Multi port valve apparatus and multi port valve control system

Abstract

The present invention introduces a multi-port valve device and a multi-port valve control system in which the overall valve package is reduced, the fluidity of the cooling medium for each thermal management component or heat exchange component is ensured, and the flow direction of the cooling medium is switched according to various thermal management modes to be implemented, thereby improving the efficiency of temperature management through the cooling medium.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-port valve device and a multi-port valve control system in which a cooling medium is selectively circulated in a plurality of flow paths, is structurally stabilized, and capable of implementing various thermal management modes. Background Technology

[0003] An electric vehicle is a vehicle that obtains its driving energy from electrical energy rather than from the combustion of fossil fuels, as is the case with conventional cars. Electric vehicles have the advantages of producing no exhaust gases and very little noise; however, they had not been commercialized due to issues such as the heavy weight of batteries and the time required for charging. Recently, however, with the worsening of pollution problems and the depletion of fossil fuels, their development is accelerating again.

[0004] Generally, electric vehicles driven by motors are equipped with an inverter, an LDC for converting DC power to AC power, and a charger; due to the heat generation characteristics of these components, a cooling system capable of maintaining an appropriate temperature at all times is essential.

[0005] To this end, the cooling system is equipped with a water pump for circulating cooling water, and the cooling water discharged from the water pump passes through the motor and related electrical equipment and then through a heat source, thereby protecting various electrical equipment with heat generation characteristics from overheating.

[0006] Conventional internal combustion engines utilize waste heat generated by combustion for indoor heating, resulting in minimal increase in fuel consumption due to heating; however, electric vehicles, where waste heat generation is limited, must actively utilize thermal energy from the motor, battery, and external heat sources to provide indoor heating and maintain battery temperature.

[0007] To achieve this, a heat pump system using a refrigerant as a medium and a device for properly regulating the flow of cooling water circulating through the battery and motor are required.

[0008] In particular, electric vehicles are equipped with various electronic devices, and the temperature conditions vary for each device.

[0009] As each of these electronic devices must be managed to maximize vehicle efficiency under various conditions, complex flow paths and multiple valves are required.

[0010] However, if multiple valves are applied and the flow path becomes complex, the structure for coolant circulation becomes excessive.

[0011] The matters described above as background technology are intended only to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and should not be construed as an acknowledgment that they constitute prior art already known to those skilled in the art. The problem to be solved

[0013] The objective of the present invention is to provide a multi-port valve device and a multi-port valve control system in which the overall valve package is reduced, the fluidity of the cooling medium for each thermal management component is ensured, and the flow direction of the cooling medium is switched according to various thermal management modes to be implemented, thereby improving the efficiency of temperature management through the cooling medium.

[0014] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0016] A multi-port valve device according to the present invention for achieving the above objective comprises: a housing having a plurality of ports through which a cooling medium flows, wherein one port is connected to a reservoir tank, some ports are connected to at least one thermal management component, and the remaining ports are connected to at least one heat exchange component; and a valve rotatably provided inside the housing, wherein a plurality of flow paths are formed to match each port according to the rotational position, wherein one flow path is formed to be in constant communication with the port connected to the reservoir tank and selectively communicate with the remaining ports, and the remaining flow paths are formed to be connected to one or more of the ports connected to the thermal management component and the ports connected to the heat exchange component.

[0017] The housing is characterized by being formed with a portion open, and a port cap is installed on the open portion to seal the interior.

[0018] The housing is characterized by having a first connection port to which a reservoir tank is connected, and a second, third, fourth, and fifth connection ports that communicate with any one of a different thermal management component or a different heat exchange component.

[0019] The second connection port and the third connection port are each connected to different thermal management components, and the second connection port is equipped with a first water pump and the third connection port is equipped with a second water pump.

[0020] The second connection port and the third connection port are characterized by being arranged to face each other in the housing.

[0021] The fourth connection port and the fifth connection port are characterized by being arranged to face each other in a direction that intersects the direction in which the second connection port and the third connection port face each other.

[0022] The housing is characterized by having at least one additional closed port formed inside, wherein the closed port is formed such that the flow of the cooling medium is blocked when the flow path of the valve is matched.

[0023] The closed port is composed of multiple parts, including a first closed port and a second closed port, and is characterized by the second connecting port, a third connecting port, a fourth connecting port, a fifth connecting port, the first closed port, and the second closed port being spaced apart at regular intervals along the periphery of the housing.

[0024] The fourth connection port and the fifth connection port are positioned facing each other and are arranged unilaterally from the center inside the housing, and the first closure port and the second closure port are positioned facing each other and are arranged unilaterally from the center inside the housing to the opposite side of the fourth connection port and the fifth connection port.

[0025] The valve is characterized by having a first connecting passage, a second connecting passage, and a third connecting passage formed to communicate with one or more of each connecting port as they have different paths, wherein in the case of the first connecting passage, one side opening is always in communication with the first connecting port and the other side opening is matched to one of the plurality of connecting ports according to the rotational position of the valve.

[0026] The second connecting channel is formed to have two openings, and each opening is formed to match one or two of the remaining connecting ports excluding the first connecting port.

[0027] The third connecting channel is formed to have three openings, and each opening is formed to communicate with one or more of the remaining connecting ports, excluding the first connecting port.

