valve assembly

Abstract

This disclosure provides a valve assembly, including: a valve housing including a plurality of housing ports; a valve manifold disposed in the valve housing and including a plurality of connecting holes and manifold ports fluidly connected to the plurality of housing ports; and a valve body rotatably disposed between the valve housing and the valve manifold. The valve body includes a plurality of channels that are selectively fluidly connected to the plurality of connecting holes based on rotation of the valve body. Specifically, the coolant channels of the valve body, the connecting holes of the valve manifold, and the housing ports of the valve housing cooperate to form a plurality of coolant flow channels.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0181540, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 9, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to valve assemblies. Background Technology

[0004] Air conditioning systems used in environmentally friendly vehicles are often referred to as heat pump systems.

[0005] These heat pump systems are equipped with electric water pumps for pumping coolant. The electric water pumps use power generated by a drive motor that operates on electrical energy to pump coolant by rotating an impeller.

[0006] In recent years, with the continuous development of electric vehicles, the number of vehicle internal components that require a coolant supply has also been increasing.

[0007] To supply coolant to the various components, valves (e.g., three-way or four-way valves) must be used to change the flow path of the coolant in the coolant circuit. However, arranging multiple valves in the coolant circuit in this way increases vehicle manufacturing costs and assembly workload, and makes component encapsulation more difficult.

[0008] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may cover information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem to be solved by this disclosure is to provide a valve assembly capable of altering the flow path of coolant in a coolant circuit.

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a valve assembly includes: a valve housing including a plurality of housing ports; a valve manifold disposed within the valve housing and including a plurality of connecting holes and manifold ports, the valve manifold being fluidly connected to the plurality of housing ports; and a valve body configured to rotate between the valve housing and the valve manifold. The valve body includes a plurality of channels selectively fluidly connected to the plurality of connecting holes. Specifically, based on the rotation of the valve body, the plurality of coolant channels of the valve body, the plurality of connecting holes of the valve manifold, and the plurality of housing ports of the valve housing cooperate to form a plurality of coolant flow channels.

[0011] In some embodiments, the multiple communication holes of the valve manifold may include a first to a fifth communication hole, which are formed sequentially along the axial direction of the valve body; and a sixth to a ninth communication hole, which are formed sequentially adjacent to the first to the fifth communication holes in the circumferential direction of the valve body.

[0012] In some embodiments, the manifold port of the valve manifold may further include: a first manifold port fluidly connected to a third connecting hole; a second manifold port fluidly connected to an eighth connecting hole; and a third manifold port fluidly connected to a ninth connecting hole.

[0013] In some embodiments, the valve housing may include: a first valve housing having a plurality of housing ports; and a second valve housing that, together with the first valve housing, forms the appearance of the valve housing.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of housing ports may include: a first housing port fluidly connected to a first connecting hole of the valve manifold; a second housing port fluidly connected to a second connecting hole of the valve manifold; a third housing port fluidly connected to a fourth connecting hole of the valve manifold; a fourth housing port fluidly connected to a fifth connecting hole of the valve manifold; a fifth housing port fluidly connected to a sixth connecting hole of the valve manifold; and a sixth housing port fluidly connected to a seventh connecting hole of the valve manifold.

[0015] In some embodiments, the valve body may include: a central channel formed along the rotation axis of the valve body; and at least one channel assembly comprising a plurality of channels selectively fluidly connected to at least one of a first to a ninth connecting hole, selectively fluidly connected to the central channel, and formed in a plurality of channels in a circumferential direction.

[0016] In some embodiments, the valve body may include a first set of channels to a fifth set of channels formed sequentially along the circumference, and based on the rotation of the valve body, one of the first set of channels to the fifth set of channels may cooperate with the valve manifold and the valve housing to form multiple coolant flow channels.

[0017] In some embodiments, the valve assembly can operate in one of five modes based on the rotation of the valve body. The first mode may be a mode in which a first channel assembly, valve manifold, and valve housing cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels; the second mode may be a mode in which a second channel assembly, valve manifold, and valve housing cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels; the third mode may be a mode in which a third channel assembly, valve manifold, and valve housing cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels; the fourth mode may be a mode in which a fourth channel assembly, valve manifold, and valve housing cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels; and the fifth mode may be a mode in which a fifth channel assembly, valve manifold, and valve housing cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels.

[0018] In some implementations, the first channel set may include: an eleventh channel that fluidly connects the third and fourth connecting holes; a twelfth channel that fluidly connects the sixth and seventh connecting holes; and a thirteenth channel that fluidly connects the eighth, ninth, and central channels.

[0019] In some implementations, in a first mode, the third housing port, the fourth connecting hole, the eleventh channel, the third connecting hole and the first manifold port can be fluidly connected, the sixth housing port, the seventh connecting hole, the twelfth channel, the sixth connecting hole and the fifth housing port can be fluidly connected, the third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the thirteenth channel, the eighth connecting hole and the second manifold port can be fluidly connected, and the third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the thirteenth channel and the center channel can be fluidly connected.

