Stem for valve device and valve device including same

Abstract

A stem for a valve device is introduced, the stem comprising: a stem body including multiple flow path parts communicating with multiple ports formed in a valve housing through which cooling water passes and is rotatably disposed inside the valve housing; an upper cap disposed on an upper portion of the stem body; and a lower cap disposed on a lower portion of the stem body, wherein at least one of the upper cap and the lower cap is fused to the stem body.

Description

Stem for a valve device, and valve device including the same

[0001] The embodiments relate to a stem for a valve device and a valve device including the same, and more particularly, to a stem for a valve device capable of improving the degree of design freedom of a flow path portion of the stem and reducing water resistance, and to a valve device including the same.

[0002] Recently, due to environmental concerns surrounding internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles and other eco-friendly vehicles are expanding in popularity. However, while conventional internal combustion engine vehicles can heat their interiors using waste heat from the engine, eliminating the need for separate heating energy, electric vehicles lack engines and therefore no heat source. Consequently, they must rely on separate energy sources for heating, resulting in lower fuel efficiency. Furthermore, this drawback reduces the driving range of electric vehicles, necessitating frequent recharging, and other inconveniences.

[0003] Meanwhile, electrification of vehicles has introduced new thermal management requirements not only for the interior but also for electrical components such as high-voltage batteries and motors. In other words, in the case of electric vehicles, the interior space, battery, and electrical components each have distinct climate control needs, necessitating technologies that can address these needs independently while simultaneously integrating them to maximize energy savings. Accordingly, the concept of integrated vehicle thermal management is being proposed, aiming to independently manage the thermal management of each component while simultaneously integrating the overall vehicle thermal management to enhance thermal efficiency.

[0004] In order to perform integrated thermal management of these vehicles, it is necessary to integrate and modularize complex coolant lines and components. A modularization concept that is simple to manufacture while modularizing multiple components and compact in terms of packaging is required.

[0005] Additionally, for electric vehicles, technology is required to improve driving range and interior heating and cooling performance by utilizing waste heat from components such as electrical components and batteries that generate heat to ensure energy efficiency.

[0006] The matters described as background technology above are only intended to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention, and should not be taken as an admission that they correspond to prior art already known to those skilled in the art.

[0007] The purpose of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a stem for a valve device capable of improving the degree of design freedom of a flow path of a stem and reducing water resistance, and a valve device including the same.

[0008] The problems to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a stem for a valve device according to the present invention includes a plurality of flow paths communicating with a plurality of ports formed in a valve housing through which coolant passes, a stem body rotatably disposed inside the valve housing, an upper cap disposed on an upper portion of the stem body, and a lower cap disposed on a lower portion of the stem body. At least one of the upper cap and the lower cap is fused to the stem body.

[0010] The stem for the valve device may further include a rotary shaft connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body. The upper cap may be formed with a first through hole through which at least a portion of the rotary shaft passes.

[0011] An upper cap insertion portion into which the upper cap is inserted may be formed on the upper portion of the above stem body.

[0012] The size of the upper cap insertion portion may be greater than the size of the upper cap.

[0013] The stem for the valve device may further include a rotary shaft connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body. The lower cap may be formed with a second through hole through which at least a portion of the rotary shaft passes.

[0014] A protrusion connected to the stem body so as to protrude from the lower portion of the lower cap can further pass through the second passage hole.

[0015] A lower cap insertion portion into which the lower cap is inserted can be formed at the lower portion of the above stem body.

[0016] The size of the above lower cap insertion portion may be greater than the size of the lower cap.

[0017]

[0018] *The stem for the valve device may further include a seal contact portion that contacts a seal disposed between the stem body and the valve housing. The seal contact portion may include a first portion positioned on the upper portion of the stem body and disposed along the circumferential direction of the stem body, a second portion positioned opposite the first portion and disposed along the circumferential direction of the stem body, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.

[0019] The first part and the third part can be connected to each other without a step.

