Valve device

Abstract

Provided is a valve device including: a valve housing having a plurality of ports through which a coolant passes; a valve core including flow paths that communicate with the ports and being rotatably disposed inside the valve housing; and a seal disposed between the valve core and the valve housing, wherein the seal includes: a seat seal configured to contact the valve core and configured to contact or be spaced apart from an inner surface of the valve housing; a mounting portion formed in the seat seal; and a rubber seal inserted into the mounting portion and connected to the seat seal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a valve device, and more specifically, to a valve device capable of improving the fluid tightness between the seal and the valve housing and improving the durability of the seal. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, due to environmental concerns associated with internal combustion engine vehicles, environmentally friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles have been increasingly adopted. However, in the case of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, the interior can be heated using the engine's waste heat, thus eliminating the need for additional heating energy. In contrast, electric vehicles, lacking an engine and therefore a heat source, must use additional energy for heating, leading to reduced energy efficiency. Furthermore, this reduces the driving range of electric vehicles, resulting in inconveniences such as the need for frequent charging.

[0003] Meanwhile, due to the electrification of vehicles, thermal management is required not only for the vehicle interior but also for electrical components such as high-voltage batteries and motors. In other words, in the case of electric vehicles, the interior space, battery, and electrical components have different air conditioning requirements, necessitating a technology that can independently meet these requirements while effectively coordinating them to maximize energy savings. Therefore, the concept of integrated vehicle thermal management has been proposed, which improves thermal efficiency by performing thermal management independently for each component while integrating the overall thermal management of the vehicle.

[0004] To achieve integrated thermal management in such vehicles, modularization is required by integrating complex coolant piping and components. This necessitates a modular concept that integrates multiple components while maintaining a simple and compact design.

[0005] Furthermore, in the case of electrified vehicles, there is a need for technologies that can improve driving range and interior heating and cooling performance by utilizing waste heat generated from components such as electrical components and batteries, thereby ensuring energy efficiency.

[0006] The matters described above as background art are provided merely to facilitate understanding of the background of this disclosure and should not be construed as an admission that these matters correspond to prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One object of embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a valve device capable of improving fluid sealing between the seal and the valve body.

[0008] Another object of embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a valve device capable of improving the durability of the seal.

[0009] Another object of embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a valve device capable of reducing the driving force of an actuator.

[0010] Another object of embodiments of this disclosure is to provide a valve device with a compact structure.

[0011] The technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from this specification and the accompanying drawings other technical problems not mentioned herein.

[0012] To achieve the above objectives, the valve device according to this disclosure includes: a valve housing having a plurality of ports through which coolant can pass; a valve core including flow paths communicating with the ports and rotatably disposed within the valve housing; and a seal disposed between the valve core and the valve housing, wherein the seal includes: a seat seal configured to contact the valve core and configured to contact or be spaced apart from the inner surface of the valve housing; a mounting portion formed in the seat seal; and a rubber seal inserted into the mounting portion and connected to the seat seal.

[0013] As the pressure inside the valve body increases, the size of the mounting section can be reduced.

[0014] As the pressure inside the valve body increases, the separation space between the seat seal and the rubber seal can be reduced.

[0015] The mounting portion may be a groove of a predetermined depth formed from the contact surface of the seat seal that contacts the inner surface of the valve housing.

[0016] As the rubber seal is inserted into the mounting section, the seat seal can be arranged to surround at least a portion of the rubber seal.

[0017] The seal may also include a through-hole communicating with the flow path, and the seat seal may separate the through-hole from the mounting portion.

[0018] The valve body may include a seal insertion groove, wherein at least a portion of the seal is inserted into the seal insertion groove.

[0019] The seat seal may include: a seat seal contact surface facing the inner surface of the valve housing; a seat seal pressure surface configured to face the port of the valve housing; and a seat seal insertion surface disposed on the opposite side to the seat seal pressure surface.

[0020] The pressure-bearing surface of the seat seal can be connected obliquely to the seat seal contact surface relative to the direction in which the port of the valve body extends.

[0021] The seat seal insertion surface can be obliquely connected to the seat seal contact surface relative to the direction in which the valve body extends from the port.

[0022] The rubber seal may include a rubber seal contact surface, which is disposed in the mounting portion and contacts the inner surface of the valve body and one surface of the seat seal.

[0023] As the pressure inside the valve body increases, the contact area between the rubber seal contact surface and one surface of the seat seal can increase.

[0024] At least one of the seat seal and the rubber seal may include an elastic material.

[0025] Rubber seals can have a ring shape.

[0026] Rubber seals can have an X-shaped ring.

