motor to open or close the flow path.

[0003] A valve assembly commonly used in a vehicle is a valve having fluid channels configured in three directions, and the valve assembly is an automatic control valve manually combined with a control motor and is configured to adjust the flow rate while switching the flow path of the fluid.

[0004] For example, a typical three-way valve assembly can be installed by means of a compressor, a heater core, and a flow path and is configured to adjust the temperature inside the vehicle by controlling the flow of coolant circulating through the engine of the vehicle to introduce the coolant into the heater core or allow the coolant to bypass the heater core (two modes).

[0005] However, the three-way valve has limitations in coping with complex modes of electric vehicles provided in addition to these two modes. In addition, in the case of increasing the number of fluid channels to cope with complex modes and forming more flow paths in the cylindrical member, there are problems that the size of the cylindrical member needs to be increased excessively and the cylindrical members need to be stacked in multiple layers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a valve assembly in which a plurality of ports are provided at the same height in a cylindrical member rather than in a plurality of layers, the positions of a first flow path and a second flow path with respect to the axial direction of the cylindrical member overlap each other, and the cross-sectional area of the flow path is constant from one end to the other end of the flow path, so that a plurality of flow paths can be formed compactly in one cylindrical member and the pressure loss can be minimized.

[0008] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above technical problems, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can clearly understand other technical problems not mentioned above from the following description.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] To achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention provides a valve assembly, which includes: a cylindrical member having a plurality of ports disposed in a lateral surface of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member having at least one first flow path configured to connect two of the plurality of ports and open in one axial direction and at least one second flow path configured to connect two of the other ports and open in another axial direction; a first plate coupled to the cylindrical member in one axial direction and configured to close at least one first flow path; and a second plate coupled to the cylindrical member in the other axial direction and configured to close at least one second flow path, wherein a position of at least one first flow path based on the axial direction of the cylindrical member and a position of at least one second flow path based on the axial direction of the cylindrical member overlap each other.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the plurality of ports may be aligned at the same height of the cylindrical member.

[0012] According to an embodiment, two opposite ends of at least one first flow path connecting two ports may be formed closer to the second plate than an intermediate portion of at least one first flow path, and two opposite ends of at least one second flow path connecting two other ports may be formed closer to the first plate than an intermediate portion of at least one second flow path.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the ports may be provided as twelve ports, the first flow paths may be provided as three first flow paths, and the second flow paths may be provided as three second flow paths.

[0014] According to an embodiment, all three first flow paths may be curved flow paths, each configured to connect two ports, with one port interposed between the two connected ports.

[0015] According to an embodiment, one of the three second flow paths may be a straight flow path configured to connect two ports facing each other, and the remaining two second flow paths may be curved flow paths, each configured to connect two ports, with one port interposed between the two ports.

[0016] According to an embodiment, a cross-sectional area of each of at least one first flow path and at least one second flow path may be constant from one end to the other end.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the first plate may include a plurality of first protruding portions protruding toward two opposite ends of at least one first flow path.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the second plate may include a plurality of second protruding portions protruding toward two opposite ends of at least one second flow path.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the first plate may have at least one first auxiliary flow path groove recessed at a position corresponding to at least one first flow path.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the second plate may have at least one second auxiliary flow path groove recessed at a position corresponding to at least one second flow path.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first plate and the second plate may be fixed to the cylindrical member by welding.

[0022] According to an embodiment, a first welding groove may be formed along the circumference of at least one first flow path in the cylindrical member, and a first welding protrusion may be formed on the first plate and the first welding protrusion is formed in a shape corresponding to the first welding groove.

[0023] According to an embodiment, a second welding groove may be formed along the circumference of at least one second flow path in the cylindrical member, and a second welding protrusion may be formed on the second plate and the second welding protrusion is formed in a shape corresponding to the second welding groove.

