Patent ID: 12253179

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Various aspects of the disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings to illustrate and not to limit the disclosure, wherein like designations denote like elements, and variations of the described aspects are not restricted to the specifically shown embodiments, but are applicable on other variations of the disclosure.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps, services and functions explained herein may be implemented using individual hardware circuitry, using software functioning in conjunction with a programmed microprocessor or general purpose computer, using one or more Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) and/or using one or more Digital Signal Processors (DSPs). It will also be appreciated that when the present disclosure is described in terms of a method, it may also be embodied in one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, wherein the one or more memories store one or more programs that perform the steps, services and functions disclosed herein when executed by the one or more processors.

FIGS.1and2schematically show a valve unit1for a vehicle thermal management system S. The valve unit1is used for controlling the flow of heat transfer fluid or coolant to different system components or units of the vehicle thermal management system S.

InFIG.1, a schematic layout of a vehicle thermal management system S comprising a valve unit1according to the disclosure is shown. The vehicle thermal management system S is arranged in a vehicle V, and vehicle thermal management system S is used in the vehicle V for controlling temperature ranges of different vehicle units or components. The system S may also be used for controlling the temperature ranges of a passenger compartment or similar structure of the vehicle. In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the vehicle thermal management system S has a two thermal control loop configuration, and the vehicle thermal management system S comprises a first thermal control loop CL1in fluid communication with the valve unit1and a second thermal control loop CL2in fluid communication with the valve unit1. The first thermal control loop CL1and the second thermal control loop CL2are connected to the valve unit1, as will be further described below.

The vehicle thermal management system S is used for controlling the temperature ranges of vehicle units with the heat transfer fluid that is circulated in the first thermal control loop CL1and the second thermal control loop CL2, and the temperature ranges of the respective thermal control loops are for example depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle and the variations in ambient temperature. The heat transfer fluid may be of any type suitable for vehicle applications.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, the first thermal control loop CL1is connected to a first vehicle unit U1, and the second thermal control loop CL2is connected to a second vehicle unit U2. The first vehicle unit U1may for example be a battery temperature regulating unit and the second vehicle unit U2may for example be a power electronics temperature regulating unit. The battery temperature regulating unit may for example be used for controlling the temperatures of one or more batteries with related components used in the vehicle system. The power electronics temperature regulating unit may for example be used for controlling the temperatures of the power electronic components, such as the electric motor and other electric components being part of the power electronics system.

The thermal control loop configurations and components may be of any conventional type used for vehicle purposes, and will not be described in detail. It should however be understood that the system S may be used for heating or cooling other types of vehicle units or components than the ones described above, depending on the design and construction of the vehicle and the vehicle systems. It should be understood that the respective control loops may include any suitable number of components for controlling the temperature ranges and the flow of heat transfer fluid, such as for example heat exchangers, chillers, heaters, filters, air separators, connectors, fans, valves, circulation pumps, and/or any other components known in the art as related to such thermal systems.

With the valve unit1, the heat transfer fluid can be controlled to circulate in the first thermal control loop CL1and the second thermal control loop CL2in separated or connected flow patterns, depending on the operation of the valve unit1. The heat transfer fluid is suitably circulated in the respective thermal control loops by a circulation pump integrated into each thermal control loop. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, the first thermal control loop CL1comprises a first circulation pump P1, and the second thermal control loop CL2comprises a second circulation pump P2. The circulation pumps can be used together if the thermal control loops are connected, or used separately if the thermal control loops are separated, which may depend on the driving conditions of the vehicle. This is providing a flexible vehicle thermal management system with different alternatives for the distribution of the heat transfer fluid.

As shown inFIG.1, the vehicle thermal management system S further comprises a first system component SC1, such as a chiller or radiator, and a second system component SC2, such as a chiller or radiator. The type of component used may vary depending on the configuration of the vehicle thermal management system S. The radiator may be of any suitable type for controlling the temperature of the system, such as a traditional radiator heat-exchanger. The chiller may be of any suitable type for controlling the temperature of the system, such as a chiller connected to a heat pump system.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the vehicle thermal management system S further comprises a first component circuit CC1for the first system component SC1, and a second component circuit CC2for the second system component SC2. The first component circuit CC1and the second component circuit CC2are connected to the valve unit1.

