switching valve

Abstract

Provided is a switching valve capable of driving a valve body with a small torque. The switching valve includes a communication passage (61) that communicates a high-pressure space (13) outside a passage (26) of a valve body (20) in a housing (10) with a low-pressure space (Pe) having a pressure lower than the high-pressure space (13), and an auxiliary valve (62) capable of opening and closing the communication passage (61).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a switching valve, for example, to a switching valve that opens and closes a flow path for refrigerant flow and switches the flow path. Background Technology

[0002] In various industrial sectors, refrigerant circuits are used, which connect the refrigerant supply source to refrigerant working devices, heat exchangers, and other refrigerant loads via flow paths. In such refrigerant circuits, switching valves are sometimes installed to open and close the flow paths and switch between them.

[0003] For example, the switching valve in Patent Document 1 mainly consists of a housing, a slider, and a spring. A discharge pipe for refrigerant discharged from the compressor and a suction pipe for refrigerant drawn in by the compressor are connected to the housing. In addition to the ports connected to the discharge and suction pipes, two other ports are formed on the housing. The slider is disposed inside the housing and is rotatable. The spring is disposed between the valve seat and the slider within the housing.

[0004] Because of the large pressure difference between the inside and outside of the slider when the compressor is working, the slider overcomes the force of the spring and adheres tightly to the valve seat. Therefore, it is possible to distinguish between a flow path connecting one of the two ports to the port connected to the discharge pipe, and a flow path connecting the other of the two ports to the port connected to the suction pipe.

[0005] Furthermore, because the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the slider is small when the compressor stops, the slider is pushed by the spring and separated from the valve seat. This prevents excessive friction between the slider and the valve seat when the slider rotates. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-288780 (page 4) Figure 1 ) Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] In the switching valve described in Patent Document 1, the slider contacts and separates from the valve seat due to pressure changes acting on it. Therefore, when the slider switches from a position where it is seated on the valve seat at one rotational position to another rotational position, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the slider is large, and a large torque may be required in the initial stage of switching.

[0008] This invention was made in response to such problems, and its purpose is to provide a switching valve that can drive the valve body with a small torque. Methods for solving problems

[0009] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the switching valve of the present invention comprises: The housing and a valve body rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the housing has an inlet port for fluid to flow into the housing, an outlet port for fluid to flow out of the housing, and a plurality of other ports for fluid to flow into or out of the housing; the valve body has passages capable of connecting at least two of the plurality of ports, and the combination of the inlet port with the plurality of other ports and the combination of the outlet port with the plurality of other ports can be changed by rotating the valve body within the housing. The switching valve includes: a connecting passage that connects a high-pressure space outside the passage of the valve body within the housing with a low-pressure space with a pressure lower than the high-pressure space; and an auxiliary valve capable of opening and closing the connecting passage. Therefore, by using an auxiliary valve to open the connection path, the high-pressure space outside the path is connected to other low-pressure spaces and the pressure is quickly equalized. Thus, when switching the rotation position of the valve body, the valve body can be driven with a smaller torque.

[0010] The low-pressure space can be the outlet port of the valve body. Therefore, since the low-pressure space connected to the passage is connected to the high-pressure space outside the passage, the pressure inside and outside the valve body can be quickly equalized.

[0011] The valve body and the auxiliary valve can operate independently. The auxiliary valve can operate before the valve body. Therefore, the valve body can be driven after the pressure inside and outside the valve body is equalized.

[0012] The opening on the high-pressure space side of the connecting path can be located outside the movement range of the valve body. This prevents the passage from being blocked during the rotation of the valve body.

[0013] The opening on the high-pressure space side of the connecting passage can be located on the valve seat side of the housing. Therefore, an opening for the connecting passage is provided on the valve seat side of the housing with the port, so that the refrigerant flowing from the high-pressure space to the port and the refrigerant flowing from the high-pressure space to the connecting passage are less likely to interfere with each other.

[0014] The passageway of the valve body is always connected to one of the ports. The connecting path can connect the one port to the high-voltage space. Therefore, regardless of the rotation position of the valve body, a connecting path and an auxiliary valve can be used to switch the connection status between the high-pressure space outside the passage and other low-pressure spaces.

