FLOW CHANGE VALVE

Abstract

Flow passage switching valve for switching a flow passage through which a fluid flows, or for opening or closing the flow passage, wherein the valve has the following: a valve body (302) which rotates about a valve axis (CLv) and has a valve body outer circumferential surface (302a) which is directed outwards in a valve radial direction (DRr) and extends to surround the valve axis (CLv), wherein the valve radial direction (DRr) is a radial direction of the valve axis (CLv); a valve body (32) which has the following: a valve chamber (321) that accommodates the valve body (302); and a main inner body circumferential surface (322) which is opposite the outer circumferential surface (302a) of the valve body and faces the valve chamber (321); and an elastic sealing component (34) which is received in the valve chamber (321) and is placed outside the valve body (302) in the valve radial direction (DRr) to be arranged between the valve body outer circumferential surface (302a) and the main body inner circumferential surface (322) in the valve radial direction (DRr), wherein the main valve body (32) further has a first opening hole (32a) and a second opening hole (32b), each of which passes through the main valve body (32) from the valve chamber (321) in the valve radial direction (DRr); the second opening hole (32b) is located side by side with the first opening hole (32a) in a circumferential direction (DRc) of the valve axis (CLv); the valve body (302) has one or at least two valve body openings (302b, 302c) that open outwards in the valve radial direction (DRr); one or at least two valve body openings (302b, 302c) are connected to one of the first opening hole (32a) and the second opening hole (32b) according to a rotational position of the valve body (302); the sealing component (34) has the following features: a first sealing part (341) and a second sealing part (342), each clamped between the outer circumferential surface (302a) of the valve body and the inner circumferential surface (322) of the main body; and a joining element (345) that connects the first sealing element (341) and the second sealing element (342) together; the first sealing part (341) extends to surround a circumferential edge (322a) of the first opening hole (32a) on the side of the main body inner circumferential surface (322); when an opening of one or at least two valve body openings (302b, 302c) is connected to the first opening hole (32a), the first sealing part (341) prevents the escape of the fluid flowing between the one opening and the first opening hole (32a); the second sealing part (342) extends to surround a circumferential edge (322b) of the second opening hole (32b) on the side of the main body inner circumferential surface (322); when one opening of the one or at least two valve body openings (302b, 302c) is connected to the second opening hole (32b), the second sealing part (342) prevents the escape of the fluid flowing between the one opening and the second opening hole (32b); the joining part (345) has a first joining end section (345a) which is connected to the first sealing part (341) and a second joining end section (345b) which is connected to the second sealing part (342), and is placed at a position where a mutual distance (A1) between the first sealing part (341) and the second sealing part (342) in the circumferential direction (DRc) is the smallest; each of at least the first joining end section (345a) and the second joining end section (345b) of the joining part (345) is pressed outwards in the valve radial direction (DRr) through the valve body outer circumferential surface (302a) in order to be elastically deformed, wherein the flow-through switching valve is characterized in that the sealing component (34) further comprises a tubular part (350) which has a tubular shape around the valve axis (CLv) and which connects the first sealing part (341) and the second sealing part (342) together; the joining part (345) is designed as a part of the tubular part (350); and the joining part (345) bulges outwards from an outer circumferential surface (350b) of the tubular part (350) which is formed around the joining part (345) in the valve radial direction (DRr).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow passage switching valve for switching or opening / closing a flow passage through which a fluid flows. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] One such flow-through switching valve is known, for example, as described in patent document 1. The flow-through switching valve described in patent document 1 has a rotary actuator (specifically, an actuator part) comprising a motor and the like, a valve body, a sealing element, and a valve body. The valve body includes a valve chamber and an outlet connected to the valve chamber. The sealing element is made of an elastic material and is located within the valve chamber. The sealing element has a cylindrical body with a plurality of through-holes arranged side-by-side in a circumferential direction, an outer rib, and an inner rib.The outer rib of the sealing component projects outwards from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body along the circumference of the through holes of the cylindrical body, and the inner rib projects inwards from the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical body along the circumference of the through holes.

[0003] The valve body has a valve spindle connected to the rotary actuator and a valve body section that is located inside the sealing component within the valve chamber. Furthermore, the inner rib of the sealing component rests against the outer circumferential surface of the valve body section, and the outer rib of the sealing component rests against the inner circumferential surface that forms the valve chamber of the main valve body.

[0004] The flow-through switching valve of patent document 1 then opens and closes, or switches, the outlet of the valve main body by rotating the valve body part via the valve spindle with the rotary drive device. During this process, the valve body part rotates and slides relative to the inner rib of the sealing component in accordance with the rotation of the valve body part. DOCUMENT OF THE STATE OF TECHNOLOGY PATENT DOCUMENT

[0005] Patent document 1: JP 2015- 34 560 A

[0006] FR 2 979 406 A1 discloses a flow-through switching valve according to the preamble of claim 1. Another flow-through switching valve is known from EP 2 201 434 B1. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In the flow-through switching valve of patent document 1, described above, a valve body opening, which is a hole connected to the outlet of the valve body, is formed in the valve body portion of the valve body. The valve body opening opens outwards in a radial direction of the valve body portion and also rotates naturally when the valve body rotates. Then, when the inner rib of the sealing element overlaps with the circumference of the valve body opening at a certain rotational position of the valve body, the inner rib is released from a state in which it is pressed through the outer circumferential surface of the valve body portion and enters the valve body opening slightly.

[0008] As the valve body continues to rotate from this position, the inner rib of the sealing element returns from its released state, in which it has slightly entered the valve body opening, to its compressed state. During this process, the inner rib is trapped by the circumference of the valve body opening, thus hindering the rotation of the valve body. In other words, as the valve body rotates, it is temporarily trapped by the inner rib when the inner rib of the sealing element returns from its released to its compressed state, and therefore the torque required to rotate the valve body temporarily increases.

[0009] With such a variation in torque accompanying the rotation of the valve body when the torque temporarily increases, the drive component, in order to rotate the valve body of the flow-through switching valve, must be able to output a torque equal to or higher than a peak torque, which is the maximum torque, when the torque temporarily increases.

[0010] In a flow-through switching valve, an actuator is therefore generally used in accordance with a peak torque (namely, the maximum value of a torque), and the capture of the inner rib of the sealing component described above causes an increase in the peak torque in the flow-through switching valve of patent document 1. Since no measure is taken to suppress the capture of the inner rib, it is difficult to achieve a reduction in the size of a flow-through switching valve with an actuator in the flow-through switching valve of patent document 1. The present inventors obtained the above findings as a result of detailed studies.

[0011] The present disclosure addresses the aforementioned problems. Thus, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a flow-through switching valve that can reduce the size of an actuator part required to rotate a valve body by decreasing the maximum value of the torque required to rotate the valve body.

