Flow path switching valve
By adopting an inner wall structure with an expanded diameter in the flow path switching valve, the problems of easy deterioration of sealing components and high sliding resistance are solved, achieving a balance between sealing performance and sliding resistance, and improving the performance of the flow path switching valve.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CALSONIC KANSEI CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
In existing flow path switching valves, the sealing component is integrally formed with the main body. The sealing performance around the through hole is ensured by radial compression between the valve core and the valve cavity, which leads to easy deterioration of the sealing component and large sliding resistance.
A flow path switching valve is designed, which has a first inner wall and a second inner wall in the inner wall of the housing. The first inner wall has multiple ports, and the second inner wall has an enlarged diameter section with a radius larger than that of the first inner wall. The valve core slides in contact with the first inner wall through the sealing surface, ensuring sealing and reducing sliding resistance.
While ensuring a tight seal, it reduces sliding resistance and improves the service life and efficiency of the flow path switching valve.
Smart Images
Figure CN224497541U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a flow path switching valve for switching the flow path of a fluid. Background Technology
[0002] WO2022 / 218406A1 discloses a control valve (flow path switching valve) comprising: a main body (shell) formed in a cylindrical shape and having a valve cavity; a valve core disposed within the valve cavity and rotated; and a sealing member formed in an arc shape along the radial direction of the valve core and disposed between the valve core and the valve cavity. In this control valve, the sealing member has two through holes in the circumferential direction and is provided on a portion of the circumference in a manner that seals only the area around the through holes. Utility Model Content
[0003] However, in the control valve described in WO2022 / 218406A1, the sealing member is integrally formed with the body, and the sealing around the through hole is ensured by radial compression between the valve core and the valve cavity. Therefore, there is a concern about the deterioration of the sealing member due to valve core slippage.
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to achieve both ensuring sealing performance and reducing sliding resistance.
[0005] According to one aspect of this utility model, a flow path switching valve comprises: a housing having a cylindrical inner wall portion with multiple ports opened in a manner biased towards a portion in the circumferential direction; and multiple valve cores housed inside the housing in a manner rotatable about a central axis, having a sealing surface that slides in contact with the inner wall portion, for switching the connection state of the multiple ports, wherein the inner wall portion comprises: a first inner wall portion having the multiple ports; and a second inner wall portion opposite to the first inner wall portion across the central axis and without the ports, the second inner wall portion having an enlarged diameter portion having a portion whose radius from the central axis is larger than that of the first inner wall portion from the central axis, the radius of the enlarged diameter portion from the central axis varying axially or radially.
[0006] According to the above scheme, the inner wall of the housing has: a first inner wall portion with multiple ports; and a second inner wall portion opposite to the first inner wall portion across a central axis, and without ports. The second inner wall portion has an enlarged diameter portion, which has a radius from the central axis larger than that of the first inner wall portion, and the radius of the enlarged diameter portion varies axially or radially. Therefore, by sliding contact between the sealing surface of the valve core and the first inner wall portion, the connection state of multiple ports can be switched while ensuring sealing. By providing the enlarged diameter portion, the sliding resistance between the second inner wall portion and the valve core can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both ensuring sealing and reducing sliding resistance. Attached Figure Description
[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the flow path switching valve according to an embodiment of this utility model.
[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D diagram.
[0009] Figure 3 It is a 3D view of the valve core and rotating shaft.
[0010] Figure 4 It is a three-dimensional view of the cover.
[0011] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional diagram of the rotating shaft and the force-applying components.
[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Sectional view VI-VI.
[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Sectional view VII-VII.
[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Sectional view of VIII-VIII.
[0015] Figure 9 This is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of the shell.
[0016] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve, which is a modified embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 Enlarged view of the main parts. Detailed Implementation
[0018] Hereinafter, the flow path switching valve 1 of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0019] First, refer to Figures 1 to 5 The overall structure of the flow path switching valve 1 will be explained.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the flow path switching valve 1. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded 3D diagram. Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional view of the valve core 30 and the rotating shaft 60. Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the cover component 20, which serves as the cover. Figure 5 It is a perspective view of the rotating shaft 60 and multiple helical springs 70 as force-applying components.
[0021] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, the flow path switching valve 1 includes a housing 10, a valve core 30, a rotating shaft 60, multiple helical springs 70, and an actuator 80. The flow path switching valve 1 switches the path through which cooling water, as a fluid, flows by rotating the valve core 30 within the housing 10. It should be noted that the fluid flowing within the flow path switching valve 1 may also be other liquids besides cooling water.
[0022] Hereinafter, the direction along the central axis C of the housing 10 (the rotation center axis of the valve core 30 and the rotating shaft 60) will be referred to as the "axial direction", the direction from the central axis C of the housing 10 toward the outer diameter will be referred to as the "radial direction", and the direction of rotation of the valve core 30 within the housing 10 will be referred to as the "rotation direction" or "circumferential direction".
[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the housing 10 has a main body 11 and a cover member 20. The housing 10 is molded from a resin material or the like using a mold.
[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body 11 is formed into a generally bottomed cylindrical shape. The main body 11 has an inner wall portion 12, multiple ports 13, and a bottom portion 14 (see reference). Figure 6 ) and connecting part 15.
[0025] The inner wall portion 12 is the cylindrical inner circumferential surface of the main body portion 11. The inner wall portion 12 is formed as a smooth curved surface to allow the valve core 30 to slide in a contact state. Multiple ports 13 are opened in the inner wall portion 12 in a manner biased towards a portion present in the circumferential direction. For details regarding the inner wall portion 12, please refer to [reference needed]. Figures 6 to 8 This will be explained in detail later.