[0027] Rubber seals may have a quadrilateral cross-section based on a cross-section line perpendicular to the direction of seal extension, and may include outwardly projecting protrusions.

[0028] Multiple seat seals and rubber seals can be arranged along the circumference of the valve body.

[0029] The valve assembly may also include an actuator configured to control the rotation of the valve spool.

[0030] The surface of the seat seal facing the valve core may include a protrusion formed in a strip shape to contact the valve core.

[0031] When the surface of the seat seal facing the inner surface of the valve housing is spaced apart from the inner surface of the valve housing, based on the mounting portion, the distance between the side closer to the through hole and the inner surface of the valve housing can be equal to or greater than the distance between the side farther from the through hole and the inner surface of the valve housing.

[0032] Seat seals and rubber seals can be arranged at equal intervals.

[0033] Seat seals and rubber seals can be arranged at equal intervals in a number equal to the number of ports.

[0034] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, the valve device can improve the fluid tightness between the seal and the valve body, thereby reducing the possibility of coolant leakage.

[0035] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, the valve device can improve the durability of the seal, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the seal.

[0036] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, the valve device can reduce the driving force of the actuator, and thus reduce overall operating costs without requiring a high-specification actuator.

[0037] Furthermore, according to various embodiments of this disclosure, the valve device can achieve a compact structure capable of switching coolant flows through multiple ports of the valve housing.

[0038] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from this specification and the accompanying drawings other effects not mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic bottom sectional view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 4a and Figure 4b It is used to explain the deformation of the seal when the pressure inside the valve device increases. Figure 3 A magnified view of part A.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a bottom sectional view of a comparative example of a valve assembly.

[0044] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of part B.

[0045] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the contact pressure between the rubber seal and the seat seal, and between the rubber seal and the valve body, before pressure is generated inside the valve assembly.

[0047] Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the contact pressure between the rubber seal and the seat seal, and between the rubber seal and the valve body, when the pressure inside the valve device increases. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected, where possible, from commonly used terms that are widely available, while taking into account the functionality of this disclosure. However, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, precedents, or the emergence of new technologies. Furthermore, in some cases, terms may be arbitrarily chosen by the applicant; in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the corresponding descriptive sections of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on their meanings and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply on their names.

[0049] In addition, terms such as “unit” and “module” used in the specification refer to a unit for performing at least one function or operation, and can be implemented in hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0050] As used in this article, when an expression such as "at least one" is used before a list of components, it modifies the entire list of elements, not each element in the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted as including all of a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0051] Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, for ease of description and clarity, the thickness or dimensions of the various layers may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "connection" refers not only to the case where component A and component B are directly connected, but also to the case where component A and component B are indirectly connected by means of component C.

[0052] The terminology used in this specification is for describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form includes the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, "comprising" and / or "including" specifies the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0053] In addition, terms such as “unit” and “module” used in the specification refer to a unit for performing at least one function or operation, and can be implemented in hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software.

[0054] Although terms such as “first” and “second” are used to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers, and / or parts, they should not be construed as limiting such components, assemblies, regions, layers, and / or parts. These terms are used only to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or part from another. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first component, assembly, region, layer, or part described below may also be referred to as the second component, assembly, region, layer, or part.

[0055] Spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “above,” and “over” may be used herein for convenience in describing the relationship of one element or feature to another, as illustrated in the figures. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation, as well as the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements will be oriented “above” other elements. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations.

[0056] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a conceptual diagram of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a schematic bottom sectional view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4a and Figure 4b yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part A, used to explain the deformation of the seal as the pressure inside the valve device increases.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a bottom sectional view of a comparative example of a valve assembly, and Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of part B. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the contact pressure between the rubber seal and the seat seal, and between the rubber seal and the valve body, before pressure is generated inside the valve assembly. Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the contact pressure between the rubber seal and the seat seal, and between the rubber seal and the valve body, when the pressure inside the valve device increases.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 The integrated thermal management system (1) according to this disclosure may include a valve device (100), a liquid storage tank (200), a pump (300) and a cooler (400).

[0060] The valve device (100) can control the direction, flow rate, and flow of the coolant circulating in the integrated thermal management system (1) through the coolant line (10). The coolant circulating in the integrated thermal management system (1) can pass through the valve device (100) via the coolant line (10). For example, the valve device (100) can be implemented as a 6-way valve or an 8-way valve, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0061] A valve assembly (100) is connected to a reservoir (200). Furthermore, the valve assembly (100) can be connected to a cooler (400), vehicle components (20), a heat exchanger (30), and a battery (40). For example, the coolant can dissipate heat generated from vehicle components (20) (e.g., power electronic devices (PE), motors, inverters, converters, etc.) via a radiator, or it can transfer its heat to the refrigerant via the cooler (400) to cool the vehicle components (20). Similarly, the coolant can dissipate heat generated from the battery (40) via a battery radiator, or it can transfer its heat to the refrigerant via the cooler (400) to cool the battery (40).

