Flow path switching device

Abstract

A flow path switching device is provided with: at least one fixing member provided; a flow path switching device includes a fixed member having a port and a drive member having a communication path, the port of the fixed member and the communication path of the drive member being in communication to form a flow path through which a fluid flows, the flow path switching device including a seal member provided to the drive member, the seal member being configured to seal the fixed member and the drive member, and the seal member being configured to seal the fixed member and the drive member. And a sealing member that is in contact with the fixing member in a state in which a pressing force is applied, and that seals between the port of the fixing member and the communication path of the driving member that communicates with the port of the fixing member, the rigidity of the driving member being higher than the rigidity of at least one of the fixing members.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow path switching device for switching a flow path pattern of a fluid flow. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a flow path switching valve in which a rotor seal provided on a rotor slides on a stator when a rotor rotates.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-144027 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the flow path switching valve disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the rotor seal crosses the stator flow path, a non-contact portion that is relaxed in the stator flow path and does not contact the stator and a contact portion that contacts the stator are generated in the rotor seal. Therefore, stress may be locally generated at the boundary between the non-contact portion and the contact portion of the rotor seal. As a result, wear and cracking of the rotor seal may occur, and the sealing performance of the rotor seal may be reduced.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a flow path switching device capable of ensuring the sealing performance of a sealing member.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] A technical solution of the present disclosure completed to solve the above-mentioned problem is a flow path switching device, which comprises: a fixed component, which is provided with at least one; and a driving component, the fixed component having a port, and the driving component having a connecting path, so that the port of the fixed component is connected with the connecting path of the driving component to form a flow path for fluid flow, and the flow path switching device is characterized in that the flow path switching device has a sealing component, which is provided on the driving component, and contacts with the fixed component under a pressing force to seal between the port of the fixed component and the connecting path of the driving component connected to the port of the fixed component, and the rigidity of the driving component is higher than the rigidity of at least one of the fixed components.

[0011] According to this technical solution, since the driving member is highly rigid and difficult to deform, the posture of the sealing member provided on the driving member is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the stress generated locally in the sealing member, and thus it is possible to suppress the wear and cracking of the sealing member. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the sealing performance of the sealing member.

[0012] In the above technical solution, it is preferred that the fixing member comprises a first fixing member and a second fixing member, the driving member is arranged between the first fixing member and the second fixing member, and the sealing member comprises a first sealing member arranged between the first fixing member and the driving member and a second sealing member arranged between the driving member and the second fixing member, the driving member is clamped by the first fixing member and the second fixing member in a state where the pressing force is applied via the second fixing member and the second sealing member, and the port of the second fixing member is arranged at a position where the second sealing member does not cross when the driving member is driven to switch the mode of the flow path.

[0013] According to the technical solution, when the driving member is driven to switch the mode of the flow path, the second sealing member does not cross the port of the second fixed member. Therefore, the deformation of the second fixed member can be suppressed. Therefore, the second fixed member can be thin-walled (low rigidity). In addition, it is possible to suppress the stress generated locally in the second sealing member due to the deformation of the second fixed member, and therefore, the wear and cracking of the second sealing member can be suppressed. Therefore, the sealing performance of the second sealing member can be ensured.

[0014] In the above technical solution, it is preferred that a rounded corner or a tapered angle is formed on the edge of the opening portion on the driving member side in the port of the fixing member, and the size of the rounded corner or the tapered angle is larger at a first end portion of the edge of the opening portion which is an end portion in the driving direction of the driving member than at a second end portion of the edge of the opening portion which is an end portion in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the driving direction of the driving member, and gradually decreases from the first end portion toward the second end portion.

[0015] According to the technical solution, when the driving member is driven to switch the mode of the flow path, when the sealing member crosses the port of the fixed member, the non-contact portion of the sealing member that is relaxed in the port of the fixed member and does not contact the fixed member is difficult to be hooked on the edge of the port of the fixed member when it moves out of the port and contacts the fixed member. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wear and cracks in the sealing member. Therefore, the sealing performance of the sealing member can be ensured.

[0016] In the above aspect, when the driving member is driven to switch the mode of the flow path, preferably, the driving speed of the driving member is set to a first low speed that is slower than a normal speed while the sealing member traverses the port of the fixing member.

[0017] According to this technical solution, during the period when the sealing member crosses the port of the fixing member, the part where stress is locally generated in the sealing member can be slowly moved. Therefore, the generation of wear and cracks of the sealing member can be suppressed. Therefore, the sealing performance of the sealing member can be ensured.

[0018] In the above technical solution, it is preferred that when the driving member is driven to switch the mode of the flow path, when the state in which the sealing member crosses the port of the fixing member is changed to a state in which the sealing member does not cross, the driving speed of the driving member is set to a second low speed slower than the first low speed.

[0019] According to the technical solution, when the state where the sealing member crosses the port of the fixed member changes to the state where it does not cross, that is, when the non-contact portion of the sealing member that is relaxed in the port of the fixed member and does not contact the fixed member moves from the port of the fixed member to the outside of the port and climbs onto the contact surface with the fixed member, the part where stress is locally generated in the sealing member is slowly moved. Therefore, the generation of wear and cracks of the sealing member can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the sealing performance of the sealing member can be more effectively ensured.

[0020] In the above technical solution, it is preferred that a fillet or a taper is formed on the edge of the opening portion on the driving member side in the port of the fixing member, and the size of the fillet or the size of the taper is larger at a first end portion of the edge of the opening portion which is an end portion in the driving direction of the driving member than at a second end portion of the edge of the opening portion which is an end portion in a direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the driving member, and at the first end portion and the second end portion, the radius of the inner circumference of the edge of the opening portion and the radius of the outer circumference of the edge of the opening portion are respectively equal or approximately equal.

[0021] According to this technical solution, the edge of the opening portion on the driving member side in the port of the fixed member is made so that the size of the fillet or the size of the taper angle is larger at the first end than at the second end, and the radii of the inner and outer peripheries of the edge of the opening portion are equal (or approximately equal) at the first and second ends, respectively.

[0022] Thus, when the sealing member passes through the port of the fixed member by driving the driving member relative to the fixed member, when the portion of the sealing member temporarily relaxed in the port of the fixed member climbs up the first end of the edge of the opening, the sealing member can be effectively pushed up. Therefore, the sealing member can smoothly climb up the first end of the edge of the opening. Therefore, the sealing member can smoothly pass through the port of the fixed member.

[0023] In the above technical solution, preferably, when the inner radius of the edge of the opening is set to r1 and the outer radius of the edge of the opening is set to r2, the size of the rounded corner at the first end is larger than (r2-r1).

[0024] According to the technical solution, the size of the fillet is reliably increased at the first end of the edge of the opening. Therefore, when the part of the sealing member temporarily relaxed in the port of the fixing member climbs up the first end of the edge of the opening, the sealing member can be pushed up more reliably and effectively.

[0025] In the above technical solution, it is preferred that, with respect to the shape of the edge of the opening portion on the driving member side in the port of the fixed member, the curvature of the edge of the opening portion at the first end portion which is the end portion in the driving direction of the driving member, i.e., the first opening curvature, is smaller than the curvature of the edge of the opening portion at the second end portion which is the end portion in the direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the driving member, i.e., the second opening curvature.

[0026] According to this aspect, regarding the shape of the edge of the opening, the curvature at the first end portion (that is, the first opening curvature) is reduced.

[0027] Thus, when the sealing member passes through the port of the fixed member by driving the driving member relative to the fixed member, the compressive stress acting on the sealing member is suppressed before the portion of the sealing member temporarily relaxed in the port of the fixed member is about to climb up the first end of the edge of the opening. Therefore, the protrusion amount of the sealing member into the port of the fixed member is reduced. Therefore, the sealing member can smoothly climb up the first end of the edge of the opening.

[0028] In the above technical solution, it is preferred that, regarding the shape of the edge of the opening portion on the driving member side in the port of the fixed member, a straight edge portion is formed in a straight line orthogonal to the driving direction at a first end of the edge of the opening portion which is an end in the driving direction of the driving member.

[0029] According to this aspect, regarding the shape of the edge of the opening, the first end portion is formed in a linear shape so as to be orthogonal to the driving direction of the driving member.