The vehicle thermal management system S may further comprise a control unit13for controlling the system components, the temperature ranges, and the flow of heat transfer fluid. The respective thermal control loops and component circuits are connecting the valve unit1to the vehicle units or components with conduits, pipes or other suitable connection means. The vehicle thermal management system S according to the disclosure is designed and constructed in a way so that the system is adapted for being operated in different operational modes controlled by the control unit13, where the heat transfer fluid is efficiently circulated to the vehicle units or components.

The valve unit1comprises a first valve body2a, a second valve body2b, and a housing structure3. The first valve body2aand the second valve body2bare arranged within the housing structure3and rotatably arranged in relation to the housing structure3between different valve positions around a common rotational axis A.

The valve unit1is further configured with a flow mixing functionality. The housing structure3comprises a first mixing chamber3aarranged in connection to the first valve body2aand a second mixing chamber3barranged in connection to the second valve body2b. The first mixing chamber3ais arranged as an internal volume in the valve unit1configured for receiving heat transfer fluid flow from two or more inlet flow ports of the housing structure3via the first valve body2a, and distributing a mixed flow of heat transfer fluid to one or more outlet flow ports of the housing structure3via the first valve body2a. The second mixing chamber3bis arranged as an internal volume in the valve unit1configured for receiving heat transfer fluid flow from two or more inlet flow ports of the housing structure3via the second valve body2b, and distributing a mixed flow of heat transfer fluid to one or more outlet flow ports of the housing structure3via the second valve body2b.

As shown in the embodiment inFIGS.2-4, the first valve body2ais connected to an actuator4for rotational displacement of the first valve body2aaround the rotational axis A, and the second valve body2bis connected to the first valve body2avia a spring5. The first valve body2ais attached to the actuator4via a drive shaft4a. The actuator may be of any suitable type, such as for example an electric motor. The first valve body2ais suitably fixedly arranged on the drive shaft4a, and the second valve body2bis guided by a shaft or similar structure allowing a rotational movement around the rotational axis A. The second valve body2bis configured for being rotatably displaced around the rotational axis A by the spring5upon rotational displacement of the first valve body2a. To operate the vehicle thermal management system S, the first valve body2ais rotatably displaced around the rotational axis A by means of the actuator4, and the second valve body2bis rotatably displaced around the rotational axis A by means of the spring5upon rotational displacement of the first valve body2a. The valve bodies are configured to either move at the same time or move independently from each other, as will be further described below. The housing structure3may be arranged with seals or similar structures for preventing leakage between the housing structure3and the respective valve bodies.

The spring5is defined as an elastic element, and may have any suitable design and configuration for rotatably displacing the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A upon rotational displacement of the first valve body2a. The elastic element is capable of returning to its original state, or to essentially its original state, after being deformed, stretched, compressed or expanded. The elastic element may be made of any suitable material, such as for example metals and metallic materials, composite materials, or elastomeric materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring is configured as a traditional torsion spring. In the following, the valve unit1will be described with a spring5having a torsion spring configuration.

With the configuration of the thermal management system S in the embodiment illustrated inFIG.1, the first thermal control loop CL1is connected to the valve unit1, and comprises the first vehicle unit U1. The first thermal control loop CL1is in fluid communication with the first valve body2aand the second valve body2b. The first component circuit CC1is connected to the valve unit1, and comprises the first system component SC1. The first component circuit CC1is in fluid communication with the first valve body2aand the second valve body2b. The second thermal control loop CL2is connected to the valve unit1, and comprises the second vehicle unit U2. The second thermal control loop CL2is in fluid communication with the first valve body2aand the second valve body2b. The second component circuit CC2is connected to the valve unit1, and comprises the second system component SC2. The second component circuit CC2is in fluid communication with the first valve body2aand the second valve body2b. It should however be understood that the system may have other configurations than the one illustrated inFIG.1, depending on the system and vehicle design.

As shown in for exampleFIGS.1-3and9, the housing structure3comprises a first inlet flow port9a, a second inlet flow port9b, a first outlet flow port10a, and a second outlet flow port10b, configured for connecting the housing structure3to at least the first thermal control loop CL1and the second thermal control loop CL2, and configured for being in fluid communication with the first valve body2a. The housing structure3further comprises a third inlet flow port9c, a fourth inlet flow port9c, a third outlet flow port10c, and a fourth outlet flow port10d, configured for connecting the housing structure3to at least the first thermal control loop CL1and the second thermal control loop CL2, and configured for being in fluid communication with the second valve body2b.