[0024] To achieve the above object, another embodiment of the present invention provides a valve assembly, the valve assembly includes: a cylindrical member having a plurality of ports provided in a lateral surface of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member having at least one first flow path and at least one second flow path, the first flow path configured to connect two of the plurality of ports and open in one axial direction, the second flow path configured to connect two of the other ports and open in another axial direction; a first plate coupled to the cylindrical member in one axial direction and configured to close at least one first flow path; and a second plate coupled to the cylindrical member in the other axial direction and configured to close at least one second flow path, wherein the plurality of ports are aligned at the same height of the cylindrical member.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] According to the present invention, a plurality of ports are provided in the cylindrical member and are provided at the same height instead of being provided in a plurality of layers, and the positions of the first flow path and the second flow path in the axial direction of the cylindrical member overlap each other, so that a plurality of flow paths can be formed compactly in one cylindrical member to cope with various modes without excessively increasing the size of the cylindrical member or stacking the cylindrical members.

[0027] In addition, through the protruding portion or the auxiliary flow path groove, the cross-sectional area of the flow path is constant from one end to the other end, so that the pressure loss can be minimized.

[0028] In addition, since the first plate and the second plate are fixed to the cylindrical member by welding, the flow path can be sealed without a separate gasket or bolt, there is no risk of coolant corrosion of the bolt tab and bolt loosening, and the thickness and size of the plate do not increase.

[0029] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and it should be understood that the effects of the present invention include all effects that can be obtained from the configurations of the present invention disclosed in the detailed description or the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from one side.

[0031] Figure 2 is an illustration when viewed from the other side Figure 1 of the valve assembly in

[0032] Figure 3a and Figure 3b are front view and rear view illustrating a state in which the cylindrical member in Figure 1 is separated.

[0033] Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 3b in

[0034] Figure 4a and Figure 4b are rear view and side view illustrating a state in which the first plate in Figure 1 is separated.

[0035] Figure 5a and Figure 5b are front view and side view illustrating a state in which the second plate in Figure 1 is separated.

[0036] Figure 6 is a view in which Figure 1 in the valve assembly is assembled and alongFigure 3b A cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in

[0037] Figure 7 which is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in the state where the valve assembly in Figure 3a is assembled.

[0038] Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a second plate illustrating another embodiment according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 is Figure 8 a side view of

[0040] Figures 10a to 10d is a view illustrating four exemplary modes of operation when the valve assembly in Figure 1 is applied to a coolant cooling module.

[0041] Figures 11a to 11d is a view illustrating Figures 10a to 10d the flow velocity of the coolant in the flow path in four of the modes in DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the valve assembly of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] In addition, the terms used below are defined in consideration of the functions in the present invention and may vary according to the intention of the user or operator or conventional practice. The following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention, but are merely exemplary constituent elements disclosed in the claims of the present invention.

[0044] To clearly describe the present invention, parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted, and throughout the specification, the same or similar constituent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Throughout the specification, unless there is a clear contrary description, the terms "comprise / include" and variations such as "comprises / includes" or "has / contains" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the said elements, without excluding any other elements.

[0045] First, the structure of the valve assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 which.

[0046] The valve assembly of the present invention generally includes a cylindrical member 100, a first plate 200, and a second plate 300. The first plate 200 and the second plate 300 are respectively coupled to two opposite axial ends of the cylindrical member 100 and together define a cylindrical shape. As Figure 1 and Figure 2As illustrated, a configuration will be described below in which a first plate 200 is coupled to an upper side portion of the cylindrical member 100 and a second plate 300 is coupled to a lower side portion of the cylindrical member 100.

