VALVE DEVICE AND A HEAT PUMP SYSTEM WITH THIS DEVICE

Abstract

A valve assembly comprises: a valve housing (100) with an inlet opening (101) and a first outlet opening (110) to a third outlet opening (130). The first, second, and third outlet openings (110, 120, 130) are formed along the circumference of the valve housing (100). The valve assembly further comprises: a valve body (200) rotatably arranged inside the valve housing (100) and having a body inlet (210), a body outlet (220) which is in fluid communication with the body inlet (210), as well as a first expansion recess (240) and a second expansion recess (250) formed next to the body outlet (220).The body inlet (210) and the inlet port (101) are in fluid communication at all times, and the body outlet (220) is selectively and simultaneously in fluid communication with two outlet ports from the first outlet port (110) to the third outlet port (130) through the first expansion recess (240) and the second expansion recess (250) by rotating the valve body (200).

Description

Background (a) Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve device and a heat pump system therein, and in particular to a valve device which is capable of performing the function of an expansion valve simultaneously in two directions, and to a heat pump system therein. (b) Description of the technology referred to

[0002] In general, an air conditioning system for a vehicle includes an air conditioning device (air conditioner) for circulating (recirculating) refrigerant to heat or cool the interior of the vehicle.

[0003] Such an air conditioning system is designed to maintain a comfortable interior environment by keeping the vehicle interior at a suitable temperature, regardless of changes in the outside temperature. The system is configured to heat or cool the vehicle interior through heat exchange using an evaporator, while the refrigerant delivered by a compressor passes through a condenser, a receiver-dryer, an expansion valve, and the evaporator, before circulating back to the compressor.

[0004] In other words, during a cooling mode in summer, an air conditioner uses a gaseous refrigerant at high temperature and high pressure, which is compressed by the compressor, condensed through the condenser, then passes through the collector-dryer and the expansion valve, and is evaporated in the evaporator, thereby lowering the temperature and humidity of the interior.

[0005] In recent years, in response to growing interest in energy efficiency and environmental concerns, environmentally friendly vehicles have been developed that can significantly replace vehicles with combustion engines. Such environmentally friendly vehicles are generally divided into electric vehicles, which are powered by electricity from a battery, and hybrid vehicles, which are powered by both a combustion engine and a battery.

[0006] Among environmentally friendly vehicles, the electric vehicle, unlike the air conditioning system of a vehicle with an internal combustion engine, does not use a separate heating device, and an air conditioning system used in the electric vehicle is generally referred to as a heat pump system.

[0007] Electric vehicles use multiple heat exchangers (condensers, evaporators and / or the like) for interior climate control, battery cooling and / or cooling of the drive electric motor, and multiple expansion valves are required to supply the heat exchangers with expanded refrigerant.

[0008] Applying multiple expansion valves to the heat pump system complicates the overall system configuration and increases manufacturing costs.

[0009] The facts described in this background section serve only to provide a better understanding of the background of the disclosure and may contain facts that are not yet known to the person skilled in the art in the field to which the present technology belongs. Brief explanation

[0010] The present disclosure or invention (hereinafter also referred to as: disclosure) provides a valve device which is capable of simultaneously controlling a plurality of heat exchangers through a plurality of outlet openings through which refrigerant can be expanded, and a heat pump system thereof.

[0011] Furthermore, the present disclosure attempts to simplify the structure of a heat pump system and to reduce manufacturing costs.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a valve assembly comprises: a valve housing having an inlet opening and a first to third outlet opening, which are formed along a circumference, and a valve body which is rotatably provided inside the valve housing. The valve body has a body inlet, a body outlet which is in fluid communication with the body inlet, and a first expansion recess and a second expansion recess which are formed adjacent to (e.g., adjoining) the body outlet. In particular, the body inlet and the inlet opening are in fluid communication at all times (i.e., permanently / always), and the body outlet is / is selectively and fluidically connected to at least one of the first outlet opening, the second outlet opening, or the third outlet opening.The body outlet is selectively and fluidically connected simultaneously to two outlet openings of (or below) the first outlet opening, the second outlet opening and the third outlet opening through the first expansion recess and the second expansion recess by rotating the valve body.

[0013] In some embodiments, a shortest circumferential distance between the first expansion recess and the second expansion recess may be longer than a shortest circumferential distance between a pair of adjacent outlet openings from (or below) the first outlet opening to the third outlet opening.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first expansion recess and the second expansion recess can have different shapes.

[0015] In some embodiments, one of the length, width, or depth gradients of the first expansion recess and the second expansion recess may be different from each other.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first expansion recess and the second expansion recess can have the same shape.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lengths, widths, and depth gradients of the first expansion recess and the second expansion recess can be designed to be equal to each other.

