Switching device

Abstract

In the switching device, a gasket seals the gap between the bottom wall and the intermediate component. A drive unit is applied force towards the intermediate component. The drive unit is configured to switch between two states: a state opposite the second connecting hole, forming a first path allowing the heat medium to flow from the inside of the housing to the outside via the first connecting hole and the first outlet hole; and a state opposite the first connecting hole, forming a second path allowing the heat medium to flow from the inside of the housing to the outside via the second connecting hole and the second outlet hole. A locking part is configured such that when an external force is applied to the intermediate component in a direction away from the bottom wall, the locking part locks into the intermediate component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to switching devices. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-081902 discloses a thermal management system. In this thermal management system, refrigerant flows through a flow path to cool the drive unit that propels a vehicle. A flow control valve is provided in the fluid loop formed by the flow path. The flow control valve is, for example, a three-way valve. The flow control valve is configured to adjust the ratio of the amount of refrigerant flowing from a first section to a second section to the amount of refrigerant flowing from the first section to a third section.

[0003] In a thermal management system, a switching device that changes the flow path of a heat medium such as refrigerant typically includes a housing and a drive unit disposed within it. The flow path is switched by driving the drive unit inside the housing.

[0004] Here, during the operation of the thermal management system, a heat transfer medium is filled into the circuit of the thermal management system. Furthermore, before operating the thermal management system, the operator fills the circuit with the heat transfer medium. Sometimes, the flow direction of the heat transfer medium in the circuit during filling is opposite to the flow direction during normal operation of the thermal management system. Moreover, in the switching device, when the heat transfer medium flows backward, it may accidentally flow into gaps that the thermal management system would not normally pass through during normal operation. As a result, the position of components disposed between the housing and the drive unit may shift. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides a switching device that can suppress positional displacement of components disposed between the housing and the drive unit when a heat medium is filled inside the circuit of a thermal management system.

[0006] A switching device based on one aspect of this disclosure switches the flow path of a heat medium in a thermal management system. The switching device includes a housing, an intermediate component, a gasket, a drive unit, and a locking component. The housing includes: a bottom wall portion having a first outlet hole and a second outlet hole respectively penetrating the bottom wall portion in a main direction; a top wall portion opposite to the bottom wall portion in the main direction; and a side wall portion located between the bottom wall portion and the top wall portion. An inlet hole is provided in either the top wall portion or the side wall portion. The intermediate component is located between the bottom wall portion and the top wall portion. The intermediate component has a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole respectively penetrating the intermediate component in a main direction. The first connecting hole is parallel to the first outlet hole in the main direction. The second connecting hole is parallel to the second outlet hole in the main direction. The gasket seals the gap between the bottom wall portion and the intermediate component. The drive unit is located opposite to the bottom wall portion relative to the intermediate component. The drive unit is subjected to force toward the intermediate component. The drive unit is configured to switch between two states: a state where it faces the second connecting hole and forms a first path allowing the heat medium to flow from the inside of the housing to the outside through the first connecting hole and the first outlet hole; and a state where it faces the first connecting hole and forms a second path allowing the heat medium to flow from the inside of the housing to the outside through the second connecting hole and the second outlet hole. The locking part is configured such that when an external force is applied to the intermediate member in a direction away from the bottom wall, the locking part locks into the intermediate member.

[0007] According to the above structure, for example, if the driving part is facing the second connecting hole, and the counter-flowing hot medium collides with the driving part through the second outlet hole and the second connecting hole, the driving part, which is exerting force towards the intermediate part, may be displaced away from the intermediate part. As a result, the hot medium enters the gap between the intermediate part and the bottom wall, and the hot medium exerts a force on the intermediate part in a direction away from the bottom wall. At this time, the locking part locks into the intermediate part, thereby preventing the intermediate part from displacing away from the bottom wall. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the hot medium entering the aforementioned gap from causing the gasket between the intermediate part and the bottom wall to deviate from its position.

[0008] Therefore, when the heat medium is filled inside, the positional displacement of the components disposed between the housing and the drive unit can be suppressed.

[0009] In a switching device based on one aspect of this disclosure, the locking part may abut against the intermediate part on the side opposite to the bottom wall side of the intermediate part.

[0010] Based on the above structure, it is possible to further suppress the displacement of the intermediate component away from the bottom wall when the hot medium flows in reverse.

[0011] In one aspect of the switching device based on this disclosure, the locking part may also be configured to be separate from the housing. According to this structure, the locking part can be more easily positioned inside the housing.

