Flow path switching valve

Abstract

Provided is a flow path switching valve that does not affect the connection of peripheral members connected to the flow path switching valve. The flow path switching valve is provided with a valve main body and a valve core, wherein the valve main body is provided with a first peripheral part surrounding a pair of first holes; and a flow path forming portion having a second peripheral portion surrounding a pair of second holes corresponding to the pair of first holes, the second peripheral portion being welded to the first peripheral portion in a state where the pair of first holes and the pair of second holes communicate with each other to form a pair of flow paths.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to a flow path switching valve and a manufacturing method of the flow path switching valve. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a ball valve in which an outlet flow path is fused to a valve housing.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-223418

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

[0007] In a flow path switching valve having a valve body and forming a flow path by fusing a flow path forming portion to the valve body, if the flow path switching valve is fused in a state in which the phase is shifted with respect to the valve body, there is a concern that the connection of peripheral members connected to the flow path switching valve is affected. SUMMARY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

[0008] The utility model provides a kind of flow path switching valve and the manufacturing method of flow path switching valve, in the flow path switching valve of having valve body and by fusing flow path forming portion to the valve body, the flow path of valve body and the flow path of flow path forming portion are communicated, the connection of peripheral members connected to the flow path switching valve is difficult to be affected.

[0009] TECHNICAL MEANS FOR SOLVING THE TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0010] The flow path switching valve related to the first mode has a valve body having a first peripheral portion surrounding a pair of first holes, and a flow path forming portion having a second peripheral portion surrounding a pair of second holes corresponding to the pair of first holes, and the second peripheral portion is fused to the first peripheral portion in a state in which the pair of first holes and the pair of second holes are communicated to form a pair of flow paths.

[0011] In the flow path switching valve related to the first mode, if the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion are fused, a pair of flow paths is formed through the pair of first holes of the valve body and the pair of second holes of the flow path forming portion. Therefore, since the phase shift of the flow path forming portion with respect to the valve body is suppressed, the connection of peripheral members connected to the flow path switching valve is difficult to be affected.

[0012] The flow path switching valve according to the second aspect is the flow path switching valve according to the first aspect in which the fusion regions of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion in one of the pair of flow paths and the fusion regions of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion in the other of the pair of flow paths overlap each other.

[0013] In the flow path switching valve according to the second aspect, since the pair of flow paths are closer to each other when the two fusion regions overlap, the flow path switching valve as a whole becomes compact compared to a structure in which the two fusion regions are separated.

[0014] The flow path switching valve according to the third aspect is the flow path switching valve according to the first aspect in which the fusion regions of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion in one and the other of the pair of flow paths are formed in one ring shape.

[0015] In the flow path switching valve according to the third aspect, since no fusion region is formed between the pair of flow paths, the energy required for fusion is reduced compared to a structure in which the fusion regions of the pair of flow paths overlap each other.

[0016] The flow path switching valve according to the fourth aspect is the flow path switching valve according to the first aspect in which the fusion regions of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion in one of the pair of flow paths and the fusion regions of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion in the other of the pair of flow paths are separated from each other and formed as independent ring-shaped fusion regions.

[0017] In the flow path switching valve according to the fourth aspect, the influence of phase shift is reduced compared to a structure in which the fusion regions corresponding to the pair of flow paths overlap each other, and thus the positioning accuracy of the pair of flow paths is improved.

[0018] The flow path switching valve according to the fifth aspect is the flow path switching valve according to any one of the first to fourth aspects in which the valve main body or the flow path forming portion has a guide portion that stands from the outer peripheral side portion in one of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion and surrounds the outer peripheral portion of the other of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion.

[0019] In the flow path switching valve according to the fifth aspect, since the guide portion guides the fusion surface of the other with respect to the fusion surface of one, the assembly of the fusion surfaces becomes easy compared to a structure in which the fusion surfaces are assembled only to each other.

[0020] The manufacturing method of the flow path switching valve according to the sixth aspect includes preparing a valve body having a first fusion surface surrounding a pair of first holes, bringing a second fusion surface of a flow path forming portion into contact with the first fusion surface in a manner that a pair of flow paths is formed so that the pair of first holes and a pair of second holes communicate with each other, and fusing the first fusion surface and the second fusion surface. The flow path forming portion has the second fusion surface surrounding the pair of second holes corresponding to the pair of first holes.

[0021] In the manufacturing method of the flow path switching valve according to the sixth aspect, a pair of flow paths is formed by the pair of first holes of the valve body and the pair of second holes of the flow path forming portion when the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion are fused. Therefore, since the phase shift of the flow path forming portion with respect to the valve body is suppressed, it is difficult to affect the connection of the peripheral member connected to the flow path switching valve.

