Flow path switching valve

Abstract

A first space (21), a second space (22), and a third space (23) disposed on one side in one direction (Da) with respect to the first space and the second space are formed in a housing (11). The housing has a first partition section (24) that partitions a first space and a second space, and a plurality of second partition sections (25) that partition the first space into a plurality of divided spaces (211-216) that are adjacent to each other with the first partition section therebetween with respect to the second space. The valve body (50) separates the first space and the second space from the third space. A first communication path (51) penetrating in one direction and a second communication path (52) recessed from the other side in the one direction are formed in the valve body. The valve body is moved relative to the housing to switch among the plurality of divided spaces a space communicating with the third space via the first communication path, and to switch among the plurality of divided spaces a space communicating with the second space via the second communication path.

Description

[0001] Cross-references of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-040192 filed on March 15, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a flow path switching valve for fluid circulation. Background Art

[0004] As such a flow path switching valve, there is conventionally known a flow path switching valve described in Patent Document 1, for example. The flow path switching valve described in Patent Document 1 includes a main body having an inner chamber formed therein and a partitioning portion disposed in the inner chamber and partitioning the inner chamber into a plurality of partitioned chambers.

[0005] The main body of the flow path switching valve has a plurality of inflow parts for cooling water to flow in and a plurality of outflow parts for cooling water to flow out, and all of the inflow parts and outflow parts are connected to the inner chamber. The partition part of the flow path switching valve can be relatively displaced relative to the main body. Moreover, the partition part changes the corresponding relationship between the inflow part and the outflow part connected through each of the plurality of partition chambers by relatively displacing relative to the main body.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-200943 Summary of the invention

[0009] In recent years, in order to improve the cruising range of vehicles, a plurality of heat exchangers are connected to vehicle-mounted devices, for example, through a fluid circulation circuit in which a fluid circulates, thereby achieving higher efficiency of air conditioning using waste heat of the vehicle-mounted devices.

[0010] However, a large number of flow path switching valves are required in a fluid circulation circuit that connects multiple heat exchangers to vehicle-mounted devices, which increases the number of components and thus the cost. In addition, the actual fluid circulation circuit has a different structure for each vehicle model in which the fluid circulation circuit is used.

[0011] Based on such a situation, as a technology related to a flow path switching valve that can switch a large number of flow paths with a simple structure, not only the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 but also other technologies related to a flow path switching valve are needed. As a result of detailed research, the inventors found the above situation.

[0012] In view of the above-mentioned points, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a flow path switching valve capable of switching a plurality of flow paths with a simple structure.

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the flow path switching valve has:

[0014] A housing having a first space and a second space formed therein, through which a fluid flows, and a third space disposed on one side in one direction relative to the first space and the second space and through which the fluid flows, and having a first partition and a plurality of second partitions, wherein the first partition partitions the first space and the second space, and the plurality of second partitions partition the first space into a plurality of divided spaces adjacent to the second space respectively across the first partition; and

[0015] The valve core is arranged in the housing in such a manner as to separate the first space and the second space from the third space.

[0016] A first communication passage and a second communication passage are formed in the valve core. The first communication passage is arranged in a manner overlapping with the first space on one side of the above-mentioned one direction relative to the first space and penetrates along the above-mentioned one direction. The second communication passage is recessed from the other side opposite to the one side in the above-mentioned one direction to one side and is arranged in a manner overlapping with the first space and the second space on one side of the above-mentioned one direction.

[0017] The plurality of divided spaces, the second space and the third space are respectively connected to the outside of the shell.

[0018] As the valve core moves relative to the housing, the valve core switches the space among the multiple divided spaces that communicates with the third space via the first communicating passage among the multiple divided spaces, and also switches the space among the multiple divided spaces that communicates with the second space via the second communicating passage among the multiple divided spaces.

[0019] In this way, the valve body can be operated to switch the flow path through the first communication path and the flow path through the second communication path at the same time without complicating the structure of the valve body. Therefore, multiple flow path switching can be performed with a simple structure.

[0020] In addition, the reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component etc. represent an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and the specific component etc. described in the embodiment described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 It is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the general structure of the flow path switching valve in the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of section II-II.

[0023] Figure 3This is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a cross section of a housing included in the flow path switching valve in the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 The stator in the first embodiment is shown as a single body, and Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of section IV-IV.

[0025] Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the general structure of the flow path switching valve in the second embodiment, which is equivalent to Figure 1 .

[0026] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 The cross-sectional view of a part of the VI-VI section is a diagram in which the stator is omitted.

[0027] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing an extract of the second space in the casing and its surroundings in the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 is Figure 7 2 is a perspective view showing the flow of the heat medium in the second space in the second embodiment supplemented by arrows.

[0029] Fig. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the general structure of the flow path switching valve in the third embodiment, which is equivalent to Figure 1 .

[0030] Fig.10 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the general structure of the flow path switching valve in the fourth embodiment, which is equivalent to Figure 1 .

[0031] Fig.11 is a three-dimensional diagram showing the second space in the housing and its surroundings extracted in the fourth embodiment, which is equivalent to Figure 7 .

[0032] Fig.12 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the general structure of the flow path switching valve in the fifth embodiment, which is equivalent to Figure 1 .

[0033] Fig.13 The fifth embodiment shows a single body of the rotor and shows Fig.12 Cross-sectional view of section XIII-XIII.

[0034] Fig.14 is a longitudinal sectional view schematically showing the general structure of the flow path switching valve in the sixth embodiment, which is equivalent to Figure 1 .

[0035] Fig.15 The stator in the sixth embodiment is shown as a single body, and Fig.14 The cross-sectional view of the XV-XV section is equivalent to Figure 4 .

[0036] Fig.16 The sixth embodiment is schematically shown Fig.15 Cross-sectional view of section XVI-XVI.

[0037] Fig.17 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a longitudinal section of a flow path switching valve in a modified example of the second embodiment, and is a view in which a stator and its surroundings in the flow path switching valve are extracted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0039] (First Embodiment)

[0040] The flow path switching valve 10 of the present embodiment is a valve device mounted on a vehicle such as a hybrid vehicle, for example. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flow switching valve 10 shown constitutes a part of a heat medium circuit that circulates the heat medium through the travel engine, the travel motor, the power control unit that controls the power supplied to the travel motor, and the heat exchanger for air conditioning, etc. Therefore, the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit flows through the flow switching valve 10.

[0041] The flow switching valve 10 can switch and cut off the flow path in the heat medium circuit through the flow switching valve 10. The heat medium flowing through the flow switching valve 10 is a liquid fluid, and as the heat medium, for example, cooling water containing ethylene glycol is used. In addition, the power control unit is sometimes abbreviated as PCU.