[0028] The second connecting channel is formed to have two openings, and the third connecting channel is formed to have three openings, and the other opening of the first connecting channel, the two openings of the third connecting channel, and the three openings of the third connecting channel are spaced apart at regular intervals along the circumference of the valve.

[0029] Meanwhile, the multi-port valve control system according to the present invention comprises: a housing having a first connection port connected to a reservoir tank, a second connection port and a third connection port connected to different thermal management components, and a fourth connection port and a fifth connection port connected to different heat exchange components; a valve rotatably provided inside the housing, having a first connection path in which one side opening is always connected to the first connection port and the other side opening is matched to any one of a plurality of connection ports according to the rotational position of the valve, a second connection path formed to have two openings in which each opening is matched to any one or two of the remaining connection ports excluding the first port, and a third connection path formed to have three openings in which each opening is matched to two or more of the remaining connection ports excluding the first port; and a controller that controls the rotational position of the valve according to a plurality of modes.

[0030] The heat exchange component includes a battery connected to the second connection port side and a PE connected to the third connection port side, and the thermal management component includes a first heat exchanger connected to the fourth connection port side, a second heat exchanger connected to the fifth connection port side, and a third heat exchanger connected to the first connection port side.

[0031] The housing is characterized by having a first closed port formed between the third connection port and the fourth connection port, and a second closed port formed between the third connection port and the fifth connection port.

[0032] The controller is characterized by controlling the position of the valve such that, when implementing the first mode, the first connecting path is matched to the second connecting port, the second connecting path is matched to the fourth connecting port and the first closing port, and the third connecting path is matched to the third connecting port, the fifth connecting port, and the second closing port.

[0033] The controller is characterized by controlling the position of the valve such that, when implementing the second mode, the first connecting path is matched to the third connecting port, the second connecting path is matched to the fifth connecting port and the second closing port, and the third connecting path is matched to the second connecting port, the fourth connecting port, and the first closing port.

[0034] The controller is characterized by controlling the position of the valve such that, when implementing the third mode, the first connecting path is matched to the second closed port, the second connecting path is matched to the second connecting port and the fifth connecting port, and the third connecting path is matched to the third connecting port, the fourth connecting port, and the first closed port. Effects of the invention

[0036] A multi-port valve device and a multi-port valve control system constructed with the structure described above reduce the overall valve package, ensure fluidity of the cooling medium for each thermal management component or heat exchange component, and improve temperature management efficiency through the cooling medium by switching the flow direction of the cooling medium according to various thermal management modes to be implemented.

[0037] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0039] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a multi-port valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an assembly diagram of the multi-port valve device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the housing of the multi-port valve device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a horizontal cross-section of a valve in a multi-port valve device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a vertical cross-section of the valve in the multi-port valve device illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a housing and a valve according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram according to the first mode of a multi-port valve control system according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the valve in the first mode. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram according to the second mode of a multi-port valve control system according to the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the valve in the second mode. FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram according to the third mode of a multi-port valve control system according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the valve in the third mode. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0040] In describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art may obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description is omitted. Furthermore, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that they include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0041] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0042] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0043] In this specification, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0044] The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles.

[0045] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0046] Furthermore, the terms "Unit" or "Control Unit" included in names such as Motor Control Unit (MCU) and Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) are merely widely used terms for naming controllers that control specific vehicle functions, and do not refer to generic function units.

[0047] A controller may include a communication device that communicates with other controllers or sensors to control the function it is responsible for, a memory that stores an operating system, logic instructions, and input / output information, and one or more processors that perform judgments, calculations, decisions, etc., necessary for controlling the function it is responsible for.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are given the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0050] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the multi-port valve device according to the present invention comprises: a housing (100) having a plurality of ports through which a cooling medium flows, wherein one port is connected to a reservoir tank (RV), some ports are connected to at least one thermal management component, and the remaining ports are connected to at least one heat exchange component; and a valve (200) rotatably provided inside the housing (100), wherein a plurality of flow paths are formed to match each port according to the rotational position, wherein one flow path is formed to be in constant communication with the port connected to the reservoir tank (RV) and selectively communicate with the remaining ports, and the remaining flow paths are formed to be connected to one or more of the ports connected to the thermal management component and the ports connected to the heat exchange component.

[0051] A reservoir tank (RV) stores and distributes a cooling medium and can be provided on the upper side of the housing (100).

[0052] The thermal management component may include either a battery (10) or a PE (Power Electric, 20), and the heat exchange component may include any one of a radiator, a chiller, or a heater core, which is a means of controlling the temperature of the cooling medium through heat exchange between different cooling media.

[0053] The present invention comprises a housing (100) and a valve (200), and the housing (100) is provided with a plurality of ports so that a cooling medium can flow to each port.

[0054] One of the multiple ports of the housing (100) is connected to a reservoir tank (RV) and is in constant communication, while the remaining ports are connected to a heat management component and a heat exchange component, so that a cooling medium is distributed to a specific port according to the rotational position of the valve (200).

[0055] The valve (200) is rotatably provided inside the housing (100), and a plurality of flow paths are formed that match the ports of the housing (100). The flow paths of the valve (200) are formed to be connected to at least one of the ports of the housing (100), so that when a flow path and a port match, a cooling medium can flow through the corresponding flow path and port.