[0020] The first part and the third part may be spaced at the same distance from a rotational axis connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body.

[0021] The second part and the third part can be connected to each other without a step.

[0022] The second part and the third part may be spaced at the same distance from a rotational axis connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body.

[0023] A stem for a valve device may further include a rotary shaft connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body, and a seal contact portion that contacts a seal disposed between the stem body and the valve housing. The upper cap may be disposed in an area spaced apart from the rotary shaft and the seal contact portion.

[0024] A stem for a valve device may further include a rotating shaft connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body, a seal contact portion that contacts a seal disposed between the stem body and the valve housing, and a protrusion connected to the stem body so as to protrude below the lower cap. The lower cap may be disposed in an area spaced apart from the rotating shaft, the seal contact portion, and the protrusion.

[0025] A valve device according to the present invention may include a valve housing connected to a reservoir tank through which coolant circulates, a plurality of flow paths communicating with a plurality of ports formed in the valve housing, a stem including a stem body rotatably disposed inside the valve housing, an upper cap disposed on an upper portion of the stem body, and a lower cap disposed on a lower portion of the stem body, a seal having a through hole formed in communication with one of the plurality of flow paths and disposed between the stem and the valve housing, and an actuator controlling rotation of the stem. At least one of the upper cap or the lower cap may be fused to the stem body.

[0026] The stem and valve device according to the present invention can improve the degree of freedom in design of the flow path of the stem and reduce the water resistance.

[0027] The effects of the embodiments are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a front view of an integrated thermal management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a combined valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of a stem for a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a stem for a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a stem for a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The terms used in the examples are selected from widely used, current terms, taking into account the functions of the present invention. However, these terms may vary depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Furthermore, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, their meanings will be described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in the present invention should be defined not simply based on their names, but based on their meanings and the overall content of the present invention.

[0035] Additionally, terms such as “-unit”, “-module”, etc. described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0036] As used herein, when an expression such as "at least one" precedes an array of elements, it modifies the entire array of elements, not just each individual element. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" should be interpreted to include a, b, c, or a and b, a and c, b and c, or a and b and c.

[0037] In addition, in the drawings below, the thickness and size of each layer are exaggerated for convenience and clarity of explanation, and the same reference numerals in the drawings indicate the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. In addition, the meaning of "connected" in this specification means not only when member A and member B are directly connected, but also when member C is interposed between member A and member B, so that member A and member B are indirectly connected.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, when used herein, the words "comprise" and "include" and / or "comprising" and "including" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0039] Additionally, terms such as “-unit”, “-module”, etc. described in the specification mean a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which may be implemented as hardware or software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0040] Although terms such as first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, it is to be understood that these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another. Accordingly, a first element, component, region, layer, or portion described below may also refer to a second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0041] Spatial terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to facilitate understanding of one element or feature depicted in the drawings and other elements or features. These spatial terms are provided to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure in various process states or usage states and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. For example, if an element or feature in a drawing is flipped, an element or feature described as "beneath" or "below" becomes "above" or "above." Therefore, "beneath" is a concept encompassing "top" or "below."

[0042] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a front view of an integrated thermal management system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a combined perspective view of a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a stem for a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a stem for a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a stem for a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, the integrated thermal management system (1) according to the present invention may include a valve device (100), a reservoir tank (200), and a pump (300).

[0045] The valve device (100) can control the direction / flow rate / flow of the coolant circulating through the integrated thermal management system (1) via a coolant line (not shown). The coolant circulating through the coolant integrated thermal management system (1) can pass through the valve device (100). For example, the valve device (100) can be implemented as a 6-way valve or an 8-way valve, but the present embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0046] The valve device (100) is connected to the reservoir tank (200). In addition, the valve device (100) can be connected to a chiller, an automobile component, a heat exchanger, and a battery. For example, the coolant can cool an automobile component by dissipating heat generated in the automobile component (PE (Power Electric), motor, inverter, converter, etc.) through a component radiator or by transferring the heat of the automobile component to a coolant through a chiller. In addition, the coolant can cool a battery by dissipating heat generated in the battery through a battery radiator or by transferring the heat to a coolant through a chiller.