As shown in for exampleFIGS.1-3and9, the first thermal control loop CL1is connected to the first inlet flow port9afor allowing flow of heat transfer fluid from the first thermal control loop CL1into the valve unit1, where the inlet flow from the first thermal control loop CL1is controlled by the first valve body2a. The first thermal control loop CL1is further connected to the third outlet flow port10cfor allowing flow of heat transfer fluid out from the valve unit1into the first thermal control loop CL1, where the outlet flow from valve unit1into the first thermal control loop CL1is controlled by the second valve body2b.

As shown in for exampleFIGS.1-3and9, the second thermal control loop CL2is connected to the second inlet flow port9bfor allowing flow of heat transfer fluid from the second thermal control loop CL2into the valve unit1, where the inlet flow from the second thermal control loop CL2is controlled by the first valve body2a. The second thermal control loop CL2is further connected to the fourth outlet flow port10dfor allowing flow of heat transfer fluid out from the valve unit1into the second thermal control loop CL2, where the outlet flow from valve unit1into the second thermal control loop CL2is controlled by the second valve body2b.

As shown in for exampleFIGS.1-3and9, the first component circuit CC1is connected to the third inlet flow port9cfor allowing flow of heat transfer fluid from the first component circuit CC1into the valve unit1, where the inlet flow from the first component circuit CC1is controlled by the second valve body2b. The first component circuit CC1is further connected to the first outlet flow port10afor allowing flow of heat transfer fluid out from the valve unit1into the first component circuit CC1, where the outlet flow from valve unit1into the first component circuit CC1is controlled by the first valve body2a.

As shown in for exampleFIGS.1-3and9, the second component circuit CC2is connected to the fourth inlet flow port9dfor allowing flow of heat transfer fluid from the second component circuit CC2into the valve unit1, where the inlet flow from the second component circuit CC2is controlled by the second valve body2b. The second component circuit CC2is further connected to the second outlet flow port10bfor allowing flow of heat transfer fluid out from the valve unit1into the second component circuit CC2, where the outlet flow from valve unit1into the second component circuit CC2is controlled by the first valve body2a.

The first valve body2acomprises a first valve flow channel11aand a second valve flow channel11b, as shown inFIGS.7A-7D. The first valve flow channel11ais configured for connecting the first inlet flow port9aor the second inlet flow port9bto the first outlet flow port10aor the second outlet flow port10b, depending on the rotational position of the first valve body2aaround the rotational axis A in relation to the housing structure3. The second valve flow channel11ais configured for connecting the first inlet flow port9aor the second inlet flow port9bto the first outlet flow port10aor the second outlet flow port10b, depending on the rotational position of the first valve body2aaround the rotational axis A in relation to the housing structure3.

As shown in the valve body position for the first valve body2ainFIG.7A, the first valve flow channel11ais connecting the first inlet flow port9aand the second outlet flow port10b, and the second valve flow channel11bis connecting the second inlet flow port9band the first outlet flow port10a. By rotating the first valve body2aaround the rotational axis A to a different valve body position, as shown inFIG.7B, the valve unit1can instead be arranged to connect the first inlet flow port9aand the first outlet flow port10aby the first valve flow channel11a, and connect the second inlet flow port9band the second outlet flow port10bby the second valve flow channel11b. By rotating the first valve body2aaround the rotational axis A, different non-illustrated flow patterns can be established. The first inlet flow port9acan instead be connected to the second outlet flow port10bby the second valve flow channel11b, and the second inlet flow port9bto the first outlet flow port10aby the first valve flow channel11a. Alternatively, the first inlet flow port9acan instead be connected to the first outlet flow port10aby the second valve flow channel11b, and the second inlet flow port9bto the second outlet flow port10bby the first valve flow channel11a.

The first valve flow channel11aand the second valve flow channel11bare suitably separately arranged from each other within the first valve body2a, preventing flow of heat transfer fluid between the first valve flow channel11aand the second valve flow channel11b.

The second valve body2bcomprises a third valve flow channel11cand a fourth valve flow channel11d, as shown inFIGS.8A-8D. The third valve flow channel11cis configured for connecting the third inlet flow port9cor the fourth inlet flow port9dto the third outlet flow port10cor the fourth outlet flow port10d, depending on the rotational position of the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A in relation to the housing structure3. The fourth valve flow channel11dis configured for connecting the third inlet flow port9cor the fourth inlet flow port9dto the third outlet flow port10cor the fourth outlet flow port10ddepending on the rotational position of the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A in relation to the housing structure3.