[0042] Specifically, if Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the flow path switching valve 10 is a disk valve that switches the flow path of the heat medium by rotating a substantially disk-shaped rotor 50 around a predetermined working axis Cv. The flow path switching valve 10 is a multi-way valve provided with a plurality of connection ports 12a to 19a (in other words, a plurality of connection ports 12a to 19a) connected to the outside of the flow path switching valve 10. For example, in the present embodiment, a total of eight connection ports 12a to 19a are provided in the flow path switching valve 10, so the flow path switching valve 10 of the present embodiment is an eight-way valve.

[0043] In the description of this embodiment, the axial direction of the working axis Cv is sometimes referred to as the valve axial direction Da, which corresponds to one direction of the present disclosure. In addition, the radial direction of the working axis Cv is sometimes referred to as the valve radial direction Dr, and the circumferential direction centered on the working axis Cv is sometimes referred to as the valve circumferential direction Dc. Figure 1 Show Figure 2 II section. In addition, Figure 1 In Figure 1 The upper side of the paper is set as the side of the valve axial direction Da, Figure 1 The lower side of the paper is set as the other side of the valve axial direction Da.

[0044] The flow path switching valve 10 includes a housing 11 , a stator 30 , an actuator 40 , a rotor 50 , and a shaft 60 .

[0045] The housing 11 is a housing member constituting the outer shell of the flow path switching valve 10. The housing 11 is a non-rotating member that does not rotate, and is made of, for example, resin. The housing 11 accommodates the stator 30, the rotor 50, and the shaft 60 inside the housing 11. For example, the housing 11 may be composed of a single component or a plurality of components.

[0046] The housing 11 has a first connection port forming portion 12 , a second connection port forming portion 13 , a third connection port forming portion 14 , a fourth connection port forming portion 15 , a fifth connection port forming portion 16 , a sixth connection port forming portion 17 , a seventh connection port forming portion 18 , an eighth connection port forming portion 19 and a housing body 20 .

[0047] The housing body 20 has a cylindrical shape extending in the valve axial direction Da. Both ends of the cylindrical shape of the housing body 20 are blocked except for the portions where the connection ports are provided.

[0048] In addition, the first to eighth connection port forming portions 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 are respectively formed in a cylindrical shape protruding outward from the housing body 20. For example, the second connection port forming portion 13 protrudes from the end portion on the other side of the valve axial direction Da in the housing body 20 to the other side of the valve axial direction Da. Moreover, the first, third to eighth connection port forming portions 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 protrude outward from the outer peripheral surface of the housing body 20, respectively.

[0049] A first connection port 12a is formed inside the first connection port forming portion 12, a second connection port 13a is formed inside the second connection port forming portion 13, and a third connection port 14a is formed inside the third connection port forming portion 14. In addition, a fourth connection port 15a is formed inside the fourth connection port forming portion 15, a fifth connection port 16a is formed inside the fifth connection port forming portion 16, and a sixth connection port 17a is formed inside the sixth connection port forming portion 17. In addition, a seventh connection port 18a is formed inside the seventh connection port forming portion 18, and an eighth connection port 19a is formed inside the eighth connection port forming portion 19.

[0050] The first to eighth connection ports 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a, and 19a are respectively connected to heat exchangers or pipes provided outside the flow switching valve 10 (in other words, outside the casing 11) in the heat medium circuit.

[0051] For example, the first connection port 12a is connected to a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the PCU and the heat medium, the second connection port 13a is connected to a refrigerator, and the third and fifth connection ports 14a and 16a are connected to a radiator. In addition, the fourth and sixth connection ports 15a and 17a are connected to a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a battery as a power source for driving and the heat medium, the seventh connection port 18a is connected to a first bypass passage, and the eighth connection port 19a is connected to a second bypass passage.

[0052] Moreover, the first connection port 12a and the second connection port 13a are respectively used as a heat supply medium such as Figure 1 The third to eighth connection ports 14a to 19a function as outlet ports for allowing heat medium to flow out of the flow path switching valve 10 , as shown by arrows A1 and A2 .

[0053] In the description of the present embodiment, the first to eighth connection ports 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a, 19a are sometimes referred to as the first to eighth connection ports 12a to 19a or connection ports 12a to 19a. Also, the first to eighth connection port forming portions 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 are sometimes referred to as the first to eighth connection port forming portions 12 to 19 or connection port forming portions 12 to 19. In addition, the second connection port 13a corresponds to the connection port of the present disclosure, and the second connection port forming portion 13 corresponds to the connection port forming portion of the present disclosure.

[0054] The interior of the shell body 20 is divided into a plurality of spaces 21, 22, and 23 through which the heat medium flows. Specifically, a first space 21, a second space 22, and a third space 23 are formed inside the shell body 20, and the third space 23 is arranged on one side of the valve axial direction Da relative to the first space 21 and the second space 22. In addition, the first space 21 is divided and divided into the first to sixth divided spaces 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216 as a plurality of divided spaces. In addition, in the description of the present embodiment, the first to sixth divided spaces 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216 are sometimes simply referred to as the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 or divided spaces 211 to 216.

[0055] Furthermore, the housing body 20 has a first partition 24 and a plurality of second partitions 25. The first partition 24 and the plurality of second partitions 25 are each configured as a plate-shaped partition wall with a thickness direction perpendicular to the valve axial direction Da. In addition, the outer wall of the housing body 20 can be interpreted as a partition that separates the space outside the housing 11 from the spaces 21, 22, 23 formed in the housing body 20.

[0056] The first partition 24 is a partition wall that partitions the first space 21 and the second space 22. The first partition 24 is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical with the working axis Cv as the center. Therefore, the working axis Cv passes through the inner circumference of the first partition 24 (i.e., Figure 1 The radial range Ar of the second space 22 is the range occupied by the second space 22 in the valve radial direction Dr.

[0057] The second space 22 is formed on the inner peripheral side of the first partition 24. That is, the first partition 24 is formed so as to surround the second space 22. Furthermore, the first space 21 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first partition 24 so as to surround the first partition 24.

[0058] The plurality of second partitions 25 are partition walls that partition the first space 21 in the valve circumferential direction Dc. That is, the plurality of second partitions 25 partition the first space 21 into the first to sixth partition spaces 211 to 216 .

[0059] In detail, the plurality of second partitions 25 are arranged at intervals in the valve circumferential direction Dc, and the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 are formed between the second partitions 25. In addition, the plurality of second partitions 25 are arranged in a radial posture with the working axis Cv as the center. Therefore, the plurality of second partitions 25 and the divided spaces 211 to 216 are arranged alternately in the valve circumferential direction Dc.