[0062] The reservoir (200) provides space for the coolant to circulate. The interior of the reservoir (200) can be separated by at least one partition wall. Coolant introduced into the reservoir (200) can flow sequentially through the interior space separated by at least one partition wall, and air contained in the coolant can be separated and moved upward. That is, the coolant can be separated from the air while flowing through the reservoir (200). The coolant from which the air has been separated can flow to the valve device (100).

[0063] The coolant reservoir (200) can be connected to a heat exchanger (30). When the coolant passes through the heat exchanger (30), it can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger (30), resulting in a decrease in the coolant temperature. The cooled coolant can be introduced into the reservoir (200) through a coolant line (10), and the coolant introduced into the reservoir (200) can flow back to the valve device (100). For example, the heat exchanger (30) can be a coolant shateheater (HTR). The coolant heater can be a water-heated heater used for preheating electric vehicle batteries and can be used to shorten fast charging time and improve the low-temperature output of the battery.

[0064] A pump (300) can generate driving force to allow coolant to flow within the integrated thermal management system (1) according to the present disclosure. The pump (300) can be connected to a valve assembly (100). Coolant introduced into the valve assembly (100) can flow via the pump (300) through coolant lines (10) to the battery (40) and / or vehicle components (20). In one embodiment, the integrated thermal management system (1) according to the present disclosure may include multiple pumps (300).

[0065] A cooler (400) can be connected to a valve assembly (100). The cooler (400) can be used to remove heat from the coolant circulating in the coolant line (10). For example, the cooler (400) can be implemented as a vapor compression refrigeration cycle or an absorption refrigeration cycle. The coolant cooled by the cooler (400) can be introduced into the valve assembly (100) and can be circulated through the coolant line (10) of the integrated thermal management system (1).

[0066] Traditionally, multiple valve devices are configured in a thermal management system to circulate coolant through the coolant line (10), which results in an increase in the overall size of the thermal management system. However, the integrated thermal management system (1) according to this disclosure can be made compact by using a single valve device (100) to switch the flow direction of coolant circulating through the components of the integrated thermal management system (1). The integrated thermal management system (1) according to this disclosure can achieve a compact structure and ensure design flexibility by using a single valve device (100) to configure an integrated module.

[0067] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] refer to Figure 2 The valve assembly (100) may include a valve stem (110), a valve body (120), a seal (130), and an actuator (140).

[0069] The valve core (110) is rotatably disposed in the internal space of the valve housing (120). The valve core (110) may include multiple flow paths (112) capable of communicating with multiple ports (121, 122, 123) formed in the valve housing (120).

[0070] According to embodiments of this disclosure, since the flow of coolant through multiple ports of the valve housing can be switched by a single valve core (110), a compact structure of a thermal management system using a single valve device (100) can be realized.

[0071] The valve core (110) may include a valve core body (111), a flow path (112), and a connecting part (113).

[0072] The valve core body (111) can be used as the body of the valve core (110). That is, the valve core body (111) can be rotatably disposed inside the valve housing (120).

[0073] Flow paths (112) can be formed in the valve core body (111). Multiple flow paths (112) can be formed along the circumferential direction of the valve core body (111) and can be arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Depending on the rotational position of the valve core body (111), the flow paths (112) can communicate with the through holes (131) of the seal (130).

[0074] The connecting portion (113) can communicate with the flow path (112). In this disclosure, the connecting portion (113) can be defined as the internal space of the valve core body (111). Coolant can be introduced into the connecting portion (113) through the flow path (112). Depending on the rotational position of the valve core body (111), the connecting portion (113) can communicate with the ports (121, 122, 123) of the valve housing (120). As a result, coolant can be introduced into the connecting portion (113) from the inlet port (121) of the valve housing (120) and can be discharged from the connecting portion (113) to the outlet ports (122, 123) of the valve housing (120).

[0075] Although not shown, the valve core (110) may also include a rotating shaft.

[0076] A rotating shaft can be connected to a valve core body (111). When the rotating shaft rotates, the valve core body (111) can rotate together. The rotating shaft can be connected to an actuator (140). The rotating shaft may include a plurality of gear teeth arranged in a circumferential direction, and the plurality of gear teeth can mesh with the actuator (140).

