Multi-way switching valve device

Abstract

The present application provides a multi-way switching valve device which achieves reduction and simplification of working hours in assembly work, reduction in the number of parts, weight reduction, miniaturization and space saving due to intensive arrangement of parts, reduction in frictional resistance during driving, and the like. The present application includes: a base member having a cylindrical recess centered on an axis and a plurality of openings formed on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical recess in an angular range narrower than a half of the circumference and demarcating respective inlets and outlets of a plurality of fluid passages; a cylindrical multi-way switching valve having a plurality of hollow passage portions on an outer peripheral surface, disposed in the cylindrical recess so as to be rotatable about the axis, and performing opening and closing operations of the plurality of openings; a sealing member disposed between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface in correspondence with the angular range; and a spacer member disposed between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface in a region opposite the sealing member across the axis.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a multi-way switching valve device that switches the flow of fluid in multiple directions, and particularly to a multi-way switching valve device for adjusting the flow of a heat medium (cooling water) in a temperature control system including an HVAC system (for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning in the vehicle compartment) installed in electric vehicles, etc. Background Technology

[0002] As an existing multi-way switching valve device, an integrated multi-way solenoid valve is known, which includes: a mounting panel with multiple passage interfaces; a cylindrical valve seat fixedly connected to the mounting panel and having multiple openings corresponding to the multiple passage ports; a cylindrical valve core disposed in the valve seat in a manner that is in close contact with the valve seat and having multiple communicating grooves; and a drive assembly for rotating the valve core (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the integrated multi-way solenoid valve, the cylindrical valve seat is connected to the rectangular flat mounting panel, resulting in a structure with a large proprietary area, an increased number of parts, and a more complex assembly process.

[0004] In addition, as another multi-way switching valve device, there is a known integrated coolant bottle assembly that includes a reservoir section, a multi-valve mounting interface, an integrated channel, and multiple hose interfaces in a reservoir used in a thermal system, with multiple valves configured in the multi-valve mounting interface (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] In the integrated coolant bottle assembly, various parts need to be assembled in sections from the lower side in the vertical direction and laterally from the upper side of the reservoir in the vertical direction. It is difficult to unify the assembly direction, which may lead to an increase in the process time and complexity of the assembly operation.

[0006] Furthermore, as another multi-way switching valve device, a fluid control assembly is known, which includes: a connecting body, including a side wall portion forming part of a receiving chamber; a valve body; a sealing member; and an actuation assembly (for example, see Patent Document 3).

[0007] In the fluid control assembly, the flow path plate and drive assembly are installed from one side relative to the connector, while the valve body, sealing components, and bottom cover are installed from the other side. Therefore, it is difficult to standardize the assembly direction, which may lead to increased processing time and complexity in the assembly process.

[0008] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0009] [Patent Literature]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-552502

[0011] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 6914972

[0012] [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-530313 Summary of the Invention

[0013] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The present invention is made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a multi-way switching valve device that achieves reduction and simplification of assembly work time, reduction of the number of parts, weight reduction, miniaturization and space saving due to compact configuration of parts, and reduction of frictional resistance during drive.

[0015] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0016] The multi-way switching valve device of the present invention comprises: a base member having a cylindrical recess centered on a predetermined axis and a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical recess within an angle range narrower than half its circumference and defining the inlet and outlet of each of the plurality of fluid passages; a cylindrical multi-way switching valve having a plurality of hollow passage portions on its outer circumferential surface, rotatably disposed in the cylindrical recess about an axis, and performing opening and closing actions of the plurality of openings; a sealing member disposed between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces corresponding to the angle range; and a spacer member disposed between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces in a region opposite to the sealing member across the axis.

[0017] In the multi-way switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: the side of the sealing member and the spacer member that contacts the inner peripheral surface is formed of rubber material, and the side that contacts the outer peripheral surface is formed of crystalline resin material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other fluororesin.

[0018] In the multi-way switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: the base member includes a first inlet side passage and a first outlet side passage of the first fluid passage, a second inlet side passage and a second outlet side passage of the second fluid passage, a third inlet side passage and a third outlet side passage of the third fluid passage, and a fourth inlet side passage and a fourth outlet side passage of the fourth fluid passage as multiple fluid passages. The inlets of the first inlet side passage, the second inlet side passage, the third inlet side passage and the fourth inlet side passage, and the outlets of the first outlet side passage, the second outlet side passage, the third outlet side passage and the fourth outlet side passage are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical recess.

[0019] In the multi-port switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: the multi-port switching valve includes a rotating shaft centered on an axis, a cover member is fixed on a base member, and the multi-port switching valve is inserted into the cylindrical recess from the direction of the axis in such a way that a sealing member and a spacer member are separated between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces. The cover member exposes the end of the rotating shaft and covers the cylindrical recess.

[0020] The multi-way switching valve device may be structured as follows: it includes a drive unit that applies a driving force to the rotating shaft, and the drive unit is fixed to the base member and / or the cover member from the direction of the axis on the outside of the cover member.

[0021] The multi-way switching valve device can be structured as follows: the first fluid passage is a heat medium passage for heat exchange with the battery; the second fluid passage is a heat medium passage for heat exchange with the drive motor that drives the wheels; the third fluid passage is a heat medium passage for heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant passage; and the fourth fluid passage is a heat medium passage for heat exchange with the outside air via the radiator.

[0022] In the multi-way switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: on the base member, a first electric pump for pressurizing the hot medium is arranged in the first inlet side passage, and a second electric pump for pressurizing the hot medium is arranged in the second inlet side passage.

[0023] In the multi-way switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: the first inlet side passage includes a first pump receiving recess formed in its middle and opening in the same direction as the cylindrical recess; a first electric pump is received in the first pump receiving recess from the axial direction and fixed to the base member; the second inlet side passage includes a second pump receiving recess formed in its middle and opening in the same direction as the cylindrical recess; a second electric pump is received in the second pump receiving recess from the axial direction and fixed to the base member.

[0024] In the multi-way switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: a storage tank through which the heating medium passes is arranged in the base component on the second outlet side passage.

[0025] In the multi-port switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: the second outlet side passage includes a branch port that opens in the same direction as the cylindrical recess, and the liquid storage tank is fixed to the base member in a manner that communicates with the branch port from the axial direction.

[0026] In the multi-way switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: on the base member, in the second outlet side passage, a first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger is arranged to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium.

[0027] The multi-way switching valve device may have the following structure: the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger includes a heat exchange section, an intermediate passage forming part of the second heat medium passage, and a first refrigerant passage forming part of the refrigerant passage, with an on / off valve disposed on the upstream side of the first refrigerant passage.

[0028] In the multi-way switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: the second outlet side passage has two disconnected ports that are disconnected in the middle and open in the same direction as the cylindrical recess; the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger is fixed to the base member from the axial direction so that the two disconnected ports are connected to the middle passage.

[0029] In the multi-way switching valve device, a structure can be adopted in which a second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger is arranged between the third inlet side passage and the third outlet side passage in the base member to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium.

[0030] In the multi-way switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger includes a heat exchange section, an intermediate passage connecting the third inlet side passage and the third outlet side passage, and a second refrigerant passage that constitutes part of the refrigerant passage, with an expansion valve arranged on the upstream side of the second refrigerant passage.

[0031] In the multi-way switching valve device, the following structure can be adopted: the third downstream port of the third inlet side passage and the third upstream port of the third outlet side passage open in the same direction as the cylindrical recess; the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger is fixed to the base member from the axial direction so that the third downstream port and the third upstream port are connected to the intermediate passage.

[0032] [The effects of the invention]

[0033] By presenting the multi-way switching valve device with the aforementioned structure, it is possible to reduce and simplify the assembly process, reduce the number of parts, achieve weight reduction, miniaturization and space saving due to compact part configuration, and reduce frictional resistance during drive. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a system diagram illustrating a temperature control system incorporating a multi-way switching valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the appearance of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, viewed from an obliquely upward direction.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the appearance of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, viewed from an obliquely upward direction.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0038] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a base member that constitutes part of a multi-way switching valve device in one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 7 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the cylindrical recess of the base member that constitutes part of a multi-way switching valve device in one embodiment, obtained by cutting through a surface passing through the axis.

[0041] Figure 8 This is a partial plan view of the area of ​​the cylindrical recess of the base member that constitutes part of a multi-way switching valve device in one embodiment, viewed from the direction of the axis.

[0042] Figure 9 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view obtained by cutting a base member that constitutes part of a multi-way switching valve device in one embodiment with a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view obtained by cutting a base member that constitutes part of a multi-way switching valve device in one embodiment with a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0044] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the multi-way switching valve, which is part of a multi-way switching valve device constituting one embodiment, viewed from an obliquely upward angle.