[0012] The object of the invention is achieved with a flow-through switching valve according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0013] According to the invention, the joining part of the sealing component has a first joining end section connected to the first sealing part and a second joining end section connected to the second sealing part, and is positioned where the distance between the first and second sealing parts is minimized in the circumferential direction. Each of at least the first and second joining end sections of the joining part is pressed outwards in the valve radial direction by the outer circumferential surface of the valve body, causing it to be elastically deformed. Consequently, the non-uniformity of the sealing component in a radial inward direction is suppressed, and the first and second sealing parts are not easily caught by the circumferential edge of the valve body opening when the valve body rotates. As a result, the maximum torque required to rotate the valve body can be reduced.Then, by reducing the maximum value of the torque required to rotate the valve body, it is possible to reduce the size of the drive component used to rotate the valve body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The foregoing and other functions, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing a general design of a thermal management system in which a flow-through switching valve according to a first embodiment is used which is not the subject of the claims, but serves to illustrate the invention; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the flow-through switching valve according to the first embodiment and shows a valve main body and a sealing component by virtually cutting away the valve main body around a valve body; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a rotating part alone. Fig. 2 according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 is a sectional view of the flow-through switching valve according to the first embodiment taken on a virtual cross-section that is perpendicular to a valve axis and viewed from above, and shows the state of connecting a first opening hole and a third opening hole to each other by a valve body and of closing the second opening hole with the valve body; Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing in part a valve body and a sealing component in the state in which the valve body is located at a first valve body position, according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a sealing component alone in a free state according to the first embodiment; Fig. Figure 7 is a flattened view, created by flattening a view of a sealing component, into Fig. 4 according to the first embodiment, from the view from the center of a valve chamber outwards in a valve radial direction by considering the valve circumferential direction as a paper horizontal direction, with the exception of a valve body from the figure, and removing a first and second sealing part and their surroundings; Fig. 8 is a sectional view along a line VIII-VIII in Fig. 7, wherein a valve body is excluded from the figure; Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view corresponding to Fig. 5, which shows in a detached manner a valve body and a sealing component according to the first embodiment in the middle of the rotation of the valve body from a first valve body position to a second valve body position; Fig. 10 is a view in the direction of arrow X in Fig. 9; Fig. Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a sealing component forming a flow-through switching valve according to a comparative example, in a free state. Fig. 6 corresponds to the first embodiment, the comparative example being not the subject of the invention; Fig. Figure 12 is a perspective view that shows, in an isolated manner, a valve body and a sealing component according to the comparative example and to Fig. 5 corresponds to the first embodiment; Fig. 13 is a view taken in the direction of arrow XIII in Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a sectional view, taken along a line XIV-XIV in Fig. 13 is taken and shows a valve body and a sealing component in a detached manner; Fig. 15 is a sectional view of a flow diverter valve according to the comparison example taken at the same cross-section as Fig. 4 in the case where a valve body is located at a first valve body position; Fig. Figure 16 is a flattened view, which is created by flattening a view of a sealing component, in Fig. 15 according to the comparative example, from the perspective of the center of a valve chamber outwards in a valve radial direction, is obtained by considering the valve circumferential direction as a paper horizontal direction that shows the sealing component alone and that establishes a positional relationship between a first valve body opening and the sealing component in Fig. 15 shows; Fig. 17 is a sectional view of a flow diverter valve taken at line XVII-XVII in Fig. 16 according to the comparative example; Fig. Figure 18 is a sectional view of a flow diverter valve according to the comparative example taken at the same cross-section as Fig. 15 in the state of rotating a valve body from the rotational position in Fig. 15 and the capture of a second sealing component by the surroundings of a first valve body opening; Fig. Figure 19 is a development view showing a positional relationship between a first valve body opening and a sealing component in Fig. 18 in a similar way to Fig. 16 shows; Fig. 20 is a sectional view of a flow diverter valve according to the comparative example, which is located on a line XX-XX in Fig. 19 is taken, corresponding to Fig. 17; Fig. Figure 21 is a view showing a relationship between a rotation angle (specifically a rotation position) of a valve body on the horizontal axis and a torque Tb for rotating the valve body on the vertical axis in a flow-through switching valve according to the comparative example; Fig. 22 is a sectional view of a flow diverter valve according to the first embodiment, taken at the same cross-section as Fig. 4 in the middle of switching a valve body from a first valve body position to a second valve body position; Fig. Figure 23 is a view that shows a relationship between a rotation angle (specifically a rotational position) and a torque Tb of a valve body in the same coordinate system as Fig. 21 shows in the manner of comparing the first embodiment and the comparative example; Fig. Figure 24 is a schematic perspective view showing a sealing component alone, which forms a flow-through switching valve according to a second embodiment, in a free state and to Fig. 6 corresponds to the first embodiment, the second embodiment being not the subject of the claims, but serving to explain the invention; Fig. Figure 25 is a sectional view showing part XXV in Fig. Figure 24 shows a virtual cross-section taken from above, passing through the center of a first sealing part and perpendicular to a valve axis, as shown in the second embodiment; Fig. Figure 26 is a schematic perspective view showing a sealing component alone, which forms a flow-through switching valve according to a third embodiment, in a free state and to Fig. 24 corresponds to the second embodiment, the third embodiment being not the subject of the claims, but serving to explain the invention; Fig. 27 is a view taken in the direction of arrow XXVII in Fig. 26; Fig. 28 is a sectional view taken along line XXVIII-XXVIII in Fig. 27 according to the third embodiment; Fig. Figure 29 is an enlarged, detailed view showing Part XXIX in Fig. 28 shows; Fig. Figure 30 is a schematic perspective view showing a sealing component alone, forming a flow-through switching valve according to a fourth embodiment, in a free state and to Fig. 26 corresponds to the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment being not the subject of the claims, but serving to explain the invention; Fig. 31 is a view that points in the direction of arrow XXXI in Fig. 30 is taken and to Fig. 27 corresponds to the third embodiment; Fig. 32 is a sectional view, located along a line XXXII-XXXII in Fig. 31 according to the fourth embodiment is taken and to Fig. 28 corresponds to the third embodiment; Fig. Figure 33 is a schematic perspective view showing a sealing component alone, forming a flow-through switching valve according to a fifth embodiment, in a free state and to Fig. 30 corresponds to the fourth embodiment, the fifth embodiment being the subject of the claims; Fig. Figure 34 is a sectional view of a flow-through switching valve according to a modified example of the first embodiment, which has the same cross-section as Fig. 4 is taken and to Fig. 4 corresponds to the first embodiment, the modified example being not the subject of the claims, but serving to illustrate the invention; Fig. Figure 35 is a schematic perspective view showing a sealing component alone, forming a flow-through switching valve according to a first modified example of the second embodiment, in a free state and to Fig. 24 corresponds to the second embodiment, wherein the first modified example is not the subject of the claims, but serves to illustrate the invention; and Fig. Figure 36 is a schematic perspective view showing a sealing component alone, forming a flow-through switching valve according to a second modified example of the second embodiment, in a free state and to Fig. 24 corresponds to the second embodiment, the second modified example being not the subject of the claims, but serving to illustrate the invention. EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTING THE INVENTION

[0015] Exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure are explained below with reference to the drawings. In the following exemplary embodiments, parts that are identical or equivalent to each other are represented by an identical reference numeral in the drawings. (First embodiment)

[0016] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a general design of a thermal management system 10 according to the present embodiment. The thermal management system 10, which is in Fig. Figure 1 shows a system that is mounted, for example, on an automobile such as a hybrid vehicle. The thermal management system 10 generates cold and hot water through a refrigeration cycle 12 and performs cooling or temperature control by supplying the cold and hot water to a variety of devices 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d, which include a heat exchanger for air conditioning. Examples of the devices 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d are an inverter, a drive unit, an electric motor, and a battery.

[0017] In other words, the heat management system 10 circulates cold water as a primary heat exchange medium and warm water as a secondary heat exchange medium, the warm water having a temperature higher than that of the cold water. The heat management system 10 then switches between the cold water and the warm water, alternately supplying them to the multitude of devices 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d, respectively. [This is shown in...] Fig. 1 Arrow FL1 indicates the flow direction of the cold water, arrow FL2 indicates the flow direction of the warm water, and arrow FL3 indicates the flow direction of a refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit 12. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, each of the first heat exchange medium and the second heat exchange medium is an aqueous solution, specifically a liquid containing an antifreeze solution, but it can also be a gas.

[0018] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the heat management system 10 has as its main components a refrigeration circuit 12, a cold water pump 13, a hot water pump 14, a cold water supply channel 16, a hot water supply channel 17, a variety of inlet-side diverter valves 18a, 18b and 18c, which are three-way valves, and a variety of outlet-side diverter valves 19a, 19b and 19c, which are three-way valves.

[0019] Refrigeration circuit 12 cools the cold water circulating in the heat management system 10 and also heats the warm water circulating in the heat management system 10. In short, refrigeration circuit 12 acts as a heat pump to transfer heat from the cold water to the warm water.

[0020] The refrigeration circuit 12 is a vapor compression refrigeration circuit and has a compressor 121, a water-cooled condenser 122, an expansion valve 123 and a cooling unit 124. These components 121, 122, 123 and 124 are connected in a circular arrangement by pipes and form a refrigerant circulation channel in which a refrigerant circulates.