[0012] In a switching device based on one aspect of this disclosure, the locking part may also be located between the top wall part and the intermediate part, and abut against both the top wall part and the intermediate part.

[0013] Based on the above structure, it is possible to further suppress the displacement of the intermediate component away from the bottom wall when the hot medium flows in reverse.

[0014] In a switching device based on one aspect of this disclosure, the locking portion may be cylindrical. Alternatively, the locking portion may have a first open end and a second open end located opposite to the first open end. Alternatively, the driving portion may be disposed inside the locking portion. Alternatively, the first open end may be opposite to the intermediate member. Alternatively, the second open end may be opposite to the top wall portion.

[0015] According to the above structure, the area where the locking part and the intermediate component are locked can be increased through the second opening end.

[0016] In one aspect of the switching device based on this disclosure, the inlet hole may also be located in the side wall portion. Alternatively, a lateral communication hole may be provided in the locking portion to connect the inner and outer peripheral sides of the locking portion. Alternatively, the lateral communication hole may be opposite the inlet hole.

[0017] Based on the above structure, it is possible to suppress the blocking part from obstructing the flow of heat medium from the inlet hole.

[0018] In one aspect of the switching device based on this disclosure, when viewed from the main direction, the end edge of the first connecting hole may be located inside the first outlet hole. When viewed from the main direction, the end edge of the second connecting hole may be located inside the second outlet hole.

[0019] According to the above structure, when the heat medium flows from the inside of the casing to the outside through the first outlet hole or the second outlet hole, the entry of the heat medium between the bottom wall and the intermediate component can be suppressed by the end edge of the first connecting hole or the end edge of the second connecting hole, respectively. Furthermore, when the heat medium flows in the reverse direction, the heat medium intending to flow in from the first outlet hole or the second outlet hole is prone to collide with the end edge portion of the aforementioned connecting hole. However, in a switching device based on one aspect of this disclosure, the locking part is locked onto the intermediate component at this time, thereby suppressing the intermediate component from displacing away from the bottom wall.

[0020] According to this disclosure, when the heat medium is filled inside, it is possible to suppress the positional displacement of components disposed between the housing and the drive unit. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts, wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a thermal management system using a switching device according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A perspective view of the switching device installed in the thermal management system shown.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a switching device according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0025] Figure 4 It is observed along the direction of the arrow on line IV-IV. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the switching device.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a switching device according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the switching device when the drive unit is in the second state.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a partially exploded perspective view of the switching device when the drive unit is in the second state.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a partially exploded perspective view of the switching device when the drive unit is in the third state.

[0030] Figure 9 This illustrates an example of the flow of the heat medium supplied before operation. Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of the thermal management system.

[0031] Figure 10 It is Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing the switching device together with the flow of the counter-current hot medium.

[0032] Figure 11 It is a local magnification representation Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the switching device.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the switching device involved in the comparative example. Detailed Implementation

[0034] Hereinafter, a switching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same or equivalent reference numerals in the drawings will not be repeated in their description.

[0035] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a thermal management system using a switching device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A perspective view of the switching device installed in the thermal management system. (See diagram below.) Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the switching device 100 according to one embodiment of this disclosure can be used as a switching device for switching the flow path of the heat medium in the thermal management system 1. First, the thermal management system 1 will be described. However, the thermal management system 1 using the switching device 100 is not limited to the following description. Furthermore, this thermal management system 1 can be applied, for example, to devices such as electric vehicles (xEVs).

[0036] The thermal management system 1 includes an upstream loop 10 located on the upstream side, a first downstream flow path 20A, a second downstream flow path 20B, and a third downstream flow path 20C located on the downstream side, as observed from the switching device 100. The switching device 100 further directs the heat medium flowing from the upstream loop 10 into the switching device 100 to the first downstream flow path 20A, the second downstream flow path 20B, or the third downstream flow path 20C. The specific structure of the switching device 100 will be described later.

[0037] The thermal management system 1 also includes a liquid storage tank 30. The liquid storage tank 30 is connected to the upstream end of the upstream circuit 10. The liquid storage tank 30 is directly or indirectly connected to the downstream ends of the first downstream flow path 20A, the second downstream flow path 20B, and the third downstream flow path 20C.

