BACKGROUND

[0001] Fluid systems include sources of fluid (e.g., pumps), actuators, fluid lines connecting various components, reservoirs, valves, etc. A valve is a device that regulates, directs, or controls the flow of a fluid (gases or liquids) by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various passageways.

[0002] In a fluid system that involves several circuits, multiple valves can be used to direct fluid from one circuit to another or block fluid flow between different circuits or components. Each valve may have a valve actuator (e.g., a solenoid coil) to actuate the valve, where electric wires or cables connect each valve actuator to a controller. Valves are fluidly coupled to other components via fluid lines (tubes, pipes, hoses, etc.). Such configuration can reduce reliability in a fluid system due to the complexity of having many fluid lines and wires connecting various valves and components.

[0003] It may thus be desirable to configure a valve that operates as a central valving unit that can direct fluid between multiple fluid circuits or multiple components rather than having a plurality of valves, each with a respective actuator, and with fluid lines connecting the valves throughout the system. It is with respect to these and other considerations that the disclosure made herein is presented.

SUMMARY

[0004] Within examples described herein, the present disclosure describes implementations that relate to a rotary valve.

[0005] In a first example implementation, the present disclosure describes a valve. The valve includes: a valve body having a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports axially-spaced along a length of the valve body; a rotary actuator coupled to the valve body; a driving cylinder rotatably-coupled to the rotary actuator and disposed within the valve body; and a driven cylinder disposed within the valve body and configured to be selectively engaged with the driving cylinder, wherein the driving cylinder and the driven cylinder are hollow and define a longitudinal cavity therein. The rotary actuator is configured to: (i) cause the driving cylinder to rotate in a first rotational direction to engage with the driving cylinder, thereafter causing the driven cylinder to rotate with the driving cylinder until the driven cylinder reaches a desired rotational position at which fluid is allowed to flow from the longitudinal cavity to one or more outlet ports of the plurality of outlet ports, and (ii) after the driven cylinder reaches the desired rotational position, rotate the driving cylinder in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, independently from the driven cylinder, until the driving cylinder reaches a respective desired rotational position at which fluid is allowed to flow from one or more inlet ports of the plurality of inlet ports to the longitudinal cavity.

[0006] In a second example implementation, the present disclosure describes a method. The method includes: actuating a rotary actuator of a valve, wherein the valve comprises (i) a valve body having a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports, (ii) a driving cylinder rotatably- coupled to the rotary actuator and disposed within the valve body, and (iii) a driven cylinder disposed within the valve body and configured to be selectively engaged with the driving cylinder, wherein the driving cylinder and the driven cylinder are hollow and define a longitudinal cavity therein, and wherein actuating the rotary actuator causes the driving cylinder to rotate in a first rotational direction to engage with the driven cylinder, thereafter causing the driven cylinder to rotate with the driving cylinder; positioning the driven cylinder at a desired rotational position at which fluid is allowed to flow from the longitudinal cavity to one or more outlet ports of the plurality of outlet ports; and after positioning the driven cylinder at the desired rotational position, rotating the driving cylinder in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, independently from the driven cylinder, until the driving cylinder reaches a respective desired rotational position at which fluid is allowed to flow from one or more of inlet ports of the plurality of inlet ports to the longitudinal cavity.

[0007] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, implementations, and features described above, further aspects, implementations, and features will become apparent by reference to the figures and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0008] The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrative examples are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrative examples, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and descriptions thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative example of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a valve, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0010] Figure 2 illustrates another perspective view of the valve of Figure 1, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0011] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a driving cylinder and a driven cylinder of the valve of Figure 1 , in accordance with an example implementation.

[0012] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the driving cylinder and the driven cylinder shown in Figure 3, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0013] Figure 5 illustrates a partial exploded view of the driving cylinder and the driven cylinder of the valve of Figure 1 from a different perspective, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0014] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the valve of Figure 1, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0015] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a driving cylinder rotatably engaged to a driven cylinder, in accordance with an example implementation. [0016] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective partial view of the valve of Figure 1 showing the driving cylinder after placing the driven cylinder at a desired rotational position and rotating back to another rotational position, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0017] Figure 9 illustrates a partial perspective view of the valve of Figure 1 depicting an arcuate seal, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0018] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method for operating a valve, in accordance with an example implementation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Disclosed examples will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all of the disclosed examples are shown. Indeed, several different examples may be described and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples are described so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0020] An example fluid system may include several subsystems or circuits. Valves can be used to selectively connect various components or circuits when desirable. For example, under some conditions, it may be desirable to operate two circuits in series and in other conditions it may be desirable to operate two circuits in parallel. In some cases, it may be desirable to connect two circuits to exchange fluid flow therebetween, while in other cases, it may be desirable to isolate the two circuits from each other. Such selective connecting between various circuits of a fluid system can be implemented using a plurality of valves.

