Patent Description:
This disclosure generally relates to a valve for conveying a liquid between an input and an output. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a multi-port valve for selectively conveying a liquid between an input and one of a plurality of outputs. The documents <CIT> discloses a multi-port valve according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

A typical valve with more than two ports consists of at least one passageway formed through a rotating bushing. The rotating bushing is disposed within a valve body, and the passageway of the rotating bushing places an input port of the valve body in fluid communication with a select one of the output ports of the valve body. To keep fluid within the passageway, the valve body acts as a seal against the rotating bushing. To adjust the configuration of ports connected by the passageway, a user can manually rotate the rotating bushing relative to the valve body until a desired output port has been connected to the input port by the passageway. However, the quality of the fluid connection between the input port and the desired output port can be less than optimal if the rotating bushing is rotated slightly out of alignment with the desired output port. Additionally, the rotating bushing is subject to being inadvertently rotated during operation, which can also lead to a fluid flow that is less than optimal.

Therefore, there is a need for a multi-port valve that provides greater control over the amount of rotation permitted between the valve body and the rotating bushing, as well as control over discrete rotational positions permitted between the rotating bushing and the valve body.

The invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>, to which reference should now be made. Preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. An embodiment of the present disclosure is a multi-port valve including a valve body having an outer surface, an inner surface opposite the outer surface that defines an internal cavity, a plurality of output ports extending from the outer surface for transmitting a liquid to respective outputs, and an input port extending from the outer surface for receiving the liquid from an input. The multi-port valve also comprises a directional component positioned in the internal cavity and configured to be rotated relative to the valve body, wherein the directional component defines an outer surface, the outer surface including a channel that extends partially around a circumference of the directional component and a blocking extension that extends through the channel to prevent the channel from completely extending around the circumference. A cover is rotationally coupled to the directional component for rotating the directional component relative to the valve body, the cover being configured to be moved axially relative to the valve body between a first vertical position and a second vertical position. A coupler is configured to rotationally fix the cover and the directional component relative to one another. A spring is disposed between the coupler and the cover, and is configured to bias the cover relative to the coupler into the first vertical position. The directional component is configured to direct the liquid from the input port to one of the plurality of output ports when the directional component is in a first rotational position. The directional component is not rotatable relative to the valve body when the cover is in the first vertical position, and the directional component is rotatable relative to the valve body when the cover is in the second vertical position.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a multi-port valve comprising a valve body that comprises an outer surface, an inner surface opposite the outer surface that defines an internal cavity, an upper end, a lower end opposite the upper end, a stop member extending from the upper end, a plurality of output ports extending from the outer surface for transmitting a liquid to respective outputs, and an input port extending from the outer surface for receiving the liquid from an input. The multi-port valve also comprises a directional component positioned in the internal cavity and configured to be rotated relative to the valve body, where the directional component defines an outer surface that includes a channel for directing the liquid from the input port to one of the plurality of output ports when the directional component is in a first rotational position. The multi-port valve further comprises a cover rotationally coupled to the directional component for rotating the directional component relative to the valve body, where the directional component includes a stop member. Contact between the stop member of the cover and the stop member of the valve body limits rotation of the cover and the directional component relative to the valve body.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. The drawings show illustrative embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

Described herein is a multi-port valve <NUM>, <NUM> that includes a valve body <NUM>, <NUM> and a directional component <NUM>, <NUM>. Certain terminology is used to describe the multi-port valve <NUM>, <NUM> in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words "right", "left", "lower," and "upper" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inner" and "outer" refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the description to describe the multi-port valve <NUM>, <NUM> and related parts thereof. The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

<FIG> depict a first embodiment of a multi-port valve <NUM> for selectively changing a flow path of fluid between combinations of an input port <NUM> and one of the output ports 20a-20e, or alternatively blocking the fluid from flowing to any of the output ports 20a-20e from the input port <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the multi-port valve <NUM> includes a valve body <NUM> that includes an outer surface 18a and an inner surface 18b opposite the outer surface 18a. The valve body <NUM> also includes an upper end 19a, a lower end 19b vertically opposite the upper end 19a, and a central cavity <NUM> defined by the inner surface 18b. The valve body <NUM> can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. The input port <NUM> and the output ports 20a-20e each extend radially away from the outer surface 18a of the valve body <NUM>. For convenience in identification hereinafter, the output ports 20a-20e can be referred to as a first output port 20a, a second output port 20b, a third output port 20c, a fourth output port 20d, and a fifth output port 20e. Each of the input port <NUM> and the output ports 20a-20e can define substantially hollow bodies that extend from the outer surface 18a and terminate at an outer opening <NUM>. The input port <NUM> functions to interface with and receive liquid from an input, such as a piece of conventional flexible tubing. Similarly, each of the output ports 20a-20e function to interface with and transmit liquid to an output, such as another piece of conventional flexible tubing. Though five output ports 20a-20e are shown, the multi-port valve <NUM> can include more or less output ports as desired. Also, though the output ports 20a-20e and the input port <NUM> are shown as arranged around the valve body <NUM> in a particular arrangement, the relative positions of the output ports 20a-20e and the input port <NUM> can be rearranged as desired.

