Valve device

Abstract

A valve device (10) is provided with a housing (12), a fixed disc (14), a driving section (16), and a shaft (18) that rotates around a prescribed axis of rotation (CL) by the rotational force output by the driving section. The valve device is provided with a rotor (20) that increases and decreases the opening of a flow path hole in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft, and a force applying member (26) that applies force to the rotor toward the fixed disc. The rotor includes a driving disc (22) and a rod (24) that is fixed to the driving disc and links the driving disc to the shaft so that they can rotate as a unit in a state in which the driving disc can be displaced in the axial direction of the shaft. A driving side through hole (223, 227) is formed in the driving disc through which the shaft passes. The driving side through hole is formed so that the hole diameter of the driving side through hole is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft and the hole diameter of at least one of the two ends in the axial direction of the driving side through hole is larger than the smallest hole diameter in the driving side through hole.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application is made based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-071790, filed on April 21, 2021, the contents of which 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 drive disc as a rotor and a shaft, configured such that the drive disc and the shaft can rotate integrally when the shaft passes through the drive disc.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent documents

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

[0008] However, in valve devices like the flow control valve in Patent Document 1, since the diameter of the through hole formed on the shaft of the drive disc is larger than the shaft diameter, the opening degree of the flow path orifice is easily deviated due to the offset between the rotation center of the drive disc and the shaft axis. This deviation in the opening degree of the flow path orifice becomes the main cause of deviations in the flow rate of the fluid passing through the valve device, and is therefore undesirable.

[0009] To address this, a solution was considered that the diameter of the through-hole in the drive disc was reduced. However, in this case, if the shaft tilts for some reason, the drive disc will tilt along with the shaft, compromising the fit between the drive disc and the fixed disc with the flow path hole. Such a change in shaft posture becomes a major cause of unexpected fluid leakage in the valve device, and is therefore undesirable. This was discovered through careful research by the inventors.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a valve device capable of suppressing the offset between the rotation center of the drive disc and the axis of the shaft and suppressing accidental fluid leakage caused by changes in the posture of the shaft.

[0011] According to one point of view in this disclosure

[0012] The valve device includes:

[0013] The shell has internal fluid passages for fluid flow;

[0014] A plate-shaped fixing disk is fixed to the inside of the housing and forms at least one flow path hole for fluid to pass through;

[0015] The drive unit outputs rotational force;

[0016] A shaft that rotates around a predetermined axis by a rotational force;

[0017] The rotor, which, along with the rotation of the shaft, increases or decreases the opening of the flow path orifice; and

[0018] The force-applying component exerts a force on the rotor toward the fixed disk.

[0019] The rotor includes a plate-shaped drive disk and a rod. The drive disk slides relative to a fixed disk, and the rod is fixed to the drive disk and connects the drive disk and the shaft so that they can rotate as a single unit, allowing the drive disk to be displaced along the axial direction of the shaft.

[0020] A drive-side through-hole is formed on the drive disk for the shaft to pass through.

[0021] When the outer diameter of the portion of the shaft that passes through the drive-side through hole is defined as the outer diameter of the shaft,

[0022] The drive-side through hole is formed such that the diameter of the drive-side through hole is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft, and the diameter of at least one of the two ends of the drive-side through hole in the axial direction is larger than the smallest diameter of the drive-side through hole.

[0023] Accordingly, since the position of the drive disk's rotation center is restricted at the position of the smallest aperture in the drive-side through-hole, the offset between the drive disk's rotation center and the shaft's axis can be suppressed. Furthermore, by making the aperture of at least one end of the drive-side through-hole in the axial direction larger than the smallest aperture, the range of shaft tilting relative to the rotor is expanded. Therefore, even if the shaft tilts for some reason, the tightness of the drive disk and the fixed disk can be ensured. Additionally, by pressing the rotor towards the fixed disk using a force-applying member, the drive disk's posture can be maintained in a position of contact with the fixed disk.

[0024] Therefore, the valve device according to this disclosure can suppress the offset between the rotation center of the drive disc and the axis of the shaft and suppress accidental fluid leakage caused by changes in the posture of the shaft.

[0025] In addition, the parenthesized reference symbols used to annotate each constituent element, etc., indicate an example of the correspondence between that constituent element, etc., and the specific constituent elements, etc., described in the embodiments described later. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a front view of the valve device according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 From Figure 1 The arrow in section II is shown in the bottom view of the valve assembly.

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Section III-III.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the fixed plate.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a top view of the assembly of the shaft, rotor, and rod.

[0031] Figure 6 From Figure 5 The three-dimensional view of the assembly of the shaft, rotor, and rod is observed in the direction of the arrow shown in VI.

[0032] Figure 7 From Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the assembly of the shaft, rotor, and rod, observed in the direction of the arrow shown in VII.

[0033] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 Sectional view of VIII-VIII.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a top view of the rotor.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a top view of the drive disk.

[0036] Figure 11 It is a top view showing the state where the drive disk is superimposed on the fixed disk.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a side view of an assembly with shafts and other components assembled on the main body cover.

[0038] Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the insertion holes of the shafts of the drive disk and the fixed disk, which serve as comparative examples.

[0039] Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the state of the shaft being tilted in the comparative example.

[0040] Figure 15 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the insertion holes of the shafts of the drive disc and the fixed disc used in the valve device of the first embodiment.

[0041] Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the shaft of the valve device in the first embodiment is tilted.

[0042] Figure 17 yes Figure 3 A schematic enlarged view of the XVII section.

