Rotary refrigerant valve for automotive heat pump control

Abstract

The rotary valve includes: a valve body having a cylindrical cavity; a rotor having a cylindrical surface that abuts against the surface of the cylindrical cavity, the rotor including: a central bore; a first channel extending between the central bore and a first opening within the cylindrical surface; a second channel extending between the central bore and a second opening within the cylindrical surface; a third channel extending between the central bore and a third opening within the cylindrical surface; and a fourth channel not connected to the central bore, the fourth channel extending between a fourth opening within the cylindrical surface and a fifth opening at an end face of the rotor, the end face being adjacent to the cylindrical surface; and a port extending through the valve body between the surface of the cylindrical cavity and the exterior of the valve body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 192,615, filed on March 29, 2023, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 366,957, entitled "ROTARY REFRIGERANT VALVE FOR AUTOMOTIVE HEAT PUMP CONTROL", filed on June 24, 2022. The disclosures of both of those applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0002] This specification relates to a rotary refrigerant valve that can be used for automotive heat pump control.

Background Art

[0003] Automotive manufacturers are continuously developing their thermal systems to meet changing demands in terms of improved efficiency, increased capacity, or smaller size. For example, increased efficiency can involve improving or optimizing the way the performance of the thermal system affects the vehicle's range. As another example, increased capacity can involve designing the thermal system to handle significant heat loads from components such as battery packs or to provide cabin heating. As another example, reducing the size of the components of the thermal system can help reduce the overall weight of the vehicle or save space for other uses.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, the rotary valve comprises: a valve body having a cylindrical cavity; a rotor having a cylindrical surface that abuts against the surface of the cylindrical cavity, the rotor comprising: a central bore; a first channel extending between the central bore and a first opening in the cylindrical surface; a second channel extending between the central bore and a second opening in the cylindrical surface; a third channel extending between the central bore and a third opening in the cylindrical surface; and a fourth channel not connected to the central bore, the fourth channel extending between a fourth opening in the cylindrical surface and a fifth opening in an end face of the rotor, the end face being adjacent to the cylindrical surface; and a port extending through the valve body between the surface of the cylindrical cavity and the exterior of the valve body.

[0005] The implementation may include any or all of the following features. The first opening has a substantially first rectangular shape on the cylindrical surface, and the long side of the first rectangular shape extends circumferentially along the rotation direction of the rotor. The third opening has a substantially second rectangular shape on the cylindrical surface, and the long side of the second rectangular shape extends circumferentially along the rotation direction of the rotor. The long side of the first rectangular shape is longer than the long side of the second rectangular shape. The central bore has a substantially cylindrical shape. The rotor is made of a single piece of material without using any joints, where the first, second, third, and fourth channels are machined in the single piece of material. The first and second openings are located opposite each other across the central bore. The first and third openings are located on opposite sides of the central bore and are offset from each other along the rotation axis of the rotor. The rotary valve further includes a check valve in the valve body. The check valve faces the end face of the rotor. The rotary valve further includes a spring that biases the check valve, and the spring is held by a fitting attached to at least one of the ports. The rotary valve further includes an actuator attached to the valve body, and the actuator is configured to rotate the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity. The rotary valve has a first operating mode corresponding to a first rotational position of the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity, where at the first rotational position of the rotor: the first opening on the cylindrical surface faces the first port of the port; the second opening on the cylindrical surface faces the second port of the port; the third opening on the cylindrical surface is covered by a part of the surface of the cylindrical cavity; the fifth opening on the end face of the rotor is covered by the valve body.The rotary valve further has a second operating mode corresponding to a second rotational position of the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity, where, at the second rotational position of the rotor: the first opening in the cylindrical surface faces the first port; the second opening in the cylindrical surface faces the second port; the third opening in the cylindrical surface faces a third port of the port; a fifth opening in the end face of the rotor is covered by a valve body. The second operating mode corresponds to each of a plurality of second rotational positions of the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity, and the plurality of second rotational positions of the rotor correspond to respective different ratios between the flow through the first channel and the flow through the second channel. The rotary valve further has a third operating mode corresponding to a third rotational position of the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity, where, at the third rotational position of the rotor: the first opening in the cylindrical surface faces the first port; the second opening in the cylindrical surface is covered by another part of the surface of the cylindrical cavity; the third opening in the cylindrical surface faces the third port; a fifth opening in the end face of the rotor is covered by a valve body. The rotary valve further has a fourth operating mode corresponding to a fourth rotational position of the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity, where, at the fourth rotational position of the rotor: the first opening in the cylindrical surface faces the first port; the second opening in the cylindrical surface is covered by the other part of the surface of the cylindrical cavity; the third opening in the cylindrical surface faces the third port; the fourth opening faces the second port; a fifth opening in the end face of the rotor faces a fourth port of the port. A part of the fourth channel ending at the fifth opening in the end face of the rotor is substantially parallel to the central bore.