[0038] The upstream circuit 10 includes a pump 11, a capacitor 12, a heater 13, and multiple upstream pipes 15. The pump 11, capacitor 12, and heater 13 are arranged sequentially from the storage tank 30 toward the switching device 100. The multiple upstream pipes 15 connect the storage tank 30 to the pump 11, the pump 11 to the capacitor 12, the capacitor 12 to the heater 13, and the heater 13 to the switching device 100, respectively. The pump 11 facilitates the flow of the heat transfer medium from the storage tank 30 side toward the switching device 100 in the upstream circuit 10. The capacitor 12 is typically a water-cooled capacitor.

[0039] The first downstream flow path 20A includes a radiator 21A and a plurality of first downstream pipes 25A. The plurality of first downstream pipes 25A are respectively connected between the switching device 100 and the radiator 21A, and between the radiator 21A and the liquid storage tank 30.

[0040] The second downstream flow path 20B includes a heat exchanger 21B and a plurality of second downstream pipes 25B. The plurality of second downstream pipes 25B are respectively connected between the switching device 100 and the heat exchanger 21B, and between the heat exchanger 21B and a first downstream pipe 25A, which is connected to the liquid storage tank 30 and the radiator 21A. The heat exchanger 21B and the liquid storage tank 30 can also be directly connected to each other via the second downstream pipes 25B.

[0041] The third downstream flow path 20C includes a heater core 21C and multiple third downstream pipes 25C. The multiple third downstream pipes 25C are respectively connected between the switching device 100 and the heater core 21C, and between the heater core 21C and the liquid storage tank 30.

[0042] During operation of the thermal management system 1, the upstream circuit 10, the first downstream flow path 20A, the second downstream flow path 20B, the third downstream flow path 20C, the liquid storage tank 30, and the switching device 100 are filled with a heat transfer medium. This heat transfer medium flows within the aforementioned circuits and devices through the operation of the pump 11. The heat transfer medium is typically a liquid refrigerant. It can be water or an aqueous solution. It can also be insulating oil. In this embodiment, the heat transfer medium can, for example, be LLC (Long Life Coolant) containing ethylene glycol, etc.

[0043] The heat transfer medium can be supplied from the storage tank 30 before the thermal management system 1 is put into operation. The heat transfer medium can also be supplied in factories that manufacture equipment such as electric vehicles equipped with the thermal management system 1. The sequence of supplying the heat transfer medium from the storage tank 30 will be described later.

[0044] The multiple upstream pipes 15, multiple first downstream pipes 25A, multiple second downstream pipes 25B and multiple third downstream pipes 25C are each made of a flexible, deformable pipe, such as a rubber tube, so that they can be easily bent.

[0045] The radiator 21A may also be included in the second downstream flow path 20B or the third downstream flow path 20C. The heat exchanger 21B may also be included in the first downstream flow path 20A or the third downstream flow path 20C. The heater core 21C may also be included in the first downstream flow path 20A or the second downstream flow path 20B.

[0046] The specific structure of the switching device 100 will be described. Figure 3 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a switching device according to one embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 It is observed along the direction of the arrow on line IV-IV. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the switching device. Figure 5 This is a partial exploded perspective view of a switching device according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0047] like Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the switching device 100 includes a housing 110, an intermediate component 120, a washer 130, a drive unit 140, and a locking unit 150.

[0048] The outer casing 110 includes a bottom wall portion 111, a top wall portion 112, and a side wall portion 113. The bottom wall portion 111 is provided with a first outlet hole 111Ha, a second outlet hole 111Hb, and a third outlet hole 111Hc, each extending along the main direction D1. The first outlet hole 111Ha, the second outlet hole 111Hb, and the third outlet hole 111Hc are arranged side-by-side in the circumferential direction, centered on an imaginary central axis C extending parallel to the main direction D1.

[0049] The bottom wall portion 111 includes a central portion 111A, an annular portion 111B, and a plurality of partition portions 111C. The central portion 111A is located on the central axis C. The annular portion 111B is positioned to surround the central portion 111A when viewed from the main direction D1. The plurality of partition portions 111C are separated from each other. The plurality of partition portions 111C are respectively connected to the central portion 111A and the annular portion 111B. The first outlet hole 111Ha, the second outlet hole 111Hb, and the third outlet hole 111Hc are respectively formed by a pair of partition portions 111C, the central portion 111A, and the annular portion 111B that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with the central axis C as the center.

[0050] A groove 111G is also provided in the bottom wall portion 111. When viewed from the bottom wall portion 111, the groove 111G is provided on the surface of the top wall portion 112. The groove 111G is provided on the central portion 111A, the annular portion 111B, and a plurality of partition wall portions 111C. The grooves 111G on the plurality of partition wall portions 111C are respectively connected to the grooves 111G on the central portion 111A and the grooves 111G on the annular portion 111B.

