Valve device

Abstract

The valve device comprises: a valve (20) having a cylindrical valve outer peripheral portion (70) provided with a valve inlet (84) for allowing fluid to flow into a flow path portion (26) and a plurality of valve outlets (81, 91) for allowing fluid to flow out of the flow path portion (26), the valve being rotated about a rotation axis (CL); a housing (10) having a fluid inlet portion (40, 44) for allowing fluid to flow in and a fluid outlet portion (41) for allowing fluid to flow out formed at a position facing the valve outer peripheral portion (70); and a valve seat (123a) having a seat opening portion (61) provided on a seat surface (51) that slides with the valve outer peripheral portion (20). The valve outlets (81, 91) include a main outlet (81) that communicates with the entire seat opening portion (61) and an intermediate outlet (91) that communicates with a portion of the seat opening portion (61). The size of the intermediate outflow port (91) in the axial direction of the rotation axis (CL) is smaller than the size of the seat opening (61), and the size of the intermediate outflow port (91) in the axial direction continuously changes along the circumferential direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-references between related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-079505 filed on April 28, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a valve device. Background Art

[0004] In the past, the following valve device was known, which includes: a ball valve having a valve opening formed on a curved spherical surface; a valve seat having a seat opening formed on a curved seat surface; and a shaft that rotates integrally with the ball valve (for example, see Patent Document 1). The valve opening is in the shape of an elongated hole having a pair of opening edges extending along the direction of rotation of the ball valve, and the valve opening is formed so that the size of the shaft in the axial direction is larger than the inner diameter of the seat opening. Therefore, when the ball valve rotates, it is easier to connect the valve opening with the seat opening than when the valve opening is formed in a perfect circular shape. In addition, the valve opening can connect with the entire seat opening when the valve is open.

[0005] Furthermore, the seat surface is formed with a larger radius of curvature than that of the spherical surface. Therefore, the portion of the seat surface that contacts the spherical surface to ensure sealing when the valve is closed does not contact the spherical surface when the valve is open. This reduces wear in the portion of the seat surface that contacts the spherical surface to ensure sealing when the valve is closed, thereby ensuring sealing.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-053415 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The inventors have investigated adding an opening to the spherical surface that communicates with a portion of the seat opening, thereby enabling the valve device described in Patent Document 1 to function as a flow control valve capable of adjusting the outflow rate of a fluid by switching the opening communicating with the seat opening. The opening added in this research (i.e., the additional opening) is in the form of an elongated hole having a pair of opening edges extending in the direction of rotation of the ball valve. The additional opening is formed so that its size in the axial direction of the shaft is smaller than the inner diameter of the seat opening.

[0010] However, when the additional opening is connected to the seat opening, the portion of the seat surface that circumferentially overlaps with the additional opening, among the portions that circumferentially connect to the spherical surface when the valve is closed to ensure sealing, does not connect to the spherical surface. On the other hand, the portion of the seat surface that circumferentially does not overlap with the additional opening, among the portions that circumferentially connect to the spherical surface when the valve is closed to ensure sealing, connects to the spherical surface. Therefore, if the ball valve is repeatedly rotated at a position where the additional opening is connected to the seat opening, a difference in wear occurs between the portion of the seat surface that circumferentially overlaps with a pair of opening edges and the portion that does not overlap with the additional opening. Furthermore, the larger the circumferential size of the additional opening, the greater the difference in wear. As a result, the inventors concluded that it is difficult to ensure the sealing of the valve seat.

[0011] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a valve device that can ensure the sealing performance of a valve seat and adjust the outflow rate of a fluid in an open valve state.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a valve device includes:

[0013] The valve has a cylindrical outer peripheral portion forming a flow path portion for fluid flow, and is rotated along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral portion of the valve around a rotation axis;

[0014] a housing accommodating the valve, and having a fluid inlet for allowing fluid to flow in and a fluid outlet for allowing fluid to flow out formed at positions facing an outer periphery of the valve; and

[0015] The valve seat is provided between the outer periphery of the valve and the fluid outlet, blocking the gap between the outer periphery of the valve and the fluid outlet.

[0016] On the outer periphery of the valve, a valve inlet is provided at a position facing the fluid inlet portion so that the fluid flowing in from the fluid inlet portion flows into the flow path portion, and a plurality of valve outflow ports are arranged in a circumferential direction at a position facing the fluid outlet portion so that the fluid flowing into the flow path portion flows out to the fluid outlet portion.

[0017] The valve seat is provided with a seat opening portion on a seat surface that slides with the outer periphery of the valve when the valve rotates, and is connected to the valve outlet to allow the fluid to flow out to the fluid outlet portion.

[0018] The valve can be switched to an open state in which the valve outlet is connected to the seat opening and a closed state in which the valve outlet is not connected to the seat opening by rotating in the circumferential direction.

[0019] The valve outlet includes a main outlet communicating with the entire seat opening when the valve is in an open state, and an intermediate outlet communicating with a portion of the seat opening when the valve is in an open state.

[0020] There are multiple intermediate flow outlets arranged in the circumferential direction, the axial dimension of the rotation axis of the intermediate flow outlet is smaller than the axial dimension of the seat opening, and the axial dimension of at least the part of the intermediate flow outlet that overlaps with the seat opening in the circumferential direction changes continuously along the circumferential direction.

[0021] According to this arrangement, when the main outflow port of the valve device is in communication with the seat opening, fluid flows through the entire seat opening and out of the fluid outlet. Alternatively, when the intermediate outflow port of the valve device is in communication with the seat opening, fluid flows through a portion of the seat opening. In this case, the valve device allows fluid to flow out of the fluid outlet at a lower flow rate than when the main outflow port is in communication with the seat opening.

[0022] Therefore, the valve device switches the valve outlet communicating with the seat opening between the main outlet and the intermediate outlet by rotating the valve circumferentially, thereby adjusting the outflow rate of the fluid flowing out of the fluid outlet in the valve open state.

[0023] Furthermore, when the valve rotates within a range where the intermediate outflow port radially overlaps the seat opening, the portion of the seat surface that contacts the valve outer periphery changes along the shape of the intermediate outflow port as the valve rotates. This prevents the occurrence of differential wear between the portion of the seat surface that overlaps the intermediate outflow port and the portion that does not overlap when the valve rotates in a position where the intermediate outflow port communicates with the seat opening. Consequently, the sealing performance of the valve seat is maintained.

[0024] In addition, the reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component etc. represent an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and the specific component etc. described in the embodiment described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a cooling system to which the valve device according to the first embodiment is applied.

[0026] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of the valve device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram showing a part of the valve and the first sleeve according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a portion of the valve and the first sleeve according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 VV cross-section diagram.

[0030] Figure 6It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the curvature radius of the valve outer peripheral portion and the curvature radius of the first sleeve according to the first embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 It is a development view of the valve outer peripheral portion according to the first embodiment developed in a planar shape along the circumferential direction and a view showing the first to fourth openings.

[0032] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view showing a fully closed state of the first opening according to the first embodiment.

[0033] Figure 9 It is a diagram for explaining a sliding portion between the first seating surface and the blocking surface according to the first embodiment.

[0034] Figure 10 It is a cross-sectional view showing a fully opened state of the first opening according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 11 It is a diagram for explaining a sliding portion between the first seating surface and the blocking surface when the first opening portion according to the first embodiment is fully opened.

[0036] Figure 12 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the outflow port pitch according to the first embodiment.

[0037] Figure 13 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the distance between the first intermediate port and the second intermediate port according to the first embodiment.

[0038] Figure 14 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the distance between the first intermediate port and the second intermediate port according to the first embodiment.

[0039] Figure 15 It is an explanatory diagram for explaining the distance between the second intermediate port and the third intermediate port according to the first embodiment.

[0040] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the distance between the fourth intermediate port and the main outflow port according to the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 17 This is a graph showing the relationship between the rotational position of the valve and the opening ratios of the first to third openings according to the first embodiment.

[0042] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 An enlarged view of section XVIII.

[0043] Figure 19This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship among the main outflow port, the first to fourth intermediate ports, the second outflow port, and the third outflow port according to the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 20 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the intermediate port and the first opening are communicated with each other in a comparative example.

[0045] Figure 21 It is a diagram for explaining the sliding portion between the first seating surface and the blocking surface when the intermediate port and the first opening are communicated with each other in a comparative example.

[0046] Figure 22 It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the first opening portion and the first intermediate port according to the first embodiment communicate with each other.

[0047] Figure 23 This is a diagram for explaining a sliding portion between the first seating surface and the blocking surface when the first opening and the first intermediate port according to the first embodiment communicate with each other.

[0048] Figure 24 It is a diagram showing a first intermediate port and a second intermediate port according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0049] Figure 25 It is a diagram showing a first intermediate port and a second intermediate port according to a modification of the first embodiment.

[0050] Figure 26 It is a diagram showing a first intermediate port and a second intermediate port according to a second embodiment.

[0051] Figure 27 It is a diagram showing positional deviation between the first intermediate port and the second intermediate port and the first opening according to the second embodiment.

[0052] Figure 28 It is a diagram showing a first intermediate port and a second intermediate port according to a modification of the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, portions that are identical or equivalent to those described in the previous embodiments may be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions omitted. Furthermore, in the embodiments, when only a portion of a structural element is described, the structural elements described in the previous embodiments may be applied to the remaining portions of the structural element. In the following embodiments, even without specific indication, the various embodiments may be partially combined with one another, as long as such combinations are not particularly hindered.

[0054] (First embodiment)

[0055] [Overview of Valve Device 1]

[0056] Regarding this embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 19 The valve device 1 of this embodiment is used in a cooling system 2 that circulates cooling water for cooling a vehicle's engine 3. The valve device 1 controls the flow rate of the cooling water circulating in the cooling system 2. The cooling water referred to in this specification refers to a fluid primarily composed of ethylene glycol, for example. Alternatively, other liquids may be used as the fluid.