[0021] However, having a plurality of valves distributed throughout a system (e.g., a cooling system of a vehicle), may involve running wires and fluid lines throughout the system, thereby increasing the likelihood of failure and reducing the reliability of the system. It may thus be desirable to have a single valve operated by a single actuator, where the valve performs the operations of the plurality of valves. This way, several fluid lines can be eliminated, and one actuation signal from a controller via a single cable can actuate the valve rather than having several actuators and wires distributed throughout the system.

[0022] Disclosed herein is a rotary valve comprising a valve body having a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports. The valve body houses two shells or hollow cylinders: a driving cylinder and a driven cylinder configured to selectively engage each other. The cylinders form a longitudinal hub or longitudinal cavity therein.

[0023] Fluid flow through the inlet ports is controlled by the driving cylinder and fluid flow from the outlet ports is controlled by the driven cylinder. Particularly, the driving cylinder has arcuate windows or slots disposed about its exterior surface and are angularly-shifted relative to each other. Each arcuate slot corresponds to a respective inlet port of the plurality of inlet ports. Based on the rotational position of the driving cylinder, one or more of the arcuate slots can be aligned with the respective inlet ports to allow fluid flow therefrom into the driving cylinder.

[0024] Similarly, the driven cylinder has respective slots disposed about its exterior surface and are angularly-shifted relative to each other. Each slot corresponds to a respective outlet port of the plurality of outlet ports. Based on the rotational position of the driven cylinder, one or more of the slots can be aligned with the respective outlet ports to allow fluid to flow out from the longitudinal cavity within the cylinders through the slots and their respective outlet ports to fluid consumers or circuits fluidly coupled to the outlet ports.

[0025] A rotary actuator (e.g., an electric motor) is drivingly-coupled to the driving cylinder, and the driving cylinder is configured to selectively engage or interlock with the driven cylinder. Particularly, the two cylinders are configured to independently rotate relative to each other until a locking feature in the driving cylinder engages with a respective interlocking feature in the driven cylinder. Once interlocked, the driving cylinder can drive or rotate the driven cylinder in a first rotational direction to a particular rotational position to provide fluid to particular outlet ports. The driving cylinder can then rotate independently from the driven cylinder in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, to a respective particular position to receive fluid from particular inlet ports. [0026] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a valve 100, and Figure 2 illustrates another perspective view of the valve 100, in accordance with an example implementation. The valve 100 is shown in Figure 2 in a transparent view to show internal components of the valve 100.

[0027] The valve 100 includes a housing or valve body 102. The valve body 102 defines or includes a plurality of inlet ports and outlet ports. In the example implementation of Figures 1-2, the valve 100 includes a first inlet port 104 and a second inlet port 106. The valve 100 also includes a first outlet port 108, a second outlet port 110, a third outlet port 112, and a fourth outlet port 114. The ports are axially-spaced along a length of the valve body 102.

[0028] The inlet ports 104, 106 can each be fluidly coupled to a source of fluid (e.g., a pump) and the outlet ports 108-114 can each be fluidly coupled to a respective fluid circuit, component, or any fluid consumer. For example, each of the outlet ports 108-114 can be configured to provide fluid to a fluid subsystem or circuit.

[0029] The inlet ports 104, 106 and the outlet ports 108-114 can be configured as openings in the valve body 102. The valve 100 can include fittings that facilitate coupling fluid lines to the inlet and outlet ports. For example, the valve 100 can include a fitting 116 coupled to the valve body 102 via flange 118. The valve 100 can include other fittings and flanges for the other ports as depicted in Figure 1. Although two inlet ports and four outlet ports are illustrated, the valve 100 can be configured with more or fewer ports as desired in a particular application.

[0030] In an example, the valve body 102 can be configured as a polygonal prism, i.e., as a prism comprising a polygon base. In the example implementation shown in Figures 1-2, the valve body 102 is a hexagonal prism having a hexagonal base. As such, the valve body 102 has six sides. Although the inlet ports 104, 106 and the outlet ports 108-114 are all disposed on one side of the hexagonal prism, it should be understood that the ports can be distributed or disposed on different sides to facilitate fluid line (e.g., hose, tubes, pipes, etc.) routing and orientation in a fluid system of a machine (e.g., a vehicle).

