Valve device

Abstract

The valve device includes a housing (10) that forms a fluid passage (F) inside, a fixed disc (20) that is arranged inside the housing and that is formed with at least one flow passage hole (23) through which fluid flows, a driving section (40) that outputs a rotational force, a rotating shaft (50) that rotates about a rotating shaft center (CL) by the rotational force output by the driving section, and a driving disc (30) that increases and decreases the opening of the flow passage hole in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft and that rotates about the rotating shaft center while sliding on the fixed disc. The driving disc has a sliding surface (31) that slides on the fixed disc on one side in the direction of the rotating shaft center, i.e., the shaft center direction, and has a non-sliding surface (32) that does not slide on the fixed disc on the other side in the shaft center direction. The fixed disc has a sealing surface (21) that slides on the sliding surface on the other side in the shaft center direction. A recessed portion (37) that is recessed with respect to the non-sliding surface is formed on the non-sliding surface.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-049907, filed on March 26, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to valve devices. Background Technology

[0003] A valve device is known in the past, comprising a housing forming a fluid passage, a fixed disk having a flow path orifice for fluid passage, a drive disk for increasing or decreasing the opening of the flow path orifice, and a drive unit that outputs a rotational force to rotate the drive disk (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this valve device, an inlet is formed on the housing to guide fluid into the fluid passage, and two outlets are formed in communication with the flow path orifice to allow fluid to flow out of the fluid passage.

[0004] Furthermore, the valve device switches the opening and closing of the flow path orifice of the fixed plate according to the rotational position of the drive plate, which is rotated by the rotational force of the drive unit, thereby enabling the selection of the outlet that communicates with the inlet from the two outlets. In addition, the valve device rotates the drive plate by sliding the sliding surface of the drive plate opposite to the fixed plate and the sealing surface of the fixed plate opposite to the sliding surface, thereby preventing fluid from flowing out from an outlet other than the selected outlet. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-166527 Summary of the Invention

[0006] However, if foreign matter mixed into the fluid intrudes between the sliding surface and the sealing surface, a gap will be created between them, and the fluid may leak from between them. Furthermore, if foreign matter intrudes between the sliding surface and the sealing surface, the foreign matter will damage both surfaces, reducing the seal between them and allowing fluid to leak from between them again. This leakage from the sliding surface and the sealing surface is the main reason why fluid flows out from outlets other than the selected outlet. This was discovered by the inventors after detailed research.

[0007] In view of the foregoing, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a valve device capable of preventing foreign matter from entering between the sliding surface and the sealing surface.

[0008] According to one point of view in this disclosure A valve device comprising: The outer shell, which forms fluid passages inside to allow fluid to flow; A fixed plate, disposed inside the housing, has at least one flow path hole for fluid flow. The drive unit outputs rotational force; A rotating shaft that rotates around its axis by the rotational force output by the drive unit; and The drive disc increases or decreases the opening of the flow path hole as the shaft rotates, and slides on the fixed disc to rotate around the shaft axis. The drive disc has a sliding surface on one side along the axis of rotation (i.e., the axis direction) that slides on the fixed disc, and a non-sliding surface on the other side along the axis of rotation that does not slide on the fixed disc. The fixed disc has a sealing surface on the other side of the axial direction that slides on the sliding surface. A recessed portion is formed on the non-slip surface relative to the non-slip surface. Therefore, even when foreign matter is mixed into the fluid, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of foreign matter between the sealing surface and the sliding surface by recovering the foreign matter into the recess. Furthermore, this can suppress fluid leakage between the sealing surface and the sliding surface caused by foreign matter intrusion. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the valve device according to this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve device in this embodiment. Figure 3 A diagram showing the drive disk of this embodiment viewed from the sliding surface side. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the drive disk of this embodiment as viewed from the mounting side. Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the comparator drive disk as viewed from the comparator mounting side. Detailed Implementation

[0010] based on Figure 1 Figure 8 illustrates one embodiment of this disclosure. The valve device 1 of this embodiment is applied, for example, to a fluid circulation system that circulates a fluid (cooling water in this example) used to regulate the temperature of the passenger compartment and battery of an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. The fluid circulation system circulates cooling water through the vehicle's power source, radiator, passenger compartment air conditioning heater core, and battery. For example, LLC (Long-life coolant) containing ethylene glycol is used as the cooling water. The valve device 1 switches the flow path or adjusts the flow rate of the cooling water flowing within the fluid circulation system. In this embodiment, the valve device 1 is described as a five-way valve.

[0011] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the valve device 1 has a housing 10 that forms a fluid passage F for fluid flow inside. The housing 10 has two inlet ports for fluid to flow from the outside of the valve device 1 into the fluid passage F, and three outlet ports for fluid flowing into the fluid passage F to flow out of the valve device 1. Hereinafter, as... Figure 1 As shown, the two fluid ports that allow fluid to flow into the fluid passage F are called the first inlet 11 and the second inlet 12, and the three outlet ports that allow fluid to flow out of the fluid passage F are called the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14, and the third outlet 15.

