Flow path switching valve

Abstract

A flow path switching valve (1) includes: a housing (10) including a main body portion (11) having a cylindrical inner wall portion (11a) and a plurality of ports (40) opened in a circumferential direction, a bottom portion (12) covering a first end of the main body portion (11) in a central axis direction, and a cover portion (13) covering a second end of the main body portion (11) in a central axis direction; the cover part covers the second end of the main body part (11) in the direction of the central axis; a valve body (20) stored inside the housing (10) so as to be rotatable about the central axis, the valve body (20) comprising a set of a first valve body (21) and a second valve body (22) positioned about the central axis, the valve body (20) being in sliding contact with the inner wall portion (11a) to switch a connection state between the plurality of ports (40); a rotating shaft (30) extending in the central axis direction so as to connect the first valve body (21) and the second valve body (22) so as to be movable in the radial direction, and switching the rotational positions of the first valve body (21) and the second valve body (22) by rotating the rotating shaft (30); and a biasing member (25) that biases the first valve body (21) and the second valve body (22) toward the inner wall portion (11a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a flow path switching valve for switching fluid flow paths. Background Technology

[0002] JP2022-535565A discloses a flow path switching valve having a cylindrical valve body and a valve plug disposed in the valve body such that the valve plug rotates about a rotation axis relative to the valve body, and the valve plug has a seal that abuts against a side wall in the valve body. Utility Model Content

[0003] The flow path switching valve described in JP2022-535565A is configured such that the seal abuts against the wall of the valve body from the inside. Therefore, if the bias force between the seal and the wall is increased to improve the sealing performance, a force perpendicular to the direction of rotation is applied, thereby increasing the load on the rotation axis.

[0004] This invention provides a flow path switching valve that does not increase the load on the rotating shaft without compromising sealing performance.

[0005] In one aspect of this invention, the flow path switching valve includes: a housing comprising a main body, a bottom, and a cover; the main body having a cylindrical inner wall and a plurality of ports opening in a circumferential direction; the bottom covering a first end of the main body in a central axial direction; and the cover covering a second end of the main body in a central axial direction; a valve body stored inside the housing to be rotatable about a central axis; the valve body including a set of first and second valve bodies positioned around the central axis; the valve body slidingly contacting the inner wall to switch the connection state between the plurality of ports; a rotating shaft extending in the central axial direction to connect the first and second valve bodies to be movable in a radial direction, and switching the rotational positions of the first and second valve bodies by rotating the rotating shaft; and a biasing member biasing the first and second valve bodies toward the inner wall.

[0006] In accordance with the above aspects, the first valve body and the second valve body constituting the valve body are arranged around the central axis and biased toward the inner wall by the biasing member, thus preventing the generation of bending load on the rotating shaft, and the biasing force can improve the sealing performance between the first valve body and the second valve body. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a transparent perspective view of the flow path switching valve;

[0009] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the valve body and the rotating shaft;

[0010] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of the valve body;

[0011] Figure 5 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve;

[0012] Figure 6 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve;

[0013] Figure 7 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve;

[0014] Figure 8 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve;

[0015] Figure 9 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve based on a modified example of the first embodiment;

[0016] Figure 10 This is a side cross-sectional view of a modified example of a flow path switching valve;

[0017] Figure 11 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve according to another modified example of the first embodiment;

[0018] Figure 12 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve based on another modified example;

[0019] Figure 13 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve according to yet another modified example of the first embodiment;

[0020] Figure 14 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve based on yet another modified example;

[0021] Figure 15 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve based on yet another modified example;

[0022] Figure 16 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve based on yet another modified example;

[0023] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of a flow path switching valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 An exploded perspective view;

[0025] Figure 19 It is along Figure 17A cross-sectional view of line XIX-XIX in the diagram;

[0026] Figure 20 This is a top view of the flow path switching valve, depicting the state after the cover has been removed from the housing;

[0027] Figure 21 It is a perspective view of the valve body, rotating shaft, and offset component in the assembled state;

[0028] Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An exploded perspective view;

[0029] Figure 23A This is a top view of the first valve body;

[0030] Figure 23B This is a front view of the first valve body;

[0031] Figure 24 It is along Figure 23B Cross-sectional view of line XXIV-XXIV in the middle;

[0032] Figure 25A This is a top view of the second valve body;

[0033] Figure 25B This is a front view of the second valve body;

[0034] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of the state of the valve body, rotating shaft and biasing component combination in a flow path switching valve according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 27 yes Figure 26 An exploded perspective view;

[0036] Figure 28 yes Figure 26 Top view;

[0037] Figure 29 This is a top view of a flow path switching valve, which is another modified example of the second embodiment of this utility model.

[0038] Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A perspective view of the axis of rotation;

[0039] Figure 31 This is a top view of a flow path switching valve according to yet another modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention, depicting a state in which the cover has been removed from the housing;

[0040] Figure 32 This is a configuration diagram depicting an example of a fluid circuit employing a flow path switching valve; and

[0041] Figure 33 It is a configuration diagram used to describe the first to third connection states of the flow path switching valve. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] First Implementation Plan

[0044] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 16 Describes a flow path switching valve 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] First, refer to Figures 1 to 4 Describe the overall configuration of flow path switching valve 1.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the flow path switching valve 1 according to this embodiment, and Figure 2 This is a perspective view of flow path switching valve 1. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of valve body 20, and Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of valve body 20.

[0047] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 The flow path switching valve 1 is depicted as including a housing 10 and a valve body 20 for switching flow paths stored inside the housing 10.

[0048] In the following text, the direction along the central axis A of the housing 10 (the rotational central axis of the valve body 20) is referred to as the "central axis direction (central axis A direction)", the direction from the central axis A of the housing 10 toward the outer diameter is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction in which the valve body 20 rotates in the housing 10 is referred to as the "rotation direction".

[0049] The housing 10 has: a main body 11 having a cylindrical inner wall 11a; six ports 40 (first port 41 to sixth port 46) that protrude from the main body 11 in a circumferential direction and connect to the inner wall 11a; a bottom 12 that covers a first end of the main body 11 in the direction of the central axis A; and a cover 13 that covers a second end of the main body 11 in the direction of the central axis A.

[0050] Valve bodies 20 (first valve body 21 and second valve body 22) are disposed inside housing 10 and are configured to rotate about central axis A. Valve bodies 20 are capable of radial displacement relative to rotation axis 30. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As depicted, the valve body 20 consists of a set of first valve bodies 21 and second valve bodies 22, which are arranged opposite to each other with the central axis A as the center.

[0051] The first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are provided with a rotating shaft 30, which extends from the cover portion 13 in the direction of the central axis A of the housing 10, and the rotational position of the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 is switched by rotating the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft 30 is provided with an end portion 31 having a rectangular cross-section, which fixes the valve body 20 so that it can rotate about the central axis A. The first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are in sliding contact with the inner wall portion 11a of the main body portion 11, and the rotational position is switched by rotating the rotating shaft 30, thereby switching the connection state of the multiple ports 40.

[0052] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As depicted, multiple ports 40 (first port 41, second port 42, fifth port 45, third port 43, fourth port 44, and sixth port 46) are arranged clockwise around the main body 11. These ports 40 have a cylindrical shape that protrudes around the periphery of the main body 11 and extends through to the side of the inner wall 11a. The first port 41 and the second port 42 are arranged at 90-degree intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0053] The third port 43 and the fourth port 44 are arranged symmetrically about the central axis A with respect to the first port 41 and the second port 42, and are spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. In other words, the third port 43 is spaced 90 degrees apart in the clockwise direction with respect to the second port 42, and the fourth port 44 is spaced 90 degrees apart in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the first port 41.

[0054] The fifth port 45 is located between the second port 42 and the third port 43, and is positioned at 45-degree intervals clockwise relative to the second port 42. The sixth port 46 is positioned at 45-degree intervals counterclockwise relative to the first port 41.

[0055] Next, refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 Describe the configuration of valve body 20.

[0056] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As depicted, the valve body 20 consists of a first valve body 21, a second valve body 22, and a helical spring 25 serving as a biasing member, each of the first and second valve bodies having a generally semi-circular shape.

[0057] The first valve body 21 is more flexible than the main body 11 and also more flexible than the rotating shaft 30. The first valve body 21 has a first sealing portion 21a that abuts against the inner wall portion 11a of the housing 10, a first flow path 21b surrounded by the first sealing portion 21a and the inner wall portion 11a to form a first space for fluid flow, a support portion 21c for insertion of the end portion 31 of the rotating shaft 30, and a set of protrusions 21d for positioning the center of the helical spring 25. The support portion 21c has a first insertion hole 211 with a rectangular hole shape for insertion of the end portion 31 of the rotating shaft 30.

[0058] like Figure 4 The depicted support portion 21c has an axial cross-section formed in a generally U-shape, and a first insertion hole 211 is formed in each of the upper and lower portions of the U-shape. Support portion 21 c It is configured such that the support portion 22c of the second valve body 22 is combined with the support portion 21c from the U-shaped opening side.

[0059] The first insertion hole 211 has a comb-shaped portion 21e on its outer side. The comb-shaped portion 21e is configured to have two protrusions protruding from the outside of the first insertion hole 211 inward, and these protrusions are used to determine the position of the end portion 31 of the rotating shaft 30 when it is inserted into the first insertion hole 211.

[0060] The second valve body 22 is more flexible than the main body 11 and also more flexible than the rotating shaft 30. The second valve body 22 has the same shape as the first valve body 21. In other words, the second valve body 22 has a second sealing portion 22a that abuts against the inner wall portion 11a of the housing 10, a second flow path 22b surrounded by the second sealing portion 22a and the inner wall portion 11a to form a second space for fluid flow, a support portion 22c for the rectangular portion of the end of the rotating shaft 30 to be inserted and for supporting the rotating shaft 30, and a set of protrusions 22d for positioning the center of the helical spring 25. The support portion 22c has a second insertion hole 221 with a rectangular hole shape for the end portion 24 of the rotating shaft 30 to be inserted.

[0061] The first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are flexible, which increases the degree of contact between the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 and the inner wall portion 11a.

[0062] The support portion 22c is shaped to allow clamping between the U-shaped portions of the support portion 21c of the first valve body 21, thus preventing the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 from moving relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. When the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are combined, the support portion 22c of the second valve body 22 is clamped against the support portion 21c of the first valve body 21, and the first insertion hole 211 of the first valve body 21 and the second insertion hole 221 of the second valve body 22 are configured as a single insertion hole 23. The end portion 31 of the rotating shaft 30 is inserted into the insertion hole 23. The end portion 31 of the rotating shaft 30 and the insertion hole 23 are configured such that a gap is provided between the two outer walls of the end portion 31 and the two inner walls of the insertion hole 23 in the direction in which the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 face each other. Thus, the support portion 21c of the first valve body 21 and the support portion 22c of the second valve body 22 are configured to move relative to the end portion 31 of the rotating shaft 30. It should be noted that, in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 face each other, the two inner walls of the insertion hole 23 are configured to be parallel and flush with each other in the direction of the central axis A, and the two outer walls of the end portion 31 and the two outer walls of the insertion hole 23 abut against each other without gap.

