Valve

Abstract

The valve comprises a valve seat, a valve element rotationally arranged in the valve seat and a sealing gasket arranged between the valve seat and the valve element, the valve seat is provided with a plurality of valve ports, and the valve element is provided with a plurality of flow channels. The sealing gasket is provided with a plurality of hollowed-out holes arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction and a plurality of first ribs located between the adjacent hollowed-out holes, and the hollowed-out holes are aligned with the valve ports one to one. A flow channel of the valve element forms flow channel openings in the side end, facing the sealing gasket, of the valve element, the flow channel openings are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, a plurality of second ribs located between the adjacent flow channel openings are arranged at the side end, facing the sealing gasket, of the valve element, and the flow channel openings correspond to the flow channels. And each first rib and / or each second rib are / is provided with a circumferential convex part, so that the rotating resistance of the second ribs of the valve core when crossing the first ribs is effectively reduced, the torque change in the rotating process is reduced, and the operation of the valve is smoother and more stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of valve technology, and in particular to a multi-way valve. Background Art

[0002] Valves are often connected in series in pipelines to regulate the direction and flow of fluids such as water and coolants. For example, they are connected in series in the thermal management system of electric vehicles to control the flow of fluids for fast and efficient heat exchange.

[0003] Electric vehicles face thermal management requirements across multiple components, such as the cooling of the traction motor, the need for cooling or heating the battery under different operating conditions, and the need for cooling or heating the passenger compartment in different seasons. Therefore, an electric vehicle's thermal management system includes multiple heat exchange circuits, such as the motor circuit, battery circuit, and passenger compartment air conditioning circuit. These circuits are connected via multi-way valves to meet the heat exchange requirements of multiple circuits and various operating conditions.

[0004] During use, the valve core rotates relative to the valve seat, causing the connectivity between the valve ports to change. A sealing gasket is placed between the valve core and the valve seat to prevent fluid leakage. However, this placement of the sealing gasket results in a high torque on the valve core relative to the valve seat. Furthermore, the resistance at different locations during rotation varies, leading to significant torque fluctuations and affecting rotational smoothness. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present application provides a valve, in which torque fluctuation is small and rotation stability is good during the rotation of the valve core relative to the valve seat.

[0006] A valve comprises a valve seat, a valve core rotatably arranged in the valve seat, and a sealing gasket arranged between the valve seat and the valve core, the valve seat is provided with a plurality of valve ports, the valve core is provided with a plurality of flow channels, the sealing gasket is provided with a plurality of hollow holes arranged at intervals along the circumference and a plurality of first ribs respectively located between adjacent hollow holes, the plurality of hollow holes are aligned one by one with the plurality of valve ports; the flow channel of the valve core forms a flow channel opening at the side end of the valve core facing the sealing gasket, the flow channel openings are arranged at intervals along the circumference, the side end of the valve core facing the sealing gasket is provided with a plurality of second ribs respectively located between adjacent flow channel openings, the flow channel openings correspond to the flow channel; each of the first ribs and / or each of the second ribs is provided with a circumferential bulge, so that the circumferential width of the first rib and / or the second rib at the bulge is greater than the circumferential width of the remaining part.

[0007] Compared with the prior art, the ribs of the valve core and / or sealing gasket of the valve of the present application bulge outward in the circumferential direction to form a convex portion. When the valve core rotates relative to the valve seat and crosses the first rib of the sealing gasket, the contact between the convex portion and the first / second rib occurs before the contact between the first rib and the second rib, which is equivalent to providing a smooth contact surface in the circumferential direction to guide the valve core to cross the first rib of the seal, effectively reducing the rotational resistance of the second rib of the valve core when crossing the first rib, thereby reducing the torque change during the rotation process, and making the operation of the valve smoother and more stable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, a brief introduction will be given below to the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of the valve provided in the first embodiment of the present application.

[0010] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the valve shown.

[0011] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the valve shown.

[0012] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the valve from another angle.

[0013] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Further exploded view of the valve core of the valve shown.

[0014] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Another angled view of the first end plate of the valve core is shown.

[0015] Figure 7 for Figure 6 The diagram shows the cooperation between the first end plate and the sealing gasket.

[0016] Figure 8 for Figure 7 Top view of .

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram showing the first end plate rotating at an angle relative to the sealing gasket.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the first end plate rotating at another predetermined angle relative to the sealing gasket.