[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the cooling system 2 includes a valve device 1, an engine 3, an air conditioning heat exchanger 4, an oil cooler 5, a radiator 6, and a water pump 7. When the water pump 7 circulates the cooling water heated by passing through the engine 3, the valve device 1 flows the cooling water at a desired flow rate to the air conditioning heat exchanger 4, the oil cooler 5, and the radiator 6, respectively.

[0058] like Figure 2 As shown, the valve device 1 includes a housing 10 forming an outer shell, a valve 20 that rotates about a rotation axis CL, a shaft 25 that rotates the valve 20, and a drive unit 30 that outputs a driving force to rotate the shaft 25. The valve device 1 is configured as a rotary valve in which the valve 20 rotates about the rotation axis CL to open and close the valve device 1 and adjust the flow rate of cooling water flowing out of the valve device 1. In this embodiment, the direction along the rotation axis CL is referred to as the axial direction DRa. Directions perpendicular to the axial direction DRa and extending radially from the rotation axis CL are referred to as radial directions DRr. The circumferential direction of the valve outer peripheral portion 70 of the valve 20, which is the direction of rotation of the valve 20, is referred to as the circumferential direction DRc, and various structures and the like will be described.

[0059] The housing 10 is a housing portion that accommodates the valve 20. The housing 10 is formed of, for example, a resin member. The housing 10 includes a hollow housing body 11 that accommodates the valve 20, a pipe member 12 that allows cooling water to flow out of the housing body 11, and a driver cover 13 that accommodates the driver 30.

[0060] The housing body 11 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped with an opening and a bottom. Within the housing body 11, a cylindrical valve-accommodating space 111 having an axis in the axial direction DRa is formed by the outer wall of the housing body 11. One side of the housing body 11 in the axial direction DRa is open.

[0061] The drive unit cover 13 is mounted on the outer wall portion of the opening side of the housing body 11. In addition, the housing body 11 has an engine mounting surface 112 for mounting the engine 3 and a pipe mounting surface 113 for mounting the pipe member 12 at a portion located in the radial direction DRr of the outer wall portion of the housing body 11. The engine mounting surface 112 and the pipe mounting surface 113 are arranged at positions on opposite sides of each other in the radial direction DRr. In addition, inside the housing body 11, a first bearing portion 114 is provided at an end portion on one side in the axial direction DRa, which supports one side of the shaft 25 in a rotatable manner. In addition, inside the housing body 11, a second bearing portion 115 is provided at an end portion on the other side in the axial direction DRa, which supports the other side of the shaft 25 in a rotatable manner.

[0062] The driving unit cover 13 is a housing for housing the driving unit 30. The driving unit cover 13 is formed into a hollow shape by, for example, a resin member. The driving unit cover 13 is attached to the opening side of the housing body 11 to close the valve housing space 111.

[0063] The drive unit 30 is a driving source that outputs the driving force for rotating the shaft 25. The drive unit 30 includes a motor 31 that outputs the rotational force for rotating the valve 20, a gear unit 32 that transmits the output of the motor 31 to the shaft 25, and a rotation angle sensor 33 that detects the rotational position of the shaft 25. The motor 31 is connected to an electronic control unit (ECU), not shown, and rotates according to control signals sent from the ECU. The rotation angle sensor 33 is connected to the ECU, not shown, and transmits information about the rotational position of the shaft 25 to the ECU.

[0064] The pipe mounting surface 113 is generally planar. A first inlet portion 40 is formed on the pipe mounting surface 113 for allowing cooling water to flow into the valve housing space 111. Furthermore, a first outlet portion 41, a second outlet portion 42, and a third outlet portion 43 are formed on the pipe mounting surface 113 for allowing cooling water to flow out of the valve housing space 111. The first inlet portion 40, the first outlet portion 41, the second outlet portion 42, and the third outlet portion 43 each open in a circular shape and are formed at a position facing the valve outer peripheral portion 70. Furthermore, the first inlet portion 40, the first outlet portion 41, the second outlet portion 42, and the third outlet portion 43 are arranged in a manner aligned along the axial direction DRa. Furthermore, the pipe member 12 is mounted on the pipe mounting surface 113. In this embodiment, the first inlet portion 40 and the second inlet portion 44 described later constitute a fluid inlet portion, and the first outlet portion 41 constitutes a fluid outlet portion.

[0065] The pipe member 12 is used to allow the cooling water flowing into the valve housing space 111 to flow out to the air conditioning heat exchanger 4, the oil cooler 5, and the radiator 6. The pipe member 12 is made of, for example, a resin member and has a flow path for the cooling water flowing out of the valve 20.

[0066] Specifically, the pipe member 12 includes a first pipe portion 121a for guiding the cooling water to the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4, a second pipe portion 121b for guiding the cooling water to the oil cooler 5, and a third pipe portion 121c for guiding the cooling water to the radiator 6. Furthermore, the pipe member 12 includes a first sleeve 122a for guiding the cooling water flowing out of the valve 20 to the first pipe portion 121a, a second sleeve 122b for guiding the cooling water to the second pipe portion 121b, and a third sleeve 122c for guiding the cooling water to the third pipe portion 121c.

[0067] The first pipe section 121a is connected to the first sleeve 122a. Furthermore, the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 is connected to the downstream side of the cooling water flow of the first pipe section 121a. The second pipe section 121b is connected to the second sleeve 122b. Furthermore, the oil cooler 5 is connected to the downstream side of the cooling water flow of the second pipe section 121b. The third pipe section 121c is connected to the third sleeve 122c. Furthermore, the radiator 6 is connected to the downstream side of the cooling water flow of the third pipe section 121c.

[0068] The first sleeve 122a is disposed between the valve 20 and the first outlet 41. Furthermore, the first sleeve 122a forms a flow path that guides the cooling water flowing out of the valve 20 to the first pipe portion 121a. The second sleeve 122b is disposed between the valve 20 and the second outlet 42. Furthermore, the second sleeve 122b forms a flow path that guides the cooling water flowing out of the valve 20 to the second pipe portion 121b. The third sleeve 122c is disposed between the valve 20 and the third outlet 43. Furthermore, the third sleeve 122c forms a flow path that guides the cooling water flowing out of the valve 20 to the third pipe portion 121c.

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, the first sleeve 122a includes a first valve seat 123a that blocks the gap between the first outlet portion 41 and the valve outer peripheral portion 70, and a first spring 124a that urges the first valve seat 123a toward the valve outer peripheral portion 70. The second sleeve 122b includes a second valve seat 123b that blocks the gap between the second outlet portion 42 and the valve outer peripheral portion 70, and a second spring 124b that urges the second valve seat 123b toward the valve outer peripheral portion 70. The third sleeve 122c includes a third valve seat 123c that blocks the gap between the third outlet portion 43 and the valve outer peripheral portion 70, and a third spring 124c that urges the third valve seat 123c toward the valve outer peripheral portion 70.

[0070] The first to third sleeves 122a to 122c have the same basic structure. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first sleeve 122a corresponding to the first outlet portion 41 will be described in detail, and detailed descriptions of the second and third sleeves 122b and 122c will be omitted.

[0071] The first valve seat 123a is a sealing member that prevents the cooling water from leaking out of the gap between the first outlet portion 41 and the valve outer peripheral portion 70. Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the first valve seat 123a is annular. It is located at the end of the first sleeve 122a on the valve 20 side. The first valve seat 123a has a first seating surface 51 that slides against the valve outer peripheral portion 70 during valve 20 rotation. The first valve seat 123a has a curved surface with the center of the first seating surface 51 recessed outward in the radial direction DRr.

[0072] In addition, a first opening portion 61 is formed in the center of the first valve seat 123a so as to penetrate therethrough and allow the cooling water flowing out of the valve 20 to flow out to the first outlet portion 41. The first opening portion 61 is connected to the first outlet portion 41. In this embodiment, the first valve seat 123a constitutes a valve seat. In addition, the first seat surface 51 constitutes a seat surface. In addition, the first opening portion 61 constitutes a seat opening portion. In addition, in the following description, the opening portion formed on the seat surface of the second valve seat 123b and connected to the second outlet portion 42 is also referred to as the second opening portion 62. In addition, the opening portion formed on the seat surface of the third valve seat 123c and connected to the third outlet portion 43 is also referred to as the third opening portion 63.

[0073] The engine mounting surface 112 is generally planar. A second inlet 44 is formed on the engine mounting surface 112, allowing cooling water to flow into the valve housing space 111. The second inlet 44 is formed facing the valve outer peripheral portion 70. Furthermore, the second inlet 44 is formed on the opposite side of the radial direction DRr from the first inlet 40 and opens in a circular shape. Furthermore, a fourth sleeve 122d is provided on the second inlet 44 to guide the cooling water flowing in from the second inlet 44 to the valve inlet 84, described later.

[0074] The fourth sleeve 122d has the same structure as the first to third sleeves 122a to 122c, so their description is omitted. Hereinafter, the opening formed in the seat surface of the fourth valve seat 123d provided in the fourth sleeve 122d and communicating with the second inlet 44 will also be referred to as the fourth opening 64. The centers of the first to fourth openings 61 to 64 overlap in the axial direction DRa.

[0075] The shaft 25 is a rotating member that rotates about its axis by the driving force output by the drive unit 30. The shaft 25 is positioned so that its axis overlaps the rotation axis CL. The shaft 25 extends along the axial direction DRa. Furthermore, the shaft 25 penetrates the valve 20 and is connected to the valve 20. The shaft 25 rotates integrally with the valve 20.

