Valve for vehicle

A valve apparatus for the vehicle that may be disposed in a vehicle to exhaust operating fluid, which flows therein, to the outside, may include a main body that has at least one exhaust port and input port and the operating fluid flows there in through the input port, and an opening/closing unit that may be disposed in the main body, wherein the opening/closing unit selectively fluid-connects one of the at least a exhaust port with the input port according to a temperature of the operating fluid such that the inflow operating fluid may be exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2011-0045179 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 13, 2011, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a valve for a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a valve for a vehicle that uses a simple structure to open or close an outlet thereof according to the temperature of an inflow operating fluid.

2. Description of Related Art

Generally, a valve is disposed in a pipe line or a container to receive a fluid such as air, gas, liquid, and water from the outside, to exhaust them, to cut off the flow of the fluid, or to control a flowing amount and a pressure of the fluid.

The valve controls the flow of fluid by operating a valve seat where the fluid flows through a valve stem and handle, and a separate temperature adjustment device is used to detect the temperature of the fluid flowing past the valve seat to be able to remotely control the valve.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a valve for a vehicle having advantages of using a simple structure to open or close an exhaust port according to the temperature of operating fluid that flows therein.

Also, various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a valve for a vehicle having advantages of saving manufacturing cost by simplifying constituents elements compared to a conventional wax expansion type of valve, reducing weight, improving responsiveness of a valve according to an operating fluid temperature, reducing flow resistance to maintain fluid exhaust amount, and improving reliability of fluid control.

In an aspect of the present invention, a valve apparatus for the vehicle that is disposed in a vehicle to exhaust operating fluid, which flows therein, to the outside, may include a main body that may have at least one exhaust port and input port and the operating fluid flows therein through the input port, and an opening/closing unit that is disposed in the main body, wherein the opening/closing unit selectively fluid-connects one of the at least a exhaust port with the input port according to a temperature of the operating fluid such that the inflow operating fluid is exhausted to the outside through the exhaust port.

The opening/closing unit may include a mounting cap that is fixedly mounted to an end portion in the main body, and a transformation member of which one end thereof is connected to the mounting cap that is inserted into the main body to be expanded or contracted according to the temperature of the operating fluid, wherein the transformation member is disposed close to the at least one exhaust port.

The transformation member is a shape memory alloy material that expands or contracts according to the temperature of the operating fluid.

The transformation member may include fixed portions that are formed in both end portions of the length direction in the transformation member to not be transformed by the temperature, wherein one of the first portions is connected to the mounting cap, and a transformation portion that is formed between the fixed portions and expands or contracts according to the temperature.

The transformation member may have a structure in which a circular coil spring overlaps itself such that coils thereof contact each other according to the temperature.

The mounting cap may include an insert portion of which one end thereof is inserted into the transformation member, and a mounting portion of which one end thereof is integrally connected to the other end of the insert portion and is mounted on an interior circumference of the main body.

The mounting portion may have external threads that are formed on an exterior circumference to be engaged on an interior circumference of the main body.

The mounting portion may have a catching portion that is integrally formed on the other end thereof to be fixed on an outside end portion of the main body.

The catching portion may include a tool recess that is formed on the other end thereof.

The catching portion may include a tool recess that is formed on the other end thereof.

The transformation member may include an end cap that is mounted to be slidably inserted into the main body.

The end cap may have a penetration hole that corresponds to a pressure that varies according to a flowing amount of the operating fluid that flows in through the input port and bypasses the inflow operating fluid to the inside of the transformation member so as to improve temperature responsiveness of the transformation member.

One end of the main body is closed and the other end thereof is opened to may have a cylindrical pipe shape, and the opening/closing unit is mounted on the opened portion thereof.

The valve apparatus operates in a 2-way valve type in which one exhaust port is formed in an opposite side of the input port in the main body and the opening/closing unit is disposed close to the one exhaust port.

The valve apparatus operates in a 3-way valve type in which first and second exhaust ports are formed at opposite sides of the input port to be selectively opened or closed by the opening/closing unit, wherein the opening/closing unit is disposed close to either of the first and second exhaust ports.

