Valve stem for a valve device and valve device comprising the valve stem

Abstract

Disclosed is a valve stem for a valve device, the valve stem including a valve stem body including a plurality of flow path portions and rotatably disposed inside a valve housing, the flow path portions communicating with a plurality of ports formed in the valve housing for passage of cooling water; an upper cover disposed at an upper portion of the valve stem body; and a lower cover disposed at a lower portion of the valve stem body, wherein at least one of the upper cover and the lower cover is fusion bonded with the valve stem body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments relate to a valve stem for a valve device and a valve device including the valve stem, and more specifically, to a valve stem for a valve device and a valve device including the valve stem, the valve stem being able to increase the design freedom of the flow path portion of the valve stem and reduce fluid flow resistance. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, due to environmental issues associated with internal combustion engine vehicles, environmentally friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles have become increasingly popular. However, in the case of traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, the waste heat from the engine can be used to heat the vehicle's interior, thus eliminating the need for separate energy for heating. In contrast, electric vehicles, lacking an engine and therefore a heat source, require separate energy for heating, leading to reduced fuel efficiency. This also shortens the driving range of electric vehicles and causes inconvenience such as frequent charging.

[0003] Simultaneously, due to vehicle electrification, the demand for thermal management has increased not only for the vehicle's interior space but also for electrical components such as high-voltage batteries and motors. Specifically, in the case of electric vehicles, the interior space, battery, and electrical components each have different air conditioning requirements. Therefore, a technology is needed that can independently respond to these requirements and work efficiently with them to conserve energy as much as possible. Thus, the concept of integrated vehicle thermal management has been proposed to independently perform thermal management on each component while integrating the overall thermal management of the vehicle to improve thermal efficiency.

[0004] To implement integrated thermal management in such vehicles, complex coolant piping and components need to be integrated and modularized. In this regard, a modular concept is required that simplifies manufacturing and ensures compact packaging while modularizing multiple components.

[0005] Furthermore, in the case of electrified vehicles, a technology is needed to ensure energy efficiency by utilizing waste heat from components such as electrical components and batteries that generate heat, thereby improving driving range and in-vehicle cooling / heating performance.

[0006] The matters described above as background art are intended only to facilitate understanding of the background of the present invention and should not be regarded as an admission that they constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure aim to provide a valve stem for a valve device and a valve device including the valve stem, which can increase the design freedom of the flow path portion of the valve stem and reduce fluid flow resistance.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to those described above. Those skilled in the art will be able to clearly understand problems not mentioned herein based on this specification and the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] To achieve the above objectives, the valve stem for a valve device according to the present invention comprises: a valve stem body including a plurality of flow passages and rotatably disposed inside a valve housing, wherein the flow passages communicate with a plurality of ports formed in the valve housing for the passage of coolant; an upper cover disposed on the upper part of the valve stem body; and a lower cover disposed on the lower part of the valve stem body. At least one of the upper cover and the lower cover is fusedly joined to the valve stem body.

[0012] The valve stem for the valve device may further include a rotating shaft connected to the valve stem body for rotating together with the valve stem body. A first through hole may be formed in the upper cover for at least a portion of the rotating shaft to pass through.

[0013] A cover insertion part for inserting a cover can be formed on the upper part of the valve stem body.

[0014] The size of the top cover insertion part can be equal to or greater than the size of the top cover.

[0015] The valve stem for the valve device may further include a rotating shaft connected to the valve stem body for rotation with the valve stem body. A second through hole may be formed in the lower cover for at least a portion of the rotating shaft to pass through.

[0016] The protrusion that connects to the valve stem body and extends below the lower cover can also pass through a second through hole.

[0017] A lower cover insertion part for inserting a lower cover can be formed at the lower part of the valve stem body.

[0018] The size of the lower cover insertion part can be equal to or greater than the size of the lower cover.

[0019] The valve stem for the valve device may further include a sealing contact portion that contacts a seal disposed between the valve stem body and the valve housing. The sealing contact portion may include a first portion located on the upper part of the valve stem body and disposed along the circumferential direction of the valve stem body, a second portion located opposite the first portion and disposed along the circumferential direction of the valve stem body, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.

[0020] The first and third parts can be connected to each other as continuous surfaces, with no steps between them.