[0045] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the multi-way switching valve, which is part of a multi-way switching valve device constituting one embodiment, viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a plan view of a multi-way switching valve, which is part of a multi-way switching valve device constituting one embodiment, viewed from above.

[0047] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the area of ​​the first outer peripheral surface (upper section) of a multi-way switching valve, which is part of a multi-way switching valve device constituting one embodiment, with a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0048] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the area of ​​the second outer peripheral surface (lower section) of a multi-way switching valve, which is part of a multi-way switching valve device constituting one embodiment, with a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0049] Figure 16This is a cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the middle region of the first outer peripheral surface (upper section) and the second outer peripheral surface (lower section) of a multi-way switching valve that constitutes part of a multi-way switching valve device in one embodiment with a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0050] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view obtained by cutting the area of ​​the first outer peripheral surface (upper section) of a multi-way switching valve that constitutes part of a multi-way switching valve device in one embodiment with a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0051] Figure 18 This is a perspective view showing the sealing member and the spacer member that constitute a part of a multi-way switching valve device in one embodiment.

[0052] Figure 19 This is a partial cross-sectional view obtained by cutting through a plane including the axis in the region of the multi-way switching valve and drive unit of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment.

[0053] Figure 20 This is a perspective view showing the interior of a drive unit that constitutes part of a multi-way switching valve device in one embodiment.

[0054] Figure 21 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger and a second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger that constitute part of a multi-way switching valve device in one embodiment.

[0055] Figure 22 This is a system diagram showing the flow of fluid (heat medium, refrigerant) when the multi-way switching valve is in the first switching position in a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment.

[0056] Figure 23 It is a diagram showing the state of the multi-way switching valve when the multi-way switching valve is in the first switching position in a multi-way switching valve device according to an embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the area of ​​the first outer peripheral surface (upper section) and the second outer peripheral surface (lower section).

[0057] Figure 24 This is a system diagram showing the flow of fluid (heat medium) in a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment when the multi-way switching valve is in the second switching position.

[0058] Figure 25 It is a diagram showing the state of the multi-way switching valve when the multi-way switching valve is in the second switching position in a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, and it is a partial cross-sectional view of the area of ​​the first outer peripheral surface (upper section) and the second outer peripheral surface (lower section).

[0059] Figure 26 This is a system diagram showing the flow of fluid (heat medium) in a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment when the multi-way switching valve is in the third switching position.

[0060] Figure 27 This is a diagram showing the state of the multi-way switching valve when it is in the third switching position in a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, and it is a partial cross-sectional view of the area of ​​the first outer peripheral surface (upper section) and the second outer peripheral surface (lower section).

[0061] Figure 28 This is a system diagram showing the flow of fluid (heat medium) in a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment when the multi-way switching valve is in the fourth switching position.

[0062] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing the state of the multi-way switching valve when it is in the fourth switching position in a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, and it is a partial cross-sectional view of the area of ​​the first outer peripheral surface (upper section) and the second outer peripheral surface (lower section).

[0063] Figure 30 This is a system diagram showing the flow of fluid (heat medium, refrigerant) when the multi-way switching valve is in the fifth switching position (a mixing switching position for mixing fluids (heat medium) with different state quantities) in a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment.

[0064] Figure 31 This is a diagram showing the state of the multi-way switching valve when it is in the fifth switching position in a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, and it is a partial cross-sectional view of the area of ​​the first outer peripheral surface (upper section) and the second outer peripheral surface (lower section).

[0065] Figure 32 It is a diagram showing the relationship between the contact part of the multi-way switching valve and the stop of the base member, and it is a partial cross-sectional view obtained by cutting with a plane perpendicular to the axis.

[0066] Figure 33 This is a table showing 15 operating modes 1 to 15 at five switching positions in a temperature control system including a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment.

[0067] Explanation of icon numbers

[0068] Fp1: First heat medium passage (first fluid passage)

[0069] Fp2: Second heat medium passage (second fluid passage)

[0070] Fp3: Third heat medium passage (third fluid passage)

[0071] Fp4: Fourth heat medium passage (fourth fluid passage)

[0072] 1: Storage battery

[0073] 2: Car charger

[0074] 3: Electric heating element

[0075] 4: Vehicle control unit

[0076] 5: Converter

[0077] 6: Inverter

[0078] 7: Oil heat exchanger

[0079] 8: Rear drive motor

[0080] 9: Oil passage

[0081] 10: Oil pump (third electric pump)

[0082] 11: Inverter

[0083] 12: Oil heat exchanger

[0084] 13: Front drive motor

[0085] 14: Oil passage

[0086] 15: Oil pump (third electric pump)

[0087] 16: Radiator

[0088] 17: Liquid reservoir

[0089] 18: Compressor

[0090] 19: On / off valve

[0091] 20: Condenser

[0092] 21: Expansion valve

[0093] 22: Evaporator

[0094] M: Multi-way switching valve device

[0095] 100: Base components

[0096] 101: Recessed part of the cylinder

[0097] S: Axis

[0098] 101a: Inner circumferential surface

[0099] 101a1: First inner circumferential surface

[0100] 101a2: Second inner circumferential surface

[0101] I1, I2, I3, I4: Entrance (4 openings)

[0102] O1, O2, O3, O4: Exits (4 openings)

[0103] 102: First inlet side passage (first heat medium passage)

[0104] 102a: First Entrance

[0105] 102b: First downstream port

[0106] 102c: First pump receiving recess

[0107] 103: First outlet side passage (first heat medium passage)

[0108] 103a: First Exit

[0109] 103b: First upstream port

[0110] 104: Second inlet side passage (second heat medium passage)

[0111] 104a: Second Entrance

[0112] 104b: Second downstream port

[0113] 104c: Second pump receiving recess

[0114] 105: Second outlet side passage (second heat medium passage)

[0115] 105a: Second Exit

[0116] 105b: Second upstream port

[0117] 105c: Branch port

[0118] 105d, 105e: Two disconnect points

[0119] 106: Third inlet side passage (third heat medium passage)

[0120] 106a: Third Entrance

[0121] 106b: Third downstream port

[0122] 107: Third outlet side passage (third heat medium passage)

[0123] 107a: Third Exit

[0124] 107b: Third upstream port

[0125] 108: Fourth inlet side passage (fourth heat medium passage)

[0126] 108a: Fourth Entrance

[0127] 108b: Fourth downstream port

[0128] 109: Fourth outlet side passage (fourth heat medium passage)

[0129] 109a: Fourth Exit

[0130] 109b: Fourth upstream port

[0131] 110: Cover component

[0132] 120: Multi-port switching valve

[0133] 120a: outer peripheral surface

[0134] 120a1: First outer peripheral surface

[0135] 120a2: Second outer peripheral surface

[0136] 121: Rotation axis

[0137] 125a~125o: 15 hollow passages on the first outer peripheral surface 120a1

[0138] 126a~126o: 15 hollow passages on the second outer peripheral surface 120a2

[0139] 130: Sealing component

[0140] 140: Spacing member

[0141] 160: Water pump (first electric pump)

[0142] 170: Water pump (second electric pump)

[0143] 180: Storage tank

[0144] 190: First refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger

[0145] 191: Shell

[0146] 192: Heat Exchange Section

[0147] 193: Intermediate Path

[0148] 194: First refrigerant passage

[0149] 195: On / off valve

[0150] 200: Second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger

[0151] 201: Shell

[0152] 202: Heat Exchange Section

[0153] 203: Intermediate Pathway

[0154] 204: Second refrigerant passage

[0155] 205: Expansion valve Detailed Implementation

[0156] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0157] The multi-way switching valve device of the present invention is used, for example, in a temperature control system in an electric vehicle. This temperature control system exchanges heat between the cooling water (e.g., long-life coolant, LLC) and the refrigerant (e.g., Freon-based gas) in the electric vehicle (EV) air conditioning (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system, various functional components (battery, drive motor, etc.), and the cooling water as a heat medium, thereby controlling the temperature of the various functional components at the desired temperature.

[0158] Here, as Figure 1 As shown, the temperature control system includes: a first heat medium passage Fp1 as a first fluid passage, a second heat medium passage Fp2 as a second fluid passage, a third heat medium passage Fp3 as a third fluid passage, a fourth heat medium passage Fp4 as a fourth fluid passage, a refrigerant passage Rp, a battery 1, an on-board charger 2, an electric heating element 3, a vehicle control unit 4, a converter 5, an inverter 6, an oil heat exchanger 7, a rear drive motor 8, an oil passage 9, an oil pump 10 as a third electric pump, an inverter 11, an oil heat exchanger 12, a front drive motor 13, an oil passage 14, an oil pump 15 as a third electric pump, a radiator 16, an accumulator 17, a compressor 18, an on / off valve 19, a condenser 20, an expansion valve 21, an evaporator 22, a blower 23, a multi-way switching valve device M, and other parts.

