multiway valve

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multi-way valve, include: valve body, including 2N valve body opening, wherein N is integer;Valve core, be configured in the valve body and can rotate in the valve body;And sealing pad, sealing pad sets up between valve core and valve body. Multi-way valve is set up 2N valve body opening one is closed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of vehicles, and more specifically to a multi-way valve. Background Technology

[0002] Multi-port valves, such as seven-port valves, are used in automobiles as control valves, primarily for precisely controlling the on / off state, flow direction, or flow rate of fluids (such as gases and liquids). Their specific function varies depending on the application scenario, and they are commonly found in automotive air conditioning systems, braking systems, and emission control systems. The core function of a multi-port valve is to achieve flexible switching and control of fluid in multiple loops through its multi-port design. Its specific function depends on the system it is installed in. It is most widely used in heat pump air conditioning systems of new energy vehicles and is one of the key components for improving air conditioning efficiency and vehicle energy consumption performance.

[0003] Taking a seven-way valve as an example, existing seven-way valves require a larger number of rows of openings in the valve core to meet the needs of a certain number of control modes, which leads to an increase in the size of the seven-way valve. Furthermore, regarding the size requirement, existing seven-way valves cannot meet the filling mode while satisfying the flow requirements, because implementing the filling mode requires adding at least one more row of filling openings. This results in a larger valve core, making the seven-way valve larger, and the increased valve core leads to increased torque, increasing the risk of jamming and shaft breakage in the seven-way valve.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a multi-way valve solution that is small in size and has high reliability. Utility Model Content

[0005] In order to solve the problems in the prior art, including but not limited to the example problems of the prior art described above, the present invention provides a new technical solution for cooling devices and cooling methods for power modules, thereby achieving a power system with improved performance.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a multi-way valve is provided, comprising:

[0007] The valve body includes 2N valve body openings, where N is an integer;

[0008] The valve core is disposed within the valve body and is rotatable within the valve body; and

[0009] A sealing gasket is disposed between the valve core and the valve body;

[0010] The multi-way valve is configured such that one of the 2N valve body openings is closed.

[0011] In one embodiment, one of the 2N valve body openings is closed by the portion of the valve body corresponding to one of the 2N valve body openings.

[0012] In one embodiment, one of the 2N valve body openings is closed by a portion of the sealing gasket corresponding to one of the 2N valve body openings.

[0013] In one embodiment, the 2N valve body openings of the valve body are arranged in two columns, and the number of open valve body openings in the two columns are N and N-1, respectively.

[0014] In one embodiment, the multi-way valve is a seven-way valve, and the valve core is configured to include nine rows of valve core openings, each row of valve core openings aligning once with two rows of valve body openings during valve core rotation.

[0015] In one embodiment, the seven-way valve is configured such that the valve core rotates within the valve body, and every 30 to 40 degrees, preferably 40 degrees, two of the nine valve core openings of the valve core align with two of the two valve body openings of the valve body, thereby providing a valve body opening connection method for the valve body.

[0016] In one embodiment, the valve core further includes a filling groove disposed between two rows of valve core openings among the nine rows of valve core openings, so that when the valve core is at a specific degree, the filling groove is aligned with one row of valve body openings among the two rows of valve body openings of the valve body, and the valve core allows all valve body openings of the valve body to be connected.

[0017] In one embodiment, the filling slot is configured such that when any two of the other nine rows of valve core openings are aligned with two rows of valve body openings of the valve body, the portion of the valve body between the two rows of valve body openings facing the filling slot is closed.

[0018] In one embodiment, the valve core has a cylindrical shape.

[0019] In one embodiment, the multi-way valve is selected from a five-way valve, a nine-way valve, and an eleven-way valve. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of this specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the present invention and enable those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments described herein.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing seven-way valve, in which the valve body opening is marked with the corresponding number of the external interface to be connected;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the seven-way valve of this utility model, wherein the valve body opening is marked with the corresponding number of the external interface to be connected;

[0023] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the seven-way valve of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of one embodiment of the seven-way valve of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing gasket of one embodiment of the seven-way valve of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 6-14 This is a schematic diagram of the valve core of one embodiment of the seven-way valve of this utility model, wherein the seven-way valve outputs corresponding control modes E, B, F, G, A, H, C, I, and D respectively;

[0027] Figure 15 The connection relationship of the valve core openings under various control modes of one embodiment of the seven-way valve of this utility model is shown.

