Multi-way valve

Abstract

A multi-way valve includes a valve housing, a valve flow controller, and a flow regulator. The valve housing is shaped to include a valve cavity and a plurality of apertures leading to the valve cavity. A valve flow controller is disposed in the valve housing to control flow through the valve housing. The flow regulator is configured to control a flow rate of fluid through the multi-way valve into one of the plurality of flow paths when the valve rotor is rotated.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 597,948, filed November 10, 2023, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to multi-port valves, and more specifically to multi-port valves for controlling the flow of heating and / or cooling fluids to various hot fluid circuits in a vehicle. More specifically, this application relates to an electromechanical multi-port valve. Background Technology

[0004] Multi-port valves are used to control the flow of fluids into various hot fluid circuits within a vehicle. However, there is a need for multi-port valves with an increased number of possible flow paths and improved flow rate control. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application may include one or more of the following features and combinations thereof.

[0006] A multi-way valve controls the flow of heating and / or cooling fluids to different hot fluid circuits. The multi-way valve has a regulating device for controlling the flow rate of fluid entering one of a plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve as the valve rotor rotates between different predetermined positions, such that the flow rate through said flow path increases while simultaneously reducing the pressure in the multi-way valve. The multi-way valve may include a valve body and a valve flow controller. The valve body of the multi-way valve may be connected to a manifold of the hot fluid circuit.

[0007] According to one aspect of this application, the valve housing may be formed to include a valve cavity and a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes may extend axially through the valve housing and lead to the valve cavity.

[0008] According to one aspect of this application, a valve flow controller may include a valve rotor disposed in a valve cavity within a valve housing. The valve rotor may be configured to rotate relative to the valve housing about a valve axis. The valve flow controller may also include an actuator coupled to the valve rotor to drive the valve rotor to rotate about the valve axis. As the valve rotor rotates about the valve axis to multiple different predetermined positions, the valve rotor may cooperate with the valve housing to define multiple flow paths to control the flow of fluid through the valve housing.

[0009] According to one aspect of this application, the multi-way valve may include a regulating device for controlling the flow rate of fluid entering one of the plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve as the valve rotor rotates from one of the plurality of different predetermined positions to another of the plurality of different predetermined positions. In this way, the flow rate through one flow path increases while the pressure in the multi-way valve decreases.

[0010] According to one aspect of this application, the valve rotor may include a valve rotor body and a valve rotor shaft extending axially relative to the valve axis. The valve rotor body may include a valve rotor disc and a weir shell extending circumferentially around the valve axis. When the valve rotor is in each of the plurality of different predetermined positions, the weir shell may extend around at least two of the plurality of orifices, which open to the valve cavity. The weir shell may provide a regulating means for controlling the flow rate of fluid entering one of the plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve.

[0011] According to one aspect of this application, the weir shell may include a shell wall defining a main cavity and shell end walls, each shell end wall defining an end cavity in fluid communication with the main cavity. Each shell end wall may be shaped to control the flow from the main cavity to the end cavity according to a pre-selected flow area profile.

[0012] According to one aspect of this application, each shell end wall may have a first segment and a second segment, the first segment and the second segment extending from the shell wall and converging at an intersection. An angle may be defined between the first segment and the second segment. According to one aspect of this application, the angle is less than 90 degrees.

[0013] According to one aspect of this application, each shell end wall may extend from the valve disc rotor plate to the shell wall at a weir angle relative to the valve disc rotor plate. According to one aspect of this application, the weir angle is less than 90 degrees.

[0014] According to one aspect of this application, the valve rotor disc can be formed to include a through hole. The through hole can be spaced apart from the weir shell. The through hole can extend axially through the valve rotor disc and partially extend circumferentially around an axis.

[0015] According to one aspect of this application, the plurality of holes formed in the valve housing include at least four holes. According to one aspect of this application, the plurality of holes formed in the valve housing include at least five holes. According to one aspect of this application, the plurality of holes formed in the valve housing include at least six holes.

[0016] According to another aspect of this application, a multi-way valve may include a valve housing and a valve flow controller connected to a manifold of a hot fluid circuit. The valve housing may be shaped to include a valve cavity and a plurality of orifices leading to the valve cavity. The valve flow controller may include a valve rotor disposed within the valve cavity of the valve housing and configured to rotate relative to the valve housing about a valve axis. As the valve rotor rotates about the valve axis to a plurality of different predetermined positions, the valve rotor may cooperate with the valve housing to define a plurality of flow paths, thereby controlling the flow of fluid through the valve housing. According to another aspect of this application, the valve flow controller may further include an actuator coupled to the valve rotor to drive the valve rotor to rotate about the valve axis.