[0022] Effects of the Invention

[0023] According to the flow path switching valve according to the present invention, in the flow path switching valve having a valve body and in which flow paths of the valve body and the flow path forming portion communicate with each other by fusing the flow path forming portion to the valve body, the connection of the peripheral member connected to the flow path switching valve is not affected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the overall structure of the flow path switching device according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 is a front view showing the overall structure of the flow path switching device according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the flow path switching valve according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the flow path switching valve according to the present embodiment, in which a bracket is cut away.

[0028] Figure 5 is a top perspective view of the bracket of the flow path switching valve according to the present embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 (A) of is a right side view of the bracket of the flow path switching valve according to the present embodiment, Figure 6 (B) of is a left side view of the valve body of the flow path switching valve according to the present embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 (A) of is an S1-S1 sectional view of the bracket of the flow path switching valve according to the present embodiment, Figure 7 (B) of is an S2-S2 sectional view of the valve body corresponding to the bracket.

[0031] Figure 8 (A) is a main sectional view of the flow path switching valve in a state where the fusion surface of the valve body side is in contact with the fusion surface of the bracket side, Figure 8 (B) is a main sectional view of the flow path switching valve showing a state where the bracket is fused with respect to the valve body.

[0032] Figure 9 (A) is a right side view of the bracket of the flow path switching valve to which the first modification example is applied, Figure 9 (B) is a left side view of the valve body corresponding to the bracket.

[0033] Symbol explanation

[0034] 1 flow path switching device

[0035] 10 rotary drive section

[0036] 20 flow path switching valve

[0037] 22 valve body

[0038] 24 bracket (example of flow path forming section)

[0039] 32 valve chamber section

[0040] 34 valve core

[0041] 40 body section

[0042] 50 curved section

[0043] 60 fusion section

[0044] 66 guide section

[0045] 74 small diameter section

[0046] 76 large diameter section

[0047] 92 cylindrical section

[0048] 120 flow path switching valve

[0049] 122 valve body

[0050] 124 bracket (example of flow path forming section)

[0051] UA upper fusion region (example of fusion region)

[0052] LA lower fusion region (example of fusion region)

[0053] OA connecting fusion region (example of fusion region)

[0054] CH center line

[0055] CV center line. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The following description refers to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar parts are labeled with the same or similar symbols. However, the drawings are schematic, and the relationship between thickness and planar dimensions, the proportion of thickness of each device or component, etc., may differ from reality. Therefore, specific thicknesses and dimensions should be determined by referring to the following description. Furthermore, the drawings also include parts with different dimensional relationships and proportions. For ease of explanation, the H direction, W direction, and D direction represent the vertical direction, width direction, and depth direction, respectively. Additionally, the H direction, W direction, and D direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0057] <Structure of the flow path switching device>

[0058] Flow path switching device 1 is, for example, a device that switches the flow path of refrigerant flowing inside or outside a heat source for cooling the vehicle's drive unit and other heat sources. Figure 1 As shown, the flow path switching device 1 has a rotary drive unit 10 and a flow path switching valve 20.

[0059] The flow path switching device 1 is modularized, and multiple flow path switching devices 1 are connected to each other via flow path switching valves 20. In this specification, the smallest unit, the flow path switching device 1, will be described. In this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown, the flow path switching device 1 has a rotary drive unit 10 and two flow path switching valves 20.

[0060] <Structure of the flow path switching valve>

[0061] (Rotary drive unit)

[0062] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the rotary drive unit 10 has a housing extending in the width direction and is disposed on the upper part of the flow path switching device 1 in the vertical direction. Inside the rotary drive unit 10, a rotor is configured to rotate relative to the housing about an axis extending in the vertical direction. The rotor receives control signals related to a predetermined rotation direction, rotation speed, rotation angle, etc., from a control unit not shown, and rotates based on these control signals.

[0063] (Flow path switching valve)

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the flow path switching valve 20 is shaped like two cylinders extending along the depth direction. The flow path switching valve 20 is positioned on the lower side of the rotary drive unit 10 in the vertical direction. The flow path switching valve 20 can switch the flow direction of the refrigerant inside it via the rotary drive unit 10. Figure 2As shown, the upper flow path switching valve 20 and the rotary drive unit 10 in the vertical direction are fixed to each other via the bracket 12 and bolts 14. Additionally, the flow path switching valve 20 can be connected to other flow path switching valves 20 (not shown) in the depth direction.

[0065] like Figure 2 As shown, the flow path switching valves 20 can be connected in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the flow path switching valves 20 are connected in a state where two flow path switching valves 20 overlap in the vertical direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the structure will be described mainly using the upper flow path switching valve 20 in the vertical direction of the two flow path switching valves 20.

[0066] like Figure 3 As shown, the flow path switching valve 20 includes a valve body 22, a valve core 34, and a bracket 24.

[0067] ((Valve body))

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown in (B), the valve body 22 has a T-shaped shape when viewed from the width direction. Specifically, as... Figure 4 As shown, the valve body 22 is formed by connecting two short cylinders that extend in the width direction and are stacked in the vertical direction, and a long strip cylinder that extends in the depth direction. More specifically, the valve body 22 has a first flow path section 30, a valve chamber section 32, and an annular component 44. The valve body 22 has the flow path switching function of the flow path switching valve 20.

