Flow path switching device

Abstract

A flow path switching device (1) is provided with a rotating disk (40) that rotates with respect to a housing (11), the housing (11) including housing flow paths (20, 30, 70), and the rotating disk (40) including a rotating flow path (60). A valve seal member (81) is provided between the housing and the rotating disk so as to slide between the housing and the rotating disk. The housing flow path and the rotating flow path selectively communicate with each other by the rotation of the rotating disk to form a flow path for the fluid. The valve seal member (81) is provided with: a pair of first seal parts (91) extending in the rotational direction across the opening edge (60a) of the rotational flow path; and a pair of second seal parts (92) that intersect the rotation direction of the rotating disk and connect both ends of the pair of first seal parts. A second sealing distance (D2) between the opening edge (60a) and the second sealing part is set to be larger than a first sealing distance (D1) between the opening edge (60a) and the first sealing part (91).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a flow path switching device configured to switch a flow path through which a fluid flows. Background Art

[0002] In the past, as a technology of this type, for example, there is known a "flow path switching valve" described in the following patent document 1. The flow path switching valve includes a stator (housing) and a rotor seal (valve sealing member) connected to a rotor (valve member) that slides and rotates on a circumference relative to the housing. The housing has a plurality of stator flow paths (housing flow paths) that open to the valve sealing member. The valve sealing member has a rotor sealing flow path (valve flow path) for connecting two or more housing flow paths among the plurality of housing flow paths. Here, the flow path end portion of the valve sealing member that is located at the front end in the sliding direction of the valve flow path is located in a direction opposite to the sliding direction of the housing flow path end portion to which the valve flow path is connected, at least when sliding starts.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-144027 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, in the flow path switching valve described in Patent Document 1, the valve sealing component is an elastomer. Depending on the seating state (deformation state) of the valve sealing component after the flow path is switched by rotating the valve component, the top contact portion of the valve sealing component contacts the shell and is dragged, displaced and enters the shell flow path, and the sealing of the valve flow path becomes insufficient, which may cause fluid leakage.

[0008] The disclosed technology has been developed in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a flow path switching device capable of reliably sealing the flow path with a valve sealing member even when the seated state (deformed state) of the valve sealing member changes due to driving of the valve member.

[0009] Solutions for solving problems

[0010] (1) In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a technical solution of the technology disclosed in the present application is a flow path switching device, which comprises: a shell; and a plate-shaped valve member, which is arranged inside the shell and driven relative to the shell, the shell includes a plurality of shell flow paths, the valve member includes at least one valve flow path extending along the plate surface direction, the valve flow path includes an opening edge, the shell flow path includes a plurality of openings that can be connected to the valve flow path, the flow path switching device is provided with a valve sealing member, the valve sealing member is arranged to surround the opening edge of the valve flow path between the shell and the valve member, and slides between the shell and the valve member as the valve member is driven, and the flow path switching device is constructed so that it is driven by the valve member. , a valve flow path is used to connect at least two of the multiple openings, so that the shell flow path and the valve flow path are selectively connected, thereby forming a fluid flow path, the main purpose of the flow path switching device is that the valve sealing component includes: a pair of first sealing parts, which extend along the driving direction of the valve component across the opening edge; and a pair of second sealing parts, which are arranged in a direction intersecting the driving direction of the valve component across the opening edge, and the two ends of the pair of first sealing parts are connected, and the second sealing distance, which is the shortest distance between the opening of the shell flow path and the second sealing part, is set to be larger than the first sealing distance, which is the shortest distance between the opening of the shell flow path and the first sealing part.

[0011] According to the structure of (1) above, with respect to the valve sealing member, the second sealing distance between the opening portion of the shell flow path and the second sealing portion is set to be larger than the first sealing distance between the opening portion of the shell flow path and the first sealing portion. Therefore, even if the valve sealing member is displaced due to the sliding resistance relative to the shell as the valve member is driven, the top end of the second sealing portion is grounded on the inner surface of the shell and does not protrude into the shell flow path.

[0012] (2) In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, it is preferred that in the structure of the above-mentioned (1), when the flow path of the fluid is formed, the opening portion of the shell flow path is located at a position spaced apart from both ends of the opening edge of the valve flow path in the driving direction, the two ends of the opening edge in the driving direction are semicircular, the second sealing portion is semicircular along the driving direction of the opening edge, and the distance between the second sealing portion and the opening edge is uniformly set along the circumferential direction.

[0013] According to the structure of (2), in addition to the effect of the structure of (1), both ends of the valve flow path in the driving direction are expanded in the driving direction, and the distance between the second sealing portion and the opening edge is made uniform along the circumferential direction.

[0014] (3) In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, it is preferred that in the structure of the above-mentioned (1) or (2), the valve sealing member has a top end portion along its circumference that can contact the housing or the valve member, and the top end portion is arranged toward the inner circumference of the valve sealing member.

[0015] According to the structure of (3), based on the effect of the structure of (1) or (2), the top end of the valve sealing member is arranged to be biased toward the inside of the valve sealing member, so that the contact length of the top end of the valve sealing member relative to the shell becomes shorter.

[0016] (4) In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, it is preferred that in the structure of the above-mentioned (1) or (2), the valve member is in the shape of a circular plate and is arranged to be rotatable around a rotation axis arranged at its center, the opening edge of the valve flow path is formed into a circular arc shape with the rotation axis as the center side, including an inner diameter side opening edge closer to the rotation axis and an outer diameter side opening edge farther from the rotation axis, the valve sealing member has a top end portion along its circumference that can contact the housing or the valve member, a pair of first sealing portions include an outer diameter side first sealing portion arranged along the outer diameter side opening edge of the valve flow path and an inner diameter side first sealing portion arranged along the inner diameter side opening edge of the valve flow path, the top end portion of the outer diameter side first sealing portion is arranged toward the inner periphery of the outer diameter side first sealing portion, and the top end portion of the inner diameter side first sealing portion is arranged toward the outer periphery of the inner diameter side first sealing portion.