[0030] Thus, when the sealing member passes through the port of the fixed member by driving the driving member relative to the fixed member, the compressive stress acting on the sealing member is suppressed before the portion of the sealing member temporarily relaxed in the port of the fixed member is about to climb up the first end of the edge of the opening. Therefore, the protrusion amount of the sealing member into the port of the fixed member is reduced. Therefore, the sealing member can smoothly climb up the first end of the edge of the opening.

[0031] In the above technical solution, preferably, regarding the shape of the sealing member, a sealing member straight portion formed in a straight line or substantially straight line in a manner orthogonal to the driving direction is formed at the end of the driving member in the driving direction.

[0032] According to this technical solution, regarding the shape of the sealing member, the end portion in the driving direction of the driving member, that is, the first end portion that is temporarily relaxed in the port of the fixed member and climbs onto the edge of the opening when the sealing member passes through the port of the fixed member by driving the driving member relative to the fixed member, is formed into a straight line or a substantially straight line in a manner that is orthogonal to the driving direction of the driving member.

[0033] Thus, before the portion of the sealing member temporarily relaxed in the port of the fixed member is about to climb up to the first end of the edge of the opening, the compressive stress acting on the sealing member is suppressed. Therefore, the protrusion amount of the sealing member protruding into the port of the fixed member is reduced. Therefore, the sealing member can smoothly climb up to the first end of the edge of the opening.

[0034] Effects of the Invention

[0035] According to the flow path switching device of the present disclosure, the sealing performance of the sealing member can be ensured. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Figure 1 It is an external perspective view of the flow path switching device (in the case of a six-way valve) according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0037] Figure 2 It is an exploded perspective view of the flow path switching device of the first embodiment and the second embodiment (illustration of the driving unit and the control unit is omitted).

[0038] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching device of the first embodiment and the second embodiment (illustration of the driving unit and the control unit is omitted).

[0039] Figure 4 is a top view of the rotating disk.

[0040] Figure 5 It is a top view of the fixed plate.

[0041] Figure 6 1 is a diagram schematically showing the first flow path pattern, and is a diagram schematically showing the flow path switching device as viewed from above.

[0042] Figure 7 2 is a diagram schematically showing the second flow path pattern, and is a diagram schematically showing the flow path switching device as viewed from above.

[0043] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the first sealing member and the inflow channel when the channel mode is switched.

[0044] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 An enlarged view of the third inflow channel and its surroundings in (A).

[0045] Fig.10 yes Figure 8 (A) is a cross-sectional view of the housing, rotating disk and fixed disk.

[0046] Fig.11 yes Figure 8 (B) is an enlarged view of the third inflow channel and its surroundings.

[0047] Fig.12 yes Figure 8 (B) is a cross-sectional view of the housing, rotating disk and fixed disk.

[0048] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the second sealing member and the fixed disk communication passage when the flow passage mode is switched.

[0049] Fig.14 yes Fig.11 AA section view.

[0050] Fig.15 yes Fig.11 BB cross-sectional view.

[0051] Fig.16 This is a flowchart showing the content of the first control related to the rotation speed of the rotating member.

[0052] Fig.17 Yes means to proceed Fig.16 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the movement trajectory of the first sealing member during control of .

[0053] Fig.18 This is a flowchart showing the content of the second control related to the rotation speed of the rotating member.

[0054] Fig.19 Yes means to proceed Fig.18 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the movement trajectory of the first sealing member during control of .

[0055] Fig. 20 This is an overall schematic diagram of a slide-type flow path switching device (a diagram showing a first flow path mode).

[0056] Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 CC cross-sectional view.

[0057] Fig. 22This is an overall schematic diagram of a slide-type flow path switching device (a diagram showing a second flow path mode).

[0058] Fig.23 yes Fig. 22 DD cross-sectional view.

[0059] Fig.24 This is a diagram showing a state in which the second sealing member crosses the fixed plate communication passage.

[0060] Fig.25 This is a diagram showing a state in which the second sealing member crosses the fixed plate communication passage.

[0061] Fig.26 This is a diagram showing that the first sealing member is hooked on the edge of the opening of the inlet flow path.

[0062] Fig. 27 This is a diagram of the casing viewed from the rotating disk side in the second embodiment, and shows the edge of the opening of the inlet flow path and the first sealing member.

[0063] Fig.28 (A) is Fig. 27 EE view, Fig.28 (B) is Fig. 27 FF view, Fig.28 (C) is a diagram showing the position of the inner periphery of the edge of the opening of the inflow channel.

[0064] Fig.29 This is a diagram showing a state in which the first end portion of the first sealing member climbs up the edge of the opening of the inlet flow channel at a portion where the inlet flow channel is temporarily relaxed in the second embodiment.

[0065] Fig.30 It is a diagram showing the first modified example.

[0066] Fig.31 It is a diagram showing a second modified example.

[0067] Fig.32 This is a diagram showing another example of the second modification.

[0068] Fig.33 It is a diagram showing a third modified example.

[0069] Fig.34 This is a diagram showing a case where the first sealing member moves from a first end portion located on the side opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating disk of the edge of the opening portion of the inlet flow path toward a second end portion.

[0070] Fig.35 It means in Fig.34 The diagram shows that tensile stress is generated in the first sealing member.

[0071] Fig.36 This is a diagram showing a case where the first sealing member moves from the second end portion of the edge of the opening portion of the inlet flow path toward the first end portion located on the rotation direction side of the rotating disk.

[0072] Fig.37 It means in Fig.36 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a compressive stress generated in the first sealing member.

[0073] Fig.38 This is a diagram showing that a portion of the first sealing member that is temporarily relaxed in the inflow channel is pushed out from the inflow channel.

[0074] Fig.39 This is a diagram showing a state in which a portion of the first sealing member that is temporarily relaxed in the inlet flow channel climbs up to the first end portion of the edge of the opening of the inlet flow channel in a comparative example.

[0075] Fig.40 This is a diagram showing a state in which a portion of the first sealing member that is temporarily relaxed in the inlet flow channel climbs up to the first end portion of the edge of the opening of the inlet flow channel in the first embodiment.

[0076] Fig.41 This is a diagram of the casing viewed from the rotating disk side in the first embodiment, and shows the edge of the opening of the inlet flow path and the first sealing member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] A flow path switching device as an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0078] [First embodiment]

[0079] <Overall Summary of Flow Path Switching Device>

[0080] First, the overall outline of the flow path switching device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0081] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the flow path switching device 1 includes a housing 11 , a valve body 12 , a driving unit 13 , and a control unit 14 .

[0082] The housing 11 includes an inflow channel 20 for a fluid to flow in and an outflow channel 30 for a fluid to flow out. Here, as an example, the channel switching device 1 is a six-way valve, and the housing 11 includes three inflow channels 20 and three outflow channels 30. In addition, a first inflow channel 21, a second inflow channel 22, and a third inflow channel 23 are provided as the three inflow channels 20. In addition, a first outflow channel 31, a second outflow channel 32, and a third outflow channel 33 are provided as the three outflow channels 30.

[0083] The housing 11 is formed of resin, for example. The housing 11 is an example of a "fixing member" or "first fixing member" of the present disclosure, and the inflow passage 20 (i.e., the first inflow passage 21, the second inflow passage 22, and the third inflow passage 23) is an example of a "port" of the present disclosure.

[0084] The valve core 12 is disposed inside the housing 11. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the valve core portion 12 includes a plate-shaped rotating disk 40 and a plate-shaped fixed disk 50. The rotating disk 40 and the fixed disk 50 are stacked in a central axis L direction (hereinafter referred to as "axial direction") of a circular plate portion 41 of the rotating disk 40 and a circular plate portion 51 of the fixed disk 50 described later.

[0085] The rotating disk 40 and the fixed disk 50 are formed of resin, for example. The rotating disk 40 is an example of a "driving member" in the present disclosure, and the fixed disk 50 is an example of a "fixing member" or a "second fixing member" in the present disclosure.

[0086] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the rotating disk 40 is disposed between the housing 11 and the fixed disk 50, and the rotating disk 40 is clamped by the housing 11 and the fixed disk 50 in a state where a stress caused by a pressing force of a disk holding spring 82 described later acts via the fixed disk 50 and a second sealing member 81B described later. In addition, such a rotating disk 40 includes a circular plate portion 41 and a rotating shaft portion 42.