[0012] First, the structure of the valve device 1 in this embodiment will be described. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the valve device 1 of this embodiment includes a fixed disc 20, a drive disc 30, a drive unit 40, a rotating shaft 50, a rod 60, a torsion spring 70, and a compression spring 80. The fixed disc 20, drive disc 30, rotating shaft 50, rod 60, torsion spring 70, and compression spring 80 are housed within the outer casing 10 of the valve device 1. Furthermore, the drive unit 40 is disposed outside the outer casing 10 of the valve device 1. The valve device 1 of this embodiment is configured as a disc valve, which switches the flow path of cooling water flowing in the fluid circulation system by rotating the drive disc 30 and the rotating shaft 50 together via the drive unit 40.

[0013] In this embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the direction along the axis CL of the rotating shaft 50 is defined as the axial direction DRa, the direction on one side of the axial direction DRa is defined as the lower direction DRa1, and the direction on the opposite side of the lower direction DRa1 is defined as the upper direction DRa2. Furthermore, the direction around the axis CL is defined as the circumferential direction DRc, and the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa and extending radially from the axis CL is defined as the radial direction DRr, to explain various structures, etc. The circumferential direction DRc is the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 50 and the drive disk 30, which rotate due to the rotational force supplied from the drive unit 40. Furthermore, Figure 2 The directions shown are just one example and do not limit the setting state of the valve device 1 of this disclosure.

[0014] The outer casing 10 is a non-rotating component that does not rotate. The outer casing 10 is formed, for example, from a resin material. Specifically, the outer casing 10 has a main body portion 16 with a bottom cylindrical shape and a main body cover portion 17 that closes the open side of the main body portion 16. In this embodiment, the main body portion 16 and the main body cover portion 17 are formed, for example, by injection molding, in which resin material is poured into a mold and cured into a desired shape.

[0015] The main body 16 has a bottom wall portion 160 forming a bottom surface and a cylindrical side wall portion 161 surrounding the pivot axis CL in the circumferential direction DRc. The bottom wall portion 160 and the side wall portion 161 together with the main body cover portion 17 form a fluid passage F. The bottom wall portion 160 and the side wall portion 161 are integrally molded into a single piece.

[0016] The main body 16 is connected to a first inlet 11 on the outer peripheral surface of the side wall 161. Additionally, the main body 16 is connected to a first outlet 13, a second outlet 14, and a third outlet 15 on the outer peripheral surface of the bottom wall 160. Furthermore, the main body 16 is connected to a second inlet 12 on the lower surface of the bottom wall 160 in the lower direction DRa1.

[0017] The first inlet portion 11 and the first outlet portion 13 are arranged along the axial direction DRa. The first inlet portion 11 is connected to a position in the side wall portion 161 that is above the position of the drive disk 30 in the direction of DRa2. In contrast, the first outlet portion 13 is connected to the bottom wall portion 160 of the side wall portion 161 that is below the position of the drive disk 30 in the direction of DRa1.

[0018] Furthermore, the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14, and the third outlet 15 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction DRc. In this embodiment, the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14, and the third outlet 15 are arranged sequentially at approximately 90° intervals. The second inlet 12 is located at the center of the bottom wall portion 160.

[0019] The first inlet 11, the second inlet 12, the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14, and the third outlet 15 are constructed from tubular components that allow fluid to flow through their interior. Furthermore, the first inlet 11, the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14, and the third outlet 15 protrude radially from the housing 10 along the radial direction DRr. Additionally, the second inlet 12 protrudes axially from the housing 10 along the axial direction DRa.

[0020] The sidewall portion 161 is a cylindrical shape that surrounds the fluid passage F in the circumferential direction DRc, on the side of DRa2 above the fixed disk 20, and extends in the axial direction DRa. The sidewall portion 161 is formed in such a way that its axis is coaxial with the axis of rotation CL.

[0021] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the sidewall portion 161 has an inner peripheral side portion 1611 surrounding the outer periphery of the fixed disk 20 and the outer periphery of the drive disk 30 on its inner peripheral side. The inner peripheral side portion 1611 forms a passage in the fluid passage F that is located above the fixed disk 20 in the direction of DRa2. A fitting groove (not shown) is formed in the inner peripheral side portion 1611, recessed away from the axis of rotation CL. Furthermore, the opening side of the sidewall portion 161 is closed by the main body cover portion 17.

[0022] The main body cover 17 is a cover portion that closes the opening side of the main body 16. The main body cover 17 is inserted into the inside of the main body 16 from the opening side of the main body 16 and is installed on the main body 16. The main body cover 17 is installed on the main body 16 together with the drive portion 40, for example, by means of self-tapping screws S.

