Flow path switching valve

Abstract

A flow path switching valve is provided with a plurality of valve units that change the communication state of a plurality of flow paths by rotating a valve body provided in a valve chamber of a valve body. The flow path switching valve is provided with a gear shaft for rotating the valve element of one valve unit, a gear shaft for rotating the valve element of the other valve unit, a rotation driving part for rotating the gear shafts, and a driving force distribution mechanism for distributing the rotation driving force of the rotation driving part to the two gear shafts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow path switching valve. Background Art

[0002] The specification of Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 111828682 discloses a control valve (flow path switching valve) having a valve core rotating inside a valve core and having a plurality of communication ports (pipe joints).

[0003] In the above-mentioned conventional example, a control member (rotation drive unit) for rotating the valve body is provided.

[0004] For example, it is conceivable to connect control valves having a plurality of ports to each other to switch a plurality of flow paths, but this requires a number of rotation drive units corresponding to the number of valve elements. Summary of the invention

[0005] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] The present invention provides a flow path switching valve with a reduced number of rotation drive parts.

[0007] Means for solving problems

[0008] The first method is a flow path switching valve, which has multiple valve units that change the connection state of multiple flow paths by rotating a valve core arranged in a valve chamber of a valve body. The flow path switching valve has: a first valve shaft, which rotates the valve core of the valve unit on one side; a second valve shaft, which is arranged in parallel with the first valve shaft and rotates the valve core of the valve unit on the other side; a rotation drive unit, which is used to rotate the first valve shaft and the second valve shaft; and a driving force distribution mechanism, which distributes the rotational driving force of the rotation drive unit to the first valve shaft and the second valve shaft.

[0009] In the first embodiment of the flow path switching valve, the driving force of the rotation driving unit can be distributed to the first valve shaft and the second valve shaft by the driving force distribution mechanism, so that the valve core of one valve unit is rotated by the first valve shaft and the valve core of the other valve unit is rotated by the second valve shaft.

[0010] That is, in this flow path switching valve, the communication states of the plurality of flow paths can be changed by rotating the valve bodies of the respective valve units using a relatively small number of rotational drive units.

[0011] According to the flow path switching valve of the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, in the valve body, a first inlet and a second inlet are formed on the wall surface forming the valve chamber, respectively, for fluid to enter and exit, a third inlet is formed on the bottom surface of the valve chamber, a flow path that can be connected to any one of the first inlet and outlet, the second inlet and outlet, and the third inlet is formed on the valve core, and a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path are formed in the valve unit, the first flow path is connected to the first inlet and outlet, the second flow path is arranged in parallel with the first flow path across the valve body and is connected to the second inlet and outlet, the third flow path is connected to the third inlet and outlet and opens on the side opposite to the third inlet and outlet, the first flow path of the valve unit on one side is connected and linked to the second flow path of the valve unit on the other side, and the driving force distribution mechanism transmits a rotational driving force to the first valve shaft and the second valve shaft, causing the valve core to rotate so that the connection state of the first inlet and outlet, the second inlet and outlet, and the third inlet and outlet is selectively switched through the flow path of the valve core.

[0012] In this flow path switching valve, by rotating the valve body, the communication states of the first inlet and outlet, the second inlet and outlet, and the third inlet and outlet of the valve chamber can be selectively switched through the passage of the valve body.

[0013] Furthermore, by connecting and coupling the first flow path of one valve unit and the second flow path of the other valve unit, the number of changes in switching of the flow paths can be increased compared to a case where the two are not connected.

[0014] According to the flow path switching valve of the first or second embodiment, in the third embodiment, the driving force distribution mechanism is constructed to include: a first gear, which is connected to the first valve shaft; a second gear, which is connected to the second valve shaft; and a third gear, which is connected to the rotating drive unit and meshes with the first gear and the second gear.

[0015] In the flow path switching valve of the third type, by using the rotation driving unit to rotationally drive the third gear, the first gear and the second gear meshing with the third gear can be rotationally driven simultaneously, and the first valve shaft connected to the first gear and the second valve shaft connected to the second gear can be rotated simultaneously.

[0016] According to the flow path switching valve of the third aspect, in the fourth aspect, the number of teeth of the third gear is smaller than the number of teeth of the first gear and the number of teeth of the second gear.

[0017] By making the number of teeth of the third gear smaller than the number of teeth of the first gear and the number of teeth of the second gear, the rotation drive unit can function as a speed reducer.

[0018] According to the flow path switching valve of the third aspect or the fourth aspect, in a fifth aspect, the third gear is provided between the first gear and the second gear.

[0019] In a flow path switching valve in which a valve unit on one side is arranged adjacent to a valve unit on the other side, by providing a third gear between a first gear and a second gear, a rotational drive unit that rotationally drives the third gear can be arranged between the valve unit on one side and the valve unit on the other side, thereby compactly gathering a driving force distribution mechanism.