[0017] According to the configuration of (4), in addition to the effects of the configuration of (1) or (2), the tip of the outer diameter side first sealing portion of the valve sealing member is offset toward the inner periphery of the outer diameter side first sealing portion, and the tip of the inner diameter side first sealing portion is offset toward the outer periphery of the inner diameter side first sealing portion. Therefore, the rotation radius of the tip of the outer diameter side first sealing portion and the tip of the inner diameter side first sealing portion relative to the housing of the valve sealing member becomes smaller.

[0018] Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the configuration of (1) above, even if the seated state (deformed state) of the valve sealing member relative to the housing changes due to the driving of the valve member, the flow path can be reliably sealed by the valve sealing member.

[0020] According to the structure of (2), based on the effect of the structure of (1), the wall width between the valve sealing component and the inner wall of the valve flow path can be made uniform in the circumferential direction, and even when the valve component having the valve flow path is formed using resin material, its forming accuracy can be ensured.

[0021] According to the structure of (3), in addition to the effects of the structure of (1) or (2), the driving torque of the valve sealing member relative to the housing can be reduced.

[0022] According to the structure of (4), in addition to the effects of the structure of (1) or (2), the driving torque of the valve sealing member relative to the housing can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1It is a perspective view showing the appearance of the flow path switching device according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view showing the flow path switching device according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view showing the flow path switching device according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 4 It is a top view showing the rotating disk according to the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 5 It is a plan view showing the fixed plate according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram schematically showing the first flow path pattern of the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram schematically showing the second flow path pattern of the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing a comparative example in which the valve sealing member has no displacement.

[0031] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram showing a comparative example in which a valve sealing member is displaced.

[0032] Figure 10 It is an expression of proportion Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member, the rotating flow path, the opening of the inflow flow path, and the opening of the fixed flow path when viewed from above in the case of .

[0033] Figure 11 It is an enlarged representation of the proportion Figure 9 Schematic diagram of the portion enclosed by the dashed-dotted quadrilateral.

[0034] Figure 12 This is a plan view showing a valve sealing member provided around a rotating flow path of a rotating disk according to the first embodiment.

[0035] Figure 13 The first embodiment shows the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member, the rotating flow path, the opening of the inflow flow path, and the opening of the fixed flow path when viewed from above. Figure 10 Schematic diagram for the reference.

[0036] Figure 14 This is a portion showing the second sealing portion of the first embodiment. Figure 13 AA line section view.

[0037] Figure 15This is a portion showing the first sealing portion of the first embodiment. Figure 13 BB line cross-sectional view.

[0038] Figure 16 The second sealing portion is shown in the comparative example. Figure 10 CC line cross-sectional view.

[0039] Figure 17 The first sealing portion is shown in the comparative example. Figure 10 DD line cross-sectional view.

[0040] Figure 18 The second embodiment shows the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member, the rotating flow path, the opening of the inflow flow path, and the opening of the fixed flow path when viewed from above. Figure 13 Schematic diagram for the reference.

[0041] Figure 19 The second embodiment Figure 18 1 is a schematic diagram showing a partial arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member, the swirling flow path, and the opening of the inflow flow path when viewed from above.

[0042] Figure 20 The second sealing portion of the second embodiment Figure 18 EE line cross-sectional view.

[0043] Figure 21 This is a portion showing the first sealing portion of the second embodiment. Figure 18 FF line cross-sectional view.

[0044] Figure 22 The first embodiment shows the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member, the rotating flow path, and the opening of the inflow flow path when viewed from above. Figure 19 Schematic diagram for the reference.

[0045] Figure 23 The third embodiment shows the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member, the rotating flow path, the opening of the inflow flow path, and the opening of the fixed flow path when viewed from above. Figure 18 Schematic diagram for the reference.

[0046] Figure 24 This is a portion showing the second sealing portion of the third embodiment. Figure 23 GG line cross-sectional view.

[0047] Figure 25 The second embodiment shows the second sealing portion. Figure 24 Cross-sectional view based on the reference.

[0048] Figure 26The fourth embodiment shows the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member, the rotating flow path, the opening of the inflow flow path, and the opening of the fixed flow path when viewed from above. Figure 23 Schematic diagram for the reference.

[0049] Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view showing a flow path switching device of another embodiment in which the fixed disk is omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Several embodiments of the flow path switching device will be described in detail below.

[0051] <First embodiment>

[0052] Reference Figures 1 to 17 The first embodiment will be described.

[0053] [Overview of the flow path switching device]

[0054] First, the outline of the flow path switching device is described. Figure 1 In FIG, the appearance of the flow path switching device 1 of this embodiment is shown in a perspective view. Figure 2 In FIG, the flow path switching device 1 of this embodiment is shown in an exploded perspective view (the driving unit 13 and the control unit 14 are omitted). Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , a cross-sectional view is shown of the flow path switching device 1 of this embodiment (the driving unit 13 and the control unit 14 are omitted). Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the flow path switching device 1 includes a housing 11 , a valve element 12 , a driving unit 13 , and a control unit 14 .

[0055] [About the housing]

[0056] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the housing 11 is constructed by fastening an upper housing 11A and a lower housing 11B by a plurality of screws 16. The housing 11 includes an inlet flow path 20 for fluid to flow in and an outlet flow path 30 for fluid to flow out. In this embodiment, as an example, the flow path switching device 1 is constructed as a six-way valve, and the housing 11 has three inlet flow paths 20 and three outlet flow paths 30. As the three inlet flow paths 20, a first inlet flow path 21, a second inlet flow path 22, and a third inlet flow path 23 are provided in the upper housing 11A. Figure 3 As shown, an opening 20a capable of communicating with a rotating flow path 60 described later is provided at one end of the inflow flow path 20 opposite to the rotating disk 40. In addition, as three outflow flow paths 30, a first outflow flow path 31, a second outflow flow path 32, and a third outflow flow path 33 are provided in the lower housing 11B.