The input port <NUM> and each of the output ports 20a-20e can include an internal passage <NUM> for receiving a flow of liquid, where each of the passages extends from an inner opening <NUM> on the inner surface 18b of the valve body <NUM> to an outer opening <NUM> located at the end of the respective port. As shown in <FIG>, the central axis of each of the output ports 20a-20e extends along a first plane P<NUM> and the central axis of the input port <NUM> extends along a second plane P<NUM>. The second plane P<NUM> can be spaced from the first plane P<NUM> and extend substantially parallel to the first plane P<NUM>. Though the second plane P<NUM> is depicted as positioned below the first plane P<NUM>, the first and second planes P<NUM> and P<NUM>, and thus the input port <NUM> and the output ports 20a-20e, can be repositioned as desired. Each of the input port <NUM> and the output ports 20a-20e can be formed with a straight shaft <NUM> and a barb <NUM> extending from the outer surface of the straight shaft <NUM> in order to engage and retain a respective input or output, which can be a piece of flexible tubing as previously described.

The valve body <NUM> also includes a ledge <NUM> that extends from the inner surface 18b and extends partially around the outer circumference of the central cavity <NUM>. The ledge <NUM> is prevented from extending entirely around the outer circumference of the central cavity <NUM> by a flow stop rib <NUM> that extends upward from the ledge <NUM> and outerward from the inner surface 18b. When the multi-port valve <NUM> is fully assembled, the ledge <NUM> defines the lower limit of the flow of fluid flowing through the multi-port valve <NUM> and the flow stop rib <NUM> prevents fluid from flowing in a counter-clockwise direction after it enters the input port <NUM>, as will be discussed further below.

Continuing with <FIG> and <FIG>, the valve body <NUM> can also include a stop member <NUM> that extends from the upper end 19a. The stop member <NUM> can be a solid tab that extends vertically upward from the upper end 19a of the valve body <NUM>, as well as circumferentially around the top of the upper end 19a of the valve body <NUM>. As shown, the stop member <NUM> can extend about <NUM> degrees around the upper end 19a. However, the stop member <NUM> can be alternatively shaped and sized as desired. The stop member <NUM> is configured to interact with a stop member <NUM> located on the cover <NUM> for limiting the rotational range of the directional component <NUM> relative to the valve body <NUM>. The interaction between the stop member <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> and the stop member <NUM> of the cover <NUM> will be described further below.

The valve body <NUM> includes a bottom ledge <NUM> that extends inward from the inner surface 18b at the lower end 19b. The bottom ledge <NUM> can be substantially ring-shaped, and can define a top surface 35a, a bottom surface 35b opposite the top surface 35a, and a central bore <NUM> that extends vertically through the bottom ledge <NUM> from the top surface 35a to the bottom surface 35b. The central bore <NUM> is open to the central cavity <NUM>, but defines a substantially smaller diameter than the central cavity <NUM>. The bottom ledge <NUM> includes at least one alignment bore <NUM> that extends from the top surface 35a to the bottom surface 35b. In the depicted embodiment, the bottom ledge <NUM> includes eight alignment bores <NUM> equidistantly spaced circumferentially around the bottom ledge <NUM>, as well as equidistantly spaced radially from the center of the central bore <NUM>. However, it is contemplated that different numbers of alignment bores <NUM> can be included, and that the relative positions of the alignment bores <NUM> can vary. For example, the bottom ledge <NUM> can include one alignment bore, two alignment bores, or more than eight alignment bores. The bottom ledge <NUM>, and particularly the alignment bores <NUM>, function to rotationally lock the directional component <NUM> relative to the valve body <NUM> in particular positions, as will be described below.

Now referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the multi-port valve <NUM> includes a directional component <NUM> configured to be received within the central cavity <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>. The directional component <NUM> includes a sidewall <NUM> that has an outer surface 44a, an inner surface 44b opposite the outer surface 44a, an upper end 47a, and a lower end 47b opposite the upper end 47a. The directional component <NUM> can be formed of an elastomeric material, such as urethane or silicone. The directional component <NUM> can also include a central cavity <NUM> that extends through the directional component <NUM> from the upper end 47a to the lower end 47b, the central cavity <NUM> being defined by the inner surface 44b. As a result, the directional component <NUM> can be substantially shaped as a hollow cylinder, with the sidewall <NUM> having a small thickness relative to the diameter of the central cavity <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> can have a substantially consistent thickness throughout, such that the shape of the inner surface 44b of the directional component <NUM> generally mirrors the shape of the outer surface 44a. The outer surface 44a can also be referred to as an engagement sealing surface, as the outer surface 44a is configured to contact the inner surface 18b of the valve body <NUM>. The directional component <NUM> can include at least one rib <NUM> that extends radially inward from the inner surface 44b and is configured to engage a corresponding slot <NUM> defined by a coupler <NUM>, which will be discussed below. Though five ribs <NUM> are depicted, the directional component can include more or less ribs <NUM> as desired. For example, the directional component <NUM> can include only one rib, two ribs, or more than five ribs.

