Thermal management multi-way valve controlled by digital circuit

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of thermal management, and provides a thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit, which comprises a multi-way valve main body comprising a movement mechanism and a valve core; the digital control circuit module is used for receiving an external instruction and generating a driving signal; the motor driving module is connected with the digital control circuit module; the at least two physical limit switches (A and B) are arranged at the endpoint positions of the movement path of the valve core of the multi-way valve; the position feedback module is used for judging the position of the valve core according to the on-off state of the physical limit switch and carrying out logic comparison with a control signal; by integrating the digital control circuit module, the motor driving module, the physical limit switch, the position feedback module and other components, accurate control and position feedback of the valve element of the multi-way valve are achieved, and the performance and stability of the thermal management system are effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of thermal management, in particular to a thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit. Background Art

[0002] Multi-port valves, as key components in thermal management systems, are widely used in applications requiring precise control of fluid direction and flow, such as automotive thermal management systems and industrial cooling systems. Traditional multi-port valve control methods often rely on mechanical or simple analog circuits, which have numerous limitations.

[0003] Currently, mechanical multi-way valves have limited control accuracy, making it difficult to achieve complex fluid path switching and precise flow control. This, to a certain extent, limits the performance and efficiency of thermal management systems. Furthermore, while analog circuit control improves control accuracy to a certain extent, it has weak anti-interference capabilities and is susceptible to factors such as electromagnetic interference and temperature fluctuations, resulting in unstable control signals and thus affecting the normal operation of the multi-way valve.

[0004] To overcome these shortcomings, those skilled in the art have proposed a thermal management multi-way valve controlled by digital circuits. By integrating components such as a digital control circuit module, a motor drive module, physical limit switches, and a position feedback module, this multi-way valve achieves precise control and position feedback of the multi-way valve spool, effectively improving the performance and stability of the thermal management system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a thermal management multi-way valve using digital circuit control. This addresses the limited control accuracy of mechanical multi-way valves in the prior art, making it difficult to achieve complex fluid path switching and precise flow control, which, to a certain extent, limits the performance and efficiency of thermal management systems. Furthermore, while analog circuit control improves control accuracy to a certain extent, it has weak anti-interference capabilities and is susceptible to factors such as electromagnetic interference and temperature changes, resulting in unstable control signals, which in turn affects the normal operation of the multi-way valve.

[0006] A thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit, comprising:

[0007] The multi-way valve body includes a motion mechanism and a valve core;

[0008] A digital control circuit module, used for receiving external instructions and generating drive signals;

[0009] a motor drive module connected to the digital control circuit module and configured to control the displacement of the multi-way valve core according to a drive signal;

[0010] At least two physical limit switches (A, B), arranged at the end points of the motion path of the multi-way valve spool, for detecting the actual position of the spool and feeding back an on / off signal to the digital control circuit module;

[0011] A position feedback module determines the valve core position by the on / off state of the physical limit switch and performs a logical comparison with the control signal to directly drive the motor to move or maintain the current position;

[0012] The closed switch structure adopts a sealed design to avoid short circuit or open circuit caused by impurities.

[0013] Preferably, the digital control circuit module includes:

[0014] Power interface circuit, used to provide stable voltage input;

[0015] Communication interface circuit, used for digital signal interaction with external control system;

[0016] The signal processing unit is used to analyze external instructions and output driving logic.

[0017] Preferably, the motor drive module adopts dual-path control logic, and directly drives the motor to rotate forward or reverse by detecting the on / off status of switch A and switch B until the switch corresponding to the target position is disconnected.

[0018] Preferably, the physical limit switch is a mechanical micro switch, and its triggering mechanism is mechanically linked to the movement mechanism of the valve core.

[0019] Preferably, the detection logic of the position feedback module is:

[0020] When switch A is open and switch B is closed, the valve core is determined to be at point A;

[0021] When switch B is open and switch A is closed, the valve core is determined to be at point B;

[0022] When both switch A and switch B are closed, the drive motor performs a reset action or reports a fault code to the host.

[0023] Preferably, an anti-interference filtering circuit is integrated into the digital control circuit module to enhance signal stability in an electromagnetic interference environment.

[0024] Preferably, a direct positioning method without return calibration is adopted between the valve core and the sealing element to eliminate invalid stroke and reduce power consumption.

[0025] Preferably, the contact surface of the enclosed switch structure is covered with an anti-oxidation coating to extend the service life.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] 1. The present invention realizes precise control of the multi-way valve core by integrating a digital control circuit module. Compared with the limited control accuracy of traditional mechanical multi-way valves, the present invention can more accurately switch fluid paths and adjust flow rates, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of the thermal management system.