[0063] A helical spring 25, formed by a wound spring, is inserted between the protrusion 21d of the first valve body 21 and the protrusion 22d of the second valve body 22. The helical spring 25 presses against the inner wall 11 of the housing 10. a The first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are biased in the direction of the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22. As a result, the first sealing part 21a of the first valve body 21 and the second sealing part 22a of the second valve body 22 are in close contact with the inner wall part 11a of the housing 10.

[0064] As described above, the support portion 21c of the first valve body 21 and the support portion 22c of the second valve body 22 are configured to move relative to the end portion 31 of the rotation shaft 30. Therefore, when suppressing the load in the direction perpendicular to the rotation shaft 30, the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are allowed to move relative to each other in the bias direction, and the biasing force of the helical spring 25 causes the first sealing portion 21a of the first valve body 21 and the second sealing portion 22a of the second valve body 22 to be in close contact with the inner wall portion 11a of the housing 10.

[0065] Next, we will refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Describe the switching operation of flow path switching valve 1.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 1 in this embodiment, depicting the flow path along... Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line VV. Figure 6 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 1 in this embodiment, depicting the flow path along... Figure 1A cross-sectional view of line VI-VI.

[0067] When valve body 20 is in Figure 5 In the position shown, the first flow path 21b, surrounded by the first sealing portion 21a of the first valve body 21 and the inner wall portion 11a of the housing 10, connects the first port 41 and the second port 42. Furthermore, the second flow path 22b, surrounded by the second sealing portion 22a of the second valve body 22 and the inner wall portion 11a of the housing 10, connects the third port 43 and the fourth port 44.

[0068] like Figure 6 The depicted supports 21c of the first valve body 21 and 22 of the second valve body 22. c The outer periphery is spaced apart from the inner wall portion 11a and the cover portion 13 of the housing 10, and a third space is formed at this location, connecting to the fifth port 45 and the sixth port 46. The third space is sealed relative to the second port 40 by the first sealing portion 21a and the second sealing portion 22a. The third space forms a third flow path 28 connecting the fifth port 45 and the sixth port 46.

[0069] In this way, a flow path is established between the first port 41 and the sixth port 46 via the valve body 20, and as... Figure 5 As depicted, the first port 41 and the second port 42, the third port 43 and the fourth port 44, and the fifth port 45 and the sixth port 46 are connected to each other via the first flow path 21b, the second flow path 22b, and the third flow path 28, respectively. In other words, a first state is formed, wherein the first port 41 and the second port 42 are connected via the first flow path 21b of the first valve body 21, and the third port 43 and the fourth port 44 are connected via the second flow path 22b of the second valve body 22.

[0070] Figure 7 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 1 in this embodiment, depicting the valve body 20 relative to... Figure 5 The state of rotating 45 degrees clockwise.

[0071] When valve body 20 is in Figure 7 When depicting the positions, the first flow path 21b connects the second port 42 and the fifth port 45 to each other. Furthermore, the second flow path 22b connects the fourth port 44 and the sixth port 46 to each other. Additionally, the third flow path 28 connects the third port 43 and the first port 41 to each other.

[0072] In this way, when the valve body 20 rotates to Figure 7When depicting the positions, the second port 42 and the fifth port 45, the fourth port 44 and the sixth port 46, and the third port 43 and the first port 41 are connected by the first flow path 21b, the second flow path 22b and the third flow path 28, respectively.

[0073] Figure 8 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 1 in this embodiment, depicting the valve body 20 relative to... Figure 5 The state of rotating 90 degrees clockwise.

[0074] When valve body 20 is in Figure 7 When depicted, the first flow path 21b connects the second port 42, the fifth port 45, and the third port 43 to each other. Furthermore, the second flow path 22b connects the fourth port 44, the sixth port 46, and the first port 41. In this case, at the positions corresponding to the third flow path 28, ports 40 are not open.

[0075] In this way, when the valve body 20 rotates to Figure 8 When depicted, the third port 43, the fifth port 45, the second port 42, the fourth port 44, the sixth port 46, and the first port 41 are interconnected via the first flow path 21b and the second flow path 22b, respectively. In other words, a second state is formed, wherein the first port 41 and the second port 42 are not connected via the first flow path 21b of the first valve body 21, and the third port 43 and the fourth port 44 are not connected via the second flow path 22b of the second valve body 22.

[0076] In this way, the rotation of the rotating shaft 30 causes the valve body 20 to rotate around the central axis A of the housing 10, thereby switching the flow path between the first port 41 and the sixth port 46 of the housing 10.

[0077] It should be noted that in this embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a set of first valve bodies 21 and second valve bodies 22, symmetrically arranged around the central axis A of the housing 10, respectively have a first flow path 21b and a second flow path 22b. However, this is not a limitation, and for example, a valve body 20 may be configured to close all ports 40 located in the opposing inner wall portions 11a. In other words, the second valve body 22 may not have a second flow path 22b, and there may be a configuration in which the entire area surrounded by the second sealing portion 22a contacts the inner wall portion 11a of the housing 10, and this portion can close the ports 40.

[0078] When constructed in this way, for example, in Figure 5In this configuration, when the first valve body 21 connects the first port 41 to the second port 42 through the first flow path 21b, the second valve body 22 is in a closed state with the third port 43 and the fourth port 44 respectively. Even with this configuration, the biasing force of the helical spring 25 ensures that the inner wall portion 11a facing the second sealing portion and the first sealing portion 21a of the first valve body are in close contact with the inner wall portion 11a of the housing 10.

[0079] Next, we will refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 Describe an example of a modification to this implementation scheme.

[0080] Figure 9 Figure 1 and 2 depict a lateral cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve 1 according to a modified example of this embodiment.

[0081] Figure 9 and Figure 10 In addition to the modification examples, Figure 5 In addition to the described implementation scheme, port 40 is also depicted as including a seventh port 47 and an eighth port 48.

[0082] The seventh port 47 is located between the first port 41 and the second port 42, and is positioned at a 45-degree clockwise angle relative to the first port 41. The eighth port 48 is located between the third port 43 and the fourth port 44, and is positioned at a 45-degree clockwise angle relative to the third port 43. Therefore, in Figure 9 In the depicted configuration, eight ports 40 are arranged at equal intervals of 45 degrees, namely the first port 41 to the eighth port 48. Other configurations are similar. Figure 5 The configuration.

[0083] In this configuration, the valve body 20 is also rotated around the central axis A of the housing 10 by rotating the rotating shaft 30, thereby switching the connection state of each port 40.

[0084] When valve body 20 is in Figure 9 When depicting the positions, the first flow path 21b connects the first port 41, the seventh port 47, and the second port 42. Furthermore, the second flow path 22b connects the third port 43, the eighth port 48, and the fourth port 44. Additionally, the third flow path 28 connects the fifth port 45 and the sixth port 46.

[0085] Figure 10 The valve body 20 is depicted relative to Figure 9 The state of rotating 45 degrees clockwise.

[0086] When valve body 20 is in Figure 10When depicting the positions, the first flow path 21b connects the seventh port 47, the second port 42, and the fifth port 45. Furthermore, the second flow path 22b connects the eighth port 48, the fourth port 44, and the sixth port 46. Additionally, the third flow path 28 connects the third port 43 and the first port 41.

[0087] Next, we will refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 Another example of a modification to this implementation scheme is described.

[0088] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 1, which is another modified example of this implementation scheme.

[0089] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The described modification example depicts the changes made in the reference above. Figure 5 The described implementation scheme is different from the example that only provides three ports 40.

[0090] like Figure 11 The depicted portion has a sixth port 46, a seventh port 47, and a fifth port 45 arranged clockwise around the main body 11. The fifth port 45 and the sixth port 46 are arranged 180 degrees apart (forming a straight line) around the central axis A. The seventh port 47 is positioned at a 45-degree clockwise angle relative to the sixth port 46, and at a 45-degree counterclockwise angle relative to the fifth port 45 around the central axis A.

[0091] In this configuration, the valve body 20 is also rotated around the central axis A of the housing 10 by rotating the rotating shaft 30, thereby switching the connection state of each port 40.

[0092] When valve body 20 is in Figure 11 When depicted, the third flow path 28 connects the fifth port 45 and the sixth port 46. At the location corresponding to the first flow path 21b, only the seventh port 47 exists, and no flow path connecting multiple ports 40 is formed. There is no port 40 at the location corresponding to the second flow path 22b.

[0093] Figure 12 The valve body 20 is depicted relative to Figure 11 The state of rotating 45 degrees clockwise.

[0094] When valve body 20 is in Figure 12When depicted, the first flow path 21b connects the fifth port 45 and the seventh port 47 to each other. Furthermore, the second flow path 22b connects to the sixth port 46 but not to any other port 40, and therefore the sixth port 46 is closed. There is no port 40 at the location corresponding to the third flow path 28, and therefore no flow path is formed connecting to port 40.

[0095] In this way, even if the positioning and location of the port 40 arranged around the housing 10 are changed, the connection state (or closed state) of the port 40 can be changed by changing the rotational position of the valve body 20.

[0096] Next, we will refer to Figures 13 to 16 This describes yet another modification example of this implementation scheme.

[0097] Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 15 and Figure 16 This is a lateral cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 1, which is another modified example of this implementation scheme.

[0098] Reference Figures 13 to 16 In the modified example described, the configuration of the second valve body 22 is the same as the one referenced above. Figure 11 The described implementation schemes have different configurations.

[0099] like Figure 13 As shown, the second valve body 22 has a second flow path 22b formed between the second valve body 22 and the inner wall portion 11a of the housing 10, and a connection hole 35 that connects to a third flow path 28 formed between the first valve body 21, the second valve body 22, and the inner wall portion 11a. The connection hole 35 keeps the second flow path 22b and the third flow path 28 in a constant state of interconnection. In other words, the second valve body 22 does not function as a valve for switching the connection states of multiple ports.

[0100] In the modified example constructed in this way, when valve body 20 is in Figure 13 When depicted, the third flow path 28 connects the fifth port 45 and the sixth port 46. At the position corresponding to the first flow path 21b, only the seventh port 47 exists, and no flow path connecting multiple ports 40 is formed. At the position corresponding to the second flow path 22b, no port 40 exists, therefore no flow path connecting multiple ports 40 is formed.

[0101] Figure 14 The valve body 20 is depicted relative to Figure 13 The state of rotating 90 degrees clockwise.

[0102] When valve body 20 is in Figure 14When depicted, the third flow path 28 and the second flow path 22b are connected via the connecting hole 35, and thus the seventh port 47 and the sixth port 46 are connected at positions corresponding to these flow paths. Only the fifth port 45 exists at the position corresponding to the first flow path 21b, and no flow path connecting multiple ports 40 is formed.

[0103] Figure 15 The valve body 20 is also depicted relative to Figure 14 The state of rotating 90 degrees clockwise.