The directional component <NUM> can include a fluid channel <NUM> that extends from the outer surface 44a into the sidewall <NUM> and partially around a circumference of the directional component <NUM>. When the directional component <NUM> is disposed within the central cavity <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> and the outer surface 44a contacts the inner surface 18b of the valve body <NUM>, the fluid channel <NUM> can be configured to receive a flow of liquid from the input port <NUM> and direct the flow of liquid to one of the output ports 20a-20e. In this embodiment, the fluid channel <NUM> is a single, continuous channel that is formed across a majority of the circumference of the directional component <NUM>, though it is important to note that the fluid channel <NUM> is not formed across the entire circumference.

Continuing with <FIG> and <FIG> in the depicted embodiment the fluid channel <NUM> can be understood as comprising two portions - a horizontal portion 52b and a vertical portion 52a that extends from the horizontal portion 52b. The width and depth of the fluid channel <NUM> can be selected in order to provide an adequate and constant fluid flow or to satisfy any other functional considerations. The horizontal portion 52b can extend substantially around a majority of the circumference of the directional component <NUM>, while the vertical portion 52a can extend upward from the horizontal portion 52b and terminate at a location below the top of the directional component <NUM>. The horizontal portion 52b can define a similar width and depth as the vertical portion 52a, though these dimensions may differ as desired. When the directional component <NUM> is disposed within the central cavity <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>, the first plane P<NUM> can extend through the vertical portion 52a of the fluid channel <NUM>, such that a part of the vertical portion 52a is vertically aligned with the output ports 20a-20e. Likewise, when the directional component <NUM> is disposed within the central cavity <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>, the second plane P<NUM> can extend through the horizontal portion 52b of the fluid channel <NUM>, such that a part of the horizontal portion 52b is vertically aligned with the input port <NUM>. As a result, in various rotational positions the horizontal portion 52b can receive a liquid flow from the input port <NUM> and direct the liquid flow to the vertical portion 52a, which then directs the liquid flow to one of the output ports 22a-22e.

The horizontal portion 52b of the fluid channel <NUM> is prevented from extending completely around the circumference of the directional component <NUM> by a blocking extension <NUM> that extends downwardly from the outer surface 18a. The blocking extension <NUM> thus divides the horizontal portion 52b such that the horizontal portion 52b substantially forms a C-shape around the circumference of the directional component <NUM>. Effectively, the blocking extension <NUM> prevents liquid from flowing completely around the entire circumference of the directional component <NUM> when the multi-port valve <NUM> is fully assembled. The blocking extension <NUM> can define a variety of widths, depending on the intended length of the horizontal portion 52b of the fluid channel <NUM>. Regardless of the width of the blocking extension <NUM>, the blocking extension <NUM> can contact the inner surface 18b of the valve body <NUM> like the rest of the outer surface 44a of the directional component <NUM> that does not define the fluid channel <NUM>. In certain rotational positions, the blocking extension <NUM> can align with the inner opening <NUM> of the internal passage <NUM> of the input port <NUM>, such that liquid is prevented from flowing into the fluid channel <NUM> from the input port <NUM>. This rotational position will be discussed further in connection with <FIG> below.

Now referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the multi-port valve <NUM> can include a coupler <NUM>. The coupler <NUM> can include a sidewall <NUM> that defines an outer surface 64a, an inner surface 64b opposite the outer surface 64a, an upper end 65a, and a lower end 65b opposite the upper end 65a. Like the valve body <NUM> and the directional component <NUM>, the coupler <NUM> can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. The coupler <NUM> can also include a central cavity <NUM> defined by the inner surface 64b that extends through the directional component <NUM> from the upper end 65a to the lower end 65b. The sidewall <NUM> can include at least one slot <NUM> that extends from the outer surface 64a of the coupler <NUM> radially into the sidewall <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the coupler <NUM> is shown as including five slots <NUM>. However, the coupler <NUM> can include more or less slots <NUM> as desired, though the number of slots <NUM> will generally correspond to the number of ribs <NUM> included in the directional component <NUM>. This is because when the multi-port valve <NUM> is assembled, the slots <NUM> can each receive a corresponding rib <NUM> of the directional component <NUM> to align and secure the directional component <NUM> and coupler <NUM> in relation to each other. Likewise, as the coupler <NUM> can be disposed within the central cavity <NUM> of the directional component <NUM>, the outer surface 64a of the coupler <NUM> can substantially match the shape of the inner surface 44b of the directional component <NUM> to ensure a tight fit. The coupler <NUM> can also include a plurality of recesses <NUM> that extend from the upper end 65a and the inner surface 64b into the sidewall <NUM>. Though four recesses <NUM> are shown, and the recesses <NUM> are shown as being spaced equidistantly around the coupler <NUM>, more or less recesses <NUM> can be included, and the recesses <NUM> can be differently spaced. As will be discussed further, the recesses <NUM> are configured to engage a portion of the cover <NUM> for rotationally fixing the cover <NUM> relative to the coupler <NUM>.