[0047] The reservoir tank (200) provides a space through which coolant can circulate. The interior of the reservoir tank (200) can be partitioned by at least one partition wall. Coolant introduced into the reservoir tank (200) can sequentially flow through the interior space of the reservoir tank (200) partitioned by at least one partition wall, and air contained in the coolant can be separated and move upward. That is, the coolant can be separated from the air as it flows through the interior of the reservoir tank (200). The coolant from which the air has been separated can flow to the valve device (100).

[0048] The pump (300) can generate driving force to allow cooling water to flow within the integrated thermal management system (1) according to the present invention. The pump (300) can be connected to a valve device (100) and / or a reservoir tank (200). In one embodiment, the integrated thermal management system (1) according to the present invention may include a plurality of pumps (300).

[0049] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a combined valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve device (100) may include a stem (110), a valve housing (120), a seal (130), and an actuator (140).

[0051] The stem (110) is rotatably arranged in the internal space of the valve housing (120). The stem (110) may include a plurality of flow paths (112) that can communicate with a plurality of ports (121, 122, 123) formed in the valve housing (120).

[0052] The valve housing (120) has an internal space through which coolant flows. The valve housing (120) may be formed with a plurality of ports through which coolant flows in / out. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, coolant may flow into the interior of the valve housing (120) through an inlet port (121) connected to a reservoir tank, and may flow out of the exterior of the valve housing (120) through a first outlet port (122) and / or a second outlet port (123). The plurality of ports (121, 122, 123) may be formed along the circumferential direction of the valve housing (120). In the present disclosure, the inlet port and outlet port are not interpreted as having limited functions based on their respective names. That is, the reference numeral 121 may function as an outlet port, and the reference numerals 122 and 123 may function as inlet ports.

[0053] A stem (110) and a seal (130) may be arranged inside the valve housing (120). In the valve device (100) according to the present invention, the flow direction of coolant through the port of the valve housing (120) may be determined depending on the rotational position of the stem (110).

[0054] A seal (130) may be placed between the stem (110) and the valve housing (120). The seal (130) may perform a function of facilitating rotation of the stem (110). In addition, the seal (130) may be placed between the stem (110) and the valve housing (120) to further perform a function of preventing coolant from passing through the space between the stem (110) and the valve housing (120).

[0055] A plurality of through holes (131) corresponding to a plurality of flow paths (112) included in the stem (110) may be formed in the seal (130). Depending on the rotational position of the stem (110), the through holes (131) and the flow paths (112) may be connected, and as a result, the flow of coolant may be secured between the stem (110) and the valve housing (120).

[0056] The actuator (140) controls the rotation of the stem (110). As the stem (110) rotates, at least one of the plurality of flow paths (112) included in the stem (110) can communicate with at least one of the plurality of through holes (131) included in the stem (110). As a result, the coolant inside the stem (110) can sequentially pass through the flow paths (112) and the through holes (131) and flow into the interior of the valve housing (120), and further, the coolant inside the valve housing (120) can sequentially pass through the through holes (131) and the flow paths (112) and flow into the interior of the stem (110).

[0057] The actuator (140) is connected to the rotation axis of the stem (110) and can control the rotation of the stem (110) by controlling the rotation of the rotation axis. The actuator (140) can be installed on the outside of the valve housing (120).

[0058] Below, the structure of the stem (110) for the valve device will be examined in detail with reference to the attached drawing.

[0059] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a stem for a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, a stem (110) for a valve device may include a stem body (111), a flow path portion (112), a communication portion (113), a rotation shaft (114), a seal contact portion (115), an upper cap (116), and a lower cap (117). At least one of the components of the stem (110) for a valve device illustrated in FIG. 4 (e.g., the flow path portion (112)) may be identical or similar to at least one of the components of the stem (110) for a valve device illustrated in FIG. 3, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the flow of coolant flowing into multiple ports of a valve housing can be switched by a stem (110) for one valve device, so that a compact structure of a thermal management system using one valve device (100) can be implemented.

