Three-way valve

Abstract

The present application relates to a three-way valve, comprising a valve seat (20) and a valve core (30) rotatably arranged in the valve seat. The valve seat (20) is provided with a first valve port (22), a second valve port (24), and a third valve port (26); the second valve port (24) is used for connecting to an upstream pipe; and the first valve port (22) and the third valve port (26) are each used for connecting to a downstream pipe. The valve core (30) is provided with a connecting port for connecting the second valve port (24) to the first valve port (22) and / or the third valve port (26). The first valve port (22), the second valve port (24), and the third valve port (26) are sequentially arranged along the circumferential direction of the valve seat (20), and the first valve port (22) and the third valve port (26) are asymmetrically arranged relative to the second valve port (24), so that the pressure drop and flow rate in the two downstream pipes exhibit a basically linear correspondence, facilitating pipe design.

Description

Three-way valve Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of valve technology, and in particular to a three-way valve. Background Technology

[0002] Valves are commonly used in pipeline systems to regulate the flow direction and / or velocity of fluids. For example, they are used in the thermal management system of electric vehicles to control the flow of heat exchange media in various circuits, such as the traction motor circuit, battery circuit, and passenger compartment temperature control circuit, to meet the heat exchange requirements under multiple operating conditions.

[0003] A three-way valve, one of the most commonly used valves, typically consists of an inlet and two outlets. The inlet connects to the upstream pipeline, and the two outlets connect to the two downstream pipelines, allowing the upstream pipeline to flow through both downstream pipelines simultaneously. However, in practical applications, due to the different flow resistances in the two downstream pipelines, the pressure drop and flow rate exhibit a non-linear relationship, making it difficult to meet design requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a three-way valve that can connect to two downstream pipelines with different flow resistances, and make the pressure drop and flow rate of the downstream pipelines basically linearly correlated.

[0005] A three-way valve includes a valve seat and a valve core rotatably disposed in the valve seat. The valve seat has a first valve port, a second valve port, and a third valve port. The second valve port is used to connect to an upstream pipeline, and the first and third valve ports are respectively used to connect to a downstream pipeline. The valve core has an interface for connecting the second valve port with the first valve port and / or the third valve port. The first, second, and third valve ports are arranged circumferentially along the valve seat, and the first and third valve ports are asymmetrically arranged relative to the second valve port.

[0006] Compared to existing technologies, the three-way valve of this application has asymmetrically arranged first and third valve ports on both sides of the second valve port of its valve seat. During the rotation of the valve core relative to the valve seat, the flow rate changes at the first and third valve ports are relatively gentle in most rotation angle ranges, while the flow rate changes drastically in the first and third valve ports in a small range of rotation angles. Ultimately, the pressure drop and flow rate in the two downstream pipelines are basically linearly correlated, which facilitates pipeline design. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the three-way valve of this application.

[0008] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the three-way valve shown in Figure 1.

[0009] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the three-way valve shown in Figure 1 from another angle.

[0010] Figure 4 is a plan view of the valve seat of the three-way valve shown in Figure 1.

[0011] Figure 5 is a plan view of the valve core of the three-way valve shown in Figure 1.

[0012] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the first state of the three-way valve.

[0013] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the second state of the three-way valve.

[0014] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the third state of the three-way valve.

[0015] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the fourth state of the three-way valve.

[0016] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the fifth state of the three-way valve.

[0017] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the flow rate at the first and third valve ports of the valve seat and the rotation angle of the valve core.

[0018] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between pressure drop and flow rate in the downstream pipeline connected to the first valve port.

[0019] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between pressure drop and flow rate in the downstream pipeline connected to the third valve port. Embodiments of the present invention

[0020] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of this application are exemplarily shown in the drawings to provide a more accurate and thorough understanding of the technical solutions disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that this application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings of this application, the same or similar reference numerals correspond to the same or similar components. In the description of this application, it should be understood that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, they are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, the terms used to describe positional relationships in the drawings are only for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting this application. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this application involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, if "and / or" or "and / or" appears throughout the text, its meaning includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously.

