Valve device

Abstract

The valve device includes a housing (10), a flow-through orifice forming part (20), a rotor (30), and a drive part (40). The housing (10) has a flow path for fluid flow. The flow-through orifice forming part (20) is fixed inside the flow path of the housing (10) and has multiple flow-through orifices (21-24) for fluid to pass through and partitions (25) provided between the multiple flow-through orifices (21-24). The rotor (30) is configured to rotate about a predetermined rotation axis (Ax) and has a flow path opening part (31) and a closing part (32). Here, a virtual circle (C) is defined with the rotation axis (Ax) of the rotor (30) as the center and perpendicular to the rotation axis (Ax). The partition (25) of the flow hole forming part (20) has: a parallel part (26) which is formed radially parallel to the dummy circle (C); and a gradient part (27) which is provided at a position radially outward from the parallel part (26) and is formed to gradually widen in circumferential direction as it moves radially outward.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-167777, filed on October 2, 2020, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to valve devices. Background Technology

[0004] Currently, there are known valve devices used in fluid circulation systems for switching the flow path or adjusting the flow rate of the fluid flowing within the system.

[0005] The valve device described in Patent Document 1 includes a flow-through orifice forming section fixed in a cylindrical housing, a rotor rotatable within the housing, a drive section for rotating the rotor, a shaft connecting the rotor and the drive section, and connecting structural members. The flow-through orifice forming section has two flow-through orifices for fluid passage and a partition section separating these two flow-through orifices from each other. On the other hand, the rotor has a flow path opening for fluid passage and a closing section that slides in contact with the flow-through orifice forming section. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the flow-through orifice forming section is referred to as a first valve, and the rotor as a second valve.

[0006] When the torque generated by the drive unit is transmitted to the rotor via the shaft and connecting components, the rotor rotates around the shaft's rotation axis. Consequently, one of the two flow holes in the flow hole forming section is connected to the rotor's flow path opening, while the other flow hole is closed by the rotor's blocking section. Thus, the fluid flowing within the housing flows through one of the two flow holes in the flow hole forming section, and the flow to the other flow hole is cut off.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2017 / 211311 Summary of the Invention

[0010] However, in the valve device described in Patent Document 1, small gaps for assembly are provided in the gear mechanism within the drive unit, the mating part between the output gear of the drive unit and the shaft, the mating part between the shaft and the connecting member, and the mating part between the connecting member and the rotor. Therefore, when the rotor is driven in both the forward and reverse directions by transmitting torque from the drive unit to the rotor, the rotation angle of the rotor may sometimes deviate from the rotation angle of the drive unit. Consequently, when the valve device moves the rotor to a predetermined position to allow fluid to flow into one of the two flow holes in the flow hole forming part while blocking the other flow hole, there is a problem that fluid may accidentally leak into the other flow hole due to a deviation in the rotor's stopping position.

[0011] To address this problem, one consideration is to enlarge the width of the partition in the flow-through hole forming section so that fluid does not leak into the other flow-through hole even if the rotor's stop position deviates. However, if this is done, the flow path area of ​​the flow-through hole in the flow-through hole forming section decreases, leading to an increase in pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the flow-through hole.

[0012] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a valve device that, based on the deviation of the stop position of the rotor, improves the sealing performance of flow holes in which fluid should not flow and suppresses the increase in pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the flow holes.

[0013] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the valve device includes a housing, a flow-through orifice forming section, a rotor, and a drive section. The housing has a flow path for fluid flow. The flow-through orifice forming section is fixed within the flow path of the housing and has multiple flow-through orifices for fluid passage and partitions between the multiple flow-through orifices. The rotor, within the flow path of the housing, is configured to rotate about a predetermined rotation axis and has a flow path opening that communicates with a predetermined flow-through orifice among the multiple flow-through orifices of the flow-through orifice forming section, depending on the rotation angle, and a blocking section that blocks the other flow-through orifices besides the predetermined flow-through orifice. The drive section outputs torque to rotate the rotor.

[0014] Here, a virtual circle is defined with the rotor's rotation axis as its center and perpendicular to the rotation axis. At this time, the circumferential portion of the opening edge of the flow path opening of the rotor, facing the virtual circle, is formed along a virtual line extending radially in the virtual circle.

[0015] On the other hand, the partition portion of the flow hole forming portion has: a parallel portion, which is formed parallel to the radial direction of the illusory circle; and a gradient portion, which is provided at a position further radially outward than the parallel portion, and is formed such that its circumferential width gradually widens as it moves towards the radial outward.

[0016] Therefore, the valve device can use the drive unit to rotate the rotor, thereby connecting a predetermined flow hole among the multiple flow holes in the flow hole forming unit to the flow path opening of the rotor, and blocking the other flow holes with the rotor's blocking part. Even if the rotor's stopping position deviates, the transition portion of the partition in the flow hole forming unit prevents the other flow holes that should be blocked from connecting to the flow path opening. Thus, this valve device allows fluid to flow to the intended flow hole and prevents fluid from accidentally flowing to the blocked flow holes.

[0017] Furthermore, compared to a structure that assumes the partition portion of the flow-through orifice is formed only with a wide parallel portion, this valve device ensures a large flow path area for the flow-through orifice by forming the partition portion with both parallel and tapered portions. Therefore, the valve device can improve the sealing performance of flow-through orifices that should not receive fluid, even with deviations in the rotor's stop position, and can suppress increases in pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the flow-through orifice.