[0060] Furthermore, the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 are respectively adjacent to the second space 22 via the first partition 24. That is, the first partition 24 faces the second space 22 on the inner peripheral side of the first partition 24, and faces each of the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 on the outer peripheral side of the first partition 24. Regarding the arrangement of the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216, in other words, the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the first partition 24, and arranged in a manner arranged in the valve circumferential direction Dc.

[0061] The first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216, the second space 22, and the third space 23 are respectively connected to the outside of the housing 11 and function as a part of the flow path through which the heat medium flows. Specifically, the third space 23 is connected to the first connection port 12a, and the third space 23 is connected to the outside of the housing 11 via the first connection port 12a. In addition, the second space 22 is connected to the second connection port 13a, and the second space 22 is connected to the outside of the housing 11 via the second connection port 13a.

[0062] In addition, the first division space 211 is connected to the third connection port 14a, and the first division space 211 is connected to the outside of the shell 11 via the third connection port 14a. In addition, the second division space 212 is connected to the fourth connection port 15a, and the second division space 212 is connected to the outside of the shell 11 via the fourth connection port 15a. In addition, the third division space 213 is connected to the fifth connection port 16a, and the third division space 213 is connected to the outside of the shell 11 via the fifth connection port 16a.

[0063] In addition, the fourth division space 214 is connected to the sixth connection port 17a, and the fourth division space 214 is connected to the outside of the shell 11 via the sixth connection port 17a. In addition, the fifth division space 215 is connected to the seventh connection port 18a, and the fifth division space 215 is connected to the outside of the shell 11 via the seventh connection port 18a. In addition, the sixth division space 216 is connected to the eighth connection port 19a, and the sixth division space 216 is connected to the outside of the shell 11 via the eighth connection port 19a.

[0064] like Figure 1 , Figure 4 As shown, the stator 30 is formed in a plate shape with the valve axial direction Da as the thickness direction, and is made of, for example, a resin with high sliding performance. In the present embodiment, for example, the stator 30 is formed in a substantially disc shape. The stator 30 is provided in the housing body 20 so as not to be relatively rotatable relative to the housing body 20 by, for example, the engagement of a recessed portion and a convex portion not shown in the figure.

[0065] In the housing body 20, the stator 30 is disposed between the first space 21 and the second space 22 and the third space 23. Therefore, the third space 23 is disposed on one side of the stator 30 in the valve axial direction Da, and the first space 21 and the second space 22 are disposed on the other side of the stator 30 in the valve axial direction Da.

[0066] In addition, the stator 30 is arranged on one side of the valve axial direction Da relative to the first partition 24 and the plurality of second partitions 25. Furthermore, the stator 30 abuts against one end 241 of the first partition 24 on one side of the valve axial direction Da and one end of each of the plurality of second partitions 25 on one side of the valve axial direction Da from the side of the valve axial direction Da.

[0067] The stator 30 is formed with a plurality of flow holes through which the heat medium passes, specifically, the first to seventh flow holes 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307. The first to seventh flow holes 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 are respectively formed as through holes that penetrate the stator 30 along the valve axial direction Da. In the description of the present embodiment, the first to seventh flow holes 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307 are sometimes simply referred to as the first to seventh flow holes 301 to 307 or the flow holes 301 to 307.

[0068] Specifically, the first flow hole 301 of the stator 30 corresponds to the first division space 211 and is formed in such a manner that the cross section perpendicular to the valve axial direction Da is the same shape or substantially the same shape as the first division space 211. Moreover, the other side of the first flow hole 301 in the valve axial direction Da is connected only to the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 and the first division space 211 in the second space 22. For example, the first division space 211 is configured in such a manner that the entire or substantially the entire end portion of the first division space 211 on one side of the valve axial direction Da overlaps with the first flow hole 301 on the other side of the valve axial direction Da.

[0069] In addition, the second flow hole 302 corresponds to the second divided space 212 and is formed in such a manner that the cross section perpendicular to the valve axial direction Da is the same shape or substantially the same shape as the second divided space 212. Moreover, the other side of the second flow hole 302 in the valve axial direction Da is connected only to the second divided space 212 in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the second divided space 212 is configured in such a manner that the entire or substantially the entire end portion of the second divided space 212 on one side of the valve axial direction Da overlaps with the second flow hole 302 on the other side of the valve axial direction Da.

[0070] In addition, the third flow hole 303 corresponds to the third divided space 213 and is formed in such a manner that the cross section perpendicular to the valve axial direction Da is the same shape or substantially the same shape as the third divided space 213. Moreover, the other side of the third flow hole 303 in the valve axial direction Da is connected only to the third divided space 213 in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the third divided space 213 is configured in such a manner that the entire or substantially the entire end portion of the third divided space 213 on one side of the valve axial direction Da overlaps with the other side of the third flow hole 303 in the valve axial direction Da.

[0071] In addition, the fourth flow hole 304 corresponds to the fourth divided space 214 and is formed in such a manner that the cross section perpendicular to the valve axial direction Da is the same shape or substantially the same shape as the fourth divided space 214. Moreover, the other side of the fourth flow hole 304 in the valve axial direction Da is connected only to the fourth divided space 214 in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the fourth divided space 214 is configured in such a manner that the entirety or substantially the entirety of the end portion of the fourth divided space 214 on one side of the valve axial direction Da overlaps with the fourth flow hole 304 on the other side of the valve axial direction Da.

[0072] In addition, the fifth flow hole 305 corresponds to the fifth divided space 215 and is formed in such a manner that the cross section perpendicular to the valve axial direction Da is the same shape or substantially the same shape as the fifth divided space 215. Moreover, the other side of the fifth flow hole 305 in the valve axial direction Da is communicated only with the fifth divided space 215 in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the fifth divided space 215 is configured in such a manner that the entirety or substantially the entirety of the end portion of the fifth divided space 215 on one side of the valve axial direction Da overlaps with the fifth flow hole 305 on the other side of the valve axial direction Da.

[0073] In addition, the sixth flow hole 306 corresponds to the sixth divided space 216 and is formed in such a manner that the cross section perpendicular to the valve axial direction Da is the same shape or substantially the same shape as the sixth divided space 216. Moreover, the other side of the sixth flow hole 306 in the valve axial direction Da is communicated only with the sixth divided space 216 in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the sixth divided space 216 is configured in such a manner that the entirety or substantially the entirety of the end portion of the sixth divided space 216 on one side of the valve axial direction Da overlaps with the sixth flow hole 306 on the other side of the valve axial direction Da.