[0020] In addition, when considering under the condition that the interval between the first valve shaft and the second valve shaft is constant, the diameters of the first gear and the second gear when the first gear of the valve unit on one side is meshed with the second gear of the valve unit on the other side and the third gear is meshed with either the first gear and the second gear are larger than the diameters of the first gear and the second gear when the third gear is set between the first gear and the second gear as in the fifth method.

[0021] That is, when the third gear is provided between the first gear and the second gear as in the fifth aspect, the diameters of the first gear and the second gear can be reduced compared to the case where the first gear and the second gear are directly meshed, and the drive force distribution mechanism can be compactly assembled.

[0022] According to the flow path switching valve of any one of the third to fifth modes, in the sixth mode, the valve body has an opening portion capable of inserting the valve core into the valve chamber, and the driving force distribution mechanism has a unit side gear box, which closes the opening portion of the valve unit on one side and the opening portion of the valve unit on the other side, and connects the valve unit on one side with the valve unit on the other side. In the unit side gear box, a recess is formed on the side opposite to the valve chamber, and the first gear, the second gear and the third gear are arranged in the recess.

[0023] In the sixth mode of the flow path switching valve, the unit side gear box has a first function of connecting the valve unit on one side with the valve unit on the other side and a second function as a gear box configured with a first gear, a second gear and a third gear, which can reduce the number of components compared to the case where the two functions are constituted by different components.

[0024] According to the flow path switching valve of the sixth aspect, in a seventh aspect, the unit-side gear box is welded to the valve body of one of the valve units and the valve body of the other valve unit.

[0025] By welding the unit-side gear box to the valve body of one valve unit and the valve body of the other valve unit, the valve body of one valve unit and the valve body of the other valve unit can be firmly connected.

[0026] According to the flow path switching valve of the seventh aspect, in an eighth aspect, the recessed portion of the unit-side gear case is closed by a gear case cover welded to the unit-side gear case.

[0027] In the flow path switching valve of the eighth aspect, since the recessed portion of the unit-side gear case is closed by the gear case cover, the interior of the recessed portion where the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear are arranged can be sealed.

[0028] Effects of the Invention

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a flow path switching valve in which the number of rotation drive parts is minimized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a flow path switching valve according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a flow path switching valve in which two valve units are stacked up and down and two valve elements are rotated simultaneously.

[0032] Figure 3 It is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the valve unit.

[0033] Figure 4 It is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the valve unit.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the valve core.

[0035] Figure 6 It is a bottom view showing the valve core.

[0036] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the overall structure of the flow path switching valve with a portion of the driving force distribution mechanism cut away.

[0037] Figure 8 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the flow path switching valve.

[0038] Fig. 9 It is a top view showing the interior of the driving force distribution mechanism.

[0039] Fig.10 It is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing the valve unit.

[0040] Fig.11 This is a front view showing a state where the valve unit is viewed from the male joint side of the first flow path.

[0041] Fig.12 It is a plan view showing a main part of a drive force distribution mechanism according to another embodiment.

[0042] Fig.13 It is a plan view showing a main part of a drive force distribution mechanism according to still another embodiment.

[0043] Fig.14 It is a plan view showing a state in which a small sector gear on the left side is meshed with a large sector gear in a main part of a driving force distribution mechanism according to still another embodiment.

[0044] Fig.15 It means in Fig.14 A top view of the state in which the small sector gear on the right side of the driving force distribution mechanism is meshed with the large sector gear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, the mode for implementing the present invention will be described based on the accompanying drawings. The constituent elements represented by the same reference numerals in the various drawings refer to the same constituent elements. In addition, in the embodiments described below, repeated descriptions and reference numerals are sometimes omitted. In addition, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic drawings, and the relationship between the dimensions of the elements shown in the drawings, the ratio of the elements, etc. may not be consistent with the actual situation. In addition, the relationship between the dimensions of the elements, the ratio of the elements, etc. may not be consistent between multiple drawings.

[0046] In addition, in this specification, descriptions indicating positions and directions such as up and down, left and right, front and back are used as Figure 1 The direction arrows are for reference only and do not refer to the actual position or direction under use. Figure 1 In the figure, "U" indicates the upper direction (upper side), "D" indicates the lower direction (lower side), "LH" indicates the left direction (left side), "RH" indicates the right direction (right side), "F" indicates the front direction (front side), and "R" indicates the rear direction (rear side). "Up and down direction" refers to the arrow U direction and the arrow D direction. "Left and right direction" refers to the arrow LH direction and the arrow RH direction. And, "front and rear direction" refers to the arrow F direction and the arrow R direction.

[0047] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a flow path switching valve 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the flow path switching valve 10, two valve units 20 are connected in the left-right direction, and other valve units 20 are stacked on the lower side of each valve unit 20.

[0048] That is, four valve units 20 are combined.

[0049] Figure 2 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a flow path switching valve 10 in which two valve units 20 are stacked up and down and two valve elements 16 are rotated by one rotation drive unit 18. Figure 2 Equivalent to Figure 1 The diagrams of the upper and lower valve units 20 are extracted. Figure 3, Figure 4 It is a partially cutaway perspective view showing one valve unit 20 .