[0104] When valve body 20 is in Figure 15 When depicted, the third flow path 28 and the second flow path 22b are connected via the connecting hole 35, and thus the fifth port 45, the seventh port 47, and the sixth port 46 are interconnected at positions corresponding to these flow paths. There is no port 40 at the position corresponding to the first flow path 21b, therefore no flow path connecting multiple ports 40 is formed.

[0105] Figure 16 The valve body 20 is also depicted relative to Figure 15 The state of rotating 90 degrees clockwise.

[0106] When valve body 20 is in Figure 16 When depicted, the third flow path 28 and the second flow path 22b are connected via the connecting hole 35, and thus the seventh port 47 and the fifth port 45 are connected at positions corresponding to these flow paths. Only the sixth port 46 exists at the position corresponding to the first flow path 21b, and no flow path connecting multiple ports 40 is formed.

[0107] In this way, either the first valve body 21 or the second valve body 22 can be constructed so that it does not function as a valve for switching the connection states of multiple ports. Even with this configuration, the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 can be configured to be in close contact with each other against the inner wall 11a of the housing 10 by the biasing force of the helical spring 25.

[0108] According to the first implementation plan described above, the following effects are achieved.

[0109] In this embodiment, a flow path switching valve 1 is provided, the flow path switching valve comprising:

[0110] The housing 10 includes a main body 11, a bottom 12, and a cover 13. The main body has a cylindrical inner wall 11a and a plurality of ports 40 opening in the circumferential direction. The bottom covers a first end of the main body 11 in the direction of the central axis A, and the cover 13 covers a second end of the main body 11 in the direction of the central axis A.

[0111] The valve body 20 is stored inside the housing 10 so that it can rotate about the central axis A. The valve body 20 includes a set of first valve bodies 21 and second valve bodies 22 positioned about the central axis A. The valve body 20 slides in contact with the inner wall portion 11a to switch the connection state between the plurality of ports 40.

[0112] A rotating shaft 30 extends along the central axis A, connecting the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 so as to allow radial movement, and the rotational positions of the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are switched by rotating the rotating shaft 30; and

[0113] A helical spring 25 biases the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 toward the inner wall portion 11a.

[0114] With this configuration, the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 constituting the valve body 20 are arranged around the central axis A and biased toward the inner wall portion 11a by the helical spring 25, thus preventing the generation of loads in the bending direction on the rotating shaft 30, and the biasing force can improve the sealing performance between the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22.

[0115] In addition, in this embodiment, the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are disposed at relative positions around the central axis A and are movable in relative directions, and the helical spring 25 is disposed between the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 and is offset from each other toward the corresponding inner wall portion 11a.

[0116] With this configuration, the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 constituting the valve body 20 are symmetrically arranged around the central axis A and biased towards the inner wall portion 11a by the helical spring 25. Therefore, it can prevent the generation of load in the bending direction on the rotating shaft 30, and the biasing force can improve the sealing performance between the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22.

[0117] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 each have an insertion hole 23 for the insertion of the rotating shaft 30. When the rotating shaft 30 is inserted into the insertion hole 23, a gap is provided between the end portion 31 of the rotating shaft 30 and the insertion hole 23 in a relative direction. In a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are opposite to each other, the end portion 31 of the rotating shaft 30 abuts against the insertion hole 23 without gap. Therefore, when suppressing the load in the direction perpendicular to the rotating shaft 30, the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are allowed to move relative to each other in the bias direction, and due to the biasing force of the helical spring 25, the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22 are in close contact with the inner wall portion 11a of the housing 10.

[0118] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the interior of the housing 10 is divided into a first space surrounded by a first valve body 21 and an inner wall portion 11a, a second space surrounded by a second valve body 22 and an inner wall portion 11a, and a third space surrounded by the first valve body 21, the second valve body 22, and the inner wall portion 11a. Therefore, depending on the rotational position of the valve body 20, multiple ports 40 opening into the housing 10 can be connected to the first space, the second space, and the third space, thereby changing the connection state (or closed state) of the multiple ports 40.

[0119] In this embodiment, the first valve body 21 has a first sealing portion 21a, and a first space is surrounded by the first sealing portion 21a and the inner wall portion 11a to form a first flow path 21b, which is a space through which fluid flows. The first valve body also has a first insertion hole 211 for the insertion of a rotating shaft 30. Furthermore, the port 40 includes a first port 41 and a second port 42 arranged at a predetermined angle around the central axis A, and the first valve body 21 switches between a first state where the first port 41 and the second port 42 are connected via the first flow path 21b and a second state where the first port 41 and the second port 42 are not connected.

[0120] With this configuration, the flow path switching valve 1 is constructed such that the valve body 20 is rotated by rotating the rotating shaft 30, thereby switching the connection state between the first port 41 and the second port 42.

[0121] In addition, in this embodiment, the second valve body 22 has a second sealing portion 22a, and the second space is surrounded by the second sealing portion 22a and the inner wall portion 11a to form a second flow path 22b, which is a space for fluid flow. The second valve body also has a second insertion hole 221 through which the rotating shaft 30 passes. Furthermore, the port 40 includes a first port 41 and a second port 42 symmetrically arranged around the central axis A, and also includes a third port 43 and a fourth port 44 arranged around the central axis A at a predetermined angle to each other. In the first state, the second valve body 22 connects the third port 43 and the fourth port 44 through the second flow path 22b, but in the second state, the second valve body 22 does not connect the third port 43 and the fourth port 44.

[0122] With this configuration, the flow path switching valve 1 is constructed such that the valve body 20 is rotated by rotating the rotating shaft 30, thereby switching the connection state between the third port 43 and the fourth port 44.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, the third space forms a third flow path 28 for fluid to flow through between the first valve body 21 and the second valve body 22, and the port 40 also includes a fifth port 45 disposed between the first port 41 and the third port 43 and a sixth port 46 disposed between the second port 42 and the fourth port 44, and the third flow path 28 connects the fifth port 45 and the sixth port 46.

[0124] With this configuration, the flow path switching valve 1 is constructed such that rotating the valve body 20 by rotating the rotating shaft 30 also switches the connection state between the fifth port 45 and the sixth port 46.

[0125] Second Implementation Plan

[0126] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 17 to 33 The flow path switching valve 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is described. In each embodiment described below, the differences from the flow path switching valve 1 described above will be mainly described, and the same reference numerals will be assigned to components with similar functions, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0127] First, refer to Figures 17 to 20 Describe the overall configuration of the flow path switching valve 101.

[0128] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the flow path switching valve 101. Figure 18 yes Figure 17 An exploded perspective view. Figure 19 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of line XIX-XIX in the diagram. Figure 20 This is a top view of the flow path switching valve 101, depicting a state where the cover 120 has been removed from the main body 111 of the housing 110.

[0129] In the following text, the direction along the central axis A of the housing 110 (the rotational central axis of the valve body 130) is referred to as the "central axis direction (central axis A direction)", the direction from the central axis A of the housing 110 toward the outer diameter is referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction in which the valve body 130 rotates in the housing 110 is referred to as the "rotation direction".

[0130] like Figures 17 to 19 The depicted flow path switching valve 101 includes a housing 110, a valve body 130, and an actuator 180.

[0131] The housing 110 has a main body 111 and a cover 120.

[0132] like Figure 18As depicted, the main body 111 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with a bottom. The main body 111 has a bottom 111a, an inner wall portion 112, a plurality of ports 113, and a connecting portion 115 serving as a third flow path.

[0133] The bottom part 111a covers the first end of the main body 111 in the direction of the central axis A.

[0134] The inner wall portion 112 is an inner circumferential surface that is generally cylindrical at the bottom. The inner wall portion 112 is formed as a smooth curved surface to allow the valve body 130 to slide in contact. A plurality of ports 113 are formed in the inner wall portion 112.

[0135] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As depicted, ports 113 connect the inner and outer peripheries of the main body 111. Ports 113 are arranged in multiple rows in the direction of the central axis A and in the circumferential direction of the housing 110. Ports 113 include a first port 113a, a second port 113b, a third port 113c, a fourth port 113d, and a fifth port 113e.

[0136] The first port 113a, the second port 113b, and the third port 113c are positioned at the same location along the central axis A and are arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction. The first port 113a, the second port 113b, and the third port 113c constitute the first layer L1 of the first stage (see reference). Figure 19 The first port 113a, the second port 113b, and the third port 113c are radially arranged at a predetermined angular interval in the circumferential direction.

[0137] The fourth port 113d and the fifth port 113e are positioned at the same location along the central axis A and are arranged sequentially in the circumferential direction. The fourth port 113d and the fifth port 113e are positioned closer to the bottom 111a than the first layer L1 along the central axis A. The fourth port 113d and the fifth port 113e constitute the second layer L2 as the second stage (see...). Figure 19 ).

[0138] In other words, multiple ports 113 are arranged in the first layer L1 and the second layer L2 along the central axis A. Furthermore, a third layer (not depicted), a fourth layer (not depicted), etc., can also be arranged side-by-side. In other words, the ports 113 are arranged in two or more rows along the central axis A of the housing 110.

[0139] It should be noted that, such as Figure 20In the top view, the first port 113a, the second port 113b, the third port 113c, the fourth port 113d, and the fifth port 113e are arranged at equal intervals (45° intervals in this case) in the circumferential direction (clockwise direction).

[0140] like Figure 19 As depicted, the connecting portion 115 connects the space between the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 (described later) arranged side by side in the direction of the central axis A. The connecting portion 115 guides fluid flowing in from the port 113 not surrounded by the valve body 130 to the other port 113 through the gaps in the rotating shaft 160, the helical spring 170, etc. inside the housing 110.

[0141] like Figure 20 As depicted, the housing 10 has a plurality of slits 116 that serve as a sliding resistance reduction section.

[0142] A slit 116 is provided in the inner wall portion 112 of the housing 110 and extends in the direction of the central axis A. The slit 116 is located opposite the inner wall portion 112 where the port 113 is formed, clamping the rotating shaft 160 and reducing the contact area between the seal and the valve body 130 at other locations on the inner wall portion 112 where the port 113 is not formed, thereby reducing sliding resistance. This allows for a reduction in the driving torque of the actuator 180, enabling the use of a smaller actuator 180. Consequently, the flow path switching valve 101 can be made more compact overall.

[0143] The slits 116 are formed such that adjacent slits 116 are connected by a continuous smooth curved surface in the circumferential direction. A contact surface 116a is formed between adjacent slits 116.

[0144] The contact surface 116a is a curved surface with the same curvature as the inner wall portion 112, and constitutes a part of the inner wall portion 112. By providing the contact surface 116a, the sealing portion of the valve body 130 contacts the contact surface 116a. a It is not a line contact but a surface contact, so when the sealing part of the valve body 130 is pressed against the inner wall part 112, the force acting on the valve body 130 is dispersed.

[0145] It should be noted that in the housing 10 of the first embodiment, a slit 116 may also be provided in the inner wall portion 11a of the main body portion 11.

[0146] like Figures 17 to 19 As depicted, the cover portion 120 closes the second end of the main body portion 111 in the direction of the central axis A. The cover portion 120 has an end plate portion 121 and a cylindrical portion 122.

