Multi-way valve and thermal management system

Abstract

The utility model provides a multi-way valve and a thermal management system. The multi-way valve provided by the utility model comprises a valve body provided with a plurality of valve ports; the valve element is located in the valve body and can rotate among a plurality of working positions relative to the valve body, the valve element is a ball valve element, the valve element can be communicated with at least two of the valve ports when located at different working positions, and the valve ports are oriented in the same direction. According to the multi-way valve, switching of the multi-way valve among different working modes can be achieved, the situation that in the prior art, multiple components such as multiple stop valves and / or three-way valves are adopted to achieve switching among the different working modes is avoided, the product integration degree is improved, the multiple valve ports of the multi-way valve are arranged to be oriented in the same direction, and the product quality is improved. Therefore, the multi-way valve can be directly inserted / butted and communicated with an external part, additional pipelines are not needed for connection, pipeline arrangement is simplified / omitted, the system structure is optimized, the multi-way valve is convenient to install, and installation working hours are saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a multi-way valve and a thermal management system including the multi-way valve. Background Art

[0002] In automotive thermal management systems, multiple shut-off valves and / or three-way valves are usually used in combination with pipelines to achieve switching and control of fluid circuits in the thermal management system. However, this method not only increases the difficulty of assembly, but also makes the automotive thermal management system complex, difficult to control, and occupies a large space. In order to overcome the above defects, some multi-way valves have appeared on the market, but when the multi-way valve is installed in the automotive thermal management system, the multiple valve ports of the multi-way valve cannot be directly connected and connected to the flow channel plate, and additional pipelines need to be used for connection, which makes the installation of the multi-way valve extremely inconvenient.

[0003] Therefore, those skilled in the art are committed to developing a new type of multi-way valve, which can not only improve the integration level and reduce the cost but also solve the above-mentioned defects of the prior art. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a multi-way valve, which can not only replace the arrangement of multiple stop valves and / or three-way valves in the prior art, realize switching between different working modes, and improve product integration, but also the multiple valve ports of the multi-way valve are oriented in the same direction, so that the multi-way valve can be directly plugged / docked and connected to external components (such as a flow channel plate) without the need for additional pipelines for connection, thereby simplifying / omitting pipeline layout, optimizing system structure, facilitating installation, and saving installation time.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a multi-way valve, which includes: a valve body having a plurality of valve ports; and a valve core located in the valve body and capable of rotating between a plurality of working positions relative to the valve body, wherein the valve core is a ball valve core, wherein the valve core can connect at least two of the plurality of valve ports when located at different working positions, and the plurality of valve ports are oriented in the same direction.

[0006] The multi-way valve according to the present disclosure may also have one or more of the following features alone or in combination.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the multiple valve ports are arranged on the same mounting plane.

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the multiple valve ports include a fluid inlet and a multiple fluid outlets, the valve body has a valve cavity for accommodating the valve core, and a multiple communication ports corresponding to the multiple fluid outlets are arranged on the side wall of the valve cavity.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the communication port is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet via a channel.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the multiple fluid outlets include a first fluid outlet, a second fluid outlet, and a third fluid outlet, and the multiple connecting ports include: a first connecting port connected to the first fluid outlet through a first channel, a second connecting port connected to the second fluid outlet through a second channel, and a third connecting port connected to the third fluid outlet through a third channel.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the communication port axes of the first communication port coincide with the communication port axis of the third communication port, and the communication port axis of the second communication port is perpendicular to the communication port axis of the first communication port.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the valve core is spherical, having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a spherical side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall, and the valve core includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel connected to each other, the first flow channel includes a first flow channel opening located on the spherical side wall, and the second flow channel includes a second flow channel opening located on the bottom wall.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the valve core has an escape space, the escape space is located in the first flow channel, the escape space has a first boundary and a second boundary in the valve core, and the angle between the first boundary and the second boundary is between 150 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first communication port, the second communication port, and the third communication port are distributed at equal angles around the axis of the fluid inlet.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the valve core is spherical, having a top wall, a bottom wall, and a spherical side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall, and the valve core includes a first flow channel and a second flow channel connected to each other, the first flow channel includes a first flow channel opening located on the spherical side wall, and the second flow channel includes a second flow channel opening located on the bottom wall.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the valve core has an escape space, the escape space is located in the first flow channel, the escape space has a first boundary and a second boundary in the valve core, and the angle between the first boundary and the second boundary is 120 degrees.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is located in the first working position, the multi-way valve is in a first working mode. In the first working mode: the first channel opening of the first channel is connected to the first fluid outlet, and the second channel opening of the second channel is connected to the fluid inlet, so that the first fluid outlet is connected to the fluid inlet.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is located in the second working position, the multi-way valve is in a second working mode. In the second working mode: the first channel opening of the first channel is connected to the third fluid outlet, and the second channel opening of the second channel is connected to the fluid inlet, so that the third fluid outlet is connected to the fluid inlet.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is located at the third working position, the multi-way valve is in the third working mode, in which: the first channel opening of the first channel connects the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet, and the second channel opening of the second channel connects the fluid inlet, so that the first fluid outlet, the second fluid outlet and the fluid inlet are connected, wherein, in the third working mode, the flow rates of the first fluid outlet and the second fluid outlet can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first channel opening and the first connecting port and the second connecting port.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is located at the fourth working position, the multi-way valve is in a fourth working mode, in which: the first channel opening of the first channel connects the second fluid outlet and the third fluid outlet, and the second channel opening of the second channel connects the fluid inlet, so that the second fluid outlet, the third fluid outlet and the fluid inlet are connected, wherein, in the fourth working mode, the flow rates of the second fluid outlet and the third fluid outlet can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first channel opening with the second connecting port and the third connecting port.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is located at the fifth working position, the multi-way valve is in the fifth working mode, in which: the first channel opening of the first channel connects the first fluid outlet, the second fluid outlet and the third fluid outlet, and the second channel opening of the second channel connects the fluid inlet, so that the first fluid outlet, the second fluid outlet, the third fluid outlet and the fluid inlet are connected, wherein, in the fifth working mode, the flow rates of the first fluid outlet and the third fluid outlet can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first channel opening with the first connecting port and the third connecting port.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is in the fifth working position, the multi-way valve is in the fifth working mode, in which: the first channel opening of the first channel is connected to the second fluid outlet, and the second channel opening of the second channel is connected to the fluid inlet, so that the second fluid outlet is connected to the fluid inlet.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, when the valve core is located at the sixth working position, the multi-way valve is in the sixth working mode, in which: the first channel opening of the first channel connects the first fluid outlet and the third fluid outlet, and the second channel opening of the second channel connects the fluid inlet, so that the first fluid outlet, the third fluid outlet and the fluid inlet are connected, wherein, in the sixth working mode, the flow rates of the first fluid outlet and the third fluid outlet can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first channel opening with the first connecting port and the third connecting port.