[0023] An O-ring 162 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface of the side wall portion 161 and the outer peripheral surface of the main body cover portion 17 to close the gap between the main body portion 16 and the main body cover portion 17. The O-ring 162 is made of, for example, polyurethane rubber, which is a ring-shaped elastomer, and is configured to be able to undergo elastic deformation when compressed when clamped between the main body portion 16 and the main body cover portion 17.

[0024] The bottom wall portion 160 is a portion where the fixing plate 20 is installed and supports the lower side of the shaft center portion 51 in the rotating shaft 50 in the direction of DRa1. In addition, the bottom wall portion 160 is a portion that forms a fluid passage F that guides the fluid flowing in from the first inlet portion 11 and the second inlet portion 12 to the first outlet portion 13, the second outlet portion 14 and the third outlet portion 15.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the bottom wall portion 160 has a mounting surface 1601 on the upper side (DRa2) for mounting the fixed disk 20. Additionally, the bottom wall portion 160 has a bearing hole 1602 for supporting the shaft portion 51 and a passage in the fluid passage F on the lower side (DRa1) of the fixed disk 20. The lower side (DRa1) of the shaft portion 51 is inserted into the bearing hole 1602. The bearing hole 1602 supports the shaft portion 51 in a rotatable manner. The passage in the fluid passage F on the lower side (DRa1) of the fixed disk 20 is formed by recessing the mounting surface 1601.

[0026] The fluid passage F, located on the DRa1 side lower than the fixed disk 20, is divided into four passages on the bottom wall portion 160. Each of these four passages communicates with one of the second inlet portion 12, the first outlet portion 13, the second outlet portion 14, and the third outlet portion 15. Although not shown in the figure, the bottom wall portion 160 is provided with a partition that divides the fluid passage F on the DRa1 side lower than the fixed disk 20 into a passage communicating with the second inlet portion 12, a passage communicating with the first outlet portion 13, a passage communicating with the second outlet portion 14, and a passage communicating with the third outlet portion 15. In other words, the fluid passage F on the DRa1 side lower than the fixed disk 20 is divided by this partition into four passages communicating with one of the second inlet portion 12, the first outlet portion 13, the second outlet portion 14, and the third outlet portion 15.

[0027] The mounting surface 1601 is formed to extend in a planar shape along the radial direction DRr and the circumferential direction DRc. A groove (not shown) is formed on the mounting surface 1601 for mounting a gasket 163, which seals the gap between the fixed plate 20 and the mounting surface 1601.

[0028] The gasket 163 is made of a rubber component capable of elastic deformation and is shaped to correspond to the four passages in the fluid passage F that are divided into four sections in the direction DRa1, which is lower than the fixed disk 20.

[0029] The fixed plate 20 is a sealing component that seals the gap between the bottom wall 160 and the drive plate 30. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the fixed disk 20 is composed of a generally disc-shaped component with its thickness along the axial direction DRa, and its outer diameter is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 161. Furthermore, the fixed disk 20 is arranged coaxially with the shaft axis CL.

[0030] The fixed disk 20 has a sealing surface 21 that abuts against the drive disk 30 and a supporting surface 22 that abuts against the setting surface 1601. The sealing surface 21 is a facing surface that opposes the sliding surface 31 of the drive disk 30 (described later) and contacts the sliding surface 31. The supporting surface 22 is the lower-direction DRa1 surface of the fixed disk 20, and is the facing surface that opposes the setting surface 1601 when the fixed disk 20 is disposed within the housing 10.

[0031] Furthermore, a plurality of flow path holes 23 are formed on the fixed disk 20, each communicating with one of the four passages in the fluid passage F located on the lower side of the fixed disk 20, towards the DRa1 side. Fluid can pass through each of these plurality of flow path holes 23 in the fixed disk 20. Additionally, a fixed disk hole 24 for the rotating shaft 50 to pass through is formed approximately at the center of the fixed disk 20, and a fitting protrusion (not shown) is formed on its outer peripheral surface. The fixed disk 20 is restricted from rotating in the circumferential direction DRc by engaging this fitting protrusion with a fitting groove (not shown) formed on the inner peripheral side surface portion 1611 of the sidewall portion 161.

[0032] The mounting plate 20 is formed of a material with a smaller coefficient of linear expansion, superior wear resistance, and a low coefficient of friction compared to the material of the housing 10. For example, the mounting plate 20 is made of a high-hardness material with a higher hardness than the housing 10 and the drive plate 30. The mounting plate 20 is made of a metal with a higher hardness than resin (e.g., SUS, which stands for Steel Use Stainless Steel).

[0033] The sealing surface 21 and the supporting surface 22 are formed to extend in a planar shape along the radial direction DRr and the circumferential direction DRc. Furthermore, the sealing surface 21 and the supporting surface 22 are approximately orthogonal to the axial direction DRa and are parallel to each other in the axial direction DRa.

[0034] Multiple flow path holes 23 are formed at positions separate from the fixed disk holes 24, without overlapping with them. Each of the multiple flow path holes 23 corresponds to one of the four passages in the fluid passage F located on the DRa1 side, which is lower than the fixed disk 20. The fixed disk holes 24 are formed to penetrate the fixed disk 20 along the axial direction DRa.