[0019] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first end plate and the sealing gasket of the valve provided in the second embodiment of the present application.

[0020] Figure 12 for Figure 11 Exploded diagram.

[0021] Figure 13 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first end plate and the sealing gasket of the valve provided in the third embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Figure 14 for Figure 13 Exploded diagram.

[0023] Figure 15 Schematic diagram of the cooperation between the first end plate and the sealing gasket of the valve provided in the fourth embodiment of the present application.

[0024] Figure 16 for Figure 15 Exploded diagram.

[0025] Description of reference numerals:

[0026] 100. Valve;

[0027] 20. Valve seat; 22. Valve port; 24. Base plate; 25. Side plate; 26. Cover plate; 28. Shaft hole; 29. ​​Shaft seat;

[0028] 30. Valve core; 32. Flow channel; 33. Shaft; 34 / 34a / 34c, flow channel opening; 35 / 35a / 35b / 35c, second rib; 36 / 36c, protrusion; 37. Main body; 38 / 38a / 38b / 38c, first end plate; 39. Second end plate;

[0029] 40 / 40a / 40b / 40c, sealing gasket; 42 / 42a / 42b / 42c, hollow hole; 44 / 44a / 44b / 44c, first rib; 46a / 46b, convex portion;

[0030] 50. Manifold; 52. Port;

[0031] 60. Sealing ring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] To make the purpose, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application more clear, the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0033] The present application provides a valve that can be connected in series in a pipeline to control the flow direction and / or flow rate of a fluid. Figure 1-4 The figure shows a specific embodiment of the valve of the present application. The valve 100 includes a valve seat 20, a valve core 30 rotatably mounted in the valve seat 20, and a sealing gasket 40 disposed between the valve seat 20 and the valve core 30. The valve seat 20 is provided with multiple valve ports 22 for connecting to different circuits, and the valve core 30 is provided with multiple flow channels 32 for connecting corresponding valve ports 22 of the valve seat 20. Rotation of the valve core 30 relative to the valve seat 20 switches the valve ports 22 that are connected, thereby switching the circuit that is connected.

[0034] In a specific embodiment, the valve 100 can be used in a thermal management system for an electric vehicle. By rotating the valve core 30 relative to the valve seat 20, the valve port 22 that is connected is changed, thereby adjusting the flow direction and / or flow rate of the heat exchange medium in each circuit of the thermal management system to meet the heat exchange requirements under different working conditions. It should be understood that the valve of the present application is not limited to use in thermal management systems for electric vehicles.

[0035] like Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, the valve seat 20 is in the shape of a hollow cylinder as a whole, and includes a base plate 24, an annular side plate 25 extending vertically from the outer edge of the base plate 24, and a cover plate 26 docked with the side plate 25. In the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 24 and the side plate 25 are an integral structure, and the cover plate 26 is separately formed and connected to the top of the side plate 25 by screws and other fixings. The base plate 24, the side plate 25 and the cover plate 26 together form an assembly space for installing the valve core 30. The valve port 22 is provided on the base plate 24 of the valve seat 20, and passes through the base plate 24 in the axial direction and communicates with the assembly space in the valve seat 20. The multiple valve ports 22 can be distributed at intervals along the circumference of the base plate 24, and their shapes and sizes can be the same or different.

[0036] like Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, the sealing gasket 40 is fixedly arranged relative to the valve seat 20 and overlapped on the inner side of its substrate 24, and is generally in the shape of a circular sheet. The sealing gasket 40 can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber, etc., which can not only prevent the valve core 30 from directly rubbing against the substrate 24 during rotation, but also prevent the fluid from leaking from the contact surface between the valve core 30 and the substrate 24. The sealing gasket 40 forms a hollow hole 42 at each valve port 22 of the corresponding substrate 24. The size and shape of the hollow hole 42 are consistent with the corresponding valve port 22, thereby preventing the sealing gasket 40 from blocking the valve port 22. The hollow holes 42 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction, and the sealing gasket 40 forms a first rib 44 between adjacent hollow holes 42. The first rib 44 extends roughly along the radial direction of the sealing gasket 40.