[0159] Here, the condenser 20, evaporator 22, and blower 23 are located inside the carriage IC or in an area connected to the carriage IC.

[0160] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, a multi-port switching valve device M according to one embodiment includes: a base member 100, a cover member 110, a multi-port switching valve 120, a sealing member 130, a spacer member 140, a drive unit 150, a water pump 160 as a first electric pump, a water pump 170 as a second electric pump, a liquid storage tank 180, a first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190, and a second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200.

[0161] The first heat medium passage Fp1 is configured with inlet I1 and outlet O1 facing the multi-way switching valve 120 of the multi-way switching valve device M. Moreover, in the first heat medium passage Fp1, a water pump 160, an electric heating element 3, a vehicle control unit 4, a storage battery 1, and an on-board charger 2 are arranged sequentially from inlet I1 to outlet O1.

[0162] The storage battery 1 is, for example, a high-voltage battery of 300 V to 400 V, which is mainly used as the power source for the rear drive motor 8 and the front drive motor 13. It is configured in the position of the insulating heat exchange structure (not shown) facing the first heat medium passage Fp1 so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing in the first heat medium passage Fp1.

[0163] In addition, power sources for other electrical components include, for example, low-voltage batteries (not shown) ranging from 12 V to 48 V.

[0164] The on-board charger 2, when charging the battery 1, converts the voltage of, for example, an EV charging station or household AC power supply to the required voltage. It is positioned in the insulating heat exchange structure (not shown) facing the first heat medium passage Fp1 so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing in the first heat medium passage Fp1.

[0165] The electric heating element 3 uses the battery 1 as a power source for heating. For example, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater is used, and it is positioned facing the first heat medium passage Fp1 so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing in the first heat medium passage Fp1. Here, when using a PTC heater as the electric heating element 3, its resistance increases with its temperature due to its own adjustment characteristics, thereby limiting the current flow and reducing power consumption waste.

[0166] The vehicle control unit 4 is a control unit that starts up using a low-voltage battery as a power source and is responsible for various controls of the vehicle. It is configured in the position of the heat exchange structure (not shown) facing the first heat medium passage Fp1 so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing in the first heat medium passage Fp1.

[0167] The second heat medium passage Fp2 is configured such that its inlet I2 and outlet O2 face the multi-way switching valve 120 of the multi-way switching valve device M. Furthermore, in the second heat medium passage Fp2, a water pump 170, a converter 5, an inverter 6, an oil heat exchanger 7, an inverter 11, an oil heat exchanger 12, a liquid storage tank 180, and a first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 are arranged sequentially from the inlet I2 toward the outlet O2.

[0168] The converter 5 is a DC-DC converter that reduces the voltage of the battery 1 to a low voltage (e.g., 12 V to 48 V) suitable for charging low-voltage batteries. It is configured in the insulating heat exchange structure (not shown) facing the second heat medium passage Fp2 so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing in the second heat medium passage Fp2.

[0169] In order to make the voltage of the battery 1 suitable for driving the rear drive motor 8, the inverter 6 converts DC to AC and boosts the voltage to a high voltage (e.g., 300 V to 800 V). It is positioned in the insulating heat exchange structure (not shown) facing the second heat medium passage Fp2 so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing in the second heat medium passage Fp2.

[0170] The oil heat exchanger 7 is configured to transfer the heat generated by the rear drive motor 8 to the cooling water via oil. It is positioned facing the second heat medium passage Fp2 so that heat exchange can occur between the cooling water and the oil flowing in the second heat medium passage Fp2.

[0171] The rear drive motor 8 drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. The oil pump 10 circulates the oil flowing in the oil passage 9, thereby cooling the oil through heat exchange with the cooling water. In addition, the oil pump 10 is driven by a low-voltage battery.

[0172] In order to make the voltage of the battery 1 suitable for the drive of the front drive motor 13, the inverter 11 converts DC to AC and boosts the voltage to a high voltage (e.g., 300 V to 800 V). It is positioned in the insulating heat exchange structure (not shown) facing the second heat medium passage Fp2 so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing in the second heat medium passage Fp2.

[0173] The oil heat exchanger 12 is configured to transfer the heat generated by the front drive motor 13 to the cooling water via oil. It is positioned facing the second heat medium passage Fp2 so that heat exchange can occur between the cooling water and the oil flowing in the second heat medium passage Fp2.

[0174] The front drive motor 13 drives the front wheels of the vehicle, and the oil pump 15 circulates the oil flowing in the oil passage 14, thereby cooling the oil through heat exchange with the cooling water. In addition, the oil pump 15 is driven by a low-voltage battery.

[0175] The third heat medium passage Fp3 is configured with its inlet I3 and outlet O3 facing the multi-port switching valve 120 of the multi-port switching valve device M. Furthermore, a second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is arranged in the middle of the third heat medium passage Fp3.

[0176] The fourth heat medium passage Fp4 is configured with its inlet I4 and outlet O4 facing the multi-way switching valve 120 of the multi-way switching valve device M. Furthermore, a radiator 16 is disposed midway through the fourth heat medium passage Fp4.

[0177] The radiator 16 dissipates heat from the cooling water flowing in the fourth heat medium passage Fp4 to the outside air.

[0178] The refrigerant passage Rp is configured to pass through a first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 and a second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200. Furthermore, the refrigerant passage Rp is equipped with a liquid receiver 17, a compressor 18, an on / off valve 19, a condenser 20, an expansion valve 21, and an evaporator 22.

[0179] The receiver 17 is located downstream of the evaporator 22 and upstream of the compressor 18 in the refrigerant passage Rp, so as to separate the refrigerant into gas and liquid and deliver only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 18.

[0180] The compressor 18 is driven by the battery 1 as a power source, and compresses the refrigerant to a high temperature and high pressure before sending it out.

[0181] The on / off valve 19 is a solenoid valve driven by a low-voltage battery, which opens / closes the refrigerant passage Rp toward the condenser 20.

[0182] The condenser 20 liquefies the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant delivered from the compressor 18 and releases the heat to the outside (inside the vehicle compartment IC).

[0183] The expansion valve 21 is a solenoid valve driven by a low-voltage battery. It is located downstream of the condenser 20 and the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 in the refrigerant passage Rp, causing the refrigerant to expand rapidly and become low temperature and low pressure.

[0184] Evaporator 22 absorbs heat from the outside (inside the vehicle compartment IC) with the help of the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant that has passed through expansion valve 21.

[0185] The blower 23 is driven by a low-voltage battery and generates forced air convection within the vehicle IC to promote the heat dissipation effect based on the condenser 20 and the cooling effect based on the evaporator 22.

[0186] In one embodiment of the multi-port switching valve device M, the base member 100 is molded using a resin material, such as... Figures 6 to 10The diagram shows: a cylindrical recess 101 centered on axis S; a first inlet side passage 102 and a first outlet side passage 103 forming part of a first heat medium passage Fp1; a second inlet side passage 104 and a second outlet side passage 105 forming part of a second heat medium passage Fp2; a third inlet side passage 106 and a third outlet side passage 107 forming part of a third heat medium passage Fp3; a fourth inlet side passage 108 and a fourth outlet side passage 109 forming part of a fourth heat medium passage Fp4; a plurality of (14) threaded holes H embedded therein; and a plurality of (3) mounting bosses B assembled therefrom.

[0187] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the cylindrical recess 101, on its inner circumferential surface 101a centered on axis S, includes multiple openings (inlet I1, outlet O1, inlet I2, outlet O2, inlet I3, outlet O3, inlet I4, outlet O4) within an angular range θ1 (approximately 110 degrees in this case) narrower than half its circumference. Here, as... Figure 7 As shown, the inner circumferential surface 101a includes a first inner circumferential surface 101a1 and a second inner circumferential surface 101a2 divided in the direction of axis S. The first inner circumferential surface 101a1 has four openings (outlet O3, inlet I2, outlet O4, inlet I4) arranged in the circumferential direction, and the second inner circumferential surface 101a2 has four openings (inlet I1, outlet O1, inlet I3, outlet O2) arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0188] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, the inner circumferential surface 101a includes: a pair of protrusions 101b, which position the sealing member 130 at a position corresponding to the angle range θ1; and a pair of protrusions 101c, which position the spacer member 140 within an angle range θ2 (θ1=θ2) located in a region opposite to the angle range θ1 but separated by the axis S.

[0189] Furthermore, the cylindrical recess 101 as Figure 8 The bottom wall 101d includes a bearing recess 101e that supports the end 121a of the rotating shaft 121 of the multi-way switching valve 120, and a stop 101f that restricts rotation. Figure 6 As shown, the flange portion 101g includes an annular sealing groove 101h for inserting an O-ring Sr1 and five threaded holes 101i.

