Valve device and method of manufacturing a valve device

Abstract

The housing (10) has a support portion (170), an inner side passage (110), and a fluid passage (102) in a region on the side opposite the drive valve (40) with respect to the fixed valve (30). The support portion (170) supports an end portion of the shaft (70) that penetrates a central hole (39) of the fixed valve (30). The inner side passage (110) is formed in a region radially outside the support portion (170) and a region on the side of the support portion (170) opposite the fixed valve (30) in the axial direction, and communicates with a hole portion (36) of the fixed valve (30). The fluid passage (102) is formed to have a smaller inner diameter than the inner side passage (110), and extends from the inner side passage (110) to the side opposite the fixed valve (30). An inner diameter (D1) of the fluid passage (102) at a portion where the fluid passage (102) is connected to the inner side passage (110) is larger than an outer diameter (D2) of the support portion (170).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-049902, filed on March 26, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates to a valve device for controlling the flow of fluid and a method for manufacturing the same. Background Technology

[0003] The valve device described in Patent Document 1 is a disc valve comprising a drive valve capable of rotating about the axis of a shaft located inside the housing, and a fixed valve in sliding contact with the sliding contact surface of the drive valve. The housing has an inner passage formed around the axis and an outer passage formed radially outward of the inner passage in a region opposite to the drive valve relative to the fixed valve (hereinafter referred to as the "drive valve opposite region of the housing"). The fixed valve has an inner hole located at a position corresponding to the inner passage and an outer hole located at a position corresponding to the outer passage. The drive valve has a groove that connects the inner passage and the outer passage when in a predetermined rotational position. Thus, the valve device allows fluid to flow in the sequence of inner passage → inner hole → groove → outer hole → outer passage. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-135137 Summary of the Invention

[0005] Furthermore, in the valve device described in Patent Document 1, a support portion for supporting the end of the shaft that passes through the drive valve and the stationary valve can be provided in the region opposite to the drive valve of the housing. This suppresses shaft tilting, thereby reducing fluid leakage and improving the accuracy of flow control.

[0006] However, the valve device described in Patent Document 1 has an inner passage formed around the axis in the region opposite to the drive valve of the housing. Therefore, if the support and the inner passage are formed in the same region, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the inner passage becomes smaller due to the support, resulting in an increase in fluid pressure loss. In this case, if this valve device is applied to a fluid circulation system, the pressure-carrying capacity required by the fluid pump that circulates the fluid in the system must be increased, leading to increased manufacturing costs and a larger size. Furthermore, if the outer shell is enlarged in order to increase the cross-sectional area of ​​the inner passage, it is difficult to ensure the mounting space for vehicles and the like.

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a valve device and a method for manufacturing the valve device that can reduce pressure loss of fluid while preventing the increase in size.

[0008] According to one point of view in this disclosure A valve device for controlling the flow of fluid, comprising: shell; The shaft is located inside the housing; A drive valve, configured to rotate about the axis of a shaft within its housing, has at least one of a groove recessed from a sliding contact surface toward the axis or a through hole extending along the axis; and A fixed valve is fixed to the housing in a manner that makes sliding contact with the sliding contact surface of the drive valve, and has a central hole for the shaft to pass through and a hole that communicates with the groove or through hole of the drive valve. The casing has: The support portion supports the end of the central hole in the shaft that passes through the fixed valve in the region on the side opposite to the drive valve relative to the fixed valve. An inner passage is formed in the radially outer region of the support and in the region of the support opposite to the fixed valve along the axial direction, and communicates with the orifice of the fixed valve; and A fluid passage with an inner diameter smaller than the inner passage extends from the inner passage to the side opposite to the fixed valve. The inner diameter of the fluid passage at the point where it connects to the inner passage is larger than the outer diameter of the support.

[0009] Accordingly, in the structure of this disclosure, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the imaginary surface connecting the inner periphery of the fluid passage at the location where the fluid passage connects to the inner passage and the outer periphery of the support portion facing the radially outward outer wall is set as α. In contrast, in a structure assuming that the inner diameter of the fluid passage at the location where the fluid passage connects to the inner passage and the outer diameter of the support portion are the same, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the imaginary surface connecting the inner periphery of the fluid passage at the location where the fluid passage connects to the inner passage and the outer periphery of the support portion facing the radially outward outer wall is set as β. In this case, the flow path cross-sectional area α can be larger than the flow path cross-sectional area β. Therefore, the valve device of this disclosure can reduce the pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the inner passage while preventing the main body of the housing from becoming too large. Consequently, when applied to a fluid circulation system, this valve device can reduce the pressure pumping capacity required to circulate the fluid in the system. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the system can be reduced, and its size can be miniaturized.