[0051] The top wall portion 112 is opposite to the bottom wall portion 111 in the main direction D1. An insertion hole 112H is provided in the top wall portion 112, which extends through in the main direction D1. The insertion hole 112H is located on the central axis C.

[0052] The top wall portion 112 includes a first top wall portion 112A and a second top wall portion 112B. An insertion hole 112H is provided in the first top wall portion 112A. The second top wall portion 112B is disposed on the outer periphery of the first top wall portion 112A with the central axis C as the center. The second top wall portion 112B is directly or indirectly fixed to the first top wall portion 112A.

[0053] Side wall portion 113 is located between bottom wall portion 111 and top wall portion 112. Side wall portion 113 has a generally cylindrical shape centered on the central axis C. Side wall portion 113 is connected to bottom wall portion 111. Side wall portion 113 is connected to annular portion 111B. Side wall portion 113 and annular portion 111B are integrally formed. Side wall portion 113 is connected to top wall portion 112. Side wall portion 113 is connected to second top wall portion 112B. Side wall portion 113 and second top wall portion 112B are integrally formed.

[0054] An inlet hole EH is provided in the outer casing 110. The inlet hole EH is provided in the top wall portion 112 or the side wall portion 113. In this embodiment, the inlet hole EH is provided in the side wall portion 113.

[0055] The outer casing 110 also includes an inlet connecting pipe 114, a first outlet pipe 115A, a second outlet pipe 115B, a third outlet pipe 115C, and a sealing part 116.

[0056] The inlet connecting pipe 114 is connected to the inlet hole EH. In this embodiment, the inlet connecting pipe 114 is connected to the inlet hole EH of the sidewall portion 113. The inlet connecting pipe 114 is connected to the upstream pipe 15 of the upstream circuit 10 on the opposite side of the inlet hole EH side.

[0057] In addition, for convenience, Figure 3 The inlet connecting pipe 114 and the inlet hole EH shown in the figure are in relation to... Figure 2 as well as Figure 4 The different positions shown in the image.

[0058] The first outlet pipe 115A is connected to the bottom wall portion 111. The first outlet pipe 115A extends from the bottom wall portion 111 in a direction orthogonal to the main direction D1. The interior of the first outlet pipe 115A communicates with the interior of the first outlet hole 111Ha. The first outlet pipe 115A is connected to the first downstream pipe 25A of the first downstream flow path 20A on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion 111.

[0059] The second outlet pipe 115B is connected to the bottom wall portion 111. When viewed from the bottom wall portion 111, the second outlet pipe 115B is located in the opposite position to the top wall portion 112. The second outlet pipe 115B extends along the main direction D1. The second outlet pipe 115B is connected to one end of the second outlet hole 111Hb in the main direction D1.

[0060] The third outlet pipe 115C is connected to the bottom wall portion 111. The third outlet pipe 115C extends from the bottom wall portion 111 in a direction orthogonal to the main direction D1. The interior of the third outlet pipe 115C communicates with the interior of the third outlet hole 111Hc. On the side opposite to the bottom wall portion 111, the third outlet pipe 115C is connected to the third downstream pipe 25C of the third downstream flow path 20C.

[0061] The sealing portion 116 is connected to the bottom wall portion 111. When viewed from the bottom wall portion 111, the sealing portion 116 is located on the opposite side to the top wall portion 112. The sealing portion 116 closes one end of the first outlet hole 111Ha and the third outlet hole 111Hc.

[0062] The intermediate component 120 is located between the bottom wall portion 111 and the top wall portion 112. The intermediate component 120 is provided with a plurality of first connecting holes 120Ha, second connecting holes 120Hb and third connecting holes 120Hc that respectively extend along the main direction D1.

[0063] Multiple first connecting holes 120Ha are arranged side-by-side with the first outlet hole 111Ha in the main direction D1. Second connecting holes 120Hb are arranged side-by-side with the second outlet hole 111Hb in the main direction D1. Third connecting holes 120Hc are arranged side-by-side with the third outlet hole 111Hc in the main direction D1.

[0064] When viewed from the main direction D1, the respective end edges of the plurality of first connecting holes 120Ha are located inside the first outlet hole 111Ha (refer to...). Figure 4 When viewed from the main direction D1, the end edge of the second connecting hole 120Hb is located inside the second outlet hole 111Hb.