[0028] Figure 16 This shows the connection relationship of the valve core openings under various control modes of an existing seven-way valve.

[0029] The features of this utility model will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals always identify corresponding elements. In the drawings, similar reference numerals generally denote identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. Unless otherwise stated, the drawings provided throughout this application should not be construed as being drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0031] However, it should be understood that these descriptions are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments of the present invention for ease of explanation. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concepts of the present invention.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The term "comprising" as used herein indicates the presence of features, steps, or operations, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features.

[0033] The terms "first," "second," etc., used herein are for descriptive purposes only, such as distinguishing different components, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one feature. In the description of this application, the term "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise expressly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the use of descriptions such as "above" or "below," "left" or "right" for the first feature relative to the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that they are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" for the first feature relative to the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. Similarly, "below," "under," and "below" for the first feature relative to the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature. The use of terms such as "above," "below," "left," or "right" to describe relative positions in this application is not intended to limit absolute concepts; for example, it may be used to describe the relative positions of several features in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] All terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. It should be noted that the terms used herein are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the context of this specification, and not in an idealized or overly rigid way.

[0037] This invention provides a multi-way valve that enables a smaller valve core volume and therefore a smaller valve body volume. As an example, this invention describes in detail one type of multi-way valve, a seven-way valve, to illustrate the design principle and solution of this invention's multi-way valve.

[0038] Figure 3 and Figure 4An embodiment of the seven-way valve 10 of this utility model is shown. The seven-way valve 10 includes a valve body 11 and a valve core 12. The valve core 12 has a generally cylindrical shape and is disposed inside the valve body 11. It rotates within the valve body 11 such that after rotating a certain degree within the valve body 11, the valve core opening on the valve core 12 is aligned with the valve body opening on the valve body 11, thereby providing a control mode for communication at the interface connected to the valve body opening.

[0039] To illustrate the application of the seven-way valve 10, we will take its use in a vehicle as an example. In a vehicle, the seven-way valve 10 connects to corresponding interfaces on the exhaust plate through its eight valve body openings or interfaces. For ease of explanation, this manual refers to the actual interface numbering used on the exhaust plate, which includes numbers "4", "2", "5", "7", "1", "6", and "3". These numbered interfaces have set connection requirements. After connecting the seven-way valve 10, the seven-way valve 10 controls the flow of fluid through the corresponding interfaces (flow direction or flow rate is not discussed here) to achieve the fluid flow requirements set by the exhaust plate. For example, eight control modes are required here.

[0040] Figure 1 An existing seven-way valve 1 is shown, which has eight valve body openings or interfaces. Seven corresponding numbered interfaces on the drain plate are connected to the corresponding valve body openings of the seven-way valve 1, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the seven numbered ports on the drain plate are connected to the eight valve body openings of the seven-way valve 1. It can be seen that port number "4" on the drain plate is connected to both openings in the first row of the seven-way valve 1.

[0041] Figure 16 Eight control modes A, H, C, D, G, E, B and F of the existing seven-way valve 1 are provided. In each control mode, the interfaces with different numbers are connected by the corresponding valve body opening of the seven-way valve 1. The valve body opening is unchanged. Each table requires two columns of valve core openings aligned with the valve body opening.

[0042] The existing seven-way valve 1 offers eight control modes:

[0043] Mode A: 4-5 Unicom, 2-1 Unicom, 7-6 Unicom;

[0044] Mode H: 4-2 connection, 7-1 connection;

[0045] Mode C: 4-3 connection, 7-1 connection;

[0046] Mode D: 4-5 Unicom, 7-1 Unicom, 6-3 Unicom;

[0047] Mode G: 4-7 Unicom, 1-3 Unicom;

[0048] Mode E: 4-5 Unicom, 7-6 Unicom, 1-3 Unicom;

[0049] Mode B: 4-2 Unicom, 7-6 Unicom, 5-1 Unicom;

[0050] Mode F: 4-7 Unicom, 5-1 Unicom, 6-3 Unicom.