[0031] The valve 100 includes a rotary actuator 120 coupled to one side of the valve body 102 via fasteners 121, 122. As an example, the rotary actuator 120 can be any type of electric motor actuated by a command signal from a controller via a connector 124. The other side of the valve body 102 is sealed or blocked.

[0032] As shown in the transparent view of Figure 2, the valve body 102 is hollow and is configured to house two shells or hollow cylinders. The first cylinder can be referred as a driving cylinder 200 and the second cylinder can be referred to as a follower cylinder or driven cylinder 202. The rotary actuator 120 is drivingly-coupled to the driving cylinder 200. As such, when the rotary actuator 120 is actuated (i.e., a command signal is provided to the rotary actuator 120), the rotary actuator 120 rotatably drives the driving cylinder 200.

[0033] The rotary actuator 120 is configured to be bi-directional and can thus rotate the driving cylinder 200 in both rotational directions (e.g., clockwise and counter-clockwise) from the perspective of the rotary actuator 120. As described in more detail below, the driving cylinder 200 can selectively engage with and rotate the driven cylinder 202.

[0034] The driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202 are configured as shells (i.e., as hollow cylinders). As such, the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202 form a longitudinal cavity 204 therein that operates as a central hub for fluid.

[0035] The driving cylinder 200 operates as a spool element that selectively allows or blocks fluid flow from the inlet ports 104, 106 to the longitudinal cavity 204 based on its rotational position. Similarly, the driven cylinder 202 operates as a spool element that selectively allows or blocks fluid flow from the longitudinal cavity 204 to the outlet ports 108-114 based on its rotational position.

[0036] Particularly, as shown Figure 2, the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202 each has respective slots that are axially-spaced along their respective lengths. The term “slot” is used herein to encompass any opening or hole with any shape. Based on the rotational position of the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202, their respective slots can be selectively aligned with the inlet ports 104, 106 and the outlet ports 108-114, respectively, to allow fluid flow from one or more of the inlet ports 104, 106 to one or more of the outlet ports 108-114 and operate the valve 100 in a particular state.

[0037] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202, Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202, and Figure 5 illustrates a partial exploded view of the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202 from a different perspective, in accordance with an example implementation. Referring to Figures 3 and 5 together, the driving cylinder 200 can include or can be coupled to a splined shaft 500. Splines on the exterior surface of the splined shaft 500 engage with respective splines on the interior surface of a rotor of the rotary actuator 120 to facilitate transmission of rotary motion from the rotor of the rotary actuator 120 to the driving cylinder 200.

[0038] The driving cylinder 200 has a first inlet slot 300 axially-aligned with the first inlet port 104 and has a second inlet slot 302 axially- aligned with the second inlet port 106. The first inlet slot 300 and the second inlet slot 302 are axially-spaced from each other along the length of the driving cylinder 200. Further, the first inlet slot 300 and the second inlet slot 302 are angularly- shifted relative to each other about the exterior surface or circumference of the driving cylinder

200. [0039] In the example implementation shown in Figures 3-5, the inlet slots 300, 302 are configured as arcuate slots formed in the driving cylinder 200, and each inlet slot spans a particular angular range along the circumference of the driving cylinder 200.

[0040] With this configuration, based on the rotational position of the driving cylinder 200, the first inlet slot 300 can be rotationally-aligned with (i.e., exposed to) the first inlet port 104 to allow fluid flow from the first inlet port 104 into the longitudinal cavity 204, and/or the second inlet slot 302 can be rotationally-aligned with the second inlet port 106 to allow fluid flow from the second inlet port 106 to the longitudinal cavity 204. In one example, the first inlet slot 300 and the second inlet slot 302 can be configured (i.e., can be angularly-shifted from each other) such that fluid flow can be allowed from one inlet port while the other inlet port is blocked.

[0041] However, in another example, the first inlet slot 300 and the second inlet slot 302 can be configured such that at a particular rotational position of the driving cylinder 200 fluid flow can be allowed from both inlet ports 104, 106 into the longitudinal cavity 204. In other words, the angular range of the first inlet slot 300 can overlap with the respective angular range of the second inlet slot 302 such that at a particular rotational position of the driving cylinder 200, both of the inlet slots 300, 302 are rotationally-aligned with their respective inlet ports.

[0042] Further, fluid flow through a particular inlet port can be on/off, where at a particular rotational position one or more of the inlet slots 300, 302 is wholly-exposed to their respective port, and at other rotational position, the inlet ports 104, 106 are completely blocked. In other examples, however, the valve 100 can operate as a proportional valve, where the driving cylinder 200 can move through a continuum of rotational positions to vary the amount of overlap (i.e., partial rotational alignment) between the inlet slots 300, 302 and the respective port of the inlet ports 104, 106 to proportionally control the fluid flow rate from the inlet ports 104, 106 to the longitudinal cavity 204. In some examples, to enhance proportional fluid flow through the inlet ports 104, 106, one or more of the inlet slots 300, 302 can include a notch (e.g., a V-shaped notch) that enables precise control of fluid flow rate.