As shown in the valve body position for the second valve body2ainFIG.8A, the third valve flow channel11cis connecting the fourth inlet flow port9dand the third outlet flow port10c, and the fourth valve flow channel11dis connecting the third inlet flow port9cand the fourth outlet flow port10d. The second valve body2bmay be rotated around the rotational axis A to a different valve body position, as shown inFIG.8B, to instead be arranged to connect the fourth inlet flow port9dand the fourth outlet flow port10dby the fourth valve flow channel11d, and connect the third inlet flow port9cand the third outlet flow port10cby the third valve flow channel11c. By rotating the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A, different non-illustrated flow patterns can be established. The fourth inlet flow port9dcan instead be connected to the third outlet flow port10cby the fourth valve flow channel11d, and the third inlet flow port9cto the fourth outlet flow port10dby the third valve flow channel11c. Alternatively, the fourth inlet flow port9dcan instead be connected to the fourth outlet flow port10dby the third valve flow channel11c, and the third inlet flow port9cto the third outlet flow port10cby the fourth valve flow channel11d.

The third valve flow channel11cand the fourth valve flow channel11dare suitably separately arranged from each other within the second valve body2b, preventing flow of heat transfer fluid between the third valve flow channel11cand the fourth valve flow channel11d.

From the configuration of the valve unit1described above, it is understood that depending on the positioning of the first valve body2aand the second valve body2bin relation to each other and/or in relation to the housing structure3, different flow patterns of the vehicle thermal managements system S can be established. The first thermal control loop CL1may for example be connected to the first component circuit CC1or the second component circuit CC2in separated flow patterns. The second thermal control loop CL2may in a similar way for example be connected to the second component circuit CC2or the first component circuit CC1in separated flow patterns. It may also be possible to connect all of the first thermal control loop CL1, the first component circuit CC1, the second thermal control loop CL2, and the second component circuit CC2in series to form combined flow patterns.

To further increase the flexibility of the vehicle thermal management system S, the valve unit is configured with a flow mixing functionality, as described above. As shown in the embodiment in for exampleFIGS.2,4,5A-5B, and9, the housing structure3comprises a first mixing chamber3aarranged in connection to the first valve body2aand a second mixing chamber3barranged in connection to the second valve body2b. InFIG.9, the first mixing chamber3bis schematically illustrated in a cross-sectional view from below, and the second mixing chamber3bis illustrated in a cross-sectional view from above, where below and above are referring to the positioning of the valve unit1inFIG.4. The respective mixing chambers are arranged as internal volumes in the valve unit1for receiving heat transfer fluid flow from the respective corresponding inlet flow ports and distributing a mixed flow of heat transfer fluid to the respective corresponding outlet flow ports, and thus allowing heat transfer fluid from different loops or circuits to be mixed. By changing the position of the first valve body2aand/or the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A the flow of heat transfer fluid can be changed from the flow patterns described above to mixed flow patterns. The mixed flow patterns are controlling the temperature for the respective units and components by mixing the flows of heat transfer fluid. It may be possible to change the position of both the first valve body2aand the second valve body2bto mixed flows, or alternatively only the first valve body2aor the second valve body2bto mixed flows.

As shown inFIGS.7A-7D, the first valve body2acomprises a first mixing flow channel12a, a second mixing flow channel12b, a third mixing flow channel12c, and a fourth mixing flow channel12b. Each mixing flow channel12a,12b,12c,12dis configured for connecting any of the first inlet flow port9a, the second inlet flow port9b, the first outlet flow port10a, and the second outlet flow port10bto the first mixing chamber3a. In the valve body position shown inFIG.7C, the first inlet flow port9ais connected to the first mixing flow channel12a, the second inlet flow port9bis connected to the second mixing flow channel12b, the first outlet flow port10ais connected to the third mixing flow channel12c, and the second outlet flow port10bis connected to the fourth mixing flow channel12d. With this configuration, the flows from the first thermal control loop CL1via the first inlet flow port9aand the second thermal control loop CL2via the second inlet flow port9bare mixed in the first mixing chamber3a, for further distribution to the first component circuit CC1via the first outlet flow port10aand the second component circuit CC2via the second outlet flow port10b.