[0026] Port 13 connects the inner and outer circumferences of the main body 11. Port 13 is configured to switch the connection state when the valve core 30 rotates about the central axis C by a predetermined angle. Ports 13 are provided in multiple rows arranged in two columns around the circumference of the housing 10. Ports 13 include a first port 13a, a second port 13b, a third port 13c, a fourth port 13d, a fifth port 13e, a sixth port 13f, a seventh port 13g, and an eighth port 13h.
[0027] The first port 13a and the second port 13b are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction to form the first layer L1, which is the first row. The third port 13c and the fourth port 13d are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction to form the second layer L2, which is the second row. The fifth port 13e and the sixth port 13f are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction to form the third layer L3, which is the third row. The seventh port 13g and the eighth port 13h are arranged in a row in the circumferential direction to form the fourth layer L4, which is the fourth row. That is, the multiple ports 13 are arranged axially in four rows: the first layer L1, the second layer L2, the third layer L3, and the fourth layer L4. In addition, a fifth layer (not shown), a sixth layer (not shown), etc., can also be further arranged.
[0028] The first port 13a, the third port 13c, the fifth port 13e, and the seventh port 13g are arranged in a column along the axial direction. The second port 13b, the fourth port 13d, the sixth port 13f, and the eighth port 13h are also arranged in a column along the axial direction. That is, multiple ports 13 are arranged in a 4-row × 2-column matrix.
[0029] The bottom portion 14 covers one axial end (here, the bottom) of the main body portion 11. The bottom portion 14 supports the end of the shaft portion 61 of the rotating shaft 60 via a cylindrical collar 67, allowing it to rotate freely. The bottom portion 14 is integrally provided with the main body portion 11, but it can also be assembled with the main body portion 11 as a separate component from the main body portion 11.
[0030] The connecting part 15 connects each port 13 to external piping. The connecting part 15 is configured to divide the cooling water flow path into a 2×4 grid. The end face of the connecting part 15 is formed into a flat shape. A connecting box (not shown) that collects external piping is connected to the connecting part 15 via a 2×4 grid-shaped sealing member (not shown).
[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the cover member 20 closes the opening of the main body 11. Figure 4 As shown, the cover member 20 has an end plate portion 21, a cylindrical portion 22, an arc portion 23, and a shaft support portion 24.
[0032] The end plate portion 21 is formed in the shape of a flat plate, covering the other end of the main body portion 11 in the axial direction. The end plate portion 21 closes the other end of the main body portion 11, and together with the inner wall portion 12 and the bottom portion 14, divides the space for accommodating the valve core 30.
[0033] The cylindrical portion 22 is formed into a cylindrical shape with one end fixed to the end plate portion 21. A circular sealing member 25 (see reference) is provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 22 as a closing member. Figure 1The cylindrical portion 22 is fixed to the main body portion 11 by means of a sealing member 25, thereby sealing the inside and outside of the housing 10. The cylindrical portion 22 has an arc portion 23, which is formed in an arc shape along the inner wall portion 12 and protrudes toward the main body portion 11.
[0034] The arc-shaped portion 23 protrudes axially from a portion of the main body portion 11. The arc-shaped portion 23 slides in contact with a portion of the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30, which will be described later. Regarding the arc-shaped portion 23, refer to... Figures 6 to 8 This will be explained in detail later.
[0035] The shaft support portion 24 extends axially from the inner surface to the outer surface of the cylindrical portion 22 formed on the end plate portion 21. The shaft support portion 24 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The shaft portion 61 of the rotating shaft 60 is inserted into the shaft support portion 24. The shaft support portion 24 is connected via a cylindrical collar 66 (see reference). Figure 2 The shaft 61 is supported so that it can rotate freely.
[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the valve core 30 is housed inside the housing 10 in a manner rotatable about the central axis C. The valve core 30 switches the connection state of multiple ports 13. The valve core 30 has a first valve core 31, a second valve core 32, a third valve core 33, and a fourth valve core 34. The first valve core 31, the second valve core 32, the third valve core 33, and the fourth valve core 34 are radially movable relative to the central axis C of the housing 10, and are subjected to force by a helical spring 70 toward the inner circumferential surface, i.e., the inner wall portion 12, of the housing 10. The first valve core 31, the second valve core 32, the third valve core 33, and the fourth valve core 34 are rotatable in different directions of stopping position.
[0037] The first valve core 31 is formed in a generally arc shape with a central angle of approximately 110°. The first valve core 31 is arranged to span from the first layer L1 to the fourth layer L4. The first valve core 31 has at least one first connecting portion 31a, at least one second connecting portion 31b, and at least one blocking portion 31c, wherein the first connecting portion 31a spans two or more layers L1 to L4 to connect the plurality of ports 13 in the axial direction, the second connecting portion 31b connects the plurality of ports 13 in the circumferential direction, and the blocking portion 31c blocks the port 13 so that the port 13 does not connect with other ports 13.
[0038] The first valve core 31 is softer than the main body 11 of the housing 10 and softer than the rotating shaft 60. The first valve core 31 has a sealing surface 31d that slides in contact with the inner wall 12. The sealing surface 31d is pressed against the inner wall 12 by the force applied by the helical spring 70, thereby sealing the space between the sealing surface 31d and the inner wall 12.