[0087] The disk portion 41 is formed in a disk shape and has a rotating disk communication passage 60. The rotating disk communication passage 60 penetrates the disk portion 41 in the axial direction and can communicate with the inflow flow passage 20 and the fixed disk communication passage 70 described later. Here, the disk portion 41 has three rotating disk communication passages 60. Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown, the three rotating disk communication passages 60 include a first rotating disk communication passage 61, a second rotating disk communication passage 62, and a third rotating disk communication passage 63. In addition, the rotating disk communication passages 60 (i.e., the first rotating disk communication passage 61, the second rotating disk communication passage 62, and the third rotating disk communication passage 63) are an example of a "communication passage" disclosed in the present invention.

[0088] The rotating shaft portion 42 is connected to the disc portion 41 at one end in the direction of the central axis thereof, and is connected to the driving portion 13 at the other end. The rotating shaft portion 42 is arranged at the center of the disc portion 41 in such a manner that the central axis thereof coincides with the central axis L of the disc portion 41. Thus, the rotating shaft portion 42 is rotated with its central axis as the center by obtaining the power for rotation from the driving portion 13, thereby causing the disc portion 41 connected to the rotating shaft portion 42 to rotate with its central axis L as the center. In this way, the rotating disk 40 obtains the power for rotation from the driving portion 13 and rotates with the central axis L as the center.

[0089] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, the fixed plate 50 includes a circular plate portion 51 and a cylindrical portion 52 .

[0090] The disk portion 51 is formed in a disk shape and has a fixed disk communication passage 70 penetrating in the axial direction. Here, the disk portion 51 has three fixed disk communication passages 70. Figure 2 , Figure 5 As shown, the three fixed disk communication passages 70 include a first fixed disk communication passage 71, a second fixed disk communication passage 72, and a third fixed disk communication passage 73. The fixed disk communication passages 70 (i.e., the first fixed disk communication passage 71, the second fixed disk communication passage 72, and the third fixed disk communication passage 73) are examples of "ports" disclosed in the present invention.

[0091] The cylindrical portion 52 is connected to the disc portion 51 and is formed to extend in the axial direction from the disc portion 51 so as to surround the fixed disk communication passage 70. Here, three cylindrical portions 52 are formed so as to correspond to the three fixed disk communication passages 70, respectively.

[0092] The driving unit 13 includes a motor (not shown) for providing rotational power to the rotating shaft 42 of the rotating disk 40 .

[0093] The control unit 14 includes, for example, a CPU and a memory such as a ROM or a RAM, and controls the flow path switching device 1 according to a program stored in advance in the memory.

[0094] The flow path switching device 1 of the above structure forms a flow path for fluid flow by connecting the inflow flow path 20, the rotating disk communication path 60 and the fixed disk communication path 70 (the outflow flow path 30). In addition, the flow path switching device 1 uses the driving unit 13 to drive the rotating disk 40 to rotate, and switches the combination of the connected inflow flow path 20, the fixed disk communication path 70 and the rotating disk communication path 60, thereby switching the mode of the flow path for fluid flow (hereinafter referred to as "flow path mode").

[0095] For example, Figure 6 As shown, as the first flow path mode, three rotating disk connecting passages 60 (i.e., the first rotating disk connecting passage 61, the second rotating disk connecting passage 62 and the third rotating disk connecting passage 63) are used to connect the first inflow flow path 21 and the third fixed disk connecting passage 73 (the third outflow flow path 33), connect the second inflow flow path 22 and the first fixed disk connecting passage 71 (the first outflow flow path 31), and connect the third inflow flow path 23 and the second fixed disk connecting passage 72 (the second outflow flow path 32).

[0096] And, it is possible to Figure 6The state of the first flow path mode shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the state of the first flow path mode by rotating the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise using the driving unit 13. Figure 7 The second flow path mode is shown.

[0097] That is, Figure 7 As shown, as the second flow path mode, three rotating disk connecting passages 60 are used to connect the first inflow flow path 21 with the first fixed disk connecting passage 71 (the first outflow flow path 31), connect the second inflow flow path 22 with the second fixed disk connecting passage 72 (the second outflow flow path 32), and connect the third inflow flow path 23 with the third fixed disk connecting passage 73 (the third outflow flow path 33).

[0098] In addition, you can also Figure 7 The state of the second flow path mode shown in FIG. 1 is switched to the state of the second flow path mode by rotating the rotating disk 40 clockwise using the driving unit 13. Figure 6 The first flow path mode shown. In addition, the flow path switching device 1 is not limited to a six-way valve, and can also be a three-way valve, a four-way valve or other multi-way valve.

[0099] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, elastic members are provided between the housing 11 and the rotating disk 40 , between the rotating disk 40 and the fixed disk 50 , and between the fixed disk 50 and the housing 11 in the axial direction.

[0100] Specifically, if Figure 3 As shown, a first sealing member 81A and a second sealing member 81B are provided as elastic members between the housing 11 and the rotating disk 40 and between the rotating disk 40 and the fixed disk 50 , respectively.

[0101] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown in the figures, the first sealing member 81A and the second sealing member 81B are arranged in a circumferential shape on the upper surface 41a and the lower surface 41b of the circular plate portion 41 of the rotating disk 40 so as to surround the rotating disk communication passage 60 formed in the shape of an elongated hole. Furthermore, the first sealing member 81A contacts the housing 11, and the flow passage formed between the inflow passage 20 and the rotating disk communication passage 60 connected to the inflow passage 20 is closed (sealed) relative to the outside. In addition, the second sealing member 81B contacts the fixed disk 50, and the flow passage formed between the fixed disk communication passage 70 and the rotating disk communication passage 60 connected to the fixed disk communication passage 70 is closed relative to the outside.

[0102] In addition, the first sealing member 81A and the second sealing member 81B are formed of, for example, fluororesin (e.g., Teflon (registered trademark)). In addition, the first sealing member 81A and the second sealing member 81B may also be formed of rubber to which fluororesin is attached. Furthermore, the first sealing member 81A and the second sealing member 81B may also be formed of materials other than fluororesin and rubber.

[0103] In addition, a disk retaining spring 82 is provided as an elastic member between the disk portion 51 of the fixed disk 50 and the housing 11. And the stress generated by the pressing force of the disk retaining spring 82 acts on the disk portion 51 of the fixed disk 50. Such disk retaining springs 82 are provided in total in the manner of being respectively arranged on the three cylindrical portions 52 of the fixed disk 50. In addition, the three disk retaining springs 82 are provided at equal intervals apart from each other. In addition, the three disk retaining springs 82 can also be arranged at positions between the three cylindrical portions 52 respectively. In addition, more than four disk retaining springs 82 can also be provided.

[0104] Furthermore, a lip seal 83 is provided between the cylindrical portion 52 of the fixed disk 50 and the housing 11 to ensure sealing performance of the fixed disk communication passage 70 .

[0105] <Regarding Ensuring Sealing Performance of Sealing Member>

[0106] (Regarding the rigidity of the rotating disk)

[0107] When the rotary disk 40 is rotated to switch the flow path mode, if the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow flow path 20, a non-contact portion that is relaxed in the inflow flow path 20 and does not contact the housing 11 and a contact portion that is in contact with the housing 11 are generated in the first sealing member 81A. Here, stress is applied to the first sealing member 81A by the pressing force of the disk holding spring 82. Therefore, stress may be locally generated at the boundary between the non-contact portion and the contact portion of the first sealing member 81A.

[0108] Specifically, when the flow path mode is switched between mode A and mode B, the positional relationship between the first sealing member 81A and the inflow flow path 20 (for example, the second inflow flow path 22 and the third inflow flow path 23) is as follows: Figure 8 In addition, mode A is the above Figure 6 The first flow path mode shown, mode B is the above Figure 7 The second flow path mode is shown.

[0109] So, first of all, in Figure 8 In the state (A), if Fig. 9 and Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first sealing member 81A does not cross the inflow passage 20 (for example, the third inflow passage 23). Therefore, the first sealing member 81A is in contact with the housing 11 as a whole. Therefore, the first sealing member 81A is subjected to stress caused by the pressing force of the disk holding spring 82 via the fixed disk 50, the second sealing member 81B, and the rotating disk 40 as a whole (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.10 ).