[0035] The drive disc 30 is a valve core that increases or decreases the opening of the flow path orifice 23 by rotating around the axis CL of the shaft 50 in conjunction with its rotation. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the drive disk 30 is composed of a generally disk-shaped component with its thickness along the axial direction DRa, and its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the side wall portion 161. The drive disk 30 is configured such that its rotation axis is coaxial with the axis of rotation CL and coaxial with the axis of the fixed disk 20.

[0036] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the drive disk 30 has a sliding surface 31 that slides against the sealing surface 21 of the fixed disk 20 and a mounting surface 32 for the mounting rod 60. Furthermore, a drive disk hole 33 for the rotating shaft 50 to pass through is formed approximately at the center of the drive disk 30, and a through hole 34 extending through the drive disk 30 along the axial direction DRa is also formed. Additionally, a flow path groove 35 is formed on the sliding surface 31 of the drive disk 30 by recessing the sliding surface 31, and two pressing grooves 36 and a plurality of recessed portions 37 formed on the mounting surface 32 for pressing in the pressing portion of the rod 60 (described later) are formed.

[0037] The drive disk 30 is formed of a material with a smaller coefficient of linear expansion, better wear resistance, and a lower coefficient of friction compared to the material of the housing 10. For example, the drive disk 30 is made of a high-hardness resin with a higher hardness than the housing 10 and a lower hardness than the fixed disk 20.

[0038] The sliding surface 31 is the surface of the drive disk 30 facing the DRa1 side in the lower direction, and it is the surface opposite to the sealing surface 21. Furthermore, the sliding surface 31 is the surface that slides on the sealing surface 21 of the fixed disk 20 when the drive disk 30 rotates along with the rotation of the shaft 50.

[0039] Mounting surface 32 is the surface of the drive disk 30 facing DRa2 from the upper side, and is the opposing surface to the rod 60 when the drive disk 30 is disposed inside the housing 10. Mounting surface 32 is a surface that does not oppose the sealing surface 21 and does not slide on the sealing surface 21. That is, mounting surface 32 is a non-sliding surface that does not oppose the sealing surface 21 and does not slide on the sealing surface 21 when the drive disk 30 rotates.

[0040] The sliding surface 31 and the mounting surface 32 are formed to extend in a planar shape along the radial direction DRr and the circumferential direction DRc. Furthermore, the sliding surface 31 and the mounting surface 32 are approximately orthogonal to the axial direction DRa and are parallel to each other in the axial direction DRa.

[0041] The through hole 34 is formed from the sliding surface 31 through the drive disk 30 to the mounting surface 32 at a position that allows fluid to pass through, and can communicate with one of the multiple flow path holes 23 of the fixed disk 20. Specifically, the through hole 34 can communicate with one of the multiple flow path holes 23 of the fixed disk 20 that communicates with the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14, and the third outlet 15, depending on the rotational position of the drive disk 30.

[0042] The flow channel 35 is formed by recessing the sliding surface 31 at a location that allows communication with one of the multiple flow channels 23 on the fixed disk 20. Specifically, the flow channel 35 can communicate with one of the multiple flow channels 23 that communicates with the second inlet 12 and with one of the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14, and the third outlet 15. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the flow channel 35 has an inner channel 351 that communicates with the second inlet 12, an outer channel 352 that communicates with one of the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14 and the third outlet 15, and a connecting channel 353 that connects the inner channel 351 and the outer channel 352.

[0043] The inner groove 351 is formed as an annular shape extending circumferentially along the DRc direction. The inner groove 351 is formed around the axis CL of the rotating shaft in a range of 360° around the drive disc hole 33. The outer groove 352 is formed as an arc shape extending circumferentially along the DRc direction around the axis CL of the rotating shaft in a range of approximately 60°. A connecting groove 353 is formed from the inner groove 351 radially along the DRr direction to the outer groove 352, so that the inner groove 351 and the outer groove 352 are connected.

[0044] The flow path groove 35 formed in this way is formed according to the rotation position of the drive disk 30, so that the second inlet 12 is connected to one of the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14, and the third outlet 15.

[0045] Two press-in grooves 36 are formed at a position separating radially from the drive disk hole 33 of the drive disk 30, such that they do not overlap with the drive disk hole 33. The two press-in grooves 36 are formed closer to the outer peripheral surface of the drive disk 30 than the axis of the drive disk 30, i.e., the axis of rotation CL. Furthermore, the two press-in grooves 36 are formed symmetrically in the radial direction of DRr with the axis of rotation CL as a reference, and are formed at a position overlapping with the through hole 34 in the circumferential direction of DRc. That is, the distance of each of the two press-in grooves 36 from the axis of rotation CL in the radial direction of DRr is equal to the distance from the axis of rotation CL to the through hole 34 in the radial direction of DRr. The two press-in grooves 36 are formed recessed relative to the mounting surface 32 so that the press-in portion of the rod 60 can be pressed in. The press-in grooves 36 correspond to the fixing portion of the fixing rod 60.

