Three-way valve, control method of three-way valve, thermal management system of vehicle and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a three-way valve which comprises a valve shell, a valve element and a valve controller. A valve cavity and a flow channel set are formed in the valve shell, at least three flow channels for fluid to pass through are arranged in the flow channel set, and the flow channels can be used for the fluid to enter or flow out of the valve cavity. The valve element is arranged in the valve cavity and can axially rotate relative to the valve shell, a first opening is formed in the end, facing the valve cavity, of the flow channel, the valve element can cut off the first opening, and when the valve element rotates, the valve element and the first opening can form different cut-off areas; the valve controller is connected with the valve element and can control the valve element to rotate so that various different circulation states can be formed between the valve element and the flow channel set. According to the three-way valve, by rotating the valve element, the relative position of the valve element and the valve shell is changed, so that different circulation states are formed between the flow channels of the three-way valve, and the requirements of different circulation modes are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water circulation heat exchange technology for vehicles, and in particular to a three-way valve and its control method, a vehicle thermal management system, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Water circulation serves as the heat source and medium for vehicle thermal management. The water circulation system balances the heat generated by the combustion of the hybrid vehicle engine, the cooling needs of the electric drive system, and the heating requirements of the passenger compartment, thereby effectively utilizing heat, reducing overall vehicle energy consumption, and reducing environmental pollution.

[0003] Currently, the three-way valves used in vehicle water circulation systems generally adopt a fixed interface mode to reduce flow resistance. The water inlet or outlet mode of the interface cannot be changed, the fluid flow cannot be distributed between two interfaces, and the three interfaces cannot be cut off at the same time. In some cases, this may lead to energy loss.

[0004] It is evident that existing technologies still need improvement and enhancement. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this application is to provide a three-way valve and its control method, a vehicle thermal management system and a vehicle, which aims to realize multiple flow modes through the three-way valve.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] This application discloses a three-way valve, including a valve body, a valve core, and a valve controller. The valve body forms a valve cavity and a flow channel assembly, wherein the flow channel assembly has at least three flow channels for fluid passage, which can be used for fluid to enter or exit the valve cavity. The valve core is disposed in the valve cavity and can rotate axially relative to the valve body. A first opening is provided at the end of each flow channel facing the valve cavity. The valve core can block the flow through the first opening, and when the valve core rotates, it can form different blocking areas with the first opening. The valve controller is connected to the valve core and can drive the valve core to rotate, so that the valve core and the flow channel assembly can form multiple different flow states. As the valve core rotates, flow channels with different flow areas can be formed between the valve body and the valve core, allowing the liquid in the valve cavity to be distributed in different flow channels, reducing the use of the valve body and lowering product costs. Furthermore, this three-way valve can also cut off each flow channel. When applied to a vehicle thermal management system, it can reduce energy consumption and improve heat utilization.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, the valve core is provided with multiple baffles, which are correspondingly arranged to the first opening. These baffles can intercept flow through the first opening, allowing the baffles to form different intercepting areas with the first opening when the valve core rotates. Because the baffles are correspondingly arranged to the first opening, the relative positions of the baffles and the first opening change when the valve core rotates, thereby altering the area of ​​the baffles blocking the first opening and creating different intercepting areas between the baffles and the first opening to accommodate various flow patterns.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, the valve core can be rotated to fully or partially connect at least three flow channels, so that fluid can enter the valve cavity from one of the flow channels and exit the valve cavity from at least two of the flow channels. Rotating the valve core can adjust the flow rate of fluid entering the flow channels, so that the flow rate of fluid flowing out from different flow channels can be adjusted according to the usage conditions, which provides high flexibility.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, the valve core can be rotated to fully or partially connect the two flow channels, so that fluid can enter the valve cavity from one of the flow channels and exit the valve cavity from the other flow channel. This is suitable for situations where only one flow channel is needed to discharge fluid, avoiding fluid waste caused by multiple flow channels.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, the valve core can be rotated to completely block the flow channel assembly, thereby short-circuiting the three-way valve. In this way, no additional valves are required when it is necessary to close all flow channels.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, the flow channel group includes a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the valve housing; the valve core includes an axially extending first baffle, a second baffle, and a third baffle, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the valve core; the lengths of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel along the circumferential direction of the valve core are each less than the smallest width of the first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle, so that the first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle can completely block the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel, respectively.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, the distance between any two adjacent flow channels in the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel is greater than the width of the first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle, so that the first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle can rotate to be completely misaligned with the first opening of the flow channel, without obstructing the first opening.

[0014] In some embodiments of this application, the valve core further includes a first end cap and a second end cap, which are coaxially arranged. The first end cap is connected to the valve controller, and the side of the second end cap away from the first end cap is connected to the valve housing. A first baffle, a second baffle, and a third baffle are disposed between the first end cap and the second end cap. The widths of the first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle along the radial circumference of the valve core are different, and the distances between adjacent first baffles, second baffles, and third baffles are different. This allows the valve core to partially block the first flow channel, the second flow channel, or the third flow channel when it rotates, thereby distributing the fluid flow rate between the two different flow channels.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are uniformly arranged along the circumference of the valve body, and the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are of the same size. Thus, when the valve controller drives the valve body to rotate in coordination with the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel, it is easier to calculate the rotation distance of the valve body, simplifying the control program. Furthermore, the fact that the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are of the same size facilitates the distribution of flow between the two channels.

