Valve device

Abstract

The valve device (10) includes a housing (12) and a plate-shaped fixed disk (14) having at least one flow passage hole (141, 142) for fluid passage. The valve device includes a drive unit (16) that outputs rotational force, a shaft (18) that rotates about a predetermined axis (CL) by the rotational force, and a rotor (20) that increases or decreases the opening of the flow passage hole as the shaft rotates. The rotor includes a plate-shaped drive disk (22) that slides relative to the fixed disk; and a rod (24) that is fixed to the drive disk and connects the drive disk and the shaft to rotate integrally while the drive disk can be displaced along the axial direction of the shaft. A torsion spring (30) is disposed between the shaft and the rod, applying a circumferential force to the rod about the axis of the shaft relative to the axial direction. A contact portion (187a, 188a) that contacts the rod is provided at different locations in the circumferential direction of the shaft.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-163936, filed on September 29, 2020, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] As such a valve device, the flow control valve described in Patent Document 1 is known, for example. The flow control valve described in Patent Document 1 includes: a valve core; a drive device for driving the valve core; a reduction gear disposed between the valve core and the drive device to increase the driving torque of the drive device; and a return spring that applies force to the valve core driven by the reduction gear. The valve core of this flow control valve has a shaft and a disc that serves as a rotor, and the disc and shaft are configured to rotate integrally in a state where the disc can be displaced along the axial direction of the shaft. Specifically, a shaft with a D-shaped profile (a so-called D-cutting shaft) is fitted with a clearance fitting through a D-shaped through-hole formed approximately in the central portion of the disc.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-257248 Summary of the Invention

[0008] In the case of a valve device such as the flow control valve in Patent Document 1, when the disc, which is a rotor, rotates under the action of the drive device, the opening of the flow hole through which the fluid from the inlet of the valve box to the outlet passes will be increased or decreased.

[0009] However, although the flow control valve in Patent Document 1 has a gap between the disc and the shaft, it does not implement any countermeasures to suppress circumferential wobbling between the disc and the shaft, thus causing a deviation in the opening of the flow orifice. This deviation in the opening of the flow orifice becomes the main cause of deviations in the flow rate of the fluid passing through the valve device, and is therefore undesirable. This was discovered by the inventors after careful study.

[0010] In response to this, the inventors have studied a scheme to suppress circumferential wobbling between the disc and the shaft by arranging a torsion spring between the shaft and the disc.

[0011] However, when the D-cutting axis is inserted into the through hole of the disc to connect the disc and the shaft, the disc and the shaft contact at a point away from the center of the shaft, and the torque from the torsion spring acts concentrated at that point. In this case, the contact area between the disc and the shaft is prone to wear.

[0012] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a valve device that can suppress rotor wear while suppressing circumferential wobble of the rotor and shaft.

[0013] According to one point of view in this disclosure

[0014] The valve device includes:

[0015] The box has internal fluid passages that allow fluid to flow.

[0016] A plate-shaped fixing plate is fixed to the inside of the box and has at least one flow path hole for fluid to pass through;

[0017] The drive unit outputs rotational force;

[0018] A shaft that rotates about a predetermined axis by a rotational force; and

[0019] The rotor, which rotates along with the shaft, increases or decreases the opening of the flow path orifice.

[0020] The rotor includes:

[0021] A plate-shaped drive disc that slides relative to a fixed disc; and

[0022] A rod, fixed to the drive disk, connects the drive disk and the shaft so that they can rotate as a single unit while the drive disk is able to displace along the axial direction of the shaft.

[0023] A torsion spring is installed between the shaft and the rod to apply circumferential force to the rod relative to the axial direction.

[0024] On the shaft, at different locations in the circumferential direction, there are contact parts that come into contact with the rod.

[0025] By using a torsion spring to apply a circumferential force to the rod relative to the axis around the shaft's center, circumferential wobble between the shaft and the rod can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the rod is fixed to the drive disc, the torsion spring can be used to suppress circumferential wobble between the shaft and the rod.

[0026] In addition, since the shaft and rod contact each other at multiple points, the torque from the torsion spring is distributed across multiple points, thereby suppressing wear at the contact points between the shaft and rod.

[0027] Therefore, the valve device according to this disclosure can suppress rotor wear while suppressing circumferential wobble of the rotor and shaft.

[0028] In addition, the parenthesized reference symbols attached 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

[0029] Figure 1 This is a front view of the valve device in the embodiment.

[0030] Figure 2 From Figure 1 The bottom view of the valve device is shown in the direction of the arrow indicated by II.

[0031] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Section III-III.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the fixed plate.

[0033] Figure 5 It is a top view of the assembly of the shaft, rotor, and rod.

[0034] Figure 6 From Figure 5 The side view of the assembly of the shaft, rotor, and rod is viewed in the direction of the arrow shown in VI.

[0035] Figure 7 From Figure 5 The side view of the assembly of the shaft, rotor, and rod, viewed in the direction of the arrow shown in VII.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Sectional view of VIII-VIII.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a top view of the rotor.

[0038] Figure 10 From Figure 9 The X-shaped arrow indicates the direction of the rotor in the side view.

[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 XI-XI sectional view.

[0040] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 Sectional view XII-XII.

[0041] Figure 13 This is a top view of the drive disk.

[0042] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 XIV-XIV sectional view.

[0043] Figure 15 It is a top view showing a drive disk superimposed on a fixed disk.

[0044] Figure 16 This is a top view of the rod.

[0045] Figure 17 From Figure 16 The arrow shown in XVII is used to observe the direction of the rod in a side view.

[0046] Figure 18 This is a bottom view of the pole.

[0047] Figure 19 This is a side view of an assembly with shafts and other components assembled on the main body cover.

[0048] Figure 20 From Figure 19 The arrow XX indicates the direction of observation in the bottom view of the assembly on the main body cover, where shafts and other components are assembled.

[0049] Figure 21 yes Figure 20 XXI-XXI sectional view.

[0050] Figure 22 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the surface pressure, etc., at the contact portions of each disc in the valve device of the comparative example.

[0051] Figure 23 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the surface pressure, etc., at the contact portions of each disc in the valve device used to explain the implementation method. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 23 An embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In this embodiment, an example of applying the valve device 10 of this disclosure as a vehicle control valve mounted in a vehicle will be described. Although not illustrated, Figure 1 The valve device 10 shown is suitable for a fluid circulation loop that circulates fluid (cooling water in this example) to a driving power source and radiator, etc., for causing the fluid circulating in the fluid circulation loop to flow.

[0053] The valve device 10 can increase or decrease the flow rate of fluid in the flow path through the valve device 10 in the fluid circulation loop, and can also cut off the flow of fluid in the flow path. For example, LLC, including ethylene glycol, can be used as the fluid. LLC is short for Long Life Coolant.

