A multi-port valve is provided. The multi-port valve includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. A shell body is rotatably disposed within the internal cavity. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body such that it circumscribes the shell body within the internal cavity.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to valves, and more particularly to multi-port valves having multiple inlet and multiple outlet ports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multi-port valve are used in a variety of industries and applications. Such valves include one or more inlet ports and on or more outlet ports. A valve member disposed within a housing of the valve is responsible for governing the flow between the various ports. A portion of the valve member, e.g. a valve stem, protrudes from the housing and is acted upon by an actuator attached to the multi-port valve. As result, the actuator governs the position of the valve member within the housing, which in turn governs the flow between the various ports.

Such multi-port valves advantageously provide a single flow device which can effectively replace multiple flow devices which only employ a single inlet and a single outlet. However, such multi-port valves are not without their own drawbacks. For example, the overall complexity of the valve increases as the number of ports increases. This can lead to relatively high part count assemblies. Further, this complexity in construction also results in a more complex manufacturing process for making valve. Indeed, the multiple ports are associated with multiple inlets and outlets of the valve which must be welded onto a housing. Further the desired fitting for each inlet and outlet must also be welded on to its respective inlet or outlet.

Such welded up assemblies increase the number of potential leak paths of the valve. Further, to achieve such welds, special machining steps are often needed at the inlets and outlets as well as the housing to ensure there is a tight fit between these components for subsequent welding.

Furthermore, a number of individual seals are required to effectively seal the various ports of the multi-port valve off from one another. These multiple seals also lead to an increase in overall cost and complexity of the multi-port valve.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a multi-port valve with a reduced overall complexity. The invention provides such a multi-port valve. These and other advantages of the invention, as well as additional inventive features, will be apparent from the description of the invention provided herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a multi-port valve having a reduced part count and a reduced cost relative to prior designs. An embodiment of such a multi-port valve includes a housing. The housing defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. This embodiment also includes a shell body rotatably disposed within the internal cavity. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings and surrounds the shell body such that it circumscribes the shell body within the internal cavity.

In certain embodiments, each opening of the plurality of openings of the seal member is associated with one of the plurality of ports such that each of the plurality of ports are sealed from one another along the outer periphery of the seal member.

In certain embodiments, the plurality of ports includes a first port and a second port. The first port and second port of the plurality of ports are arranged relative to one another such that they are one of angularly spaced apart from one another in an angular direction and situated at a same axial height relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing, or in at least a partially angularly overlapped arrangement relative to one another in the angular direction and are axially spaced from one another relative to the longitudinal axis.

In certain embodiments, the shell body includes a partition wall separating the shell body into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first opening and a second opening separated by a wall, and the second portion includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. In another embodiment, the first portion includes a passageway and the second portion includes a passageway.

In certain embodiments, the first and second portions are selectively alignable with the plurality of ports to allow simultaneous flow along a first flow path and a second flow path through the shell body.

In certain embodiments, the seal member seals outwardly in a radial direction against an interior surface of the housing. In other embodiments, the seal member includes a plurality of seal ribs which seal against the shell body. The seal member may be one of a continuous piece of elastomeric material, or comprises a rigid core with a plurality of elastomeric seals attached thereto.

In certain embodiments, the valve also includes a plurality of port bodies, respectively received in the plurality of ports such that one port body of the plurality of port bodies is received in one port of the plurality of ports.

In certain embodiments, the seal member comprises a plurality of seal segments. One of the seal segments sealingly engages a first and a second port body of the plurality of port bodies.

In another aspect, the invention provides a multi-port valve which utilizes a novel and inventive sealing arrangement for sealing each of the plurality of ports from one another. An embodiment according to this aspect includes a housing defining an internal cavity. The housing also includes a plurality of ports. Each of the plurality of ports is in communication with the internal cavity. This embodiment also includes a shell body rotatably disposed within the internal cavity. A seal member is also provided which has a plurality of openings. Each one of the plurality of openings is associated with one of the plurality of ports such that each of the plurality of ports are sealed from one another along the outer periphery of the seal member.

In certain embodiments, the shell body includes a partition wall separating the shell body into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first opening and a second opening separated by a wall. The second portion includes a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening. In another embodiment, the first portion includes a passageway. The second portion also includes a passageway.

