Valve

Abstract

The valve comprises a valve seat and a valve element rotationally arranged in the valve seat, the valve seat is provided with a plurality of valve ports, the interior of the valve element is hollowed out to form a flow channel, a flow channel opening communicated with the flow channel is formed in one axial side end of the valve element, and at least two valve ports of the valve seat can be communicated with the flow channel opening at the same time. The plurality of valve ports comprise a first valve port positioned in the center of the valve seat and a plurality of second valve ports arranged around the first valve port; one of the valve seat and the valve element is provided with a protrusion, the other one of the valve seat and the valve element abuts against the protrusion in the radial direction, the valve element is positioned in the radial direction, and therefore the valve element and the valve seat can be kept in a coaxial configuration state. The center of the valve seat can be provided with a valve port, and the center of the valve core can be provided with a runner port, thereby increasing the effective flow area of the valve and reducing the overall size of the valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of pipeline accessories, and in particular to a valve. Background Art

[0002] Valves are commonly used in piping systems to regulate the direction and / or flow rate of fluids. For example, they are used in electric vehicle thermal management systems to control the flow of heat exchange media in various circuits, such as the traction motor circuit, battery circuit, and passenger compartment temperature control circuit, meeting the heat exchange requirements of various operating conditions.

[0003] In existing valve structures, a valve seat consists of a valve core that rotates relative to the seat. As the valve core rotates relative to the seat, it opens various valve ports on the seat, thereby connecting the corresponding circuits. To ensure smooth rotation of the valve core within the seat, a central shaft is provided at the center of the valve core, and a central shaft seat is provided at the center of the seat. The shaft and shaft seat cooperate to maintain the valve core and seat in a coaxial position. However, the presence of the shaft seat and shaft reduces the effective flow area of the valve, resulting in a larger overall valve size, high cost, and limited usability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the object of the present application is to provide a valve that can increase its effective flow area and reduce its overall size.

[0005] A valve comprises a valve seat and a valve core rotatably arranged in the valve seat, the valve seat is provided with multiple valve ports, the interior of the valve core is hollowed out to form a flow channel and a flow channel port connected to the flow channel is formed at an axial side end of the valve core, at least two valve ports of the valve seat can be connected to the flow channel port at the same time, the multiple valve ports include a first valve port located in the center of the valve seat and a plurality of second valve ports arranged around the first valve port; one of the valve seat and the valve core is provided with a protrusion, and the other of the valve seat and the valve core abuts against the protrusion in the radial direction to position the valve core in the radial direction.

[0006] Compared with the prior art, the valve of the present application positions the valve core in the radial direction through the protrusion, so that the valve core can be maintained in a coaxial configuration with the valve seat, and the valve core can rotate smoothly in the valve seat. In this way, the valve port can be configured in the center of the valve seat and the flow channel port can be configured in the center of the valve core, thereby increasing the effective flow area of the valve and reducing the overall size of the valve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of an embodiment of the valve of the present application.

[0008] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Axial cross-section of the valve shown.

[0009] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Radial cross-section of the valve shown.

[0010] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Exploded view of the valve shown.

[0011] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Another angle view of .

[0012] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Plan view of the valve plug of the valve shown.

[0013] Figure 7 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the first usage state of the valve shown.

[0014] Figure 8 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the second usage state of the valve shown.

[0015] Figure 9 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the third usage state of the valve shown.

[0016] Figure 10 This is an exploded view of another embodiment of the valve of the present application.

[0017] Figure 11 for Figure 10 Axial cross-section of the valve shown.

[0018] Figure 12 for Figure 10 Radial cross-section of the valve shown.