[0021] The first and third parts can be at the same radial distance from a rotating axis, which is connected to the valve stem body to rotate together with the valve stem body.

[0022] The second and third parts can be connected to each other as continuous surfaces, with no steps between them.

[0023] The second and third parts can be at the same radial distance from a rotating axis, which is connected to the valve stem body to rotate together with the valve stem body.

[0024] The valve stem for the valve device may further include a rotating shaft connected to the valve stem body for rotation with the valve stem body, and a sealing contact portion that contacts a seal disposed between the valve stem body and the valve housing. A top cover may be disposed in an area spaced apart from the rotating shaft and the sealing contact portion.

[0025] The valve stem for the valve device may further include a rotating shaft connected to the valve stem body for rotation with the valve stem body, a sealing contact portion that contacts a seal disposed between the valve stem body and the valve housing, and a protrusion connected to the valve stem body for protruding below a lower cover. The lower cover may be disposed in an area spaced apart from the rotating shaft, the sealing contact portion, and the protrusion.

[0026] The valve device according to the invention may include: a valve housing connected to a reservoir for coolant circulation; a valve stem including a valve stem body, an upper cover disposed at the upper part of the valve stem body, and a lower cover disposed at the lower part of the valve stem body, wherein the valve stem body includes a plurality of flow passages communicating with a plurality of ports formed in the valve housing and is rotatably disposed inside the valve housing; a seal disposed between the valve stem and the valve housing and having a through hole communicating with any of the plurality of flow passages; and an actuator configured to control rotation of the valve stem. At least one of the upper cover and the lower cover may be fusedly joined to the valve stem body.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] The valve stem and valve device according to the present invention can increase the design freedom of the flow path of the valve stem and reduce fluid flow resistance.

[0029] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will be able to clearly understand, based on this specification and the accompanying drawings, effects not mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a front view of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is an assembly perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4This is a bottom perspective view of a valve stem for a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve stem for a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a top perspective view of a valve stem for a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The terminology used in the embodiments has been selected as widely used general terms as possible while taking into account the functionality of the invention, but may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, convention, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, terms arbitrarily chosen by the applicant may be used; in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the corresponding description of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in this invention should be defined based on the meaning of the terms and the overall content of the invention, rather than solely on the names of the terms.

[0037] Furthermore, terms such as “unit” and “module” described in the specification mean a unit for performing at least one function or operation, and can be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0038] As used herein, when an expression such as “at least one of…” precedes a listed component, the expression modifies all of the listed components, rather than individual components. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be interpreted as including a, b, c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0039] Furthermore, in the following figures, for ease of description and clarity, the thickness or dimensions of the various layers are exaggerated, and the same reference numerals in the figures refer to the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the listed items and all combinations of one or more. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "connection" means not only the case where component A and component B are directly connected to each other, but also the case where component A and component B are indirectly connected to each other through component C, which is located between component A and component B.

[0040] The terminology used herein is for describing particular implementations and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form may include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “comprising” and “including” and / or “including” and “containing” specify the presence of said shapes, numbers, steps, operations, components, elements and / or groups thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, operations, components, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0041] Furthermore, terms such as “unit” and “module” described in the specification mean a unit for performing at least one function or operation, and can be implemented by hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0042] Although terms such as first, second, etc., are used herein to describe various components, parts, regions, layers, and / or portions, these components, parts, regions, layers, and / or portions should not obviously be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component, part, region, layer, or portion from another region, layer, or portion. Therefore, the first component, part, region, layer, or portion described below may refer to a second component, part, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of this disclosure.

[0043] Spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used to facilitate understanding the relationship between one element or feature and another shown in the accompanying drawings. These spatial relative terms are for the purpose of facilitating understanding of this disclosure according to various states of manufacture or use, and are not intended to limit this disclosure. For example, when an element or feature in the drawings is flipped, an element or feature described as “below” or “under” becomes “above” or “upper.” Therefore, “below” is a concept that includes “above” or “under.”

[0044] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a front view of an integrated thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is an assembly perspective view of the valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve stem for a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a top perspective view of a valve stem for a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a bottom perspective view of a valve stem for a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 The integrated thermal management system 1 according to the present invention may include a valve device 100, a liquid storage tank 200 and a pump 300.