[0024] The present disclosure further provides a thermal management system, which includes: a flow channel plate; and the aforementioned multi-way valve, wherein a plurality of fluid outlets and a fluid inlet of the multi-way valve are plugged into the flow channel plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A perspective view of a multi-way valve according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 A perspective view of a multi-way valve according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure at another viewing angle is shown;

[0027] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a valve body according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 4 A perspective view of a valve body according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure at another viewing angle is shown;

[0029] Figure 5 A perspective view of a valve core according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 6 A perspective view of the valve core according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure at another viewing angle is shown;

[0031] Figure 7 A perspective view of the valve core at a third viewing angle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 8 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of a valve core according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram showing the assembly of a valve core into a valve body according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Fig.10 A schematic diagram showing the arrangement of a valve core, a sealing member and a sealing positioning member according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Fig.11A perspective view of a multi-way valve according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure without an actuator is shown;

[0036] Fig.12 A schematic diagram showing a flow state of a multi-way valve in a first working mode according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the valve core is located in a first working position;

[0037] Fig.13 A schematic diagram showing a flow state of the multi-way valve in the second working mode according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the valve core is located in the second working position;

[0038] Fig.14 A schematic diagram showing a flow state of the multi-way valve in the third working mode according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the valve core is located at the third working position;

[0039] Fig.15 A schematic diagram showing a flow state of the multi-way valve in the fourth working mode according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the valve core is located at the fourth working position;

[0040] Fig.16 A schematic diagram showing a flow state of the multi-way valve in the fifth working mode according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the valve core is located at the fifth working position;

[0041] Fig.17 shows a perspective view of a multi-way valve according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig.18 shows a perspective view of a valve body according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Fig.19 shows a top view of a valve body according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig. 20 A perspective view of a valve core according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0045] Fig.21 shows a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a valve core according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig. 22 A schematic diagram showing a flow state of a multi-way valve in a fifth working mode according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the valve core is located at a fifth working position;

[0047] Fig.23 A schematic diagram showing a flow state of a multi-way valve in a sixth working mode according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the valve core is in a sixth working position;

[0048] Fig.24A perspective view of a thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The following describes the implementation of the present disclosure through specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present disclosure from the contents disclosed in this specification.

[0050] It should be noted that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc. illustrated in the drawings attached to this specification are only used to match the contents disclosed in the specification for the understanding and reading of those skilled in the art, and are not used to limit the conditions under which the present disclosure can be implemented. Therefore, they have no substantive technical significance. Any structural modification, change in proportional relationship or adjustment of size should still fall within the scope of the technical contents disclosed in the present disclosure without affecting the effects and purposes that can be achieved by the present disclosure.

[0051] For the convenience of description, the drawings of the present disclosure simplify or omit components commonly used in the art accordingly, and these omitted or simplified components do not affect the understanding of the contents of the present disclosure by those skilled in the art.

