Flow path switching valve

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to reduce the cost and save the space of a flow path switching valve having two valve units. A flow path switching valve (10) is provided with: two valve units (20) each provided with a valve body (14) in which a valve chamber (12) is formed, a valve body (16) which is rotatably disposed in the valve chamber (12), and a plurality of flow paths which communicate with the respective inlets / outlets, and a plurality of valve elements (16) which are rotatably disposed in the valve chamber (12) and which communicate with the respective inlets / outlets; and a rotation drive unit (18) that is disposed between the two valve units (20), is connected to the two valve units (20), and rotates the two valve elements (16) together so as to switch the communication state of the flow paths in the respective valve units (20) by means of the valve elements (16).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a flow path switching valve. BACKGROUND

[0002] A flow path switching valve having one valve unit for each rotary drive portion is disclosed (see Patent Document 1), which rotates a valve element in the valve unit by the rotary drive portion.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-106238.

[0006] TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE UTILITY MODEL

[0007] However, in the case where one valve unit is provided for each rotary drive portion as in the above-described prior art example, two rotary drive portions are required in the case where two valve units are provided, which leads to an increase in the number of components and an increase in cost and installation space accompanying the same. SUMMARY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0008] The utility model aims at realizing low cost and space saving of a flow path switching valve having two valve units.

[0009] TECHNICAL MEANS FOR SOLVING THE TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0010] The flow path switching valve according to the first aspect has two valve units each having a valve body, a valve element, and a plurality of flow paths, the valve body having a valve chamber formed therein and a plurality of ports formed in a wall surface forming the valve chamber, the valve element being rotatably disposed in the valve chamber, and the plurality of flow paths being in communication with the ports, respectively, and a rotary drive portion disposed between the two valve units and linked to the two valve units to rotate the two valve elements together to switch the communication states of the flow paths in each of the valve units by the valve elements.

[0011] In the flow path switching valve, the valve elements are rotated by the rotary drive portion, so that the communication states of the plurality of ports of the valve chambers can be switched by the valve elements. In addition, since the two valve elements in the two valve units are rotated by the rotary drive portion disposed between the two valve units, the number of components can be reduced compared to the case where the rotary drive portions are provided for the two valve units, respectively, so that low cost and space saving can be realized.

[0012] The second aspect is the flow path switching valve according to the first aspect, in which the two valve units have the same configuration as each other.

[0013] In the flow path switching valve, since the two valve units have the same structure as each other, compared with a case where the structures of the two valve units are different from each other, cost reduction can be achieved.

[0014] The third aspect is that, in the flow path switching valve according to the first aspect or the second aspect, one end of the flow path of the two-end-opened configuration is provided with a female connector, and the other end of the flow path of the two-end-opened configuration is provided with a male connector of a configuration capable of being connected to the female connector.

[0015] In the flow path switching valve, one end of the flow path of the two-end-opened configuration is provided with a female connector, and the other end of the flow path of the two-end-opened configuration is provided with a male connector of a configuration capable of being connected to the female connector. By connecting the female connector and the male connector, the flow paths of one valve unit and the other valve unit can be easily connected to each other.

[0016] The fourth aspect is that, in the flow path switching valve according to the third aspect, as the inlet and outlet, there are a first inlet and outlet, a second inlet and outlet, and a third inlet and outlet, and as the flow paths, there are a first flow path communicating with the first inlet and outlet, a second flow path communicating with the second inlet and outlet, and a third flow path communicating with the third inlet and outlet.

[0017] In the flow path switching valve, by rotating the valve core by the rotation driving portion, the communication states of the first inlet and outlet, the second inlet and outlet, and the third inlet and outlet of the flow path switching valve chamber by the valve core can be switched. In addition, the communication states of the first flow path, the second flow path, and the third flow path can be switched thereby.

[0018] The fifth aspect is that, in the flow path switching valve according to the fourth aspect, the third flow path is configured to pass between the two valve units.

[0019] In the flow path switching valve, since the third flow path is configured to pass between the two valve units, compared with a case where the third flow path extends to the opposite side of the rotation driving portion of each valve unit, it is more compact, and space saving is possible.

[0020] Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present application, cost reduction and space saving of the flow path switching valve having two valve units are possible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to a first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3is an exploded back view showing the flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a pair of brackets.

[0026] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 in

[0027] Figure 6 is a side view showing the flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in Figure 6

[0029] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the flow path switching valve according to the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of flow path switching valves according to the second embodiment are connected.