[0069] (((First flow path part)))

[0070] like Figure 1 As shown, the first flow path 30 is a cylinder extending in the depth direction and having a centerline CV. The interior of the first flow path 30 is a flow path for refrigerant to flow in the depth direction. A female portion 30A and a male portion 30B are formed in the first flow path 30. The female portion 30A is the inner end in the depth direction. The male portion 30B has an outer diameter smaller than that of the female portion 30A and is the front end in the depth direction. The male portion 30B can be connected to the female portion 30A of the first flow path 30 in another flow path switching valve 20 (not shown), and the female portion 30A can be connected to the male portion 30B of the first flow path 30 in yet another flow path switching valve 20 (not shown). For example, the dimensions and shapes of the female portion 30A and the male portion 30B are determined using known specifications.

[0071] (((valve chamber section)))

[0072] like Figure 4 and Figure 7As shown in (B), the valve chamber portion 32 is shaped by combining a cylindrical section (the main body portion 40, described later) that extends together in the width direction and is arranged vertically, and a bottomed cylindrical section (the curved portion 50, described later). In other words, the valve chamber portion 32 is shaped with a pair of holes (the support-side end 40B and the opening end 50B, described later) arranged vertically when viewed from the width direction. Furthermore, the valve chamber portion 32 is shaped with through holes (the upper end 40C and the lower end 40D) formed in the vertical direction on each cylindrical surface (the inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 40 and the inner circumferential surface of the curved portion 50) of the aforementioned cylindrical section and the bottomed cylindrical section. The valve chamber portion 32 communicates internally with the central portion in the depth direction of the first flow path portion 30. The valve chamber portion 32 has a main body portion 40, a curved portion 50, a base portion 58, a welded portion 60, and a guide portion 66.

[0073] [Main Body Section]

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown, the main body 40 is shaped to have a hole that extends vertically through a cylinder extending in the width direction. The main body 40 houses the valve core 34, which will be described later. The main body 40 constitutes the upper portion of the valve chamber 32 in the vertical direction.

[0075] Regarding the main body 40, such as Figure 7 As shown in (B), the ends in the width direction and the vertical direction are respectively referred to as the flow path side end 40A, the support side end 40B, the upper end 40C, and the lower end 40D.

[0076] The flow path side end 40A is the end of the main body 40 on the side of the first flow path portion 30 in the width direction, and is connected to the first flow path portion 30 in a state of mutual internal communication. In this embodiment, the flow path side end 40A has an inner diameter d1 that is the same as the inner diameter of the first flow path portion 30.

[0077] At the flow path side end 40A, viewed from the inside of the main body 40 along the width direction, an annular groove 40A1 is formed on the inside of the main body 40. The inner diameter of the annular groove 40A1 is d2, and the outer diameter is d3. The inner diameter d2 is larger than the inner diameter d1 of the flow path side end 40A, and the outer diameter d3 is larger than the inner diameter d2. An O-ring 42 is received in the annular groove 40A1 from the inside of the main body 40.

[0078] like Figure 7 (B) and Figure 8As shown in (A), the support-side end 40B is an open end on the side opposite to the first flow path portion 30 in the width direction of the main body portion 40. The support-side end 40B has a step 40B1 facing the width direction. The inner diameter of the cylindrical surface CL1 along the width direction of the step 40B1 is d4. The inner diameter d4 is larger than the inner diameter d3. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the cylindrical surface CL2 on the width direction side of the first flow path portion 30, compared to the cylindrical surface CL1, is d3. Additionally, the support-side end 40B has a through hole with an inner diameter d1 on the width direction side of the first flow path portion 30, compared to the cylindrical surface CL2. The support-side end 40B is an example of a first hole.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper end portion 40C is the end portion of the main body 40 on the side of the rotation drive portion 10 in the vertical direction. A step is formed in the upper end portion 40C in the vertical direction, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, it is connected to the rotary drive unit 10. Additionally, a shaft (not shown) of the rotary drive unit 10 is inserted into the upper end 40C.

[0080] like Figure 7 As shown in (B), the lower end 40D is the end of the main body 40 that is opposite to the side of the rotary drive unit 10 in the vertical direction. A shaft (not shown) of the rotary drive unit 10, which is inserted from the upper end 40C, is inserted into the lower end 40D. That is, the shaft (not shown) of the rotary drive unit 10 is inserted in a state that passes through both ends of the main body 40 in the vertical direction.

[0081] [Bend]

[0082] like Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown in (B), the bent portion 50 is shaped as a bottomed cylinder with a through hole formed in the vertical direction on its cylindrical surface, extending in the width direction and opening on the side opposite to the width direction. The bent portion 50 constitutes the lower vertical portion of the valve chamber portion 32. Regarding the bent portion 50, as... Figure 7 As shown in (B), the ends in the width direction and the vertical direction are respectively referred to as wall portion 50A, opening end portion 50B, upper end portion 50C and lower end portion 50D.