[0077] The rotating shaft can be located at the center of the valve core body (111). The center of the valve core body (111) can be a point equidistant from the outer circumferential surface of the valve core body (111). The rotating shaft can be configured to pass through the upper and lower parts of the valve core body (111). The rotating shaft can be integrally formed with the valve core body (111).

[0078] The valve housing (120) has an internal space through which coolant flows. Multiple ports for coolant introduction and discharge can be formed in the valve housing (120). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, coolant can be introduced into the valve housing (120) through an inlet port (121) connected to a reservoir, and can be discharged to the outside of the valve housing (120) through a first outlet port (122) and / or a second outlet port (123). The multiple ports (121, 122, 123) can be formed along the circumferential direction of the valve housing (120) and can be arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. However, in this disclosure, the functions of the inlet and outlet ports are not limited by their names. That is, reference numeral 121 can serve as an outlet port, and reference numerals 122 and 123 can serve as inlet ports.

[0079] The valve core (110) and the seal (130) may be disposed inside the valve housing (120). The valve device (100) according to this disclosure can determine the flow direction of coolant through the port of the valve housing (120) based on the rotational position of the valve core (110).

[0080] A seal (130) may be disposed between the valve core (110) and the valve body (120). The seal (130) facilitates the rotation of the valve core (110). Furthermore, the seal (130) further prevents coolant from passing through the space between the valve core (110) and the valve body (120).

[0081] Multiple through holes (131) corresponding to the multiple flow paths (112) included in the valve core (110) can be formed in the seal (130). Depending on the rotational position of the valve core (110), the through holes (131) and the flow paths (112) can communicate with each other, thereby ensuring the flow of coolant between the valve core (110) and the valve body (120).

[0082] The actuator (140) controls the rotation of the valve core (110). When the valve core (110) rotates, at least one of the plurality of flow paths (112) included in the valve core (110) can communicate with at least one of the plurality of through holes (131) formed in the seal (130). As a result, coolant inside the valve core (110) can flow sequentially into the interior of the valve housing (120) through the flow path (112) and the through hole (131), and coolant inside the valve housing (120) can also flow sequentially into the valve core (110) through the through hole (131) and the flow path (112).

[0083] The actuator (140) can be connected to the rotating shaft of the valve core (110), and the rotation of the valve core (110) can be controlled by controlling the rotation of the rotating shaft. The actuator (140) can be mounted outside the valve housing (120).

[0084] Figure 3 This is a schematic bottom sectional view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] refer to Figure 3 A valve device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a valve core (110), a valve housing (120), and a seal (130). Figure 3 Of the components of the valve device (100) shown, at least one (e.g., valve core (110)) has already been described above, so redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0086] The seal (130) may include a through hole (131), a seat seal (132), a rubber seal (133), and a mounting part (134).

[0087] The through hole (131) can communicate with the port (121) of the valve body (120). The through hole (131) can be formed inside the seat seal (132).

[0088] A seat seal (132) may be disposed between the valve core (110) and the valve body (120). The seat seal (132) may contact the outer surface of the valve core (110) and the inner surface of the valve body (120), respectively. The seat seal (132) may have a generally annular shape, but is not limited thereto. The seat seal (132) may include an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0089] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the shape of the seat seal (132) may deform when the internal pressure of the valve device (100) increases. Figure 3 In the diagram, the direction of the increase in internal pressure is indicated by an arrow, and for example, the internal pressure of the valve assembly (100) may increase when coolant passes through the valve housing (120).

[0090] At this point, the contact forces between the outer surface of the seat seal (132) and the valve core (110) and between the seat seal (132) and the inner surface of the valve body (120) may increase. As a result, the gaps between the outer surface of the seat seal (132) and the valve core (110) and between the seat seal (132) and the inner surface of the valve body (120) can be eliminated. In this disclosure, the term "gap-free" can mean minimizing the spacing between components so that fluids such as coolant do not flow between the components. Therefore, the possibility of coolant flowing into the valve core (110) or leaking to the outside of the valve body (120) through the space between the seal (130) and the valve body (120) and / or between the seal (130) and the valve core (110) can be reduced.

[0091] A rubber seal (133) may be disposed within a seat seal (132). The rubber seal (133) may be disposed between the seat seal (132) and the valve body (120). The rubber seal (133) may have a generally annular shape, but is not limited thereto. The rubber seal (133) may comprise an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0092] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the shape of the rubber seal (133) may deform when the internal pressure of the valve device (100) increases.