[0020] In some implementations, the second channel set may include: a twenty-first channel that fluidly connects the first connecting hole and the central channel; a twenty-second channel that fluidly connects the second connecting hole and the third connecting hole; a twenty-third channel that fluidly connects the fourth connecting hole and the seventh connecting hole; a twenty-fourth channel that fluidly connects the fifth connecting hole and the sixth connecting hole; and a twenty-fifth channel that fluidly connects the eighth connecting hole and the ninth connecting hole.

[0021] In some embodiments, in the second mode, the first housing port, the first connecting hole, the twenty-first channel, and the central channel can be fluidly connected; the second housing port, the second connecting hole, the twenty-second channel, the third connecting hole, and the first manifold port can be fluidly connected; the sixth housing port, the seventh connecting hole, the twenty-third channel, the fourth connecting hole, and the third housing port can be fluidly connected; the fourth housing port, the fifth connecting hole, the twenty-fourth channel, the sixth connecting hole, and the fifth housing port can be fluidly connected; and the third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the twenty-fifth channel, the eighth connecting hole, and the second manifold port can be fluidly connected.

[0022] In some implementations, the third channel set may include: a thirty-first channel that fluidly connects the first connecting hole and the central channel; a thirty-second channel that fluidly connects the third connecting hole and the ninth connecting hole; a thirty-third channel that fluidly connects the fourth connecting hole and the eighth connecting hole; and a thirty-fourth channel that fluidly connects the sixth connecting hole and the seventh connecting hole.

[0023] In some embodiments, in the third mode, the first housing port, the first connecting hole, the thirty-first channel and the central channel can be fluidly connected; the third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the thirty-second channel, the third connecting hole and the first manifold port can be fluidly connected; the third housing port, the fourth connecting hole, the thirty-third channel, the eighth connecting hole and the second manifold port can be fluidly connected; and the sixth housing port, the seventh connecting hole, the thirty-fourth channel, the sixth connecting hole and the fifth housing port can be fluidly connected.

[0024] In some implementations, the fourth channel set may include: a forty-first channel that fluidly connects the first connecting hole and the central channel; a forty-second channel that fluidly connects the third connecting hole and the fourth connecting hole; a forty-third channel that fluidly connects the sixth connecting hole and the seventh connecting hole; and a forty-fourth channel that fluidly connects the eighth connecting hole and the ninth connecting hole.

[0025] In some implementations, in the fourth mode, the first housing port, the first connecting hole, the forty-first channel, and the central channel can be fluidly connected; the third housing port, the fourth connecting hole, the forty-second channel, the third connecting hole, and the first manifold port can be fluidly connected; the fifth housing port, the sixth connecting hole, the forty-third channel, the seventh connecting hole, and the sixth housing port can be fluidly connected; and the third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the forty-fourth channel, the eighth connecting hole, and the second manifold port can be fluidly connected.

[0026] In some implementations, the fifth channel set may include: a fifty-first channel that fluidly connects the third connecting hole, the ninth connecting hole, and the central channel; a fifty-second channel that fluidly connects the fourth connecting hole and the eighth connecting hole; and a fifty-third channel that fluidly connects the sixth connecting hole and the seventh connecting hole.

[0027] In some embodiments, in the fifth mode, the third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the fifty-first channel, the third connecting hole and the first manifold port can be fluidly connected, the third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the fifty-first channel and the central channel can be fluidly connected, the third housing port, the fourth connecting hole, the fifty-second channel, the eighth connecting hole and the second manifold port can be fluidly connected, and the sixth housing port, the seventh connecting hole, the fifty-third channel, the sixth connecting hole and the fifth housing port can be fluidly connected.

[0028] In another embodiment, the valve assembly includes: a valve housing including a plurality of housing ports; a valve manifold disposed within the valve housing, including a plurality of connecting holes and at least one manifold port, the connecting holes being fluidly connected to the plurality of housing ports; and a valve body rotatably disposed between the valve housing and the valve manifold. The valve body includes: a central channel formed along a rotation axis of the valve body; and a plurality of channel assemblies formed at multiple locations circumferentially on the valve body, each channel assembly including at least one of the plurality of connecting holes and a plurality of channels fluidly connected to the central channel. Specifically, based on rotation of the valve body, one of the plurality of channel assemblies cooperates with the valve manifold and the valve housing to form a plurality of different coolant flow paths.

[0029] In one implementation, the valve body is rotated to different angular positions, causing the corresponding channel set in the multiple channel sets to be fluidly aligned with the selected connecting hole in the multiple connecting holes and the housing port in the multiple housing ports, so that the valve assembly operates in corresponding multiple modes, each mode forming a different set of coolant channels.

[0030] According to embodiments of this disclosure, multiple coolant flow channels can be formed by a valve body, a valve manifold, and a valve housing, thereby altering the flow path of the coolant in the coolant circuit in various ways.

[0031] This structure reduces vehicle manufacturing costs and assembly workload, and allows for easy encapsulation of components that form the coolant circuit.