[0083] The wall portion 50A is disposed on the side of the first flow path portion 30 in the width direction and is a hemispherical shell-shaped wall that curves outward.

[0084] The open end portion 50B is a cylindrical portion disposed on the opposite side of the first flow path portion 30 in the width direction relative to the wall portion 50A. The inner diameter of the open end portion 50B is d5. The inner diameter d5 is larger than the inner diameter d1 of the flow path side end portion 40A. The open end portion 50B is an example of a first hole, forming a pair of first holes together with the support side end portion 40B.

[0085] The upper side end portion 50C is an end portion on the upper side in the vertical direction. The upper side end portion 50C is joined to the lower side end portion 40D of the main body portion 40 in a state in which the interiors of the main body portion 40 and the upper side end portion 50C communicate with each other.

[0086] As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the lower side end portion 50D is an end portion on the lower side in the vertical direction, and a flange is formed. The lower side end portion 50D can be joined to the upper side end portion 50C of the main body portion 40 in the other flow path switching valve 20 (refer to FIG. 2) via the flange. Figure 7 Figure 2 As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the lower side end portion 50D is an end portion on the lower side in the vertical direction, and a flange is formed. The lower side end portion 50D can be joined to the upper side end portion 50C of the main body portion 40 in the other flow path switching valve 20 (refer to FIG. 2) via the flange.

[0087] The curved portion 50 protrudes downward more than the first flow path portion 30 when viewed in the width direction, and as described above, the valve body 22 becomes a T shape.

[0088] [Base portion]

[0089] As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the base portion 58 is a flange-like portion that joins the open end portions of the main body portion 40 and the curved portion 50. Specifically, the base portion 58 is formed in an "8" shape that joins the bracket side end portion 40B of the main body portion 40 and the open end portion 50B of the curved portion 50 in the vertical direction. The base portion 58 and the fusion portion 60 described later are both examples of the first peripheral portion. In addition, the "peripheral portion" in the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion described later is a concept that includes the fusion portion and the periphery thereof. Figure 7

[0090] [Base portion]

[0091] As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the base portion 58 is a flange-like portion that joins the open end portions of the main body portion 40 and the curved portion 50. Specifically, the base portion 58 is formed in an "8" shape that joins the bracket side end portion 40B of the main body portion 40 and the open end portion 50B of the curved portion 50 in the vertical direction. The base portion 58 and the fusion portion 60 described later are both examples of the first peripheral portion. In addition, the "peripheral portion" in the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion described later is a concept that includes the fusion portion and the periphery thereof. Figure 4 Figure 6 As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the base portion 58 is a flange-like portion that joins the open end portions of the main body portion 40 and the curved portion 50. Specifically, the base portion 58 is formed in an "8" shape that joins the bracket side end portion 40B of the main body portion 40 and the open end portion 50B of the curved portion 50 in the vertical direction. The base portion 58 and the fusion portion 60 described later are both examples of the first peripheral portion. In addition, the "peripheral portion" in the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion described later is a concept that includes the fusion portion and the periphery thereof.

[0092] As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the base portion 58 is a flange-like portion that joins the open end portions of the main body portion 40 and the curved portion 50. Specifically, the base portion 58 is formed in an "8" shape that joins the bracket side end portion 40B of the main body portion 40 and the open end portion 50B of the curved portion 50 in the vertical direction. The base portion 58 and the fusion portion 60 described later are both examples of the first peripheral portion. In addition, the "peripheral portion" in the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion described later is a concept that includes the fusion portion and the periphery thereof. Figure 7 The fusion surface 60A in the main body portion 40 side of the fusion portion 60 is referred to as an upper side fusion surface 60U, and the fusion surface on the curved portion 50 side is referred to as a lower side fusion surface 60L (refer to FIG. 6).

[0093] Figure 6 The fusion surface 60A in the main body portion 40 side of the fusion portion 60 is referred to as an upper side fusion surface 60U, and the fusion surface on the curved portion 50 side is referred to as a lower side fusion surface 60L (refer to FIG. 6).

[0094] [Guide portion]

[0095] As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the base portion 58 is a flange-like portion that joins the open end portions of the main body portion 40 and the curved portion 50. Specifically, the base portion 58 is formed in an "8" shape that joins the bracket side end portion 40B of the main body portion 40 and the open end portion 50B of the curved portion 50 in the vertical direction. The base portion 58 and the fusion portion 60 described later are both examples of the first peripheral portion. In addition, the "peripheral portion" in the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion described later is a concept that includes the fusion portion and the periphery thereof. Figure 7 ​​​​As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the guide portion 66 is a portion in a frame shape formed on the outer periphery of the base portion 58. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 66 is a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of two circles connected in the up-down direction. The guide portion 66 is formed on the outer periphery side of the fusion portion 60 and extends from the base portion 58 toward the opposite side of the width direction first flow path portion 30. The guide portion 66 extends to a position surrounding the base portion 77 of the bracket 24 described later.