[0062] The stem body (111) can function as the body of a stem (110) for a valve device. That is, the stem body (111) can be rotatably arranged inside the valve housing.

[0063] The flow path (112) can be formed in the stem body (111). A plurality of flow paths (112) can be formed along the circumferential direction of the stem body (111). Depending on the rotational position of the stem body (111), the flow path (112) can be communicated with the through hole of the seal.

[0064] The communication portion (113) may be connected to the flow path portion (112). In the present disclosure, the communication portion (113) may be defined as a space inside the stem body (111). Coolant may flow into the communication portion (113) through the flow path portion (112). Depending on the rotational position of the stem body (111), the communication portion (113) may communicate with a port of the valve housing. As a result, coolant may flow into the communication portion (113) from the inlet port of the valve housing, and coolant may flow out from the communication portion (113) to the outlet port of the valve housing.

[0065] The rotation shaft (114) is connected to the stem body (111). As the rotation shaft (114) rotates, the stem body (111) can rotate together. The rotation shaft (114) can be connected to an actuator. The rotation shaft (114) can include a plurality of gear teeth arranged along the circumferential direction, and the plurality of gear teeth can be engaged with the actuator.

[0066] The rotation axis (114) may be positioned at the center of the stem body (111). The center of the stem body (111) may be a point of the stem body (111) that is spaced apart from the outer surface of the stem body (111) by the same distance. The rotation axis (114) may be positioned to penetrate the upper and lower parts of the stem body (111). The rotation axis (114) may also be formed integrally with the stem body (111).

[0067] The seal (130) illustrated in FIG. 3 may be brought into contact with the seal contact portion (115). The seal contact portion (115) may be one surface of the stem body (111) facing the seal. The seal contact portion (115) may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the stem body (111).

[0068] The upper cap (116) may be placed on the upper portion of the stem body (111). In this case, an upper cap insertion portion (111a) into which the upper cap (116) is inserted may be formed on the upper portion of the stem body (111). The upper cap (116) may be coupled to the stem body (111) by being inserted into the upper cap insertion portion (111a).

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a first passageway communicating with a communication portion (113) may be formed on the upper portion of the stem body (111). At this time, an upper cap (116) may be placed on the upper portion of the stem body (111) to cover the first passageway, so that the upper cap (116) may perform a function of sealing the upper portion of the stem body (111).

[0070] A first through hole (116a) through which a rotation shaft (114) passes may be formed in the upper cap (116). Accordingly, the upper cap (116) may be coupled to the stem body (111) without interfering with the rotation shaft (114). The upper cap (116) may be formed in an overall circular shape, but may be formed in another shape as long as it can be connected to the upper portion of the stem body (111).

[0071] The first through hole (116a) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the rotation axis (114) so ​​that the rotation axis (114) can be inserted therein. The first through hole (116a) may be formed in the center of the upper cap (116).

[0072] The lower cap (117) may be connected to the lower portion of the stem body (111). In this case, a lower cap insertion portion (not shown) into which the lower cap (117) is inserted may be formed at the lower portion of the stem body (111). The lower cap (117) may be coupled to the stem body (111) by being inserted into the lower cap insertion portion. The lower cap (117) may be formed in an overall circular shape, but may be formed in another shape as long as it can be connected to the lower portion of the stem body (111).

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a second passageway communicating with a communication portion (113) may be formed at the lower portion of the stem body (111). At this time, a lower cap (117) may be placed at the lower portion of the stem body (111) to cover the second passageway, thereby performing the function of sealing the lower portion of the stem body (111).