[0074] In addition, the seventh flow hole 307 corresponds to the second space 22 and is formed in a manner that the cross section perpendicular to the valve axial direction Da is the same shape or substantially the same shape as the shape of the periphery of the second space 22. That is, the seventh flow hole 307 is formed in a manner that the cross section perpendicular to the valve axial direction Da is circular or substantially circular. Moreover, the other side of the seventh flow hole 307 in the valve axial direction Da is connected only to the second space 22 in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the second space 22 is configured in a manner that the entirety or substantially the entirety of the end portion of the second space 22 on one side of the valve axial direction Da overlaps with the seventh flow hole 307 on the other side of the valve axial direction Da.

[0075] Because of the configuration as described above, Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, when viewed in the direction of the valve axial direction Da, the arrangement of the first to seventh flow holes 301 to 307 of the stator 30 is the same as the arrangement of the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. That is, when viewed in the direction of the valve axial direction Da, the seventh flow hole 307 is in a circular shape or a substantially circular shape centered on the working axis Cv, and the first to sixth flow holes 301 to 306 are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the seventh flow hole 307. Moreover, the first to sixth flow holes 301 to 306 are arranged in the valve circumferential direction Dc in a manner of surrounding the seventh flow hole 307.

[0076] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, in the stator 30, the first to seventh flow holes 301 to 307 are not connected to each other but are formed independently. Therefore, the stator 30 has a plurality of stator partitions 311 and 312 (specifically, a first stator partition 311 and a plurality of second stator partitions 312) for partitioning the first to seventh flow holes 301 to 307 from each other.

[0077] Specifically, the first stator partition part 311 is in an annular shape or a substantially annular shape with the operating axis Cv as the center, and the plurality of second stator partition parts 312 are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the first stator partition part 311 in a radial posture with the operating axis Cv as the center.

[0078] Furthermore, the plurality of second stator partitions 312 partition the first to sixth flow holes 301 to 306 from each other. That is, the plurality of second stator partitions 312 and the first to sixth flow holes 301 to 306 are arranged alternately in the valve circumferential direction Dc. In addition, the first stator partition 311 partitions each of the first to sixth flow holes 301 to 306 from the seventh flow hole 307.

[0079] like Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the rotor 50 is a valve core that switches the flow path of the heat medium in the housing 11 by rotating the rotor 50. The rotor 50 is provided so as to be rotatable around the working axis Cv. That is, the rotor 50 can rotate relative to the housing 11 and the stator 30 around the working axis Cv.

[0080] The rotor 50 is formed into a disk shape with the valve axial direction Da as the thickness direction, and is made of, for example, a resin with high sliding performance. The rotor 50 is arranged so as to be stacked on one side of the valve axial direction Da relative to the stator 30 and to be in contact with the stator 30. That is, the rotor 50 slides relative to the stator 30 while rotating relative to the housing 11 and the stator 30.

[0081] That is, the rotor 50 is disposed between the first space 21 and the second space 22 and the third space 23 in the housing body 20. Furthermore, the rotor 50 is disposed in the housing body 20 in a manner to partition the first space 21 and the second space 22 and the third space 23. The outer diameter of the rotor 50 is such that the first to seventh flow holes 301 to 307 of the stator 30 are completely covered.

[0082] In addition, the rotor 50 is pushed toward the other side of the valve axial direction Da by the pressure of the heat medium flowing in the housing body 20 or the force of a spring (not shown). Therefore, leakage of the heat medium at the contact portion between the rotor 50 and the stator 30 and leakage of the heat medium at the contact portion between each partition 24, 25 of the housing body 20 and the stator 30 are prevented.

[0083] In order to switch the flow path of the heat medium in the housing 11, the rotor 50 is formed with a first communication path 51 and a second communication path 52 through which the heat medium passes. In addition, the rotor 50 cuts off the communication between the second space 22 and the third space 23 regardless of the rotation position of the rotor 50. Figure 2 , Figure 4 The rotor 50 is not shown in FIG. Figure 2 , Figure 4 In FIG. 5 , the first communication passage 51 and the second communication passage 52 are respectively indicated by two-dot chain lines (ie, imaginary lines).

[0084] The first communication passage 51 is provided as a through hole that penetrates the rotor 50 along the valve axial direction Da. The first communication passage 51 is configured to overlap with the first space 21 on one side of the valve axial direction Da, and overlap with the third space 23 on the other side of the valve axial direction Da, regardless of the rotational position of the rotor 50. In other words, regardless of the rotational position of the rotor 50, when viewed in the direction of the valve axial direction Da, the first communication passage 51 overlaps with both the first space 21 and the third space 23. Therefore, as the rotor 50 rotates, the rotor 50 causes the divided space of the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 that overlaps with the first communication passage 51 to communicate with the third space 23 when viewed in the direction of the valve axial direction Da.

[0085] The second communication passage 52 is in a shape that is recessed from the other side in the valve axial direction Da to one side. That is, in the rotor 50, the other side in the valve axial direction Da of the second communication passage 52 is open, but the one side in the valve axial direction Da of the second communication passage 52 is blocked. Furthermore, the second communication passage 52 expands from the inside to the outside in the valve radial direction Dr relative to the first partition portion 24.

[0086] Therefore, the second communication passage 52 is arranged to overlap the first space 21 and the second space 22 on one side in the valve axial direction Da regardless of the rotational position of the rotor 50. In other words, the second communication passage 52 overlaps both the first space 21 and the second space 22 when viewed in the direction of the valve axial direction Da regardless of the rotational position of the rotor 50. With this arrangement, as the rotor 50 rotates, the rotor 50 causes the divided spaces of the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 that overlap with the second communication passage 52 when viewed in the direction of the valve axial direction Da to communicate with the second space 22.

[0087] In addition, the rotor 50 blocks the flow of the heat medium in the divided spaces of the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 that do not overlap with either the first or second communication passages 51 and 52 when viewed in the direction along the valve axial direction Da. In short, the rotor 50 completely closes the connection port connected to the divided space that does not overlap with either the first or second communication passages 51 and 52.

[0088] Based on such a structure, as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11, the rotor 50 switches the space in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 that is connected to the third space 23 via the first communicating passage 51 between the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216. At the same time, the rotor 50 also switches the space in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 that is connected to the second space 22 via the second communicating passage 52 between the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216. In addition, regarding the above-mentioned "movement of the rotor 50 relative to the housing 11", in detail, the rotor 50 rotates relative to the housing 11 around the working axis Cv as the center.

[0089] In addition, the first communication passage 51 and the second communication passage 52 are arranged so that their respective positions in the valve circumferential direction Dc are offset from each other. Therefore, the division space of the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 that communicates with the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51 and the division space that communicates with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52 are different from each other.

[0090] For example, in Figure 2 When the first and second communication passages 51 and 52 are in the positions shown, the first divided space 211 communicates with the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51, but does not communicate with the second space 22. On the other hand, the second divided space 212 communicates with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52, but does not communicate with the third space 23.