[0018] In some embodiments, the body outlet can be located in a position perpendicular to the body inlet.

[0019] In some embodiments, the valve body can be spherical, and a connecting flow channel, which is designed to fluidically connect the body inlet and the body outlet, can be formed inside the valve body.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first to third outlet openings can be formed at equal intervals (i.e., equidistant) along the circumference of the valve housing.

[0021] In some embodiments, the distance between any pair of adjacent outlet openings from the first outlet opening to the third outlet opening can be shorter than the distance between each of the other two pairs of outlet openings.

[0022] In some embodiments, the valve assembly may further comprise valve seats, each positioned between the valve body and one of the first, second, and third outlet ports of the valve housing. The valve seats are designed to rotatably support the valve body. The valve assembly also includes a valve support body located on a radially outer side of each valve seat.

[0023] In some embodiments, the valve assembly may further include a valve seal provided between each of the valve seats and the valve support body.

[0024] According to one embodiment, a heat pump system comprises: a valve housing with an inlet opening and a first to third outlet opening, which are formed along a circumferential direction of the valve housing, and a valve body which is rotatably mounted inside the valve housing. The valve body comprises: a body inlet which is connected to the inlet opening at all times, a body outlet which can be selectively connected to at least one of the first, second, or third outlet openings, and a first expansion recess and a second expansion recess which are formed adjacent to (e.g., adjacent to) the body outlet.The heat pump system further comprises: a refrigerant supply line, which is in fluid connection with the inlet port of the valve body, and a plurality of refrigerant outlet lines, which are in fluid connection with at least one of the first, second, or third outlet ports of the valve body. The plurality of refrigerant outlet lines includes a first, a second, and a third refrigerant outlet port. The body inlet and the inlet port are fluidly connected to the refrigerant supply line at all times (i.e., permanently / always). The body outlet is / will be selectively and fluidically connected to at least one of: i) the first outlet port and the first refrigerant outlet port, ii) the second outlet port and the second refrigerant outlet port, or iii) the third outlet port and the third refrigerant outlet port.

[0025] In some embodiments, at least one of a first mode, a second mode, a third mode, or a fourth mode can be selectively implemented by rotating the valve body. The first mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line is discharged to the first refrigerant outlet line; the second mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line is discharged to the second refrigerant outlet line; the third mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line is expanded and discharged to the second and third refrigerant outlet lines; and the fourth mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line is discharged to the third refrigerant outlet line.

[0026] In some embodiments, in the first mode the valve body is positioned at a reference position, in the second mode the valve body is rotated by a first fixed angle in a fixed direction from the reference position, in the third mode the valve body is rotated by a second fixed angle in the fixed direction from the reference position, and in the fourth mode the valve body is rotated by a third fixed angle in the fixed direction from the reference position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the second fixed angle may be larger than the first fixed angle, and the third fixed angle may be larger than the second fixed angle.

[0028] In some embodiments, in the first mode the refrigerant supply line can be fluidly connected to the first refrigerant outlet line through the inlet opening, the body inlet, the body outlet and the first outlet opening, and the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant supply line can be discharged to the first refrigerant outlet line.

[0029] In some embodiments, in the second mode, the refrigerant supply line can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant outlet line via the inlet opening, the body inlet, the body outlet and the second outlet opening, and the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant supply line can be discharged to the second refrigerant outlet line.

[0030] In some embodiments, in the third mode, the refrigerant supply line can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant outlet line via the inlet opening, the body inlet, the body outlet, the first expansion recess and the second outlet opening; the refrigerant supply line can be fluidly connected to the third refrigerant outlet line via the inlet opening, the body inlet, the body outlet, the second expansion recess and the third outlet opening; a portion of the refrigerant flowing in through the supply line can be expanded through the first expansion recess and discharged through the second outlet opening to the second refrigerant outlet line; and the remaining refrigerant flowing in through the supply line can be expanded through the second expansion recess and discharged through the third outlet opening to the third refrigerant outlet line.

[0031] In some embodiments, in the fourth mode, the refrigerant supply line can be fluidly connected to the third refrigerant outlet line via the inlet opening, the body inlet, the body outlet and the third outlet opening, and the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant supply line can be discharged to the third refrigerant outlet line.