[0043] Figure 18 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the through-hole of the drive disk in the first modified example of the first embodiment.

[0044] Figure 19 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the insertion hole of the drive disk in the second variation of the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 20 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the insertion holes of the shafts of the drive disc and the fixed disc used in the valve device of the second embodiment.

[0046] Figure 21 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the through-hole of the drive disk, which is a modified example of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, parts that are the same or equivalent to those described in previous embodiments will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may sometimes be omitted. Additionally, in embodiments where only a portion of the constituent elements is described, the constituent elements described in previous embodiments can be applied to other portions of the constituent elements. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other as long as they fall within a range where there are no particular obstacles to combination, even without explicit indication.

[0048] (First Implementation)

[0049] based on Figures 1 to 17 The first embodiment of this disclosure will be described. In this embodiment, an example of applying the valve device 10 of this disclosure to a temperature regulating device for both cabin air conditioning and battery temperature regulation in an electric vehicle will be described. The valve device 10 used in a temperature regulating device for an electric vehicle requires fine adjustments to the temperatures corresponding to the cabin and the battery, respectively. Compared to the case in the case of a cooling water circuit for an internal combustion engine, the flow rate of the fluid needs to be adjusted with high precision.

[0050] Figure 1 The valve device 10 shown is suitable for circulating a fluid circulation loop for a fluid (cooling water in this example) used to regulate the temperature of the vehicle interior and battery. The valve device 10 can increase or decrease the flow rate of the fluid in the circulation loop via the flow path of the valve device 10, and can also cut off the flow of the fluid in that flow path. For example, LLC, including ethylene glycol, can be used as the fluid. LLC is an abbreviation for Long Life Coolant.

[0051] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the valve device 10 has a housing 12 that forms a fluid passage for fluid flow inside. The valve device 10 is composed of a three-way valve having an inlet 12a for fluid inflow, a first outlet 12b for fluid outflow, and a second outlet 12c for fluid outflow 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 rate ratio of the fluid flowing from the inlet 12a to the first outlet 12b and the fluid flowing from the inlet 12a to the second outlet 12c.

[0052] 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 axis CL 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.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, the valve device 10 houses a fixed plate 14, 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 a drive unit 16, etc., arranged on the outside of the housing 12.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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 part.

[0056] The bottom wall portion 121 is provided with a height difference to match the flow path holes 141, 142 of the fixing plate 14 (described later). That is, the portion of the bottom wall portion 121 that faces the flow path holes 141, 142 of the fixing plate 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 fixing plate 14.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] On the inner side of the side wall portion 122, between the portion where the inlet portion 12a is formed and the portions where the outlet portions 12b and 12c are formed, a mounting portion 122a for mounting the fixing plate 14 is provided. 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 accommodating the washer 15, which will be described later, is formed in the mounting portion 122a.

[0060] Additionally, the sidewall portion 122 has a first disk opposing portion 122c that is radially opposed to the fixed disk 14 on the radial DRr, and a second disk opposing portion 122d that is radially opposed to the drive disk 22 on the radial DRr. In this embodiment, the second disk opposing portion 122d constitutes a disk opposing wall that is opposed to the drive disk 22 in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa.

[0061] 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 by, for example, an anti-rotation pin, instead of the anti-rotation protrusion 144.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 traverses the outlet side space 12e along the radial direction DRr.

[0066] The main body cover 124 is a cover member that covers the opening 120a of the main body 120. The main body cover 124 is composed of a plate portion 124a, a rib portion 124b, a boss portion 124c, and a spring guide portion 125. The plate portion 124a, the rib portion 124b, the boss portion 124c, and the spring guide portion 125 are integrally formed into a single molded part.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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.

[0069] The boss portion 124c is the part through which the shaft 18 passes on the inner side. 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 protrudes from the plate portion 124a toward the axial direction DRa. The boss portion 124c has a shaft seal 124e on its inner side and an O-ring 124f on its outer side to seal the gap between it and the drive portion 16. In addition, a bearing portion 124g that supports the shaft 18 for rotation is arranged on the inner side of the boss portion 124c.

[0070] The spring guide 125 is a guide member that restricts the first torsion spring 28 in a proper position so that the first torsion spring 28 can function properly. The spring guide 125 is arranged inside the first torsion spring 28 in a manner that surrounds the axis CL.

[0071] The fixed disk 14 is composed of a disc-shaped component. The fixed disk 14 is disposed inside the housing 12 with the axial direction DRa as the thickness direction. The fixed disk 14 has an opening surface 140 that serves as a surface for the drive disk 22 to slide. The opening surface 140 is a contact surface that contacts the sliding surface 220 of the drive disk 22, which will be described later.

[0072] It is desirable that the fixing disk 14 be formed of a material with a smaller coefficient of linear expansion and superior wear resistance compared to the material constituting the housing 12. The fixing disk 14 is made of a high-hardness material with a higher hardness than the housing 12. Specifically, the fixing disk 14 is made of ceramic. The fixing disk 14 is a powder-molded body obtained by forming ceramic powder into the desired shape using a stamping machine. Alternatively, the fixing disk 14 may be formed 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 opening surface 140 is formed.

[0073] Furthermore, the fixed plate 14 constitutes a flow path forming part that forms 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 part of the housing 12.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] A fixed-side insertion through hole 143 is formed approximately at the center of the fixed plate 14. The fixed-side insertion through hole 143 is a through hole through which the shaft 18 passes. Details of the fixed-side insertion through hole 143 will be described later.

