Rotary valve

Abstract

A rotary valve is provided with a shaft section that rotates about an axial center by a driving force, and a valve section that can rotate integrally with the shaft section, and the valve section has a top plate section that extends from the shaft section in a direction orthogonal to the axial center, and a main body section that extends from the top plate section along the shaft section. The main body portion includes a cutout portion that is cut into a fan shape centered on the axis on a side opposite to the top plate portion, and the cutout portion constitutes a communication path that communicates an inflow port into which the fluid flows and an outflow port out of which the fluid flows.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary valve. Background Art

[0002] As a rotary valve for switching a flow path of a fluid, Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary valve including a housing formed with an inlet and an outlet, a valve body portion housed in the housing, and a valve element rotatably supported by the housing. The valve element includes a cylindrical valve body portion, and a plurality of flow paths for fluid flow are formed in the valve body portion. Patent Document

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-143743 Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a structure for controlling flow paths of a plurality of fluids, it is necessary to form a plurality of flow paths in a valve body portion as in the rotary valve disclosed in Patent Document 1. Therefore, the structure of the valve body portion becomes complicated. For example, a technique for manufacturing a rotary valve with high precision for the positions of the inlet and the outlet formed in the housing is required. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a rotary valve with a simplified structure.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above technical problems, and an object thereof is to provide a rotary valve with a simplified structure.

[0006] The rotary valve according to the present invention is characterized in the following aspects: the rotary valve includes a shaft portion and a cylindrical valve portion, the shaft portion rotates about an axis by a driving force, the valve portion can rotate integrally with the shaft portion, the valve portion has a top plate portion extending from the shaft portion in a direction orthogonal to the axis, and a main body portion extending from the top plate portion along the shaft portion, the main body portion includes a cutout portion cut into a sector shape centered on the axis on a side opposite to the top plate portion, and the cutout portion constitutes a communication path connecting an inlet through which fluid flows and an outlet through which the fluid flows out.

[0007] According to this structure, by simply cutting a sector centered on the axis in the main body portion, a communication path for fluid flow can be formed in the main body portion, thereby simplifying the structure of the rotary valve. Since the cutout portion is cut into a sector shape centered on the axis, it is easy to manufacture the cutout portion. In addition, when the valve portion rotates, the cross-sectional area of the flow path through which the fluid can flow becomes larger. Furthermore, it is not necessary to separately form a plurality of flow paths connecting the outlet and the inlet inside the main body portion. In this way, a rotary valve with a simplified structure can be formed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Figure 1 It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of the rotary valve according to the embodiment. Figure 2It is a schematic diagram of the first position of the valve rotor involved in the embodiment. Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the valve rotor involved in the embodiment. Figure 4 It is shown from Figure 3 A perspective view of the valve rotor observed from a different angle. Figure 5 It is a view when observing the valve rotor involved in the embodiment from the valve flow path portion side. Figure 6 It is a view when observing the valve rotor involved in the embodiment from the side opposite to the top plate portion. Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the second position of the valve rotor involved in the embodiment. Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the third position of the valve rotor involved in the embodiment. Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of the fourth position of the valve rotor involved in the embodiment. Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing the valve rotor involved in other embodiments. Detailed Embodiment

[0009] Hereinafter, the rotary valve involved in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0010] [Basic Structure] Figure 1 A cross-section (longitudinal section) of the rotary valve 100 along the axis X is shown. In the present embodiment, the rotary valve 100 is a five-way valve for controlling the flow of a fluid to, for example, a battery, a variable-frequency motor, etc. mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile. As the fluid, cooling water such as coolant can be cited.

[0011] As Figure 1As shown, the rotary valve 100 includes a housing 1, a valve rotor 2 housed in the housing 1, a bearing 3 that rotatably supports the valve rotor 2, a seal 4 disposed between the housing 1 and the valve rotor 2 over substantially the entire circumference of the valve rotor 2, and an actuator 5 connected to the valve rotor 2. The actuator 5 is composed of an electric motor or the like and transmits a rotational force (an example of a driving force) to the valve rotor 2. The valve rotor 2 rotates about the axis X by the rotational force from the actuator 5. The flow of the fluid is controlled by the rotation of the valve rotor 2. Hereinafter, the direction along the axis X will be referred to as the "axial direction DX", the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DX will be referred to as the "radial direction DR", and the circumferential direction of the valve rotor 2 will be referred to as the "circumferential direction DC". It should be noted that the orientation of the rotary valve 100 during use is not particularly limited. However, sometimes the side of the axial direction DX where the actuator 5 is provided is referred to as the "upper side", and the opposite side is referred to as the "lower side".