[0039] The second valve core 32 is positioned opposite the first valve core 31 with the rotation axis 60 (central axis C) as its center. The second valve core 32 is formed into a generally arc-shaped structure with a central angle of approximately 110°. The second valve core 32 is arranged to span from the first layer L1 to the fourth layer L4. The second valve core 32 has at least one first connecting portion 32a, at least one second connecting portion 32b, and at least one blocking portion 32c. The first connecting portion 32a spans two or more layers L1 to L4, enabling axial communication between the plurality of ports 13. The second connecting portion 32b enables circumferential communication between the plurality of ports 13. The blocking portion 32c blocks the ports 13 so that the ports 13 cannot communicate with other ports 13.
[0040] The second valve core 32 is softer than the main body 11 of the housing 10 and softer than the rotating shaft 60. The second valve core 32 has a sealing surface 32d that slides in contact with the inner wall 12. The sealing surface 32d is pressed against the inner wall 12 by the force applied by the helical spring 70, thereby sealing the space between the sealing surface 32d and the inner wall 12.
[0041] The first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32 are circumferentially sized to accommodate three ports 13 arranged circumferentially. Specifically, the first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32 have a first column D1, a second column D2, and a third column D3. The first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32 are capable of switching between a first connected state and a second connected state, wherein the first connected state is when the first column D1 and the second column D2 are connected to the port 13, and the second connected state is when the second column D2 and the third column D3 are connected to the port 13. Thus, a single valve core 30 can be used to switch between two connected states, thereby reducing the number of valve cores 30 relative to the number of connected states to be switched.
[0042] A third valve core 33 is circumferentially disposed between the first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32. The third valve core 33 is formed into a generally arcuate shape with a central angle of approximately 70°. The third valve core 33 is arranged to span from the first layer L1 to the fourth layer L4. The third valve core 33 has at least one second connecting portion 33b and at least one blocking portion 33c, wherein the second connecting portion 33b enables circumferential communication between the plurality of ports 13, and the blocking portion 33c blocks the ports 13 so that the ports 13 do not communicate with other ports 13. Alternatively, the third valve core 33 may also have a first connecting portion (not shown), which spans two or more layers L1 to L4 to enable axial communication between the plurality of ports 13.
[0043] The third valve core 33 is softer than the main body 11 of the housing 10 and softer than the rotating shaft 60. The third valve core 33 has a sealing surface 33d that slides in contact with the inner wall 12. The sealing surface 33d is pressed against the inner wall 12 by the force applied by the helical spring 70, thereby sealing the space between the sealing surface 33d and the inner wall 12.
[0044] A fourth valve core 34 is circumferentially disposed between the second valve core 32 and the first valve core 31. The fourth valve core 34 is positioned opposite the third valve core 33 with the rotation axis 60 (central axis C) as its center. The fourth valve core 34 is formed into a generally arc-shaped structure with a central angle of approximately 70°. The fourth valve core 34 is arranged to span from the first layer L1 to the fourth layer L4. The fourth valve core 34 has at least one first connecting portion 34a, at least one second connecting portion 34b, and at least one blocking portion 34c. The first connecting portion 34a spans two or more layers L1 to L4, allowing axial communication between multiple ports 13; the second connecting portion 34b allows circumferential communication between multiple ports 13; and the blocking portion 34c blocks the ports 13 so that the ports 13 cannot communicate with other ports 13.
[0045] The fourth valve core 34 is softer than the main body 11 of the housing 10 and softer than the rotating shaft 60. The fourth valve core 34 has a sealing surface 34d that slides in contact with the inner wall 12. The sealing surface 34d is pressed against the inner wall 12 by the force applied by the helical spring 70, thereby sealing the space between the sealing surface 34d and the inner wall 12.
[0046] The third valve core 33 and the fourth valve core 34 are circumferentially sized to accommodate two ports 13 arranged circumferentially. Specifically, the third valve core 33 and the fourth valve core 34 have a first column D1 and a second column D2. The third valve core 33 and the fourth valve core 34 can be switched to a connected state in which the first column D1 and the second column D2 are connected to the port 13.
[0047] The directions in which the first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32 face each other are orthogonal to the directions in which the third valve core 33 and the fourth valve core 34 face each other. That is, the first valve core 31, the third valve core 33, the second valve core 32 and the fourth valve core 34 are arranged sequentially with a 90° phase difference in the rotation direction.
[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the rotating shaft 60 extends axially along the housing 10. The rotating shaft 60 connects the first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32 so that they can move in opposite directions, and connects the third valve core 33 and the fourth valve core 34 so that they can move in opposite directions. The rotating shaft 60 switches the rotational positions of the first valve core 31, the second valve core 32, the third valve core 33, and the fourth valve core 34 by rotating it.
[0049] like Figure 5As shown, the rotating shaft 60 has a shaft portion 61 that is generally cylindrical and a valve core support portion 62 that is generally cuboid in shape.
[0050] The shaft 61 is connected via a cylindrical collar 66 (see reference). Figure 2 It is rotatably supported on the cover member 20. A pair of closing members 65 are provided around the shaft portion 61. The shaft portion 61 and the cover member 20 are closed by the closing members 65.
[0051] The end of the valve core support portion 62 facing the cover member 20 is axially continuous with the shaft portion 61. The valve core support portion 62 and the shaft portion 61 are integrally formed. The end of the valve core support portion 62 facing the bottom portion 14 is connected by a cylindrical collar 67 (see reference). Figure 2 It is rotatably supported on the bottom part 14 of the housing 10. The valve core support part 62 has a first flat part 62a, a second flat part 62b, a third flat part 62c and a fourth flat part 62d.