[0051] To achieve these eight control modes, the existing seven-way valve 1 requires 12 rows of valve core openings in its valve core 12. However, this makes the valve core 12 of the existing seven-way valve 1 too large, resulting in an excessively large seven-way valve 1, a large torque required to drive the valve core 12 to rotate, and a risk of jamming or shaft breakage.

[0052] This invention provides a new seven-way valve 10, which can realize the above eight control modes. However, the number of valve core opening rows of the valve core 12 is reduced to 9 rows, and the volume of the valve core 12 is significantly reduced. Under the condition that the valve body opening area (to achieve flow rate) of the seven-way valve 10 is equal, the volume of the valve core 12 of the seven-way valve 10 of this invention can be 0.56 times the volume of the valve core 12 of the existing seven-way valve 1.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, the seven-way valve 10 of this utility model differs from the existing seven-way valve 1 in that the seven-way valve 10 of this utility model only provides one valve body opening that connects to the interface numbered "4" on the drain plate; at the same time, the seven-way valve 10 of this utility model closes one valve body opening. Specifically, compared with the existing seven-way valve 1, the seven-way valve 10 of this utility model can change the connection method with the interface numbered "4" on the drain plate.

[0054] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the seven-way valve 10 includes a valve body 11 and a valve core 12, and a sealing gasket 13 disposed between the valve body 11 and the valve core 12. The valve body 11 of the seven-way valve 10 has eight valve body openings, and one of the valve body openings is closed. Here, "closed" means that the valve body opening of the seven-way valve 10 is cut off, and fluid cannot pass through the valve body opening.

[0055] In one embodiment of this utility model, one of the eight valve body openings of the seven-way valve 10 is closed by the portion of the valve body 11 corresponding to that valve body opening. For example, this valve body opening is closed by the plate of the valve body 11.

[0056] In another embodiment of this utility model, one of the eight valve body openings of the seven-way valve 10 is closed by a sealing gasket 13 between the valve body 11 and the valve core 12. In this embodiment, the sealing gasket 13 has seven sealing gasket 13 openings, which correspond to seven of the eight valve body openings in the valve body 11 of the seven-way valve 10, so that the remaining one of the eight valve body openings in the valve body 11 of the seven-way valve 10 is closed by the sealing gasket 13.

[0057] In one embodiment of this utility model, such as Figure 2 As shown, seven of the eight valve body openings of the seven-way valve 10 are connected to the seven interfaces on the drain plate as follows: Figure 2 The numbering correspondences shown are linked. For illustration, in... Figure 2 In the diagram, the "4" marked in the first column of the first row of the seven-way valve 10 indicates that the opening is connected to the port numbered "4" of the drain plate. Furthermore, the "0" in the second column of the second row of the seven-way valve 10 indicates that the opening of the seven-way valve 10 is closed.

[0058] Figure 3 The front view of the seven-way valve 10 of this utility model is shown. It should be understood that in other embodiments, one of the eight openings of the seven-way valve 10 can be closed, for example, the valve opening in the first column of the second row is closed, or the valve opening in the first column of the third row is closed, or the valve opening in the second column of the third row is closed, etc.

[0059] In this specification, the example described is that the valve body opening of the second row, second column of the seven-way valve 10 is closed. In this embodiment, the valve body opening of the second row, second column of the seven-way valve 10 is closed. Figure 2 Marking the valve body opening with the number "0" means that it is closed.

[0060] In this embodiment, of the eight valve body openings of the seven-way valve 10, the valve body openings in the second row and second column are closed by the corresponding portions of the valve body 11. In this embodiment, a sealing gasket 13 may also be included between the valve body 11 and the valve core 12. The sealing gasket 13 is used to seal and prevent fluid leakage from the interface between the valve body 11 and the valve core 12.

[0061] This utility model also includes other embodiments, wherein the valve body opening in the second row and second column is closed by a sealing gasket 13, and the sealing gasket 13 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the position of the sealing gasket 13 corresponding to the opening in the second row and second column is not open, so that the sealing gasket 13, positioned between the valve body 11 and the valve core 12, can close the opening in the second row and second column of the seven-way valve 10. The sealing gasket 13 is used for sealing, which can prevent fluid leakage from the interface between the valve body 11 and the valve core 12.