[0043] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the valve 100, in accordance with an example implementation. Referring to Figures 3 and 6 together, the inlet slot 302 can be configured to have a notch 304. The notch 304 may enable precise fluid flow rate control through the inlet port 106. Particularly, the notch 304 cooperates with the surfaces of the valve body 102 to precisely and gradually control the flow area through which fluid flows from the inlet port 106 into the longitudinal cavity 204. Although only the inlet slot 302 is shown to have a notch, it should be understood that any of the slots described herein can have a respective notch as desired in a particular application.

[0044] Referring back to Figures 3-5, the driven cylinder 202 has a first outlet slot 306 axially- aligned with the first outlet port 108, a second outlet slot 308 axially- aligned with the second outlet port 110, a third outlet slot 310 axially-aligned with the third outlet port 112, and a fourth outlet slot 312 axially-aligned with the fourth outlet port 114. The outlet slots 306-312 are axially-spaced from each other along the length of the driven cylinder 202. Further, the outlet slot 306-312 are angularly-shifted relative to each other about the exterior surface of the driven cylinder 202.

[0045] In the example implementation shown in Figures 3-5, the outlet slots 306-310 are configured as arcuate slots formed in the driven cylinder 202, and each outlet slot spans a particular angular range along the circumference of the driven cylinder 202. The outlet slot 312 is configured as a hole in the driven cylinder 202. In another example implementation, all of the outlet slots can be configured as arcuate slots. Other hole or slot shapes can be used as well. Further, some of the outlet slots can be configured with notches similar to the inlet slot 302. [0046] Based on the rotational position of the driven cylinder 202, one or more of the outlet slots 306-312 can be selectively rotationally-aligned with the outlet port 108-114 to allow fluid flow from the longitudinal cavity 204 to some of the outlet ports 108-114 as desired. Particularly, the outlet slot 306 can be selectively rotationally-aligned with the outlet port 108 to allow fluid flow from the longitudinal cavity 204 to the outlet port 108, the outlet slot 308 can be selectively rotationally-aligned with the outlet port 110 to allow fluid flow from the longitudinal cavity 204 to the outlet port 110, the outlet slot 310 can be selectively rotationally-aligned with the outlet port 112 to allow fluid flow from the longitudinal cavity 204 to the outlet port 112, and/or the outlet slot 312 can be selectively rotationally-aligned with the outlet port 114 to allow fluid flow from the longitudinal cavity 204 to the outlet port 114.

[0047] In one example, the outlet slots 306-312 can be configured (i.e., can be angularly-shifted from each other) such that fluid flow can be allowed from the longitudinal cavity 204 to one outlet port while the other outlet ports are blocked. However, in another example, the outlet slot 306- 312 can be configured such that at a particular rotational position of the driven cylinder 202 fluid flow can be allowed to more than one outlet port of the outlet ports 108-114. In other words, the respective angular ranges of a subset of the outlet slot 306-314 can overlap such that at a particular rotational position of the driven cylinder 202, the subset of outlet ports are rotationally-aligned with their respective outlet ports and fluid is allowed to flow through more than on outlet port.

[0048] Further, fluid flow through a particular outlet port can be on/off, where at a particular rotational position one or more of the outlet slots 306, 312 is wholly exposed to their respective port, and at other rotational position, the outlet ports 108-114 are completely blocked. In other examples, however, the valve 100 can operate as a proportional valve, where the driven cylinder 202 can move through a continuum of rotational positions to vary the amount of overlap between the outlet slots 306-312 and the respective port of the outlet ports 108- 114 to proportionally control the fluid flow rate from through the outlet ports 108-114.

[0049] Further, the valve 100 is configured such that the driving cylinder 200 can selectively engage with the driven cylinder 202 to drive (i.e., rotate) it while also allowing the driving cylinder 200 to rotate independently from the driven cylinder 202. Particularly, the driven cylinder 202 has a coupling or interlocking feature such as a tooth 400 protruding from an end of the driven cylinder 202 toward the driving cylinder. The tooth 400 is arcuate and follows a contour of the end of the driven cylinder 202.