[0050] The flow path switching valve 10 is used as a rotary three-way valve ( Figure 3 ).like Figure 1 As shown, the flow path switching valve 10 includes a valve unit 20 , a rotation driving portion 18 , and a driving force distribution mechanism 100 .

[0051] [Valve unit]

[0052] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the valve unit 20 of the present embodiment includes a valve body 14, a valve element 16, a first flow path 21, a second flow path 22, and a third flow path 23. Figure 3 In the example shown, the valve unit 20 is, for example, a three-way valve that switches the state in which the first flow path 21 and the third flow path 23 are connected, the state in which the second flow path 22 and the third flow path 23 are connected, and the state in which the first flow path 21, the second flow path 22 and the third flow path 23 are not connected to each other.

[0053] (Valve body)

[0054] exist Figure 3 , Figure 4 In the embodiment, the valve body 14 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and a valve chamber 12 is formed inside. The valve chamber 12 is open in the upper direction, and the valve core 16 and the sealing portion 38 described later are inserted from the upper direction. That is, the valve body 14 has an opening 15 on the upper side into which the valve core 16 and the sealing portion 38 can be inserted. A first inlet and outlet 31 and a second inlet and outlet 32, for example, which are opposite to each other and respectively allow fluid to enter and exit, are formed on the wall surface forming the valve chamber 12. As an example, the first inlet and outlet 31 is formed on the wall surface in the rear direction of the valve chamber 12, and the second inlet and outlet 32 ​​is formed on the wall surface in the front direction of the valve chamber 12. That is, the first inlet and outlet 31 and the second inlet and outlet 32 ​​are opposite to each other in the front-to-back direction of the valve chamber 12. In addition, a third inlet and outlet 33 is formed on the bottom surface of the valve chamber 12.

[0055] (Valve core)

[0056] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 In the embodiment, the valve core 16 is a spherical member made of, for example, synthetic resin, and is rotatably arranged in the valve chamber 12. An insertion hole 16A is formed at the upper portion of the valve core 16, into which the lower end of the gear shaft 28 described later is inserted. The gear shaft 28 and the insertion hole 16A are engaged with each other around the axial direction of the gear shaft 28, and the rotation of the gear shaft 28 is transmitted to the valve core 16. The valve core 16 is formed with a flow path 36 described below, and the insertion hole 16A, for example, penetrates the flow path 36 of the valve core 16.

[0057] In order to selectively connect the first inlet 31, the second inlet 32, and the third inlet 33 of the valve body 14, in other words, to selectively switch the connection state of the first inlet 31, the second inlet 32, and the third inlet 33, a flow path (internal flow path) 36 is provided inside the valve core 16. That is, by rotating the valve core 16, the flow path 36 can be connected to any one of the first flow path 21, the second flow path 22, and the third flow path 23. In detail, as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , a transverse hole 36A is formed in the valve core 16, which leads from the outer periphery (side) thereof to the flow path 36. In addition, a bottom hole 36C is formed in the valve core 16, which leads from the outer periphery (lower part) thereof to the flow path 36. The flow path 36 is connected from the transverse hole 36A to the bottom hole 36C. Depending on the state of the valve core 16, the transverse hole 36A can be opposite to the first inlet and outlet 31 or the second inlet and outlet 32. In a state where neither inlet and outlet is opposite to the transverse hole 36A, the valve core 16 is in a state of being in close contact with the sheet member 40 described later and closed.

[0058] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the flow path 36 of the valve body 16 is provided with a rib 16B extending in the direction (vertical direction) toward the third port 33. The rib 16B is, for example, a thin plate-like protrusion, and is formed on the inner wall of the lateral hole 36A in the flow path 36 of the valve body 16.

[0059] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3 In the embodiment, a sealing portion 38 for sealing each other is provided between the valve core 16 and the first inlet and outlet 31 and between the valve core 16 and the second inlet and outlet 32. The sealing portion 38 includes, for example, a sheet member 40 and an O-ring 42. The sheet member 40 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin and is formed into a circular ring shape having openings corresponding to the first inlet and outlet 31 and the second inlet and outlet 32. The sheet members 40 are respectively arranged around the first inlet and outlet 31 and the second inlet and outlet 32 ​​in the inner wall surface of the valve body 14 (the front and rear wall surfaces of the valve chamber 12). The valve core 16 is clamped by the two sheet members 40 and is arranged to be able to rotate and slide freely while being in contact with each sheet member 40.

[0060] The sheet member 40 and the valve body 14 are sealed, for example, air-tightly or water-tightly, by O-rings 42. The O-rings 42 are mounted in, for example, an O-ring groove (not shown) formed in the sheet member 40.

[0061] As an example, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) can be used for the valve body 14 and the valve element 16 , PTFE (fluororesin) can be used for the sheet member 40 , and synthetic rubber can be used for the O-ring 42 .

[0062] (First flow path, second flow path, third flow path)

[0063] like Figure 3 As shown, the first flow path 21, the second flow path 22, and the third flow path 23 are, for example, tubes integrally formed with the valve body 14. The first flow path 21 may be referred to as a first port, the second flow path 22 as a second port, and the third flow path 23 as a third port.