[0031] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the flow path switching valve according to the third embodiment.

[0032] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a plurality of flow path switching valves according to the third embodiment are connected.

[0033] Symbol Explanation

[0034] 10 flow path switching valve

[0035] 12 valve chamber

[0036] 14 valve main body

[0037] 16 valve core

[0038] 18 rotary drive section

[0039] 20 valve unit

[0040] 21 first flow path (flow path)

[0041] 22 second flow path (flow path)

[0042] 23 third flow path (flow path)

[0043] 31 first inlet and outlet (inlet and outlet)

[0044] 32 second inlet and outlet (inlet and outlet)

[0045] ​33 Third Entrance and Exit (Entrance and Exit)

[0046] 51 female connector

[0047] 52 female connector

[0048] 61 male connector

[0049] 62 male connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Below, the method for implementing the present invention is described based on the accompanying drawings. The components represented by the same symbols in the various drawings mean the same or identical components. In addition, in the embodiments described below, there are cases where repeated descriptions and symbols are omitted. In addition, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic drawings, and the relationship between the dimensions of the elements shown in the drawings, the ratio of the elements, etc. may not be consistent with the actual structure. In addition, the relationship between the dimensions of the elements, the ratio of the elements, etc. may not be consistent between multiple drawings.

[0051] In this specification, the descriptions of positions and directions such as up and down, left and right, front and back are as follows: Figure 1 The direction arrows are for reference only and do not refer to the actual position or direction in use. Figure 1 In the diagram, "U" indicates the upward direction (upper side), "D" indicates the downward direction (lower side), "LH" indicates the left direction (left side), "RH" indicates the right direction (right side), "F" indicates the front direction (front side), and "R" indicates the rear direction (rear side). The "upward and downward directions" refer to the directions of the arrows U and D. The "leftward and rightward directions" refer to the directions of the arrows LH and RH. Furthermore, the "frontward and rearward directions" refer to the directions of the arrows F and R.

[0052] [First embodiment]

[0053] exist Figures 1 to 7 The flow path switching valve 10 according to this embodiment is used, for example, as a rotary three-way valve for switching the flow path of a fluid flowing in an engine compartment of an automobile in multiple directions, and includes two valve units 20 and a rotary drive unit 18. Although not shown in the figure, the flow path switching valve 10 may also be configured as a four-way valve.

[0054] (Valve unit)

[0055] exist Figure 5In the embodiment, two valve units 20 include a valve body 14, a valve core 16, and a first flow path 21, a second flow path 22, and a third flow path 23 as a plurality of flow paths. The valve units 20 can, for example, switch between a state in which the first flow path 21 and the third flow path 23 are connected, a state in which the second flow path 22 and the third flow path 23 are connected, and a state in which the first flow path 21, the second flow path 22, and the third flow path 23 are mutually disconnected. The two valve units 20 may have identical structures. The term "identical" is not limited to completely identical structures and also includes similar structures.

[0056] The valve body 14 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and internally forms the valve chamber 12. A first port 31, a second port 32, and a third port 33 are formed on a wall surface forming the valve chamber 12 as an example of a plurality of ports.

[0057] The first flow path 21 is a flow path connected to the first inlet and outlet 31, and may also be referred to as a first port. The second flow path 22 is a flow path connected to the second inlet and outlet 32, and may also be referred to as a second port. The third flow path 23 is a flow path connected to the third inlet and outlet 33, and may also be referred to as a third port. In the present embodiment, the first inlet and outlet 31 and the second inlet and outlet 32 ​​are opposite to each other across the valve chamber 12, and the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 protrude from the valve chamber 12 in opposite directions. The center of the first flow path 21 and the center of the second flow path 22 are located on the same line, for example. The third flow path 23 protrudes from the valve chamber 12 toward the front (direction of arrow F), for example, orthogonal to the direction connecting the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 (left-right direction).

[0058] (Valve core)

[0059] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the valve core 16 is a spherical member made of, for example, synthetic resin and is rotatably disposed within the valve chamber 12. A valve shaft 28 is inserted into the valve core 16. For example, an internal flow path 36 is formed in the valve core 16 to selectively connect the first inlet 31, the second inlet 32, and the third inlet 33 of the valve body 14. In other words, to selectively switch the communication state of the first inlet 31, the second inlet 32, and the third inlet 33. Alternatively, the valve core 16 may not have the internal flow path 36.