[0006] In a second aspect, the rotary valve includes: a valve body having a cylindrical cavity; first, second, third, and fourth ports, each of the first, second, third, and fourth ports extending through the valve body between the surface of the cylindrical cavity and the exterior of the valve body; and a rotor having a cylindrical surface that abuts the surface of the cylindrical cavity, the rotor including: first means for transmitting flow in a first operating mode, where in the first operating mode, the first port is connected only to the second port and the flow does not reach the third and fourth ports; second means for transmitting flow in a second operating mode, where in the second operating mode, the first port is connected only to the second and third ports and the flow does not reach the fourth port; third means for transmitting flow in a third operating mode, where in the third operating mode, the first port is connected only to the third port and the flow does not reach the second and fourth ports; and fourth means for transmitting flow in a fourth operating mode, where in the fourth operating mode, the first port is connected only to the third port and the second port is connected only to the fourth port.

[0007] The implementation may include any or all of the following features. The second means further controls the ratio between (i) the flow between the first port and the second port and (ii) the flow between the first port and the third port.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

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Figure 2

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Figure 3

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Figure 4

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Figure 8

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[0013] Like reference numerals in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] This specification describes examples of systems and techniques for providing a compact rotary valve. In some implementations, the rotary valve can be used in an automotive thermal system of a vehicle (e.g., an electric vehicle). For example, the heat pump of an electric vehicle can be advantageously controlled in any of a plurality of operating modes.

[0015] The present subject matter can provide a compact rotary refrigerant valve that consists of a single actuator, a single rotor, a valve body having a refrigerant line interface, an integrated check valve, and sealing materials around all flow paths and assembly points if necessary. The rotor obtains machined passages in multiple axes to use space more efficiently and keep the valve compact. The present subject matter can facilitate multiple (e.g., four or more) distinct operating modes using one rotor in a small and compact package. The operating modes can include, but are not limited to, an ambient air condenser mode, a proportion mode, a cabin heating condenser mode, or a charge management mode. The check valve can be integrated into the valve body to prevent unintentional reverse flow during the charge management mode.

[0016] Advantages of the present subject matter can include one or more of the following. The present subject matter can control the rate of refrigerant flow between an ambient air condenser and a condenser for automotive cabin heating. The present subject matter can control proper heat recovery from a cabin heating condenser and allow excess heat to be rejected simultaneously in the ambient air condenser by metering the refrigerant flow. The present subject matter can facilitate refrigerant charge management between two condensers to ensure proper heat pump operation. In the present subject matter, a control check valve can be integrated into the valve body to prevent unintentional reverse flow during the charge management mode or other operating modes. The present subject matter can provide a single rotor and actuator to achieve a single compact passage for the fluid.

[0017] As used herein, reference to the connection of two or more components, or connecting them to each other, means, unless otherwise indicated, enabling fluid flow between the components in one or more directions. Fluid flow can include, but is not limited to, passages for refrigerant in the form of liquid and / or gas.