[0018] In addition, the parenthesized reference symbols in the notes to each constituent element indicate an example of the correspondence between that constituent element and the specific constituent elements described in the embodiments described later. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the valve device according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 2 Is Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic top view of the valve assembly when viewed from direction II.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a schematic representation. Figure 2 Sectional view of section III-III.

[0022] Figure 4 It is a schematic representation. Figure 1 , Figure 3 A sectional view of section IV-IV.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a top view showing only the flow hole forming portion of the valve device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An enlarged view of section VI.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a top view showing only the rotor of the valve device according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8This is a diagram showing the first operating mode of the valve device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the second operating mode of the valve device according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing the third operating mode of the valve device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 11 This is a diagram showing the fourth operating mode of the valve device according to the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12 This diagram shows the state where the rotor's stop position deviates in the first operating mode.

[0031] Figure 13 This diagram shows the state where the rotor's stop position deviates in the first operating mode.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the flow hole forming part and the housing in the valve device of the second embodiment.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a top view showing only the flow hole formation portion of the valve device in the comparative example.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a top view showing only the rotor of the valve device in the comparative example.

[0035] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the state in which the stop position of the rotor deviated in the valve device of the comparative example.

[0036] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the state in which the stop position of the rotor deviated in the valve device of the comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0038] (First Implementation)

[0039] The valve device of the first embodiment is used in a fluid circulation system, for example, installed in an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. The fluid circulation system is a system that circulates cooling water, a fluid, to the vehicle's power source, radiator, and heat exchanger for the vehicle's air conditioning system. The cooling water used is, for example, LLC (long-life coolant) containing ethylene glycol. The valve device is used to switch the flow path of the cooling water flowing within the system and to adjust the flow rate.

[0040] First, the structure of the valve device in this embodiment will be described.

[0041] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the valve device 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 10, a flow hole forming part 20, a rotor 30, and a drive part 40. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the valve device 1 is described as a five-way valve.

[0042] The housing 10 constitutes the outer shell of the valve device 1, and has a flow path for fluid flow on its inner side. Specifically, the housing 10 has a housing body 11 formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape, a fluid inlet 12 communicating with the housing body 11, and four fluid outlets 13 to 16. The fluid inlet 12 is located on one side of the housing body 11 in the axial direction, and the four fluid outlets 13 to 16 are located on the other side of the housing body 11 in the axial direction. In the following description, the four fluid outlets 13 to 16 will be referred to as the first fluid outlet 13, the second fluid outlet 14, the third fluid outlet 15, and the fourth fluid outlet 16, respectively. The four fluid outlets 13 to 16 are arranged circumferentially along the housing body 11.

[0043] like Figure 3 As shown, a flow-through hole forming part 20 is fixed within the flow path of the housing 10. The flow-through hole forming part 20 is arranged within the flow path of the housing 10 in a manner that allows it to rotate relative to another axis. Figure 5 As shown, the flow-through hole forming portion 20 of this embodiment is formed in a disk shape, having four flow-through holes 21 to 24 extending along the thickness direction of the plate, and four partition portions 25 respectively disposed between the four flow-through holes 21 to 24. The four flow-through holes 21 to 24 allow fluid to pass through. The four flow-through holes 21 to 24 and the four partition portions 25 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the flow-through hole forming portion 20, covering its entire circumference. The four flow-through holes 21 to 24 are formed in a generally fan-shaped form. In the following description, the four flow-through holes 21 to 24 will be referred to as the first flow-through hole 21, the second flow-through hole 22, the third flow-through hole 23, and the fourth flow-through hole 24, respectively. Furthermore, the shapes of the four partition portions 25 of the flow-through hole forming portion 20 will be described later.

[0044] like Figure 3As shown, the rotor 30 is configured within the flow path of the housing 10 to rotate around a predetermined rotation axis Ax. The rotor 30 makes surface contact with one side of the flow hole forming portion 20 in the thickness direction. Figure 7 As shown, the rotor 30 of this embodiment is formed in a disk shape, having a flow path opening 31 extending along the plate thickness direction and a portion other than the flow path opening 31, namely a blocking portion 32. The flow path opening 31 is formed in a generally fan-shaped form, allowing fluid to pass through. When the rotor 30 rotates about a predetermined rotation axis Ax and stops at a predetermined position, one of the four flow holes 21 to 24 of the flow hole forming portion 20 communicates with the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30. At this time, the remaining three flow holes 21 to 24 of the four flow holes 21 to 24 of the flow hole forming portion 20 are blocked by the blocking portion 32 of the rotor 30.

[0045] Here, a virtual circle C is defined, centered on the rotation axis Ax of rotor 30 and perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax. Figure 7 In the diagram, the dummy circle C is represented by a double-dotted line. In the following description, the line extending radially along the dummy circle C is designated as the dummy line L.

[0046] The circumferential portions 33 and 34 of the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30, facing the dummy circle C, are formed in a straight line along a dummy line L extending radially from the dummy circle C. This is acceptable as long as the circumferential portions 33 and 34 of the flow path opening 31 are substantially aligned with the dummy line L extending radially from the dummy circle C, but slight offsets due to manufacturing tolerances are also acceptable. The radially inward portion 35 of the flow path opening 31, facing the dummy circle C, is formed in an arc shape. The size of the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30 is set to be larger than... Figure 5 The flow holes 21 to 24 in the flow hole forming section 20 shown are slightly larger in size. Specifically, the angle θ1 formed by the circumferential portions 33 and 34 of the opening edge of the flow path opening 31 facing the virtual circle C is formed to coincide with the angle θ2 formed by the center lines of the widths of the circumferentially adjacent partitions 25 in the plurality of partitions 25 in the flow hole forming section 20. Furthermore, in this specification, the angle between two lines refers to the interior angle between the two lines.