[0012] [Housing] Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view showing the rotary valve 100. It should be noted that Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view of the rotary valve 100 when viewed from the upper side. As Figure 2 shown, the housing 1 has a housing wall portion 11 that defines a space for housing the valve rotor 2.

[0013] The housing wall portion 11 is circular when viewed in the direction along the axial direction DX. A plurality of ports 12 are formed in the housing wall portion 11 along the circumferential direction DC. In the present embodiment, four ports 12 are formed in the housing wall portion 11 along the circumferential direction DC, and the four ports 12 penetrate the housing wall portion 11 along the radial direction DR. Hereinafter, the four ports 12 will be referred to as the "first port 121", the "second port 122", the "third port 123", and the "fourth port 124", respectively.

[0014] In addition, a fifth port 125 is formed at the bottom (bottom wall) of the housing wall portion 11. The fifth port 125 communicates with a flow path chamber 1S formed in the housing 1. The first port 121, the second port 122, the third port 123, the fourth port 124, and the fifth port 125 are each connected to a different external flow path. It should be noted that the external flow path is connected to, for example, a battery, a variable frequency motor, or the like.

[0015] [Valve rotor] Figure 3 And Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the valve rotor 2. As Figure 3 And Figure 4 shown, the valve rotor 2 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction DX, and has a shaft portion 20 coaxial with the axis X and a cylindrical valve portion 21 that can rotate integrally with the shaft portion 20. The valve rotor 2 is made of a resin or the like, and the shaft portion 20 and the valve portion 21 are formed integrally.

[0016] The shaft portion 20 has an end portion 20a on the side where the rotational force is input (the actuator 5 side (upper side) as described with reference to Figure 1 the actuator 5 described). The upper end portion 20a (an example of the input end portion, hereinafter referred to as the "upper end portion 20a") is formed in a spline shape, and a protrusion (or groove) is formed on the upper end portion 20a, which engages with a groove (or protrusion) of a boss portion (not shown) provided on the actuator 5 described with reference to Figure 1 the actuator 5. By forming the upper end portion 20a in such a structure, the connection between the valve rotor 2 and the actuator 5 becomes stronger, and thus the rotational force from the actuator 5 is more reliably transmitted to the valve rotor 2.

[0017] As Figure 1 shown, the shaft portion 20 is hollow and has an open structure at both ends in the axial direction DX. The shaft portion 20 has a shaft wall 201 that divides the internal space 20s of the shaft portion 20 and the external space of the shaft portion 20.

[0018] As Figure 2 shown, a shaft hole 201h that penetrates the shaft wall 201 in the radial direction DR is formed in the shaft wall 201. That is, the shaft hole 201h allows the internal space 20s of the shaft portion 20 to communicate with the external space of the shaft portion 20. The shaft hole 201h functions as an exhaust hole for gases such as air contained in the fluid.

[0019] As Figure 3 and Figure 4 shown, the valve portion 21 has a top plate portion 22 that extends from the shaft portion 20 in the radial direction DR, and a main body portion 23 that extends from the top plate portion 22 in the axial direction DX away from the top plate portion 22 (the upper end portion 20a).

[0020] The top plate portion 22 is in a circular plate shape when viewed in the axial direction DX. The top plate portion 22 has a circular plate-shaped top plate main body 221 that extends in the radial direction DR, and an outer edge portion 222 that stands up toward the upper end portion 20a side (upper side) with the outer peripheral portion of the top plate main body 221 as the base end. The outer edge portion 222 is continuously provided on the entire circumference of the outer peripheral portion of the top plate main body 221.

[0021] As Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 6 shown, four top plate holes 221h that penetrate the top plate main body 221 in the axial direction DX are formed in the top plate main body 221. These four top plate holes 221h function as exhaust holes for gases such as air contained in the fluid. It should be noted that Figure 6 this is a view of the valve rotor 2 when viewed from the lower side.