[0015] The auxiliary valve may be a solenoid valve. Therefore, it is possible to control the opening and closing state of the connecting path with high precision. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a refrigerant circuit using a switching valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the switching valve in the embodiment. Figure 3 This is in the embodiment where the valve body and housing are sealed. Figure 2 AA sectional view. Figure 4 This is the state where the valve body is floating in the embodiment. Figure 2 AA sectional view. Figure 5 This is a top view showing the valve body rotating from the first rotation position to the second rotation position in the embodiment. Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the closed state of the connecting path in the embodiment (see reference). Figure 2 (BB section location). Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the open state of the connecting path in the embodiment (see reference). Figure 2 (BB section location). Detailed Implementation

[0017] Hereinafter, the method of implementing the switching valve of the present invention will be described based on the embodiments. Example

[0018] Regarding the switching valve in the embodiment, refer to... Figures 1 to 7 The following will provide an explanation. Figure 3 The up and down positions are used to explain the up and down positions of the switching valve.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the switching valve V of the present invention is a four-way valve installed in the refrigerant circuit 1. In the refrigerant circuit 1, in addition to the switching valve V, a compressor C, a first load L1, and a second load L2 are also installed. The compressor C discharges the compressed, high-pressure refrigerant, i.e., the discharge fluid Pd, and attracts the depressurized, low-pressure refrigerant, i.e., the suction fluid Ps.

[0020] The switching valve V is provided with: an inflow port Pi, which serves as the inflow path and is connected to the discharge side of the compressor C via a discharge flow path 2; a first port P1, which is connected to the first load L1 via a first flow path 3; a second port P2, which is connected to the second load L2 via a second flow path 4; and an outflow port Pe, which serves as the outflow path 5 and is connected to the suction side of the compressor C. The first load L1 and the second load L2 are connected via a third flow path 6.

[0021] The switching valve V is used to switch whether the discharge fluid Pd from the compressor C passes through in the order of first load L1, second load L2, as shown by the solid line, or in the order of second load L2, first load L1, as shown by the dashed line. The switching valve V will be described in detail below.

[0022] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the switching valve V mainly consists of a housing 10, a valve body 20, and an elastic mechanism 30 (see reference). Figure 3 ), driver source 40 (refer to) Figure 2 ) and pressure relief mechanism 60 (refer to Figure 6 It consists of [components]. It should be noted that the pressure relief mechanism 60 will be described in detail later.

[0023] exist Figure 2 , Figure 3 In the middle, the valve body 20 is in the first rotation position, so that the inflow port Pi and the first port P1 (refer to) Figure 2 Connect the second port P2 (refer to) so that the second port P2 (refer to) is connected. Figure 3 ) and outflow port Pe (refer to Figure 3 Connect.

[0024] The housing 10 is mainly composed of the outer shell 11 and the stator 12.

[0025] Reference Figure 2 The outer casing 11 is made of resin and consists of a main body 11a and a socket 11b. It should be noted that the outer casing 11 can also be made of metal, and the material can be changed appropriately.

[0026] The main body 11a is a top-mounted cylindrical shape with a downward opening, and has a stepped top plate that forms a D-shape when viewed from above, and a peripheral wall that extends downward from the periphery of the top plate.

[0027] An inflow port Pi is formed on the top plate of the main body 11a, which runs through the vertical direction.

[0028] A support hole 11c is formed in the top plate of the main body 11a, which is recessed from its lower end to the upper side (see reference). Figure 3 A support shaft 14 is inserted and fixed in the support hole 11c.

[0029] The socket 11b is a bottomed cylindrical shape that protrudes outward from the peripheral wall of the main body 11a. A drive source 40 is inserted into and fixed within the socket 11b. The socket 11b and the drive source 40 are sealed by a sealing element.

[0030] Furthermore, a through hole 11d is formed on the peripheral wall of the main body 11a and the bottom of the socket 11b, extending along the axial direction of the socket 11b. The rod 41, described later, is inserted into this through hole 11d, and its front end is disposed in the valve chamber 13.

[0031] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, a first port P1 is formed in the stator 12 (refer to...). Figure 2 ), second port P2 (refer to Figure 3 ) and outflow port Pe (refer to Figure 3 The first port P1, the second port P2, and the outflow port Pe all pass through the stator 12 in the vertical direction.

[0032] Furthermore, when viewing stator 12 from above, the first port P1, the second port P2, and the outlet port Pe are formed at the vertices of an isosceles triangle (see reference). Figure 5 The separation dimensions of the first port P1 and the outflow port Pe are approximately the same as those of the second port P2 and the outflow port Pe.