[0028] 2. The digital control circuit module of the present invention integrates an anti-interference filtering circuit, which effectively enhances the signal stability in an electromagnetic interference environment, thereby overcoming the defect that analog circuit control is easily affected by factors such as electromagnetic interference and temperature changes, resulting in unstable control signals, and ensuring the reliable operation of the multi-way valve in complex environments.

[0029] 3. The present invention realizes accurate detection of the actual position of the valve core through the combination of physical limit switches (A, B) and a position feedback module; when switch A is disconnected and switch B is closed, the valve core is determined to be at point A; when switch B is disconnected and switch A is closed, the valve core is determined to be at point B. This precise position feedback mechanism enables the system to adjust the control strategy in a timely manner, avoiding control errors caused by inaccurate position judgment.

[0030] 4. The physical limit switch of the present invention is arranged at the end position of the movement path of the multi-way valve core, which is used to detect the actual position of the valve core and feedback the on-off signal to the digital control circuit module. This design effectively prevents the valve core from colliding or overshooting during the movement process, protects the valve and improves the stability of the system.

[0031] 5. The valve core and the seal of the present invention adopt a direct positioning method without return calibration, which eliminates invalid stroke and thus reduces power consumption. This improvement not only improves energy utilization efficiency, but also extends the service life of the equipment.

[0032] 6. The contact surface of the enclosed switch structure of the present invention is covered with an anti-oxidation coating, which effectively prevents contact oxidation and extends the service life of the physical limit switch; at the same time, the physical limit switch adopts a sealed design to avoid short circuit or open circuit problems caused by impurities, further improving the reliability and durability of the equipment.

[0033] 7. Through the above-mentioned multiple improvement measures, the present invention significantly improves the stability and reliability of the thermal management system; whether in terms of control precision, anti-interference ability, position feedback accuracy or limit protection, the present invention performs well, providing a strong guarantee for the long-term stable operation of the thermal management system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the power interface of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the communication interface of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the motor drive of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the limit switch of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0039] As attached Figure 1 To the attached Figure 4 As shown:

[0040] This embodiment demonstrates the basic functional implementation of a thermal management multi-way valve controlled by digital circuits. The multi-way valve primarily includes a multi-way valve body, a digital control circuit module, a motor drive module, two physical limit switches (A and B), a position feedback module, and a closed switch structure.

[0041] Multi-way valve body: contains the motion mechanism and valve core, responsible for switching the flow direction of the fluid.

[0042] Digital control circuit module: This includes a power interface circuit, a communication interface circuit, and a signal processing unit. The power interface circuit provides stable voltage input; the communication interface circuit is used to exchange digital signals with the external control system; and the signal processing unit interprets external commands and outputs drive logic.

[0043] The motor drive module controls the displacement of the multi-way valve spool based on the drive signal from the digital control circuit module. Using dual-path control logic, it directly drives the motor forward or reverse by detecting the on / off status of switches A and B until the switch corresponding to the target position opens.

[0044] Physical limit switches (A, B): Set at the end points of the multi-way valve spool movement path, used to detect the actual position of the spool and feedback the on-off signal to the digital control circuit module.

[0045] Position feedback module: determines the valve core position by the on / off status of the physical limit switch, and performs a logical comparison with the control signal to directly drive the motor to move or maintain the current position.

[0046] Closed switch structure: The physical limit switch adopts a sealed design, and the contact surface is covered with an anti-oxidation coating to avoid short circuits or open circuits caused by impurities and extend service life.

[0047] The relationship of the attached drawings is as follows:

[0048] Figure 1(Power Interface Schematic Diagram): This diagram shows the connection and voltage input methods of the power interface circuit, ensuring a stable power supply for the digital control circuit module.

[0049] Figure 2 (Communication interface schematic): Shows how the communication interface circuit is connected to the external control system, supporting the interaction of digital signals and realizing remote control and monitoring.

[0050] Figure 3 (Motor drive schematic): Describes how the motor drive module controls the forward or reverse rotation of the motor based on the drive signal from the digital control circuit module, and how to determine the position of the valve core by detecting the on / off state of the limit switch.

[0051] Figure 4 (Limit Switch Schematic Diagram): This diagram illustrates the working principle and installation location of the physical limit switches (A, B), and how they mechanically interact with the valve core's motion mechanism to accurately detect the valve core's position.

[0052] Application example 1:

[0053] In automotive thermal management systems, this multi-way valve controls the flow of coolant. When the engine temperature is too high, the external control system sends a command through the communication interface. The digital control circuit module interprets the command and generates a drive signal. The motor drive module controls the valve core according to the drive signal, directing the coolant to the radiator for heat dissipation. Simultaneously, the position feedback module verifies the valve core position by checking the on / off status of the physical limit switch to ensure correct coolant flow.