[0019] Figure 13 for Figure 12 Another angled view of the valve seat of the valve shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] To facilitate understanding of the present application, a more comprehensive description of the present application will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings provide exemplary embodiments of the present application to provide a more accurate and thorough understanding of the technical solutions disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the present application can be implemented in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0021] The same or similar numbers in the drawings of this application correspond to the same or similar parts; in the description of this application, it should be understood that if there are terms such as "up", "down", "left", "right", etc. indicating directions or positional relationships, they are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, the terms describing the positional relationship in the drawings are only used for illustrative purposes and cannot be understood as limiting this application. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0022] In addition, if there are descriptions involving "first", "second", etc. in the embodiments of the present application, the descriptions of "first", "second", etc. are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. In addition, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears in the full text, its meaning includes three parallel schemes. Taking "A and / or B" as an example, it includes scheme A, scheme B, or schemes in which A and B are satisfied at the same time.

[0023] In addition, the technical solutions between the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but they must be based on the fact that ordinary technicians in this field can implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is mutually contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be deemed that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection required by this application.

[0024] The present application provides a valve that is mainly used in a piping system, such as a thermal management system of an electric vehicle, to regulate the flow direction and / or flow rate of a fluid. Figure 1-5 FIG2 shows a specific embodiment of the valve of the present application. The valve 100 includes a valve seat 20 and a valve core 30 rotatably installed in the valve seat 20 .

[0025] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the valve seat 20 includes a base plate 22 and an annular side plate 24 extending axially outward from the base plate 22. The base plate 22 and the side plate 24 together form an assembly space for installing the valve core 30. The valve core 30 is cylindrical as a whole, assembled in the assembly space of the valve seat 20 and placed on the base plate 22. The base plate 22 is provided with a plurality of valve ports 26 for docking with external pipelines. The valve ports 26 are located radially on the inner side of the side plate 24 and pass through the base plate 22 in the axial direction. The interior of the valve core 30 is hollowed out to form a flow channel, and the valve core 30 is formed with a plurality of flow channel ports 32 connected to the flow channel on its axial side end facing the base plate 22. At least two of the valve ports 26 of the valve seat 20 can be connected to the flow channel ports 32 at the same time.

[0026] By rotating the valve core 30 relative to the valve seat 20, the flow channel 32 of the valve core 30 can be connected to different valve ports 26 of the valve seat 20 to connect different valve ports 26, so that the valve 100 can have multiple different working states to meet the use requirements of different working conditions. Figure 6 The outer peripheral surface 34 of the valve core 30 is protruded with a protrusion 36 for the installation and positioning of the valve core 30. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 As shown, after the valve 100 is assembled, the outer circumferential surface 34 of the valve core 30 and the inner circumferential surface 241 of the side plate 24 of the valve seat 20 abut at the position where the protrusion 36 is located, and are loosely fitted at positions outside the protrusion 36 .

[0027] By providing the protrusion 36 and cooperating with the side plate 24 of the valve seat 20 to radially position the valve core 30, the valve core 30 can be maintained coaxially with the valve seat 20, preventing the valve core 30 from swinging when rotating within the valve seat 20. This allows the valve 100 to operate smoothly, effectively reducing noise generation and extending the service life of the valve. Furthermore, the small contact area between the protrusion 36 and the side plate 24 of the valve seat 20 effectively reduces friction between the valve core 30 and the valve seat 20 during rotation, thereby reducing the resistance of the valve core 30 during rotation. This makes the valve 100 more responsive and allows for more precise control of the on / off state of the connected pipeline.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 36 is in the form of an arcuate block, its outer wall surface being adapted to mate with the inner circumferential surface 241 of the side plate 24. In other embodiments, the protrusion 36 may be a dot, a ridge, or the like. When the protrusion 36 is configured as a dot, it forms point contact with the side plate 24; when the protrusion 36 is configured as a ridge, it forms line contact with the side plate 24, further reducing the contact area between the protrusion 36 and the side plate 24, thereby minimizing friction during rotation of the valve core 30. Of course, the protrusion 36 may also be configured in other shapes, or a combination of multiple shapes, as long as it can radially abut and position against the side plate 24, and is not limited to the specific embodiment.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, there are multiple protrusions 36, which are evenly spaced along the circumference of the valve core 30, so that the distribution of the force between the valve core 30 and the valve seat 20 is more balanced, thereby enabling more precise radial positioning of the valve core 30. In some embodiments, the protrusion 36 can also be a single protrusion, in which case the protrusion 36 can be constructed as a circumferentially closed protrusion ring. The specific number and shape of the protrusions 36 can be adjusted according to actual needs. Generally speaking, as long as they can abut against the inner circumferential surface 241 of the side plate 24 to ensure the positioning requirements of the valve core 30 and the valve seat 20, while avoiding excessive friction that affects the rotation of the valve core 30, it is sufficient.