[0062] In this embodiment, the connection relationship between the eight valve body openings of the seven-way valve 10 and the corresponding numbered external interfaces is configured as follows: Figure 2 As shown.

[0063] The seven-way valve 10 of this invention utilizes the rotation of the valve core 12 within the valve body 11. With each rotation, the two rows of valve core openings of the valve core 12 align with the two rows of valve body openings of the valve body 11, thereby connecting specific valve body openings of the seven-way valve 10 and providing a control mode. In this embodiment, the valve core 12 provides a new control mode every 30-40 degrees of rotation within the valve body 11. At this time, the volume of the valve core is smaller than that of existing seven-way valves, thus reducing the size of the seven-way valve while achieving the same control mode and providing the same flow control.

[0064] As an example, in one embodiment of this utility model, the valve core 12 provides a new control mode for every 40 degrees of rotation within the valve body 11. In this embodiment, the valve core has the smallest volume compared to other embodiments. In this embodiment, starting from the initial 0-degree position of the valve core 12, a control mode is provided for every 40 degrees of rotation; that is, after the valve core 12 rotates 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, 240, and 280 degrees, the seven-way valve 10 can provide eight control modes respectively. Figure 15 Eight control modes (E, B, F, G, A, H, C, D) of one embodiment of the seven-way valve 10 of this utility model are listed. In each control mode, interfaces with different numbers are connected by the corresponding valve body opening of the seven-way valve 10. The valve body opening remains unchanged. Each table requires two columns of valve core openings aligned with the valve body opening:

[0065] Mode E: 4-5 Unicom, 7-6 Unicom, 1-3 Unicom;

[0066] Mode B: 4-2 Unicom, 7-6 Unicom, 5-1 Unicom;

[0067] Mode F: 4-7 Unicom, 5-1 Unicom, 6-3 Unicom;

[0068] Mode G: 4-7 Unicom, 1-3 Unicom;

[0069] Mode A: 4-5 Unicom, 2-1 Unicom, 7-6 Unicom;

[0070] Mode H: 4-2 connection, 7-1 connection;

[0071] Mode C: 4-3 connection, 7-1 connection;

[0072] Mode D: 4-5 Unicom, 6-3 Unicom, 7-1 Unicom.

[0073] In this embodiment, the valve core 12 includes nine rows of valve core openings. The valve core opening configuration of the valve core 12 is described in detail below with reference to each mode.

[0074] Figure 6 The diagram shows the arrangement of the two rows of valve core openings (pointed to the two rows of valve body openings in the valve body 11) out of the nine rows of valve core openings in control mode E (these are the two rows of valve body openings indicated by the downward arrows in the diagram; similar arrangements will follow). At this point, the current position of valve core 12 can be considered its initial position, with valve core 12 rotated 0 degrees. (The diagram is repeated here.) Figure 6 As shown, in the first row of valve core openings of valve core 12, the third and fourth row of valve core openings are connected, thus enabling the valve body opening of valve body 11 to connect to the drain plate interface 6-7; the first row of valve core openings in the first column and the first row of valve core openings in the second column are connected, thus enabling the valve body opening of valve body 11 to connect to the drain plate interface 4-5; the third row of openings in the second column and the fourth row of valve core openings in the second column are connected, thus enabling the valve body opening of valve body 11 to connect to the drain plate interface 3-1. Furthermore, while the first row of valve core openings in the second column and the second row of valve core openings in valve core 12 are connected, the second row of valve core openings in the second column of the seven-way valve 10 is closed. Therefore, the seven-way valve 10 does not connect to the drain plates numbered "0" and "3".

