Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a known multi-way valve included in an automobile thermal management system having a layered integrated structure comprising a bottom plate, and upper and lower shells formed with multiple containing grooves.

A multi-way valve in accordance with the present disclosure includes a valve housing and a valve flow controller positioned in the housing to control the flow of fluid through the valve housing. The flow of heating and/or fluid is controlled to direct fluid to different thermal fluid circuits in a vehicle.

In the illustrative embodiments, the valve housing includes a lower housing body coupled to a manifold of the thermal fluid circuits, an upper housing body coupled to the lower housing body, and a housing cover. The upper housing body is shaped to define a first valve cavity and a second valve cavity in fluid communication with the first valve cavity through a basin defined by the lower housing body. The housing cover is coupled to the upper housing body to close top openings of the first and second valve cavities.

In the illustrative embodiment, the valve flow controller includes a first valve rotor arranged in the first valve cavity of the upper housing body and a second valve rotor arranged in the second valve cavity of the upper housing. The first valve rotor is configured to rotate relative to the upper housing body about a first rotor axis and the second valve rotor is configured to rotate relative to the upper housing body about a second rotor axis that is parallel to the first rotor axis. The first and second valve rotors cooperate to define a plurality of flow paths in the valve housing when the first and second valves are rotated about the respective rotor axes to control the flow of fluid through the upper housing body and the lower housing body.

In the illustrative embodiment, the valve flow controller of the multi-way valve further includes actuators each coupled to the respective valve rotors to control rotation of the valve rotors about the respective rotor axis. The actuators rotate the first and second valve rotor to different predetermined positions relative to the valve housing to establish different flow paths through the housing.

In the illustrative embodiment, the first valve rotor is formed to include a plurality of first rotor through holes that extend axially through the first valve rotor relative to the first rotor axis. The first rotor through holes extend axially through the first valve rotor so that the flow of fluid is able to flow axially through the first valve rotor parallel to the first rotor axis and into the valve housing. The first rotor through holes are spaced apart circumferentially around the first rotor axis and each align with one housing aperture formed in a floor of the upper valve housing in each of the different predetermined positions.

In the illustrative embodiment, the multi-way vale further includes a sealing system configured to form a seal engagement between the first valve rotor and the upper housing body of the valve housing. The sealing system includes a plurality of seals that are axially press-fit into the upper housing body around the apertures formed in the floor so that each of the seals engage an axially facing surface of the first valve rotor.

In the illustrative embodiment, the sealing system further includes a biasing assembly configured to apply an axial force on the first valve rotor when the first valve rotor is in preselected positions relative to the upper housing body. The biasing assembly selectively applies the axial force to the first valve rotor to urge the first valve rotor into a predetermined level of engagement with the seals when the first valve rotor is in one of the different preselected positions. This increased engagement of the first valve rotor with the seals improves sealing between the first valve rotor and the upper housing body and reduces leakage therebetween. This increased engagement of the first valve rotor with the seals applied only at preselected positions also reduces the amount of torque needed to rotate the first rotor between various positions and reduces wear on the seals themselves.

The lower housing body of the multi-way valve may have an inlet opening that opens into the connecting passageway between the first and second valve cavities.

The upper housing body and the lower housing body of the multi-way valve maybe formed as a single piece component.

The valve housing of the multi-way valve may include a housing gasket located axially between the lower housing body and the upper housing body of the valve housing.

A multi-way valve may comprise a valve housing including a lower housing body, an upper housing body coupled to the lower housing body and shaped to define a first valve cavity and a second valve cavity in fluid communication with the first valve cavity, and a housing cover coupled to the upper housing body to close top openings of the first and second valve cavities, a valve flow controller including a first valve rotor arranged in the first valve cavity of the upper housing body and configured to rotate relative to the upper housing body about a first rotor axis and a second valve rotor arranged in the second valve cavity of the upper housing body and configured to rotate relative to the upper housing body about a second rotor axis that is parallel to the first rotor axis, the first and second valve rotors cooperate to define a plurality of flow paths when the first and second valves are rotated about the respective rotor axes to a plurality of different predetermined positions to control a flow of fluid through the upper housing body and the lower housing body, and a sealing system including a plurality of seals that are each press fit into a corresponding upper housing aperture formed in the upper housing body of the valve housing and engage an axially facing surface of the first valve rotor and a biasing assembly configured to selectively apply an axial force on the first valve rotor to urge the first rotor into engagement with the plurality of seals when the first valve rotor is in one of the plurality of different predetermined positions to improve sealing between the first valve rotor and the upper housing body.