[0147] The end plate portion 121 is formed in the shape of a flat plate, and the second end of the main body portion 111 is closed in the direction of the central axis A.

[0148] like Figure 18 The cylindrical portion 122 is formed in a cylindrical shape, with one end fixed to the end plate portion 121. An annular sealing member 125, serving as a sealing member, is provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 122. The cylindrical portion 122 seals the interior and exterior of the housing 110 by clamping and fixing the sealing member 125 between the cylindrical portion 122 and the main body portion 111. An annular flow path 123 is formed between the inner periphery of the cylindrical portion 122 and the side surface of the valve body 130.

[0149] The annular flow path 123 is provided on the outer periphery of a portion of the shaft seal 165 that seals the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 160. In other words, the space required to provide the shaft seal 165 is utilized so that the housing 110 does not become larger due to the provision of the annular flow path 123.

[0150] For example, when fluid flowing into the connector 115 from port 113 in the first layer L1 flows out from another port 113 in the second layer L2, the annular flow path 123 guides the fluid not only to the connector 115 near the port 113 where the fluid flowed in, but also to the connector 115 away from the port 113 where the fluid flowed in. Therefore, by providing the annular flow path 123, fluid can be guided to parts with high fluid resistance and where it is difficult to guide fluid due to the rotating shaft 160, the helical spring 170, etc. Thus, the flow of fluid can be dispersed, allowing fluid to flow through all gaps in the housing 110. Therefore, the flow resistance of the fluid can be reduced.

[0151] like Figures 18 to 20 As depicted, valve body 130 is housed within housing 110 so as to be rotatable about rotation axis 160. Valve body 130 is capable of radial displacement relative to rotation axis 160. Valve body 130 has rotation axis 160 and a plurality of helical springs 170 serving as biasing members.

[0152] Valve body 130 switches the connection state of multiple ports 113. Valve body 130 is disposed across the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. Valve body 130 includes a first valve body 141 and a second valve body 142. The first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 are movable in the radial direction relative to the central axis A of housing 110 and are biased toward the inner peripheral surface of housing 110 by a helical spring 170 described later.

[0153] The first valve body 141 is formed in a generally semi-circular shape. The first valve body 141 is more flexible than the main body 11 and also more flexible than the rotating shaft 160. The first valve body 141 is formed to be larger in the direction of the central axis A so as to span the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. The first valve body 141 is formed in an asymmetrical shape in at least one of the directions of the central axis A and the circumferential direction.

[0154] The second valve body 142 is formed in a generally semi-circular shape. The second valve body 142 is more flexible than the main body 11 and also more flexible than the rotating shaft 160. The second valve body 142 is positioned opposite the first valve body 141, clamping the central axis A of the housing 110. The second valve body 142 is formed to be larger in the direction of the central axis A, so as to span the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. The second valve body 142 is formed in an asymmetrical shape in at least one of the directions of the central axis A and the circumferential direction.

[0155] Therefore, valve body 130 includes a first valve body 141 and a second valve body 142 disposed opposite to each other around a rotation axis 160. At least one of the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 is configured to be connected to each of a plurality of ports 113 disposed at different positions (different layers) in the direction of the central axis A.

[0156] like Figure 18 and Figure 19 As depicted, a rotating shaft 160 extends in the direction of the central axis A of the housing 110. The rotating shaft 160 connects the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 so that they can move in opposite directions. Rotating the rotating shaft 160 can switch the rotational positions of the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142.

[0157] like Figure 18 and Figure 20 As depicted, a helical spring 170 is disposed between a first valve body 141 and a second valve body 142. The helical spring 170 biases both the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 toward the inner wall portion 112 forming the port 113.

[0158] A plurality of helical springs 170 disposed between the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 are positioned at two locations separated in the direction of the central axis A. The central axis of the plurality of helical springs 170 is configured such that their positions in the direction of the central axis A match the central axis of the port 113.

[0159] Actuator 180 operates upon receiving a command signal from a controller (not depicted). Actuator 180 is connected to rotating shaft 160 and drives rotating shaft 160 to rotate.

[0160] Next, we will refer to Figures 21 to 25BThe specific configurations of the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 of the valve body 130 are described.

[0161] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the valve body 130, the rotating shaft 160, and the helical spring 170 in their assembled state. Figure 22 yes Figure 21 An exploded perspective view. Figure 23A This is a top view of the first valve body 141. Figure 23B This is a front view of the first valve body 141. Figure 24 It is along Figure 23B The cross-sectional view of line XXIV-XXIV in the diagram. Figure 25A This is a top view of the second valve body 142. Figure 25B This is the front view of the second valve body 142.

[0162] like Figures 21 to 23B The first valve body 141 is depicted to have a first sealing portion 141a, a first flow path 141b, a first sealing portion 141c, a support portion 141d, a plurality of (four in this case) protrusions 141e, and a sliding portion 141g.

[0163] The first sealing portion 141a abuts against the inner wall portion 112 of the housing 110. The first sealing portion 141a is formed as a curved surface having the same curvature as the inner wall portion 112.

[0164] like Figure 24 As depicted, in the edge of the first sealing portion 141a facing the inner wall portion 112 forming the port 113, only a portion of the inner circumferential side abuts against the inner wall portion 112 of the housing 110 in the thickness direction to form a sealing surface. Specifically, the first sealing portion 141a is formed in such a way that its thickness is half or less of the thickness of the edge portion facing the inner wall portion 112.

[0165] This reduces the contact area between the first sealing portion 141a and the inner wall portion 112, thereby reducing sliding resistance. Therefore, the driving torque of the actuator 180 can be reduced. Furthermore, when fluid flows into the first flow path 141b and the pressure increases, even if the free end of the first sealing portion 141a deforms towards the outer periphery, the contact state between the first sealing portion 141a and the inner wall portion 112 can be maintained. Therefore, the sealing performance of the first sealing portion 141a can be maintained.

[0166] It should be noted that Figure 24The structure of the first sealing portion 141a described herein is also applied to the second valve body 142 of the valve body 130 and the valve body 20 of the first embodiment. This reduces the driving torque of the actuator 180, allowing for the use of a smaller actuator 180. Consequently, the flow path switching valve 101 can be made more compact overall. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the sealing surface is integrally formed with the valve body 130, but the sealing surface can be formed from different materials or components to allow for free deformation.

[0167] like Figures 21 to 23B The depicted first flow path 141b is surrounded by a first sealing portion 141a and an inner wall portion 112 to form a first space through which fluid flows. The first flow path 141b is formed in such a way that it spans a first layer L1 and a second layer L2. The first flow path 141b is formed in a generally L-shape so that two ports 113 disposed in the first layer L1 can be connected to one port 113 disposed in the second layer L2.

[0168] The first sealing portion 141c is surrounded by the first sealing portion 141a and the inner wall portion 112 to prevent the flow of fluid. The first sealing portion 141c is capable of preventing the flow of fluid through one of the ports 113 provided in the first layer L1, which is adjacent to the port 113 connected by the first flow path 141b.

[0169] The rectangular portion 160a of the rotating shaft 160 is mounted into the support portion 141d. The support portion 141d has a first insertion hole 141f with a rectangular hole shape for inserting the rectangular portion 160a of the rotating shaft 160.

[0170] The support portion 141d is configured to form a shape that allows it to be sandwiched between the U-shaped portions of the support portion 142d of the second valve body 142, thus preventing the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 from moving relative to each other in the longitudinal direction. When the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 are combined, the support portion 142d of the second valve body 142 is sandwiched between the support portions 141d of the first valve body 141, and the first insertion hole 141f of the first valve body 141 and the second insertion hole 142f of the second valve body 142 are configured as a single insertion hole. The rectangular portion 160a of the rotating shaft 160 is inserted into this insertion hole.

[0171] The protrusion 141e faces the protrusion 142e of the second valve body 142, with a gap between them. The protrusion 141e defines the center position of the coil spring 170. The coil spring 170 is attached to the protrusion 141e.

[0172] A sliding portion 141g is disposed outside the first flow path 141b so as to align with a portion of the first flow path 141b in the direction of the central axis A and slide against the inner wall portion 112. The sliding portion 141g is a protrusion extending in the circumferential direction and does not form a flow path itself. As a result, when the first valve body 141 is formed in an asymmetrical shape in at least one of the directions of the central axis A and the circumferential direction, the sliding portion 141g slides against the inner wall portion 112, thereby preventing the position of the first valve body 141 from shifting or tilting.

[0173] like Figures 21 to 22 and Figures 25A to 25B The second valve body 142, as depicted, has a second sealing portion 142a, a second flow path 142b, a second sealing portion 142c, a support portion 142d, a plurality of (four in this case) protrusions 142e, and a sliding portion 142g.

[0174] The second sealing portion 142a abuts against the inner wall portion 112 of the housing 110. The second sealing portion 142a is formed as a curved surface having the same curvature as the inner wall portion 112.

[0175] The second flow path 142b is surrounded by the second sealing portion 142a and the inner wall portion 112 to form a second space through which fluid flows. The second flow path 142b is formed in the first layer L1. The second flow path 142b is formed in a generally straight line so that it can be connected to the three ports 113 provided in the first layer L1.

[0176] The second sealing portion 142c is surrounded by the second sealing portion 142a and the inner wall portion 112 to prevent the flow of fluid. The second sealing portion 142c is able to prevent fluid from flowing through the port 113 at one end of a plurality of ports 113 provided in the second layer L2 and connected by the second flow path 142b, as well as the port 113 adjacent to it in the direction of the central axis A.

[0177] The rectangular portion 160a of the rotating shaft 160 is mounted into the support portion 142d. The support portion 142d has a second insertion hole 142f with a rectangular hole shape for inserting the rectangular portion 160a of the rotating shaft 160.

[0178] The rectangular portion 160a of the rotating shaft 160 and the insertion hole are configured such that a gap is formed between the two outer walls of the rectangular portion 160a and the two inner walls of the insertion hole in the direction in which the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 face each other. Thus, the support portion 141d of the first valve body 141 and the support portion 142d of the second valve body 142 can move relative to the rectangular portion 160a of the rotating shaft 160. It should be noted that in the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 face each other, the two inner walls of the insertion hole are configured to be parallel and flush with each other in the direction of the central axis A, and the two outer walls of the rectangular portion 160a and the two outer walls of the insertion hole are adjacent without gaps.

[0179] The support portion 142d has an axial cross-section that is generally U-shaped, and a second insertion hole 142f is formed in each of the upper and lower portions of the U-shape. The support portion 142d is configured such that the support portion 142d of the second valve body 142 is combined with the support portion 142d from the opening side of the U-shape.

[0180] The protrusion 142e faces the protrusion 141e of the first valve body 141, with a gap between them. The protrusion 142e defines the center position of the coil spring 170. The coil spring 170 is attached to the protrusion 142e.

[0181] A helical spring 170 is inserted between the protrusion 141e of the first valve body 141 and the protrusion 142e of the second valve body 142. The helical spring 170 biases the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 in the direction of pressing against the inner wall 112 of the housing 110. As a result, the first sealing portion 141 of the first valve body 141... a The second sealing portion 142a of the second valve body 142 is in close contact with the inner wall portion 112 of the housing 110.