[0190] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, the first inlet side passage 102 includes: a first inlet 102a for cooling water to flow into the first heat medium passage Fp1, a first downstream port 102b, and a first pump receiving recess 102c located in the middle.

[0191] The first inlet 102a is the inlet I1 that opens on the second inner circumferential surface 101a2.

[0192] The first downstream port 102b is connected to the first heat medium passage Fp1, which is located upstream of the electric heating element 3.

[0193] The first pump receiving recess 102c is the area that receives the water pump 160, such as Figure 6 The opening shown is parallel to the axis S and faces the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101, and includes a flange 102c1 at its opening end for fixing the water pump 160.

[0194] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 As shown, the first outlet side passage 103 includes: a first outlet 103a for cooling water to flow from the first heat medium passage Fp1 into the cylindrical recess 101, and a first upstream port 103b.

[0195] The first outlet 103a is the outlet O1 that opens on the second inner circumferential surface 101a2.

[0196] The first upstream port 103b is connected to the first thermal medium passage Fp1, which is located downstream of the vehicle charger 2.

[0197] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, the second inlet side passage 104 includes: a second inlet 104a for cooling water to flow into the second heat medium passage Fp2, a second downstream port 104b, and a second pump receiving recess 104c located in the middle.

[0198] The second inlet 104a is the inlet I2 that opens on the first inner circumferential surface 101a1.

[0199] The second downstream port 104b is connected to the second thermal medium passage Fp2, which is located upstream of converter 5.

[0200] The second pump receiving recess 104c is the area that receives the water pump 170. It is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101. At its opening end, there is a flange portion 104c1 for fixing the water pump 170.

[0201] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9As shown, the second outlet side passage 105 includes: a second outlet 105a, for cooling water to flow out from the second heat medium passage Fp2 into the cylindrical recess 101; a second upstream port 105b; a branch port 105c, which opens in the middle of the second outlet side passage 105, parallel to the axis S and facing the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101; and two disconnect ports 105d and 105e, which are disconnected in the middle at a downstream side than the branch port 105c, and open in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101, parallel to the axis S.

[0202] The second outlet 105a is the outlet O2 that opens on the second inner circumferential surface 101a2.

[0203] The second upstream port 105b is connected to the second heat medium passage Fp2, which is located further downstream than the oil heat exchanger 12.

[0204] At branch port 105c, it is connected to the liquid storage tank 180 in a manner that connects from the axis S.

[0205] The two disconnect ports 105d and 105e are connected to the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 in a manner that connects from the axis S.

[0206] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 10 As shown, the third inlet side passage 106 includes a third inlet 106a for cooling water to flow into the third heat medium passage Fp3, and a third downstream port 106b.

[0207] The third inlet 106a is inlet I3, which opens on the second inner circumferential surface 101a2.

[0208] The third downstream port 106b is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same orientation as the cylindrical recess 101.

[0209] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, the third outlet side passage 107 includes a third outlet 107a for cooling water to flow from the third heat medium passage Fp3 into the cylindrical recess 101, and a third upstream port 107b.

[0210] The third outlet 107a is the outlet O3 that opens on the first inner circumferential surface 101a1.

[0211] The third upstream port 107b is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same orientation as the cylindrical recess 101.

[0212] Furthermore, the third downstream port 106b and the third upstream port 107b are connected to the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 in a manner that connects from the S-axis direction.

[0213] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, the fourth inlet side passage 108 includes a fourth inlet 108a for cooling water to flow into the fourth heat medium passage Fp4, and a fourth downstream port 108b.

[0214] The fourth inlet 108a is the inlet I4 that opens on the first inner circumferential surface 101a1.

[0215] The fourth downstream port 108b is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same orientation as the cylindrical recess 101.

[0216] like Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 9 As shown, the fourth outlet side passage 109 includes: a fourth outlet 109a for cooling water to flow from the fourth heat medium passage Fp4 into the cylindrical recess 101, and a fourth upstream port 109b.

[0217] The fourth outlet 109a is the outlet O4 that opens on the first inner circumferential surface 101a1.

[0218] The fourth upstream port 109b is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same orientation as the cylindrical recess 101.

[0219] Furthermore, the fourth downstream port 108b and the fourth upstream port 109b are connected to the connection portion of the heat sink 16 that constitutes part of the fourth heat medium passage Fp4 in a manner that communicates from the axis S direction.

[0220] The cover member 110 is formed of resin material in a generally circular plate shape, covering the cylindrical recess 101 and serving as a base for fixing the drive unit 150, such as... Figure 5 The device includes: a circular hole 111 through which the end 121b of the rotating shaft 121 of the multi-way switching valve 120 passes; an annular joint 112 that engages with the flange 101g of the cylindrical recess 101; five transverse arms 113 that protrude from the annular joint 112 and have circular holes through which screws b2 pass; and three bosses 114 that have threaded holes into which screws b2 are screwed to fix the drive unit 150.

[0221] The multi-way switching valve 120 is molded from resin material into a cylindrical shape centered on axis S, such as... Figures 11 to 17The device includes: a rotating shaft 121 centered on axis S; a first hollow portion 122 and a second hollow portion 123 formed by hollowing out both sides of the rotating shaft 121 in the direction of axis S; a partition wall 124 separating the first hollow portion 122 and the second hollow portion 123; 15 hollow passage portions 125a to 125o of the first outer peripheral surface 120a divided in the direction of axis S in the outer peripheral surface 120a; 15 hollow passage portions 126a to 126o of the second outer peripheral surface 120a2; and an abutment portion 127 located near the second hollow portion 123.

[0222] The rotating shaft 121 includes various ends 121a, 121b and an annular sealing portion 121c formed on the end 121b side.

[0223] The end 121a is inserted into the bearing recess 101e formed on the bottom wall 101d of the cylindrical recess 101 of the base member 100, and is rotatably supported.

[0224] End 121b passes through the circular hole 111 of the cover member 110 and is connected to the gear 155 of the drive unit 150.

[0225] like Figure 19 As shown, the annular sealing part 121c and the cover member 110 cooperate to clamp the O-ring Sr2.

[0226] The partition wall 124 includes a plurality of connecting holes 124a that connect the first hollow portion 122 and the second hollow portion 123.

[0227] like Figure 14 As shown, the openwork passage portions 125a to 125o are arranged radially and are formed to extend centrally toward the rotation axis 121.

[0228] In addition, the hollow passage portions 125a and 125b are connected on the inside, the hollow passage portions 125e and 125f are connected on the inside, and the hollow passage portions 125j and 125k are connected on the inside.

[0229] like Figure 15 As shown, the openwork passage portions 126a to 126o are arranged radially and are formed to extend centrally toward the rotation axis 121.

[0230] In addition, the hollow passage portions 126a and 126b are connected on the inside, the hollow passage portions 126c and 126d are connected on the inside, the hollow passage portions 126e and 126h are connected on the inside, the hollow passage portions 126f and 126g are connected on the inside, and the hollow passage portions 126j and 126k are connected on the inside.

[0231] Furthermore, such as Figure 16 As shown, the hollowed-out passage portions 125e and 126e, 125i and 126i, 125l and 126l, 125m and 126m, 125n and 126n, 125o and 126o are respectively formed as longitudinal groove passage portions Vg that are interconnected in the direction of axis S.

[0232] In the structure described above, it is formed as follows: Figure 17 As indicated by the arrows, cooling water flowing into the perforated passage 125e flows out from the perforated passage 126e and perforated passage 125f, while cooling water flowing into the perforated passage 126h flows out from the perforated passage 125f and perforated passage 126e. Therefore, the cooling water flowing into the perforated passage 125e mixes with the cooling water flowing into the perforated passage 126h, flowing out from the perforated passage 126e and out from the perforated passage 125f.

[0233] That is, the multi-way switching valve 120 is formed to include: a longitudinal groove passage Vg that connects the hollow passage portion 125e of the first outer peripheral surface 120a1 with the hollow passage portion 126e of the second outer peripheral surface 120a2; and a hollow passage portion 125f of the first outer peripheral surface 120a1 and a hollow passage portion 126h of the second outer peripheral surface 120a2 formed for communicating with the longitudinal groove passage portion Vg.

[0234] like Figure 8 As shown, the abutting portion 127 abuts against the stop member 101f formed on the bottom wall 101d of the cylindrical recess 101 of the base member 100, restricting the rotation of the multi-way switching valve 120. That is, the multi-way switching valve 120 rotates clockwise CW and counterclockwise CCW around the axis S to abut against the stop member 101f, thereby restricting further rotation of the multi-way switching valve 120.