The at least one exhaust port of the valve may include a first exhaust port that is formed across the input port in the main body and selectively receive the operating fluid from the input port, a second exhaust port that is formed at an opposite side of the input port to be connected to a supply portion such that the operating fluid is selectively exhausted therethrough from the input port, and a return port formed at an opposite side of the input port to return the operating fluid from the second exhaust port to the first exhaust port, wherein first and second opening/closing units are disposed close to the first and second exhaust ports respectively, and wherein the first, second, and return ports are selectively opened or closed by the first and second opening/closing units.

The main body may have a cylindrical pipe shape of which both ends thereof are opened, and the first and second opening/closing units are disposed at both sides to respectively open or close the second exhaust port and the return port.

As described above, a valve for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention uses a simple structure thereof to selectively open or close the exhaust port according to the temperature of the operating fluid that flows therein and effectively exhausts the operating fluid, wherein the constituent elements are simplified compared to a conventional wax expansion type of valve, the production cost is reduced, and simultaneously the weight thereof is reduced.

Also, the responsiveness of the opening/closing operation of the valve according to the temperature of the operating fluid is improved, the flow resistance of the operating fluid in the valve is reduced to uniformly maintain the fluid exhaust amount, the reliability of the flowing control is improved, and the coolant flow is smoothly maintained in a case that the operating fluid is a coolant such that the cooling performance thereof is improved and the power consumption of the water pump is reduced.

Also, the interior structure is simplified by reducing the number of constituent elements to save manufacturing cost, to reduce weight, and make the maintenance thereof easy.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a valve for a vehicle according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 2is a perspective view of an opening/closing unit that is applied to a valve of a vehicle according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 3is an exploded perspective view of an opening/closing unit according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 4is an operating condition diagram of an opening/closing unit according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 5is a phased operating condition diagram of a valve for a vehicle according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, a valve100for a vehicle according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention uses a simple structure to selectively open/close an exhaust port111according to the temperature of an operating fluid that flows therein such that the operating fluid is exhausted.

Also, the present invention provides a valve for a vehicle having advantages of saving manufacturing cost by simplifying constituents elements compared to a conventional wax expansion type of valve, reducing weight, improving responsiveness of a valve according to an operating fluid temperature, reducing flow resistance to maintain fluid exhaust amount, and improving reliability of fluid control.

For this, as shown inFIG. 1, the valve100for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a vehicle and includes a main body110and an opening/closing unit120so as to exhaust the inflow operating fluid to the outside, and each component thereof will be detailed as follows.

Firstly, the main body110includes at least one exhaust port111and one input port113, wherein the operating fluid flows therein through the input port113.

Here, one end of the main body110in a length direction is closed and the other end thereof is opened to form a cylindrical pipe, and the opening/closing unit120is mounted in the opened side of the main body110.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the main body includes an input port113that is formed in a length direction thereof, and one exhaust port111is formed corresponding to the opening/closing unit that is mounted in the opened side of the main body, wherein the exhaust port111is spaced apart from the input port113.

That is, the valve100for a vehicle according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is selectively opened or closed by the opening/closing unit120, and one exhaust port111is formed at an opposite side of the input port113in the main body110to be a 2-way valve type.

Further, the opening/closing unit120is mounted on the main body110to connect the exhaust port111with the input port113according to the temperature of the inflow operating fluid such that the operating fluid that flows in through the input port113is exhausted through the exhaust port111.

As shown inFIG. 2andFIG. 3, the opening/closing unit120includes a mounting cap121and a transformation member131, and these will be described as follows.

Firstly, the mounting cap121is fixedly mounted at one side of a length direction of the main body110.

Here, the mounting cap121includes an insert portion123of which one end thereof is fixedly inserted into the transformation member131, and a mounting portion125of which one end is connected to the other end of the insert portion123and is mounted on an interior circumference of the main body110.

External threads (N) are formed on an exterior circumference of the mounting portion125to be engaged with the interior circumference of the main body110in the present exemplary embodiment, and internal threads are formed on an interior circumference of the opened one end portion of the main body110corresponding to the external threads (N).