[0065] The intermediate component 120 has a central portion 121, a central annular portion 122, multiple spokes 123, and a protrusion 124. The central portion 121 is located on the central axis C. The central annular portion 122 is positioned to surround the central portion 121 when viewed from the main direction D1. The multiple spokes 123 are separated from each other. The multiple spokes 123 are respectively connected to the central portion 121 and the central annular portion 122. Multiple first connecting holes 120Ha, second connecting holes 120Hb, and third connecting holes 120Hc are formed by a pair of spokes 123, the central portion 121, and the central annular portion 122 that are circumferentially adjacent to each other with the central axis C as the center.

[0066] When viewed from the main direction D1, the plurality of partitions 111C in the bottom wall portion 111 overlap with the spokes 123. The width of each of the plurality of partitions 111C in the bottom wall portion 111 in the aforementioned circumferential direction is smaller than the width of the spokes 123 with which it overlaps.

[0067] The protrusion 124 extends outward from the central annular portion 122 toward the outer periphery. The protrusion 124 engages with the sidewall portion 113 in the circumferential direction centered on the central axis C. As a result, the movement of the intermediate component 120 in the aforementioned circumferential direction is suppressed. Furthermore, even if the drive unit 140 rotates around the central axis C, the intermediate component 120 does not rotate substantially.

[0068] Washer 130 seals the gap between the bottom wall portion 111 and the intermediate member 120. In this embodiment, washer 130 is composed of a single continuous component. Specifically, washer 130 is located between the central portion 111A and the intermediate central portion 121. Washer 130 is located between the annular portion 111B and the intermediate annular portion. Washer 130 is located between each of the plurality of partition wall portions 111C and the spoke 123, and the spoke 123 is opposite to each of the plurality of partition wall portions 111C. Washer 130 is configured in a state compressed by the intermediate member 120 and the bottom wall portion 111 in the main direction D1.

[0069] The washer 130 is disposed in the groove 111G of the bottom wall portion 111. The thickness of the washer 130, which is not compressed in the main direction D1, is greater than the depth of the groove 111G.

[0070] Viewed from the intermediate member 120, the drive unit 140 is located opposite to the bottom wall portion 111. The drive unit 140 is subjected to force toward the intermediate member 120. The drive unit 140 is in contact with the intermediate member 120.

[0071] The drive unit 140 is configured to drive in a manner that allows switching between a first state, a second state, and a third state. Figure 3 The image shows the drive unit 140 in its first state. Figure 5 The figure shows a partial exploded perspective view of the switching device 100 in the first state.

[0072] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 As shown, in the first state, the drive unit 140 forms a first path P1. In this state, the drive unit 140 is opposite to the second connecting hole 120Hb and the third connecting hole 120Hc, and allows the heat medium to flow from the inside of the housing 110 to the outside through the first connecting hole 120Ha and the first outlet hole 111Ha. The first path P1 is... Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 The image is schematically shown with a hollow arrow. More specifically, the heat medium flows from the upstream pipe 15 of the upstream circuit 10 into the switching device 100 via the inlet connecting pipe 114 and the inlet hole EH. The heat medium within the switching device 100 can further flow in the first path P1 via the first connecting hole 120Ha, the first outlet hole 111Ha, and the first outlet pipe 115A to the first downstream pipe 25A of the first downstream flow path 20A (see reference). Figure 2 ) outflow.

[0073] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the switching device when the drive unit is in the second state. Figure 7 This is a partially exploded perspective view of the switching device when the drive unit is in the second state. (Example:) Figure 6as well as Figure 7 As shown, in the second state, the drive unit 140 forms a second path P2. In this state, the drive unit 140 is opposite to the first connecting hole 120Ha and the third connecting hole 120Hc, and the heat medium can flow from the inside of the housing 110 to the outside through the second connecting hole 120Hb and the second outlet hole 111Hb. Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 In the diagram, the second path P2 is indicated by a hollow arrow. More specifically, the heat medium within the switching device 100 can flow through the second connecting hole 120Hb, the second outlet hole 111Hb, and the second outlet pipe 115B in the second path P2 to the second downstream pipe 25B of the second downstream flow path 20B (see reference). Figure 2 ) outflow.

[0074] Figure 8 This is a partially exploded perspective view of the switching device when the drive unit is in the third state. (Example) Figure 8 As shown, the drive unit 140 in the third state forms a third path P3. In this state, the drive unit 140 is opposite to the first connecting hole 120Ha and the second connecting hole 120Hb, and the heat medium can flow from the inside of the housing 110 to the outside through the third connecting hole 120Hc and the third outlet hole 111Hc. Figure 8 In the diagram, the third path P3 is indicated by a hollow arrow. More specifically, the heat medium within the switching device 100 can flow through the third connecting hole 120Hc, the third outlet hole 111Hc, and the third outlet pipe 115C in the third path P3 to the third downstream pipe 25C of the third downstream flow path 20C (see reference). Figure 2 ) outflow.