[0076] One end of the shaft 25 is connected to the gear portion 32. The other end of the shaft 25 is rotatably supported by the second bearing portion 115. The shaft 25 receives the driving force of the motor 31 via the gear portion 32 and rotates in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0077] [Overview of valve 20]

[0078] The valve 20 is a regulating valve that rotates integrally with the shaft 25 to adjust the flow rate of cooling water flowing in from the first inlet 40 and the second inlet 44, and the flow rate of cooling water flowing out from the first outlet 41, the second outlet 42, and the third outlet 43. The valve 20 adjusts the flow rate of cooling water supplied to the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 by adjusting the flow rate of cooling water flowing out of the first outlet 41. Furthermore, the valve 20 adjusts the flow rate of cooling water supplied to the oil cooler 5 by adjusting the flow rate of cooling water flowing out of the second outlet 42. Furthermore, the valve 20 adjusts the flow rate of cooling water supplied to the radiator 6 by adjusting the flow rate of cooling water flowing out of the third outlet 43.

[0079] The valve 20 includes a valve outer peripheral portion 70 that forms the outer shell of the valve 20. The valve outer peripheral portion 70 is a bottomed cylindrical portion with one side blocked, forming a flow path portion 26 for the cooling water to flow. The shaft 25 is connected to the bottom of the valve outer peripheral portion 70. In addition, the valve outer peripheral portion 70 is formed into a curved surface shape that is convexly curved toward the outside of the radial direction DRr at the portion facing the first opening 61 to the fourth opening 64. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the portion of the valve outer peripheral portion 70 facing the first seating surface 51 is formed into a curved surface having a smaller radius of curvature than the first seating surface 51. Furthermore, the valve outer peripheral portion 70 has a blocking surface 27 on its surface for blocking the first inlet 40, the first outlet 41, the second outlet 42, the third outlet 43, and the second inlet 44.

[0080] A positioning portion (not shown) that limits the rotation of the valve 20 is provided on the valve outer periphery 70. The valve 20 is limited in its rotation range by the positioning portion abutting against a stopper (not shown) provided on the housing 10. In the present embodiment, the valve 20 is configured to be rotatable within a range from the reference angle to abutting against the stopper with a predetermined rotation position as a reference angle. Specifically, the valve 20 is configured to be rotatable to one side and the other side of the circumferential direction DRc within a range of 0° to 240° with the reference angle being 0°. Hereinafter, the direction of rotation from 0° to 240° on the circumferential direction DRc is also referred to as one side direction, and the direction of rotation from 240° to 0° is also referred to as the other side direction.

[0081] Furthermore, a valve inlet 84 is formed in the valve outer peripheral portion 70 for allowing cooling water flowing in from the first inlet portion 40 and the second inlet portion 44 to flow into the flow path portion 26. Furthermore, a main outflow port 81, a first intermediate port 91, a second intermediate port 92, a third intermediate port 93, a fourth intermediate port 94, the second outflow port 82, and the third outflow port 83 are formed in the valve outer peripheral portion 70 for allowing cooling water flowing into the flow path portion 26 via the valve inlet 84 to flow out to the outside of the valve 20.

[0082] The position of the valve inlet 84 in the axial direction DRa within the valve outer peripheral portion 70 is set to be the same as the position of the housing main body 11 in the axial direction DRa where the first inlet portion 40 and the second inlet portion 44 are formed. In other words, the valve inlet 84 is formed at a position facing the first inlet portion 40 and the second inlet portion 44. When the valve 20 rotates and overlaps with the first inlet portion 40 in the radial direction DRr, the valve inlet 84 communicates with the first inlet portion 40. Furthermore, when the valve 20 rotates and overlaps with the fourth opening portion 64 in the radial direction DRr, the valve inlet 84 communicates with the fourth opening portion 64.

[0083] The main outflow port 81 and the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 are outflow portions that allow the cooling water flowing into the flow path portion 26 to flow out to the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4 via the first outlet portion 41. In this embodiment, the main outflow port 81 and the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 constitute a valve outflow port that allows the cooling water flowing into the flow path portion 26 to flow out to the first outlet portion 41.

[0084] The main outflow port 81 and the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 are positioned in the valve outer peripheral portion 70 in the axial direction DRa at the same position as the position of the housing body 11 in the axial direction DRa where the first outlet portion 41 is formed. The main outflow port 81 and the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 are aligned in the circumferential direction DRc at a position facing the first outlet portion 41. Furthermore, at least a portion of each of the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 is positioned so as to overlap with the first opening 61 in the circumferential direction DRc. In this embodiment, the entirety of each of the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 is positioned so as to overlap with the first opening 61 in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0085] The main outflow port 81 and the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 are connected to the first opening portion 61 by rotating the valve 20 and overlapping with the first opening portion 61 in the radial direction DRr. Here, connection refers to a state in which two different spaces are connected and cooling water can flow through these two spaces. For example, when the first opening portion 61 is connected to the main outflow port 81, at least a portion of the space enclosed by the first opening portion 61 is connected to at least a portion of the space enclosed by the main outflow port 81, and cooling water can flow between the first opening portion 61 and the main outflow port 81. In addition, when the first opening portion 61 is connected to the main outflow port 81, the first opening portion 61 is in an open state (i.e., a valve open state).

[0086] Furthermore, for example, when the first opening 61 is in communication with the first intermediate port 91, a portion of the space enclosed by the first opening 61 is connected to at least a portion of the space enclosed by the first intermediate port 91, allowing cooling water to flow between the first opening 61 and the first intermediate port 91. In this embodiment, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 constitute intermediate outflow ports that communicate with a portion of the first opening 61 when the valve 20 is in the open state.

[0087] The second outflow port 82 is an outflow portion that allows cooling water flowing into the flow path portion 26 to flow out to the oil cooler 5 via the second outlet portion 42. The position of the second outflow port 82 in the valve outer peripheral portion 70 in the axial direction DRa is set at the same position in the same axial direction DRa as the position of the housing body 11 where the second outlet portion 42 is formed. The second outflow port 82 is rotated by the valve 20 and overlaps with the second opening 62 in the radial direction DRr, thereby communicating with the second opening 62.

[0088] The third outflow port 83 is an outflow portion that allows the cooling water flowing into the flow path portion 26 to flow out to the radiator 6 via the third outlet portion 43. The position of the third outflow port 83 in the valve outer peripheral portion 70 in the axial direction DRa is set to the same position in the axial direction DRa as the position of the housing body 11 where the third outlet portion 43 is formed. The third outflow port 83 is connected to the third opening 63 by the rotation of the valve 20 and overlapping with the third opening 63 in the radial direction DRr.

[0089] When cooling water flows into flow path portion 26 from valve inlet 84, valve 20 enters an open state when at least one of main outlet 81, first through fourth intermediate outlets 91 through 94, second outlet 82, and third outlet 83 communicates with an opening facing each of these outlets. When valve 20 is in the open state, valve device 1 allows cooling water to flow out of each of the openings communicating with main outlet 81, first through fourth intermediate outlets 91 through 94, second outlet 82, and third outlet 83.

[0090] Furthermore, valve 20 is closed when the main outflow port 81, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94, the second outflow port 82, and the third outflow port 83 are all disconnected from any opening. When valve 20 is closed, valve device 1 stops the outflow of cooling water. Valve 20 rotates to switch between an open and closed state, thereby adjusting the flow rate of cooling water flowing out of valve 20.

[0091] Furthermore, in the cooling system 2, the required flow rates of cooling water flowing out to the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4, the oil cooler 5, and the radiator 6 are preset. Therefore, the sizes of the main outflow port 81, the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94, the second outflow port 82, and the third outflow port 83 of the valve 20 are set to allow the required flow rates of cooling water to flow out to the air-conditioning heat exchanger 4, the oil cooler 5, and the radiator 6. Furthermore, the sizes of the first through third openings 61 through 63 are set based on the sizes of the main outflow port 81, the second outflow port 82, and the third outflow port 83.

[0092] Furthermore, the required flow rates of cooling water flowing out of the air conditioning heat exchanger 4, the oil cooler 5, and the radiator 6, and the timing of the cooling water flow are not necessarily fixed. Therefore, it is desirable that the valve 20 be set so that the required flow rates of cooling water flow out of the air conditioning heat exchanger 4, the oil cooler 5, and the radiator 6, respectively, at the required timings, depending on the vehicle's driving state, etc.

[0093] In this embodiment, the valve device 1 can adjust the rotational position of the valve 20 to allow desired flow rates of cooling water to flow to the air conditioning heat exchanger 4, oil cooler 5, and radiator 6 at desired times. Specifically, the sizes and positions of the main outlet 81, first through fourth intermediate outlets 91 through 94, second outlet 82, and third outlet 83 of the valve 20 are set based on the flow rates of cooling water flowing out of the first through third outlets 41 through 43 relative to a predetermined rotational position. Furthermore, the valve device 1 can adjust the flow rate of cooling water flowing to the air conditioning heat exchanger 4 by changing the outlet communicating with the first opening 61 to either the main outlet 81 or the first through fourth intermediate outlets 91 through 94.

[0094] In the following description, the main outflow port 81 , the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 , the second outflow port 82 , and the third outflow port 83 will be described after their shapes and their formation positions.

[0095] [Shapes of the Main Outlet 81 , the First to Fourth Intermediate Ports 91 to 94 , the Second Outlet 82 , the Third Outlet 83 , and the Valve Inlet 84 ]

[0096] For the shapes of the main outlet 81, the first to fourth intermediate outlets 91 to 94, the second outlet 82, the third outlet 83, and the valve inlet 84, refer to Figure 7 In addition, Figure 7 In the expanded view of the valve outer peripheral portion 70 shown in FIG, etc., the first opening 61 is also shown to illustrate the dimensions of the main outflow port 81 and the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94, as well as the dimensions of the first opening 61. Furthermore, the second opening 62 is also shown to illustrate the dimensional relationship between the second outflow port 82 and the second opening 62. Furthermore, the third opening 63 is also shown to illustrate the dimensional relationship between the third outflow port 83 and the third opening 63. Furthermore, the fourth opening 64 is also shown to illustrate the dimensional relationship between the valve inlet 84 and the fourth opening 64.