[0052] The present disclosure provides a multi-way valve that can be used in an automotive thermal management system. Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0053] See also Figures 1 to 7 The multi-way valve 1 includes a valve body 10 and a valve core 20 located inside the valve body 10 and capable of rotating between multiple working positions relative to the valve body 10. The valve body 10 has multiple valve ports, and the multiple valve ports are arranged on the same mounting plane 100. Such an arrangement enables the multiple valve ports of the multi-way valve 1 to be directly connected to external components (such as a flow channel plate), simplifies the pipeline arrangement, optimizes the system structure, and avoids the problem of inconvenience in installation caused by the additional use of pipelines to connect external components. When the valve core 20 is located at different working positions, it can connect at least two of the multiple valve ports, thereby realizing the switching of the fluid circuit (or working mode), which is easy to control and simple to assemble, and can simplify the pipeline structure, improve the integration, and reduce the occupied space.

[0054] Specifically, see Figures 1 to 4, the multiple valve ports of the valve body 10 include a fluid inlet V4 and multiple fluid outlets. The valve body 10 has a valve cavity for accommodating the valve core 20, and a plurality of communication ports corresponding to the multiple fluid outlets are arranged on the side wall of the valve cavity, and each communication port is connected to the corresponding fluid outlet via a channel fluid; a fluid inlet V4 penetrating the bottom wall is arranged at the center of the bottom wall of the valve cavity. In one embodiment, the multiple fluid outlets may include a first fluid outlet V1, a second fluid outlet V2, and a third fluid outlet V3, wherein the first fluid outlet V1, the fluid inlet V4, and the third fluid outlet V3 are approximately on the same straight line (e.g., a first straight line), and the second fluid outlet V2 and the fluid inlet V4 are on another straight line (e.g., a second straight line), wherein the second straight line is perpendicular to the first straight line, so that the multiple valve ports approximately form a T-shape. The multiple communicating ports include a first communicating port 11, a second communicating port 12 and a third communicating port 13, wherein the first communicating port 11 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1 through a first channel, the second communicating port 12 is connected to the second fluid outlet V2 through a second channel, and the third communicating port 13 is connected to the third fluid outlet V3 through a third channel. Such an arrangement enables the first to third fluid outlets V1, V2, and V3 to be connected to the valve chamber.

[0055] Please continue to see Figure 3 and Figure 4 The first communicating port 11 is directly opposite to the third communicating port 13, the communicating port axis of the first communicating port 11 coincides with the communicating port axis of the third communicating port 13, the second communicating port 12 is roughly located on the central axis (symmetry line) of the first communicating port 11 and the second communicating port 13, and the communicating port axis of the second communicating port 12 is perpendicular to the communicating port axes of the first and third communicating ports 11 and 13.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 3 and Fig.11 The top of the valve body 10 is provided with an opening so that the valve core 20 can be placed inside the valve body 10 through the opening. Correspondingly, the multi-way valve 1 can also include a valve body top cover 50 for blocking the opening of the valve body 10, and the valve body top cover 50 can be connected to the top of the valve body 10 through a locking element such as a screw to fix the valve core 20 in the valve body 10.

[0057] See also Figures 5 to 7, the valve core 20 may be a ball valve core. Specifically, the valve core 20 may be roughly spherical and can rotate relative to the valve body 10. The spherical valve core 20 has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a spherical side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall. The valve core 20 includes a first flow channel 21 and a second flow channel 22, which are used to connect different valve ports on the valve body 10 to form a fluid circuit. The first flow channel 21 may be an open chamber in the valve core 20, and the chamber has a first flow channel opening 210 located on the spherical side wall, which is used to connect at least one of the first, second and third fluid outlets V1, V2 and V3; the second flow channel 22 may be a channel in the valve core 20 that connects to the first flow channel 21, and the second flow channel 22 has a second flow channel opening 220 located on the bottom wall of the valve core 20, which is used to connect to the fluid inlet V4. In order to ensure that the second flow channel 22 is always connected to the fluid inlet V4 when the valve core 20 is in different working positions, the second flow channel 22, especially the second flow channel opening 220, is arranged at the center of the bottom wall of the valve core 20. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, as long as the second flow channel opening 220 is always connected to the fluid inlet V4.

[0058] See also Figure 8 In order to reduce the flow resistance of the fluid in the valve core 20, the valve core 20 may be provided with an avoidance space 200 in the first flow channel 21 to avoid the fluid entering the valve core 20 from the second flow channel 22 and reduce the fluid resistance. Specifically, the avoidance space 200 has a first boundary 201 and a second boundary 202 in the valve core, and the angle α between the first boundary 201 and the second boundary 202 is approximately in the range of 150 degrees to 180 degrees; preferably, the angle α may be approximately in the range of 160 degrees to 170 degrees; more preferably, the angle α may be approximately 160 degrees. It should be noted that the intersection of the first boundary 201 and the second boundary 202 may adopt an arc transition to further reduce the flow resistance. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to this, as long as the first flow channel 21 and the second flow channel 22 are connected to each other.