[0010] According to another point of view in this disclosure A method for manufacturing a valve device, comprising: A first mold is prepared to form the inner wall facing the radially inward side in the fluid passage and the outer wall facing the fluid passage side in the support portion; A second mold is prepared to form the inner wall facing the radially inner side in the inner passage, the inner wall facing the fixed valve side in the inner passage, and the outer wall facing the radially outer side in the support part. A first contact surface is provided on the first mold, the outer diameter of which gradually decreases from the fixed valve side of the surface facing the inner wall of the fluid passage to the radially outer side of the surface facing the outer wall of the support portion. A second contact surface is provided on the second mold, the inner diameter of which gradually decreases from the radially inner portion of the surface forming the inner passage towards the fixed valve side to the fluid passage side of the surface forming the support portion towards the radially outer outer wall; and The first mold and the second mold are moved relative to each other in the axial direction, so that the first contact surface and the second contact surface come into contact and close the mold, and the shell is formed by resin injection molding.

[0011] Accordingly, assuming a manufacturing method different from that disclosed, when the first and second contact surfaces are formed parallel to the axis, in order to perform mold closing, the inner diameter of the second contact surface must be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the first contact surface, making it difficult to achieve surface contact between the first and second contact surfaces. In contrast, the manufacturing method of this disclosure, by forming the first and second contact surfaces inclined relative to the axis, enables easy surface contact between the first and second contact surfaces during mold closing. Therefore, it can improve product quality, simplify manufacturing processes, and reduce manufacturing costs. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the valve device according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the valve device according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 It means in Figure 2 Part III shows a three-dimensional view of the state in which the rotational position of the drive valve has changed. Figure 4 Is towards Figure 2 The cross-sectional view along line IV-IV overlaps with a diagram showing the shape of the sliding contact side of the drive valve. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view at the VV line. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the area opposite the drive valve of the housing at line VI-VI. Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the area opposite the drive valve of the housing at line VII-VII. Figure 8In the valve device of the first comparative example, and Figure 6 A sectional view of a relevant part. Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram comparing the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the imaginary surface in the first embodiment and the comparative example. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram showing the analytical results of fluid flow in the valve device of the first embodiment. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the analytical results of fluid flow in the valve device of the second comparative example. Figure 12 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the valve device according to the first embodiment. Figure 13 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the valve device according to the first embodiment. Figure 14 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the valve device of the first comparative example. Figure 15 The valve device in the third comparative example is related to Figure 6 A sectional view of a relevant part. Figure 16 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the valve device in the third comparative example. Figure 17 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the valve device in the third comparative example. Figure 18 In the valve device of the second embodiment, and Figure 6 A sectional view of a relevant part. Figure 19 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the manufacturing method of the valve device according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used to denote identical or equivalent parts, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0014] (First Implementation) The valve device 1 of the first embodiment is used, for example, in a fluid circulation system installed in an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. The fluid circulation system is a system that circulates cooling water, a fluid, within a vehicle's power source, radiator, and heater core for air conditioning in the passenger compartment. The cooling water used is, for example, LLC (Long-life Coolant) containing ethylene glycol. The valve device 1 switches the flow path or adjusts the flow rate of the cooling water flowing within the system.

[0015] First, the structure of valve device 1 will be described. like Figures 1-4 As shown, valve device 1 is a disc valve comprising housing 10, 20, shaft 70, fixed valve 30, drive valve 40, and actuator 50.

[0016] In the following description, in the radial direction of an imaginary circle perpendicular to and centered on the axis CL of shaft 70, the direction from the axis CL outward is called "radial outer side", and the direction towards the axis CL is called "radial inner side". In addition, the direction in which the axis CL extends is called "axial direction", the side of the housing 10, 20 where the actuator 50 is provided is called "axial direction side", and the opposite side is called "axial direction other side".

[0017] The outer casings 10 and 20 include a first outer casing 10 and a second outer casing 20, and have flow paths for fluid flow on their inner sides. The first outer casing 10 has an outer casing body 11 formed in a cylindrical shape, two fluid inlets 12 and 13 extending from the outer casing body 11 in a tubular shape, and three fluid outlets 14, 15, and 16.

[0018] The two fluid inlets 12 and 13 have a first fluid inlet 12 and a second fluid inlet 13. A first fluid inlet passage 102 is formed inside the first fluid inlet 12, and a second fluid inlet passage 103 is formed inside the second fluid inlet 13.

[0019] like Figures 1-5 As shown, the three fluid outlets 14, 15, and 16 have a first fluid outlet 14, a second fluid outlet 15, and a third fluid outlet 16. A first fluid outlet passage 104 is formed inside the first fluid outlet 14, a second fluid outlet passage 105 is formed inside the second fluid outlet 15, and a third fluid outlet passage 106 is formed inside the third fluid outlet 16.

[0020] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second housing 20 closes the opening on the axial side of the housing body 11. Additionally, an actuator 50 is fixed on the side opposite to the first housing 10 relative to the second housing 20.

[0021] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing body 11 has a valve chamber 100 in the region relative to the fixed valve 30 and on the side of the drive valve 40, serving as a flow path for fluid flow. The drive valve 40 and the like are provided in the valve chamber 100. The second fluid inlet passage 103 on the inner side of the second fluid inlet portion 13 extends radially outward from the valve chamber 100 of the housing body 11.

[0022] On the other hand, such as Figures 2-7As shown, the housing body 11 has an inner passage 110 and an outer passage 120 in the region opposite to the drive valve 40 relative to the fixed valve 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "drive valve opposite region of the housing") as flow paths for fluid flow. In addition, the housing body 11 has a support portion 170, an inner passage partition wall 160, an inner and outer passage partition wall 130, an outer passage partition wall 140, and an outer peripheral wall 150 as structural elements in the drive valve opposite region of the housing.