The coupler <NUM> can further include a bottom ledge <NUM> that extends inward from the inner surface 64b at the lower end 65b. The bottom ledge <NUM> can be substantially ring-shaped, and can define a top surface 67a and a bottom surface 67b opposite the top surface 67a. A plurality of ribs <NUM> can extend upward from the top surface 67a of the bottom ledge <NUM> to a central support <NUM> positioned above the bottom ledge <NUM>. Though four ribs <NUM> are depicted, the multi-port valve <NUM> can include more or less than four ribs <NUM> as desired. The central support <NUM> can be substantially ring-shaped, and can define a bore <NUM> that extends centrally through. The bore <NUM> can be open to the central cavity <NUM>, and can define a substantially smaller cross-section than the central cavity <NUM>. When the multi-port valve <NUM> is fully assembled, the central support <NUM> can support the bottom end of a spring <NUM>, which will be described further below.

A plurality of extensions <NUM> can extend downward from the bottom surface 67b of the bottom ledge <NUM>. Each of the extensions <NUM> can include a lip <NUM> that extends radially outward from the downward end of the extension <NUM>, where each lip <NUM> defines a substantially planar upper surface 80a. Though four extensions <NUM> are shown, the coupler <NUM> can include more less than four extensions as desired. For example, the coupler <NUM> can include one extension, two extensions, or more than four extensions. Further, though the extensions <NUM> are depicted as spaced substantially equidistantly around the bottom ledge <NUM>, it is contemplated that the spacing of the extensions <NUM> can be altered. In the assembled configuration, when the coupler <NUM> is disposed within the central cavity <NUM> of the directional component <NUM> and the directional component <NUM> is disposed within the central cavity <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>, the extensions <NUM> can extend through the central bore <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> and engage the bottom ledge <NUM>. Specifically, the upper surface 80a of each respective lip <NUM> can engage the bottom surface 35b of the bottom ledge <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>. This engagement axially secures both the coupler <NUM> and the directional component <NUM> relative to the valve body <NUM>, while still allowing the coupler <NUM> and the directional component <NUM> to rotate relative to the valve body <NUM>.

Now referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the multi-port valve <NUM> further includes a cover <NUM>. The cover <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that has an upper surface 87a, a lower surface 87b opposite the upper surface 87a, and a rim <NUM> that extends downward from the lower surface 87b. The cover <NUM> can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. A knob <NUM> can extend upwards from the upper surface 87a, where the knob <NUM> is configured to be gripped for manual rotation of the cover <NUM> and rotationally connected components. The knob <NUM> is depicted as having a greater diameter and height than the body <NUM> for easier manual actuation, though the knob <NUM> can be differently sized or shaped as desired. The cover <NUM> can also include a shaft <NUM> that extends downward from an upper end 96a attached to the lower surface 87b of the body <NUM> to a lower end 96b axially spaced from the body <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> can define a bore <NUM> that extends from the lower end 96b to the upper end 96a, and can include a plurality of fluted ribs <NUM> that extend radially outward from the shaft <NUM>. However, the bore <NUM> can extend to any extent through the shaft <NUM>. In addition to the shaft <NUM>, the knob <NUM> can also be substantially hollow and define a recess <NUM> that is in communication with the bore <NUM>. When the multi-port valve <NUM> is fully assembled, the shaft <NUM> can extend through the bore <NUM> defined by the central support <NUM> of the coupler <NUM>, and the lower surface 87b of the cover <NUM> can be configured to contact an upper end of the spring <NUM>. As a result, the spring <NUM> contacts the lower surface 87b of the cover <NUM> at its upper end, extends over the shaft <NUM> and the fluted ribs <NUM>, and contacts the central support <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> at its lower end.

The cover <NUM> can include a plurality of alignment tabs <NUM> extending downward from the lower surface 87b of the body <NUM>. Each of the alignment tabs <NUM> can be configured as hollow and substantially trapezoidal, and can be received in a corresponding recess <NUM> of the coupler <NUM> when the multi-port valve <NUM> is fully assembled. As noted above, interaction between the alignment tabs <NUM> and the recesses <NUM> can serve to rotationally couple the coupler <NUM> to the cover <NUM>. As a result, the directional component <NUM> is also rotationally coupled to the cover <NUM>. As depicted, the cover <NUM> can include four alignment tabs <NUM> equidistantly spaced circumferentially around the shaft <NUM>. However, the orientation and number of the alignment tabs <NUM> can very as desired. For example, the cover <NUM> can include one, two, or more than four alignment tabs, and the alignment tabs <NUM> can be unequally spaced circumferentially around the shaft <NUM>. However, the spacing and number of the alignment tabs will generally correspond to the spacing and number of the recesses <NUM> of the coupler <NUM>. In an embodiment, one of the alignment tabs <NUM> can include an extended rib 95a that can be received by a respective one of the recesses <NUM>. The inclusion of the extended rib 95a in one of the alignment tabs <NUM> ensures that the cover <NUM> can be attached to the other components of the multi-port valve <NUM> in only one orientation. The cover <NUM> can also include first and second radial ribs 91a, 91b, where each of the first and second radial ribs 91a, 91b extends between adjacent ones of the alignment tabs <NUM>. The first and second radial ribs 91a, 91b are configured to engage the outer side of the spring <NUM> when the multi-port valve <NUM> is fully assembled.