[0054] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the valve device 10 has a housing 12 that forms a fluid passage for fluid flow inside. The valve device 10 is constructed using a three-way valve with an inlet 12a for fluid inflow, a first outlet 12b for fluid outflow, and a second outlet 12c for fluid outflow provided on the housing 12. The valve device 10 not only functions as a simple flow path switching valve, but also functions as a flow regulating valve to adjust the flow ratio of fluid flowing from the inlet 12a to the first outlet 12b and fluid flowing from the inlet 12a to the second outlet 12c.

[0055] The valve device 10 is configured as a disc valve in which the valve opening and closing action is performed by rotating a disc-shaped valve core around the axis CL of the shaft 18 (described later). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the direction along the axis CL of the shaft 18 (described later) is defined as the axial direction DRa, and the direction orthogonal to this axial direction DRa and extending radially from the axial direction DRa is defined as the radial direction DRa. Additionally, in this embodiment, the direction around the axis CL is defined as the circumferential direction DRc, and various structures are described accordingly.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the valve device 10 houses a fixed plate 14, a drive unit 16, a shaft 18, a rotor 20, a compression spring 26, a first torsion spring 28, a second torsion spring 30, etc., inside the housing 12. Additionally, the valve device 10 has the drive unit 16, etc., arranged on the outside of the housing 12.

[0057] The housing 12 is a non-rotating component that does not rotate. The housing 12 is formed, for example, from a resin material. The housing 12 has: a main body portion 120 with a bottom cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction DRa; and a main body cover portion 124 that closes the opening 120a of the main body portion 120.

[0058] The main body 120 has a bottom wall portion 121 forming a bottom surface and a side wall portion 122 surrounding an axis CL. The bottom wall portion 121 and the side wall portion 122 are integrally formed into a single molded object.

[0059] The bottom wall portion 121 is provided with a height difference corresponding to the flow path holes 141, 142 of the fixed disk 14 (described later). That is, the portion of the bottom wall portion 121 that faces the flow path holes 141, 142 of the fixed disk 14 (described later) has a larger distance from the main body cover portion 124 compared to the portion that does not face the flow path holes 141, 142 of the fixed disk 14.

[0060] The bottom wall portion 121 has opposing portions 121a that are opposite to the flow holes 141, 142 of the fixed disk 14, and non-opposing portions 121b that are not opposite to the flow holes 141, 142 of the fixed disk 14. In the bottom wall portion 121, the opposing portions 121a are significantly away from the fixed disk 14, and the non-opposing portions 121b are close to the fixed disk 14.

[0061] On the side wall portion 122, an inlet portion 12a is formed at a position closer to the opening portion 120a than to the bottom wall portion 121, and a first outlet portion 12b and a second outlet portion 12c are formed at positions closer to the bottom wall portion 121 than to the opening portion 120a. The inlet portion 12a, the first outlet portion 12b, and the second outlet portion 12c are composed of tubular members with flow paths formed on their inner sides.

[0062] On the inner side of the side wall portion 122, a mounting portion 122a for mounting the fixing plate 14 is provided between the portion where the inlet portion 12a is formed and the portions where the outlet portions 12b and 12c are formed. The mounting portion 122a is a portion that abuts against the back side of the opening surface 140 in the fixing plate 14. The mounting portion 122a is formed in the side wall portion 122 at a portion where the inner diameter changes. Specifically, the mounting portion 122a is a flat portion that extends radially DRr. A receiving groove 122b for arranging the washer 15 is formed in the mounting portion 122a.

[0063] In addition, the side wall portion 122 has a first disk opposing portion 122c that is opposite to the fixed disk 14 in the radial direction DRr and a second disk opposing portion 122d that is opposite to the drive disk 22 in the radial direction DRr.

[0064] Although not shown in the diagram, a storage feature is formed on the first tray-opposing portion 122c. Figure 4 The fixed disk 14 shown has a receiving groove for the anti-rotation protrusion 144. Alternatively, the anti-rotation of the fixed disk 14 can also be achieved without the anti-rotation protrusion 144, but by, for example, an anti-rotation pin.

[0065] The inner diameter Dh of the first disc opposing portion 122c is larger than the outer diameter Dd of the portion of the fixed disc 14 excluding the anti-rotation protrusion 144. Therefore, when the fixed disc 14 is positioned on the mounting portion 122a, a gap is formed between the fixed disc 14 and the side wall portion 122. In other words, the fixed disc 14 is not positioned by the side wall portion 122.

[0066] The inner diameter of the second disc opposing portion 122d is larger than the inner diameter of the first disc opposing portion 122c. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the second disc opposing portion 122d is larger than the outer diameter of the drive disc 22. This creates a gap between the drive disc 22 and the side wall portion 122. That is, the drive disc 22 does not contact the side wall portion 122 and is not positioned by the side wall portion 122. Additionally, the outer diameter of the drive disc 22 is approximately equal to the outer diameter Dd of the fixed disc 14.

[0067] The inner side of the housing 12 is divided into an inlet space 12d and an outlet space 12e by a fixed plate 14. The inlet space 12d is the space inside the housing 12 that communicates with the inlet portion 12a. The outlet space 12e is the space inside the housing 12 that communicates with the first outlet portion 12b and the second outlet portion 12c.

[0068] Although not shown in the figure, a plate-shaped partition is provided on the inner side of the main body 120 to divide the outlet side space 12e into a first outlet side space communicating with the first flow path hole 141 and a second outlet side space communicating with the second flow path hole 142. The partition is provided in such a way that it cuts across the outlet side space 12e along the radial direction DRr.

[0069] The main body cover 124 is a cover member that covers the opening 120a of the main body 120. The main body cover 124 includes a plate portion 124a, a rib portion 124b, and a boss portion 124c. The plate portion 124a, the rib portion 124b, and the boss portion 124c are integrally formed into a single molded part.

[0070] Plate portion 124a is an annular portion extending radially along DRr. Plate portion 124a, together with side wall portion 122 and fixing plate 14, forms entrance side space 12d in main body cover portion 124.

[0071] Rib 124b is the portion of the main body cover 124 that is embedded in the opening 120a of the main body 120. Rib 124b is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided on the outer periphery of the plate portion 124a. Rib 124b is provided in such a way that it protrudes from the plate portion 124a toward the bottom wall portion 121. An O-ring 124d is disposed between rib 124b and side wall portion 122 to seal the gap between the main body portion 120 and the main body cover 124.

[0072] The boss portion 124c is the part through which the shaft 18 is inserted. The boss portion 124c is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided on the inner circumference of the plate portion 124a. The boss portion 124c has an annular shaft seal 124e on its inner side for sealing the gap between itself and the shaft 18, and an O-ring 124f on its outer side for sealing the gap between itself and the drive portion 16. In addition, a bearing portion 124g for supporting the shaft 18 so that it can rotate is arranged on the inner side of the boss portion 124c.