[0047] A rotation axis 110 may be provided at the center of the cylindrical member 100 such that the cylindrical member 100 can be rotated by manipulating a separate handle or motor. A plurality of ports 120 are provided in a lateral surface of the cylindrical member 100 and allow the exterior and interior of the cylindrical member 100 to communicate with each other. In the present embodiment, twelve ports 120 are provided. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0048] In addition, the cylindrical member 100 includes at least one first flow path 140 and at least one second flow path 160. The first flow path 140 is configured to connect two of the plurality of ports 120 and open in one axial direction, that is, upward based on the drawings. The second flow path 160 is configured to connect two of the other ports 120 and open in the other axial direction, that is, downward based on the drawings. In this case, as Figure 3c illustrated, the first flow path 140 and the second flow path 160 may be separated from each other by a partition wall 130 in the cylindrical member. That is, the interior of the cylindrical member 100 is divided into two layers in the axial direction by the partition wall 130 such that the first flow path 140 may be formed in one layer and the second flow path 160 may be formed in the other layer.

[0049] As described above, the first plate 200 is coupled to the upper side portion of the cylindrical member 100 and closes an open side portion of the first flow path 140, and the second plate 300 is coupled to the lower side portion of the cylindrical member 100 and closes an open side portion of the second flow path 160. Accordingly, the first flow path 140 connects two ports 120, and two opposite axial side portions of the first flow path 140 are closed by the first plate 200 and the partition wall 130. The second flow path 160 also connects two ports 120, and two opposite axial side portions of the second flow path 160 are closed by the partition wall 130 and the second plate 300.

[0050] Particularly, in the present invention, positions of the first flow path 140 and the second flow path 160 in the axial direction of the cylindrical member 100 overlap each other. That is, as Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrated, the partition wall 130 has a portion formed to protrude upward or downward instead of being formed flat such that both the first flow path 140 and the second flow path 160 are formed at a predetermined height of the cylindrical member 100. To express this configuration, Figure 3cLine C-C, which is perpendicular to the axial direction and passes through the first flow path 140 and the second flow path 160 simultaneously, is illustrated. Accordingly, the plurality of ports 120 can be aligned at the same height of the cylindrical member 100 and do not need to be provided in multiple layers.

[0051] Specifically, two opposite ends of the first flow path 140 connected to the two ports 120 are formed to be closer to the second plate 300 than the middle portion of the first flow path 140. For this purpose, the partition wall 130 is formed to bulge upward from the two opposite ends of the first flow path 140 to the middle portion of the first flow path 140 (see Figure 7 ). In addition, two opposite ends of the second flow path 160 connected to the two ports 120 are formed to be closer to the first plate 200 than the middle portion of the second flow path 160. For this purpose, the partition wall 130 is formed to bulge downward from the two opposite ends of the second flow path 160 to the middle portion of the second flow path 160 (see Figure 6 ). In this case, when observed in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical member 100, the position of one end of the first flow path 140 may correspond to the position of the middle portion of the second flow path 160, and the position of one end of the second flow path 160 may correspond to the position of the middle portion of the first flow path 140.

[0052] As described above, the plurality of ports 120 are provided in the cylindrical member 100 and are provided at the same height instead of being provided in multiple layers, and the positions of the first flow path 140 and the second flow path 160 with respect to the axial direction of the cylindrical member 100 overlap each other, so that a plurality of flow paths can be compactly formed in one cylindrical member 100 to cope with various modes without excessively increasing the size of the cylindrical member 100 or stacking the cylindrical members 100.

[0053] In the present embodiment, twelve ports 120 are provided such that three first flow paths 140a, 140b, and 140c and three second flow paths 160a, 160b, and 160c are formed. Specifically, as Figure 1 and Figure 3a illustrated, all three first flow paths 140a, 140b, and 140c can each be formed as curved flow paths configured to connect two ports 120, with one port interposed between the two ports. In addition, as Figure 2 and Figure 3bAs shown, among the three second flow paths 160a, 160b, and 160c, one second flow path 160b can be formed as a straight flow path configured to connect two ports 120 facing each other, and the remaining two second flow paths 160a and 160c can each be formed as a curved flow path configured to connect the two ports 120, with one port interposed between these two ports.