The biasing means of the multi-way valve may include cam ramps on a axially facing surface of the housing cover of the valve housing and a cam surface on the first valve rotor configured to engage the cam ramps on the upper housing cover as the first valve rotor rotates about the first rotor axis to the plurality of different predetermined positions.

The cam surface of the multi-way valve may raise at <NUM>-degree intervals around the first rotor axis and the cam ramps on the upper housing cover are each aligned with one housing aperture formed in the upper housing body of the valve housing.

The plurality of seals of the multi-way valve may comprise Teflon material.

The first valve rotor of the multi-way valve maybe formed to include a plurality of first rotor through holes that extend axially through the first valve rotor relative to the first rotor axis so that the flow of fluid is able to flow axially through the first valve rotor parallel to the first rotor axis.

The first valve rotor of the multi-way valve may include a first valve rotor body and at least one valve rotor cover coupled to the first valve rotor body.

The first valve rotor body of the multi-way valve may include a first valve rotor hub, a first valve rotor plate that extends radially outward from the first valve rotor hub and circumferentially around the first valve rotor hub relative to the first rotor axis, and a first flow divider wall that extends axially away from the first valve rotor plate, the first flow divider wall extends around at least two first rotor through holes of the plurality of first rotor through holes, and the first valve rotor cover couples to the first flow divider wall to close a top opening.

The first valve rotor body of the multi-way valve may include a second flow divider wall that extends that extends axially away from the first valve rotor plate, the second flow divider wall extends around at least two first rotor through holes of the plurality of first rotor through holes, and the first valve rotor further may include another valve rotor cover coupled to the second flow divider wall to close a top.

The second rotor valve of the multi-way valve may include a second valve rotor plate and a plurality of second valve rotor walls that extend axially away from the second valve rotor plate and spaced apart circumferentially to define a plurality of second valve ports, and wherein the second valve rotor plate is formed to include a second rotor through hole that extends axially through the second valve rotor relative to the second rotor axis so that the flow of fluid is able to flow axially through the second valve rotor parallel to the second rotor axis.

Additional features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of illustrative embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the disclosure as presently perceived.

An illustrative multi-way valve <NUM> configured to control the flow of fluid to various thermal fluid circuits in a vehicle is shown in <FIG>. The multi-way valve <NUM> includes a valve housing <NUM>, a valve flow controller <NUM>, and a sealing system <NUM>. The valve flow controller <NUM> is arranged in the valve housing <NUM> to control flow through the valve housing <NUM>. The sealing system <NUM> is configured to seal between the valve housing <NUM> and the valve flow controller <NUM>.

The valve flow controller <NUM> includes a first valve rotor <NUM> arranged in a first valve cavity <NUM> formed by the valve housing <NUM>, a second valve rotor <NUM> arranged in a second valve cavity <NUM> formed by the valve housing <NUM>, and actuators <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first valve rotor <NUM> is configured to rotate relative to the valve housing <NUM> about a first rotor axis 38A and the second valve rotor <NUM> is configured to rotate relative to the valve housing <NUM> about a second rotor axis 40A. The second rotor axis 40A is parallel to the first rotor axis 38A. Each actuator <NUM> is coupled to one of the valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> to drive rotation of the corresponding valve rotor <NUM>, <NUM>.

The first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to define a plurality of flow paths through the valve housing <NUM>. As the first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated about the respective rotor axes 38A, 40A to different set positions, the first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> form different flow paths to control a flow of fluid through the valve housing <NUM> to different thermal fluid circuits.

The different modes of the multi-way valve <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. The first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> are in different predetermined positions in each of the different modes A-E to form the different flow paths through the valve housing <NUM>. The multi-way valve <NUM> and/or each of the actuators <NUM> may include a control unit that is preprogrammed with the different modes A-E.