[0018] The examples described in this specification refer to top, bottom, front, or rear. These and similar expressions identify things or aspects in a relative manner based on explicit or arbitrary concepts of perspective. That is, these terms are merely illustrative for the purpose of explanation and do not necessarily indicate the only possible positions, directions, etc.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an example of a rotary valve 100. FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the rotary valve 100 of FIG. 1. The rotary valve 100 can be used together with one or more other examples described elsewhere in this specification. The rotary valve 100 includes a valve body 102. The valve body 102 can have any shape. In some implementations, the valve body 102 has a profile 104 (e.g., polygonal shape), and the outer surface of the rotary valve 100 over a length 106 can be substantially defined by the profile 104. The valve body 102 can be made of any of a plurality of materials compatible with the intended use (e.g., control of refrigerant flow), including but not limited to metal or composite materials (e.g., polymer). The valve body 102 can provide an interface for fitting an air conditioning fitting, a rotor, and an actuator.

[0020] The rotary valve 100 includes a rotor 108 located inside a cylindrical cavity 110. The rotor 108 includes a cylindrical surface 112 that abuts against the surface of the cylindrical cavity 110. The rotary valve 100 includes an actuator 114 attached to the valve body 102. The actuator 114 can be configured to rotate the rotor 108 inside the cylindrical cavity 110. For example, the actuator 114 can include an electric motor or other electromagnetic device that can be controlled to selectively position the rotor 108 at any of a plurality of rotational positions. Seals can be disposed between the valve body 102 and the rotor 108 and / or between the valve body 102 and the actuator 114.

[0021] The rotary valve 100 includes a fitting 116 for connecting the rotary valve 100 to one or more components of a thermal system. In some implementations, the tube 118, partially shown herein, can be connected to the valve body 102 using the fitting 116. For example, the tube 118 can connect the rotary valve 100 to the discharge outlet of a compressor (not shown). In some implementations, the tube 120, partially shown herein, can be connected to the valve body 102 using the fitting 116. For example, the tube 120 can connect the rotary valve 100 to a cabin heating condenser and / or a liquid-cooled condenser. The rotary valve 100 includes a fitting 122 for connecting the rotary valve 100 to one or more components of a thermal system. In some implementations, the tube 124, partially shown herein, can be connected to the valve body 102 using the fitting 122. For example, the tube 124 can connect the rotary valve 100 to an ambient air condenser (not shown). The rotary valve 100 includes a fitting 126 for connecting the rotary valve 100 to one or more components of a thermal system. In some implementations, the tube 128, partially shown herein, can be connected to the valve body 102 using the fitting 126. For example, the tube 128 can connect the rotary valve 100 to the suction line of a compressor (not shown). In some implementations, the rotary valve 100 includes a check valve 130 that can prevent an unintentional backflow of fluid, such as during an operating mode involving charge management or other operating modes. In some implementations, the check valve 130 can be located at the opening 132 of the valve body 102. The spring 134 can be positioned in a compressed state to bias the check valve 130. For example, the fitting 126 can be positioned to compress the spring 134.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows an example of a thermal system 300 in which the rotary valve 100 of FIG. 1 can be used. The thermal system 300 can be used with one or more other examples described elsewhere in this specification. The thermal system 300 includes a compressor 302. Any of a plurality of types of compressors suitable for the fluid of the thermal system can be used. For example, the compressor 302 can be powered by an electric motor. The thermal system 300 includes a heat pump rotary valve 304 connected to the compressor 302. In some implementations, the rotary valve 100 in FIG. 1 can be used as the heat pump rotary valve 304. For example, the compressor 302 can be connected to the heat pump rotary valve 304 using the tubes 118 and fittings 116 in FIG. 1.

[0023] The thermal system 300 includes an ambient air condenser 306 connected to the heat pump rotary valve 304. For example, the ambient air condenser 306 can be connected to the heat pump rotary valve 304 using the tubes 124 and fittings 122 in FIG. 1. The ambient air condenser 306 can function to remove heat from the refrigerant using ambient air. The ambient air condenser 306 can have at least one fan.

[0024] The thermal system 300 includes a check valve 308 connected to the ambient air condenser 306. The check valve 308 is here connected on the opposite side of the ambient air condenser 306 from where the heat pump rotary valve 304 is connected.