[0073] The fixed disk 14 is constructed using a disk-shaped component with its thickness direction being the axial direction DRa. The fixed disk 14 has a surface, namely an opening surface 140, for sliding of the drive disk 22, which will be described later. The opening surface 140 is a contact portion that contacts the sliding surface 220 of the drive disk 22, which will be described later.

[0074] It is desirable that the mounting plate 14 be made of a material with a smaller coefficient of linear expansion and superior wear resistance compared to the material used to construct the housing 12. The mounting plate 14 is made of a high-hardness material with a higher hardness than the housing 12. Specifically, the mounting plate 14 is made of ceramic. Alternatively, the mounting plate 14 may be made only of a material such as ceramic with a smaller coefficient of linear expansion and superior wear resistance compared to the material used to construct the housing 12, where the opening surface 140 is formed.

[0075] Furthermore, the fixed plate 14 constitutes a flow path forming part having flow path holes 141, 142 for fluid to pass through. Therefore, in the valve device 10 of this embodiment, the fixed plate 14, which is the flow path forming part, is configured as a component that is not integral with the housing 12.

[0076] like Figure 4 As shown, a first flow path hole 141 and a second flow path hole 142 for fluid passage are formed in the fixed disk 14. The first flow path hole 141 and the second flow path hole 142 are formed in the fixed disk 14 at positions away from the axis CL of the shaft 18, without overlapping with the axis CL. The first flow path hole 141 and the second flow path hole 142 are sector-shaped through holes, functioning as connecting paths that connect the inlet-side space 12d and the outlet-side space 12e. Alternatively, the first flow path hole 141 and the second flow path hole 142 can also be circular, elliptical, or other shapes.

[0077] Specifically, a first flow path 141 is provided in the fixed disk 14 at a location corresponding to the first outlet side space, communicating with the first outlet side space. Similarly, a second flow path 142 is provided in the fixed disk 14 at a location corresponding to the second outlet side space, communicating with the second outlet side space.

[0078] A mounting hole 143 is formed approximately at the center of the mounting plate 14 for the shaft 18 to pass through. The inner diameter of the mounting hole 143 is larger than the diameter of the shaft 18 to prevent the shaft 18 from sliding against it.

[0079] A gasket 15 is disposed between the fixed plate 14 and the mounting portion 122a to seal the gap between the fixed plate 14 and the mounting portion 122a. The gasket 15 is made of rubber. The gasket 15 is received in a receiving groove 122b formed in the mounting portion 122a.

[0080] Figure 1 and Figure 3The drive unit 16 shown is a device for outputting rotational force. Although not shown, the drive unit 16 includes a motor as a drive source and a gear unit as a power transmission member that transmits the motor's output to the shaft 18. The motor may be, for example, a servo motor or a brushless motor. The gear unit may be, for example, a gear mechanism including helical gears or spur gears. Although not shown, the motor rotates according to a control signal from a valve control unit electrically connected to the motor (not shown). The valve control unit is a computer having a memory as a non-temporary tangible storage medium and a processor, etc. The valve control unit executes a computer program stored in the memory and performs various control processes according to the computer program.

[0081] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, shaft 18 is a rotating shaft that rotates around a predetermined axis CL by the rotational force output from drive unit 16. Shaft 18 extends along the axial direction DRa. Both sides of shaft 18 in the axial direction DRa are supported by housing 12 to allow rotation. That is, shaft 18 has a two-end support structure. Shaft 18 passes through fixed disk 14 and drive disk 22 and is supported by housing 12 to allow rotation. Specifically, one side of shaft 18 in the axial direction DRa is supported by a bearing portion 124g provided inside the main body cover portion 124 to allow rotation. In addition, the other side of shaft 18 in the axial direction DRa is supported by a bearing hole portion 121c formed in the bottom wall portion 121 of the main body portion 120. The bearing hole portion 121c is made of a sliding bearing. Alternatively, the bearing hole portion 121c may not be a sliding bearing, but may be made of a ball bearing or the like.

[0082] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the shaft 18 includes a metal shaft portion 181 and a resin support portion 182 connected to the shaft portion 181. The shaft portion 181 and the support portion 182 are connected to each other in a manner that allows them to rotate integrally.

[0083] The shaft portion 181 includes the shaft center CL of the shaft 18 and extends along the axial direction DRa. The shaft portion 181 is the part that serves as the rotation center of the rotor 20. The shaft portion 181 is constructed of a metal rod member to ensure straightness.

[0084] The bracket portion 182 is connected to one side of the shaft portion 181 in the axial direction DRa. The bracket portion 182 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. The bracket portion 182 is connected to the shaft portion 181 by pressing it into its bottom portion or the like. In addition, the portion of the bracket portion 182 that protrudes outward from the housing 12 is connected to the gear portion of the drive portion 16.

[0085] The inner diameter of the support portion 182 increases progressively from one side of the axial direction DRa towards the other. Specifically, the support portion 182 includes a shaft connection portion 183 located on one side of the axial direction DRa, an intermediate portion 184 connected to the shaft connection portion 183, a small-diameter portion 185 connected to the intermediate portion 184, and a large-diameter portion 186 connected to the small-diameter portion 185. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the support portion 182 increases in the order of shaft connection portion 183, intermediate portion 184, small-diameter portion 185, and large-diameter portion 186.

[0086] The shaft connection portion 183 is the part that connects to the shaft core portion 181. The shaft connection portion 183 has an inner diameter that is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the shaft core portion 181. The outer portion of the shaft connection portion 183 is supported by the bearing portion 124g.

[0087] The intermediate portion 184 is located inside the boss portion 124c. The intermediate portion 184 has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 181. A shaft seal 124e is disposed on the outer side of the intermediate portion 184.

[0088] The small-diameter portion 185 forms a space on its inner side for arranging the compression spring 26, which will be described later. The small-diameter portion 185 has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the intermediate portion 184. The connecting end face 185a that connects the intermediate portion 184 and the small-diameter portion 185 becomes a contact portion that contacts one end of the compression spring 26. A large-diameter portion 186 is connected to the outer side of the small-diameter portion 185.

[0089] The larger diameter portion 186 is located outside the radial DRr of the smaller diameter portion 185. The larger diameter portion 186 has an inner diameter slightly larger than the inner diameter of the smaller diameter portion 185. For example... Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, the large-diameter portion 186 has a cylindrical body 186a, a first large-diameter locking portion 186b, a second large-diameter locking portion 186c, a first flange portion 187, and a second flange portion 188.