[0075] The specific structure of the drive unit 140 will be described. However, the structure of the drive unit 140 is not limited to the following structure. The drive unit 140 includes a drive disk 141, a locking member 142, a motor shaft 143, a force-applying member 144, a central shaft 145, and a motor body 146.

[0076] The drive disk 141 has a generally disc-shaped shape. The drive disk 141 rotates about its central axis C. A disk hole 141H is provided in the drive disk 141, extending along the main direction D1. The rotation of the drive disk 141 causes the disk hole 141H to displace circumferentially about the central axis C. In the first state, the drive disk 141 closes the second connecting hole 120Hb and the third connecting hole 120Hc, and the disk hole 141H is parallel to the first connecting hole 120Ha (see reference). Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 In the second state, the drive disk 141 closes the first connecting hole 120Ha and the third connecting hole 120Hc, and the disk hole 141H is parallel to the second connecting hole 120Hb (see reference). Figure 6as well as Figure 7 In the third state, the drive disk 141 closes the first connecting hole 120Ha and the second connecting hole 120Hb, and the disk hole 141H is parallel to the third connecting hole 120Hc (see reference). Figure 8 ).

[0077] Engaging member 142 engages with drive disk 141 in the circumferential direction centered on central axis C. Engaging member 142 causes drive disk 141 to rotate. Motor shaft 143 causes engaging member 142 to rotate. Motor shaft 143 passes through top wall portion 112 in the main direction D1. Force-applying member 144 is, for example, a spring. Force-applying member 144 is disposed between motor shaft 143 and engaging member 142 in the main direction D1. Force-applying member 144 applies force to motor shaft 143 and engaging member 142 in a direction that separates motor shaft 143 from engaging member 142. Central shaft portion 145 extends in the central axis C. Central shaft portion 145 is embedded in motor shaft 143 and bottom wall portion 111. Central shaft portion 145 passes through intermediate member 120, washer 130 and drive disk 141. Motor body 146 is disposed on top of top wall portion 112. The motor body 146 causes the motor shaft 143 to rotate.

[0078] like Figure 3 As shown, the locking portion 150 is configured to lock onto the intermediate member 120 when an external force is applied to the intermediate member 120 in a direction away from the bottom wall portion 111. In this embodiment, the locking portion 150 abuts against the intermediate member 120 on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion 111 side of the intermediate member 120.

[0079] The locking portion 150 is separately disposed from the outer casing 110. The locking portion 150 is located between the top wall portion 112 and the intermediate component 120, and abuts against both the top wall portion 112 and the intermediate component 120. Specifically, the locking portion 150 abuts against the first top wall portion 112A.

[0080] The locking portion 150 is cylindrical. The driving portion 140 is disposed inside the locking portion 150. The locking portion 150 has a first open end portion 151 and a second open end portion 152 located opposite to the first open end portion 151. The first open end portion 151 is open on one side in the main direction D1. The second open end portion 152 is open on the other side in the main direction D1. The first open end portion 151 is opposite to the intermediate member 120. The first open end portion 151 abuts against the intermediate member 120 throughout its entire circumference. The second open end portion 152 is opposite to the top wall portion 112. The second open end portion 152 abuts against the top wall portion 112 throughout its entire circumference.

[0081] Additionally, a side communication hole 153H is provided in the locking portion 150 to connect the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the locking portion 150. The side communication hole 153H is opposite to the inlet hole EH.

[0082] Here, we will explain the sequence of supplying heat medium from the storage tank 30 before the operation of the thermal management system 1 described above. Figure 9 This illustrates an example of the flow of the heat medium supplied before operation. Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the structure of the thermal management system. Figure 9 In the diagram, the flow of the heat medium is represented by a thick black arrow.

[0083] like Figure 9 As shown, in the thermal management system 1, a heat medium is supplied from the storage tank 30. Before the supply of the heat medium, the flow path of the heat medium is evacuated through the storage tank 30. This evacuation causes the elastically deformable upstream pipe 15, first downstream pipe 25A, second downstream pipe 25B, and third downstream pipe 25C to deform due to atmospheric pressure, resulting in partial blockage. Consequently, the heat medium may flow rapidly in the direction opposite to the flow direction of the heat medium operating in the thermal management system 1.