[0023] Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only if they are based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or cannot be implemented, it should be considered that such combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

[0024] This application provides a three-way valve, mainly used in pipeline systems, such as in the thermal management system of electric vehicles, to regulate the flow direction and / or flow rate of fluids. Figures 1-3 show a specific embodiment of the three-way valve of this application. The three-way valve 100 shown includes a valve seat 20 and a valve core 30 rotatably mounted in the valve seat 20.

[0025] Please also refer to Figure 4. The valve seat 20 is provided with a first valve port 22, a second valve port 24, and a third valve port 26. When connected to an external pipeline, the second valve port 24 is connected to the upstream pipeline, and the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 are respectively connected to a downstream pipeline. Thus, the second valve port 24 serves as a channel for fluid to flow from the upstream pipeline to the valve core 30, and the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 serve as channels for fluid to flow from the valve core 30 to the downstream pipeline. Through the relative rotation of the valve core 30 and the valve seat 20, the second valve port 24 can be connected to the first valve port 22; or, connected to the third valve port 26; or simultaneously connected to the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26, so that the fluid in the upstream pipeline enters the valve core 30 through the second valve port 24 and can then flow to the downstream pipeline via the first valve port 22 and / or the third valve port 26.

[0026] In this embodiment, the first valve port 22, the second valve port 24, and the third valve port 26 are arranged at intervals along the circumference of the valve seat 20. The second valve port 24 is approximately fan-shaped, with a central angle of approximately 120°. The first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 are located on opposite sides of the second valve port 24 and are asymmetrically distributed relative to the second valve port 24. Specifically, the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 can be designed with different shapes, or with different opening areas, resulting in an asymmetrical distribution of the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 relative to the second valve port 24. Of course, the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 can also be designed with different shapes and opening areas, as long as the asymmetrical distribution of the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 is achieved.

[0027] In this application, the downstream pipeline connected to the first valve port 22 (hereinafter referred to as the first downstream pipeline) and the downstream pipeline connected to the third valve port 26 (hereinafter referred to as the second downstream pipeline) have different flow resistances. By designing the asymmetrically distributed first valve port 22 and third valve port 26, the flow rate ratio of the fluid passing through the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 can be adjusted, so that the pressure drop and flow rate in the first downstream pipeline and the second downstream pipeline are basically linearly proportional, simplifying the pipeline design.

[0028] In one specific implementation, as shown in Figure 4, both the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 are irregularly shaped, and the opening area of ​​both is smaller than the opening area of ​​the second valve port 24, wherein the opening area of ​​the first valve port 22 is larger than the opening area of ​​the third valve port 26. More specifically, the first valve port 22 has a larger span in the circumferential direction than the third valve port 26. For example, the span of the first valve port 22 in the circumferential direction is equivalent to the span of the second valve port 24 in the circumferential direction, specifically it can be 1 / 3 of the circumference; the span of the third valve port 26 in the circumferential direction is smaller than the span of the second valve port 24 in the circumferential direction, specifically it can be 3 / 4 of the second valve port 24 or the first valve port 22.

[0029] In addition, the radial widths of the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 can vary in the circumferential direction. For example, the radial width of the first valve port 22 can gradually increase in the circumferential direction toward the second valve port 24, wherein the maximum radial width of the first valve port 22 is equivalent to the radial width of the second valve port 24; the radial width of the third valve port 26 can gradually increase in the circumferential direction toward the second valve port 24, wherein the maximum radial width of the third valve port 26 is less than the radial width of the second valve port 24.

[0030] In the above embodiments, the first downstream pipeline connected to the first valve port 22 can be a main pipeline, and the second downstream pipeline connected to the third valve port 26 can be a bypass pipeline, wherein the flow resistance of the first downstream pipeline is less than that of the second downstream pipeline. In practical applications, users can select the valve port to be connected based on the flow resistance of the downstream pipeline.

[0031] Please also refer to Figure 5. In this embodiment, the valve core 30 is provided with a first interface 32 and a second interface 34, which are connected through the internal space of the valve core 30. Preferably, the first interface 32 and the second interface 34 are of similar shape and size, both being fan-shaped with a corresponding central angle of approximately 120°, so that the first interface 32 and the second interface 34 can be perfectly matched with the second valve port 24. The solid portion of the valve core 30 between its first interface 32 and the second interface 34 forms a sealing part 36. In this embodiment, the sealing part 36 is fan-shaped with a corresponding central angle of approximately 120°, which can completely block the first valve port 22, the second valve port 24, or the third valve port 26.