[0025] The thermal system 300 includes an expansion valve 310 connected to the check valve 308. The expansion valve 310 is here connected on the opposite side of the check valve 308 from where the ambient air condenser 306 is connected. For example, the check valve 308 can permit flow in the direction from the ambient air condenser 306 towards the expansion valve 310, but not in the opposite direction.

[0026] The thermal system 300 includes a battery chiller 312 connected to an expansion valve 310. The battery chiller 312 is here connected on the opposite side of the expansion valve 310 from where the check valve 308 is connected. The battery chiller 312 may also be connected to a coolant loop 314. In some implementations, the battery chiller 312 may use the coolant loop 314 to cool or heat a battery (not shown) of a vehicle in which the thermal system 300 is implemented.

[0027] The thermal system 300 includes a cabin heating condenser 316. The cabin heating condenser 316 may be connected to the check valve 308 and the expansion valve 310. The cabin heating condenser 316 may function to provide heat to the passenger cabin of a vehicle in which the thermal system 300 is implemented. In some implementations, a liquid-cooled condenser may be used instead of or together with the cabin heating condenser 316.

[0028] The thermal system 300 includes an expansion valve 318. The expansion valve 318 may be connected to the check valve 308 and the expansion valve 310. The expansion valve 318 is here connected on the opposite side of the expansion valve 310 from where the battery chiller 312 is connected.

[0029] The thermal system 300 includes a cabin evaporator 320. The cabin evaporator 320 may be connected on the opposite side of the expansion valve 318 from where the expansion valve 310 is connected. The cabin evaporator 320 may function to cool air flowing through the cabin evaporator 320 and / or remove moisture therefrom. The opposite side of the cabin evaporator 320 from where the expansion valve 318 is connected may be connected to the battery chiller 312 and the compressor 302. That is, the cabin evaporator 320 may be connected from where the expansion valve 310 is connected to the opposite side of the battery chiller 312, and the cabin evaporator 320 may be connected from where the heat pump rotary valve 304 is connected to the opposite side of the compressor 302.

[0030] The thermal system 300 includes a charge management line 322 that connects ports of the heat pump rotary valve 304 to the battery chiller 312 and the cabin evaporator 320.

[0031] The thermal system 300 includes a shut-off valve 324. The shut-off valve 324 can connect between the port of the heat pump rotary valve 304 and the condenser 316 for cabin heating.

[0032] Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 schematically show examples of the operating modes 400 to 406 of the rotary valve 408. The rotary valve 408 and / or the modes 400-406 can be used together with one or more other examples described elsewhere in this specification.

[0033] In mode 400, the rotor of the rotary valve 408 is positioned such that the port 410 of the rotary valve 408 is connected to the port 412 of the rotary valve 408. For example, port 410 may have a tube extending to the compressor discharge port, and port 412 may have a tube extending to the inlet of the ambient air condenser. In contrast, ports 414 and 416 of the rotary valve 408 are not coupled to either port 410 or 412 or to each other in mode 400. For example, port 414 may have a tube extending to the condenser for cabin heating, and port 416 may have a port extending to the suction port of the compressor. In some implementations, mode 400 can be used for normal cooling cycle operation to connect the compressor discharge gas to the inlet of the ambient air condenser. For example, mode 400 can be used when the system provides cooling to any of the passenger cabin, the battery, and / or any other device within the vehicle that requires cooling (e.g., as part of a standard cooling cycle) and can release heat to the outside of the vehicle.

[0034] In mode 402, the rotor of the rotary valve 408 is positioned such that port 410 is connected to ports 412 and 414. In contrast, port 416 is not coupled to any of ports 410, 412, or 414 in mode 402. In some implementations, mode 402 may use the ratio between the ambient air condenser and the cabin heating condenser during cabin heat pump operation. This can help manage the heat load in each of the condensers in cases of superheat of the cabin inlet air under certain mild to warm ambient conditions and dehumidification / reheat operating conditions. For example, the ratio of the refrigerant flowing to one of the ambient air condenser and the cabin heating condenser can be set anywhere between 0% and 100%, and the corresponding amount flows to the other of the ambient air condenser and the cabin heating condenser.