[0054] In this case, one end of the first - first flow path 140a corresponds to the middle part of the second - first flow path 160a, and the other end of the first - first flow path 140a corresponds to the region between the second - first flow path 160a and the second - second flow path 160b. Additionally, one end of the first - second flow path 140b corresponds to the region between the second - second flow path 160b and the second - third flow path 160c, and the other end of the first - second flow path 140b corresponds to the middle part of the second - third flow path 160c. Finally, one end of the first - third flow path 140c corresponds to the region between the second - third flow path 160c and the second - second flow path 160b, and the other end of the first - third flow path 140c corresponds to the region between the second - second flow path 160b and the second - first flow path 160a.

[0055] As Figure 3c shown, since the partition wall 130 is not formed flat, when the second plate 300 is not coupled to the cylindrical member 100, the cross - sectional area of the second flow path 160 is not constant from one end to the other end, that is, from the inlet to the outlet. In particular, the cross - sectional area rapidly decreases from one end of the second flow path 160 to the middle part, and the cross - sectional area rapidly increases from the middle part to the other end. Similarly, when the first plate 200 is not coupled to the cylindrical member 100, the cross - sectional area of the first flow path 140 is not constant from one end to the other end, that is, from the inlet to the outlet.

[0056] To address these situations, as Figure 2 、 Figure 4a and Figure 4b shown, the first plate 200 can include a plurality of first protruding portions 220 protruding toward two opposite ends of the first flow path 140. In the present embodiment, since there are three first flow paths 140a, 140b, and 140c, six first protruding portions 220 are formed on the first plate 200, and these six first protruding portions 220 respectively correspond to the positions of the two opposite ends of each first flow path.

[0057] Similarly, as Figure 1 、Figure 5a and Figure 5b As illustrated, the second plate 300 may include a plurality of second protruding portions 320 protruding toward two opposite ends of the second flow path 160. In the present embodiment, since three second flow paths 160a, 160b, and 160c are formed, six second protruding portions 320 are formed on the second plate 300, and the six second protruding portions 320 respectively correspond to the positions of two opposite ends of each second flow path.

[0058] Thus, as Figure 6 illustrated, when the second plate 300 is coupled to the cylindrical member 100, the cross-sectional areas of two opposite ends of the second flow path 160, which are relatively large in Figure 3c , are reduced by the second protruding portions 320, so that the cross-sectional area of the second flow path 160 can be kept constant from one end to the other end.

[0059] Similarly, as Figure 7 illustrated, when the first plate 200 is coupled to the cylindrical member 100, the relatively large cross-sectional areas of two opposite ends of the first flow path 140 are reduced by the first protruding portions 220, so that the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 140 can be kept constant from one end to the other end.

[0060] As described above, the cross-sectional areas of the first flow path 140 and the second flow path 160 are constant from one end to the other end, so that the pressure loss can be minimized.

[0061] In addition, according to Figure 8 and Figure 9 in another embodiment, in addition to the second protruding portions 320, the second plate 300 may further include second auxiliary flow path grooves 340 that are recessed at positions corresponding to the second flow path 160, particularly at positions other than two opposite ends of the second flow path 160. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 8 and Figure 9 illustrate that the second auxiliary flow path grooves 340 are respectively formed at positions corresponding to the second-first flow path 160a and the second-third flow path 160c. In particular, the second auxiliary flow path grooves 340 are formed radially inside the second protruding portions 320 that are arranged to correspond to the positions of two opposite ends of the flow paths 160a and 160c.

[0062] Similarly, in addition to the first protruding portion 220, the first plate 200 may further include a first auxiliary flow path groove (not shown) that is recessed at a position corresponding to the first flow path 140, particularly at a position other than the two opposite ends of the first flow path 140.