In either of the aforementioned embodiments, the first and second portions are selectably alignable with the plurality of ports to allow simultaneous flow along a first flow path and a second flow path through the shell body.

In certain embodiments, the seal member seals outwardly in a radial direction against an interior surface of the housing. In other embodiments, the seal member includes a plurality of seal ribs which seal against the shell body. The seal member may be one of a continuous piece of elastomeric material, or comprises a rigid core with a plurality of elastomeric seals attached thereto.

In certain embodiments, the valve also includes a plurality of port bodies, respectively received in the plurality of ports such that one port body of the plurality of port bodies is received in one port of the plurality of ports.

In certain embodiments, the seal member comprises a plurality of seal segments. One of the seal segments sealingly engages a first and a second port body of the plurality of port bodies.

In yet another aspect, the invention provides a multi-port valve which leverages a novel and inventive port arrangement to allow for separate simultaneous flows through the multi-port valve along separate flow paths. An embodiment according to this aspect includes a housing which defines an internal cavity. The housing further includes a plurality of ports. A first port and a second port of the plurality of ports are arranged relative to one another such that they are one of angularly spaced apart from one another in an angular direction and situated at a same axial height relative to a longitudinal axis of the housing, or in at least a partially angularly overlapped arrangement relative to one another in an angular direction and are axially spaced from one another relative to the longitudinal axis. This embodiment also includes a shell body rotatably disposed within the internal cavity. A seal member is also provided which surrounds the shell body. The seal member is radially interposed between the shell body and the housing.

In certain embodiments, the shell body includes a partition wall separating the shell body into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion are selectably alignable with the plurality of ports to allow simultaneous flow along a first and a second flow path through the shell body.

In certain embodiments, the seal member includes a plurality of receiving grooves and the housing includes a plurality of projections. Each one of the plurality of receiving grooves receives one of the plurality of projections. The seal member may be one of a continuous piece of elastomeric material, or comprises a rigid core with a plurality of elastomeric seals attached thereto.

In certain embodiments, the valve also includes a plurality of port bodies, respectively received in the plurality of ports such that one port body of the plurality of port bodies is received in one port of the plurality of ports.

In certain embodiments, the seal member comprises a plurality of seal segments. One of the seal segments sealingly engages a first and a second port body of the plurality of port bodies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to the figures, as will be understood from the following, embodiments of a multi-port valve assembly and its associated multi-port valve are described herein. The multi-port valve advantageously overcomes existing problems in the art by presenting an overall construction with a reduced part count, a reduced number of potential leak paths, and a reduction in overall assembly time and cost.

With particular reference now toFIG.1, an embodiment of a valve assembly30according to the invention is illustrated. The valve assembly30includes valve assembly30includes a multi-port valve32(also referred to herein as a valve) and an actuator34mounted to valve32. Actuator34is responsible for actuating a valve member (i.e. a shell member58as described below) which in turn governs the flow characteristics through valve32. Actuator34may be any style of actuator typically used in valve actuation, e.g. rotary, linear, etc., and may rely on any type of power source typically used in valve actuation, e.g. electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc. As such, actuator34is non-limiting on the invention herein.

Turning now toFIG.2, valve assembly30is shown in an exploded view to introduce the componentry thereof, in particular, the componentry of valve32. Valve32includes a housing40. In one advantageous implementation of the invention, housing40is formed as a single piece. By “formed as a single piece” it is meant that the main body of housing40and its associated ports are not an assembly of separate components which are subsequently joined together by a joining process, e.g. welding as is done in conventional valve housings. Rather, housing40is formed as a single unitary piece by any process capable of achieving such a configuration, e.g. injection molding, 3D printing, etc. However, it is contemplated by the teachings herein that housing40may be embodied as an assembly of separate components which are subsequently joined together by a joining process.

However, there are several advantages to utilizing a housing40formed as a single piece. First, such a single piece housing40presents a direct reduction of parts but a retention in function over prior designs. Indeed, separate components need not be separately fabricated and subsequently assembled. Further, in such assembled housings, it is typically necessary to weld on port conduits, fittings, actuator mounting features, etc. Many of these weld joints are along the fluid flow path through the valve, and as a result, present potential leak paths in the event one or more of these welds fail. Still further, use of a single piece housing40allows for direct incorporation of mounting features on housing40which are subsequently used to mount valve32in its operational environment. Still further, the single piece housing40illustrated allows for a single direction of assembly along longitudinal axis38defined by housing40. This is an improvement over prior multi-port valves which typically involve multiple directions of assembly relative to their respective housings.