[0075] Figure 7 The diagram shows the arrangement of the valve core openings in control mode B, which correspond to the two rows of valve body openings in the valve core 11 out of the nine rows of valve core openings. In this mode, the valve core 12 is rotated 40 degrees. Figure 6 The first row of valve core openings of the valve core 12 shown in the figure is rotated substantially away from the valve core. Figure 7 The view shows the second column of valve core openings of valve core 12 from... Figure 6 Rotate to the right Figure 7 Slightly to the left, while the third row of valve core openings of valve core 12 is rotated to be shown. For example... Figure 7 As shown, in the second row of valve core openings of valve core 12, the first and second rows of valve core openings are connected, thus enabling the valve body opening of valve body 11 to connect to interface 4-2 of the drain plate; the third and second rows of valve core openings in the second row are connected, thus enabling the valve body opening of valve body 11 to connect to interface 6-7 of the drain plate; the third and fourth rows of valve core openings in the third row are not connected, but the first and fourth rows of valve core openings in the third row are connected, thus enabling the valve body opening of valve body 11 to connect to interface 5-1 of the drain plate. Furthermore, the seven-way valve 10 does not connect to the interfaces of the drain plates numbered "5" and "0".

[0076] Figure 8The diagram shows the arrangement of the valve core openings in the valve core 12, out of the nine rows of valve core openings, corresponding to the two rows of valve body openings in the valve body 11, during control mode F. At this time, the valve core 12 has rotated 80 degrees. Figure 7 The second row of valve core openings of the middle valve core 12 is rotated to essentially move away, and the third row of valve core openings of the valve core 12 from... Figure 7 The right-hand rotation shown in the image Figure 8 Slightly to the left of the center, while the fourth row of valve core openings of valve core 12 is rotated to be shown. (As shown) Figure 8 As shown, in the third row of valve core openings of valve core 12, the first row of valve core openings and the fourth row of valve core openings are connected, while the second row of valve core openings and the third row of valve core openings are not connected, thus realizing the connection between the valve body opening of valve body 11 and the drain plate interface 4-7; in the fourth row, the first row of valve core openings and the fourth row of valve core openings are connected, while the second row of valve core openings and the third row of valve core openings are not connected, thus realizing the connection between the valve body opening of valve body 11 and the drain plate interface 5-1; in the third row of valve core openings of the third row and the third row of valve core openings of the fourth row are connected, thus realizing the connection between the valve body opening of valve body 11 and the drain plate interface 6-3.

[0077] Figure 9 The diagram shows the arrangement of the valve core openings in the nine rows of valve core openings of valve core 12, corresponding to the two rows of valve body openings in valve body 11, during control mode G. At this time, valve core 12 has rotated 120 degrees, the third row of valve core openings of valve core 12 has been rotated substantially away, and the fourth row of valve core openings of valve core 12... Figure 8 Rotate to the right of center Figure 9 Slightly to the left of the center, while the fifth row of valve core openings of valve core 12 is rotated to show. (As shown...) Figure 9 As shown, in the fourth row of valve core openings of valve core 12, the first row of valve core openings and the fourth row of valve core openings are connected, while the second row of valve core openings and the third row of valve core openings are not connected, thus enabling the valve body opening of valve body 11 to connect to the drain plate interface 4-7; the third row of valve core openings in the fifth row and the fourth row of valve core openings in the second row are connected, thus enabling the valve body opening of valve body 11 to connect to the drain plate interface 3-1; the second row of valve core openings, the third row of valve core openings in the fourth row and the first row of valve core openings in the fifth row are not connected.

[0078] Figure 10 The diagram shows the arrangement of the valve core openings in the nine rows of valve core openings of valve core 12, corresponding to the two rows of valve body openings in valve body 11, during control mode A. At this time, valve core 12 has rotated 160 degrees, the fourth row of valve core openings of valve core 12 has been rotated substantially away, and the fifth row of valve core openings of valve core 12... Figure 9 Rotate to the right of center Figure 10 Slightly to the left of the center, the sixth column of valve core openings of valve core 12 is rotated to be shown. (As shown) Figure 10As shown, in the fifth row of valve core openings of valve core 12, the third row of valve core openings and the fourth row of valve core openings are connected, thereby realizing the interface 6-7 of the valve body opening of valve body 11 connecting to the drain plate; the first row of valve core openings in the fifth and sixth columns are connected, thereby realizing the interface 4-5 of the valve body opening of valve body 11 connecting to the drain plate; the second row of valve core openings in the fifth column and the fourth row of valve core openings in the sixth column are connected, thereby realizing the interface 2-1 of the valve body opening of valve body 11 connecting to the drain plate.