[0016] In some embodiments of this application, a shaft portion is provided on the side of the first end cover away from the second end cover. The shaft portion is provided with circumferentially distributed gear teeth. The shaft portion meshes with the valve controller through the gear teeth, which can improve the transmission precision between the valve controller and the valve core, thereby improving the accuracy of the flow control of the three-way valve.

[0017] The second end cap has a bearing portion extending away from the first end cap on the side away from the first end cap. The bearing portion is connected to the bottom of the valve housing and is coaxially arranged with the valve housing. This reduces the contact area between the bottom of the valve core and the valve housing, reduces the friction force generated by the rotation of the valve core, and ensures that the valve core can rotate stably relative to the valve housing.

[0018] In some embodiments of this application, the three-way valve further includes a valve housing cover, which covers the valve core near the first end cover, sealing the valve cavity. The shaft portion passes through the valve housing cover and connects to the valve controller. A first limiting block is provided on the side of the valve housing cover facing the first end cover, and a second limiting block is provided on the side of the first end cover facing the valve housing cover. The first limiting block and the second limiting block can mutually limit each other in the same circumferential direction to limit the rotation angle of the valve core. The limiting structure formed by the first and second limiting blocks allows the valve core to form the maximum rotatable angle, enabling precise control of the valve core's rotation angle when different connection modes between the valve core and the valve housing are implemented.

[0019] In some embodiments of this application, the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are arranged sequentially along the peripheral wall of the valve housing. The first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel each include a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is located on the inner wall of the valve housing and faces the valve cavity. The second opening is located at the bottom of the valve housing to facilitate the adjustment of fluid distribution in different outlet channels.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, a first through hole is formed between the first baffle and the second baffle, a second through hole is formed between the second baffle and the third baffle, and a third through hole is formed between the third baffle and the first baffle. The three-way valve further includes a sealing gasket disposed between the valve housing and the valve core. The sealing gasket has a fourth through hole, a fifth through hole, and a sixth through hole, which correspond one-to-one with the first through hole, the second through hole, and the third through hole, respectively. The sealing gasket can reduce the rigid friction between the valve housing and the valve core, thereby improving the service life of the three-way valve. The fourth, fifth, and sixth through holes ensure that the sealing gasket does not affect the liquid outlet channel formed between the valve core and the valve housing.

[0021] In some embodiments of this application, the sealing gasket is provided with a positioning opening, and the valve body is provided with a positioning block. The positioning opening is connected to the positioning block to ensure the stability of the relative position between the valve body and the sealing gasket, and to prevent the sealing gasket from shifting and obstructing the first flow channel, the second flow channel and the third flow channel on the valve body.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, the sealing gasket includes a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring. The second sealing ring is sleeved on the outside of the first sealing ring. Flanges are respectively provided at both ends of the first sealing ring in the axial direction. The two ends of the second sealing ring in the axial direction are respectively limited between the flanges at both ends of the first sealing ring in the axial direction, thereby ensuring the connection stability and integrity between the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring.

[0023] This application also provides a method for controlling a three-way valve, wherein the three-way valve is applied in a vehicle's thermal management system and is electrically connected to the vehicle's thermal management control unit, the method comprising:

[0024] Control the valve core to rotate, confirm the maximum stroke position Pmax of the valve core, and then rotate the valve core back to the initial position Pmin;

[0025] Rotate the valve core and obtain the time T1 from the valve core rotating from Pmin to Pmax and the time T2 from Pmax to Pmin. Calculate the average value T of T1 and T2.

[0026] Receive the mode request from the vehicle thermal management control unit and obtain the current valve core position Pp, target position Pt, and target flow ratio Ri of the liquid outlet passage;

[0027] If the current position Pp is not equal to the target position Pt, calculate the difference dP between the target position and the current position. Using the difference between the target position and the current position, the maximum stroke position of the valve core, the initial position of the valve core, and T, calculate the rotation time Ti of the valve core; control the valve core to rotate to the target position.

[0028] The aforementioned control method calculates and obtains the rotation information of the valve core, controls the rotation time of the valve core, and enables the valve core to reach different target positions, forming different liquid outlet channels. This achieves various thermal management requirements of the vehicle and improves the vehicle's thermal efficiency. Furthermore, this control method is relatively simple and easy to implement.

[0029] In some embodiments of this application, the three-way valve includes the following configurations:

[0030] In mode 1, the first and second flow channels are connected, and the third flow channel is short-circuited.

[0031] In mode 2, the second and third flow channels are connected, while the first flow channel is short-circuited.

[0032] Mode 3: The first and third flow channels are connected, while the second flow channel is short-circuited;

[0033] Mode 4: The first flow channel is the liquid inlet channel, the second and third flow channels are the liquid outlet channels, and the flow ratio Ri between the second and third flow channels is between [0.05, 0.9].

[0034] In mode 5, the second flow channel is the inlet channel, the first and third flow channels are the outlet channels, and the flow ratio Ri between the first and third flow channels is between [0.05, 0.9].

[0035] In mode six, the third flow channel is the inlet channel, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are the outlet channels, and the flow ratio between the first flow channel and the second flow channel is between [0.05, 0.9].

[0036] In mode 7, the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are all short-circuited.

[0037] In the above, the valve core rotates to different target positions in different modes to form different liquid outlet channels, adapting to more different driving mode requirements.