[0074] In the past, a process was used to manufacture a stem (110) by injecting resin into a single mold. In this injection process, the flow path portion (112) and / or the communication portion (113) had no choice but to be formed through a sliding structure of the so-called inner core of the stem (110). That is, for example, the flow path portion (112) and / or the communication portion (113) had no choice but to be formed through sliding injection on the side of the stem body (111). In this case, there was a problem that the degree of freedom in the design of the flow path portion (112) and / or the communication portion (113) could be reduced, and the water passage resistance inside the stem body (111) increased.

[0075] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the formation of the flow path portion (112) and / or the communication portion (113) may be possible by movement of the upper and / or lower core of the stem (110). For example, in the present disclosure, the flow path portion (112) and / or the communication portion (113) may be formed not only through sliding injection on the side surface of the stem body (111), but also through sliding injection on the first passage portion of the upper portion of the stem body (111) and / or the second passage portion of the lower portion of the stem body (111). Accordingly, the degree of design freedom of the flow path portion (112) and / or the communication portion (113) may be improved, and the water passage resistance inside the stem body (111) may be reduced.

[0076] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a stem for a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 5, a stem (110) for a valve device may include a stem body (111), a flow path portion (112), a communication portion (113), a rotating shaft (114), a seal contact portion (115), an upper cap (116), and a lower cap (117). At least one of the components of the stem (110) for a valve device illustrated in FIG. 5 (e.g., a flow path portion (112)) has been described above, and therefore, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stem body (111) may be fused to the upper cap (116). Accordingly, the stem body (111) and the upper cap (116) may be integrally connected without a gap. In the present disclosure, the meaning of "connected without a gap" may mean that the components are connected to each other so that the gap is minimized to prevent a fluid such as coolant from flowing between the components. Accordingly, the possibility of coolant flowing into the stem body (111) through the space between the stem body (111) and the upper cap (116) or flowing out of the stem body (111) may be reduced. For example, the stem body (111) may be fused to the upper cap (116) by ultrasonic welding.

[0079] In addition, since the upper cap (116) is fused to the stem body (111), the size of the upper cap insertion portion (111a, shown in FIG. 4) may be larger than the size of the upper cap (116). Even if a tolerance occurs between the size of the upper cap (116) and the size of the upper cap insertion portion within a predetermined range, the upper cap (116) is integrally connected to the stem body (111) without a gap through the fusion process, so that airtightness can be secured between the upper cap (116) and the stem body (111).

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper cap (116) may be disposed in an area spaced apart from the rotational shaft (114) and the seal contact portion (115). Specifically, the upper cap (116) may be disposed in an area that does not come into contact with the first portion (114a) of the rotational shaft (114) and the first portion (115a) of the seal contact portion (115). Accordingly, the possibility of the rotational shaft (114) and the seal contact portion (115) being damaged during the process of fusing the upper cap (116) to the upper portion of the stem body (111) may be reduced. The first portion (114a) of the rotational shaft (114) may be the upper portion of the rotational shaft (114) passing through the through hole (116a, illustrated in FIG. 4).

[0081] The seal contact portion (115) may include a first portion (115a), a second portion (115b), and a third portion (115c).

[0082] The first part (115a) may be located at the upper portion of the stem body (111) and may be a part of the stem body (111) facing the seal. The first part (115a) may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the stem body (111).

[0083] An upper cap insertion portion may be formed on the inside of the first portion (115a), and the upper cap (116) may be inserted into the upper cap insertion portion formed on the inside of the first portion (115a). That is, the upper cap (116) may be formed to have a smaller size than the first portion (115a) based on the circumferential direction of the stem body (111).

[0084] The second part (115b) may be located at the lower portion of the stem body (111) and may be a portion of the stem body (111) facing the seal. The second part (115b) may be located on the opposite side of the first part (115a) and may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the stem body (111).

[0085] A lower cap insertion portion may be formed on the inner side of the second part (115b), and the lower cap (117) may be inserted into the lower cap insertion portion formed on the inner side of the second part (115b). That is, the lower cap (117) may be formed to have a smaller size than the second part (115b) based on the circumferential direction of the stem body (111).