[0090] The first large-diameter locking part 186b is a hook locking part for locking the hook part 282 of the first torsion spring 28, which will be described later. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the first large-diameter locking portion 186b is provided on the outer side of the body 186a on one side in the axial direction DRa. The first large-diameter locking portion 186b protrudes from the body 186a toward the outer side in the radial direction DRa in a manner that faces the hook portion 282 of the first torsion spring 28 in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0091] The second large-diameter locking part 186c is a hook locking part for locking the hook part 301 of the second torsion spring 30, which will be described later. For example... Figure 7As shown, the second large-diameter locking portion 186c is located on the outer side of the body 186a, on the side opposite to the first large-diameter locking portion 186b in the axial direction DRa. The second large-diameter locking portion 186c protrudes from the body 186a toward the outer side in the radial direction DRa, facing the hook portion 301 of the second torsion spring 30 in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0092] The first flange portion 187 and the second flange portion 188 are locking pieces that engage the shaft 18 with the engaging portion of the rod 24 (described later). The first flange portion 187 and the second flange portion 188 are located on the outer side of the body 186a, on the side opposite to the second large-diameter locking portion 186c in the axial direction DRa. Figure 5 As shown, the first flange portion 187 and the second flange portion 188 have a shape that is approximately point-symmetrical to each other with respect to the axis CL of the shaft 18. The first flange portion 187 and the second flange portion 188 protrude from the body 186a toward the outer side of the radial DRr in such a way that they face the engaging portion of the rod 24 in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0093] The first flange portion 187 has a first abutment surface 187a that engages with the first engaging claw 242a of the rod 24. The first abutment surface 187a is the abutment portion in the shaft 18 that contacts the rod 24. The first abutment surface 187a is the surface of the first flange portion 187 that faces the first engaging claw 242a in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0094] The first abutment surface 187a extends in a direction away from the axis CL of the shaft 18. Specifically, the first abutment surface 187a extends radially along DRr. The distance of the first abutment surface 187a from the axis CL of the shaft 18 is an intermediate range MR from the radius Rc of the compression spring 26 to the maximum outer radius Rd of the drive disk 22. Specifically, the shortest distance Ls1 of the first abutment surface 187a from the axis CL of the shaft 18 is greater than the radius Rc of the compression spring 26. In addition, the longest distance Lb1 of the first abutment surface 187a from the axis CL of the shaft 18 is less than or equal to the outer radius Rd of the drive disk 22.

[0095] The second flange portion 188 has a second abutment surface 188a that engages with the third engaging claw 243a of the rod 24. The second abutment surface 188a is the abutment portion in the shaft 18 that contacts the rod 24. The second abutment surface 188a is the surface of the second flange portion 188 that faces the third engaging claw 243a in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0096] The second abutment surface 188a extends in a direction away from the axis CL of the shaft 18. Specifically, the second abutment surface 188a extends radially along DRr. The distance of the second abutment surface 188a from the axis CL of the shaft 18 is an intermediate range MR from the radius Rc of the compression spring 26 to the maximum outer radius Rd of the drive disk 22. Specifically, the shortest distance Ls2 of the second abutment surface 188a from the axis CL of the shaft 18 is greater than the radius Rc of the compression spring 26. In addition, the longest distance Lb2 of the second abutment surface 188a from the axis CL of the shaft 18 is less than or equal to the outer radius Rd of the drive disk 22.

[0097] Specifically, the shortest distance Ls2 of the second abutment surface 188a is the same as the shortest distance Ls1 of the first abutment surface 187a, and the longest distance Lb2 of the second abutment surface 188a is the same as the longest distance Lb1 of the first abutment surface 187a. Therefore, the distances of the first abutment surface 187a and the second abutment surface 188a from the axis center CL of the shaft 18 are approximately equal. That is, the first abutment surface 187a and the second abutment surface 188a include portions that are equidistant from the axis center CL of the shaft 18.

[0098] The first abutting surface 187a of the first flange portion 187 and the second abutting surface 188a of the second flange portion 188 are point-symmetrical with respect to the axis CL of the shaft 18. That is, the first abutting surface 187a and the second abutting surface 188a have the same shape when rotated 180° about the axis CL of the shaft 18. In addition, the term "consistent" in this specification does not only mean that the compared objects are completely identical to each other, but also includes the state where there is only a small deviation at the level of manufacturing error (e.g., within 5% of the design value).

[0099] The bracket portion 182 thus constructed bears the forces of the first torsion spring 28 and the second torsion spring 30 by having a first large-diameter locking portion 186b and a second large-diameter locking portion 186c.

[0100] The shaft 18 thus constructed has a first abutment surface 187a and a second abutment surface 188a, thereby allowing the shaft 18 to contact the rod 24 at different locations on the circumferential DRc. That is, the abutment portions of the shaft 18 that contact the rod 24 are provided at different locations on the circumferential DRc.

[0101] The rotor 20 rotates around the axis CL of the shaft 18 via the output of the drive unit 16. The rotation of the shaft 18, in turn, increases or decreases the opening of the flow path holes 141 and 142 of the fixed disk 14. For example... Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 As shown, the rotor 20 has a drive disc 22 that serves as a valve core and a rod 24 that connects the drive disc 22 to the shaft 18.

[0102] like Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 As shown, the drive disc 22 is a valve core that increases or decreases the opening degree of the first flow path orifice 141 and the second flow path orifice 142 in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft 18. Furthermore, the opening degree of the first flow path orifice 141 refers to the extent to which the first flow path orifice 141 is open, represented by fully opening 100% and fully closed 0%. Fully opening the first flow path orifice 141 means, for example, that the first flow path orifice 141 is not completely blocked by the drive disc 22. Fully closing the first flow path orifice 141 means, for example, that the first flow path orifice 141 is completely blocked by the drive disc 22. The opening degree of the second flow path orifice 142 is the same as the opening degree of the first flow path orifice 141.

[0103] The drive disk 22 is composed of a disk-shaped component with its thickness along the axial direction DRa. The drive disk 22 is disposed in the inlet-side space 12d such that it faces the fixed disk 14 along the axial direction DRa. The drive disk 22 has a sliding surface 220 that faces the opening surface 140 of the fixed disk 14. The sliding surface 220 is a sealing surface that seals the opening surface 140 of the fixed disk 14. The sliding surface 220 is also the contact portion of the drive disk 22 that contacts the fixed disk 14.

[0104] It is desirable that the drive disc 22 be made of a material with a smaller coefficient of linear expansion and superior wear resistance compared to the material constituting the housing 12. The drive disc 22 is made of a high-hardness material with a higher hardness than the housing 12. Specifically, the drive disc 22 is made of ceramic. Alternatively, the drive disc 22 may be made only of a material such as ceramic with a smaller coefficient of linear expansion and superior wear resistance compared to the material constituting the housing 12, where the sliding surface 220 is formed.

[0105] Here, ceramic is a material with a small coefficient of linear expansion and minimal dimensional change due to water absorption, and it also exhibits excellent wear resistance. If the drive disc 22 is made of ceramic, the relative positional relationships between the drive disc 22 and the shaft 18, and between the drive disc 22 and the housing 12, are stable. As a result, it is possible to ensure the accuracy of fluid flow control and suppress unwanted fluid leakage.