[0017] According to one aspect of this application, the multi-way valve further includes a flow regulator. The flow regulator may be disposed on the valve rotor. The flow regulator is configured to control the flow rate of fluid entering one of a plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve as the valve rotor rotates from one of a plurality of different predetermined positions to another of a plurality of different predetermined positions, such that the flow rate through that flow path increases while the pressure in the multi-way valve decreases.

[0018] According to one aspect of this application, the valve rotor may be formed to include a weir shell that extends around at least two of the plurality of orifices when the valve rotor is in each of the plurality of different predetermined positions. The weir shell may provide a flow regulator for controlling the flow rate of fluid entering one of the plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve. When the valve rotor rotates from one of the plurality of different predetermined positions to another, the weir shell may be configured to control the flow rate of fluid entering one of the plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve, such that the flow rate through that flow path increases while the pressure in the multi-way valve decreases.

[0019] According to one aspect of this application, the weir shell may include a shell wall defining a main cavity and shell end walls, each shell end wall defining an end cavity in fluid communication with the main cavity. Each shell end wall may be shaped to control the flow from the main cavity to the end cavity according to a pre-selected flow area profile.

[0020] According to one aspect of this application, each shell end wall may have a first segment and a second segment, the first segment and the second segment extending from the shell wall and converging at an intersection. An angle may be defined between the first segment and the second segment. According to one aspect of this application, the angle is less than 90 degrees.

[0021] According to one aspect of this application, each shell end wall may extend from the valve disc rotor plate to the shell wall at a weir angle relative to the valve disc rotor plate. According to one aspect of this application, the weir angle is less than 90 degrees.

[0022] According to one aspect of this application, the valve rotor may include a valve rotor body and a valve rotor shaft extending axially relative to the valve axis. The valve rotor body may include a valve rotor disc and a weir shell extending circumferentially around the valve axis. According to another aspect of this application, the valve rotor disc may be shaped to include a through-hole spaced apart from the weir shell, the through-hole extending axially through the valve rotor disc and partially extending circumferentially around the axis.

[0023] According to one aspect of this application, the plurality of holes formed in the valve housing include at least four holes. According to one aspect of this application, the plurality of holes formed in the valve housing include at least five holes. According to one aspect of this application, the plurality of holes formed in the valve housing include at least six holes.

[0024] Utilizing the multi-port valve of this application, a multi-port valve is provided that has an increased number of flow paths and a regulating device. When the valve rotor rotates between different predetermined positions, the regulating device controls the flow rate of fluid entering one of the multiple flow paths through the multi-port valve. The regulating device controls the flow rate through different flow paths, thereby increasing the flow rate through one flow path while simultaneously reducing the pressure in the multi-port valve. When the valve rotor connects to different orifices to form different flow paths, the regulating device or flow regulator improves valve performance by preventing sudden changes in flow rate and pressure.

[0025] Other features of this application will become apparent to those skilled in the art when considering illustrative embodiments that exemplify the best mode of implementing this application as now recognized. Attached Figure Description

[0026] For detailed implementation methods, please refer to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a multi-way valve configured to control the flow of fluid to various hot fluid circuits in a vehicle.

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded view of a multi-way valve shows that it includes a valve housing, a flow controller, and a flow modulator. The valve housing includes a lower valve housing with multiple orifices and an upper valve cooperating with the lower valve housing to define a valve cavity in fluid communication with the orifices. The flow controller includes a valve rotor and an actuator. The valve rotor is configured to be disposed in the valve cavity, and the actuator is coupled to the valve rotor to drive the valve rotor to rotate about the valve axis to form multiple flow paths through the valve housing, such as... Figures 7A to 11B As shown, and the flow regulator is configured to control the flow rate of fluid entering one of a plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve when the valve rotor rotates from one of a plurality of different predetermined positions to another of the plurality of different predetermined positions.

[0029] Figure 3 It includes Figure 2 A perspective view of a valve rotor in a multi-way valve, showing that the valve rotor includes a valve rotor body and a valve rotor shaft extending axially relative to the valve axis. The valve rotor body includes a valve rotor disc and a weir shell. The valve rotor disc extends circumferentially around the valve axis, and the weir shell is configured to extend around at least two of the plurality of orifices, which open into the valve cavity to provide a regulating device for controlling the flow rate of fluid entering one of the plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve.

[0030] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A top view of a valve rotor, showing the valve rotor disc including a through hole opposite the weir shell, and further showing the weir shell including a shell wall and two shell end walls, the shell wall extending circumferentially about an axis to define a main cavity, the two shell end walls each defining an end cavity in fluid communication with the main cavity, and the figure further showing the two shell end walls being shaped according to... Figure 6A The pre-selected flow area curve shown is used to control the flow from the main cavity to the end cavity;

[0031] Figure 4B yes Figure 3 A bottom view of the valve rotor, showing each of the end walls of the housing having a first segment and a second segment extending from the housing wall and converging at the intersection;

[0032] Figure 5 It is included in the formation of the flow regulator Figure 3 A three-dimensional view of the weir shell in the valve rotor;

[0033] Figure 5A yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the dam shell, showing a section with vertical walls and a curved top section that extends between the vertical walls to define the shape of the main cavity;

[0034] Figure 5B yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the weir shell, showing an inclined section in the shell end wall that extends from the valve disc rotor plate to the shell wall at a weir angle relative to the valve disc rotor plate.