[0047] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 To illustrate the shape of the four partitions 25 of the flow hole forming part 20 described above.

[0048] exist Figure 5 In, also with Figure 7Similarly, a dashed line is used to represent a hypothetical circle C centered on and perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax of the rotor 30. With the flow hole forming part 20 and the rotor 30 assembled inside the housing 10, the core of the flow hole forming part 20 coincides with the rotation axis Ax of the rotor 30. Therefore, Figure 5 The center of the dummy circle C shown is aligned with the core of the flow hole forming part 20.

[0049] The four partitions 25 of the flow hole forming section 20 extend radially along the radial direction of the illusory circle C. The four partitions 25 are arranged at 90° angles around the circumference of the illusory circle C. That is, in Figure 5 In the flow hole forming section 20, the angle θ2 formed by the center lines of the widths of adjacent partitions 25 in the circumferential direction is set to 90°. However, the arrangement of the partitions 25 is not limited to... Figure 5 The configuration shown can be arbitrarily set according to the required flow characteristics of the flow orifice.

[0050] In the following description, the line that coincides with the center line of the width of each partition 25 and extends radially along the dummy circle C is called the first dummy line L1. In addition, the line that extends radially along the dummy circle C from the first dummy line L1 at a predetermined angle toward the inside of the flow holes 21 to 24 is called the second dummy line L2.

[0051] The four partitions 25 of the flow hole forming portion 20 are of the same shape. For example... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, each of the four partitions 25 has a parallel portion 26 and a gradient portion 27. The parallel portion 26 is formed parallel to the first dummy line L1. The parallel portion 26 extends with a fixed width in the radial direction of the dummy circle C. The gradient portion 27 is a portion located radially outward from the parallel portion 26. The gradient portion 27 is formed such that its circumferential width gradually widens as it moves radially outward.

[0052] The circumferential portion of the outer edge of the parallel portion 26 facing the dummy circle C is called the first edge portion 28. The first edge portion 28 is formed parallel to the first dummy line L1, at a predetermined distance from the inside of the flow holes 21-24. In addition, it is sufficient that the first edge portion 28 is substantially parallel to the first dummy line L1, including cases where it is slightly offset due to manufacturing tolerances, for example.

[0053] The circumferential portion of the outer edge of the gradient portion 27 facing the dummy circle C is called the second edge portion 29. The second edge portion 29 is formed along the second dummy line L2 described above. In addition, this only needs to be substantially consistent with the second dummy line L2, and also includes cases where there is a slight offset due to manufacturing tolerances, for example.

[0054] like Figure 6 As shown, the exterior angle θ3 formed by the first edge portion 28 and the second edge portion 29 is the same as the angle θ4 formed by the first dummy line L1 and the second dummy line L2. The exterior angle θ3 formed by the first edge portion 28 and the second edge portion 29 (i.e., the angle θ4 formed by the first dummy line L1 and the second dummy line L2) can be arbitrarily set according to the magnitude of the deviation of the stop position of the rotor 30 as envisioned when driving the rotor 30 in the forward and reverse directions. In this embodiment, the exterior angle θ3 formed by the first edge portion 28 and the second edge portion 29 (i.e., the angle θ4 formed by the first dummy line L1 and the second dummy line L2) is set, for example, in the range of 5 to 10°.

[0055] Furthermore, the connection point P between the first edge portion 28 and the second edge portion 29 can be arbitrarily set according to the relationship between the external angle θ3 formed by the first edge portion 28 and the second edge portion 29 and the width W1 of the parallel portion 26. In this embodiment, the connection point P between the first edge portion 28 and the second edge portion 29 is, for example, provided in the central region of the area obtained by dividing the radial length of the dividing portion 25 into three equal parts.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, multiple chambers are formed inside the housing body 11. Specifically, an inlet communication chamber 100 communicating with the fluid inlet 12 and first to fourth communication chambers 101 to 104 communicating with the first to fourth fluid outlets 13 to 16 are formed respectively. The inlet communication chamber 100 is formed on the fluid inlet 12 side relative to the rotor 30. On the other hand, the first to fourth communication chambers 101 to 104 are formed on the first to fourth fluid outlets 13 to 16 side relative to the flow hole forming portion 20. Furthermore, the first to fourth communication chambers 101 to 104 are each separated by four partitions 17 provided inside the housing 10. Figure 4 As shown, all four partitions 17 have a wall thickness that does not gradually change radially or axially. That is, the thickness of the four partitions 17 is fixed radially and axially. This prevents the formation of voids and the deterioration of dimensional accuracy during injection molding. The four partitions 17 are respectively positioned corresponding to the four partitions 25 of the flow hole forming section 20. Furthermore, the ends 18 of these four partitions 17 on the flow hole forming section 20 side are fixed in the same orientation as the four partitions 25 of the flow hole forming section 20. Therefore, the first to fourth communicating chambers 101 to 104 communicate with the first to fourth flow holes 21 to 24 of the flow hole forming section 20, respectively. Additionally, Figure 5 The flow hole forming portion 20 shown is relative to Figure 4 The diagram shows the state of the box 10 after it has been rotated 45° counterclockwise.