[0038] In some embodiments of this application, when the mode is mode one, mode two or mode three, the rotation time of the valve core Ti = a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T;

[0039] When the mode is mode four, mode five or mode six, and Ri = 0.5, the rotation time of the valve core Ti = a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T;

[0040] When the mode is mode four, mode five or mode six, and Ri < 0.5, the rotation time of the valve core Ti = a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T / 10;

[0041] When the mode is mode four, mode five or mode six, and Ri>0.5, the rotation time of the valve core Ti=a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T / 10;

[0042] When the mode is mode seven, the rotation time of the valve core Ti = a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T;

[0043] In the above, 'a' is the time coefficient, and the value of 'a' ranges from 0.1 to 0.5.

[0044] This application also provides a vehicle thermal management system, which includes a thermal management control unit, a connecting pipeline, and a three-way valve as described in any of the above claims. The three-way valve is disposed on the connecting pipeline and electrically connected to the thermal management control unit. The three-way valve can switch the position of the valve core according to the mode requirements issued by the thermal management control unit, forming different liquid outlet channels to improve the vehicle's heat utilization efficiency.

[0045] This application also provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body and a thermal management system as described above, the thermal management system being disposed on the vehicle body. The vehicle, through this thermal management system, can meet different thermal management mode requirements under different driving modes.

[0046] Beneficial effects:

[0047] The three-way valve provided in this application forms a valve cavity and a flow channel assembly on the valve body. The flow channel assembly is provided with three flow channels for fluid to pass through. The flow channels can be used for fluid to enter or exit the valve cavity. The valve core is disposed in the valve cavity and connected to the valve controller. A first opening is provided at the end of the flow channel assembly facing the valve cavity. The valve core can cut off the flow at the first opening. The valve controller can control the valve core to rotate axially relative to the valve body, so that the valve core can form different cut-off areas with the first opening, thereby changing the flow rate of the fluid in multiple flow channels. This enables the multi-way valve to lock different flow states and adapt to different flow mode needs.

[0048] The control method for the three-way valve provided in this application obtains information such as the maximum stroke position, minimum stroke position, time from the maximum stroke position to the minimum stroke position, time from the minimum stroke position to the maximum stroke position, current position of the valve core, target position, and target flow ratio of the liquid outlet passage, calculates the rotation time of the valve core, and controls the valve core to rotate to the target position, thereby forming a liquid outlet passage under different control modes and improving the thermal efficiency of the vehicle.

[0049] The vehicle thermal management system provided in this application can switch the position of the valve core according to the mode requirements issued by the thermal management control unit, forming different liquid outlet channels and improving the vehicle's heat utilization efficiency.

[0050] The vehicle provided in this application can meet the heat exchange requirements of different driving modes through the aforementioned thermal management system, thereby improving the vehicle's heat utilization efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a three-way valve provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a one-way valve provided in another embodiment of this application.

[0053] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the G-G direction.

[0054] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along the F-F direction.

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the valve housing provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0056] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the valve housing provided for another embodiment of this application.

[0057] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sealing gasket provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0058] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0059] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a valve cover provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0060] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the valve core and the valve body cover provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0061] Explanation of main component symbols: 1. Valve housing; 11. Valve cavity; 12. First flow channel; 13. Second flow channel; 14. Third flow channel; 12a / 13a / 14a. First opening; 12b / 13b / 14b. Second opening; 15. Positioning block; 2. Valve core; 21. First baffle; 22. Second baffle; 23. Third baffle; 24. First end cover; 241. Shaft part; 2411. Gear tooth; 242. Second limiting block; 25. Second end cover; 251. Bearing part; 26. First through hole; 27. Second through hole; 28. Third through hole; 3. Valve controller; 4. Valve housing cover; 41. First limiting block; 5. Sealing gasket; 5a. First sealing ring; 5a1. Flange; 5b. Second sealing ring; 51. Fourth through hole; 52. Fifth through hole; 53. Sixth through hole; 54. Positioning opening. Detailed Implementation

[0062] This application provides a three-way valve and its control method, a vehicle thermal management system, and a vehicle. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and effects of this application clearer and more explicit, the following detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this application and are not intended to limit this application.

[0063] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or a specific orientational structure and operation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, "first" and "second" are only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0064] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0065] Whether it's a gasoline-powered vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a pure electric vehicle, thermal management affects the vehicle's energy consumption and environmental performance, and is receiving increasing attention.

[0066] This application provides a vehicle, including a vehicle body and a thermal management system installed on the vehicle body. The cooling circuit of the thermal management system is equipped with a three-way valve, which can connect any two circuits or block each passage to avoid unnecessary heat loss and achieve energy saving.

[0067] For details, please refer to Figures 1 to 4 The three-way valve includes a valve body 1, a valve core 2, and a valve controller 3.

[0068] The valve body 1 and valve core 2 are injection molded from polyamide material, which has excellent mechanical properties, giving the three-way valve high strength and hardness, as well as good wear resistance, which can improve the service life of the three-way valve to a certain extent.

[0069] The valve housing 1 has a cylindrical shell and a seat connected to the bottom of the shell. The shell is hollow and has a valve cavity 11. The shell is also provided with a flow channel group, which has at least three flow channels for fluid to pass through. Fluid can enter or exit the valve cavity 11 through the flow channels.

[0070] The valve core 2 is disposed in the valve cavity 11 and can rotate axially relative to the valve housing 1 to connect or block the flow channel.