[0079] Figure 11 The diagram shows the arrangement of the nine rows of valve core openings in valve core 12 corresponding to the two rows of valve body openings in valve body 11 during control mode H. In this mode, valve core 12 has rotated 200 degrees, the fifth row of valve core openings is rotated substantially away, and the sixth row of valve core openings... Figure 10 Rotate to the right of center Figure 11 Slightly to the left of the center, while the seventh column of valve core openings of valve core 12 is rotated to be shown. (As shown) Figure 11 As shown, in the sixth column of valve core openings of valve core 12, the first row of valve core openings and the second row of valve core openings are connected, thereby realizing the connection of the valve body opening of valve body 11 to the drain plate interface 4-2; the fourth row of valve core openings in the sixth and seventh columns are connected, thereby realizing the connection of the valve body opening of valve body 11 to the drain plate interface 7-1.

[0080] Figure 12 The diagram shows the arrangement of the nine rows of valve core openings in valve core 12 corresponding to the two rows of valve body openings in valve body 11 during control mode C. In this mode, valve core 12 has rotated 240 degrees, and the sixth row of valve core openings in valve core 12 has been rotated substantially away, while the seventh row of valve core openings... Figure 11 Rotate to the right of center Figure 12 Slightly to the left of the center, while the eighth column of valve core openings of valve core 12 is rotated to be shown. (As shown) Figure 12 As shown, the valve core 12's seventh column first row valve core opening is connected to the eighth column third row valve core opening, thereby realizing the valve body opening of the valve body 11 connecting to the drain plate interface 4-3; the seventh column and the eighth column fourth row valve core opening are connected, thereby realizing the valve body opening of the valve body 11 connecting to the drain plate interface 7-1.

[0081] Figure 14 The diagram shows the arrangement of the valve core openings in the nine rows of valve core openings of valve core 12, corresponding to the two rows of valve body openings in valve body 11, during control mode D. In this mode, valve core 12 has rotated 280 degrees, and the seventh row of valve core openings of valve core 12 has been rotated substantially away, while the eighth row of valve core openings of valve core 12... Figure 12 Rotate to the right of center Figure 14 Slightly to the left of the center, while the ninth column of valve core openings of valve core 12 is rotated to be shown. (As shown) Figure 14As shown, the valve cores of the eighth and ninth columns of the valve core 12 are connected, thereby connecting the valve body opening of the valve body 11 to the drain plate at interface 4-5; the valve cores of the eighth and ninth columns are connected, thereby connecting the valve body opening of the valve body 11 to the drain plate at interface 6-3; the valve cores of the eighth and ninth columns are connected, thereby connecting the valve body opening of the valve body 11 to the drain plate at interface 7-1.

[0082] The above describes how the rotation of valve core 12 provides eight control modes. In the embodiments of this invention, as can be seen from the above description and accompanying drawings, the inventors have cleverly configured the two rows of valve body openings of the valve body 11 of the seven-way valve 10 to be different, for example... Figure 2 The left column of valve body openings shown includes four open valve body openings, and the right column of valve body openings includes three open valve body openings. This is advantageous because the design of the valve body 11, in conjunction with the corresponding design of the valve core 12, ensures that each column of valve core openings of the valve core 12 can output a control fluid connection mode when aligned with all the valve body openings of the valve body 11.

[0083] Specifically, each row of valve core openings in valve core 12 is aligned once with each of the two rows of valve body openings in valve body 11. This allows each row of valve core openings in valve core 12 to provide two different conduction modes for the valve body openings, thereby maximizing the output modes of the valve core openings and achieving the most control modes with the fewest valve core openings. It should be understood that in other embodiments of this invention, the valve body openings of valve body 11 can be configured such that the right row includes four open valve body openings and the left row includes three open valve body openings; correspondingly, the openings of valve core 12 are readjusted.

[0084] In this invention, when setting the valve core opening of the valve core, the closed valve body opening of the valve body is considered as a valve body opening. However, the innovative design is that the valve body opening is closed, which means that even if the valve core opening aligned with the closed valve body opening is connected to other valve core openings, fluid connection will not be caused.

[0085] Compared to existing seven-way valves, this invention achieves the same number of control modes and meets external interface requirements. However, the valve core of this invention includes 9 rows of valve core openings, compared to 12 rows in existing seven-way valves, reducing the number of valve core openings by 3 and significantly decreasing the valve core volume. It should be noted that this comparison is based on the premise that the areas of the valve core openings and valve body openings of the existing seven-way valve and this invention's seven-way valve are the same.