As shown inFIGS.8A-8D, the second valve body2bcomprises a fifth mixing flow channel12e, a sixth mixing flow channel12f, a seventh mixing flow channel12g, and an eight mixing flow channel12h. Each mixing flow channel12e,12f,12g,12his configured for connecting any of the third inlet flow port9c, the fourth inlet flow port9d, the third outlet flow port10c, and the fourth outlet flow port10dto the second mixing chamber3b. In the valve body position shown inFIG.8C, the third inlet flow port9cis connected to the fifth mixing flow channel12e, the fourth inlet flow port9dis connected to the sixth mixing flow channel12f, the third outlet flow port10cis connected to the seventh mixing flow channel12g, and the fourth outlet flow port10dis connected to the eight mixing flow channel12h. With this configuration, the flows from the first component circuit CC1via the third inlet flow port9cand the second component circuit CC2via the fourth inlet flow port9dare mixed in the second mixing chamber3b, for further distribution to the first thermal control loop CL1via the third outlet flow port10cand the second thermal control loop CL2via the fourth outlet flow port10d.

The first valve body2ais connected to the actuator4for rotational displacement of the first valve body2aaround the rotational axis A, and the second valve body2bis connected to the first valve body2avia a spring5, as schematically shown inFIGS.1and2. The first valve body2ais attached to the actuator4via the drive shaft4a, and when rotating the drive shaft4awith the actuator4, the first valve body2ais rotated around the rotational axis A in relation to the housing structure3between different valve body positions. The second valve body2bis configured for being rotatably displaced around the rotational axis A by the spring5upon rotational displacement of the first valve body2a, and when the first valve body2ais rotated by the actuator4the spring5is arranged to rotatably displace the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A in relation to the housing structure3.

The spring5or the second valve body2bcomprises a protruding element6configured for being rotatably displaced with the second valve body2band configured for limiting the rotational movement of the second valve body2bin relation to the housing structure3. The protruding element6is arranged to extend out from the second valve body2bin a radial direction for interaction with the housing structure3. The protruding element6has through the interaction with the housing structure3the function to restrict the rotational movement of the second valve body2bin relation to the housing structure3.

It should be understood that the protruding element6alternatively could be arranged on the housing structure3or any other suitable part of the valve unit1, and configured for limiting the rotational movement of the second valve body2bin relation to the housing structure3. The protruding element6may have any suitable configuration for restricting the rotational movement of the second valve body2b, and the second valve body2bmay be provided with means that are interacting with the protruding element6.

The spring5is suitably a torsion spring, and as shown inFIGS.4,5A-5B, and6A-6E, the spring5comprises a first end5aattached to the first valve body2aand a second end5battached to the second valve body2b. In the illustrated embodiment, the spring ends are configured as bended portions of the spring5and each of the valve bodies may comprise a slot or similar arrangement for attaching the respective spring end to the valve body. With the attachment of the spring ends to the respective valve bodies, a rotational force can be transferred by the spring5from the first valve body2ato the second valve body2b, when the first valve body2ais rotated by the actuator4. In order to both control the rotational movement of the second valve body2band to overcome frictional forces between the second valve body2band the housing structure3, the spring5is configured for rotatably displacing the second valve body2bupon a spring tension T at least equal to a predetermined spring tension value TPD. When the spring5is in a low tension state below the predetermined spring tension value TPD, as shown inFIG.6B, it is possible to rotate the first valve body2awith the actuator4without transferring any rotational force to the second valve body2bvia the spring5, such as between the positions of the spring shown inFIGS.6B and6C. Thus, below the predetermined spring tension value TPDthe second valve body2bis prevented from being rotatably displaced by the spring5. The spring tension T is dependent on a relative angular displacement of the first valve body2ain relation to the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A. By rotating the first valve body2ain a first rotational direction DR1around the rotational axis A, the spring tension T is increasing. By rotating the first valve body2ain a second rotational direction DR2around the rotational axis A opposite the first rotational direction DR1, the spring tension T is decreasing.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS.4,5A-5B, and6A-6E, the second end5bof the spring5is configured as the protruding element6extending radially outside of the second valve body2b. As further shown inFIGS.4,5A-5B, and6A-6E, the housing structure3is provided with a slot8arranged around a part of the inner periphery of the housing structure3, and the slot8suitably has an arcuate configuration arranged as a groove or similarly configured recess in the housing structure3. The protruding element6is arranged to move within the slot8upon movement of the second valve body2bin relation to the housing structure3. The slot8is delimited by a first blocking member7aand a second blocking member7bof the housing structure3, and the protruding element6is arranged to move within the slot8between two end positions constituted by the first blocking member7aand the second blocking member7b. The first blocking member7ais arranged as a wall section in a first end of the slot8, and the second blocking member7bis arranged as a wall section in a second end of the slot8, as illustrated inFIGS.6A-6E. With this configuration, the slot8is extending between the first blocking member7aand the second blocking member7b, and the protruding element6is thus configured for being movably arranged within the slot8of the housing structure3between the first blocking member7aand the second blocking member7b, with a corresponding rotational movement of the second valve body2b.