[0032] According to the embodiments, it is possible to realize the functions of two expansion valves through a single valve device, thereby simplifying the construction of a heat pump system in which the valve device is used and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0033] Furthermore, the effects that can be obtained or expected from the embodiments of this disclosure should be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of this disclosure. Numerous effects that can be expected from the embodiments of this disclosure should be disclosed in the detailed description described below. Brief description of the drawings

[0034] Since the accompanying drawings serve as examples to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, the technical nature of the present disclosure is not to be understood as being limited to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows perspective views depicting a configuration of a valve device according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective partial sectional view showing the configuration of the valve device according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of the valve assembly according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows perspective views illustrating configurations of a valve body according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective sectional view showing the configuration of the valve body according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the valve body according to the embodiment. Fig. Figures 9 to 12 are views that depict the operating states of the valve device according to the embodiment.

[0035] It should be understood that the attached drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified depiction of various properties in order to illustrate the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes as disclosed herein, are (at least) partially determined by the respective intended application and usage environment. Detailed description

[0036] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. The singular forms used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should further be understood that the terms "have" and / or "comprise," when used in this disclosure, indicate the presence of certain features, integers, steps, processes, constituents, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more further features, integers, steps, processes, constituents, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes one or all combinations of the related items.

[0037] When a component, device, element or the like is described in the present disclosure as having a purpose or performing a process, function or the like, the component, device or element herein should be regarded as being "configured" to fulfill such purpose or to perform such process or function.

[0038] In the present disclosure, each of the expressions such as “A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, “at least one of A or B”, “A, B or C”, “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B or C” and “at least one of A, B or C or a combination thereof” may include any or all possible combinations of the items which are listed together in the corresponding expression.

[0039] The following detailed description shows and describes only certain embodiments of the present disclosure, solely for illustrative purposes. However, the present disclosure can be implemented in numerous ways and is not limited to the embodiments shown below.

[0040] The drawings and description are to be regarded as exemplary and not as limiting. The same reference numerals denote the same elements in this disclosure.

[0041] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each configuration shown in the drawings are arbitrarily represented to facilitate understanding and description; however, the present disclosure is not limited to this. In the drawings, the thickness of sections, films, plates, areas, etc., is exaggerated for clarity.

[0042] The suffixes “-module” and / or “-unit” or “-part” for components used in the following description are only specified to simplify the writing of the application or are used interchangeably and therefore have no different meanings or roles in themselves.

[0043] Furthermore, when describing a disclosed embodiment, a detailed description of relevant known technologies was omitted if it was found that their detailed description would obscure the essential nature of the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings serve to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure, and the technical nature disclosed in the present disclosure is not limited by the accompanying drawings, and it is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents and substitutes which are contained within the meaning and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0045] Terms containing an ordinal number, such as first and second, are used to describe different components, but the components are not restricted by these terms.

[0046] In the following description, expressions described in the singular can be interpreted as singular or plural unless explicit expressions such as "einzige" or "einzelne" are used.

[0047] The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0048] A valve device according to one embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows perspective views depicting a configuration of a valve device according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective partial sectional view showing the configuration of the valve device according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective exploded view of the valve assembly according to the embodiment.

[0050] According to one embodiment, as described in the Fig. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a valve assembly can have a valve housing 100 in which an inlet opening 101 and a plurality of outlet openings are formed, and a valve body 200 which is in a spherical shape and is rotatably provided inside the valve housing 100.

[0051] The valve housing 100 can have an installation space designed to receive / accommodate the valve body 200, the inlet opening 101 formed on an underside and the plurality of outlet openings formed along a circumference of the valve housing 100.

[0052] A drive unit 300, which generates power (e.g., force) to actuate a valve, can be installed on an upper part of the valve housing 100. The drive unit 300 can be implemented with an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, or an electromagnet (e.g., a solenoid).

[0053] A drive bracket 320 for attaching the drive unit 300 can be provided on the valve housing 100, and the drive unit 300 can be attached to the valve housing 100 by means of the drive bracket 320.

[0054] The plurality of exhaust ports can have a first exhaust port 110, a second exhaust port 120, and a third exhaust port 130, which are formed at equal intervals (e.g., equidistant) along the circumference of the valve housing 100. For example, the first exhaust port 110 to the third exhaust port 130 can be formed at intervals of 120 degrees along the circumference of the valve housing 100.

[0055] In one embodiment, a circumferential distance between a pair of adjacent outlet openings (e.g., the second outlet opening 120 and the third outlet opening 130) from the first outlet opening 110 to the third outlet opening 130 can be shorter than a distance between each of the other two pairs of outlet openings (e.g., a circumferential distance between the first outlet opening and the second outlet opening and a circumferential distance between the first outlet opening and the third outlet opening).

[0056] By making the circumferential distance between the second outlet opening 120 and the third outlet opening 130 shorter than the distance between each of the other two pairs of outlet openings, refrigerant can be easily discharged through the second outlet opening 120 and the third outlet opening 130, while expanding through a first expansion recess 240 and a second expansion recess 250, which are described below.