[0096] The valve chamber portion 32 is configured by the above.

[0097] (((annular member))

[0098] As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the guide portion 66 is a portion in a frame shape formed on the outer periphery of the base portion 58. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 66 is a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of two circles connected in the up-down direction. The guide portion 66 is formed on the outer periphery side of the fusion portion 60 and extends from the base portion 58 toward the opposite side of the width direction first flow path portion 30. The guide portion 66 extends to a position surrounding the base portion 77 of the bracket 24 described later. Figure 4 Figure 7 As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the guide portion 66 is a portion in a frame shape formed on the outer periphery of the base portion 58. In the present embodiment, the guide portion 66 is a shape corresponding to the outer periphery of two circles connected in the up-down direction. The guide portion 66 is formed on the outer periphery side of the fusion portion 60 and extends from the base portion 58 toward the opposite side of the width direction first flow path portion 30. The guide portion 66 extends to a position surrounding the base portion 77 of the bracket 24 described later.

[0099] One of the annular members 44 is disposed at the flow path side end portion 40A in a manner to press the O-ring 42 in the width direction. As shown in (A) of FIG. 6, the other of the annular members 44 is disposed inside the cylindrical surface CL2 of the bracket side end portion 40B in a manner to be in the same plane as the step 40B1. Figure 8

[0100] The valve body 22 is configured by the above.

[0101] ((valve core))

[0102] As shown in (B) of FIG. 6, the valve core 34 is a ball having a notch in a direction intersecting the through hole 46 in the up-down direction, and is a portion housed inside the main body portion 40 of the valve chamber portion 32 in a rotatable manner. The valve core 34 switches the flow path by rotating around an axis in the up-down direction of the rotary drive portion 10 in a state of being engaged with the not-shown shaft of the rotary drive portion 10 through the through hole 46. In the present embodiment, the valve core 34 can make the lower side end portion 40D of the main body portion 40 communicate with or be cut off from the flow path side end portion 40A or the bracket side end portion 40B. For example, when the notch of the valve core 34 faces the flow path side end portion 40A, the flow path side end portion 40A communicates with the lower side end portion 40D and the bracket side end portion 40B is cut off from the lower side end portion 40D. On the other hand, when the notch faces the bracket side end portion 40B, the bracket side end portion 40B communicates with the lower side end portion 40D and the flow path side end portion 40A is cut off from the lower side end portion 40D. Figure 7

[0103] ​​​The spool 34 is housed in the annular groove 40A1 of the main body portion 40 with the O-ring 42, and the widthwise end portions of the spool 34 are covered by a pair of annular members 44. The spool 34 is housed in the main body portion 40 while sliding between the pair of annular members 44 and rotating 360° about an axis in the up-down direction.

[0104] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 , the through-hole 46 is in a spline shape. The through-hole 46 is closed by engaging with the spline of the outer periphery of the shaft.

[0105] ((bracket))

[0106] Next, the bracket 24 will be described. The bracket 24 is an example of a flow path forming portion.

[0107] As shown in Figure 6 (A), the bracket 24 has a T-shaped outer shape when viewed in the widthwise direction. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5 , the bracket 24 has a shape in which two cylinders extending in the widthwise direction and stacked in the up-down direction and a long strip-shaped cylinder extending in the depth direction are connected. More specifically, the bracket 24 has a second flow path portion 70, a third flow path portion 90, and a fusion portion 78. As shown in Figure 3 , the bracket 24 constitutes a part of a flow path of the flow path switching valve 20.

[0108] (((second flow path portion))

[0109] As shown in Figure 1 , the second flow path portion 70 is a cylinder extending in the depth direction and having a center line CH. The inside of the second flow path portion 70 is a flow path for refrigerant to flow in the depth direction. A female portion 70A and a male portion 70B are formed in the second flow path portion 70. The female portion 70A is an end portion on the inner side in the depth direction. The male portion 70B has an outer diameter smaller than that of the female portion 70A, and is an end portion on the front side in the depth direction. The male portion 70B can be connected to the female portion 70A of the second flow path portion 70 in another flow path switching valve 20 not shown, and the female portion 70A can be connected to the male portion 70B of the second flow path portion 70 in still another flow path switching valve 20 not shown. The size and shape of the female portion 70A and the male portion 70B are determined by a known standard, for example. As shown in Figure 5 , the second flow path portion 70 has a branch portion 72 between the female portion 70A and the male portion 70B in the depth direction.