[0182] As described above, the support portion 141d of the first valve body 141 and the support portion 142d of the second valve body 142 are configured to move relative to the rectangular portion 160a of the rotation axis 160. Therefore, when suppressing the load in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis 160, the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 are allowed to move relative to each other in the bias direction, and the biasing force of the helical spring 170 causes the first sealing portion 141a of the first valve body 141 and the second sealing portion 142a of the second valve body 142 to be in close contact with the inner wall portion 112 of the housing 110.

[0183] In the plurality of helical springs 170, the spring force of a pair of helical springs 170 disposed in the layer forming a large fluid flow path (here, the first layer L1) is set to be greater than the spring force of the helical springs 170 disposed in the layer forming a small fluid flow path (here, the second layer L2). In other words, in the plurality of helical springs 170, the helical spring 170 disposed at a position on the valve body 130 where the pressure-bearing area is larger has a stronger biasing force than the other helical springs disposed at positions where the pressure-bearing area is smaller.

[0184] In other words, when fluid flows into the second flow path 142b and the second seal 142c and the pressure increases, the biasing force of the coil spring 170 increases on the side with higher pressure and decreases on the side with lower pressure. Therefore, when fluid pressure is applied, the second seal 142a can be stably pressed against the inner wall 112 without increasing the pressing force as needed, thus improving the durability of the second seal 142a.

[0185] A sliding portion 142g is disposed outside the second flow path 142b so as to align with a portion of the second flow path 142b in the direction of the central axis A and slide against the inner wall portion 112. The sliding portion 142g is a protrusion extending in the circumferential direction and does not form a flow path itself. As a result, when the second valve body 142 is formed in an asymmetrical shape in at least one of the directions of the central axis A and the circumferential direction, the sliding portion 142g slides against the inner wall portion 112, thereby preventing the position of the second valve body 142 from shifting or tilting.

[0186] Next, we will refer to Figures 26 to 28 Describe an example of a modification to this implementation scheme.

[0187] Figure 26 This is a perspective view of the state of the valve body 230, rotating shaft 260 and helical springs 170 and 271 in a flow path switching valve 101 according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 27 yes Figure 26 An exploded perspective view. Figure 28 yes Figure 26 Top view.

[0188] like Figures 26 to 28 The depicted flow path switching valve 101 includes a housing 110 (see...). Figures 17 to 19 ), valve body 230, rotating shaft 260 and actuator 180 (see Figures 17 to 19 ).

[0189] The configuration of housing 110 and actuator 180 is similar to that of the second embodiment, so detailed description is omitted.

[0190] like Figure 26 and Figure 27 As depicted, valve body 230 is housed within housing 110 so as to be rotatable about rotation axis 260. Valve body 230 is capable of radial displacement relative to rotation axis 260. Valve body 230 has rotation axis 260, a plurality of helical springs 170 as biasing members, and a single helical spring 271 as a biasing member.

[0191] Valve body 230 switches the connection status of multiple ports 113 (see...) Figures 17 to 20 The valve body 230 is disposed across the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. The valve body 230 includes a first valve body 241 and a second valve body 242. The first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 are movable in the radial direction relative to the central axis A of the housing 110 and are biased toward the inner peripheral surface of the housing 110 by means of helical springs 170 and 271.

[0192] like Figure 28 The first valve body 241 is depicted as having a generally semi-circular shape. The first valve body 241 is more flexible than the main body 11 and also more flexible than the rotation shaft 260. The first valve body 241 is larger in the direction of the central axis A so as to span the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. The first valve body 241 is formed in an asymmetrical shape in at least one of the directions of the central axis A and the circumferential direction.

[0193] The second valve body 242 is formed in a generally semi-circular shape. The second valve body 242 is more flexible than the main body 11 and also more flexible than the rotating shaft 260. The second valve body 242 is positioned opposite the first valve body 241, clamping the central axis A of the housing 110. The second valve body 242 is formed to be larger in the direction of the central axis A, so as to span the first layer L1 and the second layer L2. The second valve body 242 is formed in an asymmetrical shape in at least one of the directions of the central axis A and the circumferential direction.

[0194] Therefore, valve body 230 includes a first valve body 241 and a second valve body 242 disposed opposite to each other around a rotation axis 260. At least one of the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 is configured to be connected to each of a plurality of ports 113 disposed at different positions (different layers) in the direction of the central axis A.

[0195] Next, the specific configurations of the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 of the valve body 230 will be described.

[0196] The first valve body 241 has a first sealing part 141a, a first flow path 141b, a first sealing part 141c, a plurality of (four in this case) protrusions 141e, a single protrusion 241f, a sliding part 141g, a protrusion 241h, and a curved part 241j.

[0197] The first sealing part 141a, the first flow path 141b, the first sealing part 141c, the protrusion 141e, and the sliding part 141g are similar to those in the second embodiment described above, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0198] A protrusion 241f is disposed at approximately the center of the first valve body 241. Specifically, the protrusion 241f is disposed at approximately the center of a pair of protrusions 141e adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and at approximately the center of a pair of protrusions 141e adjacent to each other in the axial direction. The protrusion 241f protrudes radially from the curved surface 241j toward the inner circumference.

[0199] The protrusion 241f faces the protrusion 242f of the second valve body 242, with a gap between them. The protrusion 241f defines the center position of the coil spring 271. The coil spring 271 is attached to the protrusion 241f.

[0200] The protrusions 241h protrude outward from two end faces of the first valve body 241 in the direction of the central axis A. The protrusions 241h are formed in an arc shape so as to fit along the first sealing portion 141a of the first valve body 241. One of the protrusions 241h provided on the cover portion 120 side enters a recess (not shown) provided on the inner end face of the cylindrical portion 122 of the cover portion 120. The other protrusion 241h provided on the bottom 111a side of the main body portion 111 enters a recess (not shown) provided in the bottom 111a. The protrusions 241h have sliding contact portions 241i, such that the height of the protrusions 241h increases toward the outer periphery of the first valve body 241.

[0201] The sliding contact portion 241i abuts against the inclined portion (not shown) provided in the recess. As a result, when the first valve body 241 deforms outward in the direction of the central axis A due to the pressure of the fluid flowing through the first flow path 141b, the sliding portion 241i slides along the inclined portion of the recess, thereby generating a force that presses the first sealing portion 141a against the inner wall portion 112 of the housing 110. Thus, the pressure of the fluid can be used to make the first sealing portion 141a and the inner wall portion 112 come into close contact.

[0202] The curved surface 241j is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the first valve body 241. The curved surface 241j is a curved surface concentric with the outer peripheral surface of the first valve body 241. Providing the curved surface 241j makes the first valve body 241 easier to deform, thus absorbing the tolerance between the inner wall portion 112 and the first valve body 241, thereby improving the adhesion.

[0203] The second valve body 242 has a second sealing part 142a, a second flow path 142b, a second sealing part 142c, a plurality of (four in this case) protrusions 142e, a single protrusion 242f, a sliding part 142g, a protrusion 242h, and a curved part 242j.

[0204] The second sealing part 142a, the second flow path 142b, the second sealing part 142c, the protrusion 142e, and the sliding part 142g are similar to those in the second embodiment described above, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0205] A protrusion 242f is disposed approximately at the center of the second valve body 242. Specifically, the protrusion 242f is disposed approximately at the center of a pair of protrusions 142e adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and also approximately at the center of a pair of protrusions 142e adjacent to each other in the axial direction. The protrusion 242f protrudes radially from the curved surface 242j toward the inner circumference.

[0206] The protrusion 242f faces the protrusion 241f of the first valve body 241, with a gap between them. The protrusion 242f defines the center position of the coil spring 271. The coil spring 271 is attached to the protrusion 242f.

[0207] A helical spring 271 is inserted between the protrusion 241f of the first valve body 241 and the protrusion 242f of the second valve body 242. The helical spring 271 is inserted through a through-hole 265 (described later) of the rotating shaft 260. Together with the helical spring 170, the helical spring 271 biases the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 in the direction of pressing against the inner wall 112 of the housing 110. As a result, the first sealing portion 141a of the first valve body 241 and the second sealing portion 142a of the second valve body 242 are in close contact with the inner wall 112 of the housing 110.

[0208] The protrusions 242h protrude outward from both end faces of the second valve body 242 in the direction of the central axis A. The protrusions 242h are formed in an arc shape to fit along the second sealing portion 142a of the second valve body 242. One of the protrusions 242h located on the cover portion 120 side enters a recess (not depicted) on the inner end face of the cylindrical portion 122 of the cover portion 120. The other protrusion 242h located on the bottom 111a side of the main body portion 111 enters a recess (not depicted) in the bottom 111a. The protrusions 242h have sliding contact portions 242i, such that the height of the protrusions 242h increases towards the outer periphery of the second valve body 242.

[0209] The sliding contact portion 242i abuts against the inclined portion (not shown) provided in the recess. As a result, when the second valve body 242 deforms outward in the direction of the central axis A due to the fluid pressure flowing through the first flow path 142b, the sliding portion 242i slides along the inclined portion of the recess, thereby generating a force that presses the second sealing portion 142a against the inner wall portion 112 of the housing 110. Thus, the pressure of the fluid can be used to make the second sealing portion 142a come into close contact with the inner wall portion 112.

[0210] A curved surface 242j is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second valve body 242. The curved surface 242j is a curved surface concentric with the outer circumferential surface of the second valve body 242. Providing the curved surface 242j makes the second valve body 242 easier to deform, thus absorbing the tolerance between the inner wall portion 112 and the second valve body 242, thereby improving the adhesion.

[0211] like Figures 26 to 28 As depicted, the rotation shaft 260 extends in the direction of the central axis A of the housing 110. The rotation shaft 260 connects the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 so that they can move in opposite directions. Rotating the rotation shaft 260 can switch the rotational positions of the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242.

[0212] The rotating shaft 260 has multiple arms 261 and through holes 265.

[0213] Arm 261 extends outward from the rotation shaft 260. Arm 261 transmits rotational force to valve body 230. Arm 261 includes a first arm 262 and a second arm 263 extending from the rotation shaft 260 in the tangential direction of the rotation shaft 260.

[0214] The first arm portions 262 are configured as a pair that are separated from each other in the direction of the central axis A. The first arm portions 262 have a first contact surface 262a, a first connecting surface 262b, and a through hole 262c.

[0215] The first contact surface 262a is a flat surface that abuts against the first valve body 241. When the rotating shaft 260 rotates in one direction (in... Figure 28 (In the clockwise direction), the first contact surface 262a transmits the force that causes the first valve body 241 to rotate in one direction.

[0216] The first connecting surface 262b is a flat surface connected to the second valve body 242 via a helical spring 170. When the rotating shaft 260 rotates in the other direction ( Figure 28 (In the counterclockwise direction), the first connecting surface 262b transmits the force that causes the second valve body 242 to rotate in the other direction via the helical spring 170.