[0056] The valve (200) can have its rotational position adjusted by an actuator (M), and the actuator (M) can be mounted on the housing (100) and connected to the valve (200). In the present invention, the actuator (M) can be mounted on the lower part of the housing (100), and the structure can be configured such that a rotational shaft (210) extending from the bottom of the valve (200) penetrates the lower part of the housing (100) and is connected to the actuator (M). A sealing portion may be provided in the housing (100) at the portion penetrating the rotational shaft (210) of the valve (200). Various means to prevent leakage of the cooling medium, including an O-ring, may be applied to the sealing portion.

[0057] Additionally, the valve (200) can form multiple flow paths by being manufactured from multiple parts and then combined.

[0058] In the present invention, one of the flow paths of the valve (200) is formed to be in constant communication with the port connected to the reservoir tank (RV) and to be in communication with the other port. That is, the reservoir tank (RV) is provided to regulate the flow rate of the cooling medium circulating to the thermal management component and the heat exchange component, and one of the flow paths of the valve (200) is in constant communication with the port connected to the reservoir tank (RV), so that the flow rate of the cooling medium can be continuously stabilized.

[0059] Additionally, the remaining flow path of the valve (200) is formed to be connected to one or more of the ports connected to the thermal management component and the ports connected to the heat exchange component, so that, depending on the rotational position of the valve (200), each flow path is matched to the ports of the housing (100) to form a path through which the cooling medium can flow.

[0060] Through this, the flow of the cooling medium is determined according to the rotational position of the valve (200) provided inside the housing (100), and the flow rate of the cooling medium is stabilized as one of the flow paths of the valve (200) is always connected to a port connected to a reservoir tank (RV) provided in the housing (100), and the remaining flow path of the valve (200) is selectively matched to the remaining port of the housing (100) so that temperature control of the thermal management component and temperature management of the cooling medium through the heat exchange component can be performed.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the ports of the housing (100) are formed with a first connection port (P1), a second connection port (P2), a third connection port (P3), a fourth connection port (P4), and a fifth connection port (P5), so that a cooling medium can be circulated through each port.

[0063] In addition, the flow path of the valve (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention is formed with a first connecting flow path (C1), a second connecting flow path (C2), and a third connecting flow path (C3), so that the matching position of the connecting flow path and the connecting port changes according to the rotational position of the valve (200), thereby allowing the flow of the cooling medium to be switched.

[0065] To explain the above-described invention in detail, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the housing (100) is formed with a portion open, and a port cap (110) is installed in the open portion so that the interior can be sealed.

[0066] In this way, the housing (100) is easy to mold by including multiple ports through a partial opening.

[0067] Additionally, a port cap (110) is installed in the open portion of the housing (100) to seal the interior of the housing (100), and the port cap (110) can be installed so that the interior of the housing (100) is airtight by providing a sealing portion along the perimeter.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing (100) is formed so that the top is open, and a port cap (110) can be mounted on the open top of the housing (100). Here, a reservoir tank (RV) can be mounted on the top of the housing (100), and as the first connection port (P1) is connected to the reservoir tank (RV), the first connection port (P1) can be formed in the port cap (110).

[0069] In another embodiment, for example, when the lower part of the housing (100) is formed to be open, the port cap (110) may be mounted on the lower part of the housing (100). Here, the first connection port (P1) may be formed on the upper part of the housing (100), and the structure may be configured such that a rotating shaft (210) extending from the lower end of the valve (200) passes through the port cap (110) and is connected to the actuator (M).

[0070] In the present invention, a first connection port (P1) is formed in the port cap (110) so that the reservoir tank (RV) is connected to the first connection port (P1), and a sealing portion may be provided at the connection portion between the first connection port (P1) and the reservoir tank (RV).

[0072] Meanwhile, a second connection port (P2), a third connection port (P3), a fourth connection port (P4), and a fifth connection port (P5) may be formed on the periphery of the housing (100) to communicate with any one of the different thermal management components or different heat exchange components.

[0073] A housing (100) may have a first connection port (P1) provided on the upper side through a port cap (110), and a second connection port (P2), a third connection port (P3), a fourth connection port (P4), and a fifth connection port (P5) formed spaced apart on the periphery.

[0074] In the present invention, the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) are connected to communicate with a thermal management component, and the fourth connection port (P4) and the fifth connection port (P5) may be connected to communicate with a heat exchange component. The statement that each connection port formed on the periphery of the housing (100) is connected to communicate with a thermal management component or a heat exchange component means connecting a line through which a cooling medium circulates. A hose through which the cooling medium circulates may be connected to each connection port, or the thermal management component and the heat exchange component may be directly connected to each connection port.

[0075] In the present invention, the thermal management component may be a battery (10) and a PE (Power Electric, 20), and the heat exchange component may include a radiator, a chiller, a heater core, etc. For example, the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) may be connected to the battery (10) and the PE (20), respectively, and the fourth connection port (P4) and the fifth connection port (P5) may be connected to the chiller and the radiator.

[0076] Thus, the housing (100) is connected so that the first connection port (P1) provided on the upper side is always in communication with the reservoir tank (RV), and the second to fifth connection ports (P2, P3, P4, P5) provided on the periphery are connected to any one of the different thermal management components or heat exchange components, so that the cooling medium can be selectively distributed to each thermal management component and heat exchange component depending on the rotational position of the valve (200).