[0086] In one embodiment of this utility model, in addition to the above eight control modes, the seven-way valve 10 can also provide a ninth control mode, referred to here as Mode I, such as... Figure 15As shown. In Mode I, the seven-way valve 10 of this invention can connect to the interfaces 4-5-2-6-3-7-1 of the drain plate. In this embodiment, the valve core 12 is provided with a filling groove 12C, as shown. Figure 13 As shown, the filling groove 12C is disposed between the seventh and eighth row valve core openings of the valve core 12. When the valve core 12 rotates 265 degrees, the filling groove 12C aligns with the first, second, and third row valve body openings of the valve body 11, thereby connecting the first, second, and third row valve body openings of the valve body 11. The filling groove 12C of this invention is advantageous because it provides an additional control mode, while the existing seven-way valve 1 cannot provide a filling groove 12C due to size limitations.

[0087] like Figure 13 The filling groove 12C on the valve core 12 is disposed between the seventh and eighth rows of valve core openings of the valve core 12. However, in other embodiments, the filling groove 12C may be disposed between two other rows of valve body openings. The filling groove 12C is configured such that when any two rows of valve body openings in the other nine rows of valve core openings are aligned with two rows of valve body openings of the valve body 11, the portion of the valve body 11 facing the two rows of valve body openings of the valve body 11 is closed, for example, by the sealing gasket 13.

[0088] In one embodiment of this utility model, the seven-way valve 10 can provide any one or more of the nine control modes mentioned above for an external interface. It should be understood that the seven-way valve 10 of this utility model can provide a maximum of nine control modes for an external interface; however, it is not necessary to provide all nine control modes. A specific degree of rotation is sufficient to achieve the corresponding number of control modes for the external interface. Furthermore, this utility model describes in detail the valve body and valve core of the seven-way valve 10. The internal structure of the valve core is not described in detail here; however, it should be understood that, based on the connection of the valve core opening provided by this utility model, those skilled in the art can configure the internal interface of the valve core, which will not be elaborated upon further herein.

[0089] like Figure 4 In one embodiment of the present invention, the seven-way valve 10 may further include a drive device 14, which is configured to output power toward the valve core 12 to drive the valve core 12 to rotate. In one embodiment, the drive device 14 is disposed at the end of the seven-way valve 10.

[0090] In one embodiment of the seven-way valve 10 of this utility model, such as Figure 4 As shown, the valve body 11 may include a fixing plate 16, which provides eight valve body openings for the seven-way valve 10. The valve body 11 may include a generally cylindrical body to which the fixing plate 16 is attached. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the fixing plate 16 may be omitted.

[0091] Another example of the multi-way valve of this utility model can be a nine-way valve, which differs from the aforementioned seven-way valve in that it includes 10 valve body openings. According to the concept of this utility model, in one embodiment, one of the 10 valve body openings of the nine-way valve is closed. The 10 valve body openings of the nine-way valve (including one closed valve body opening) can be configured in 5 rows and 2 columns, with one column including 5 open valve body openings and another column including 4 open valve body openings and one closed valve body opening. Correspondingly, the valve core includes 9 columns of valve core openings, realizing 8 control modes.

[0092] This invention also provides an eleven-way valve, which differs from the aforementioned seven-way valve in that it includes 12 valve body openings. According to the concept of this invention, one of the 12 valve body openings of the eleven-way valve is closed. The 12 valve body openings (including one closed valve body opening) can be configured in 6 rows and 2 columns, with one column including 6 open valve body openings and another column including 5 open valve body openings and one closed valve body opening. Correspondingly, the valve core includes 10 columns of valve core openings, realizing 9 control modes.

[0093] The multi-way valve of this utility model can also be, for example, a 5-way valve. In the multi-way valve of this utility model, one valve body opening is closed. By cooperating with the valve body opening of the valve core and the valve body that closes one valve body opening, multiple control modes can be realized, while achieving the smallest possible volume of valve body and valve core.