[0046] Four recesses 37 are formed at positions radially separated from the drive disk hole 33 of the drive disk 30, without overlapping with the drive disk hole 33. The four recesses 37 are formed closer to the outer peripheral surface of the drive disk 30 than its axis, i.e., the shaft axis CL. Furthermore, the four recesses 37 are formed along the circumferential direction DRc, overlapping with the through hole 34 and the two press-in grooves 36. That is, the distance of the four recesses 37 from the shaft axis CL in the radial direction DRr is equal to the distance from the shaft axis CL to the through hole 34 in the radial direction DRr, and also equal to the distance from the shaft axis CL to the press-in grooves 36 in the radial direction DRr. In other words, four recesses 37 are arranged circumferentially along the mounting surface 32.

[0047] Four recesses 37 are formed at predetermined intervals in any section between the two press-in grooves 36 or between the press-in grooves 36 and the through hole 34. In other words, the four recesses 37 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction DRc in the mounting surface 32, except for the portions forming the through hole 34 and the two press-in grooves 36. The four recesses 37 extend along the circumferential direction DRc in a manner that they do not communicate with adjacent through holes 34 and press-in grooves 36. Furthermore, a partition member extending radially DRr is formed between the recesses 37 and the through hole 34 or between the recesses 37 and the press-in grooves 36. The recesses 37 are formed to extend circumferentially DRc and radially DRr. However, the recesses 37 are not formed at positions that overlap with the inner groove 351 and the connecting groove 353 of the flow path groove 35 in the axial direction DRa.

[0048] The size of the four recesses 37 in the axial direction DRa, i.e., the depth of the recesses, can be equal or different. In this embodiment, the recess 37 formed in the axial direction DRa at the position overlapping with the outer groove 352 is smaller than the other recesses 37.

[0049] The drive unit 40 is located on the upper side of the main body cover 17 towards the DRa2 side. The drive unit 40 is a device for outputting rotational force to rotate the shaft 50. The drive unit 40 includes the shaft 50, a motor (not shown) that serves as the drive source for rotating the shaft 50, and a gear unit (not shown) that transmits the output of the motor to the shaft 50. The motor may be, for example, a servo motor, a stepper motor, or a brushless motor. The gear unit may be, for example, a gear mechanism including helical gears or spur gears.

[0050] The rotating shaft 50 is a rotating shaft that rotates around its axis CL using the rotational force output from the drive unit 40. Both sides of the rotating shaft 50 in the axial direction DRa are rotatably supported on the housing 10. In a specific example, the lower side DRa1 of the rotating shaft 50 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not shown) located in the bearing hole 1602, and the upper side DRa2 of the rotating shaft 50 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion 41 located in the main body cover 17. These bearings can be sliding bearings, ball bearings, etc.

[0051] The pivot 50 includes a metal shaft portion 51 and a resin support portion 52 connected to the shaft portion 51. The shaft portion 51 and the support portion 52 are connected to each other in a manner that allows them to rotate as a single unit. The shaft portion 51 and the support portion 52 are integrally molded inserts.

[0052] The shaft portion 51 includes the shaft axis CL of the rotating shaft 50 and extends along the axial direction DRa. The shaft portion 51 is constructed of a metal rod to ensure straightness. The upper side of the shaft portion 51 is connected to the support portion 52 in the DRa2 direction. Furthermore, the shaft portion 51 passes through the fixing plate hole 24 of the fixing plate 20 and the driving plate hole 33 of the driving plate 30, thus penetrating both the fixing plate 20 and the driving plate 30. The shaft portion 51 is arranged within the housing 10 with its shaft axis CL coaxial with the shaft axes of the fixing plate 20 and the driving plate 30.

[0053] The support portion 52 is a bottomed cylindrical shape with an opening in the lower direction (DRa1). A shaft portion 51 is connected to the inner side of the front end of the support portion 52 in the upper direction (DRa2). Furthermore, the front end of the support portion 52, protruding outwards from the main body cover portion 17, is connected to the drive portion 40. Thus, the rotational force output by the drive portion 40 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 50. The rotational force output by the drive portion 40 is transmitted to the drive disk 30 via the rotating shaft 50, the rod 60, and the torsion spring 70. The rotating shaft 50 is connected to the drive disk 30 via the rod 60 and the torsion spring 70.

[0054] The lever 60 is a connecting component that connects the drive disk 30 to the rotating shaft 50. The lever 60 is fixed to the mounting surface 32 of the drive disk 30, and connects the drive disk 30 and the rotating shaft 50 in a manner that allows the drive disk 30 to be displaced along the axial direction DRa of the rotating shaft 50, enabling them to rotate as a single unit. The lever 60 has two press-in portions (not shown) that are pressed into the press-in grooves 36 of the drive disk 30, and these press-in portions are fixed to the drive disk 30 by being pressed into the press-in grooves 36.