[0057] The housing 11 is formed of, for example, a resin. The housing 11 (the upper housing 11A and the lower housing 11B) corresponds to an example of a "housing" in the disclosed technology, and the inflow passages 20 (the first inflow passage 21, the second inflow passage 22, and the third inflow passage 23) and the outflow passages 30 (the first outflow passage 31, the second outflow passage 32, and the third outflow passage 33) correspond to an example of a "housing passage" in the disclosed technology.

[0058] [About the valve core]

[0059] The valve core 12 is arranged inside the housing 11. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the valve core portion 12 includes: a non-rotating fixed disk 50; a rotating disk 40, which is stacked on the fixed disk 50 and rotates relative to the upper shell 11A and the fixed disk 50; and a rotating shaft 42, which is integrally provided with the rotating disk 40 at the center of the rotating disk 40.

[0060] The rotating disk 40 (including the rotating shaft 42) and the fixed disk 50 are formed of resin, for example. The rotating disk 40 corresponds to an example of a "valve member" in the disclosed technology, and the fixed disk 50 constitutes a part of the "housing" in the disclosed technology.

[0061] [About the rotating disk]

[0062] exist Figure 4 , a top view of the rotating disk 40 is shown. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the rotating disk 40 is arranged between the upper shell 11A and the fixed disk 50. The rotating disk 40 includes a circular plate portion 41 and a rotating shaft 42. The rotating disk 40 (circular plate portion 41) is formed into a circular plate shape and includes a plurality of rotating flow paths 60. The rotating flow paths 60 penetrate the rotating disk 40 in the plate thickness direction (axial direction) and extend along the plate surface direction, and can be connected with the inflow flow path 20 and the fixed flow path 70 described later. In this embodiment, the rotating disk 40 includes three rotating flow paths 60. As shown in FIG. Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, the three swirl flow paths 60 include a first swirl flow path 61, a second swirl flow path 62, and a third swirl flow path 63. The swirl flow paths 60 (the first swirl flow path 61, the second swirl flow path 62, and the third swirl flow path 63) are an example of a "valve flow path" in the disclosed technology.

[0063] [About the rotation axis]

[0064] The rotating shaft 42 is connected to the rotating disk 40 (disc portion 41) at one axial end and to the drive unit 13 at the other end. The rotating shaft 42 is integrally formed with the disc portion 41 so that its central axis coincides with the central axis L of the rotating disk 40. The rotating shaft 42 receives a rotational driving force from the drive unit 13 and rotates, thereby rotating the rotating disk 40.

[0065] [About fixed disk]

[0066] exist Figure 5 , a top view of the fixed disk 50 is shown. 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 integrally formed with the circular plate portion 51. A retaining spring 82 is provided between the fixed plate 50 and the lower housing 11B to bias and retain the fixed plate 50 toward the rotating plate 40. The retaining spring 82 is disposed on the lower surface of the fixed plate 50 so as to be fitted around each cylindrical portion 52.

[0067] The disc portion 51 is formed in a disc shape and includes a fixed flow path 70 extending therethrough in the axial direction. In this embodiment, the three fixed flow paths 70 include a first fixed flow path 71, a second fixed flow path 72, and a third fixed flow path 73. The three fixed flow paths 70 are arranged at equal angular intervals from each other. Furthermore, the fixed flow paths 70 are an example of a "shell flow path" in the disclosed technology.

[0068] The cylindrical portion 52 is formed to extend axially from the disc portion 51 in a manner that surrounds the fixed flow path 70. In this embodiment, three cylindrical portions 52 are formed in a manner corresponding to the three fixed flow paths 70. The front ends of these fixed flow paths 70 are connected to the outflow flow path 30 formed in the lower shell 11B. Figures 2 to 4 As shown, an opening 70 a capable of communicating with the rotating flow path 60 is provided at one end of the fixed flow path 70 opposite to the rotating disk 40 .

[0069] [About the drive unit]

[0070] The driving unit 13 includes a motor and a speed reduction mechanism (not shown) for applying a rotational driving force to the rotating shaft 42 .

[0071] [About the Control Department]

[0072] The control unit 14 includes, for example, a CPU and a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, and controls the motor and the like of the drive unit 13 according to a program pre-stored in the memory.

[0073] The flow path switching device 1 constructed as described above connects the inflow path 20, the rotating path 60, and the fixed path 70 (outflow path 30) to form a flow path for the fluid to flow. Furthermore, the flow path switching device 1 uses the drive unit 13 to rotate the rotary disk 40 via the rotating shaft 42 to switch the connection combination of the three rotating paths 60 (61-63), the three inflow paths 20 (21-23), the three fixed paths 70 (71-73), and the three outflow paths 30 (31-33), thereby switching the fluid flow path between several modes.

[0074] [About flow path mode]

[0075] For example, as the first flow path mode, Figure 6 As shown, three rotating flow paths 60 (61~63) are used to connect the first inflow path 21, the first fixed flow path 71 and the first outflow path 31, connect the second inflow path 22, the second fixed flow path 72 and the second outflow path 32, and connect the third inflow path 23, the third fixed flow path 73 and the third outflow path 33. Figure 6 The first flow path pattern is schematically shown by a schematic diagram.

[0076] Then, the driving unit 13 is used to move the rotating disk 40 from Figure 6 The state of the first flow path mode shown in FIG. 1 is rotated counterclockwise to switch to Figure 7 The second flow path mode is shown. Figure 7 The second flow path pattern is schematically shown by a schematic diagram.