[0084] For example, such as Figure 9 As shown, in the first downstream flow path 20, the second downstream flow path 20B, and the third downstream flow path 20C, the heat medium can flow from the storage tank 30 towards the switching device 100. These counter-current heat media reach the switching device 100 before the heat medium flowing in the upstream loop 10. Figure 9 For example, an example is shown where the hot medium flowing in the countercurrent in the second downstream flow path 20B first reaches the switching device 100.

[0085] Figure 10 It is Figure 3 A cross-sectional view showing the switching device together with the flow of the counter-current hot medium. Figure 11 It is a local magnification representation Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the switching device. Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 In the diagram, the countercurrent flow of the heat medium is represented by a thick black arrow.

[0086] like Figures 9 to 11As shown, in the first state, when the hot medium flowing against the current in the second downstream flow path 20B first reaches the switching device 100, the hot medium flowing against the current collides with the drive unit 140 through the second outlet hole 111Hb and the second connecting hole 120Hb. As a result, the drive disk 141 is displaced away from the intermediate member 120. This creates a gap between the drive disk 141 and the intermediate member 120, causing the intermediate member 120 to be compressed by the compressed washer 130 (refer to arrow F). Furthermore, a gap is created between the intermediate member 120 and the bottom wall portion 111. The hot medium enters through this gap, and the hot medium can further exert a force on the intermediate member 120 in a direction away from the bottom wall portion 111. Additionally, the hot medium entering the gap can compress the washer 130 radially relative to the central axis C.

[0087] However, under these conditions, the locking portion 150 locks into the intermediate member 120 in the main direction D1. This prevents the intermediate member 120 from displacing away from the bottom wall portion 111. Furthermore, it prevents the hot medium entering the gap from compressing the washer 130 radially relative to the central axis C, thus preventing the washer 130 from shifting radially.

[0088] This explains how the washer 130 might shift position if the locking part 150 is not present. Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the switching device involved in the comparative example. Figure 12 The cross-sectional view of the comparative example and Figure 11 The cross-sectional view corresponds to the implementation method. Figure 12 The switching device shown in the comparative example has the same structure as the switching device 100 according to this embodiment, except that it lacks a locking part. Figure 12 As shown, in the switching device of the comparative example, the heat medium entering between the bottom wall portion 911 and the intermediate component 920 radially compresses the gasket 930. As a result, the gasket 930 protrudes from the groove portion 911G. The protruding gasket 930 is partially engaged between the bottom wall portion 911 and the intermediate component 920 at the corner of the groove portion 911G. Therefore, in the switching device of the comparative example, the heat medium leaks between the various paths (loops) of the heat medium.

[0089] As described above, the switching device 100 according to this embodiment includes a locking portion 150. The locking portion 150 is configured to lock onto the intermediate member 120 when an external force is applied to the intermediate member 120 in a direction away from the bottom wall portion 111.

[0090] According to the above structure, for example, if the driving part 140 is facing the second connecting hole 120Hb, and the counterflowing hot medium collides with the driving part 140 through the second connecting hole 120Hb from the second outlet hole 111Hb, then there is a possibility that the driving part 140, which is exerted with force toward the intermediate part 120, will be displaced away from the intermediate part 120. As a result, the hot medium enters the gap between the intermediate part 120 and the bottom wall 111, and the hot medium can exert a force on the intermediate part 120 in a direction away from the bottom wall 111. At this time, the locking part 150 locks into the intermediate part 120, thereby preventing the intermediate part 120 from displacing away from the bottom wall 111. Therefore, the position of the gasket 130 between the intermediate part 120 and the bottom wall 111 can be prevented from being displaced by the hot medium entering the gap.

[0091] Therefore, when the heat medium is filled inside, the positional displacement of the components disposed between the housing 110 and the drive unit 140 can be suppressed.

[0092] In addition, in this embodiment, the locking portion 150 abuts against the intermediate component 120 on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion 111 side of the intermediate component 120.

[0093] According to the above structure, it is possible to further suppress the displacement of the intermediate component 120 away from the bottom wall portion 111 when the hot medium flows in reverse.

[0094] In addition, in this embodiment, the locking part 150 and the outer shell 110 are separately provided.

[0095] Based on the above structure, the locking part 150 can be disposed inside the housing 110 relatively easily.

[0096] In addition, in this embodiment, the locking part 150 is located between the top wall part 112 and the intermediate part 120, and abuts against both the top wall part 112 and the intermediate part 120.