[0050] The driving cylinder 200 has a corresponding coupling or interlocking feature comprising a boss 402. The term “boss” is used herein to indicate a protruding feature on the driving cylinder 200. Particularly, the boss 402 comprises a reduced diameter portion 404 at the end of the driving cylinder 200 facing the driven cylinder 202. However, the reduced diameter does not encompass the entire circumference of the boss 402. Rather, the driving cylinder 200 comprises a tooth 406 configured as protrusion that has the same diameter as the rest of the driving cylinder 200. The tooth 406 is arcuate and follows a contour of the driving cylinder 200.

[0051] The reduced diameter portion 404 (i.e., the angular span between the ends of the tooth 406) operates as a track that allows the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202 to rotatably- slide relative to each other when engaged. Particularly, when driven cylinder 202 is mounted to or meshed with, the driving cylinder 200, the driven cylinder 202 operates a sleeve, and the driving cylinder 200 can rotate relative to the driven cylinder 202.

[0052] In particular, when the rotary actuator 120 rotates the driving cylinder 200, the driving cylinder 200 can rotate independently from the driven cylinder 202 until the tooth 406 mates with the tooth 400 of the driven cylinder 202. The driving cylinder 200 can then rotate the driven cylinder 202 therewith.

[0053] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the driving cylinder 200 rotatably engaged to the driven cylinder 202, in accordance with an example implementation. Particularly, Figure 7 depicts a partial, enlarged view of the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202 where the driving cylinder 200 has rotated in a first rotational direction to a rotational position at which the tooth 406 mates with the tooth 400.

[0054] The driving cylinder 200 can then rotate the driven cylinder 202 therewith in the first rotational direction to position or place the driven cylinder 202 at a particular rotational position based on which outlet ports of the outlet ports 108-114 are to be opened. In other words, the driving cylinder 200 places the driven cylinder 202 at a rotational position at which some of the outlet slots 306-312 are rotationally-aligned with their respective outlet ports while other slots are rotationally-misaligned with their respective outlet ports to block them to operate the valve 100 in a particular desired state. Thereafter, the driving cylinder 200 can rotate in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, until it reaches a desired position that selectively allows fluid from the inlet ports 104, 106 as desired.

[0055] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective partial view of the valve 100 showing the driving cylinder 200 after placing the driven cylinder 202 at a desired rotational position and rotating back to another rotational position, in accordance with an example implementation. Particularly, as depicted in Figure 8, the driving cylinder 200 has rotated the driven cylinder 202 to a rotational position where the outlet slot 306 is rotationally-aligned or overlaps with the outlet port 108 and the outlet slot 310 is rotationally-aligned or overlaps with the outlet port 112, whereas the outlet slot 308 is rotationally-misaligned (does not overlap) with the outlet port 110 and the outlet slot 312 is rotationally-misaligned with the outlet port 114. As such, fluid flow is allowed from the longitudinal cavity 204 to the outlet ports 108, 112 while the outlet ports 110, 114 are blocked.

[0056] After positioning the driven cylinder 202 at the rotational position shown in Figure 8, the rotary actuator 120 rotates the driving cylinder 200 in an opposite direction independently from (without rotating) the driven cylinder 202, as the tooth 406 is disengaged from the tooth 400. The driving cylinder 200 rotates until it reaches a desired, commanded position. In the example commanded position in Figure 8, the inlet slot 300 is rotationally-aligned with the inlet port 104 and the inlet slot 302 is rotationally-aligned with the inlet port 106. Thus, with the particular rotational positions of the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202 shown in Figure 8, fluid is allowed to flow from the inlet ports 104, 106 through the longitudinal cavity 204, then through the outlet ports 108, 112.

[0057] The configuration of the interlocking features shown in the figures is an example implementation for illustration and is not meant to be limiting. Other interlocking features could be used.

[0058] For example, the driving cylinder 200 or the driven cylinder 202 can have a pin protruding from an end thereof, and the other cylinder can have an arcuate slot configured to receive the pin. As such, the cylinders can rotate relative to each other as the pin traverses the arcuate slot, until the pin reaches an end of the slot, thereafter causing the two cylinders to rotate with each other. The driving cylinder 200 can then rotate in an opposite direction toward its desired position. As such, any selective engagement configuration could be used to: (i) allow the driving cylinder 200 to rotate until an interlocking feature of the driving cylinder 200 engages a corresponding interlocking feature of the driven cylinder 202, (ii) thereafter allow the cylinders to rotate together until the driven cylinder 202 reaches a desired position, and (iii) then allow the driving cylinder 200 to rotate independently in an opposite direction to reach its desired position.