[0021] The compressor 121 draws in refrigerant from the cooling unit 124, compresses the refrigerant, and then delivers it to the water-cooled condenser 122. The water-cooled condenser 122 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the warm water. The water-cooled condenser 122 condenses the refrigerant and heats the warm water by transferring heat from the refrigerant to the warm water.

[0022] A refrigerant flows from the water-cooled condenser 122 into the expansion valve 123. The expansion valve 123 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant and expands the refrigerant flowing in from the water-cooled condenser 122, allowing the depressurized and expanded refrigerant to flow to the cooling unit 124. The cooling unit 124 is a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the cold water. The refrigerant flows from the expansion valve 123 into the cooling unit 124, and the cooling unit 124 evaporates the refrigerant and cools the cold water by transferring heat from the cold water to the refrigerant.

[0023] The cold water pump 13 has a cold water intake port 13a and a cold water discharge port 13b and discharges the cold water that has been drawn in through the cold water intake port 13a through the cold water discharge port 13b. The cold water that has been discharged through the cold water discharge port 13b is cooled by the cooling device 124 and then flows to the cold water supply channel 16.

[0024] The hot water pump 14 has a hot water intake port 14a and a hot water discharge port 14b and discharges the hot water, which has been drawn in through the hot water intake port 14a, through the hot water discharge port 14b. The hot water discharged through the hot water discharge port 14b is heated by the water-cooled condenser 122 and then flows to the hot water supply channel 17.

[0025] The diverter valves 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b, and 19c each switch the flow of a fluid as either cold water or hot water in the heat management system 10. Specifically, the first inlet-side diverter valve 18a is a flow-through diverter valve for connecting the cold water supply channel 16 and the hot water supply channel 17 alternatively to a first inlet pipe 20a, which is connected to the inlet side of a first device 11a. Furthermore, the first outlet-side diverter valve 19a is a flow-through diverter valve for connecting a first outlet pipe 21a, which is connected to the outlet side of the first device 11a, alternatively to the cold water intake port 13a of the cold water pump 13 and the hot water intake port 14a of the hot water pump 14.

[0026] Cold or warm water flowing from the first inlet pipe 20a into the first device 11a flows to the first outlet pipe 21a after the heat has been exchanged inside the first device 11a. That is, the first device 11a is cooled by cold water when cold water flows through it, and heated by warm water when warm water flows through it.

[0027] The first inlet-side diverter valve 18a and the first outlet-side diverter valve 19a operate in conjunction with each other. Specifically, when the first inlet-side diverter valve 18a connects the cold water supply channel 16 to the first inlet pipe 20a, the first outlet-side diverter valve 19a connects the first outlet pipe 21a to the cold water suction port 13a of the cold water pump 13. The connection of the first inlet-side diverter valve 18a, which is connected to the hot water supply channel 17, is closed by the first inlet-side diverter valve 18a, and the connection of the first outlet-side diverter valve 19a, which is connected to the hot water suction port 14a of the hot water pump 14, is closed by the first outlet-side diverter valve 19a.

[0028] Conversely, when the first inlet-side diverter valve 18a connects the hot water supply channel 17 to the first inlet pipe 20a, the first outlet-side diverter valve 19a connects the first outlet pipe 21a to the hot water suction port 14a of the hot water pump 14. The connection of the first inlet-side diverter valve 18a, which is connected to the cold water supply channel 16, is closed by the first inlet-side diverter valve 18a, and the connection of the first outlet-side diverter valve 19a, which is connected to the cold water suction port 13a of the cold water pump 13, is closed by the first outlet-side diverter valve 19a.

[0029] The second inlet-side diverter valve 18b is a flow-through diverter valve for connecting the second inlet pipe 20b, which is connected to the inlet side of the second device 11b, and the third inlet pipe 20c, which is connected to the inlet side of the third device 11c, alternatively to the hot water supply channel 17. Furthermore, the second outlet-side diverter valve 19b is a flow-through diverter valve for connecting the second outlet pipe 21b, which is connected to the outlet side of the second device 11b, and the third outlet pipe 21c, which is connected to the outlet side of the third device 11c, alternatively to the hot water suction port 14a of the hot water pump 14.

[0030] Warm water flowing from the second inlet pipe 20b into the second device 11b flows to the second outlet pipe 21b after the heat has been exchanged inside the second device 11b. That is, when warm water flows in the second device 11b, the second device 11b is heated by the warm water.

[0031] The second inlet-side diverter valve 18b and the second outlet-side diverter valve 19b operate in conjunction with each other. Specifically, when the second inlet-side diverter valve 18b connects the second inlet pipe 20b to the hot water supply channel 17, the second outlet-side diverter valve 19b connects the second outlet pipe 21b to the hot water suction port 14a of the hot water pump 14. The connection of the second inlet-side diverter valve 18b that is connected to the third inlet pipe 20c is closed by the second inlet-side diverter valve 18b, and the connection of the second outlet-side diverter valve 19b that is connected to the third outlet pipe 21c is closed by the second outlet-side diverter valve 19b.

[0032] Conversely, when the second inlet-side diverter valve 18b connects the third inlet pipe 20c to the hot water supply channel 17, the second outlet-side diverter valve 19b connects the third outlet pipe 21c to the hot water suction port 14a of the hot water pump 14. The connection of the second inlet-side diverter valve 18b, which is connected to the second inlet pipe 20b, is closed by the second inlet-side diverter valve 18b, and the connection of the second outlet-side diverter valve 19b, which is connected to the second outlet pipe 21b, is closed by the second outlet-side diverter valve 19b.

[0033] The third inlet-side diverter valve 18c is a flow-through diverter valve for alternatively connecting the third inlet pipe 20c and a fourth inlet pipe 20d, which is connected to the inlet side of the fourth device 11d, to the cold water supply channel 16. Furthermore, the third outlet-side diverter valve 19c is a flow-through diverter valve for alternatively connecting the third outlet pipe 21c and a fourth outlet pipe 21d, which is connected to the outlet side of the fourth device 11d, to the cold water intake port 13a of the cold water pump 13.

[0034] Cold or warm water flowing from the third inlet pipe 20c into the third device 11c flows to the third outlet pipe 21c after the heat has been exchanged inside the third device 11c. That is, when cold water flows in the third device 11c, the third device 11c is cooled by the cold water, and when warm water flows in the third device 11c, the third device 11c is heated by the warm water.

[0035] Furthermore, cold water, which flows from the fourth inlet pipe 20d into the fourth device 11d, flows out to the fourth outlet pipe 21d after the heat inside the fourth device 11d has been exchanged. That is, when cold water flows in the fourth device 11d, the fourth device 11d is cooled by the cold water.

[0036] The third inlet-side diverter valve 18c and the third outlet-side diverter valve 19c operate in conjunction with each other. Specifically, when the third inlet-side diverter valve 18c connects the third inlet pipe 20c to the cold water supply channel 16, the third outlet-side diverter valve 19c connects the third outlet pipe 21c to the cold water intake port 13a of the cold water pump 13. The connection of the third inlet-side diverter valve 18c that is connected to the fourth inlet pipe 20d is closed by the third inlet-side diverter valve 18c, and the connection of the third outlet-side diverter valve 19c that is connected to the fourth outlet pipe 21d is closed by the third outlet-side diverter valve 19c.

[0037] Conversely, when the third inlet-side diverter valve 18c connects the fourth inlet pipe 20d to the cold water supply channel 16, the third outlet-side diverter valve 19c connects the fourth outlet pipe 21d to the cold water intake port 13a of the cold water pump 13. The connection of the third inlet-side diverter valve 18c, which is connected to the third inlet pipe 20c, is closed by the third inlet-side diverter valve 18c, and the connection of the third outlet-side diverter valve 19c, which is connected to the third outlet pipe 21c, is closed by the third outlet-side diverter valve 19c.

[0038] Furthermore, the second and third inlet-side diverter valves 18b and 18c and the second and third outlet-side diverter valves 19b and 19c are controlled in conjunction with each other to prevent the flow of both cold and warm water into the third device 11c, but to allow the flow of either cold or warm water into the third device 11c.