[0022] As Figure 6As shown, the four top plate holes 221h include two first top plate holes h1 that are disposed opposite to each other across the shaft portion 20, and two second top plate holes h2 that are spaced apart from each other between the two first top plate holes h1.

[0023] The main body portion 23 has a valve flow path portion 231 that forms a flow path for fluid to flow through, and a valve base portion 232 that separates the flow of the fluid.

[0024] When the valve flow path portion 231 is viewed in the direction along the axial center direction DX, it includes a fan-shaped wall portion 231w centered on the axial center X. A first valve flow path L1 (an example of a through-flow path) that penetrates the inside of the wall portion 231w (main body portion 23) is formed in the wall portion 231w. In the valve rotor 2 in the specified posture, the fluid flows through the first valve flow path L1. The first valve flow path L1 is formed in a substantially V-shape that bends near the axial center X when viewed in the direction along the axial center direction DX. The size of the flow path cross-section of the inflow / outflow ports of the first valve flow path L1 corresponds to the port 12 described with reference to Figure 2 The two inflow / outflow ports of the first valve flow path L1 are hereinafter referred to as "first inflow / outflow port 231a" and "second inflow / outflow port 231b".

[0025] As Figure 5 shown, the first inflow / outflow port 231a and the second inflow / outflow port 231b are formed to be separated, and a wall portion 231w (hereinafter referred to as "intermediate portion 231m") is located between the first inflow / outflow port 231a and the second inflow / outflow port 231b. As Figures 7 - 8 shown, the intermediate portion 231m is formed to block the second port 122 or the third port 123 in the valve rotor 2 in the specified posture. Specifically, the area of the intermediate portion 231m is formed to be larger than the flow path cross-sectional areas of the second port 122 and the third port 123.

[0026] As Figure 6 shown, the valve base portion 232 includes two base wall portions 232k, and two valve spaces 232s partitioned by the two base wall portions 232k respectively. The valve spaces 232s are open on the side (lower side) opposite to the top plate portion 22 (also refer to Figure 3 ). In addition, the valve spaces 232s communicate with the two first top plate holes h1 formed in the top plate portion 22. The two first top plate holes h1 function as exhaust holes.

[0027] As Figure 3 and Figure 6 shown, the main body portion 23 also has a cutout portion 233 that is cut out in a fan shape centered on the axial center X (in a three-dimensional space, it is a truncated cone shape). Based on the top plate portion 22, the cutout portion 233 is provided on the side opposite to the upper end portion 20a of the shaft portion 20. That is, the cutout portion 233 is provided on the side opposite to the top plate portion 22 in the axial center direction DX.

[0028] The side (lower side) of the cut portion 233 opposite to the top plate portion 22 and the side (outer side in the radial direction DR) opposite to the valve base portion 232 are open. Hereinafter, the surface on the cut portion 233 side in the main body portion 23 will be referred to as the "inner surface 23n".

[0029] The space formed by the cut portion 233 communicates with the two second top plate holes h2 formed in the top plate portion 22 as described with reference to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 6 The two second top plate holes h2 function as exhaust holes.

[0030] In the present embodiment, in the valve rotor 2 in the specified posture, the cut portion 233 faces (communicates with) the first port 121 or the fourth port 124 as described with reference to Figure 2 and faces (communicates with) the fifth port 125 (flow path chamber 1S). As shown in Figure 3 , the cut portion 233 connects the portion (hereinafter referred to as the "third inflow / outflow port 233a") that faces the fifth port 125 and through which fluid flows in (or out) and the portion (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth inflow / outflow port 233b") that faces the first port 121 or the fourth port 124 and through which fluid flows in (or out). That is, the cut portion 233 connects the third inflow / outflow port 233a through which fluid flows in and out and the fourth inflow / outflow port 233b through which fluid flows in and out, and constitutes a communication path 233s (hereinafter referred to as the "second valve flow path L2") for fluid to flow through.

[0031] In addition, as shown in Figure 3 , the end portion 23a (hereinafter referred to as the "lower end portion 23a") on the side opposite to the top plate portion 22 in the main body portion 23 in the direction along the axial direction DX further has a protruding portion 234.