[0033] Reference Figure 3 The main body 11a and the stator 12 are fastened together by bolts (not shown). Additionally, a groove 12c is formed in the stator 12, recessed from its upper end to the lower side along its edge. The main body 11a is pressed against a seal 18 disposed in the groove 12c. A seal is formed between the main body 11a and the stator 12. The main body 11a and the stator 12 form a valve chamber 13.

[0034] Furthermore, the stator 12 has a groove 12d formed along the foot 27 of the valve body 20 at the first rotational position (described later) and the foot 27 of the valve body 20 at the second rotational position. This groove 12d is recessed downwards from the upper surface 12a of the stator 12. Additionally, a seal 15 serving as a valve seat is disposed in the groove 12d. The upper surface 12a of the stator 12 functions as the valve seat side surface of the housing 10.

[0035] The valve body 20 is made of resin and has a cylindrical portion 21 that appears round when viewed from above and a rounded top portion 22 that appears oblong when viewed from above. It should be noted that the valve body 20 can also be made of metal, and the material can be changed appropriately.

[0036] The cylindrical portion 21 is in the shape of a bottomed cylinder and extends in the vertical direction. A bushing 16 is disposed on the inner diameter side of the cylindrical portion 21, and a support shaft 14 is inserted into the bushing 16.

[0037] The dome 22 is disposed below the cylindrical portion 21. A passage 26 is formed inside the dome 22. Specifically, the passage 26 is formed by dividing the inner surface of the dome 22 and the upper surface of the stator 12. A ring-shaped foot 27 is formed at the lower end of the dome 22, which runs continuously along these edges.

[0038] The support shaft 14 is disposed on the axis Ax of the outlet port Pe. The valve body 20 is axially movable along the support shaft 14 and is rotatable about the support shaft 14.

[0039] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a recess 17 is formed at the upper part of the outlet port Pe of the stator 12. An elastic mechanism 30 is disposed in this recess 17. The elastic mechanism 30 applies a force to the valve body 20 upward, that is, in the direction of floating from the seal 15.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the valve body 20, which is stopped in the first rotation position, is pushed downward by the pressure of the discharge fluid Pd flowing into the valve chamber 13 from the inlet port Pi, thereby pressing the foot 27 against the seal 15.

[0041] Thus, the switching valve V divides the passage 26 and the space outside the valve body 20, namely the space outside the passage 26 in the valve chamber 13 (hereinafter referred to as valve chamber 13), so that the inflow port Pi is connected to the first port P1 and the second port P2 is connected to the outflow port Pe.

[0042] On the other hand, the smaller the pressure difference between the valve chamber 13 and the passage 26, the smaller the force that causes the valve body 20 to move towards the stator 12. If this force is lower than the force of the elastic mechanism 30, the valve body 20 will move from... Figure 3 The state shown begins to move as the elastic mechanism 30 extends, as... Figure 4 As shown, it separates from the seal 15, i.e., it floats up.

[0043] In this way, by rotating the valve body 20 to the second rotation position while it is in a floating state, the large frictional force generated between the valve body 20 and the seal 15 can be reduced. The rotation of the valve body 20 will be explained below.

[0044] It should be noted that the valve body 20 may sometimes float upwards due to the force of the elastic mechanism 30, vibration, etc. In this case, the bottom surface 21a of the cylindrical portion 21 abuts against the bottom surface 14a of the support shaft 14, thereby preventing the valve body 20 from floating further. The position where the bottom surface 21a of the cylindrical portion 21 abuts against the bottom surface 14a of the support shaft 14 is called the upper limit position of the movable valve body 20. At the upper limit position of the movable valve body 20, the valve body 20 does not contact the rod 41 of the drive source 40. This prevents deformation of the rod 41, the generation of wear powder caused by the contact between the valve body 20 and the rod 41, and prevents malfunction of the rod 41.

[0045] First, the cylindrical portion 21 of the drive source 40 and the valve body 20 will be described.

[0046] The drive source 40 is a solenoid that extends rod 41 toward valve chamber 13 when energized. Additionally, the drive source 40 has a spring (not shown) that, by stopping energization, the spring force causes rod 41 to retract toward the drive source 40. It should be noted that the drive source can also have the following structure: retracting the rod when energized, and extending the rod when de-energized by the spring force.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, rod 41 is a cylinder having a first peak portion 42, a small-diameter shaft portion 43, and a second peak portion 44. It should be noted that... Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the state in which the valve body 20 moves from the first rotational position indicated by the double-dotted line to the second rotational position indicated by the solid line.