[0094] Another aspect of this invention provides a method for configuring a seven-way valve 10. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a valve body 11 of the seven-way valve 10 having eight valve body openings arranged in two rows, wherein the seven-way valve 10 provides seven open valve body openings. In one embodiment, the valve body 11 includes two rows of valve body openings, one row including four open valve body openings and the other row including three open valve body openings.

[0095] The method includes providing a valve core 12 having nine rows of valve core openings and disposing the valve core 12 inside a valve body 11 such that the valve core 12 can rotate within the valve body 11. The method also includes providing a sealing gasket 13 between the valve body 11 and the valve core 12.

[0096] In one embodiment, the method further includes: configuring the position of the valve core 12 such that, starting from the initial position of 0 degrees, every 40 degrees, two adjacent rows of valve core openings of the valve core 12 are aligned with two rows of valve body openings of the valve body 11, thereby outputting a corresponding fluid connection mode of the valve body openings.

[0097] In one embodiment, the method further includes: configuring the valve core 12 to include a filling groove 12C, the filling groove 12C being located between two rows of valve core openings among the nine rows of valve core openings, so that when the valve core 12 is rotated to a specific position, the filling groove 12C connects to a row of valve body openings of the valve body 11, and at the same time the valve core 12 allows all valve body openings of the valve body 11 to connect.

[0098] In one embodiment, one of the eight valve body openings is partially closed by the valve body 11. For example, one of the eight valve body openings of the valve body 11 is sealed by the material of the valve body 11.

[0099] In another embodiment of this invention, one of the eight valve body openings is partially closed by a sealing gasket 13. For example, the sealing gasket 13 is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the portion of the sealing gasket 13 corresponding to the valve body opening in the second row and second column of the valve body 11 can close the valve body opening in the second row and second column of the valve body 11.

[0100] The embodiments of this utility model have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that implementations not illustrated or described in the drawings or the main text of the specification are forms known to those skilled in the art and have not been described in detail. Furthermore, the definitions of the components described above are not limited to the various specific structures, shapes, or methods mentioned in the embodiments, and those skilled in the art can easily modify or substitute them.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will understand that the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this utility model can be combined and / or combined in various ways, even if such combinations or combinations are not explicitly described in this utility model. In particular, the features described in the various embodiments and / or claims of this utility model can be combined and / or combined in various ways without departing from the spirit and teachings of this utility model. All such combinations and / or combinations fall within the scope of this utility model.

[0102] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-way valve, comprising: The valve body includes 2N valve body openings, where N is an integer; The valve core is disposed within the valve body and is rotatable within the valve body; as well as A sealing gasket is disposed between the valve core and the valve body; The multi-way valve is characterized in that one of the 2N valve body openings is closed; The 2N valve body openings of the valve body are arranged in two columns, and the number of open valve body openings in the two columns are N and N-1, respectively. The valve core is configured to include nine rows of valve core openings, with each row of valve core openings aligning once with two rows of valve body openings during valve core rotation.

2. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that... One of the 2N valve body openings is closed by the portion of the valve body corresponding to one of the 2N valve body openings.

3. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that... One of the 2N valve body openings is closed by the portion of the sealing gasket corresponding to one of the 2N valve body openings.

4. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that... A multi-way valve is a seven-way valve.

5. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that... The multi-way valve is configured such that the valve core rotates within the valve body, and every 30-40 degrees of rotation, two of the nine valve core openings of the valve core align with two of the two valve body openings of the valve body, in order to provide a valve body opening connection method.

6. The multi-way valve according to claim 5, characterized in that... The valve core also includes a filling groove, which is disposed between two rows of valve core openings among the nine rows of valve core openings, so that when the valve core is at a specific degree, the filling groove is aligned with one row of valve body openings among the two rows of valve body openings of the valve body, and the valve core allows all valve body openings of the valve body to be connected.

7. The multi-way valve according to claim 6, characterized in that... The filling slot is configured such that when any two of the seven valve core openings other than the two valve core openings in the nine valve core openings are aligned with the two valve body openings of the valve body, the portion of the valve body between the two valve body openings facing the filling slot is closed.

8. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that... The valve core has a cylindrical shape.

9. The multi-way valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-way valve is selected from one of the five-way valve, nine-way valve, and eleven-way valve.

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