[0059] The valve 100 further includes a gasket or seal that precludes cross flow or unintended flow to or from blocked ports. Figure 9 illustrates a partial perspective view of the valve 100 depicting an arcuate seal 900, in accordance with an example implementation. The arcuate seal 900 is interposed between the interior surface of the valve body 102 and the exterior surfaces of the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinders 202. The arcuate seal 900 has holes or openings, such as hole 901, that correspond to openings of the ports (i.e., the inlet ports 104, 106 and the outlet ports 108-114). The arcuate seal 900 extends longitudinally along a length of the valve 100 to seal all the ports on the inside of the valve 100.

[0060] In the example implementation of Figure 9, the arcuate seal 900 is a composite, two-part molded seal comprising an energized seal layer 902 and a support and sliding layer 904. The energized seal layer 902 is energized under fluid pressure to seal against the ports of the valve 100. For example, the energized seal layer 902 can be made of a rubber material (e.g., Nitrile).

[0061] The support and sliding layer 904 is configured to support the energized seal layer 902. The support and sliding layer 904 also interfaces with the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202. As such, the support and sliding layer 904 is configured to have a smooth, slippery interior surface to reduce friction between the support and sliding layer 904 and the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202 as the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202 rotate within the valve body 102. For example, the support and sliding layer 904 can be made of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based material.

[0062] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method 1000 for operating the valve 100, in accordance with an example implementation. The method 1000 may include one or more operations, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 1002, 1004, and 1006. Although the blocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may also be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or removed based upon the desired implementation. It should be understood that for this and other processes and methods disclosed herein, flowcharts show functionality and operation of one possible implementation of present examples. Alternative implementations are included within the scope of the examples of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrent or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art.

[0063] At block 1002, the method 1000 includes actuating the rotary actuator 120 of the valve 100, wherein the valve 100 comprises (i) the valve body 102 having a plurality of inlet ports (e.g., the inlet ports 104, 106) and a plurality of outlet ports (e.g., the outlet ports 108-114), (ii) the driving cylinder (200) rotatably-coupled to the rotary actuator 120 and disposed within the valve body 102, and (iii) the driven cylinder 202 disposed within the valve body 102 and configured to be selectively engaged with the driving cylinder 200, wherein the driving cylinder 200 and the driven cylinder 202 are hollow and define the longitudinal cavity 204 therein, wherein actuating the rotary actuator 120 causes the driving cylinder 200 to rotate in a first rotational direction to engage with the driven cylinder, thereafter causing the driven cylinder 202 to rotate with the driving cylinder 200.

[0064] In an example, the rotary actuator is an electric motor having a stator and a rotor. In this example, actuating the rotary actuator can comprise, for example, sending a signal to an electronic circuit (e.g., an inverter) that generates and provides power to the windings of the stator to generate a magnetic field that causes the rotor to rotate. Also, as mentioned above, the driving cylinder 200 can have an interlocking feature (e.g., the tooth 406) and the driven cylinder 202 can have a corresponding interlocking feature (e.g., the tooth 400) that allow both cylinders to be selectively engaged with each other.

[0065] At block 1004, the method 1000 includes positioning the driven cylinder 202 at a desired rotational position at which fluid is allowed to flow from the longitudinal cavity 204 to one or more outlet ports of the plurality of outlet ports. For example, the driven cylinder 202 has a plurality of outlet slots (e.g., the outlet slots 306-312) axially-spaced along a length of the driven cylinder 202, wherein positioning the driven cylinder 202 at the desired rotational position causes one or more of the plurality of outlet slots to be respectively rotationally-aligned with the one or more outlet ports of the plurality of outlet ports, thereby allowing fluid flow from the longitudinal cavity 204 to the one or more outlet ports.

[0066] At block 1006, the method 1000 includes, after positioning the driven cylinder 202 at the desired rotational position, rotating the driving cylinder 200 in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, independently from the driven cylinder 202, until the driving cylinder 200 reaches a respective desired rotational position at which fluid is allowed to flow from one or more of the inlet ports of the plurality of inlet ports to the longitudinal cavity 204. For example, the driving cylinder 202 has a plurality of inlet slots (e.g., the inlet slots 300, 302) axially- spaced along a length of the driving cylinder 200, wherein, at the respective desired rotational position, one or more of the plurality of inlet slots are rotationally-aligned with the one or more inlet ports of the plurality of inlet ports, thereby allowing fluid flow from the one or more inlet ports into the longitudinal cavity 204. [0067] The detailed description above describes various features and operations of the disclosed systems with reference to the accompanying figures. The illustrative implementations described herein are not meant to be limiting. Certain aspects of the disclosed systems can be arranged and combined in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are contemplated herein.