[0032] Furthermore, the following detailed description will directly or implicitly describe the effects that can be obtained or are expected from the embodiments of this disclosure. The following detailed description will describe the various effects expected from the embodiments of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings are provided for reference in explaining the illustrative embodiments of this disclosure, and the technical spirit of this disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the structure of a valve assembly according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the valve assembly according to an embodiment.

[0036] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of a valve manifold according to an embodiment.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the first valve housing according to an embodiment.

[0038] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the valve body according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the valve body according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 11A This is a schematic diagram showing the first channel assembly of the valve body according to an embodiment.

[0041] Figure 11B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the first channel assembly of the valve body and the valve manifold according to an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 11C This is a schematic diagram showing the coolant flow path according to a first mode of implementation.

[0043] Figure 12A This is a schematic diagram showing the second channel assembly of the valve body according to an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 12B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the second channel assembly of the valve body and the valve manifold according to an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 12C This is a schematic diagram showing the coolant flow path in the second mode according to the embodiment.

[0046] Figure 13A This is a schematic diagram showing the third channel assembly of the valve body according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 13B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the third channel assembly of the valve body and the valve manifold according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 13C This is a schematic diagram showing the coolant flow path in the third mode according to the embodiment.

[0049] Figure 14A This is a schematic diagram showing the fourth channel assembly of the valve body according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figure 14B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the fourth channel assembly of the valve body and the valve manifold according to an embodiment.

[0051] Figure 14C This is a schematic diagram showing the coolant flow path in the fourth mode according to the embodiment.

[0052] Figure 15A This is a schematic diagram showing the fifth channel assembly of the valve body according to an embodiment.

[0053] Figure 15B This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the fifth channel assembly of the valve body and the valve manifold according to an embodiment.

[0054] Figure 15C This is a schematic diagram showing the coolant flow path in the fifth mode according to the embodiment.

[0055] The accompanying drawings referenced above are not drawn to scale and should be understood as relatively simplified representations of the features intended to illustrate the basic principles of this disclosure. Certain design features of this disclosure, such as specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will depend in part on the specific intended application and usage environment. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, singular forms include plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” or “having” as used herein specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Additionally, as used herein, the term “and / or” includes any combination of any plurality of items or any one of the plurality of listed items.

[0057] The present disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Descriptions of components not related to this disclosure are omitted, and similar reference numerals denote similar elements throughout the specification.

[0059] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of the constituent components shown in the accompanying drawings are given for better understanding and ease of description; therefore, this disclosure is not limited to the dimensions and thicknesses shown, and the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent the individual components and areas.

[0060] The terms "module" and "unit" used for components in the following description are for ease of explanation only. Therefore, these terms do not inherently have a distinguishing meaning or function from each other.

[0061] Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this specification, details of known technologies related to this disclosure will obscure the main points of this disclosure, and such details will be omitted.

[0062] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are provided merely to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The drawings should not be construed as limiting the spirit of the disclosure in this specification, and it should be understood that this disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

[0063] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc., are used only to describe the individual components and should not be interpreted as limiting those components. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from others.

[0064] In the following interpretation, unless explicitly stated as “a” or “single”, the singular form may be interpreted as either singular or plural.

[0065] When a component, controller, device, element, apparatus, etc. of this disclosure is described as having a certain purpose or performing a certain operation or function, the component, controller, device, element, apparatus, etc. shall be regarded herein as "configured to" satisfy that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0066] The valve assembly according to the embodiments is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the valve assembly according to an embodiment. Additionally, Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the valve assembly according to an embodiment.

[0068] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the valve assembly according to the embodiment may include a valve housing 100, a valve manifold 200, and a valve body 300.

[0069] The valve housing 100 can form the overall appearance of the valve assembly, and may include a first valve housing 110 and a second valve housing 120. The first valve housing 110 may be disposed on the second valve housing 120, and the first valve housing 110 and the second valve housing 120 may be combined to form the appearance of the valve assembly.

[0070] Reference Figure 4 The first valve housing 110 may have multiple housing ports. Coolant can flow in or out through the housing ports.

[0071] The housing ports formed in the first valve housing 110 may include the first housing port 111 to the sixth housing port 116.

[0072] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6The valve manifold 200 may be disposed between the valve housings 100 and includes a plurality of communication holes fluidly connected to the housing ports of the valve housings 100. Additionally, the valve manifold 200 may have a manifold port fluidly connected to at least one of the plurality of communication holes.

[0073] In an embodiment, the connecting holes formed in the valve manifold 200 may include a first connecting hole 211 to a ninth connecting hole 219. The first connecting holes 211 to the fifth connecting holes 215 may be formed sequentially along the rotation axis 301 of the valve body 300 (i.e., in the axial direction), and the sixth connecting holes 216 to the ninth connecting holes 219 may be formed sequentially adjacent to the first connecting holes 211 to the fifth connecting holes 215 in the circumferential direction of the valve body 300.