As illustrated, housing40includes a plurality of ports, in particular, a first port42, a second port44, a third port46, a fourth port48, and a fifth port50, each of which are in fluid communication with an internal cavity56of housing40. Each of ports42,44,44,46,48,50may function as an inlet or an outlet of valve32. As can be seen inFIG.2, first port42and second port44are in an over/under configuration. As a result, first port42and second port44at least partially overlap one another in the angular direction relative to longitudinal axis38. As can also be seen inFIG.2, while overlapping one another partially in the angular direction, first port42and second port44are also axially spaced apart relative to longitudinal axis38.

Such a configuration is particularly advantageous where first and second ports42,44function as inlets. Indeed, in prior multi-port valve designs, a side-by-side inlet port approach is typically taken where the ports are spaced apart from one another in the angular direction (i.e. they do not overlap in the angular direction as shown inFIG.2). With such a side-by-side configuration, there is a “dead zone” between the inlet ports as a result of the necessity to include a seal between the inlet ports to prevent unintended cross flow. This same seal, however, creates a dead zone which reduces the overall flow when it is desirable to combine the flows of the side-by-side inlet ports. Such a dead zone is, however, eliminated by utilizing the over/under configuration as shown.

Still referring toFIG.2, internal cavity56receives a shell body58which operates as a valve member for controlling the flows between the plurality of ports42,44,46,48,50. A seal member60is also received in cavity56and entirely surrounds shell body58. This seal member60is a continuous cylindrical element, except for the openings formed therein. As will be discussed below, seal member60is a single piece seal which advantageously creates a seal for each of the plurality of ports42,44,44,46,48,50to prevent unintended cross flow or short circuiting.

Seal member60also advantageously entirely seals internal cavity56, such that no additional seals need be associated with a cover62of valve32. It is possible, however, that seal member60may also be formed as separate seal segments which immediately next to one another in the circumferential direction, which together define a seal member which surrounds the shell body58. The term “seal member” as used herein includes both configurations, i.e. a single unitary seal member, or a seal member formed of a plurality seal segments.

As can be seen fromFIG.2, each of shell body58and seal member60include a plurality of openings. The openings of seal member60remain statically aligned with ports42,44,46,48,50so that each opening is associated with one port, and seals against an interior surface of housing40that defines cavity56, around the opening of the port into cavity56. The plurality of openings through shell body58, however, are selectively alignable with ports42,44,46,48,50to govern the flows between these ports.

Turning now toFIG.3, which illustrates a cross section of valve32in an assembled configuration, shell body58is generally cylindrical in shape with a valve stem64which extends through an opening in housing40. This valve stem, and in turn the remainder of shell body58, is rotatable about axis38by actuator34. Shell body58also includes a partition wall66aligned with valve stem64and divides shell body58into a first portion70and a second portion72. First portion70includes a first opening74(seeFIG.4) and a second opening76(seeFIG.4) which are separated by a wall78(seeFIG.4). First and second openings74,76are in fluid communication with one another through the interior of shell body58.

Second portion72includes a first opening84, a second opening86(seeFIG.7), and a third opening88(seeFIG.4), each of which are in fluid communication with one another through the interior of shell body58. As will be understood by the following, partition wall66and its division of shell body58into two separation portions70,72having the aforementioned openings allows for multiple simultaneous and separate flows through valve32.

Indeed, with particular reference toFIG.4, in the particular orientation of shell body58shown, a combined flow from first and second ports42,44passes through second portion72of shell body58and exits through fifth port50. Simultaneously, a flow from fourth port48passes through first portion70of shell body58and exits through third port46. Turning now toFIG.5, shell body58has been rotated approximately ninety degrees from the orientation shown inFIG.4. In such a configuration a combined flow from first and second ports42,44passes through second portion72of shell body58and exits through third port46. Simultaneously, a flow from fourth port48passes through first portion70of shell body58and exits through fifth port50.