[0110] However, in Figure 8 In the state (B), if Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow channel 20 (for example, the third inflow channel 23). Fig.11 As shown, the first sealing member 81A has a non-contact portion that is loose in the inlet flow path 20 and does not come into contact with the housing 11 , and a contact portion that comes into contact with the housing 11 .

[0111] And, if Fig.12 As shown in FIG. 1 , stress caused by the pressing force of the disk holding spring 82 acts on the first sealing member 81A via the fixed disk 50, the second sealing member 81B, and the rotating disk 40. Therefore, displacement of the rotating disk 40 (hereinafter referred to as "displacement caused by stress disappearance") is generated on the rotating disk 40 as indicated by the arrow due to the disappearance of stress at the non-contact portion (of the first sealing member 81A).

[0112] Furthermore, when the displacement caused by the disappearance of the stress becomes larger, it becomes difficult to maintain the posture of the first sealing member 81A provided on the rotating disk 40, and a large stress may be locally generated at the boundary between the non-contact portion and the contact portion of the first sealing member 81A. As a result, the first sealing member 81A is easily worn and cracked, and the sealing performance of the first sealing member 81A may be reduced.

[0113] Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotating disk 40 is made highly rigid and difficult to bend, thereby reducing displacement caused by stress elimination. Specifically, the thickness of the rotating disk 40 is made greater than that of the fixed disk 50, and the rigidity of the rotating disk 40 is made higher than that of the fixed disk 50.

[0114] In this way, by making the rotating disk 40 highly rigid and difficult to deform, the displacement caused by the disappearance of stress in the rotating disk 40 can be reduced, so that the posture of the first sealing member 81A provided on the rotating disk 40 can be maintained. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of large stress locally at the boundary between the non-contact portion and the contact portion of the first sealing member 81A. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of wear and cracks of the first sealing member 81A, so that the sealing performance of the first sealing member 81A can be ensured.

[0115] (Regarding the Second Sealing Member)

[0116] When the rotating disk 40 is rotated to switch the flow path mode, if the second sealing member 81B crosses the fixed disk communication path 70 (for example, the second fixed disk communication path 72), Fig.24 As shown, the second sealing member 81B has a non-contact portion that is loose in the fixed disk communication passage 70 and does not come into contact with the fixed disk 50 , and a contact portion that comes into contact with the fixed disk 50 .

[0117] And, if Fig.25As shown in FIG. 1 , since the stress generated by the pressing force of the disk holding spring 82 acts on the fixed disk 50, a displacement caused by the disappearance of the stress as shown by the arrow occurs in the fixed disk 50. Here, since the fixed disk 50 has a small plate thickness and low rigidity, the displacement caused by the disappearance of the stress is large, and thus a large stress may be locally generated at the boundary between the non-contact portion and the contact portion of the second sealing member 81B. As a result, the second sealing member 81B is easily worn and cracked, and the sealing performance of the second sealing member 81B may be reduced.

[0118] Furthermore, since the stress caused by the pressing force of the disk holding spring 82 acting on the rotating disk 40 is also reduced, there is a possibility that the sealing performance of the first sealing member 81A provided on the rotating disk 40 is also reduced.

[0119] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated to switch the flow path mode between mode A and mode B, as shown in FIG. Fig.13 As shown, the second sealing member 81B is set not to cross the fixed disk communication path 70 (for example, the second fixed disk communication path 72) of the fixed disk 50. Specifically, the fixed disk communication path 70 of the fixed disk 50 is arranged at a position where the second sealing member 81B does not cross when the rotating disk 40 is rotated to switch the flow path mode between mode A and mode B.

[0120] Thus, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated to switch the flow path mode between mode A and mode B, the second sealing member 81B does not cross the fixed disk communication path 70 of the fixed disk 50. Therefore, the deformation of the fixed disk 50 can be suppressed. Therefore, the fixed disk 50 can be thinned (low rigidity). In addition, it is possible to suppress the local generation of large stress at the boundary between the non-contact part and the contact part of the second sealing member 81B due to the deformation of the low-rigidity fixed disk 50, and therefore, it is possible to suppress the generation of wear and cracks of the second sealing member 81B. Therefore, the sealing performance of the second sealing member 81B can be ensured.

[0121] (About the edge of the opening of the inflow channel)

[0122] When the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow channel 20, the non-contact portion of the first sealing member 81A eventually climbs from the inside of the inflow channel 20 to the outside of the inflow channel 20 and contacts the housing 11. Fig.26 As shown, the edge 20a of the opening of the inflow channel 20 of the housing 11 forms a step, and the non-contact portion of the first sealing member 81A is caught on the step, which may cause wear and cracking in the first sealing member 81A.

[0123] Therefore, the edge 20 a of the opening portion on the rotating disk 40 side in the inflow channel 20 of the housing 11 may be rounded (curved).

[0124] However, if a certain amount of rounding is formed over the entire circumference of the edge 20a, the diameter of the edge 20a increases over the entire circumference, and there is a possibility that the size of the housing 11 increases. Therefore, the size of the rounding is changed according to the circumferential position of the edge 20a.

[0125] Specifically, if Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown in (a), the size of the rounded corner is the first end 20b (refer to Fig.11 ) is located at a position greater than the second end portion 20c (see Fig.11 ) is large at the position of the edge 20a. In addition, the size of the fillet gradually decreases from the first end 20b toward the second end 20c in the circumferential direction of the edge 20a. In addition, for example, when the size of the fillet of the first end 20b is set to 2mm, the size of the fillet of the second end 20c is set to 0.5mm. In addition, the "rotation direction" is an example of the "driving direction" of the present disclosure.

[0126] Thus, when the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow passage 20 of the housing 11, the non-contact portion of the first sealing member 81A is less likely to be hooked on the edge 20a of the opening of the inflow passage 20 when it moves outside the inflow passage 20 and contacts the housing 11. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wear and cracks in the first sealing member 81A. Therefore, the sealing performance of the first sealing member 81A can be ensured.

[0127] In addition, the size of the fillet is changed according to the position of the edge 20a in the circumferential direction, so that the size of the housing 11 can be suppressed from becoming larger. For example, the fillet is reduced at the position of the second end 20c, so that Fig.15 As shown in (a), the body size of the housing 11 can be made smaller than Fig.15 The case (b) (i.e., the case with a larger rounded corner) is smaller.

[0128] In addition, the edge 20a of the opening portion on the rotating disk 40 side of the inflow channel 20 may be formed with a taper instead of a rounded corner. Fig.24 , Fig.25 As shown, in the case of a structure in which the second sealing member 81B crosses the fixed disk communication passage 70 , the edge of the opening portion of the fixed disk communication passage 70 on the rotating disk 40 side may be rounded or tapered.

[0129] (Regarding the First Control Related to the Rotation Speed ​​of the Rotating Disk)

[0130] As a first control related to the rotation speed of the rotating disk 40, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated to switch the flow path mode, the rotation speed of the rotating disk 40 may be slowed down when the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow flow path 20 of the housing 11. In addition, in the first sealing member 81A, the boundary portion between the non-contact portion and the contact portion where stress concentration occurs is slowly moved, thereby suppressing the occurrence of wear and cracks in the first sealing member 81A.

[0131] Specifically, as the first control related to the rotation speed of the rotating disk 40, the control unit 14 performs Fig.16 Control of the content shown.

[0132] like Fig.16 As shown, the control unit 14 acquires the switching valve position angle tdeg (step S1 ), and determines whether there is a request to switch the flow path mode (step S2 ).

[0133] Here, the “switching valve position angle tdeg” represents the position of the first sealing member 81A in the rotation direction of the rotating disk 40. Fig.17 As shown in FIG. 1 , the “switching valve position angle tdeg” refers to the angle formed by a line connecting the position that becomes the rearmost part of the first sealing member 81A when the rotating disk 40 rotates counterclockwise (i.e., the position that becomes the frontmost part of the first sealing member 81A when the rotating disk 40 rotates clockwise) and the position of the rotation center O of the rotating disk 40 and a line α of angle 0. In addition, the control unit 14 obtains the detection value of the rotation angle of the rotating disk 40 from an angle sensor not shown in the figure.