[0074] The manifold ports formed on the valve manifold 200 may include a first manifold port 221 to a third manifold port 223. The first manifold port 221 may be fluidly connected to a third connecting hole 213, the second manifold port 222 may be fluidly connected to an eighth connecting hole 218, and the third manifold port 223 may be fluidly connected to a ninth connecting hole 219. Coolant can flow in or out through the first manifold port 221 to the third manifold port 223.

[0075] In one embodiment, the first water pump 10 can be installed in the first manifold port 221, the second water pump 20 can be installed in the second manifold port 222, and the water storage tank 50 can be installed in the third manifold port 223.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first connecting hole 211 can be fluidly connected to the first housing port 111, the second connecting hole 212 can be fluidly connected to the second housing port 112, the third connecting hole 213 can be fluidly connected to the first manifold port 221, the fourth connecting hole 214 can be fluidly connected to the third housing port 113, the fifth connecting hole 215 can be fluidly connected to the fourth housing port 114, the sixth connecting hole 216 can be fluidly connected to the fifth housing port 115, the seventh connecting hole 217 can be fluidly connected to the sixth housing port 116, the eighth connecting hole 218 can be fluidly connected to the second manifold port 222, and the ninth connecting hole 219 can be fluidly connected to the third manifold port 223.

[0077] Reference Figures 7 to 10 The valve body 300 is rotatably disposed between the valve housing 100 and the valve manifold 200, and can be formed into an approximately cylindrical shape. The valve body 300 can be rotated to a predetermined angle by an actuator 60. The actuator 60 can be any of an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or a solenoid.

[0078] The shaft 302 can be formed by protruding from the end of the valve body 300, and the shaft 302 can be rotatably connected to the valve manifold 200. The shaft 302 of the valve body 300 is equipped with a seal 303, which prevents coolant leakage. The seal 303 provided in the valve body 300 can be a lip seal.

[0079] Multiple coolant channels may be formed in the valve body 300. These channels may include a central channel formed along the rotation axis 301 of the valve body 300, and multiple channel agglomerations. Each channel agglomeration may include multiple channels selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the first through-holes 211 to the ninth through-holes 219, selectively fluidly connected to the central channel, and formed circumferentially along the valve body 300. In one embodiment, a third water pump 30 may be installed in the central channel.

[0080] Multiple channel sets may include a first channel set 310 to a fifth channel set 350 formed sequentially along the circumference of the valve body 300. Depending on the rotation of the valve body 300, any one of the first channel set 310 to the fifth channel set 350 may cooperate with the valve manifold 200 and the valve housing 100 to form multiple coolant flow channels.

[0081] Reference Figure 11A and Figure 11B The first channel set 310 may include eleventh channels 311 to thirteenth channels 313. Eleventh channel 311 can fluidly connect the third connecting hole 213 and the fourth connecting hole 214. Twelfth channel 312 can fluidly connect the sixth connecting hole 216 and the seventh connecting hole 217. In addition, thirteenth channel 313 can fluidly connect the eighth connecting hole 218, the ninth connecting hole 219 and the central channel.

[0082] Reference Figure 12A and Figure 12B The second channel assembly 320 may include channels 21 through 25. Channel 21 321 fluidly connects the first connecting hole 211 to the central channel. Channel 22 322 fluidly connects the second connecting hole 212 and the third connecting hole 213. Channel 23 323 fluidly connects the fourth connecting hole 214 and the seventh connecting hole 217. Channel 24 324 fluidly connects the fifth connecting hole 215 and the sixth connecting hole 216. Additionally, channel 25 325 fluidly connects the eighth connecting hole 218 and the ninth connecting hole 219.

[0083] Reference Figure 13A and Figure 13BThe third channel assembly 330 may include channels 331 through 334. Channel 331 fluidly connects the first connecting hole 211 and the central channel. Channel 332 fluidly connects the third connecting hole 213 and the ninth connecting hole 219. Channel 333 fluidly connects the fourth connecting hole 214 and the eighth connecting hole 218. Additionally, channel 334 fluidly connects the sixth connecting hole 216 and the seventh connecting hole 217.

[0084] Reference Figure 14A and Figure 14B The fourth channel assembly 340 may include channels 341 through 344. Channel 341 fluidly connects the first connecting hole 211 and the central channel. Channel 342 fluidly connects the third connecting hole 213 and the fourth connecting hole 214. Channel 343 fluidly connects the sixth connecting hole 216 and the seventh connecting hole 217. Additionally, channel 344 fluidly connects the eighth connecting hole 218 and the ninth connecting hole 219.

[0085] Reference Figure 15A and Figure 15B The fifth channel assembly 350 may include channels 351 through 353. Channel 351 can fluidly connect the third connecting hole 213, the ninth connecting hole 219, and the central channel. Channel 352 can fluidly connect the fourth connecting hole 214 and the eighth connecting hole 218. Additionally, channel 353 can fluidly connect the sixth connecting hole 216 and the seventh connecting hole 217.