[0110] [branch portion]

[0111] As shown in Figure 5 , the branch portion 72 is a cylinder extending from the central portion in the depth direction of the second flow path portion 70 to the width direction. The branch portion 72 communicates with the second flow path portion 70 and the main body portion 40 of the valve main body 22, respectively. The branch portion 72 has a small-diameter portion 74 and a large-diameter portion 76.

[0112] As Figure 7 shown in (A) of FIG. 28, the small-diameter portion 74 is an end portion of the branch portion 72 in the width direction. The small-diameter portion 74 has an inner diameter of dl and an outer diameter of d2, and is a ring-shaped protrusion when viewed from the opposite side of the main body portion 40 in the width direction. The small-diameter portion 74 is disposed in correspondence with the bracket side end portion 40B of the main body portion 40 in the valve main body 22. The small-diameter portion 74 is an example of the second hole. The small-diameter portion 74 and the main body portion 40 constitute one flow path.

[0113] As Figure 7 shown in (A) of FIG. 28, the large-diameter portion 76 is a ring-shaped body formed on the outer peripheral side of the small-diameter portion 74. The large-diameter portion 76 has an inner diameter of d3 and an outer diameter of d4. As Figure 8 shown in (A) of FIG. 28, the large-diameter portion 76 is partially fitted to the cylindrical surface CL1 of the bracket side end portion 40B of the valve main body 22. A seal 26 described later is housed in the gap between the large-diameter portion 76 and the small-diameter portion 74 in the up-down direction. In addition, the end surface of the large-diameter portion 76 in the width direction and the end surface of the small-diameter portion 74 in the width direction are located on the same imaginary plane in the up-down direction.

[0114] (((Third flow path portion))

[0115] As Figure 5 shown in (A) of FIG. 29, the third flow path portion 90 is a cylinder extending in the width direction. Refrigerant flows inside the third flow path portion 90. The third flow path portion 90 is connected in a state of intersecting the second flow path portion 70 on the lower side in the up-down direction of the second flow path portion 70. The third flow path portion 90 and the second flow path portion 70 are flow path portions independent of each other, and the third flow path portion 90 and the second flow path portion 70 do not directly communicate. However, the third flow path portion 90 and the second flow path portion 70 can communicate via the valve chamber portion 32 of the valve main body 22. The third flow path portion 90 has a cylindrical portion 92.

[0116] [Cylindrical portion]

[0117] As Figure 7 shown in (A) of FIG. 30, the cylindrical portion 92 is a cylinder extending in the width direction. The cylindrical portion 92 has one end portion 92A and the other end portion 92B. The cylindrical portion 92 is an example of the second hole. The one end portion 92A is a ring-shaped body disposed on the valve main body 22 side in the width direction, and has an outer diameter d5. The one end portion 92A is fitted to the inner side portion of the opening end portion 50B of the bent portion 50 in the valve main body 22. The other end portion 92B is formed with a flange 93 having a larger outer diameter than the ring-shaped body of the one end portion 92A on the one end portion 92A side in the width direction. The cylindrical portion 92 and the bent portion 50 constitute one flow path.

[0118] (((Base portion))

[0119] As Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown in (A), the base 77 is a flange-shaped portion connecting the branch 72 of the second flow path 70 and the cylindrical portion 92 of the third flow path 90, and is formed in the shape of an "8". The base 77 and the welded portion 78 described later are both examples of the second peripheral portion.

[0120] (((welded section)))

[0121] like Figure 5 As shown, the welded portion 78 is a figure-eight shaped portion extending vertically throughout the branch portion 72 and the third flow path portion 90. Specifically, the welded portion 78 is integrally formed on the outer periphery of the large-diameter portion 76 of the branch portion 72 and the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 92 of the third flow path portion 90. The welded portion 78 is the welded part in the bracket 24 that is welded to the valve body 22, and is welded to the welded portion 60.

[0122] like Figure 7 As shown in (A), the welded portion 78 protrudes from the base 77 toward the first flow path portion 30 in the width direction, closer to the outer edge of the base 77. Furthermore, the end face of the welded portion 78 along the vertical direction in the width direction is the welded surface 78A. The welded surface 78A is an example of a second welded surface. A hole with an inner diameter d1 of a small diameter portion 74 is provided in the welded surface 78A. The outer periphery of the welded surface 78A is surrounded by a guide portion 66. The welded surface on the branch portion 72 side of the welded surface 78A is called the upper welded surface 78U, and the welded surface on the third flow path portion 90 side is called the lower welded surface 78L (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0123] The above constitutes the support 24.

[0124] ((Seal))

[0125] In addition, the flow path switching valve 20 has a seal 26 between the valve body 22 and the bracket 24. The seal 26 prevents refrigerant leakage between the fused valve body 22 and the bracket 24.

[0126] The above constitutes the flow path switching valve 20.

[0127] <Manufacturing Method of Flow Path Switching Valve>

[0128] Next, the manufacturing method of the flow path switching valve 20 will be explained.