[0077] A washer 15 is disposed between the fixed disk 14 and the mounting portion 122a to seal the gap between the fixed disk 14 and the mounting portion 122a. The washer 15 is made of rubber. The washer 15 is received in a receiving groove 122b formed in the mounting portion 122a. The washer 15 has two or more protrusions on the sealing surface opposite to the fixed disk 14 and on the sealing surface opposite to the mounting portion 122a. Specifically, the washer 15 has two protrusions protruding toward the axial direction DRa. Such a washer 15 can be obtained, for example, by a simple method such as forming a recess in a flat sealing surface.

[0078] like Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, shaft 18 is a rotating shaft that rotates around a predetermined axis CL under the action of 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 rotatably supported on housing 12. That is, shaft 18 is a two-end support structure. Shaft 18 passes through fixed disk 14 and drive disk 22 and is rotatably supported on housing 12. 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 so that it can rotate. 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 constituted by a sliding bearing. Alternatively, the bearing hole portion 121c may not be a sliding bearing, but may be constituted by a ball bearing or the like.

[0079] like Figure 3 , 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The support portion 182 is connected to one side of the shaft portion 181 along the axial direction DRa. The support portion 182 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. The shaft portion 181 is connected to the inner side of the front end portion of the support portion 182 along the axial direction DRa. In other words, the end portion of the shaft portion 181 along the axial direction DRa is located inside the front end portion of the support portion 182. The front end portion of the support portion 182, which protrudes outward from the housing 12, is connected to the gear portion 162 of the drive portion 16.

[0082] 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.

[0083] The shaft connection portion 183 is the front end portion located on one side in the axial direction DRa. The shaft connection portion 181 is connected to the shaft connection portion 183. A shaft gear 183a that meshes with a part of the gear portion 162 is formed on the outer portion of the shaft connection portion 183 that protrudes outward from the boss portion 124c. The outer portion of the shaft connection portion 183 located inside the boss portion 124c is supported by the bearing portion 124g.

[0084] The intermediate portion 184 is located inside the boss portion 124c. The intermediate portion 184 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 181. A shaft seal 124e, serving as a sealing member, is disposed on the outer side of the intermediate portion 184.

[0085] The small-diameter portion 185 has a space formed 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 for one end of the compression spring 26 to contact. The large-diameter portion 186 is connected to the outer side of the small-diameter portion 185.

[0086] The large-diameter portion 186 is located outside the radial DRr of the small-diameter portion 185. The large-diameter portion 186 has an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 185. 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.

[0087] 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 7As 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 such a way that it faces the hook portion 282 of the first torsion spring 28 in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0088] 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 7 As 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 of the radial direction DRa in such a way that it faces the hook portion 301 of the second torsion spring 30 in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0089] 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, which will be 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, such as... 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.

[0090] The bracket portion 182, thus configured, bears the forces of the first torsion spring 28 and the second torsion spring 30 through its first large-diameter locking portion 186b and second large-diameter locking portion 186c. Furthermore, the bracket portion 182, having a first flange portion 187 and a second flange portion 188, allows the shaft 18 to contact the rod 24 at different locations along the circumferential DRc. That is, the contact portions of the shaft 18 with the rod 24 are located at different locations along the circumferential DRc.

[0091] Additionally, a rotation limiting part 189 is provided on the support portion 182 to limit the rotational drive range of the shaft 18 on the circumferential DRc. The rotation limiting part 189 is located below the middle portion 184 of the support portion 182. The rotation limiting part 189 is composed of a protrusion that protrudes radially into DRr. The rotational drive range of the shaft 18 on the circumferential DRc is limited by the contact between the rotation limiting part 189 and the limiting part of the housing 12 (not shown).

[0092] 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 9As 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.

[0093] Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 The drive disc 22 shown 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. 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 blocked by the drive disc 22 at all. 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.

[0094] The drive disk 22 is composed of a disc-shaped component. The drive disk 22 is disposed inside the housing 12 with its axial direction DRa as its thickness direction. The drive disk 22 is disposed in the inlet-side space 12d facing the fixed disk 14 in 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.

[0095] like Figure 8 As shown, the drive disk 22 has a disk sidewall portion 222 opposite to the second disk opposing portion 122d of the housing 12. The disk sidewall portion 222 extends along the axial direction DRa.

[0096] It is desirable that the drive disk 22 be formed of a material with a smaller coefficient of linear expansion and superior wear resistance compared to the material constituting the housing 12. The drive disk 22 is made of a high-hardness material with a higher hardness than the housing 12. Specifically, the drive disk 22 is made of ceramic. The drive disk 22 is a powder-molded body obtained by forming ceramic powder into the desired shape using a stamping machine. Alternatively, the drive disk 22 may be formed 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.

[0097] 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, precise flow control of the fluid can be ensured, and accidental fluid leakage can be suppressed.

[0098] 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 location on 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.

[0099] A drive-side insertion through-hole 223 is formed approximately at the center of the drive disk 22. The drive-side insertion through-hole 223 is a through hole through which the shaft 18 passes. Details of the drive-side insertion through-hole 223 will be described later. In addition, a first pressing groove 224 and a second pressing groove 225 are formed on the drive disk 22 for pressing a portion of the rod 24 into it.

[0100] When the drive disc 22 is rotated to a position where the rotor bore 221 and the first flow path bore 141 coincide in the axial direction DRa, the valve device 10 opens the first flow path bore 141. Additionally, when the drive disc 22 is rotated to a position where the rotor bore 221 and the second flow path bore 142 coincide in the axial direction DRa, the valve device 10 opens the second flow path bore 142.