[0048] A recess 50, a long wall thick portion 51, and a short wall thick portion 52 are formed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 21. The long wall thick portion 51 is half an arc when viewed from above, and the short wall thick portion 52 is one-eighth an arc when viewed from above.

[0049] When the valve body 20 is rotated from the first rotation position to the second rotation position, the valve body 20 is first floated up as described above.

[0050] When rod 41 extends, the first peak 42 abuts against the long wall thickness 51. The more the rod 41 extends, the more the long wall thickness 51, which is pushed by the extended rod 41, rotates clockwise.

[0051] As the rod 41 extends further, the first peak 42 separates from the long wall thickness 51, and the second peak 44 abuts against the short wall thickness 52. The further the rod 41 extends, the more the short wall thickness 52, which is pushed by the extended rod 41, rotates clockwise.

[0052] Furthermore, the valve body 20, which is integral with the cylindrical portion 21, also rotates clockwise integrally with the cylindrical portion 21. During this period, although the foot 27 of the valve body 20 slides in contact with the upper end of the elastic mechanism 30, the valve body 20 is in a state of being mounted on the elastic mechanism 30, and the frictional force generated between the lower end foot 27 of the valve body 20 and the upper surface 12a of the stator 12 and the seal 15 is reduced.

[0053] Then, rod 41 extends a predetermined distance, thereby stopping valve body 20 in the second rotation position.

[0054] When the valve body 20 is stopped in the second rotational position, it is pressed against the seal 15 by the pressure of the discharged fluid Pd, just as it was when stopped in the first rotational position. As a result, the switching valve V divides the passage 26 and the space in the valve chamber 13 that is outside the valve body 20, so that the inflow port Pi is connected to the second port P2, and the first port P1 is connected to the outflow port Pe.

[0055] When the valve body 20 is rotated from the second rotation position to the first rotation position, the valve body 20 is floated up in the same way as when it is stopped at the first rotation position.

[0056] When the power supply to the drive source 40 is stopped and the rod 41 is retracted by a spring (not shown), the first peak 42 abuts against the short wall thickness 52.

[0057] As the backward distance of rod 41 increases, the short wall thickness 52, which is pushed by the backward rod 41, rotates more counterclockwise.

[0058] In addition, the valve body 20, which is integral with the cylindrical part 21, also rotates in a counterclockwise direction integral with the cylindrical part 21.

[0059] Then, as Figure 5 As shown by the double-dotted line, rod 41 retracts a specified distance, that is, stops at the position where the retraction is at its maximum, so that valve body 20 stops at the first rotation position.

[0060] Next, use Figure 6 and Figure 7 The pressure relief mechanism 60 will be explained. It should be noted that... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the valve body 20 in its first rotational position. It should be noted that... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The diagrams of the socket 11b and the drive source 40 are omitted in the text.

[0061] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the pressure relief mechanism 60 mainly consists of a connecting path 61 and an auxiliary valve 62.

[0062] The connecting passage 61 in the stator 12 has: a portion 61A, which is formed by a through hole extending from the outlet port Pe in a generally horizontal direction; a portion 61B, which is formed by a through hole extending from the upper surface 12a of the stator 12, which is the valve seat side, in a generally vertical direction; and a portion 61C, which is formed by a through hole at the intersection of portions 61A and 61B. Portion 61C is a hole with a diameter larger than that of portions 61A and 61B, and one end is connected to the outer diameter side of the stator 12.

[0063] That is, the connecting path 61 connects the valve chamber 13, which is a high-pressure space outside the passage 26, with the outflow port Pe, which is another low-pressure space, and is roughly L-shaped when viewed in cross section.

[0064] The auxiliary valve 62 is a solenoid valve, mainly composed of the following parts: a fixed iron core 621 in a generally cylindrical shape; a rod 622 inserted into the fixed iron core 621 and movable axially; a valve body 623 fixed to one end of the rod 622; a movable iron core 624 fixed to the other end of the rod 622; a helical spring 625 disposed between the fixed iron core 621 and the movable iron core 624 and applying force to the movable iron core 624 in a direction away from the fixed iron core 621; and an excitation coil 626 wound around the outside of the fixed iron core 621 via a spool.

[0065] The auxiliary valve 62 is fixed to the stator 12 in a sealing manner to close the portion 61C of the connecting passage 61 from the outer diameter side. At this time, the valve body 623 is disposed within the portion 61C of the connecting passage 61. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of sealing performance, the valve body 623 is preferably a sealing component made of rubber or the like.