[0077] That is, in the second flow path mode, three rotating flow paths 60 (61~63) are used to connect the first inflow flow path 21, the third fixed flow path 73 and the third outflow flow path 33, connect the second inflow flow path 22, the first fixed flow path 71 and the first outflow flow path 31, and connect the third inflow flow path 23, the second fixed flow path 72 and the second outflow flow path 32.

[0078] In addition, the driving unit 13 is used to move the rotating disk 40 from Figure 7 The state of the second flow path mode shown in FIG. 1 can also be switched to Figure 6 Alternatively, the first flow path mode can be switched by rotating the rotating disk 40 further counterclockwise. Figure 6 The first flow path pattern shown (in this case, the combination of the swirling flow paths 60 is different).

[0079] [About valve sealing components]

[0080] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 As shown, in the flow path switching device 1, an upper valve sealing member 81A and a lower valve sealing member 81B are provided as valve sealing members 81 between the upper housing 11A and the rotating disk 40 and between the rotating disk 40 and the fixed disk 50, respectively, for preventing leakage of the fluid in the flow path. These valve sealing members 81 are press-fitted into and fixedly bonded to the circumferential groove 41c formed along the outer circumference of the rotating flow path 60 of the rotating disk 40.

[0081] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, the valve sealing member 81 is provided as a protrusion on the upper surface 41a and lower surface 41b of the rotating disk 40 (circular plate portion 41) so as to surround the opening edge 60a of the rotating flow path 60 formed in the shape of an elongated hole. The upper valve sealing member 81A provided on the upper surface 41a of the rotating disk 40 is provided so as to protrude toward the upper housing 11A, making contact with the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A, thereby sealing the flow path formed between the inflow flow path 20 and the rotating flow path 60 connected to the inflow flow path 20 from the outside. In addition, the lower valve sealing member 81B provided on the lower surface 41b of the rotating disk 40 (circular plate portion 41) makes contact with the fixed disk 50, thereby sealing the flow path formed between the fixed flow path 70 and the rotating flow path 60 connected to the fixed flow path 70 from the outside.

[0082] In this embodiment, each valve sealing member 81 (81A, 81B) is formed of, for example, rubber, which is an elastic body. Furthermore, each valve sealing member 81 may be formed of fluororesin (e.g., Teflon (registered trademark)), rubber to which fluororesin is bonded, or a material other than fluororesin and rubber.

[0083] [Other sealing components]

[0084] like Figure 3 As shown, a lip seal 83 is provided between the upper housing 11A and the rotating shaft 42. In addition, a lip seal 84 is provided between each cylindrical portion 52 of the fixed plate 50 and the lower housing 11B.

[0085] [Questions about valve sealing components during flow path switching]

[0086] Figures 8 to 11 It is a schematic diagram of a conventional comparative example. Figure 8 and Figure 9 , a schematic diagram shows a cross section of the housing 11, the rotating disk 40, and the fixed disk 50, and is an example of the state of the valve sealing member 81 (upper valve sealing member 81A and lower valve sealing member 81B) after the rotating disk 40 is driven in the direction indicated by the arrow Y1 to switch the flow path. Figure 8 The schematic diagram shows a case where the valve sealing member 81 is not displaced. Figure 9 The schematic diagram shows the situation where the valve sealing member 81 is displaced. Figure 10 In the schematic diagram Figure 8 The arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member 81, the rotating flow path 60, the opening 20a of the inflow flow path 20, and the opening 70a of the fixed flow path 70 in a plan view is shown in FIG. Figure 11 In the diagram, the enlarged Figure 9 The portion enclosed by the dashed-dotted quadrilateral S1.

[0087] like Figure 8 、 Figure 9 As shown, when the rotary disk 40 is rotated in the direction of arrow Y1 to switch the flow path, a portion of the valve sealing member 81 passes through the opening 20a of the inlet flow path 20 of the upper housing 11A and the opening 70a of the fixed flow path 70 of the fixed disk 50. Therefore, the valve sealing member 81 includes a portion that does not pass through the openings 20a and 70a but always slides on the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A and the upper surface 51a of the fixed disk 50 (circular plate portion 51), and a portion that slides on these inner surface 11a and upper surface 51a and passes through the openings 20a and 70a.

[0088] Here, in Figure 12 , a valve sealing member 81 provided around the rotating flow path 60 of the rotating disk 40 is shown in a top view. Figure 12 As shown, the valve sealing component 81 includes: a pair of first sealing portions 91, which extend along the rotation direction (driving direction) of the rotating disk 40 across the opening edge 60a of the rotating flow path 60; and a pair of second sealing portions 92, which are arranged in a direction intersecting the rotation direction of the rotating disk 40 across the opening edge 60a and connect the two ends of the pair of first sealing portions 91.

[0089] The pair of first sealing portions 91 are formed along the rotation direction of the rotating disk 40 and are located at the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A and the upper surface 51a of the fixed disk 50 without passing through the openings 20a and 70a. Figure 12 These first seal portions 91 slide on the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A and the upper surface 51a of the fixed disk 50 along the rotation direction of the rotating disk 40 when the rotating disk 40 rotates. These first seal portions 91 are an example of the "first seal portion" of the disclosed technology.

[0090] In addition, the pair of second sealing portions 92 are located at the positions where they slide on the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A and the upper surface 51a of the fixed plate 50 and are released in the inflow flow path 20 and the fixed flow path 70 through the openings 20a and 70a. Figure 12 These second seal portions 92 slide on the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A and the upper surface 51a of the fixed disk 50 when the rotary disk 40 rotates, generating shear stress. These second seal portions 92 are an example of the "second seal portion" of the disclosed technology.