[0068] Further, unless context suggests otherwise, the features illustrated in each of the figures may be used in combination with one another. Thus, the figures should be generally viewed as component aspects of one or more overall implementations, with the understanding that not all illustrated features are necessary for each implementation.

[0069] Additionally, any enumeration of elements, blocks, or steps in this specification or the claims is for purposes of clarity. Thus, such enumeration should not be interpreted to require or imply that these elements, blocks, or steps adhere to a particular arrangement or are carried out in a particular order.

[0070] Further, devices or systems may be used or configured to perform functions presented in the figures. In some instances, components of the devices and/or systems may be configured to perform the functions such that the components are actually configured and structured (with hardware and/or software) to enable such performance. In other examples, components of the devices and/or systems may be arranged to be adapted to, capable of, or suited for performing the functions, such as when operated in a specific manner.

[0071] By the term “substantially” or “about” it is meant that the recited characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including for example, tolerances, measurement error, measurement accuracy limitations and other factors known to skill in the art, may occur in amounts that do not preclude the effect the characteristic was intended to provide. [0072] The arrangements described herein are for purposes of example only. As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements and other elements (e.g., machines, interfaces, operations, orders, and groupings of operations, etc.) can be used instead, and some elements may be omitted altogether according to the desired results. Further, many of the elements that are described are functional entities that may be implemented as discrete or distributed components or in conjunction with other components, in any suitable combination and location.

[0073] While various aspects and implementations have been disclosed herein, other aspects and implementations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and implementations disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0074] Implementations of the present disclosure can thus relate to one of the enumerated example implementation (EEEs) listed below.

[0075] EEE 1 is a valve comprising: a valve body having a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports axially- spaced along a length of the valve body; a rotary actuator coupled to the valve body; a driving cylinder rotatably-coupled to the rotary actuator and disposed within the valve body; and a driven cylinder disposed within the valve body and configured to be selectively engaged with the driving cylinder, wherein the driving cylinder and the driven cylinder are hollow and define a longitudinal cavity therein, and wherein the rotary actuator is configured to: (i) cause the driving cylinder to rotate in a first rotational direction to engage with the driving cylinder, thereafter causing the driven cylinder to rotate with the driving cylinder until the driven cylinder reaches a desired rotational position at which fluid is allowed to flow from the longitudinal cavity to one or more outlet ports of the plurality of outlet ports, and (ii) after the driven cylinder reaches the desired rotational position, rotate the driving cylinder in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, independently from the driven cylinder, until the driving cylinder reaches a respective desired rotational position at which fluid is allowed to flow from one or more inlet ports of the plurality of inlet ports to the longitudinal cavity.

[0076] EEE 2 is the valve of EEE 1 , wherein the driven cylinder has a plurality of outlet slots axially-spaced along a length of the driven cylinder, wherein the plurality of outlet slots are angularly-shifted relative to each other about a circumference of the driven cylinder, and wherein when the driven cylinder reaches the desired rotational position, one or more of the plurality of outlet slots are respectively rotationally-aligned with the one or more outlet ports of the plurality of outlet ports, thereby allowing fluid flow from the longitudinal cavity to the one or more outlet ports.

[0077] EEE 3 is the valve of EEE 2, wherein the driving cylinder has a plurality of inlet slots axially-spaced along a length of the driving cylinder, wherein the plurality of inlet slots are angularly-shifted relative to each other about a circumference of the driving cylinder, and wherein when the driving cylinder reaches the respective desired rotational position, one or more of the plurality of inlet slots are respectively rotationally-aligned with the one or more inlet ports of the plurality of inlet ports, thereby allowing fluid flow from the one or more inlet ports into the longitudinal cavity.

[0078] EEE 4 is the valve of EEE 3, wherein at least one of the plurality of inlet slots or the plurality of outlet slots is an arcuate slot spanning an angular range about the circumference of the driving cylinder or the driven cylinder, respectively. [0079] EEE 5 is the valve of any of EEEs 3-4, wherein at least one of the plurality of inlet slots or the plurality of outlet slots has a notch.

[0080] EEE 6 is the valve of any of EEEs 1-5, wherein driving cylinder comprises a splined shaft engaging with a rotor of the rotary actuator, thereby facilitating transmission of rotary motion from the rotary actuator to the driving cylinder.