[0063] Therefore, when the second plate 300 is coupled to the tubular member 100, the relatively large cross-sectional areas of the two opposite ends of the second flow path 160 are reduced by the second protruding portion 320, and the cross-sectional area is increased by the second auxiliary flow path groove 340 in a region where the cross-sectional area is relatively small other than the two opposite ends of the second flow path 160, so that the cross-sectional area of the second flow path 160 can be kept constant from one end to the other end. In particular, compared with the case where the second plate 300 only includes the second protruding portion 320, the cross-sectional area of the second flow path 160 can be kept larger. That is, in the case where the second plate 300 includes the second auxiliary flow path groove 340, the height of the second protruding portion 320 can be slightly reduced.

[0064] In addition, when the first plate 200 is coupled to the tubular member 100, the relatively large cross-sectional areas of the two opposite ends of the first flow path 140 are reduced by the first protruding portion 220, and the cross-sectional area is increased by the first auxiliary flow path groove (not shown) in a region where the cross-sectional area is relatively small other than the two opposite ends of the first flow path 140, so that the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 140 can be kept constant from one end to the other end. Similarly, compared with the case where the first plate 200 only includes the first protruding portion 220, the cross-sectional area of the first flow path 140 can be kept larger.

[0065] However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The first plate 200 may of course only include the first auxiliary flow path groove and not the first protruding portion 220, and the second plate 300 may of course only include the second auxiliary flow path groove 340 and not the second protruding portion 320.

[0066] In the present invention, the first plate 200 and the second plate 300 may be fixed to the tubular member 100 by welding. Various methods, such as ultrasonic welding, vibration welding, or thermal welding, may be used as welding.

[0067] To achieve more effective welding, a first welding groove 420 may be formed at the upper side portion of the cylindrical member 100, and the first welding groove 420 is formed along the peripheries of the first flow paths 140a, 140b, and 140c. A first welding protrusion 520 corresponding to the first welding groove 420 may be formed on the lower surface of the first plate 200. Additionally, a second welding groove 440 may be formed at the lower side portion of the cylindrical member 100, and the second welding groove 440 is formed along the peripheries of the second flow paths 160a, 160b, and 160c. A second welding protrusion 540 corresponding to the second welding groove 440 may be formed on the upper surface of the second plate 300.

[0068] As described above, since the first plate 200 and the second plate 300 are fixed to the cylindrical member 100 by welding, the flow paths can be sealed without separate gaskets or bolts, there is no risk of coolant corrosion of bolt tabs and bolt loosening, and the thickness and size of the plates do not increase.

[0069] Next, four exemplary modes of operation when the valve assembly 1 of the present invention is coupled to a coolant control module (CCM) will be described with reference to Figures 10a to 10d For example, the solid arrow (a) may correspond to a coolant flow path connected to the battery of an electric vehicle to cool the battery, the dashed arrow (b) may correspond to a coolant flow path connected to the motor of an electric vehicle to cool the motor, and the dash-dot arrow (c) may correspond to a coolant flow path connected to a radiator. For convenience, Figures 10a to 10d only the coolant flow paths through which the coolant flows in each mode are illustrated.

[0070] In Figure 10a the first mode, the coolant flows through the three second flow paths 160a, 160b, and 160c. In Figure 10b the second mode, the valve assembly 1 rotates counterclockwise by 30° compared to the first mode, such that the coolant flows through the three first flow paths 140a, 140b, and 140c. Additionally, in Figure 10c the third mode, the valve assembly 1 rotates counterclockwise by 30° compared to the second mode, such that the coolant flows through the three second flow paths 160a, 160b, and 160c again. In Figure 10d the fourth mode, the valve assembly 1 rotates counterclockwise by 30° compared to the third mode, such that the coolant flows through the three first flow paths 140a, 140b, and 140c again.

[0071] As described above, a plurality of ports (specifically, eight or twelve ports) are provided in the cylindrical member 100, and a plurality of flow paths each connecting two ports in the cylindrical member 100 are overlapped with each other in the axial direction and formed compactly, so that various modes of the electric vehicle (specifically, four or five modes) can be coped with.