[0057] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows perspective views illustrating configurations of a valve body according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective sectional view showing the configuration of the valve body according to the embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the valve body according to the embodiment.

[0058] With reference to the Fig. 5 to 8 the valve body 200 can be rotatably mounted in the installation space of the valve housing 100, it can be fluidly connected to the inlet opening 101 of the valve housing 100 at any time (i.e. permanently / always) and can be selectively and fluidically connected to the majority of outlet openings of the valve housing 100 (e.g. be / become connected).

[0059] The valve body 200 can be essentially spherical and have a body inlet 210 through which an operating fluid flows in, a body outlet 220 which is in fluid communication with the body inlet 210 and through which the operating fluid is discharged, as well as a first expansion recess 240 and a second expansion recess 250, which are adjacent to (e.g. adjacent to) the body outlet 220 and through which the operating fluid is expanded.

[0060] The body inlet 210 can be formed in an upper center of the valve body 200, and the operating fluid can flow into the valve body 200 through the body inlet 210.

[0061] A connecting flow channel 230, which is essentially "L"-shaped, can be formed inside the valve body 200. The body inlet 210 and the body outlet 220 can be fluidly connected to each other via the connecting flow channel 230.

[0062] An axial recess 260 is formed on the underside of the valve body 200. The axial recess 260 can be connected to a drive shaft 310 of the drive unit 300.

[0063] The body outlet 220 can be fluidly connected to the body inlet 210 via the connecting flow channel 230 and can be formed in a lateral center of the valve body 200. In other words, the body outlet 220 can be formed perpendicular (i.e., at a right angle) to the body inlet 210.

[0064] The first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 can be formed adjacent to the (e.g. adjacent to the) body outlet 220 and perform the function of expanding the operating fluid released through the body outlet 220.

[0065] The first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 can have a length corresponding to an angle defined along a direction of rotation of the valve body 200, a width defined in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the valve body 200, and a depth gradient defined along the length of each of the first and second expansion recesses 240 and 250.

[0066] In one embodiment, the depth gradient of each of the first and second expansion recesses 240 and 250 can refer to a change in depth in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of each of the first and second expansion recesses 240 and 250 (also referred to as the "depth direction" if necessary), if each of the first and second expansion recesses 240 and 250 is formed with a length corresponding to an angle defined along the direction of rotation of the valve body 200.

[0067] A large depth gradient can indicate that each of the first and second expansion recesses 240 and 250 is designed to deepen rapidly, while a small depth gradient can indicate that each of the first and second expansion recesses 240 and 250 is designed to deepen gradually (e.g., slowly).

[0068] In other words, each of the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 can be designed to have a defined length, a defined width, and a defined depth gradient.

[0069] The first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 can be designed such that they are opposite each other with respect to the body outlet 220.

[0070] The first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 can be arranged such that they are opposite each other with respect to the body outlet 220. In this case, the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 can be asymmetrically formed along the circumferential direction of the valve body 200 with respect to the body outlet 220. For example, at least one of the length, width, or depth gradients of the first expansion recess 240 can differ from those of the second expansion recess 250. By having different shapes for the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 (e.g.,by having at least one expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 designed differently, the functions of different expansion valves can be implemented by a single valve device.

[0071] In one embodiment, the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 can have the same shape. In this case, the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 can be symmetrically formed along the circumferential direction of the valve body 200 with respect to the body outlet 220. In other words, the lengths, widths, and depth gradients of the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 can be identical. The first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 are formed in the same shape, so that the function of two identical expansion valves can be implemented by a single valve assembly.

[0072] It should be noted that the shortest circumferential distance (or the smallest circumferential angle) (see “L1” in Fig. 8) between the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 may be longer than the shortest circumferential distance (or the smallest circumferential angle) (see “L2” in Fig. 9) between a pair of adjacent outlet openings (e.g. the second outlet opening and the third outlet opening) from the first outlet opening 110 to the third outlet opening 130.

[0073] In this way, the shortest circumferential distance between the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 is longer than the shortest circumferential distance between a pair of adjacent outlet openings (e.g., the second outlet opening and the third outlet opening), so that the refrigerant can expand through the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 and simultaneously be released through the second outlet opening 120 and the third outlet opening 130.

[0074] It should be noted that a respective valve seat 140 and a respective valve support body 150 can be provided between the first outlet opening 110 to the third outlet opening 130 of the valve housing 100 and the valve body 200, and that the first outlet opening 110 to the third outlet opening 130 can be in fluid communication with the body outlet 220 of the valve body 200 via the valve seats 140 and the valve support bodies 150.