[0057] like Figure 3As shown, the drive unit 40 is located at one end of the housing 10. The drive unit 40 includes an electric motor 41 as a drive source and a gear mechanism 42 that transmits the torque output by the electric motor 41 to the shaft 43. The electric motor 41 rotates according to a control signal from the electronic control device 2. The gear mechanism 42 is constructed by meshing multiple gears. Furthermore, the electronic control device 2, which controls the drive of the motor, is a computer having a semiconductor memory and a processor. The memory is a non-temporary tangible storage medium. The electronic control device 2 executes a computer program stored in the memory and performs various control processes according to the computer program.

[0058] The drive unit 40 and the rotor 30 are connected via a shaft 43 and a connecting member 44. One end of the shaft 43 engages with an output gear (not shown) that constitutes the gear mechanism 42 of the drive unit 40. The other end of the shaft 43 engages with the connecting member 44. Furthermore, the connecting member 44 engages with the rotor 30. Thus, when the torque generated by the drive unit 40 is transmitted to the rotor 30 via the shaft 43 and the connecting member 44, the rotor 30 rotates around a predetermined rotation axis Ax. Additionally, the shaft 43, the connecting member 44, and the rotor 30 rotate around the same rotation axis Ax.

[0059] A torsion spring 45, serving as a first force-applying component, and a compression spring 46, serving as a second force-applying component, are arranged around the shaft 43.

[0060] The torsion spring 45 is a torsion helical spring that applies force to the rotor 30 relative to the housing 10 in a circumferential direction of the imaginary circle C. One end of the torsion spring 45 is engaged with the housing 10 or with a component fixed to the housing 10 (e.g., the drive unit 40), and the other end is engaged with the rotor 30 or with a component fixed to the rotor 30 (e.g., the connecting member 44). In this embodiment, the first force-applying component is constituted by a single torsion spring 45, but it is not limited to this and can also be constituted by multiple torsion springs.

[0061] As described above, the drive unit 40 and the rotor 30 are connected via a shaft 43 and a connecting member 44. Therefore, small gaps for assembly are provided in the meshing portions of the multiple gears constituting the gear mechanism 42 within the drive unit 40, the engagement portion of the output gear of the drive unit 40 with the shaft 43, the engagement portion of the shaft 43 with the connecting member 44, and the engagement portion of the connecting member 44 with the rotor 30. In this structure, by applying the force of the torsion spring 45 to the meshing or engagement portions of the components that transmit torque from the drive unit 40 to the rotor 30, the components constituting these meshing or engagement portions are rotated in a state of constant contact.

[0062] The compression spring 46 is a compression helical spring used to apply force to the rotor 30 toward the flow hole forming portion 20. One end of the compression spring 46 is engaged with the housing 10 or with a component fixed to the housing 10 (e.g., drive unit 40 or shaft 43), and the other end is engaged with the rotor 30 or with a component fixed to the rotor 30 (e.g., connecting member 44). Through the force of the compression spring 46, the rotor 30 slides in a state of constant contact with the flow hole forming portion 20.

[0063] Next, the operation of valve device 1 will be explained.

[0064] like Figures 8-11 As shown, the valve device 1 in this embodiment is mainly capable of switching between four operating modes. For example... Figures 8-13 As shown by the double-headed arrows described below, for ease of explanation, the clockwise rotation direction when viewing the rotor 30 from the drive unit 40 side will be referred to as the forward rotation direction, and the counterclockwise rotation direction will be referred to as the reverse rotation direction. Furthermore, in Figures 8-13 In order to make the diagram easier to observe, the blocking part 32 of the rotor 30 is marked with dotted shaded lines, although it is not a cross-section.

[0065] First, such as Figure 8 As shown, in the first operating mode, the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30 is connected to the first flow hole 21 of the flow hole forming part 20. As a result, the cooling water flowing from the fluid inlet 12 of the housing 10 into the inlet communication chamber 100 flows out from the first fluid outlet 13 through the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30 and the first flow hole 21 of the flow hole forming part 20 via the first communication chamber 101.

[0066] Next, as Figure 9 As shown, in the second operating mode, the rotor 30 rotates a predetermined angle (e.g., 90°) from the position of the first operating mode in the forward direction, and the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30 communicates with the second flow hole 22 of the flow hole forming part 20. As a result, the cooling water flowing in from the fluid inlet 12 of the housing 10 into the inlet communication chamber 100 flows out from the second fluid outlet 14 through the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30 and the second flow hole 22 of the flow hole forming part 20 via the second communication chamber 102.

[0067] Next, as Figure 10 As shown, in the third operating mode, the rotor 30 rotates a predetermined angle (e.g., 90°) from the position of the second operating mode in the forward direction, and the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30 communicates with the third flow hole 23 of the flow hole forming part 20. As a result, the cooling water flowing in from the fluid inlet 12 of the housing 10 into the inlet communication chamber 100 flows out from the third fluid outlet 15 through the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30 and the third flow hole 23 of the flow hole forming part 20 via the third communication chamber 103.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figure 11 As shown, in the fourth operating mode, the rotor 30 rotates a predetermined angle (e.g., 90°) in the forward direction from the position of the third operating mode, and the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30 communicates with the fourth flow hole 24 of the flow hole forming part 20. As a result, the cooling water flowing in from the fluid inlet 12 of the housing 10 into the inlet communication chamber 100 flows out from the fourth fluid outlet 16 through the flow path opening 31 of the rotor 30 and the third flow hole 23 of the flow hole forming part 20 via the fourth communication chamber 104.