[0032] The protruding portion 234 includes two protruding walls 235 and 236 that protrude from the inner surface 23n of the main body portion 23 in the circumferential direction DC. Hereinafter, one of the two protruding walls 235 will be referred to as the "first protruding wall 235", and the other will be referred to as the "second protruding wall 236".

[0033] The first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236 face each other in the circumferential direction DC, and the first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236 each extend from the lower end portion 23a of the main body portion 23 toward the shaft portion 20 (inside in the radial direction DR). When viewed in the direction of the axial center DX, both the first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236 are substantially triangular and are formed to overlap a part of the second valve flow path L2 (communication path 233s) formed by the cutout portion 233. The protruding portion 234 is formed to protrude from the main body portion 23 more as it is closer to the outside in the radial direction DR, and is formed such that the length in the circumferential direction DC becomes larger as it is closer to the outside in the radial direction DR.

[0034] Each of the first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236 includes a first surface 234t (upper surface) facing the top plate main body 221, and a second surface 234u (lower surface) located on the side opposite to the first surface 234t and farther from the upper end portion 20a than the first surface 234t. The second surface 234u is inclined so as to be closer to the upper end portion 20a as it is closer to the shaft portion 20 (inside in the radial direction DR). The inner side of the second surface 234u in the radial direction DR, that is, the outer peripheral portion of the shaft portion 20, is provided with the bearing 3 described with reference to Figure 1 The valve rotor 2 is rotatably supported by the bearing 3.

[0035] [Control of fluid] Next, with reference to Figure 2 and Figures 7 - 9 , the control of the fluid achieved by the rotary valve 100 will be described. The rotary valve 100 in the present embodiment controls two flow paths at the same time. It should be noted that Figure 2 FIG. shows the rotary valve 100 in which the valve rotor 2 is set to the first position P1, Figure 7 is a diagram showing the rotary valve 100 set to the second position P2, Figure 8 is a diagram showing the rotary valve 100 set to the third position P3, Figure 9 is a diagram showing the rotary valve 100 set to the fourth position P4.

[0036] First, the fluid flow path when the valve rotor 2 is set to the first position P1 (refer to Figure 2 ) will be described.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2 , when the valve rotor 2 is set to the first position P1, the second inflow / outflow port 231b of the first valve flow path L1 faces the second port 122, and the first inflow / outflow port 231a faces a part of the first port 121. In addition, at the same time, the open part (the third inflow / outflow port 233a (refer to Figure 3)) is opposite to the fourth port 124. That is, the fluid supplied to the second port 122 flows through the first valve flow path L1 and toward the first port 121. At the same time, the fluid supplied to the fifth port 125 flows through the second valve flow path L2 and toward the fourth port 124.

[0038] Next, a case where the valve rotor 2 starts from the Figure 2 shown first position P1, rotates clockwise by a specified angle around the axis X, and is set at the second position P2 (refer to Figure 7 ) will be described.

[0039] As Figure 7 shown, when the valve rotor 2 is set at the second position P2, the first inflow / outflow port 231a of the first valve flow path L1 faces a part of the first port 121, the second inflow / outflow port 231b faces the third port 123, and the second port 122 faces the middle part 231m. In addition, at the same time, a part of the open part of the second valve flow path L2 (the third inflow / outflow port 233a (refer to Figure 3 )) faces a part of the fourth port 124. That is, the fluid supplied to the third port 123 flows through the first valve flow path L1 and is supplied to the first port 121. In addition, at the same time, the fluid supplied to the fifth port 125 flows through the second valve flow path L2 and toward the fourth port 124.

[0040] At the second position P2, the first protruding wall 235 faces and contacts the seal 4 in the radial direction DR. Therefore, the reaction force generated by the contact between the first protruding wall 235 and the seal 4 acts on the middle part 231m, and the middle part 231m contacts the second port 122 (the outer wall part 11 constituting the second port 122) more firmly through the seal 4. In other words, by providing the protrusion 234 (the first protruding wall 235), the contact area between the valve rotor 2 and the seal 4 can be increased, so that the reaction force generated by the contact can act on the middle part 231m. Therefore, the middle part 231m and the second port 122 (the outer wall part 11 constituting the second port 122) can be closely attached through the seal 4, and the inflow of fluid into the second port 122 can be suppressed.