[0093] At this time, the contact force between the rubber seal (133) and the inner surface of the seat seal (132) and the inner surface of the valve body (120) may increase. As a result, the gaps between the inner surfaces of the rubber seal (133) and the seat seal (132) and between the rubber seal (133) and the inner surface of the valve body (120) can be eliminated. Therefore, the possibility of coolant flowing into the valve core (110) or leaking to the outside of the valve body (120) through the gap between the seal (130) and the valve body (120) can be reduced.

[0094] A mounting portion (134) can be formed in a seat seal (132). A rubber seal (133) can be inserted into the mounting portion (134). As the rubber seal (133) is inserted into the mounting portion (134), at least a portion of the rubber seal (133) can be arranged to be surrounded by the seat seal (132). In other words, the seat seal (132) can spatially separate the through hole (131) and the mounting portion (134). Therefore, the seat seal (132) can have a structure that protects the rubber seal (133) from the internal pressure of the valve device (100). As a result, the durability of the rubber seal (133) can be improved.

[0095] Furthermore, since the rubber seal (133) is installed in the seat seal (132) via the mounting part (134), even if the shape of the seat seal (132) deforms within a predetermined range when the internal pressure of the valve device (100) increases, the connection between the rubber seal (133) and the seat seal (132) can be stably maintained.

[0096] The mounting portion (134) can be formed by machining a groove of a predetermined depth from one surface of the seat seal (132). Here, one surface of the seat seal (132) can be the seat seal contact surface (132a), which will be described later. The size of the mounting portion (134) can be equal to or greater than the size of the rubber seal (133).

[0097] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the shape of the mounting portion (134) may deform when the internal pressure of the valve device (100) increases.

[0098] At this time, the size of the mounting part (134) may be reduced. Therefore, the separation space between the seat seal (132) and the rubber seal (133) can be reduced, and as a result, the contact force between the seat seal (132) and the rubber seal (133) can be increased.

[0099] Multiple seals (130) can be arranged along the circumference of the valve core (110). Similarly, multiple seals (130) can be arranged along the circumference of the valve body (120). That is, the seat seal (132) and the rubber seal (133) can be arranged in multiple forms along the circumference of the valve body (120) and can be arranged at equal intervals along the circumference.

[0100] In the following text, see references Figure 4a and Figure 4b The deformation of the seal (130) will be described when the pressure in the area of ​​the valve device (100) (e.g., the port (121) of the valve housing (120) increases.

[0101] Figure 4a and Figure 4b yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part A, used to explain the deformation of the seal as the pressure inside the valve device increases.

[0102] refer to Figure 4a and Figure 4b A valve device (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a valve core (110), a valve housing (120), and a seal (130). Figure 4a and Figure 4b Of the components of the valve device (100) shown, at least one (e.g., the seal (130)) has already been described above, so redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0103] Figure 4a The diagram illustrates the state of the seal (130) before pressure is generated in the area of ​​the valve assembly (100).

[0104] The valve housing (120) may include an inner surface (120a) and a seal insertion groove (120b).

[0105] The inner surface (120a) of the valve body (120) can be configured to face the seal (130). The inner surface (120a) of the valve body (120) can contact the seal (130).

[0106] A seal (130) can be inserted into a seal insertion groove (120b). Specifically, a seat seal (132) can be inserted into a seal insertion groove (120b). The seal insertion groove (120b) can be formed to have a shape corresponding to the seat seal (132). As the seal (130) is inserted into the seal insertion groove (120b), the seal (130) can come into contact with the valve body (120).

[0107] The seat seal (132) may include a seat seal contact surface (132a), a seat seal pressure surface (132b), and a seat seal insertion surface (132c).

[0108] The seat seal contact surface (132a) may contact the inner surface (120a) of the valve body (120) or may be spaced apart from the inner surface (120a). The seat seal contact surface (132a) may be a surface of the seat seal (132) facing the valve body (120). A mounting portion (134) may be formed in the seat seal contact surface (132a).

[0109] In one embodiment, when the seat seal contact surface (132a) is spaced apart from the inner surface (120a) of the valve body, based on the mounting portion (134), the distance between the side closer to the through hole (131) and the inner surface (120a) of the valve body can be equal to or greater than the distance between the side farther from the through hole (131) and the inner surface (120a) of the valve body.

[0110] The pressure-bearing surface (132b) of the seat seal can face the through-hole (131). The pressure-bearing surface (132b) of the seat seal can be configured to face the port (121) of the valve body (120) (see...). Figure 3 The pressure generated in the region of the valve assembly (100) can act on the pressure-bearing surface (132b) of the seat seal. The pressure-bearing surface (132b) of the seat seal can be connected to the contact surface (132a) of the seat seal.