[0035] Figure 6A This is a graph illustrating a preselected flow area curve, which has an ascending section, a maximum flow section, and a descending section. The ascending section occurs when the valve rotor begins to rotate around the axis from a first position to a second position, where the flow area through one of the orifices increases. The maximum flow section occurs when the valve rotor has rotated to the second position and the flow area through one of the orifices is fully open. The descending section occurs when the valve rotor begins to rotate around the axis to the next position. The graph also shows that the exponential curves of the ascending / descending sections control the total flow rate in and out of the weir shell as the weir engages / disengages from the associated orifices formed on each shell endwall, and can be adjusted based on the valve's desired capacity.

[0036] Figure 6B It is a graph showing the flow residence in a multi-way valve as the valve rotor rotates from one position to the next;

[0037] Figure 7A yes Figure 1A top view of a multi-way valve, showing the valve rotor in a first position to define a first flow path;

[0038] Figure 7B Is with Figure 7A A similar view shows that when the valve rotor is in the first position, the weir shell extends completely around the first and second holes in the valve housing to define the first flow path;

[0039] Figure 8A yes Figure 1 A top view of a multi-way valve, showing the valve rotor beginning to rotate from the first position to the second position, as... Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown;

[0040] Figure 8B It is similar to Figure 8A The view shows that the first endwall of the weir shell has begun to move over the third hole to allow initial flow through the third hole, while the second endwall of the weir shell has begun to move away from the first hole to restrict the flow through the first hole;

[0041] Figure 9A yes Figure 1 A top view of a multi-way valve, showing the valve rotor continuing to rotate toward the second position;

[0042] Figure 9B It is similar to Figure 9A The view shows that the first shell end wall of the weir shell continues to move over the third orifice to increase the flow through the third orifice, while the second shell end wall of the weir shell continues to move away from the first orifice to further restrict the flow through the first orifice;

[0043] Figure 10A yes Figure 1 A top view of a multi-way valve, showing the valve rotor continuing to rotate toward the second position;

[0044] Figure 10B Is with Figure 9A A similar view shows the first shell end wall of the weir shell continuing to move over the third hole to further increase the flow through the third hole, while the second shell end wall of the weir shell continues to move away from the first hole to further restrict the flow through the first hole;

[0045] Figure 11A yes Figure 1 A top view of a multi-way valve, showing the valve rotor in a second position to define a second flow path; and

[0046] Figure 11B It is similar to Figure 9A The view shows that when the valve rotor is in the second position, the weir shell extends completely around the second and third holes in the valve housing to define the second flow path. Detailed Implementation

[0047] exist Figure 1 An exemplary multi-way valve is shown in the figure. Figures 2 to 4B As shown, the multi-way valve 10 includes a valve housing 12 and a flow controller 14. The valve housing 12 is shaped to include a valve cavity 24 and a plurality of holes 26, such as four holes 26A-26D, which open into the valve cavity 24. The flow controller 14 is arranged in the valve cavity 24 of the valve housing 12 to control the flow through the plurality of flow paths formed by the valve housing 12 and the flow controller 14.

[0048] The valve flow controller 14 includes a valve rotor 30 and an actuator 31 arranged in the valve cavity 24 of the valve housing 12, such as Figures 2 to 4B As shown. Valve rotor 30 is configured to rotate about valve axis A relative to valve housing 12. Actuator 31 is coupled to valve rotor 30 to drive valve rotor 30 to rotate about valve axis A. As valve rotor 30 rotates about valve axis A to multiple different predetermined positions, valve rotor 30 cooperates with valve housing 12 to define multiple flow paths to control the flow of fluid through valve housing 12.

[0049] The multi-way valve 10 also includes a regulating device for controlling the flow rate of fluid entering one of the plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve 10 as the valve rotor 30 rotates from one of a plurality of different predetermined positions to another of the plurality of different predetermined positions, such that the flow rate through one flow path increases while the pressure in the multi-way valve 10 decreases. The regulating device or flow regulator 16 is provided by a weir shell 40 included in the valve rotor 30. The weir shell 40 extends around at least two orifices 26A-26D formed in the valve housing 12 to separate the fluid flow through the two orifices 26A-26D from the valve cavity 24. The shell end walls 54, 56 of the weir shell 40 are shaped to control the flow through the orifices 26A-26D as the valve rotor 30 rotates from one position to the next.