[0086] In this embodiment, each coolant channel can be formed as a circle or an ellipse. Because the coolant channels are formed as a circle or an ellipse, the surface pressure applied to the valve body 300 can remain constant when the coolant flows in and out.

[0087] In one embodiment, a valve support 130 may be provided between the valve body 300 and the first valve housing 110. When the valve body 300 rotates, the valve support 130 can stably support the valve body 300.

[0088] The operation of the valve assembly according to the embodiments is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0089] According to the embodiment, the valve assembly can operate in any of the first to fifth modes while being rotated by the actuator 60 by a predetermined angle (e.g., 72 degrees).

[0090] The first mode can be a configuration where the first channel assembly 310, valve manifold 200, and valve housing 100 cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels. The second mode can be a configuration where the second channel assembly 320, valve manifold 200, and valve housing 100 cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels. The third mode can be a configuration where the third channel assembly 330, valve manifold 200, and valve housing 100 cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels. The fourth mode can be a configuration where the fourth channel assembly 340, valve manifold 200, and valve housing 100 cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels. Furthermore, the fifth mode can be a configuration where the fifth channel assembly 350, valve manifold 200, and valve housing 100 cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels.

[0091] The first mode can refer to the state in which the valve body 300 is positioned at the reference position.

[0092] The second mode can refer to the state where the valve body 300 rotates a predetermined angle (e.g., 72 degrees) in a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise) from the reference position. The third mode can refer to the state where the valve body 300 rotates a predetermined angle (e.g., 144 degrees) in a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise) from the reference position. The fourth mode can refer to the state where the valve body 300 rotates a predetermined angle (e.g., 216 degrees) in a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise) from the reference position. Furthermore, the fifth mode can refer to the state where the valve body 300 rotates a predetermined angle (e.g., 288 degrees) in a predetermined direction (e.g., clockwise) from the reference position.

[0093] Reference Figures 11A to 11C In the first mode, the third housing port 113, the fourth connecting hole 214, the eleventh channel 311, the third connecting hole 213, and the first manifold port 221 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form a first-to-first coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third housing port 113 can be discharged to the first manifold port 221 through the fourth connecting hole 214, the eleventh channel 311, and the third connecting hole 213.

[0094] The sixth housing port 116, the seventh connecting hole 217, the twelfth channel 312, and the fifth housing port 115 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form a first-second coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the sixth housing port 116 can be discharged to the fifth housing port 115 through the seventh connecting hole 217, the twelfth channel 312, and the sixth connecting hole 216.

[0095] The third manifold port 223, the ninth connecting hole 219, the thirteenth channel 313, the eighth connecting hole 218, and the second manifold port 222 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form a first-third coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third manifold port 223 can be discharged to the second manifold port 222 through the ninth connecting hole 219, the thirteenth channel 313, and the eighth connecting hole 218.

[0096] The third manifold port 223, the ninth connecting hole 219, the thirteenth channel 313, and the central channel can be fluidly connected, and these components can form the first to fourth coolant flow channels. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third manifold port 223 can be discharged to the central channel through the ninth connecting hole 219 and the thirteenth channel 313.

[0097] Reference Figures 12A to 12C In the second mode, the first housing port 111, the first connecting hole 211, the twenty-first channel 321, and the central channel can be fluidly connected, and the first housing port 111, the first connecting hole 211, the twenty-first channel 321, and the central channel can form a second-first coolant flow channel. Therefore, the coolant flowing into the first housing port 111 can be discharged to the central channel through the first connecting hole 211 and the twenty-first channel 321.

[0098] The second housing port 112, the second connecting hole 212, the twenty-second channel 322, the third connecting hole 213, and the first manifold port 221 can be fluidly connected, and these components can form a second-to-second coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the second housing port 112 can be discharged to the first manifold port 221 through the second connecting hole 212, the twenty-second channel 322, and the third connecting hole 213.

[0099] The sixth housing port 116, the seventh connecting hole 217, the twenty-third channel 323, the fourth connecting hole 214, and the third housing port 113 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form a second-third coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the sixth housing port 116 can be discharged to the third housing port 113 through the seventh connecting hole 217, the twenty-third channel 323, and the fourth connecting hole 214.

[0100] The fourth housing port 114, the fifth connecting hole 215, the twenty-fourth channel 324, the sixth connecting hole 216, and the fifth housing port 115 can be fluidly connected, and these components can form a second-fourth coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the fourth housing port 114 can be discharged into the fifth housing port 115 through the fifth connecting hole 215, the twenty-fourth channel 324, and the sixth connecting hole 216.

[0101] The third manifold port 223, the ninth connecting hole 219, the twenty-fifth channel 325, the eighth connecting hole 218, and the second manifold port 222 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form the second to fifth coolant flow channels. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third manifold port 223 can be discharged to the second manifold port 222 through the ninth connecting hole 219, the twenty-fifth channel 325, and the eighth connecting hole 218.