[0035] In mode 404, the rotor of the rotary valve 408 is positioned such that port 410 is connected to port 414. In contrast, ports 412 and 416 are not coupled to either port 410 or 414 or to each other in mode 404. In some implementations, mode 404 is a heat pump mode and can be used to connect the compressor discharge gas to the inlets of the cabin heating condenser and / or the liquid cooling condenser. For example, mode 404 can be used when the system provides heat to the cabin (e.g., from the atmosphere or a battery pack) during cold ambient conditions.

[0036] In mode 406, the rotor of the rotary valve 408 is positioned such that port 410 is connected only to port 414 and port 412 is connected only to port 416. Mode 406 can also be a heat pump mode and can be used to draw out the refrigerant charge that may otherwise adhere to the air condenser by connecting the ambient air condenser to the compressor suction line. In some implementations, this can help maintain and manage the charge during cabin heat pump operation. For example, there may be scenarios where the amount of refrigerant in the cabin heat loop is insufficient because some refrigerant is trapped in the external (ambient) condenser loop.

[0037] Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 show examples of rotary valve 800 according to operating modes 802 to 808. Rotary valve 800 and / or modes 802 to 808 may be used together with one or more other examples described elsewhere in this specification. Rotary valve 800 is shown here partially transparent for purposes of illustration. Rotary valve 800 includes a rotor 810 having a cylindrical surface that abuts the surface of a cylindrical cavity in the body of rotary valve 800. The body of rotary valve 800 also includes passages 812 to 818. Passages 812 to 818 are formed in the material that makes up the body of rotary valve 800. Passages 812 to 818 can be machined or molded, to name just two examples. Passages 812 to 816 each terminate at a respective port on the surface of the cylindrical cavity. Specifically, passage 812 terminates at port 812A, passage 814 terminates at port 814A, and passage 816 terminates at port 816A. Passage 818 terminates at port 818A inside the cylindrical cavity that faces the end face of rotor 810. The end face of rotor 810 is adjacent to the cylindrical surface of rotor 810.

[0038] Rotor 810 has a central bore 820. Central bore 820 can be substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of rotor 810. For example, central bore 820 can have a substantially cylindrical shape. Central bore 820 can extend along a part or all of the length of rotor 810.

[0039] Rotor 810 can have one or more openings that define a channel. In some implementations, rotor 810 has an opening 822 in the cylindrical surface. The channel extends between opening 822 and central bore 820. In some implementations, opening 822 has a substantially rectangular shape on the cylindrical surface. For example, the long side of the rectangular shape can extend circumferentially along the direction of rotation of rotor 810.

[0040] In some implementations, the rotor 810 has an opening 824 in the cylindrical surface. The opening 824 defines a channel that extends between the cylindrical surface and the central bore 820. In some implementations, the openings 822 and 824 can be positioned opposite each other across the central bore 820.

[0041] In some implementations, the rotor 810 has an opening 826 in the cylindrical surface. The opening 826 defines a channel that extends between the cylindrical surface and the central bore 820. In some implementations, the opening 826 has a substantially rectangular shape in the cylindrical surface. The rectangular shape of the opening 826 may be different from or the same as the rectangular shape of the opening 822. In some implementations, the long side of the rectangular shape of the opening 826 can extend circumferentially along the direction of rotation of the rotor 810. For example, the long side of the rectangular shape of the opening 826 may be longer than the long side of the rectangular shape of the opening 822. In some implementations, the openings 822 and 826 are located on opposite sides of the central bore 820 and can be offset from each other along the axis of rotation of the rotor 810. For example, the offset can ensure that the opening 822 can be aligned with the passage 812 and the opening 826 can be aligned with the passage 816.