[0064] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Fig.10 As shown, the first flow path 21 is open at both ends, for example, and communicates with the first inlet and outlet 31 of the valve chamber 12. The first flow path 21 extends linearly in the left-right direction, for example. The first inlet and outlet 31 is connected to the middle of the first flow path 21. Thus, the first flow path 21 and the first inlet and outlet 31 form a substantially T-shape when viewed from above (see Fig.10 ).

[0065] The second flow path 22 is arranged in parallel with the first flow path 21 across the valve body 14, and is, for example, open at both ends and communicates with the second inlet and outlet 32. The second flow path 22 extends linearly in the left-right direction, for example. The second inlet and outlet 32 ​​is connected to the middle of the second flow path 22. Thus, the second flow path 22 and the second inlet and outlet 32 ​​form a substantially T-shape when viewed from above (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.10 ).

[0066] like Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Fig.10 As shown in the figure, female connectors 51 and 52 are provided at one end of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22, respectively. Male connectors 61 and 62 are provided at the other ends of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22, respectively. The male connectors 61 and 62 are configured to be connectable to the female connectors 51 and 52. Annular grooves 61A and 62A are formed on the outer peripheries of the male connectors 61 and 62. In addition, a pair of arc-shaped slits 51A and 52A are formed in the female connectors 51 and 52, for example.

[0067] like Figure 1 , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 as well as Fig.10 As shown, the male connectors 61 and 62 are respectively inserted into the female connectors 51 and 52, and the clamping member 34 is inserted into the grooves 61A and 62A through the slits 51A and 52A to prevent the clamping member 34 from coming off. The watertightness of the connection parts of each connector is performed by, for example, an O-ring 66. By having such a connector structure, it is configured so that the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of one valve unit 20 can be connected and linked to the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of other valve units 20.

[0068] exist Fig.11In the figure, a first protrusion 71 protruding from the first entrance 31 side toward the inside of the first flow path 21 is provided at a connection portion of the first flow path 21 connected to the first entrance 31. The first protrusion 71 is, for example, an arc-shaped protrusion formed along the first entrance 31 relative to the opening of the first flow path 21. The range of the first protrusion 71 is, for example, set to be smaller than half of the inner circumference of the first flow path 21 on the first entrance 31 side. A single surface of the first protrusion 71 in the left-right direction is made into a concave surface extending a portion of the inner wall of the first flow path 21. In the example shown in the figure, the first protrusion 71 is provided on the left side of the first entrance 31. In addition, the first protrusion 71 may be provided on the right side of the first entrance 31, or may be provided on both the left and right sides of the first protrusion 71.

[0069] In addition, a second protrusion 72 protruding from the second inlet and outlet 32 ​​side toward the inside of the second flow path 22 is provided at the connection portion of the second flow path 22 connected to the second inlet and outlet 32. The second protrusion 72 is, for example, an arc-shaped protrusion formed along the second inlet and outlet 32 ​​relative to the opening of the second flow path 22. The range of the second protrusion 72 is, for example, set to be smaller than half of the inner circumference of the second flow path 22 on the second inlet and outlet 32 ​​side. One side of the second protrusion 72 in the left-right direction is made into a concave surface extending a part of the inner wall of the second flow path 22. In the example shown in the figure, the second protrusion 72 is provided on the left side of the second inlet and outlet 32. In addition, the second protrusion 72 may be provided on the right side of the second inlet and outlet 32, or may be provided on both the left and right sides of the second protrusion 72.

[0070] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a secondary flow path 46 closed by a cover 44 may be provided in the first flow path 21 at a position opposite to the first inlet and outlet 31, for example. The cover 44 and the end of the secondary flow path 46 are sealed by welding, or water is stopped by a sealing member such as an O-ring (not shown). The secondary flow path 46 can also be used by removing the cover 44. The secondary flow path 46 can be connected to a storage tank (not shown), for example.

[0071] In addition, if Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown, a pump not shown in the figure can be installed at the female joint 51 or the male joint 61 of the first flow path 21 at the end of the flow path switching valve 10, and the female joint 52 or the male joint 62 of the second flow path 22 at the end. The pump not shown in the figure connected to the first flow path 21 can supply the fluid from other equipment to the first flow path 21, or supply the fluid of the first flow path 21 to other equipment. In addition, the pump not shown in the figure connected to the second flow path 22 can supply the fluid from other equipment to the second flow path 22 via the joint 92, or supply the fluid of the second flow path 22 to other equipment.

[0072] like Figure 2, Figure 3 As shown, the third flow path 23 is connected to the third inlet and outlet 33, and is open on the side opposite to the third inlet and outlet 33. Specifically, the third flow path 23 has a curved portion 23A. The third inlet and outlet 33 is located above the curved portion 23A. The end of the opening side of the third flow path 23 is, for example, located in front of the curved portion 23A, for example, protruding forward than the second flow path 22. At the end of the opening side of the third flow path 23, a male connector 64, for example, which can be connected to a pipe to other equipment, is provided.