[0075] The valve seat 140 is formed in an essentially circular plate shape (e.g., a disc shape) with a hollow center (e.g., a central opening). In other words, the valve seat 140 is designed like an essentially circular plate with a hollow center. The valve seat 140 can be in contact with an outer surface of the valve body 200. The valve seat 140 can rotatably support the valve body 200 (e.g., be rotatably mounted). A support surface of the valve seat 140 facing the valve body 200 can be formed in a partially spherical shape corresponding to the valve body 200.

[0076] The valve support body 150 can be provided on a radially outer side of the valve seat 140 (e.g., radially further outward than the valve seat 140) and can be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a hollow center (e.g., a central opening). In one embodiment, the first, second, and third outlet openings 110, 120, 130 can be formed in the respective valve support bodies 150.

[0077] In another embodiment, a valve seal 160 can be provided between the valve seat 140 and the valve support body 150. The valve seal 160 can prevent the operating fluid from leaking between the valve seat 140 and the valve support body 150.

[0078] In one embodiment, the body outlet 220 can be permanently and fluidically connected to the inlet opening 101 while the valve body 200 rotates. As the valve body 200 rotates, the body outlet 220 can be selectively and fluidically connected to one of the first, second, and third outlet openings 110, 120, 130, and can also be selectively and fluidically connected simultaneously to two outlet openings (e.g., the second outlet opening and the third outlet opening) from (or below) the first outlet opening 110 to the third outlet opening 130 through the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250.

[0079] The operation of the valve device according to the embodiment is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0080] Fig. Figures 9 to 12 are views that depict the operating states of the valve device according to the embodiment.

[0081] With reference to the Fig. According to the embodiment, the valve device can selectively operate in a first mode, a second mode, a third mode or a fourth mode by rotating the valve body 200 in accordance with a selected operating mode of a heat pump system.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the heat pump system can have a plurality of refrigerant lines through which an operating fluid (e.g., refrigerant) flows. For example, the plurality of refrigerant lines can include a refrigerant supply line (also, for example, refrigerant inlet line or refrigerant feed line) 400, a first refrigerant outlet line 410, a second refrigerant outlet line 420, and a third refrigerant outlet line 430.

[0083] The refrigerant supply line 400 can be arranged below the valve housing 100 of the valve assembly. The refrigerant supply line 400 can be fluidically connected to the body inlet 210 of the valve body 200 at any time via the inlet opening 101 of the valve housing 100.

[0084] The first refrigerant outlet line 410 to the third refrigerant outlet line 430 can each be associated with the first outlet opening 110 to the third outlet opening 130 and the first refrigerant outlet line 410 to the third refrigerant outlet line 430 can be arranged successively at defined angles (e.g. 120 degrees) apart along the circumference of the valve body 100 of the valve assembly.

[0085] In other words, by rotating the valve body 200, the body inlet 210 of the valve body 200 can be fluidly connected to the refrigerant supply line 400 at any time, and the body outlet 220 of the valve body 200 can be selectively connected to the first refrigerant outlet line 410 to the third refrigerant outlet line 430 through the first outlet opening 110 to the third outlet opening 130.

[0086] The first mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line is discharged to the first refrigerant outlet line 410, the second mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line is discharged to the second refrigerant outlet line 420, the third mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line is expanded and discharged to the second refrigerant outlet line 420 and the third refrigerant outlet line 430, and the fourth mode can be a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line is discharged to the third refrigerant outlet line 430.

[0087] The first, second, and fourth modes can be modes in which the outlet path of the refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly is modified. The third mode is a mode in which the refrigerant flowing into the valve assembly expands and is discharged in two directions, and in this case, the valve assembly can function as an expansion valve.

[0088] The first mode can refer to a state in which the valve body 200 is positioned at a reference position, the second mode can refer to a state in which the valve body 200 is rotated by a first defined angle (e.g. 120 degrees) in a defined direction (e.g. clockwise) from the reference position, the third mode can refer to a state in which the valve body 200 is rotated by a second defined angle (e.g. 180 degrees) in a defined direction (e.g. clockwise) from the reference position, and the fourth mode can refer to a state in which the valve body 200 is rotated by a third defined angle (e.g. 240 degrees) in a defined direction (e.g. clockwise) from the reference position.

[0089] The second fixed angle can be larger than the first fixed angle, and the third fixed angle can be larger than the second fixed angle.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 9 In the first mode, in which the valve body 200 is positioned at the reference position, the body inlet 210 of the valve body 200 can be fluidly connected to the first outlet opening 110 via a connecting line and the body outlet 220, and the refrigerant supply line 400 can be fluidly connected to the first refrigerant outlet line 410 via the inlet opening 101 of the valve housing 100, the body inlet 210, the connecting line and the body outlet 220 of the valve body 200, as well as the first outlet opening 110 of the valve housing 100.