[0032] In some embodiments, the central angles corresponding to the valve ports 22, 24, and 26 of the valve seat 20 can be adjusted as needed, and the sizes of the first interface 32, the second interface 34, and the sealing part 36 of the valve core 30 can be adjusted accordingly, as long as the first interface 32 and the second interface 34 can connect the second valve port 24 with the first valve port 22 and / or the third valve port 26, and the sealing part 36 can completely block the first valve port 22, the second valve port 24, or the third valve port 26.

[0033] When the valve core 30 rotates relative to the valve seat 20, the first port 32, the second port 34, the sealing part 36 are aligned with or offset from the first valve port 22, the second valve port 24, and the third valve port 26, causing the three-way valve 100 to present different states:

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, when the three-way valve 100 is in the first state, the first port 32 of the valve core 30 is directly opposite the first valve port 22 of the valve seat 20, the second port 34 is directly opposite the second valve port 24, and the sealing part 36 is directly opposite the third valve port 26. At this time, the valve core 30 connects the second valve port 24 and the first valve port 22 of the valve seat 20. At the same time, due to the blocking effect of the sealing part 36, the third valve port 26 and the second valve port 24 of the valve seat 20 are disconnected, so that the fluid in the upstream pipeline can only flow to the first downstream pipeline.

[0035] In the following description, the rotation angle of the valve core 30 relative to the valve seat 20 is determined based on the first state shown in Figure 6:

[0036] As shown in Figure 7, when the valve core 30 rotates a small angle clockwise relative to the valve seat 20, such as 30°, and is in the second state, the first interface 32 of the valve core 30 simultaneously connects to the first valve port 22 and the second valve port 24 of the valve seat 20, and the second interface 34 simultaneously connects to the second valve port 24 and the third valve port 26. The valve core 30 connects the second valve port 24 of the valve seat 20 with both the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26, allowing the fluid in the upstream pipeline to flow simultaneously to both the first and second downstream pipelines. At this time, the sealing part 36 of the valve core 30 partially blocks both the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 of the valve seat 20. Relatively speaking, the blocking part 36 blocks the first valve port 22 less, allowing more fluid to enter the first valve port 22 and a small amount of fluid to enter the third valve port 26.

[0037] As shown in Figure 8, when the valve core 30 rotates a large angle clockwise relative to the valve seat 20, such as 90°, and is in the third state, the first interface 32 of the valve core 30 simultaneously connects to the first valve port 22 and the second valve port 24 of the valve seat 20, and the second interface 34 simultaneously connects to the second valve port 24 and the third valve port 26. The valve core 30 connects the second valve port 24 of the valve seat 20 to both the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26. Unlike the state shown in Figure 7, the blocking part 36 provides greater obstruction to the first valve port 22 of the valve seat 20, resulting in an increase in the fluid entering the third valve port 26. Overall, as the rotation angle of the valve core 30 increases, the fluid entering the first valve port 22 gradually decreases, while the fluid entering the third valve port 26 gradually increases.

[0038] As shown in Figure 9, when the valve core 30 rotates clockwise relative to the valve seat 20 by a larger angle, such as 120°, and is in the fourth state, the first port 32 of the valve core 30 is directly opposite the second valve port 24 of the valve seat 20, the second port 34 is directly opposite the third valve port 26, and the sealing part 36 is directly opposite the first valve port 22. At this time, the valve core 30 connects the second valve port 24 and the third valve port 26 of the valve seat 20, while disconnecting the first valve port 22 and the second valve port 24 of the valve seat 20, so that the fluid in the upstream pipeline can only flow to the second downstream pipeline.

[0039] The above description of the operation of the three-way valve 100 of this application is based on the example of the valve core 30 rotating clockwise relative to the valve seat 20. It should be understood that the valve core 30 can also rotate counterclockwise relative to the valve seat 20 to adjust its state. The principle is similar to that of clockwise rotation, and will not be elaborated here.