[0134] Then, when there is a request to switch the flow path mode (step S2 : Yes), the control unit 14 determines whether the switching flag (X switch) is “0” (step S3 ).

[0135] Then, when the switching flag is "0" (step S3: Yes), the flow path mode switching starts, and the control unit 14 determines whether the current flow path mode is mode A, that is, whether the current flow path mode is mode A (step S4). Here, mode A refers to the above Figure 6 1st flow path mode shown.

[0136] Then, in the case of the current mode A (step S4: Yes), the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode A to mode B. Therefore, the control unit 14 sets the switch flag and the switch A flag (X switch A) to "1" (step S5), and drives the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at a low speed (step S6). That is, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at a low speed. Here, "low speed" refers to a speed lower than the normal speed when switching the flow path mode (for example, a speed of 1 / 2 of the normal speed), which is an example of the "first low speed" of the present disclosure.

[0137] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle A (refer to Fig.17 )(Step S7).

[0138] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle A (step S7 : Yes), the control unit 14 stops the switching drive, that is, stops the rotation of the rotary disk 40 , and sets the switching flag to “0” (step S8 ).

[0139] On the other hand, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle A (step S7 : No), the control unit 14 continues to rotate the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at a low speed.

[0140] Furthermore, in step S4, if the current mode is not mode A (step S4: No), that is, if the current flow path mode is mode B, the rotary disk 40 is rotated clockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode B to mode A. Therefore, the control unit 14 sets the switch flag to "1" and sets the switch A flag to "0" (step S9). Here, mode B is the above-mentioned Figure 7 The second flow path mode is shown.

[0141] Next, the control unit 14 drives the rotating disk 40 clockwise at a low speed (step S10 ). That is, the control unit 14 drives the rotating disk 40 clockwise at a low speed.

[0142] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is angle H (see Fig.17 ) or above (step S11).

[0143] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle H (step S11 : Yes), the control unit 14 stops the switching drive and sets the switching flag to “0” (step S8 ).

[0144] On the other hand, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle H (step S11 : No), the control unit 14 continues to rotate the rotary disk 40 clockwise at a low speed.

[0145] Furthermore, in step S3 , when the switch flag is “1” (step S3 : No), the flow path mode is being switched, and therefore the control unit 14 determines whether the switch A flag is “1” (step S12 ).

[0146] Then, when the switch A flag is "1" (step S12: Yes), the rotary disk 40 is being rotated counterclockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode A to mode B. Therefore, the control unit 14 determines whether the switch valve position angle tdeg is angle D (refer to Fig.17 ) or above (step S13).

[0147] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle D (step S13: Yes), the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is less than angle E (see Fig.17 )(Step S14).

[0148] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle E (step S14: Yes), the control unit 14 drives the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at high speed (step S15). That is, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at high speed.

[0149] In this way, Fig.17 As shown, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode A to mode B, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle D and less than angle E, that is, when the first sealing member 81A does not cross the inflow flow path 20 (for example, the second inflow flow path 22 and the third inflow flow path 23), the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise at a high speed. Here, "high speed" refers to the normal speed when switching the flow path mode.

[0150] On the other hand, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle E (step S14: No), the control unit 14 drives the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at a low speed (step S16) to determine whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle H (step S11).

[0151] Furthermore, in step S13, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle D (step S13: No), the control unit 14 drives the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at a low speed (step S6). That is, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at a low speed.

[0152] In this way, Fig.17 As shown, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle A and less than angle D, and when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle E and less than angle H, that is, when the first sealing component 81A crosses the inflow path 20 (for example, the second inflow path 22, the third inflow path 23), the rotating disk 40 rotates counterclockwise at a low speed.

[0153] In addition, in step S12, when the switch A flag is "0" (step S12: No), that is, when the rotating disk 40 is rotating clockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode B to mode A, the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle E (step S17).

[0154] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle E (step S17 : Yes), the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than or equal to the angle D (step S18 ).

[0155] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle D (step S18: Yes), the control unit 14 drives the rotating disk 40 clockwise at high speed (step S19). That is, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 clockwise at high speed.

[0156] On the other hand, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle D (step S18: No), the control unit 14 drives the rotary disk 40 clockwise at a low speed (step S20) and determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle A (step S7).

[0157] In this way, Fig.17 As shown, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated clockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode B to mode A, the rotating disk 40 is rotated clockwise at high speed when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle D and less than angle E, that is, the first sealing component 81A does not cross the inflow path 20 (for example, the second inflow path 22, the third inflow path 23).

[0158] On the other hand, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle E (step S17: No), the control unit 14 drives the rotating disk 40 clockwise at a low speed (step S10). That is, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 clockwise at a low speed.

[0159] In this way, Fig.17 As shown, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated clockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode B to mode A, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle E and less than angle H and when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle A and less than angle D, that is, when the first sealing component 81A crosses the inflow path 20 (for example, the second inflow path 22, the third inflow path 23), the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 clockwise at a low speed.

[0160] If there is no request to switch the flow path mode in step S2 (step S2 : No), the control unit 14 maintains the valve switching position (step S19 ), that is, maintains the stop position of the rotary disk 40 .

[0161] By performing the above control, Fig.17As shown, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode A to mode B, the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise at a low speed when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle A and less than angle D and when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle E and less than angle H. On the other hand, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle D and less than angle E, the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise at a high speed.

[0162] That is, when the flow path mode is switched from mode A to mode B, when the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow path 20, the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise at a low speed, and when the first sealing member 81A does not cross the inflow path 20, the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise at a high speed.

[0163] In addition, if Fig.17 As shown, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated clockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode B to mode A, the rotating disk 40 is rotated clockwise at a low speed when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle E and less than angle H and when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle A and less than angle D. On the other hand, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle D and less than angle E, the rotating disk 40 is rotated clockwise at a high speed.

[0164] That is, when the flow path mode is switched from mode B to mode A, when the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow path 20, the rotating disk 40 is rotated clockwise at a low speed, and when the first sealing member 81A does not cross the inflow path 20, the rotating disk 40 is rotated clockwise at a high speed.

[0165] In this way, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated to switch the flow path mode between mode A and mode B, the rotating disk 40 rotates at a low speed when the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow path 20, and on the other hand, when the first sealing member 81A does not cross the inflow path 20, the rotating disk 40 rotates at a high speed.

[0166] As described above, when the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 to switch the flow path mode, the rotation speed of the rotating disk 40 is set to a low speed while the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow flow path 20 of the housing 11 .

[0167] Thus, while the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow passage 20 of the housing 11, the portion where stress is locally generated in the first sealing member 81A is slowly moved. Therefore, the occurrence of wear and cracks in the first sealing member 81A can be suppressed. Therefore, the sealing performance of the first sealing member 81A can be ensured.

[0168] Furthermore, the first control regarding the rotation speed of the rotating disk 40 can also be applied to a case where the second sealing member 81B crosses the fixed disk communication passage 70 of the fixed disk 50 .

[0169] (Regarding the Second Control Related to the Rotation Speed ​​of the Rotating Disk)

[0170] As a second control related to the rotation speed of the rotating disk 40, it can also be controlled that when the rotating disk 40 is rotated to switch the flow path mode, the rotation speed of the rotating disk 40 is further slowed down when the state in which the first sealing component 81A crosses the inflow path 20 of the shell 11 is changed to the state in which the first sealing component 81A does not cross the inflow path 20 of the shell 11.

[0171] Specifically, as the second control related to the rotation speed of the rotating disk 40, the control unit 14 performs Fig.18 In addition, in the following description, only Fig.16 The following describes the points where the contents of the first control related to the rotation speed of the rotating disk 40 shown in the figure are different.

[0172] like Fig.18 As shown, in step S112, when the switch A flag is "1" (step S112: yes), even if the rotating disk 40 rotates counterclockwise to switch the flow mode from mode A to mode B, the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle C (step S113).

[0173] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than the angle C (step S113: Yes), the control unit 14 drives the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at an ultra-low speed (step S114). That is, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at an ultra-low speed. Here, "ultra-low speed" refers to a speed slower than a low speed (for example, a speed of 1 / 3 of a normal speed), which is an example of the "second low speed" of the present disclosure.