[0091] The second outlet opening 120 and the third outlet opening 130 of the valve housing 100 may be blocked, and the second refrigerant outlet line 420 and the third refrigerant outlet line 430 may also be blocked.

[0092] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant supply line 400 can be discharged through the inlet opening 101 of the valve body 100, the body inlet 210, the connecting flow channel 230 and the body outlet 220 of the valve body 200 as well as the first outlet opening 110 of the valve body 100 to the first refrigerant outlet line 410.

[0093] With reference to Fig. In the second mode, in which the valve body 200 is rotated by the first fixed angle (e.g. 120 degrees) in the fixed direction (e.g. clockwise) from the reference position, the body inlet 210 of the valve body 200 can be fluidly connected to the second outlet opening 120 via the connecting line and the body outlet 220, and the refrigerant supply line 400 can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant outlet line 420 via the inlet opening 101 of the valve housing 100, the body inlet 210, the connecting line and the body outlet 220 of the valve body 200, and the second outlet opening 120 of the valve housing 100.

[0094] In this case, the first outlet opening 110 and the third outlet opening 130 of the valve body 100 may be blocked, and the first refrigerant outlet line 410 and the third refrigerant outlet line 430 may also be blocked.

[0095] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant supply line 400 can be discharged through the inlet opening 101 of the valve housing 100, the body inlet 210, the connecting line and the body outlet 220 of the valve body 200, and the second outlet opening 120 of the valve housing 100 to the second refrigerant outlet line 420.

[0096] With reference to Fig. In the third mode, in which the valve body 200 is rotated by the second fixed angle (e.g. 180 degrees) in the fixed direction (e.g. clockwise) from the reference position, the body inlet 210 of the valve body 200 can be fluidly connected to the second outlet opening 120 via the connecting line, the body outlet 220 and the first expansion recess 240, and at the same time the body inlet 210 of the valve body 200 can be fluidly connected to the third outlet opening 130 via the connecting line, the body outlet 220 and the second expansion recess 250.

[0097] The refrigerant supply line 400 can be fluidly connected to the second refrigerant outlet line 420 via the inlet opening 101 of the valve housing 100, the body inlet 210, the connecting line, the body outlet 220 and the first expansion recess 240 of the valve body 200 as well as the second outlet opening 120 of the valve housing 100, and at the same time the refrigerant supply line 400 can be fluidly connected to the third refrigerant outlet line 430 via the inlet opening 101 of the valve housing 100, the body inlet 210, the connecting line, the body outlet 220 and the second expansion recess 250 of the valve body 200 as well as the third outlet opening 130 of the valve housing 100.

[0098] In this case, the first outlet opening 110 of the valve housing 100 may be blocked, and the first refrigerant outlet line 410 may also be blocked.

[0099] Accordingly, a portion of the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant supply line 400 can be discharged through the inlet opening 101 of the valve body 100, the body inlet 210, the connecting line, the body outlet 220, and the first expansion recess 240 of the valve body 200, as well as the second outlet opening 120 of the valve body 100, to the second refrigerant outlet line 420. The refrigerant can expand as it flows through the first expansion recess 240 and is discharged to the second refrigerant outlet line 420.

[0100] Simultaneously, the remaining refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant supply line 400 can be discharged through the inlet opening 101 of the valve body 100, the body inlet 210, the connecting line, the body outlet 220, the second expansion recess 250 of the valve body 200, and the third outlet opening 130 of the valve body 100 to the third refrigerant outlet line 430. During this process, the refrigerant can expand as it flows through the second expansion recess 250 and is discharged to the third refrigerant outlet line 430.

[0101] If, in this case, the shapes of the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 are configured differently, the flow rate of the refrigerant expanded through the first expansion recess 240 and the flow rate of the refrigerant expanded through the second expansion recess 250 will differ. Accordingly, the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged through the second refrigerant outlet line 420 and the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged through the third refrigerant outlet line 430 can be controlled differently.

[0102] This makes it possible to implement the functions of two expansion valves with different specifications through a single valve device.

[0103] If the shapes of the first expansion recess 240 and the second expansion recess 250 are identical, the flow rate of the refrigerant expanding through the first expansion recess 240 and the flow rate of the refrigerant expanding through the second expansion recess 250 are equal. Accordingly, the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged through the second refrigerant outlet line 420 and the flow rate of the refrigerant discharged through the third refrigerant outlet line 430 can be controlled equally.