[0052] The first flat portion 62a is disposed opposite to the first valve core 31, and the first valve core 31 is supported by a plurality of helical springs 70.
[0053] The second planar portion 62b is located opposite to the first planar portion 62a across the central axis C. The second planar portion 62b is disposed opposite to the second valve core 32 and is supported by a plurality of helical springs 70.
[0054] The third planar portion 62c is disposed between the first planar portion 62a and the second planar portion 62b. The third planar portion 62c is disposed opposite to the third valve core 33 and is supported by a plurality of helical springs 70.
[0055] The fourth planar portion 62d is disposed between the second planar portion 62b and the first planar portion 62a. The fourth planar portion 62d is disposed opposite to the fourth valve core 34 and is supported by a plurality of helical springs 70.
[0056] The first planar portion 62a and the second planar portion 62b are formed to be wider than the third planar portion 62c and the fourth planar portion 62d in the circumferential direction of the inner wall portion 12. That is, the first planar portion 62a, the second planar portion 62b, the third planar portion 62c, and the fourth planar portion 62d are formed to a width corresponding to the circumferential size of the valve core 30 they each support. On the first planar portion 62a and the second planar portion 62b, a plurality of helical springs 70 are arranged in three rows. On the third planar portion 62c and the fourth planar portion 62d, a plurality of helical springs 70 are arranged in two rows.
[0057] like Figure 2As shown, multiple helical springs 70 are respectively arranged between the first valve core 31 and the rotating shaft 60, between the second valve core 32 and the rotating shaft 60, between the third valve core 33 and the rotating shaft 60, and between the fourth valve core 34 and the rotating shaft 60. The helical springs 70 exert force on the first valve core 31, the second valve core 32, the third valve core 33, and the fourth valve core 34 toward the inner wall portion 12 where the port 13 is formed. The helical springs 70 are arranged in multiple positions that are axially separated.
[0058] The actuator 80 operates by receiving command signals from the controller (not shown). The actuator 80 is connected to the rotating shaft 60 and drives the rotating shaft 60 to rotate. Thus, the actuator 80 can set the position of the rotation direction of the first valve core 31, the second valve core 32, the third valve core 33, and the fourth valve core 34.
[0059] Ideally, the flow path switching valve 1 is configured such that the port 13 is located at the upper part of the housing 10. This allows air mixed with the cooling water flowing internally to be guided to the outside of the flow path switching valve 1 via port 13. Alternatively, the flow path switching valve 1 can be configured such that the cover member 20 is located at the upper part of the housing 10. In this case, air mixed with the cooling water flowing internally can also be guided to the outside of the flow path switching valve 1 via the first port 13a and the second port 13b.
[0060] Next, refer to Figures 6 to 8 The detailed structure of the housing 10 will be explained.
[0061] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Sectional view VI-VI. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Sectional view VII-VII. Figure 8 yes Figure 6 Sectional view of VIII-VIII.
[0062] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the inner wall portion 12 has a first inner wall portion 12a, a second inner wall portion 12b, and a pair of transition portions 12c. The inner wall portion 12 includes: a first inner surface region A1 for the first inner wall portion 12a; a second inner surface region A2 for the second inner wall portion 12b; and a transition region A3 for the transition portions 12c.
[0063] The first inner wall portion 12a is a curved surface provided on a circumferential part of the inner wall portion 12. A plurality of ports 13 are provided on the first inner wall portion 12a. The first inner wall portion 12a is provided parallel to the central axis C. That is, the inclination angle of the first inner wall portion 12a with respect to the central axis C is 0°. The first inner wall portion 12a is provided in the first inner surface area A1 of the inner wall portion 12. The radius of the first inner surface area A1 from the central axis C is the first radius R1.
[0064] In the first inner surface area A1 where the first inner wall portion 12a is provided, at least two ports 13 are arranged in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential length of the first inner surface area A1 is more than twice the circumferential range AP where two ports 13 are provided. Specifically, the central angle of the circumferential range AP where two ports 13 are provided is approximately 60°, and the central angle of the first inner surface area A1 is approximately 150°. In addition, the central angle of the first inner surface area A1 is set to be more than 4 / 3 times the central angle (110°) of the first valve element 31 and the second valve element 32.
[0065] Here, the circumferential sizes of the first valve element 31 and the second valve element 32 are formed to be the sizes for arranging three ports 13 in the circumferential direction. When the first row D1 and the second row D2 of the first valve element 31 and the second valve element 32 are in communication with the port 13 (the first communication state), the entire first row D1 to the third row D3 abuts against the first inner wall portion 12a. In addition, when the second row D2 and the third row D3 of the first valve element 31 and the second valve element 32 are in communication with the port 13 (the second communication state), the entire first row D1 to the third row D3 also abuts against the first inner wall portion 12a.
[0066] Thus, regardless of whether the first valve element 31 and the second valve element 32 are switched to the first communication state or the second communication state, the entire sealing surfaces 31d and 32d of the first valve element 31 and the second valve element 32 abut against the first inner wall portion 12a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first valve element 31 and the second valve element 32 from tilting and thus changing the abutting state.
[0067] The second inner wall portion 12b is provided in the second inner surface area A2 of the inner wall portion 12. The second inner wall portion 12b is opposed to the first inner wall portion 12a across the central axis C. No port 13 is provided on the second inner wall portion 12b.