[0030] It should be understood that in some embodiments, the protrusion 36 can also be formed on the inner circumferential surface 241 of the side plate 24 of the valve seat 20, and radially abutted and positioned with the outer circumferential surface 34 of the valve core 30. Similarly, the outer circumferential surface 34 of the valve core 30 and the inner circumferential surface 241 of the side plate 24 of the valve seat 20 can abut against each other at the position where the protrusion 36 is located, and have a clearance fit at a position outside the protrusion 36. In this way, the valve core 30 can also be maintained in a coaxial configuration with the valve seat 20, and can be smoothly rotated relative to the valve seat 20 so that the valve 100 has different usage states to match the usage requirements of different working conditions.

[0031] In a specific embodiment, if Figure 4-5 As shown, the valve port 26 includes a first valve port 26a provided in the center of the base plate 22 and a plurality of second valve ports 26b arranged around the first valve port 26a. Preferably, the second valve ports 26b are evenly spaced in the circumferential direction, and each second valve port 26b is substantially in the shape of a fan ring. Figure 5-6 As shown, the flow channel 32 of the valve core 30 includes a first flow channel 32a located at the center of its side end and a second flow channel 32b located radially outward of the first flow channel 32a. The number of the second flow channel 32b can be single or multiple. Preferably, the second flow channel 32b is coaxially arranged with the first flow channel 32a, and its shape and size correspond to the second valve port 26b.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, three second valve ports 26b are arranged around the first valve port 26a of the valve seat 20, forming a four-way valve. It should be understood that the specific number of second valve ports 26b can be adjusted as needed. For example, there can be two second valve ports 26b, forming a three-way valve; or four second valve ports 26b, forming a five-way valve. The examples are not listed here. Furthermore, the shapes and sizes of the second valve ports 26b can be the same or different.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, a single second flow opening 32b is disposed peripherally of the first flow opening 32a of the valve core 30. The second flow opening 32b communicates with the first flow opening 32a through the interior space of the valve core 30. In some embodiments, there may be multiple second flow openings 32b, such as two or three. In this case, the first flow opening 32a may communicate with each of the second flow openings 32b, or with only one of the second flow openings 32b. Furthermore, two or more second flow openings 32b may communicate with each other.

[0034] Of the valve ports 26 of the valve 100 (including the first valve port 26a and the second valve port 26b), some serve as the inlet of the valve 100, and the number of these ports can be single or multiple. Some serve as the outlet of the valve 100, and the number of these ports can also be single or multiple, depending on the flow direction of the fluid in the connected pipeline. It should be noted that the flow direction of the fluid in the same pipeline may be opposite under different operating conditions. Accordingly, the same valve port 26 can serve as the inlet of the valve 100 under one operating condition, the outlet of the valve 100 under another operating condition, and even be closed, preventing fluid from passing through, under yet another operating condition.