[0073] A spherical recess 23B is provided at a portion of the curved portion 23A of the third flow path 23 that is opposite to the third inlet and outlet 33, that is, below the third inlet and outlet 33. The recess 23B is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape. The recess 23B is recessed downward compared to the bottom 23C of the transverse flow path that is closer to the front side than the curved portion 23A. Thus, a portion of the fluid that enters the third flow path 23 from the third inlet and outlet 33 temporarily falls into the recess 23B and then enters the transverse flow path of the third flow path 23.

[0074] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, in the upper valve unit 20, a through hole 23D is formed at the bottom of the recess 23B. The valve shaft 58 can pass through the through hole 23D. An O-ring 60 is used to stop the valve shaft 58 from leaking water from the through hole 23D. Figure 2 For example, the bottom of the recess 23B may be provided with no through hole 23D, as in the valve unit 20 on the lower side. Alternatively, even if the through hole 23D is provided, the through hole 23D may be closed by another member (for example, the closing portion 86). Figure 3 As shown, the sealing portion 86 may also include a temperature sensor 84. The temperature sensor 84 is supported by the sealing portion 86, for example, and is arranged in a manner such that the tip is located in the third flow path 23. An O-ring 88 is installed in the sealing portion 86, for example. The watertightness between the sealing portion 86 and the through hole 23D is ensured by the O-ring 88. By using the temperature sensor 84, the temperature in the third flow path 23 can be accurately measured.

[0075] (Driving force distribution mechanism)

[0076] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the rotation drive unit 18 is provided on two adjacent upper valve bodies 14 via a driving force distribution mechanism 100 .

[0077] The driving force distribution mechanism 100 is configured to include a gear 102 and a pinion gear 114 which will be described later.

[0078] The driving force distribution mechanism 100 includes a unit-side gear box 24 that connects the two valve bodies 14. Figure 8As shown, the upward opening 15 ( Figure 3 ) is closed by the unit-side gear box 24. In other words, the unit-side gear box 24 has a shape that closes the openings 15 of the two valve bodies 14.

[0079] like Figure 8 As shown, as an example, the unit-side gear case 24 is welded in a state of being fitted inside the inner side of the opening portion 15 of each valve body 14 .

[0080] like Figure 2 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, a convex portion 30 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the unit side gear case 24. The convex portion 30 faces or contacts the peripheral edge of the gear case cover 118 described later. The convex portion 30 may be a molten residue.

[0081] As described above, in the flow path switching valve 10 of the present embodiment, the upper two valve bodies 14 adjacent to each other on the left and right, that is, the two valve units 20 adjacent to each other on the left and right, are connected to the unit-side gear box 24 of the rotation drive unit 18 .

[0082] A recessed portion 26 in which a gear 102 and a pinion gear 114 to be described later are arranged is formed in an upper portion of the unit-side gear case 24 .

[0083] like Figure 2 As shown, a hole 24A is formed in the unit-side gear case 24, and a gear shaft 28 described below passes through the hole 24A.

[0084] As described above, the lower end of the gear shaft 28 is inserted into the insertion hole 16A of the valve core 16, and the middle portion in the axial direction is rotatably inserted into the hole 24A. An O-ring 29 or an X-ring (not shown) is installed in the axial middle portion of the gear shaft 28 to seal the gap between the gear shaft 28 and the hole 24A. The O-ring 29 or the X-ring ensures airtightness and watertightness between the gear shaft 28 and the hole 24A.

[0085] like Figure 2 , Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 As shown, a flange 28A and a fitting portion 28B that fits in a fitting hole 104 of a gear 102 described below are formed on a gear shaft 28 that protrudes from the upper surface of the unit-side gear case 24 .

[0086] As an example, the gear 102 of this embodiment is a spur gear, but may be a helical gear. A fitting hole 104 is formed at the center of the gear 102 to fit with the fitting portion 28B of the gear shaft 28 . The fitting portion 28B of the gear shaft 28 is inserted into and fits in the fitting hole 104 .

[0087] like Figure 8As shown, on the upper surface of the unit-side gear case 24, a boss 106 is formed at an intermediate portion between one hole 24A and the other hole 24A.

[0088] A bearing hole 108 is formed in the boss 106 . A shaft portion 112 of a geared shaft 110 that receives a driving force from the rotation drive unit 18 is rotatably inserted into the bearing hole 108 .

[0089] Under the boss 106, the side wall of the valve body 14 on one side and the side wall of the valve body 14 on the other side are close to each other, and the two side walls close to each other are welded to the unit side gear box 24 under the boss 106. Therefore, the vicinity of the boss 106 has high rigidity and is difficult to deform. Therefore, the boss 106 can be used to support the geared shaft 110 in a stable state.

[0090] The geared shaft 110 is provided with a pinion 114 as a spur gear on the upper side of a shaft portion 112, and a fitting shaft 116 is provided on the upper side of the pinion 114. The shaft portion 112, the pinion 114, and the fitting shaft 116 are integrally formed.