[0086] The third part (115c) can connect the first part (115a) and the second part (115b). A plurality of third parts (115c) can be arranged along the circumference of the stem body (111), and a flow path (112) can be positioned between a pair of adjacent third parts (115c). The third part (115c), the second part (115b), and the first part (115a) can also be formed integrally.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first part (115a) and the third part (115c) can be connected with a continuous surface without a step. In addition, the second part (115b) and the third part (115c) can be connected with a continuous surface without a step. In this case, the first part (115a) and the third part (115c) can be formed to have the same separation distance from the rotation axis (114), and the second part (115b) and the third part (115c) can also be formed to have the same separation distance from the rotation axis (114). Accordingly, the airtightness between the seal contact portion (115) and the seal can be increased.

[0088] In the conventional process of manufacturing a stem (110) by injecting resin into a single mold, a parting line was generated due to the sliding structure of the inner core of the stem (110), whereby a step was formed between the first part (115a) and the third part (115c), or a step was formed between the second part (115b) and the third part (115c). Due to this parting line, a gap was generated between the seal contact portion (115) and the seal, resulting in a problem of cooling water passing through the seal contact portion (115) and the seal.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present invention, since the sliding structure of the inner core of the stem (110) is not required, the first part (115a) and the third part (115c) can be connected without a step, and the second part (115b) and the third part (115c) can also be connected without a step. Accordingly, the airtightness between the seal contact portion (115) and the seal can be increased, and the possibility of coolant passing through between the seal contact portion (115) and the seal can be reduced.

[0090] Figure 6 is a bottom perspective view of a stem for a valve device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 6, the stem (110) for the valve device may include a stem body (111), a flow path portion (112), a communication portion (113), a rotation shaft (114), a seal contact portion (115), an upper cap (116), a lower cap (117), and a protrusion (118). Since at least one of the components of the stem (110) for the valve device illustrated in FIG. 5 has been described above, a redundant description thereof will be omitted below.

[0092] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stem body (111) can be fused and connected to the lower cap (117). Accordingly, the stem body (111) and the lower cap (117) can be connected as a single piece without a gap. Accordingly, the possibility of coolant flowing into the stem body (111) through the space between the stem body (111) and the lower cap (117) or flowing out of the stem body (111) can be reduced.

[0093] In addition, since the lower cap (117) is fused to the stem body (111), the size of the lower cap insertion portion may be larger than the size of the lower cap (117). Even if a tolerance occurs between the size of the lower cap (117) and the size of the lower cap insertion portion within a predetermined range, the lower cap (117) is integrally connected to the stem body (111) without a gap through the fusion process, so that airtightness can be secured between the lower cap (117) and the stem body (111).

[0094]

[0095] A second passage hole (117a) through which a second portion (114b) of the rotation shaft (114) passes may be formed in the lower cap (117). Accordingly, the lower cap (117) can be coupled to the stem body (111) without interfering with the rotation shaft (114).

[0096] The second through hole (117a) may be formed in a shape in which the second portion (114b) of the rotation shaft (114) can be inserted. In one embodiment, the second through hole (117a) may extend in one direction. The second through hole (117a) may extend in one direction from the center of the upper cap (116). The second through hole (117a) may penetrate one side and the other side of the lower cap (117).

[0097] A protrusion (118) may pass through the second passage hole (117a). Accordingly, the lower cap (117) can be coupled to the stem body (111) without interference from the protrusion (118). For example, the protrusion (118) may function as a stopper that restricts the rotation of the stem body (111). The protrusion (118) may be connected to the stem body (111) so as to protrude downward from the lower cap (117).

[0098] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the lower cap (117) may be disposed in an area spaced apart from at least one of the rotational shaft (114), the seal contact portion (115), and the protrusion (118). Specifically, the lower cap (117) may be disposed in an area that does not come into contact with the second portion (114b) of the rotational shaft (114), the second portion (115b) of the seal contact portion (115), and the protrusion (118). Accordingly, in the process of fusing the lower cap (117) to the lower portion of the stem body (111), the possibility of the rotational shaft (114), the seal contact portion (115), and the protrusion (118) being damaged may be reduced. The second portion (114b) of the rotational shaft (114) may be a portion facing the lower portion of the rotational shaft (114).