[0039] That is, if the second inlet-side diverter valve 18b connects the third inlet pipe 20c to the hot water supply channel 17 and the second outlet-side diverter valve 19b connects the third outlet pipe 21c to the hot water suction port 14a of the hot water pump 14, then the third inlet-side diverter valve 18c connects the fourth inlet pipe 20d to the cold water supply channel 16 and the third outlet-side diverter valve 19c connects the fourth outlet pipe 21d to the cold water suction port 13a of the cold water pump 13.

[0040] Conversely, if the third inlet-side diverter valve 18c connects the third inlet pipe 20c to the cold water supply channel 16 and the third outlet-side diverter valve 19c connects the third outlet pipe 21c to the cold water suction port 13a and the cold water pump 13, the second inlet-side diverter valve 18b connects the second inlet pipe 20b to the hot water supply channel 17 and the second outlet-side diverter valve 19b connects the second outlet pipe 21b to the hot water suction port 14a of the hot water pump 14.

[0041] In the heat management system 10, cold water supplied by the cold water pump 13 and warm water supplied by the hot water pump 14 circulate in this way through respective heat medium circuits, which are never combined, by controlling the diverter valves 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b and 19c.

[0042] The construction of the changeover valves 18a, 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b and 19c according to the present embodiment is explained below. The first inlet-side changeover valve 18a is in Fig. 2 is shown and explained below, because the other switching valves 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b and 19c have structures identical to the first inlet-side switching valve 18a. Therefore, the explanations regarding the other switching valves 18b, 18c, 19a, 19b and 19c are omitted. Furthermore, in the following explanations, the first inlet-side switching valve 18a will simply be referred to as a flow-through switching valve 18a.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the flow diverting valve 18a is a rotary flow diverting valve and has a rotating part 30, a valve main body 32 which is a non-rotating part, a sealing component 34 and a valve actuator part 36.

[0044] The valve actuator part 36 is a drive source for controlling the rotating part 30 according to the electrical control of an electrical control unit, which is not shown in the figure, and is arranged above the main valve body 32. The valve actuator part 36 includes, for example, a delay mechanism such as a gear train and an electric motor.

[0045] The rotating part 30 alone is schematically shown in Fig. 3 shown and has, as in Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows an axis 301 of the rotating part and a valve body 302, which are formed in one piece. The axis 301 of the rotating part is cylindrically shaped around a valve axis CLv and projects from the valve body 302 towards the side of the valve actuator part 36. The axis 301 of the rotating part is then connected to the valve actuator part 36 to transmit power. In the present embodiment, the valve axis CLv forms an axis center that extends in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the rotating part 30, for example, comprises a resin.

[0046] As in Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the valve body 302 rotates integrally with the axis 301 of the rotating part around the valve axis CLv by transmitting a rotary drive force from the valve drive part 36. For example, the valve body 302 rotates both clockwise and counterclockwise in Fig. 4. The outer shape of the valve body 302, taken from a virtual section perpendicular to the valve axis CLv, has a round shape formed around the valve axis CLv.

[0047] Furthermore, the valve body 302 has an outer circumferential surface 302a. The outer circumferential surface 302a faces outwards in a valve radial direction DRr and extends in a manner surrounding the valve axis CLv. Here, the valve radial direction DRr is a direction that extends radially from the valve axis CLv.

[0048] Furthermore, two valve body openings 302b and 302c, which open outwards in the valve radial direction DRr, are formed in the valve body 302. Each of the two valve body openings 302b and 302c is a circular opening. The two valve body openings 302b and 302c are connected to each other inside the valve body 302. That is, a first valve body opening 302b, which is one of the two valve body openings 302b and 302c, forms one end of a valve body flow passage formed in the valve body 302 and allows the flow of a fluid, and a second valve body opening 302c, which is the other opening, forms the other end of the valve body flow passage.

[0049] Furthermore, the first valve body opening 302b is arranged side by side with the second valve body opening 302c in a valve circumferential direction DRc and is directed in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the second valve body opening 302c around the valve axis CLv. Here, the valve circumferential direction DRc is a direction that extends circumferentially around the valve axis CLv.

[0050] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the valve body 32, for example, contains a resin, and a valve chamber 321 is formed in the valve body 32. The valve body 302 and the sealing component 34 are accommodated in the valve chamber 321. Furthermore, the valve body 32 has an inner circumferential surface 322 inside the valve body 32.

[0051] The main inner circumferential surface 322 of the main valve body 32 forms the valve chamber 321. In detail, the main inner circumferential surface 322 faces the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body in the valve chamber 321.

[0052] Furthermore, three opening holes 32a, 32b and 32c, each extending from the valve chamber 321 in the valve radial direction DRr, are formed in the main valve body 32. Each of the three opening holes 32a, 32b and 32c is a hole that has a round shape at a section perpendicular to the axial direction of the hole.

[0053] A first opening hole 32a in the three opening holes 32a, 32b and 32c is connected to the first inlet pipe 20a (see Fig. 1) Furthermore, a second opening hole 32b is connected to a pipe 20e (see Fig. 1) connected, which forms part of the cold water supply channel 16, and a third opening 32c is connected to a pipe 20f (see Fig. 1) connected, which forms part of the hot water supply channel 17.

[0054] Furthermore, the second opening hole 32b and the third opening hole 32c are arranged side by side with the first opening hole 32a in the valve circumferential direction DRc and are each directed in directions perpendicular to the direction of the first opening hole 32a. Here, the second opening hole 32b is arranged on the side of the first opening hole 32a opposite to the third opening hole 32c in the valve circumferential direction DRc.

[0055] The first valve body opening 302b of the rotating part 30 faces and is connected to one of the first opening holes 32a and the second opening holes 32b of the valve main body 32 according to a rotational position of the valve body 302. In contrast, the second valve body opening 302c faces and is connected to one of the first opening holes 32a and the third opening holes 32c according to a rotational position of the valve body 302.

[0056] Specifically, the valve body 302 is at least in one of a first valve body position, which is the rotational position in Fig. 4 is, and a second valve body position, which is a rotary position that is at an angle of 90° from the rotary position in Fig. 4 is rotated clockwise and positioned by driving the valve actuator part 36. Then, when the valve body 302 is in the first valve body position, the first valve body opening 302b faces and is connected to the first opening hole 32a, and the second valve body opening 302c faces and is connected to the third opening hole 32c. Furthermore, when the valve body 302 is in the second valve body position, the first valve body opening 302b faces and is connected to the second opening hole 32b, and the second valve body opening 302c faces and is connected to the first opening hole 32a.

[0057] The sealing component 34 has an elastic body, such as rubber, which possesses elasticity. As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the sealing component 34 is arranged in the valve chamber 321 outside the valve body 302 in the valve radial direction DRr and is designed to surround the valve body 302 in a circular fashion. For example, as shown in the perspective view of Fig. Figure 5 shows the sealing component 34 and the valve body 302.

[0058] Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the sealing component 34 is arranged between the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 302a and the inner circumferential surface of the main body 322 in the radial direction of the valve DRr.

[0059] The sealing component 34 alone is schematically shown in Fig. 6 shown. As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the sealing component 34 has a first sealing part 341, a second sealing part 342, a third sealing part 343, a fourth sealing part 344, a first joining part 345, a second joining part 346, a third joining part 347 and a fourth joining part 348.

[0060] The first joining element 345 connects the first sealing element 341 and the second sealing element 342, and the second joining element 346 connects the first sealing element 341 and the third sealing element 343. Then, the third joining element 347 connects the second sealing element 342 and the fourth sealing element 344, and the fourth joining element 348 connects the third sealing element 343 and the fourth sealing element 344. Here, when the four sealing elements 341, 342, 343, and 344 are described collectively, they are referred to as sealing elements 341–344. Furthermore, when the four joining elements 345, 346, 347, and 348 are described collectively, they are referred to as joining elements 345–348.