[0060] Between the spool 16 and the first outlet port 31, the second outlet port 32, and the third outlet port 33, sealing portions 38 that seal between each other are provided. The sealing portions 38 have, for example, a sheet member 40 and an O-ring 42. The sheet member 40 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and is formed in a circular ring shape having openings corresponding to the first outlet port 31, the second outlet port 32, and the third outlet port 33, respectively. The sheet member 40 is disposed around the first outlet port 31, the second outlet port 32, and the third outlet port 33 in the inner wall surface of the valve main body 14, respectively. The three sheet members 40 abut against the spool 16 from three sides, and the spool 16 is rotatably and slidably disposed while being in contact with each of the sheet members 40.

[0061] The sheet member 40 and the valve main body 14 are sealed by the O-ring 42, for example, airtight and watertight, respectively. The O-ring 42 is mounted, for example, to an O-ring groove 14A formed in the valve main body 14.

[0062] As an example, the valve main body 14 and the spool 16 can be made of PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), the sheet member 40 can be made of PTFE (fluororesin), and the O-ring 42 can be made of synthetic rubber.

[0063] In the present embodiment, before assembly of the valve unit 20, the valve main body 14 is separated into a base portion 24 having the valve chamber 12 and the like, a bracket portion 26 that constitutes the second flow path 22 and the second flow path 22, and a bracket 30. The bracket portion 26 is combined with the base portion 24, for example, by welding, after the spool 16 and the sealing portions 38 are disposed in the valve chamber 12 of the base portion 24.

[0064] The bracket 30 functions as a cover member that closes the opening of the valve shaft 28 side of the valve chamber 12, and is welded to the valve main body 14, for example. In addition, the bracket 30 has three bosses 30A through which the bolts 44 pass, and a support hole 30B that supports the valve shaft 28. Since the mounting portion 18A provided to the rotary drive portion 18 is disposed asymmetrically when viewed from above and when viewed from below, the bracket 30 of the upper valve unit 20 and the bracket 30 of the lower valve unit 20 are symmetrical to each other with the rotary drive portion 18 interposed therebetween. If the mounting portion 18A of the rotary drive portion 18 is disposed identically when viewed from above and when viewed from below, the brackets 30 of the upper and lower valve units 20 can also be made identical to each other in shape.

[0065] The mounting portion 18A of the rotary drive portion 18 is interposed between the bosses 30A of the upper and lower brackets 30, and the upper and lower brackets 30 and the rotary drive portion 18 are fastened and fixed to each other by the bolts 44 and the nuts 46. Figure 7 ) The heads of the bolts 44 and the nuts 46 are accommodated in counterbore portions provided in the bosses 30A.

[0066] As Figure 5As shown, the upper and lower valve shafts 28 are respectively fitted from the upper and lower sides into the output portion 18B of the rotation drive unit 18. An O-ring 34 is mounted on the valve shaft 28 to ensure watertightness between the valve shaft 28 and the support hole 30B.

[0067] (Rotation drive unit)

[0068] exist Figures 1 to 7 In the embodiment, the rotary drive unit 18 is a device disposed between and connected to the two valve units 20, causing the two valve cores 16 to rotate together, thereby switching the flow path connectivity in each valve unit 20 via the valve cores 16. The rotary drive unit 18 is, for example, a geared motor and is provided with a connector 50 for connecting wiring for communication with a control unit and power supply. The rotary drive unit 18 also includes a cylindrical output portion 18B. As described above, the upper and lower valve shafts 28 are respectively inserted into the output portion 18B from the upper and lower sides. Rotation of the output portion 18B causes the upper and lower valve cores 16 to rotate via the upper and lower valve shafts 28.

[0069] For example, three mounting portions 18A are provided on the rotary drive unit 18 so as to extend outward from the side. As described above, the mounting portions 18A are sandwiched between the bosses 30A of the upper and lower brackets 30, and the upper and lower brackets 30 and the rotary drive unit 18 are fastened and fixed by bolts 44 and nuts 46.

[0070] (effect)

[0071] This embodiment is constructed as described above, and its function will be described below. Figures 1 to 7 In the flow path switching valve 10 according to this embodiment, the valve element 16 is rotated by the rotational drive unit 18, thereby enabling the valve element 16 to switch the communication states of the plurality of inlets and outlets of the valve chamber 12. Specifically, the communication states of the first inlet and outlet 31, the second inlet and outlet 32, and the third inlet and outlet 33 of the valve chamber 12 can be switched via the internal flow path 36 of the valve element 16. Furthermore, the communication states of the first flow path 21, the second flow path 22, and the third flow path 23 can be switched thereby.