Also, the mounting portion125is fixedly caught on an outside end portion of the other end of the main body110, wherein a catching portion127is integrally formed with the mounting portion125to prevent the mounting portion125from being inserted into the main body110.

The catching portion127has a tool recess128that is formed on the other surface of the catching portion127, wherein a tool is inserted into the tool recess128and a user uses the tool to rotate the mounting cap121such that the mounting portion125is engaged on the main body110.

Meanwhile, the mounting portion125has a sealing portion129that prevents the inflow operating fluid from leaking between the insert portion123and the main body110in the present exemplary embodiment.

That is, the sealing portion129seals a gap between an interior circumference of the main body110and an exterior circumference of the mounting portion125such that the operating fluid does not leak along the external threads (N) of the mounting portion125that are engaged with the main body110.

Further, one end portion of the transformation member131is connected to the mounting cap120that is inserted into the main body110to expand or contract according to the temperature of the operating fluid.

The transformation member131can be made of a shape memory alloy material that expands or contracts according to the temperature of the operating fluid.

Here, the shape memory alloy (SMA) expands or contracts at a higher temperature or a lower temperature than a predetermined temperature, but the shape memory alloy returns to the original shape when the temperature returns its original predetermined temperature.

The transformation member131that is made of the shape memory alloy material includes a fixed portion133and a transformation portion135, and these structures will be further described as follows.

Firstly, the fixed portion133is fixed such that both ends portions thereof are not transformed according to the temperature, and one end side is welded to be fixed in the present exemplary embodiment.

The fixed portion133is connected to the mounting cap121that is mounted at the opened portion of the main body110. Here, the insert portion123of the mounting cap121is inserted into an interior circumference of the fixed portion133to be fixed on the transformation member131.

The transformation portion135is disposed across the fixed portion133to expand or contract according to the temperature of the operating fluid.

The transformation member131has a circular coil spring shape, wherein the coils are disposed to contact each other in a case that the member131is contracted.

That is, for the opening/closing unit120that is described above, as shown inFIG. 4, if the operating fluid having a predetermined temperature flows therein, the transformation portion135of the transformation member131expands to be transformed.

Accordingly, the transformation portion135of the transformation member131is expanded such that the contacting coils elongate to form a space (S), wherein the operating fluid flows through the space (S).

The fixed portion133is fixed by welding, and therefore it maintains its original shape.

As shown inFIG. 3, if a cool operating fluid flows into the main body110, the transformation member131returns to its original shape as the transformation portion135contracts.

Hereinafter, operating and function of a valve100for a vehicle according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be detailed.

FIG. 5is a phased operating condition diagram of a valve for a vehicle according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Firstly, in a condition that the insert portion123of the mounting cap121is inserted into one fixed portion133of both fixed portions133that are formed at both end portions of the transformation member to be fixed, a tool is used to insert the transformation member131into the opened portion of the main body110such that the transformation member131is mounted in the mounting portion125.

In this case, the transformation member121is disposed to close the exhaust port111of the main body110. Here, the sealing portion129that is disposed between the insert portion123and the mounting portion125seals the gap between the main body110and the mounting portion125such that the operating fluid cannot leak between the main body110and the mounting portion125.

In this condition, as shown in S1ofFIG. 5, the valve100for a vehicle according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention closes the exhaust port111in a case that the temperature of the operating fluid that flows therein through the input port113of the main body110is lower than a predetermined value and the transformation portion135of the transformation member131maintains its original shape.

Accordingly, the operating fluid that flows into the main body110is not exhausted through the exhaust port111.

Conversely, as shown in S2ofFIG. 5, in a case that the operating fluid that flows in the main body is higher than a predetermined value, the transformation portion135of the transformation member131expands to form a space (S) between the coils.

Accordingly, the exhaust port111is opened, the operating fluid flows through the space (S) in the transformation portion135to be exhausted through the exhaust port111.

Meanwhile, while the transformation portion135is expanded to open the exhaust port111, if the operating fluid of a low temperature flows therein, the transformation portion135, as shown in S1ofFIG. 5, is contracted to close the exhaust port111.