[0078] Here, the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) are each connected to different thermal management components, and the second connection port (P2) is equipped with a first water pump (W1), and the third connection port (P3) can be equipped with a second water pump (W2).

[0079] The first water pump (W1) and the second water pump (W2) are provided for the circulation of the cooling medium and pump the cooling medium during operation to circulate the cooling medium. In addition, the first water pump (W1) and the second water pump (W2) are integrated with the reservoir tank (RV) in the housing (100), thereby reducing the size of the entire package.

[0080] Here, as the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) are each connected to a thermal management component, the second connection port (P2) is equipped with a first water pump (W1) and the third connection port (P3) is equipped with a second water pump (W2) so that the cooling medium can be pumped and circulated to the thermal management component.

[0081] That is, the thermal management component may be composed of a battery (10) or a PE (20), and its performance is optimized when an appropriate temperature is maintained through the circulation of a cooling medium. Accordingly, a first water pump (W1) and a second water pump (W2) are respectively installed at the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) connected to each thermal management component, so that the cooling medium is circulated to the thermal management component through the operation of the first water pump (W1) and the second water pump (W2), thereby allowing the temperature of the thermal management component to be managed at an appropriate temperature.

[0083] Meanwhile, as can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) can be arranged to face each other in the housing (100).

[0084] In this way, the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) are spaced apart in a direction facing each other on the periphery of the housing (100), thereby avoiding interference between the first water pump (W1) and the second water pump (W2).

[0085] Accordingly, the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) are spaced apart to face each other in the housing (100), and as the first water pump (W1) and the second water pump (W2) are mounted symmetrically in the housing (100), the circulation of the cooling medium can be secured as each water pump operates, and it is also advantageous in terms of packaging.

[0086] Meanwhile, the fourth connection port (P4) and the fifth connection port (P5) may be arranged to face each other in a direction that intersects with the direction in which the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) face each other.

[0087] The fourth connection port (P4) and the fifth connection port (P5) are connected to the heat exchange component, and are arranged so as to face the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) in a direction that intersects with the direction in which they face each other, thereby avoiding interference between the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3).

[0088] In this way, the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) are arranged to face each other, and the fourth connection port (P4) and the fifth connection port (P5) are arranged in an intersecting direction, making it easy to assemble the circulation line through which the cooling medium circulates to each connection port.

[0089] Additionally, the second connection port (P2), the third connection port (P3), the fourth connection port (P4), and the fifth connection port (P5) are spaced apart at 90° intervals, so that the spacing range of each connection port is sufficiently secured on the limited periphery surface of the housing (100), thereby allowing each flow path of the valve (200) that matches each connection port to be spaced apart at sufficient intervals, making it easy to form the flow path and securing the self-rigidity of the valve (200).

[0090] In the housing (100), sealing performance can be secured through a plurality of sealing members (S) provided in each of the above-described second connection port (P2), third connection port (P3), fourth connection port (P4) and fifth connection port (P5), and the sealing members (S) may be made of a material having low friction characteristics.

[0091] This sealing member (S) is provided inside the housing (100) and contacts the outer surface of the valve (200). It is formed with a central opening to match each connection port, so that when the flow path of the valve (200) is matched, a cooling medium passes through the corresponding flow path and connection port. Additionally, the sealing member (S) stabilizes the position of the valve (200) inside the housing (100) and ensures that the inside of the housing (100) is airtight.

[0093] Meanwhile, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, at least one additional closed port is formed inside the housing (100), and the closed port may be formed so as to block the flow of the cooling medium when the flow path of the valve (200) is matched.

[0094] The closed port is spaced apart from the multiple connection ports, and is formed so that when the flow path of the valve (200) is matched, the cooling medium is not flowed through the corresponding flow path.

[0095] That is, the closed port is formed to be closed so as to match the flow path of the valve (200) in the same way as the connecting port, thereby blocking the flow of the cooling medium when the flow path of the valve (200) matches the closed port, and thus forming a sealed structure. Accordingly, a sealing member (S) can also be provided in the closed port.

[0096] In the present invention, the closing ports may be configured in multiple ways according to the flow path of the valve (200), and according to one embodiment of the present invention, they may be configured with a first closing port (P6) and a second closing port (P7).

[0097] Accordingly, a second connection port (P2), a third connection port (P3), a fourth connection port (P4), a fifth connection port (P5), a first closure port (P6), and a second closure port (P7) may be spaced apart at regular intervals on the periphery of the housing (100).

[0098] In this way, each port of the housing (100) is spaced apart at regular intervals, making it easy to form each port in the housing (100), and as the ports are spaced apart at regular intervals, the structural rigidity of the housing (100) can also be secured in a balanced manner.

[0099] For example, the second connection port (P2), the third connection port (P3), the fourth connection port (P4), the fifth connection port (P5), the first closure port (P6), and the second closure port (P7) may be spaced apart at 60° intervals along the perimeter of the housing (100).

[0101] Meanwhile, the fourth connection port (P4) and the fifth connection port (P5) may be positioned facing each other and positioned laterally from the center inside the housing (100).