[0059] See also Fig. 9, the multi-way valve 1 may further include at least one sealing member 40, which is disposed at the periphery of at least one of the first communication port 11, the second communication port 12, and the third communication port 13, so as to realize the sealed connection between the valve body 10 and the valve core 20. In one embodiment, the multi-way valve 1 includes three sealing members 40, which are respectively disposed at the peripheries of the first communication port 11, the second communication port 12, and the third communication port 13, so as to realize the sealed connection between the first fluid outlet V1, the second fluid outlet V2, and the third fluid outlet V3 and the corresponding flow channels of the valve core 20, and the position corresponding to the fluid inlet V4 in the valve cavity does not need to be provided with a sealing member 40, which can effectively avoid the problem of fluid cross-flow between the valve core 20 and the valve body 10 causing internal leakage, and can also reduce costs and facilitate installation; in addition, since the position corresponding to the fluid inlet V4 in the valve cavity is not provided with a sealing member 40, and the fluid inlet V4 is always connected to the valve cavity, the fluid can be filled in the upper and lower areas of the valve core 20 in the valve body 10, thereby balancing the pressure of the fluid on the axial direction of the valve core 20, thereby reducing the rotation resistance of the valve core 20.

[0060] See also Fig.10 The multi-way valve 1 may further include a sealing positioning member 41 for positioning the sealing member 40 so that the sealing member 40 is fixed at the periphery of the first connecting port 11, the second connecting port 12 and the third connecting port 13 to avoid the problem of misalignment of the sealing member 40 during the rotation of the valve core 20, resulting in internal leakage of the fluid.

[0061] The above-mentioned embodiments are mainly described by taking the multi-way valve 1 including the seal 40 as an example, however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the multi-way valve 1 may also not include the seal 40, and only realize the sealed connection between the first, second and third fluid outlets V1, V2 and V3 of the valve body 10 and the corresponding flow channels of the valve core 20 through the higher matching accuracy between the valve body 10 and the valve core 20.

[0062] Please return to see Figure 1 and Figure 2 The multi-way valve 1 further includes an actuator 30 for driving the valve core 20 to rotate between different working positions. In one embodiment, the actuator 30 may include a stepping motor to control the rotation angle of the valve core 20. Specifically, a driving portion 23 (such as a driving portion 23) is provided on the top wall of the valve core 20. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the driving portion 23 penetrates the valve body top cover 20 and is connected (eg, splined) to the output shaft of the actuator 30 to drive the valve core 20 to rotate relative to the valve body 10 through the actuator 30 .

[0063] The following will combine Figures 12 to 16 The five working modes of the multi-way valve 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0064] Fig.12The figure shows a flow state diagram of the multi-way valve 1 when the valve core 20 is in the first working position, that is, the first working mode of the multi-way valve 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 20 is in the first working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second flow opening 220 of the second flow channel 22 in the valve core 20, and the first flow channel opening 210 of the first flow channel 21 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1 of the valve body 10, that is, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1 via the second flow channel 22 and the first flow channel 21 of the valve core 20, and the fluid can flow into the multi-way valve 1 from the fluid inlet V4 and flow out from the first fluid outlet V1, as shown in FIG. Fig.12 As shown by the arrow in . It can be seen that when the valve core 20 is in the first working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1, and the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3 are not connected to any other valve ports, and the multi-way valve 1 is in the first working mode.

[0065] Fig.13 The figure shows a flow state diagram of the multi-way valve 1 when the valve core 20 is in the second working position, that is, the second working mode of the multi-way valve 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 20 is in the second working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second flow opening 220 of the second flow channel 22 in the valve core 20, and the first flow channel opening 210 of the first flow channel 21 is connected to the third fluid outlet V3 of the valve body 10, that is, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the third fluid outlet V3 via the second flow channel 22 and the first flow channel 21 of the valve core 20, and the fluid can flow into the multi-way valve 1 from the fluid inlet V4 and flow out from the third fluid outlet V3, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 , when the valve core 20 is in the second working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the third fluid outlet V3, and the first fluid outlet V1 and the second fluid outlet V2 are not connected to any other valve ports, and the multi-way valve 1 is in the second working mode.

[0066] Fig.14 The figure shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of the multi-way valve 1 when the valve core 20 is in the third working position, that is, the third working mode of the multi-way valve 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 20 is in the third working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second flow opening 220 of the second flow channel 22 in the valve core 20, and the first flow channel opening 210 of the first flow channel 21 is simultaneously connected to the first fluid outlet V1 and the second fluid outlet V2 of the valve body 10, that is, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1 and the second fluid outlet V2 via the second flow channel 22 and the first flow channel 21 of the valve core 20, and the fluid can flow into the multi-way valve 1 from the fluid inlet V4 and flow out from the first fluid outlet V1 and the second fluid outlet V2, as shown in FIG. Fig.13As shown by the arrow in . It can be seen that when the valve core 20 is in the third working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1 and the second fluid outlet V2, and the third fluid outlet V3 is not connected to any other valve ports, and the multi-way valve 1 is in the third working mode.