[0174] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle D (step S115 ).

[0175] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle D (step S115 : Yes), the control unit 14 continues to rotate the rotary disk 40 counterclockwise at an ultra-low speed.

[0176] In this way, Fig.19As shown, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode A to mode B, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle C and less than angle D, that is, when the state of the inflow path 20 (for example, the third inflow path 23) crossing the shell 11 from the first sealing member 81A (the rear part in the moving direction and located between angle C and angle D) is changed to the state of not crossing, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at an ultra-low speed.

[0177] Furthermore, in step S117 , when the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle E (step S117 : No), the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle G (step S119 ).

[0178] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle G (step S119: Yes), the control unit 14 performs ultra-low speed driving in the counterclockwise direction (step S120). That is, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 in the counterclockwise direction at an ultra-low speed.

[0179] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle H (step S121 ).

[0180] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle H (step S121 : Yes), the control unit 14 continues to rotate the rotary disk 40 counterclockwise at an ultra-low speed.

[0181] In this way, Fig.19 As shown, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated counterclockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode A to mode B, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle G and less than angle H, that is, when the state of the inflow path 20 (for example, the second inflow path 22) crossing the shell 11 from the first sealing member 81A (the front part of the moving direction and located between angle (G) and angle (H)) is changed to the state of not crossing, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 counterclockwise at an ultra-low speed.

[0182] In addition, in step S112, when the switch A flag is "0" (step S112: No), even if the rotating disk 40 rotates clockwise to switch the flow mode from mode B to mode A, the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle F (step S122).

[0183] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle F (step S122: Yes), the control unit 14 drives the rotating disk 40 clockwise at an ultra-low speed (step S123). That is, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 clockwise at an ultra-low speed.

[0184] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle E (step S124 ).

[0185] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle E (step S124 : Yes), the control unit 14 continues to rotate the rotary disk 40 clockwise at an ultra-low speed.

[0186] In this way, Fig.19 As shown, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated clockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode B to mode A, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle E and less than angle F, that is, when the state of the inflow path 20 (for example, the second inflow path 22) crossing the shell 11 from the first sealing member 81A (the rear part in the moving direction and located between angle (E) and angle (F)) is changed to the state of not crossing, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 clockwise at an ultra-low speed.

[0187] Furthermore, in step S126 , when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle D (step S126 : No), the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle B (step S128 ).

[0188] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is smaller than the angle B (step S128: Yes), the control unit 14 drives the rotating disk 40 clockwise at an ultra-low speed (step S129). That is, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 clockwise at an ultra-low speed.

[0189] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle A (step S130 ).

[0190] Then, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is equal to or greater than the angle A (step S130 : Yes), the control unit 14 continues to rotate the rotary disk 40 clockwise at an ultra-low speed.

[0191] In this way, Fig.19 As shown, when the rotating disk 40 is rotated clockwise to switch the flow path mode from mode B to mode A, when the switching valve position angle tdeg is greater than angle A and less than angle B, that is, when the state of the inflow path 20 (for example, the third inflow path 23) crossing the shell 11 from the first sealing member 81A (the front part in the moving direction and located between angle A and angle B) is changed to the state of not crossing, the control unit 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 clockwise at an ultra-low speed.

[0192] As described above, when the controller 14 rotates the rotating disk 40 to switch the flow path mode, the rotating disk 40 is rotated at an ultra-low speed slower than the low speed when the state where the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow flow path 20 of the housing 11 changes to the state where the first sealing member 81A does not cross.

[0193] Thus, when the state where the first sealing member 81A crosses the inflow passage 20 of the housing 11 changes to the state where it does not cross, that is, when the non-contact portion of the first sealing member 81A that is relaxed in the inflow passage 20 of the housing 11 and does not contact the housing 11 moves from the inflow passage 20 of the housing 11 to the outside of the inflow passage 20 and climbs onto the contact surface with the housing 11, the portion where stress is locally generated in the first sealing member 81A is slowly moved. Therefore, the occurrence of wear and cracks in the first sealing member 81A can be more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the sealing performance of the first sealing member 81A can be more effectively ensured.

[0194] Furthermore, the second control regarding the rotation speed of the rotating disk 40 can also be applied to a case where the second sealing member 81B crosses the fixed disk communication passage 70 of the fixed disk 50 .

[0195] (About the sliding type flow path switching device)

[0196] The above-mentioned contents of the present disclosure can also be applied to Figure 20 to Figure 23 The flow path switching device 2 shown. Figure 20 to Figure 23 As shown, the flow path switching device 2 includes a housing 211 , a spool 212 , and a driving unit 213 .

[0197] The housing 211 includes a flow passage 220 for fluid to flow in or out. Here, as an example, the flow passage switching device 2 is a six-way valve, and the housing 211 includes six flow passages 220. In addition, the housing 211 is formed of resin, for example, and is an example of a "fixed member" disclosed in the present invention. In addition, the flow passage 220 is an example of a "port" disclosed in the present invention.

[0198] The spool 212 is provided inside the housing 211. The spool 212 is formed of, for example, resin. The spool 212 is an example of a "driving member" in the present disclosure.

[0199] The spool 212 is formed in a rectangular plate shape (ie, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape) and includes at least one spool communication passage 260. Here, as an example, the spool 212 includes four spool communication passages 260. The spool communication passage 260 is an example of a "communication passage" in the present disclosure.

[0200] The driving unit 213 includes an actuator (not shown) for providing power for driving the spool 212 .

[0201] In addition, if Fig.21As shown in FIG. 2 , a sealing member 281 is provided between the housing 211 and the spool 212 . Further, a stress caused by the biasing force of the spring 282 acts on the spool 212 .

[0202] The sealing member 281 is formed of, for example, fluororesin (eg, Teflon (registered trademark)). Alternatively, the sealing member 281 may be formed of rubber to which fluororesin is bonded. Furthermore, the sealing member 281 may be formed of a material other than fluororesin and rubber.

[0203] The flow path switching device 2 of such a structure forms a flow path by combining the flow path port 220 of the housing 211 and the spool communication path 260. Figure 20 to Figure 23 As shown, the flow path switching device 2 uses the driving shaft 213a of the driving part 213 to drive the slide valve core 212 in the axial direction of the driving shaft 213a, and changes the combination of the flow path port 220 and the slide valve core communication path 260 to make the flow path mode change. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 The first flow path mode shown is Fig. 22 and Fig.23 Switch between the second flow path modes shown.

[0204] Furthermore, in such a flow path switching device 2 , the rigidity of the spool 212 is higher than the rigidity of the housing 211 .

[0205] In addition, similarly to the flow path switching device 1 , the edge of the opening portion on the spool 212 side in the flow path port 220 of the housing 211 may be rounded or tapered.

[0206] Furthermore, when sliding the spool 212 to switch the flow path mode, the driving speed (sliding speed) of the spool 212 may be set to a speed lower than a normal speed while the sealing member 281 crosses the flow path port 220 of the housing 211 .

[0207] Furthermore, when sliding the valve slide 212 to switch the flow path mode, when the state where the sealing member 281 crosses the flow path opening 220 of the housing 211 changes to a state where the sealing member 281 does not cross, the driving speed of the valve slide 212 may be set to an ultra-low speed that is slower than the low speed.

[0208] [Second embodiment]

[0209] Next, the second embodiment will be described, and the differences from the first embodiment will be described, while the description of the points common to the first embodiment will be omitted. In addition, here, the flow path switching device 1 will be described.

[0210] Consider the following situation: the rotating disk 40 rotates, such as Fig.34As shown, the first sealing member 81A moves from the first end 20b toward the second end 20c between the first end 20b and the second end 20c on the side opposite to the rotation direction of the rotating disk 40 (the right direction in the figure).

[0211] At this time, if Fig.35 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the first sealing member 81A, the length of the portion temporarily relaxed in the inflow passage 20, that is, the non-contact portion relaxed in the inflow passage 20 and not in contact with the housing 11 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “the non-contact portion with the housing 11”) gradually increases, thereby generating tensile stress. In addition, at this time, the protrusion amount Lc of the non-contact portion of the first sealing member 81A with the housing 11 protrudes into the inflow passage 20 as shown in FIG. Fig.35 In addition, Fig.34 As shown, the tensile stress reaches a maximum (max) at the position of the second end portion 20c.