[0102] Additionally, the first closed port (P6) and the second closed port (P7) may be positioned facing each other and arranged unilaterally from the inner center of the housing (100) toward the opposite side of the fourth connection port (P4) and the fifth connection port (P5).

[0103] That is, on the periphery surface of the housing (100), the fourth connection port (P4) and the fifth connection port (P5) face each other, and the first closure port (P6) and the second closure port (P7) also face each other, and the virtual extension line formed by the fourth connection port (P4) and the fifth connection port (P5) facing each other and the virtual extension line formed by the first closure port (P6) and the second closure port (P7) facing each other are arranged in a direction that intersects with the virtual extension line formed by the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) facing each other.

[0104] Here, the virtual extension line where the fourth connection port (P4) and the fifth connection port (P5) face each other and the virtual extension line where the first closure port (P6) and the second closure port (P7) face each other are spaced apart from each other in opposite directions from the internal center of the housing (100) in the direction of the virtual extension line where the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3) face each other.

[0105] Accordingly, the housing (100) of the present invention may be configured such that a first connection port (P1) is provided on the upper side of the center, a third connection port (P3), a first closing port (P6), and a second closing port (P7) are arranged on one side of the center, and a second connection port (P2), a fourth connection port (P4), and a fifth connection port (P5) are arranged on the other side of the center, and when a flow of cooling medium is formed through the flow path of the valve (200), each connection port and closing port is distinguished so that the flow of cooling medium can be selected for each port.

[0107] Meanwhile, the valve (200) according to each port of the housing (100) described above can be configured as follows.

[0108] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, the valve (200) may have a first connecting channel (C1), a second connecting channel (C2), and a third connecting channel (C3) that are matched to communicate with one or more of each connecting port as they have different paths.

[0109] Each connecting channel penetrates the interior of the valve (200) to form one or more passages, and openings are formed on both sides of each passage to allow the cooling medium to move along the path of the passage. Depending on the shape of the passage of each connecting channel, the number of openings formed in each connecting channel can be set to vary.

[0110] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first connecting passage (C1) of the valve (200) may be formed such that one side opening (c-1) is always in communication with the first connecting port (P1) and the other side opening (c-2) is matched to one of the plurality of connecting ports depending on the rotational position of the valve (200).

[0111] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the first connecting channel (C1) is formed in a curved shape extending laterally from above the valve (200), so that one side opening (c-1) is always connected to the first connecting port (P1) and the other side opening (c-2) can be matched to one of the multiple connecting ports.

[0112] As a result, a cooling medium from the reservoir tank (RV) is constantly circulated in the first connecting channel (C1), and the cooling medium that has passed through the reservoir tank (RV) can be circulated through a specific connecting port that matches the other side opening (c-2) of the first connecting channel (C1).

[0113] Here, one side opening (c-1) of the first connecting channel (C1) is located at the center of the valve (200), so that even if the rotational position of the valve (200) changes, the position of the one side opening (c-1) is fixed and the state of being connected to the first connecting port (P1) can be maintained.

[0114] Meanwhile, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the second connecting channel (C2) is formed to have two openings, and each opening can be formed to match one or two of the remaining connecting ports excluding the first connecting port (P1).

[0115] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second connecting passage (C2) is formed to have two openings and is configured as a single passage. Additionally, the second connecting passage (C2) extends in a curved manner to different positions on the circumferential surface of the valve (200), so that the two openings are spaced apart on the circumferential surface of the valve (200).

[0116] Through this, the second connecting channel (C2) can be matched to one or two of the connection ports of the housing (100) depending on the rotational position of the valve (200). That is, depending on the rotational position of the valve (200), if each opening of the second connecting channel (C2) is matched to a plurality of connection ports, the cooling medium is circulated to different connection ports through the second connecting channel (C2), and if one opening is matched to a specific closed port, the second connecting channel (C2) is closed so that the circulation of the cooling medium is blocked.

[0117] Meanwhile, the third connecting channel (C3) is formed to have three openings, and each opening may be formed to communicate with one or more of the remaining connecting ports, excluding the first connecting port (P1).

[0118] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the third connecting passage (C3) may be configured to have two passages as it is formed to have three openings. Additionally, the third connecting passage (C3) is formed to be curved at different positions on the circumferential surface of the valve (200), so that the three openings are spaced apart on the circumferential surface of the valve (200).

[0119] Through this, the third connecting passage (C3) can be matched to one or more of the connection ports of the housing (100) depending on the rotational position of the valve (200). That is, when the valve (200) is rotated, if each opening of the third connecting passage (C3) is matched to a plurality of connection ports, a cooling medium can be circulated through the corresponding connection ports.

[0120] In this way, the valve (200) has a first connecting passage (C1), a second connecting passage (C2), and a third connecting passage (C3) formed therein, and the other side opening (c-2) of the first connecting passage (C1), the two openings of the third connecting passage (C3), and the three openings of the third connecting passage (C3) can be spaced apart at regular intervals along the circumference of the valve (200).

[0121] That is, in the present invention, in the case of the first connecting passage (C1) of the valve (200), only the other side opening (c-2) forms a passage through the circumferential surface, in the case of the second connecting passage (C2), two openings form a passage through the circumferential surface, and in the case of the third connecting passage (C3), three openings form a passage through the circumferential surface, so that six openings are formed on the circumferential surface of the valve (200). In this way, each opening formed on the circumferential surface of the housing (100) is spaced apart at a certain interval and can be spaced apart at 60° intervals along the circumferential surface of the valve (200).