[0235] like Figure 18 As shown, the sealing member 130 is assembled into an arcuate plate shape centered on axis S, including: an outer arcuate plate 131 formed of rubber material; an inner arcuate plate 132 formed of crystalline resin material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other fluororesin; and a plurality of generally rectangular holes (eight in this case) 133.

[0236] Multiple rectangular holes 133 are formed to correspond to multiple openings (first inlet 102a, first outlet 103a, second inlet 104a, second outlet 105a, third inlet 106a, third outlet 107a, fourth inlet 108a, and fourth outlet 109a) formed on the inner peripheral surface 101a of the cylindrical recess 101.

[0237] Moreover, such as Figure 8 and Figure 20 As shown, the sealing member 130 is disposed between the inner circumferential surface 101a of the cylindrical recess 101 of the base member 100 and the outer circumferential surface 120a of the multi-way switching valve 120 at a position corresponding to the angle range θ1 between a pair of protrusions 101b.

[0238] like Figure 18 As shown, the spacer member 140 is assembled into an arcuate plate shape centered on axis S, including: an outer arcuate plate 141 formed of rubber material; and an inner arcuate plate 142 formed of crystalline resin material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other fluororesins.

[0239] Moreover, such as Figure 8 and Figure 19 As shown, the spacer member 140 is disposed between the inner circumferential surface 101a of the cylindrical recess 101 of the base member 100 and the outer circumferential surface 120a of the multi-way switching valve 120 in a position corresponding to the angle range θ2, that is, in a region opposite to the sealing member 130 across the axis S.

[0240] Thus, the sealing member 130 and the spacer member 140 are configured to face each other across the axis S, thereby achieving the self-aligning effect of the multi-way switching valve 120. Compared with the case where the sealing member is configured over the entire circumference, the sliding resistance can be reduced, and the driving force of the multi-way switching valve 120 can be reduced.

[0241] like Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the drive unit 150 includes a housing 151, a motor 152 with a drive gear 152a, a reduction gear 153, a reduction gear 154, a gear 155, and a Hall integrated circuit (IC) 156.

[0242] The housing 151 surrounds the entire structure except for the connecting hole 155a of the gear 155, and includes the housing body 151a and the housing cover 151b, as shown below. Figure 19 As shown, it includes three bosses 151a1 through which screw b2 passes.

[0243] Motor 152 is, for example, a direct current (DC) motor driven by a low-voltage battery.

[0244] The gear 155 includes a connecting hole 155a for connecting to the end 121b of the rotating shaft 121, and a detection part 155b containing a permanent magnet and the like and embedded therein.

[0245] Hall IC 156 is disposed on housing 151b facing the detected part 155b to detect the rotational position of multi-way switching valve 120.

[0246] The drive unit 150, which presents the structure, engages with the outer side of the cover member 110 from the direction of axis S and is fixed to the cover member 110 by screw b2.

[0247] Water pump 160 is an electric centrifugal pump driven by a low-voltage battery, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it includes a fitting flange portion 161 and two boss portions 161a through which the screw b1 passes. Moreover, the water pump 160 is arranged in the first pump receiving recess 102c of the base member 100 from the axis S direction, and the fitting flange portion 161 engages with the flange portion 102c1 and is fixed to the base member 100 by the screw b1.

[0248] Water pump 170 is an electric centrifugal pump driven by a low-voltage battery, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it includes a fitting flange portion 171 and two boss portions 171a through which the screw b1 passes. Moreover, the water pump 170 is arranged in the second pump receiving recess 104c of the base member 100 from the direction of the axis S, and the fitting flange portion 171 engages with the flange portion 104c1 and is fixed to the base member 100 by the screw b1.

[0249] The liquid storage tank 180 allows cooling water to pass through and adjusts the internal pressure, which varies according to changes in the cooling water temperature. Figure 5 As shown, it includes: a passage portion 181 forming an internal passage (not shown) communicating with the branch port 105c, and two boss portions 182 through which screws b1 pass. Moreover, the liquid storage tank 180 is engaged with the branch port 105c in a manner communicating from the axis S direction, and is fixed to the base member 100 via the boss portions 182 by screws b1.

[0250] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 enables heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage Rp and the cooling water flowing in the second heat medium passage Fp2, and is disposed in the base member 100 further downstream than the liquid storage tank 180 of the second outlet side passage 105.

[0251] like Figure 5 and Figure 21 As shown, the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 includes: a housing 191, a heat exchange section 192 in which multiple metal plates with high heat transfer are arranged inside the housing 191, an intermediate passage 193 forming part of the second heat medium passage Fp2, i.e., the second outlet side passage 105, a first refrigerant passage 194 forming part of the refrigerant passage Rp, and an on / off valve 195 disposed on the upstream side of the first refrigerant passage 194.

[0252] The housing 191 includes four bosses 191a through which screws b1 pass, an inlet joint 193a and an outlet joint 193b of the intermediate passage 193, and an inlet connection 194a and an outlet connection 194b of the first refrigerant passage 194.

[0253] The on / off valve 195 is a solenoid valve driven by a low-voltage battery, which opens / closes the upstream side of the first refrigerant passage 194.

[0254] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 enables heat exchange between the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage Rp and the cooling water flowing in the third heat medium passage Fp3, and is disposed in the base member 100 between the third inlet side passage 106 and the third outlet side passage 107.

[0255] like Figure 5 and Figure 21 As shown, the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 includes: a housing 201, a heat exchange section 202 in which multiple metal plates with high heat transfer are arranged inside the housing 201, an intermediate passage 203 connecting the third inlet side passage 106 and the third outlet side passage 107, a second refrigerant passage 204 forming part of the refrigerant passage Rp, and an expansion valve 205 disposed on the upstream side of the second refrigerant passage 204.

[0256] The housing 201 includes four bosses 201a through which screws b1 pass, an inlet joint 203a and an outlet joint 203b of the intermediate passage 203, and an inlet connection 204a and an outlet connection 204b of the second refrigerant passage 204.

[0257] The expansion valve 205 is a solenoid valve driven by a low-voltage battery, which opens the upstream side of the second refrigerant passage 204 to allow the refrigerant to expand.

[0258] Next, the assembly operation of the multi-way switching valve device M with the described structure will be described.

[0259] Prepare in advance, such as Figure 5 The components shown include: base component 100, cover component 110, multi-way switching valve 120, sealing component 130, spacer component 140, drive unit 150, water pump 160, water pump 170, liquid storage tank 180, first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190, second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200, O-ring Sr1, O-ring Sr2, and multiple screws b1 and b2.

[0260] First, the sealing member 130 and the spacer member 140 are respectively disposed in the cylindrical recess 101 of the base member 100 between a pair of protrusions 101b and 101c from the direction of axis S.

[0261] Next, the multi-way switching valve 120 with O-ring Sr2 is inserted into the cylindrical recess 101 from the axis S direction, and the end 121a is inserted into the bearing recess 101e.

[0262] Next, the O-ring Sr1 is inserted into the annular sealing groove 101h of the flange portion 101g, and the cover member 110 engages with the flange portion 101g of the base member 100 from the axial direction S and is fixed by screw b2. In the assembled state, the end 121b of the multi-way switching valve 120 is exposed to the outside through the circular hole 111.

[0263] Next, the drive unit 150 approaches the cover member 110 from the direction of axis S, inserts the end 121b into the connecting hole 155a of the gear 155, and fixes it to the cover member 110 by screw b2.

[0264] Next, the water pump 160 is inserted into the first pump receiving recess 102c of the base member 100 from the axis S direction and fixed by screw b1.

[0265] Next, the water pump 170 is inserted into the second pump receiving recess 104c of the base member 100 from the direction of axis S and fixed by screw b1.

[0266] Next, the storage tank 180 is engaged with the base member 100 from the S-axis direction in a manner communicating with the branch port 105c and is fixed by screws b1.

[0267] Next, the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is joined to the base member 100 from the axis S direction and fixed by screws b1 so that the two disconnections 105d, 105e are connected to the intermediate passage 193.

[0268] Next, the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is joined to the base member 100 from the S-axis direction and fixed by screws b1 so that the third downstream port 106b and the third upstream port 107b are connected to the intermediate passage 203.

[0269] Furthermore, the assembly sequence is not limited to the process described above, and other processes may also be used.

[0270] Thus, relative to the base member 100, various parts (cover member 110, multi-way switching valve 120, sealing member 130, spacer member 140, drive unit 150, water pump 160, water pump 170, liquid storage tank 180, first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190, second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200) can be assembled from one side of the axis S direction, thereby reducing the number of assembly steps and thus reducing assembly time.

[0271] Furthermore, by employing an assembly method that assembles from one side along the S-axis, multiple passages (first inlet side passage 102, first outlet side passage 103, second inlet side passage 104, second outlet side passage 105, third inlet side passage 106, third outlet side passage 107, fourth inlet side passage 108, and fourth outlet side passage 109) can be radially arranged around the cylindrical recess 101 and integrally formed, thereby achieving simplification of the configuration structure, reduction of the number of parts, and thinning of the device along the S-axis.