[0035] The valve 100 rotates the valve core 30 relative to the valve seat 20, so that the flow channel 32 of the valve core 30 and the different valve ports 26 of the valve seat 20 are connected, so that the valve 100 is in different working states, connecting or disconnecting different external pipelines. The following uses the four-way valve as an example to illustrate several of the working states:

[0036] like Figure 7 As shown, in the first operating state, the first valve port 26a of the valve seat 20 is docked with the first flow channel port 32a of the valve core 30. Simultaneously, the second flow channel port 32b of the valve core 30 is docked with one of the second valve ports 26b of the valve seat 20, thereby connecting the first valve port 26a of the valve seat 20 with one of the second valve ports 26b. At this point, the first valve port 26a and the second valve port 26b connected thereto serve as the inlet and outlet of the valve 100, respectively, connecting the connected external pipelines. Fluid in the external pipeline connected to the first valve port 26a can flow through the valve 100 to the external pipeline connected to the second valve port 26b; or, conversely, fluid in the external pipeline connected to the second valve port 26b can flow through the valve 100 to the external pipeline connected to the first valve port 26a.

[0037] like Figure 8 As shown, in the second operating state, the valve core 30 rotates a certain angle relative to the valve seat 20, causing the first valve port 26a of the valve seat 20 to mate with the first flow channel port 32a of the valve core 30. Simultaneously, the second flow channel port 32b of the valve core 30 mates with two of the second valve ports 26b of the valve seat 20, thereby simultaneously communicating with the first valve port 26a and two of the second valve ports 26b of the valve seat 20. At this point, one of the first valve port 26a of the valve seat 20 and the two second valve ports 26b communicating therewith can serve as the inlet of the valve 100, while the other two serve as outlets. Alternatively, one of the first valve port 26a and the two second valve ports 26b communicating therewith can serve as the outlet of the valve 100, while the other two serve as the inlet.

[0038] When the first valve port 26a of the valve seat 20 serves as the inlet of the valve 100 and the two second valve ports 26b connected thereto serve as outlets of the valve 100, the fluid in the external pipeline connected to the first flow channel port 32a can flow through the valve 100 to the external pipelines connected to the two second flow channel ports 32b, respectively, thereby achieving flow diversion. Alternatively, when one of the second valve ports 26b serves as the inlet of the valve 100 and the first valve port 26a and the other second valve port 26b serve as outlets of the valve 100, the fluid in the external pipeline connected to the one second valve port 26b can flow through the valve 100 to the external pipelines connected to the first valve port 26a and the other second valve port 26b, respectively, thereby achieving flow diversion.

[0039] When the first valve port 26a of the valve seat 20 serves as the outlet of the valve 100 and the two second valve ports 26b connected thereto serve as the inlets of the valve 100, the fluid in the external pipelines connected to the two second flow channel ports 32b can simultaneously flow to the external pipeline connected to the first flow channel port 32a through the valve 100, thereby achieving merging. Alternatively, when the first valve port 26a and one of the second valve ports 26b serve as the inlets of the valve 100 and the other second valve port 26b serves as the outlet of the valve 100, the fluid in the external pipelines connected to the first valve port 26a and one of the second valve ports 26b can simultaneously flow to the external pipeline connected to the other second valve port 26b through the valve 100, thereby achieving merging.

[0040] like Figure 9 As shown, in the third operating state, the valve core 30 rotates a certain angle relative to the valve seat 20, causing two of the second valve ports 26b of the valve seat 20 to simultaneously mate with the second flow channel port 32b of the valve core 30. The two second valve ports 26b of the valve seat 20 are now connected to each other. At this point, one of the two second valve ports 26b serves as the inlet of the valve 100, and the other serves as the outlet of the valve 100. Fluid in an external pipeline connected to one of the second valve ports 26b can flow through the valve 100 to the external pipeline connected to the other second valve port 26b.

[0041] It should be noted that Figure 9 In the third working state shown, the first valve port 26a of the valve seat 20 is opposite to the first flow channel port 32a of the valve core 30. In order to prevent the fluid in the external pipeline connected to the second valve port 26b from flowing to the external pipeline connected to the first valve port 26a of the valve seat 20 through the second flow channel port 32b and the first flow channel port 32a of the valve core 30, the external pipeline connected to the outlet of the valve 100 can be connected to a pump or other equipment, so that a differential pressure is formed between the external pipeline connected to the inlet of the valve 100 and the external pipeline connected to the outlet, and the fluid flows toward the outlet under the action of pressure.