[0068] As Figure 6 shown, the radius of the second inner wall portion 12b (the second inner surface area A2) from the central axis C is a second radius R2 (R1 < R2) larger than the first radius R1. Specifically, the radius at the position where the second inner wall portion 12b is connected to the bottom surface portion 14 is the smallest, but the radius at this position is the second radius R2. That is, the radius of the entire second inner wall portion 12b is larger than the first radius R1 of the first inner wall portion 12a.
[0069] like Figure 7 As shown, the range of the second inner surface region A2 is 180° or more when viewed from the axial direction. That is, the range of the second inner wall portion 12b is 180° or more when viewed from the axial direction. By setting the range of the second inner surface region A2, where the second inner wall portion 12b is provided, to be 180° or more when viewed from the axial direction, the range of the first inner wall portion 12a with a small radius is reduced, thus facilitating removal from the mold when molding with resin materials or the like.
[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, the radius R2 of the second inner wall portion 12b from the central axis C increases from the bottom portion 14 toward the cover member 20. Specifically, the second radius R2 at the connection portion of the second inner wall portion 12b with the bottom portion 14 is smaller than the maximum second radius R2max at the opening portion of the second inner wall portion 12b for assembly of the cover member 20. <R2max)。
[0071] The sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30 located in the second inner surface region A2 contact the arcuate portion 23, but do not contact the inner wall portion 12 in at least a portion in the axial direction. Specifically, in the second inner surface region A2, the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30 only contact the inner wall portion 12 near the connection with the bottom portion 14 in the second inner wall portion 12b, and do not contact the inner wall portion 12 in the axial direction at a position closer to the cover member 20 than the bottom portion 14.
[0072] Therefore, the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30 contact the arc portion 23, and at least a portion of them do not contact the inner wall portion 12 in the axial direction. This reduces the contact area between the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d and the inner wall portion 12, thereby reducing the sliding resistance.
[0073] The housing 10 is molded from a resin material or the like. Therefore, a draft angle is required in the inner wall portion 12 for axially removing the mold. Therefore, an enlarged diameter portion 17 is provided in the housing 10.
[0074] An enlarged diameter portion 17 is provided in the second inner wall portion 12b. The enlarged diameter portion 17 has a radius from the central axis C that is larger than the radius from the central axis C of the first inner wall portion 12a, and the radius from the central axis C of the enlarged diameter portion 17 varies axially. Specifically, the enlarged diameter portion 17 is formed by varying the radius from the central axis C axially from a second radius R2 to a maximum second radius R2max.
[0075] Alternatively, for example, the radius of the connection portion with the bottom portion 14 and the opening portion provided with the cover member 20 in the second inner wall portion 12b can be set to the maximum second radius R2max, and the radius of the approximately central portion in the axial direction between the two ends can be set to the second radius R2.
[0076] In this way, an enlarged diameter portion 17 is provided in the second inner wall portion 12b. By providing the enlarged diameter portion 17, the sliding resistance between the second inner wall portion 12b and the valve core 30 is reduced. Furthermore, by having the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30 slide in contact with the first inner wall portion 12a, the connection state of multiple ports 13 can be switched while ensuring sealing. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both ensuring sealing and reducing sliding resistance.
[0077] The relative angle between the inner wall portion 12 and the central axis C is a predetermined angle α° including 0° in the first inner wall portion 12a, while the relative angle between the inner wall portion 12 and the central axis C is an angle β° greater than the predetermined angle α (α<β) in the second inner wall portion 12b.
[0078] Therefore, when the housing 10 is molded using a resin material or the like, the draft angle for ejecting the mold allows the inclination angle of the second inner wall portion 12b to be larger than that of the first inner wall portion 12a, thereby enabling the formation of the enlarged diameter portion 17. Furthermore, by providing the enlarged diameter portion 17, the sliding resistance between the second inner wall portion 12b and the valve core 30 is reduced.
[0079] It should be noted that in the housing 10, the tilt angle α of the first inner wall portion 12a is set to 0° (no draft angle is provided), so the tilt angle β° of the second inner wall portion 12b is set to be larger than that in the case where the first inner wall portion 12a also has a draft angle.
[0080] The cover member 20 has an arc portion 23, which is formed in an arc shape along the inner wall portion 12, protruding toward the body portion 11, and slidingly contacting a portion of the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d.
[0081] By providing an arc-shaped portion 23 on the cover member 20, and having a portion of the arc-shaped portion 23 in sliding contact with the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d, the contact area between the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d and the arc-shaped portion 23 can be reduced, thereby lowering the sliding resistance.
[0082] The arc-shaped portion 23 is located on the inner periphery of the second inner wall portion 12b in the second inner surface region A2. The arc-shaped portion 23 is formed with a central angle of 180° or more. Chamfered portions are formed on the inner periphery of both ends of the arc-shaped portion 23. As a result, when the valve core 30 moves from the transition region A3 to the second inner surface region A2, steps are prevented, thus enabling the valve core 30 to slide smoothly.
[0083] The third radius R3 of the sliding contact surface 23a in the arc portion 23, which is in sliding contact with the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d, is greater than the first radius R1 of the first inner wall portion 12a from the central axis C.
[0084] Therefore, the radius R3 of the sliding contact surface 23a of the arc portion 23 is larger than the radius R1 of the first inner wall portion 12a. Thus, when the valve core 30 slides in contact with the arc portion 23, the coil spring 70 is in an extended state. Consequently, the contact area between the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d and the arc portion 23 becomes smaller, and the pressing force of the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d becomes smaller, thereby further reducing the sliding resistance.