[0055] The torsion spring 70 is a spring that applies force to the shaft 50 relative to the housing 10 in the circumferential direction DRc. The torsion spring 70 can be, for example, a torsion coil spring capable of elastic deformation in the circumferential direction DRc. The torsion spring 70 is disposed between the shaft 50 and the rod 60. The torsion spring 70 is used in a state where it is torsionally deformed in the circumferential direction DRc. One end of the torsion spring 70 in the circumferential direction DRc is connected to the rod 60, and the other end in the circumferential direction DRc is connected to the support portion 52 of the shaft 50. The torsion spring 70 is disposed between the shaft 50 and the rod 60 in a state of compression in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0056] Therefore, the torsion spring 70 generates a force on the drive disk 30 in the circumferential direction DRc through its own elastic deformation. Furthermore, when the rotational force generated by the drive unit 40 is transmitted to the shaft 50, this rotational force is transmitted to the drive disk 30 via the torsion spring 70 and the rod 60. In this way, the drive disk 30 rotates integrally with the shaft 50 around the shaft axis CL, as the shaft rotates.

[0057] The compression spring 80 is a force-applying component that applies force from the drive disc 30 to the fixed disc 20. The compression spring 80 can be, for example, a compression coil spring capable of elastic deformation along the axial direction DRa of the shaft 50. The lower end of the compression spring 80 on the DRa1 side is connected to the rod 60, and the upper end on the DRa2 side is connected to the support portion 52 of the shaft 50. The compression spring 80 is disposed inside the housing 10 in a compressed state along the axial direction DRa. The compression spring 80 is not fixed relative to at least one of the drive disc 30 and the shaft 50, so that it does not function as a torsion spring 70.

[0058] The sealing surface 21 of the fixed disk 20 and the sliding surface 31 of the drive disk 30 are maintained in contact by pressing the drive disk 30 against the fixed disk 20 using a compression spring 80. This contact state is the state in which the sealing surface 21 of the fixed disk 20 and the sliding surface 31 of the drive disk 30 are in contact. That is, the valve device 1 can maintain the drive disk 30 in contact with the fixed disk 20.

[0059] The compression spring 80 is configured to surround the axis CL of the rotating shaft 50. In other words, the rotating shaft 50 is located inside the compression spring 80. This suppresses uneven load distribution of the compression spring 80 on the drive disc 30 along the circumferential DRc of the rotating shaft 50, thus easily maintaining the contact state between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31.

[0060] Next, the operation of the valve device 1 in this embodiment will be described. Fluid flows into the fluid passage F of the valve device 1 from the first inlet 11 and the second inlet 12.

[0061] Fluid flowing into the first inlet 11 and the second inlet 12 flows out from one of the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14, and the third outlet 15, depending on the rotational position of the drive disk 30. For example, when the through hole 34 of the drive disk 30 is positioned in a rotational position that communicates with the flow path hole 23 of the fixed disk 20, which connects to the flow path hole 23 of the first outlet 13, the fluid flowing into the first inlet 11 flows out from the first outlet 13 via the through hole 34 and the flow path hole 23. Conversely, when the flow path groove 35 of the drive disk 30 is positioned in a rotational position that communicates with the flow path hole 23 of the fixed disk 20, which connects to the flow path hole 23 of the first outlet 13, the fluid flowing into the second inlet 12 flows out from the first outlet 13 via the flow path groove 35 and the flow path hole 23.

[0062] Furthermore, the driving disk 30 is pressed against the fixed disk 20 by the force applied from the compression spring 80. This maintains the contact between the sealing surface 21 of the fixed disk 20 and the sliding surface 31 of the driving disk 30, causing the sealing surface 21 and sliding surface 31 to slide when the driving disk 30 rotates under the rotational force of the driving unit 40. This prevents fluid from flowing out of any outlet other than the outlet selected by the rotational position of the driving disk 30 among the first outlet 13, second outlet 14, and third outlet 15.

[0063] However, if foreign matter mixed in the fluid intrudes between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31, a gap will be created between them, and fluid may leak from between them. Furthermore, if foreign matter mixed in the fluid intrudes between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31, the foreign matter will damage both surfaces, reducing the seal between them and allowing fluid to leak from between them. This leakage from the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 is the main reason why fluid may flow out from an outlet other than the selected outlet.

[0064] For example, even when the rotational position of the drive disc 30 is positioned to guide the fluid flowing in from the first inlet 11 to the first outlet 13, fluid leaking between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 may still flow out from the second outlet 14 or the third outlet 15. Furthermore, even when the rotational position of the drive disc 30 is positioned to guide the fluid flowing in from the second inlet 12 to the second outlet 14, fluid leaking between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 may still flow out from the first outlet 13 or the third outlet 15. This was discovered by the inventors after detailed research.