[0097] The main outlet 81, the second outlet 82, the third outlet 83, and the valve inlet 84 are elongated holes with a larger dimension in the circumferential direction DRc than in the axial direction DRa. However, the dimensions of the main outlet 81, the second outlet 82, the third outlet 83, and the valve inlet 84 in the axial direction DRa and in the circumferential direction DRc differ from each other. The main outlet 81, the second outlet 82, the third outlet 83, and the valve inlet 84 are each formed by connecting a pair of straight lines that face each other in the axial direction DRa and extend along the circumferential direction DRc, and a pair of circular arcs that face each other in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0098] The dimension W1 of the main outflow port 81 in the axial direction DRa is larger than the dimension W3 of the first opening 61 in the axial direction DRa. In other words, the dimension W1 of the main outflow port 81 in the axial direction DRa is larger than the inner diameter of the first opening 61 which opens in a substantially circular shape. The dimension W1 of the main outflow port 81 in the axial direction DRa is smaller than the dimension W4 of the first seat surface 51 in the axial direction DRa. The dimension W2 of the main outflow port 81 in the circumferential direction DRc is larger than the inner diameter of the first opening 61.

[0099] The main outflow port 81 formed in this manner can communicate with the entire first opening 61 when the main outflow port 81 is in communication with the first opening 61 and the valve 20 is in the open state. In other words, the main outflow port 81 can cover the entire area surrounded by the first seat surface 51. The maximum area of ​​the main outflow port 81 that can communicate with the first opening 61 is the entire area of ​​the first opening 61.

[0100] The second outflow port 82 has a dimension in the axial direction DRa and a dimension in the circumferential direction DRc that are larger than the inner diameter of the second opening 62. The third outflow port 83 has a dimension in the axial direction DRa and a dimension in the circumferential direction DRc that are larger than the inner diameter of the third opening 63. The valve inlet 84 has a dimension in the axial direction DRa and a dimension in the circumferential direction DRc that are larger than the inner diameter of the fourth opening 64.

[0101] In contrast, the first to fourth intermediate openings 91 to 94 are each formed in a substantially true circular shape. Furthermore, the dimensions of the first to fourth intermediate openings 91 to 94 in the axial direction DRa and the dimensions of the circumferential direction DRc are smaller than the dimension W3 of the axial direction DRa of the first opening 61. In other words, the dimensions of the first to fourth intermediate openings 91 to 94 in the axial direction DRa and the circumferential direction DRc are smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening 61.

[0102] The opening area of ​​the first middle opening 91 and the second middle opening 92 is 50% of the opening area of ​​the first opening 61. The opening area of ​​the third middle opening 93 and the fourth middle opening 94 is 25% of the opening area of ​​the first opening 61. The diameter of the first middle opening 91 and the second middle opening 92 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening 61 The diameters of the third intermediate opening 93 and the fourth intermediate opening 94 smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening 61 and the diameter of the first intermediate opening 91

[0103] Furthermore, the dimensions of the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 in the axial direction DRa vary continuously along the circumferential direction DRc. Specifically, the dimensions of the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 in the axial direction DRa decrease continuously along the circumferential direction DRc, moving from the location where the dimensions in the axial direction DRa are greatest to the location where the dimensions in the axial direction DRa are smallest.

[0104] Specifically, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 have their dimensions in the axial direction DRa continuously decreasing along the circumferential direction DRc from the center portion in the circumferential direction DRc toward one end portion and the other end portion in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0105] The first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 thus formed communicate with the first opening 61, respectively. When the valve 20 is in the open state, the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 can communicate with only a portion of the first opening 61. Since the opening areas of the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 are smaller than the first opening 61, they cannot fully open the first opening 61. In contrast, when the first opening 61 communicates with a specific intermediate port among the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94, it can communicate with the entirety of that port.

[0106] Furthermore, the range of each opening when the main outlet 81, first to fourth intermediate outlets 91 to 94, second outlet 82, third outlet 83, and valve inlet 84 are connected to an opening can be expressed as an opening ratio. Specifically, the opening ratio of the first to fourth openings 61 to 64 is the degree to which each opening is open.

[0107] When the main outlet 81 is in full communication with the first opening 61, the opening ratio of the first opening 61 is 100% (i.e., fully open). When the second outlet 82 is in full communication with the second opening 62, the opening ratio of the second opening 62 is 100%. When the third outlet 83 is in full communication with the third opening 63, the opening ratio of the third opening 63 is 100%. When the valve inlet 84 is in full communication with the fourth opening 64, the opening ratio of the fourth opening 64 is 100%.

[0108] When the entire first intermediate opening 91 is in communication with the first opening 61, or when the entire second intermediate opening 92 is in communication with the first opening 61, the opening ratio of the first opening 61 is 50%. When the entire third intermediate opening 93 is in communication with the first opening 61, or when the entire fourth intermediate opening 94 is in communication with the first opening 61, the opening ratio of the first opening 61 is 25%.

[0109] When the first to fourth openings 61 to 64 are respectively blocked by the blocking surface 27 , the opening ratios of the first to fourth openings 61 to 64 are 0% (ie, fully closed state).

[0110] In addition, the curvature radius of the portion of the valve 20 facing the first seat surface 51 is smaller than the curvature radius of the first seat surface 51. Therefore, when the first opening 61 is blocked by the blocking surface 27 and the valve 20 is in the closed state, the first seat surface 51 is Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the annular opening edge 611 of the first seating surface 51, which serves as the edge of the first opening 61, abuts against the blocking surface 27 over its entire circumference. That is, the entire area of ​​the opening edge 611 surrounding the first opening 61 abuts against the blocking surface 27, thereby ensuring sealing between the first valve seat 123a and the blocking surface 27.

[0111] On the other hand, when the first opening 61 is fully opened, Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, a portion of the first seating surface 51 that is radially outward of the first opening 61 relative to the opening edge 611 and overlaps with the edge of the main outflow port 81 in the axial direction DRa abuts against the blocking surface 27 .

[0112] [Formation Positions of the Main Outlet 81 , the First to Fourth Intermediate Ports 91 to 94 , the Second Outlet 82 , the Third Outlet 83 , and the Valve Inlet 84 ]

[0113] The valve 20 regulates the flow rate of cooling water flowing out of each of the first through third outlets 41 through 43 when the cooling water flows into the flow path 26 from the valve inlet 84. Therefore, the valve inlet 84 is formed so as to overlap at least a portion of each of the main outlet 81, the first through fourth intermediate outlets 91 through 94, the second outlet 82, and the third outlet 83 in the axial direction DRa. In this embodiment, the valve inlet 84 overlaps the entirety of each of the main outlet 81, the first through fourth intermediate outlets 91 through 94, the second outlet 82, and the third outlet 83 in the axial direction DRa.

[0114] In addition, the valve 20 discharges cooling water from the first outlet 41 while discharging cooling water from the second outlet 42 and the third outlet 43. Therefore, the second outlet 82 and the third outlet 83 are each formed so as to overlap at least a portion of the main outlet 81 and the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 in the axial direction DRa. In this embodiment, the second outlet 82 overlaps the entire range of the main outlet 81 and the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 in the axial direction DRa. The third outlet 83 overlaps the entire range of the main outlet 81 and the second to fourth intermediate ports 92 to 94 in the axial direction DRa. However, the third outlet 83 does not overlap the entire range of the first intermediate port 91 in the axial direction DRa.

[0115] The main outflow port 81, the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94, the second outflow port 82, the third outflow port 83, and the valve inflow port 84 are formed so that when the valve 20 rotates from 0° to one side, the first through fourth openings 61 through 64 open at different timings. In this embodiment, the main outflow port 81, the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94, the second outflow port 82, the third outflow port 83, and the valve inflow port 84 are formed so that the openings open in the order of the fourth opening 64, the second opening 62, the first opening 61, and the third opening 63.

[0116] The main outflow port 81 and the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 are spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals. Furthermore, the centers of the main outflow port 81 and the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 overlap with the center of the first opening 61 in the circumferential direction DRc. Furthermore, when the valve 20 is rotated from 0° to one side, the main outflow port 81 and the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 are arranged so that they communicate with the first opening 61 in the order of the first intermediate port 91, the second intermediate port 92, the third intermediate port 93, the fourth intermediate port 94, and the main outflow port 81.

[0117] Here, the point on the valve outer peripheral portion 70 that overlaps with the center of the first opening 61 in the radial direction DRr when the rotational position of the valve 20 is 0° is defined as the reference position of the valve outer peripheral portion 70. Furthermore, the rotational position of the valve 20 represents the rotational angle of the valve 20 when the valve 20 is rotated in one direction from the reference angle.

[0118] The valve inlet 84 is formed closer to the reference position than the main outlet 81, the first to fourth intermediate outlets 91 to 94, the second outlet 82, and the third outlet 83. The valve inlet 84 is formed within a range from a position spaced a distance L1 to one side from the reference position to a position spaced a distance L9 to one side from the reference position. Distance L9 is greater than distance L1.

[0119] The second outflow port 82 is formed in a range from a position spaced a distance L2 to a position spaced a distance L9 from the reference position. The third outflow port 83 is formed in a range from a position spaced a distance L4 to a position spaced a distance L9 from the reference position. Furthermore, distances L2 and L4 are greater than distance L1 and smaller than distance L9. Distance L4 is greater than distance L2.

[0120] The first intermediate opening 91 is spaced apart from the reference position by a distance L3. Distance L3 is greater than distance L2 and less than distance L4. The second intermediate opening 92 is spaced apart from the reference position by a distance L5. Distance L5 is greater than distance L4 and less than distance L9.

[0121] The third intermediate port 93 is spaced a distance L6 to one side from the reference position. The fourth intermediate port 94 is spaced a distance L7 to one side from the reference position. Furthermore, distance L7 is greater than distance L6 and less than distance L9. The main outflow port 81 is formed in a range extending from a position spaced a distance L8 to one side from the reference position to a position spaced a distance L9 to one side from the reference position. Furthermore, distance L8 is greater than distance L7 and less than distance L9.