[0066] like Figure 6 As shown, when the auxiliary valve 62 is energized, the movable iron core 624 overcomes the force of the coil spring 625 and is pulled towards the fixed iron core 621, and the rod 622 and the valve body 623 move together to the right side of the paper. As a result, the valve body 623 comes into close contact with the valve seat, i.e., the periphery 12b of the opening, at the portion 61A of the connecting passage 61 in the stator 12. That is, the connecting passage 61 is in the closed state.

[0067] like Figure 7 As shown, when the auxiliary valve 62 is not energized, the movable iron core 624 moves away from the fixed iron core 621 under the force of the helical spring 625, and the rod 622 and the valve body 623 move together to the left of the paper. As a result, the valve body 623 separates from the periphery 12b of the opening of the connecting passage 61A in the stator 12. That is, the connecting passage 61 becomes open.

[0068] When compressor C is driven, and valve body 20 is in the first or second rotational position, auxiliary valve 62 is energized, causing connecting circuit 61 to be closed (see reference). Figure 6Therefore, the pressure inside valve chamber 13 is maintained at a higher level than the pressure inside passage 26, which enables a reliable seal between valve chamber 13 and passage 26.

[0069] When from Figure 6 When the state causes the valve body 20 to move from one of the first rotational positions or the second rotational position to the other, the energization of the auxiliary valve 62 is first stopped, so that the connecting passage 61 is in the open state (refer to...). Figure 7 This rapidly equalizes the pressure within valve chamber 13 and passage 26. Then, valve body 20 is rotated. Therefore, when switching the rotational position of valve body 20, it can be driven with a smaller torque.

[0070] It should be noted that when switching the rotation position of valve body 20, the compressor C can be stopped or driven. Additionally, when compressor C stops, the power to auxiliary valve 62 is cut off, leaving connection 61 open to prevent load from being applied to valve body 20 and refrigerant circuit 1.

[0071] Furthermore, the connecting passage 61 connects the high-pressure valve chamber 13 to the low-pressure passage 26, thus enabling the pressure in the valve chamber 13 to be equalized with the pressure in the passage 26. When the high-pressure valve chamber 13 is connected to another low-pressure space, although the pressure in the valve chamber 13 decreases, the equalization of pressure between the valve chamber 13 and the passage 26 takes time.

[0072] Furthermore, the valve body 20 is driven by the drive source 40 and the rod 41, while the valve body 623 of the auxiliary valve 62 is driven by a solenoid section including a fixed iron core 621, a movable iron core 624 and a coil 626, a rod 622 and a helical spring 625. When switching the rotation position of the valve body 20, the valve body 623 is first moved in the valve opening direction, and then the valve body 20 is rotated. Therefore, after equalizing the pressure in the valve chamber 13 and the passage 26, the valve body 20 can be reliably driven with a small torque.

[0073] Additionally, the opening 61Ba on the valve chamber 13 side of the connecting path 61 (refer to...) Figure 5 The valve body 20 is positioned outside its range of motion, thus preventing the connecting passage 61 from being blocked during the rotation of the valve body 20. Therefore, regardless of the rotational position of the valve body 20, the pressure in the valve chamber 13 and the passage 26 can be equalized.

[0074] Furthermore, the opening 61Ba on the valve chamber 13 side of the connecting passage 61 is provided on the upper surface 12a of the stator 12. As a result, the opening 61Ba faces the same direction as the first port P1, the second port P2, and the outlet port Pe, that is, the vertical direction, so the refrigerant flowing from the valve chamber 13 to the first port P1, the second port P2, and the outlet port Pe is less likely to interfere with the refrigerant flowing from the valve chamber 13 to the connecting passage 61.

[0075] In addition, the outflow port Pe, which is always connected to the passage 26 of the valve body 20, is connected to the connecting passage 61. Therefore, regardless of the rotation position of the valve body 20, a pressure relief mechanism 60 can be used to switch the valve chamber 13 and the passage 26.

[0076] In addition, since the auxiliary valve 62 is a solenoid valve, it has good responsiveness and can control the opening and closing state of the connecting circuit 61 with high precision.