[0106] On the drive disk 22, a rotor hole 221 is formed at a position eccentric to the axis CL of the shaft 18. The rotor hole 221 is a through hole that extends along the axial direction DRa. The rotor hole 221 is formed at a position in the drive disk 22 that coincides with the first flow path hole 141 and the second flow path hole 142 in the axial direction DRa when the drive disk 22 is rotated about the axis CL of the shaft 18.

[0107] A shaft insertion hole 223 is formed approximately at the center of the drive disc 22 for the shaft 18 to pass through. The inner diameter of the shaft insertion hole 223 is formed to be larger than the diameter of the shaft 18 to prevent the shaft 18 from sliding against it.

[0108] When the valve device 10 rotates the drive disc 22 such that the rotor hole 221 and the first flow path hole 141 coincide in the axial direction DRa, the first flow path hole 141 is opened. Additionally, when the valve device 10 rotates the drive disc 22 such that the rotor hole 221 and the second flow path hole 142 coincide in the axial direction DRa, the second flow path hole 142 is opened.

[0109] The drive disk 22 is configured to adjust the flow rate ratio of the fluid passing through the first flow path orifice 141 to the fluid passing through the second flow path orifice 142. That is, the drive disk 22 is configured to decrease the opening of the second flow path orifice 142 as the opening of the first flow path orifice 141 is increased.

[0110] The lever 24 is a connecting component that connects the drive disk 22 to the shaft 18. The lever 24 is fixed to the drive disk 22 and connects the drive disk 22 and the shaft 18 so that they can rotate as a whole while the drive disk 22 is able to be displaced along the axial direction DRa of the shaft 18.

[0111] Specifically, such as Figure 16 , Figure 17 , Figure 18 As shown, the rod 24 has a disc portion 241, a first arm portion 242, and a second arm portion 243. The disc portion 241, the first arm portion 242, and the second arm portion 243 are integrally formed into a single molded object.

[0112] The disk portion 241 has a central through hole 241a formed at its approximately central portion, through which the shaft 18 is inserted. The disk portion 241 is sized to not coincide with the rotor hole 221 in the axial direction DRa. A first arm portion 242 and a second arm portion 243 are connected to the disk portion 241.

[0113] The first arm 242 and the second arm 243 protrude from the disk portion 241 toward the outer side of the radial DRr, respectively. The first arm 242 and the second arm 243 protrude in opposite directions to each other.

[0114] Specifically, a first engaging claw 242a and a second engaging claw 242b protruding in the axial direction DRa are provided on the side of the first arm 242 opposite to the opposing surface of the drive disk 22. The first engaging claw 242a and the second engaging claw 242b are each formed in an L-shape. The first engaging claw 242a and the second engaging claw 242b are formed such that their root side extends along the axial direction DRa and their front end side protrudes in the circumferential direction DRc. The front ends of the first engaging claw 242a and the second engaging claw 242b protrude in a direction away from each other.

[0115] The first engaging claw 242a engages with the first flange portion 187 of the shaft 18. That is, the first engaging claw 242a is an engaging portion that engages with the abutment portion provided on the shaft 18. The first engaging claw 242a has portions that are opposite to the first flange portion 187 in the axial direction DRa and the circumferential direction DRc, respectively.

[0116] Here, as Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the first engaging claw 242a engages with the first flange 187 with a gap between it and the first flange 187 in the axial direction DRa. Thus, the rod 24 and the drive disk 22 are connected to the shaft 18 in a state where they can be displaced along the axial direction DRa.

[0117] The second engaging pawl 242b is a hook-locking part for engaging the hook portion 302 of the second torsion spring 30. By engaging the hook portion 302 of the second torsion spring 30 with the second engaging pawl 242b, the force of the second torsion spring 30 is applied to the rod 24. Thus, the force of the second torsion spring 30 maintains the abutment state between the first engaging pawl 242a and the first flange portion 187. The first engaging pawl 242a is the contact portion that contacts the shaft 18.

[0118] Furthermore, a first protrusion 242c is formed on the opposing surface of the first arm portion 242, opposite to the drive disk 22. The first protrusion 242c protrudes toward the drive disk 22 in such a way that it can be pressed into the first pressing groove 224 formed in the drive disk 22. A first slit 242d penetrating the back of the watch is formed in the approximately central portion of the first protrusion 242c. The first slit 242d increases the degree of freedom of deformation when the first protrusion 242c is pressed into the first pressing groove 224.

[0119] On the other hand, a third engaging pawl 243a and a fourth engaging pawl 243b protruding toward the axial direction DRa are provided on the side opposite to the opposing surface of the drive disk 22 in the second arm 243. The third engaging pawl 243a and the fourth engaging pawl 243b are configured in a substantially similar manner to the first engaging pawl 242a and the second engaging pawl 242b.

[0120] The third engaging claw 243a engages with the second flange portion 188 of the shaft 18. That is, the third engaging claw 243a is an engaging portion that engages with the abutment portion provided on the shaft 18. The third engaging claw 243a has portions that are opposite to the second flange portion 188 in the axial direction DRa and the circumferential direction DRc, respectively.

[0121] The third engaging pawl 243a engages with the second flange 188 in a state where there is a gap between the third engaging pawl and the second flange 188 in the axial direction DRa (not shown). As a result, the rod 24 and the drive disk 22 are connected to the shaft 18 in a state where they can be displaced along the axial direction DRa.

[0122] Furthermore, a second protrusion 243c is formed on the opposing surface of the second arm portion 243, opposite to the drive disk 22. The second protrusion 243c protrudes toward the drive disk 22 in such a way that it can be pressed into the second pressing groove 225 formed in the drive disk 22. A second slit 243d penetrating the back of the watch is formed in the approximately central portion of the second protrusion 243c. The second slit 243d increases the degree of freedom of deformation when the second protrusion 243c is pressed into the second pressing groove 225.

[0123] The rod 24, thus constructed, is fixed to the drive disk 22 by pressing the protrusions 242c and 243c into the insertion slots 224 and 225. In this embodiment, the first arm 242 and the second arm 243 of the rod 24 are formed in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the central through hole 241a, and are made into approximately the same shape. Therefore, even when the rod 24 is rotated 180° in the circumferential direction DRc, it can still be assembled to the shaft 18 and the drive disk 22.