[0023] The support portion 170 rotatably supports the end of the shaft 70 that passes through the through hole 47 of the drive valve 40 and the central hole 39 of the fixed valve 30. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the support portion 170 has a support portion body 172 and a convex shape portion 173.

[0024] The support body 172 is located radially outward of the shaft 70. The end of the shaft 70 on the other side in the axial direction is rotatably supported in a bearing hole 171 formed inside the support body 172. The convex portion 173 is a portion that protrudes from the support body 172 on the side opposite to the fixed valve 30 toward the first fluid inlet passage 102 in a manner where the outer diameter gradually decreases.

[0025] The inner passage 110 is a passage formed in the radially outer region of the support portion 170 and in the region of the support portion 170 opposite to the fixed valve 30 along the axial direction. For example... Figures 5-7 As shown, the inner passage 110 has a first inner passage 111, a second inner passage 112, a third inner passage 113, and a central inner passage 114. The first inner passage 111, the second inner passage 112, and the third inner passage 113 are arranged in the rotation direction of the drive valve 40 and surround the radially outer side of the support portion 170.

[0026] The inner passage partition wall 160 is a wall that separates the first inner passage 111, the second inner passage 112, and the third inner passage 113, and connects the support body 172 to the inner and outer passage partition wall 130 in the radial direction. The inner passage partition wall 160 has a first inner passage partition wall 161, a second inner passage partition wall 162, and a third inner passage partition wall 163. The second inner passage 112 is formed between the first inner passage partition wall 161 and the second inner passage partition wall 162. The third inner passage 113 is formed between the second inner passage partition wall 162 and the third inner passage partition wall 163. The first inner passage 111 is formed between the third inner passage partition wall 163 and the first inner passage partition wall 161.

[0027] The central inner passage 114 is a passage formed radially inward of the first fluid inlet passage 102 relative to the support portion 170, and also formed on the radially inner side of the first inner passage partition wall 161, the second inner passage partition wall 162, and the third inner passage partition wall 163. The central inner passage 114 communicates with the first inner passage 111, the second inner passage 112, and the third inner passage 113. Furthermore, the central inner passage 114 communicates with the first fluid inlet passage 102. Therefore, the first fluid inlet passage 102 communicates with the first inner passage 111, the second inner passage 112, and the third inner passage 113 via the central inner passage 114.

[0028] The first fluid inlet passage 102 extends from the inner passage 110 toward the side opposite to the fixed valve 30. Therefore, in this disclosure, the first fluid inlet passage 102 corresponds to an example of a "fluid passage extending from the inner passage 110 toward the side opposite to the fixed valve 30". The inner diameter D1 of the first fluid inlet passage 102 is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner passage 110 (i.e., the space that combines the first inner passage 111, the second inner passage 112, the third inner passage 113, and the central inner passage 114). Therefore, a step 115 is formed between the first fluid inlet passage 102 and the inner passage 110. This step 115 can also be described as the inner wall 115 of the inner passage 110 facing the fixed valve 30. The first inner passage partition wall 161, the second inner passage partition wall 162, and the third inner passage partition wall 163 are connected to the step 115.

[0029] Here, the inner diameter of the first fluid inlet passage 102 at the point where it connects to the inner passage 110 is set as D1. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the support portion 170 is set as D2. In this embodiment, D1 > D2. The significance of this setting will be explained later.

[0030] The outer passage 120 is formed radially outward of the inner passage 110. The outer passage 120 has a first outer passage 121, a second outer passage 122, and a third outer passage 123. The first outer passage 121, the second outer passage 122, and the third outer passage 123 are arranged in the rotation direction of the drive valve 40 and surround the radially outward of the inner passage 110.

[0031] The inner and outer passage partition wall 130 is a wall that separates the inner passage 110 and the outer passage 120, and is cylindrically disposed between the inner passage 110 and the outer passage 120.

[0032] The outer peripheral wall 150 is a wall that forms the outer contour of the outer shell body 11 and is arranged in a cylindrical shape on the radial outer side of the outer passage 120.

[0033] The outer passage partition wall 140 is a wall that separates the first outer passage 121, the second outer passage 122, and the third outer passage 123, and connects the inner and outer passage partition wall 130 to the outer peripheral wall 150 in the radial direction. The outer passage partition wall 140 has a first outer passage partition wall 141, a second outer passage partition wall 142, and a third outer passage partition wall 143.