[0085] It should be noted that the third radius R3 of the sliding contact surface 23a is the same as the second radius R2 at the connection point with the bottom part 14 in the second inner wall portion 12b (R3 = R2). Therefore, when the valve core 30 is located in the second inner surface region A2, the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d slide near the connection point with the bottom part 14 in the second inner wall portion 12b and the sliding contact surface 23a of the arc portion 23. Thus, the two ends of the valve core 30 slide in contact with portions of the same radius in the axial direction, thereby preventing the valve core 30 from tilting and changing its posture.
[0086] A transition portion 12c is provided in the transition region A3 of the inner wall portion 12. The transition portion 12c is a surface that connects the first inner wall portion 12a and the second inner wall portion 12b. A pair of transition portions 12c are provided in such a way that the two ends of the first inner wall portion 12a and the second inner wall portion 12b are connected to each other. The transition portion 12c is formed in a generally planar shape, but it can also be formed in a curved shape.
[0087] A transition region A3 is located between the first inner surface region A1 and the second inner surface region A2. A pair of transition regions A3 are provided at each end of the first inner surface region A1 and the second inner surface region A2. The distance of the transition region A3 from the central axis C is greater than the first radius R1 and less than the second radius R2. The distance of the transition region A3 from the central axis C gradually increases in a manner that it is the same as the first radius R1 at the position connecting with the first inner surface region A1, and the same as the second radius R2 at the position connecting with the second inner surface region A2.
[0088] Next, refer to Figure 9 A modified example of the shell 10 will be described.
[0089] Figure 9 This is a perspective view illustrating a modified example of the housing 10.
[0090] In this modified example, the first inner wall portion 12a (first inner surface region A1) and the transition portion 12c (transition region A3) have a sliding member 12d as a low frictional resistance portion.
[0091] The coefficient of friction of the sliding member 12d is less than the coefficient of friction of the second inner wall portion 12b of the second inner surface region A2. The sliding member 12d is, for example, formed of a resin material with a coefficient of friction smaller than that of the material forming the main body portion 11. The sliding member 12d is assembled to the main body portion 11 as a separate component from the main body portion 11. Alternatively, the sliding member 12d can be integrally provided in the main body portion 11.
[0092] In this way, by setting a sliding member 12d with a friction coefficient smaller than that of the second inner wall portion 12b, the sliding resistance between the sliding member 12d and the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30 can be reduced compared to the case where no sliding member 12d is set.
[0093] It should be noted that, with the sliding member 12d in place, the radius of the inner circumferential surface of the sliding member 12d from the central axis C is the first radius R1. Therefore, the radial position of the valve core 30 will not change in the first inner surface region A1.
[0094] Next, refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The following describes a variation of this embodiment.
[0095] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 1, which is a modified embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 yes Figure 9 Enlarged view of the main parts.
[0096] exist Figure 10 and Figure 11In the modified example shown, the housing 10 has a plurality of slits 16 as enlarged diameter portions 17.
[0097] like Figure 10 As shown, slit 16 extends axially along the inner wall portion 12 of the housing 10. Slit 16 is provided in the second inner wall portion 12b. Slit 16 corresponds to an enlarged diameter portion 17, which has a portion whose radius from the central axis C is larger than the radius from the central axis C of the first inner wall portion 12a, and the radius from the central axis C of the enlarged diameter portion 17 varies radially. In this case, the enlarged diameter portion 17 is formed by varying its radius from the central axis C radially.
[0098] The slit 16 reduces the contact area between the inner wall portion 12, located at other positions opposite the inner wall portion 12 with the port 13 across the central axis C, and the sealing portion of the valve core 30 (described later), thereby reducing sliding resistance. This reduces the driving torque generated by the actuator 80, allowing for the use of a smaller actuator 80. Consequently, the flow path switching valve 1 can be miniaturized as a whole.
[0099] like Figure 11 As shown, the slits 16 are formed such that adjacent slits 16 in the circumferential direction are connected to each other by a continuous, smooth curved surface. An abutment surface 16a is formed between adjacent slits 16.
[0100] The contact surface 16a is a curved surface with the same curvature as the inner wall portion 12, and constitutes a part of the inner wall portion 12. By providing the contact surface 16a, the sealing portion of the valve core 30 is in surface contact with the contact surface 16a instead of a line contact, so that the force acting on the valve core 30 when the sealing portion of the valve core 30 is pressed against the inner wall portion 12 can be dispersed.
[0101] The above implementation method achieves the following effects.
[0102] The flow path switching valve 1 includes: a housing 10 having a cylindrical inner wall portion 12 with multiple ports 13 opened in a manner biased towards a portion in the circumferential direction; and multiple valve cores 30 housed inside the housing 10 in a manner rotatable about a central axis C, having sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d that slide in contact with the inner wall portion 12, for switching the connection state of the multiple ports 13. The inner wall portion 12 has: a first inner wall portion 12a having multiple ports 13; and a second inner wall portion 12b opposite to the first inner wall portion 12a across the central axis C, and without ports 13. The second inner wall portion 12b has an enlarged diameter portion 17 having a portion whose radius from the central axis C is larger than that of the first inner wall portion 12a from the central axis C, and the radius of the enlarged diameter portion 17 from the central axis C varies in the axial or radial direction.