[0217] The through hole 262c penetrates the first contact surface 262a and the first connecting surface 262b. The protrusion 141e of the first valve body 241 is inserted into the through hole 262c. It should be noted that the length of the protrusion 141e that passes through the through hole 262c is longer than the thickness of the first arm portion 262 by the length of the protrusion 141e that does not pass through the through hole 262c.

[0218] The second arm 263 is positioned with a 180-degree phase difference relative to the first arm 262. In other words, the second arm 263 is positioned rotationally symmetrically relative to the first arm 262. The second arms 263 are configured as a pair that are separated from each other in the direction of the central axis A. The second arm 263 has a second contact surface 263a, a second connecting surface 263b, and a through hole 263c.

[0219] The second contact surface 263a is a flat surface that abuts against the second valve body 242. When the rotating shaft 260 rotates in one direction (in... Figure 28 (In the clockwise direction), the second contact surface 263a transmits the force that causes the second valve body 242 to rotate in one direction.

[0220] The second connecting surface 263b is a flat surface connected to the first valve body 241 via a helical spring 170. When the rotating shaft 260 rotates in the other direction ( Figure 28 (In the counterclockwise direction), the second connecting surface 263b transmits the force that causes the first valve body 241 to rotate in the other direction via the helical spring 170.

[0221] The through hole 263c penetrates the second contact surface 263a and the second connecting surface 263b. The protrusion 142e of the second valve body 242 is inserted into the through hole 263c. It should be noted that the length of the protrusion 142e that passes through the through hole 263c is longer than the thickness of the second arm portion 263 by the length of the protrusion 142e that does not pass through the through hole 263c.

[0222] A through hole 265 is formed approximately midway between the first arm 262 and the second arm 263. The through hole 265 extends through the helical spring 170 and the helical spring 271 along the central axis. The through hole 265 is generally rectangular in shape. The helical spring 271 is inserted into the through hole 265.

[0223] A helical spring 271 is disposed between the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242. The helical spring 271 biases both the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 toward the inner wall portion 112 forming the port 113. By providing the helical spring 271, the approximate center of the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 can be biased toward the inner wall portion 112 in the circumferential direction. As a result, the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 are pressed against the inner wall portion 112 near their two circumferential ends by the biasing force of the helical spring 170, and the vicinity of the circumferential center is pressed against the inner wall portion 112 by the biasing force of the helical spring 271. Therefore, the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 can be pressed against the inner wall portion 112 over the entire area in the circumferential direction.

[0224] As described above, by providing the arm 261, a rotational force can be applied from the arm 261 to the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242, thereby simplifying the structure of the valve body 230. Furthermore, the amount of resin material used for molding the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 can be reduced.

[0225] Furthermore, by providing helical springs 170 and 271, the number of biasing components can be increased, thereby increasing the number of biasing positions, and thus the biasing force of each helical spring 170 and 271 can be reduced.

[0226] Furthermore, when the valve body 230 in this modified example rotates in another direction (in... Figure 28 (In the counter-clockwise direction), the arm 261 is compressed by pressing the helical spring 170, thereby pushing and driving the rear end of the valve body 230 in the rotational direction, while the biasing force toward the front end of the valve body 230 no longer acts in the rotational direction. As a result, the sliding resistance of the valve body 230 during rotation is reduced, thereby reducing the operating torque.

[0227] Furthermore, the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 are flexible, which increases the degree of contact between the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 and the inner wall portion 112.

[0228] Next, we will refer to Figure 29 and Figure 30 Another example of a modification to this implementation scheme is described.

[0229] Figure 29 This is a top view of the flow path switching valve 101, which is another modified example of the second embodiment of this utility model. Figure 30 yes Figure 29 A perspective view of the rotation axis at 360 degrees.

[0230] This modification example and Figures 26 to 28 The difference in the modified example described is the position of arm 361 on the rotation axis 360.

[0231] The rotating shaft 360 has multiple arms 361 and through holes 265.

[0232] Arm 361 extends outward from the rotation axis 360. Arm 361 transmits rotational force to valve body 230. Arm 361 includes a first arm 362 and a second arm 363 extending from the rotation axis 360 in the tangential direction of the rotation axis 360.

[0233] The first arm portions 362 are configured as a pair that are separated from each other in the direction of the central axis A. The first arm portions 362 have a first connecting surface 362a, a second connecting surface 362b, and a countersunk portion 362c.

[0234] The first connecting surface 362a is a flat surface connected to the first valve body 241 via a helical spring 170. When the rotating shaft 260 rotates in one direction (in... Figure 29 (In the clockwise direction), the first connecting surface 362a transmits the force that causes the first valve body 241 to rotate in one direction via the helical spring 170.

[0235] The second connecting surface 362b is a flat surface connected to the second valve body 242 via a helical spring 170. When the rotating shaft 360 rotates in the other direction ( Figure 29 (In the counterclockwise direction), the second connecting surface 362b transmits the force that causes the second valve body 242 to rotate in the other direction via the helical spring 170.

[0236] The countersunk portion 362c is formed as a concave shape on each of the first connecting surface 362a and the second connecting surface 362b. One end of the helical spring 170 abuts against the countersunk portion 362c. Note that in this modified example, since no through hole is provided, all the protrusions 141e are formed to the same length.

[0237] The second arm portion 363 is positioned with a 180-degree phase difference relative to the first arm portion 362. In other words, the second arm portion 363 is positioned rotationally symmetrically relative to the first arm portion 362. The second arm portions 363 are configured as a pair that are separated from each other in the direction of the central axis A. The second arm portion 363 has a third connecting surface 363a, a fourth connecting surface 363b, and a countersunk hole portion 363c.

[0238] The third connecting surface 363a is a flat surface connected to the second valve body 242 via a helical spring 170. When the rotating shaft 360 rotates in one direction (in... Figure 29 (The middle is clockwise), the third connecting surface 363a transmits the force that causes the second valve body 242 to rotate in one direction via the helical spring 170.

[0239] The fourth connecting surface 363b is a flat surface connected to the first valve body 241 via a helical spring 170. When the rotating shaft 360 rotates in the other direction ( Figure 29 (In the counterclockwise direction), the fourth connecting surface 363b transmits the force that causes the first valve body 241 to rotate in the other direction via the helical spring 170.

[0240] The countersunk portion 363c is formed as a concave shape on each of the third connecting surface 363a and the fourth connecting surface 363b. One end of the helical spring 170 abuts against the countersunk portion 363c. Note that in this modified example, since no through hole is provided, all the protrusions 142e are formed to the same length.

[0241] Through hole 265 and coil spring 271 with Figures 26 to 28 The modifications described herein are similar to those in the examples, and therefore detailed descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0242] As described above, by providing the arm 361, a rotational force can be applied from the arm 361 to the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242, thereby simplifying the structure of the valve body 230. Furthermore, the amount of resin material used for molding the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 can be reduced.

[0243] Furthermore, in this modified example, the arms 361 are connected to the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 via helical springs 170. Therefore, when the valve body 230 is rotated, the arms 361 press the helical springs 170, thereby compressing and pushing to drive the rear end of the valve body 230 in the rotational direction, while the helical springs 170 expand on the front end of the valve body 230 in the rotational direction, thereby reducing the biasing force. This reduces the sliding resistance of the valve body 230 during rotation, thus reducing the operating torque. It should be noted that in this modified example, the helical springs 170 are positioned between the arms 361 and the valve body 230 on both sides, thus achieving the effect of reducing operating torque regardless of the rotation direction.

[0244] Next, we will refer to Figure 31 This describes yet another modification example of this implementation scheme.

[0245] Figure 31 This is a top view of a flow path switching valve 401 according to another modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention, depicting a state in which the cover (not depicted) has been removed from the housing.

[0246] This modification example and Figure 29 and Figure 30 The difference in the modified example described is that, in addition to the first valve body 441 and the second valve body 442, the valve body 430 also has a third valve body 443 and a fourth valve body 444.

[0247] The valve body 430 is housed within the housing 410 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 460. The valve body 430 is displaceable in the radial direction relative to the rotation axis 460. The valve body 430 has a rotation axis 460 and a plurality of helical springs 170 serving as biasing members.

[0248] The valve body 430 switches the connection states of multiple ports (not depicted). The valve body 430 has a first valve body 441, a second valve body 442, a third valve body 443, and a fourth valve body 444. The first valve body 441, the second valve body 442, the third valve body 443, and the fourth valve body 444 are radially movable relative to the central axis A of the housing 110 and are biased toward the inner peripheral surface (inner wall portion 412) of the housing 410 by means of a helical spring 170 described below.

[0249] The first valve body 441 has an arcuate shape spanning an angle of approximately 90° around the central axis A. The first valve body 441 is more flexible than the main body 411 of the housing 410 and also more flexible than the rotating shaft 460. The first valve body 441 has a similar configuration to the first valve body 241, except for its circumferential dimensions, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0250] The second valve body 442 is formed in an arcuate shape spanning approximately 90° around the central axis A. The second valve body 442 is more flexible than the main body 411 of the housing 410 and also more flexible than the rotating shaft 460. The second valve body 442 is positioned opposite the first valve body 441, clamping the central axis A of the housing 410. The second valve body 442 has a similar configuration to the second valve body 242, except for its circumferential dimensions, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0251] The third valve body 443 is formed in an arc shape that spans an angle of less than 90° (approximately 60° in this case) around the central axis A. The third valve body 443 is more flexible than the main body 411 of the housing 410 and also more flexible than the rotating shaft 460.

[0252] The third valve body 443 has a third sealing portion 443a, a plurality of protrusions 443e, 443h, and a sliding contact portion 443i. The third sealing portion 443a, protrusions 443e, 443h, and sliding contact portion 443i have the same configuration as the first sealing portion 141a, protrusions 141e, 241h, and sliding contact portion 241i, and therefore detailed description is omitted.

[0253] The fourth valve body 444 is formed in an arc shape spanning an angle of less than 90° (approximately 60° in this case) around the central axis A. The fourth valve body 444 is more flexible than the main body 411 of the housing 410 and also more flexible than the rotating shaft 460. The fourth valve body 444 is positioned opposite the third valve body 443, clamping the central axis A of the housing 410.

[0254] The fourth valve body 444 has a fourth sealing portion 444a, a plurality of protrusions 444e, protrusions 444h, and a sliding contact portion 444i. The fourth sealing portion 444a, protrusions 444e, protrusions 444h, and sliding contact portion 444i have the same configuration as the second sealing portion 142a, protrusions 142e, protrusions 242h, and sliding contact portion 242i, and therefore a detailed description is omitted.

[0255] The direction in which the first valve body 441 faces the second valve body 442 is perpendicular to the direction in which the third valve body 443 faces the fourth valve body 444. In other words, the first valve body 441, the fourth valve body 444, the second valve body 442, and the third valve body 443 are arranged sequentially with a 90° phase difference in the rotational direction.