[0101] 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 increases.

[0102] 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 single unit while allowing the drive disk 22 to be displaced along the axial direction DRa of the shaft 18.

[0103] Specifically, such as Figure 9 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 part.

[0104] The disk portion 241 has a central through hole 241a formed at its approximately central portion for the shaft 18 to pass through. The disk portion 241 is sized to not coincide with the drive-side through hole 223 in the axial direction DRa. A first arm portion 242 and a second arm portion 243 are connected to the disk portion 241.

[0105] 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.

[0106] 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 portion 242 opposite to the opposing surface opposite to the drive disk 22. The first engaging claw 242a engages with the first flange portion 187 of the shaft 18. The second engaging claw 242b is a hook-locking portion that engages with the hook portion 302 of the second torsion spring 30.

[0107] On the other hand, a third engaging claw 243a and a fourth engaging claw 243b protruding in the axial direction DRa are provided on the side opposite to the opposing surface of the drive disk 22 in the second arm portion 243. The third engaging claw 243a and the fourth engaging claw 243b are configured in a substantially similar manner to the first engaging claw 242a and the second engaging claw 242b. The third engaging claw 243a engages with the second flange portion 188 of the shaft 18.

[0108] Here, although not shown, the first engaging claw 242a and the third engaging claw 243a engage with the flanges 187 and 188 with a gap between them in the axial direction DRa. Thus, the rod 24 and the drive disk 22 are connected to the shaft 18 in a manner that allows displacement along the axial direction DRa. Furthermore, protrusions are formed on the opposing surfaces of the first arm 242 and the second arm 243 opposite to the drive disk 22. Each protrusion protrudes toward the drive disk 22 in such a way that it can be pressed into the first pressing groove 224 and the second pressing groove 225 formed on the drive disk 22.

[0109] The rod 24, constructed in this way, is fixed to the drive disk 22 by pressing the protrusions into the respective pressing grooves 224, 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. Thus, 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.

[0110] Figure 3 , Figure 8 The compression spring 26 shown is a force-applying member that applies force to the rotor 20 against the fixed disk 14. The compression spring 26 elastically deforms along the axial direction DRa of the shaft 18. The compression spring 26 is arranged inside the housing 12 in a compressed state along the axial direction DRa, with one end of the compression spring 26 connected to the shaft 18 and the other end of the compression spring 26 connected to the rotor 20. Specifically, the compression spring 26 is arranged with one end of the compression spring 26 connected to the connecting end face 185a of the inner side of the support portion 182 and the other end of the compression spring 26 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.

[0111] By using the compression spring 26 to press the rotor 20 onto 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 position of the drive disk 22 in a position where it is in contact with the fixed disk 14.

[0112] Specifically, the compression spring 26 is configured to surround the axis CL of the shaft 18. In other words, the shaft 18 is located inside the compression spring 26. Accordingly, the phenomenon that the load of the compression spring 26 on the drive disk 22 is biased on the circumferential DRc of the shaft 18 can be suppressed, thus making it easier to maintain the contact state between the sliding surface 220 and the opening surface 140.

[0113] The first torsion spring 28 is a spring that applies force to the shaft 18 in the circumferential direction DRc about the axis CL of the shaft 18 relative to the housing 12. The first torsion spring 28 is disposed between the housing 12 and the shaft 18. Specifically, the first torsion spring 28 has hook portions 282 protruding radially outward at both ends in the axial direction DRa. For ease of explanation, the hook portion on one side in the axial direction DRa will be referred to as the first hook portion and the hook portion 282 on the other side in the axial direction DRa will be referred to as the second hook portion 282. In this embodiment, the first hook portion constitutes a locking hook portion that engages with the housing 12.

[0114] Although not shown, the first hook engages with a body-side locking portion formed on the main body cover 124. The body-side locking portion is composed of a protrusion formed on the inner side of the rib 124b.

[0115] like Figure 12 As shown, the second hook 282 is engaged with the first large-diameter locking portion 186b of the support portion 182. Since the second hook 282 is engaged with the first large-diameter locking portion 186b, which is a rotating member, the position of the second hook 282 changes in the circumferential direction DRc when the rotor 20 rotates.

[0116] 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 a rotational force from the gear portion 162 of the drive unit 16 to the motor 161 via the shaft 18. Therefore, by distributing the first torsion spring 28 between the housing 12 and the shaft 18, loosening in the circumferential direction DRc between the drive unit 16 and the shaft 18 can be suppressed. In addition, the first torsion spring 28 is only torsion along the circumferential direction DRc, and not compressed along the axial direction DRa.

[0117] The second torsion spring 30 is a spring that applies a force to the rod 24 in the circumferential direction DRc relative to the shaft 18. 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.

[0118] 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.

[0119] like 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 6 As shown, the fourth hook 302 is engaged relative to the second engaging claw 242b of the rod 24.

[0120] 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, loosening 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, loosening 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.

[0121] With the second torsion spring 30 sandwiched between the shaft 18 and the rod 24, the valve device 10 engages the flanges 187 and 188 of the shaft 18 with the rod 24, thereby subdividing the three components.

[0122] The drive unit 16 is a device for outputting rotational force. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the device includes a motor 161 as a drive source and a gear section 162 as a power transmission member that transmits the output of the motor 161 to the shaft 18. The motor 161 rotates according to a control signal from a motor control section 163 electrically connected to the motor 161. The gear section 162 is a speed reducer that reduces the output of the motor 161. The gear section 162 is composed of a gear mechanism including an output gear. The output gear is a gear that meshes with the shaft gear 183a.