[0122] Next, regarding the distances between the main outflow port 81 and the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94, refer to Figures 12 to 16 First, regarding the interval between the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 adjacent to each other, refer to Figures 12 to 14 The ends of the first intermediate opening 91, the second intermediate opening 92, and the first opening 61 on one side are designated as the first one side end 91a, the second one side end 92a, and the one side seat end 61a, respectively. The ends of the first intermediate opening 91, the second intermediate opening 92, and the first opening 61 on the other side are designated as the first other side end 91b, the second other side end 92b, and the other side seat end 61b, respectively.

[0123] The distance between overlapping portions of the first and second intermediate ports 91, 92 in the circumferential direction DRc is referred to as the outlet pitch. The outlet pitch is the distance between opposing portions of the first intermediate port 91 located on the other side of the center of the circumferential direction DRc and the second intermediate port 92 located on one side of the center of the circumferential direction DRc.

[0124] In this embodiment, the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 have the same perfect circular shape, with their centers overlapping in the circumferential direction DRc. Therefore, the distance between the first and second intermediate openings 91, 92 is the minimum between the first other end 91b and the second one end 92a. Hereinafter, the minimum distance between the outlets is referred to as the minimum distance P1.

[0125] Here, a line passing through the centers of the first and second intermediate ports 91 and 92 and extending along the circumferential direction DRc is referred to as a virtual center line VL. The virtual center line VL passes through the position in the axial direction DRa where the outflow port pitch is the minimum pitch P1.

[0126] In this embodiment, the minimum distance P1 between the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 is smaller than the distance between the two points intersecting the virtual center line VL of the first opening 61. In other words, the minimum distance P1 is smaller than the dimension (i.e., the inner diameter) of the first opening 61 in the circumferential direction DRc at the position in the axial direction DRa where the outlet distance is smallest. ).

[0127] Furthermore, the outflow port spacing between the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92 is set so that when the valve 20 rotates while the intermediate ports are simultaneously in communication with the first opening 61, the range of communication between each intermediate port and the first opening 61 changes. Specifically, the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92 are formed so that, as the valve 20 rotates, the range of communication between the first intermediate port 91 and the first opening 61 increases, the range of communication between the second intermediate port 92 and the first opening 61 decreases. Furthermore, the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92 are formed so that, as the valve 20 rotates, the range of communication between the first intermediate port 91 and the first opening 61 decreases, the range of communication between the second intermediate port 92 and the first opening 61 increases.

[0128] In this embodiment, the first middle opening 91 and the second middle opening 92 are formed so that the dimension between the first one side end 91a and the second other side end 92b is larger than the inner diameter. That is, the minimum pitch P1 is set so that the minimum pitch P1 and the diameter of the first intermediate opening 91 are equal to each other. and the diameter of the second intermediate opening 92 The total is greater than the inner diameter of the first opening 61

[0129] In this embodiment, the center distance P2 between the centers of the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 is set to be equal to the inner diameter of the first opening 61. The same value. That is, Figure 12 As shown, the center distance P2 is the distance from one side seat end 61a to the other side seat end 61b, which is the inner diameter of the first opening 61. Equal distance.

[0130] When the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 are formed in this manner, the dimension from the first one side end 91a to the second one side end 92a becomes the inner diameter of the first opening 61. In addition, the dimension from the first other side end 91b to the second other side end 92b also becomes the inner diameter of the first opening 61.

[0131] When the valve 20 is rotated to a position where the first one side end portion 91a overlaps with the one side seat end portion 61a, the valve 20 is rotated to a position where the first one side end portion 91a overlaps with the one side seat end portion 61a. Figure 13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the entire first intermediate port 91 is in communication with the first opening 61, and the entire second intermediate port 92 is in a non-communication state with the first opening 61. Then, when the valve 20 is rotated to a position where the first other side end portion 91b overlaps with the one side seat end portion 61a, the valve 20 is in a non-communication state. Figure 14As shown, the entire first intermediate port 91 is not in communication with the first opening 61 , and the entire second intermediate port 92 is in communication with the first opening 61 .

[0132] Next, the distance between the third intermediate opening 93 and the fourth intermediate opening 94 will be described. The distance between the third intermediate opening 93 and the fourth intermediate opening 94 is set in the same manner as the distance between the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92. Specifically, the distance between the centers of the third intermediate opening 93 and the fourth intermediate opening 94 is set to be equal to the inner diameter of the first opening 61. Same value.

[0133] Next, regarding the interval between the second intermediate opening 92 and the third intermediate opening 93 adjacent to each other, refer to Figure 15 Here, the interval between the portions of the second intermediate opening 92 and the third intermediate opening 93 that overlap each other in the circumferential direction DRc is referred to as the intermediate pitch.

[0134] In this embodiment, the second intermediate opening 92 and the third intermediate opening 93 are each perfectly circular, with their centers overlapping in the circumferential direction DRc. Therefore, in the intermediate distance between the second intermediate opening 92 and the third intermediate opening 93, the distance between the second other side end 92b and the end of the third intermediate opening 93 on one side is a minimum value P3. The minimum value P3 of the intermediate distance between the second intermediate opening 92 and the third intermediate opening 93 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening 61.

[0135] Next, regarding the interval between the fourth intermediate port 94 and the main outflow port 81 adjacent to each other, refer to Figure 16 Here, the interval between overlapping portions of the fourth intermediate port 94 and the main outflow port 81 in the circumferential direction DRc is referred to as a main pitch.

[0136] In this embodiment, the fourth intermediate port 94 is formed into a true circular shape. Furthermore, the main outflow port 81 is formed into an elongated hole formed by connecting a straight line extending along the circumferential direction DRc with an arc forming half of a circle. Furthermore, the centers of the fourth intermediate port 94 and the main outflow port 81 overlap in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0137] Therefore, in the main distance between the fourth intermediate port 94 and the main outflow port 81, the distance between the other end of the fourth intermediate port 94 and the one end of the main outflow port 81 is the minimum value P4. The fourth intermediate port 94 and the main outflow port 81 are set so that the minimum value P4 of the main distance is smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening 61.

[0138] [Operation of the Valve Device 1]

[0139] Next, the operation of valve device 1 will be described. Valve device 1 receives information from an ECU (not shown) regarding the rotational position of valve 20, which is used to deliver the required flow rate of cooling water to air-conditioning heat exchanger 4, oil cooler 5, and radiator 6. Based on the rotational position information received from the ECU, valve device 1 rotates valve 20. Furthermore, valve device 1 transmits information about the rotational position of shaft 25, detected by rotation angle sensor 33, to the ECU. The ECU calculates the rotational position of valve 20 based on the rotational position information received from shaft 25 and feeds back the calculated value.

[0140] Valve device 1 adjusts the rotational position of valve 20 based on information about the rotational position of valve 20 received from the ECU. Based on the opening ratios of first to third openings 61 to 63 relative to the rotational position of valve 20, valve device 1 causes cooling water to flow from first to third outlets 41 to 43 at flow rates corresponding to the respective opening ratios.

[0141] Next, regarding the opening ratios of the first to third openings 61 to 63 when the valve 20 is rotated in one direction within a range of 0° to 240°, refer to Figures 17 to 19 In addition, Figure 17 The solid line shows the relationship between the rotational position of the valve 20 and the opening ratio of the first opening 61. The dashed-dotted line shows the relationship between the rotational position of the valve 20 and the opening ratio of the second opening 62. The dashed-dotted line shows the relationship between the rotational position of the valve 20 and the opening ratio of the third opening 63.

[0142] In addition, although Figure 17 Although not particularly shown in the figure, the valve 20 is set so that the opening ratio of the fourth opening 64 becomes 100% when the opening ratio of any one of the first opening 61 to the third opening 63 is greater than 0%.

[0143] In addition, Figure 19 In FIG. 1 , in order to illustrate the rotational position of the valve 20 , the positions of the first to fourth openings 61 to 64 when the valve 20 is rotated to position A, position B, and 240° are shown by dotted lines. Figure 19 Position A and position B of valve 20 in FIG. Figure 17 and Figure 18 The diagram shows the rotational position of the valve 20 .

[0144] like Figure 17As shown, the valve device 1 can adjust the opening ratio of each of the first through third openings 61 through 63 by adjusting the rotational position of the valve 20. For example, when the rotational position of the valve 20 is 0°, the opening ratio of each of the first through third openings 61 through 63 is 0%. In other words, the valve device 1 is in a closed state when the rotational position of the valve 20 is 0°. Furthermore, when the rotational position of the valve 20 is 240°, the first through third openings 61 through 63 are fully open (i.e., the opening ratio is 100%).

[0145] The opening ratio of the second opening 62 will be described in detail. In the valve device 1, the second opening 62 begins to open when the rotational position of the valve 20 exceeds position A1, where the end of the second outflow port 82 on one side overlaps the end of the second opening 62 on the other side in the radial direction DRr. That is, in the valve device 1, the opening ratio of the second opening 62 exceeds 0% when the rotational position of the valve 20 exceeds position A1.

[0146] Furthermore, when the valve device 1 reaches position A2 where the end portion of the second outflow port 82 overlaps the end portion of the second opening 62 in the radial direction DRr, the second opening 62 is fully open (i.e., the opening ratio is 100%). The valve device 1 maintains the opening ratio of the second opening 62 at 100% when the valve 20 is rotated within a range of 240° from position A2.

[0147] The opening ratio of the third opening 63 will be described in detail. In the valve device 1, the third opening 63 begins to open when the rotational position of the valve 20 exceeds position A5, where the end of the third outflow port 83 on one side overlaps the end of the third opening 63 on the other side in the radial direction DRr. That is, in the valve device 1, the opening ratio of the third opening 63 exceeds 0% when the rotational position of the valve 20 exceeds position A5.