[0102] Reference Figures 13A to 13C In the third mode, the first housing port 111, the first connecting hole 211, the thirty-first channel 331, and the central channel can be fluidly connected, and the first housing port 111, the first connecting hole 211, the thirty-first channel 331, and the central channel can form a third-first coolant flow channel. Therefore, the coolant flowing into the first housing port 111 can be discharged to the central channel through the first connecting hole 211 and the thirty-first channel 331.

[0103] The third manifold port 223, the ninth connecting hole 219, the thirty-second channel 332, the third connecting hole 213, and the first manifold port 221 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form a third-second coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third manifold port 223 can be discharged to the first manifold port 221 through the ninth connecting hole 219, the thirty-second channel 332, and the third connecting hole 213.

[0104] The third housing port 113, the fourth connecting hole 214, the thirty-third channel 333, the eighth connecting hole 218, and the second manifold port 222 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form a third-to-third coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third housing port 113 can be discharged to the second manifold port 222 through the fourth connecting hole 214, the thirty-third channel 333, and the eighth connecting hole 218.

[0105] The sixth housing port 116, the seventh connecting hole 217, the thirty-fourth channel 334, and the fifth housing port 115 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form a third-fourth coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the sixth housing port 116 can be discharged to the fifth housing port 115 through the seventh connecting hole 217, the thirty-fourth channel 334, and the sixth connecting hole 216.

[0106] Reference Figures 14A to 14C In the fourth mode, the first housing port 111, the first connecting hole 211, the forty-first channel 341, and the central channel can be fluidly connected, and the first housing port 111, the first connecting hole 211, the forty-first channel 341, and the central channel can form a fourth-first coolant flow channel. Therefore, the coolant flowing into the first housing port 111 can be discharged to the central channel through the first connecting hole 211 and the forty-first channel 341.

[0107] The third housing port 113, the fourth connecting hole 214, the forty-second channel 342, and the first manifold port 221 can be fluidly connected, and these components can form a fourth-second coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third housing port 113 can be discharged to the first manifold port 221 through the fourth connecting hole 214, the forty-second channel 342, and the third connecting hole 213.

[0108] The fifth housing port 115, the sixth connecting hole 216, the forty-third channel 343, the seventh connecting hole 217, and the sixth housing port 116 can be fluidly connected, and these components can form a fourth-third coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the fifth housing port 115 can be discharged into the sixth housing port 116 through the sixth connecting hole 216, the forty-third channel 343, and the seventh connecting hole 217.

[0109] The third manifold port 223, the ninth connecting hole 219, the forty-fourth channel 344, the eighth connecting hole 218, and the second manifold port 222 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form a fourth-to-fourth coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third manifold port 223 can be discharged to the second manifold port 222 through the ninth connecting hole 219, the forty-fourth channel 344, and the eighth connecting hole 218.

[0110] Reference Figures 15A to 15C In the fifth mode, the third manifold port 223, the ninth connecting hole 219, the fifty-first channel 351, the third connecting hole 213, and the first manifold port 221 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form a fifth-first coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third manifold port 223 can be discharged to the first manifold port 221 through the ninth connecting hole 219, the fifty-first channel 351, and the third connecting hole 213.

[0111] The third manifold port 223, the ninth connecting hole 219, the fifty-first channel 351, and the central channel can be fluidly connected, and these components can form a fifth-second coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third manifold port 223 can be discharged to the central channel through the ninth connecting hole 219 and the fifty-first channel 351.

[0112] The third housing port 113, the fourth connecting hole 214, the fifty-second channel 352, the eighth connecting hole 218, and the second manifold port 222 can be fluidly connected, and these three connections can form a fifth-third coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the third housing port 113 can be discharged to the second manifold port 222 through the fourth connecting hole 214, the fifty-second channel 352, and the eighth connecting hole 218.

[0113] The sixth housing port 116, the seventh connecting hole 217, the fifty-third channel 353, and the fifth housing port 115 can be fluidly connected, and these components can form a fifth-fourth coolant flow channel. Therefore, coolant flowing into the sixth housing port 116 can be discharged to the fifth housing port 115 through the seventh connecting hole 217, the fifty-third channel 353, and the sixth connecting hole 216.

[0114] According to the embodiment of the valve assembly, multiple coolant flow channels can be formed through the valve body 300, valve manifold 200, and valve housing 100 as the valve body 300 rotates. This configuration allows for alteration of the path of the coolant flowing through the coolant circuit, and reduces vehicle manufacturing costs and assembly work.