[0065] In contrast, the valve device 1 of this embodiment has four recesses 37 formed on the mounting surface 32 of the drive disc 30, which are recessed relative to the mounting surface 32. Therefore, even if foreign matter is mixed into the fluid, the foreign matter can be contained within the recesses 37. That is, the recesses 37, which are recessed relative to the mounting surface 32, can recover the foreign matter. Therefore, even if foreign matter is mixed into the fluid, the fluid is unlikely to circulate within the fluid passage F, and the intrusion of foreign matter between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 can be suppressed.

[0066] As described above, the valve device 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 10 with a fluid passage F formed inside for fluid flow and a fixed disk 20 disposed inside the housing 10 and having a flow passage hole 23 for fluid flow. Furthermore, the valve device 1 includes a drive unit 40 that outputs rotational force and a rotating shaft 50 that rotates about a shaft axis CL using the rotational force output by the drive unit 40. The valve device 1 also includes a drive disk 30 that increases or decreases the opening of the flow passage hole 23 as the rotating shaft 50 rotates, and rotates about the shaft axis CL while sliding on the fixed disk 20. The drive disk 30 has a sliding surface 31 on the lower side (DRa1) along the direction of the shaft axis CL (i.e., the axial direction DRa) that slides on the fixed disk 20, and a mounting surface 32 on the upper side (DRa2) that does not slide on the fixed disk 20. The fixed disk 20 has a sealing surface 21 on the upper side (DRa2) that slides on the sliding surface 31. A recessed portion 37 is formed on the mounting surface 32, which is recessed relative to the mounting surface 32.

[0067] Therefore, even if foreign matter is mixed into the fluid, the intrusion of foreign matter into the space between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 can be suppressed by recovering the foreign matter into the recess 37. Furthermore, this suppresses the formation of a gap between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 due to foreign matter intrusion, thus preventing fluid leakage from the gap. Additionally, it suppresses the reduction in the sealing performance between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 caused by damage to the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 by foreign matter intruding into the space, further suppressing fluid leakage from the space between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31. Therefore, for fluid leaking from the space between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31, it prevents fluid from flowing out from an outlet other than the selected outlet from the first outlet 13, the second outlet 14, and the third outlet 15.

[0068] Furthermore, according to the above-described embodiments, the following effects can be obtained.

[0069] (1) In the above embodiment, four recesses 37 are formed on the mounting surface 32 along the circumferential DRc.

[0070] Accordingly, the range of the recess 37 formed in the mounting surface 32 can be increased, making it easier to collect foreign matter into the recess 37. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the intrusion of foreign matter between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31.

[0071] (2) In the above embodiment, the valve device 1 includes a rod 60 fixed to the drive disk 30 and connecting the drive disk 30 and the rotating shaft 50 in a manner that allows them to rotate integrally. The drive disk 30 has a through hole 34 that extends from the sliding surface 31 through the drive disk 30 to the mounting surface 32 and communicates with the flow path hole 23. A pressing groove 36 for pressing the rod 60 is formed on the mounting surface 32. Four recesses 37 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction DRc in the mounting surface 32, except for the portions where the through hole 34 and the pressing groove 36 are formed.

[0072] Accordingly, a through hole 34, a press-fit groove 36, and a recess 37 can be formed over approximately the entire circumferential DRc region of the portion in which the recess 37 is formed in the mounting surface 32. Therefore, the sliding surface 31 and the mounting surface 32 can be easily made parallel to each other in the axial direction DRa, and their respective flatness can be easily improved.

[0073] Here, Figure 5 A comparison drive disk 300 is shown, which is a comparative example of the drive disk 30 of this embodiment. Figure 5As shown, the comparison drive disk 300 has three comparison recesses 370 on its comparison mounting surface 320, which corresponds to the mounting surface 32. These recesses correspond to the recesses 37 formed on the drive disk 30 in this embodiment. Additionally, the comparison drive disk 300 has a comparison through hole 340 corresponding to the through hole 34 and a comparison pressing groove 360 ​​corresponding to the pressing groove 36. However, the number of comparison recesses 370 formed on the comparison drive disk 300 is less than the number of recesses 37 formed on the drive disk 30. Furthermore, this increases the area of ​​the comparison mounting surface 320 of the comparison drive disk 300 where comparison recesses 370 are not formed.

[0074] When the comparator drive disk 300 has this shape, the flatness of the portion where the comparator recess 370 is not formed may be reduced during its formation, and the overall flatness of the comparator mounting surface 320 may also be reduced. Specifically, the portion of the comparator mounting surface 320 of the comparator drive disk 300 where the comparator recess 370 is not formed may bulge. Furthermore, as a result, when the comparator drive disk 300 is formed by cutting from both the lower DRa1 side and the upper DRa2 side, the flatness of both sides may be reduced. Consequently, when the comparator drive disk 300 is placed within the valve device 1, the sealing performance between the comparator drive disk 300 and the fixed disk 20 may be reduced.