[0104] This makes it possible to implement the functions of two expansion valves with the same specification through a single valve device.

[0105] With reference to Fig.In the fourth mode, in which the valve body is rotated by the third fixed angle (e.g. 240 degrees) in the fixed direction (e.g. clockwise) from the reference position, the body inlet 210 of the valve body 200 can be fluidly connected to the third outlet opening 130 via the connecting line and the body outlet 220, and the refrigerant supply line 400 can be fluidly connected to the third refrigerant outlet line 430 via the inlet opening 101 of the valve housing 100, the body inlet 210, the connecting line and the body outlet 220 of the valve body 200, and the third outlet opening 130 of the valve housing 100.

[0106] In this case, the first outlet opening 110 and the second outlet opening 120 of the valve body 100 may be blocked, and the first refrigerant outlet line 410 and the second refrigerant outlet line 420 may also be blocked.

[0107] Accordingly, the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant supply line 400 can be discharged through the inlet opening 101 of the valve housing 100, the body inlet 210, the connecting line and the body outlet 220 of the valve body 200, and the third outlet opening 130 of the valve housing 100 to the third refrigerant outlet line 430.

[0108] According to the valve arrangement of the embodiment described above, the functions of two expansion valves can be realized by a single valve arrangement, and accordingly the structure of the heat pump system to which the valve arrangement is applied can be simplified and the manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0109] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with embodiments currently considered practical, it is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover numerous modifications and equivalent embodiments, which are included within the scope and meaning of the appended claims. Reference symbol list 100 valve bodies 101 Entrance 110 First outlet opening 120 Second outlet opening 130 Third outlet opening 140 Valve seat 150 valve support bodies 160 Valve seal 200 valve bodies 210 Body Inlet 220 Body outlet 230 Connecting flow channel 240 First expansion recess 250 Second expansion recess 260 Axial recess 300 drive unit 310 Drive shaft 320 drive bracket 400 Refrigerant supply line 410 First refrigerant outlet line 420 Second refrigerant outlet line 430 Third refrigerant outlet line