[0123] In this embodiment, the valve device 10 is arranged such that the shaft 18 passes through the fixed disk 14 and the drive disk 22. Furthermore, the fixed-side through-hole 143 of the fixed disk 14 and the drive-side through-hole 223 of the drive disk 22 are sized to fit relative to the clearance of the shaft 18. That is, the fixed-side through-hole 143 and the drive-side through-hole 223 are both larger than the outer diameter of the shaft. The outer diameter of the shaft is the outer diameter of the portion of the shaft 18 that passes through the drive-side through-hole 223. In this embodiment, the central portion 181 of the shaft 18 passes through the drive-side through-hole 223. Therefore, the outer diameter of the shaft is the same size as the outer diameter of the central portion 181 of the shaft 18.

[0124] Figure 13 The relationship between the drive disk DS and the shaft SF, which serves as a comparative example in this embodiment, is shown. Figure 13 As shown, the drive disk DS of the comparative example is configured such that the diameter of the drive-side through-hole SH is larger than the shaft diameter of the shaft SF. The drive-side through-hole SH is composed of a through hole that extends along the axial direction DRa and whose diameter is fixed in the axial direction DRa.

[0125] If, as in the comparative example, the drive disc DS is configured such that the diameter of the drive-side through-hole SH is larger than the shaft diameter of the shaft SF, then deviations in the opening degrees of the flow path holes 141 and 142 are likely to occur due to the offset between the rotation center of the drive disc DS and the axis CL of the shaft SF. These deviations in the opening degrees of the flow path holes 141 and 142 become the main cause of deviations in the flow rate of the fluid passing through the valve device 10, and are therefore undesirable.

[0126] To address this, a solution is considered that the diameter of the drive-side through-hole SH should be reduced. However, as... Figure 14 As shown, if the shaft SF tilts from its designed target posture to the tilted posture shown by the dashed line for some reason, the drive disk DS will tilt along with the shaft SF. In this case, the tightness of the drive disk DS against the fixed disk 14 is compromised. Reasons for the tilting of the shaft 18 include, for example, dimensional deviations in the axial direction DRa of the shaft 18, and the structure in which the two ends of the shaft 18 are held together by components of different bodies. Furthermore, Figure 14 The tilting posture shown by the dashed line is the posture in which the line orthogonal to the reference plane of the drive disk DS intersects the axis CL at a specified angle θα.

[0127] Taking these factors into account, the drive disk 22 of this embodiment is configured to expand the deflection range of the shaft 18 when it is in close contact with the fixed disk 14. Specifically, the drive disk 22 is configured such that the diameter of at least one end of the drive-side through-hole 223 in the axial direction DRa is larger than the smallest diameter of the drive-side through-hole 223. Similarly, the fixed disk 14 is configured such that the diameter of at least one end of the drive-side through-hole 223 in the axial direction DRa is larger than the smallest diameter of the fixed-side through-hole 143.

[0128] like Figure 15 As shown, the inner walls of the drive-side through hole 223 and the fixed-side through hole 143 are each stepped. In other words, the drive-side through hole 223 and the fixed-side through hole 143 are each stepped in diameter in the axial direction DRa.

[0129] Specifically, the drive-side through-hole 223 has a first small-diameter portion 223a and a first large-diameter portion 223b extending along the axial direction DRa. The first small-diameter portion 223a is the portion of the drive-side through-hole 223 located on one side of the axial direction DRa. The diameter Φr1 of the first small-diameter portion 223a is slightly larger than the outer diameter Φa of the shaft. The first large-diameter portion 223b is the portion of the drive-side through-hole 223 located on the other side of the axial direction DRa. The diameter Φr2 of the first large-diameter portion 223b is larger than the diameter Φr1 of the first small-diameter portion 223a. The lengths of the first small-diameter portion 223a and the first large-diameter portion 223b along the axial direction DRa are approximately the same. Alternatively, the lengths of the first small-diameter portion 223a and the first large-diameter portion 223b along the axial direction DRa may differ.

[0130] Accordingly, Figure 16 As shown, even if the shaft 18 tilts from its designed target posture to the tilted posture shown by the dashed line due to some reason, it is possible to suppress the tilting of the drive disk 22 and the shaft 18 together. Therefore, the range of tilt of the shaft 18 when the drive disk 22 is in close contact with the fixed disk 14 is expanded. In addition, Figure 16 The tilting posture shown by the dashed line is the posture in which the line orthogonal to the sliding surface 220 of the drive disk 22 intersects the axis CL at a specified angle θα when the sliding surface 220 of the drive disk 22 is the reference surface.

[0131] like Figure 15 As shown, the fixed-side through-hole 143 has a second minor-diameter portion 143a and a second major-diameter portion 143b extending along the axial direction DRa. The second minor-diameter portion 143a is the portion of the drive-side through-hole 223 located on one side along the axial direction DRa. The diameter Φs1 of the second minor-diameter portion 143a is slightly larger than the outer diameter Φa of the shaft. The second major-diameter portion 143b is the portion of the drive-side through-hole 223 located on the other side along the axial direction DRa. The diameter Φs2 of the second major-diameter portion 143b is larger than the diameter Φs1 of the second minor-diameter portion 143a. The lengths of the second minor-diameter portion 143a and the second major-diameter portion 143b along the axial direction DRa are approximately the same.