[0111] In one embodiment, the surface of the seat seal (132) facing the valve core (110) and disposed opposite to the seat seal contact surface (132a) may include a protrusion formed as a strip with a predetermined thickness to contact the valve core (110).

[0112] In one embodiment, the pressure-bearing surface (132b) of the seat seal may be obliquely connected relative to the direction in which it extends relative to the port of the valve housing (120). Furthermore, the pressure-bearing surface (132b) of the seat seal may be obliquely connected relative to the contact surface (132a) of the seat seal. Therefore, the seat seal (132) can be configured to readily receive pressure generated from the port of the valve housing (120).

[0113] The seat seal insertion surface (132c) may be disposed opposite to the seat seal pressure surface (132b). The seat seal insertion surface (132c) may be inserted into the seal insertion groove (120b). The seat seal insertion surface (132c) may be connected to the seat seal contact surface (132a). The seat seal insertion surface (132c) may have the same or similar inclination as the seat seal pressure surface (132b). The seat seal insertion surface (132c) may be connected to the seat seal pressure surface (132b) by means of a curved surface without edges.

[0114] The rubber seal (133) may include a rubber seal contact surface (133a).

[0115] The rubber seal contact surface (133a) may contact the inner surface (120a) of the valve body (120) and a surface of the seat seal (132). The rubber seal contact surface (133a) may be the outer surface of the rubber seal (133) facing the valve body (120) and the seat seal (132). Before deformation, the rubber seal contact surface (133a) may include a curved surface.

[0116] Figure 4b The diagram illustrates the state of the seal (130) after pressure is generated in the area of ​​the valve assembly (100).

[0117] When the pressure in the area of ​​the valve device (100) (e.g., the port (121) of the valve housing (120) increases, the pressure can act on the pressure-bearing surface (132b) of the seat seal, thereby squeezing the seat seal (132) and the rubber seal (133) together.

[0118] At this time, the contact force between the seat seal contact surface (132a) and the inner surface (120a) of the valve body (120) can be increased, and as a result, the gap between the seat seal (132a) and the inner surface (120a) of the valve body (120) can be eliminated. Therefore, the possibility of coolant flowing into the valve core (110) or leaking to the outside of the valve body (120) through the gap between the seal (130a) and the valve body (120) can be reduced.

[0119] Furthermore, the contact area between the rubber seal contact surface (133a) and the inner surface (120a) of the valve body (120) can be increased, resulting in an increase in the contact force between them. In this case, the gap between the rubber seal (133a) and the inner surface (120a) of the valve body (120) can also be eliminated. Therefore, the fluid sealing performance between the seal (130) and the valve body (120) can be further improved.

[0120] At this time, the contact area between the rubber seal contact surface (133a) and one surface of the seat seal (132) can also be increased, resulting in an increase in the contact force between them. In this case, the gap between the rubber seal (133) and the seat seal (132) can also be eliminated. Therefore, the fluid sealing between the rubber seal (133) and the seat seal (132) can be improved. One surface of the seat seal (132) can be the surface of the seat seal (132) facing the mounting portion (134).

[0121] Furthermore, since the pressure-bearing surface (132b) of the seat seal is compressed, the overall size of the mounting portion (134) may be reduced. As a result, the separation space between the seat seal (132) and the rubber seal (133) can be reduced, and consequently, the contact force between the seat seal (132) and the rubber seal (133) can be increased.

[0122] According to one embodiment of the valve device (100) of this disclosure, as the pressure inside the valve device (100) increases, the fluid sealing between the seal (130) and the valve housing (120) and / or between the seal (130) and the valve core (110) can be improved by the structure of the seal (130). Therefore, since the valve device (100) does not require high connection or compressive forces between the seal (130) and the valve housing (120) and / or between the seal (130) and the valve core (110), the driving force required for the actuator to rotate the valve core (110) can be reduced. As a result, the valve device (100) can reduce overall operating costs without requiring a high-specification actuator and can be implemented with a compact structure.

[0123] In the following text, it will be described Figures 3 to 4b Comparative examples of seals are shown.

[0124] Figure 5 It is a bottom sectional view of the valve device based on the comparative example, and Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of part B.

[0125] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The valve device (1000) according to the comparative example may include a valve core (110), a valve body (120) and a seal (1300). Figure 7 and Figure 8 The valve core (110) and valve body (120) shown are the same as or similar to those described above, so their detailed description will be omitted.

[0126] A seal (1300) may be disposed between the valve core (110) and the valve body (120). The seal (1300) facilitates the rotation of the valve core (110). In addition, the seal (1300) prevents coolant from passing through the space between the valve core (110) and the valve body (120).