[0091] like Figure 1 As shown, the shaft 60 is a rotating shaft member that transmits the rotational force of the actuator 40 to the rotor 50. The shaft 60 passes through the third space 23 and connects the actuator 40 and the rotor 50 in a manner that can transmit power. Specifically, the shaft 60 extends from the rotor 50 to one side of the valve axial direction Da, and is supported to be rotatable relative to the housing 11 with the working axis Cv as the center. That is, the shaft 60 can rotate relative to the housing 11 and the stator 30 around the working axis Cv. For example, the shaft 60 is a roughly cylindrical rod member extending along the valve axial direction Da, and is cantilever-supported on the actuator 40 side in a rotatable manner.

[0092] In addition, the shaft 60 is connected to the rotor 50 so as not to rotate relative to it. Therefore, the shaft 60 rotates together with the rotor 50 around the working axis Cv. In short, the shaft 60 and the rotor 50 rotate relative to the housing 11 and the stator 30 around the working axis Cv as a whole. The shaft 60 and the rotor 50 constitute a rotating portion 62 that rotates relative to the housing 11 around the working axis Cv as a center.

[0093] The actuator 40 is a driving source for rotating the rotor 50, and includes, for example, a motor and a speed reduction mechanism for reducing the rotation speed of the motor. In the actuator 40, the rotation angle of the motor is controlled by a control device (not shown). As a result, the rotation position of the rotor 50 centered on the working axis Cv is controlled by the control device.

[0094] The arrangement of the actuator 40 is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the actuator 40 is arranged on one side in the valve axial direction Da with respect to the third space 23 .

[0095] In the flow path switching valve 10 constructed as described above, Figure 1 As shown, when the actuator 40 is energized, the actuator 40 rotates the rotor 50 and the shaft 60 about the working axis Cv. Then, the actuator 40 stops the rotation of the rotor 50 and the shaft 60 in accordance with a control signal from the control device so that the rotation position of the rotor 50 becomes a predetermined target position, and maintains the rotation position of the rotor 50 at the predetermined target position.

[0096] For example, it is assumed that as a result of the rotor 50 being rotated by the actuator 40, the rotor 50 is positioned so that the positions of the first and second communication paths 51 and 52 are Figure 2 In this case, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, in the housing 11, the first divided space 211 is connected to the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51 of the rotor 50, but is not connected to the second space 22. On the other hand, the second divided space 212 is connected to the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50, but is not connected to the third space 23. Furthermore, the flow of the heat medium in the third to sixth divided spaces 213 to 216 is blocked by the rotor 50. That is, the fifth to eighth connection ports 16a to 19a are set to be fully closed.

[0097] As a result, the heat medium is allowed to flow between the first connection port 12a and the third connection port 14a, and the heat medium flows from the first connection port 12a to the third connection port 14a. At this time, the heat medium passes through the third space 23, the first communication passage 51 of the rotor 50, the first flow hole 301 of the stator 30, and the first divided space 211 in this order from the first connection port 12a and flows to the third connection port 14a.

[0098] At the same time, the heat medium is allowed to flow between the second connection port 13a and the fourth connection port 15a, and the heat medium flows from the second connection port 13a to the fourth connection port 15a. At this time, the heat medium passes through the second space 22, the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30, the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50, and the second divided space 212 from the second connection port 13a in this order and flows to the fourth connection port 15a.

[0099] As described above, according to this embodiment, Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the rotor 50 is formed with a first communication passage 51 and a second communication passage 52. The first communication passage 51 is provided as a through hole that penetrates the rotor 50 along the valve axial direction Da, and is arranged in a manner overlapping with the first space 21 on one side of the valve axial direction Da. The second communication passage 52 is in a shape that is recessed from the other side of the valve axial direction Da to one side, and is arranged in a manner overlapping with the first space 21 and the second space 22 on one side of the valve axial direction Da. In addition, as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11, the rotor 50 switches the space that communicates with the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51 among the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 to the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216. At the same time, the rotor 50 also switches the space that communicates with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52 among the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 to the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216.

[0100] According to this, the structure of the rotor 50 is not complicated, and by operating the rotor 50, the flow path through the first communication path 51 of the rotor 50 and the flow path through the second communication path 52 can be switched at the same time. Therefore, in the flow path switching valve 10 of this embodiment, multiple flow path switching can be performed with a simple structure.

[0101] (1) According to the present embodiment, the rotor 50 is a member that rotates around the operating axis Cv that passes through the inner circumference of the first partition 24 and extends along the valve axial direction Da. Therefore, by rotating the rotor 50, a plurality of flow paths can be switched. In addition, by constraining the rotor 50 to be rotatable within the housing body 20 so that the rotor 50 does not deviate in the valve radial direction Dr, the end of the shaft 60 on the rotor 50 side can be rotatably supported.

[0102] (Second Embodiment)

[0103] Next, the second embodiment is described. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above are mainly described. In addition, the same or equivalent parts as the above embodiment are omitted or simplified for description. This is also the case in the description of the embodiments described later.

[0104] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, the housing body 20 has a plurality of space inner wall portions 26. The plurality of space inner wall portions 26 are provided in the second space 22, and are arranged radially around the working axis Cv when viewed in the direction of the valve axial direction Da. That is, the plurality of space inner wall portions 26 are connected to each other at the inner ends of the valve radial direction Dr, and are connected to the inner circumferential surface of the first partition portion 24 at the outer ends of the valve radial direction Dr.

[0105] Therefore, the plurality of space inner wall portions 26 divide the second space 22 into a plurality of divided spaces 221. For example, in the present embodiment, four space inner wall portions 26 are provided to form four divided spaces 221. Figure 6 In order to illustrate the first and second partitions 24 and 25 of the case body 20, the stator 30 is omitted.

[0106] Each of the plurality of space inner wall portions 26 has a wall end 261 provided on one side in the valve axial direction Da. For example, all the space inner wall portions 26 are formed so that the positions of the wall ends 261 in the valve axial direction Da are the same.

[0107] The shaft 60 of this embodiment is connected to the rotor 50 so as not to rotate relative to the rotor 50 as in the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, the shaft 60 of this embodiment passes through the rotor 50. In addition, the shaft 60 has the other end 601 provided on the other side of the valve axial direction Da of the shaft 60, and the other end 601 enters the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30.

[0108] In addition, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 faces the one end 261 of the wall portion of the space inner wall portion 26 in the valve axial direction Da, and abuts against the one end 261 of the wall portion in the valve axial direction Da. In other words, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 touches the one end 261 of the wall portion in the valve axial direction Da. In short, the one end 261 of the wall portion of the space inner wall portion 26 contacts the other end 601 of the shaft 60 as a part of the rotating portion 62.