[0042] In some implementations, the rotor 810 can be made of a single piece of material without using any joints. For example, the rotor 810 is not formed by joining two or more parts together. The rotor 810 can be formed from a cylindrical stock (e.g., of metal or composite material). In some implementations, one or more channels can be machined into the single piece of material. For example, the channels defined by one or more of the central bore 820, the opening 822, the opening 824, the opening 826, the opening 828, or the opening 830 can be machined (e.g., drilled or routed) from the workpiece to form the rotor 810.

[0043] The body of the rotary valve 800 may include a check valve 832. The check valve 832 may be located at port 818A. For example, the spring of the check valve 832 (e.g., spring 134 in FIG. 1) may be held by fitting 833.

[0044] In mode 802, the rotor 810 has a first rotational position inside the cylindrical cavity. In the first rotational position, the opening 822 faces port 812A. That is, mode 802 may include a plurality of possible first rotational positions, in each of which the opening 822 faces port 812A. Inside mode 802, the rotor 810 is swept (i.e., rotated in either direction about its axis) and may be positioned to any one of the plurality of possible first rotational positions. For example, this may be done to conform to the needs of the system. In the first rotational position, the opening 824 faces port 814A. In the first rotational position, the opening 826 is covered by a portion of the surface of the cylindrical cavity. In the first rotational position, the opening 830 in the end face of the rotor 810 is covered by the valve body. Thus, in mode 802, the flow 834, schematically represented here as a line using an arrow, may occur in the channel extending between ports 812A and 814A. The direction of the arrow of the flow 834 is shown for illustrative purposes only. That is, the channel between the openings 822 and 824, including at least a portion of the central bore 820, may transmit the flow in mode 802. In mode 802, port 812A is connected only to port 814A, and the flow does not reach ports 816A or 818A.

[0045] In mode 804, the rotor 810 has a second rotational position inside the cylindrical cavity. In the second rotational position, the opening 822 faces the port 812A. In the second rotational position, the opening 824 faces the port 814A. In the second rotational position, the opening 826 faces the port 816A. In the second rotational position, the opening 830 on the end face of the rotor 810 is covered by the valve body. That is, mode 804 may include a plurality of possible second rotational positions, in each of which the opening 822 faces the port 812A, the opening 824 faces the port 814A, the opening 826 faces the port 816A, and the opening 830 on the end face of the rotor 810 is covered by the valve body. Inside mode 804, the rotor 810 is swept (i.e., rotated in any direction about its axis) and can be positioned to any one of the plurality of possible second rotational positions. For example, this can be done to conform to the needs of the system. Therefore, in mode 804, a flow 834' can occur in the channel extending between the ports 812A and 814A. The flow 834' can correspond to the flow 834. Also, in mode 804, a flow 836, schematically represented here as a line using an arrow, can occur in the channel extending between the ports 812A and 816A. The channel for the flow 836 can include the opening 822, the central bore 820, and the opening 826. The directions of the arrows for the flows 834' and 836 are shown for illustrative purposes only. Adjusting the rotational position of the rotor 810 can proportion the relative amounts of fluid flow between the flows 834' and 836. That is, the channels between the openings 822, 824, and 826, including at least a portion of the central bore 820, can transmit flow in mode 804. In mode 804, the port 812A is connected only to the ports 814A and 816A, and the flow does not reach the port 818A.

[0046] In mode 806, the rotor 810 has a third rotational position inside the cylindrical cavity. In the third rotational position, the opening 822 faces the port 812A. In the third rotational position, the opening 824 is covered by another portion of the surface of the cylindrical cavity. In the third rotational position, the opening 826 faces the port 816A. In the third rotational position, the opening 830 in the end face of the rotor 810 is covered by the valve body. That is, mode 806 may include a plurality of possible third rotational positions, in each of which the opening 822 faces the port 812A, the opening 824 is covered by another portion of the surface of the cylindrical cavity, the opening 826 faces the port 816A, and the opening 830 in the end face of the rotor 810 is covered by the valve body. Inside mode 806, the rotor 810 is swept (i.e., rotated in any direction about its axis) and can be positioned to any of the plurality of possible third rotational positions. For example, this can be done to conform to the needs of the system. Therefore, in mode 806, the flow 836', schematically represented here as a line using an arrow, can occur in the channel extending between the ports 812A and 816A. The flow 836' can correspond to the flow 836. The direction of the arrow of the flow 836' is shown for illustrative purposes only. That is, the channel between the openings 822 and 826, including at least a portion of the central bore 820, can transmit the flow in mode 806. In mode 806, the port 812A is connected only to the port 816A, and the flow does not reach the ports 814A or 818A.