[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the valve core 30 is cylindrical in shape and is movably mounted in the assembly space of the valve seat 20. A shaft 33 is provided in the center of the valve core 30. Figure 2 As shown, one end (e.g., the top end) of the shaft 33 extends outwardly for a certain length through the cover plate 26 of the valve seat 20, and is used to connect to a power mechanism, such as a drive motor (not shown). This allows the valve core 30 to be driven to rotate relative to the valve seat 20 to change the operating state of the valve 100 of the present application and adapt to different operating conditions. Accordingly, an axial hole 28 is formed in the center of the cover plate 26 of the valve seat 20 for the shaft 33 to pass through. Preferably, a sealing ring 60 is provided between the cover plate 26 and the shaft 33 to ensure a sealed fit between the two to prevent fluid leakage.

[0038] Please also see Figure 5 and Figure 6 The multiple flow channels 32 axially penetrate the side end of the valve core 30 facing the valve seat 20 and form a plurality of flow channel openings 34 at the side end. The flow channel openings 34 are connected to the hollow holes 42 of the sealing gasket 40, and the corresponding valve openings 22 of the valve seat 20 are connected through the corresponding flow channels 32. The multiple flow channel openings 34 can be arranged at intervals along the circumference of the valve core 30. The valve core 30 forms a second rib 35 between two adjacent flow channel openings 34. The second rib 35 extends approximately along the radial direction of the valve core 30. In this embodiment, the second rib 35 bulges outward in the circumferential direction to form a convex portion 36, and the convex portion 36 extends into the adjacent flow channel opening 34.

[0039] After the valve 100 is assembled, the sealing gasket 40 is axially sandwiched between the base plate 24 of the valve seat 20 and the valve core 30. When the valve core 30 rotates relative to the valve seat 20 and the sealing gasket 40 so that the valve port 22 is changed, Figures 7 to 10 Since the second rib 35 of the valve core 30 protrudes toward the flow channel opening 34 to form the convex portion 36, the convex portion 36 contacts the first rib 44 of the sealing gasket 40 before the second rib 35 and then slides relative to the first rib 44. This is equivalent to providing a smooth contact surface in the circumferential direction to guide the valve core 30 to cross the first rib 44, effectively reducing the rotational resistance of the second rib 35 of the valve core 30 when crossing the first rib 44 of the sealing gasket 40, thereby reducing the torque change during the rotation process, making the valve operation smoother and more stable.

[0040] In a specific embodiment, if Figure 5As shown, the valve core 30 includes a main body 37 and a first end plate 38 and a second end plate 39, respectively disposed at either end of the main body 37. The multiple flow channels 32 are formed in the main body 37. The first end plate 38 is located on the side of the main body 37 closest to the base plate 24, and the second end plate 39 is located on the side of the main body 37 facing away from the base plate 24. The multiple flow channel openings 34 are disposed on the first end plate 38 and extend axially through the first end plate 38. Their size and shape match those of the flow channels 32. The second ribs 35 are formed on the first end plate 38.

[0041] In a specific embodiment, the protrusion 36 can be a second arc-shaped protrusion extending outwardly along the circumferential direction from the second rib 35. Preferably, two adjacent protrusions 36 extending into the same flow channel opening 34 are connected in one piece.

[0042] More preferably, the first end plate 38 is formed with the protrusion 36 in each flow channel opening 34 thereof, and the protrusions 36 together form a circular ring, which is coaxially arranged with the first end plate 38. During the rotation of the valve core 20, the first rib 44 always slides along the circular ring.

[0043] More preferably, the connection point between the protrusion 36 and the second rib 35 is located at the midpoint of the radial length direction of the second rib 35, so that the circular ring formed by the protrusion 36 is roughly in the middle of the flow channel opening 34 in the radial direction, and after assembly, it abuts against the approximately radial midpoint of the first rib 44 of the sealing gasket 40.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the first end plate 38 and / or the second end plate 39 of the valve core 30 can be separately formed and then connected to the main body 37, such as by welding or other means for sealing connection to the main body 37. In some embodiments, the first end plate 38 and / or the second end plate 39 can be connected to the main body 37 in other ways, or can be an integral structure.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the second end plate 39 of the valve core 30 and the shaft 33 are integrally formed. The other end (e.g., the bottom end) of the shaft 33 passes through the first end plate 38 and the sealing gasket 40 and is pivotally connected to the valve seat 20. Specifically, a shaft seat 29 is formed in the center of the base plate 24 of the valve seat 20 for receiving the shaft 33. In some embodiments, the shaft 33 can also be formed separately.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the valve 100 can also be docked with the manifold 50 to form a thermal management module. Preferably, the manifold 50 can be modular in structure and can be docked with multiple valves 100. Preferably, the manifold 50 is disposed outside the valve seat 20 and integrally connected to the bottom plate 24 of the valve seat 20. The manifold 50 is provided with multiple ports 52 to connect the valve port 22 of the valve seat 20 with the external circuit.