[0109] Thus, the wall end 261 of the space inner wall portion 26 receives the shaft 60 from the other side of the valve axial direction Da relative to the shaft 60. The wall end 261 receives the shaft 60, in other words, the wall end 261 supports the shaft 60 in a manner that does not allow the shaft 60 to move from the position where the other end 601 of the shaft 60 abuts against the wall end 261 to the other side of the valve axial direction Da.

[0110] In addition, a plurality of space inner wall portions 26 are respectively formed with communication grooves 26a cut from one side to the other side in the valve axial direction Da. The communication grooves 26a are all located in the second space 22, and thus a flow path of the heat medium is provided in the housing body 20 from the second connection port 13a to the second communication path 52 of the rotor 50.

[0111] The partitioned spaces 221 adjacent to each other in the valve circumferential direction Dc via the space inner wall 26 are connected to each other via the connecting groove 26a formed in the space inner wall 26. That is, in this embodiment, the connecting groove 26a of the space inner wall 26 is provided as a confluence passage that connects the plurality of partitioned spaces 221 to each other.

[0112] For example, the heat medium flowing from the second connection port 13a through the second space 22 to the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 is as follows: Figure 8 That is, the plurality of connecting grooves 26a allow the heat medium that flows from the second connecting port 13a to the plurality of divided spaces 221 to merge at the upstream side of the heat medium flow relative to the second connecting passage 52 in the flow path of the heat medium that flows from the second connecting port 13a to the second connecting passage 52 of the rotor 50. Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 is simplified and illustrated by a two-dot chain line.

[0113] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30 also merges the heat medium that flows separately from the second connection port 13a to the plurality of divided spaces 221 at the upstream side of the heat medium flow relative to the second communication passage 52, similarly to the communication groove 26a. Therefore, the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30 is also provided as the above-mentioned merging passage.

[0114] (1) As described above, according to the present embodiment, the wall end 261 of the space inner wall portion 26 contacts the other end 601 of the shaft 60 as a part of the rotating portion 62, thereby supporting the shaft 60 from the other side relative to the valve axial direction Da of the shaft 60. As a result, compared with a cantilever support in which the other end 601 of the shaft 60 is not supported, the rotation of the rotor 50 and the shaft 60 can be stabilized. In addition, the shaft 60 can be easily maintained in an upright posture along the valve axial direction Da, so that, for example, the sealing of an O-ring or the like related to the shaft 60 is stable, and leakage of the heat medium around the shaft 60 can be prevented.

[0115] (2) According to the present embodiment, the plurality of communication grooves 26 a allow the heat medium that flows from the second connection port 13 a to the second communication passage 52 to merge into the plurality of partitioned spaces 221 in the flow path of the heat medium that flows from the second connection port 13 a to the second communication passage 52 on the upstream side of the heat medium flow relative to the second communication passage 52 .

[0116] Therefore, the heat medium flowing into the plurality of partitioned spaces 221 from the second connection port 13a can reach the second communication passage 52 without being blocked. Therefore, compared with a case where some of the heat medium flowing into the plurality of partitioned spaces 221 is blocked, for example, the flow loss of the heat medium can be suppressed.

[0117] Except for the above-described contents, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0118] (Third Embodiment)

[0119] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the above-described second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0120] like Fig. 9 As shown, in this embodiment, the shaft 60 is connected to the rotor 50 so as not to rotate relative to the rotor 50 as in the second embodiment. However, unlike the second embodiment, the shaft 60 of this embodiment does not penetrate the rotor 50. For example, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 contacts the rotor 50 from the valve axial direction Da side.

[0121] In addition, in the present embodiment, the rotor 50 has a protrusion 53 that partially protrudes toward the other side of the valve axial direction Da in the rotor 50. The protrusion 53 protrudes toward the other side of the valve axial direction Da relative to the portion around the protrusion 53 in the rotor 50, and enters the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30. The protrusion 53 has another end 531 provided on the other side of the valve axial direction Da in the protrusion 53.

[0122] The other end 531 of the protrusion 53 of this embodiment is similar to the other end 601 of the shaft 60 of the second embodiment, and faces the one end 261 of the wall portion of the space inner wall portion 26 in the valve axial direction Da, and abuts against the one end 261 of the wall portion in the valve axial direction Da. In short, the one end 261 of the wall portion of the space inner wall portion 26 contacts the other end 531 of the protrusion 53 as a part of the rotating portion 62.

[0123] Thus, the wall end 261 of the space inner wall portion 26 of the present embodiment has the rotor 50 interposed between it and the shaft 60 , but similarly to the second embodiment, the shaft 60 is supported from the other side in the valve axial direction Da with respect to the shaft 60 .

[0124] Except for the above-described contents, this embodiment is the same as the second embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the second embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0125] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0126] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the above-described second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0127] like Fig.10 As shown, in this embodiment, the shaft 60 is connected to the rotor 50 so as not to rotate relative to the rotor 50 as in the second embodiment. However, unlike the second embodiment, the shaft 60 of this embodiment does not penetrate the rotor 50. For example, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 contacts the rotor 50 from the valve axis Da side. In addition, Fig.10 The cross section of the stator 30 represented by the IV-IV cross section is Figure 4The cross section of the stator 30 is shown in the same way.

[0128] In addition, if Fig.10 , Fig.11 As shown, the plurality of space inner wall portions 26 disposed in the second space 22 do not form the communicating grooves 26a (see Figure 5 , Figure 7 ). Therefore, the plurality of divided spaces 221 partitioned by the space inner wall portion 26 are not connected to each other in the second space 22 .

[0129] However, the plurality of divided spaces 221 communicate with the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30 on one side in the valve axial direction Da as in the second embodiment. That is, the seventh flow hole 307 is provided as a confluence passage that connects the plurality of divided spaces 221 to each other in the present embodiment.

[0130] Therefore, the seventh flow hole 307 allows the heat medium flowing from the second connection port 13a to the plurality of partitioned spaces 221 to merge on the heat medium flow upstream side with respect to the second communication passage 52 in the heat medium flow path flowing from the second connection port 13a to the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 .

[0131] Except for the above-described contents, this embodiment is the same as the second embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the second embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0132] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0133] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the fourth embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0134] like Fig.12 , Fig.13 As shown, in the rotor 50 of the present embodiment, a relay space 54 is formed in a shape that is recessed from the other side to one side in the valve axial direction Da. The relay space 54 has the same shape as the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30 when viewed in the direction of the valve axial direction Da, specifically, a circular shape centered on the working axis Cv. Moreover, the entire relay space 54 overlaps with the entire seventh flow hole 307 when viewed in the direction of the valve axial direction Da.