[0034] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the first outer passage 121 of the outer casing 11 communicates with the first fluid outlet passage 104 on the inner side of the first fluid outlet portion 14. The first fluid outlet passage 104 extends radially outward from the first outer passage 121. The second outer passage 122 of the outer casing 11 communicates with the second fluid outlet passage 105 on the inner side of the second fluid outlet portion 15. The second fluid outlet passage 105 extends radially outward from the second outer passage 122. The third outer passage 123 of the outer casing 11 communicates with the third fluid outlet passage 106 on the inner side of the third fluid outlet portion 16. The third fluid outlet passage 106 extends radially outward from the third outer passage 123.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the fixed valve 30 is formed in a generally disc-shaped manner and is mounted on one end of the outer peripheral wall 150, the outer passage partition wall 140, the inner and outer passage partition wall 130, the inner passage partition wall 160, and the support portion 170 in the axial direction direction of the first housing 10. That is, the fixed valve 30 is located at the boundary between the inner passage 110 and the outer passage 120 and the valve chamber 100. Furthermore, a sealing member 60 is provided between the fixed valve 30 and the end of the outer peripheral wall 150, the outer passage partition wall 140, the inner and outer passage partition wall 130, the inner passage partition wall 160, and the valve chamber 100 side of the support portion 170.

[0036] like Figure 4 As shown, the fixed valve 30 has a central hole 39, multiple inner holes 36, and multiple outer holes 34 that pass through in the axial direction. Furthermore, the fixed valve 30 has a central portion 33, an intermediate partition portion 32, an outer peripheral portion 31, an inner hole partition portion 37, an outer hole partition portion 35, and a protrusion 38 as its structural components. The protrusion 38 provided on the outer peripheral portion 31 is engaged with the locking portion 17 provided on the first housing 10. Thus, the fixed valve 30 is fixed relative to the housing body 11 in a manner that does not allow relative rotation about the axis CL.

[0037] The shaft 70 passes through the central hole 39. A plurality of inner holes 36 have a first inner hole 36a, a second inner hole 36b, and a third inner hole 36c. The first inner hole 36a communicates with a first inner passage 111. The second inner hole 36b communicates with a second inner passage 112. The third inner hole 36c communicates with a third inner passage 113. Therefore, in this disclosure, the plurality of inner holes 36 correspond to an example of a "hole portion communicating with the inner passage 110".

[0038] The plurality of external holes 34 include a first external hole 34a, a second external hole 34b, a third external hole 34c, and a fourth external hole 34d. The first external hole 34a is connected to the first outer passage 121. The second external hole 34b and the fourth external hole 34d are connected to the second outer passage 122. The third external hole 34c is connected to the third outer passage 123.

[0039] The central portion 33 is the part surrounding the central hole 39 and is mounted on the support portion 170. The inner hole partition portion 37 is the part that radially separates the plurality of inner holes 36 from each other and is mounted on the inner passage partition wall 160. The intermediate partition portion 32 is the part that separates the inner holes 36 and the outer holes 34 in the entire circumferential direction and is mounted on the inner and outer passage partition walls 130. The outer hole partition portion 35 is the part that radially separates the plurality of outer holes 34 from each other and is mounted on the outer passage partition wall 140. The outer peripheral portion 31 is the part that is formed in a ring shape on the radially outer side of the plurality of outer holes 34 and is mounted on the outer peripheral wall 150.

[0040] like Figures 2-4 As shown, the drive valve 40 is formed in a generally disc-shaped manner and is disposed in the valve chamber 100 of the housing body 11 in such a way that it can rotate about the axis CL of the shaft 70. The surface of the drive valve 40 facing the other side in the axial direction (i.e., the surface facing the fixed valve 30) is called the sliding contact surface 41. The sliding contact surface 41 of the drive valve 40 is in sliding contact with the fixed valve 30.

[0041] The drive valve 40 has a groove 42 recessed from the sliding contact surface 41 toward the axial direction and a through hole 43 extending through in the axial direction. The groove 42 is provided in such a way that it communicates with a plurality of inner holes 36 and a predetermined outer hole 34 when the drive valve 40 is in a predetermined rotational position. The through hole 43 is provided in such a way that it communicates with the valve chamber 100 and other outer holes 34 when the drive valve 40 is in a predetermined rotational position. The shaft 70 passes through a through hole 47 located inside the cylindrical portion 46 inside the groove 42.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, shaft 70 is disposed inside housings 10 and 20. Shaft 70 passes through the through hole 47 of drive valve 40 and the central hole 39 of fixed valve 30. The other end of shaft 70 in the axial direction is rotatably supported in bearing hole 171 of support portion 170.

[0043] A bracket 71 is fixed to one side of the shaft 70 in the axial direction. The shaft 70 and the bracket 71 are integrally formed, for example, by insert molding. The bracket 71 is rotatably supported by a bearing 72 disposed in the second housing 20. A gear 73 disposed in the bracket 71 on one side in the axial direction meshes with a gear of a reduction mechanism (not shown) of the actuator 50. A rod 74 is disposed between the bracket 71 and the drive valve 40. The rod 74 connects the bracket 71 and the drive valve 40 in the rotational direction. Therefore, the torque output by the actuator 50 is transmitted from the bracket 71 to the drive valve 40 via the rod 74.