[0127] Multiple through holes (131) corresponding to the multiple flow paths included in the valve core (110) can be formed in the seal (1300). Depending on the rotational position of the valve core (110), the through holes (131) and the flow paths can communicate with each other, thereby ensuring the flow of coolant between the valve core (110) and the valve body (120).

[0128] The seal (1300) may include a seat seal (1310) and a rubber seal (1320).

[0129] In the comparative example, the seat seal (1310) does not include a recess into which the rubber seal (1320) can be inserted. That is, unlike the embodiment, the seat seal (1310) is not arranged to surround the rubber seal (1320). Therefore, the seat seal (1310) does not have a structure that protects the rubber seal (1320) from the internal pressure of the valve device (1000). As a result, the durability of the rubber seal (1320) may be reduced.

[0130] Furthermore, since the rubber seal (1320) cannot be installed in the seat seal (1310) through the groove, the connection between the rubber seal (1320) and the seat seal (1310) cannot be fully maintained as the internal pressure of the valve device (100) increases.

[0131] In the comparison examples, such as Figure 6 As indicated by the arrow, when the pressure in the region of the valve assembly (100) increases, the protrusion (1321) of the rubber seal (1320) may be squeezed. At this time, the contact surface (1321a) of the protrusion (1321) may move in a direction that reduces the contact area with the inner surface (120a) of the valve housing (120), resulting in a decrease in the contact force between the protrusion (1321) of the rubber seal (1320) and the inner surface (120a) of the valve housing (120). Therefore, the fluid seal between the seal (130) and the valve housing (120) may decrease, and the possibility of coolant passing between the seal (130) and the valve housing (120) may increase.

[0132] According to the valve device (1000) of the comparative example, as the internal pressure of the valve device (1000) increases, the fluid sealing between the seal (1300) and the valve body (120) and / or between the seal (1300) and the valve core (110) cannot be improved by the structure of the seal (1300). Therefore, since the comparative example requires high connection or compressive forces between the seal (1300) and the valve body (120) and / or between the seal (1300) and the valve core (110), the driving force required for the actuator to rotate the valve core (110) must be increased. As a result, the comparative example requires a high-specification actuator, thereby increasing the overall operating cost and resulting in a complex structure.

[0133] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of a seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] refer to Figure 7 The seal (130) may include a through hole (131), a seat seal (132), and a rubber seal (133). Figure 7 Of the components of the seal (130) shown, at least one is related to Figures 3 to 4b At least one component of the seal (130) shown is the same or similar, so the description will focus on the differences.

[0135] According to embodiments of this disclosure, the seal (130) may have a generally quadrilateral annular shape. That is, based on a cross-sectional line taken in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the seal (130), the seal (130) may have a generally quadrilateral cross-section. In other words, when from... Figure 7 When viewed from the lower side, the seal (130) may have a generally quadrilateral cross section.

[0136] The seat seal (132) may have a formed through hole on its inner side and may have a quadrilateral cross section based on a cross section line taken in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the seal (130).

[0137] The rubber seal (133) can be inserted into a mounting portion (not shown) formed in the seat seal (132). The rubber seal (133) may also have a quadrilateral cross-section based on a cross-section line taken in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the seal (130). More specifically, the rubber seal (133) may have a generally X-shaped ring.

[0138] Although not shown, the seal (130) may have a generally annular shape and may be formed in the shape of an oil seal.

[0139] In the following text, see references Figure 8 and Figure 9 , will be used Figure 7In the case of the seal (130) shown, the contact force between the rubber seal and the seat seal and the contact force between the rubber seal and the valve body are described.

[0140] Figure 8 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the contact forces between the rubber seal and the seat seal, and between the rubber seal and the valve body, before pressure is generated inside the valve assembly. Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the contact forces between the rubber seal and the seat seal, and between the rubber seal and the valve body, when the pressure inside the valve device increases.

[0141] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the figure, reference numeral P1 conceptually indicates the magnitude of the contact force between the rubber seal (133) and the seat seal (132), and reference numeral P2 conceptually indicates the magnitude of the contact force between the rubber seal (133) and the valve body (120).

[0142] The rubber seal (133) may have a generally X-shaped ring. In this case, the rubber seal (133) may include outwardly projecting protrusions (1331). The protrusions (1331) may be located at the four corners of the rubber seal (133).

[0143] from Figure 8 and Figure 9 It can be seen that even when using Figure 7 When the internal pressure of the valve device increases, the magnitude of the contact force (P1) between the rubber seal (133) and the seat seal (132) increases, and the magnitude of the contact force (P2) between the rubber seal (133) and the valve body (120) also increases.