[0041] Next, a case where the valve rotor 2 starts from the Figure 7 shown second position P2, rotates clockwise by a specified angle around the axis X, and is thus set at the third position P3 (refer to Figure 8 ) will be described.

[0042] As Figure 8As shown, when the valve rotor 2 is set at the third position P3, the first inflow / outflow port 231a of the first valve flow path L1 faces the second port 122, the second inflow / outflow port 231b faces a part of the fourth port 124, and the third port 123 faces the middle part 231m. In addition, at the same time, a part of the open part of the second valve flow path L2 (the third inflow / outflow port 233a (refer to Figure 3 )) faces a part of the first port 121. That is, the fluid supplied to the second port 122 flows through the first valve flow path L1 and flows toward the fourth port 124. At the same time, the fluid supplied to the fifth port 125 flows through the second valve flow path L2 and flows toward the first port 121.

[0043] At the third position P3, the second protruding wall 236 faces and contacts the seal 4 in the radial direction DR. Therefore, the reaction force generated by the contact between the second protruding wall 236 and the seal 4 acts on the middle part 231m, and the middle part 231m contacts the third port 123 (the housing wall part 11 constituting the third port 123) more firmly through the seal 4. In other words, by providing the protrusion 234 (the second protruding wall 236), the contact area between the valve rotor 2 and the seal 4 can be increased, so that the reaction force generated by the contact can act on the middle part 231m. Therefore, the middle part 231m and the third port 123 (the housing wall part 11 constituting the third port 123) can be closely attached through the seal 4, and the inflow of fluid into the third port 123 can be suppressed.

[0044] Next, a description will be given of the case where the valve rotor 2 is further rotated clockwise by a specified angle around the axis X from Figure 8 the shown third position P3 and is thus set at the fourth position P4 (refer to Figure 9 ).

[0045] As Figure 9 shown, when the valve rotor 2 is set at the fourth position P4, the first inflow / outflow port 231a of the first valve flow path L1 faces the third port 123, and the second inflow / outflow port 231b faces a part of the fourth port 124. In addition, at the same time, a part of the open part of the second valve flow path L2 (the third inflow / outflow port 233a (refer to Figure 3 )) faces the first port 121. That is, the fluid supplied to the third port 123 flows through the first valve flow path L1 and flows toward the fourth port 124. At the same time, the fluid supplied to the fifth port 125 flows through the second valve flow path L2 and flows toward the first port 121.

[0046] [Function and Effect of the Embodiment] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by simply cutting out a sector centered on the axis X from the main body portion 23, a communication path 233s for fluid flow can be formed in the main body portion 23, thereby simplifying the structure of the rotary valve 100.

[0047] In addition, as described with reference to Figure 7 , when the valve rotor 2 is in the second position P2, the reaction force generated by the contact between the first protruding wall 235 and the seal 4 acts on the intermediate portion 231m. The intermediate portion 231m (acting portion) contacts the second port 122 more reliably through the seal 4, thereby suppressing the inflow of fluid into the second port 122. Similarly, as described with reference to Figure 8 , when the valve rotor 2 is in the third position P3, the reaction force generated by the contact between the second protruding wall 236 and the seal 4 acts on the intermediate portion 231m (acting portion). The intermediate portion 231m (acting portion) contacts the third port 123 more reliably through the seal 4, thereby suppressing the inflow of fluid into the third port 123. That is, by providing the first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236, the contact area between the seal 4 and the valve rotor 2 can be increased, thereby improving the sealing performance of the rotary valve 100. In addition, by increasing the contact area, for example, the reaction force generated by the contact between the seal 4 and the protruding portion 234 can be dispersed, thereby reducing the unevenness of the reaction force from the seal 4 caused by the provision of the cutout portion 233. Furthermore, the protruding portion 234 is formed to protrude from the main body portion 23 more as it is closer to the outer side in the radial direction DR, and is formed to have a greater length in the circumferential direction DC as it is closer to the outer side in the radial direction DR. Therefore, the inflow of fluid into the second port 122 or the third port 123 can be more reliably suppressed without hindering the fluid flow.