As shown in for exampleFIGS.6C and6D, the protruding element6is configured for interacting with the first blocking member7aand the second blocking member7bin the respective end positions. In a first end position PE1shown inFIGS.6B and6C, the protruding element6is in engagement with the first blocking member7a. In the first end position PE1, the first blocking member7ais preventing a rotational movement of the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A in the second rotational direction DR2, such as when the first end5aof the spring5is moving with the first valve body2afrom the position inFIG.6Cto the position inFIG.6B. The first blocking member7ais allowing a rotational movement of the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A in the first rotational direction DR1towards the second end position PE2if the spring tension T is at least equal to the predetermined spring tension value TPD, such as from the position inFIG.6Cto the positions inFIG.6A or6D. In a second end position PE2shown inFIGS.6D and6E, the protruding element6is in engagement with the second blocking member7b, and in this position the second blocking member7bis preventing a rotational movement of the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A in the first rotational direction DR1, such as when the first end5aof the spring5is moving with the first valve body2afrom the position inFIG.6Dto the position inFIG.6E. The second blocking7bmember is allowing a rotational movement of the second valve body2baround the rotational axis A in the second rotational direction DR2towards the first end position PE1, such as from the position inFIG.6Dto the positions inFIG.6A or6C. In this way, the first blocking member7aand the second blocking member7bare configured for allowing displacement of the second valve body2bin relation to the housing structure3when the protruding element6is rotatably displaced with the second valve body2bbetween the first blocking member7aand the second blocking member7b, and the first blocking member7aand the second blocking member7bare configured for preventing displacement of the second valve body2bin relation to the housing structure3when the protruding element6is in engagement with the first blocking member7aor the second blocking member7b. InFIG.6A, the protruding element6is positioned between the first end position PE1and the second end position PE2. The positions of the first end5aand the second end5bof the spring5inFIG.6Ais corresponding to the positions shown inFIG.4, the positions of the first end5aand the second end5binFIG.6Dis corresponding to the positions shown inFIG.5A, and the positions of the first end5aand the second end5binFIG.6Eis corresponding to the positions shown inFIG.5B.

The second valve body2bis arranged to be rotatably displaced around the axis A by the spring5between different positions determined by the extension of the slot8, which slot8is limited by the first blocking member7aand the second blocking member7b. The extension of the slot8may vary depending on the design of the valve unit1for allowing different valve body positions of the second valve body2bin relation to the housing structure3. The first valve body2amay thus be moved in relation to the housing structure3without movement of the second valve body, depending on the position of the second valve body2bin relation to the first blocking member7aand the second blocking member7b, as well as the spring tension T. The second valve body2bis arranged to move with the first valve body2avia the spring5in both the first rotational direction DR1and the second rotational direction DR2. When the protruding element6is in engagement with the first blocking member7a, the first valve body2acan move in the second rotational direction DR2, and also in the first rotational direction DR1until the spring tension T is at least equal to the predetermined spring tension value TPD, without any movement of the second valve body2b. When the protruding element6is in engagement with the second blocking member7b, the first valve body2acan move in the first rotational direction DR1, and also in the second rotational direction DR2when the spring tension T is above the predetermined spring tension value TPD, without any movement of the second valve body2a, since the spring5is positioning the protruding element6against the second blocking member7b. The spring5is arranged to move the second valve body2bfrom the second end position PE2towards the first end position PE1when the spring tension T is essentially equal to the predetermined spring tension value TPD.