The cover <NUM> can also include a stop member <NUM> that extends inward from the inner surface of the rim <NUM>. As depicted, the stop member <NUM> includes two circumferentially spaced stops: a first stop 94a and a second stop 94b. Each of the first and second stops 94a, 94b can be configured as hooked extensions extending from the inner surface of the rim <NUM>, though other configurations are contemplated. Alternatively, the stop member <NUM> can define a single, monolithic stop that extends inward from the inner surface of the rim <NUM>. During operation of the multi-port valve <NUM>, the stop member <NUM> can be utilized to limit rotation of the cover <NUM>, and thus the coupler <NUM> and the directional component <NUM>, relative to the valve body <NUM>. This occurs due to the contact between the stop member <NUM> and the stop member <NUM> that projects from the upper end 19a of the valve body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the multi-port valve <NUM> can further include an alignment member <NUM> attached to the lower end 96b of the shaft <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. Like the other components of the multi-port valve <NUM>, the alignment member <NUM> can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. The alignment member <NUM> can include a substantially annular body <NUM> and a plurality of legs <NUM> extending inward from the inner surface of the body <NUM>. Each of the legs <NUM> can include a first leg 110a and a second leg 110b separate from the first leg 110a, and can extend from the body <NUM> to a central ring <NUM> concentrically positioned with respect to the body <NUM>. Though each of the legs <NUM> is shown as including first and second legs 110a, 110b, each of the legs <NUM> can be alternatively configured. For example, in other embodiments, each of the legs can define a substantially monolithic body. The positioning of the body <NUM>, the legs <NUM>, and the central ring <NUM> provides the alignment member <NUM> with a substantially wheel and spoke shaped configuration. The central ring <NUM> defines a bore <NUM> that extends through the central ring <NUM>, and can be centered with respect to the body <NUM> and the central ring <NUM>. The central ring <NUM> can be configured to receive the lower end 96b of the shaft <NUM> of the cover <NUM> in order to axially and rotationally couple the cover <NUM> to the alignment member <NUM>. For example, the central ring <NUM> can be attached to the lower end 96b of the shaft <NUM> through ultrasonic welding, though other attachment means are contemplated. The alignment member <NUM> can further include a plurality of protrusions <NUM> that extend from the upper surface of the body <NUM>. Though the protrusions <NUM> are depicted as substantially cylindrical and equidistantly spaced about the body <NUM>, the protrusions <NUM> can be alternatively configured as desired. Additionally, though eight protrusions <NUM> are depicted, the alignment member <NUM> can include different numbers of protrusions <NUM> in different embodiments. For example, the alignment member <NUM> can include one, two, or more than eight protrusions, where each protrusion is equidistantly spaced or non-equidistantly spaced about the body <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, each of the protrusions <NUM> is sized and configured to be received in a respective alignment bore <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> for rotationally coupling and decoupling the cover <NUM> relative to the valve body <NUM>, as will be described below.

Now referring to <FIG>, the method of rotating components of the multi-port valve <NUM> and the various flow paths that can be achieved will be described. When the multi-port valve <NUM> is fully assembled, the cover <NUM> and the alignment member <NUM> are axially movable together relative to the valve body <NUM>. Without any external forces applied to the multi-port valve <NUM>, the cover <NUM> is initially in a first vertical position. This position is maintained by the spring <NUM>, which applies a biasing force to the lower surface 87b of the cover <NUM>, thus pushing the cover <NUM> upwards. As the alignment member <NUM> is rotationally and axially coupled to the cover <NUM>, the spring <NUM> biasing the cover <NUM> upwards also biases the alignment member <NUM> upwards, such that in the first vertical position the protrusions <NUM> of the alignment member <NUM> are disposed within respective alignment bores <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>. The interaction between the protrusions <NUM> and the valve body <NUM> in the first vertical position causes the cover <NUM>, and thus the coupler <NUM> and the directional component <NUM>, to be rotationally fixed relative to the valve body <NUM>. The alignment bores <NUM> can be designed such that when the cover <NUM> and alignment member <NUM> are in the first vertical position, the directional component <NUM> is in one of a finite number of predetermined positions, where each predetermined position defines a unique flow path through the input port <NUM> and output ports 20a-20e.

To rotate the directional component <NUM> and alter the flow path through the multi-port valve <NUM>, a downward force can be applied to the cover <NUM> to overcome the upward force of the spring <NUM>, thus moving the cover <NUM> and the attached alignment member <NUM> downward relative to the valve body <NUM>. With enough force, the alignment member <NUM> can be moved sufficiently downward such that the protrusions <NUM> are spaced downward relative to the alignment bores <NUM>. Because the protrusions <NUM> are no longer constrained by the alignment bores <NUM> when the cover <NUM> and the alignment member <NUM> are in the second vertical position, the cover <NUM> and the alignment member <NUM> - along with the directional component <NUM> and the coupler <NUM> - can be freely rotated relative to the valve body <NUM>. The cover <NUM> and alignment member <NUM> can be rotated in both a first rotational direction R<NUM> and a second rotational direction R<NUM> that is opposite the first rotational direction R<NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the first rotational direction R<NUM> is a counter-clockwise direction, and the second rotational direction R<NUM> is a clockwise direction. A user of the multi-port valve <NUM> can thus rotate the cover <NUM> to obtain the desired fluid flow path when the cover <NUM> and alignment member <NUM> are in the second vertical position. Once the desired flow path has been achieved, the downward force can be released from the cover <NUM>, thus allowing the spring <NUM> to bias the cover <NUM> and alignment member <NUM> upward again into the first vertical position, and the protrusions <NUM> to again be received in respective ones of the alignment bores <NUM>. As noted above, in the first vertical position, the cover <NUM>, alignment member <NUM>, directional component <NUM>, and coupler <NUM> will again be rotationally fixed relative to the valve body <NUM>. Additionally, the extent to which the cover <NUM> and rotationally coupled components can be rotated in the first rotational direction R<NUM> is limited by the interaction between the stop member <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and the extension <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>.