That is, through the above operation, the transformation member131of the opening/closing unit120of the valve110for a vehicle according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention selectively opens or closes the exhaust port111according to the temperature of the operating fluid that flows therein.

Accordingly, if the valve100for a vehicle is applied to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the valve has a simple structure, wherein the opening/closing unit120including the mounting cap121and the transformation member131of a shape memory alloy material is used to selectively open or close the exhaust port111according to the temperature of the operating fluid so as to exhaust the operating fluid, and the number of constituent elements is reduced, the production cost is saved, and the weight is reduced compared to a conventional wax expansion type of valve.

Also, since the transformation member131of the shape memory alloy material is used for the opening/closing operation of the valve according to the temperature of the operating fluid, the flowing resistance of the operating fluid in the valve100is reduced to uniformly maintain the fluid exhaust amount, the reliability of the flowing control is improved, and the coolant flow is smoothly maintained in a case that the operating fluid is a coolant such that the cooling performance thereof is improved and the power consumption of the water pump is reduced.

Also, the number of constituent elements is reduced to simplify the interior structure such that the production cost is saved, the weight is reduced, and the maintenance becomes easy.

FIG. 6is a perspective view of a valve for a vehicle according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention,FIG. 7andFIG. 8are a perspective view and an exploded perspective view of an opening/closing unit that is applied to a valve for a vehicle according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, andFIG. 9is an operating condition diagram of an opening/closing unit according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, a valve200for a vehicle according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention selectively opens or closes the exhaust port211according to the temperature of the operating fluid to exhaust the operating fluid.

Also, the present invention provides a valve for a vehicle having advantages of saving manufacturing cost by simplifying constituents elements compared to a conventional wax expansion type of valve, reducing weight, improving responsiveness of a valve according to an operating fluid temperature, reducing flow resistance to maintain fluid exhaust amount, and improving reliability of fluid control.

For this, as shown inFIG. 6, the valve200for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a vehicle and includes a main body210and an opening/closing unit220so as to exhaust the inflow operating fluid to the outside, and each of the components thereof will be detailed as follows.

Firstly, the main body210includes at least one exhaust port211and one input port213, wherein the operating fluid flows therein through the input port213.

Here, one end of the main body210in a length direction is closed and the other end thereof is opened to have a cylindrical pipe shape, and the opening/closing unit220is mounted in the opened side of the main body210.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the input port213is formed at one side of a length direction of the main body210, the first exhaust port211is formed at an opposite direction of the input port213at a closed end thereof, and a second exhaust port215is formed spaced apart from the first exhaust port211in an opposite direction of the input port213.

That is, the first and second exhaust ports211and215are formed in the opposite direction of the input port213with a predetermined distance from each other, and the valve200is selectively closed or opened by the opening/closing unit220to be a 3-way valve.

The opening/closing unit220is mounted in the main body210to selectively connect the input port213with the first and second exhaust ports211and215according to the temperature of the inflow operating fluid such that the operating fluid is exhausted to the outside of the main body110.

As shown inFIG. 6andFIG. 7, the opening/closing unit120includes a mounting cap221and a transformation member231, and these will be described as follows.

Firstly, the mounting cap221is fixedly mounted at one side of a length direction of the main body210.

Here, the mounting cap221includes an insert portion223of which one end thereof is fixedly inserted into the transformation member231, and a mounting portion225of which one end is connected to the other end of the insert portion223and is mounted on an interior circumference of the main body210.

External threads (N) are formed on an exterior circumference of the mounting portion225to be engaged with the interior circumference of the main body210in the present exemplary embodiment, and internal threads are formed on an interior circumference of the opened one end portion of the main body210corresponding to the external threads (N).

Also, the mounting portion225is fixedly caught on an outside end portion of the other end of the main body210, wherein a catching portion227is integrally formed with the mounting portion225to prevent the mounting portion225from being inserted into the main body210.

The catching portion227has a tool recess228that is formed on the other surface of the catching portion227, wherein a tool is inserted into the tool recess228and a user uses the tool to rotate the mounting cap221such that the mounting portion225is engaged on the main body210.