As can be surmised from the configurations shown inFIGS.4and5, the openings through shell body58are arranged such that, for example, flow from second port44alone, or a combined flow from first and second ports42,44, may flow to fifth port50without affecting the maximum flow from fourth port48to third port46. The same holds true for the configuration shown inFIG.5in that, with only slight rotations of shell body58, single or combined flows from first and second ports42,44are possible without affecting maximum flow from fourth port48to fifth port50.

Turning now toFIG.6, another cross section of valve32is illustrated. In this particular cross section, another advantage of utilizing a unitary seal member60and the shell body58as described can be seen. In particular, the total flow area through each port42,44,46,48,50is governed by the shape of that port and is generally depicted as dimension A. However, the openings through seal member60are tapered to thereby continuously increase the cross sectional flow area as the flow approaches shell body58. This increase can be seen at dimension B, which is larger than dimension A.

Such a configuration allows for shell body58to present a considerably larger cross sectional flow area represented by dimension C. These tapered openings through seal member60thus allow for the cross sectional flow area from each port42,44,46,48,50to adapt to the cross sectional flow area presented by shell body58. The overall result with such a configuration is a reduction in the overall pressure drop across valve32, and well as noise due to turbulence.

Also depicted inFIG.6is the mounting configuration used for mounting seal member60within housing40. Specifically, seal member60includes a plurality of axially extending channels80which receive a plurality of axially extending ribs90formed in cavity56of housing40. This channel-rib configuration fixes and clocks seal member60within housing40. Although each channel80and rib90are shown to have a uniform shape, it is also contemplated that one or more of the channels80and their corresponding ribs90may be a different size to ensure that there is only one way to install seal member60within housing40.

Turning now toFIG.7, the same illustrates seal member60installed around shell body58. As introduced above, seal member60includes a plurality of openings. In particular, a first opening92, a second opening94, a third opening96, a fourth opening98which is not visible inFIG.7but identical to third opening96, and a fifth opening100which is also not visible inFIG.7but identical to third and fourth openings96,98. Each of the aforementioned openings in seal member60are also shown inFIG.2. As discussed above, these openings seal around the ports of housing40at the entry of each port into cavity56(seeFIG.2). Indeed, opening92seals around first port42, second opening94seals around second port94, third opening96seals around third port46, fourth opening98seals around forth port48, and fifth opening100seals around fifth port50.

With the foregoing structural description in hand, the flow methodology of valve32will now be discussed in greater detail. Turning now toFIG.8, the same schematically illustrates the flows previously described relative toFIG.4. Flow line A may be considered to be that flow entering through first port42, and flow line B may be considered to be that flow entering through second port44. These flows are combined and exit as flow E, the flow exiting valve32through fifth port50. As discussed above, it is possible under very minor rotations of shell body58to allow for only an entry flow A and an exit flow E, only an entry flow B and an exit flow E, or a mix of flows A and B which result in an exit flow E. In each of the aforementioned flow configurations, maximum entry flow D from fourth port48to exit flow C through third port46is still permitted.

FIG.9similarly illustrates a flow schematic wherein valve32is in a neutral position, where no flow is permitted through valve32.FIG.10schematically illustrates the flows previously described relative toFIG.5. As can be seen in this view, flows A and B are combined and exit valve32as exit flow C through third port46. It is also possible under very minor rotations of shell body58to allow for only an entry flow A and an exit flow C, only an entry flow B and an exit flow C, or a mix of flows A and B which result in an exit flow C. In each of the aforementioned flow configurations, maximum entry flow D from fourth port48to exit flow E through fifth port50is still permitted.

The aforementioned configurations are also each shown inFIG.11-16, respectively in regard to the orientation of shell body58.FIG.11illustrates flow from first port42through first opening84of second portion72, through third opening88of second portion72, and out to third port46.FIG.12shows a combined flow from first and second ports42,44, through first and third openings84,88of second portion72, then through third and second openings88,86, and out to third port46.FIG.13illustrates flow from second port44through third opening88of second portion72, through second opening86of second portion72, and out to third port46.

FIG.14illustrates flow from second port46through third opening88of second portion72, through first opening84of second portion, and out to fifth port50.FIG.15shows a combined flow from first and second ports42,44, through second and third openings86,88of second portion72, then through third and first openings88,84, and out to fifth port50.FIG.16illustrates flow from first port42through second opening86of second portion72, through third opening88of second portion, and out to fifth port50. It will also be recognized that, while not shown inFIGS.11-16for clarity, there is also a simultaneous flow in addition to that depicted in each figure. For example, there is also a flow between fourth port48and fifth port50in the configuration shown inFIGS.11-13. Similarly, there is also a flow between third and fourth ports46,48inFIGS.14-16.