[0148] Furthermore, when the valve device 1 rotates to position A6, where the end of the third outflow port 83 on one side overlaps the end of the third opening 63 on one side in the radial direction DRr, the third opening 63 is fully open (i.e., 100%). The valve device 1 maintains the opening ratio of the third opening 63 at 100% when the valve 20 rotates within a range of 240° from position A6.

[0149] The opening ratio of the first opening 61 will be described in detail. In the valve device 1, the first opening 61 begins to open when the rotational position of the valve 20 exceeds position A3, where the first one-side end portion 91a and the other-side seat end portion 61b overlap in the radial direction DRr. That is, in the valve device 1, the opening ratio of the first opening 61 exceeds 0% when the rotational position of the valve 20 exceeds position A3.

[0150] Furthermore, when the valve 20 of the valve device 1 reaches position A4 where the first other-side end portion 91b and the other-side seat end portion 61b overlap in the radial direction DRr, the first opening 61 is fully connected to the first intermediate port 91. When the valve 20 of the valve device 1 reaches position A4, the opening ratio of the first opening 61 is 50%.

[0151] like Figure 18 As shown, the valve device 1 maintains the opening ratio of the first opening 61 at 50% when the valve 20 rotates from position A4 to position B1 where the first one side end 91a overlaps the one side seat end 61a in the radial direction DRr. Furthermore, when the valve 20 rotates to position B1, the second one side end 92a of the second intermediate port 92 overlaps the other side seat end 61b in the radial direction DRr.

[0152] Furthermore, in the valve device 1, when the rotational position of the valve 20 reaches position B3, where the first other-side end portion 91b overlaps with the one-side seat end portion 61a in the radial direction DRr, the first opening 61 is completely disconnected from the first intermediate port 91. In contrast, when the rotational position of the valve 20 reaches position B3, the second other-side end portion 92b overlaps with the other-side seat end portion 61b in the radial direction DRr, and the first opening 61 is completely connected to the second intermediate port 92. Therefore, in the valve device 1, when the rotational position of the valve 20 reaches position B3, the opening ratio of the first opening 61 is 50%.

[0153] like Figure 18 As shown, the valve device 1 maintains the opening ratio of the first opening 61 at 50% when the valve 20 rotates from the position B3 to the position A7 where the second one side end portion 92a overlaps the one side seat end portion 61a in the radial direction DRr.

[0154] Furthermore, when the valve 20 rotates from position B1 to position B3, the first intermediate port 91 changes from a state in which the entire first intermediate port 91 is in communication with the first opening 61 to a state in which a portion of the first intermediate port 91 is not in communication with the first opening 61, and finally to a state in which the entire first intermediate port 91 is not in communication with the first opening 61. Therefore, as the rotational position of the valve 20 moves from position B1 toward position B3, the range in which the first intermediate port 91 is in communication with the first opening 61 decreases.

[0155] In contrast, when the valve 20 rotates from position B1 to position B3, the second intermediate port 92 goes from being completely disconnected from the first opening 61 to being partially connected, and then to being fully connected. Therefore, the range of the second intermediate port 92 communicating with the first opening 61 increases as the rotational position of the valve 20 moves from position B1 to position B3.

[0156] In addition, when the valve 20 rotates from position B1 to position B2, the decrease in the communication range between the first intermediate port 91 and the first opening 61 is greater than the increase in the communication range between the second intermediate port 92 and the first opening 61. Figure 18 As shown, the aperture ratio of the first opening 61 decreases as the rotational position of the valve 20 approaches position B2, which is a position intermediate between position B1 and position B3. Position B2 is a position where the center of the first intermediate port 91 overlaps with one side seat end 61a, and the center of the second intermediate port 92 overlaps with the other side seat end 61b.

[0157] Furthermore, when the valve 20 rotates from position B2 to position B3, the decrease in the range of communication between the first intermediate port 91 and the first opening 61 is smaller than the increase in the range of communication between the second intermediate port 92 and the first opening 61. Therefore, the aperture ratio of the first opening 61 increases as the rotational position of the valve 20 approaches position B3 from position B2.

[0158] Thus, the opening ratio of the first opening 61 is less than 50% within the range of the rotational position of the valve 20 from position B1 to position B3. In this embodiment, the decrease in the opening ratio of the first opening 61 when the outflow port communicating with the first opening 61 is changed from the first intermediate port 91 to the second intermediate port 92 is less than 5% of the opening area of ​​the first opening 61.

[0159] Thus, the valve device 1 can maintain the opening ratio of the first opening 61 at approximately 50% within the range from position B1 to position B3. Therefore, when the valve 20 is rotated from position A4 to position A7, the valve device 1 can adjust the opening ratio of the third opening 63 from 0% to 100% while maintaining the opening ratio of the first opening 61 at approximately 50% and the opening ratio of the second opening 62 at 100%.

[0160] That is, the valve device 1 can adjust the flow rate of the cooling water flowing out of the third opening 63 while maintaining the opening ratio of the first opening 61 at approximately 50% by ensuring a sufficient rotation range of the valve 20 for making the opening ratio of the first opening 61 approximately 50%.

[0161] Here, for a comparative example in which the first intermediate port 91 has a structure different from that of the present embodiment, refer to Figure 20 and Figure 21 In the comparative example, a long hole outflow port 95 is formed in the valve outer peripheral portion 70 instead of the first intermediate port 91 .

[0162] like Figure 20 and Figure 21 As shown, the elongated hole outlet 95 is formed so that the dimension in the axial direction DRa is smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening 61. The size of the circumferential direction DRc is larger than the inner diameter of the first opening 61. The elongated hole outlet 95 is formed as a pair of straight lines with edges extending along the circumferential direction DRc. The elongated hole outlet 95 overlaps with the first opening 61 in the circumferential direction DRc. The elongated hole outlet 95 is sized so that the maximum range of communication with the first opening 61 is 50% of the range of the first opening 61.

[0163] With this structure, the rotation range of the valve 20 that allows the first opening 61 to communicate with the long hole outlet 95 can be easily increased, and thus the rotation range of the valve 20 that allows the opening ratio of the first opening 61 to be 50% can be easily secured.

[0164] When the valve 20 is rotated to a position where the opening ratio of the first opening 61 is 50%, a portion of the opening edge 611 of the first opening 61 faces the blocking surface 27, while a portion does not face the blocking surface 27. Specifically, a portion of the opening edge 611 that does not overlap with the elongated hole outlet 95 in the radial direction DRr faces the blocking surface 27. On the other hand, a portion of the opening edge 611 that overlaps with the elongated hole outlet 95 in the radial direction DRr faces the elongated hole outlet 95 and does not face the blocking surface 27.

[0165] Therefore, when the valve 20 rotates within a range where the opening ratio of the first opening 61 is 50%, only the portion of the opening edge 611 that does not overlap with the long hole outlet 95 in the circumferential direction DRc slides on the blocking surface 27 .

[0166] Therefore, within the rotational range of the valve 20, the portion of the opening edge 611 that does not overlap with the elongated hole outlet 95 in the circumferential direction DRc slides against the blocking surface 27 to a greater extent than the portion that overlaps with the elongated hole outlet 95 in the circumferential direction DRc slides against the blocking surface 27. Furthermore, when the valve 20 rotates with the opening edge 611 overlapping the linear portion of the elongated hole outlet 95, the opening edge 611 maintains the entire portion of the opening edge 611 that does not overlap with the elongated hole outlet 95 in the circumferential direction DRc sliding against the blocking surface 27.

[0167] Therefore, when the elongated hole outlet 95 of the comparative example is used, the opening edge portion 611 tends to experience a difference in wear between the portion that overlaps with the elongated hole outlet 95 in the circumferential direction DRc and the portion that does not overlap. This can lead to uneven wear in the portion of the opening edge portion 611 that does not overlap with the elongated hole outlet 95 in the circumferential direction DRc. Furthermore, if a portion of the opening edge portion 611 is unevenly worn, it becomes difficult to ensure the sealing performance of the first valve seat 123a, which can lead to cooling water leakage from the gap between the unevenly worn portion and the blocking surface 27 when the valve 20 is closed.

[0168] In contrast, the first through fourth intermediate openings 91 through 94 of this embodiment have their dimensions in the axial direction DRa continuously decreasing along the circumferential direction DRc, from the point where they are largest in the axial direction DRa to the point where they are smallest in the axial direction DRa. Furthermore, none of the first through fourth intermediate openings 91 through 94 have any linear portions extending along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0169] Therefore, when the valve 20 rotates so that the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 overlap with the opening edge 611 in the radial direction DRr, the range of the non-sliding portion of the opening edge 611 changes continuously along the shapes of the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 .

[0170] For example, when the first intermediate port 91 changes from a non-connected state with the first opening portion 61 to a fully connected state, the range of the portion of the opening edge portion 611 that does not slide with the blocking surface 27 gradually expands as the valve 20 rotates, and shrinks after becoming a specified range.

[0171] Specifically, when a portion of the first intermediate port 91 is in communication, the portion of the opening edge 611 that overlaps with the first intermediate port 91 in the radial direction DRr does not face the blocking surface 27. As the valve 20 rotates to one side and the range of communication between the first opening 61 and the first intermediate port 91 increases, the range of the opening edge 611 that overlaps with the first intermediate port 91 in the radial direction DRr increases. Consequently, the range of the portion of the opening edge 611 that does not face the blocking surface 27 increases.

[0172] When the valve 20 is further rotated to one side so that the opening edge 611 overlaps with the largest portion of the first intermediate port 91 in the axial direction DRa in the radial direction DRr, the portion of the opening edge 611 that does not face the blocking surface 27 is maximized.