[0272] Next, the operation of the temperature control system, which includes the multi-way switching valve device M, will be explained.

[0273] When the multi-way switching valve 120 is in the first switching position, such as Figure 22 and Figure 23 As shown, the first outlet-side passage 103 is connected to the first inlet-side passage 102 by connecting the first outlet 103a (outlet O1) and the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) to the hollow passage portion 126b and the hollow passage portion 126a respectively, and the third outlet-side passage 107a (outlet O3) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) are connected to the hollow passage portion 125a and the hollow passage portion 125b respectively, and the third outlet-side passage 107 is connected to the second inlet-side passage 104. The second outlet-side passage 105 is connected to the third inlet-side passage 106 by connecting the second outlet 105a (outlet O2) and the third inlet 106a (inlet I3) to the hollow passage portion 126d and the hollow passage portion 126c respectively, and the fourth inlet-side passage 108 and the fourth outlet-side passage 109 are closed by connecting the fourth inlet 108a (inlet I4) and the fourth outlet 109a (outlet O4) to the hollow passage portion 125d and the hollow passage portion 125c respectively.

[0274] Therefore, the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 becomes a closed loop, and the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 and the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3 are connected in series to form a closed loop. Thus, by energizing the electric heating element 3 to generate heat, the cooling water in the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 can be heated, and the heated cooling water can be used to heat the battery 1.

[0275] Additionally, the cooling water heated by the heat generated from the rear drive motor 8 and the front drive motor 13 (or the heat generated from the converter 5, inverter 6, and inverter 11) can be guided to the third heat medium passage Fp3.

[0276] Therefore, in operating mode 1, with the on / off valve 195 and expansion valve 21 in the closed (OFF) state, the on / off valve 19 is set to the open (ON) state, the compressor 18 is started, and the expansion valve 205 is opened. This allows the refrigerant to be heated in the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 using cooling water, and the heat released from the condenser 20 can be used to heat the interior of the vehicle compartment IC. In operating mode 1, when the outside air temperature is low, for example, below -10°C, the power consumption of the battery 1 can be suppressed, the battery 1 can be heated to a suitable temperature, and the exhaust heat generated by the drive motor can be recovered to heat the refrigerant, improving the heating efficiency inside the vehicle compartment IC.

[0277] Additionally, at the first switching position, such as Figure 33 As shown, action mode 2 and action mode 3 are set as other action modes.

[0278] In operation mode 2, the electric heating element 3 is turned on, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is closed, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is closed, and the compressor 18 is turned off, thereby heating the battery 1.

[0279] In operating mode 3, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is opened, and the compressor 18 is turned on, thereby heating the refrigerant.

[0280] When the multi-way switching valve 120 is in the second switching position, such as Figure 24 and Figure 25As shown, the first outlet-side passage 103 is connected to the second inlet-side passage 104 by connecting the first outlet 103a (outlet O1) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) to the hollow passage portion 126o and the hollow passage portion 125o respectively, thereby connecting the first outlet-side passage 103 to the second inlet-side passage 104. Similarly, the third outlet-side passage 107a (outlet O3) and the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) are connected to the hollow passage portion 125n and the hollow passage portion 126n respectively, thereby connecting the third outlet-side passage 107 to the first inlet-side passage 102. The second outlet-side passage 105 is connected to the third inlet-side passage 106 by connecting the second outlet 105a (outlet O2) and the third inlet 106a (inlet I3) to the hollow passage section 126b and the hollow passage section 126a respectively, and the fourth inlet-side passage 108 is connected to the fourth outlet-side passage 109 by connecting the fourth inlet 108a (inlet I4) and the fourth outlet 109a (outlet O4) to the hollow passage section 125b and the hollow passage section 125a respectively.

[0281] Therefore, the first heat medium passage Fp1, the second heat medium passage Fp2, and the third heat medium passage Fp3 are connected in series to form a closed loop, in which cooling water circulates. In addition, the fourth heat medium passage Fp4 connects the fourth inlet 108a and the fourth outlet 109a to form a closed loop, so no cooling water circulation occurs for the radiator 16.

[0282] At the second switching position, such as Figure 33 As shown, set action modes 4 to 7.

[0283] In operation mode 4, the electric heating element 3 is turned on, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is opened, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is closed, and the compressor 18 is turned on, so that the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 functions as a liquid-cooled condenser, using the electric heating element 3 and refrigerant to heat the cooling water, thereby heating the battery 1.

[0284] In operation mode 5, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is opened, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is closed, and the compressor 18 is turned on, so that the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 functions as a liquid-cooled condenser, using refrigerant to heat the cooling water, thereby heating the battery 1.

[0285] In operation mode 6, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is turned off, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is turned off, and the compressor 18 is turned off. Only the heat generated by the heating parts (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.) is used to heat the cooling water, thereby heating the battery 1.

[0286] In operation mode 7, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is closed, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is opened, and the compressor 18 is turned on, so that the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 functions as a chiller to cool the cooling water, thereby cooling the battery 1.

[0287] When the multi-way switching valve 120 is in the third switching position, such as Figure 26 and Figure 27 As shown, the first outlet-side passage 103 is connected to the second inlet-side passage 104 by connecting the first outlet 103a (outlet O1) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) to the hollow passage portion 126m and the hollow passage portion 125m respectively, thereby connecting the first outlet-side passage 103 to the second inlet-side passage 104. Similarly, the third outlet-side passage 107a (outlet O3) and the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) are connected to the hollow passage portion 125l and the hollow passage portion 126l respectively, thereby connecting the third outlet-side passage 107 to the first inlet-side passage 102. The second outlet-side passage 105 is connected to the fourth inlet-side passage 108 by connecting the second outlet 105a (outlet O2) and the fourth inlet 108a (inlet I4) to the hollow passage section 126o and the hollow passage section 125o respectively, and the fourth outlet-side passage 109 is connected to the third inlet-side passage 106 by connecting the fourth outlet 109a (outlet O4) and the third inlet 106a (inlet I3) to the hollow passage section 125n and the hollow passage section 126n respectively.

[0288] Therefore, the first heat medium passage Fp1, the second heat medium passage Fp2, the fourth heat medium passage Fp4, and the third heat medium passage Fp3 are connected in series to form a closed loop, in which the cooling water circulates.

[0289] At the third switching position, such as Figure 33 As shown, set action mode 8 and action mode 9.

[0290] In operation mode 8, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is closed, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is opened, and the compressor 18 is turned on, so that the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 functions as a cooler to cool the cooling water, and the heat is released to the outside by the radiator 16, thereby cooling the battery 1 and the heat-generating parts (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.).

[0291] In operation mode 9, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is turned off, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is turned off, the compressor 18 is turned off, and the heat is released to the outside by the radiator 16, thereby cooling the battery 1 and the heat-generating parts (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.).

[0292] When the multi-way switching valve 120 is in the fourth switching position, such as Figure 28 and Figure 29 As shown, the first outlet-side passage 103 is connected to the third inlet-side passage 106 by connecting the first outlet 103a (outlet O1) and the third inlet 106a (inlet I3) to the hollow passage portions 126j and 126k respectively, thereby connecting the first outlet-side passage 103 to the third inlet-side passage 106. Similarly, the third outlet-side passage 107a (outlet O3) and the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) are connected to the hollow passage portions 125i and 126i respectively, thereby connecting the third outlet-side passage 107 to the first inlet-side passage 102. The second outlet-side passage 105 is connected to the fourth inlet-side passage 108 by connecting the second outlet 105a (outlet O2) and the fourth inlet 108a (inlet I4) to the hollow passage section 126l and the hollow passage section 125l respectively, and the fourth outlet-side passage 109 is connected to the second inlet-side passage 104 by connecting the fourth outlet 109a (outlet O4) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) to the hollow passage section 125k and the hollow passage section 125j respectively.

[0293] Therefore, the first heat medium passage Fp1 and the third heat medium passage Fp3 are connected in series to form a closed loop, and the second heat medium passage Fp2 and the fourth heat medium passage Fp4 are connected in series to form a closed loop, with cooling water circulating in each closed loop.

[0294] At the fourth switching position, such as Figure 33 As shown, set action modes 10 to 13.

[0295] In operating mode 10, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is opened, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is opened, and the compressor 18 is turned on. The first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 functions as a liquid-cooled condenser, releasing heat from the refrigerant to the cooling water. The second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 functions as a cooler to cool the cooling water, and the radiator 16 releases the heat to the outside, thereby cooling the battery 1 and the heat-generating components (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.).

[0296] In operation mode 11, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is closed, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is opened, and the compressor 18 is turned on, so that the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 functions as a cooler to cool the cooling water, and the heat is released to the outside by the radiator 16, thereby cooling the battery 1 and the heat-generating parts (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.).