Turning now toFIG.17, an alternative embodiment of a seal member102is illustrated. This seal member102is similar to seal member60discussed above in that it fully surrounds shell body58. However, this embodiment of a seal member102includes a generally rigid core104with elastomeric seal material attached thereto. More specifically, a first seal106, second seal108, third seal110, and fourth seal112are attached to core104. These seal members106,108,110,112are formed of an elastomeric sealing material and collectively provide the same sealing function as seal member60described above. As can also be seen inFIG.17, seal member112is a dual port seal in that it provides the above described seal for both first port42and second port44.

With reference now toFIGS.18and19, an alternative embodiment of a valve132according to the teachings herein is illustrated. This valve132is also capable of the flow configurations illustrated inFIGS.8-10. This valve132is also substantially similar to that described above in that may utilize a housing140formed as a single piece. This housing140also includes a plurality of ports, namely, a first port142, second port144, third port146, fourth port148, and fifth port150. Instead of using an over/under configuration for first and second ports142,144as described above, however, first and second ports142,144are arranged in a side-by-side configuration. With this arrangement, first and second ports142,144are spaced apart in the angular direction θ and located at the same axial height relative to longitudinal axis138.

A shell body158and seal member160are received in an internal cavity156of housing140. Seal member160also differs from seal member60described above in that it seals radially inward against shell body158as shown, as opposed to radially outward as in the case of seal member60and seal member102described above. Indeed, seal member160includes a plurality of receiving channels180as shown. Each receiving channel180receives a corresponding rib190formed on housing140within internal cavity156. This channel and rib configuration fixes and clocks seal member160within housing140. Each channel180also includes an radially inwardly protruding sealing bead182as shown. These sealing beads182seal against shell body158to achieve similar sealing functionality to that described above. Although seal member160is illustrated a single unitary piece which surrounds shell body158, it is also contemplated that this seal member160may be separated into multiple seal segments as discussed above. In a particular configuration, and similar to that described above relative toFIG.17, if provided as separate seal segments, one of such seal segments can provide sealing functionality for both first and second ports142,144.

As can also be seen inFIG.18, shell body158includes a partition wall166which divides it into a first portion170and a second portion172. First portion170includes a passageway174extending through shell body158along a curved path. Likewise, second portion172includes a passageway extending through shell body158along a curved path. It will be noted that the curved path in second portion172includes a divider wall184subdividing it into separate, sub-passageways. It will be recognized from analysis ofFIG.18that the same simultaneous flow path configurations described above relative toFIGS.11-16are possible with this embodiment.

Turning now toFIG.19, another cross section of valve132is illustrated. As shown in this view, seal member160also includes circumferential seals152,154which run circumferentially at the axial extents of seal member160. These seals152,154, ensure fluid cannot circumvent sealing ribs182discussed above.

With reference now toFIGS.20to23, another alternative embodiment of a valve200according to the teachings herein is illustrated. This embodiment of valve200is also capable of the flow configurations illustrated inFIGS.8-10. This embodiment of valve200also employs a side-by-side port configuration in the same arrangement as that of the embodiment described above relative toFIGS.18and19. The following description, however, is not limited to the side-by-side port configuration as discussed above relative toFIGS.18and19. Indeed, the following description could also apply to a valve constructed according to the teachings of the embodiment ofFIGS.1-17, i.e. a valve having an over-under portion configuration.

With particular reference toFIG.20, valve200includes a housing202that includes a plurality of ports, namely, a first port204, second port206, third port208, fourth port210, and fifth port212. Instead of using an over/under configuration for first and second ports142,144as described above relative to ports42,44, however, first and second ports204,206are arranged in a side-by-side configuration. With this arrangement, first and second ports204,206are spaced apart in the angular direction θ and located at the same axial height relative to longitudinal axis214.

A plurality of port bodies, namely, a first port body224, a second port body226, a third port body228, a fourth port body230, and a fifth port body232are respectively received in the first through fifth ports204,206,208,210,212as illustrated. The port bodies224,226,228,230,232are substantially identical to one another. Accordingly, a description will be provided for the first port body224which applies equally well to the remaining port bodies.