[0132] Therefore, even if the shaft 18 tilts from its designed target posture to the tilted posture shown by the dashed line due to some reason, it is possible to suppress the tilting of the fixed plate 14 and the shaft 18 together. As a result, the range of deflection of the shaft 18 when the drive plate 22 and the fixed plate 14 are in close contact is expanded.

[0133] In this embodiment, the aperture Φr1 of the first small-diameter portion 223a and the aperture Φs1 of the second small-diameter portion 143a are of the same size, but this is not a limitation; they may also be of different sizes. Similarly, in this embodiment, the aperture Φr2 of the first large-diameter portion 223b and the aperture Φs2 of the second large-diameter portion 143b are of the same size, but this is not a limitation; they may also be of different sizes.

[0134] In addition, such as Figure 17 As shown, the first gap Ca between the first minor diameter portion 223a of the drive-side through hole 223 and the shaft 18 is smaller than or equal to the second gap Cb between the second disk opposing portion 122d and the disk sidewall portion 222. In this embodiment, the second gap Cb is larger than the gap between the first major diameter portion 223b of the drive-side through hole 223 and the shaft 18. The first gap Ca is the minimum size of the gap between the first minor diameter portion 223a and the shaft 18 when the rotation center of the drive disk 22 is aligned with the axis CL of the shaft 18. The second gap Cb is the minimum size of the gap between the second disk opposing portion 122d and the disk sidewall portion 222 when the rotation center of the drive disk 22 is aligned with the axis CL of the shaft 18.

[0135] Next, the operation of the valve device 10 in this embodiment will be explained. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 As 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.

[0136] 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 into 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 by 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.

[0137] The rotor 20 of the valve device 10 described above includes a drive disc 22 and a rod 24. The rod 24 connects the drive disc 22 to the shaft 18 so that the drive disc 22 can be displaced along the axial direction DRa of the shaft 18, allowing them to rotate integrally. A compression spring 26 is arranged between the support portion 182 and the rotor 20 to apply force to the rotor 20 against the fixed disc 14. This ensures sufficient load to press the rotor 20 against the fixed disc 14. Therefore, the contact state between the drive disc 22 and the fixed disc 14 can be maintained, thereby preventing accidental leakage of fluid from between the drive disc 22 and the fixed disc 14.

[0138] Furthermore, the drive disk 22 is configured such that at least one end of the drive-side through-hole 223 in the axial direction DRa has a larger diameter than the smallest diameter in the drive-side through-hole 223. Specifically, in the drive-side through-hole 223, the diameter Φr1 of the first small-diameter portion 223a located at one end in the axial direction DRa is the smallest, and the diameter Φr2 of the first large-diameter portion 223b located at the other end in the axial direction DRa is larger than the diameter Φr1 of the first small-diameter portion 223a.

[0139] Accordingly, the position of the rotation center of the drive disk 22 is restricted at the first minor diameter portion 223a in the drive-side through-hole 223, thus suppressing the offset between the rotation center of the drive disk 22 and the axis CL of the shaft 18. Furthermore, by making the diameter of at least one end of the drive-side through-hole 223 in the axial direction DRa larger than the diameter Φr1 of the first minor diameter portion 223a, the range in which the shaft 18 can tilt relative to the rotor 20 is expanded. Thus, even if the shaft 18 tilts for some reason, the tightness of the drive disk 22 and the fixed disk 14 can be ensured.

[0140] Therefore, according to the valve device 10 described above, the offset between the rotation center of the drive disc 22 and the axis CL of the shaft 18 can be suppressed, and accidental fluid leakage caused by changes in the posture of the shaft 18 can be suppressed.

[0141] In addition, the valve device 10 of this embodiment can achieve the following effects, for example.

[0142] (1) The fixed disk 14 is configured such that the diameter of at least one end of the fixed side through hole 143 in the axial direction DRa is larger than the smallest diameter of the fixed side through hole 143. Specifically, the diameter Φs1 of the second small diameter portion 143a located at one end of the fixed side through hole 143 in the axial direction DRa is the smallest, and the diameter Φs2 of the second large diameter portion 143b located at the other end of the fixed side through hole 143 in the axial direction DRa is larger than the diameter Φs1 of the second small diameter portion 143a. Accordingly, the center position of the fixed disk 14 is restricted at the second small diameter portion 143a, which has the smallest diameter in the fixed side through hole 143, thereby suppressing the offset of the center position of the fixed disk 14 from the axis CL of the shaft 18. Furthermore, by making the diameter of at least one end of the fixed side through hole 143 in the axial direction DRa larger than the diameter of the second small diameter portion 143a, the range in which the shaft 18 can be tilted relative to the fixed disk 14 is expanded. Therefore, even if the shaft 18 tilts for some reason, the tightness between the drive disc 22 and the fixed disc 14 can be ensured.

[0143] (2) Specifically, the inner walls of the drive-side through-hole 223 and the fixed-side through-hole 143 are each stepped. As a result, the drive disk 22 and the fixed disk 14 can be obtained such that the diameter of at least one end of each through-hole 223 and 143 in the axial direction DRa is larger than the smallest diameter of each through-hole 223 and 143.

[0144] (3) The first gap Ca between the first small-diameter portion 223a of the drive-side through hole 223 and the shaft 18 is smaller than or equal to the second gap Cb between the second disc opposing portion 122d and the disc sidewall portion 222. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the disc sidewall portion 222 of the drive disk 22 from contacting the second disc opposing portion 122d of the housing 12 when the rotation center of the drive disk 22 is offset relative to the axis CL of the shaft 18, thus preventing the drive disk 22 from locking.