[0297] In operation mode 12, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is opened, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is closed, and the compressor 18 is turned on, so that the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 functions as a liquid-cooled condenser, releasing heat from the refrigerant to the cooling water, and using the radiator 16 to release the heat to the outside, thereby cooling the heat-generating parts (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.).

[0298] In operation mode 13, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is turned off, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is turned off, the compressor 18 is turned off, and the heat is released to the outside by the radiator 16, thereby cooling the heat-generating parts (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.).

[0299] When the multi-way switching valve 120 is in the mixing switching position, i.e., the fifth switching position, which mixes cooling water with different state variables (temperature in this case), such as Figure 30 and Figure 31As shown, the first outlet-side passage 103 is connected to the third inlet-side passage 106 by connecting the first outlet 103a (outlet O1) and the third inlet 106a (inlet I3) to the hollow passage portion 126f and the hollow passage portion 126g respectively, thereby connecting the first outlet-side passage 103 to the third inlet-side passage 106. The third outlet 107a (outlet O3) is connected to the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) to the hollow passage portion 125e, the hollow passage portion 126e, and the hollow passage portion 125f respectively, thereby connecting the third outlet-side passage 107 to the first inlet-side passage 102 and the second inlet-side passage 104. The second outlet-side passage 105 is connected to the first inlet-side passage 102 and the second inlet-side passage 104 by connecting the second outlet 105a (outlet O2) to the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) to the hollow passage section 126h, the hollow passage section 126e, and the hollow passage section 125f respectively. The fourth inlet-side passage 108 and the fourth outlet-side passage 109 are closed by connecting the fourth inlet 108a (inlet I4) and the fourth outlet 109a (outlet O4) to the hollow passage section 125h and the hollow passage section 125g respectively.

[0300] Therefore, the first heat medium passage Fp1 and the third heat medium passage Fp3 are connected in series to form a closed loop passage, and the first heat medium passage Fp1, the third heat medium passage Fp3, and the second heat medium passage Fp2 are connected in series to form a closed loop passage, and the second heat medium passage Fp2 becomes a closed loop passage circulating in itself, with cooling water circulating in each closed loop passage.

[0301] At the fifth switching position, such as Figure 33 As shown, set action mode 14 and action mode 15.

[0302] In operating mode 14, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is opened, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is opened, and the compressor 18 is turned on. The first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 functions as a liquid-cooled condenser, releasing heat from the refrigerant to the cooling water, while the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 functions as a cooler to cool the cooling water and moderately heats (slightly heats) the battery 1. In this way, by appropriately heating and cooling the cooling water, the temperature of the battery 1 can be prevented from becoming unstable, thereby maintaining the battery 1 at a suitable management temperature.

[0303] In operating mode 15, the electric heating element 3 is turned off, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is turned off, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is turned off, the compressor 18 is turned off, and the cooling water is heated by the heat recovered from the heating parts (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.), and the battery 1 is moderately heated (micro-heated).

[0304] Thus, for example, the heat generated by the electric heating element 3 can be suppressed, and the cooling water in the first heat medium passage Fp1 can be adjusted to the most suitable temperature by utilizing the heat emitted from the heating components (converter 5, inverter 6, inverter 11, rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13) (heat dissipation), thereby heating (micro-heating) the battery 1 to a suitable temperature.

[0305] If the heat output of the heating element 3 is increased, the time it takes for the battery 1 to reach its optimal temperature will be shorter. However, this will cause overshoot exceeding the allowable upper temperature limit, increasing the frequency of switching to cooling mode and raising concerns about increased control complexity and instability of the battery 1. Therefore, by mixing and flowing cooling water with different state variables (temperatures), the cooling water can be adjusted to the optimal temperature for the battery 1, avoiding overshoot as before, reducing the switching frequency, and maintaining the battery 1 at a stable temperature.

[0306] As described above, the multi-way switching valve 120 appropriately switches from the first switching position to the fifth switching position, such as... Figure 32 As shown, when the position of the abutment portion 127 (shown by the solid line) rotates in one direction (clockwise CW) corresponding to the first switching position, it passes through the second, third, and fourth switching positions and reaches the position of the abutment portion 127 (shown by the double-dotted line), which is the fifth switching position. Thus, the multi-way switching valve 120 rotates clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) with the stop member 101f as the boundary, and the angular position is detected by the Hall IC 156 and positioned at the desired switching position.

[0307] As described above, the multi-port switching valve device of the present invention includes: a base member 100 having a cylindrical recess 101 centered on a predetermined axis S and a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being formed on the inner circumferential surface 101a of the cylindrical recess 101 within an angle range θ1 narrower than half its circumference and defining the inlet and outlet of each of the plurality of fluid passages; a cylindrical multi-port switching valve 120 having a plurality of hollow passage portions on its outer circumferential surface 120a, rotatably disposed on the cylindrical recess 101 about the axis S, and performing opening and closing actions of the plurality of openings; a sealing member 130 disposed between the inner circumferential surface 101a and the outer circumferential surface 120a corresponding to the angle range θ1; and a spacer member 140 disposed between the inner circumferential surface 101a and the outer circumferential surface 120a in a region opposite to the sealing member 130 across the axis S.

[0308] Accordingly, relative to the cylindrical recess 101, the sealing member 130 and the spacer member 140 can be inserted from one side along the axis S, and the multi-way switching valve 120 can be inserted for assembly. In addition, the sealing member 130 and the spacer member 140 are arranged to face each other across the axis S, so the self-aligning function of the multi-way switching valve 120 can be obtained. Compared with the case where the sealing member is arranged in the whole circumference, the sliding resistance can be reduced, and the driving force of the multi-way switching valve 120 can be reduced.

[0309] In addition, the side of the sealing member 130 and the spacer member 140 that contacts the inner peripheral surface 101a is formed of rubber material, and the side that contacts the outer peripheral surface 120a is formed of crystalline resin material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other fluororesins.

[0310] Accordingly, the sealing performance between the inner peripheral surface 101a and the sealing member 130 can be improved, and the multi-way switching valve 120 can be maintained while the sealing member 130 and the spacer member 140 are given elastic force. On the other hand, the sliding properties of the outer peripheral surface 120a of the multi-way switching valve 120 can be improved.

[0311] Additionally, the base member 100 includes a first inlet side passage 102 and a first outlet side passage 103 of a first fluid passage, a second inlet side passage 104 and a second outlet side passage 105 of a second fluid passage, a third inlet side passage 106 and a third outlet side passage 107 of a third fluid passage, and a fourth inlet side passage 108 and a fourth outlet side passage 109 of a fourth fluid passage as multiple fluid passages. The inlets 102a, 104a, 106a, and 108a of the first inlet side passage 102, the second inlet side passage 104, the third inlet side passage 106, and the fourth inlet side passage 108, and the outlets 103a, 105a, 107a, and 109a of the first outlet side passage 103, the second outlet side passage 105, the third outlet side passage 107, and the fourth outlet side passage 109 are formed on the inner peripheral surface 101a.

[0312] Accordingly, since multiple inlets and outlets are provided within the angular range θ1 of the inner circumferential surface 101a, multiple fluid passages can be compactly configured, thereby achieving the thinning and miniaturization of the base component 100.

[0313] Additionally, the multi-way switching valve 120 includes a rotating shaft 121 centered on axis S. A cover member 110 is fixed to the base member 100. When the multi-way switching valve 120 is inserted into the cylindrical recess 101 from the direction of axis S, with a sealing member 130 and a spacer member 140 separating the inner peripheral surface 101a and the outer peripheral surface 120a, the cover member 110 exposes the end 121b of the rotating shaft 121 and covers the cylindrical recess 101.

[0314] Accordingly, after the sealing member 130, the spacer member 140 and the multi-way switching valve 120 are arranged in the cylindrical recess 101, the cover member 110 can be assembled from one side of the axis S direction without the need for assembly processes such as direction conversion, thus reducing assembly time.

[0315] Additionally, a drive unit 150 is included that applies a driving force to the rotation shaft 121. The drive unit 150 is located outside the cover member 110 and is fixed to the base member 100 and / or the cover member 110 from the direction of axis S.

[0316] Accordingly, the drive unit 150 can be assembled from one side of the axis S, and similarly, no assembly process such as direction conversion is required, which can reduce assembly time.

[0317] In addition, the first fluid passage is a first heat medium passage Fp1 for heat exchange with the battery 1, the second fluid passage is a second heat medium passage Fp2 for heat exchange with the drive motor 8 and drive motor 13 that drive the wheels, the third fluid passage is a third heat medium passage Fp3 for heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant passage Rp, and the fourth fluid passage is a fourth heat medium passage Fp4 for heat exchange with the outside air via the radiator 16.