[0071] One axial end of the valve core 2 protrudes from the valve housing 1 and engages with the valve controller 3. The valve controller 3 can control the rotation of the valve core 2 within the valve cavity 11, allowing for various flow states between the valve core 2 and the flow channel assembly. As the valve core 2 rotates, the relative position between the valve housing 1 and the valve core 2 changes, causing the obstruction area of ​​the valve core 2 on different flow channels to change, thereby altering the different flow modes of the three-way valve. This provides high flexibility and adaptability to various flow state requirements. When this three-way valve is applied to a vehicle thermal management system, it can switch to the corresponding flow state according to the heat exchange requirements of different usage modes, reducing energy consumption and improving heat utilization.

[0072] In some embodiments, a first opening 12a / 13a / 14a is provided at the end of the flow channel facing the valve cavity 11. The outer wall of the valve core 2 can intercept the flow through the first opening 12a / 13a / 14a, so that when the valve core 2 rotates, the valve core 2 can form different intercepting areas with the first opening 12a / 13a / 14a, thereby changing the flow rate of the fluid passing through the flow channel, which is simple to operate. Specifically, the valve core 2 can rotate to completely block the first opening 12a / 13a / 14a, or the valve core 2 can rotate to partially block the first opening 12a / 13a / 14a, or the valve core 2 can rotate to be completely misaligned with the first opening 12a / 13a / 14a, so that the end of the first opening 12a / 13a / 14a facing the valve cavity 11 is completely open.

[0073] The valve core 2 can be equipped with multiple baffles, the number of which can correspond to the first opening. The baffles can cut off the flow of the first opening 12a / 13a / 14a, so that when the valve core 2 rotates, different cut-off areas can be formed between the baffles and the first opening 12a / 13a / 14a, thereby changing the flow rate of the fluid in each flow channel.

[0074] The valve core 2 can be rotated to fully connect at least three flow channels; or, the valve core 2 can be rotated to partially connect at least three flow channels. For example, the valve core 2 can fully connect one flow channel and partially connect two flow channels, or it can partially connect one flow channel and fully connect two flow channels. In this case, fluid can enter the valve chamber 11 from one of the flow channels and exit the valve chamber 11 from the remaining at least two connected flow channels. The flow channels used for fluid entry into and exit from the valve chamber 11 can be defined according to the actual usage. Furthermore, rotating the valve core 2 can adjust the flow rate of fluid entering the flow channels, so that the flow rate of fluid exiting from different flow channels can be adjusted according to the usage, providing high flexibility.

[0075] Valve core 2 can also be rotated to fully connect the two flow channels, or it can be rotated to partially connect them. In this case, fluid can enter the valve chamber 11 from one of the two connected flow channels and exit from the other. That is, the three-way valve forms one inlet channel and one outlet channel, which is suitable for use in situations where fluid diversion is not required, avoiding the waste of fluid caused by forming multiple outlet channels. Rotating valve core 2 can change the obstruction area of ​​the baffle on the flow channel, thereby adjusting the flow rate. For example, when valve core 2 fully connects the two flow channels, if it is necessary to reduce the flow rate of the outlet channel, valve core 2 can be rotated to partially obstruct the channel corresponding to the outlet fluid. The larger the obstruction area, the smaller the flow rate of the fluid entering the channel.

[0076] The valve core 2 can also be rotated to completely block all flow channels. At this time, the three-way valve is short-circuited, so that all flow channels can be closed without the need for other valve bodies, reducing the use of valve bodies and simplifying the flow path structure.

[0077] In one embodiment, the flow channel assembly includes a first flow channel 12, a second flow channel 13, and a third flow channel 14. The first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 are spaced apart circumferentially along the valve housing 1. The valve core 2 includes an axially extending first baffle 21, a second baffle 22, and a third baffle 23. The first baffle 21, the second baffle 22, and the third baffle 23 are spaced apart circumferentially along the valve core 2. The lengths of the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 along the circumferential direction of the valve core 2 are all less than the width of the first baffle 21, the second baffle 22, and the third baffle 23. Here, the width direction of the first baffle 21, the second baffle 22, and the third baffle 23 is consistent with the direction of their corresponding flow channels along the circumferential direction of the valve core 2, ensuring that the first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle can rotate in the rotational direction to completely block the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14.

[0078] The distance between any two adjacent flow channels 12, 13, and 14 is greater than the width of the largest of the three baffles 21, 22, and 23. This allows the first baffle 21, 22, and 23 to rotate to a position between two adjacent flow channels, completely offset from the flow channels, without obstructing them. At this point, all flow channels are in a connected state.

[0079] When any one of the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14 is completely blocked, the other two can form a liquid outlet channel with the valve core 2.

[0080] When the fluid can pass through the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14, a liquid inlet channel and two liquid outlet channels for distributing flow rates can be formed between the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 and the valve core 2. At this time, the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 may all be unobstructed, or one of the first flow channels 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 may be partially obstructed while the other two are unobstructed, or two of the first flow channels 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 may be partially obstructed while the remaining flow channel is unobstructed.

[0081] When any two of the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 are completely blocked, or when all three are completely blocked, the valve core 2 and the valve body 1 are disconnected, and a flow outlet channel cannot be formed.