[0091] like Figure 7 to Figure 9 As shown, the pinion 114 meshes with the gear 102 on one side and the gear 102 on the other side. The pinion 114 of this embodiment has fewer teeth than the gear 102. In this embodiment, as an example, the number of teeth of the pinion 114 is 12 and the number of teeth of the gear 102 is 24, but the number of teeth of each gear is not limited to the number of teeth of this embodiment and can be appropriately changed as needed.

[0092] Furthermore, one of the two gears 102 is an example of a first gear of the present invention, the other of the two gears 102 is an example of a second gear of the present invention, and the pinion 114 is an example of a third gear of the present invention.

[0093] exist Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the embodiment, a gear case cover 118 is arranged on the upper side of the unit-side gear case 24 .

[0094] like Figure 8 As shown, the gear case cover 118 is formed with a pair of protrusions 120 that are inserted into the recess 28C formed at the upper end of the gear shaft 28 and a hole 122 through which the fitting shaft 116 of the geared shaft 110 passes.

[0095] As an example, the peripheral edge of the gear case cover 118 is welded to the peripheral edge of the unit gear case 24, thereby integrating the unit gear case 24 and the gear case cover 118. The unit gear case 24 and the gear case cover 118 constitute a gear case (frame).

[0096] like Fig. 9As shown, in the driving force distribution mechanism 100 of the present embodiment, a pinion 114 is arranged between the gear 102 of one side and the gear 102 of the other side. And, in detail, in the driving force distribution mechanism 100 of the present embodiment, the center of the geared shaft 110 (pinion 114) is located on the straight line L connecting the center of the gear 102 of one side and the center of the gear 102 of the other side.

[0097] In addition, “a pinion 114 is arranged between the gear 102 on one side and the gear 102 on the other side” refers to a state in which the pinion 114 is meshed with the gear 102 on one side and the gear 102 on the other side, and is not limited to a situation in which the center of the pinion 114 is located on the straight line L connecting the center of the gear 102 on one side and the center of the gear 102 on the other side, but also includes a situation in which the center of the pinion 114 is not located on the straight line L.

[0098] like Figure 1 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the rotation drive unit 18 uses, for example, a screw 25 ( Figure 1 ) is fixed on the gear box cover 118 of the driving force distribution mechanism 100.

[0099] (Rotation drive unit)

[0100] The rotary drive unit 18 is connected to the valve unit 20 via the driving force distribution mechanism 100. The rotary drive unit 18 transmits a rotary force to the valve body 16 so that the communication states of the first port 31, the second port 32, and the third port 33 are selectively switched through the flow path 36 of the valve body 16.

[0101] The rotation drive unit 18 of the present embodiment is, for example, a gear motor. The rotation drive unit 18 is provided with, for example, a connector 50 to which a wiring for communication with a control unit and power supply is connected.

[0102] A fitting shaft 116 of the geared shaft 110 is coupled to a rotating shaft (not shown) of the rotation drive unit 18 .

[0103] Therefore, when the rotation shaft (not shown) of the rotation drive unit 18 rotates, the rotation drive force of the rotation drive unit 18 is transmitted to the valve body 16 via the pinion gear 114 and the gear 102 .

[0104] [Overlap of valve units]

[0105] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, another valve unit 20 is overlapped and connected to the lower side of one valve unit 20 on the upper side. Figure 2As shown, the portion of the upper valve unit 20 that overlaps with the lower valve unit 20 is formed into a cover 68 that closes the valve chamber 12 of the lower valve unit 20. In this closed structure, the bottom of the upper valve body 14 is welded in a state of being fitted inside the opening 15 of the lower valve body 14.

[0106] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, one valve unit 20 is overlapped with other valve units 20 in an upper and lower manner, and the two valve cores 16 in the two valve units 20 are rotated simultaneously. In this example, the gear shaft 28 of the upper valve unit 20 is connected to the valve shaft 58 of the lower valve unit 20 via a connecting shaft 56. The connecting shaft 56 connects the gear shaft 28 and the valve shaft 58 through the interior of the upper valve core 16 and the longitudinal flow path of the third flow path 23. When the upper gear shaft 28 is driven to rotate, the rotation is transmitted to the lower valve shaft 58 via the connecting shaft 56, and the upper and lower valve cores 16 rotate synchronously.

[0107] In addition, the gear shaft 28, the connecting shaft 56, and the valve shaft 58 are examples of the first valve shaft and the second valve shaft of the present invention.

[0108] like Figure 8 As shown, the gear shaft 28 , the connecting shaft 56 , and the valve shaft 58 of the left valve unit 20 and the gear shaft 28 , the connecting shaft 56 , and the valve shaft 58 of the right valve unit 20 are arranged in parallel with each other.

[0109] (effect)

[0110] The flow path switching valve 10 of the present embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below.

[0111] In the flow path switching valve 10 of this embodiment, when the shaft 110 with the gear is rotated by the rotation drive unit 18, the pinion 114 rotates the gear 102. Fig. 9 As shown, as an example, when the pinion 114 is rotated in the arrow CCW direction (counterclockwise direction), the gear 102 on one side and the gear 102 on the other side both rotate in the arrow CW direction (clockwise direction) which is opposite to the rotation direction of the pinion 114 .