[0069] Thus, the valve device 1 of this embodiment can switch between the first and fourth operating modes. Furthermore, in the above description, the valve device 1 switches between the first and fourth operating modes by rotating the rotor 30 in the forward direction, but it is not limited to this; the rotor 30 can also be rotated in the reverse direction to switch between the first and fourth operating modes.

[0070] Here, when the valve device 1 switches between the first to fourth operating modes described above, there is a situation where the rotation angle of the rotor 30 deviates from the rotation angle of the drive unit 40. This is caused, for example, by small gaps for assembly provided in the fitting parts of the components that transmit torque from the drive unit 40 to the rotor 30 (i.e., the gear mechanism 42, the shaft 43, and the connecting member 44). Alternatively, it may be caused by small gaps for assembly provided in the housing 10 and the flow hole forming part 20. Or, it may be caused by deviations in the rotation angle of the electric motor 41, manufacturing tolerances of each component, etc.

[0071] The valve device 1 of this embodiment can improve the sealing performance of the flow hole through which fluid should not flow in the rotor 30 due to the deviation of the rotation angle of the rotor 30 relative to the rotation angle of the drive unit 40, and can suppress the increase in pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the flow hole.

[0072] Figure 12 This illustrates the state where, when valve device 1 executes the first operating mode, rotor 30 stops at a position offset by a predetermined angle from the standard stop position in the forward rotation direction. Figure 12 In this context, the positional offset of the rotor 30 relative to the standard stop position in the forward rotation direction is expressed as angle α. In this state, the valve device 1 of this embodiment can also prevent cooling water from accidentally flowing into the second flow hole 22 because a portion of the partition 25 in the flow hole forming portion 20 has a gradient portion 27.

[0073] in addition, Figure 13 This illustrates the state where, when valve device 1 executes the first operating mode, rotor 30 stops at a position offset by a predetermined angle from the standard stop position in the reverse direction. Figure 13In this context, the positional offset of the rotor 30 relative to the standard stop position in the reverse direction is expressed as angle β. In this state, the valve device 1 of this embodiment can also prevent cooling water from accidentally flowing into the fourth flow hole 24 because a portion of the partition 25 in the flow hole forming portion 20 has a gradient portion 27.

[0074] Thus, even if the stop position of the rotor 30 deviates from the standard stop position in the forward or reverse direction when the valve device 1 of this embodiment is performing the first to fourth operating modes, it can prevent cooling water from accidentally flowing into the flow hole through which fluid should not flow. That is, it can improve the sealing performance of the flow hole through which fluid should not flow.

[0075] In order to compare with the valve device 1 of this embodiment described above, refer to Figures 15-18 The valve device of the comparative example will be described. Figure 15 This diagram only shows the flow hole forming portion 200 of the valve device in the comparative example. Figure 16 This diagram only shows the rotor 300 of the valve device in the comparative example. Additionally, in Figure 15 and Figure 16 In the diagram, a dashed double-dot line is used to represent a virtual circle C centered on and perpendicular to the rotation axis Ax of the rotor 300. The center of this virtual circle C coincides with the core of the flow hole forming section 200.

[0076] like Figure 15 As shown, the valve device of the comparative example also has four flow holes 210, 220, 230, 240 and four partitions 250 in its flow hole forming portion 200. However, the four partitions 250 of the flow hole forming portion 200 of the comparative example only have parallel portions 260 and do not have gradient portions. In the comparative example, the parallel portions 260 are also formed parallel to the first dummy line L1 and extend with a fixed width in the radial direction of the dummy circle C. In addition, the width W2 of the parallel portions 260 of the partitions 250 of the valve device of the comparative example is... Figure 6 The parallel portions 26 of the valve device 1 in the first embodiment shown have the same width W1. Furthermore, the width of the parallel portions 260 and 26 refers to their circumferential size within the dummy circle C.

[0077] Figure 16 The rotor 300 of the valve device shown in the comparative example is configured to be similar to... Figure 7 The rotor 30 of the valve device 1 shown in the first embodiment has the same structure. That is, as... Figure 16As shown, the rotor 300 has a flow path opening 310 and a portion other than the flow path opening 310, namely a blocking portion 320. The circumferential portions 330 and 340 of the opening edge of the flow path opening 310, facing the dummy circle C, are formed in a straight line along a dummy line L extending radially in the dummy circle C. Furthermore, the angle θ1 formed between the circumferential portions 330 and 340 of the opening edge of the flow path opening 310 and facing the dummy circle C is formed in a manner consistent with the angle θ2 formed between the center lines of the widths of the multiple partitions 250 adjacent in the circumferential direction among the partitions 250 of the flow hole forming portion 200.

[0078] Figure 17 This illustrates the state where, when the valve device of the comparative example performs its first operating mode, the rotor 300 stops at a position offset by a predetermined angle from the standard stop position in the forward rotation direction. Figure 17 In this context, the positional offset of rotor 300 relative to its standard stop position in the forward rotation direction is expressed as angle γ. Figure 17 The angle γ shown is different from that in the description of the first embodiment. Figure 12 The angle α shown is small. The valve device of the comparative example is a structure in which cooling water will unexpectedly flow into the second flow hole 22 when the positional offset of the rotor 300 in the forward rotation direction relative to the standard stop position is greater than the angle γ.

[0079] in addition, Figure 18 This illustrates the state where, when the valve device of the comparative example performs its first operating mode, the rotor 300 stops at a position offset by a predetermined angle from the standard stop position in the reverse direction. Figure 18 In this context, the positional offset of rotor 300 relative to the standard stop position in the reverse direction is expressed as angle δ. Figure 18 The angle δ shown is different from that in the description of the first embodiment. Figure 13 The angle β shown is small. The valve device of the comparative example is such that when the positional offset of the rotor 300 relative to the standard stop position in the reverse direction is greater than angle δ, cooling water will unexpectedly flow into the fourth flow hole 24. That is, for the valve device of the comparative example, the allowable range of deviation related to the stop position of the rotor 300 is small.