[0042] like Figure 2 、 Figure 4As shown, the valve 100 further includes a valve cover 40, which covers the valve core 30 and seals with the valve seat 20, so that fluid can only enter and exit the valve 100 through the valve port 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve cover 40 includes a top plate 42 and a side wall 44 extending axially outward from the top plate 42. The end of the side wall 44 surrounds the side plate 24 and seals therewith. A shaft 38 is provided at the center of the side end of the valve core 30 facing away from the base plate 22. The shaft 38 extends outward through a through hole 46 in the center of the top plate 42 of the valve cover 40 and is connected to a power mechanism, such as a drive motor (not shown). The whole constitutes an electric valve. The rotation of the valve core 30 is driven by the motor, and the rotation direction and angle can be precisely controlled.

[0043] like Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, the valve 100 also includes a sealing member 50. The sealing member 50 is made of a wear-resistant elastic material, such as rubber, and is generally in the form of a thin sheet. It is sandwiched between the base plate 22 of the valve seat 20 and the axial side end of the valve core 30, effectively reducing friction during the rotation of the valve core 30. At the same time, the sealing member 50 cooperates with the valve core 30 and the valve seat 20 to effectively improve the sealing performance of the valve 100 after assembly and prevent internal leakage. Preferably, the sealing member 50 is hollowed out at the position corresponding to each valve port 26a, 26b of the valve seat 20, so as not to affect the communication between each valve port 26a, 26b and the corresponding flow channel opening 32a, 32b.

[0044] The valve 100 of this embodiment has a protrusion 36 formed on the inner circumferential surface of its valve seat 20 or the outer circumferential surface of its valve core 30. The protrusion 36 radially positions the valve core 30, allowing the valve core 30 to remain coaxially aligned with the valve seat 20. Thus, the valve seat 20 can have a first valve port 26a centrally located on its base plate 22, and the valve core 30 can have a first flow channel opening 32a centrally located on its side end facing the base plate 22. Compared to conventional valves of the same size that have a shaft seat / rotating shaft centrally located on their valve seat / valve core, the valve of this application incorporates the additional first valve port 26a / first flow channel opening 32a, effectively increasing the overall area of the valve port 26 / flow channel opening 32. For example, for the four-way valve shown in the aforementioned embodiment, the effective flow area can be increased by over 20%, while also effectively reducing flow resistance and lowering power consumption.

[0045] In other words, compared to the valves in the prior art that have an axis seat / rotating shaft arranged in the center of their valve seat / valve core, under the same size specifications, the valve of the present application can be smaller in overall size with the same effective flow area through the design of the valve port and the flow channel port. For example, the effective flow area of the Φ60mm valve of the present application is equivalent to the effective flow area of the Φ80mm valve in the existing structure. The reduction in valve size also makes the installation space required for the valve smaller, and it can be used in narrow application environments; in addition, the size of the matching manifold and other devices can also be smaller; furthermore, it also makes the overall weight of the valve lighter and the cost lower. In short, the valve of the present application has a simple structure, stable operation, and a large effective flow area, and can better match the use requirements of various different working conditions.

[0046] Figure 10-12 Another embodiment of the valve of the present application is shown. The valve 100 shown includes a valve seat 20, a valve core 30 rotatably mounted in the valve seat 20, and a valve cover 40 that seals with the valve seat 20. A sealing gasket 50 is preferably interposed between the valve seat 20 and the valve core 30. The valve seat 20 has a first valve port 26a and a second valve port 26b formed on its base plate 22, with the second valve port 26b spaced apart around the first valve port 26a. The valve core 30 has a first flow channel 32a and a second flow channel 32b on its axial end facing the base plate 22, which connect at least two of the valve ports 26a and 26b of the valve seat 20. Unlike the previous embodiment, the valve seat 20 has a plurality of protrusions 263 formed on the outer wall 261 of the first valve port 26a to radially position the valve core 30.