[0091] In addition, for the sake of explanation, Figure 10 、 Figure 12 The rotation direction (circumferential direction) of the rotating disk 40 is shown as a straight line in the left-right direction of the drawing. Figure 13 、 Figure 18 、 Figure 19 、 Figure 22 、 Figure 23 Same.

[0092] Here, the second sealing portion 92 is in a relaxed state in the inflow channel 20 or the fixed channel 70 when passing through the openings 20a and 70a. Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 4 , the second sealing portion 92 protrudes toward the inlet flow path 20 and the fixed flow path 70. Subsequently, as the rotating disk 40 further rotates, the top end 92a of the second sealing portion 92, which protrudes toward the inlet flow path 20 and the fixed flow path 70, eventually climbs up from the inlet flow path 20 and the fixed flow path 70 onto the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A and the upper surface 51a of the fixed disk 50. At this time, the second sealing portion 92 may be dragged by the openings 20a and 70a of the inlet flow path 20 and the fixed flow path 70, causing the second sealing portion 92 to shift. If the second sealing portion 92 is displaced in this manner, the sealing performance of the valve sealing member 81 may be reduced.

[0093] In this embodiment, the valve sealing member 81 is formed from rubber, an elastic body. Therefore, when the rotating disk 40 rotates, it contacts and slides against the upper housing 11A and the fixed disk 50. Due to this sliding resistance, the contact portion may be dragged by the upper housing 11A and the fixed disk 50, causing displacement. In particular, the second sealing portion 92 becomes relaxed within the inflow channel 20 and the fixed flow channel 70 when passing through the openings 20a and 70a. Consequently, the tip 92a of the second sealing portion 92 protrudes into the inflow channel 20 and the fixed flow channel 70. Subsequently, as the rotating disk 40 rotates further, the tip 92a of the second sealing portion 92, which protrudes into the inflow channel 20 and the fixed flow channel 70, eventually climbs onto the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A and the upper surface 51a of the fixed disk 50. At this point, the second sealing portion 92 is dragged by the openings 20a and 70a of the inflow channel 20 and the fixed flow channel 70, causing displacement.

[0094] Here, if the valve sealing member 81 is not displaced after the flow path is switched, Figure 8 and Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 1 , the top end 92a of the second sealing portion 92 does not enter the openings 20a and 70a. Therefore, the rotating flow path 60 is reliably sealed, and no leakage of fluid occurs in the inflow flow path 20 and the fixed flow path 70. In contrast, if the top end 92a of the second sealing portion 92 is displaced after the flow path is switched, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 、 Figure 11 As shown, in the upper valve sealing component 81A, the top end portion 92a of the second sealing portion 92 may enter the opening portion 20a and protrude toward the inflow path 20, which may cause an increase in the pressure loss of the inflow path 20, or insufficient sealing of the rotating flow path 60 and leakage of fluid in the inflow path 20.

[0095] [Countermeasures for displacement of valve sealing member]

[0096] Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to deal with the above problems, the following countermeasures are taken. Figure 13 In, by Figure 10 The schematic diagram based on FIG1 shows the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member 81, the rotating flow path 60, the opening 20a of the inflow flow path 20, and the opening 70a of the fixed flow path 70 in a plan view of the present embodiment. Figure 14 In FIG. 1 , the second sealing portion 92 is shown, and is Figure 13 AA line section view. Figure 15 In FIG, the first sealing portion 91 is shown, and Figure 13 BB line cross-sectional view. Figures 13 to 15 The diagram shows the state in which the rotating disk 40 stops to form the fluid flow path after switching the flow path, and shows the state in which the semicircular arcs at both ends of the opening edge 60a of the rotating flow path 60 in the longitudinal direction are consistent (aligned) with the semicircular arcs of the opening portion 20a of the inflow flow path 20 and the opening portion 70a of the fixed flow path 70.

[0097] like Figures 13 to 15 As shown, in this embodiment, the second sealing distance D2, which is the shortest distance between the openings 20a, 70a of the inflow channel 20 and the fixed channel 70 and the second sealing portion 92, is set to be greater than the first sealing distance D1, which is the shortest distance between the openings 20a, 70a of the inflow channel 20 and the fixed channel 70 and the first sealing portion 91. In this embodiment, the second sealing portion 92 is formed in an arc shape along the openings 20a, 70a of the inflow channel 20 and the fixed channel 70. The second sealing distance D2 of this embodiment varies depending on the position of the semicircular second sealing portion 92, being greatest in the center and approaching the first sealing distance D1 as it approaches the ends.

[0098] exist Figure 16 In the figure, the second sealing portion 92 of the comparative example is shown, and is Figure 10 The CC line cross-sectional view. Figure 17 In the figure, the first sealing portion 91 of the comparative example is shown, and is Figure 10 DD line cross-sectional view. Figure 15 The first sealing distance D1 of the present embodiment shown is Figure 17 The first sealing distance D1 of the comparative example shown is the same, but Figure 14 The second sealing distance D2 of the present embodiment shown is greater than Figure 16 The second sealing distance D2 of the comparative example shown is large.

[0099] [Regarding the functions and effects of the flow path switching device]

[0100] According to the structure of the flow path switching device 1 of this embodiment described above, Figure 14 、 Figure 15 As shown, regarding the valve sealing member 81, the second sealing distance D2 between the opening 20a of the inflow passage 20 and the second sealing portion 92 is set to be larger than the first sealing distance D1 between the opening 20a of the inflow passage 20 and the first sealing portion 91. Figure 14 As shown by the two-dot chain line, even if the valve sealing member 81 (upper valve sealing member 81A) is displaced due to sliding resistance relative to the upper housing 11A as the rotating disk 40 rotates, the top end 92a of the second sealing portion 92 contacts the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A and does not protrude into the inflow channel 20. Regarding the lower valve sealing member 81B, even if the second sealing portion 92 is displaced due to sliding resistance relative to the fixed disk 50, its top end 92a contacts the upper surface 51a of the fixed disk 50 and does not protrude into the fixed flow channel 70. Therefore, even if the seated state (deformed state) of the valve sealing member 81 relative to the upper housing 11A and the fixed disk 50 (housing) changes due to the rotation (drive) of the rotating disk 40 (valve member), the valve sealing member 81 can still reliably seal the flow channels (i.e., the rotating flow channel 60, the inflow flow channel 20, and the fixed flow channel 70).