[0047] The valve device 100 can regulate the flow direction, flow rate, and flow path of the coolant circulating in the integrated thermal management system 1 via coolant piping (not shown). The coolant circulating in the integrated thermal management system 1 can be controlled by the valve device 100. For example, the valve device 100 can be implemented as a six-way valve or an eight-way valve, but this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0048] Valve assembly 100 is connected to reservoir 200. Furthermore, valve assembly 100 can be connected to a cooler, vehicle components, heat exchangers, and batteries. For example, the coolant can dissipate heat from vehicle components (such as PE (power electronics), motors, inverters, and converters) through component radiators, or transfer heat from vehicle components to the refrigerant through the cooler, thereby cooling the vehicle components. Additionally, the coolant can dissipate heat generated by the battery through battery radiators, or transfer heat to the refrigerant through the cooler, thereby cooling the battery.

[0049] The reservoir 200 provides space for coolant circulation. The interior of the reservoir 200 can be separated by at least one partition. Coolant introduced into the reservoir 200 flows sequentially through the interior space of the reservoir 200 separated by at least one partition, and air contained in the coolant can be separated and moved upwards. That is, the coolant can be separated from the air while flowing through the interior of the reservoir 200. The air-separated coolant can flow to the valve device 100.

[0050] Pump 300 can generate driving force, allowing coolant to flow within the integrated thermal management system 1 according to the invention. Pump 300 can be connected to valve device 100 and / or reservoir 200. In one embodiment, the integrated thermal management system 1 according to the invention may include multiple pumps 300.

[0051] Figure 2 This is an assembly perspective view of the valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The valve assembly 100 may include a valve stem 110, a valve body 120, a seal 130, and an actuator 140.

[0053] The valve stem 110 is rotatably disposed within the internal space of the valve housing 120. The valve stem 110 may include multiple flow paths 112 capable of communicating with multiple ports 121, 122 and 123 formed in the valve housing 120.

[0054] 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. Figure 3In the illustrated embodiment, coolant can be introduced into the interior of the valve housing 120 through inlet port 121 connected to a reservoir, and discharged to the exterior of the valve housing 120 through first outlet port 122 and / or second outlet port 123. Multiple ports 121, 122, and 123 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the valve housing 120. In this disclosure, the functions of the inlet and outlet ports are not interpreted in a limiting manner by their names. That is, reference numeral 121 can be used as an outlet port, and reference numerals 122 and 123 can be used as inlet ports.

[0055] The valve stem 110 and the seal 130 may be disposed inside the valve housing 120. In the valve device 100 according to the invention, the flow direction of coolant through the port of the valve housing 120 can be determined according to the rotational position of the valve stem 110.

[0056] A seal 130 may be disposed between the valve stem 110 and the valve body 120. The seal 130 may function to promote rotation of the valve stem 110. In addition, the seal 130 may be disposed between the valve stem 110 and the valve body 120, and may also function to prevent coolant from passing through the space between the valve stem 110 and the valve body 120.

[0057] Multiple through holes 131 corresponding to multiple flow paths 112 included in the valve stem 110 can be formed in the seal 130. Depending on the rotational position of the valve stem 110, the through holes 131 and the flow paths 112 can communicate with each other, thereby ensuring the flow of coolant between the valve stem 110 and the valve body 120.

[0058] Actuator 140 controls the rotation of valve stem 110. As valve stem 110 rotates, at least one of the plurality of flow paths 112 included in valve stem 110 can communicate with at least one of the plurality of through holes 131 included in valve stem 110. Thus, coolant inside valve stem 110 can flow sequentially through flow path 112 and through hole 131 into the interior of valve housing 120, and coolant inside valve housing 120 can flow sequentially through through hole 131 and flow path 112 into the interior of valve stem 110.

[0059] Actuator 140 can be connected to the rotation shaft of valve stem 110, and the rotation of valve stem 110 can be controlled by controlling the rotation of the rotation shaft. Actuator 140 can be mounted outside valve housing 120.