[0075] In contrast, in the valve device 1 of this embodiment, four recesses 37 are formed at predetermined intervals along the circumferential DRc in the mounting surface 32, except for the portions forming the through hole 34 and the press-in groove 36.

[0076] Accordingly, the flatness of the mounting surface 32 can be easily improved. Furthermore, by cutting the drive disc 30 from both the lower DRa1 side and the upper DRa2 side, the flatness of the lower DRa1 side and the upper DRa2 side of the drive disc 300 can be improved. Therefore, the sliding surface 31 and the mounting surface 32 can be easily made parallel to each other in the axial direction DRa. Consequently, when the drive disc 30 is disposed within the valve device 1, the sealing performance between the drive disc 30 and the fixed disc 20 can be improved.

[0077] (3) In the above embodiments, the drive disk 30 is made of resin.

[0078] In this embodiment where the drive disk 30 is made of resin, its hardness is reduced compared to the case where the drive disk 30 is made of metal or ceramic. Therefore, when foreign matter intrudes between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31, the sliding surface 31 is more easily damaged compared to the case where the drive disk 30 is made of metal or ceramic, and the sealing performance between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 is more likely to decrease.

[0079] In contrast, by providing a recess 37 on the mounting surface 32, even when the drive disc 30 is made of resin, foreign matter is unlikely to intrude between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the seal between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 due to damage to the sliding surface 31 by foreign matter. Consequently, fluid leakage between the sealing surface 21 and the sliding surface 31 can be suppressed.

[0080] (Other implementation methods) The above describes representative embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, various modifications can be made as follows.

[0081] In the above embodiments, the use of valve device 1 in a fluid circulation system, for example, installed in an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle, has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, valve device 1 can also be used in a fluid circulation system installed in a vehicle other than an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. In addition, valve device 1 can also be used for purposes other than vehicles.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the fluid flowing in the fluid passage F within the housing 10 of the valve device 1 is described as cooling water, but it is not limited to this. For example, the fluid may also be a liquid or gas other than cooling water.

[0083] In the above embodiment, an example of having four recesses 37 arranged in a circumferential DRc on the mounting surface 32 has been described, but it is not limited to this.

[0084] For example, the recesses 37 may be arranged in two or three along the circumferential DRc, or even more than five. Alternatively, only one recess 37 may be formed on the mounting surface 32. Or, multiple recesses 37 may be arranged along the radial DRr on the mounting surface 32.

[0085] In the above embodiment, an example of valve device 1 having a rod 60 that connects the drive disc 30 and the rotating shaft 50 in a manner that allows them to rotate as a single unit has been described, but this is not a limitation. For example, valve device 1 may also have a structure in which the compression spring 80 directly pushes the drive disc 30 without the rod 60.

[0086] In the above embodiments, an example of the drive disk 30 being made of resin was described, but it is not limited to this.

[0087] For example, the drive disk 30 can be made of ceramic, or it can be a powder molded body formed from ceramic powder using a press. By using ceramic to mold the drive disk 30, the drive disk 30 can have high shape stability.

[0088] In the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily necessary, except for those specifically stated as necessary or those clearly considered necessary in principle.

[0089] In the above embodiments, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, or other numerical values ​​of the constituent elements of the embodiments, they are not limited to that specific number, except where they are specifically indicated as necessary or where they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0090] In the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of constituent elements, etc., the reference is not limited to that shape, positional relationship, etc., except as specifically stated or as limited in principle to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc.

Claims

1. A valve device, characterized in that, have: The outer shell (10) forms a fluid passage (F) inside to allow fluid to flow. A fixed plate (20) is disposed on the inner side of the housing and has at least one flow path hole (23) for the fluid to flow through. The drive unit (40) outputs rotational force; A rotating shaft (50) that rotates about a shaft axis (CL) centered by the rotational force output by the drive unit; and The drive disk (30) increases or decreases the opening of the flow path hole as the shaft rotates, and slides on the fixed disk and rotates around the shaft axis. The drive disk has a sliding surface (31) on one side along the axis of rotation, i.e., the axis direction, that slides on the fixed disk, and a non-sliding surface (32) on the other side of the axis direction that does not slide on the fixed disk. The fixed disk has a sealing surface (21) that slides on the sliding surface on the other side of the axial direction. A recess (37) is formed on the non-slip surface in a recessed manner relative to the non-slip surface.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the direction of rotation of the drive disk is set to the circumferential direction, the recesses are arranged in multiple ways along the circumferential direction on the non-sliding surface.

3. The valve device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The valve device includes a rod (60) fixed to the drive disc and connecting the drive disc and the rotating shaft in a manner that allows them to rotate as a whole. The drive disk has a through hole (34) extending from the sliding surface through the drive disk to the non-sliding surface and communicating with the flow path hole. A fixing part (36) for fixing the rod is formed on the non-sliding surface. The plurality of said recesses are arranged at predetermined intervals in the non-sliding surface at locations other than the locations forming the through holes and the fixing portions.

4. The valve device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The drive disk is made of resin.

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