[0129] like Figure 7 As shown in (B), prepare the valve body 22. During preparation, the welding surface 60A of the valve body 22 is oriented in the opposite direction to the W direction.

[0130] like Figure 7 As shown in (A), the welded surface 78A of the bracket 24 is oriented toward the welded surface 60A of the valve body 22.

[0131] As shown in (A) of FIG. 9, the bracket 24 is fitted to the valve body 22. Specifically, the one end portion 92A of the cylindrical portion 92 of the bracket 24 is fitted to the opening end portion 50B of the curved portion 50 of the valve body 22, and the large diameter portion 76 of the branch portion 72 of the bracket 24 is fitted to the bracket side end portion 40B of the body portion 40 of the valve body 22. Figure 8

[0132] Next, the bracket 24 is brought into contact with the valve body 22. Specifically, the welding surface 60A of the valve body 22 is brought into contact with the welding surface 78A of the bracket 24.

[0133] As shown in (B) of FIG. 9, the valve body 22 and the bracket 24 are welded. Specifically, the bracket 24 is pressed into the valve body 22 in a state where the top end of the large diameter portion 76 of the bracket 24 abuts against the step 40B1 of the valve body 22, and the upper side welding surface 60U and the upper side welding surface 78U are welded, and the lower side welding surface 60L and the lower side welding surface 78L are welded. As a result of the welding, the upper side welding surface 60U and the upper side welding surface 78U form the upper side welding region UA, and the lower side welding surface 60L and the lower side welding surface 78L form the lower side welding region LA. In the present embodiment, the upper side welding region UA and the lower side welding region LA overlap, and form the linking welding region OA. Figure 8 Here, the "welding region" in the upper side welding region UA and the lower side welding region LA refers to traces of welding of the plurality of peripheral portions that become one body when the valve body 22 and the bracket 24 in a state to be welded are separated, and refers to a region that does not exist before the welding. The area of the welding region can also be larger than the welding surface before the welding. In a case where the boundary of the upper side welding region UA and the lower side welding region LA is not clear, the upper side welding region UA and the lower side welding region LA include the boundary and form the linking welding region OA, and the linking welding region OA belongs to either one of the upper side welding region UA or the lower side welding region LA.

[0134] The welding is performed based on a known welding method, a prescribed temperature condition, a prescribed time condition, and the like. The welding method is, for example, heat staking, ultrasonic welding, or the like.

[0135] The configuration method of the flow path switching valve 20 is configured by the above.

[0136] <Effects>

[0137]

[0138] ​​The flow path switching valve 20 according to the present embodiment includes a valve main body 22 having a fusion surface 60A that surrounds a pair of a bracket side end portion 40B and an opening end portion 50B, and a bracket 24 having a fusion surface 78A that surrounds a pair of a small diameter portion 74 and a cylindrical portion 92 corresponding to the pair of the bracket side end portion 40B and the opening end portion 50B, and the fusion surface 78A is fused to the fusion surface 60A in a state in which the bracket side end portion 40B and the opening end portion 50B and the small diameter portion 74 and the cylindrical portion 92 communicate with each other to form a pair of flow paths.

[0139] Further, the manufacturing method of the flow path switching valve 20 according to the present embodiment prepares the valve main body 22 having the fusion surface 60A that surrounds a pair of the bracket side end portion 40B and the opening end portion 50B, brings the fusion surface 78A of the bracket 24 into contact with the fusion surface 60A in a manner in which the bracket side end portion 40B and the opening end portion 50B and the small diameter portion 74 and the cylindrical portion 92 communicate with each other to form a pair of flow paths, and fuses the fusion surface 60A and the fusion surface 78A, and the bracket 24 has the fusion surface 78A that surrounds a pair of the small diameter portion 74 and the cylindrical portion 92 corresponding to the pair of the bracket side end portion 40B and the opening end portion 50B.

[0140] According to the manufacturing method of the flow path switching valve 20 and the flow path switching valve 20, fitting of the small diameter portion 74 and the main body portion 40 and fitting of the cylindrical portion 92 and the curved portion 50 are generated at the time of fusion of the valve main body 22 and the bracket 24. When the fusion surface 78A and the fusion surface 60A are fused, a pair of flow paths is formed by the pair of the bracket side end portion 40B and the opening end portion 50B of the valve main body 22 and the pair of the small diameter portion 74 and the cylindrical portion 92 of the bracket 24. That is, fitting of the two portions restricts rotation of the other flow path with respect to one flow path, and the phase is uniquely determined. Therefore, since phase shift of the bracket 24 with respect to the valve main body 22 is suppressed, it is difficult to have an influence on surrounding components, such as connection with other flow path switching valves 20, which are connected to the flow path switching valve 20.

[0141] Further, in the flow path switching valve 20 according to the present embodiment, a fusion region (upper fusion region UA) of the upper fusion surface 60U and the upper fusion surface 78U and a fusion region (lower fusion region LA) of the lower fusion surface 60L and the lower fusion surface 78L overlap each other as a connection fusion region OA.