[0044] A compression spring 75 and a torsion spring 76 are provided between the bracket 71 and the rod 74. One end of the compression spring 75 is secured to the bracket 71, and the other end is secured to the rod 74. The compression spring 75 pushes the rod 74, the drive valve 40, the fixed valve 30, and the sealing member 60 relative to the bracket 71 toward the fixed valve 30 side in the first housing 10. Furthermore, the fixed valve 30 side surface in the first housing 10 is the end of the support portion 170, the inner passage partition wall 160, the inner and outer passage partition wall 130, the outer passage partition wall 140, and the outer peripheral wall 150 in the axial direction. One end of the torsion spring 76 is secured to the bracket 71, and the other end is secured to the rod 74. The torsion spring 76 pushes the rod 74 and the drive valve 40 relative to the bracket 71 in the rotational direction.

[0045] The actuator 50 includes an electric motor (not shown), a reduction gear (not shown), and a control unit (not shown). When the actuator 50 is driven, the torque output by the electric motor is transmitted via the reduction gear to the bracket 71 → shaft 70 and rod 74 → drive valve 40. Therefore, with the sliding contact surface 41 of the drive valve 40 in sliding contact with the fixed valve 30, the bracket 71, shaft 70, springs 75 and 76, rod 74, and drive valve 40 rotate together relative to the housings 10 and 20 and the fixed valve 30 about the axis CL.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, when the drive valve 40 is in the predetermined rotational position, as indicated by arrow LF1, the fluid flowing in from the first fluid inlet passage 102 flows in the following sequence: inner passage 110 → multiple inner holes 36 → groove 42 → first outer hole 34a → first outer passage 121 → first fluid outlet passage 104. Additionally, as indicated by arrow LF2, when the drive valve 40 is in the predetermined rotational position, the fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet passage 103 flows in the following sequence: valve chamber 100 → through hole 43 → second outer hole 34b → second outer passage 122 → second fluid outlet passage 105.

[0047] Next, the significance of the inner diameter D1 of the first fluid inlet passage 102 being larger than the outer diameter D2 of the support portion 170 at the location where the first fluid inlet passage 102 connects to the inner passage 110 in the valve device 1 of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0048] Furthermore, in the following description, the inner diameter D1 of the first fluid inlet passage 102 at the location where it connects to the inner passage 110 is referred to as "the inner diameter D1 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102". Additionally, the inner periphery 107 of the first fluid inlet passage 102 at the location where it connects to the inner passage 110 is referred to as "the inner periphery 107 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102". Furthermore, the outer periphery 174 of the support portion 170 on the radially outward outer wall on the side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 is referred to as "the outer periphery 174 of the support portion 170 on the side of the first fluid inlet passage 102".

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, in the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, an imaginary surface VS1 is defined that connects the inner periphery 107 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 to the outer periphery 174 of the support portion 170 on the first fluid inlet passage 102 side. Furthermore, Figure 6 The dashed lines are for illustrating the imaginary surface VS1, and are not walls or similar surfaces. This imaginary surface VS1 is the shape that forms part of the lateral surface of a cone. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​this imaginary surface VS1 is set as α.

[0050] Next, in order to compare it with the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, in Figure 8 The valve device of the first comparative example is shown in the figure. Figure 8 As shown, the valve device of the first comparative example has a structure in which the inner diameter D1 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 is the same as the outer diameter D2 of the support portion 170. In the valve device of the comparative example, an imaginary surface VS2 is defined that connects the inner periphery 107 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 to the outer periphery 174 of the first fluid inlet passage 102 side of the support portion 170. This imaginary surface VS2 has a cylindrical side shape. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​this imaginary surface VS2 is set as β.

[0051] Figure 9 This is a diagram comparing the flow path cross-sectional area α of the imaginary surface VS1 defined in the valve device 1 of the first embodiment with the flow path cross-sectional area β of the imaginary surface VS2 defined in the valve device of the first comparative example. Figure 9 As shown, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment can make the flow path cross-sectional area α of the imaginary surface VS1 larger than the flow path cross-sectional area β of the imaginary surface VS2 defined in the valve device of the first comparative example.

[0052] Furthermore, in order to make the flow path cross-sectional area α larger than the flow path cross-sectional area β, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment can employ any one of the following means (A) to (C). (A) As a first means, the outer diameter D2 of the support portion 170 provided by the valve device 1 of the first embodiment is smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the support portion 170 provided by the valve device of the first comparative example. (B) As a second means, the inner diameter D1 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 of the valve device 1 of the first embodiment is made larger than the inner diameter D1 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 of the valve device of the first comparative example. (C) As a third means, the first and second means mentioned above are used simultaneously.

[0053] Thus, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment can reduce the pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the inner passage 110 while preventing the volume of the outer casing 11 from becoming too large.

[0054] Next, the significance of providing a convex portion 173 on the side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 in the support body 172 (hereinafter referred to as "the lower surface 175 of the support body") in the valve device 1 of the first embodiment will be explained.

[0055] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram showing the analytical results of fluid flow in the valve device 1 of the first embodiment and the valve device of the second comparative example.

[0056] like Figure 11 As shown, the valve device of the second comparative example has a structure in which the lower surface 175 of the support body is made into a plane perpendicular to the axis CL. In this case, when the fluid flows in the order of the first fluid inlet passage 102 → inner passage 110 → inner hole 36, as shown by the double-dotted line V0, a ​​region with very low flow velocity (i.e., stagnant flow) is generated near the lower surface 175 of the support body in the inner passage 110. Therefore, in the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the above-mentioned imaginary surface VS1, the fluid velocity is slow, creating a region that cannot be used as a flow path, and the pressure loss increases.