[0061] Then, a region of the sealing component 34, which is in contact with the valve body outer circumferential surface 302a and the main body inner circumferential surface 322, is pressed through the two surfaces 302a and 322. For example, a part of the sealing component 34 overlaps with one of the valve body openings 302b and 302c and does not come into contact with the valve body outer circumferential surface 302a at a certain rotational position of the valve body 302, but the entire sealing component 34 is pressed through the two surfaces 302a and 322. Fig. Pressed 4.

[0062] This means that all four sealing parts 341-344 and all four joining parts 345-348 are each clamped between the valve body outer circumferential surface 302a and the main body inner circumferential surface 322. In this process, all four sealing parts 341-344 and all four joining parts 345-348 are elastically deformed by being pressed in the valve radial direction DRr through the valve body outer circumferential surface 302a and the main body inner circumferential surface 322.

[0063] As in Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the four sealing parts 341, 342, 343 and 344 of the sealing component 34 have ring-shaped forms, each of which is identical to the others.

[0064] In detail, the first sealing element 341 is annular in shape to have a predetermined sealing width W1 in a radial direction of the first opening 32a (specifically, in a hole-radial direction) and to extend around the first opening 32a. That is, the first sealing element 341 extends to surround a circumferential edge 322a of the first opening 32a on the side of the main body's inner circumferential surface 322. Then, when a valve body opening of the first valve body opening 302b and the second valve body opening 302c faces and is in contact with the first opening 32a, the first sealing element 341 prevents the escape of a fluid (for example, cold water or warm water) flowing between the valve body opening and the first opening 32a.

[0065] Furthermore, the second sealing element 342 is annular in shape to have a predetermined sealing width W2 in a radial direction of the second opening 32b and to extend around the second opening 32b. That is, the second sealing element 342 extends to surround a circumferential edge 322b of the second opening 32b on the side of the main body's inner circumferential surface 322. Then, when the first valve body opening 302b faces and is in contact with the second opening 32b, the second sealing element 342 prevents the escape of any fluid flowing between the first valve body opening 302b and the second opening 32b.

[0066] Here, the third and fourth sealing parts 343 and 344 are also similar to the first and second sealing parts 341 and 342 described above, and, for example, the sealing widths of the sealing parts 341, 342, 343, and 344 are identical to each other. However, since the fourth sealing part 344 is designed to divide the sealing component 34 between a three-way valve and a four-way valve, an opening corresponding to the fourth sealing part 344 is not formed in the valve body 32 in the case of the flow-through switching valve 18a, which, according to the present embodiment, is a three-way valve.

[0067] The first joining part 345 is designed such that the width WC1 of the first joining part 345 in a direction parallel to the valve axis CLv can be equal to the sealing width W1 of the first sealing part 341. For example, all the widths of the joining parts 345 - 348 and the sealing widths of the sealing parts 341 - 344 are equal to each other.

[0068] The first joining part 345 has a first joining end section 345a, which is connected to the first sealing part 341, and a second joining end section 345b, which is connected to the second sealing part 342. Specifically, the first joining end section 345a is connected to a section of the first sealing part 341 that projects furthest towards the side of the first joining part 345 in the valve circumferential direction DRc. Conversely, the second joining end section 345b is connected to a section of the second sealing part 342 that projects furthest towards the side of the first joining part 345 in the valve circumferential direction DRc. That is, the first joining part 345 is positioned at a section where the mutual distance A1 between the first sealing part 341 and the second sealing part 342 is the smallest in the valve circumferential direction DRc.

[0069] Furthermore, considering the relationship between the joining end sections 345a and 345b and the valve body 302, at least the joining end sections 345a and 345b of the first joining part 345 are elastically deformed by being pressed outwards in the valve radial direction DRr by the pressure on the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body. The second to fourth joining parts 346, 347, and 348 are also similar to the first joining part 345, and therefore explanations regarding them are omitted.

[0070] Furthermore, the sealing component 34 is secured inside the valve body 32 to prevent it from rotating due to being dragged during the rotation of the valve body 302. For example, in Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the main valve body 32 has a projection 323 that extends inwards in the valve radial direction DRr into the valve chamber 321. The projection 323 extends around the sealing element 34 in the region of the inner circumferential surface 322 of the main body. As a consequence, the sealing element 34 is secured by the projection 323 in the valve circumferential direction DRc and cannot rotate relative to the main valve body 32. Fig. 7 and Fig. To make 8 more visible, here is the projection 323 of the valve main body 32 in Fig. 7 is hatched and the rotating part 30 is in Fig. 8 omitted.

[0071] Furthermore, when the electronic control unit controls the flow diverter valve 18a, the rotating part 30 is rotated so that the valve body 302 is not in an intermediate position between the first valve body position and the second valve body position, for example, in an intermediate position that is in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the valve body 302 must stop. In short, when the valve body 302 rotates, it stops at either the first or second valve body position, but it does not stop at any intermediate position other than these. This is to maintain the sealing performance of the sealing component 34 at a good level.

[0072] This means that when the rotational movement of the valve body 302 stops, the valve body 302 stops in a rotational position where a circumferential edge 302d of the first valve body opening 302b and a circumferential edge 302e of the second valve body opening 302c do not overlap with any of the first to third sealing parts 341, 342, and 343. In other words, the valve body 302 stops in a rotational position where the circumferential edges 302d and 302e of the two valve body openings 302b and 302c, which are formed on the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body, do not overlap with any of the first to third sealing parts 341, 342, and 343.

[0073] In the case of an intermediate position, for example in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the circumferential edge 302d of the first valve body opening 302b partially overlaps with the second sealing part 342 and the circumferential edge 302e of the second valve body opening 302c partially overlaps with the first sealing part 341.

[0074] The intermediate position, which is in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in 10, the rotation of the valve body 302 therefore does not stop.

[0075] On the other hand, in the first valve body position, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the entire first valve body opening 302b is located inside the annular first sealing part 341, and the entire second valve body opening 302c is located inside the annular third sealing part 343. Therefore, neither of the circumferential edges 302d and 302e of either valve body opening 302b or 302c overlaps the first to third sealing parts 341, 342, and 343. Furthermore, the same applies to the second valve body position. The valve body 302 therefore stops at either the first or the second valve body position.

[0076] Furthermore, the valve body 302 can also stop in a rotational position where the circumferential edge 302d of the first valve body opening 302b or the circumferential edge 302e of the second valve body opening 302c overlaps with the fourth sealing part 344. This is because an opening hole corresponding to the fourth sealing part 344 is not formed in the valve body 32, and the permanent deformation of the fourth sealing part 344 does not affect the sealing performance of the sealing component 34, even if the fourth sealing part 344 is permanently deformed by the valve body 302.

[0077] A flow-through switching valve 90 according to a comparative example, which is compared with the present embodiment, is explained below. The flow-through switching valve 90 according to the comparative example (see Fig. 17) is a valve which, by replacing the sealing component 34 in the flow-through switching valve 18a according to the present embodiment with a sealing component 92, which is in Fig. The sealing component 92, as shown in Figure 11, is designed. The sealing component 92 according to the comparative example is similar to the sealing component in patent document 1. That is, the sealing component 92 according to the comparative example has four sealing parts 341 to 344 and a cylindrical connecting wall 921 to connect the sealing parts. The sealing component 92 is designed to circularly surround a valve body 302 in a valve chamber 321, as shown in Figure 11. Fig. 12 to 14 is shown, in a similar manner to the sealing component 34 according to the present embodiment.

[0078] Furthermore, as in Fig. 14 and Fig. As shown in Figure 15, the thickness of the connecting wall 921 is less than that of the sealing elements 341 to 344 in the valve radial direction DRr, and therefore the sealing elements 341 to 344 project inwards from the connecting wall 921 in the valve radial direction DRr. Steps are thus formed between the sealing elements 341 to 344 and the connecting wall 921 in the valve radial direction DRr, and a radial gap is formed between the connecting wall 921 and the valve body 302. This means that the connecting wall 921 is not elastically deformed by an outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body.