[0080] Furthermore, in the structure of the valve device in the comparative example, it is considered to widen the width W2 of the parallel portion 260 of the partition portion 250 of the flow-through orifice forming portion 200, so that even if the deviation of the stop position of the rotor 300 increases, the fluid will not accidentally leak into the flow-through orifice that should be closed. However, if this is done, the flow path area of ​​the flow-through orifices 210, 220, 230, and 240 of the flow-through orifice forming portion 200 will become smaller, which will cause an increase in the pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the flow-through orifices 210, 220, 230, and 240.

[0081] Compared to the valve device of the comparative example described above, the valve device 1 of this embodiment has the following effects.

[0082] (1) The valve device 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the partition portion 25 of the flow hole forming portion 20 has a parallel portion 26 formed parallel to a first dummy line L1 extending radially in the dummy circle C and a gradient portion 27 provided radially outward from the parallel portion 26.

[0083] Therefore, even if the stop position of the rotor 30 deviates when the valve device 1 is operating in the predetermined mode, the transition portion 27 of the partition portion 25 of the flow hole forming portion 20 can prevent the flow hole that should be closed from communicating with the flow path opening portion 31. Therefore, when operating in the predetermined mode, cooling water can flow to the intended flow hole, preventing cooling water from accidentally flowing to the flow hole that should be closed.

[0084] Furthermore, in the valve device of the comparative example described above, it is considered to widen the width W2 of the parallel portion 260 of the partition 250 so that fluid will not leak from the undesirable flow hole if the stop position of the rotor 300 deviates. In contrast, the valve device 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the partition 25 has a parallel portion 26 and a transition portion 27. Therefore, compared with the structure of widening the width W2 of the parallel portion 260 of the partition 250, it is possible to ensure a larger flow path area for the flow holes 21 to 24 of the flow hole forming portion 20.

[0085] Therefore, the deviation of the valve device 1 from the stop position of the rotor 30 in this embodiment can improve the sealing performance of the flow holes that should be closed among the plurality of flow holes 21 to 24 in the flow hole forming part 20, and can suppress the increase in pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the open flow holes.

[0086] (2) In this embodiment, the first edge portion 28 of the outer edge of the parallel portion 26, facing the dummy circle C, is formed parallel to the first dummy line L1, which is located a predetermined distance away from the inner side of the flow holes 21-24. Furthermore, the second edge portion 29 of the outer edge of the gradient portion 27, facing the dummy circle C, is formed along a second dummy line L2 that extends radially from the first dummy line L1 towards the inner side of the flow holes 21-24 at a predetermined angle.

[0087] Therefore, when the stop position of the rotor 30 deviates, the circumferential portions 33 and 34 of the opening edge of the flow path opening 31, facing the dummy circle C, align with the second circumferential edge 29 of the outer edge of the transition portion 27, also facing the dummy circle C. Thus, the sealing performance of the flow holes 21-24, which should be closed relative to the deviation of the stop position of the rotor 30, can be improved without excessively widening the transition portion 27. Therefore, this valve device 1 ensures a large flow path area for the flow holes 21-24 in the flow hole forming portion 20 and suppresses an increase in pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the flow holes 21-24.

[0088] (3) In this embodiment, the external angle θ3 formed by the first edge portion 28 and the second edge portion 29 (that is, the angle θ4 formed by the first dummy line L1 and the second dummy line L2) is set to a range of 5 to 10°.

[0089] Therefore, when the external angle θ3 formed by the first edge 28 and the second edge 29 is less than 5°, the width of the partition 25 becomes smaller. Consequently, it is difficult to prevent fluid from accidentally flowing into other flow holes that should be blocked, given deviations in the stop position of the rotor 30. On the other hand, when the external angle θ3 formed by the first edge 28 and the second edge 29 is greater than 10°, the width of the partition 25 becomes larger, making it difficult to ensure a large flow path area for the flow holes 21-24. Therefore, by setting the external angle θ3 formed by the first edge 28 and the second edge 29 to a range of 5-10°, the valve device 1 can improve the sealing performance of flow holes through which fluid should not flow and suppress the increase in pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the flow holes 21-24.

[0090] (4) In this embodiment, the connection portion P between the first edge portion 28 and the second edge portion 29 is provided in the central region of the region obtained by dividing the radial length of the partition portion 25 into three equal parts.

[0091] Therefore, when the connection point P between the first edge 28 and the second edge 29 is located in the radially outer region of the area obtained by dividing the radial length of the partition 25 into three equal parts, it is difficult to prevent fluid from accidentally flowing into other flow holes that should be blocked, given the deviation of the stop position of the rotor 30. On the other hand, when the connection point P between the first edge 28 and the second edge 29 is located in the radially inner region of the area obtained by dividing the radial length of the partition 25 into three equal parts, it is difficult to ensure a large flow path area for the flow holes 21 to 24. Therefore, by placing the connection point P between the first edge 28 and the second edge 29 in the central region of the area obtained by dividing the radial length of the partition 25 into three equal parts, the valve device 1 can improve the sealing performance of the corresponding blocked flow holes and suppress the increase in pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the open flow holes.