[0173] When the valve 20 is further rotated to one side from the position where the range of the portion not facing the blocking surface 27 is the largest, the range of the opening edge 611 overlapping with the first intermediate port 91 in the radial direction DRr becomes smaller. Therefore, the range of the portion of the opening edge 611 not facing the blocking surface 27 is reduced. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, when the valve 20 rotates to a position where the entire first intermediate port 91 communicates with the first opening 61, the portion of the opening edge 611 that does not face the blocking surface 27 disappears.

[0174] Thus, in this embodiment, when the first intermediate port 91 overlaps with the opening edge 611 in the radial direction DRr, the portion of the opening edge 611 that does not face the blocking surface 27 varies depending on the rotational position of the valve 20. Therefore, when the valve 20 rotates within a range such that the first intermediate port 91 overlaps with the opening edge 611 in the radial direction DRr, the range of the portion of the opening edge 611 that does not slide against the blocking surface 27 continuously changes along the shape of the first intermediate port 91 as the valve 20 rotates.

[0175] Next, the opening ratio of the first opening 61 when the valve 20 is rotated in the one-way direction from position A7 will be described. In the valve device 1, when the valve 20 is rotated to position A8, where the other-side end of the third intermediate port 93 overlaps with the other-side seat end 61b in the radial direction DRr, the first opening 61 is completely disconnected from the second intermediate port 92. In contrast, when the valve 20 is rotated to position A8, the first opening 61 is completely connected to the third intermediate port 93. In the valve device 1, when the valve 20 is rotated to position A8, the opening ratio of the first opening 61 is 25%.

[0176] Furthermore, the valve device 1 maintains the opening ratio of the first opening 61 at approximately 25% when the valve 20 rotates from position A8 to position A9, where the end portion on one side of the fourth intermediate port 94 overlaps the one side seat end portion 61a in the radial direction DRr. Furthermore, when the valve 20 rotates to position A9, the end portion on one side of the main outflow port 81 overlaps the other side seat end portion 61b in the radial direction DRr.

[0177] When the valve 20 rotates beyond position A9, the first opening 61 begins to communicate with the main outflow port 81, and the opening ratio of the first opening 61 exceeds 25%. Furthermore, when the valve 20 rotates to position A10, where the end of the main outflow port 81 overlaps the seat end 61a in the radial direction DRr, the first opening 61 is fully opened (i.e., the opening ratio is 100%). The valve device 1 maintains the opening ratio of the first opening 61 at 100% while the valve 20 rotates within 240° from position A10.

[0178] In the valve device 1 described above, when the main outflow port 81 is in communication with the first opening 61, cooling water flows through the entire first opening 61. Alternatively, in the valve device 1, when any of the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 is in communication with the first opening 61, cooling water flows through a portion of the first opening 61. In this case, the valve device 1 allows cooling water to flow out of the first outlet 41 at a lower flow rate than when the main outflow port 81 is in communication with the first opening 61.

[0179] Therefore, the valve device 1 rotates the valve 20 to switch the outflow port connected to the first opening portion 61 from the main outflow port 81 to any one of the first intermediate port 91 to the fourth intermediate port 94, thereby adjusting the outflow rate of cooling water flowing out of the first outlet portion 41 in the valve open state.

[0180] Furthermore, since four intermediate ports are formed in the valve outer peripheral portion 70 , the rotation range of the valve 20 for communicating the first opening 61 with the intermediate port can be increased compared to a case where only one intermediate port is provided in the valve outer peripheral portion 70 .

[0181] Furthermore, the valve device 1 is provided with the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92, each having an opening area 50% of the opening area of ​​the first opening 61. Therefore, compared to a case where only the first intermediate port 91 or the second intermediate port 92 is provided, the valve device 1 can more easily open and close the third opening 63 while maintaining the opening ratio of the first opening 61 at 50%.

[0182] Furthermore, the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 are circular, with their dimensions in the axial direction DRa varying continuously along the circumferential direction DRc. Therefore, when the valve 20 rotates so that the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 overlap with the opening edge 611 in the radial direction DRr, the portion of the opening edge 611 that does not slide against the blocking surface 27 continuously changes along the shape of each intermediate port as the valve 20 rotates. This prevents the occurrence of differential wear between the portions of the opening edge 611 that overlap with each intermediate port and those that do not overlap when the valve 20 rotates in a position where the first through fourth intermediate ports 91 through 94 communicate with the first opening 61. Consequently, the sealing performance of the first valve seat 123a is maintained.

[0183] In addition, the minimum value of the interval between the mutually overlapping portions of the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening 61. Therefore, a portion of each of the adjacent intermediate ports can be simultaneously communicated with the first opening 61. Therefore, when the intermediate port communicating with the first opening 61 is changed to an adjacent intermediate port, the opening ratio of the first opening 61 can be prevented from becoming 0%, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the outflow rate of the cooling water flowing out of the first outlet 41.

[0184] In addition, the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 are such that the dimension between the first one side end 91a and the second other side end 92b is larger than the inner diameter of the first opening 61. Thus, when the valve 20 is rotated in one direction while the first and second intermediate ports 91, 92 are simultaneously in communication with the first opening 61, the range of communication between the second intermediate port 92 and the first opening 61 increases, while the range of communication between the first intermediate port 91 and the first opening 61 decreases. Furthermore, when the valve 20 is rotated in the other direction while the first and second intermediate ports 91, 92 are simultaneously in communication with the first opening 61, the range of communication between the second intermediate port 92 and the first opening 61 decreases, while the range of communication between the first intermediate port 91 and the first opening 61 increases.

[0185] Therefore, when the intermediate port communicating with the first opening 61 is changed from the first intermediate port 91 to the second intermediate port 92, it is possible to avoid both the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92 from being simultaneously communicated with the first opening 61. Therefore, it is possible to suppress fluctuations in the outflow rate of cooling water flowing out of the first outlet 41 while the intermediate port communicating with the first opening 61 is being changed from the first intermediate port 91 to the second intermediate port 92.

[0186] In addition, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 are provided at positions where their respective centers overlap with the center of the first opening 61 in the circumferential direction DRc. In addition, the distance between the centers of the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92, which have the same opening area, is set to be equal to the inner diameter of the first opening 61. The same value is set. In addition, the distance between the centers of the third intermediate opening 93 and the fourth intermediate opening 94, which have the same opening area, is set to be equal to the inner diameter of the first opening 61. Same value.

[0187] Thus, when the valve 20 rotates from a state where the entirety of one intermediate port is in communication with the first opening 61 and the entirety of the other intermediate port is disconnected from the first opening 61, the first intermediate port begins to become disconnected and the other intermediate port begins to become connected. Furthermore, when the valve 20 further rotates to a state where the entirety of one intermediate port is disconnected from the first opening 61, the entirety of the other intermediate port becomes connected to the first opening 61.

[0188] Therefore, the valve device 1 can prevent the situation where, when the intermediate ports communicating with the first opening 61 are switched between two intermediate ports of the same opening area, one intermediate port is completely connected to the first opening 61 while the other intermediate port is also connected to the first opening 61. Consequently, the valve device 1 can prevent the opening ratio of the first opening 61 from exceeding the opening ratio that would occur if all of the intermediate ports on one side were connected to the first opening 61, thereby suppressing fluctuations in the outflow rate of the cooling water flowing out of the first outlet 41. Furthermore, when the intermediate ports communicating with the first opening 61 are switched between two intermediate ports of the same opening area, the valve device 1 can maintain the same outflow rate of the cooling water flowing out of the first outlet 41 before and after the change.

[0189] (Modification of the first embodiment)

[0190] While the first embodiment described above illustrates an example in which the first through fourth intermediate openings 91 through 94 are formed as substantially circular shapes, this is not limiting. For example, the first through fourth intermediate openings 91 through 94 may have shapes other than substantially circular shapes, as long as the shape minimizes wear differences on the first seating surface 51. Specifically, the first through fourth intermediate openings 91 through 94 may have elliptical or rectangular shapes, as long as the dimension in the axial direction DRa is smaller than the dimension in the axial direction DRa of the first opening 61 and the dimension in the axial direction DRa varies continuously along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0191] For example, when the first intermediate opening 91 is formed in an elliptical shape, as shown in FIG. Figure 24 As shown, the first intermediate opening 91 may also have a dimension W7 in the axial direction DRa that is larger than a dimension W8 in the circumferential direction DRc of the first intermediate opening 91 and smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening 61. In addition, when the first intermediate opening 91 is formed into an elliptical shape, although not shown in the figure, the first intermediate opening 91 may also have a size in the circumferential direction DRc larger than the inner diameter of the first opening 61. In addition, when the first intermediate opening 91 is formed into a rectangular shape, as shown in FIG. Figure 25 As shown, the first intermediate opening 91 may also have a dimension W9 in the axial direction DRa that is equal to a dimension W9 in the circumferential direction DRc of the first intermediate opening 91 and smaller than the inner diameter of the first opening 61. shape.

[0192] (Second embodiment)

[0193] Next, regarding the second embodiment, refer to Figure 26 、 Figure 27In this embodiment, the shape of the end portions of the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 on one side is different from that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the parts that are different from the first embodiment are mainly described, and the description of the parts that are the same as the first embodiment is sometimes omitted.

[0194] like Figure 26 As shown, the first middle opening 91 and the second middle opening 92 are formed in the expanded view of the valve outer peripheral portion 70 with a diameter of The arc of a part of the circle is connected to a straight line extending along the axial direction DRa perpendicular to the circumferential direction DRc and the radial direction DRr. In this embodiment, the straight line is provided at one end of the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92.

[0195] That is, when the valve outer peripheral portion 70 is flattened along the circumferential direction DRc, the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92 are formed so that the ends on one side extend along the axial direction DRa. Furthermore, the dimensions of the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92 in the axial direction DRa are each smaller than the dimension W3 of the first opening 61 in the axial direction DRa, and the dimension in the axial direction DRa changes continuously along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0196] The first intermediate port 91 configured in this manner starts to communicate with the first opening 61 when, for example, the valve 20 rotates in one direction and one end of the first intermediate port 91 exceeds the other seat end 61 b ​​.