[0050] Other multi-way valves may have a valve rotor that rotates to control the flow through different orifices. However, when the valve rotor rotates, and when it connects different orifices to form different flow paths, sudden changes in flow rate and pressure occur. These sudden changes in flow rate and pressure, also known as "burping," can affect the valve's performance.

[0051] Therefore, the multi-way valve 10 of this application includes a regulating device for controlling the flow rate of fluid entering one of the multiple flow paths through the multi-way valve as the valve rotor rotates between different positions. The shell end walls 54, 56 of the weir shell 40 on the valve rotor 30 are shaped to allow some initial flow through the associated orifices 26A-26D when the valve rotor 30 begins to rotate, and to continuously increase the flow area of ​​the associated orifices 26A-26D as the valve rotor 30 continues to rotate until the valve rotor 30 reaches the next position. This allows for better flow control between different modes.

[0052] exist Figure 6A The diagram shows the flow area curves of a multi-way valve 10 with and without a weir shell 40. The pre-selected flow area curve, i.e., the flow curve of the multi-way valve 10 with the weir shell 40, shows the flow area through the weir shell 40 as the valve 10 rotates from one position to the next. The flow regulator 16 allows the ramp / ramp sections of the curve to be approximately linear with steep or large slopes. The desired flow rate or pressure for the multi-way valve 10 can be determined, and the shapes of the shell end walls 54, 56 can be optimized to achieve the pre-selected flow area curve. The flow regulator 16 controls the pressure balance within the system, thereby increasing flow control and reducing the reverse effect on the actuator 31. The ramp / ramp also allows the system to be controlled and rebalanced based on the needs of the system. If a less expensive actuator is used, the flow regulator 16 can compensate for differences in control flow during the rotation of the valve rotor 30.

[0053] The valve rotor 30 includes a valve rotor body 32 and a valve rotor shaft 34, such as Figures 2 to 4A As shown. The valve rotor body 32 extends circumferentially around the valve axis A. The valve rotor shaft 34 extends axially from the valve rotor body 32 relative to the valve axis A.

[0054] The valve rotor body 32 includes a valve rotor disc 36 and a weir shell 40, such as Figures 2 to 11B As shown. Valve rotor disc 36 extends circumferentially around valve axis A. Weir shell 40 extends from valve rotor disc 36 to form cavity 50, which extends around at least two of a plurality of holes 26A-26D, which open into valve cavity 24 when valve rotor 30 is in each of a plurality of different predetermined positions.

[0055] The valve rotor plate 36 is formed to include at least one through hole 42 opposite to the weir shell, such as Figures 3 to 4B As shown. When the valve rotor 30 is in each of the plurality of different predetermined positions, the through hole 42 is aligned with two other holes 26A-26D included in the plurality of holes 26A-26D leading to the valve chamber 24. In this way, fluid can flow through the valve chamber 24 between adjacent holes 26A-26D.

[0056] like Figures 2 to 11B As shown, the through hole 42 extends circumferentially around the valve axis A. In the illustrative embodiment, the through hole 42 has a partition 42P, as... Figures 2 to 11B As shown. A partition 42P extends through the through-hole 42 and divides the through-hole 42 into multiple sections. In some embodiments, the partition 42P is omitted. In some embodiments, the valve rotor plate 36 may include separate through-holes 42A, 42B, which align with corresponding adjacent holes 26A-26D in the valve housing 12 when the valve rotor 30 is in each of a plurality of different predetermined positions.

[0057] The weir shell 40 is configured to extend around at least two of a plurality of orifices 26A-26D, which open into the valve chamber 24 when the valve rotor 30 is in each of a plurality of different predetermined positions. Thus, fluid can flow between adjacent orifices 26A-26D by passing through the cavity 50 defined by the weir shell 40. The weir shell 40 provides a regulating device for controlling the flow rate of fluid entering one of the plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve 10.

[0058] The dam shell 40 includes a shell wall 52, a first shell end wall 54, and a second shell end wall 56, as shown below. Figures 3 to 11B As shown. The shell wall 52 defines a main cavity section 50A, and shell end walls 54 and 56 each define end cavity sections 50B and 50C that are in fluid communication with the main cavity section 50A. The main cavity 50A, the first end cavity 50B, and the second end cavity 50C define cavity 50. The shape of each shell end wall 54 and 56 is configured to control the flow from the main cavity 50A to the end cavities 50B and 50C according to a pre-selected flow area profile.

[0059] In the illustrated embodiment, the weir shell 40 further includes transition sections 54T and 56T, which extend between the shell wall 52 and each shell end wall 54 and 56, and are interconnected with the shell wall 52 and each shell end wall 54 and 56. Figure 5 As shown. The transition sections 54T and 56T create a smooth transition between the shape of the shell wall 52 and the inclined shell end walls 54 and 56, rather than a sharper edge or transition. Figure 5B As shown, transition sections 54T and 56T form rounded or smooth transitions, rather than sharp angles between sections of the weir shell 40. The radius or curvature of transition sections 54T and 56T can be adjusted.