[0048] In addition, the protruding portion 234 is formed such that the second surfaces 234u of the first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236 are inclined so as to be closer to the upper end portion 20a as they are closer to the shaft portion 20. Thereby, interference between the protruding portion 234 and the bearing 3 can be avoided. Therefore, the height of the valve rotor 2 supported by the bearing 3 (protrusion upward) will be suppressed, and thus the overall height of the rotary valve 100 (length in the direction of the axis DX) can be suppressed.

[0049] In addition, as Figure 6 shown, since the top plate hole 221h is formed in the top plate portion 22, air and other gases contained in the fluid flowing into the valve space 232s and the communication path 233s can be removed from the top plate hole 221h. In addition, air entrainment of the rotary valve 100 can be prevented, improving the performance of the valve. Furthermore, the weight reduction of the rotary valve 100 can be achieved.

[0050] In addition, as Figure 2As shown, by forming a shaft hole 201h in the shaft portion 20 that communicates the internal space 20s with the external space of the shaft portion 20, it is possible to remove the gas contained in the fluid flowing into the internal space 20s of the shaft portion 20 through the shaft hole 201h. In addition, air mixing into the rotary valve can be prevented, improving the performance of the valve. Furthermore, weight reduction of the rotary valve 100 can be achieved.

[0051] [Other Embodiments]. In addition to the above-described embodiments, the present invention can also adopt the following structures (for parts having the same functions as those in the embodiments, the same numbers and symbols as those in the embodiments are given).

[0052] (1) In the present embodiment, the case where the second surface 234u (lower surface) of each of the two protruding walls 235 is an inclined surface that is inclined so as to be closer to the upper end portion 20a as it is closer to the shaft portion 20 has been described. However, the second surface 234u (lower surface) of each of the two protruding walls 235 may also be a flat surface instead of an inclined surface.

[0053] (2) In the present embodiment, the case where the protruding portion 234 is provided at the lower end portion 23a of the main body portion 23 has been described. However, as long as the protruding portion 234 can maintain the sealing performance of the rotary valve 100 without obstructing the flow of the fluid, it may also be provided at a position other than the lower end portion 23a of the main body portion 23. For example, the protruding portion 234 may also be provided between the upper end portion 23b (see Figure 3 ) on the side of the top plate portion 22 and the lower end portion 23a (for example, near the midpoint).

[0054] (3) In the present embodiment, the case where the main body portion 23 has the protruding portion 234 has been described as an example. However, the main body portion 23 may also omit the protruding portion 234.

[0055] (4) In addition, as Figure 10 shown, the rotary valve 100 may further include a connecting portion 237 that faces the top plate portion 22 across the cutout portion 233 and is connected in the circumferential direction DC. Thereby, the contact area between the seal 4 and the valve rotor 2 can be increased, and thus the sealing performance of the rotary valve 100 can be improved. In addition, by increasing the contact area, for example, the reaction force generated by the contact between the seal 4 and the protruding portion 234 can be dispersed, and thus the unevenness of the reaction force from the seal 4 caused by the provision of the cutout portion 233 can be alleviated.

[0056] (5) In the present embodiment, four top plate holes 221h are formed in the top plate main body 221. However, the number of top plate holes 221h formed in the top plate main body 221 is not limited to 4, and may be 1 to 3 or 5 or more. Alternatively, the top plate holes 221h may also be omitted.

[0057] (6)In this embodiment, a shaft hole 201h is formed in the shaft wall 201 of the shaft portion 20, but the shaft hole 201h may be omitted.

[0058] (7)In this embodiment, the rotary valve 100 of the five-way valve is taken as an example for illustration, but the rotary valve 100 may also be a three-way valve, a four-way valve, etc. The number of ports 12 formed in the housing 1 (housing wall portion 11) is not limited to five, and can be appropriately changed according to the number of directions of the fluid controlled by the rotary valve 100.

[0059] (8)In addition, the ports where the fluid flows in and out are not limited to the cases described in this embodiment, and can be interchanged with each other. That is to say, the flow direction of the fluid can be reversed.