[0197] Here, even if the center of the first intermediate port 91 is displaced relative to the center of the first opening 61 in the axial direction DRa, the position of the end portion of the valve outer peripheral portion 70 on one side of the first intermediate port 91 does not change.

[0198] Therefore, when the valve 20 is arranged at a predetermined rotational position, the distance between the end portion on one side of the first intermediate port 91 and the other side seat end portion 61b in the circumferential direction DRc does not change. Figure 27 As shown, when the valve 20 is rotated in one direction from a predetermined rotational position to communicate with the first intermediate port 91 and the first opening 61 , the rotational position of the valve 20 at the start of communication is easily fixed.

[0199] In addition, when the valve 20 is rotated in the other direction from the state in which the first intermediate port 91 is connected to the first opening portion 61 so that the entire first intermediate port 91 is disconnected from the first opening portion 61, the rotational position of the valve 20 in which the first intermediate port 91 is disconnected is easily fixed.

[0200] As a result, in this embodiment, even if the centers of the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92 are positionally offset relative to the center of the first opening 61 in the axial direction DRa, the influence of changes in the communication range between the first intermediate port 91 or the second intermediate port 92 and the first opening 61 due to this positional offset is suppressed. Therefore, the valve device 1 can suppress deterioration in the accuracy of the outflow rate of the cooling water flowing out of the first outlet 41.

[0201] (First Modification of Second Embodiment)

[0202] In the second embodiment described above, the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 are formed to have a diameter of 1. The example of a portion of a circle connected to a straight line extending along the axial direction DRa is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92 may have shapes other than a shape formed by connecting an arc and a straight line, as long as the shape facilitates fixing the rotational position of the valve 20 at which the first intermediate port 91 or the second intermediate port 92 communicates with the first opening 61.

[0203] Specifically, the first middle opening 91 and the second middle opening 92 can also be as follows Figure 28 As shown, the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 are formed into a triangular shape with the ends on one side being straight lines extending along the axial direction DRa. For example, the first intermediate opening 91 may be formed into a triangular shape formed by connecting a straight line provided at the end on one side and a pair of straight lines extending from the end on one side and the end on the other side of the straight line in the axial direction DRa to the end on the other side of the first intermediate opening 91.

[0204] (Second Modification of Second Embodiment)

[0205] In the second embodiment described above, an example was described in which the end portions of the first and second intermediate ports 91, 92 on one side of the valve outer peripheral portion 70 extend along the axial direction DRa. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first and second intermediate ports 91, 92 may be formed so that, in addition to the end portions on one side, the end portions on the other side also extend along the axial direction DRa in the expanded view of the valve outer peripheral portion 70. Furthermore, the first and second intermediate ports 91, 92 may be formed so that, in the expanded view of the valve outer peripheral portion 70, only the end portions on the other side extend along the axial direction DRa, while the end portions on one side do not extend along the axial direction DRa.

[0206] (Other embodiments)

[0207] While the representative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, for example, as follows.

[0208] In the above embodiment, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 are described as being formed in the valve outer peripheral portion 70 as outflow portions that communicate only with a portion of the first opening 61. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only one outflow portion that communicates only with a portion of the first opening 61 may be provided in the valve outer peripheral portion 70.

[0209] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the first and second intermediate ports 91, 92, having the same opening area, and the third and fourth intermediate ports 93, 94, having the same opening area, are formed in the valve outer peripheral portion 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the valve outer peripheral portion 70 may be formed with three or more outflow portions having the same opening area and communicating with only a portion of the first opening 61.

[0210] In the above embodiment, examples of intermediate ports having an opening area of ​​50% of the opening area of ​​the first opening 61 and an intermediate port having an opening area of ​​25% of the opening area of ​​the first opening 61 are described in the valve outer peripheral portion 70. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The opening area of ​​the intermediate port varies depending on the flow rate of cooling water flowing to the various devices connected to the valve device 1. Therefore, it is desirable to appropriately set the opening area of ​​the intermediate port according to the various devices connected to the valve device 1.

[0211] In the above embodiment, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 are formed at the position 71 facing the first outlet 41. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 may be formed at a position facing the second outlet 42 or at a position facing the third outlet 43.

[0212] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which the dimensions of the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 in the axial direction DRa continuously change along the circumferential direction DRc. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 may be configured to include portions extending along the circumferential direction DRc and portions where the dimensions of the axial direction DRa do not change along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0213] In the above embodiment, the minimum pitch P1 between the outlets in the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92 is described as being smaller than the circumferential dimension DRc of the first opening 61 at the position in the axial direction DRa where the outlet pitch is smallest. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the minimum pitch P1 between the outlets in the first intermediate port 91 and the second intermediate port 92 may be greater than the circumferential dimension DRc of the first opening 61 at the position in the axial direction DRa where the outlet pitch is smallest.

[0214] In the above embodiment, an example is described in which, when both the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 are simultaneously connected to the first opening 61, the communication range of one intermediate opening with the first opening 61 increases while the communication range of the other intermediate opening with the first opening 61 decreases. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 may be formed so that, when both are simultaneously connected to the first opening 61, the communication range of one intermediate opening with the first opening 61 increases while the communication range of the other intermediate opening with the first opening 61 is maintained. In other words, the first intermediate opening 91 and the second intermediate opening 92 may be formed with a spacing that allows all intermediate openings to communicate with the first opening 61 simultaneously.

[0215] In the above embodiment, the interval between the centers of the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 having the same opening area is set to be equal to the inner diameter of the first opening 61. For example, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 may be the same value as the inner diameter of the first opening 61. different.

[0216] In the above embodiment, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 are provided at positions where their respective centers overlap with the center of the first opening 61 in the circumferential direction DRc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first to fourth intermediate ports 91 to 94 may be provided at positions where their respective centers do not overlap with the center of the first opening 61 in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0217] In the above-described embodiment, the elements constituting the embodiment are of course not necessarily essential unless otherwise explicitly stated as essential or unless otherwise clearly essential in principle.

[0218] In the above-mentioned embodiment, when referring to the numerical values ​​such as the number, value, amount, range, etc. of the structural elements of the embodiment, they are not limited to the specific number except for cases where it is specifically stated that they are necessary and cases where they are obviously limited to a specific number in principle.

[0219] In the above-described embodiments, when the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of components are mentioned, they are not limited to the shapes, positional relationships, etc. unless otherwise specified or when they are limited to specific shapes, positional relationships, etc. in principle.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that: have: The valve has a cylindrical valve outer peripheral portion forming a flow path portion for fluid flow, and is rotated along the circumferential direction of the valve outer peripheral portion around a rotation axis; a housing for accommodating the valve, and having a fluid inlet for allowing the fluid to flow in and a fluid outlet for allowing the fluid to flow out formed at a position facing an outer periphery of the valve; as well as The valve seat is provided between the outer periphery of the valve and the fluid outlet portion, and blocks the gap between the outer periphery of the valve and the fluid outlet portion. A valve inlet is provided on the outer periphery of the valve at a position facing the fluid inlet portion so that the fluid flowing in from the fluid inlet portion flows into the flow path portion, and a plurality of valve outlets are arranged in the circumferential direction at a position facing the fluid outlet portion so that the fluid flowing into the flow path portion flows out to the fluid outlet portion. The valve seat is provided with a seat opening portion that is connected to the valve outlet and allows the fluid to flow out to the fluid outlet portion. The valve is capable of switching between an open state in which the valve outlet communicates with the seat opening and a closed state in which the valve outlet does not communicate with the seat opening by rotating in the circumferential direction. The valve outlet includes a main outlet communicating with the entire seat opening when the valve is in the open state, and an intermediate outlet communicating with a portion of the seat opening when the valve is in the open state. A plurality of intermediate outflow ports are arranged in the circumferential direction, the size of the intermediate outflow ports in the axial direction of the rotation axis is smaller than the size of the seat opening in the axial direction, and the size of at least the portion of the intermediate outflow ports that overlaps with the seat opening in the circumferential direction continuously changes along the circumferential direction. When a predetermined intermediate outflow outlet among the plurality of intermediate outflow outlets is set as one intermediate outflow outlet, an outflow outlet adjacent to the predetermined intermediate outflow outlet is set as the other intermediate outflow outlet, and the interval between each portion of the intermediate outflow outlet on one side and the intermediate outflow outlet on the other side that overlaps with each other in the circumferential direction is set as the outflow outlet pitch, The minimum value of the outflow port pitch is smaller than the circumferential dimension of the seat opening at a position in the axial direction where the outflow port pitch is minimum.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that The outlet spacing between the intermediate flow outlet on one side and the intermediate flow outlet on the other side is set so that when the valve rotates in a state in which the intermediate flow outlet on one side and the intermediate flow outlet on the other side are connected to the seat opening, the range of communication between the intermediate flow outlet on one side and the seat opening increases while the range of communication between the intermediate flow outlet on the other side and the seat opening decreases, and the range of communication between the intermediate flow outlet on the other side and the seat opening increases while the range of communication between the intermediate flow outlet on one side and the seat opening decreases.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that The seat opening is formed into a circular shape, The intermediate flow outlet on one side and the intermediate flow outlet on the other side are respectively formed into circular shapes with the same opening area, the centers of the intermediate flow outlet on one side and the intermediate flow outlet on the other side are respectively arranged at positions overlapping with the center of the seat opening in the circumferential direction, and the distance between the centers of the intermediate flow outlet on one side and the intermediate flow outlet on the other side is the inner diameter of the seat opening.

4. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The intermediate outflow port has a shape when the valve outer peripheral portion is developed in a planar shape along the circumferential direction, wherein at least one of one end portion and the other end portion in the circumferential direction extends in a direction orthogonal to the circumferential direction and the radial direction of the valve outer peripheral portion.

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