[0101] <Second embodiment>

[0102] Next, refer to Figures 18 to 22 In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the components equivalent to those in the first embodiment, and their description is omitted, with the description focusing on the differences.

[0103] [Countermeasures for displacement of valve sealing member]

[0104] In this embodiment, the structure differs from the first embodiment in terms of the countermeasures for the displacement of the valve sealing member 81. In the first embodiment, the second sealing distance D2 of the second sealing portion 92 is uneven depending on the position. That is, the second sealing distance D2 is the largest in the central portion of the second sealing portion 92 and approaches the first sealing distance D1 as it approaches the two ends. In this regard, when the rotating disk 40 is formed using resin, the width between the circumferential groove 41c in which the valve sealing member 81 is embedded and the opening edge 60a of the rotating flow path 60 is uneven, and the forming accuracy of the rotating disk 40 is reduced, which may lead to a reduction in flatness or the occurrence of warping or cracks.

[0105] Therefore, in this embodiment, the second sealing distance D2 of the second sealing portion 92 is set as follows. Figure 18 In, by Figure 13The schematic diagram based on FIG shows the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member 81, the rotating flow path 60, the opening 20a of the inflow flow path 20, and the opening 70a of the fixed flow path 70 in a plan view of this embodiment. Figure 19 In the schematic diagram Figure 18 , and is a configuration relationship of the valve sealing member 81, the rotating flow path 60, and the opening 20a of the inflow flow path 20 when viewed from above. Figure 20 In FIG. 1 , the second sealing portion 92 is shown, and is Figure 18 EE line cross-sectional view. Figure 21 In FIG, the first sealing portion 91 is shown, and Figure 18 FF line cross-sectional view. Figure 22 In, by Figure 19 The schematic diagram used as a reference shows the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member 81 , the swirl flow path 60 , and the opening 20 a of the inflow flow path 20 in a plan view according to the first embodiment. Figures 18 to 20 The figure shows a state where the rotating disk 40 stops after the flow path is switched and the flow path of the fluid is formed.

[0106] In this state, the semicircular arcs at both ends of the opening edge 60a in the longitudinal direction of the rotating flow path 60 are not aligned with the semicircular arcs of the opening portion 20a of the inflow flow path 20 and the opening portion 70a of the fixed flow path 70, and the opening portions 20a and 70a are located at positions spaced apart from both ends of the opening edge 60a in the rotation direction (driving rotation direction). Figures 18 to 20 As shown, the second sealing portion 92 is semicircular at both ends along the rotational direction (driving direction) of the opening edge 60a of the rotating flow path 60, and the distance between the second sealing portion 92 and the opening edge 60a is set uniformly along the circumferential direction. In other words, the wall width between the circumferential groove 41c and the inner wall of the rotating flow path 60 is made uniform along the circumferential direction, corresponding to the circumferential groove 41c for fixing the valve sealing member 81.

[0107] [Regarding the functions and effects of the flow path switching device]

[0108] According to the structure of the flow path switching device 1 of this embodiment described above, both ends of the rotational direction (driving direction) of the rotational flow path 60 are aligned with the rotational flow path 60 of the first embodiment (see Figure 20 ) expands in the rotation direction, and the distance between the second sealing portion 92 and the opening edge 60a is uniformed along the circumferential direction (refer to Figure 19 ). Therefore, if Figure 20As shown by the two-dot chain line, even if the valve sealing member 81 (upper valve sealing member 81A) is displaced due to sliding resistance relative to the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A as the rotating disk 40 rotates (drives), the top end 92a of the second sealing portion 92 lands on the inner surface 11a of the upper housing 11A and does not protrude into the inflow channel 20. Regarding the lower valve sealing member 81B, even if the second sealing portion 92 is displaced due to sliding resistance relative to the fixed disk 50, its top end 92a lands on the upper surface 51a of the fixed disk 50 and does not protrude into the fixed flow channel 70. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, even if the seated state of the valve sealing member 81 relative to the upper housing 11A and the fixed disk 50 changes due to the rotation (drive) of the rotating disk 40 (valve member), the valve sealing member 81 can reliably seal the flow channels (i.e., the rotating flow channel 60, the inflow flow channel 20, and the fixed flow channel 70). This allows the wall width between the valve sealing member 81 and the inner wall of the swirling flow path 60 to be uniformed in the circumferential direction, and even when the rotating disk 40 having the swirling flow path 60 is molded from a resin material, its molding accuracy can be ensured.

[0109] <Third embodiment>

[0110] Next, refer to Figures 23 to 25 A third embodiment will be described.

[0111] [Countermeasures for displacement of valve sealing member]

[0112] This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in its structure in terms of countermeasures for displacement of the valve sealing member 81 and for sliding resistance during driving. In the first and second embodiments, the valve sealing member 81 is enlarged at both ends in the direction of rotation. This increases the overall length of the valve sealing member 81, and with this increase, the sliding resistance of the valve sealing member 81 may increase. In this case, the driving torque of the motor that rotates the rotary disk 40 increases.