[0082] like Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown, the valve core 2 also includes a first end cover 24 and a second end cover 25, which are coaxially arranged to ensure the stability of the valve core 2's rotation. The first end cover 24 is connected to the valve controller 3, and the side of the second end cover 25 away from the first end cover 24 is connected to the valve housing 1. A first baffle 21, a second baffle 22, and a third baffle 23 are disposed between the first end cover 24 and the second end cover 25. The circumferential widths of the circles formed by the first baffle 21, the second baffle 22, and the third baffle 23 along the radial direction of the valve core 2 are different, and the distances between adjacent pairs of the first baffle 21, the second baffle 22, and the third baffle 23 are different. At least one of the first baffle 21, the second baffle 22, and the third baffle 23 is disposed on any half-circle of the circumferential surface formed by the three, and the others are disposed on the remaining half-circle. When the valve core 2 rotates, the first baffle 21, the second baffle 22, and the third baffle 23 can partially block the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, or the third flow channel 14, thereby distributing the fluid flow rate between the two different outlet channels. Furthermore, the first baffle 21, the second baffle 22, and the third baffle 23 can completely block two of the first flow channels 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14. It is worth noting that the size of the first opening 12a / 13a / 14a of the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 is smaller than the width of the middle baffle 21, the second baffle 22, and the third baffle 23, and the latter is smaller than the width of the smallest baffle 21, the second baffle 22, and the third baffle 23, ensuring that the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 can be completely blocked.

[0083] like Figure 4 As shown, the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 are evenly arranged along the circumference of the valve body 1, and the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 are of the same size. Thus, when the valve controller 3 drives the valve body to rotate in coordination with the first flow channel, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14, it is easier to calculate the rotation distance of the valve body, simplifying the control program. Furthermore, the fact that the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 are of the same size facilitates the distribution of flow between the two channels.

[0084] like Figure 8 As shown, a shaft portion 241 is provided on the side of the first end cover 24 away from the second end cover 25. The shaft portion 241 is provided with circumferentially distributed gear teeth 2411. The valve controller 3 includes a controller housing, and a motor, transmission gears, control chip, etc., disposed in the controller housing. The motor is connected to the shaft portion 241 of the first end cover 24 through the transmission gears. The transmission between the gears has high precision and high transmission efficiency, which can improve the transmission precision between the valve controller 3 and the valve core 2, thereby improving the accuracy of the flow control of the three-way valve.

[0085] like Figure 3 and Figure 10 As shown, a bearing portion 251 extending away from the first end cover 24 is formed on the side of the second end cover 25 away from the first end cover 24. The bearing portion 251 is connected to the bottom of the valve housing 1 and is coaxially arranged with the valve housing 1. This reduces the contact area between the bottom of the valve core 2 and the valve housing 1, reduces the friction force generated by the rotation of the valve core 2, and ensures that the valve core 2 can rotate stably relative to the valve housing 1.

[0086] like Figure 3 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the three-way valve also includes a valve housing cover 4, which covers the valve core 2 on the side near the first end cover 24, sealing the valve chamber 11. In this embodiment, the valve housing cover 4 and the valve housing 1 are connected by screws, ensuring connection stability and ease of disassembly, thus facilitating valve body maintenance. The shaft portion 241 passes through the valve housing cover 4 and connects to the valve controller 3. A first limiting block 41 is provided on the side of the valve housing cover 4 facing the first end cover 24, and a second limiting block 242 is provided on the side of the first end cover 24 facing the valve housing cover 4. The first limiting block 41 and the second limiting block 242 can mutually limit each other in the same circumferential direction to limit the rotation angle of the valve core 2. The limiting structure formed by the first limiting block 41 and the second limiting block 242 enables the valve core 2 to form the maximum rotatable angle and allows the valve body to rotate in the forward direction (towards the maximum stroke direction) or the reverse direction (towards the starting position). This allows for precise control of the rotation angle of the valve core 2 when different connection modes between the valve core 2 and the valve body 1 are implemented, so that the valve core 2 can stay in the appropriate position.

[0087] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 are arranged sequentially along the peripheral wall of the valve housing 1. The first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 respectively include a first opening 12a / 13a / 14a and a second opening 12b / 13b / 14b. The first opening 12a / 13a / 14a is located on the inner wall of the valve housing 1 and faces the valve cavity 11. The second opening 12b / 13b / 14b is located at the bottom of the valve housing 1, which facilitates the adjustment of the distribution of fluid in different liquid outlet channels.

[0088] like Figure 4 , Figure 7 and Figure 8As shown, a first through hole 26 is formed between the first baffle 21 and the second baffle 22, a second through hole 27 is formed between the second baffle 22 and the third baffle 23, and a third through hole 28 is formed between the third baffle 23 and the first baffle 21. The three-way valve also includes a sealing gasket 5, which is disposed between the valve body 1 and the valve core 2. The sealing gasket 5 is provided with a fourth through hole 51, a fifth through hole 52, and a sixth through hole 53, which are respectively provided with the first through hole 26, the second through hole 27, and the third through hole 28. The sealing gasket 5 can reduce the rigid friction between the valve body 1 and the valve core 2, improve the service life of the three-way valve, and also improve the sealing performance of the connection between the valve body 1 and the valve core 2. The arrangement of the fourth through hole 51, the fifth through hole 52, and the sixth through hole 53 ensures that the sealing gasket 5 will not affect the liquid outlet channel formed between the valve core 2 and the valve body 1.

[0089] like Figure 7 As shown, the sealing gasket 5 is provided with a positioning opening 54, which extends along the axial direction of the sealing gasket 5. The valve body 1 is provided with a positioning block 15, and the positioning opening 54 is correspondingly connected to the positioning block 15. The side wall of the positioning block 15 abuts against the two side walls of the positioning opening 54, so that the sealing gasket 5 will not shift in the circumferential direction, ensuring the stability of the relative position between the valve body 1 and the sealing gasket 5, and preventing the sealing gasket 5 from shifting and obstructing the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14 on the valve body 1.