[0047] In mode 808, the rotor 810 has a fourth rotational position inside the cylindrical cavity. In the fourth rotational position, the opening 822 faces the port 812A. In the fourth rotational position, the opening 824 is covered by another portion of the surface of the cylindrical cavity. In the fourth rotational position, the opening 826 faces the port 816A. In the fourth rotational position, the opening 828 faces the port 814A. In the fourth rotational position, the opening 830 in the end face of the rotor 810 faces the port 818A. That is, mode 808 may include a plurality of possible fourth rotational positions, in each of which the opening 822 faces the port 812A, the opening 824 is covered by another portion of the surface of the cylindrical cavity, the opening 826 faces the port 816A, the opening 828 faces the port 814A, and the opening 830 in the end face of the rotor 810 faces the port 818A. Inside mode 808, the rotor 810 is swept (i.e., rotated in either direction about its axis) and can be positioned to any one of a plurality of possible third rotational positions. For example, this can be done to conform to the needs of the system. Thus, in mode 808, the flow 836'', schematically represented here as a line using an arrow, can occur in the channel extending between the ports 812A and 816A. The flow 836'' can correspond to the flow 836' or the flow 836. Also, in mode 808, the flow 838, schematically represented here as a line using an arrow, can occur in the channel extending between the ports 814A and 818A. The channel defined by the openings 828 and 830 is not connected to the central bore 820. The directions of the arrows of the flows 836'' and 838 are shown for illustrative purposes only. That is, the channel between the openings 822 and 826, including at least a portion of the central bore 820, can transmit flow in mode 808. Also, the channel between the openings 828 and 830 can transmit flow in mode 808. In mode 808, the port 812A is connected only to the port 816A, and the port 814A is connected only to the port 818A.

[0048] As used throughout this specification, the terms "substantially" and "about" are used to account for and take into consideration minor variations, such as those due to variations in processing. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to ±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to ±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.05%. Also, as used herein, indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" mean "at least one".

[0049] It is to be understood that all combinations of the above-described concepts and additional concepts discussed in more detail below are contemplated as being part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein, provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent. In particular, all combinations of the claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein.

[0050] Multiple implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this specification.

[0051] In addition, the logical flow shown in the figures does not require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, other processes may be provided, or processes may be eliminated from the flow described, other components may be added to the system described, or other components may be removed from the system described. Accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

[0052] While specific features of the described implementations have been shown as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the scope of these implementations. They are presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation, and it should be understood that various changes may be made in form and detail. Except for mutually exclusive combinations, any part of the apparatus and / or method described herein may be combined in any combination. The implementations described herein may include various combinations and / or sub-combinations of the functions, components, and / or features of the different implementations described.

Claims

1. A valve body having a cylindrical cavity; A rotor having a cylindrical surface that abuts against the surface of the cylindrical cavity, the rotor comprising: A central bore; A first channel extending between the central bore and a first opening within the cylindrical surface; A second channel extending between the central bore and a second opening within the cylindrical surface; A third channel extending between the central bore and a third opening within the cylindrical surface; and A fourth channel not connected to the central bore, the fourth channel extending between a fourth opening within the cylindrical surface and a fifth opening at an end face of the rotor, the end face being adjacent to the cylindrical surface, Including; and A port extending through the valve body between the surface of the cylindrical cavity and the exterior of the valve body A rotary valve comprising.

2. The first opening has a substantially first rectangular shape on the cylindrical surface, and the long side of the first rectangular shape extends circumferentially along the rotation direction of the rotor. The rotary valve according to claim 1.