[0060] like Figure 5AAs shown, the housing wall 52 has a U-shaped form. The U-shaped shape of the housing wall 52 remains constant as it extends circumferentially around the valve axis A between the first end wall 54 and the second end wall 56. Thus, the area of ​​the main housing cavity 50A is constant, while the areas of the first end cavity 50B and the second end cavity 50C are as follows: Figure 4B and Figure 5B The changes shown.

[0061] Each shell end wall 54, 56 has a first section 54A, 56A and a second section 54B, 56B, such as Figures 3 to 11B As shown. First segments 54A, 56A and second segments 54B, 56B extend from the shell wall 52 and converge at intersections 54P, 56P. The first segments 54A, 56A and the second segments 54B, 56B gradually taper inwards to form a V-shape and converge at intersections 54P, 56P. Thus, as the shell end walls 54, 56 extend from intersections 54P, 56P towards the shell wall 52, the areas of the corresponding end cavities 50B, 50C increase. For example... Figure 4B As shown, angles 58A and 58B are formed between the first segments 54A and 56A and the second segments 54B and 56B.

[0062] The shapes of intersections 54P and 56P can be adjusted to increase or decrease the flow rate according to the desired flow velocity and / or pressure. Intersections 54P and 56P can be rounded to reduce the flow rate, and can be made sharper to increase the flow rate. In the illustrative embodiment, the intersection angles 58A and 58B of the wall sections 54A, 54B, 56A, and 56B are less than approximately 90 degrees. The intersection angles 58A and 58B of the wall sections 54A, 54B, 56A, and 56B can also be adjusted to change the shape of intersections 54P and 56P.

[0063] like Figure 4B As shown, the housing wall 52 extends at least partially circumferentially around the valve axis A, as indicated by the dashed circumferential line C. Each housing end wall 54, 56 extends from the housing wall 52, but tapers inward to intersections 54P, 56P aligned with the circumferential line C, as shown. Figure 4B As shown. In other embodiments, the intersection 54P, 56P of each shell end wall 54, 56 may alternatively be offset from or misaligned with the circumferential line C.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, as Figures 4B to 11B As shown, the second sections 54B and 56B of each shell end wall 54 and 56 are longer than the first sections 54A and 56A. Each section 54A, 54B, 56A, and 56B of each shell end wall 54 and 56 has a free-form shape, which includes the following: Figure 3 The multiple curves shown. The shape of the adjustable shell end walls 54 and 56 can be used to control flow rate and pressure.

[0065] like Figure 4B As shown, each shell end wall 54, 56 extends from the valve rotor plate 36 to the shell wall 52 with a weir angle 60 relative to the valve rotor plate 36. The weir angle 60 is defined between the lower shell 20 and the corresponding shell end walls 54, 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the weir angle 60 is less than approximately 90 degrees. The weir angle 60 can also be adjusted in place of or in combination with the shape of the intersections 54P, 56P to control flow rate and pressure.

[0066] The operation of multi-way valve 10 is in Figures 7A to 11B As shown in the diagram, the valve rotor 30 rotates between different predetermined positions to form different flow paths through the valve housing 12. Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown, the valve rotor is in a first position to define a first flow path through the valve housing 12. In the first position, the weir shell 40 extends around two adjacent holes 26A, 26B in the valve housing 12, and the through hole 42 extends around other adjacent holes 26C, 26D, as shown. Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown.

[0067] To change the flow path, the valve rotor 30 rotates around the valve axis A from... Figure 7A and Figure 7B The first position shown is rotated to Figure 11A and Figure 11B The second position is shown. From the first position to the second position, the valve rotor 30 rotates approximately 90 degrees about the valve axis A. However, depending on the number of flow paths and thus the number of holes 26A-26D in the valve housing 12, the valve rotor 30 may rotate more or less than 90 degrees about the valve axis A when moving between predetermined positions.

[0068] When the valve rotor 30 begins to rotate, one of the shell end walls 54 and 56 begins to move on the adjacent hole 26D and overlaps with the adjacent hole 26D, as shown below. Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown. At this transition position, the first shell end wall 54 of the weir shell 40 moves over and overlaps with the adjacent hole 26D, such that the first end cavity 50B is in fluid communication with the hole 26D to allow initial flow through the hole 26D, as... Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown. Simultaneously, the second shell end wall 56 of the weir shell 40 moves away from the orifice 26B to restrict the flow through the orifice 26B, as... Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown.