[0047] Figure 11-12 The second embodiment of the valve of the present application is shown, which differs from the first embodiment primarily in the convex portion. To simplify the illustration, the drawings of this embodiment only show components related to the convex portion, such as the sealing gasket 40a and the first end plate 38a of the valve core. Other components not shown refer to the first embodiment.

[0048] In this embodiment, the protrusion 46a is provided on the first rib 44a of the sealing gasket 40a and protrudes into the hollow hole 42a of the sealing gasket 40a; accordingly, the second rib 35a of the first end plate 38a no longer protrudes outward from its flow channel opening 34a. Specifically, the protrusion 46a can be a first arc-shaped protrusion extending integrally from the first rib 44a toward the hollow hole 42a, preferably extending along the circumference of the sealing gasket 40a. More preferably, two adjacent protrusions 46a extending into the same hollow hole 42a are integrally connected, and the protrusions 46a together form a circular ring. After assembly, the first end plate 38a and the sealing gasket 40a are overlapped and pressed axially. During the rotation of the valve core 30, the second rib 35a of the first end plate 38a spans the circular ring formed by the protrusions 46a.

[0049] In this embodiment, the axial height of the protrusion 46a can be slightly less than the axial height of the first rib 44a of the sealing gasket 40a. As long as the side of the protrusion 46a facing the first end plate 38a is flush with the surface of the rest of the sealing gasket 40a, the protrusion 46a can ensure that it can interact with the second rib 35a of the first end plate 38a. Similarly, when the valve core of the valve of this embodiment rotates relative to the valve seat, causing the valve port to change, the second rib 35a of the valve core slides along the circular ring formed by the protrusion 46a of the sealing gasket 40a. The protrusion 46a provides a smooth contact surface, guiding the second rib 35a of the valve core to pass over the first rib 44a, effectively reducing the rotational resistance of the valve core when it crosses the first rib 44a of the sealing gasket 40a during rotation, thereby reducing torque changes during rotation and ensuring smoother valve rotation throughout the entire process.

[0050] Figure 13-14The third embodiment of the valve of the present application is shown, which differs from the previous embodiments primarily in the protrusion. In this embodiment, the radially inner end of the first rib 44b of the sealing gasket 40b protrudes toward the adjacent hollow hole 42b to form the protrusion 46b, resulting in the radially inner end of the first rib 44b having a greater circumferential width than the radially outer end. As a result, when the valve core of the valve of this embodiment rotates relative to the valve seat, causing the valve opening to change, the protrusion 46b can contact the second rib 35b of the first end plate 38b of the valve core earlier than the remaining portion of the first rib 44b and maintain a longer contact time. This effectively reduces the rotational resistance of the valve core when it crosses the first rib 44b of the sealing gasket 40b, thereby reducing torque changes during rotation and ensuring smoother valve operation.

[0051] Preferably, the protrusion 46b is a first protrusion integrally extending outwardly and circumferentially from the radially inner end of the first rib 44b. Its circumferential width varies, such as gradually decreasing radially outward until it smoothly transitions to the outer wall of the first rib 44b at approximately the midpoint of the first rib 44b. Preferably, both circumferential sides of the radially inner end of the first rib 44b protrude toward the hollow holes 42b on either side thereof, such that the overall outer contour of the first rib 44b and the protrusion 46b is generally Y-shaped.

[0052] Figure 15-16 The fourth embodiment of the valve of the present application is shown, which differs from the previous embodiments primarily in the protrusion. In this embodiment, the protrusion 36c is formed at the radially inner end of the second rib 35c of the first end plate 38c of the valve core and protrudes into the adjacent flow passage 34c, resulting in a greater circumferential width at the radially inner end of the second rib 35c than at the remaining portion. As a result, when the valve core of the valve of this embodiment rotates relative to the valve seat, causing the valve opening to change, the protrusion 36c can contact the first rib 44c of the sealing gasket 40c earlier and for a longer duration than the other portions of the second rib 35c. This effectively reduces torque variations when the valve core crosses the first rib 44c of the sealing gasket 40c, resulting in smoother valve operation.