[0060] (9)In addition, in the above embodiment, the case where the actuator 5 is arranged on the upper side and the rotational force from the actuator 5 is input to the end portion 20a is described, but the actuator 5 is not limited to being arranged on the upper side of the shaft portion 20. For example, it may also be arranged on the lower side. In this case, the end portion 20a to which the rotational force from the actuator 5 is input is also arranged on the lower side of the shaft portion 20.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the following structure can be conceived.

[0062] (1) The rotary valve 100 according to the present invention is characterized in the following aspects: it includes a shaft portion 20 that rotates around the axis X by a driving force, and a cylindrical valve portion 21 that can rotate integrally with the shaft portion 20. The valve portion 21 has a top plate portion 22 that extends from the shaft portion 20 in a direction orthogonal to the axis X, and a main body portion 23 that extends from the top plate portion 22 along the shaft portion 20. The main body portion 23 includes a cutout portion 233 that is cut out into a sector shape centered on the axis X on the side opposite to the top plate portion 22. The cutout portion 233 constitutes a communication path 233s that connects the third inflow / outflow port 233a (inflow port) where the fluid flows in and the fourth inflow / outflow port 233b (outflow port) where the fluid flows out.

[0063] According to this structure, by simply cutting out a sector centered on the axis X in the main body portion 23, a communication path 233s for the fluid to flow can be formed in the main body portion 23, thereby simplifying the structure of the rotary valve 100. Since the cutout portion 233 is cut out into a sector shape centered on the axis X, it is easy to manufacture the cutout portion 233. In addition, when the valve portion 21 rotates, the cross-sectional area of the flow path through which the fluid can flow becomes larger. Furthermore, there is no need to separately form a plurality of flow paths in the main body portion 23 that connect the fourth inflow / outflow port 233b (outflow port) and the third inflow port (inflow port). In this way, a rotary valve 100 with a simplified structure is formed.

[0064] (2) In the rotary valve 100 described in (1), the main body portion 23 may have protruding walls 235 and 236 that protrude in the circumferential direction DC.

[0065] According to this structure, since the main body portion 23 has the protruding walls 235 and 236 that protrude in the circumferential direction DC, it is possible to increase the area of the portion (hereinafter referred to as the "contact portion") where the member (such as the seal 4) provided on the outer periphery of the main body portion 23 contacts the protruding walls 235 and 236. Therefore, for example, the reaction force generated by the contact between the seal 4 and the protruding walls 235 and 236 can be dispersed, and thus the unevenness of the reaction force from the seal 4 caused by the provision of the cutout portion 233 can be alleviated. As a result, the sealing performance of the rotary valve 100 can be improved.

[0066] (3) In the rotary valve 100 described in (2), the surfaces of the protruding walls 235 and 236 on the side away from the top plate portion 22 may be inclined so as to be closer to the top plate portion 22 as they are closer to the shaft portion 20.

[0067] According to this structure, since the surfaces of the protruding walls 235 and 236 on the side away from the top plate portion 22 are inclined so as to be closer to the upper end portion 20a as they are closer to the shaft portion 20, it is possible to avoid interference between the bearing 3 that supports the end of the shaft portion 20 on the side opposite to the top plate portion 22 in a rotatable manner and the protruding walls 235 and 236. As a result, the height of the valve rotor 2 supported by the bearing 3 (protruding toward the top plate portion 22) can be suppressed, and thus the overall height of the rotary valve 100 (the length in the direction of the axis X) can be suppressed.

[0068] (4) In the rotary valve 100 described in any one of (1) to (3), a top plate hole 221h that penetrates along the axis X may be formed in the top plate portion 22.

[0069] According to this structure, gases such as air contained in the fluid flowing in from the lower side (the side away from the top plate portion 22) of the top plate portion 22 can be removed from the top plate hole 221h. In addition, air intrusion into the rotary valve 100 can be prevented, thereby improving the performance of the valve.

[0070] (5) In the rotary valve 100 described in any one of (1) to (4), the shaft portion 20 may be hollow and have a shaft wall 201 that divides the internal space 20s of the shaft portion 20 from the external space, and a shaft hole 201h that penetrates the shaft wall 201 in a direction orthogonal to the axis X may be formed in the shaft wall 201.