[0090] like Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the width of the positioning opening 54 inside the sealing gasket 5 is smaller than its width outside the sealing gasket 5. The two side walls of the positioning opening 54 form a guide structure, allowing the positioning block 15 to quickly engage with the positioning opening 54, achieving rapid positioning between the sealing gasket 5 and the valve body 1. The width of the positioning block 15 near the inside of the sealing gasket 5 is smaller than its width near the outside of the sealing gasket 5, corresponding to the two side walls of the positioning opening 54, so that the side walls of the positioning block 15 can abut against the two side walls of the positioning opening 54, further improving the connection stability between the sealing gasket 5 and the valve body 1.

[0091] like Figure 7 As shown, the sealing gasket 5 includes a first sealing ring 5a and a second sealing ring 5b. The second sealing ring 5b is sleeved on the outside of the first sealing ring 5a. The two ends of the first sealing ring 5a are respectively provided with flanges 5a1. The two ends of the second sealing ring 5b are respectively limited between the flanges 5a1 at the two ends of the first sealing ring 5a. The two axial sidewalls of the first sealing ring 5a formed at the positioning opening 54 protrude outwards, which can limit the second sealing ring 5b in the circumferential direction, ensuring the connection stability and integrity between the first sealing ring 5a and the second sealing ring 5b.

[0092] In some embodiments of this application, the first sealing ring 5a is a rubber component that can be tightly connected to the valve core 2, thereby improving the tightness of the connection between the valve core 2 and the valve housing 1; the second sealing ring 5b is a polytetrafluoroethylene component that has a certain strength, thereby improving the mechanical strength of the sealing ring, and can also produce a good lubrication effect between it and the inner wall of the valve housing 1.

[0093] This application also provides a control method for a three-way valve, which has the structure described above (and will not be repeated here). The three-way valve is applied in the thermal management system of a vehicle and is electrically connected to the vehicle's thermal management control unit. The control method includes:

[0094] The three-way valve performs a self-test upon power-on, controls the rotation of valve core 2, confirms the maximum stroke position Pmax of valve core 2, and then rotates valve core 2 back to the initial position Pmin.

[0095] Valve controller 3 controls valve core 2 to rotate, and obtains the time T1 required for valve core 2 to rotate from the initial position Pmin to the maximum stroke position Pmax, and the time T2 required for valve core 2 to rotate from the maximum stroke position Pmax to the initial position Pmin, and calculates the average value T of T1 and T2.

[0096] Receive the mode request from the vehicle thermal management control unit and obtain the current position Pp, target position Pt, and target flow ratio Ri of the liquid outlet passage of valve core 2;

[0097] If the current position Pp is not equal to the target position Pt, then the difference dP between the target position and the current position is calculated. Using the difference dP, the maximum stroke position Pmax of valve core 2, the initial position Pmin of valve core 2, and the average time T for the maximum stroke, the time Ti required for valve core 2 to rotate to the target position is calculated; then valve core 2 is controlled to rotate to the target position. It is worth noting that the rotational speed of valve core 2 remains constant during rotation.

[0098] The above control method calculates and obtains the rotation information of valve core 2, controls the rotation time of valve core 2, so that valve core 2 can reach different target positions and form different liquid outlet channels, thereby meeting various thermal management requirements of the vehicle and improving the vehicle's thermal efficiency. Furthermore, this control method is relatively simple and easy to control.

[0099] Specifically, the three-way valve includes seven opening modes. Modes one, two, and three form a single outlet flow channel; modes four, five, and six form two outlet flow channels, allowing for flow distribution between the two channels; mode seven enables short-circuiting of the three-way valve, reducing heat loss. The connection configurations for each mode are as follows:

[0100] In mode 1, the first flow channel 12 and the second flow channel 13 are connected, and the third flow channel 14 is shorted.

[0101] In mode 2, the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14 are connected, and the first flow channel 12 is shorted.

[0102] Mode 3: First flow channel 12 and third flow channel 14 are connected, and second flow channel 13 is shorted.

[0103] In mode four, the first flow channel 12 is the liquid inlet channel, the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14 are the liquid outlet channels, and the flow ratio Ri between the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14 is between [0.05, 0.9].

[0104] In mode 5, the second flow channel 13 is the liquid inlet channel, the first flow channel 12 and the third flow channel 14 are the liquid outlet channels, and the flow ratio Ri between the first flow channel 12 and the third flow channel 14 is between [0.05, 0.9].

[0105] In mode six, the third flow channel 14 is the inlet channel, the first flow channel 12 and the second flow channel 13 are the outlet channels, and the flow ratio between the first flow channel 12 and the second flow channel 13 is between [0.05, 0.9].

[0106] In mode seven, the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13, and the third flow channel 14 are all short-circuited.

[0107] As described above, the valve core 2 can be rotated to different positions to form different liquid outlet channels with the valve body 1, adapting to more different driving mode requirements.

[0108] For example, the valve body is set to the theoretical zero point in its initial position, and at this time the first flow channel 12, the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14 are all in a connected state;

[0109] If it is necessary to switch to mode one, the valve core Pt1 can be rotated to connect the first flow channel 12 and the second flow channel 13, and short-circuit the third flow channel 14.

[0110] If it is necessary to switch to mode two, the valve core 2 can be rotated to the Pt2 stroke to connect the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14, and short-circuit the first flow channel 12.

[0111] If it is necessary to switch to mode three, the valve core 2 can be rotated to the Pt3 stroke to connect the first flow channel 12 and the third flow channel 14, and short-circuit the second flow channel 13.