[0081] EEE 7 is the valve of any of EEEs 1-6, wherein the driving cylinder has an interlocking feature, wherein the driven cylinder has a corresponding interlocking feature, and wherein the rotary actuator is configured to (i) rotate the driving cylinder in the first rotational direction until the interlocking feature of the driving cylinder engages the corresponding interlocking feature of the driven cylinder, thereafter causing the driven cylinder to rotate with the driving cylinder, and (ii) after the driven cylinder reaches the desired rotational position, rotate the driving cylinder in the second rotational direction, thereby disengaging the interlocking feature from the corresponding interlocking feature to allow the driving cylinder to rotate independently from the driven cylinder.

[0082] EEE 8 is the valve of EEE 7, wherein the interlocking feature of the driving cylinder comprises a tooth configured to engage with a respective tooth of the driven cylinder.

[0083] EEE 9 is the valve of EEE 8, wherein the driving cylinder has a reduced diameter portion comprising an angular span between ends of the tooth of the driving cylinder, wherein the driven cylinder is configured to engage the driving cylinder such that the respective tooth of the driven cylinder can slide along the reduced diameter portion until the tooth of the driving cylinder reaches the respective tooth of the driven cylinder. [0084] EEE 10 is the valve of any of EEEs 1-9, further comprising: an arcuate seal interposed between an interior surface of the valve body and exterior surfaces of the driving cylinder and the driven cylinder, wherein the arcuate seal has holes that respectively correspond to the plurality of inlet ports and the plurality of outlet ports.

[0085] EEE 11 is the valve of EEE 10, wherein the arcuate seal comprises: an energized seal layer configured to be energized under fluid pressure to seal against the plurality of inlet ports and the plurality of outlet ports; and a support and sliding layer coupled to the energized seal layer and interfacing with the driving cylinder and the driven cylinder.

[0086] EEE 12 is the valve of any of EEEs 1-11, wherein the valve body is configured as a polygonal prism comprising a polygon base.

[0087] EEE 13 is the valve of EEE 12, wherein the valve body is configured as a hexagonal prism having a hexagonal base.

[0088] EEE 14 is a method comprising: actuating a rotary actuator of a valve, wherein the valve comprises (i) a valve body having a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of outlet ports, (ii) a driving cylinder rotatably-coupled to the rotary actuator and disposed within the valve body, and (iii) a driven cylinder disposed within the valve body and configured to be selectively engaged with the driving cylinder, wherein the driving cylinder and the driven cylinder are hollow and define a longitudinal cavity therein, and wherein actuating the rotary actuator causes the driving cylinder to rotate in a first rotational direction to engage with the driven cylinder, thereafter causing the driven cylinder to rotate with the driving cylinder; positioning the driven cylinder at a desired rotational position at which fluid is allowed to flow from the longitudinal cavity to one or more outlet ports of the plurality of outlet ports; and after positioning the driven cylinder at the desired rotational position, rotating the driving cylinder in a second rotational direction, opposite the first rotational direction, independently from the driven cylinder, until the driving cylinder reaches a respective desired rotational position at which fluid is allowed to flow from one or more of inlet ports of the plurality of inlet ports to the longitudinal cavity.

[0089] EEE 15 is the method of EEE 14, wherein the driven cylinder has a plurality of outlet slots axially-spaced along a length of the driven cylinder, wherein the plurality of outlet slots are angularly-shifted relative to each other about a circumference of the driven cylinder, and wherein positioning the driven cylinder at the desired rotational position comprises: rotationally aligning one or more of the plurality of outlet slots respectively with the one or more outlet ports of the plurality of outlet ports, thereby allowing fluid flow from the longitudinal cavity to the one or more outlet ports.

[0090] EEE 16 is the method of EEE 15, wherein the driving cylinder has a plurality of inlet slots axially-spaced along a length of the driving cylinder, wherein the plurality of inlet slots are angularly-shifted relative to each other about a circumference of the driving cylinder, and wherein rotating the driving cylinder in the second rotational direction to the respective desired rotational position comprises: rotationally aligning one or more of the plurality of inlet slots respectively with the one or more inlet ports of the plurality of inlet ports, thereby allowing fluid flow from the one or more inlet ports into the longitudinal cavity.

[0091] EEE 17 is the method of any of EEEs 14-16, wherein the driving cylinder has an interlocking feature, wherein the driven cylinder has a corresponding interlocking feature, and wherein actuating the rotary actuator comprises: rotating the driving cylinder in the first rotational direction until the interlocking feature of the driving cylinder engages the corresponding interlocking feature of the driven cylinder, thereafter causing the driven cylinder to rotate with the driving cylinder; and after the driven cylinder reaches the desired rotational position, rotating the driving cylinder in the second rotational direction, thereby disengaging the interlocking feature from the corresponding interlocking feature to allow the driving cylinder to rotate independently from the driven cylinder.