The first valve rotor <NUM> is formed to include a plurality of first rotor through holes <NUM> that extend axially through the first valve rotor <NUM> relative to the first rotor axis 38A and are spaced apart circumferentially around the first rotor axis 38A as shown in <FIG>. The first rotor through holes <NUM> extend axially through the first valve rotor <NUM> so that the flow of fluid is able to flow axially through the first valve rotor <NUM> parallel to the first rotor axis 38A. In this way, the sealing system <NUM> uses press-fit seals that are each press fit into apertures in the valve housing <NUM>.

Other multi-way valves may have more complex passageways through the valve housing, which complicates sealing and increases the pressure drop as the fluid has to make more turns/changes direction more. The complex passageways may increase the potential for leaks across the different passageways. These valves may incorporate seals to seal between the passageways, but adding seals may require the actuator to have an increased torque capability to overcome the friction of the seals between the different components.

Moreover, adding more seals increases the overall manufacturing cost of the multi-way valve. Some valves may use a Teflon material for the seals. This may make manufacturing a multi-way valve expensive, especially as other valves have complex passageways with large, complex seals that may need large amounts of Teflon material.

The multi-way valve <NUM> of the present disclosure includes first valve rotor <NUM> with axially extending through holes <NUM> so that the pressure drop is reduced. Additionally, the seals <NUM> are press-fit into the upper housing body <NUM> to engage the axially facing surface <NUM> of the first valve rotor <NUM>, thereby reducing the contract surface area of the seals <NUM> with the first valve rotor <NUM>. This not only improves sealing between the holes <NUM> and the apertures 34A-G in the upper housing body <NUM> because the flow path is less complicated, but the sealing system <NUM> also uses less material for the seals and reduces the friction on the first valve rotor <NUM>.

Turning again to the valve housing <NUM>, the valve housing includes a lower housing body <NUM>, an upper housing body <NUM>, and a valve housing cover <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The lower housing body <NUM> is coupled to a manifold of the thermal fluid circuits. The upper housing body <NUM> is coupled to the lower housing body <NUM>. The valve housing cover <NUM> is coupled to the upper housing body <NUM> to close top openings of the first and second valve cavities <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment, the valve housing <NUM> further includes a manifold gasket <NUM> and a housing gasket <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>. The manifold gasket <NUM> is located axially between the manifold and the lower housing body <NUM>. The housing gasket <NUM> is located axially between the lower housing body <NUM> and the upper housing body <NUM> of the valve housing <NUM>.

The lower housing body <NUM> is formed to include a plurality of lower housing passageways 24A-G as shown in <FIG>. The plurality of lower housing passageways 24A-G are in fluid communication with different thermal fluid circuits. The plurality of lower housing passageways 24A-G are in fluid communication with at least one of the first valve cavity <NUM> and the second valve cavity <NUM> of the upper housing body <NUM> through the corresponding apertures 34A-G. The plurality of lower housing passageways 24A-G includes a connecting passageway 24A that is in fluid communication with both the first and second valve cavities <NUM>, <NUM>.

The connecting passageway 24A of the lower housing body <NUM> has an inlet opening <NUM> that opens into the connecting passageway 24A as shown in <FIG>. The inlet opening <NUM> opens into the connecting passageway 24A between the first and second valve cavities <NUM>, <NUM> in the illustrative embodiment.

The upper housing body <NUM> is shaped to define the first valve cavity <NUM> and the second valve cavity <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The second valve cavity <NUM> is in fluid communication with the first valve cavity <NUM> through the connecting passageway 24A of the lower housing body <NUM>.

The upper housing body <NUM> is also formed to include a plurality of upper housing apertures 34A-G as shown in <FIG>. Each upper housing aperture 34A-G of the plurality of upper housing apertures 34A-G is in fluid communication with one passageway 24A-G of the corresponding lower housing passageways 24A-G.

The plurality of upper housing apertures 34A-G includes a first aperture 34A1, a second aperture 34B, a third aperture 34C, a fourth aperture 34D, a fifth aperture 34E, a sixth aperture 34F, a seventh aperture <NUM>, and an either aperture 34A2 as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The first aperture 34A1, the second aperture 34B, the third aperture 34C, the fourth aperture 34D, and the fifth aperture 34E open into the first valve cavity <NUM>. The sixth aperture 34F, the seventh aperture <NUM>, and the either aperture 34A2 open into the second valve cavity <NUM>. The first and eighth apertures 34A1, 34A2 are in fluid communication with the connecting passageway 24A of the plurality of lower housing passageways 24A-G.