First port body224includes a through bore238which communicates with an internal cavity240containing a shell body242rotatably disposed therein. Shell body242is identical to shell body158described above in both structure and function, and as such, a description thereof is not repeated here.

A first radially protruding flange244extends radially outwardly from first port body224. This first radially protruding flange244abuts an abutment face246at first port204and is sealed against the same via welding, adhesion, or any other mechanical joining technology. As can be seen inFIG.20, each port204,206,208,210,212includes an abutment face for abutment with the first radially protruding flange of each port body224,226,228,230,232.

A second radially protruding flange248also extends radially from first port body224. This second radially protruding flange248biases a first seal segment264against shell body242. As can be seen inFIG.20, first seal segment264provides a seal against shell body242for each of first and second port bodies224,226. It will be recognized that this shared seal configuration is similar to that described above with respect toFIG.17.

As can be seen inFIG.20, first and second port bodies224,226collectively bias first seal segment264against shell body242. Each of first and second port bodies224,226are partially received by first seal segment264as shown until their respective second radially protruding flanges (see e.g. second radially protruding flange248of first port body224) abuts seal segment264.

In a similar fashion, the remaining third through fifth port bodies228,230,232each partially extend into a second through fourth seal member266,268,270, respectively, and bias the same into sealing engagement with shell body242. In total, there are four seal members264,266,268,270for the five ports204,206,208,210,212which seal each port from each other port such that there is no unwanted cross flow. First seal member is shared by first and second port bodies224,226, while the remaining seal members266,268,270are respectively associated with the third through fifth port bodies228,230,232in a one-to-one relationship. Each seal member264,266,268,270may be formed of a resilient material to ensure a conformed seal against the shell body242.

With reference now toFIG.21, housing202is illustrated with the third through fifth port bodies228,230,232removed from their respective ports. Additionally, shell body242is also removed, as well as a covering for housing202. As can be seen in this view, housing202includes an opening272for reception of shell body242during assembly. A cover (not shown) is sealingly attached to opening272to seal shell body242within internal cavity240.

The aforementioned cover may be permanently affixed to housing202using any mechanical joining technology, e.g. adhesives, welding, etc. Alternatively, this cover may be removably attached to housing202using fasteners, threads, or the like. In the case of a removable cover, appropriate seals may also be utilized in conjunction with said cover.

Housing also includes an aperture274extending through a bottom wall276of housing202. This aperture is sized to receive a valve stem (not shown) attached to shell body242. Rotation of this valve stem results in a like rotation of shell body242within internal cavity240. As was the case with the above discussed cover, appropriate seals may be used in conjunction with the valve stem to prevent a leak path along the valve stem and out of housing202.

Referring now toFIG.22, first seal member264includes a first seal flange280which abuts the second radially protruding flange of each of the first and second port bodies224,226(see e.g. flange248inFIG.20). First seal member264also includes a second flange282which sealingly engages the outer periphery of shell body242(see alsoFIG.20).

First seal member264also includes an intermediary portion290dividing first seal member264into a first seal portion294and a second seal section296. First seal section294is responsible for sealing the flow through first port204(and more particularly first port body224) such that it may only selectively flow through shell body242. Second seal section296is responsible for sealing the flow through second port206(and more particularly second port body226) such that it may only selectively flow through shell body242.

Intermediary portion290provides a common surface292for contact with the second radially protruding flange of each of first and second port bodies224,226. It will be recognized that the remaining seal members266,268,270have the same overall design as seal member264, except that they do not include an intermediary portion.

Despite their close proximity and despite that they share a common seal, first and second ports204,206and their respective port bodies224,226are sealed off from one another. Flow mixing of the flows through first and second ports204,206is, however, still possible by aligning one of the passageways through shell body242with both the first and second port bodies224,226. As can be readily surmised from inspection ofFIG.23, the smaller the size of the intermediary seal portion the higher the granularity in the mixing capabilities between the first and second port bodies224,226.

As described herein, embodiments of the present invention The multi-port valve advantageously overcomes existing problems in the art by presenting an overall construction with a reduced part count, a reduced number of potential leak paths, and a reduction in overall assembly time and cost.