[0142] According to the flow path switching valve 20, when the two fusion regions overlap, the distance between the pair of flow paths becomes close, and thus the flow path switching valve 20 as a whole becomes compact in the up-down direction compared to a structure in which the two fusion regions are separated.

[0143] Further, in the flow path switching valve 20 according to the present embodiment, the valve main body 22 has a guide portion 66 that stands from the outer peripheral side portion of the fusion surface 60A and surrounds the outer peripheral portion of the fusion surface 78A.

[0144] According to the flow path switching valve 20, since the guide portion 66 guides the fusion surface 78A with respect to the fusion surface 60A, the fusion of the fusion surfaces becomes easy compared to a structure in which the fusion surfaces are assembled to each other only.

[0145] Although the present application has been described by the above-described embodiments, it should not be understood that the discussion and the drawings that constitute a part of the present application limit the present application. For example, the structure shown in the above-described embodiments can be partially combined to constitute the present application. The present application includes various embodiments not described above and the like, and the technical scope of the present application is determined only by the specific matters of the scope of claims appropriately described in the above description. Figures 1-7

[0146] <Modification Example>

[0147] (First Modification Example)

[0148] As shown in FIG. 10, in the flow path switching valve 120 according to the present modification example, the fusion surface 160A of the valve main body 122 and the fusion surface 178A of the bracket 124 are each in a circular shape. The fusion surface 160A of the valve main body 122 and the fusion surface 178A of the bracket 124 are each formed in a circular shape. The fusion surface 160A of the valve main body 122 and the fusion surface 178A of the bracket 124 are each formed in a circular shape. Figure 9

[0149] Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, the fusion surface 60A and the fusion surface 78A are each a portion in an "8" shape when viewed in the width direction. In the present modification example, the fusion surface 160A of the valve main body 122 and the fusion surface 178A of the bracket 124 are each extended in the up-down direction and form a portion in one annular shape that does not cross the depth direction. For example, the shape of each of the fusion surface 160A and the fusion surface 178A is a portion in a gourd shape.

[0150] The flow path switching valve 120 according to the present modification example is a flow path switching valve 120 that has a valve main body 122 and a bracket 124, in which the fusion surface 160A and the fusion surface 178A are formed in one annular shape. Since no fusion region is formed between the pair of flow paths, the energy required for fusion is reduced compared to a structure in which two fusion regions overlap.

[0151] Further, in the present modification example, the fusion surfaces are each in a gourd shape, but are not limited thereto. For example, the fusion surfaces can each be in an elliptical shape or the like.

[0152] (Second Modification Example)

[0153] ​​This modification example differs from the above-described embodiment only in the shapes of the fusion surface 60A of the valve body 22 and the fusion surface 78A of the bracket 24 in the flow path switching valve 20, and the basic structure is the same as that of the above-described embodiment.

[0154] Specifically, in the above-described embodiment, the fusion surface 60A and the fusion surface 78A are portions that are "8" shaped when viewed in the width direction. In this modification example, the two "O"s in the "8" are separated from each other in the up-down direction to form two independent annular fusion regions.

[0155] In the flow path switching valve according to this modification example, a pair of flow paths is formed in the up-down direction. When the pair of flow paths is separated, the influence of phase shift is smaller than in the above-described embodiment and the first modification example, and thus the positioning accuracy of the pair of flow paths is improved.

[0156] (Other Modification Examples)

[0157] The guide portion 66 is formed in the valve body 22, but is not limited thereto. For example, the guide portion 66 can also be formed in the bracket 24. In this case, the guide portion 66 surrounds the outer peripheral portion of the fusion surface 60A. Further, when the guide portion 66 guides the fusion surface 78A with respect to the fusion surface 60A, the guide can be any one of the whole or a part.

[0158] The fusion portion is formed in both the valve body 22 and the bracket 24, but is not limited thereto. For example, the fusion portion can also be formed in only one of the valve body 22 or the bracket 24.

Claims

1. A flow path switching valve, characterized in that, have: Valve body, the valve body having a first peripheral portion surrounding a pair of first holes; and A flow path forming portion having a second peripheral portion that surrounds a pair of second holes corresponding to the pair of first holes, wherein the second peripheral portion is fused to the first peripheral portion when the pair of first holes and the pair of second holes are respectively connected to form a pair of flow paths.

2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fusion region of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion in one of the pair of flow paths overlaps with the fusion region of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion in the other of the pair of flow paths.

3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fusion region of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion of one and the other of the pair of flow paths forms a ring.

4. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fusion region of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion in one of the pair of flow paths and the fusion region of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion in the other of the pair of flow paths are separated from each other to form an independent annular fusion region.

5. The flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The valve body or the flow path forming part has a guide portion that rises from the outer peripheral side of one of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion and surrounds the outer peripheral portion of the other of the first peripheral portion and the second peripheral portion.

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