[0212] Then, consider the following situation: the rotating disk 40 rotates, such as Fig.36 As shown, the first sealing member 81A moves from the second end 20c toward the first end 20b between the second end 20c and the first end 20b on the rotation direction side (right side in the figure) of the rotary disk 40.

[0213] At this time, if Fig.37 As shown in FIG. 1 , in the first sealing member 81A, the length of the non-contact portion with the housing 11 is gradually reduced, so that compressive stress is generated. In addition, the protrusion amount Ld of the non-contact portion of the first sealing member 81A with the housing 11 protrudes into the inflow channel 20 as shown in FIG. Fig.37 In addition, the protrusion amount Ld is greater than the protrusion amount Lc (refer to Fig.35 ). And, if Fig.36 As shown in FIG. 1 , the compressive stress reaches a maximum (max) at the position of the first end portion 20 b on the rotation direction side of the rotary disk 40 .

[0214] Afterwards, the rotating disk 40 rotates, as shown in FIG. Fig.38 As shown, the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 is pushed up by the edge 20a of the opening and climbs up the first end 20b of the edge 20a of the opening. Then, the first sealing member 81A slides from the edge 20a of the opening toward the surface 11a of the housing 11 on the rotating disk 40 side.

[0215] In this embodiment, the edge 20a of the opening on the rotating disk 40 side in the inflow flow path 20 of the housing 11 is formed with a fillet (curve shape). And the size of the fillet (i.e., the radius of the fillet) is larger at the first end 20b of the edge 20a of the opening than at the second end 20c of the edge 20a of the opening. In addition, a taper may be formed instead of the fillet, in which case the size of the taper refers to the inclination angle of the taper.

[0216] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Fig. 27 As shown, the inner periphery LA and the outer periphery LB of the edge 20a of the circumferential opening are both formed into circular shapes. Specifically, the inner periphery LA is formed into a circular shape with a diameter D1, and the outer periphery LB is formed into a circular shape with a diameter D2. In addition, the diameter D2 is larger than the diameter D1. In addition, Fig. 27 In the drawings, for convenience of explanation, the moving direction of the rotating disk 40 is indicated as the left-right direction of the drawings.

[0217] And, thus, in this embodiment, if Fig. 27 and Fig.28 As shown, at the first end 20b and the second end 20c of the edge 20a of the opening, the radius r1 of the inner periphery LA of the edge 20a of the opening and the radius r2 of the outer periphery LB of the edge 20a of the opening are equal or substantially equal.

[0218] The radius r1 of the inner periphery LA of the edge 20a of the opening is the opening radius of the opening, and the radius r2 of the outer periphery LB of the edge 20a of the opening is the radius of the boundary line between the fillet of the edge 20a of the opening and the surface 11a of the housing 11.

[0219] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if Fig.28 As shown in (B), by moving the center point of the rounded corner of the first end portion 20b toward Fig.28 The position of the center point of the rounded corner of the second end portion 20c shown in (A) is moved (i.e., offset) toward the lower side of the drawing (i.e., the side opposite to the opening portion of the inflow path 20), thereby increasing the size of the rounded corner of the first end portion 20b without increasing the radius r2 of the outer periphery LB of the edge 20a of the opening portion.

[0220] Thus, in this embodiment, the size of the fillet is made larger at the first end 20b than at the second end 20c, and the radius r1 of the inner periphery LA of the edge 20a of the opening at the first end 20b is made equal to or substantially equal to the radius r1 of the inner periphery LA of the edge 20a of the opening at the second end 20c. In addition, the radius r2 of the outer periphery LB of the edge 20a of the opening at the first end 20b is made equal to or substantially equal to the radius r2 of the outer periphery LB of the edge 20a of the opening at the second end 20c.

[0221] Therefore, in this embodiment, if Fig.29 As shown in FIG. 1 , the position of the inner periphery LA of the edge 20a of the opening portion becomes larger than that of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1 ). Fig.40 ) is located on the upper side of the drawing (i.e., the side that pushes up the first sealing member 81A).

[0222] Then, when the first sealing member 81A is passed through the inflow flow path 20 by rotating the rotary disk 40 relative to the housing 11 in order to switch the flow path mode, Fig.29 As shown, when the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 climbs up the first end 20b of the edge 20a of the opening, the portion near the first end 20b of the edge 20a of the opening (the portion indicated by the dotted line at GG in the figure) is blocked. Fig. 27 ) is pushed up, so the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 can be effectively pushed up. Therefore, the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 can smoothly climb up the first end portion 20b of the edge 20a of the opening. Therefore, the first sealing member 81A can smoothly pass through the inflow channel 20.

[0223] In addition, when the size of the rounded corner of the first end portion 20b is equal to the size of the rounded corner of the second end portion 20c, Fig.39 In the comparative example shown, before the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 climbs onto the first end portion 20b of the edge 20a of the opening, the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 cannot climb up smoothly, and stress concentration caused by compressive stress is easily generated.

[0224] However, according to the present embodiment, since the size of the fillet is made larger at the first end portion 20b than at the second end portion 20c, before the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 is about to climb onto the first end portion 20b of the edge 20a of the opening, the stress concentration caused by the compressive stress at the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 is suppressed. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 can be made to be closer to the first end portion 20b. Fig.39 The first end portion 20b climbs up the edge 20a of the opening more smoothly than the comparative example shown.

[0225] In addition, according to this embodiment, Fig.40Compared with the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , when the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 climbs up the first end portion 20b of the edge 20a of the opening, the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 can be effectively pushed up. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 can be made to be closer to the first end portion 20b of the edge 20a of the opening. Fig.40 The first embodiment shown climbs up the edge 20a of the opening more smoothly than in the first embodiment shown.

[0226] In addition, according to this embodiment, if Fig.29 As shown, the size of the fillet of the first end 20b is greater than (r2-r1). In addition, (r2-r1) refers to the value obtained by subtracting the radius r1 of the inner periphery LA of the edge 20a of the opening from the radius r2 of the outer periphery LB of the edge 20a of the opening. In this way, in the present embodiment, the size of the fillet is reliably increased at the first end 20b of the edge 20a of the opening. Therefore, when the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 climbs up the first end 20b of the edge 20a of the opening, the first sealing member 81A can be pushed up more reliably and effectively. In addition, the wear of the first sealing member 81A can be suppressed.

[0227] In addition, if Fig. 27 As shown, the distance between the two first ends 20b of this embodiment (equivalent to D2 shown in the figure) can be Fig.41 In the first embodiment shown, the distance between the two first end portions 20b (D3 shown in the figure) is small.

[0228] Thus, the length L2 of the first sealing member 81A of the present embodiment (i.e., the length in the rotation direction of the rotating disk 40) can be made shorter than the length L1 of the first sealing member 81A of the first embodiment. Therefore, the sliding resistance between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 can be suppressed, and the increase in the rotation torque of the rotating disk 40 can be suppressed.

[0229] In addition, as a first modification example, Fig.30 As shown in FIG. 1 , the shape of the edge 20a of the opening portion when viewed from the rotating disk 40 side may be set to a flat circular shape. Specifically, regarding the shape of the edge 20a of the opening portion, the curvature at the first end 20b, i.e., the first opening curvature CU1, may be smaller than the curvature at the second end 20c, i.e., the second opening curvature CU2. Fig.30 As shown, the curvature radius at the second end portion 20c may be reduced to a small diameter, while the curvature radius at the first end portion 20b may be increased to a large diameter.

[0230] Furthermore, the curvature of the shape of the edge 20a of the opening gradually changes (gradually changes) from the second end 20c toward the first end 20b so as to gradually decrease (that is, the radius of curvature of the shape of the edge 20a of the opening gradually increases).

[0231] As described above, in the first modification, regarding the shape of the edge 20a of the opening, the curvature at the first end 20b (that is, the first opening curvature CU1) is reduced.

[0232] Thus, when the first sealing member 81A passes through the inflow passage 20 by rotating the rotating disk 40 relative to the housing 11, the compressive stress acting on the first sealing member 81A is suppressed before the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 climbs onto the first end 20b of the edge 20a of the opening. Therefore, the amount of protrusion of the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 into the inflow passage 20 is reduced. Therefore, the first sealing member 81A can smoothly climb onto the first end 20b of the edge 20a of the opening.