[0112] In this embodiment, the pinion 114 has 12 teeth and the gear 102 has 24 teeth, so the driving force distribution mechanism 100 has the function of distributing the rotation drive unit 18 to the left and right valve units 20 and the other valve unit 20 side and the function of a speed reducer.

[0113] In the flow path switching valve 10 of the present embodiment, the valve cores 16 of the two upper and lower valve units 20 on one side of the left and right and the valve cores 16 of the two upper and lower valve units 20 on the other side of the left and right are driven by one rotation drive unit 18, so the number of rotation drive units 18 can be reduced compared to the case where the two upper and lower valve units 20 on one side of the left and right and the two upper and lower valve units 20 on the other side of the left and right are driven by a single rotation drive unit 18. In other words, according to the flow path switching valve 10 of the present embodiment, the valve cores 16 of all the valve units 20 can be rotated simultaneously by the minimum rotation drive unit 18, the number of components can be reduced, and the control of the rotation drive unit 18 becomes simple.

[0114] For example, when the torque required to rotate the valve cores 16 of the upper and lower two valve units 20 on one side of the left and right is set to A, when the valve cores 16 of the upper and lower two valve units 20 on one side of the left and right are rotated by one rotation drive unit 18, the torque of the rotation drive unit 18 is at least A. Assuming that the reduction ratio of the driving force distribution mechanism 100 is 1, the torque of the rotation drive unit 18 to rotate the valve cores 16 of all the valve units 20 is at least 2A.

[0115] On the other hand, the driving force distribution mechanism 100 of the present embodiment is a speed reducer with a reduction ratio of 2. Therefore, the rotation torque required by the rotary drive unit 18 is A, and the rotary drive unit 18 does not need to be replaced with a larger rotary drive unit with a larger torque.

[0116] In the flow path switching valve 10 of the present embodiment constructed as described above, by rotating the valve core 16, the connection state of the first inlet and outlet 31, the second inlet and outlet 32 ​​and the third inlet and outlet 33 of the valve chamber 12 can be selectively switched through the flow path 36 of the valve core 16, and the connection state of multiple flow paths can be changed.

[0117] [Other embodiments]

[0118] As mentioned above, an example of the embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above content, and it is of course possible to implement it with various modifications other than the above within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0119] The valve unit 20 in the above embodiment is a three-way valve, but may be a valve structure other than a three-way valve, such as a four-way valve or an on-off valve.

[0120] The valve body 16 in the above embodiment has a spherical shape, but may have other shapes such as a cylindrical shape as long as it is a rotational shape.

[0121] In the driving force distribution mechanism 100 of the above embodiment, the center of the geared shaft 110 (pinion gear 114) is located on a straight line L connecting the center of one gear 102 and the center of the other gear 102 (see Fig. 9 ), but the center of the geared shaft 110 may also be located at a position deviated from the straight line L.

[0122] In the flow path switching valve 10 of the above embodiment, two valve units 20 are connected vertically, but three or more valve units 20 may be connected vertically.

[0123] In the driving force distribution mechanism 100 of the above embodiment, the pinion 114 is arranged between the two gears 102 so that the two gears 102 rotate in the same direction. Fig.12 As shown, the gear 102 on one side may be directly meshed with the gear 102 on the other side, and the pinion 114 may be meshed with either the gear 102 on one side or the gear 102 on the other side, so that the rotation direction of the gear 102 on one side is opposite to the rotation direction of the gear 102 on the other side.

[0124] In addition, if Fig.13 As shown, by meshing the pinion gear 124 between the pinion gear 114 and the other gear 102 , the rotation direction of the one gear 102 can be made opposite to the rotation direction of the other gear 102 .

[0125] In the above embodiment, the flow path switching valve 10 is described with the rotation drive unit 18 at the upper side. However, the posture when using the flow path switching valve 10 is not limited to the posture shown in the drawings with the rotation drive unit 18 at the upper side.

[0126] In addition, if Fig.14 , Fig.15 As shown, the driving force distribution mechanism 100 may also include a large sector gear 214 having a toothless portion 214B and a pair of small sector gears 202 having a toothless portion 202B. In the large sector gear 214, approximately half of the circumferential direction is formed into a series of toothed portions 214A, and the remaining portion is formed into a toothless portion 214B. In the small sector gear 202, most of the circumferential direction is formed into a series of toothed portions 202A, and the remaining portion is formed into a toothless portion 202B. The number of teeth of the toothed portion 214A of the large sector gear 214 and the number of teeth of the toothed portion 202A of each small sector gear 202 are, for example, equal to each other. The toothless portion 202B of the small sector gear 202 is, for example, a concave surface having a curvature equal to the curvature of the toothless portion 214B of the large sector gear 214.