[0092] (5) In this embodiment, the drive unit 40 can switch between two or more operating modes that connect a predetermined flow hole to the flow path opening 31 and disconnect other flow holes and flow path openings 31 except for the predetermined flow hole. In addition, in this embodiment, a structure that can switch between four operating modes is illustrated.

[0093] Therefore, in a structure capable of switching between two or more operating modes, the valve device 1 can prevent excessive widening of the width of the partition 25 and the inner diameter of the housing 10. Consequently, it can improve the sealing performance of the flow holes through which fluid should not flow in the rotor 30 deviates from its stopping position, and suppress the increase in pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the flow holes 21-24.

[0094] (6) In this embodiment, a plurality of flow holes 21 to 24 and a plurality of partitions 25 are alternately arranged around the entire circumference of the flow hole forming portion 20 in the circumferential direction of the dummy circle C.

[0095] However, in the case of a structure in which multiple flow holes 21 to 24 and multiple partitions 25 are arranged around the entire circumference of the flow hole forming portion 20, if the width of the partition 25 is widened, the flow path area of ​​the multiple flow holes 21 to 24 becomes smaller, and the pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the flow holes 21 to 24 increases.

[0096] Therefore, in the structure of the valve device 1 of this embodiment, in which multiple flow holes 21-24 and multiple partitions 25 are alternately arranged throughout the entire circumference of the flow hole forming portion 20, the partitions 25 are designed to have parallel portions 26 and gradient portions 27, thus ensuring a large flow path area for each flow hole 21-24. Therefore, this valve device 1 can simultaneously improve the sealing performance of flow holes through which fluid should not flow and suppress the increase in pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the flow holes 21-24.

[0097] (7) The valve device 1 of this embodiment includes a torsion spring 45 as a first force-applying member that applies force to the rotor 30 relative to the housing 10 in one direction toward the circumference of the dummy circle C.

[0098] Therefore, when the rotor 30 is driven in both the forward and reverse directions, the force of the torsion spring 45 ensures that the components transmitting torque from the drive unit 40 to the rotor 30 are always in contact with each other. This reduces the deviation of the rotor 30's stopping position, thus decreasing the external angle θ3 formed by the first edge 28 and the second edge 29 (i.e., the angle θ4 formed by the first dummy line L1 and the second dummy line L2). Consequently, this valve device 1 improves the sealing performance of the flow holes through which fluid should not flow, and ensures a larger flow path area for the flow holes 21-24 in the flow hole forming part 20.

[0099] (Second Implementation)

[0100] Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment obtained by mainly changing the structure of the flow hole forming part 20 compared with the first embodiment. The rest is the same as the first embodiment, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0101] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing the flow hole forming portion 20 provided in the flow path of the housing 10 in the valve device 1 of the second embodiment, and the cross-section of the housing 10 at the location where the flow hole forming portion 20 is provided. Figure 14 As shown, the valve device 1 of the second embodiment also includes a flow hole forming portion 20 with four flow holes 21 to 24 and four partition portions 25 respectively disposed between the four flow holes 21 to 24. The four flow holes 21 to 24 and the four partition portions 25 are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction of the flow hole forming portion 20 throughout the entire circumference of the flow hole forming portion 20.

[0102] However, in the second embodiment, the sizes of the four flow holes 21 to 24 are different. The sizes of the four flow holes 21 to 24 are arbitrarily set according to the required flow characteristics of the flow holes.

[0103] In the second embodiment, the four partitions 25 of the flow hole forming portion 20 also have the same shape. Each of the four partitions 25 has a parallel portion 26 and a gradient portion 27. The parallel portion 26 is formed parallel to the first dummy line L1 and extends with a fixed width in the radial direction of the dummy circle C. The gradient portion 27 is provided radially outward from the parallel portion 26 and is formed such that its circumferential width gradually widens as it moves radially outward.

[0104] The first edge portion 28 of the outer edge of the parallel portion 26, facing the dummy circle C, is formed parallel to the first dummy line L1, moving a predetermined distance away from the inner side of the flow holes 21-24. Furthermore, the second edge portion 29 of the outer edge of the gradient portion 27, facing the dummy circle C, is formed along the aforementioned second dummy line L2. That is, the four partition portions 25 of the flow hole forming portion 20 in the second embodiment are identical in structure to the partition portions 25 of the flow hole forming portion 20 described in the first embodiment, except for their circumferential arrangement.

[0105] The flow-through hole forming portion 20 has a positioning protrusion 50 that protrudes radially outward on its outer periphery, which is formed in the shape of a disc. This protrusion 50 engages with a groove 51 provided on the inner wall of the housing 10. As a result, the flow-through hole forming portion 20 is configured to not rotate relative to an axis within the flow path of the housing 10. Furthermore, the shape and number of the protrusion 50 and the groove 51 can be arbitrarily set.

[0106] The valve device 1 of the second embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0107] (Other implementation methods)

[0108] (1) In the above embodiments, the valve device 1 has been described as being used, for example, in a fluid circulation system installed in an electric vehicle, but it is not limited thereto. It can also be used, for example, in a fluid circulation system installed in a vehicle other than an electric vehicle. In addition, it can also be used for purposes other than vehicles.

[0109] (2) In the above embodiments, the fluid flowing in the flow path within the housing 10 of the valve device 1 is described as cooling water, but it is not limited to this. The fluid may also be a liquid or gas other than cooling water.