[0122] As a result, the second connection port (P2), third connection port (P3), fourth connection port (P4), fifth connection port (P5), first closure port (P6) and second closure port (P7) formed on the periphery of the housing (100) can be matched to the other side opening (c-2) of the first connection channel (C1), each opening of the second connection channel (C2), and each opening of the third connection channel (C3) formed on the periphery of the valve (200).

[0123] That is, when the rotational position of the valve (200) changes, the opening of each connecting passage is matched to each port of the housing (100) without misalignment, so that the path through which the cooling medium flows and the path through which the cooling medium flows are blocked are clearly distinguished, allowing various thermal management modes according to the circulation of the cooling medium to be performed accurately.

[0124] In addition, the multi-port valve device according to the present invention described above can reduce the overall valve package, ensure the flow performance of the cooling medium for each thermal management component or heat exchange component, and improve the efficiency of temperature management through the cooling medium by switching the flow direction of the cooling medium according to various thermal management modes to be implemented.

[0126] Meanwhile, the multi-port control system according to the present invention comprises a housing (100) having a first connection port (P1) to which a reservoir tank (RV) is connected, a second connection port (P2) and a third connection port (P3) connected to different thermal management components, and a fourth connection port (P4) and a fifth connection port (P5) connected to different heat exchange components; The valve (200) is rotatably provided inside a housing (100) and includes a first connecting passage (C1) in which one side opening (c-1) is always in communication with a first connecting port (P1) and the other side opening (c-2) is matched to one of a plurality of connecting ports according to the rotational position of the valve (200), a second connecting passage (C2) formed to have two openings in which each opening is matched to one or two of the remaining connecting ports excluding the first connecting port (P1), and a third connecting passage (C3) formed to have three openings in which each opening is matched to two or more of the remaining connecting ports excluding the first connecting port (P1); wherein the rotational position of the valve (200) can be adjusted according to a plurality of preset modes through a controller (300).

[0127] In the housing (100), a first closed port (P6) may be formed between the third connection port (P3) and the fourth connection port (P4), and a second closed port (P7) may be formed between the third connection port (P3) and the fifth connection port (P5).

[0128] As described above, a plurality of connection ports and a plurality of closure ports are formed in the housing (100), and a plurality of connection passages are formed in the valve (200), so that a cooling medium can be selectively flowed to a heat exchange component or a thermal management component depending on the rotational position of the valve (200).

[0129] The controller (300) determines various conditions, such as the required temperature of the thermal management component, the heat pump through the heat exchange component, and whether air conditioning is in operation, and determines the execution mode, and can adjust the position of the valve (200) according to the determined mode.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 1, such a controller (300) can be installed in a reservoir tank (RV) and can be installed in a housing (100) or outside to communicate with a valve (200) and a water pump.

[0131] In the present invention, the thermal management components may include a battery (10) connected to the second connection port (P2) and a PE (20) connected to the third connection port (P3). Additionally, a first water pump (W1) and a second water pump (W2) are installed at the second connection port (P2) and the third connection port (P3), respectively, so that a cooling medium can be provided to the battery (10) and the PE (20). Here, the statement that the battery (10) is connected to the second connection port (P2) and the PE (20) is connected to the third connection port (P3) may mean that the components are directly connected, or that the cooling medium is connected so that the cooling medium circulates through a hose.

[0133] The heat exchange component may include a first heat exchanger (30) connected to the side of the fourth connection port (P4) and a second heat exchanger (40) connected to the side of the fifth connection port (P5). The first heat exchanger (30) may be composed of a chiller, and the second heat exchanger (40) may be composed of a heater core.

[0134] The chiller may be configured to exchange heat with a refrigerant, which is another heat exchange medium, when the cooling medium circulating in the housing (100) and valve (200) is cooling water, and the cooling medium may be configured to exchange heat with a relatively cold refrigerant.

[0135] In addition, the heater core can be configured to exchange heat with air, which is another heat exchange medium, and can perform indoor heating by exchanging heat with air flowing from the outside into the room using a relatively high-temperature cooling medium.

[0136] Additionally, the heat exchange component may further include a third heat exchanger (50), and the third heat exchanger (50) may be composed of a radiator. Additionally, a water heating heater may be further provided in the line where the battery (10) is provided, which is not illustrated.

[0137] Through this, various thermal management modes can be implemented through the control of the controller (300) of the present invention.

[0138] For example, the controller (300) can implement a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode.

[0139] The first mode can be a mode in which the temperature of the battery (10) and PE (20) is managed using the second heat exchanger (40) and the third heat exchanger (50).

[0140] The second mode may be a mode in which the temperature is managed through the first heat exchanger (30) in the case of the battery (10), and the temperature is managed through the third heat exchanger (50) in the case of the PE (20).

[0141] The third mode may be a mode in which the temperature is managed through a heater core in the case of the battery (10), and the temperature is managed using a second heat exchanger (40) in the case of the PE (20).