[0256] A rotating shaft 460 extends in the direction of the central axis A of the housing 410. The rotating shaft 460 connects the first valve body 441 and the second valve body 442, allowing them to move in opposite directions, and also connects the third valve body 443 and the fourth valve body 444, allowing them to move in opposite directions. Rotating the rotating shaft 460 allows switching the rotational positions of the first valve body 441, the second valve body 442, the third valve body 443, and the fourth valve body 444.

[0257] The rotating shaft 460 has multiple arms 461.

[0258] Arm 461 extends outward from the rotation shaft 460. Arm 461 transmits rotational force to valve body 430. Arm 461 includes a first arm 462 and a second arm 463 extending from the rotation shaft 460 in the tangential direction of the rotation shaft 460.

[0259] The first arm portion 462 is configured as a pair (not depicted) that are separated from each other in the direction of the central axis A. The first arm portion 462 has a first connecting surface 462a, a second connecting surface 462b and a third connecting surface 462c.

[0260] The first connecting surface 462a is a flat surface connected to the first valve body 441 via a helical spring 170. When the rotating shaft 460 rotates in one direction (in... Figure 31 (In the clockwise direction), the first connecting surface 462a transmits the force that causes the first valve body 441 to rotate in one direction via the helical spring 170.

[0261] The second connecting surface 462b is a flat surface connected to the second valve body 442 via a helical spring 170. When the rotating shaft 460 rotates in the other direction ( Figure 31 (In the counterclockwise direction), the second connecting surface 462b transmits the force that causes the second valve body 442 to rotate in the other direction via the helical spring 170.

[0262] The third connecting surface 462c is disposed between the first connecting surface 462a and the second connecting surface 462b. The third connecting surface 462c is a plane perpendicular to the first connecting surface 462a and the second connecting surface 462b. The third connecting surface 462c is formed in a concave shape from the end face of the first arm portion 462. A plurality of helical springs 170 abut against the third connecting surface 462c. When the rotating shaft 460 rotates, the third connecting surface 462c transmits the force that causes the third valve body 443 to rotate via the helical springs 170.

[0263] The second arm 463 is positioned with a 180-degree phase difference relative to the first arm 462. In other words, the second arm 463 is positioned rotationally symmetrically relative to the first arm 462. The second arms 463 are configured as a pair (not depicted) separated from each other in the direction of the central axis A. The second arm 463 has a fourth connecting surface 463a, a fifth connecting surface 463b, and a sixth connecting surface 463c.

[0264] The fourth connecting surface 463a is a flat surface connected to the second valve body 442 via a helical spring 170. When the rotating shaft 460 rotates in one direction (in... Figure 31 (In the clockwise direction), the fourth connecting surface 463a transmits the force that causes the second valve body 442 to rotate in one direction via the helical spring 170.

[0265] The fifth connecting surface 463b is a flat surface connected to the first valve body 441 via a helical spring 170. When the rotating shaft 460 rotates in the other direction ( Figure 31 (In the counterclockwise direction), the fifth connecting surface 463b transmits the force that causes the first valve body 441 to rotate in the other direction via the helical spring 170.

[0266] A sixth connecting surface 463c is disposed between the fourth connecting surface 463a and the fifth connecting surface 463b. The sixth connecting surface 463c is a plane perpendicular to both the fourth connecting surface 463a and the fifth connecting surface 463b. The sixth connecting surface 463c is concave from the end face of the second arm 463. Multiple helical springs 170 abut against the sixth connecting surface 463c. When the rotating shaft 460 rotates, the sixth connecting surface 463c transmits the force that causes the fourth valve body 444 to rotate via the helical springs 170.

[0267] As described above, by providing the arm 461, a rotational force can be applied to the first valve body 441, the second valve body 442, the third valve body 443, and the fourth valve body 444 from the arm 461, thereby simplifying the structure of the valve body 430. Furthermore, the amount of resin material used for molding the first valve body 441, the second valve body 442, the third valve body 443, and the fourth valve body 444 can be reduced.

[0268] Furthermore, similar to arm 461, the arm may have a predetermined thickness (predetermined width) around the central axis A. In other words, similar to arm 461, the arm may have a thickness (width) with a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction (the direction of rotation around the central axis A). In other words, arm 461 may have at least two points (through direct contact or through indirect connection via the helical spring 170) that participate in the rotation of valve body 430.

[0269] In addition, similar to the arm 461, a third connecting surface 462c (sixth connecting surface 463c) may be provided between the first connecting surface 462a (fourth connecting surface 463a) and the second connecting surface 462b (fifth connecting surface 463b), and a helical spring 170 may be provided on the third connecting surface 462c (sixth connecting surface 463c) to bias the other valve bodies 430 (third valve body 443 and fourth valve body 444).

[0270] Furthermore, in this modified example, the arm 461 is connected to the valve body 430 via a helical spring 170. Therefore, when the valve body 430 is rotated, the arm 461 presses the helical spring 170, thereby compressing and pushing to drive the rear end of the valve body 430 in the rotational direction, while the helical spring 170 expands on the front end of the valve body 430 in the rotational direction, thereby reducing the biasing force. This reduces the sliding resistance during valve body 430 rotation, thus reducing the operating torque. It should be noted that in this modified example, the helical spring 170 is positioned between the arm 461 and the valve body 430, thus achieving the effect of reducing operating torque regardless of the rotational direction.

[0271] It should be noted that in the above implementation scheme and each modified example, a pair of four valve cores 130, 230, and 430 are respectively arranged around the rotation axes 160, 260, 360, and 460. However, the number of valve bodies 130, 230, and 430 is not limited to an even number, and an odd number (three, five, etc.) of valve bodies can be provided in the rotation direction. Even if an odd number of valve bodies 130, 230, and 430 are provided, by arranging helical springs 170 at the front and rear ends of the valve bodies 130, 230, and 430 in the rotation direction, the effect of increasing the degree of contact while reducing the operating torque can be obtained, as in the above implementation scheme and each modified example.

[0272] Next, we will refer to Figure 32 and Figure 33 The fluid circuit 300 in which the flow path switching valve 101 is applied is described.

[0273] Figure 32 This is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a fluid circuit 300 in which a flow path switching valve 101 is applied. Figure 33 This is a configuration diagram used to describe the first to third connection states of the flow path switching valve 101.

[0274] like Figure 32 The fluid circuit 300, as depicted, includes a powertrain circuit 310 as a first circuit, a battery circuit 320 as a second circuit, a radiator circuit 330 as a third circuit, and a branch 340. The fluid circuit 300 is a system installed on a vehicle (not depicted) that cools the electric motor 312, which serves as a heat source in the drive system, and regulates the temperature of the battery 322, which serves as a storage battery. Cooling water circulates in the fluid circuit 300 as a fluid.

[0275] The powertrain circuit 310 is equipped with an electric pump 311 and an electric motor 312. Cooling water flowing from the second port 113b of the flow path switching valve 101 flows into the powertrain circuit 310 via the radiator 331 and branch 340. In the powertrain circuit 310, the electric pump 311 drives the cooling water through the electric motor 312. The cooling water flowing from the powertrain circuit 310 flows back into the flow path switching valve 101 from the third port 113c.

[0276] Battery circuit 320 includes an electric pump 321, a battery 322, and a cooler 323 serving as a cooling water-refrigerant heat exchanger. Cooling water flowing from the fifth port 113e of flow path switching valve 101 flows into battery circuit 320. In battery circuit 320, electric pump 321 circulates cooling water between battery 322 and cooler 323. Cooler 323 facilitates heat exchange between refrigerant flowing in the refrigeration cycle loop (not shown) of the air conditioning unit within the vehicle compartment (not shown) and cooling water. Cooler 323 is capable of heating refrigerant with the heat of cooling water and heating cooling water with the heat of refrigerant. Cooling water flowing from battery circuit 320 flows back into flow path switching valve 101 from the first port 113a.

[0277] Radiator circuit 330 is equipped with radiator 331. Cooling water flowing from the second port 113b of flow path switching valve 101 flows into radiator circuit 330. Radiator circuit 330 does not have an electric pump. Cooling water in radiator circuit 330 flows through radiator 331 via either or a combination of electric pumps 311 and 321, depending on the connection state of flow path switching valve 101. Cooling water flowing out of radiator circuit 330 is branched through branch 340, with a portion directed to powertrain circuit 310 and the remainder flowing back to flow path switching valve 101 from fourth port 113d.

[0278] like Figure 33 As depicted, in the fluid circuit 300, a rotary valve body 130 switches the connection state of the plurality of ports 113 in the flow path switching valve 101 to a first connection state, a second connection state, or a third connection state. This controls the flow of cooling water in the fluid circuit 300.

[0279] In the first connected state, within valve body 130, the second flow path 142b of the second valve body 142 connects the first port 113a, the second port 113b, and the third port 113c. Additionally, the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 connect the fourth port 113d and the fifth port 113e via a connecting portion 115. In other words, the fourth port 113d and the fifth port 113e are connected together via the connecting portion 115.

[0280] Thus, the powertrain circuit 310, battery circuit 320, and radiator circuit 330 can all be connected together. At this time, the cooling water in the radiator circuit 330 is circulated by a combination of electric pumps 311 and 321.

[0281] In the second connection state, within valve body 130, the first flow path 141b of the first valve body 141 connects between the third port 113c and the fourth port 113d, and the first sealing portion 141c seals the second port 113b. Additionally, the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 are connected to the first port 113a and the fifth port 113e via a connecting portion 115. In other words, the first port 113a and the fifth port 113e are connected together via the connecting portion 115.

[0282] This isolates the powertrain circuit 310, battery circuit 320, and radiator circuit 330. Since no electric pump is installed in the radiator circuit 330, coolant will not flow through it.

[0283] In the third connection state, within valve body 130, the second flow path 142b of the second valve body 142 connects the second port 113b to the third port 113c, and the second sealing portion 142c seals the fourth port 113d. Additionally, the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 connect the first port 113a and the fifth port 113e via a connecting portion 115. In other words, the first port 113a and the fifth port 113e are connected together via the connecting portion 115.

[0284] Thus, the powertrain circuit 310 and the radiator circuit 330 are connected, and the battery circuit 320 can be isolated.

[0285] As described above, in the fluid circuit 300, the connection states of the multiple ports 113 in the flow path switching valve 101 can be switched between a first connection state and a third connection state. Furthermore, in each connection state, the motor 312 can be cooled, the temperature of the battery 322 can be adjusted, and the refrigerant used for air conditioning in the vehicle cabin can be heated and cooled via the cooler 323.

[0286] In addition to achieving the same effects as the first implementation scheme, the second implementation scheme also achieves the following effects.

[0287] At least one of the first flow path 141b and the second flow path 142b is configured to connect to each of a plurality of ports 113 disposed at different locations in the direction of the central axis A, and a plurality of helical springs 170 are disposed at two locations spaced apart in the direction of the central axis A.

[0288] In addition, the central axes of the plurality of helical springs 170 are configured such that their positions in the direction of central axis A match the central axis of port 113.

[0289] Furthermore, among the multiple helical springs 170, the helical spring located at a position along the central axis A on the valve body 130 with a larger pressure-bearing area is more biased than the helical spring located at a position along the central axis A with a smaller pressure-bearing area.