[0110] (3) In the above embodiments, the valve device 1 is described as a five-way valve, but it is not limited to this. It can also be configured as a two-way valve, a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or a six-way valve or more. That is, the number of flow holes 21 to 24 in the flow hole forming part 20, the number of partition parts 25, and the number of flow path openings 31 in the rotor 30 can be arbitrarily set.

[0111] (4) In the above embodiments, the rotor 30 has been described with a flow path opening 31 and a blocking portion 32, but it is not limited to this. The rotor 30 may also have a recessed portion in the thickness direction from the flow hole forming portion 20 side to the inlet communication chamber 100 side. In this case, it may be configured such that the fluid flowing in from the predetermined fluid outlet flows in a U-shaped turn in the recess of the rotor 30 through the predetermined communication chamber and the predetermined flow hole that communicate with the predetermined fluid outlet, and flows out from other fluid outlets through other flow holes and other communication chambers that communicate with them.

[0112] (5) In the above embodiments, the housing 10 and the flow hole forming part 20 of the valve device 1 are described as separate components, but it is not limited to this and they can also be formed into a single component.

[0113] (6) In the above embodiments, the flow hole forming part 20 and the rotor 30 of the valve device 1 have been described as being in the shape of a disc, but this is not a limitation. The shape of these components can be various, such as being polygonal when viewed along the rotation axis or having the corners of the polygonal shape rounded. In addition, the materials used for the flow hole forming part 20 and the rotor 30 can be various materials such as resin, ceramic or metal.

[0114] (7) In the above embodiments, the drive unit 40 of the valve device 1 has been described as having an electric motor 41 and a gear mechanism 42, but it is not limited to this. The drive unit 40 may also use a rotating device other than an electric motor 41. In addition, the gear mechanism 42 may be omitted and the electric motor 41 may be connected to the shaft 43.

[0115] (8) In the above embodiments, the drive unit 40 and the rotor 30 of the valve device 1 are connected via a shaft 43 and a connecting member 44. However, this is not a limitation and the drive unit 40 and the rotor 30 may be directly connected.

[0116] (9) In the above embodiments, it is assumed that the plurality of partitions 25 of the flow hole forming portion 20 are all formed in the same shape, but it is not limited thereto. The plurality of partitions 25 may also include different shapes in a part of them.

[0117] (10) In the first embodiment described above, the corners of the flow holes 21 to 24 in the flow hole forming part 20 and the flow path opening part 31 in the rotor 30 are not rounded, but it is not limited to this, and the corners of the flow holes 21 to 24 and the flow path opening part 31 may also be rounded.

[0118] (11) In the above embodiments, the valve device 1 is described as being configured such that fluid flows into the housing 10 from the fluid inlet 12 and flows out from any one of the four fluid outlets 13 to 16, but it is not limited thereto. The valve device 1 may also be used such that fluid flows into the housing 10 from any one of the fluid outlets 13 to 16 and flows out from the fluid inlet 12.

[0119] (12) Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modifications. Also, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other; they can be appropriately combined except where they are obviously incompatible. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or are clearly considered necessary in principle. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, etc., of the constituent elements of the embodiment, they are not limited to that specific number, except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when referring to the material, shape, positional relationship, etc., of the constituent elements, they are not limited to that material, shape, positional relationship, etc., except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or are limited to a specific material, shape, positional relationship in principle.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that, have: The housing has a flow path for fluid flow; A flow-through orifice forming section, fixed within the flow path of the housing, has multiple flow-through orifices for fluid passage and partitions disposed between the multiple flow-through orifices. The rotor is configured to rotate about a predetermined axis of rotation within the flow path of the housing. The rotor has a flow path opening that communicates with a predetermined flow hole among the plurality of flow holes in the flow hole forming part according to the rotation angle, and a blocking part that blocks the other flow holes among the plurality of flow holes besides the predetermined flow hole. as well as The drive unit outputs a torque that causes the rotor to rotate. When a virtual circle is defined with the rotation axis of the rotor as its center and perpendicular to the rotation axis, The portion of the opening edge of the flow path opening of the rotor that faces the circumferential circle is formed along an imaginary line extending radially from the imaginary circle. The partition portion of the flow hole forming portion has: a parallel portion formed radially parallel to the dummy circle; and a gradient portion provided at a position radially outward from the parallel portion, which is formed to gradually widen in circumferential direction as it moves radially outward.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first edge portion of the outer edge of the parallel portion, facing the circumferential direction of the dummy circle, is formed parallel to the first dummy line, which extends radially along the dummy circle, and is located a predetermined distance away from the inside of the flow hole. The second edge portion of the outer edge of the gradient portion, facing the circumferential direction of the dummy circle, is formed along a second dummy line, which is a dummy line that is inclined at a predetermined angle from the first dummy line toward the inside of the flow hole and extends radially along the dummy circle.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The external angle formed by the first edge and the second edge is in the range of 5 to 10°.

4. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The connection between the first edge and the second edge is located in the central region of the area obtained by dividing the radial length of the dividing portion into three equal parts.

5. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The drive unit is capable of switching between two or more operating modes, wherein the operating mode is to connect the predetermined flow hole with the flow path opening and to disconnect other flow holes besides the predetermined flow hole from the flow path opening.

6. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The plurality of flow holes and the plurality of partitions are alternately arranged around the circumference of the virtual circle, covering the entire circumference of the flow hole forming portion.

7. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The valve device also includes a force-applying member arranged around the rotation axis of the rotor. One end of the force-applying member is engaged with the housing or a member fixed to the housing, and the other end is engaged with the rotor or a member fixed to the rotor. The force-applying member applies force to the rotor relative to the housing in one direction in the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle.

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