Meanwhile, the mounting portion225has a sealing portion229that prevents the inflow operating fluid from leaking between the insert portion223and the main body210in the present exemplary embodiment.

That is, the sealing portion229seals a gap between an interior circumference of the main body210and an exterior circumference of the mounting portion225such that the operating fluid does not leak along the external threads (N) of the mounting portion225that are engaged with the main body210.

Further, one end portion of the transformation member231is connected to the mounting cap221that is inserted into the main body210to expand or contract according to the temperature of the operating fluid.

The transformation member231can be made of a shape memory alloy material that expands or contracts according to the temperature of the operating fluid.

The transformation member231that is made of the shape memory alloy material includes a fixed portion233and a transformation portion235, and these structures will be further described as follows.

Firstly, the fixed portion233is fixed such that both ends portions thereof are not transformed according to the temperature, and one end is welded to be fixed in the present exemplary embodiment.

The fixed portion233is connected to the mounting cap221that is mounted at the opened portion of the main body210. Here, the insert portion223of the mounting cap221is inserted into an interior circumference of the fixed portion233to be fixed on the transformation member231.

The transformation portion235is disposed across the fixed portion233to expand or contract according to the temperature of the operating fluid.

The transformation member231has a circular coil spring shape, wherein the coils are disposed to contact each other in a case that the member231is contracted.

Meanwhile, the transformation member231is slidably inserted into the main body210and an end cap237is disposed at one end thereof in the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

While the transformation member231of the opening/closing unit220, which is mounted in a condition that the second exhaust port215is opened, is expanding or contracting, the end cap237is disposed on the fixed portion233to prevent the inflow operating fluid from being exhausted through the first exhaust port211together with the fixed portion233.

Here, the end cap237has a penetration hole239bypassing the inflow operating fluid to the inside of the transformation member231to improve the temperature responsiveness of the transformation member and to correspond to the flowing rate of the inflow operating fluid flowing through the input port213.

That is, the penetration hole239prevents the transformation member231from being damaged by the pressure of the operating fluid and simultaneously bypasses the inflow operating fluid in the main body210such that the transformation member231can quickly detect the temperature variation of the operating fluid.

That is, as shown inFIG. 8, in the opening/closing unit220having the above configuration, the transformation portion235of the transformation member231is expanded or contracted corresponding to the temperature of the operating fluid.

Accordingly, the transformation portion235of the transformation member231is expanded such that the contacting coils elongate to form a space (S), wherein the operating fluid flows through the space (S).

Here the fixed portion233is fixed by welding, and therefore it maintains its original shape.

As shown inFIG. 6, if a cool operating fluid flows into the main body210, the transformation member231returns to its original shape as the transformation portion235contracts.

Hereinafter, operation and function of the valve200for a vehicle according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be detailed.

FIG. 10is a phased operating condition diagram of a valve for a vehicle according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Firstly, one fixed portion233of both side fixed portions233of the transformation member231is fixed on the insert portion223of the mounting cap221, the end cap237is fixed on the other fixed portion233, and a tool is used to insert the transformation member231into an opened portion of the main body210through the mounting portion225.

In this case, the transformation member221is disposed to close the second exhaust port215within the main body210. Here, the sealing portion229that is disposed between the insert portion223and the mounting portion225seals the gap between the main body210and the mounting portion225such that the operating fluid cannot leak between the main body210and the mounting portion225.

In this condition, as shown in S10ofFIG. 10, the valve200for a vehicle according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention closes the second exhaust port215in a case that the temperature of the operating fluid that flows therein through the input port213of the main body210is lower than a predetermined value and the transformation portion235of the transformation member231maintains its original shape.

Accordingly, the operating fluid that flows into the main body210is exhausted through the first exhaust port211.

Conversely, as shown in S20ofFIG. 10, in a case that the temperature of the operating fluid that flows in the main body is higher than a predetermined value, the transformation portion235of the transformation member231expands to form a space (S) between the coils.