[0067] It should be noted that when the multi-way valve 1 is in the third working mode, the flow rates of the first fluid outlet V1 and the second fluid outlet V2 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the valve core 20, especially adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening 210 and the first connecting port 11 and the second connecting port 12, so as to achieve different flow distributions between different valve ports (i.e., different fluid outlets) of the multi-way valve 1.

[0068] Fig.15 The figure shows a flow state diagram of the multi-way valve 1 when the valve core 20 is in the fourth working position, that is, the fourth working mode of the multi-way valve 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 20 is in the fourth working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second flow opening 220 of the second flow channel 22 in the valve core 20, and the first flow channel opening 210 of the first flow channel 21 is simultaneously connected to the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3 of the valve body 10, that is, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3 via the second flow channel 22 and the first flow channel 21 of the valve core 20, and the fluid can flow into the multi-way valve 1 from the fluid inlet V4 and flow out from the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 As shown by the arrow in . It can be seen that when the valve core 20 is in the fourth working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3, and the first fluid outlet V1 is not connected to any other valve ports, and the multi-way valve 1 is in the fourth working mode.

[0069] It should be noted that when the multi-way valve 1 is in the fourth working mode, the flow rates of the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the valve core 20, especially adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening 210 and the second connecting port 12 and the third connecting port 13, so as to achieve different flow distributions between different valve ports (i.e., different fluid outlets) of the multi-way valve 1.

[0070] Fig.16The figure shows a schematic diagram of the flow state of the multi-way valve 1 when the valve core 20 is in the fifth working position, that is, the fifth working mode of the multi-way valve 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 20 is in the fifth working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second flow opening 220 of the second flow channel 22 in the valve core 20, and the first flow channel opening 210 of the first flow channel 21 is simultaneously connected to the first fluid outlet V1, the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3 of the valve body 10, that is, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1, the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3 via the second flow channel 22 and the first flow channel 21 of the valve core 20, and the fluid can flow into the multi-way valve 1 from the fluid inlet V4 and flow out from the first fluid outlet V1, the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown by the arrow in FIG. 1 , when the valve core 20 is located at the fifth working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1 , the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3 , and the multi-way valve 1 is in the fifth working mode.

[0071] It should be noted that when the multi-way valve 1 is in the fifth working mode, the flow rates of the first fluid outlet V1 and the third fluid outlet V3 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the valve core 20, especially adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening 210 and the first connecting port 11 and the third connecting port 13, so as to achieve different flow distributions between different valve ports (i.e., different fluid outlets) of the multi-way valve 1.

[0072] As described above, the valve core 20 is located in the valve body 10 and can rotate relative to the valve body 10 between the first to fifth working positions, so that the multi-way valve 1 can be switched between the first to fifth working modes. This design is not only simple to assemble and has low cost, but also easy to control and can simplify the pipeline structure, improve product integration, and avoid the problem of using multiple stop valves and / or three-way valves and other components in the prior art to switch the above working modes.

[0073] The following will describe different embodiments of the present disclosure. To simplify the description, the following mainly describes the differences between the embodiments, and the similarities are not repeated. In addition, the same elements in the embodiments of the present disclosure are marked with the same reference numerals to facilitate comparison between the embodiments.

[0074] Fig.17 A stereoscopic view of a multi-way valve 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. As shown in the figure, the multi-way valve 1 according to the second embodiment is mainly different from the first embodiment in the relative positions of the communication ports on the valve body 10 and the relative positions of the valve ports.

[0075] Specifically, see Figures 17 to 19The valve body 10 also includes four valve ports arranged on the same installation plane 100, namely a fluid inlet V4, a first fluid outlet V1, a second fluid outlet V2 and a third fluid outlet V3, wherein the first fluid outlet V1, the second fluid outlet V2 and the third fluid outlet V3 are distributed at equal angles around the fluid inlet V4, that is, the angle between any two of the first connecting line between the first fluid outlet V1 and the fluid inlet V4, the second connecting line between the second fluid outlet V2 and the fluid inlet V4, and the third connecting line between the third fluid outlet V3 and the fluid inlet V4 is 120 degrees, so that the fluid outlets are evenly distributed around the fluid inlet V4. The side wall of the valve cavity of the valve body 10 is also provided with a first communication port 11, a second communication port 12 and a third communication port 13, and the three communication ports 11, 12, 13 are distributed at equal angles around the axis of the fluid inlet V4, that is, the angle between any two of the communication port axes of the first communication port 11, the second communication port 12 and the third communication port 13 is 120 degrees, so that the three communication ports 11, 12, 13 are evenly distributed on the side wall of the valve cavity. The first communication port 11 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1 through the first channel, the second communication port 12 is connected to the second fluid outlet V2 through the second channel, and the third communication port 13 is connected to the third three-dimensional outlet V3 through the third channel.