[0113] Therefore, in this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the valve sealing member 81 is changed as follows. Figure 23 In, by Figure 18 The schematic diagram based on FIG shows the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member 81, the rotating flow path 60, the opening 20a of the inflow flow path 20, and the opening 70a of the fixed flow path 70 in a plan view of this embodiment. Figure 24 In FIG. 1 , the second sealing portion 92 is shown, and is Figure 23 GG line cross-sectional view. Figure 25 In FIG. 1 , the second sealing portion 92 of the second embodiment is shown, and the second sealing portion 92 is shown. Figure 24 Cross-sectional view based on the reference. Figures 23 to 25 The figure shows a state where the rotating disk 40 stops after the flow path is switched and the flow path of the fluid is formed.

[0114] In this state, Figure 24 The structure of this embodiment shown in cross section is different from that of the embodiment in terms of the arrangement of the components. Figure 25 The second embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is the same, but differs in the cross-sectional shape of the valve sealing member 81. That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 23 、 Figure 24 As shown, the valve sealing member 81 has a top end portion 81a (including a top end portion 92a) along its circumference that can contact the housing 11 (upper housing 11A), and the top end portion 81a is arranged offset toward the inner circumference of the valve sealing member 81. In other words, the top of the cross-sectional shape of the valve sealing member 81 is arranged offset toward the inner circumference of the valve sealing member 81.

[0115] [Regarding the functions and effects of the flow path switching device]

[0116] According to the structure of the flow path switching device 1 of the present embodiment described above, in addition to the functions and effects of the second embodiment, the following functions and effects can be obtained. Figure 24 The top end portion 81a of the valve sealing member 81 of the present embodiment shown is arranged at a position smaller than Figure 25 The top end 81a of the valve sealing member 81 of the second embodiment shown is located closer to the opening edge 60a (closer to the inner periphery). Therefore, for example, the radius of the top end 92a of the second sealing portion 92 of this embodiment (the top end 81a of the valve sealing member 81) is shorter than that of the second embodiment. Figure 24 The radius difference ΔΔR shown is shown. Therefore, the contact length of the tip portion 81a of the valve sealing member 81 relative to the upper housing 11A and the fixed plate 50 is shorter than that in the second embodiment. Consequently, the driving torque of the valve sealing member 81 relative to the upper housing 11A and the fixed plate 50 can be reduced. Consequently, the driving torque of the motor used to rotate the rotating plate 40 can be reduced, enabling a corresponding reduction in the size of the motor.

[0117] <Fourth embodiment>

[0118] Next, refer to Figure 26 A fourth embodiment will be described.

[0119] [Countermeasures for displacement of valve sealing member]

[0120] In this embodiment, the structure is different from the second embodiment in terms of the countermeasures for displacement of the valve sealing member 81. Figure 4To explain, in each of the aforementioned embodiments, the rotating disk 40 rotates about the rotating shaft 42, causing the arc-shaped elongated hole of the rotating flow path 60 and the valve sealing member 81 to rotate about the rotating shaft 42. Therefore, the valve sealing member 81 has a larger rotation radius on the outer diameter side farther from the rotating shaft 42 than on the inner diameter side relative to the upper housing 11A and the fixed disk 50. Consequently, the driving torque of the motor used to slide the valve sealing member 81 increases on the outer diameter side of the valve sealing member 81 compared to the inner diameter side.

[0121] Therefore, in this embodiment, the arrangement shape of the tip portion 81a of the valve sealing member 81 is changed as follows compared to the second embodiment. Figure 26 In, by Figure 23 The schematic diagram based on FIG1 shows the arrangement relationship of the valve sealing member 81, the rotating flow path 60, the opening 20a of the inflow flow path 20, and the opening 70a of the fixed flow path 70 in a plan view of the present embodiment. Figure 26 In the embodiment, it is assumed that the rotating flow path 60 and the valve sealing member 81 are located Figure 26 The lower rotation shaft 42 is in the shape of an arc rotating around the center and is shown slightly curved.

[0122] That is, in the present embodiment, the rotating disk 40 is in the shape of a circular plate and is arranged to be rotatable around the rotating shaft 42 provided at the center thereof. Furthermore, the opening edge 60a of the rotating flow path 60 is formed in the shape of a circular arc with the rotating shaft 42 as the center side, including an inner diameter side opening edge 60aa closer to the rotating shaft 42 and an outer diameter side opening edge 60ab farther from the rotating shaft 42. The valve sealing member 81 has a top end portion 81a along its circumference that can contact the upper shell 11A and the fixed disk 50. Furthermore, a pair of first sealing portions 91 include an outer diameter side first sealing portion 91A arranged along the outer diameter side opening edge 60ab of the rotating flow path 60 and an inner diameter side first sealing portion 91B arranged along the inner diameter side opening edge 60aa of the rotating flow path 60. Here, the tip portion 81a of the first outer diameter side seal portion 91A is offset toward the inner circumference of the first outer diameter side seal portion 91A, and the tip portion 81a of the first inner diameter side seal portion 91B is offset toward the outer circumference of the first inner diameter side seal portion 91B. The tip portion 81a (tip portion 92a) of the second seal portion 92 changes continuously and gradually between the first outer diameter side seal portion 91A and the first inner diameter side seal portion 91B.

[0123] [Regarding the functions and effects of the flow path switching device]

[0124] According to the structure of the flow path switching device 1 of the present embodiment described above, in addition to the functions and effects of the second embodiment, the following functions and effects can be obtained. That is, regarding the valve sealing member 81 of the present embodiment, the top end portion 81a of the outer diameter side first sealing portion 91A is offset toward the inner periphery of the outer diameter side first sealing portion 91A, and the top end portion 81a of the inner diameter side first sealing portion 91B is offset toward the outer periphery of the inner diameter side first sealing portion 91B (see Figure 26 ). Therefore, regarding the valve sealing member 81, the rotation radius of the top end portion 81a of the first outer diameter side sealing portion 91A and the top end portion 81a of the first inner diameter side sealing portion 91B relative to the upper housing 11A and the fixed plate 50 is smaller than that of the second embodiment. Therefore, the driving torque of the valve sealing member 81 relative to the upper housing 11A and the fixed plate 50 can be reduced. As a result, the driving torque of the motor used to rotate the rotating plate 40 can be reduced, and the motor can be miniaturized accordingly.