In this case, the fixed portion233of the transformation member231where the end cap237is mounted closes the first exhaust port211, the second exhaust port215is opened, and the operating fluid flows through the space (S) that is formed in the transformation portion235to be exhausted through the second exhaust port215.

Meanwhile, in a condition that the transformation portion235is expanded to open the second exhaust port215, if the cool operation fluid flow therein, the transformation portion235is contracted as shown in S10ofFIG. 10to close the second exhaust port215and open the first exhaust port211.

Here, the penetration hole239that is formed in the end cap237bypasses the inflow operating fluid into the transformation member231to correspond to the pressure variation of the operating fluid that flows therein through the input port213and prevents the transformation member231from being damaged by the pressure of the operating fluid.

At the same time, the penetration hole239bypasses the operating fluid into the transformation member231such that the transformation member231can quickly detect the temperature variation of the operating fluid to improve the responsiveness of the transformation member231according to the temperature variation.

That is, through the above operation, the transformation member231of the opening/closing unit220of the valve210for a vehicle according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention selectively opens or closes the first and second exhaust ports211and215according to the temperature of the operating fluid that flows therein.

Accordingly, if the valve200for a vehicle is applied to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the valve has a simple structure, wherein the opening/closing unit220including the mounting cap221and the transformation member231of a shape memory alloy material is used to selectively open or close the exhaust ports211and215according to the temperature of the operating fluid so as to exhaust the operating fluid, and the number of constituent elements is reduced, the production cost is reduced, and the weight is reduced compared to a conventional wax expansion type of valve.

Also, since the transformation member231of the shape memory alloy material is used for the opening/closing operation of the valve according to the temperature of the operating fluid, the flow resistance of the operating fluid in the valve200is reduced to uniformly maintain the fluid exhaust amount, the reliability of the flow control is improved, and the coolant flow is smoothly maintained in a case that the operating fluid is a coolant such that the cooling performance thereof is improved and the power consumption of the water pump is reduced.

Also, the number of constituent elements is reduced to simplify the interior structure such that the production cost is reduced, the weight is reduced, and the maintenance becomes easy.

FIG. 11is a perspective view of a valve for a vehicle according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, the valve300for a vehicle according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention selectively opens or closes an exhaust port311according to the temperature of the operating fluid to exhaust the operating fluid.

Also, the present invention provides a valve for a vehicle having advantages of saving manufacturing cost by simplifying constituents elements compared to a conventional wax expansion type of valve, reducing weight, improving responsiveness of a valve according to an operating fluid temperature, reducing flow resistance to maintain fluid exhaust amount, and improving reliability of fluid control.

For this, as shown inFIG. 11, the valve300for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disposed in a vehicle and includes a main body310and an opening/closing unit320so as to exhaust the inflow operating fluid to the outside, and each component thereof will be detailed as follows.

Firstly, the main body310includes at least one exhaust port311and one input port313, wherein the operating fluid flows therein through the input port313.

Here, the valve300according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first exhaust port311that is formed spaced apart from the input port313in a length direction of the main body310, a second exhaust port315that is formed in the opposite side of the input port313to be connected to a separate supply portion340, and a return port317that is formed spaced apart from the second exhaust port315and on the same side as the second exhaust port315.

Here, the supply portion340can be a heat exchanger including a condenser.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the main body310has a cylindrical pipe shape of which both end portions thereof are opened, and an opening/closing unit320is mounted at each of the second exhaust port315and the return port317to close or open them.

That is, the valves300that are disposed at both sides of the main body310to selectively close or open the second exhaust port315that is connected to the supply portion340and the return port317is a 4-way valve type.

The opening/closing unit320is disposed in the main body310to selectively connect the first and second exhaust ports311and315with the return port317according to the inflow fluid temperature such that the inflow operating fluid can be exhausted to the outside of the main body310.

This opening/closing unit320includes a mounting cap321and a transformation member331, and an end cap327is disposed at the transformation member331, wherein the end cap is to the same as that of the second exemplary embodiment and therefore further detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Hereinafter, operation and function of the valve300for a vehicle according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be detailed.