Each of the seals <NUM> of the sealing system <NUM> are press-fit into one of the second aperture 34B, the third aperture 34C, the fourth aperture 34D, and the fifth aperture 34E as shown in <FIG>. Each seal <NUM> engages an axially facing surface <NUM> of the first valve rotor <NUM>.

The valve flow controller <NUM> includes the first valve rotor <NUM>, also referred to as the main valve rotor <NUM>, and the second valve rotor <NUM>, also referred to as the throttle valve rotor <NUM>. The main valve rotor <NUM> is arranged in the first valve cavity <NUM> of the upper housing body <NUM> and the throttle valve rotor <NUM> is arranged in the second valve cavity <NUM> of the upper housing body <NUM>. The main valve rotor <NUM> is configured to rotate relative to the upper housing body <NUM> about the first rotor axis 38A and the throttle valve rotor <NUM> is configured to rotate relative to the upper housing body <NUM> about the second rotor axis 40A.

The first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to define a plurality of flow paths through the upper housing body <NUM> and the lower housing body <NUM>. As the first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated about the respective rotor axes 38A, 40A to different set positions, the first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> form different flow paths to control the flow of fluid through the upper housing apertures 34A-G of the upper housing body <NUM> and the lower housing passageways 24A-G of the lower housing body <NUM>.

The first valve rotor <NUM> includes a first valve rotor body <NUM> and at least one valve rotor cover <NUM> coupled to the first valve rotor body <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first valve rotor body <NUM> includes a first valve rotor hub <NUM>, a first valve rotor plate <NUM>, and a first flow divider wall <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first valve rotor plate <NUM> extends radially outward from the first valve rotor hub <NUM> and extends circumferentially around the first valve rotor hub <NUM> relative to the first rotor axis 38A. The first valve rotor plate <NUM> is flat or planar. The first rotor through holes <NUM> extend axially through the first valve rotor plate <NUM> in the illustrative embodiment. The first flow divider wall <NUM> extends axially away from the first valve rotor plate <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment, the first flow divider wall <NUM> extends around at least two first rotor through holes <NUM> of the plurality of first rotor through holes <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first valve rotor cover <NUM> couples to the first flow divider wall <NUM> to block off the two first rotor through holes <NUM> surrounded by the first rotor flow divider wall <NUM> from the other through holes <NUM>. The first flow divider wall <NUM> and the valve rotor cover <NUM> define a chamber that is separated from the rest of the first valve cavity <NUM>. In this way, the fluid flows directly between the two first rotor through holes <NUM> surrounded by the first flow divider wall <NUM> through the chamber.

As the first valve rotor <NUM> rotates, the first valve rotor plate <NUM> controls the flow to each aperture 34A1, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E included in the upper housing apertures 34A-G as shown in <FIG>. The first valve rotor plate <NUM> controls the flow to each aperture 34A1, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E by aligning different first rotor through holes <NUM> with different apertures 34A1, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E in the different predetermined positions.

In some positions, portions of the first valve rotor plate <NUM> covers one of the apertures 34A1, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E to block the flow of fluid therethrough. The first valve rotor plate <NUM> has dead spots without a through hole <NUM>. In this way, when the first valve rotor <NUM> is in certain predetermined positions, the first valve rotor plate <NUM> blocks flow through one of the upper housing apertures 34A-G. Rather, the seal <NUM> engages the dead spot on the first valve rotor <NUM> so that the corresponding upper housing aperture 34A-G is covered and blocked.

The second valve rotor <NUM> includes a second valve rotor plate <NUM> and a plurality of second valve rotor walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The second valve rotor plate <NUM> is formed to define a second rotor through hole <NUM> that extends axially through the second valve rotor plate <NUM> relative to the second rotor axis 40A so that the flow of fluid is able to flow axially through the throttle valve rotor <NUM> parallel to the second rotor axis 40A. The second rotor through hole <NUM> extends circumferentially partway about the second rotor axis 40A in the illustrative embodiment. The second valve rotor walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extend axially away from the second valve rotor plate <NUM>. The second valve rotor walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart circumferentially to define a plurality of second valve rotor ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

As the throttle valve rotor <NUM> rotates, the second valve rotor walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> vary the amount of fluid flowing through the apertures 34A2, 34F, <NUM> included in the plurality of upper housing apertures 34A-G. The different valve rotor walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> partially open, fully open, or close the apertures 34A2, 34F, <NUM> in the different predetermined positions to control therethrough. In some positions, a portion of the second valve rotor plate <NUM> covers the eighth aperture 34A2 to block the flow of fluid therethrough.