3. The third opening has a substantially second rectangular shape on the cylindrical surface, and the long side of the second rectangular shape extends circumferentially along the rotation direction of the rotor. The rotary valve according to claim 2.

4. The long side of the first rectangular shape is longer than the long side of the second rectangular shape. The rotary valve according to claim 3.

5. The central bore has a substantially cylindrical shape. The rotary valve according to claim 1.

6. The rotor is made of a single piece of material without using any joints, wherein the first channel, the second channel, the third channel, and the fourth channel are machined into the single piece of material. The rotary valve according to claim 1.

7. The first opening and the second opening are located opposite each other across the central bore. The rotary valve according to claim 1.

8. The first opening and the third opening are located on opposite sides of the central bore and are offset from each other along the rotation axis of the rotor. The rotary valve according to claim 1.

9. The rotary valve according to claim 1, further comprising a check valve in the valve body.

10. The check valve faces the end face of the rotor. The rotary valve according to claim 9.

11. The rotary valve according to claim 9, further comprising a spring for biasing the check valve, the spring being held by a fitting attached to at least one of the ports.

12. The rotary valve according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator attached to the valve body, the actuator being configured to rotate the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity.

13. It has a first operation mode corresponding to a first rotational position of the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity, where, at the first rotational position of the rotor: The first opening in the cylindrical surface faces the first port of the port; The second opening in the cylindrical surface faces the second port of the port; The third opening in the cylindrical surface is covered by a part of the surface of the cylindrical cavity; The fifth opening in the end face of the rotor is covered by the valve body The rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. It further has a second operation mode corresponding to a second rotational position of the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity, where, at the second rotational position of the rotor: The first opening in the cylindrical surface faces the first port; The second opening in the cylindrical surface faces the second port; The third opening in the cylindrical surface faces the third port of the port; The fifth opening in the end face of the rotor is covered by the valve body The rotary valve according to claim 13.

15. The second operation mode corresponds to each of a plurality of second rotational positions of the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity, and the plurality of second rotational positions of the rotor correspond to respective different ratios between the flow through the first channel and the flow through the second channel. The rotary valve according to claim 14.

16. It further has a third operation mode corresponding to a third rotational position of the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity, where, at the third rotational position of the rotor: The first opening in the cylindrical surface faces the first port; The second opening in the cylindrical surface is covered by another part of the surface of the cylindrical cavity; The third opening in the cylindrical surface faces the third port; The fifth opening in the end face of the rotor is covered by the valve body The rotary valve according to claim 14.

17. It also further has a fourth operating mode corresponding to the fourth rotational position of the rotor inside the cylindrical cavity, where, at the fourth rotational position of the rotor: The first opening in the cylindrical surface faces the first port; The second opening in the cylindrical surface is covered by another part of the surface of the cylindrical cavity; The third opening in the cylindrical surface faces the third port; The fourth opening faces the second port; The fifth opening in the end face of the rotor faces the fourth port of the ports; The rotary valve according to claim 16.

18. A part of the fourth channel ending at the fifth opening in the end face of the rotor is substantially parallel to the central bore, the rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

19. A valve body having a cylindrical cavity; A first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port, each of the first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port extends through the valve body between the surface of the cylindrical cavity and the outside of the valve body; and A rotor having a cylindrical surface that abuts against the surface of the cylindrical cavity Comprising, the rotor: First means for transmitting flow in a first operating mode, where, in the first operating mode, the first port is connected only to the second port, and the flow does not reach the third port and the fourth port; Second means for transmitting flow in a second operating mode, where, in the second operating mode, the first port is connected only to the second port and the third port, and the flow does not reach the fourth port; Third means for transmitting flow in a third operating mode, where, in the third operating mode, the first port is connected only to the third port, and the flow does not reach the second port and the fourth port; and Fourth means for transmitting flow in a fourth operating mode, where, in the fourth operating mode, the first port is connected only to the third port, and the second port is connected only to the fourth port Including Rotary valve.

20. The second means further controls the ratio between (i) the flow between the first port and the second port, and (ii) the flow between the first port and the third port, the rotary valve according to claim 19.

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