[0135] In the rotor 50, the other side of the valve axial direction Da in the relay space 54 is open, but the one side of the valve axial direction Da is blocked. Moreover, regardless of the rotation position of the rotor 50, the relay space 54 is connected to the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30. Therefore, the seventh flow hole 307 and the relay space 54 are formed as one space of the flow path of the heat medium arranged between the second space 22 and the second communication path 52 of the rotor 50.

[0136] In addition, in the present embodiment, the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 is in a shape that is recessed from the other side of the valve axial direction Da to one side as in the fourth embodiment, but the second communication passage 52 of the present embodiment is communicated with the relay space 54. Specifically, the second communication passage 52 of the present embodiment is connected to the relay space 54 from the outside of the valve radial direction Dr. In other words, the second communication passage 52 extends from the peripheral portion of the relay space 54 to the outside of the valve radial direction Dr.

[0137] Since the relay space 54 and the second connecting passage 52 are formed in this way, the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30 and the relay space 54 of the rotor 50 correspond to a merging passage that mutually communicates the plurality of divided spaces 221 in the present embodiment. Moreover, the seventh flow hole 307 and the relay space 54 allow the heat medium that flows separately from the second connecting port 13a to the plurality of divided spaces 221 in the flow path of the heat medium that flows from the second connecting port 13a to the second connecting passage 52 to merge at the upstream side of the heat medium flow with respect to the second connecting passage 52.

[0138] Except for the above-described contents, this embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, similarly to the fourth embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the fourth embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0139] (Sixth Embodiment)

[0140] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0141] like Figure 14 to Figure 16 As shown, in the rotor 50 of this embodiment, in addition to the first communication passage 51 and the second communication passage 52, a third communication passage 56 is also formed. Fig.15 The rotor 50 is not shown in FIG. Fig.15 In FIG. 1 , the first to third communication paths 51 , 52 , and 56 are shown by two-dot chain lines (ie, imaginary lines). Fig.14 express Fig.15 Section XIV-XIV of.

[0142] The configuration of the third communication passage 56 is different from that of the second communication passage 52, but for example, the shape of the third communication passage 56 is the same as that of the second communication passage 52. Specifically, the third communication passage 56 is in a shape that is recessed from the other side of the valve axial direction Da to one side, similarly to the second communication passage 52. That is, in the rotor 50, the other side of the valve axial direction Da in the third communication passage 56 is open, but the one side of the valve axial direction Da is blocked. Furthermore, the third communication passage 56 expands from the inner side to the outer side of the valve radial direction Dr relative to the first partition portion 24.

[0143] Therefore, the third communication passage 56 is arranged to overlap the first space 21 and the second space 22 on one side of the valve axial direction Da regardless of the rotation position of the rotor 50. With this arrangement, as the rotor 50 rotates, the rotor 50 causes the divided space overlapping the third communication passage 56 among the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 when viewed in the direction along the valve axial direction Da to communicate with the second space 22.

[0144] Furthermore, the rotor 50 blocks the flow of the heat medium in the division spaces of the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 that do not overlap with any of the first to third communication passages 51 , 52 , 56 when viewed in the direction along the valve axial direction Da.

[0145] Based on such a structure, as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11, the rotor 50 switches the space in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 that is connected to the third space 23 via the first communicating passage 51 between the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216. At the same time, the rotor 50 switches the space in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 that is connected to the second space 22 via the second communicating passage 52 between the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216. The switching of the connection relationship via these first and second communicating passages 51 and 52 is the same as that in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, further, as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11, the rotor 50 switches the space in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 that is connected to the second space 22 via the third communicating passage 56 between the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216.

[0146] The first communication passage 51, the second communication passage 52, and the third communication passage 56 are arranged so as to be offset from each other in the valve circumferential direction Dc. In this embodiment, for example, the third communication passage 56 is arranged on the opposite side of the second communication passage 52 across the operating axis Cv.

[0147] Therefore, among the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 , the divided space communicating with the third space 23 via the first communicating passage 51 , the divided space communicating with the second space 22 via the second communicating passage 52 , and the divided space communicating with the second space 22 via the third communicating passage 56 are different from each other.

[0148] For example, in Fig.15When the first to third communication passages 51, 52, 56 are in the positions shown, the first divided space 211 is connected to the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51, but is not connected to the second space 22. In addition, the second divided space 212 is connected to the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52, but is not connected to the third space 23. In addition, the fifth divided space 215 is connected to the second space 22 via the third communication passage 56, but is not connected to the third space 23.

[0149] (1) As described above, according to this embodiment, Figure 14 to Figure 16 As shown, in the rotor 50, in addition to the first communication passage 51 and the second communication passage 52, a third communication passage 56 is formed. Moreover, as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11, the rotor 50 switches the space in the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 that communicates with the second space 22 via the third communication passage 56 between the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216.

[0150] Therefore, the heat medium flowing into the second space 22 can be branched and flow out from the flow path switching valve 10 .

[0151] Except for the above-described contents, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

[0152] In addition, the present embodiment is a modification example based on the first embodiment, and the present embodiment can be combined with any of the second to fifth embodiments described above.

[0153] (Other Embodiments)

[0154] (1) In the above-mentioned embodiments, the fluid passing through the flow path switching valve 10 is a heat medium, but the fluid may be a fluid other than a heat medium. In addition, the fluid passing through the flow path switching valve 10 may be a gas instead of a liquid.

[0155] (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the flow path switching valve 10 is mounted on, for example, a hybrid vehicle or the like, but the use of the flow path switching valve 10 is not limited to vehicles.

[0156] (3) In each of the above embodiments, for example Figure 1 As shown, the flow path switching valve 10 includes the actuator 40 , but this is an example. For example, the flow path switching valve 10 may not include the actuator 40 , and the rotor 50 and the shaft 60 may be rotated by a driving source provided outside the flow path switching valve 10 .

[0157] (4) In each of the above embodiments, if Figure 1 , Figure 2As shown, the flow path switching valve 10 is an eight-way valve, but it may be a multi-way valve having seven or fewer ports, or may be a multi-way valve having nine or more ports.

[0158] (5) In each of the above embodiments, if Figure 1 Although both the stator 30 and the rotor 50 are made of resin, there is no limitation on the constituent materials of the stator 30 and the rotor 50. For example, one or both of the stator 30 and the rotor 50 may be made of ceramic.

[0159] (6) In the first embodiment described above, if Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the flow path switching valve 10 includes the stator 30, but the stator 30 may be omitted as long as the first partition 24 and the plurality of second partitions 25 have sufficient sliding performance with respect to the rotor 50. In the case where the stator 30 is omitted, the rotor 50 contacts the first partition 24 and the plurality of second partitions 25 from the valve axial direction Da side, and slides with respect to the first partition 24 and the plurality of second partitions 25 as the rotor 50 rotates.