The different modes of the multi-way valve <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. The first mode or mode A is shown in <FIG>. The second mode or mode B is shown in <FIG>. The third mode or mode C is shown in <FIG>. The fourth mode or mode D is shown in <FIG>. The fifth mode or mode E is shown in <FIG>.

In mode A, the main valve rotor <NUM> is in a MAIN VALVE ROTOR FIRST position and the throttle valve rotor <NUM> is in a THROTTLE VALVE ROTOR FIRST position. In the MAIN VALVE ROTOR FIRST position, the main valve rotor <NUM> connects the first aperture 34A1 to the second aperture 34B, connects the third aperture 34C and the fifth aperture 34E, and covers the fourth aperture 34D to form the first flow path. The first flow divider wall <NUM> surrounds the third and fifth apertures 34C, 34E. In the THROTTLE VALVE ROTOR FIRST position, the throttle valve rotor <NUM> covers the eight aperture 34A2 to block flow from the connecting passageway 24A and connects the sixth aperture 34F and the seventh aperture <NUM>.

In mode B, the main valve rotor <NUM> stays in the MAIN VALVE ROTOR FIRST position, while the throttle valve rotor <NUM> moves to a THROTTLE configuration. In the THROTTLE configuration, the throttle valve rotor <NUM> has rotated to uncover the eight aperture 34A2 to allow flow from the connecting passageway 24A through the eighth aperture 34A2. However, in the THROTTLE configuration, the throttle valve rotor <NUM> can rotate about the second rotor axis 40A to vary, or throttle, the flow through the sixth and seventh apertures 34F, G.

In mode C, the main valve rotor <NUM> stays in the MAIN VALVE ROTOR FIRST position and the throttle valve rotor <NUM> moves to a THROTTLE VALVE ROTOR SECOND position. In the THROTTLE VALVE ROTOR SECOND position, the hole <NUM> is aligned with the eighth aperture 34A2 such that one of the second valve rotor wall <NUM> covers the sixth aperture 34F of the upper housing body <NUM> to block flow therethrough. In this way, the eight aperture 34A2 is connected to the seventh aperture <NUM>.

In mode D, the throttle valve rotor <NUM> stays in the THROTTLE VALVE ROTOR FIRST position, while the main valve rotor <NUM> moves to a MAIN VALVE ROTOR SECOND position. In the MAIN VALVE ROTOR SECOND position, the main valve rotor <NUM> has rotated to connect the second aperture 34B and the third aperture 34C, to connect the first aperture 34A1 and the fourth aperture 34D, to cover the fifth aperture 34E. The second and third apertures 34B, 34C are surrounded by the first flow divider wall <NUM>.

In mode E, the main valve rotor <NUM> moves to a MAIN VALVE ROTOR THIRD position, while the throttle valve rotor <NUM> is in the THROTTLE configuration. In the MAIN VALVE ROTOR THIRD position, the main valve rotor <NUM> has rotated to connect all the apertures 34A-G.

The multi-way valve <NUM> and/or each of the actuators <NUM> may include the control unit configured to direct the actuators <NUM> to move each of the valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> to the different predetermined positions in each of the different modes A-E. Based on where the vehicle needs fluid, the control unit would direct the actuators <NUM> to move each of the valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> to one of the positions for the desired mode.

Another embodiment of a multi-way valve <NUM> in accordance with the present disclosure is shown in <FIG>. The multi-way valve <NUM> is substantially similar to the multi-way valve <NUM> shown in <FIG> and described herein. Accordingly, similar reference numbers in the <NUM> series indicate features that are common between the multi-way valve <NUM> and the multi-way valve <NUM>. The description of the multi-way valve <NUM> is incorporated by reference to apply to the multi-way valve <NUM>, except in instances when it conflicts with the specific description and the drawings of the multi-way valve <NUM>.