[0112] If it is necessary to switch to mode four, first rotate valve core 2 until the second flow channel 13 is blocked, and then adjust the connection cross-sectional area of ​​the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14 by rotating valve core 2 according to the flow ratio between the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14.

[0113] If it is necessary to switch to mode five, first rotate valve core 2 until the first flow channel 12 is blocked, and then continue to rotate valve core 2 to adjust the connection cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel 12 and the third flow channel 14 according to the flow ratio between the first flow channel 12 and the third flow channel 14.

[0114] If you need to switch to mode six, first rotate valve core 2 until the second flow channel 13 is blocked, and then continue to rotate valve core 2 to adjust the connection cross-sectional area of ​​the first flow channel 12 and the second flow channel 13 according to the flow ratio between the first flow channel 12 and the second flow channel 13.

[0115] If it is necessary to switch to mode seven, block the second flow channel 13 and the third flow channel 14 to achieve short connection of all flow channels.

[0116] When the three-way valve requires the opening mode to be mode one, mode two or mode three, the rotation time of valve core 2 is Ti=a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T; valve core 2 can reach the target position after rotating a distance of Ti×Si, where Si is the rotation speed of valve core 2.

[0117] When the three-way valve requires the opening mode to be mode four, mode five or mode six, and Ri = 0.5, the rotation time Ti of valve core 2 is Ti = a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T; valve core 2 can reach the target position after rotating a distance of Ti×Si, where Si is the rotation speed of valve core 2.

[0118] When the three-way valve requires the opening mode to be mode four, mode five or mode six, and Ri<0.5, the rotation time Ti of valve core 2 is Ti=a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T / 10; valve core 2 can reach the target position after rotating a distance of Ti×Si, where Si is the rotation speed of valve core 2.

[0119] When the three-way valve requires the opening mode to be mode four, mode five or mode six, and Ri>0.5, the rotation time Ti of valve core 2 is Ti=a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T / 10; valve core 2 can reach the target position after rotating a distance of Ti×Si, where Si is the rotation speed of valve core 2.

[0120] When the required opening mode of the three-way valve is mode seven, the rotation time of valve core 2 is Ti=a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T; valve core 2 can reach the target position after rotating a distance of Ti×Si, where Si is the rotation speed of valve core 2.

[0121] In the above, 'a' is the time coefficient, and the value of 'a' ranges from 0.1 to 0.5.

[0122] This application also provides a vehicle thermal management system, which includes an engine water jacket, a water pump, a heater assembly, a temperature sensor, a thermal management control unit, connecting pipes, and any one of the above three-way valves. The thermal management unit is electrically connected to the water pump, the heater assembly, the temperature sensor, and the three-way valve. The engine water jacket, the water pump, the heater assembly, and the three-way valve are connected through connecting pipes to form a circulating cooling circuit. The three-way valve can switch the position of the valve core 2 according to the mode requirements issued by the thermal management control unit to form different liquid outlet channels and improve the vehicle's heat utilization efficiency.

[0123] In summary, this application utilizes a rotatable valve core 2 mounted on a valve cavity 11 formed within the valve housing 1. A first baffle 21, a second baffle 22, and a third baffle 23 are circumferentially spaced on the valve core 2. These baffles can partially, completely, or not obstruct the first, second, and third channels on the valve housing 1, allowing for the formation of any two interconnected liquid outlet channels between the valve housing 1 and the valve core 2, or a single liquid outlet channel, or even a completely blocked state. This design is suitable for various heat exchange modes and improves the heat utilization rate of the thermal management system. When the three-way valve is in a blocked state, heat loss is reduced, lowering energy consumption.

[0124] It is understood that those skilled in the art can make equivalent substitutions or changes based on the technical solution and concept of this application, and all such substitutions or changes should fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A three-way valve, characterized in that, include: The valve housing has a valve cavity and a flow channel assembly, wherein the flow channel assembly is provided with at least three flow channels for fluid passage, and the flow channels are used for fluid to enter or exit the valve cavity; A valve core is disposed in the valve cavity and is axially rotatable relative to the valve housing. The flow channel is provided with a first opening at one end facing the valve cavity. The valve core is capable of blocking the flow through the first opening, and when the valve core rotates, the valve core can form different flow blocking areas with the first opening. A valve controller, connected to the valve core, is capable of controlling the rotation of the valve core to create various different flow states between the valve core and the flow channel assembly.

2. The three-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core is provided with multiple baffles, which are corresponding to the first opening and can cut off the flow through the first opening, so that when the valve core rotates, the baffles can form different flow-cutting areas with the first opening.

3. The three-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core can be rotated to fully or partially connect at least three of the flow channels, so that fluid can enter the valve chamber from one of the flow channels and exit the valve chamber from at least two of the flow channels, and rotating the valve core can regulate the flow rate of fluid entering the flow channels.

4. The three-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core is rotatable to fully or partially connect the two flow channels, so that fluid can enter the valve chamber from one of the flow channels and exit the valve chamber from the other flow channel.

5. The three-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve core can be rotated to completely block the flow channel assembly, thereby short-circuiting the three-way valve.

6. The three-way valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The flow channel group includes a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a third flow channel, wherein the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are spaced apart along the circumference of the valve body; The valve core includes an axially extending first baffle, second baffle, and third baffle, which are spaced apart circumferentially along the valve core. The lengths of the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel along the circumferential direction of the valve core are all less than the width of the first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle.