[0076] Since the relative positions between the communication ports of the valve body 10 and the relative positions between the valve ports are different from those of the first embodiment, the valve core 20 of this embodiment is also different from that of the first embodiment. Fig. 20 The valve core 20 may be roughly spherical, and have a top wall, a bottom wall, and a spherical side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall. The valve core 20 includes a first flow channel 21 and a second flow channel 22, which are used to connect different valve ports on the valve body 10 to form a fluid circuit. The first flow channel 21 may be an open chamber in the valve core 20, and the chamber has a first flow channel opening 210 located on the spherical side wall, which is used to connect one or two of the first, second and third fluid outlets V1, V2 and V3; the second flow channel 22 may be a channel in the valve core 20 that connects to the first flow channel 21, and the second flow channel 22 has a second flow channel opening 220 located on the bottom wall of the valve core, which is used to connect to the fluid inlet V4. In order to ensure that the second flow channel 22 is always connected to the fluid inlet V4 when the valve core 20 is in different working positions, the present disclosure sets the second flow channel 22, especially the second flow channel opening 220, at the center of the bottom wall of the valve core 20. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, as long as the second flow channel opening 220 is always connected to the fluid inlet V4.

[0077] See also Fig.21In order to reduce the flow resistance of the fluid in the valve core 20, the valve core 20 may be provided with an avoidance space 200 in the first flow channel 21 to avoid the fluid entering the valve core 20 from the second flow channel 22 and reduce the fluid resistance. Specifically, the avoidance space 200 has a first boundary 201 and a second boundary 202 in the valve core, and the angle α between the first boundary 201 and the second boundary 202 is approximately 120 degrees. The intersection of the first boundary 201 and the second boundary 202 may adopt an arc transition to further reduce the flow resistance. Of course, the present disclosure is not limited to this, as long as the first flow channel 21 and the second flow channel 22 are connected to each other.

[0078] Please continue to see Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The valve core 20 of the present disclosure may further include a support member 23, which is located in the first flow channel 21 and supported between the upper wall and the lower wall of the first flow channel 21, so as to improve the structural strength of the valve core 20 and prevent the valve core 20 from being deformed due to the larger first flow channel 21.

[0079] In addition to the above-mentioned valve body 10 and valve core 20 being different from those in the first embodiment, the working mode of the multi-way valve 1 described in this embodiment is also different from that in the first embodiment. Specifically, the multi-way valve 1 of this embodiment has six working modes, among which the first to fourth working modes (i.e., the communication state of the valve port) are exactly the same as the first to fourth working modes in the first embodiment, so they are not repeated here. The fifth working mode and the sixth working mode of the multi-way valve 1 described in the second embodiment are mainly described below, and these two working modes are different from the working modes of the first embodiment.

[0080] Fig. 22 The figure shows a flow state diagram of the multi-way valve 1 when the valve core 20 of the present embodiment is in the fifth working position, that is, the fifth working mode of the multi-way valve 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 20 is in the fifth working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second flow opening 220 of the second flow channel 22 in the valve core 20, and the first flow channel opening 210 of the first flow channel 21 is connected to the second fluid outlet V2 of the valve body 10, that is, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second fluid outlet V2 via the second flow channel 22 and the first flow channel 21 of the valve core 20, and the fluid can flow into the multi-way valve 1 from the fluid inlet V4 and flow out from the second fluid outlet V2, as shown in FIG. Fig. 22 As shown by the arrow in . It can be seen that in the second embodiment, when the valve core 20 is located at the fifth working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second fluid outlet V2, and the first fluid outlet V1 and the third fluid outlet V3 are not connected to any other valve ports, and the multi-way valve 1 is in the fifth working mode.

[0081] Fig.23The figure shows a flow state diagram of the multi-way valve 1 when the valve core 20 is in the sixth working position, that is, the sixth working mode of the multi-way valve 1. As shown in the figure, when the valve core 20 is in the sixth working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the second flow opening 220 of the second flow channel 22 in the valve core 20, and the first flow channel opening 210 of the first flow channel 21 is simultaneously connected to the first fluid outlet V1 and the third fluid outlet V3 of the valve body 10, that is, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1 and the third fluid outlet V3 via the second flow channel 22 and the first flow channel 21 of the valve core 20, and the fluid can flow into the multi-way valve 1 from the fluid inlet V4 and flow out from the first fluid outlet V1 and the third fluid outlet V3, as shown in FIG. Fig.23 As shown by the arrow in . It can be seen that in the second embodiment, when the valve core 20 is located at the sixth working position, the fluid inlet V4 of the valve body 10 is connected to the first fluid outlet V1 and the third fluid outlet V3, and the second fluid outlet V2 is not connected to any other valve ports, and the multi-way valve 1 is in the sixth working mode.