[0040] As shown in Figure 10, when the valve core 30 rotates relative to the valve seat 20 by a certain angle, such as rotating 240° clockwise or 120° counterclockwise, the sealing part 36 of the valve core 30 is directly opposite the second valve port 24 of the valve seat 20, so that the fluid in the upstream pipeline cannot enter any port of the valve core 30 through the second valve port 24. The three-way valve 100 is in the closed state, so that the upstream pipeline is disconnected from both downstream pipelines.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, when the flow rate of the fluid through the second valve port 24 of the three-way valve 100 is 20 LPM, as the valve core 30 rotates relative to the valve seat 20, the change in the flow rate of the fluid through the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 with the rotation angle of the valve core 30 is shown in Figure 11:

[0042] Within a range of approximately 0-80°, the flow rate at the first valve port 22 decreases roughly linearly with increasing rotation angle of the valve core 30, and the rate of decrease is relatively slow. Correspondingly, the flow rate at the third valve port 26 increases roughly linearly with increasing rotation angle of the valve core 30, and the rate of increase is relatively slow. During this process, the flow rate at the first valve port 22 is much greater than the flow rate at the third valve port 26.

[0043] Within a range of approximately 80-110°, the flow rate at the first valve port 22 decreases sharply to zero as the rotation angle of the valve core 30 increases; correspondingly, the flow rate at the third valve port 26 increases sharply to full flow rate (20 LPM) as the rotation angle of the valve core 30 increases. Specifically, when the rotation angle of the valve core 30 approaches 90°, the flow rate at the first valve port 22 is comparable to the flow rate at the third valve port 26.

[0044] Within a range of approximately 110-120°, the change in the rotation angle of the valve core 30 has virtually no effect on the flow rate at the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26. The first valve port 22 is in a state of no flow, while the third valve port 26 is in a state of full flow.

[0045] Figure 12 shows the relationship between pressure drop and flow rate in the first downstream pipeline connected to the first valve port 22. Overall, the pressure drop and flow rate in the first downstream pipeline are roughly linearly proportional, with the pressure drop gradually increasing as the flow rate increases. Figure 13 shows the relationship between pressure drop and flow rate in the second downstream pipeline connected to the third valve port 26. Overall, the pressure drop and flow rate in the second downstream pipeline are roughly linearly proportional, with the pressure drop gradually increasing as the flow rate increases. However, because the second downstream pipeline has greater flow resistance, its pressure drop increases at a greater rate with increasing flow rate compared to the first downstream pipeline.

[0046] The three-way valve 100 of this application asymmetrically sets a first valve port 22 and a third valve port 26 on both sides of the second valve port 24 of its valve seat 20. During the rotation of the valve core 30 relative to the valve seat 20, the flow rate changes at the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 are relatively gentle in most rotation angle ranges, and the flow rate changes sharply in the first valve port 22 and the third valve port 26 in a small rotation angle range. Ultimately, the pressure drop and flow rate in the two downstream pipelines are basically linearly related, which facilitates pipeline design.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1-3, in one specific embodiment, the valve seat 20 includes a seat body 20a and a cover body 20b. The seat body 20a and the cover body 20b are detachably connected by screws or the like to facilitate the assembly of the valve core 30.

[0048] The valve seat 20a has a cylindrical structure with three ribs arranged approximately equidistantly along its circumference, forming three flow guide chambers within the valve seat 20. The first valve port 22, the second valve port 24, and the third valve port 26 are located on the axial side of the valve seat 20a facing the valve core 30 and are directly aligned with the three flow guide chambers. The circumferential outer wall of the valve seat 20 has a first port 27, a second port 28, and a third port 29 corresponding to the three flow guide chambers. The second port 28 is connected to the upstream pipeline, and the first ports 27 and 29 are connected to the downstream pipeline. The first valve port 22 communicates with the first port 27 through a corresponding flow guide chamber of the valve seat 20a; the second valve port 24 communicates with the second port 28 through a corresponding flow guide chamber of the valve seat 20a; and the third valve port 26 communicates with the third port 29 through a corresponding flow guide chamber of the valve seat 20a.