[0060] The structure of the valve stem 110 for the valve device will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a valve stem for a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Reference Figure 4The valve stem 110 for the valve device may include a valve stem body 111, a flow path 112, a connecting part 113, a rotating shaft 114, a sealing contact part 115, an upper cover 116, and a lower cover 117. Figure 4 At least one of the components of the valve stem 110 shown for the valve device, such as the flow path 112, can be connected with... Figure 3 At least one of the components of the valve stem 110 shown for the valve device is the same or similar, and therefore its repeated description will be omitted below.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the flow of coolant to multiple ports of the valve housing can be switched by a valve stem 110 for the valve device, a compact structure of a thermal management system using a single valve device 100 can be achieved.

[0064] The valve stem body 111 can be used as the body of the valve stem 110 for the valve device. That is, the valve stem body 111 can be rotatably disposed inside the valve housing.

[0065] A flow path 112 may be formed in the valve stem body 111. Multiple flow path portions 112 may be formed along the circumferential direction of the valve stem body 111. Depending on the rotational position of the valve stem body 111, the flow path portion 112 may communicate with the through hole of the seal.

[0066] The connecting portion 113 can communicate with the flow path portion 112. In this disclosure, the connecting portion 113 can be defined as the space inside the valve stem body 111. Coolant can be introduced into the connecting portion 113 through the flow path portion 112. Depending on the rotational position of the valve stem body 111, the connecting portion 113 can communicate with the port of the valve housing. Thus, coolant can be introduced from the inlet port of the valve housing into the connecting portion 113, and coolant can be discharged from the connecting portion 113 to the outlet port of the valve housing.

[0067] The rotating shaft 114 is connected to the valve stem body 111. As the rotating shaft 114 rotates, the valve stem body 111 can rotate with it. The rotating shaft 114 can be connected to an actuator. The rotating shaft 114 may include a plurality of gear teeth arranged in a circumferential direction, which can mesh with the actuator.

[0068] The rotating shaft 114 can be located at the center of the valve stem body 111. The center of the valve stem body 111 can be a point on the valve stem body 111 that is equidistant from the outer circumferential surface of the valve stem body 111. The rotating shaft 114 can be configured to pass through the upper and lower parts of the valve stem body 111. Alternatively, the rotating shaft 114 can be integrally formed with the valve stem body 111.

[0069] Figure 3The seal 130 shown can contact the sealing contact 115. The sealing contact 115 can be a surface of the valve stem body 111 facing the seal. The sealing contact 115 can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the valve stem body 111.

[0070] The upper cover 116 can be provided on the upper part of the valve stem body 111. In this case, an upper cover insertion part 111a for inserting the upper cover 116 can be formed on the upper part of the valve stem body 111. The upper cover 116 can be coupled to the valve stem body 111 by being inserted into the upper cover insertion part 111a.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a first passage portion communicating with the communicating portion 113 may be formed on the upper part of the valve stem body 111. In this case, the upper cover 116 may be provided on the upper part of the valve stem body 111 to cover the first passage portion, so that the upper cover 116 can perform the function of sealing the upper part of the valve stem body 111.

[0072] A first through hole 116a for the rotating shaft 114 to pass through can be formed in the upper cover 116. Therefore, the upper cover 116 can be coupled to the valve stem body 111 without interfering with the rotating shaft 114. The upper cover 116 can be formed in an integral disc shape, but it can also be formed in other shapes as long as it can be connected to the upper part of the valve stem body 111.

[0073] The first through hole 116a can be formed in a shape corresponding to the rotating shaft 114, so that the rotating shaft 114 can be inserted into it as a whole. The first through hole 116a can be formed in the center part of the upper cover 116.

[0074] The lower cover 117 can be connected to the lower part of the valve stem body 111. In this case, a lower cover insertion part (not shown) for inserting the lower cover 117 can be formed in the lower part of the valve stem body 111. The lower cover 117 can be coupled to the valve stem body 111 by being inserted into the lower cover insertion part. The lower cover 117 can be formed in an integral disc shape, but it can also be formed in other shapes as long as it can be connected to the lower part of the valve stem body 111.

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a second passage portion communicating with the communicating portion 113 may be formed in the lower part of the valve stem body 111. In this case, the lower cover 117 may be provided in the lower part of the valve stem body 111 to cover the second passage portion, so that the lower cover 117 can perform the function of sealing the lower part of the valve stem body 111.