[0082] It should be noted that when the multi-way valve 1 is in the sixth working mode, the flow rates of the first fluid outlet V1 and the third fluid outlet V3 can be adjusted by adjusting the position of the valve core 20, especially adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening 210 and the first connecting port 11 and the third connecting port 13, so as to achieve different flow distributions between different valve ports (i.e., different fluid outlets) of the multi-way valve 1.

[0083] Although the various embodiments of the present disclosure are mainly described with the valve core 20 being in a spherical table shape, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the valve core 20 may also be in a spherical, ball-shaped, or cylindrical shape, etc., as long as it can rotate relative to the valve body 10. In this case, the valve cavity of the valve body 10 also needs to be set to a cavity corresponding to the shape of the valve core 20.

[0084] The various embodiments of the present disclosure are mainly described with multiple valve ports being arranged on the same mounting plane. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the multiple valve ports may also be oriented in one direction and have a certain height difference along the axial direction of the valve ports. In this way, they may also be directly plugged into external components (e.g., flow channel plates). For example, the multiple valve ports may be arranged on two different mounting planes with a height difference (e.g., the fluid inlet V4 is arranged on the first mounting plane, and the first to third fluid outlets V1, V2 and V3 are arranged on the second mounting plane), as long as they can be directly plugged into external components.

[0085] In addition, the multi-way valve 1 of each embodiment of the present disclosure is mainly described by taking a four-way valve as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the multi-way valve 1 may also have more valve ports, which mainly depends on the requirements of the working mode of the multi-way valve 1.

[0086] To summarize, the multi-way valve provided in the present invention includes a valve body and a valve core located in the valve body and rotatable between multiple working positions relative to the valve body. By setting the multiple valve ports of the valve body to be oriented in the same direction (or more specifically, the multiple valve ports are set in the same installation plane), the multi-way valve can be directly plugged / docked and connected to an external component (such as a flow channel plate) without the need for additional pipelines for connection, thereby simplifying / omitting the pipeline arrangement, optimizing the system structure, and facilitating installation, saving installation time; at the same time, the multi-way valve can also be switched between different working modes. This design is not only simple to assemble and has low cost, but is also easy to control and can simplify the pipeline structure, thereby improving product integration and avoiding the use of multiple components such as multiple stop valves and / or three-way valves in the prior art to achieve switching between different working modes.

[0087] The present disclosure also provides a thermal management system 2, see Fig.24 The thermal management system 2 includes the aforementioned multi-way valve 1 and the flow channel plate 3 , wherein the first fluid outlet V1 , the second fluid outlet V2 , the third fluid outlet V3 and the fluid inlet V4 of the multi-way valve 1 are directly plugged / jointed to the flow channel plate 3 .

[0088] The above describes exemplary implementations of the multi-way valve and thermal management system provided by the present disclosure with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that, without departing from the concept of the present disclosure, various modifications and variations may be made to the above-mentioned specific embodiments, and various technical features and structures proposed in the present disclosure may be combined in various ways without exceeding the protection scope of the present disclosure, which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-way valve (1), comprising: A valve body (10) having a plurality of valve ports; as well as A valve core (20) is located in the valve body (10) and can rotate relative to the valve body (10) between a plurality of working positions. The valve core (20) is a ball valve core. The invention is characterized in that the valve core (20) can connect at least two of the multiple valve ports when located at different working positions, and the multiple valve ports are oriented in the same direction.

2. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple valve ports are arranged on the same installation plane (100).

3. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The multiple valve ports include a fluid inlet (V4) and multiple fluid outlets (V1, V2, V3); the valve body (10) has a valve cavity for accommodating the valve core (20); and a plurality of connecting ports (11, 12, 13) corresponding to the multiple fluid outlets (V1, V2, V3) are arranged on the side wall of the valve cavity.

4. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The communication port is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet via a channel.

5. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that: The multiple fluid outlets include a first fluid outlet (V1), a second fluid outlet (V2), and a third fluid outlet (V3); the multiple communication ports include: a first communication port (11) connected to the first fluid outlet (V1) through a first channel, a second communication port (12) connected to the second fluid outlet (V2) through a second channel, and a third communication port (13) connected to the third fluid outlet (V3) through a third channel.

6. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The communication port axes of the first communication port (11) and the third communication port (13) coincide with each other, and the communication port axis of the second communication port (12) is perpendicular to the communication port axis of the first communication port (11).

7. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The valve core (20) is in the shape of a spherical table, and has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a spherical side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall. The valve core (20) comprises a first flow channel (21) and a second flow channel (22) which are connected to each other. The first flow channel (21) comprises a first flow channel opening (210) located on the spherical side wall, and the second flow channel (22) comprises a second flow channel opening (220) located on the bottom wall.

8. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The valve core (20) has an escape space (200), the escape space (200) is located in the first flow channel (21), the escape space (200) has a first boundary (201) and a second boundary (202) in the valve core (20), and an included angle (α) between the first boundary (201) and the second boundary (202) is between 150 degrees and 180 degrees.

9. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first communication port (11), the second communication port (12) and the third communication port (13) are distributed at equal angles around the axis of the fluid inlet (V4).

10. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The valve core (20) is in the shape of a spherical table, and has a top wall, a bottom wall, and a spherical side wall connecting the top wall and the bottom wall. The valve core (20) comprises a first flow channel (21) and a second flow channel (22) which are connected to each other. The first flow channel (21) comprises a first flow channel opening (210) located on the spherical side wall, and the second flow channel (22) comprises a second flow channel opening (220) located on the bottom wall.

11. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The valve core (20) has an escape space (200), the escape space (200) is located in the first flow channel (21), the escape space (200) has a first boundary (201) and a second boundary (202) in the valve core (20), and an angle (α) between the first boundary (201) and the second boundary (202) is 120 degrees.

12. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 8 or 11, characterized in that: When the valve core (20) is located at the first working position, the multi-way valve (1) is in a first working mode. In the first working mode: The first flow channel opening (210) of the first flow channel (21) is connected to the first fluid outlet (V1), and the second flow channel opening (220) of the second flow channel (22) is connected to the fluid inlet (V4), so that the first fluid outlet (V1) is connected to the fluid inlet (V4).

13. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 8 or 11, characterized in that: When the valve core (20) is located at the second working position, the multi-way valve (1) is in a second working mode. In the second working mode: The first flow channel opening (210) of the first flow channel (21) is connected to the third fluid outlet (V3), and the second flow channel opening (220) of the second flow channel (22) is connected to the fluid inlet (V4), so that the third fluid outlet (V3) is connected to the fluid inlet (V4).

14. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 8 or 11, characterized in that: When the valve core (20) is located at the third working position, the multi-way valve (1) is in a third working mode. In the third working mode: The first flow channel opening (210) of the first flow channel (21) is connected to the first fluid outlet (V1) and the second fluid outlet (V2), and the second flow channel opening (220) of the second flow channel (22) is connected to the fluid inlet (V4), so that the first fluid outlet (V1), the second fluid outlet (V2) and the fluid inlet (V4) are connected. Wherein, in the third working mode, the flow rates of the first fluid outlet (V1) and the second fluid outlet (V2) can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening (210) and the first connecting port (11) and the second connecting port (12).

15. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 8 or 11, characterized in that: When the valve core (20) is located at the fourth working position, the multi-way valve (1) is in a fourth working mode. In the fourth working mode: The first flow channel opening (210) of the first flow channel (21) is connected to the second fluid outlet (V2) and the third fluid outlet (V3), and the second flow channel opening (220) of the second flow channel (22) is connected to the fluid inlet (V4), so that the second fluid outlet (V2), the third fluid outlet (V3) and the fluid inlet (V4) are connected. Wherein, in the fourth working mode, the flow rates of the second fluid outlet (V2) and the third fluid outlet (V3) can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening (210) and the second connecting port (12) and the third connecting port (13).

16. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that When the valve core (20) is located at the fifth working position, the multi-way valve (1) is in a fifth working mode. In the fifth working mode: The first flow channel opening (210) of the first flow channel (21) is connected to the first fluid outlet (V1), the second fluid outlet (V2) and the third fluid outlet (V3), and the second flow channel opening (220) of the second flow channel (22) is connected to the fluid inlet (V4), so that the first fluid outlet (V1), the second fluid outlet (V2), the third fluid outlet (V3) and the fluid inlet (V4) are connected. Wherein, in the fifth working mode, the flow rates of the first fluid outlet (V1) and the third fluid outlet (V3) can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening (210) and the first connecting port (11) and the third connecting port (13).

17. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that When the valve core (20) is located at the fifth working position, the multi-way valve (1) is in a fifth working mode. In the fifth working mode: The first flow channel opening (210) of the first flow channel (21) is connected to the second fluid outlet (V2), and the second flow channel opening (220) of the second flow channel (22) is connected to the fluid inlet (V4), so that the second fluid outlet (V2) is connected to the fluid inlet (V4).

18. The multi-way valve (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that When the valve core (20) is located at the sixth working position, the multi-way valve (1) is in a sixth working mode. In the sixth working mode: The first flow channel opening (210) of the first flow channel (21) is connected to the first fluid outlet (V1) and the third fluid outlet (V3), and the second flow channel opening (220) of the second flow channel (22) is connected to the fluid inlet (V4), so that the first fluid outlet (V1), the third fluid outlet (V3) and the fluid inlet (V4) are connected. Wherein, in the sixth working mode, the flow rates of the first fluid outlet (V1) and the third fluid outlet (V3) can be adjusted by adjusting the overlap ratio of the first flow channel opening (210) and the first connecting port (11) and the third connecting port (13).

19. A thermal management system (2), characterized in that: The thermal management system (2) comprises: a flow channel plate (3); and The multi-way valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a plurality of fluid outlets (V1, V2, V3) and a fluid inlet (V4) of the multi-way valve (1) are plugged onto the flow channel plate (3).

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