[0047] like Figure 13 As shown, the protrusion 263 can be configured as a ridge that extends outwardly in the axial direction relative to the base plate 22, penetrates the seal 50, and extends into the first flow channel 32a of the valve core 30. It then radially abuts against the outer wall 321 of the first flow channel 32a, thereby radially positioning the valve core 30. This allows the valve core 30 to remain coaxially arranged with the valve seat 20, allowing the valve core 30 to rotate smoothly within the valve seat 20. In some embodiments, the protrusion can also be provided on the outer wall 321 of the first flow channel 32a of the valve core 30, extending outwardly in the axial direction relative to the valve core 30 into the first valve port 26a of the valve seat 20, radially abutting against the outer wall 261 of the first valve port 26a, thereby radially positioning the valve core 30. In this case, the outer circumferential surface of the valve core 30 is loosely fitted with the inner circumferential surface of the side plate 24 of the valve seat 20.

[0048] The valve 100 of this embodiment has a protrusion 36 formed on the first valve port 26a of its valve seat 20 or the first flow channel port 32a of the valve core 30. This protrusion 36 radially positions the valve core 30, allowing the valve core 30 to remain coaxially aligned with the valve seat 20. The provision of protrusion 36 does not substantially affect the flow of fluid at the first valve port 26a or the first flow channel port 32a, effectively increasing the effective flow area of the valve 100, reducing flow resistance, and lowering power consumption. Compared to prior art valves that have a shaft seat or rotating shaft positioned in the center of their valve seat or valve core, the valve of this application can be smaller, lighter, and less expensive overall, while maintaining the same effective flow area.

[0049] It should be noted that the above embodiments merely represent preferred implementations of the present application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the present application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art may, without departing from the spirit of the present application, make various modifications and improvements, such as combining different features from the various embodiments, and all of these modifications and improvements should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A valve comprising a valve seat and a valve core rotatably disposed in the valve seat, the valve seat being provided with a plurality of valve ports, the valve core being hollowed out to form a flow channel, and a flow channel port communicating with the flow channel being formed at one axial side end of the valve core, at least two valve ports of the valve seat being simultaneously communicated with the flow channel port, characterized in that: The multiple valve ports include a first valve port located in the center of the valve seat and a plurality of second valve ports arranged around the first valve port; one of the valve seat and the valve core is provided with a protrusion, and the other of the valve seat and the valve core is radially abutted against the protrusion to radially position the valve core.

2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein: There are multiple protrusions, which are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the valve seat or valve core.

3. The valve according to claim 1, wherein: The protrusions are convex points, convex blocks, convex strips or convex rings.

4. The valve according to claim 1, wherein: The valve seat includes a base plate and an annular side plate extending axially outward from the base plate, and the annular side plate is arranged around the valve core; the first valve port and the second valve port are arranged on the base plate, and the flow channel port is arranged at the axial side end of the valve core facing the base plate, including a first flow channel port for docking with the first valve port and at least one second flow channel port for docking with the second valve port.

5. The valve according to claim 4, wherein: The protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the valve core and abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the side plate of the valve seat in the radial direction.

6. The valve according to claim 4, wherein: The protrusion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the side plate of the valve seat and abuts against the outer peripheral surface of the valve core in the radial direction.

7. The valve according to claim 4, wherein: The protrusion extends from the outer wall surface of the first valve opening of the valve seat to the first flow channel opening of the valve core, and abuts against the outer wall surface of the first flow channel opening in the radial direction.

8. The valve according to claim 4, wherein: The protrusion extends from the outer wall surface of the first flow channel opening of the valve core to the first valve opening of the valve seat, and abuts against the outer wall surface of the first valve opening in the radial direction.

9. The valve according to claim 4, wherein: The valve is a four-way valve, the valve seat is provided with three second valve ports, and the valve core is provided with a single second flow channel port.

10. The valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The valve body also includes a sealing gasket sandwiched between the valve core and the valve seat in the axial direction.

Images