[0233] In addition, as a second modification example, Fig.31 As shown, regarding the shape of the edge 20a of the opening portion when viewed from the rotating disk 40 side, the first end portion 20b may be formed with a rotation direction ( Fig.31 The straight line portion 101 is formed in a straight line in a manner perpendicular to the left-right direction of the lateral direction. In addition, the straight line portion 101 is an example of the "edge straight line portion" of the present disclosure.

[0234] In addition, in this modification, if Fig.31 As shown, regarding the shape of the edge 20a of the opening, the second end portion 20c is also formed with a portion extending in the rotation direction ( Fig.31 A straight portion 101 is formed in a straight line shape in the left-right direction (in the left-right direction), and a circular portion 102 with a radius LR is formed between the two straight portions 101.

[0235] Thus, similarly to the first modified example, when the first sealing member 81A passes through the inflow path 20, the compressive stress acting on the first sealing member 81A is suppressed before the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 climbs onto the first end 20b of the edge 20a of the opening.

[0236] In addition, if Fig.32 As shown, regarding the shape of the edge 20a of the opening portion when viewed from the rotating disk 40 side, the straight portion 101 may be formed at the first end portion 20b, while the straight portion 101 may not be formed at the second end portion 20c.

[0237] In addition, as a third variation, Fig.33As shown, the shape of the first sealing member 81A may be changed in the rotation direction ( Fig.33 The end portion (in the left-right direction) of the rotating disk 40 has a straight portion 111. The straight portion 111 is formed in a straight line in a manner orthogonal to the rotation direction of the rotating disk 40. In addition, the straight portion 111 is an example of a "straight portion of a sealing member" disclosed in the present invention. In addition, a substantially straight portion 111a (or, also referred to as a small curvature portion bent with a smaller curvature) formed in a substantially straight line may be formed instead of the straight portion 111. In addition, the substantially straight portion 111a is an example of a "substantially straight portion of a sealing member" disclosed in the present invention.

[0238] In this variation, if Fig.33 As shown, the first sealing member 81A has a straight portion 111 or a substantially straight portion 111a formed at a portion passing through the first end portion 20b, and circular portions 112 formed on both sides of the straight portion 111 or the substantially straight portion 111a. The circular portion 112 is a circle with a radius RA.

[0239] In this way, regarding the shape of the first sealing member 81A, the end in the rotation direction of the rotating disk 40, that is, the first end 20b of the first end portion 20b that is temporarily relaxed in the inlet flow path 20 and climbs onto the edge 20a of the opening when the first sealing member 81A passes through the inlet flow path 20 by rotating the rotating disk 40 relative to the shell 11 (that is, the non-contact portion between the shell 11) is formed into a straight line in a manner orthogonal to the rotation direction of the rotating disk 40.

[0240] Thus, the compressive stress acting on the first sealing member 81A is suppressed before the non-contact portion between the first sealing member 81A and the housing 11 climbs up the first end portion 20b of the edge 20a of the opening. Therefore, the protrusion amount of the first sealing member 81A into the inflow channel 20 is reduced. Therefore, the first sealing member 81A can smoothly climb up the first end portion 20b of the edge 20a of the opening.

[0241] The above-described embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present disclosure in any way, and various improvements and modifications can of course be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0242] For example, when the second sealing member 81B passes through the fixed disk communication passage 70 of the fixed disk 50 when the rotary disk 40 rotates, the contents of the second embodiment and each modified example are also applied to the fixed disk communication passage 70 and the second sealing member 81B.

[0243] Description of Reference Numerals

[0244] 1, 2, flow path switching device; 11, housing; 12, valve core; 14, control unit; 20, inflow path; 20a, edge; 20b, first end; 20c, second end; 21, first inflow path; 22, second inflow path; 23, third inflow path; 30, outflow path; 31, first outflow path; 32, second outflow path; 33, third outflow path; 40, rotating disk; 41, circular plate; 50, fixed disk; 51, circular plate; 60, rotating disk communication path; 61, first rotating disk communication path; 62, second rotating disk communication path; 63, third rotating disk communication path; 7 0, fixed disk connecting passage; 71, first fixed disk connecting passage; 72, second fixed disk connecting passage; 73, third fixed disk connecting passage; 81A, first sealing member; 81B, second sealing member; 101, straight portion; 111, straight portion; 111a, substantially straight portion; 211, housing; 212, sliding valve core; 220, flow passage opening; 260, sliding valve core connecting passage; 281, sealing member; L, center axis; LA, inner periphery (of the edge of the opening); LB, outer periphery (of the edge of the opening); r1, radius; r2, radius; CU1, first opening curvature; CU2, second opening curvature.

Claims

1. A flow path switching device, comprising: a fixing member, provided with at least one; and Drive components, The fixing member has a port, The driving member includes a communication path, The port of the fixing member is connected to the communication path of the driving member to form a flow path for the fluid to flow, The flow path switching device is characterized in that: The flow path switching device includes a sealing member, which is provided on the driving member and contacts the fixing member in a state where a pressing force is applied thereto to seal between a port of the fixing member and a communication path of the driving member connected to the port of the fixing member. The rigidity of the driving member is higher than the rigidity of at least one of the fixing members.

2. The flow path switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that: As the fixing member, there are a first fixing member and a second fixing member, The driving member is disposed between the first fixing member and the second fixing member. The sealing member includes a first sealing member provided between the first fixing member and the driving member and a second sealing member provided between the driving member and the second fixing member. The driving member is sandwiched between the first fixing member and the second fixing member in a state where the pressing force acts thereon via the second fixing member and the second sealing member. The port of the second fixing member is arranged at a position where the second sealing member does not cross when the driving member is driven to switch the mode of the flow path.

3. The flow path switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The edge of the opening portion on the driving member side in the port of the fixing member is formed with a rounded corner or a tapered corner, The size of the fillet or the size of the taper angle is larger at the first end portion of the edge of the opening portion which is the end portion in the driving direction of the driving member than at the second end portion of the edge of the opening portion which is the end portion in a direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the driving member, and gradually decreases from the first end portion toward the second end portion.

4. The flow path switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: When the driving member is driven to switch the mode of the flow path, the driving speed of the driving member is set to a first low speed that is slower than a normal speed while the sealing member is crossing the port of the fixing member.

5. The flow path switching device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the driving member is driven to switch the flow path mode, the driving speed of the driving member is set to a second low speed slower than the first low speed when the sealing member transitions from a state where the sealing member crosses the port of the fixing member to a state where the sealing member does not cross the port.

6. The flow path switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The edge of the opening portion on the driving member side in the port of the fixing member is formed with a rounded corner or a tapered corner, The size of the rounded corner or the size of the taper angle is larger at a first end portion of the edge of the opening portion, which is an end portion in the driving direction of the driving member, than at a second end portion of the edge of the opening portion, which is an end portion in a direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the driving member. Furthermore, at the first end and the second end, the radius of the inner circumference of the edge of the opening and the radius of the outer circumference of the edge of the opening are equal or substantially equal, respectively.

7. The flow path switching device according to claim 6, characterized in that: When the radius of the inner circumference of the edge of the opening is r1 and the radius of the outer circumference of the edge of the opening is r2, the size of the rounded corner at the first end portion is larger than r2-r1.

8. The flow path switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Regarding the shape of the edge of the opening portion on the driving member side in the port of the fixed member, the curvature of the edge of the opening portion at the first end portion which is the end portion in the driving direction of the driving member, i.e., the first opening curvature, is smaller than the curvature of the edge of the opening portion at the second end portion which is the end portion in the direction orthogonal to the driving direction of the driving member, i.e., the second opening curvature.

9. The flow path switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Regarding the shape of the edge of the opening portion on the driving member side in the port of the fixing member, a straight edge portion is formed in a straight line orthogonal to the driving direction at a first end of the edge of the opening portion which is an end in the driving direction of the driving member.

10. The flow path switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Regarding the shape of the sealing member, a sealing member straight portion formed in a straight line or a sealing member substantially straight line portion formed in a substantially straight line orthogonal to the driving direction is formed at an end portion of the driving member in the driving direction.

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