[0069] As the valve rotor 30 continues to rotate around the valve axis A to the second position, the first shell end wall 54 of the weir shell 40 continues to move on the orifice 26D to increase the flow through the orifice 26D, such as Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown. Simultaneously, the second shell end wall 56 of the weir shell 40 continues to move away from the orifice 26B to further restrict the flow through the orifice 26B, as... Figure 9A and Figure 9B As shown. In Figure 9A and Figure 9B At the transition position shown, the flow area through hole 26D increases, making the flow areas through holes 26B and 26D approximately equal.

[0070] As the valve rotor 30 continues to rotate around the valve axis A to the second position, the first shell end wall 54 of the weir shell 40 continues to move on the orifice 26D to increase the flow through the orifice 26D while further restricting the flow through the orifice 26B, as... Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown. The first shell end wall 54 of the weir shell 40 continues to move over and overlap with the orifice 26D to further increase the flow through the orifice 26D. Simultaneously, the second shell end wall 56 of the weir shell 40 continues to move away from the orifice 26B to further restrict the flow through the orifice 26B, as shown. Figure 10A and Figure 10B As shown. In Figure 10A and Figure 10B At the transition position shown, the flow area through hole 26D is greater than the flow area through hole 26B, until the second shell end wall 56 no longer overlaps with hole 26B.

[0071] like Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown, the valve rotor is in a second position to define a second flow path through the valve housing 12. In the second position, the weir shell 40 extends around two adjacent holes 26A, 26D in the valve housing 12, and the through hole 42 extends around other adjacent holes 26B, 26C, as shown. Figure 11A and Figure 11B As shown. To change the flow path again, the valve rotor 30 can rotate around the valve axis A in the same direction to the third position, or it can rotate back to the first position.

[0072] Turning back to the multi-way valve 10, the multi-way valve 10 includes a valve body 12, a valve flow controller 14, a flow regulator 16, and a sealing system 18, such as Figures 1 to 11BAs shown. The valve housing 12 is shaped to include a valve cavity 24 that houses a valve rotor 30 of a valve flow controller 14. The valve flow controller 14 is arranged in the valve cavity 24 of the valve housing 12 to control the flow through a plurality of flow paths formed by the valve housing 12 and the valve flow controller 14. A flow regulator 16 is configured to control the flow rate of fluid entering one of the plurality of flow paths as the valve rotor 30 rotates from one predetermined position to another predetermined position. A sealing system 18, including sealing elements 62, 64 and a biasing element 66, is arranged between the valve rotor 30 of the valve flow controller 14 and the valve housing 12 to seal between the valve rotor 30 of the valve flow controller 14 and the valve housing 12.

[0073] Valve housing 12 includes a lower housing 20 and an upper housing 22, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower housing 20 and the upper housing 22 are joined together and cooperate to define a valve cavity 24. In other embodiments, either the lower housing 20 or the upper housing 22 may define the valve cavity 24, while the other is a cover coupled to the lower housing 20 or the upper housing 22 to close the opening of the valve cavity 24. The lower housing 20 is formed to define the plurality of holes 26A-26D. The plurality of holes 26A-26D extend axially through the valve housing 12, such as the lower housing 20 of the valve housing 12, and lead to the valve cavity 24.

[0074] The lower housing 20 includes a base plate 20P, an outer rim 20R, and a positioning piece 20T, such as Figure 2 As shown. The base plate 20P defines a plurality of holes 26A-26D that extend axially through the base plate 20P and are circumferentially spaced around the valve axis A. An outer edge 20R extends axially from the outer edge of the base plate 20P. A positioning piece 20T extends axially from the base plate 20P along the valve axis A into the valve rotor 30 to position and center the valve rotor 30 within the valve cavity 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper housing 22 is connected to the outer edge 20R of the lower housing 20.

[0075] In the illustrative embodiment, each hole 26A-26D has as follows Figure 2 and Figures 7A to 11B The partition 26P is shown. The partition 26P extends across holes 26A-26D to divide the associated holes 26A-26D into multiple segments, such as the partition 42P of the through hole 42. When the valve rotor 30 rotates, the partition 42P of the through hole 42 aligns with the partition 26P of the holes 26A-26D at each predetermined position. In some embodiments, the partition 26P is omitted. Figures 7A to 11B As shown, when the valve rotor 30 rotates about the valve axis A, the intersection points 54P and 56P of each shell end wall 54 and 56 align with and follow the partition 26P. In the illustrated embodiment, the partition 26P is aligned with the circumferential line C.

[0076] The valve flow controller 14 includes a valve rotor 30 and an actuator 31 arranged in the valve cavity 24 of the valve housing 12, such as Figures 2 to 4B As shown. Valve rotor 30 is configured to rotate about valve axis A relative to valve housing 12. When valve rotor 30 rotates about valve axis A to the plurality of different predetermined positions to control the flow of fluid through valve housing 12, valve rotor 30 cooperates with valve housing 12 to define the plurality of flow paths. Actuator 31 and / or multi-way valve 10 may include a control unit that is pre-programmed with different modes to guide valve flow controller 14.