[0318] Accordingly, in the temperature regulation system of electric vehicles and the like, which includes a first heat medium passage Fp1, a second heat medium passage Fp2, a third heat medium passage Fp3, and a fourth heat medium passage Fp4, a multi-way switching valve device M with the structure described above can be applied to appropriately adjust the temperature of the heat medium (cooling water) to a suitable temperature.

[0319] In addition, on the base member 100, a first electric pump (water pump 160) for pressurizing the heat medium is arranged in the first inlet side passage 102, and a second electric pump (water pump 170) for pressurizing the heat medium is arranged in the second inlet side passage 104.

[0320] Accordingly, the heat medium can be forcibly delivered under pressure in the first inlet side passage 102 and the second inlet side passage 104.

[0321] Additionally, the first inlet side passage 102 includes a first pump receiving recess 102c formed in its middle and opening in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101. A first electric pump (water pump 160) is received in the first pump receiving recess 102c from the direction of axis S and fixed to the base member 100. The second inlet side passage 104 includes a second pump receiving recess 104c formed in its middle and opening in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101. A second electric pump (water pump 170) is received in the second pump receiving recess 104c from the direction of axis S and fixed to the base member 100.

[0322] Accordingly, the first electric pump and the second electric pump can be assembled from one side of the axis S in the same way as other parts, and the assembly process, such as direction conversion, is not required, thus reducing assembly time.

[0323] Additionally, a storage tank 180 through which the heating medium passes is disposed in the second outlet side passage 105 of the base member 100.

[0324] Accordingly, the internal pressure of the second outlet side passage 105 (second heat medium passage Fp2) which varies according to the temperature change of the heat medium (cooling water) can be adjusted, and damage to parts caused by overpressure can be prevented.

[0325] Additionally, the second outlet side passage 105 includes a branch port 105c that opens in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101, and the liquid storage tank 180 is fixed to the base member 100 in a manner that communicates with the branch port 105c in the direction of the axis S.

[0326] Accordingly, the liquid storage tank 180 can be assembled from one side of the axis S direction in the same way as other parts, and the assembly process such as direction conversion is not required, which can reduce assembly time.

[0327] Additionally, on the base member 100, a first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is disposed on the downstream side of the second outlet side passage 105, which enables heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium.

[0328] Accordingly, heat exchange can be performed between the heat medium flowing in the second outlet side passage 105 and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage Rp via the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190. For example, the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 can function as a liquid-cooled condenser to heat the heat medium.

[0329] In addition, the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 includes a heat exchange section 192, an intermediate passage 193 that forms part of the second heat medium passage Fp2, and a first refrigerant passage 194 that forms part of the refrigerant passage Rp. An on / off valve 195 is disposed on the upstream side of the first refrigerant passage 194.

[0330] Accordingly, the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium can be appropriately adjusted by the opening and closing action of the on / off valve 195.

[0331] Additionally, the second outlet side passage 105 has two break ports 105d and 105e that are broken in the middle and open in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101. The first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 is fixed to the base member 100 from the direction of axis S so that the two break ports 105d and 105e are connected to the intermediate passage 193.

[0332] Accordingly, the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 190 can be assembled from one side of the axis S direction in the same way as other parts, and the assembly process such as direction conversion is not required, which can reduce assembly time.

[0333] Additionally, a second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is disposed on the base member 100 between the third inlet side passage 106 and the third outlet side passage 107 to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium.

[0334] Accordingly, heat exchange can be performed between the heat medium flowing in the third heat medium passage (third inlet side passage 106 and third outlet side passage 107) and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant passage Rp via the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200, for example, the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 can function as a cooler to cool the heat medium.

[0335] In addition, the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 includes a heat exchange section 202, an intermediate passage 203 connecting the third inlet side passage 106 and the third outlet side passage 107, and a second refrigerant passage 204 forming part of the refrigerant passage Rp, with an expansion valve 205 disposed on the upstream side of the second refrigerant passage 204.

[0336] Therefore, the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium can be appropriately adjusted by opening and closing the expansion valve 205.

[0337] In addition, the third downstream port 106b of the third inlet side passage 106 and the third upstream port 107b of the third outlet side passage 107 open in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101. The second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 is fixed to the base member 100 from the direction of axis S, and the third downstream port 106b and the third upstream port 107b are connected to the intermediate passage 203.

[0338] Accordingly, the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger 200 can be assembled from one side of the axis S direction in the same way as other parts, and the assembly process such as direction conversion is not required, which can reduce assembly time.

[0339] In the described embodiment, a multi-way switching valve device is shown for adjusting the flow of a hot medium (cooling water) as the target fluid, but it is not limited to this and can also be used to adjust the flow of other fluids.

[0340] In the described embodiment, the drive unit 150 is shown to be fixed to the cover member 110, but it is not limited to this. It may be fixed to the base member 100, or to both the cover member 110 and the base member 100.

[0341] In the embodiment described, a structure in which a first electric pump (water pump 160) is arranged in the first inlet side passage 102 of the first heat medium passage Fp1 is shown, but it is not limited to this. As long as the passage and structure generate natural circulation due to the temperature gradient of the heat medium, it may be in a form that does not employ a first electric pump.

[0342] In the embodiment described, a structure in which a second electric pump (water pump 170) is arranged in the second inlet side passage 104 of the second heat medium passage Fp2 is shown. However, it is not limited to this. As long as the passage and structure generate natural circulation due to the temperature gradient of the heat medium, it may be in a form that does not employ a second electric pump.

[0343] As described above, the multi-way switching valve device of the present invention can achieve the reduction and simplification of assembly time, the reduction of the number of parts, weight reduction, miniaturization and space saving brought about by the compact configuration of parts, and the reduction of frictional resistance during driving. Therefore, it can be applied to electric vehicles and other applications, and can also be effectively used in systems or other equipment in other fields.

Claims

1. A multi-port switching valve device, comprising: The base member has a cylindrical recess centered on a predetermined axis and a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings being formed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical recess within an angle range narrower than half its circumference and defining the inlet and outlet of a plurality of fluid passages respectively. A cylindrical multi-way switching valve has multiple hollow passages on its outer circumference and is rotatably disposed in the cylindrical recess around the axis to open and close the multiple openings. A sealing member is disposed between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface, corresponding to the angle range; as well as A spacer member is disposed between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface in a region opposite to the sealing member, separated by the axis.

2. The multi-way switching valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The side of the sealing member and the spacer member that contacts the inner peripheral surface is formed of rubber material, and the side that contacts the outer peripheral surface is formed of crystalline resin material.

3. The multi-way switching valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base component includes a first inlet side passage and a first outlet side passage of a first fluid passage, a second inlet side passage and a second outlet side passage of a second fluid passage, a third inlet side passage and a third outlet side passage of a third fluid passage, and a fourth inlet side passage and a fourth outlet side passage of a fourth fluid passage as the plurality of fluid passages. The inlets of the first inlet-side passage, the second inlet-side passage, the third inlet-side passage, and the fourth inlet-side passage, and the outlets of the first outlet-side passage, the second outlet-side passage, the third outlet-side passage, and the fourth outlet-side passage are formed on the inner circumferential surface.

4. The multi-way switching valve device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The multi-port switching valve includes a rotating shaft centered on the axis. With a cover member fixed to the base member, and the multi-way switching valve inserted into the cylindrical recess from the direction of the axis such that the sealing member and the spacer member are separated between the inner and outer circumferential surfaces, the cover member exposes the end of the rotating shaft and covers the cylindrical recess.

5. The multi-way switching valve device according to claim 4, characterized in that, Includes a drive unit that applies driving force to the rotating shaft. The drive unit is fixed to the base member and / or the cover member from the direction of the axis on the outside of the cover member.

6. The multi-way switching valve device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The first fluid passage is a passage for the flow of the heat medium that exchanges heat with the battery. The second fluid passage is a passage for the flow of a heat medium that exchanges heat with the drive motor that drives the wheels. The third fluid passage is a third heat medium passage for heat exchange with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant passage. The fourth fluid passage is a fourth heat medium passage for the flow of heat medium that exchanges heat with the outside air via the radiator.

7. The multi-way switching valve device according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the base member, a first electric pump for pressurizing the heat medium is disposed in the first inlet side passage, and a second electric pump for pressurizing the heat medium is disposed in the second inlet side passage.

8. The multi-way switching valve device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base member has a storage tank for the passage of the heat medium disposed on the second outlet side passage.

9. The multi-way switching valve device according to claim 6, characterized in that, In the base member, a first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger is disposed on the downstream side of the second outlet side passage, which enables heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium.

10. The multi-way switching valve device according to claim 6, characterized in that, A second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger is disposed between the third inlet side passage and the third outlet side passage in the base member to facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium.

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