[0076] Traditionally, the valve stem 110 is manufactured by injecting resin into a mold. In this injection molding process, the flow path 112 and / or the connecting portion 113 must be formed through a so-called sliding structure within the core of the valve stem 110. That is, for example, the flow path 112 and / or the connecting portion 113 must be formed by sliding injection molding on the side of the valve stem body 111. The problem with this is that the design freedom of the flow path 112 and / or the connecting portion 113 may be reduced, and the fluid flow resistance inside the valve stem body 111 may be increased.

[0077] According to embodiments of the present invention, the flow path portion 112 and / or the connecting portion 113 can be formed by the movement of the upper core and / or lower core of the valve stem 110. For example, in this disclosure, the flow path portion 112 and / or the connecting portion 113 can be formed not only by sliding injection molding on the side of the valve stem body 111, but also by sliding injection molding on the first passage portion at the upper part of the valve stem body 111 and / or the second passage portion at the lower part of the valve stem body 111. Therefore, the design freedom of the flow path portion 112 and / or the connecting portion 113 can be increased, and the fluid flow resistance inside the valve stem body 111 can be reduced.

[0078] Figure 5 This is a top perspective view of a valve stem for a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Reference Figure 5 The valve stem 110 for the valve device may include a valve stem body 111, a flow path portion 112, a connecting portion 113, a rotating shaft 114, a sealing contact portion 115, an upper cover 116, and a lower cover 117. Because... Figure 5 At least one of the components of the valve stem 110 shown for the valve device, such as the flow path 112, has been described above and will therefore be omitted from the following description.

[0080] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve stem body 111 can be coupled to the upper cover 116 by fusion bonding. Therefore, the valve stem body 111 and the upper cover 116 can be integrally connected without gaps. In this disclosure, "gapless connection" can mean that the components are coupled to each other such that gaps are minimized, preventing fluids such as coolant from flowing between the components. Therefore, the possibility of coolant being introduced into the valve stem body 111 or discharged to the outside of the valve stem body 111 through the space between the valve stem body 111 and the upper cover 116 can be reduced. For example, the valve stem body 111 can be coupled to the upper cover 116 by ultrasonic fusion bonding.

[0081] Furthermore, since the upper cover 116 is fused to the valve stem body 111, Figure 4The size of the upper cover insertion portion 111a shown can be equal to or greater than the size of the upper cover 116. Even if the size of the upper cover 116 and the size of the upper cover insertion portion are different from each other within a predetermined range and a tolerance is generated, the upper cover 116 is integrally connected to the valve stem body 111 without gaps by a fusion bonding process, thus ensuring the sealing performance between the upper cover 116 and the valve stem body 111.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the upper cover 116 may be disposed in a region spaced apart from the rotating shaft 114 and the sealing contact portion 115. Specifically, the upper cover 116 may be disposed in a region that does not contact the first portion 114a of the rotating shaft 114 and the first portion 115a of the sealing contact portion 115. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the rotating shaft 114 and the sealing contact portion 115 during the fusion bonding process of the upper cover 116 with the upper part of the valve stem body 111 can be reduced. The first portion 114a of the rotating shaft 114 may be through... Figure 4 The upper part of the rotating shaft 114 of the through hole 116a shown.

[0083] The sealing contact portion 115 may include a first portion 115a, a second portion 115b, and a third portion 115c.

[0084] The first part 115a may be the portion of the valve stem body 111 located at the upper part of the valve stem body 111 and facing the seal. The first part 115a may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the valve stem body 111.

[0085] A cover insertion portion can be formed inside the first portion 115a, and the cover 116 can be inserted into the cover insertion portion formed inside the first portion 115a. That is, the cover 116 can be formed to have a size smaller than that of the first portion 115a in the circumferential direction relative to the valve stem body 111.

[0086] The second part 115b may be the portion of the valve stem body 111 located at the lower part of the valve stem body 111 and facing the seal. The second part 115b may be located opposite to the first part 115a and may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the valve stem body 111.

[0087] A lower cover insertion portion can be formed inside the second part 115b, and the lower cover 117 can be inserted into the lower cover insertion portion formed inside the second part 115b. That is, the lower cover 117 can be formed to have a size smaller than that of the second part 115b in the circumferential direction relative to the valve stem body 111.