[0127] The large sector gear 214 is a driving gear, and the small sector gear 202 is a driven gear. The large sector gear 214 is angularly aligned with the small sector gear 202 (eg, Fig.14 The small sector gear 202 on the left side of the gear is engaged to distribute the driving force. Fig.14 In the small sector gear 202 on the right side of the gear, the toothless portion 202B contacts the toothless portion 214B of the large sector gear 214, and when the large sector gear 214 rotates, the toothless portions 202B and 214B slide against each other. As a result, the small sector gear 202 on the other side stops without the driving force being distributed from the large sector gear 214.

[0128] The large sector gear 214 and the small sector gear 202 ( Fig.15 When the small sector gear 202 on the right side of the gear 214 is engaged, the driving force is distributed from the large sector gear 214 to the small sector gear 202. Fig.15 In the small sector gear 202 on the left side of the gear, the toothless portion 202B contacts the toothless portion 214B of the large sector gear 214, and when the large sector gear 214 rotates, the toothless portions 202B and 214B slide against each other. As a result, the small sector gear 202 on one side stops without the driving force being distributed from the large sector gear 214.

[0129] Thus, by using the large sector gear 214 and a pair of small sector gears 202, one of the small sector gears 202 can be driven by one rotation drive unit 18 (FIG. 17), so that one valve unit 20 and the other valve unit 20 can be operated independently. Fig. 9 That is, the flow path of the valve unit 20 of one side can be switched without switching the flow path of the other valve unit 20, and the flow path of the valve unit 20 of one side can be switched without switching the flow path of the valve unit 20 of the other side.

[0130] In addition, the number of teeth of the toothed portion 214A of the large sector gear 214 may not be equal to the number of teeth of the toothed portion 202A of each small sector gear 202. In addition, even if only the toothless portion is provided on the large sector gear 214, the same function can be achieved. In other words, the small sector gear 202 may be set as a pinion with the toothed portion 202A throughout the entire circumference, and the radius from the center of the large sector gear 214 to the outer periphery of the toothless portion 214B may be set so that the toothless portion 214B of the large sector gear 214 does not contact the pinion.

[0131] In the above example, the large sector gear 214 is a driving gear and the small sector gear 202 is a driven gear, but the configuration of the large sector gear 214 and the small sector gear 202 may be reversed. In other words, a small sector gear may be used as a driving gear and two large sector gears may be used as driven gears. In this case, the small sector gear becomes a driving gear, so it is expected that the torque of the large sector gear will increase.

[0132] The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-146486 filed on September 14, 2022 is incorporated into this specification by reference.

[0133] All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually described as being incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A flow path switching valve, comprising a plurality of valve units for changing the communication state of a plurality of flow paths by rotating a valve core disposed in a valve chamber of a valve body, wherein: The flow path switching valve has: a first valve shaft that rotates the valve core of one of the valve units; a second valve shaft, which is arranged in parallel with the first valve shaft and causes the valve core of the other valve unit to rotate; a rotation driving unit configured to rotate the first valve shaft and the second valve shaft; and A driving force distribution mechanism distributes the rotational driving force of the rotational driving unit to the first valve shaft and the second valve shaft.

2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein: The valve body has a first inlet and a second inlet formed on a wall surface forming the valve chamber, respectively for fluid to enter and exit, and a third inlet formed on a bottom surface of the valve chamber. The valve core is formed with a flow path that can communicate with any one of the first inlet and outlet, the second inlet and outlet, and the third inlet and outlet. The valve unit includes a first flow path, a second flow path, and a third flow path. The first flow path is connected to the first inlet and outlet. The second flow path is arranged in parallel with the first flow path across the valve body and is connected to the second inlet and outlet. The third flow path is connected to the third inlet and outlet and opens on the side opposite to the third inlet and outlet. The first flow path of the one valve unit is connected to the second flow path of the other valve unit. The driving force distribution mechanism transmits a rotational driving force to the first valve shaft and the second valve shaft to rotate the valve body so that the communication states of the first port, the second port, and the third port are selectively switched through the flow path of the valve body.

3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The driving force distribution mechanism is configured to include: a first gear connected to the first valve shaft; a second gear connected to the second valve shaft; and a third gear connected to the rotation drive unit and meshing with the first gear and the second gear.

4. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3, wherein: The number of teeth of the third gear is smaller than the number of teeth of the first gear and the number of teeth of the second gear.

5. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3, wherein: The third gear is disposed between the first gear and the second gear.

6. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3, wherein: The valve body has an opening portion capable of inserting the valve element into the valve chamber. The driving force distribution mechanism includes a unit-side gear box that closes the opening of one valve unit and the opening of the other valve unit and connects the one valve unit to the other valve unit. The unit-side gear case has a recessed portion formed on a side opposite to the valve chamber, and the first gear, the second gear, and the third gear are arranged in the recessed portion.

7. The flow path switching valve according to claim 6, wherein: The unit-side gear box is welded to the valve body of one of the valve units and the valve body of the other valve unit.

8. The flow path switching valve according to claim 7, wherein: The recessed portion of the unit-side gear case is closed by a gear case cover welded to the unit-side gear case.

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