[0145] (4) 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. This prevents fluid leakage from the gap between the fixed plate 14 and the mounting portion 122a.

[0146] (5) The shaft 18 includes: a metal shaft core 181 containing a shaft core CL and extending along the axial direction DRa; and a resin support portion 182 connected to the shaft core 181 and bearing the force of each torsion spring 28, 30. Accordingly, compared with the case where the shaft 18 is entirely made of resin material, the rigidity and accuracy (i.e., straightness) of the shaft 18 can be ensured. In addition, by making the support portion 182 made of resin, a lightweight and complex-shaped shaft 18 can be achieved. In particular, by ensuring the straightness of the shaft 18, the clearance of the bearing portion 124g, etc., can be reduced, and thus the positional displacement of the shaft 18 in the radial direction (i.e., radial DRr) can be suppressed.

[0147] (6) Shaft 18 passes through the fixed disk 14 and the drive disk 22 and is rotatably supported on the housing 12. Thus, if the structure is configured such that shaft 18 passes through both the fixed disk 14 and the drive disk 22, the fixed disk 14 and the drive disk 22 can be aligned using shaft 18, which is a single component. This suppresses radial displacement 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.

[0148] (7) In the valve device 10, the drive disc 22 is connected to the shaft 18 in a state that allows it to be displaced along the axial direction DRa of the shaft 18. Therefore, even if a second torsion spring 30 is provided between the shaft 18 and the rod 24, the sliding surface 220 of the drive disc 22 and the surface contact of the fixed disc 14 can be maintained well.

[0149] (First variation of the first embodiment)

[0150] The drive-side through-hole 223 can also be formed in a different shape than described above, provided that the diameter of at least one end of the drive-side through-hole 223 is larger than the smallest diameter of the drive-side through-hole 223. The same applies to the fixed-side through-hole 143.

[0151] For example, such as Figure 18 As shown, the drive-side through hole 223 may also have an intermediate portion 223c between the first small diameter portion 223a and the first large diameter portion 223b, with a diameter larger than that of the first small diameter portion 223a and smaller than that of the first large diameter portion 223b.

[0152] (Second variation of the first embodiment)

[0153] For example, such as Figure 19 As shown, the drive-side through-hole 223 can also be configured with a minimum diameter between the two ends of DRa in the axial direction. In this case, the diameters of the two ends of DRa in the axial direction can be the same or different.

[0154] (Other variations of the first embodiment)

[0155] The drive-side through hole 223 can also have a first small diameter portion 223a on the other side of the axial direction DRa and a first large diameter portion 223b on one side of the axial direction DRa.

[0156] (Second Implementation)

[0157] Next, refer to Figure 20 The second embodiment will be described. The valve device 10 in this embodiment differs from that in the first embodiment in the shape of the through-holes of the shaft 18 in the drive disc 22 and the fixed disc 14. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be primarily described.

[0158] like Figure 20 As shown, the inner walls of the drive-side through-hole 227 and the fixed-side through-hole 145 are each tapered. In other words, the drive-side through-hole 223 and the fixed-side through-hole 143 are tilted relative to the axis CL, respectively, so that the diameter of the hole continuously expands or shrinks in the axial direction DRa.

[0159] Specifically, the inner wall of the drive-side through hole 227 is inclined relative to the axial direction DRa. The diameter Φr1 of one end 227a on the axial direction DRa of the drive-side through hole 227 is the smallest, and the diameter Φr2 of the other end 227b on the axial direction DRa is larger than the diameter Φr1 of the first end 227a. Furthermore, the diameter Φr2 of the other end 227b on the axial direction DRa of the drive-side through hole 227 is the largest.

[0160] Furthermore, the inner wall of the fixed-side through hole 145 is inclined relative to the axial direction DRa. The diameter Φs1 of one end 145a on the axial direction DRa of the fixed-side through hole 145 is the smallest, and the diameter Φs2 of the other end 145b on the axial direction DRa is larger than the diameter Φs1 of one end 145a. Conversely, the diameter Φs2 of the other end 145b on the axial direction DRa of the fixed-side through hole 145 is the largest.

[0161] Therefore, when the shaft 18 tilts from its designed target posture for some reason, it is possible to prevent the drive disk 22, the fixed disk 14, and the shaft 18 from tilting together. Thus, it is possible to maintain the tightness of the drive disk 22 and the fixed disk 14.

[0162] Everything else is the same as in the first embodiment. The valve device 10 of this embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment achieved by a structure common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0163] (1) The inner walls of the drive-side through hole 227 and the fixed-side through hole 145 are tapered. This also allows the drive disk 22 and the fixed disk 14 to have a diameter at least one end of each through hole 227 and 145 on the axial direction DRa that is larger than the smallest diameter of each through hole 227 and 145.

[0164] (A variation of the second embodiment)

[0165] The drive-side through-hole 227 can also be formed in a different shape than described above, provided that the diameter of at least one end of the drive-side through-hole 227 is larger than the smallest diameter of the drive-side through-hole 227. The same applies to the fixed-side through-hole 145.

[0166] For example, such as Figure 21 As shown, the drive-side through-hole 227 can also be configured with a minimum diameter between the two ends of DRa in the axial direction. In this case, the diameters of the two ends of DRa in the axial direction can be the same or different.

[0167] Alternatively, the diameter of the drive-side through-hole 227 on the other side of the axial direction DRa can be minimized, while the diameter of the through-hole on one side of the axial direction DRa can be maximized. Alternatively, the drive-side through-hole 227 can also be partially extended along the axial direction DRa without being tilted relative to the axis CL.