[0088] The third part 115c can connect to the first part 115a and the second part 115b. Multiple third parts 115c can be arranged along the circumferential direction of the valve stem body 111, and the flow path 112 can be located between a pair of adjacent third parts 115c. The third part 115c, the second part 115b, and the first part 115a can also be integrally formed.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first portion 115a and the third portion 115c can be interconnected as continuous surfaces without any steps between them. Furthermore, the second portion 115b and the third portion 115c can be interconnected as continuous surfaces without any steps between them. In this case, the first portion 115a and the third portion 115c can be formed at the same radial distance from the rotation axis 114, and the second portion 115b and the third portion 115c can also be formed at the same radial distance from the rotation axis 114. Therefore, the sealing performance between the sealing contact portion 115 and the seal can be improved.

[0090] Traditionally, in the conventional process of manufacturing the valve stem 110 by injecting resin into a mold, a parting line is created due to the sliding structure of the inner core of the valve stem 110. This parting line forms a step between the first portion 115a and the third portion 115c, or between the second portion 115b and the third portion 115c. This parting line creates a gap between the sealing contact 115 and the seal, causing a problem of coolant passing between the sealing contact 115 and the seal.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since a sliding structure for the inner core of the valve stem 110 is not required, the first portion 115a and the third portion 115c can be connected without steps, and the second portion 115b and the third portion 115c can also be connected without steps. Therefore, the sealing performance between the sealing contact portion 115 and the seal can be improved, and the possibility of coolant passing between the sealing contact portion 115 and the seal can be reduced.

[0092] Figure 6 This is a bottom perspective view of a valve stem for a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Reference Figure 6 The valve stem 110 for the valve device may include a valve stem body 111, a flow path portion 112, a connecting portion 113, a rotating shaft 114, a sealing contact portion 115, an upper cover 116, a lower cover 117, and a protrusion 118. Because Figure 5 At least one of the components of the valve stem 110 shown for the valve device has been described above, and therefore its repeated description will be omitted below.

[0094] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the valve stem body 111 can be coupled to the lower cover 117 by fusion bonding. Therefore, the valve stem body 111 and the lower cover 117 can be integrally connected without gaps. Thus, the possibility of coolant being introduced into the valve stem body 111 or discharged to the outside of the valve stem body 111 through the space between the valve stem body 111 and the lower cover 117 can be reduced.

[0095] Furthermore, since the lower cover 117 is fused together with the valve stem body 111, the size of the lower cover insertion portion can be equal to or greater than the size of the lower cover 117. Even if the size of the lower cover 117 and the size of the lower cover insertion portion differ from each other within a predetermined range and thus cause tolerances, the lower cover 117 is integrally connected to the valve stem body 111 without gaps through the fusion bonding process, thereby ensuring the sealing performance between the lower cover 117 and the valve stem body 111.

[0096] A second through hole 117a can be formed in the lower cover 117 for the second portion 114b of the rotating shaft 114 to pass through. Therefore, the lower cover 117 can be coupled to the valve stem body 111 without interfering with the rotating shaft 114.

[0097] The second through hole 117a can be formed such that the second portion 114b of the rotating shaft 114 can be inserted integrally. In one embodiment, the second through hole 117a can extend in one direction. The second through hole 117a can extend in one direction from the center portion of the upper cover 116. The second through hole 117a can pass through one side and the other side of the lower cover 117.

[0098] The protrusion 118 can also pass through the second through hole 117a. Therefore, the lower cover 117 can be coupled to the valve stem body 111 without interfering with the protrusion 118. For example, the protrusion 118 can function as a stop that restricts rotation of the valve stem body 111. The protrusion 118 can be connected to the valve stem body 111 to protrude below the lower cover 117.

[0099] According to an embodiment of the invention, the lower cover 117 may be disposed in a region spaced apart from at least one of the rotating shaft 114, the sealing contact portion 115, and the protrusion 118. Specifically, the lower cover 117 may be disposed in a region that does not contact the second portion 114b of the rotating shaft 114, the second portion 115b of the sealing contact portion 115, and the protrusion 118. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the rotating shaft 114, the sealing contact portion 115, and the protrusion 118 during the fusion bonding process of the lower cover 117 to the lower part of the valve stem body 111 can be reduced. The second portion 114b of the rotating shaft 114 may be the portion facing the lower part of the rotating shaft 114.