[0072] In addition, since the two valve cores 16 in the two valve units 20 are rotated by the rotation drive unit 18 arranged between the two valve units 20, the number of components can be reduced compared to the case where the rotation drive unit 18 is separately provided in the two valve units 20, thereby achieving cost reduction and space saving.

[0073] Since the brackets 30 of the upper and lower valve units 20 and the rotary drive unit 18 are fastened and fixed by the bolts 44 and nuts 46, the number of bolts 44 and nuts 46 can be halved compared to the case where the upper bracket 30 and the lower bracket 30 are fixed to the rotary drive unit 18 separately.

[0074] When the two valve units 20 have the same structure as each other, cost reduction can be achieved compared to a case where the two valve units 20 have different structures from each other.

[0075] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to achieve cost reduction and space saving of the flow path switching valve including the two valve units 20 .

[0076] [Second embodiment]

[0077] exist Figure 8 In the flow path switching valve 10 involved in this embodiment, the first flow path 21 is connected to the first inlet and outlet (not shown) and is open at both ends. The second flow path 22 is arranged in parallel with the first flow path 21 across the valve body 14, is connected to the second inlet and outlet (not shown) and is open at both ends. The third flow path 23 is connected to the third inlet and outlet (not shown) and is open on the opposite side of the third inlet and outlet. As an example, the third flow path 23 of the upper valve unit 20 avoids the rotation drive part 18 and opens to the front on the upper side of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22. The third flow path 23 of the lower valve unit 20 avoids the rotation drive part 18 and opens to the front on the lower side of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22.

[0078] Female connectors 51 and 52 may be provided at one end of the first and second flow paths 21 and 22, respectively. Male connectors 61 and 62 that can connect to the female connectors 51 and 52 may also be provided at the other ends of the first and second flow paths 21 and 22, respectively.

[0079] By having such a joint configuration, as Figure 9 As shown, the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of one valve unit 20 can be connected to and coupled to the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of another valve unit 20. By connecting the female connectors 51 and 52 and the male connectors 61 and 62, the flow paths of one valve unit 20 and the other valve unit 20 can be easily connected to each other. This connector structure is only an example, and any other connector structure can be used.

[0080] (Variation)

[0081] like Figure 10 As shown in the modified example, the third flow path 23 can also be arranged to pass between the two valve units 20. In this modified example, in order to ensure the arrangement space of the third flow path 23, the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 are configured to be larger than Figure 8 In addition, the third flow path 23 of the upper valve unit 20 opens forward on the right side of the rotary drive unit 18. The third flow path 23 of the lower valve unit 20 opens forward on the left side of the rotary drive unit 18. In other words, the rotary drive unit 18 is arranged between the two third flow paths 23.

[0082] As Figure 11 indicated, the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of one valve unit 20 can be connected and linked to the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of another valve unit 20, respectively. By connecting the female connectors 51, 52 and the male connectors 61, 62, the flow paths of one valve unit 20 and another valve unit 20 can be easily connected to each other.

[0083] Since other parts are the same as the first embodiment, the same symbols are marked on the same parts in the drawings, and the description is omitted.

[0084] [Other Embodiments]

[0085] The above describes one example of the embodiment of the present application, but the embodiment of the present application is not limited to the above. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist thereof, in addition to the above, which is self-evident.

Claims

1. A flow path switching valve, characterized in that: have: Two valve units, each comprising a valve body, a valve core, and a plurality of flow paths. The valve body has a valve chamber formed therein, and a plurality of inlets and outlets are formed on a wall surface forming the valve chamber. The valve core is rotatably disposed in the valve chamber, and the plurality of flow paths are connected to the inlets and outlets, respectively; and A rotation drive unit is disposed between the two valve units and connected to the two valve units, and rotates the two valve elements together to switch the communication state of the flow path in each valve unit via the valve elements.

2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two valve units have the same construction as each other.

3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein: A female connector is provided at one end of the flow path with both ends open. A male coupling that is connectable to the female coupling is provided at the other end of the flow path that is open at both ends.

4. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3, characterized in that: As the entrance and exit, there are a first entrance and exit, a second entrance and exit, and a third entrance and exit. The flow path includes a first flow path communicating with the first inlet and outlet, a second flow path communicating with the second inlet and outlet, and a third flow path communicating with the third inlet and outlet.

5. The flow path switching valve according to claim 4, characterized in that: The third flow path is configured to pass between the two valve units.

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