[0124] like Figure 3 , Figure 8 As shown, the compression spring 26 is a spring that applies force from the rotor 20 to the fixed disk 14. The compression spring 26 is an elastic member that elastically deforms along the axial direction DRa of the shaft 18. The compression spring 26 is arranged inside the housing 12 in a state where one end of the axial direction DRa is connected to the shaft 18 and the other end of the axial direction DRa is connected to the rotor 20, and is compressed along the axial direction DRa. Specifically, the compression spring 26 is arranged such that one end of the axial direction DRa is connected to the connecting end face 185a of the inner side of the support portion 182 and the other end of the axial direction DRa is connected to the disk portion 241. The compression spring 26 is not fixed relative to at least one of the rotor 20 and the shaft 18, so that the compression spring 26 does not function as a torsion spring.

[0125] By using the compression spring 26 to press the rotor 20 against the fixed disk 14, the contact state between the opening surface 140 of the fixed disk 14 and the sliding surface 220 of the drive disk 22 can be maintained. This contact state refers to the state in which the opening surface 140 of the fixed disk 14 and the sliding surface 220 of the drive disk 22 are in surface contact. That is, the valve device 10 can maintain the posture of the drive disk 22 in an attitude of contact with the fixed disk 14.

[0126] Specifically, the compression spring 26 is configured to surround the axis CL of the shaft 18. This can suppress the phenomenon that the load of the compression spring 26 on the drive disk 22 is biased in the circumferential direction DRc of the shaft 18, thus making it easier to maintain the contact state between the sliding surface 220 and the opening surface 140.

[0127] Compression spring 26 is a spring with both ends being closed, making it difficult to tilt relative to the axis CL of shaft 18. A spring with closed ends means that, in order to ensure good spring stability, the end of the spring wire is attached to the adjacent coil by changing the winding angle of only the coil at the end of the spring. Alternatively, compression spring 26 can also be a spring with both ends being open.

[0128] The first torsion spring 28 is a spring that applies force to the shaft 18 relative to the housing 12 in a circumferential direction DRc about the axis CL of the shaft 18. The first torsion spring 28 is disposed between the housing 12 and the shaft 18.

[0129] Specifically, the first torsion spring 28 has hook portions 281 and 282 at both ends in the axial direction DRa, which protrude radially outward from DRa. For ease of explanation, the hook portion 281 on one side in the axial direction DRa will be referred to as the first hook portion 281, and the hook portion 282 on the other side in the axial direction DRa will be referred to as the second hook portion 282.

[0130] like Figure 19 , Figure 20 As shown, the second hook portion 282 is engaged relative to the first large-diameter locking portion 186b of the support portion 182. Since the second hook portion 282 is engaged with the first large-diameter locking portion 186b, which is a rotating member, the position of the second hook portion 282 changes in the circumferential direction DRc when the rotor 20 rotates.

[0131] like Figure 20 , Figure 21 As shown, the first hook portion 281 engages with the main body side locking portion 124h formed on the main body cover portion 124. The main body side locking portion 124h is composed of a protrusion formed on the inner side of the rib portion 124b. Since the first hook portion 281 engages with the main body cover portion 124, which is a non-rotating member, the position of the first hook portion 281 does not change even if the rotor 20 rotates.

[0132] The first torsion spring 28 is used essentially in a state where it has undergone elastic deformation due to torsion along the circumferential direction DRc. The force of the first torsion spring 28 acts on the shaft 18 whether the shaft 18 is rotating or stationary. Furthermore, the force of the first torsion spring 28 is transmitted as rotational force from the gear section of the drive unit 16 to the motor via the shaft 18. Therefore, by placing the first torsion spring 28 between the housing 12 and the shaft 18, it is possible to suppress wobbling along the circumferential direction DRc between the drive unit 16 and the shaft 18. In addition, the first torsion spring 28 is only torsion along the circumferential direction DRc, and is not compressed along the axial direction DRa.

[0133] The second torsion spring 30 is a spring that applies a force to the rod 24 relative to the shaft 18 in the circumferential direction DRc. The second torsion spring 30 is disposed between the shaft 18 and the rod 24. Compared with the first torsion spring 28, the second torsion spring 30 has smaller dimensions in the axial direction DRa and in the radial direction DRR.

[0134] The second torsion spring 30 has hook portions 301 and 302 protruding outward in the radial direction DRa at both ends. For ease of explanation, the hook portion 301 on one side of the axial direction DRa will be referred to as the third hook portion 301, and the hook portion 302 on the other side of the axial direction DRa will be referred to as the fourth hook portion 302.

[0135] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, the third hook portion 301 of the second torsion spring 30 is engaged with the second large-diameter locking portion 186c of the bracket portion 182. Additionally, as... Figure 7 As shown, the fourth hook 302 is engaged relative to the second engaging claw 242b of the rod 24.

[0136] The second torsion spring 30 is used essentially in a state where it has undergone elastic deformation due to torsion along the circumferential direction DRc. The force of the second torsion spring 30 acts on the rod 24 whether the shaft 18 is rotating or stationary. Furthermore, the force of the second torsion spring 30 is transmitted as a rotational force to the drive disk 22 via the rod 24. Therefore, by placing the second torsion spring 30 between the shaft 18 and the rod 24, wobbling along the circumferential direction DRc between the shaft 18 and the rod 24 can be suppressed. Moreover, since the rod 24 is fixed to the drive disk 22, wobbling along the circumferential direction DRc between the shaft 18 and the drive disk 22 can be suppressed using the second torsion spring 30. In addition, the second torsion spring 30 is only torsion along the circumferential direction DRc, and not compressed along the axial direction DRa.

[0137] With the second torsion spring 30 sandwiched between the shaft 18 and the rod 24, the first flange 187 engages with the first engaging claw 242a of the rod 24, and the second flange 188 engages with the third engaging claw 243a of the rod 24. Thus, the shaft 18, rod 24, and second torsion spring 30 are partially subassembly assembled. Specifically, in this embodiment, with the compression spring 26 and the second torsion spring 30 sandwiched between the shaft 18 and the rod 24, the abutment portion of the shaft 18 engages with the engaging portion of the rod 24. Thus, the shaft 18, rod 24, compression spring 26, and second torsion spring 30 are partially subassembly assembled.

[0138] Next, the operation of the valve device 10 in this embodiment will be explained. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the valve device 10 is configured such that fluid flows into the inlet-side space 12d from the inlet portion 12a as indicated by arrow Fi. Furthermore, when the first flow path orifice 141 is open, fluid flows from the inlet-side space 12d through the first flow path orifice 141 to the first outlet-side space. The fluid flowing into the first outlet-side space flows out from the first outlet-side space through the first outlet portion 12b to the outside of the valve device 10 as indicated by arrow F1o. In this case, the flow rate of the fluid through the first flow path orifice 141 is determined by the opening degree of the first flow path orifice 141. That is, the larger the opening degree of the first flow path orifice 141, the larger the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inlet portion 12a through the first flow path orifice 141 to the first outlet portion 12b.