[0142] In detail, the controller (300) can control the position of the valve (200) such that, when implementing the first mode, the first connecting path (C1) is matched to the second connecting port (P2), the second connecting path (C2) is matched to the fourth connecting port (P4) and the first closing port (P6), and the third connecting path (C3) is matched to the third connecting port (P3), the fifth connecting port (P5), and the second closing port (P7).

[0143] As illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the first mode, the rotational position of the valve (200) is controlled so that the first connection port (P1) and the second connection port (P2) are connected by the first connection path (C1), and the third connection port (P3) and the fifth connection port (P5) are connected by the third connection path (C3), thereby sequentially circulating the cooling medium to the reservoir tank (RV), battery (10), the second heat exchanger (40) which is the heater core, PE (20), and the third heat exchanger (50).

[0144] Here, the flow of the cooling medium is blocked as one of the openings of the second connecting channel (C2) of the valve (200) is matched to the first closing port (P6), and in the case of the third connecting channel (C3), one of the openings is matched to the second closing port (P7), but the flow of the cooling medium is allowed as the remaining two openings are matched to the third connecting port (P3) and the fifth connecting port (P5).

[0145] Through this, the battery (10) can be cooled by circulating a cooling medium whose temperature is managed through a radiator before the reservoir tank (RV), and the cooling medium that has passed through the heater core can be supplied to the PE (20) to manage the temperature of the PE (20). That is, in the first mode, the battery (10) is cooled through the third heat exchanger (50), which is a radiator, and the PE (20) can be heated by the battery (10) and the cooling medium that has passed through the heater core.

[0147] Meanwhile, the controller (300) can control the position of the valve (200) such that, when implementing the second mode, the first connecting path (C1) is matched to the third connecting port (P3), the second connecting path (C2) is matched to the fifth connecting port (P5) and the second closing port (P7), and the third connecting path (C3) is matched to the second connecting port (P2), the fourth connecting port (P4), and the first closing port (P6).

[0148] As illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, in the case of the second mode, the rotational position of the valve (200) is controlled so that the first connection port (P1) and the third connection port (P3) are connected by the first connection channel (C1), and the second connection port (P2) and the fourth connection port (P4) are connected by the third connection channel (C3), thereby allowing the cooling medium to circulate between the battery (10) and the first heat exchanger (30), which is a chiller, and the cooling medium to circulate separately between the PE (20) and the third heat exchanger (50), which is a radiator.

[0149] Here, the flow of the cooling medium is blocked as one of the openings of the second connecting channel (C2) of the valve (200) is matched to the second closing port (P7), and in the case of the third connecting channel (C3), one of the openings is matched to the first closing port (P6), but the flow of the cooling medium is allowed as the remaining two openings are matched to the second connecting port (P2) and the fourth connecting port (P4).

[0150] Through this, the battery (10) is cooled as the cooling medium cooled through the first heat exchanger (30), which is a chiller, is circulated, and the PE (20) can be cooled as the cooling medium cooled through the third heat exchanger (50), which is a radiator, is circulated.

[0152] Meanwhile, the controller (300) can control the position of the valve (200) such that, when implementing the third mode, the first connecting path (C1) is matched to the second closed port (P7), the second connecting path (C2) is matched to the second connecting port (P2) and the fifth connecting port (P5), and the third connecting path (C3) is matched to the third connecting port (P3), the fourth connecting port (P4), and the first closed port (P6).

[0153] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, in the case of the third mode, the rotational position of the valve (200) is controlled so that the second connection port (P2) and the fifth connection port (P5) are connected by the second connection channel (C2), and the third connection port (P3) and the fourth connection port (P4) are connected by the third connection channel (C3), thereby allowing the cooling medium that has passed through the heater core to circulate in the battery (10), and the cooling medium that has passed through the first heat exchanger (30), which is a chiller, to circulate separately in the PE (20).

[0154] Here, the flow of the cooling medium is blocked as the first connecting channel (C1) of the valve (200) is matched to the second closed port (P7), and in the case of the third connecting channel (C3), one of the openings is matched to the first closed port (P6), but the flow of the cooling medium is allowed as the remaining two openings are matched to the third connecting port (P3) and the fourth connecting port (P4).

[0155] Through this, the battery (10) can be cooled as the cooling medium, which has been heat-exchanged in the heater core, circulates and can even perform indoor heating, and the PE (20) can be cooled as the cooling medium, which has been cooled through the first heat exchanger (30) which is a chiller, circulates.

[0157] As described above, the controller (300) can manage the temperature of the battery (10) and PE (20) through the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. In particular, by implementing various modes using the multi-port valve device of the present invention, in which the entire package of the valve (200) is reduced and the fluidity of the cooling medium is secured, efficient temperature management of the battery (10) and PE (20) is possible along with the advantages of the device package.