Claims

[1] Valve assembly comprising: a valve housing (100) comprising: an inlet port (101), a first outlet port (110), a second outlet port (120) and a third outlet port (130), wherein the first outlet port (110), the second outlet port (120) and the third outlet port (130) are formed along a circumference of the valve housing (100), and a valve body (200) which is rotatably provided within the valve housing (100) and has: a body inlet (210), a body outlet (220) which is in fluid communication with the body inlet (210), and a first expansion recess (240) and a second expansion recess (250), which are formed adjacent to the body outlet (220), wherein the body inlet (210) and the inlet opening (101) are in fluid contact at all times, wherein the body outlet (220) is selectively and fluidically connectable to at least one of the first outlet opening (110), the second outlet opening (120) or the third outlet opening (120), and wherein the body outlet can be selectively and fluidically connected simultaneously to two outlet openings below the first outlet opening (110), the second outlet opening (120) and the third outlet opening (130) through the first expansion recess (240) and the second expansion recess (250) by rotating the valve body (200). [2] Valve device according to claim 1, wherein: a shortest circumferential distance between the first expansion recess (240) and the second expansion recess (250) shall be longer than a shortest circumferential distance between a pair of adjacent outlet openings below the first outlet opening (110), the second outlet opening (120) and the third outlet opening (130). [3] Valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the first expansion recess (240) and the second expansion recess (250) have different shapes. [4] Valve device according to claim 3, wherein: at least one of the lengths, widths or depth gradients of the first expansion recess (240) and the second expansion recess (250) are different from each other. [5] Valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the first expansion recess (240) and the second expansion recess (250) have the same shape. [6] Valve device according to claim 5, wherein: the lengths, widths and depth gradients of the first expansion recess (240) and the second expansion recess (250) are designed such that they are equal to each other. [7] Valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The body outlet (220) is formed at a position perpendicular to the body inlet (210). [8] Valve device according to claim 7, wherein: the valve body (200) is spherically shaped, and a connecting flow channel (230), which is designed to fluidically connect the body inlet (210) and the body outlet (220), is formed within the valve body (200). [9] Valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: the first outlet opening (110), the second outlet opening (120) and the third outlet opening (130) are formed at equal intervals along the circumference of the valve housing (200). [10] Valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: a distance between any pair of adjacent outlet openings below the first outlet opening (110), the second outlet opening (120) and the third outlet opening (130) is shorter than the distance between each of the other two pairs below the first, second and third outlet openings. [11] Valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: Valve seats (140), each of which is provided between the valve body (200) and one of the first outlet port (110), the second outlet port (120) and the third outlet port (130) of the valve housing (100), wherein the valve seats (140) are arranged to rotatably support the valve body (200), and a valve support body (150) which is provided on a radially outer side of each of the valve seats (140). [12] Valve device according to claim 11, further comprising: a valve seal (160) which is provided between each of the valve seats (140) and the valve support body (150). [13] Heat pump system comprising: a valve housing (100) with: an inlet opening (101), a first outlet opening (110), a second outlet opening (120) and a third outlet opening (130), wherein the first outlet opening (110), the second outlet opening (120) and the third outlet opening (130) are formed along a circumferential direction of the valve housing (100), a valve body (200) which is rotatably housed within the valve casing (100) and has: a body inlet (210) which is connected to the inlet opening (101) at all times, a body outlet (220) which can be selectively connected to at least one of the first outlet opening (110), the second outlet opening (120) or the third outlet opening (130), and a first expansion recess (240) and a second expansion recess (250), which are formed adjacent to the body outlet (220), a refrigerant supply line (400) which is in fluid connection with the inlet port (101) of the valve housing (100), and a plurality of refrigerant outlet lines (410, 420, 430) which are in fluid communication with at least one of the first outlet opening (110), the second outlet opening (120) or the third outlet opening (130) of the valve housing (100), wherein the plurality of refrigerant outlet lines has a first refrigerant outlet line (410), a second refrigerant outlet line (420) and a third refrigerant outlet line (430), wherein the body inlet (210) and the inlet opening (101) are fluid-connected to the refrigerant supply line (400) at all times, and wherein the body outlet (220) can be selectively and fluidically connected to at least one of the first outlet opening (110) and the first refrigerant outlet line (410), the second outlet opening (120) and the second refrigerant outlet line (420), or the third outlet opening (130) and the third refrigerant outlet line (430). [14] Heat pump system according to claim 13, wherein: at least one of a first mode, a second mode, a third mode or a fourth mode is selectively executed by rotating the valve body, wherein the first mode is a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line (400) is discharged to the first refrigerant outlet line (410), wherein the second mode is a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line (400) is discharged to the second refrigerant outlet line (420), wherein the third mode is a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line (400) is expanded and discharged to the second refrigerant outlet line (420) and to the third refrigerant outlet line (430), and where the fourth mode is a mode in which refrigerant flowing into the refrigerant supply line (400) is discharged to the third refrigerant outlet line (430). [15] Heat pump system according to claim 14, wherein: In the first mode, the valve body (200) is positioned at a reference position, In the second mode, the valve body (200) is rotated by a first fixed angle in a fixed direction from the reference position, In the third mode, the valve body (200) is rotated by a second fixed angle in the specified direction from the reference position, and In the fourth mode, the valve body (200) is rotated by a third fixed angle in the specified direction from the reference position. [16] Heat pump system according to claim 15, wherein: the second fixed angle is larger than the first fixed angle, and The third fixed angle can be larger than the second fixed angle. [17] Heat pump system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein: in the first mode. the refrigerant supply line (400) is fluidly connected through the inlet opening (101), the body inlet (210), the body outlet (220) and the first outlet opening (110) to the first refrigerant outlet line (410), and the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet line (400) is discharged to the first refrigerant outlet line (410). [18] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: in the second mode, the refrigerant supply line (400) is fluidly connected via the inlet opening (101), the body inlet (210), the body outlet (220) and the second outlet opening (120) to the second refrigerant outlet line (420), and the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet line (400) is discharged to the second refrigerant outlet line (420). [19] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein: in the third mode, the refrigerant supply line (400) is fluidly connected via the inlet opening (101), the body inlet (210), the body outlet (220), the first expansion recess (240) and the second outlet opening (120) to the second refrigerant outlet line (420), the refrigerant supply line (400) is fluidly connected via the inlet opening (101), the body inlet (210), the body outlet (220), the second expansion recess (250) and the third outlet opening (130) to the third refrigerant outlet line (430), a portion of the refrigerant flowing in through the inlet line (400) is expanded through the first expansion recess (240) and discharged through the second outlet opening (120) to the second refrigerant outlet line (420), and the remaining refrigerant, which flows in through the inlet line (400), is expanded through the second expansion recess (250) and is discharged through the third outlet opening (130) to the third refrigerant outlet line (430). [20] Heat pump system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein: in the fourth mode, the refrigerant supply line (400) is fluidly connected to the third refrigerant outlet line (430) via the inlet opening (101), the body inlet (210), the body outlet (220) and the third outlet opening (130), and the refrigerant flowing in through the refrigerant inlet line (400) is discharged to the third refrigerant outlet line (430).

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