[0077] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve rotor 30 includes a valve rotor body 32 and a valve rotor shaft 34, as shown. Figures 2 to 4A As shown. Figures 2 to 11B As shown, the valve rotor body 32 includes a valve rotor disc 36, an offset mount 38, and a weir shell 40. The valve rotor disc 36 extends circumferentially about the valve axis A. The weir shell 40 extends axially from the valve rotor disc 36 and partially extends circumferentially about the valve axis A to form a cavity 50. In the illustrated embodiment, the offset mount 38 extends from the weir shell 40. In other embodiments, the offset mount 38 may extend from the valve rotor disc 36. The offset mount 38 receives an offset element 66 of the sealing system 18 to axially position the offset element 66 between the valve housing 12 and the valve rotor 30.

[0078] The valve rotor plate 36 is formed to include at least one through hole 42 opposite to the weir shell 40, such as Figures 3 to 4B As shown. When the valve rotor 30 is in each of the plurality of different predetermined positions, the through hole 42 is aligned with two other holes 26A-26D included in the plurality of holes 26A-26D leading to the valve chamber 24. In this way, fluid can flow through the valve chamber 24 between adjacent holes 26A-26D. In some embodiments, the valve rotor disc 36 may include separate through holes 42A, 42B, which are aligned with corresponding adjacent holes 26A-26D in the valve housing 12 when the valve rotor 30 is in each of the plurality of different predetermined positions.

[0079] Offset mount 38 has a central post 44 and external mounting walls 46A, 46B, such as Figures 3 to 4B As shown. The central post 44 extends axially from the weir shell 40 along the offset axis B. Outer mounting walls 46A and 46B extend axially from the weir shell 40 and partially extend circumferentially around the offset axis B on opposite sides of the central post 44. In other embodiments, a single outer wall may extend circumferentially around the offset axis B to surround the central post 44. The offset element 66 of the sealing system 18 is arranged around the central post 44 such that the offset element 66 is radially positioned relative to the offset axis B between the outer mounting walls 46A and 46B and the central post 44.

[0080] In the illustrative embodiment, the bias mounting member 38 also includes a cap 48 coupled to the center post 44. The cap 48 is disposed on the biasing element 66 such that the cap 48 is axially positioned between the upper housing 22 and the biasing element 66. When the upper housing 22 is coupled to the lower valve housing 20, the upper housing 22 engages with the cap 48, thereby loading the biasing member 66 when the valve rotor 30 is disposed within the valve cavity 24.

[0081] The center column 44 is offset from the valve rotor shaft 34, or in other words, the offset axis B is offset from the valve axis A. The offset of the offset axis B from the valve axis A causes the offset element 66 of the sealing system 18 to apply a biasing force on the weir shell 40, thereby ensuring that the sealing elements 62, 64 engage with the valve body 12 to reduce leakage to / from the cavity 50.

[0082] The dam shell 40 includes a shell wall 52, a first shell end wall 54, and a second shell end wall 56, as shown below. Figures 3 to 11B As shown. An offset mounting member 38 extends axially from the housing wall 52 between end walls 54 and 56. The housing wall 52 defines a main cavity section 50A, and the housing end walls 54 and 56 each define end cavity sections 50B and 50C in fluid communication with the main cavity section 50A. The main cavity 50A, the first end cavity 50B, and the second end cavity 50C define a cavity 50.

[0083] The sealing system 18 includes sealing elements 62, 64 and biasing element 66, such as Figures 3 to 5B As shown. Sealing elements 62 and 64 are axially arranged between the valve rotor 30 and the valve housing 12 to seal between the valve rotor 30 and the valve housing 12. The biasing element 66 is configured to apply an axial force F on the valve rotor 30 to push the valve rotor 30 toward the lower valve housing 20 of the valve housing 12, thereby improving the seal between the valve rotor 30 and the valve housing 12.

[0084] In the illustrated embodiment, sealing elements 62, 64 are axially arranged between the valve rotor disc 36 of the valve rotor 30 and the lower housing 20 of the valve housing 12. One sealing element 62 extends around the outer periphery of the weir shell 40. Another sealing element 64 extends around the through-hole 42. In embodiments having multiple through-holes 42, the sealing system 18 may include a sealing element for each through-hole 42. In other embodiments, the sealing system 18 includes a single sealing element extending around different cavities and holes.

[0085] In some embodiments, at least one of the sealing elements 62, 64 is coupled to the valve rotor 30. In the illustrated embodiment, both sealing elements 62, 64 are coupled to the valve rotor disc 36 of the valve rotor 30. The sealing elements 62, 64 can be as follows: Figures 3 to 5BThe sealing elements 62 and 64 are molded onto the valve rotor body 32. In other embodiments, the sealing elements 62 and 64 may be another suitable seal coupled to the valve rotor 30. In some embodiments, the sealing elements 62 and 64 may be press-fit seals. In some embodiments, the sealing elements 62 and 64 may be O-ring seals. In other embodiments, the sealing elements 62 and 64 may be another suitable seal.