[0079] In the flow-through switching valve 90 according to the comparative example, when the valve body 302 is located at a first valve body position where a first valve body opening 302b faces a first opening hole 32a and is connected to it, as for example in Fig. As shown in Figures 15 to 17, all sealing parts 341 to 344 are in contact with the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body. The main reason for the rotational resistance of the valve body 302 is therefore a frictional force caused by the restoring force Fr of the compressed sealing parts 341 to 344. The frictional force, which generates a sliding resistance of the valve body 302, constantly causes the rotational resistance of the valve body 302 when the valve body 302 rotates, and does not cause the rotational resistance to increase temporarily. Here, a second valve body opening 302c is shown in Fig. 15 omitted and the same applies to Fig. 18, which will be described later.

[0080] In contrast, in the flow-through switching valve 90 according to the comparative example, when the valve body 302, as indicated by the arrow ARr in Fig. 18 is marked, rotates from the first valve body position, which is in Fig. The sealing component 92, marked 15 to 17, is in the state that is in Fig. Figures 18 to 20 show the situation immediately before the first valve body opening 302b faces a second opening hole 32b. This means that the sealing component 92 enters the state in which the second sealing part 342 overlaps a circumferential edge 302d of the first valve body opening 302b.

[0081] If this is the case, the second sealing part 342 is released from the pressed state in which it is pressed through the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body and enters the first valve body opening 302b slightly. If the valve body 302 continues to rotate from this state, the second sealing part 342 of the sealing component 92 returns from the released state in which it enters the first valve body opening 302b slightly to the previously pressed state.

[0082] The second sealing part 342 is captured by the circumferential edge 302d of the first valve body opening 302b, as shown in Fig. 20 is shown, and hinders the rotation of the valve body 302 at part Cx in Fig. 18. That is, during the rotation of the valve body 302, when the second sealing part 342 of the sealing component 92 returns from the previously released state to the pressed state, the valve body 302 is temporarily trapped by the second sealing part 342. As a result, the torque Tb for rotating the valve body 302 temporarily increases, as shown in Fig. Figure 21 shows the process during the rotation of the valve body 302. Furthermore, if the sealing component 92 is made of rubber, for example, the sealing component 92 becomes harder due to the deterioration of elasticity in a low-temperature environment and increases in volume in a high-temperature environment, and therefore the locking of the valve body 302 during the rotation of the valve body 302 becomes evident in each of the environments.

[0083] In the flow-through switching valve 18a according to the present embodiment, the sealing component 34 is designed to reduce a peak torque, which is a maximum value of a temporarily increased torque Tb.

[0084] That is, according to the present embodiment, the first joining part 345 is arranged at a section where the distance A1 between the first sealing part 341 and the second sealing part 342 is the smallest in the valve circumferential direction DRc. Then at least the joining end sections 345a and 345b of the first joining part 345 are elastically deformed by being pressed outwards in the valve radial direction DRr by the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body. Furthermore, the second to fourth joining parts 346, 347, and 348 are also similar to the first joining part 345.

[0085] The inwardly directed unevenness of the sealing component in the valve radial direction DRr is therefore suppressed and the sealing parts 341 to 344 are not easily caught by the circumferential edges 302d and 302e of the valve openings 302b and 302c when the valve body 302 rotates.

[0086] For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 22, even if part of the second sealing element 342 does not come into contact with the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body, the second sealing element 342 also deforms elastically according to the elastic deformation of the first joining element 345, which is pressed through the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body. As a consequence, when the valve body 302 rotates clockwise, as indicated by arrow ARr in Figure 22, the second sealing element 342 deforms elastically according to the elastic deformation of the first joining element 345, which is pressed through the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body. Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the circumferential edge 302d of the first valve body opening 302b is not easily caught by the second sealing part 342.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the maximum value of a torque Tb for rotating the valve body 302 can thus be determined in comparison to the comparative example described in Fig. 18 is shown, and such reductions are indicated by the arrow AR1 in Fig. 23 is shown.

[0088] Here is in Fig. 23 The torque Tb according to the present embodiment is represented by the dashed line L1 and the torque Tb of the comparison example is represented by the solid line Lx. Furthermore, a torque during a normal time of the torque Tb in Fig. 23 is dominated by the compression ratio of the sealing component 34, which is an elastic body, and the respective surface conditions of the sealing component 34 and the valve body outer circumferential surface 302a; and is therefore increased compared to the comparison example, as shown by arrow AR2. This is because the four joining parts 345 to 348 are compressed and the sliding resistance of the valve body 302 is increased more in the present embodiment than in the comparison example.

[0089] Here, the valve body 302 cannot rotate smoothly unless the valve actuator part 36 exerts a torque of the maximum value Tb, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 23, or higher, a dominant design feature of the valve actuator part 36 is the maximum value of the torque Tb, namely a peak torque. In the present embodiment, the peak torque can then be reduced as described above, and therefore a reduction in the size of the valve actuator part 36 can be achieved. Furthermore, since a valve actuator part 36 is responsible for approximately half the volume of an entire flow-through switching valve in an ordinary flow-through switching valve, a reduction in the size of the flow-through switching valve 18a can be easily achieved by reducing the size of the valve actuator part 36.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, all four joining parts 345 to 348 are elastically deformed by being compressed in the valve radial direction DRr by the valve body outer circumferential surface 302a and the main body inner circumferential surface 322, as shown in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the four joining parts 345 to 348 therefore come into contact with the valve body 302 in the same way as the four sealing parts 341 to 344, and therefore the range of variation of the torque Tb required when the valve body rotates can be easily reduced.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the first joining element 345 is designed such that the width WC1 of the first joining element 345, parallel to the valve axis CLv in one direction, can be equal to the sealing width W1 of the first sealing element 341. Then the other second to fourth joining elements 346, 347, and 348 are also similar to the first joining element 345. Compared to the design of connecting the sealing elements 341 to 344 by a cylindrical wall, as in patent document 1, it is therefore possible to reduce the amount of a material (for example, a rubber material) used for the sealing element 34 without increasing the number of parts that make up the sealing element 34. In the present embodiment, the number of parts that make up the sealing element 34 is one.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the flow diverter valve 18a forms part of the thermal management system 10, which is located in Fig. Figure 1 shows the flow control valve 18a, which switches between cold and warm water flowing in the heat management system 10. By reducing the size of the flow control valve 18a, as described above, the heat management system 10 can therefore be made more compact.

[0093] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, as in Fig. Figure 4 shows that when the rotation of the valve body 302 stops, the valve body 302 is in a rotational position where the circumferential edges 302d and 302e of both valve body openings 302b and 302c do not overlap with any of the first to third sealing elements 341, 342, and 343. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sealing element 34, which has elasticity, from slipping away when subjected to uneven compression and deformation for a long period of time. As a result, it is possible to avoid local deformation of the sealing element 34 and prevent the occurrence of a seal leak, which would impair the performance of the flow diverter valve 18a. (Second example)

[0094] A second embodiment is explained below. In this embodiment, mainly points that differ from the first embodiment are explained. Furthermore, a part that is identical or equivalent to the preceding embodiment has been omitted or explained by simplification. This applies equally to a third embodiment, which is described later.

[0095] As in Fig. 24 and Fig. As shown in Figure 25, a sealing component 34 according to the present embodiment has two sealing parts 341 and 342 and also two joining parts 345 and 346, and the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in this respect. A valve main body 32 according to the present embodiment therefore has, for example, two opening holes 32a and 32b, although these are not shown in the figures. Furthermore, the shapes of the two joining parts 345 and 346 according to the present embodiment differ from those of the first embodiment.

[0096] Specifically, a first joining part 345, which is one of the two joining parts 345 and 346, has a first joining end section 345a, which is connected to a first sealing part 341, and a second joining end section 345b, which is connected to a second sealing part 342 (see Fig. 4 and Fig. 6) Furthermore, the first joining part 345 has an intermediate part 345c between the first joining end section 345a and the second joining end section 345b. Furthermore, the thickness of the entire first joining part 345 in the valve radial direction DRr is less than the thickness of the first sealing part 341 and the second sealing part 342.