[0144] Therefore, even when using Figure 7 When the seal (130) is shown, as the internal pressure of the valve device increases, the fluid sealing between the seal (130) and the valve body (120) can be improved through the structure of the seal (130). Therefore, since the valve device (100) according to the embodiment of the present disclosure does not require a high connection force or compressive force between the seal (130) and the valve body (120), the driving force required for the actuator to rotate the valve core can be reduced. As a result, the valve device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce overall operating costs without requiring a high-specification actuator and can be implemented with a compact structure.

[0145] Furthermore, even when using Figure 7When the seal (130) is shown, the rubber seal (133) can also be inserted into the mounting portion (134). As the rubber seal (133) is inserted into the mounting portion (134), at least a portion of the rubber seal (133) can be arranged to be surrounded by the seat seal (132). Therefore, the seat seal (132) can have a structure that protects the rubber seal (133) from the internal pressure of the valve device (100). As a result, the durability of the rubber seal (133) can be improved.

[0146] Any of the above-described embodiments or other embodiments of this disclosure are not mutually exclusive or different. Any of the above-described embodiments or other embodiments of this disclosure may be combined or combined with each other in terms of their respective configurations or functions.

[0147] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or figure and configuration B described in another embodiment and / or figure can be combined. That is, even when the combination between configurations is not explicitly described, such a combination is possible unless it is impossible to specifically describe the combination.

[0148] The foregoing detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but rather as illustrative. The scope of this disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all variations within the equivalent scope of this disclosure are included within its scope.

Claims

1. A valve device, comprising: Valve housing having multiple ports for coolant to pass through; A valve core, which includes a flow path communicating with the port and is rotatably disposed inside the valve housing; as well as A sealing element is disposed between the valve core and the valve body. The sealing element includes: a seat seal configured to contact the valve core and configured to contact or be spaced apart from the inner surface of the valve housing; a mounting portion formed in the seat seal; and a rubber seal inserted into the mounting portion and connected to the seat seal.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, As the pressure inside the valve housing increases, the size of the mounting portion decreases.

3. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, As the pressure inside the valve housing increases, the separation space between the seat seal and the rubber seal decreases.

4. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting portion is a groove of predetermined depth formed from the seat seal contact surface facing the inner surface of the valve housing.

5. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, As the rubber seal is inserted into the mounting portion, the seat seal is arranged to surround at least a portion of the rubber seal.

6. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein: The seal also includes a through hole communicating with the flow path, and The seat seal spatially separates the through hole and the mounting portion.

7. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The valve housing includes a seal insertion groove, into which at least a portion of the seal is inserted.

8. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The seat seal includes: The seat seal contact surface faces the inner surface of the valve housing; The pressure-bearing surface of the seat seal is configured to face the port of the valve housing; and The seat seal insertion surface is positioned on the opposite side to the pressure-bearing surface of the seat seal.

9. The valve device according to claim 8, wherein, The pressure-bearing surface of the seat seal is inclined to the contact surface of the seat seal in the direction in which it extends relative to the port of the valve housing.

10. The valve device according to claim 8, wherein, The seat seal insertion surface is inclined to the seat seal contact surface in the direction in which it extends relative to the port of the valve housing.

11. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The rubber seal includes a rubber seal contact surface, which is disposed in the mounting portion and contacts the inner surface of the valve housing and one surface of the seat seal.

12. The valve device according to claim 11, wherein, As the pressure inside the valve housing increases, the contact area between the rubber seal contact surface and one of the surfaces of the seat seal increases.

13. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the seat seal and the rubber seal comprises an elastic material.

14. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The rubber seal has a circular shape.

15. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The rubber seal has an X-shaped ring.

16. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The rubber seal has a quadrilateral cross-section based on a cross-section line perpendicular to the extension direction of the seal, and includes an outwardly projecting protrusion.

17. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of seat seals and the rubber seals are arranged along the circumferential direction of the valve body.

18. The valve device of claim 1, further comprising an actuator configured to control rotation of the valve core.

19. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The surface of the seat seal facing the valve core includes a protrusion formed in a strip shape to contact the valve core.

20. The valve device according to claim 6, wherein, When the surface of the seat seal facing the inner surface of the valve housing is spaced apart from the inner surface of the valve housing, based on the mounting portion, the distance between the side closer to the through hole and the inner surface of the valve housing is equal to or greater than the distance between the side farther from the through hole and the inner surface of the valve housing.

21. The valve device according to claim 17, wherein, The seat seal and the rubber seal are arranged at equal intervals.

22. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein, The seat seals and the rubber seals are arranged at equal intervals in a number equal to the number of the plurality of ports.

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