The multi-way valve <NUM> includes a valve housing <NUM>, a valve flow controller <NUM>, and a sealing system <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The valve flow controller <NUM> is arranged in the valve housing <NUM> to control flow through the valve housing <NUM>. The valve flow controller <NUM> includes first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM>. The sealing system <NUM> is configured to seal between the valve housing <NUM> and the valve flow controller <NUM>.

The sealing system <NUM> includes the press-fit seals (not shown) and a biasing assembly <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The press-fit seals are each press fit into a corresponding upper housing aperture formed in the upper housing body <NUM> of the valve housing <NUM> and engage an axially facing surface <NUM> of the first valve rotor <NUM>. The biasing assembly <NUM> is configured to selectively apply an axial force F on the first valve rotor <NUM> to urge the first valve rotor <NUM> into engagement with the plurality of seals when the first valve rotor <NUM> is in one of the different predetermined positions in each of the modes A-E to improve sealing between the first valve rotor <NUM> and the upper housing body <NUM>.

The biasing assembly <NUM> selectively applies the axial force F to increase friction between the first valve rotor <NUM> and the seals at the different predetermined positions, but removes the axial force when the first valve rotor <NUM> rotates to reduce the friction between the first valve rotor <NUM> and the seals. In this way, the torque needed to rotate the first valve rotor <NUM> is reduced and the wear on the seals is reduced. The seals are made of a Teflon material in the illustrative embodiment.

In other multi-way seals, large amounts of Teflon material may be used to seal the different passages, which can make manufacturing the multi-way valve expensive. Therefore, by reducing the amount of friction on the seals during rotation of the first valve rotor <NUM>, wear on the seals is reduced. This reduces the need to replace the seals as well and reduces the cost of repairing the multi-way valve <NUM>.

The biasing assembly <NUM> includes cam ramps <NUM> formed on an axially facing <NUM> surface of the housing cover <NUM> of the valve housing <NUM> and a cam surface <NUM> formed on the first valve rotor <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The cam ramps <NUM> are equally spaced apart circumferentially about the first rotor axis 238A. The cam surface <NUM> is configured to engage the cam ramps <NUM> on the housing cover <NUM> as the first valve rotor <NUM> rotates about the first rotor axis 238A to the plurality of different predetermined positions.

The cam surface <NUM> is formed on an axially facing surface <NUM> of the first valve rotor hub <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The cam surface <NUM> is raised at <NUM>-degree intervals around the first rotor axis 238A.

The cam ramps <NUM> on the housing cover <NUM> are each circumferentially aligned with one upper housing aperture 234A1, 234B, 234C, 234D, 234E formed in the upper housing body <NUM> of the valve housing <NUM>. In this way, the raised portions 278P of the cam surface <NUM> engages one of the cam ramps <NUM> in each of the different predetermined positions to cause the axial force F to be applied to the first valve rotor <NUM>. Then as the first valve rotor <NUM> rotates about the first rotor axis 238A, the raised portions 278P of the cam surface <NUM> disengage the cam ramps <NUM> so that the axial force F is removed and the torque needed to rotate the first valve rotor <NUM> is reduced.

The cam ramps <NUM> are fixed on the housing cover <NUM>. The cam surface <NUM> on the first valve rotor <NUM> rides against the cam ramps <NUM> in a circular manner and applies downward axial force F to the first valve rotor <NUM> when aligned with the high point 278P of the cam surface <NUM>. This force F generates a contact pressure between the underside of the first valve rotor <NUM> and the elastomer seal press-fit into the upper housing body <NUM>. The increased contact pressure and resulting increase in friction are only generated when the through hole <NUM> is aligned with the seal. This reduces friction and torque on the actuator during movement between seal points.

The multi-way valve <NUM> includes a valve housing <NUM>, a valve flow controller <NUM>, and a sealing system (not shown) as shown in <FIG>. The valve flow controller <NUM> is arranged in the valve housing <NUM> to control flow through the valve housing <NUM>. The sealing system <NUM> is configured to seal between the valve housing <NUM> and the valve flow controller <NUM>.