[0160] (7) In each of the above embodiments, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the rotation center of the rotor 50 and the center line of the first partition 24 are both the working axis Cv and therefore coincide with each other, but this is an example. For example, the first partition 24 may be arranged so that the center line of the first partition 24 is slightly offset from the working axis Cv, which is the rotation center of the rotor 50.

[0161] (8) In each of the above embodiments, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the first communication passage 51 of the rotor 50 is provided as a through hole that penetrates the rotor 50 in the valve axial direction Da, but this is an example. For example, the first communication passage 51 may also be provided as a cut-in groove formed in a manner of cutting from the radially outer side to the radially inner side of the rotor 50. In this case, the first communication passage 51 also penetrates the rotor 50 in the valve axial direction Da, which does not change.

[0162] (9) In each of the above embodiments, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the rotor 50 switches the flow path of the heat medium by rotating about the working axis Cv, but this is an example. For example, it is assumed that the first partition 24 is not cylindrical but extends linearly in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the valve axial direction Da, and the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 are arranged linearly along the first partition 24 in the predetermined direction. In this case, the rotor 50 can switch the flow path of the heat medium by reciprocating along the predetermined direction.

[0163] (10) In the second embodiment described above, if Figure 6 , Figure 7 As shown, four space inner wall portions 26 are provided radially, but this is an example. For example, it is also conceivable that one space inner wall portion 26 is provided so as to divide the second space 22 into two when viewed in the direction along the valve axial direction Da.

[0164] (11) In the second embodiment described above, if Figure 5 As shown, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 abuts against the wall end 261 of the space inner wall 26 in the valve axial direction Da, but this is an example. Fig.17 As shown, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 is separated from the wall end 261 of the space inner wall portion 26 toward the other side of the valve axial direction Da.

[0165] In this Fig.17 In the example, the stator 30 is formed with a shaft insertion hole 308 that penetrates along the valve axial direction Da and has a circular cross section, and the other end 601 of the shaft 60 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 308 and can be rotatably engaged. As a result, the shaft 60 is constrained in the valve radial direction Dr by the stator 30 at the other end 601, and can rotate while being guided by the stator 30. In addition, Fig.17 The cross-sectional position of the cut-off flow path switching valve 10 is different from Figure 5 Therefore, the first and second communication passages 51 and 52 of the rotor 50 and the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30 are not shown in the figure. Fig.17 However, it is formed in the same manner as the second embodiment.

[0166] (12) In the second embodiment described above, if Figure 5 As shown, the shaft 60 protrudes from the rotor 50 in a manner that enters the seventh flow hole 307 of the stator 30, and abuts against the space inner wall portion 26 in the valve axial direction Da, but this is an example. For example, the shaft 60 may not protrude from the rotor 50, and a portion of the space inner wall portion 26 may protrude toward one side of the valve axial direction Da in a manner that enters the seventh flow hole 307, and the protruding portion abuts against the other end 601 of the shaft 60.

[0167] (13) In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented in various modifications. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are not mutually independent, and can be appropriately combined except for the case where they are obviously not combined.

[0168] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily required, except for the cases where they are specifically indicated as required and the cases where they are obviously required in principle. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when the numerical values ​​of the number, value, amount, range, etc. of the constituent elements of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific number, except for the cases where they are specifically indicated as required and the cases where they are obviously limited to a specific number in principle. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when the materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the constituent elements are mentioned, they are not limited to the materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc., except for the cases where they are specifically indicated and the cases where they are limited to a specific material, shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

Claims

1. A flow path switching valve, characterized in that: have: A housing (11) having a first space (21) and a second space (22) formed therein, wherein a fluid flows, and a third space (23) disposed on one side of a direction (Da) relative to the first space and the second space and wherein the fluid flows, and having a first partition (24) and a plurality of second partitions (25), wherein the first partition (24) partitions the first space from the second space, and wherein the plurality of second partitions (25) partition the first space into a plurality of divided spaces (211 to 216) adjacent to the second space respectively across the first partition; and A valve core (50) is arranged in the housing in such a manner as to separate the first space and the second space from the third space. A first communication passage (51) and a second communication passage (52) are formed in the valve core. The first communication passage (51) is arranged in a manner overlapping with the first space on the one side of the one direction relative to the first space and penetrates along the one direction. The second communication passage (52) is recessed from the other side opposite to the one side in the one direction toward the one side and is arranged in a manner overlapping with the first space and the second space on the one side of the one direction relative to the first space and the second space. The plurality of divided spaces, the second space, and the third space are respectively connected to the outside of the housing. As the valve core moves relative to the shell, the valve core switches the space among the multiple divided spaces that is connected to the third space via the first connecting passage among the multiple divided spaces, and also switches the space among the multiple divided spaces that is connected to the second space via the second connecting passage among the multiple divided spaces.

2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first partition is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the second space. The plurality of divided spaces are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the first partition portion and arranged in a manner aligned in the circumferential direction (Dc) of the first partition portion. The valve element is a member that rotates around an operating axis (Cv) that passes through the inner circumference of the first partition and extends in the one direction.

3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 2, characterized in that: A shaft (60) is provided, the shaft (60) extending from the valve core to the one side in the one direction, connected to the valve core so as to be non-rotatable relative to the valve core, and rotating together with the valve core around the working axis. The housing has a space inner wall portion (26) arranged in the second space, and the space inner wall portion (26) includes a wall end (261) arranged on the one side in the one direction, A portion of one end of the wall portion contacts a portion of a rotating portion (62) including the valve element and the shaft, thereby receiving the shaft from the other side in the one direction relative to the shaft.

4. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: The housing has a connection port forming portion (13) having a connection port (13a), wherein the connection port (13a) is communicated with the second space and connected to the outside of the housing. The inner wall of the space divides the second space into a plurality of divided spaces (221). A confluent passage (26a, 54, 307) is formed in the housing, and the confluent passage (26a, 54, 307) is provided in a flow path of a fluid flowing from the connection port to the second communication passage, so that the plurality of divided spaces are connected to each other. The merging passage allows the fluids that flow separately from the connection port to the plurality of divided spaces in the flow path to merge at the upstream side of the fluid flow with respect to the second communication passage.

5. The flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: In the valve core, in addition to the first communication passage and the second communication passage, a third communication passage (56) is formed, and the third communication passage (56) is recessed from the other side of the one direction to the one side, and is arranged in a manner overlapping with the first space and the second space on the one side of the one direction relative to the first space and the second space. As the valve element moves relative to the housing, the valve element switches the space among the plurality of divided spaces that communicates with the second space via the third communication passage.

Images