Continuing with <FIG>, various rotational positions of the multi-port valve <NUM> will be discussed. Referring to <FIG>, in a first rotational position a first flow path F<NUM> is defined through the multi-port valve <NUM>. In the first rotational position, the input port <NUM> receives a flow of fluid from an input, which then flows through the input port <NUM>, through the fluid channel <NUM>, and to the second output port 20b. Between the input port <NUM> and the second output port 20b, the flow of fluid is contained by the fluid channel <NUM>, the inner surface 18b of the valve body <NUM>, and the ledge <NUM>, each of which prevents the fluid from escaping the fluid channel <NUM> and migrating to any of the other output ports. Due to the presence of the blocking extension <NUM>, the fluid is prevented from flowing within the fluid channel <NUM> entirely around the complete circumference of the directional component <NUM> in the second rotational direction R<NUM>. Likewise, the flow stop rib <NUM> prevents the fluid from flowing around the circumference of the directional component <NUM> in the first rotational direction R<NUM> after entering the multi-port valve <NUM> through the input port <NUM>. To alter the fluid flow path, a user can apply a force to the cover <NUM> as previously described to move the cover <NUM> and alignment member <NUM> from the first vertical position to the second vertical position.

When the cover <NUM> and alignment member <NUM> are in the second vertical position, the user can rotate the cover in the second rotational R<NUM> to a second rotational position, as shown in <FIG>. The cover <NUM> can be prevented from rotating in the second rotational direction R<NUM> from the first rotational position to the second rotational position by the interaction of the stop member <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and the stop member <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>. However, in other embodiments the rotational movement of the cover <NUM> from the first rotational position to the second rotational position can be reversed. The stop member <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and the stop member <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> can be configured such that the second rotational position depicted in <FIG> is the furthest the cover <NUM> and the rotationally coupled components can be rotated relative to the valve body <NUM> in the first rotational direction R<NUM>. In the second rotational position, the blocking extension <NUM> of the directional component <NUM> is positioned circumferentially between the input port <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> and the first output port 20a. As a result, a second flow path F<NUM> is defined in the second rotational position, in which the blocking extension <NUM> and flow stop rib <NUM> prevent the flow of fluid from exiting the multi-port valve <NUM> through any of the output ports 20a-20e. The second flow path F<NUM> thus only extends from the input to the end of the vertical portion 52a of the fluid channel <NUM>. Because of this, the second rotational position can be referred to as an off position for the multi-port valve <NUM>, as no fluid will be transferred through the multi-port valve <NUM> from the input to any of the outputs attached to the output ports 20a-20e.

After the cover <NUM>, and thus the directional component <NUM> is in the second rotational position, the cover <NUM> and alignment member <NUM> can be axially moved from the first vertical position to the second vertical position to allow the cover <NUM> to be rotated in the second rotational direction R<NUM> to a third rotational position, as shown in <FIG>. In the third rotational position, a third flow path F<NUM> is defined through the multi-port valve <NUM>. In the third rotational position, the input port <NUM> receives a flow of fluid from an input, which then flows through the input port <NUM>, through the fluid channel <NUM>, and to the first output port 20a. Between the input port <NUM> and the first output port 20a, the flow of fluid is contained by the fluid channel <NUM>, the inner surface 18b of the valve body <NUM>, and the ledge <NUM>, each of which prevents the fluid from escaping the fluid channel <NUM> and migrating to any of the other output ports. While rotation of the cover <NUM> and directional component <NUM> is only described from the first rotational position to the second and third rotational positions, rotation between any combination of these rotational positions, as well as other rotational positions that direct fluid to any of the output ports 20a-20e, can be performed as desired. Also, while rotation may be described with reference to only certain components, such as the cover <NUM> and directional component <NUM>, rotation of the cover <NUM> also causes rotation of the alignment member <NUM>, coupler <NUM>, and directional component <NUM> relative to the valve body <NUM>.