[0097] Then, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 25, the first joining end section 345a has an inner circumferential part 345d that extends continuously (for example, gently) from the intermediate part 345c to the first sealing part 341 inside the first joining part 345 in the valve radial direction DRr. This also applies to the second joining end section 345b. The joining end sections 345a and 345b of the first joining part 345 are therefore elastically deformed by being pressed outwards in the valve radial direction DRr by a valve body outer circumferential surface 302a, in a similar manner to the first embodiment.

[0098] Here, the expression “extends continuously from the intermediate part 345c to the first sealing part 341” mentioned above means not only that a step does not exist at all, but also that a step or surface exists which is curved to such an extent that a sealing part 34 slides without being caught by circumferential edges 302d and 302e of valve body openings 302b and 302c.

[0099] Furthermore, the thickness of the first joining part 345 in the valve radial direction DRr is smallest at the middle part 345c of the first joining part 345. Then the thickness of the first joining part 345 in the valve radial direction DRr gradually increases from the middle part of the first joining part 345 towards the side closer to the first sealing part 341 or the second sealing part 342 in the valve circumferential direction DRc.

[0100] Here, the second joining part 346, which is the other part of the two joining parts 345 and 346, has a design similar to the first joining part 345, and therefore the explanation is omitted.

[0101] According to the present embodiment, the effects resulting from the design, which is common to the first embodiment, can be obtained in a similar manner as in a first embodiment.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the first joining end section 345a has the inner circumferential part 345d, which extends continuously from the intermediate part 345c to the first sealing part 341 inside the first joining part 345 in the valve radial direction DRr. This also applies to the second joining end section 345b of the first joining part 345 and both ends of the second joining part 346. The steps between the joining parts 345 and 346 and the sealing parts 341 and 342 are therefore prevented inside the sealing component 34 in the valve radial direction DRr. Consequently, the sealing parts 341 and 342 are not easily displaced by the circumferential edges 302d and 302e of the valve body openings 302b and 302c (see Figure 1). Fig. 4) trapped when the valve body 302 rotates. As a consequence, the maximum value of a torque Tb for rotating the valve body 302 can be reduced. (Third embodiment)

[0103] The third embodiment is explained below. This embodiment mainly explains points that differ from the second embodiment.

[0104] As in Fig. 26 and Fig. As shown in Figure 27, a sealing component 34 according to the present embodiment has a tubular part 350 of a cylindrical shape with a valve axis CLv in the center. The present embodiment differs from the second embodiment in this respect.

[0105] Specifically, the tubular part 350 acts as a connecting wall to join a first sealing part 341 and a second sealing part 342. As shown by the line with two long dashes and one short dash in Fig. As shown in Figure 27, a first joining part 345 and a second joining part 346 are therefore designed as parts of the tubular part 350.

[0106] Here, the design of the first joining part 345 and the second joining part 346 is similar to the second embodiment, except that the first joining part 345 and the second joining part 346 are enclosed in the tubular part 350. As in Fig. 28 and Fig. As shown in Figure 29, a first joining end section 345a of the first joining part 345 has an inner circumferential part 345d, which is similar to the second embodiment.

[0107] Furthermore, the thickness in a valve radial direction DRr, specifically the thickness in a radial direction of the tubular part 350, is, for example, the same as the thickness of an intermediate part 345c of the first joining part 345 and an intermediate part of the second joining part 346. The intermediate part of the second joining part 346 is a part of the second joining part 346 that corresponds to the intermediate part 345c of the first joining part 345.

[0108] According to the present embodiment, the effects resulting from the design, which is common to the second embodiment, can be obtained in a similar manner as in the second embodiment.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the sealing component 34 is cylindrical around the valve axis CLv and has the tubular part 350, which connects the first sealing part 341 and the second sealing part 342. The first joining part 345 and the second joining part 346 are then designed as parts of the tubular part 350. It is therefore possible to secure the sealing component 34 so that it cannot rotate relative to a valve main body 32 by securing the tubular part 350 to the valve main body 32.

[0110] Furthermore, the present embodiment is a modified example based on the second embodiment, but the present embodiment can also be combined with the first embodiment. (Fourth example)

[0111] A fourth embodiment is explained below. This embodiment mainly explains points that differ from the third embodiment.

[0112] As in Fig. As shown in Figures 30 to 32, the shapes of the joining parts 345 and 346 of a sealing component 34 differ in the present embodiment from the third embodiment.

[0113] Specifically, the thickness of the first joining part 345 in a valve radial direction DRr, namely the radial direction thickness of the first joining part 345, is uniform over the entire length of the first joining part 345 in a valve circumferential direction DRc. Then the first joining part 345 bulges inwards in the valve radial direction DRr from an inner circumferential surface 350a of a tubular part 350, which is formed around the first and second joining parts 345 and 346.

[0114] For example, the amount Ri of an inward bulge of the first joining part 345 from the inner circumferential surface 350a is identical to or at the same level as both sealing parts 341 and 342.

[0115] In the present embodiment, the first joining part 345 neither bulges out nor sinks in from an outer circumferential surface 350b of the tubular part 350, which is formed around the first and second joining parts 345 and 346.

[0116] Therefore, the second joining part 346 is also designed in a similar way to the first joining part 345.

[0117] According to the present embodiment, the effects resulting from the design, which is common with the third embodiment, can be obtained in a similar manner as in the third embodiment.

[0118] Furthermore, the present embodiment is a modified example based on the third embodiment, but the present embodiment can also be combined with the first embodiment. (Fifth example)

[0119] A fifth embodiment is explained below. This embodiment mainly explains points that differ from the fourth embodiment.

[0120] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 33, in the present embodiment a sealing component 34 has four sealing parts 341 to 344 and four joining parts 345 to 348, similar to the first embodiment. The four joining parts 345 to 348 then bulge outwards from an outer circumferential surface 350b of a tubular part 350 in a valve radial direction DRr. For example, the magnitudes of the outwardly directed bulges of the joining parts 345 to 348 from the outer circumferential surface 350b are identical to or at the same level as all the sealing parts 341 and 344. The present embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in these respects.

[0121] Furthermore, when attention is paid to the four sealing parts 341 to 344 and the four joining parts 345 to 348 of the sealing component 34 according to the present embodiment, the shapes of the sealing parts 341 to 344 and the four joining parts 345 to 348 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0122] According to the present embodiment, the effects resulting from the design, which is common with the fourth embodiment, can be obtained in a similar manner as in the fourth embodiment. (Other examples)

[0123] (1) Although a flow diverter valve 18a in Fig. 2 in a thermal management system 10 in each of the foregoing embodiments, the application of a flow diverting valve 18a is not limited to a thermal management system 10.

[0124] (2) Although a flow diverter valve 18a in Fig. 2. Where a three-way valve is present in each of the preceding embodiments, a flow-through switching valve 18a can also be a four-way valve or an ON / OFF valve to open and close a flow path of a fluid (i.e., a shut-off valve). Furthermore, a valve body 302 can have not only valve body openings 302b and 302c formed on an outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body, but also a lower part opening 302f formed on a lower surface of the valve body 302, as for example in Fig. 34 is shown.

[0125] In a flow-through switching valve 18a in Fig. 34 The lower opening 302f is connected to an outer pipe outside the flow diverter valve 18a, regardless of the rotational position of the valve body 302. Then the flow diverter valve 18a is in Fig. 34 is designed as a three-way valve that connects the outer pipe alternatively to a first opening hole 32a and a second opening hole 32b.

[0126] For example, in the rotational position of the valve body 302, which is in Fig. As shown in Figure 34, the outer tube, which is connected to the lower part opening 302f, is connected to the first opening hole 32a through the first valve body opening 302b. Then, when the valve body 302 is rotated counterclockwise by an angle of 90° from the rotation position in Fig. When 34 rotates, the outer tube is connected to the second opening hole 32b through the second valve body opening 302c.