[0049] The fluid in the upstream pipeline flows into the valve core 30 through the second port 28 and the second valve port 24 of the valve seat 20, and then flows to the first downstream pipeline through the first valve port 22 and the first port 27 of the valve seat 20, and / or flows to the second downstream pipeline through the third valve port 26 and the third port 29 of the valve seat 20.

[0050] In this embodiment, a bearing seat 21 is provided at the center of the seat 20a, and the first valve port 22, the second valve port 24, and the third valve port 26 are arranged around the bearing seat 21. The valve core 30 is generally cylindrical, with a rotating shaft 28 at its center. One end of the rotating shaft 28 is pivotally connected to the bearing seat 21, and the other end extends outward through the cover 20b and is connected to a power mechanism, such as a drive motor, so that the valve core 30 can be driven to rotate relative to the valve seat 20. The first interface 32, the second interface 34, and the sealing part 36 are provided on the axial side of the valve core 30 facing the seat 20a, so that each interface 32, 34 and each valve port 22, 24, 26 are axially opposite each other.

[0051] Preferably, a sealing element 40 is sandwiched between the valve core 30 and the seat 20a of the valve seat 20. The sealing element 40 has a hollow structure and does not affect the conduction between each interface 32, 34 and each valve port 22, 24, 26. The sealing element 40 can improve the sealing performance of the three-way valve 100 after assembly and avoid internal leakage.

[0052] It should be noted that the above embodiments only illustrate preferred embodiments of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting this application. It should be pointed out that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, such as combining different features in various embodiments, and these should all fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A three-way valve, comprising a valve seat and a valve core rotatably disposed in the valve seat, characterized in that, The valve seat is provided with a first valve port, a second valve port, and a third valve port. The second valve port is used to connect to an upstream pipeline, and the first and third valve ports are respectively used to connect to a downstream pipeline. The valve core is provided with an interface for connecting the second valve port to the first valve port and / or the third valve port. The first, second, and third valve ports are arranged along the circumference of the valve seat, and the first and third valve ports are asymmetrically arranged relative to the second valve port.

2. The three-way valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first valve port and the third valve port have different shapes; and / or, the opening areas of the first valve port and the third valve port are different.

3. The three-way valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Both the first valve port and the third valve port are irregularly shaped.

4. The three-way valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The opening areas of the first valve port and the third valve port are both smaller than the opening area of ​​the second valve port.

5. The three-way valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The span of the first valve port in the circumferential direction of the valve seat is greater than the span of the third valve port in the circumferential direction of the valve seat.

6. The three-way valve as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The span of the first valve port in the circumferential direction of the valve seat is equivalent to the span of the second valve port in the circumferential direction of the valve seat, and the span of the third valve port in the circumferential direction of the valve seat is 3 / 4 of the span of the second valve port in the circumferential direction of the valve seat.

7. The three-way valve as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The second valve port spans approximately 1 / 3 of a circumference in the circumferential direction of the valve seat.

8. The three-way valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The radial width of the first valve port gradually increases circumferentially toward the second valve port; and / or, the radial width of the third valve port gradually increases circumferentially toward the second valve port.

9. The three-way valve as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The maximum radial width of the first valve port is equivalent to the radial width of the second valve port; the maximum radial width of the third valve port is less than the radial width of the second valve port.

10. The three-way valve according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The valve core has a first interface and a second interface. The first interface, the second interface, and the second valve port are all fan-shaped and have the same central angle.

11. The three-way valve as described in any one of claims 10, characterized in that, The valve seat is cylindrical in shape, with a central bearing seat. The first valve port, the second valve port, and the third valve port are arranged around the bearing seat. The valve core has a central rotating shaft, which is rotatably pivotally connected to the bearing seat. The valve core forms the first interface and the second interface on its side facing the first valve port, the second valve port, and the third valve port of the valve seat, and forms a sealing part between the first interface and the second interface. The sealing part is fan-shaped, and the corresponding circular angle is not less than the central angle corresponding to the second valve port.

12. The three-way valve according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, A sealing element is provided between the valve seat and the valve core.

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