[0125] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0126] In addition, the disclosed technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented by appropriately changing part of the structure within the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0127] (1) In each of the above embodiments, the valve core portion 12 of the flow path switching device 1 is provided with a rotating disk 40 that rotates around the rotating shaft 42 and a fixed disk 50 that is fixed to the lower housing 11B. Alternatively, the fixed disk may be omitted from the valve core portion and only a rotating disk that rotates around the rotating shaft may be provided. Figure 27 , a cross-sectional view shows a flow path switching device of a type in which the fixed disk is omitted. In this type, a rotating disk 40 is provided between the upper housing 11A and the lower housing 11B, and valve sealing members 81 provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the rotating disk 40 are capable of sliding on the inner surfaces of the upper housing 11A and the lower housing 11B.

[0128] (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the valve sealing members 81 (the upper valve sealing member 81A and the lower valve sealing member 81B) are fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the rotating disk 40, respectively, and are arranged to be slidable relative to the inner surface of the upper housing 11A and the fixed disk 50. Alternatively, the valve sealing members may be fixed to the housing and arranged to be slidable relative to the rotating disk.

[0129] (3) In each of the above embodiments, the valve member is constituted by a rotary disk that rotates relative to the housing. However, the valve member may be constituted by a movable member that moves linearly relative to the housing.

[0130] (4) In the above embodiments, the flow path switching device 1 is embodied as a six-way valve, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be embodied as other multi-way valves such as a three-way valve and a four-way valve.

[0131] (5) In the above embodiments, the rotating flow path 60 penetrating the rotating disk 40 serving as the "valve core portion" in the plate thickness direction is set as the "valve flow path", but a valve flow path that does not penetrate the valve core portion in the plate thickness direction can also be provided.

[0132] Industrial applicability

[0133] The disclosed technology can be used, for example, to switch the flow path of a fluid in a fluid circuit through which a fluid such as a refrigerant flows.

[0134] Description of Reference Numerals

[0135] 1. Flow path switching device; 11. Shell; 20. Inflow path (shell flow path); 20a. Opening; 30. Outflow path (shell flow path); 30a. Opening; 40. Rotating disk (valve member); 42. Rotating shaft; 50. Fixed disk (shell); 60. Rotating flow path (valve flow path); 60a. Opening edge; 60aa. Inner diameter side opening edge; 60ab. Outer diameter side opening edge; 70. Fixed flow path (shell flow path); 70a. Opening; 81. Valve sealing member; 81a. Top end; 91. First sealing portion; 91A. First sealing portion on the outer diameter side; 91B. First sealing portion on the inner diameter side; 92. Second sealing portion; D1. First sealing distance; D2. Second sealing distance.

Claims

1. A flow path switching device comprising: housing; and A plate-shaped valve member is disposed inside the housing and is driven relative to the housing. The housing includes a plurality of housing flow paths, The valve member includes at least one valve flow path extending along the plate surface direction, The valve flow path includes an opening edge, The housing flow path includes a plurality of openings capable of communicating with the valve flow path. The flow path switching device is provided with a valve sealing member, which is arranged to surround the opening edge of the valve flow path between the housing and the valve member and slides between the housing and the valve member as the valve member is driven. The flow path switching device is configured to selectively connect the housing flow path with the valve flow path by driving the valve member to connect at least two of the plurality of openings using the valve flow path, thereby forming a flow path for the fluid. The flow path switching device is characterized in that: The valve sealing member comprises: a pair of first sealing portions extending along a driving direction of the valve member across the opening edge; and a pair of second sealing portions arranged across the opening edge in a direction intersecting the driving direction of the valve member, connecting both ends of the pair of first sealing portions, A second sealing distance, which is the shortest distance between the opening of the housing flow path and the second sealing portion, is set to be greater than a first sealing distance, which is the shortest distance between the opening of the housing flow path and the first sealing portion.

2. The flow path switching device according to claim 1, wherein: In a state where the fluid flow path is formed, the opening of the housing flow path is located at a position spaced apart from both ends of the opening edge of the valve flow path in the driving direction, and both ends of the opening edge in the driving direction are semicircular. The second sealing portion has semicircular arc shapes at both ends along the driving direction of the opening edge, and the distance between the second sealing portion and the opening edge is uniformly set along the circumferential direction.

3. The flow path switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The valve sealing member has a tip portion along the circumferential direction thereof that can come into contact with the housing or the valve member, and the tip portion is arranged offset toward the inner circumference of the valve sealing member.

4. The flow path switching device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The valve member is in the shape of a disk and is rotatable about a rotation axis provided at its center. The opening edge of the valve flow path is formed in an arc shape with the rotation axis as the center side, including an inner diameter side opening edge closer to the rotation axis and an outer diameter side opening edge farther from the rotation axis. The valve sealing member has a top end portion along its circumference capable of contacting the housing or the valve member, The pair of first sealing portions includes an outer diameter side first sealing portion arranged along the outer diameter side opening edge of the valve flow path and an inner diameter side first sealing portion arranged along the inner diameter side opening edge of the valve flow path. The tip end portion of the radially outer first seal portion is disposed offset toward the inner periphery of the radially outer first seal portion, and the tip end portion of the radially inner first seal portion is disposed offset toward the outer periphery of the radially inner first seal portion.

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