[0103] In addition, the flow path switching valve 1 also includes: a rotating shaft 60 extending axially, the rotation of which switches the rotation position of the valve core 30; and a plurality of helical springs 70 disposed between the rotating shaft 60 and the valve core 30, which apply force to the valve core 30 toward the inner wall portion 12, and the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d are pressed against the inner wall portion 12 by the force applied by the helical springs 70, thereby sealing the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d with the inner wall portion 12.
[0104] Based on these configurations, the inner wall portion 12 of the housing 10 has: a first inner wall portion 12a, which has multiple ports 13; and a second inner wall portion 12b, which is opposite to the first inner wall portion 12a across the central axis C, and does not have ports 13. The second inner wall portion 12b has an enlarged diameter portion 17, which has a radius from the central axis C that is larger than that of the first inner wall portion 12a from the central axis C, and the radius of the enlarged diameter portion 17 from the central axis C varies axially or radially. Therefore, by having the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30 slide in contact with the first inner wall portion 12a, the connection state of the multiple ports 13 can be switched while ensuring sealing. By providing the enlarged diameter portion 17, the sliding resistance between the second inner wall portion 12b and the valve core 30 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both ensuring sealing and reducing sliding resistance.
[0105] The enlarged diameter portion 17 is formed by varying the radius from the central axis C in the axial direction. The relative angle between the inner wall portion 12 and the central axis C is a predetermined angle α including 0° in the first inner wall portion 12a, while the relative angle between the inner wall portion 12 and the central axis C is an angle β larger than the predetermined angle α in the second inner wall portion 12b.
[0106] The housing 10 has: a main body 11 having an inner wall 12, the main body 11 having a plurality of ports 13; a bottom part 14 covering one axial end of the main body 11; and a cover member 20 covering the other axial end of the main body 11, wherein the radius R2 of the second inner wall part 12b from the central axis C increases from the bottom part 14 toward the cover member 20.
[0107] Based on these configurations, when the housing 10 is molded using a resin material or the like, the draft angle for ejecting the mold allows the inclination angle of the second inner wall portion 12b to be larger than that of the first inner wall portion 12a, thereby enabling the formation of the enlarged diameter portion 17. By providing the enlarged diameter portion 17, the sliding resistance between the second inner wall portion 12b and the valve core 30 is reduced.
[0108] The cover member 20 has an arc portion 23, which is formed in an arc shape along the inner wall portion 12, protruding toward the body portion 11, and slidingly contacting a portion of the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d.
[0109] According to this configuration, the arc portion 23 of the cover member 20 slides in contact with a portion of the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d, thereby reducing the contact area between the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d and the arc portion 23, and reducing the sliding resistance.
[0110] The radius R3 of the sliding contact surface 23a in the arc portion 23 that slides in contact with the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d from the central axis is greater than the radius R1 of the first inner wall portion 12a from the central axis.
[0111] According to this configuration, the radius R3 of the sliding contact surface 23a of the arc portion 23 is larger than the radius R1 of the first inner wall portion 12a. Therefore, when the valve core 30 slides in contact with the arc portion 23, the coil spring 70 is in an extended state. Consequently, the contact area between the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d and the arc portion 23 becomes smaller, and the pressing force of the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d becomes smaller, thus further reducing the sliding resistance.
[0112] The sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30 located in the second inner surface region A2 are in contact with the arc portion 23, but at least a portion of them are not in contact with the inner wall portion 12 in the axial direction.
[0113] According to this configuration, the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30 are in contact with the arc portion 23, and at least a portion of them are not in contact with the inner wall portion 12 in the axial direction. Therefore, the contact area between the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d and the inner wall portion 12 can be reduced, thereby reducing the sliding resistance.
[0114] The range of the second inner wall portion 12b is 180° or more when viewed from the axial direction. That is, the range of the second inner surface region A2 is 180° or more when viewed from the axial direction.
[0115] According to this configuration, the range of the second inner surface region A2, which has the second inner wall portion 12b, is set to be 180° or more when viewed from the axial direction, thereby facilitating the removal of the mold when molding with resin materials or the like.
[0116] The first inner surface region A1 has at least two ports 13 arranged in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential length of the first inner surface region A1 is more than twice the circumferential range AP with the two ports 13.
[0117] According to this configuration, the circumferential size of the first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32 is such that three ports 13 are arranged circumferentially. Therefore, when the first column D1 and the second column D2 of the first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32 are connected to the ports 13, the first column D1 to the third column D3 are entirely in contact with the first inner wall portion 12a. Furthermore, when the second column D2 and the third column D3 of the first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32 are connected to the ports 13, the first column D1 to the third column D3 are also entirely in contact with the first inner wall portion 12a.
[0118] Therefore, the sealing surfaces 31d and 32d of the first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32 are in contact with the first inner wall portion 12a, thus preventing the first valve core 31 and the second valve core 32 from tilting and changing the contact state.
[0119] The first inner surface region A1 and the transition region A3 have a sliding member 12d, the coefficient of friction of which is less than the coefficient of friction of the second inner wall portion 12b of the second inner surface region A2.
[0120] According to this configuration, by providing a sliding member 12d with a friction coefficient smaller than that of the second inner wall portion 12b, the sliding resistance between the sliding member 12d and the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30 can be reduced compared to the case where no sliding member 12d is provided.
[0121] The enlarged diameter portion 17 is formed by varying the radius from the central axis C in the radial direction. The enlarged diameter portion 17 has a plurality of slits 16 provided in the second inner wall portion 12b of the housing 10 extending axially.