[0097] According to the above structure, it is possible to further suppress the displacement of the intermediate component 120 away from the bottom wall portion 111 when the hot medium flows in reverse.

[0098] In this embodiment, the locking portion 150 is cylindrical. The locking portion 150 has a first open end portion 151 and a second open end portion 152 located opposite to the first open end portion 151. The driving portion 140 is disposed inside the locking portion 150. The first open end portion 151 faces the intermediate member 120. The second open end portion 152 faces the top wall portion 112.

[0099] According to the above structure, the area where the locking part 150 and the intermediate part 120 are locked can be increased by using the second opening end 152.

[0100] In this embodiment, the inlet hole EH is provided on the side wall portion 113. A side communication hole 153H is provided on the locking portion 150 to connect the inner and outer peripheral sides of the locking portion 150. The side communication hole 153H is opposite to the inlet hole EH.

[0101] According to the above structure, it is possible to prevent the locking part 150 from obstructing the flow of heat medium from the inlet hole EH.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed from the main direction D1, the end edge of the first connecting hole 120Ha is located inside the first outlet hole 111Ha. When viewed from the main direction D1, the end edge of the second connecting hole 120Hb is located inside the second outlet hole 111Hb.

[0103] According to the above structure, when the heat medium flows from the inside of the outer casing 110 to the outside through the first outlet hole 111Ha or the second outlet hole 111Hb, it passes through the end edge of the first connecting hole 120Ha or the end edge of the second connecting hole 120Hb, thereby preventing the heat medium from entering between the bottom wall portion 111 and the intermediate component 120. Furthermore, when the heat medium flows in the reverse direction, the heat medium intending to flow in from the first outlet hole 111Ha or the second outlet hole 111Hb is prone to colliding with the end edge portion of the aforementioned connecting hole. However, in the switching device 100 based on one aspect of this disclosure, the locking portion 150 is locked onto the intermediate component 120 at this time, thereby preventing the intermediate component 120 from displacing away from the bottom wall portion 111.

[0104] In the above description of the embodiments, the combinable structures can also be combined with each other.

[0105] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered illustrative rather than limiting in all respects. The scope of this disclosure is shown by the technical solutions, rather than the foregoing description, and is intended to include all equivalents and modifications within the scope of the technical solutions.

Claims

1. A switching device for switching the flow path of a heat medium in a thermal management system. The switching device is characterized in that it comprises: shell; intermediate components; washer; Drive unit; and Stop part, The outer casing includes: The bottom wall portion is provided with a first outlet hole and a second outlet hole that respectively penetrate the bottom wall portion in the main direction; The top wall portion, which is opposite the bottom wall portion in the main direction; and The side wall portion is located between the bottom wall portion and the top wall portion. An inlet hole is provided in the top wall or the side wall. The intermediate component is located between the bottom wall portion and the top wall portion. The intermediate component is provided with a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole that respectively penetrate the intermediate component along the main direction. The first connecting hole is parallel to the first outlet hole in the main direction. The second connecting hole is parallel to the second outlet hole in the main direction. The gasket seals the gap between the bottom wall and the intermediate component. The drive unit is located opposite to the bottom wall portion relative to the intermediate component, and is subjected to force toward the intermediate component. The drive unit is configured to drive and switch between the following states: Opposite to the second connecting hole, and forming a first path allowing the heat medium to flow from the interior of the housing to the exterior via the first connecting hole and the first outlet hole; and Opposite to the first connecting hole, and forming a second path that allows the heat medium to flow from the inside of the housing to the outside via the second connecting hole and the second outlet hole, The locking part is configured such that when an external force is applied to the intermediate part in a direction away from the bottom wall, the locking part locks into the intermediate part.

2. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking portion abuts against the intermediate component on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion.

3. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking part is configured to be separate from the outer shell.

4. The switching device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking part is located between the top wall part and the intermediate part, and abuts against both the top wall part and the intermediate part.

5. The switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The locking part is cylindrical, having a first open end and a second open end located at the opposite position to the first open end. The driving part is disposed inside the locking part. The first opening end is opposite to the intermediate component. The second opening end is opposite to the top wall portion.

6. The switching device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The inlet hole is located on the side wall portion. The locking portion is provided with a lateral communication hole that connects the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side of the locking portion. The side connecting hole is opposite to the inlet hole.

7. The switching device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When viewed from the main direction, the end edge of the first connecting hole is located inside the first outlet hole. When viewed from the main direction, the end edge of the second connecting hole is located inside the second outlet hole.

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