Compared to the valve housing <NUM> of <FIG>, the valve housing <NUM> has a greater number of upper housing apertures 334A-K than the valve housing <NUM>. In this way, the multi-way valve <NUM> is configured to control the flow through more thermal fluid circuits.

The lower housing body <NUM> of the valve housing <NUM> is formed to include a plurality of lower housing passageways 324A-K as shown in <FIG>. The plurality of lower housing passageways 324A-K are in fluid communication with different thermal fluid circuits. The plurality of lower housing passageways 324A-K are in fluid communication with at least one of a first valve cavity <NUM> and a second valve cavity <NUM> of the upper housing body <NUM> through the corresponding apertures 334A-G.

The upper housing body <NUM> is also formed to include a plurality of upper housing apertures 334A-K as shown in <FIG>. Each aperture 334A-K of the plurality of upper housing apertures 334A-K is in fluid communication with one passageway 324A-K of the corresponding lower housing passageways 324A-K.

Each of the seals <NUM> of the sealing system <NUM> are press-fit into one of the apertures 334A1, 334B, 334C, 334D, 334E, 334F, <NUM>, <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Each seal engages an axially facing surface of the first valve rotor <NUM>.

The valve flow controller <NUM> includes the first valve rotor <NUM>, also referred to as the main valve rotor <NUM>, and the second valve rotor <NUM>, also referred to as the throttle valve rotor <NUM>. The main valve rotor <NUM> is arranged in the first valve cavity <NUM> of the upper housing body <NUM> and the throttle valve rotor <NUM> is arranged in the second valve cavity <NUM> of the upper housing body <NUM>. The main valve rotor <NUM> is configured to rotate relative to the upper housing body <NUM> about the first rotor axis 338A and the throttle valve rotor <NUM> is configured to rotate relative to the upper housing body <NUM> about the second rotor axis 340A.

The first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> cooperate to define a plurality of flow paths through the upper housing body <NUM> and the lower housing body <NUM> much like the first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> in <FIG>. However, there are more possible modes since there are a greater number of upper housing apertures 334A-K. As the first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> are rotated about the respective rotor axes 38A, 40A to different set positions, the first and second valve rotors <NUM>, <NUM> form different flow paths to control the flow of fluid through valve housing <NUM>.

The first valve rotor <NUM> includes a first valve rotor body <NUM> and three valve rotor covers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Each of the valve rotor covers <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are coupled to the first valve rotor body <NUM>.

The first valve rotor body <NUM> includes a first valve rotor hub <NUM>, a first valve rotor plate <NUM>, and three flow divider walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The first valve rotor plate <NUM> extends radially outward from the first valve rotor hub <NUM> and extends circumferentially around the first valve rotor hub <NUM> relative to the first rotor axis 338A. The first rotor through holes <NUM> extend axially through the first valve rotor plate <NUM> in the illustrative embodiment. Each of the flow divider walls <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> extends axially away from the first valve rotor plate <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A multi-way valve (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising
a valve housing (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a lower housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to a manifold of thermal fluid circuits, an upper housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the lower housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) and shaped to define a first valve cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a second valve cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>) in fluid communication with the first valve cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>) through the lower housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a housing cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the upper housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) to close top openings of the first and second valve cavities (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the lower housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) formed to include a plurality of lower housing passageways, and the first and second valve cavities (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the upper housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) are in fluid communication with the plurality of lower housing passageways, and
a valve flow controller (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) including a first valve rotor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) arranged in the first valve cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the upper housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to rotate relative to the upper housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) about a first rotor axis (38A, 238A, 338A) and a second valve rotor (<NUM>, <NUM>) arranged in the second valve cavity (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the upper housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to rotate relative to the upper housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) about a second rotor axis that is parallel to the first rotor axis (38A, 238A, 338A), the first and second valve rotors cooperate to define a plurality of flow paths when the first and second valves are rotated about the respective rotor axes to a plurality of different predetermined positions to control a flow of fluid through the upper housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the lower housing body (<NUM>, <NUM>),
wherein the first valve rotor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is formed to include a plurality of first rotor through holes that extend axially through the first valve rotor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) relative to the first rotor axis (38A, 238A, 338A) so that the flow of fluid is able to flow axially through the first valve rotor (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) parallel to the first rotor axis (38A, 238A, 338A).