[0100] The embodiments or other embodiments described above are not mutually exclusive or different. Various configurations or functions of the embodiments or other embodiments described above can be used together or combined with each other.

[0101] For example, this means that configuration A described in a particular implementation and / or figure can be combined with configuration B described in another implementation and / or figure. That is, even if the combination between configurations is not directly described, these configurations can be combined unless such a combination is impossible to describe.

[0102] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but rather as illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A valve stem for a valve device, comprising: The valve stem body includes multiple flow passages and is rotatably disposed inside the valve housing, wherein the flow passages are in communication with multiple ports formed in the valve housing for the passage of coolant; The upper cover is located on the upper part of the valve stem body; as well as The lower cover is located at the lower part of the valve stem body. At least one of the upper cover and the lower cover is fused to the valve stem body.

2. The valve stem for the valve device according to claim 1, further comprising: A rotating shaft is connected to the valve stem body to rotate together with the valve stem body. The upper cover has a first through hole through which at least a portion of the rotating shaft passes.

3. The valve stem for a valve device according to claim 1, wherein, A cover insertion portion is formed on the upper part of the valve stem body for inserting the cover.

4. The valve stem for a valve device according to claim 3, wherein, The size of the upper cover insertion part is equal to or greater than the size of the upper cover.

5. The valve stem for the valve device according to claim 1, further comprising: A rotating shaft is connected to the valve stem body to rotate together with the valve stem body. A second through hole is formed in the lower cover for at least a portion of the rotating shaft to pass through.

6. The valve stem for a valve device according to claim 5, wherein, A protrusion is connected to the valve stem body to protrude below the lower cover, and the protrusion also passes through the second through hole.

7. The valve stem for a valve device according to claim 1, wherein, A lower cover insertion part is formed at the lower part of the valve stem body for inserting the lower cover.

8. The valve stem for a valve device according to claim 7, wherein, The size of the lower cover insertion part is equal to or greater than the size of the lower cover.

9. The valve stem for the valve device according to claim 1, further comprising: The sealing contact portion contacts the seal disposed between the valve stem body and the valve housing. The sealing contact portion includes a first portion located on the upper part of the valve stem body and arranged along the circumferential direction of the valve stem body, a second portion located opposite to the first portion and arranged along the circumferential direction of the valve stem body, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.

10. The valve stem for a valve device according to claim 9, wherein, The first part and the third part are connected to each other without any steps.

11. The valve stem for a valve device according to claim 9, wherein, The first part and the third part are at the same radial distance from a rotation axis, which is connected to the valve stem body to rotate together with the valve stem body.

12. The valve stem for a valve device according to claim 9, wherein, The second part and the third part are connected to each other without any steps.

13. The valve stem for a valve device according to claim 9, wherein, The second part and the third part are at the same radial distance from a rotation axis, which is connected to the valve stem body to rotate together with the valve stem body.

14. The valve stem for the valve device according to claim 1, further comprising: A rotating shaft is connected to the valve stem body to rotate together with the valve stem body; as well as The sealing contact portion contacts the seal disposed between the valve stem body and the valve housing. The upper cover is located in an area spaced apart from the rotating shaft and the sealing contact portion.

15. The valve stem for the valve device according to claim 14, further comprising: The protrusion connects to the valve stem body and protrudes below the lower cover. The lower cover is located in an area spaced apart from the rotating shaft, the sealing contact portion, and the protrusion.

16. A valve device, comprising: The valve body is connected to a reservoir for coolant circulation; A valve stem includes a valve stem body, an upper cover disposed on the upper part of the valve stem body, and a lower cover disposed on the lower part of the valve stem body, wherein the valve stem body includes a plurality of flow passage portions communicating with a plurality of ports formed in the valve housing and is rotatably disposed inside the valve housing; A sealing element is disposed between the valve stem and the valve body and has a through hole communicating with any one of the plurality of flow paths; as well as An actuator is configured to control the rotation of the valve stem. At least one of the upper cover and the lower cover is fused to the valve stem body.

Images