[0159] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in relation to specific embodiments, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as provided by the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0161] 100: Housing 110: Port Cap 200:Valve 300:Controller C1: First connecting channel c-1: One-sided opening c-2: Opening on the other side C2: Second connecting channel C3: 3rd connecting channel P1: 1st connecting port P2: 2nd connection port P3: 3rd connection port P4: 4th connection port P5: 5th connection port P6: 1st closed port P7: 2nd closed port W1: 1st water pump W2: 2nd water pump RV: Reservoir Tank M: Actuator 10:Battery 20:PE 30: 1st heat exchanger 40: 2nd heat exchanger 50: 3rd heat exchanger

Claims

Claim 1 A multi-port valve device comprising: a housing having a plurality of ports through which a cooling medium flows, wherein one port is connected to a reservoir tank, some ports are connected to at least one thermal management component, and the remaining ports are connected to at least one heat exchange component; and a valve rotatably provided inside the housing, wherein a plurality of flow paths are formed to match each port according to the rotational position, wherein one flow path is formed to be in constant communication with the port connected to the reservoir tank and selectively communicate with the remaining ports, and the remaining flow paths are formed to be connected to one or more of the ports connected to the thermal management component and the ports connected to the heat exchange component; wherein the housing is formed with a first connection port to which the reservoir tank is connected, a second connection port, a third connection port, a fourth connection port, and a fifth connection port that communicate with either a different thermal management component or a different heat exchange component, and at least one closing port, wherein the closing port is formed such that the flow of the cooling medium is blocked when the flow path of the valve is matched. Claim 2 A multi-port valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing is formed with a portion open, and a port cap is mounted on the open portion to seal the interior. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A multi-port valve device according to claim 1, wherein the second connection port and the third connection port are each connected to different thermal management components, the second connection port is equipped with a first water pump, and the third connection port is equipped with a second water pump. Claim 5 A multi-port valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second connection port and the third connection port are arranged to face each other in the housing. Claim 6 A multi-port valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fourth connection port and the fifth connection port are arranged to face each other in a direction intersecting the direction in which the second connection port and the third connection port face each other. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 A multi-port valve device according to claim 1, wherein the closing ports are composed of a first closing port and a second closing port, and the second connecting port, third connecting port, fourth connecting port, fifth connecting port, first closing port, and second closing port are spaced apart at regular intervals along the periphery of the housing. Claim 9 A multi-port valve device according to claim 8, characterized in that the fourth connection port and the fifth connection port are positioned unilaterally from the inner center of the housing while facing each other, and the first closure port and the second closure port are positioned unilaterally from the inner center of the housing while facing each other, toward the opposite side of the fourth connection port and the fifth connection port. Claim 10 A multi-port valve device according to claim 1, wherein the valve is formed with a first connecting passage, a second connecting passage, and a third connecting passage that are matched to communicate with one or more of each connecting port as they have different paths, and in the case of the first connecting passage, one side opening is always in communication with the first connecting port and the other side opening is formed to match one of the plurality of connecting ports according to the rotational position of the valve. Claim 11 A multi-port valve device according to claim 10, wherein the second connecting channel is formed to have two openings, and each opening is formed to match one or two of the remaining connecting ports excluding the first connecting port. Claim 12 A multi-port valve device according to claim 10, wherein the third connecting channel is formed to have three openings, and each opening is formed to communicate with one or more of the remaining connecting ports excluding the first connecting port. Claim 13 A multi-port valve device according to claim 10, wherein the second connecting passage is formed to have two openings and the third connecting passage is formed to have three openings, and the other opening of the first connecting passage, the two openings of the third connecting passage, and the three openings of the third connecting passage are spaced apart at regular intervals along the circumference of the valve. Claim 14 A multi-port valve control system comprising: a housing having a first connection port connected to a reservoir tank, a second connection port and a third connection port connected to different thermal management components, and a fourth connection port and a fifth connection port connected to different heat exchange components, wherein a first closing port is formed between the third connection port and the fourth connection port, and a second closing port is formed between the third connection port and the fifth connection port; a valve rotatably provided inside the housing, having a first connection path formed such that one side opening is always connected to the first connection port and the other side opening is matched to any one of a plurality of connection ports according to the rotational position of the valve, a second connection path formed to have two openings such that each opening is matched to any one or two of the remaining connection ports excluding the first connection port, and a third connection path formed to have three openings such that each opening is matched to two or more of the remaining connection ports excluding the first connection port; and a controller that controls the rotational position of the valve according to a plurality of modes. Claim 15 A multi-port valve control system according to claim 14, wherein the heat exchange component comprises a battery connected to the second connection port side and a PE connected to the third connection port side, and the thermal management component comprises a first heat exchanger connected to the fourth connection port side, a second heat exchanger connected to the fifth connection port side, and a third heat exchanger connected to the first connection port side. Claim 16 delete Claim 17 A multi-port valve control system according to claim 14, wherein the controller controls the position of the valve such that, when implementing the first mode, the first connecting path is matched to the second connecting port, the second connecting path is matched to the fourth connecting port and the first closing port, and the third connecting path is matched to the third connecting port, the fifth connecting port and the second closing port. Claim 18 A multi-port valve control system according to claim 14, wherein the controller controls the position of the valve such that, when implementing the second mode, the first connecting path is matched to the third connecting port, the second connecting path is matched to the fifth connecting port and the second closing port, and the third connecting path is matched to the second connecting port, the fourth connecting port and the first closing port. Claim 19 A multi-port valve control system according to claim 14, wherein the controller controls the position of the valve such that, when implementing the third mode, the first connecting path is matched to the second closed port, the second connecting path is matched to the second connecting port and the fifth connecting port, and the third connecting path is matched to the third connecting port, the fourth connecting port and the first closed port.

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