[0115] Although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with those presently considered to be practicing embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but rather is intended to cover various modifications and equivalents within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0116] <Explanation of Figure Markers>

[0117] 10: First water pump

[0118] 20: Second water pump

[0119] 30: Third water pump

[0120] 50: Water storage tank

[0121] 60: Driver

[0122] 100: Valve housing

[0123] 110: First valve body

[0124] 111: First housing port

[0125] 112: Second housing port

[0126] 113: Third housing port

[0127] 114: Fourth housing port

[0128] 115: Fifth housing port

[0129] 116: Sixth shell port

[0130] 120: Second valve body

[0131] 130: Valve support component

[0132] 200: Valve manifold

[0133] 211: First connecting hole

[0134] 212: Second connecting hole

[0135] 213: Third connecting hole

[0136] 214: Fourth connecting hole

[0137] 215: Fifth connecting hole

[0138] 216: Sixth connecting hole

[0139] 217: Seventh connecting hole

[0140] 218: Eighth connecting hole

[0141] 219: Ninth connecting hole

[0142] 221: First manifold port

[0143] 222: Second manifold port

[0144] 223: Third manifold port

[0145] 300: Valve body

[0146] 301: Rotary shaft

[0147] 302: Shaft

[0148] 303: Seals

[0149] 310: First Channel Assembly

[0150] 311: Eleventh Passage

[0151] 312: The Twelfth Passage

[0152] 313: The Thirteenth Passage

[0153] 320: Second Channel Set

[0154] 321: The Twenty-First Passage

[0155] 322: The Twenty-Second Passage

[0156] 323: The Twenty-Third Channel

[0157] 324: The Twenty-Fourth Channel

[0158] 325: The Twenty-Fifth Channel

[0159] 330: Third Channel Set

[0160] 331: The Thirty-First Passage

[0161] 332: The Thirty-Second Passage

[0162] 333: The Thirty-Third Channel

[0163] 334: The Thirty-Fourth Channel

[0164] 340: Fourth Channel Set

[0165] 341: The Forty-First Passage

[0166] 342: The Forty-Second Channel

[0167] 343: Channel 43

[0168] 344: The Forty-Fourth Channel

[0169] 350: Fifth Channel Assembly

[0170] 351: The Fifty-first Channel

[0171] 352: Channel Fifty-Second

[0172] 353: Channel 53

[0173] 360: Central Access

Claims

1. A valve assembly, comprising: Valve housing, which includes multiple housing ports; A valve manifold, disposed within the valve housing, and including a plurality of communication holes and manifold ports fluidly connected to the plurality of housing ports; and A valve body configured to rotate between the valve housing and the valve manifold, and including a plurality of channels selectively fluidly connected to the plurality of communication holes. Based on the rotation of the valve body, the multiple channels of the valve body, the multiple connecting holes of the valve manifold, and the multiple housing ports of the valve housing are configured to cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve manifold includes multiple connecting holes: The first through hole to the fifth through hole are formed sequentially along the axial direction of the valve body; and A sixth to a ninth connecting hole are formed sequentially adjacent to the first to fifth connecting holes in the circumferential direction of the valve body.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The manifold port of the valve manifold includes: The first manifold port is fluidly connected to the third connecting hole; The second manifold port is fluidly connected to the eighth connecting hole; and The third manifold port is fluidly connected to the ninth connecting hole.

4. The valve assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The valve body includes: A first valve housing having the plurality of housing ports formed thereon; and A second valve housing configured to combine with the first valve housing to form the appearance of the valve housing.

5. The valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The plurality of housing ports include: The first housing port is fluidly connected to the first communication port of the valve manifold; The second housing port is fluidly connected to the second communication port of the valve manifold; The third housing port is fluidly connected to the fourth connecting hole of the valve manifold; The fourth housing port is fluidly connected to the fifth connecting hole of the valve manifold; The fifth housing port is fluidly connected to the sixth communicating port of the valve manifold; and The sixth housing port is fluidly connected to the seventh connecting hole of the valve manifold.

6. The valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The valve body includes: A central channel formed along the rotation axis of the valve body; and At least one channel set comprising multiple channels, the multiple channels being selectively fluidly connected to at least one of the first to ninth connecting holes and selectively fluidly connected to the central channel, and forming multiple channels along the circumferential direction.

7. The valve assembly according to claim 5, wherein: The valve body includes a first set of channels to a fifth set of channels formed sequentially along the circumference, and Based on the rotation of the valve body, one of the first to fifth channel sets is configured to cooperate with the valve manifold and the valve housing to form multiple coolant flow channels.

8. The valve assembly according to claim 7, wherein: Based on the rotation of the valve body, the valve assembly operates in one of the first to fifth modes, wherein, The first mode is a mode in which the first channel assembly, the valve manifold, and the valve housing cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels. The second mode is a mode in which the second channel assembly, the valve manifold, and the valve housing cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels. In the third mode, the third channel assembly, the valve manifold, and the valve housing cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels. In the fourth mode, the fourth channel assembly, the valve manifold, and the valve housing cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels, and The fifth mode is a mode in which the fifth channel assembly, the valve manifold, and the valve housing cooperate to form multiple coolant flow channels.

9. The valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The first channel set includes: The eleventh channel fluidly connects the third and fourth connecting holes; The twelfth channel fluidly connects the sixth and seventh connecting holes; and The thirteenth channel fluidly connects the eighth connecting hole, the ninth connecting hole, and the central channel formed along the rotation axis of the valve body.

