Automotive coolant control valve

#The present invention generally relates to a valve for controlling the flow of fluid and more particularly pertains to a valve for simultaneously controlling the distribution and flow of an automobile's coolant through multiple flow paths.

#Water-cooled internal combustion engines that are used in automobiles rely on a fluid to carry excess heat from the engine to an external heat exchanger commonly referred to as the radiator. Such coolant is continuously recirculated through the engine until its temperature exceeds a preselected level at which point a portion of the flow is routed through the heat exchanger. The flow to the radiator is continuously adjusted in order to maintain the temperature of the coolant within a desired range. The heat carried by the fluid is also used to heat the interior of the automobile whereby a portion of the circulating coolant is routed through a second heat exchanger positioned so as to heat air that is directed into or recirculated within the passenger compartment.

#The distribution of the flow of coolant that is generated by an engine-driven water pump is typically controlled by two separate components, namely a radiator thermostat and a heater valve. Heretofore used thermostats typically rely on a mechanism that causes the force generated by the expansion of mass of wax-like material to overcome the bias of a spring to open a valve wherein the wax-like material expands as a function of temperature. The entire device is immersed in the flow of coolant and is positioned and configured so as to block off the flow of coolant to the radiator when the valve is closed. While the valve is in its closed position, the coolant continues to circulate but is forced to bypass the radiator and is redirected back into the engine's water passages. A number of disadvantages are associated with this type of configuration including, but not limited to, the fact that the bypass flow path remains open at all times and that a portion of the flow of coolant therefore always bypasses the radiator even if maximum cooling is called for. Additionally, the positioning of the thermostat directly in the flow path of the coolant poses an impediment to the flow of coolant and thereby compromises the efficiency of the cooling system while the failure of the opening mechanism typically results in the thermostat remaining in its closed configuration which can quickly lead to engine damage. Another disadvantage inherent in heretofore used thermostat configurations is the fact that the device can necessarily only respond to the temperature of the coolant rather than directly to the temperature of the engine, let alone the anticipated cooling needs of the engine. The engine temperature may therefore not necessarily be optimized for a variety of conditions which may result in decreased fuel efficiency and increased exhaust emissions.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly that includes a preferred embodiment of the valve of the present invention;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the valve;

#FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve rotor;

#The valve of the present invention replaces a conventional radiator thermostat and heater valve that are typically employed in modern automobiles. The valve controls the flow and distribution of coolant to the radiator, radiator bypass and heater and may optionally control the degassing of the coolant.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly 12 that includes the valve 14 of the present invention. The valve controls the flow of coolant therethrough, wherein coolant entering through inlet port 16 is distributed via a preselectable combination of outlet ports 18, 20, 22, 24. Setting the inlet port into fluid communication with a desired combination of outlets ports is achieved via the operation of an associated drive mechanism 26 which may take the form of a stepper motor and reduction gear combination.

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the valve 14 sans drive mechanism. The valve includes a valve rotor 28 that is rotationally received within a valve housing 30. The valve housing has a plurality of ports formed therein, including an inlet port 16, a radiator port 18, a bypass port 20, a heater port 22 and a degassing port 24. Each of the ports extend through the wall of the housing to define a conduit to its interior. The axis 32 of the inlet port and the axis 34 of the radiator port are aligned with one another and lie on a first plane that is perpendicular to the central axis 36 of the cylindrical valve. The axis 38 of the bypass port and the axis 40 of the heater port lie on a second plane that is perpendicular to the central axis wherein such second plane is axially displaced relative to the first plane. The axis 42 of the degassing port extends from the base of the valve housing, is generally parallel to the central valve axis 36 and radially offset therefrom. In the embodiment illustrated, each of the ports has a length of barbed tubing 43, 44, 45 of appropriate length and diameter extending therefrom configured for receiving a coolant carrying hose or line that may be fitted and clamped thereto. The rotational orientation of the valve rotor within the valve housing determines which outlet ports are set into fluid communication with the inlet port. A shaft 46 extends from one end of the valve rotor along its axis 36 to facilitate its rotation by the drive mechanism. A return spring 47 disposed about the shaft serves to bias the valve rotor into a preselected rotational orientation relative to the valve housing.