[0139] On the other hand, when the second flow path orifice 142 is open, fluid flows from the inlet-side space 12d through the second flow path orifice 142 to the second outlet-side space. The fluid flowing into the second outlet-side space flows out from the second outlet-side space through the second outlet portion 12c to the outside of the valve device 10 as shown by arrow F2o. In this case, the flow rate of the fluid through the second flow path orifice 142 is determined according to the opening degree of the second flow path orifice 142. That is, the larger the opening degree of the second flow path orifice 142, the larger the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the inlet portion 12a through the second flow path orifice 142 to the second outlet portion 12c.

[0140] The valve device 10 described above can achieve the following effects, for example.

[0141] (1) The rotor 20 of the valve device 10 includes a drive disk 22 and a rod 24 fixed to the drive disk 22. The rod 24 connects the drive disk 22 and the shaft 18 so that they can rotate integrally when the drive disk 22 can be displaced along the axial direction DRa of the shaft 18. Furthermore, the valve device 10 has a first torsion spring 28 disposed between the housing 12 and the shaft 18, and a second torsion spring 30 disposed between the shaft 18 and the rod 24.

[0142] Thus, if the shaft 18 is subjected to a force on the circumferential DRc relative to the housing 12 by the first torsion spring 28, the circumferential oscillation between the drive unit 16 and the shaft 18 on the DRc is suppressed. Furthermore, if the rod 24 is subjected to a force on the circumferential DRc relative to the shaft 18 by the second torsion spring 30, the circumferential oscillation between the shaft 18 and the rod 24 on the DRc is suppressed. Moreover, since the rod 24 is fixed to the drive disc 22, the circumferential oscillation between the shaft 18 and the drive disc 22 can be suppressed using the second torsion spring 30.

[0143] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the swaying on the circumferential DRc between the drive unit 16 and the rotor 20, thereby suppressing the opening deviation of each flow path hole 141, 142 caused by the swaying.

[0144] here, Figure 22This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the surface pressure, etc., at the contact portions of each disc 14, 22 in the valve device CE of the comparative example. The valve device CE of the comparative example differs from the valve device 10 of this embodiment only in that it does not have a second flange 188 on the shaft 18. For ease of explanation, in... Figure 22 In the comparative example, the components common to the valve device 10 of this embodiment are marked with the same symbols as those in the valve device 10 of this embodiment.

[0145] like Figure 22 As shown, in the comparative example valve device CE, the shaft 18 and rod 24 are configured such that the first flange 187 contacts the first engaging pawl 242a, but other parts do not contact each other. That is, in the comparative example valve device CE, the shaft 18 and rod 24 contact at a point away from the center of the shaft 18, and the torque from the second torsion spring 30 acts concentrated on this point. In this case, the first abutment surface 187a and the first engaging pawl 242a, which are the contact portions between the rod 24 and the shaft 18, are prone to wear.

[0146] Furthermore, when localized friction occurs at the contact point between rod 24 and shaft 18, a large frictional force Fc is generated in the opposite direction to the force Fs of the compression spring 26. This causes an imbalance in the surface pressure at the contact point between drive disc 22 and fixed disc 14, making the contact points of each disc 14 and 22 prone to wear. Specifically, the surface pressure at the contact point of each disc 14 and 22 is small near the contact point between rod 24 and shaft 18, and increases at the point away from the contact point between rod 24 and shaft 18.

[0147] In contrast, the valve device 10 of this embodiment has a second abutment surface 188a at a different position on the circumferential DRc from the first abutment surface 187a. Furthermore, the rod 24 contacts the shaft 18 at two different locations on the circumferential DRc.

[0148] In this configuration, the valve device 10 contacts the shaft 18 and the rod 24 at multiple contact points on the shaft 18, thus distributing the torque from the second torsion spring 30 to these multiple points. This helps to suppress wear at the contact points between the shaft 18 and the rod 24.

[0149] Here, as Figure 23 As shown, frictional forces Fc1 and Fc2 are generated at the contact portion between shaft 18 and rod 24 in a manner distributed at different locations along the circumferential DRc. Furthermore, the frictional forces Fc1 and Fc2 acting on the valve device 10 of this embodiment are less than the frictional force Fc acting on the valve device CE of the comparative example. Therefore, the valve device 10 can suppress the bias of surface pressure between the drive disc 22 and the fixed disc 14, and thus, can suppress wear at the contact portion between the drive disc 22 and the fixed disc 14.

[0150] In particular, the first contact surface 187a and the second contact surface 188a of this embodiment are point-symmetrical with respect to the axis CL of the shaft 18. Therefore, approximately equal frictional forces Fc1 and Fc2 act on the first contact surface 187a and the second contact surface 188a. As a result, the valve device 10 homogenizes the surface pressure between the drive disc 22 and the fixed disc 14, thereby further suppressing wear on the contact portion between the drive disc 22 and the fixed disc 14.

[0151] Therefore, the valve device 10 according to this embodiment can suppress the wobbling of the rotor 20 and the shaft 18 in the circumferential DRc while suppressing the wear of the fixed disk 14, the shaft 18, and the rotor 20.

[0152] (2) In the valve device 10, the compression spring 26, which applies force from the rotor 20 to the fixed disk 14, is arranged to surround the axis CL of the shaft 18. Furthermore, the first contact surface 187a and the second contact surface 188a are respectively positioned at distances from the axis CL of the shaft 18 that fall within the range from the radius Rc of the compression spring 26 to the outer radius Rd of the drive disk 22. This suppresses deviations in the torque acting on each contact surface 187a and 188a. Consequently, it suppresses the bias in surface pressure between the drive disk 22 and the fixed disk 14, thereby suppressing wear on the contact portion between the drive disk 22 and the fixed disk 14.

[0153] (3) The first abutment surface 187a and the second abutment surface 188a extend in a direction away from the axis CL of the shaft 18 and include portions equidistant from the axis CL of the shaft 18. As a result, deviations in the torque acting on each abutment surface 187a and 188a can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the bias of the surface pressure between the drive disk 22 and the fixed disk 14. Therefore, wear on the contact portion between the drive disk 22 and the fixed disk 14 can be suppressed.

[0154] (4) A first engaging claw 242a is provided on the rod 24, which engages with the first abutment surface 187a when the second torsion spring 30 is sandwiched between the rod 24 and the shaft 18, and a third engaging claw 243a engages with the second abutment surface 188a. Thus, by engaging the engaging portion of the rod 24 with the abutment portion of the shaft 18 while the second torsion spring 30 is sandwiched between the rod 24 and the shaft 18, these three components can be partially assembled. This greatly improves the assemblability of the valve device 10.

[0155] (5) Shaft 18 includes: a metal shaft portion 181 containing a shaft center CL and extending along the shaft center direction DRa; and a resin support portion 182 connected to the shaft portion 181 and receiving the force of each torsion spring 28, 30.