7. The three-way valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The distance between any two adjacent flow channels in the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel is greater than the width of the first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle.

8. The three-way valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, The valve core also includes: A first end cap and a second end cap are coaxially arranged. The first end cap is connected to the valve controller, and the side of the second end cap away from the first end cap is connected to the valve body. The first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle are disposed between the first end cover and the second end cover. The widths of the first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle along the radial circumference of the valve core are not the same, and the distances between adjacent pairs of the first baffle, the second baffle, and the third baffle are not the same.

9. The three-way valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are evenly arranged along the circumference of the valve body, and the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are the same size.

10. The three-way valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first end cap has a shaft portion on the side away from the second end cap, and the shaft portion has circumferentially distributed gear teeth, which mesh with the valve controller. The second end cap has a bearing portion extending away from the first end cap on the side away from the first end cap. The bearing portion is connected to the bottom of the valve housing and is coaxially arranged with the valve housing.

11. The three-way valve according to claim 10, characterized in that, The three-way valve also includes a valve housing cover, which covers the valve core on the side near the first end cover to close the valve cavity. The shaft portion passes through the valve housing cover and is connected to the valve controller. A first limiting block is provided on the side of the valve housing cover facing the first end cover, and a second limiting block is provided on the side of the first end cover facing the valve housing cover. The first limiting block and the second limiting block can limit each other in the same circumferential direction to limit the rotation angle of the valve core.

12. The three-way valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are arranged sequentially along the peripheral wall of the valve housing. The first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel each include a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is located on the inner wall of the valve housing and faces the valve cavity, while the second opening is located at the bottom of the valve housing.

13. The three-way valve according to claim 6, characterized in that, A first through hole is formed between the first baffle and the second baffle, a second through hole is formed between the second baffle and the third baffle, and a third through hole is formed between the third baffle and the first baffle; The three-way valve also includes a sealing gasket, which is disposed between the valve body and the valve core. The sealing gasket is provided with a fourth through hole, a fifth through hole and a sixth through hole, which are respectively provided with the first through hole, the second through hole and the third through hole.

14. The three-way valve according to claim 13, characterized in that, The sealing gasket is provided with a positioning opening, and the valve body is provided with a positioning block, with the positioning opening corresponding to and connected to the positioning block.

15. The three-way valve according to claim 13, characterized in that, The sealing gasket includes a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring. The second sealing ring is sleeved on the outside of the first sealing ring. The first sealing ring has flanges at both ends in the axial direction. The second sealing ring is located between the flanges at both ends in the axial direction of the first sealing ring.

16. A control method for a three-way valve, characterized in that, The method, applicable to a three-way valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the three-way valve is used in a vehicle's thermal management system and is electrically connected to the vehicle's thermal management control unit, comprises: Control the valve core to rotate, confirm the maximum stroke position Pmax of the valve core, and then rotate the valve core back to the initial position Pmin; Rotate the valve core and obtain the time T1 from the valve core rotating from Pmin to Pmax and the time T2 from Pmax to Pmin. Calculate the average value T of T1 and T2. Receive the mode request from the vehicle thermal management control unit and obtain the current valve core position Pp, target position Pt, and target flow ratio Ri of the liquid outlet passage; If the current position Pp is not equal to the target position Pt, calculate the difference dP between the target position and the current position. Using the difference between the target position and the current position, the maximum stroke position of the valve core, the initial position of the valve core, and T, calculate the rotation time Ti of the valve core; control the valve core to rotate to the target position.

17. The control method for the three-way valve according to claim 16, characterized in that, The three-way valve includes the following modes: In mode 1, the first and second flow channels are connected, and the third flow channel is short-circuited. In mode 2, the second and third flow channels are connected, while the first flow channel is short-circuited. Mode 3: The first and third flow channels are connected, while the second flow channel is short-circuited; Mode 4: The first flow channel is the liquid inlet channel, the second and third flow channels are the liquid outlet channels, and the flow ratio Ri between the second and third flow channels is between [0.05, 0.9]. In mode 5, the second flow channel is the inlet channel, the first and third flow channels are the outlet channels, and the flow ratio Ri between the first and third flow channels is between [0.05, 0.9]. In mode six, the third flow channel is the inlet channel, the first flow channel and the second flow channel are the outlet channels, and the flow ratio between the first flow channel and the second flow channel is between [0.05, 0.9]. In mode 7, the first flow channel, the second flow channel, and the third flow channel are all short-circuited.

18. The control method for the three-way valve according to claim 17, characterized in that, When the mode is mode one, mode two or mode three, the rotation time of the valve core Ti = a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T; When the mode is mode four, mode five or mode six, and Ri = 0.5, the rotation time of the valve core Ti = a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T; When the mode is mode four, mode five or mode six, and Ri < 0.5, the rotation time of the valve core Ti = a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T / 10; When the mode is mode four, mode five or mode six, and Ri>0.5, the rotation time of the valve core Ti=a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T / 10; When the mode is mode seven, the rotation time of the valve core Ti = a*dP / (Pmax-Pmin)*T; In the above, 'a' is the time coefficient, and the value of 'a' ranges from 0.1 to 0.

5.

19. A thermal management system for a vehicle, characterized in that, The thermal management system includes a thermal management control unit, a connecting pipeline, and a three-way valve as described in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the three-way valve is disposed on the connecting pipeline and electrically connected to the thermal management control unit.

20. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes a vehicle body and a thermal management system as described in claim 19, wherein the thermal management system is disposed on the vehicle body.

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