FIG. 12is a phased operating condition diagram of a valve for a vehicle according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Firstly, one fixed portion333of both fixed portions333of the transformation member331is fixed on an insert portion323of the mounting cap321, the end cap337is fixed on the other fixed portion333, and a tool is used to insert the transformation member331into an opened portion of the main body310through a mounting portion325.

In this case, the transformation member321is disposed to close the second exhaust port315and the return port317within the main body210. A sealing portion329that is disposed between the insert portion323and the mounting portion325seals the gap between the main body310and the mounting portion325such that the operating fluid cannot leak between the main body310and the mounting portion325.

In this condition, as shown in S100ofFIG. 12, the valve300for a vehicle according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention closes the second exhaust port315and the return port317in a case that the temperature of the operating fluid that flows therein through the input port313of the main body310is lower than a predetermined value and the transformation portion335of the transformation member331maintains its original shape.

Accordingly, the operating fluid that flows into the main body310is exhausted through the first exhaust port311.

Conversely, as shown in S200ofFIG. 12, in a case that temperature of the operating fluid that flows in the main body is higher than a predetermined value, the transformation portion335of the transformation member331expands to form a space (S) between the coils.

In this case, the fixed portions333where the end caps337are respectively mounted face each other in a central portion of the main body310such that the operating fluid that is exhausted through the second exhaust port315is prevented from being directly exhausted through the first exhaust port311until after it passes through the return port317.

Accordingly, the second exhaust port315is opened, the operating fluid flows through the space (S) that is formed in the transformation portion335to be supplied to the supply portion340, and the fluid that is supplied to the supply portion340flows back into the main body310through the return port317.

The operating fluid that flows therein through the return port317is exhausted to the outside of the main body310through the space (S) that is formed in the transformation portion335and the first exhaust port311.

Meanwhile, in a condition that the transformation portion335is expanded to open the second exhaust port315, if the cool operation fluid flow therein, the transformation portion335is contracted as shown in S100ofFIG. 12to close the second exhaust port315and the return port317and to open the first exhaust port311such that the inflow operating fluid is direct exhausted through the first exhaust port without passing through the supply portion340.

Here, a penetration hole339that is formed in an end cap337bypasses the inflow operating fluid into the transformation member331to correspond to the pressure variation of the operating fluid that flows therein through the input port313and prevent the transformation member331from being damaged by the pressure of the operating fluid.

Also, the penetration hole339bypasses the operating fluid into the transformation member331such that the transformation member331can quickly detect the temperature variation of the operating fluid to improve the responsiveness of the transformation member331according to the temperature variation.

That is, through the above operation, the transformation member331of the opening/closing unit320of the valve310for a vehicle according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention selectively opens or closes the first and second exhaust ports311and315and the return port317according to the temperature of the operating fluid that flows therein.

Accordingly, if the valve300for a vehicle is applied to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the valve has a simple structure, wherein the opening/closing unit320including the mounting cap321and the transformation member331of a shape memory alloy material is used to selectively open or close the exhaust port311according to the temperature of the operating fluid so as to exhaust the operating fluid, and the number of constituent elements is reduced, the production cost is reduced, and the weight is reduced compared to a conventional wax expansion type of valve.

Also, since the transformation member331of the shape memory alloy material is used for the opening/closing operation of the valve according to the temperature of the operating fluid, the flowing resistance of the operating fluid in the valve300is reduced to uniformly maintain the fluid exhaust amount, the reliability of the flowing control is improved, and the coolant flow is smoothly maintained in a case that the operating fluid is a coolant such that the cooling performance thereof is improved and the power consumption of the water pump is reduced.

Also, the number of constituent elements is reduced to simplify the interior structure such that the production cost is reduced, the weight is reduced, and the maintenance becomes easy.

Meanwhile, it is described that the transformation member is expanded at a high temperature and contracts at a lower temperature in an exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but it is not limited thereto, and the transformation member can expand at a low temperature and can contract at a high temperature.

Also, the operating fluid that flows in the valve for a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be all kinds of fluid of which the temperature thereof is varied such as an oil type or a coolant that are applied to a vehicle.