[0290] With these configurations, when fluid pressure is applied, the first sealing portion 141a and the second sealing portion 142a can be stably pressed against the inner wall portion 112, and therefore there is no need to excessively increase the pressing force, thereby improving the durability of the first sealing portion 141a and the second sealing portion 142a.

[0291] Furthermore, in the edge of the valve body 130 facing the inner wall portion 112, only a portion of the inner circumferential side abuts against the inner wall portion 112 in the thickness direction to form a sealing surface.

[0292] With this configuration, the contact area between the first sealing portion 141a (second sealing portion 142a) and the inner wall portion 112 is reduced, and the sliding resistance is lowered. Therefore, the driving torque of the actuator 180 can be reduced. Furthermore, when fluid flows into the first flow path 141b (second flow path 142b) and the pressure increases, even if the free end of the first sealing portion 141a (second sealing portion 142a) deforms outwards, the contact state between the first sealing portion 141a (second sealing portion 142a) and the inner wall portion 112 can be maintained. Therefore, the sealing performance of the first sealing portion 141a (second sealing portion 142a) can be maintained.

[0293] Furthermore, the housing 110 has a sliding resistance reduction section, which reduces the sliding resistance of the valve body 130 on the inner wall portion 112 forming the port 113 and on the inner wall portion 112 at other locations opposite the rotation axis 160. The sliding resistance reduction section is a slit 116 provided on the inner wall portion 112 of the housing 110 and extending in the direction of the central axis A.

[0294] This configuration reduces the driving torque of the actuator 180, allowing for the use of a smaller actuator 180. Consequently, the flow path switching valve 101 can be made more compact overall.

[0295] At least one of the first flow path 141b and the second flow path 142b is configured to connect to each of a plurality of ports 113 disposed at different locations in the direction of the central axis A, and at least one of the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 is disposed outside the first flow path 141b and the second flow path 142b so as to be aligned with a portion of the first flow path 141b and the second flow path 142b in the direction of the central axis A, and has a sliding portion 141g (sliding portion 142g) that slides against the inner wall portion 112.

[0296] With this configuration, when at least one of the first valve body 141 and the second valve body 142 is formed in an asymmetrical shape in at least one of the directions of the central axis A and the circumferential direction, the sliding part 141g (sliding part 142g) slides against the inner wall part 112, thereby preventing the position of the first valve body 141 (second valve body 142) from shifting or tilting.

[0297] Additionally, the rotating shaft 260 has an arm 261 that extends outward from the rotating shaft 260 and transmits rotational force to the valve body 230.

[0298] Additionally, arm 261 includes a first arm 262 and a second arm 263 extending from the rotation axis 260 in the tangential direction of the rotation axis 260. The first arm 262 has a first contact surface 262a that abuts against the first valve body 241 and a first connecting surface 262b that connects to the second valve body 242 via a coil spring 170. The second arm 263 has a second contact surface 263a that abuts against the second valve body 242 and a second connecting surface 263b that connects to the first valve body 241 via a coil spring 170.

[0299] Furthermore, a pair of arms 361 are configured to extend from the rotation shaft 360 in the radial direction of the rotation shaft 360, and the pair of arms 361 are connected to the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 via a helical spring 170.

[0300] By employing these configurations and providing arms 261 and 361, rotational force can be applied to the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 from the arms 261 and 361, thus simplifying the structure of the valve body 230. Furthermore, the amount of resin material used for molding the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 can be reduced.

[0301] The first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 are more flexible than the main body 111. The first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 are also more flexible than the rotating shaft 260.

[0302] With these configurations, the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 are flexible, thus increasing the degree of contact between the first valve body 241 and the second valve body 242 and the inner wall portion 112.

[0303] Additionally, three or more valve bodies 130, 230, 430 are provided, including first valve bodies 141, 241, 441 and second valve bodies 142, 242, 442 aligned around rotation axes 160, 260, 360, 460, and arms 261, 361, 461 extending in the rotational direction between adjacent valve bodies 130, 230, 430. One side of the arms 261, 361, 461 is connected to an adjacent valve body 130, 230, 430 in one rotational direction via a helical spring 170, and the other side abuts against or is connected to an adjacent valve body 130, 230, 430 in another rotational direction via a helical spring 170.

[0304] With this configuration, even if an odd number of valve bodies 130, 230, and 430 are provided, the effect of increasing the degree of contact while reducing the operating torque can be achieved by arranging helical springs 170 at the front and rear ends of the valve bodies 130, 230, and 430 in the direction of rotation, as in the above-described implementation scheme and each modified example.

[0305] The embodiments of this utility model have been described above. Therefore, the above embodiments only describe some application examples of this utility model and are not intended to limit the technical scope of this utility model to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0306] In the first embodiment, the first flow path 21b of the first valve body 21 and the second flow path 22b of the second valve body 22 are both configured to connect to a plurality of ports 40 within an angular range of 90 degrees, but are not limited thereto, and the valve body may be configured to connect to a plurality of ports 40, for example, within a 45-degree range.

[0307] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-203747 filed with the Japan Patent Office on December 20, 2022; Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-062269 filed with the Japan Patent Office on April 6, 2023; Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-073753 filed with the Japan Patent Office on April 27, 2023; and Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-125572 filed with the Japan Patent Office on August 1, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A flow path switching valve, the flow path switching valve comprising: A housing, the housing comprising a main body, a bottom, and a cover, the main body having a cylindrical inner wall and a plurality of ports opening in a circumferential direction, the bottom covering a first end of the main body in a central axial direction, and the cover covering a second end of the main body in a central axial direction; A valve body, stored inside the housing to be rotatable about a central axis, the valve body including a set of first and second valve bodies positioned around the central axis, the valve body slidingly contacting the inner wall portion to switch the connection state between the plurality of ports; A rotating shaft extends in the direction of the central axis, thereby connecting the first valve body and the second valve body so as to be movable in the radial direction, and the rotational positions of the first valve body and the second valve body are switched by rotating the rotating shaft; as well as A biasing member that biases the first valve body and the second valve body toward the inner wall portion.

2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein... The first valve body and the second valve body are positioned facing each other about the central axis and are movable in the facing direction; and The biasing member is disposed between the first valve body and the second valve body, and biases both the first valve body and the second valve body toward the inner wall portion.

3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 2, wherein... The first valve body and the second valve body each have an insertion hole for inserting the rotating shaft; When the rotating shaft is inserted into the insertion hole, a gap is provided between the end of the rotating shaft and the insertion hole in a relative direction; and The end portion of the rotating shaft abuts against the insertion hole in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first valve body and the second valve body face each other, without any gap.

4. The flow path switching valve according to claim 2, wherein... The interior of the shell is divided into: The first space is surrounded by the first valve body and the inner wall portion, the second space is surrounded by the second valve body and the inner wall portion, and the third space is surrounded by the first valve body, the second valve body and the inner wall portion.

5. The flow path switching valve according to claim 4, wherein... The first valve body has a first sealing portion, and the first space is surrounded by the first sealing portion and the inner wall portion to form a first flow path, the first flow path being a space through which fluid flows; The ports include a first port and a second port positioned at a predetermined angle relative to each other around the rotation axis; and By rotating the rotating shaft, the first valve body switches between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the first port and the second port are connected to each other through the first flow path. In the second state, the first port and the second port are not connected to each other.

6. The flow path switching valve according to claim 5, wherein... The second valve body has a second sealing portion, and the second space is surrounded by the second sealing portion and the inner wall portion to form a second flow path, which is a space through which fluid flows; The port further includes a third port and a fourth port, which are symmetrically arranged with respect to the central axis and the first and second ports, and are arranged at a predetermined angle to each other around the rotation axis; and In the first state, the second valve body is connected to the third port and the fourth port through the second flow path, and in the second state, the second valve body does not connect the third port to the fourth port.

7. The flow path switching valve according to claim 6, wherein... The third space forms a third flow path for fluid to flow through between the first valve body, the second valve body, and the inner wall portion; The port also includes a fifth port disposed between the first port and the third port, and a sixth port disposed between the second port and the fourth port; and The third flow path is connected to the fifth port and the sixth port.

8. The flow path switching valve according to claim 4, wherein At least one of the first space and the second space is configured to connect to each of the plurality of ports located at different positions along the central axis; and The biasing member has multiple biasing members at two positions spaced apart along the central axis.

9. The flow path switching valve according to claim 8, wherein The central axis of the plurality of biasing members is configured such that its position in the direction of the central axis matches the central axis of the port.

10. The flow path switching valve according to claim 9, wherein The biasing member among the plurality of biasing members, located at a position on the valve body with a larger pressure-bearing area in the direction of the central axis, has a greater biasing force than the other biasing members located at positions with smaller pressure-bearing areas in the direction of the central axis.

11. The flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The valve body has an edge portion opposite to the inner wall portion, and only a portion of the inner circumferential side abuts against the inner wall portion in the thickness direction to form a sealing surface.

12. The flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein The housing has a sliding resistance reduction section that reduces the sliding resistance between the inner wall portion forming the port and the valve body. The sliding resistance reduction section is located at another position in the inner wall portion, which is opposite to the inner wall portion forming the port and clamps the rotating shaft.

13. The flow path switching valve according to claim 12, wherein... The sliding resistance reduction section is a slit extending along the central axis on the inner wall of the housing.

14. The flow path switching valve according to claim 4, wherein At least one of the first space and the second space is configured to connect to each of the plurality of ports located at different positions along the central axis; and At least one of the first valve body and the second valve body is disposed outside the first space and the second space so as to be aligned with a portion of the first space and the second space in the direction of the central axis, and has a sliding portion that slides against the inner wall portion.

15. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein... The valve body is capable of being displaced radially relative to the rotation axis.

16. The flow path switching valve according to claim 15, wherein... The rotating shaft has an arm that extends outward from the rotating shaft to transmit rotational force to the valve body.

17. The flow path switching valve according to claim 16, wherein... The arm includes a first arm and a second arm extending from the rotation axis in the tangential direction of the rotation axis; The first arm has a first contact surface that contacts the first valve body and a first connection surface that connects to the second valve body via the biasing member, and The second arm has a second contact surface that contacts the second valve body and a second connection surface that connects to the first valve body via the biasing member.

18. The flow path switching valve according to claim 16, wherein... The arms are arranged in pairs to extend from the rotation axis in the radial direction of the rotation axis; and The opposite arm is connected to the first valve body and the second valve body via the biasing member.

19. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein The first valve body and the second valve body are more flexible than the main body.

20. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein... The first valve body and the second valve body are more flexible than the rotating shaft.

21. The flow path switching valve according to claim 16, wherein... Three or more valve bodies, including the first valve body and the second valve body, are provided so as to be aligned about the rotation axis; Each arm extends between adjacent valve bodies in the direction of rotation; and The arm is connected to an adjacent valve body in one direction of the rotation direction via the biasing member on one side of the rotation direction, and the arm is in contact with the valve body on the other side of the rotation direction, or connected to an adjacent valve body in another direction of the rotation direction via the biasing member.

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