[0077] It should be noted that the auxiliary valve 62 in this embodiment illustrates the following manner: when energized, the rod 622 extends, thereby closing the connecting passage 61; when not energized, the rod 622 retracts by the force of the helical spring 625, thereby opening the connecting passage 61. However, it is also possible to retract the rod by the force of the helical spring when energized, thereby opening the connecting passage, and extend the rod when energized, thereby closing the connecting passage.

[0078] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the specific structure is not limited to these embodiments, and any changes or additions that do not depart from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0079] For example, in the above embodiment, the connecting path 61 is used to connect the valve chamber 13 to the outlet port Pe. However, the connecting path can also connect a high-pressure space outside the passage to a low-pressure space that is not connected to the passage.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, valve chamber 13 was described as a high-pressure space and outlet port Pe as a low-pressure space, but the configuration relationship between the high-pressure space and the low-pressure space can also be reversed. It should be noted that, from the viewpoint of sealing when the valve body is stopped, it is preferable that the space on the back side of the valve body be the high-pressure space.

[0081] In addition, in the above embodiment, the opening 61Ba on the valve chamber 13 side of the connecting path 61 is provided on the upper surface 12a of the stator 12, but it can also be provided on the side wall of the housing, the top plate, etc., for example.

[0082] In addition, in the above embodiment, one connecting path 61 and one auxiliary valve 62 are each provided, but multiple connecting paths and multiple auxiliary valves can also be provided.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the auxiliary valve 62 is described as a solenoid valve, but it is not limited to this. It can also be manual or a motor, and can be changed as appropriate.

[0084] In addition, the above embodiment illustrates the way in which the valve body rotates between the first rotation position and the second rotation position, but the valve body may also have three or more rotation positions.

[0085] Furthermore, while the above embodiments described a structure where the driving source is a solenoid, it is not limited to this; it can also be manual or a motor, and can be modified as appropriate. Additionally, it can also be a self-holding solenoid.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the so-called gear rack configuration that rotates the valve body by axial movement of the rod has been described, but it is not limited to this. The valve body can also be rotated by a motor, and the drive mechanism for rotating the valve body can be appropriately modified.

[0087] In addition, in the above embodiments, it is described that the switching valve is a four-way valve, but it is not limited to this. The number of ports can be changed appropriately, and it can also be an on-off valve that opens and closes between the inflow path and the outflow path.

[0088] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the case where the seal sealing between the valve body and the stator is disposed on the stator side has been described, but this is not a limitation; the seal may also be disposed on the valve body side. Even with such a structure, by making the seal float together with the valve body and separate it from the stator, or by reducing the contact area, the frictional force generated between the valve body and the stator can be reduced. In this case, the part of the stator that contacts the seal functions as a valve seat. That is, the part of the stator-side components that contacts the components on the valve body side functions as a valve seat. Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0089] 1: Refrigerant circuit; 10: Housing; 12: Stator; 12a: Upper surface (face on the valve seat side); 13: Valve chamber (space outside the passage, high-pressure space); 15: Seal (valve seat); 20: Valve body; 21: Cylindrical part; 22: Dome; 26: Passage; 27: Foot; 30: Elastic mechanism; 60: Pressure relief mechanism; 61: Connecting passage; 61Ba: Opening; 62: Auxiliary valve; 623: Valve body; Pe: Outlet port (other space, low-pressure space); V: Switching valve.

Claims

1. A switching valve, wherein, The switching valve includes a housing and a valve body rotatably disposed within the housing. The housing has an inlet port for fluid to flow into the housing, an outlet port for fluid to flow out of the housing, and a plurality of other ports for fluid to flow into or out of the housing. The valve body has passages capable of connecting at least two of the plurality of ports, and by rotating the valve body within the housing, the combination of the inlet port with the plurality of other ports and the combination of the outlet port with the plurality of other ports can be changed. The switching valve includes: a connecting passage that connects a high-pressure space outside the passage of the valve body within the housing with a low-pressure space with a pressure lower than the high-pressure space; and an auxiliary valve capable of opening and closing the connecting passage.

2. The switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, The low-pressure space is the outlet port of the valve body.

3. The switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve body and the auxiliary valve can operate independently. The auxiliary valve operates before the valve body.

4. The switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, The opening on the high-pressure space side of the connecting path is located outside the movement range of the valve body.

5. The switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, The opening on the high-pressure space side of the connecting passage is located on the valve seat side of the housing.

6. The switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, The passageway of the valve body is always connected to one of the ports. The connecting path connects the port to the high-voltage space.

7. The switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The auxiliary valve is a solenoid valve.

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