Now referring to <FIG>, a second embodiment of a multi-port valve <NUM> will be described for selectively changing a flow path of fluid between combinations of an input port <NUM> and one of the output ports 128a-128d, or alternatively blocking the flow of liquid from flowing to any of the output ports 128a-128d from the input port <NUM>. Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the multi-port valve <NUM> includes a valve body <NUM> that includes an outer surface 124a, an inner surface 124b opposite the outer surface 124a, and a bottom extension <NUM> extending from the bottom of the valve body <NUM> that has a decreased diameter relative to the majority of the valve body <NUM>. The valve body <NUM> also includes a central cavity <NUM> defined by the inner surface 124b. The valve body <NUM> can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. The input port <NUM> and the output ports 128a-128e each extend radially away from the outer surface 124a of the valve body <NUM>. For convenience in identification hereinafter, the output ports can be referred to as a first output port 128a, a second output port 128b, a third output port 128c, and a fourth output port 128d. Each of the input port <NUM> and the output ports 128a-128d can define substantially hollow bodies that extend from the outer surface 124a and terminate at an outer opening <NUM>. The input port <NUM> functions to interface with and receive liquid from an input, such as a conventional piece of flexible tubing. Similarly, each of the output ports 128a-128d function to interface with and transmit liquid to an output, such as a conventional piece of flexible tubing. Though four output ports 128a-128d are shown, the multi-port valve <NUM> can include more or less as desired. Also, though the output ports 128a-128d and the input port <NUM> are shown as arranged around the valve body <NUM> in a particular arrangement, the relative positions of the output ports 128a-128d and the input port <NUM> can be rearranged as desired.

The input port <NUM> and each of the output ports 128a-128d can include an internal passage <NUM> for receiving a flow of liquid, where each of the internal passages <NUM> extends from an inner opening <NUM> on the inner surface 124b of the valve body <NUM> to an outer opening <NUM> located at the end of the respective port. As shown in <FIG>, the center axis of each of the output ports 128a-128d extends along a third plane P<NUM> and the center axis of the input port <NUM> extends along a fourth plane P<NUM>. The third plane P<NUM> can be spaced from the fourth plane P<NUM> and extend substantially parallel to the fourth plane P<NUM>. In particular, the input port <NUM> can be positioned directly below one of the output ports 128a-128d, such as the first output port 128a in the depicted embodiment. Though the fourth plane P<NUM> is depicted as positioned below the third plane P<NUM>, the third and fourth planes P<NUM> and P<NUM>, and thus the input port <NUM> and the output ports 128a-128d, can be repositioned as desired. Each of the input port <NUM> and the output ports 128a-128d can be formed with a straight shaft <NUM> and a barb <NUM> extending from the outer surface of the straight shaft <NUM> in order to engage and retain a respective input or output, which can be a piece of conventional flexible tubing as previously described.

Now referring to <FIG>, the multi-port valve <NUM> includes a directional component <NUM> configured to be received within the central cavity <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>. The directional component <NUM> includes a body <NUM> that has an upper surface 158a, a lower surface 158b opposite the upper surface 158a, and a rim <NUM> that extends downward from the lower surface 158b. The directional component <NUM> can be formed of a substantially rigid polymer, co-polymer, or other plastic. A knob <NUM> can extend upwards from the upper surface 158a, where the knob <NUM> is configured to be gripped for manual rotation of the directional component <NUM>. The knob <NUM> is depicted as having a greater diameter and height than the body <NUM> for easier manual actuation, though the knob <NUM> can be differently sized or shaped as desired. The directional component <NUM> can also include a shaft <NUM> that extends downward from an upper end 172a attached to the lower surface 158b of the body <NUM> to a lower end 172b axially spaced from the <NUM>. The shaft <NUM> can define a bore <NUM> that extends from the lower end 172b of the shaft <NUM> to the upper end 172a. However, the bore <NUM> can extend to any extent through the shaft <NUM> as desired. The directional component <NUM> can also include a plurality of ribs <NUM> that extend from the inner surface of the rim <NUM> to the upper end 172a of the shaft <NUM> for providing structural support and stability to the directional component <NUM>.

The shaft <NUM> includes a fluid channel <NUM> that extends from the outer surface of the shaft <NUM> into the shaft <NUM>, as well as partially around a circumference of the shaft <NUM>. When the directional component <NUM> is disposed within the central cavity <NUM> of the valve body <NUM> and the shaft <NUM> contacts the inner surface 124b of the valve body <NUM>, the fluid channel <NUM> can be configured to receive a flow of liquid from the input port <NUM> and direct the flow of liquid to one of the output ports 128a-128d. In this embodiment, the fluid channel <NUM> is a single, continuous channel that is formed across the entirety of the circumference of the shaft <NUM> of the directional component. In the depicted embodiment, the fluid channel <NUM> can be understood as comprising two portions-a horizontal portion 180b and a vertical portion 180a that extends from the horizontal portion 180b. The width and depth of the fluid channel <NUM> can be selected in order to provide an adequate and constant liquid flow or to satisfy any other functional considerations. The horizontal portion 180b can extend around the entirety of the circumference of the shaft <NUM> of the directional component <NUM>, while the vertical portion 180a can extend upward from the horizontal portion 180b and terminate at a location below the upper end 172a of the shaft <NUM>. The horizontal portion 180b can define a similar width and depth as the vertical portion 180a, though these dimensions may differ as desired.