[0054] Embodiment 2: Based on the realization of basic functions, this embodiment further enhances the anti-interference capability of the multi-way valve. In addition to including all the components in embodiment 1, this embodiment specifically integrates an anti-interference filter circuit in the digital control circuit module.

[0055] Anti-interference filter circuit: integrated in the digital control circuit module, used to filter electromagnetic interference signals and improve the stability of the control signal.

[0056] Application Example 2:

[0057] Industrial cooling systems face a complex electromagnetic environment, with numerous sources of electromagnetic interference. The multi-way valve in this embodiment integrates an anti-interference filter circuit to effectively filter electromagnetic interference signals and ensure the stability of the control signal. When the system needs to adjust the flow direction of the coolant, the external control system sends a command, which the multi-way valve accurately receives and interprets, controlling the valve core to move to the specified position and achieving precise switching of the coolant flow direction. Even in environments with strong electromagnetic interference, the multi-way valve can maintain normal operation, improving the reliability and stability of the system.

[0058] In summary, the present invention adopts a thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit, and adopts a digital circuit to control the mode switching of the multi-way valve.

[0059] Specifically, two on-off switches are added to the control circuit. When switch A is pressed, circuit A is disconnected, indicating that the valve core has reached point A. At this point, if the control signal requires the multi-way valve to reach point A, the circuit detects that it is already at point A. The multi-way valve does not actuate, and reports that it has reached point A. If the control signal requires the multi-way valve to reach point B, the control circuit drives the motor, causing the valve core to reach point B, and the switch at point B is disconnected. When the switch at point B is pressed, the signal processing logic is the same as above.

[0060] Since the position signal is determined by the physical on-off of the circuit detection switch, the drive signal and position feedback signal in the circuit will not be affected by environmental electromagnetic interference, and have strong anti-electromagnetic interference ability and high reliability;

[0061] Since two physical switches monitor the actual position of the valve core in the circuit, and the circuit detects whether the switch is disconnected or connected, the structure of the on-off switch is the physical structure of the driving gear, without the analog quantity of other electrical components. Therefore, the problem of signal distortion is avoided, and the problem of wear of analog signal components is also avoided, which improves the reliability and life of the circuit;

[0062] The circuit detection switch adopts a closed switch with a simple and reliable structure, which avoids the risk of short circuit and open circuit due to impurities in the analog circuit, thus improving the circuit reliability.

[0063] Because the multi-way valve's motion mechanism provides the circuit with the actual valve core position and position signal, the system eliminates the need for return and analog signal verification. This design and control logic ensures zero ineffective valve core travel, extending product life and reducing power consumption.

[0064] The embodiments of the present invention are provided for the purpose of illustration and description. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations of the present invention. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit, characterized in that: include: The multi-way valve body includes a motion mechanism and a valve core; A digital control circuit module, used for receiving external instructions and generating drive signals; a motor drive module connected to the digital control circuit module and configured to control the displacement of the multi-way valve core according to a drive signal; At least two physical limit switches (A, B), arranged at the end points of the motion path of the multi-way valve spool, for detecting the actual position of the spool and feeding back an on / off signal to the digital control circuit module; A position feedback module determines the valve core position by the on / off state of the physical limit switch and performs a logical comparison with the control signal to directly drive the motor to move or maintain the current position; The closed switch structure adopts a sealed design to avoid short circuit or open circuit caused by impurities.

2. A thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The digital control circuit module includes: Power interface circuit, used to provide stable voltage input; Communication interface circuit, used for digital signal interaction with external control system; The signal processing unit is used to parse external instructions and output driving logic.

3. The thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The motor drive module adopts dual-path control logic, and directly drives the motor forward or reverse by detecting the on / off status of switch A and switch B until the switch corresponding to the target position is disconnected.

4. The thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The physical limit switch is a mechanical micro switch, and its triggering mechanism is mechanically linked to the movement mechanism of the valve core.

5. The thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection logic of the position feedback module is: When switch A is open and switch B is closed, the valve core is determined to be at point A; When switch B is open and switch A is closed, the valve core is determined to be at point B; When both switch A and switch B are closed, the drive motor performs a reset action or reports a fault code to the host.

6. The thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The digital control circuit module is integrated with an anti-interference filter circuit to enhance signal stability in an electromagnetic interference environment.

7. The thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: A direct positioning method without return calibration is adopted between the valve core and the sealing element to eliminate invalid stroke and reduce power consumption.

8. The thermal management multi-way valve controlled by a digital circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The contact surface of the enclosed switch structure is covered with an anti-oxidation coating to extend the service life.

Images