[0086] In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing element 66 is a spring. The spring may be a compression spring, a helical spring, a wave spring, a leaf spring, a disc spring, or other suitable type of spring. In some embodiments, the biasing element 66 may be another suitable biasing member.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the multi-way valve 10 is a four-way valve, and the valve body 12 includes at least four holes 26A-26D. In some embodiments, the multi-way valve 10 may be a five-way valve, and the valve body 12 includes at least five holes 26. In some embodiments, the multi-way valve 10 may be a six-way valve, and the valve body 12 includes at least six holes 26. In some embodiments, the number of holes 26 in the valve body 12 may be more than six.

[0088] In some embodiments, multi-way valve 10 may be a 2-way valve. In some embodiments, multi-way valve 10 may be a 3-way valve. In some embodiments, multi-way valve 10 may be a 7-way valve. In some embodiments, multi-way valve 10 may be an 8-way valve. In some embodiments, multi-way valve 10 may be a 9-way valve. The flow regulator can be incorporated into any multi-way valve (e.g., whether multi-way valve 10 is a 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, 5-way, 6-way, 7-way, 8-way, or 9-way valve), as shown in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2024 / 0117888, 2024 / 0263709, and 20240318733, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] Depending on the number of configurations or orifices 26 of the multi-way valve 10 (e.g., whether the multi-way valve 10 is a 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, 5-way, 6-way, 7-way, 8-way, or 9-way valve), the valve rotor 30 may have a plurality of weirs 40 extending from the valve rotor disc 36. The weirs 40 may be circumferentially spaced relative to the valve axis A, such that when the valve rotor 30 is in each of the plurality of different predetermined positions, the different weirs 40 extend around at least two of the plurality of orifices. For example, one weir 40 may extend around the first two adjacent orifices, and another weir 40 may extend around two different adjacent orifices in any of the plurality of predetermined positions.

[0090] For the purposes of this application, the modifier “about” means ±5% of a given value. Of course, more or less deviations can be expected within the spirit of this application, and can be used in the processing methods.

[0091] Although this application has been shown and described in detail in the foregoing drawings and description, it is considered exemplary and not restrictive in nature. It should be understood that only exemplary embodiments of this application have been shown and described, and it is intended to protect all changes and modifications within the spirit of this application.

Claims

1. A multi-way valve, characterized in that, include: A valve housing connected to a manifold in a hot fluid circuit, the valve housing being shaped to include a valve cavity and a plurality of holes leading to the valve cavity; as well as A valve flow controller includes a valve rotor disposed within a valve cavity of a valve housing and configured to rotate about a valve axis relative to the valve housing. The valve rotor, when rotated to a plurality of different predetermined positions about the valve axis, cooperates with the valve housing to define a plurality of flow paths to control the flow of fluid through the valve housing. The valve rotor is formed to include a weir shell, which extends around at least two of the plurality of holes when the valve rotor is in each of the plurality of different predetermined positions, and is configured to control the flow rate of fluid entering one of the plurality of flow paths through the multi-way valve when the valve rotor rotates from one of the plurality of different predetermined positions to another of the plurality of different predetermined positions, such that the flow rate through the one flow path increases while the pressure in the multi-way valve decreases.

2. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weir shell includes a shell wall and shell end walls, the shell wall defining a main cavity, and each shell wall defining an end cavity that is in fluid communication with the main cavity.

3. The multi-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each shell endwall is shaped to control the flow from the main cavity to the end cavity according to a pre-selected flow area curve.

4. The multi-way valve according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, Each shell end wall has a first segment and a second segment, the first segment and the second segment extending from the shell wall and converging at an intersection, and wherein an angle is defined between the first segment and the second segment.

5. The multi-way valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each shell end wall extends from the valve disc rotor plate to the shell wall at a weir angle relative to the valve disc rotor plate.

6. The multi-way valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The weir angle is less than 90 degrees.

7. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve rotor includes a valve rotor body and a valve rotor shaft extending axially relative to the valve axis. The valve rotor body includes a valve rotor disc extending circumferentially around the valve axis and the weir shell. The valve rotor disc is shaped to include a through hole spaced apart from the weir shell, the through hole extending axially through the valve rotor disc and partially extending circumferentially around the axis.

8. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of holes formed in the valve housing include at least four holes.

9. The multi-way valve according to claim 8, characterized in that, The plurality of holes formed in the valve housing include at least five holes.

10. The multi-way valve according to claim 9, characterized in that, The plurality of holes formed in the valve housing include at least six holes.

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