[0122] Based on these configurations, the slit 16 reduces the contact area between the inner wall portion 12, located at other positions opposite the inner wall portion 12 with the port 13 across the central axis C, and the sealing portion of the valve core 30 (described later), thereby reducing sliding resistance. This reduces the driving torque generated by the actuator 80, allowing for the use of a smaller actuator 80. Therefore, the flow path switching valve 1 can be miniaturized overall.
[0123] The first inner surface region A1 and the transition region A3 have a sliding member 12d, the coefficient of friction of which is less than the coefficient of friction of the second inner wall portion 12b of the second inner surface region A2.
[0124] According to this configuration, by providing a sliding member 12d with a friction coefficient smaller than that of the second inner wall portion 12b, the sliding resistance between the sliding member 12d and the sealing surfaces 31d, 32d, 33d, and 34d of the valve core 30 can be reduced compared to the case where no sliding member 12d is provided.
[0125] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above embodiments only illustrate a part of the application examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configuration of the above embodiments.
[0126] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-062269, filed April 6, 2023, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-051495, filed March 27, 2024, both filed with the Japan Patent Office. The entire contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
1. A flow path switching valve, comprising: The shell has a cylindrical inner wall portion and multiple ports that open in a manner biased towards a portion present in the circumference; and Multiple valve cores are housed inside the housing in a manner that allows them to rotate about a central axis, and have sealing surfaces that slide in contact with the inner wall, thereby switching the connection state of the multiple ports. The inner wall portion has: a first inner wall portion having the plurality of ports; and a second inner wall portion opposite to the first inner wall portion across the central axis, and without the ports. The second inner wall portion has an enlarged diameter portion, which has a radius from the central axis that is larger than the radius from the central axis of the first inner wall portion, and the radius from the central axis of the enlarged diameter portion varies in the axial or radial direction.
2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 further comprises: A rotating shaft, extending along the axial direction, is used to switch the rotational position of the valve core by rotating the rotating shaft; and A force-applying component is disposed between the rotating shaft and the valve core, applying force to the valve core toward the inner wall portion. The sealing surface is pressed against the inner wall by the force applied by the force-applying member, thereby sealing the space between the sealing surface and the inner wall.
3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 2, wherein, The enlarged diameter section is formed by varying the radius from the central axis in the axial direction. The relative angle between the inner wall portion and the central axis is a predetermined angle including 0° in the first inner wall portion, while the relative angle between the inner wall portion and the central axis is greater than the predetermined angle in the second inner wall portion.
4. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3, wherein, The housing has: The main body portion has the inner wall portion, and the main body portion has the plurality of ports; The bottom, covering one end of the main body portion along its axial direction; and The cover portion covers the other end of the main body portion along its axial direction. The radius of the second inner wall portion from the central axis increases from the bottom towards the cover portion.
5. The flow path switching valve according to claim 4, wherein, The cover has an arc-shaped portion that is formed along the inner wall portion, protrudes toward the body portion, and slides in contact with a portion of the sealing surface.
6. The flow path switching valve according to claim 5, wherein, The radius of the sliding contact surface in the arc portion that slides in contact with the sealing surface from the central axis is greater than the radius of the first inner wall portion from the central axis.
7. The flow path switching valve according to claim 6, wherein, The inner wall portion includes: A first inner surface region is provided for the first inner wall portion, and the radius from the central axis is a first radius; A second inner surface region, for which the second inner wall portion is disposed, has a second radius from the central axis that is larger than the first radius; and The transition region is located between the first inner surface region and the second inner surface region, and its distance from the central axis is greater than the first radius and less than the second radius.
8. The flow path switching valve according to claim 7, wherein, The sealing surface of the valve core located in the second inner surface region contacts the arcuate portion, and at least a portion in the axial direction does not contact the inner wall portion.
9. The flow path switching valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The range of the second inner wall portion is greater than 180° when viewed from the axial direction.
10. The flow path switching valve according to claim 9, wherein, The inner wall portion includes: A first inner surface region is provided for the first inner wall portion, and the radius from the central axis is a first radius; A second inner surface region, for which the second inner wall portion is disposed, has a second radius from the central axis that is larger than the first radius; and A transition region is located between the first inner surface region and the second inner surface region, and its distance from the central axis is greater than the first radius and less than the second radius. The range of the second inner surface region is defined as greater than 180° when viewed from the axial direction.
11. The flow path switching valve according to claim 10, wherein, The first inner surface region has at least two ports arranged in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential length of the first inner surface region is more than twice the circumferential range of the two ports.
12. The flow path switching valve according to claim 11, wherein, The first inner surface region and the transition region have a low friction resistance portion, and the friction coefficient of the low friction resistance portion is less than the friction coefficient of the second inner wall portion of the second inner surface region.
13. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The enlarged diameter section is formed by varying the radius from the central axis in the radial direction.
14. The flow path switching valve according to claim 13, wherein, The enlarged diameter portion has a plurality of slits extending along the axial direction on the second inner wall portion of the housing.
15. The flow path switching valve according to claim 14, wherein, The inner wall portion includes: A first inner surface region is provided for the first inner wall portion, and the radius from the central axis is a first radius; A second inner surface region, for which the second inner wall portion is disposed, has a second radius from the central axis that is larger than the first radius; and A transition region is located between the first inner surface region and the second inner surface region, and its distance from the central axis is greater than the first radius and less than the second radius. The first inner surface region and the transition region have a low friction resistance portion, and the friction coefficient of the low friction resistance portion is less than the friction coefficient of the second inner wall portion of the second inner surface region.