[0072] Figures 11a to 11d The figure shows the Figures 10a to 10d flow velocity of the coolant through the flow paths in four modes.

[0073] The flow velocity of the coolant through the first flow path 140 and the second flow path 160 is uniform along the flow path from the inlet to the outlet. That is, as described above, the cross-sectional areas of the first flow path 140 and the second flow path 160 are constant from one end to the other end, so that the pressure loss is minimized.

[0074] The present invention is not limited to the specific exemplary embodiments and descriptions, and any person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the subject matter of the present invention claimed in the claims, and these modifications are within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0075] Industrial applicability

[0076] The present invention relates to a valve assembly in which a plurality of ports are provided at the same height in a cylindrical member instead of being provided in a plurality of layers, the positions of the first flow path and the second flow path with respect to the axial direction of the cylindrical member overlap each other, and the cross-sectional area of the flow path is constant from one end to the other end of the flow path, so that a plurality of flow paths can be formed compactly in one cylindrical member and the pressure loss can be minimized.

Claims

1. A valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising: A cylindrical member having a plurality of ports provided in a lateral surface of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member having at least one first flow path configured to connect two of the plurality of ports and open in one axial direction and at least one second flow path configured to connect two of the other ports and open in another axial direction; A first plate coupled to the cylindrical member in one axial direction and configured to close at least one first flow path; and A second plate coupled to the cylindrical member in another axial direction and configured to close at least one second flow path, Wherein a position of at least one first flow path based on the axial direction of the cylindrical member and a position of at least one second flow path based on the axial direction of the cylindrical member overlap each other.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of ports are aligned at the same height of the cylindrical member.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein Two opposite ends of at least one first flow path connecting two ports are formed closer to the second plate than a middle portion of at least one first flow path, and two opposite ends of at least one second flow path connecting two other ports are formed closer to the first plate than a middle portion of at least one second flow path.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The ports are provided as twelve ports, the first flow paths are provided as three first flow paths, and the second flow paths are provided as three second flow paths.

5. The valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein, All of the three first flow paths are curved flow paths, each of the curved flow paths being configured to connect two ports, wherein one port is interposed between the two ports.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein, One of the three second flow paths is a straight flow path configured to connect two ports facing each other, and the remaining two second flow paths are both curved flow paths, each of the curved flow paths being configured to connect two ports, wherein one port is interposed between the two ports.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, A cross-sectional area of each of at least one first flow path and at least one second flow path is constant from one end to the other end.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The first plate includes a plurality of first protruding portions protruding toward two opposite ends of at least one first flow path.

9. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The second plate includes a plurality of second protruding portions protruding toward two opposite ends of at least one second flow path.

10. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The first plate has at least one first auxiliary flow path groove recessed at a position corresponding to at least one first flow path.

11. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The second plate has at least one second auxiliary flow path groove recessed at a position corresponding to at least one second flow path.

12. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first plate and the second plate are fixed to the cylindrical member by welding.

13. The valve assembly according to claim 12, wherein, A first welding groove is formed along a circumference of at least one first flow path in the cylindrical member, and a first welding protrusion is formed on the first plate, and the first welding protrusion is formed in a shape corresponding to the first welding groove.

14. The valve assembly according to claim 12, wherein, A second welding groove is formed along the periphery of at least one second flow path in the cylindrical member, and a second welding protrusion is formed on the second plate, and the second welding protrusion is formed in a shape corresponding to the second welding groove.

15. A valve assembly, the valve assembly comprising: A cylindrical member having a plurality of ports provided in a lateral surface of the cylindrical member, the cylindrical member having at least one first flow path configured to connect two of the plurality of ports and open in one axial direction and at least one second flow path configured to connect two of the other ports and open in another axial direction; A first plate coupled to the cylindrical member in one axial direction and configured to close at least one first flow path; and A second plate coupled to the cylindrical member in another axial direction and configured to close at least one second flow path, wherein the plurality of ports are aligned at the same height of the cylindrical member.

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