[0057] In contrast, such as Figure 10 As shown, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, by providing a convex portion 173 on the lower surface 175 of the support body, can prevent stagnation in the vicinity of the lower surface 175 of the support body in the inner passage 110. Therefore, approximately the entire area of ​​the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the aforementioned imaginary surface VS1 can be used as the flow path, thereby reducing pressure loss.

[0058] <Manufacturing Method> Next, the manufacturing method of the valve device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0059] The first housing 10 of the valve device 1 in the first embodiment is formed by resin injection molding. Figure 12 and Figure 13 A first mold 80 and a second mold 90 are shown for forming the first fluid inlet passage 102, support portion 170, inner passage 110, etc., of the first housing 10. Molds for forming other parts of the first housing 10 are not shown. Figure 12 The mold closing process, etc., are shown. Figure 13 The mold-making process is shown.

[0060] The first mold 80 forms a first fluid inlet passage 102 and a central inner passage 114. Specifically, the first mold 80 forms an inner wall 102a facing radially inward in the first fluid inlet passage 102, an outer wall facing the first fluid inlet passage 102 in the support portion 170, and a radially inward surface 160a in the inner passage partition wall 160. Furthermore, the outer wall facing the first fluid inlet passage 102 in the support portion 170 is the lower surface 175 of the support portion body and the outer wall of the convex portion 173.

[0061] A tapered first contact surface 83 is provided on the surface of the first mold 80 that contacts the second mold 90. The first contact surface 83 is a surface whose outer diameter gradually decreases from the portion 84 on the side of the fixed valve 30 of the surface 81 of the first fluid inlet passage 102 that forms the inner wall 102a facing the radially inward side to the portion 85 on the surface 82 that forms the lower surface 175 of the support body.

[0062] On the other hand, the second mold 90 forms a first inner passage 111, a second inner passage 112, and a third inner passage 113. In detail, the second mold 90 forms an inner wall facing radially inward in the inner passage 110, an inner wall 115 facing the fixed valve 30 side in the inner passage 110, an outer wall 172a facing radially outward in the support body 172, and a circumferential surface 160b in the inner passage partition wall 160.

[0063] A tapered second contact surface 93 is provided on the surface of the second mold 90 facing the first mold 80. The second contact surface 93 is a surface whose inner diameter gradually decreases from the radially inner portion 94 of the surface 91 of the inner wall 115 facing the fixed valve 30 side in the inner passage 110 to the portion 95 of the surface 92 of the outer wall 172a facing the radially outer side in the support body 172 facing the first fluid inlet passage 102 side. The first contact surface 83 and the second contact surface 93 have the same cone angle so that they can make surface contact.

[0064] As a method for manufacturing the valve device 1 according to the first embodiment, firstly, the first mold 80 and the second mold 90 described above are prepared. The first mold 80 and the second mold 90, together with the molds forming other parts of the first housing 10, are disposed in an injection molding apparatus (not shown).

[0065] Next, as Figure 12 As shown, in the mold closing process, the first mold 80 and the second mold 90 are moved relative to each other in the axial direction, so that the first contact surface 83 and the second contact surface 93 come into contact. Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the molds forming other parts of the first outer shell 10 are also positioned at predetermined mold closing positions.

[0066] Next, molten resin is injected into the inside of the mold during the injection molding process, and then the resin is cooled during the cooling process. Afterwards, as... Figure 13 As shown, in the mold opening process, the first mold 80 and the second mold 90 are moved relative to each other in the opposite direction to the mold closing process, and the first outer shell 10 is removed from the mold.

[0067] To compare with the manufacturing method of the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, the manufacturing method of the valve device of the first comparative example will be described. Furthermore, as described above, the valve device of the first comparative example has a structure in which the inner diameter D1 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 is the same as the outer diameter D2 of the support portion 170.

[0068] like Figure 14 As shown, in the first comparative example, the first contact surface 83 of the first mold 80 that is in contact with the second mold 90 and the second contact surface 93 of the second mold 90 that is in contact with the first mold 80 are both cylindrical surfaces parallel to the axis CL.

[0069] In this case, during the mold closing process, in order to insert the first contact surface 83 into the inside of the second contact surface 93, the inner diameter of the second contact surface 93 must be larger than the outer diameter of the first contact surface 83. However, if the inner diameter of the second contact surface 93 is larger than the outer diameter of the first contact surface 83, then during the injection process, molten resin enters the gap between the first contact surface 83 and the second contact surface 93, resulting in larger burrs.

[0070] In contrast, the manufacturing method of the valve device 1 in the first embodiment, by forming the first contact surface 83 and the second contact surface 93 inclined relative to the axis CL, enables the first contact surface 83 and the second contact surface 93 to easily make contact with the ground during the mold closing process. Therefore, the quality of the first housing 10 can be improved, the manufacturing process can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0071] Next, in order to compare with the manufacturing method of valve device 1 of the first embodiment, the structure of the valve device of the third comparative example and its manufacturing method will be described.