When the shaft <NUM> of the directional component <NUM> is disposed within the central cavity <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>, the third plane P<NUM> can extend through the vertical portion 180a of the fluid channel <NUM>, such that part of the vertical portion 180a is vertically aligned with the output ports 128a-128d. Likewise, when the shaft <NUM> of the directional component <NUM> is disposed within the central cavity <NUM> of the valve body <NUM>, the fourth plane P<NUM> can extend through the horizontal portion 180b of the fluid channel <NUM>, such that a part of the horizontal portion 180b is vertically aligned with the input port <NUM>. As a result, in various rotational positions the fluid channel <NUM> can receive a liquid flow from the input port <NUM> and direct the liquid flow to the vertical portion 180a, which then directs the liquid flow to one of the output ports 128a-128d. The shaft <NUM> can also include a recess <NUM> that extends around the lower end 172b of the shaft <NUM> at a location spaced axially below the fluid channel <NUM>. When the multi-port valve <NUM> is fully assembled, the recess <NUM> can receive a seal (not shown) that is configured to contact both the shaft <NUM> and the inner surface 124b of the valve body for sealing the lower end of the fluid channel <NUM>.

Continuing with <FIG>, various rotational positions of the multi-port valve <NUM> will be discussed. Referring to <FIG>, in a first rotational position a fourth flow path F<NUM> is defined through the multi-port valve <NUM>. In the first rotational position, the input port <NUM> receives a flow of fluid from an input, which then flows through the input port <NUM>, through the fluid channel <NUM>, and to the first output port 128a. Between the input port <NUM> and the first output port 128a, the flow of fluid is contained by the fluid channel <NUM> and the inner surface 124b of the valve body <NUM>, which prevents the fluid from escaping the fluid channel <NUM> and migrating to any of the other output ports. Unlike in the multi-port valve <NUM>, liquid is permitted to flow around an entire circumference of the shaft <NUM> via the horizontal portion 180b of the fluid channel <NUM>. To alter the fluid flow path, a user can manually rotate the directional component <NUM> by gripping the knob <NUM> and/or body <NUM> and rotating the directional component <NUM> from the first rotational position to the second rotational position. Unlike in the multi-port valve <NUM>, the directional component <NUM> is free to rotate a complete <NUM> degrees, and can be rotated without any axial movement relative to the valve body <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the directional component <NUM> has been rotated from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. The directional component can be rotated between rotational positions in either the first rotational direction R<NUM>, which is shown as a counterclockwise direction, or a second rotational direction R<NUM> that is opposite the first rotational direction R<NUM>, which is shown as a clockwise direction. In the second rotational position, the vertical portion 180a of the fluid channel <NUM> is positioned such that it is not in communication with the internal passage <NUM> of any of the output ports 128a-128d, creating a fifth flow path F<NUM>. As a result, the input port <NUM> receives a flow of fluid from an input, which then flows through the input port <NUM> and the vertical and horizontal portions 180a, 180b of the fluid channel <NUM>. However, as the fluid channel <NUM> is not in fluid communication with any of the output ports 128a-128d, no fluid exits the multi-port valve <NUM>. Because of this, the second rotational position can be referred to as an off position for the multi-port valve <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, in a third rotational position a fifth flow path F<NUM> is defined through the multi-port valve <NUM>. In the third rotational position, the input port <NUM> receives a flow of fluid from an input, which then flows through the input port <NUM>, through the fluid channel <NUM>, and to the fourth output port 128d. Between the input port <NUM> and the fourth output port 128d, the flow of fluid is contained by the fluid channel <NUM> and the inner surface 124b of the valve body <NUM>, which prevents the fluid from escaping the fluid channel <NUM> and migrating to any of the other output ports.

Claim 1:
A multi-port valve (<NUM>, <NUM>), comprising:
a valve body (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising an outer surface (18a, 124a), an inner surface (18b, 124b) opposite the outer surface that defines an internal cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>), a plurality of output ports (20a-20e, 128a-128e) extending from the outer surface for transmitting a liquid to respective outputs (<NUM>), and an input port (<NUM>, <NUM>) extending from the outer surface for receiving the liquid from an input;
a directional component (<NUM>, <NUM>) positioned in the internal cavity and configured to be rotated relative to the valve body, wherein the directional component defines an outer surface (44a), the outer surface including a channel (<NUM>) that extends partially around a circumference of the directional component and a blocking extension (<NUM>) that extends through the channel to prevent the channel from completely extending around the circumference, wherein the directional component has an inner surface opposite the outer surface and a cavity defined by the inner surface;
a cover (<NUM>) rotationally coupled to the directional component for rotating the directional component relative to the valve body, characterised in that the cover is capable of moving axially relative to the valve body between a first vertical position and a second vertical position;
the multi-port valve further comprising:
a coupler (<NUM>) disposed in the cavity of the directional component, wherein the coupler is configured to rotationally couple the directional component to the cover; and
a spring (<NUM>) that is configured to bias the cover upward into the first vertical position;
wherein the directional component is configured to direct the liquid from the input port to one of the plurality of output ports (20a-20e, 128a-128e) when the directional component is in a first rotational position; and
wherein the directional component is not rotatable relative to the valve body when the cover is in the first vertical position, and the directional component is rotatable relative to the valve body when the cover is in the second vertical position.