It should be understood that the mixing chamber configuration of the valve unit may be used in connection to any type of valve unit comprising a housing structure, a valve body and a mixing chamber, where the housing structure comprises at least two inlet flow ports and at least one outlet flow port. Such a valve unit may comprise any of the different features described in the embodiments above. However, the valve unit may have a different configuration and comprise only one valve body, or alternatively two or more valve bodies. Such a valve unit may or may not comprise the spring for displacing a valve body. The housing structure may comprise any suitable number of inlet flow ports and outlet flow ports for one or more valve bodies. Such a valve unit could be used in a thermal management system as described in the embodiments above and be defined, described and exemplified with the features below:

A valve unit for a vehicle thermal management system, wherein the valve unit comprises one or more valve bodies, and a housing structure, wherein each of the one or more valve bodies is arranged within the housing structure and rotatably arranged in relation to the housing structure between different valve positions around a rotational axis, wherein the housing structure comprises two or more inlet flow ports, one or more outlet flow ports, and one or more mixing chambers, wherein each of the one or more mixing chambers is arranged in connection to one of the one or more valve bodies.

In embodiments of the valve unit, each mixing chamber is arranged as an internal volume in the valve unit configured for receiving heat transfer fluid flow from two or more inlet flow ports and distributing a mixed flow of heat transfer fluid to one or more outlet flow ports, allowing the heat transfer fluid from two or more inlet flow ports to be mixed.

In embodiments of the valve unit, the one or more valve bodies of the valve unit are arranged within the housing structure and rotatably arranged in relation to the housing structure between different valve positions around a common rotational axis.

In embodiments of the valve unit, each of the one or more valve bodies of the valve unit arranged in connection to a corresponding mixing chamber comprises three or more mixing flow channels, wherein each mixing flow channel is configured for connecting one of the two or more inlet flow ports or one of the one or more outlet flow ports to the mixing chamber.

In embodiments of the valve unit, at least one of the one or more valve bodies of the valve unit is connected to an actuator for rotational displacement of the valve body around the rotational axis.

In embodiments of the valve unit, at least one of the one or more valve bodies of the valve unit is attached to the actuator via a drive shaft.

In embodiments of the valve unit, each valve body of the valve unit further comprises one or more valve flow channels configured for connecting one of the two or more inlet flow ports to one of the one or more outlet flow ports.

The present disclosure has been presented above with reference to specific embodiments. However, other embodiments than the above described are possible and within the scope of the disclosure. Different method steps than those described above, performing the method by hardware or software, may be provided within the scope of the disclosure. Thus, according to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs configured to be executed by one or more processors of the control unit13of the vehicle thermal management system S, the one or more programs comprising instructions for performing the method according to any one of the above-discussed embodiments. Alternatively, according to another exemplary embodiment a cloud computing system can be configured to perform any of the method aspects presented herein. The cloud computing system may comprise distributed cloud computing resources that jointly perform the method aspects presented herein under control of one or more computer program products. Moreover, the processor may be connected to one or more communication interfaces and/or sensor interfaces for receiving and/transmitting data with external entities such as e.g. sensors arranged on the vehicle surface, an off-site server, or a cloud-based server.

The processor or processors associated with the control unit13may be or include any number of hardware components for conducting data or signal processing or for executing computer code stored in memory. The system may have an associated memory, and the memory may be one or more devices for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various methods described in the present description. The memory may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities of the present description. According to an exemplary embodiment, any distributed or local memory device may be utilized with the systems and methods of this description. According to an exemplary embodiment the memory is communicably connected to the processor (e.g., via a circuit or any other wired, wireless, or network connection) and includes computer code for executing one or more processes described herein.

It will be appreciated that the above description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or uses. While specific examples have been described in the specification and illustrated in the drawings, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. Furthermore, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular examples illustrated by the drawings and described in the specification as the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the teachings of the present disclosure, but that the scope of the present disclosure will include any embodiments falling within the foregoing description and the appended claims. Reference signs mentioned in the claims should not be seen as limiting the extent of the matter protected by the claims, and their sole function is to make claims easier to understand.

REFERENCE SIGNS

1: Valve unit2a: First valve body2b: Second valve body3: Housing structure3a: First mixing chamber3b: Second mixing chamber4: Actuator4a: Drive shaft5: Spring5a: First end5b: Second end6: Protruding element7a: First blocking member7b: Second blocking member8: Slot9: Inlet flow port10: Outlet flow port11: Valve flow channel12: Mixing flow channel13: Control unitA: Rotational axisCL1: First thermal control loopCL2: Second thermal control loopDR1: First rotational directionDR2: Second rotational directionPE1: First end positionPE2: Second end positionS: Vehicle thermal management systemSC1: First system componentSC2: Second system componentU1: First vehicle unitU2: Second vehicle unitV: Vehicle