[0072] like Figure 15 As shown, the valve device of the third comparative example has a structure in which the distance D3 between the inner periphery 107 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 and the lower surface 175 of the support body is longer than that of the first comparative example. In the valve device of the third comparative example, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the imaginary surface VS3 connecting the inner periphery 107 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 and the outer periphery 174 of the first fluid inlet passage 102 side of the support 170 is set to γ. The valve device of the third comparative example can make the flow path cross-sectional area γ of the imaginary surface VS3 larger than the flow path cross-sectional area β of the imaginary surface VS2 of the first comparative example. However, in the third comparative example, the following problem sometimes occurs.

[0073] Figure 16 and Figure 17 A first mold 80 and a second mold 90 for forming the first outer shell 10 of the third comparative example are shown. Furthermore, Figure 16 The mold closing process, etc., are shown. Figure 17 The mold-making process is shown.

[0074] like Figure 17 As shown, in the third comparative example, by making the distance D3 between the inner periphery 107 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 and the lower surface 175 of the support body longer than in the first comparative example, the mold stroke is correspondingly longer. Furthermore, the mold stroke refers to the distance that the first mold 80 and the second mold 90 move relative to each other along the axial direction. Therefore, the valve device of the third comparative example often results in problems such as increased size of the injection molding apparatus forming the first housing 10 and increased manufacturing costs.

[0075] In contrast, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment increases the flow path cross-sectional area α of the imaginary surface VS1 by having an inner diameter D1 on the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 larger than the outer diameter D2 of the support portion 170. Therefore, the mold stroke of the first mold 80 and the second mold 90 does not become longer. Consequently, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment does not increase the size of the injection molding apparatus forming the first housing 10, thus preventing an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0076] Furthermore, the structures of the first embodiment and the third comparative example can be combined, as long as it is within the allowable range of the injection molding apparatus. That is, the inner diameter D1 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 can be made larger than the outer diameter D2 of the support portion 170, and the distance D3 between the inner periphery 107 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 and the lower surface 175 of the support portion body can be lengthened.

[0077] The valve device 1 of the first embodiment described above has the following effects.

[0078] (1) In the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, the inner diameter D1 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 is larger than the outer diameter D2 of the support portion 170. Accordingly, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment can make the flow path cross-sectional area α of the imaginary surface VS1 larger than the flow path cross-sectional area β of the imaginary surface VS2 of the first comparative example. Therefore, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment can reduce the pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the inner passage 110 while preventing the volume of the housing body 11 from becoming larger. Consequently, when applied to a fluid circulation system, this valve device 1 can reduce the pressure pumping capacity required to circulate the fluid in the system. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the system can be reduced, and its size can be miniaturized.

[0079] (2) The valve device 1 of the first embodiment has a convex part 173 protruding from the lower surface 175 of the support body. Accordingly, stagnation can be prevented near the lower surface 175 of the support body in the inner passage 110. Therefore, approximately the entire area of ​​the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the aforementioned imaginary surface VS1 can be used as a flow path, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the fluid flowing in the inner passage 110.

[0080] (3) The manufacturing method of the valve device 1 of the first embodiment is to provide a conical first contact surface 83 in the first mold 80 and a conical second contact surface 93 in the second mold 90. It includes: moving the first mold 80 and the second mold 90 relative to each other in the axial direction to bring the first contact surface 83 and the second contact surface 93 into face contact for mold closing, and forming the first outer shell 10 by resin injection molding. Accordingly, by forming the first contact surface 83 and the second contact surface 93 into a conical shape inclined relative to the axis CL, the first contact surface 83 and the second contact surface 93 can easily make contact with the ground during the mold closing process. As a result, the quality of the first housing 10 can be improved, the manufacturing process can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0081] (Second Implementation) The second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment modifies a portion of the structure of the first fluid inlet passage 102 and the inner passage 110 compared to the first embodiment. Since the rest is the same as the first embodiment, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0082] like Figure 18As shown, in the second embodiment, the inner diameter D1 of the inner passage 110 side of the first fluid inlet passage 102 is also larger than the outer diameter D2 of the support portion 170. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the inner wall 102a of the first fluid inlet passage 102 is tapered, with its inner diameter gradually decreasing from the axial direction towards the support portion 170 side. Additionally, the inner wall 110a of the inner passage 110 facing radially inward is also tapered, with its inner diameter gradually decreasing from the axial direction towards the first fluid inlet passage 102 side. The taper angles of these inner walls 102a and 110a only need to be the draft angles of the first mold 80 and the second mold 90 during resin injection molding.

[0083] Therefore, as Figure 19 As shown, in the manufacturing process of valve device 1, when the first housing 10 is formed by resin injection molding, the first mold 80 and the second mold 90 can be easily moved relative to each other along the axial direction during the mold opening process. Therefore, valve device 1 of the second embodiment can reduce the manufacturing cost when forming the first housing 10 by resin injection molding.