[0053] In this embodiment, the protrusion 36c is a second protrusion extending circumferentially outward from the radially inner end of the second rib 35c of the first end plate 38c. Its axial height can be slightly less than the axial height of the second rib 35c of the first end plate 38c. As long as the side of the protrusion 36c facing the sealing gasket 40c is flush with the outer side surface of the first end plate 38c, the protrusion 36c can interact with the first rib 44c of the sealing gasket 40c. In the illustrated embodiment, the circumferential width of the protrusion 36c of the second rib 35c gradually decreases radially outward until it smoothly transitions to the outer wall of the second rib 35c at approximately the midpoint of the second rib 35c.

[0054] The above are some embodiments of the valve of the present application. By forming protrusions 36 / 36c / 46a / 46b on the relatively rotating components, namely, the first end plate 38 / 38a / 38b / 38c of the valve core 30 and / or the sealing gasket 40 / 40a / 40b / 40c, the valve core 30 can smoothly pass over the first ribs 44 / 44a / 44b / 44c between the hollow holes 42 / 42a / 42b / 42c of the sealing gasket 40 / 40a / 40b / 40c, thereby changing the valve port 22 to which it is connected. This reduces torque variation throughout the entire rotational process of the valve core 30, resulting in smoother operation. It should be understood that as long as the protrusions protrude circumferentially relative to the first and / or second ribs, they can provide guidance for the valve core 30 as it passes over the valve port. The specific position, shape, and number of these protrusions can be set as needed and are not limited to the above embodiments.

[0055] The above embodiments merely represent preferred implementations of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the present application. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, such as combining different features from the various embodiments, and all such modifications and improvements would fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A valve comprising a valve seat, a valve core rotatably disposed in the valve seat, and a sealing gasket disposed between the valve seat and the valve core, wherein the valve seat is provided with a plurality of valve ports, and the valve core is provided with a plurality of flow channels, characterized in that: The sealing gasket is provided with a plurality of hollow holes arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction and a plurality of first ribs respectively located between adjacent hollow holes, and the plurality of hollow holes are aligned one by one with the plurality of valve openings; the flow channel of the valve core forms a flow channel opening at the side end of the valve core facing the sealing gasket, and the flow channel openings are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction, and the side end of the valve core facing the sealing gasket is provided with a plurality of second ribs respectively located between adjacent flow channel openings, and the flow channel openings correspond to the flow channel; each of the first ribs and / or each of the second ribs is provided with a circumferential convex portion, so that the circumferential width of the first rib and / or the second rib at the convex portion is greater than the circumferential width of the remaining portion.

2. The valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The convex portion is a first arc-shaped convex strip integrally extending into the hollow hole along the circumferential direction with the first rib, and / or the convex portion is a second arc-shaped convex strip integrally extending into the flow channel opening along the circumferential direction with the second rib.

3. The valve according to claim 2, characterized in that The first arc-shaped convex strips are located on the same circular ring, and / or the second arc-shaped convex strips are located on the same circular ring.

4. The valve according to claim 2, characterized in that Two adjacent first arc-shaped convex strips extending into the same hollow are connected to each other, and / or two adjacent second arc-shaped convex strips extending into the same flow channel opening are connected to each other.

5. The valve according to claim 4, characterized in that The connection point between the first arc-shaped ridge and the first rib is approximately located at the radial midpoint of the first rib, and / or the connection point between the second arc-shaped ridge and the second rib is approximately located at the radial midpoint of the second rib.

6. The valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The convex portion is a first convex block integrally formed at the radial inner end of the first rib, and / or the convex portion is a second convex block integrally formed at the radial inner end of the second rib.

7. The valve according to claim 6, characterized in that The circumferential width of the first protrusion gradually decreases radially outward, and / or the circumferential width of the second protrusion gradually decreases radially outward.

8. The valve according to claim 6, characterized in that A first protrusion is respectively provided on two opposite sides of the radial inner end of the first rib in the circumferential direction, and / or a second protrusion is respectively provided on two opposite sides of the radial inner end of the second rib in the circumferential direction.

9. The valve according to claim 6, characterized in that The axial height of the first protrusion is smaller than the axial height of the first rib, and / or the axial height of the second protrusion is smaller than the axial height of the second rib.

10. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The valve core includes a main body and an end plate fixedly connected to a side end of the main body facing the sealing gasket. The flow channel is provided in the main body, and the flow channel opening and the second rib are provided on the end plate.

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