[0168] (Other implementation methods)

[0169] The above describes representative embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Furthermore, the components of the valve device 10 are not limited to the components described above, and may differ from the components described above.

[0170] In the above embodiments, an example is shown in which the drive-side through hole 223 and the fixed-side through hole 143 are formed with the same shape, but the drive-side through hole 223 and the fixed-side through hole 143 may also be formed with different shapes.

[0171] In the above embodiment, both ends of the shaft 18 in the axial direction DRa are supported by the housing 12 to allow rotation, but the support structure of the shaft 18 is not limited to this. For example, the shaft 18 may also be a structure in which the other side in the axial direction DRa is supported by the fixed side insertion hole 143 of the fixed plate 14. In addition, in the above embodiment, the fixed side insertion hole 143 is provided in the fixed plate 14, but it is not limited to this, and the fixed side insertion hole 143 may be omitted.

[0172] It is desirable that, as in the embodiment described above, the gap between the smallest portion of the drive-side through-hole 223 and the shaft 18 be smaller than or equal to the gap between the second disk opposing portion 122d and the disk sidewall portion 222, but this is not a limitation. For example, the maximum gap between the smallest portion of the drive-side through-hole 223 and the shaft 18 may be larger than the minimum gap between the second disk opposing portion 122d and the disk sidewall portion 222.

[0173] It is desirable to provide a gasket 15 between the fixed disk 14 and the mounting portion 122a to seal the gap between the fixed disk 14 and the mounting portion 122a as described in the above embodiment, but it is not limited thereto and the gasket 15 may be omitted.

[0174] It is desirable that the shaft 18 has a metal core portion 181 and a resin support portion 182 as described in the above embodiment, but 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. Alternatively, the shaft 18 may be configured by adding a structure equivalent to the core portion 181 to the support portion 182.

[0175] It is desirable that the valve device 10 includes each torsion spring 28, 30 as described in the above embodiment, but it is not limited thereto, and each torsion spring 28, 30 may be omitted.

[0176] In the above embodiment, a structure is illustrated in which both ends of the shaft 18 are rotatably supported on the housing 12, 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 rotatably supported on the fixed plate 14. Alternatively, the valve device 10 may also be configured such that only one end of the shaft 18 is rotatably supported on the housing 12.

[0177] In the above embodiment, a compression spring 26 applies force to the rotor 20 against the fixed disk 14, but the valve device 10 is not limited to this. For example, the valve device 10 may also utilize a cylindrical elastic body that elastically deforms along the axial direction DRa of the shaft 18 to apply force to the rotor 20 against the fixed disk 14. Alternatively, the valve device 10 may utilize the pressure difference between the inlet-side space 12d and the outlet-side space 12e to apply force to the rotor 20 against the fixed disk 14. As shown above, the compression spring 26 is not an essential component in the valve device 10.

[0178] 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. However, it is also possible that the locking part is not provided.

[0179] 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 orifice is formed in 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.

[0180] In the above embodiments, an example of applying the valve device 10 of this disclosure to a vehicle control valve mounted on a vehicle has been described, but the valve device 10 can also be applied to control valves of other devices besides vehicles.

[0181] 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 to be necessary in principle.

[0182] 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.

[0183] In the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of 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 in that, have: The shell has internal fluid passages for fluid flow; A plate-shaped fixing disc, which is fixed to the inner side of the housing, has at least one flow path hole for fluid to pass through; The drive unit outputs rotational force; A shaft that rotates about a predetermined axis center by the rotational force; The rotor, which increases or decreases the opening of the flow path orifice in conjunction with the rotation of the shaft; as well as A force-applying component that applies a force to the rotor toward the fixed disk. The rotor includes a plate-shaped drive disk and a rod. The drive disk slides relative to the fixed disk. The rod is fixed to the drive disk and connects the drive disk and the shaft so that they can rotate as a single unit, allowing the drive disk to be displaced along the axial direction of the shaft. A drive-side through hole is formed on the drive disk for the shaft to pass through. When the outer diameter of the portion of the shaft that passes through the drive-side through hole is defined as the outer diameter of the shaft, The drive-side through-hole is formed such that its diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft, and at least one of its two ends in the axial direction has a diameter larger than the smallest diameter of the drive-side through-hole. The aperture of at least one end of the drive-side through hole and the minimum aperture of the drive-side through hole are set such that, while the drive disk contacts and maintains surface contact with the fixed disk, the shaft is allowed to tilt relative to the fixed disk to the maximum angle within the tilting range.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A fixed-side through hole is formed on the fixed plate for the shaft to pass through. The fixed-side insertion hole is formed such that the diameter of the fixed-side insertion hole is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft, and the diameter of at least one end of the fixed-side insertion hole in the axial direction is larger than the smallest diameter of the fixed-side insertion hole.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner walls of the drive-side through hole and the fixed-side through hole are each stepped in shape.

4. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The inner walls of the drive-side through hole and the fixed-side through hole are each tapered.

5. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The housing has a disk-opposing wall that is opposite the drive disk in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction. The drive disk has a disk sidewall portion that faces the disk opposite wall. The gap between the smallest part of the drive-side through hole and the shaft is smaller than the gap between the disk opposing wall and the disk side wall.

6. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The drive disk has a sliding surface that faces the fixed disk. The housing includes a mounting portion that abuts against the back of the contact surface in the fixed disk that is in contact with the sliding surface. A gasket is disposed between the fixed plate and the mounting part to seal the gap between the fixed plate and the mounting part.

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