[0099] Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above are not mutually exclusive or distinct. Any or all of the embodiments of the present disclosure described above may have their respective components or functions combined or used together.

[0100] For example, it means that configuration A described in a particular embodiment and / or drawing can be combined with configuration B described in another embodiment and / or drawing. That is, even if the combination between the configurations is not directly described, it means that the combination is possible, except in cases where the combination is described as impossible.

[0101] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A stem body including a plurality of flow paths communicating with a plurality of ports formed in a valve housing through which coolant passes, and rotatably arranged inside the valve housing; An upper cap positioned on the upper part of the stem body; and A lower cap disposed at the lower portion of the stem body; A stem for a valve device, wherein at least one of the upper cap or the lower cap is fused with the stem body.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a rotating shaft connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body; A stem for a valve device, wherein a first through-hole is formed in the upper cap through which at least a portion of the rotating shaft passes.

3. In paragraph 1, A stem for a valve device, wherein an upper cap insertion portion into which the upper cap is inserted is formed on the upper portion of the stem body.

4. In paragraph 3, A stem for a valve device, wherein the size of the upper cap insert is greater than or equal to the size of the upper cap.

5. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a rotating shaft connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body; A stem for a valve device, wherein a second through hole is formed in the lower cap through which at least a portion of the rotating shaft passes.

6. In paragraph 5, A stem for a valve device, wherein a protrusion connected to the stem body passes through the second passage hole so as to protrude from the lower portion of the lower cap.

7. In paragraph 1, A stem for a valve device, wherein a lower cap insertion portion into which the lower cap is inserted is formed at the lower portion of the above stem body.

8. In paragraph 7, A stem for a valve device, wherein the size of the lower cap insert is greater than or equal to the size of the lower cap.

9. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a seal contact portion that contacts a seal arranged between the stem body and the valve housing; A stem for a valve device, wherein the seal contact portion comprises a first portion positioned at an upper portion of the stem body and arranged along a circumferential direction of the stem body, a second portion positioned opposite the first portion and arranged along a circumferential direction of the stem body, and a third portion connecting the first portion and the second portion.

10. In paragraph 9, A stem for a valve device, wherein the first part and the third part are connected to each other without a step.

11. In paragraph 9, A stem for a valve device, wherein the first part and the third part are spaced at the same distance from a rotational axis connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body.

12. In paragraph 9, A stem for a valve device, wherein the second part and the third part are connected to each other without a step.

13. In paragraph 9, A stem for a valve device, wherein the second part and the third part are spaced at the same distance from a rotational axis connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body.

14. In paragraph 1, a rotating shaft connected to the stem body so as to rotate together with the stem body; and Further comprising a seal contact portion that contacts a seal arranged between the stem body and the valve housing; A stem for a valve device, wherein the upper cap is positioned in an area spaced apart from the rotating shaft and the seal contact portion.

15. In paragraph 14, Further comprising a protrusion connected to the stem body so as to protrude from the lower portion of the lower cap; A stem for a valve device, wherein the lower cap is disposed in an area spaced apart from the rotating shaft, the seal contact portion, and the protrusion.

16. Valve housing connected to the reservoir tank through which the coolant circulates; A stem including a plurality of flow paths communicating with a plurality of ports formed in the valve housing, the stem including a stem body rotatably arranged inside the valve housing, an upper cap arranged on an upper portion of the stem body, and a lower cap arranged on a lower portion of the stem body; A seal is formed with a through hole communicating with one of the plurality of said euro sections and is arranged between the stem and the valve housing; and An actuator for controlling the rotation of the above stem; A valve device, wherein at least one of the upper cap or the lower cap is fused with the stem body.

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