10. The valve assembly according to claim 9, wherein, In the first mode, The third housing port, the fourth connecting hole, the eleventh channel, the third connecting hole, and the first manifold port are fluidly connected. The sixth housing port, the seventh connecting hole, the twelfth channel, the sixth connecting hole, and the fifth housing port are fluidly connected. The third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the thirteenth channel, the eighth connecting hole, and the second manifold port are fluidly connected, and The third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the thirteenth channel, and the central channel are fluidly connected.

11. The valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The second channel set includes: The twenty-first channel is configured to fluidly connect the first connecting hole and the central channel formed along the rotation axis of the valve body; The 22nd channel is configured to fluidly connect the second connecting hole and the third connecting hole; The 23rd channel is configured to fluidly connect the fourth and seventh connecting holes; The twenty-fourth channel is configured to fluidly connect the fifth and sixth connecting holes; and The 25th channel is configured to fluidly connect the 8th and 9th connecting holes.

12. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein, In the second mode, The first housing port, the first connecting hole, the twenty-first channel, and the central channel are fluidly connected. The second housing port, the second connecting hole, the twenty-second channel, the third connecting hole, and the first manifold port are fluidly connected. The sixth housing port, the seventh connecting hole, the twenty-third channel, the fourth connecting hole, and the third housing port are fluidly connected. The fourth housing port, the fifth connecting hole, the twenty-fourth channel, the sixth connecting hole, and the fifth housing port are fluidly connected, and The third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the twenty-fifth channel, the eighth connecting hole, and the second manifold port are fluidly connected.

13. The valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The third channel set includes: The thirty-first channel is configured to fluidly connect the first connecting hole and the central channel formed along the rotation axis of the valve body; The 32nd channel is configured to fluidly connect the 3rd connecting hole and the 9th connecting hole; The thirty-third channel is configured to fluidly connect the fourth and eighth connecting holes; and The 34th channel is configured to fluidly connect the 6th and 7th connecting holes.

14. The valve assembly of claim 13, wherein, In the third mode, The first housing port, the first connecting hole, the thirty-first channel, and the central channel are fluidly connected. The third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the thirty-second channel, the third connecting hole, and the first manifold port are fluidly connected. The third housing port, the fourth connecting hole, the thirty-third channel, the eighth connecting hole, and the second manifold port are fluidly connected, and The sixth housing port, the seventh connecting hole, the thirty-fourth channel, the sixth connecting hole, and the fifth housing port are fluidly connected.

15. The valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The fourth channel set includes: The forty-first channel is configured to fluidly connect the first connecting hole and the central channel formed along the rotation axis of the valve body; The forty-second channel is configured to fluidly connect the third and fourth connecting holes; The forty-third channel is configured to fluidly connect the sixth and seventh connecting holes; and The forty-fourth channel is configured to fluidly connect the eighth and ninth connecting holes.

16. The valve assembly of claim 15, wherein, In the fourth mode, The first housing port, the first connecting hole, the forty-first channel, and the central channel are fluidly connected. The third housing port, the fourth connecting hole, the forty-second channel, the third connecting hole, and the first manifold port are fluidly connected. The fifth housing port, the sixth connecting hole, the forty-third channel, the seventh connecting hole, and the sixth housing port are fluidly connected, and The third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the forty-fourth channel, the eighth connecting hole, and the second manifold port are fluidly connected.

17. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein, The fifth channel set includes: The fifty-first channel is configured to fluidly connect the third connecting hole, the ninth connecting hole, and the central channel formed along the rotation axis of the valve body; The fifty-second channel is configured to fluidly connect the fourth and eighth connecting holes; and The fifty-third channel is configured to fluidly connect the sixth and seventh connecting holes.

18. The valve assembly of claim 17, wherein, In the fifth mode, The third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the fifty-first channel, the third connecting hole, and the first manifold port are fluidly connected. The third manifold port, the ninth connecting hole, the fifty-first channel, and the central channel are fluidly connected. The third housing port, the fourth connecting hole, the fifty-second channel, the eighth connecting hole, and the second manifold port are fluidly connected, and The sixth housing port, the seventh connecting hole, the fifty-third channel, the sixth connecting hole, and the fifth housing port are fluidly connected.

19. A valve assembly comprising: Valve housing, which includes multiple housing ports; A valve manifold disposed in the valve housing and including a plurality of communication holes and at least one manifold port, the plurality of communication holes being fluidly connected to the plurality of housing ports; and A valve body, rotatably disposed between the valve housing and the valve manifold, and comprising: A central channel, which is formed along the rotation axis of the valve body, and Multiple channel assemblies are formed at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the valve body, each channel assembly including at least one of the multiple communicating holes and multiple channels fluidly connected to the central channel. Based on the rotation of the valve body, one of the multiple channel sets cooperates with the valve manifold and the valve housing to form multiple different coolant flow channels.

20. The valve assembly of claim 19, wherein, The valve body is rotated to different angular positions, causing the corresponding channel set in the plurality of channel sets to fluidly align with the connecting holes in the plurality of selected connecting holes and the housing ports in the plurality of housing ports, so that the valve assembly operates in a plurality of corresponding modes, each mode forming a different coolant flow channel group.

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