[0084] (Other implementation methods) (1) In the above embodiments, the valve device 1 has been described as having two fluid inlets 12, 13 and three fluid outlets 14, 15, 16, but it is not limited thereto. The number of fluid inlets 12, 13 and fluid outlets 14, 15, 16 can be arbitrarily changed. In addition, the number of outer passages 120 and inner passages 110 provided in the housings 10, 20 can also be arbitrarily changed. The number of inner holes 36 and outer holes 34 of the fixed valve 30 can also be arbitrarily changed, and the number of through holes 43 and grooves 42 of the drive valve 40 can also be arbitrarily changed. In addition, the valve device 1 can also be used in a manner that allows fluid to flow in from the fluid outlets 14, 15, 16 and fluid to flow out from the fluid inlets 12, 13.

[0085] (2) In the above embodiments, the structure of the drive valve 40 having both the through hole 43 and the groove 42 has been described, but it is not limited to this, and it may also have a structure having only one of the through hole 43 and the groove 42. In addition, when the drive valve 40 has a structure having only the through hole 43, the through hole 43 is a structure that communicates with the inner passage 110.

[0086] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and appropriate modifications are possible. Furthermore, the various embodiments and parts thereof described above are not mutually exclusive and can be appropriately combined, except where they are clearly incompatible. Additionally, in the various embodiments described above, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or where they are clearly considered necessary in principle. Furthermore, in the various embodiments described above, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, etc., of the constituent elements of the embodiments, the number is not limited to that specific number, except where it is specifically stated to be necessary or where it is clearly limited to that specific number in principle. Furthermore, in the various embodiments described above, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc., of the constituent elements, the shape, positional relationship, etc., is not limited to that shape, positional relationship, etc., except where it is specifically stated or where it is limited to that specific shape, positional relationship in principle.

Claims

1. A valve device for controlling the flow of fluid, characterized in that, have: Outer casing (10, 20); A shaft (70) is disposed on the inner side of the housing; A drive valve (40), configured to rotate about the axis (CL) of the shaft inside the housing, has at least one of a groove (42) recessed from a sliding contact surface (41) toward the axis or a through hole (43) extending along the axis; and The fixed valve (30) is fixed to the housing in a manner that makes sliding contact with the sliding contact surface of the drive valve, and has a central hole (39) through which the shaft passes and a hole (36) communicating with the groove or the through hole of the drive valve. The outer casing has: A support portion (170) supports the end of the shaft through the central hole of the fixed valve in a region on the side opposite to the drive valve relative to the fixed valve; An inner passage (110) is formed in the radially outer region of the support and in the region of the support opposite to the fixed valve along the axial direction, and communicates with the orifice of the fixed valve; and A fluid passage (102) with an inner diameter smaller than the inner passage extends from the inner passage to the side opposite to the fixed valve; The inner diameter (D1) of the fluid passage at the location where the fluid passage connects with the inner passage is larger than the outer diameter (D2) of the support.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support portion has: The support body (172) is disposed radially outside the shaft; and The convex portion (173) protrudes from the part of the support body opposite to the fixed valve toward the fluid passage side in a manner in which the outer diameter gradually decreases.

3. A method for manufacturing a valve device, characterized in that, The valve device includes: Outer casing (10, 20); A shaft (70) is disposed on the inner side of the housing; A drive valve (40), configured to rotate about the axis (CL) of the shaft inside the housing, has at least one of a groove (42) recessed from a sliding contact surface (41) toward the axis or a through hole (43) extending along the axis; and The fixed valve (30) is fixed to the housing in a manner that makes sliding contact with the sliding contact surface of the drive valve, and has a central hole (39) through which the shaft passes and a hole (36) communicating with the groove or the through hole of the drive valve. The outer casing has: A support portion (170) supports the end of the shaft through the central hole of the fixed valve in a region on the side opposite to the drive valve relative to the fixed valve; An inner passage (110) is formed in the radially outer region of the support and in the region of the support opposite to the fixed valve along the axial direction, and communicates with the orifice of the fixed valve; and A fluid passage (102) with an inner diameter smaller than the inner passage extends from the inner passage to the side opposite to the fixed valve; The inner diameter (D1) of the fluid passage at the location where it connects to the inner passage is larger than the outer diameter (D2) of the support portion. The method for manufacturing the valve device includes: A first mold (80) is prepared to form the inner wall of the fluid passage facing the radially inward side and the outer wall of the support facing the fluid passage side. A second mold (90) is prepared to form the inner wall facing the radially inner side in the inner passage, the inner wall facing the fixed valve side in the inner passage (115), and the outer wall facing the radially outer side in the support portion. A first contact surface (83) is provided on the first mold, the outer diameter of which gradually decreases from the fixed valve side portion (84) of the surface (81) forming the inner wall of the fluid passage facing the radially inward side to the radially outer side portion (85) of the surface (82) forming the outer wall of the support portion facing the fluid passage side. A second contact surface (93) is provided on the second mold, the inner diameter of which gradually decreases from the radially inner portion (94) of the surface (91) forming the inner wall of the inner passage towards the fixed valve side to the fluid passage portion (95) of the surface (92) forming the outer wall of the support portion towards the radially outer side; and The first mold and the second mold are moved relative to each other in the axial direction so that the first contact surface and the second contact surface come into contact to close the mold, and the shell is formed by resin injection molding.

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