[0156] Therefore, compared to a shaft 18 entirely made of resin material, the rigidity and precision (i.e., straightness) of the shaft 18 can be ensured. Furthermore, by making the support portion 182 of resin, a lightweight shaft 18 with a complex shape can be achieved. In particular, by ensuring the straightness of the shaft 18, the clearance of the bearing portion 124g, etc., can be reduced, thus suppressing positional displacement of the shaft 18 in the radial direction.

[0157] (6) The shaft 18 passes through the fixed disk 14 and the drive disk 22 and is supported by the housing 12, allowing it to rotate. If the structure is configured such that the shaft 18 passes through the fixed disk 14 and the drive disk 22, the fixed disk 14 and the drive disk 22 can be aligned using the shaft 18, which is a single component. This suppresses positional deviations in the radial direction (i.e., radial DRr) of the fixed disk 14 and the drive disk 22. This is effective in suppressing opening deviations of the flow path holes 141 and 142.

[0158] (7) The housing 12 includes a mounting portion 122a that abuts against the back side of the opening surface 140 in the fixed plate 14, which is in contact with the sliding surface 220. Furthermore, a gasket 15 is disposed between the fixed plate 14 and the mounting portion 122a to seal the gap between them. This prevents fluid leakage from the gap between the fixed plate 14 and the mounting portion 122a.

[0159] (Other implementation methods)

[0160] The above describes representative embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, various modifications can be made as follows.

[0161] In the above embodiments, the constituent components of the valve device 10 have been described in detail, but each constituent component is not limited to the structure described above, and may be different from the structure described above.

[0162] In the above embodiment, an example is shown where the distances of each abutment surface 187a, 188a from the axis center CL of the shaft 18 are within an intermediate range from the radius Rc of the compression spring 26 to the outer radius Rd of the drive disk 22, but the valve device 10 is not limited to this. The valve device 10 may also be configured such that the distances of each abutment surface 187a, 188a from the axis center CL of the shaft 18 are outside the aforementioned intermediate range MR.

[0163] In the above embodiment, the first abutting surface 187a and the second abutting surface 188a are exemplified as abutting surfaces including portions equidistant from the axis center CL of the shaft 18, but each abutting surface 187a and 188a is not limited to this. Each abutting surface 187a and 188a may also be formed with different distances from the axis center CL of the shaft 18.

[0164] While it is desirable that the valve device 10 has a locking part on the rod 24 that engages with the shaft 18 when the second torsion spring 30 is sandwiched between the rod 24 and the shaft 18, as in the embodiment described above, the locking part may not be provided.

[0165] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the shaft 18 and the rod 24 abut at two different locations on the circumferential DRc, but the valve device 10 is not limited to this. For example, the valve device 10 may also be configured such that the shaft 18 and the rod 24 abut at three or more different locations on the circumferential DRc.

[0166] While it is desirable for the shaft 18 to have a metal core portion 181 and a resin support portion 182 as described in the above embodiment, it is not limited thereto. For example, the shaft 18 may also be configured such that the core portion 181 and the support portion 182 are made of either a metal material or a resin material.

[0167] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which both ends of the shaft 18 are supported by the housing 12 and are rotatable, but the valve device 10 is not limited to this. For example, the valve device 10 may also be configured such that one end of the shaft 18 is supported by the fixed plate 14 and is rotatable. Alternatively, the valve device 10 may also be configured such that only one end of the shaft 18 is supported by the housing 12 and is rotatable.

[0168] In the above embodiment, a compression spring 26 applies force to the rotor 20 toward the fixed disk 14, but the valve device 10 is not limited to this. The valve device 10 may, for example, be configured to apply force to the rotor 20 toward the fixed disk 14 using a cylindrical elastic body that elastically deforms along the axial direction DRa of the shaft 18. Alternatively, the valve device 10 may, for example, be configured to apply force to the rotor 20 toward the fixed disk 14 using the pressure difference between the inlet-side space 12d and the outlet-side space 12e. As these examples show, the compression spring 26 is not an essential component in the valve device 10.

[0169] In the above embodiment, the first torsion spring 28 applies force to the shaft 18 toward the housing 12, but the first torsion spring 28 is not a necessary component and can be omitted.

[0170] In the above embodiments, the valve device 10 is exemplified as a structure composed of a three-way valve, but the valve device 10 is not limited to a three-way valve. The valve device 10 of this disclosure may also be configured as a flow regulating valve or an on / off valve having one fluid inlet and one fluid outlet. In this case, a flow path hole is formed on the fixed plate 14. The valve device 10 of this disclosure may also be configured as a multi-way valve having one fluid inlet and three or more fluid outlets, a multi-way valve having three or more fluid inlets and one fluid outlet, or a multi-way valve having multiple fluid inlets and multiple fluid outlets, etc.

[0171] In the above embodiments, an example of applying the valve device 10 of this disclosure as a control valve for a vehicle mounted on a vehicle has been described, but the valve device 10 can also be applied as a control valve for other equipment other than a vehicle.

[0172] In the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential elements, except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or are clearly considered necessary in principle.

[0173] In the above embodiments, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, or other values ​​of the constituent elements of the embodiments, they are not limited to that specific number, except where they are specifically indicated as necessary or where they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0174] In the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the constituent elements, the shape, positional relationship, etc. are not limited to such shape, positional relationship, etc., except as specifically stated or as limited to a specific shape, positional relationship in principle.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized by Possessing: a case that forms a fluid passage for fluid to flow inside; a plate-shaped fixed disc that is fixed to the inside of the case and forms at least one flow path hole for fluid to pass through; a drive section that outputs a rotational force; a shaft that rotates with a predetermined shaft center as a center by the rotational force; and a rotor that increases and decreases the opening of the flow path hole in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft, the rotor includes: a plate-shaped drive disc that has an insertion hole for the shaft to be inserted through and that slides with respect to the fixed disc; and a rod that is fixed to the drive disc and links the drive disc and the shaft so that they can rotate as a unit in a state in which the drive disc can displace in the axial direction of the shaft and has an insertion hole for the shaft to be inserted through, a torsion spring that applies a force to the rod with respect to the circumference of the shaft center of the shaft around the shaft is disposed between the shaft and the rod, abutment portions that come into contact with the rod are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction on the shaft.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve device possesses a compression spring (26) that applies a force to the rotor with respect to the fixed disc, the compression spring is disposed so as to surround the shaft center of the shaft, a plurality of the abutment portions are respectively provided at a distance from the shaft center of the shaft that is in an intermediate range from the radius of the compression spring to the largest outer radius on the drive disc.

3. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of the abutment portions extend in a direction away from the shaft center of the shaft and include portions that are equal in distance from the shaft center of the shaft.

4. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an engagement portion is provided on the rod, the engagement portion engages with the abutment portion in a state in which the torsion spring is sandwiched between the rod and the shaft. ​ ​

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