[0071] According to this structure, gases such as air contained in the fluid flowing into the internal space 20s of the shaft portion 20 can be removed from the shaft hole 201h. In addition, air intrusion into the rotary valve 100 can be prevented, thereby improving the performance of the valve.

[0072] (6) In the rotary valve 100 described in (1), the main body portion 23 may further include a connecting portion 237. The connecting portion 237 faces the top plate portion 22 across the cutout portion 233 and is connected in the circumferential direction DC.

[0073] According to this structure, the area of the portion where the component (such as the seal 4) provided on the outer periphery of the main body portion 23 contacts the connecting portion 237 can be increased. For example, the reaction force generated by the contact between the seal 4 and the connecting portion 237 can be dispersed, so that the unevenness of the reaction force from the seal 4 caused by the provision of the cutout portion 233 can be alleviated. Thereby, the sealing performance of the rotary valve 100 can be improved.

[0074] (7) In the rotary valve 100 described in any one of (1) to (6), a first valve flow path L1 (through-flow path) penetrating the interior may be formed in the main body portion 23.

[0075] According to this structure, since the first valve flow path L1 (through-flow path) penetrating the interior is formed, the flow of the fluid flowing through the first valve flow path L1 (through-flow path) and the flow of the fluid flowing through the flow path communicated through the cutout portion 233 can be controlled. That is to say, the flow of the fluid flowing through the two flow paths can be controlled.

[0076] (8) In the rotary valve 100 described in any one of (1) to (7), the third inflow / outflow port 233a (inflow port) or the fourth inflow / outflow port 233b (outflow port) may communicate with the flow path chamber 1S of the housing 1 in which the valve portion 21 is accommodated on the side opposite to the top plate portion 22 in the direction along the axis X.

[0077] According to this structure, the flow of the fluid flowing in the flow path chamber 1S formed in the housing 1 can be controlled. (Industrial applicability)

[0078] The present invention can be used for a rotary valve. Symbol Explanation 1: Housing, 1S: Flow path chamber, 20: Shaft portion, 20s: Internal space, 21: Valve portion, 22: Top plate portion, 23: Main body portion, 100: Rotary valve, 201: Shaft wall, 201h: Shaft hole, 221h: Top plate hole, 233: Cutout portion, 233a: Third inflow / outflow port (inflow port), 233b: Fourth inflow / outflow port (outflow port), 233s: Communication path, 234u: Surface on the side away from the top plate portion (lower surface), 235: Protruding wall, 236: Protruding wall, 237: Connecting portion, DC: Circumferential direction, DX: Axis direction, DR: Radial direction, L1: Through-flow path, X: Axis.

Claims

1. A rotary valve, comprising: a shaft portion that rotates about its axis by a driving force; and a cylindrical valve portion that can rotate integrally with the shaft portion, the valve portion having a top plate portion extending from the shaft portion in a direction orthogonal to the axis, and a main body portion extending from the top plate portion along the shaft portion, the main body portion including, on a side opposite to the top plate portion, a cutout portion cut out in a sector shape centered on the axis, the cutout portion forming a communication path that connects a fluid inlet through which the fluid flows in and a fluid outlet through which the fluid flows out.

2. The rotary valve according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion has a protruding wall protruding in the circumferential direction.

3. The rotary valve according to claim 2, wherein a surface of the protruding wall on a side away from the top plate portion is inclined such that it gets closer to the top plate portion as it gets closer to the shaft portion.

4. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a top plate hole penetrating along the axis is formed in the top plate portion.

5. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft portion is hollow and has a shaft wall that divides an internal space and an external space of the shaft portion, a shaft hole penetrating the shaft wall in a direction orthogonal to the axis is formed in the shaft wall.

6. The rotary valve according to claim 1, wherein the main body portion further includes a connecting portion that faces the top plate portion across the cutout portion and is connected in the circumferential direction.

7. The rotary valve according to claim 1, wherein a through-flow path penetrating the interior is formed in the main body portion.

8. The rotary valve according to claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet or the fluid outlet communicates with a flow path chamber formed in a housing that houses the valve portion on a side opposite to the top plate portion in a direction along the axis.

Images