[0127] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the valve body 302 stops at a rotational position where the circumferential edges 302d and 302e of both valve body openings 302b and 302c, which are formed on the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body 302, do not overlap with any of the first to third sealing parts 341, 342 and 343. In this respect, as can be seen, for example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 34, the valve body 302 stops at a position where one of the circumferential edges 302d and 302e of the valve body openings 302b and 302c, which are formed on the outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body, overlaps with joining elements 345 and 346 that connect a first sealing element 341 and a second sealing element 342. This is because the sealing performance of a sealing element 34 is not affected. Fig. 34 For example, the valve body 302 stops at a position where the circumferential edge 302e of the second valve body opening 302c overlaps with the first joining part 345.

[0128] Furthermore, the flow diverter valve 18a can be used in Fig. 34 Omit one of the two valve body openings 302b and 302c of the valve body 302. This is because the flow-through switching valve 18a can function as a three-way valve by rotating the valve body 302 by an angle of 180°.

[0129] (3) In the first embodiment, three opening holes 32a, 32b and 32c are provided in the valve body 32 in Fig. 4. In this respect, as long as the names of the three opening holes 32a, 32b and 32c are distinct from one another, each of the opening holes 32a, 32b and 32c can be called a first opening hole, a second opening hole or a third opening hole. The same applies to the names of the three sealing parts 341, 342 and 343, with the exception of the fourth sealing part 344, which does not correspond to an opening hole of the valve main body 32.

[0130] (4) In each of the foregoing embodiments, a valve body 302 stops at a rotational position where circumferential edges 302d and 302e of both valve body openings 302b and 302c, formed on an outer circumferential surface 302a of the valve body, do not overlap with any of the first to third sealing parts 341, 342 and 343. This process is desirable to maintain the sealing performance of a sealing component 34.

[0131] However, as long as the sealing performance of the sealing component 34 is maintained, this process is not necessarily required. For example, the valve body 302 can also stop in a rotational position where the circumferential edges 302d and 302e of the two valve body openings 302b and 302c do not overlap with any of the first to third sealing parts 341, 342 and 343 when a machine stops.

[0132] Even through such a process, it is possible to prevent the sealing component 34 from slipping away in the state where it is unevenly compressed and deformed for a long period of time, in the same way as in each of the preceding embodiments. It is therefore possible to prevent the occurrence of a seal leak. Furthermore, whether a machine has stopped or not can be determined, for example, based on an operating signal from an ignition switch, a detection signal from a machine speed sensor, or the like.

[0133] (5) In the second embodiment, the two joining parts 345 and 346 of the sealing component 34 are designed to be non-removable in the middle of the joining parts 345 and 346. However, this is only one example and one of the joining parts 345 and 346 of the sealing component 34 can also be designed to be removable in the middle in the circumferential direction DRc of the valve.

[0134] In the case of Fig. For example, a first joining part 345 is designed to be removable in the middle in a valve circumferential direction DRc. That is, the first joining part 345 has a removable part 345e, which is designed to be removable in the middle of the first joining part 345 in the valve circumferential direction DRc. The design of the removable part 345e is assumed to be various, but, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 35, for example, the removable part 345e is coupled together by fitting claws in order to withstand a tensile force in the circumferential direction of the valve DRc.

[0135] By designing the sealing component 34 as in the case described in Fig. As shown in Figure 35, the sealing component 34 can, for example, be unfolded on its own onto a plane. The sealing component 34 can therefore be manufactured in the state of detachment of the first joining part 345 during a process of manufacturing the sealing component 34 on its own. Then, in a subsequent process after the sealing component 34 has been manufactured, for example, during a process of assembling a flow-through switching valve 18a, it is possible to join one side and the other side of the first joining part 345, with the removable part 345e positioned between them, and to make the sealing component 34 annular.

[0136] (6) In the second embodiment, the first sealing part 341 and the second sealing part 342 are connected to each other by the two joining parts 345 and 346. In this respect, the sealing part 34 can also be shaped so that a central section is intersected by one of the two joining parts 345 and 346.

[0137] In the case of Fig. For example, a second joining part 346 with a first sealing extension 346a and a second sealing extension 346b, which are separated from each other, is represented in Figure 36. The first sealing extension 346a corresponds to the region on the side of a first sealing part 341, which is obtained by removing the second joining part 346 from a central part in a valve circumferential direction DRc, and is formed in the manner of extending from the first sealing part 341. Furthermore, the second sealing extension 346b corresponds to the region on the side of a second sealing part 342, which is obtained by removing the second joining part 346 from the central part in the valve circumferential direction DRc, and is formed in the manner of extending from the second sealing part 342.

[0138] By designing a sealing component 34, as in the case described in Fig. As shown in Figure 36, for example, the sealing component 34 can be unfolded on a single plane, in the same way as in the case of Fig. 35. Then the sealing component 34 of Fig. 36 a circular or nearly circular shape by being enclosed in a valve chamber 321.

[0139] (7) In each of the foregoing embodiments, warm water supplied by a hot water pump 14 is cooled by a water-cooled condenser 122 in a thermal management system 10. Fig. 1. It is heated, but it can also be heated by another heat source, such as a machine.

[0140] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. The present disclosure includes various modified examples and modifications in equivalent areas. Moreover, the foregoing embodiments are not unrelated to one another and can be combined appropriately, except where the combination is obviously unacceptable.

[0141] Furthermore, in each of the foregoing embodiments, it is not worth mentioning that a component forming an embodiment is not necessarily essential, except in the case where it is specified as particularly essential and is thought to be obviously essential in principle, and in other cases.

[0142] Furthermore, in each of the foregoing embodiments, when reference is made to a numerical value such as a number of components, a quantity, an area or the like in an embodiment, the numerical value is not limited to the specific number, except in cases where it is specified as being particularly essential and where it is obviously limited to a specific number in principle, and in other cases.Furthermore, in each of the foregoing embodiments, where reference is made to a material, shape, positional relationship or the like of a component or the like, this is not limited to the material, shape, positional relationship or the like, except in cases where it is specifically specified and where it is in principle limited to the specific material, shape, positional relationship or the like, and other cases.

[0143] In summary, in a first aspect, illustrated by some or all of the preceding embodiments, an adjoining part of a sealing component has a first adjoining end connected to a first sealing part and a second adjoining end connected to a second sealing part. Furthermore, the adjoining part is arranged at a section where the mutual distance between the first and second sealing parts is smallest in a circumferential direction. Then, at least the first and second adjoining ends of the adjoining part deform elastically by being pressed outwards in a radial direction by an outer circumferential surface of the valve body.

[0144] In a second aspect, the joining element deforms elastically by being compressed in a valve radial direction by a valve body outer circumferential surface and a main body inner circumferential surface. The joining element therefore comes into contact with a valve body, similar to the first and second sealing elements, and thus the range of variation of the torque required when the valve body rotates can be slightly reduced.

[0145] In a third aspect, the joining element has an intermediate section between a first joining end and a second joining end. The first joining end then has an inner circumferential surface that extends continuously from the intermediate section to a first sealing element inside the joining element in a valve radial direction. Therefore, a step is suppressed between the first joining end and the first sealing element inside the sealing element in the radial direction, and the first sealing element is not easily caught by the circumference of a valve opening when the valve body rotates. As a consequence, the maximum value of the torque required to rotate the valve body can be reduced.

[0146] In a fourth aspect, the joining element is designed to be removable in the center along a circumferential direction. It is therefore possible to remove the joining element from a sealing component in advance during the manufacturing process of the component alone, and then to connect the joining element after the sealing component has been manufactured, for example, during the assembly of a flow-through switching valve.

[0147] In a fifth aspect, a sealing component is cylindrically shaped around a valve axis and has a cylindrical section to connect a first and a second sealing part. In this case, an joining element is designed as part of the cylindrical section. By securing the cylindrical section to a valve body, it is therefore possible to secure the sealing component so that it cannot rotate relative to the valve body.

[0148] In a sixth aspect, a joining part bulges inwards in a valve radial direction from an inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical part that is formed around the joining part.

[0149] In a seventh aspect, a joining part bulges outwards in a valve radial direction from an outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical part that is formed around the joining part.

[0150] In an eighth aspect, an joining element is designed such that its width in a direction parallel to the valve axis can be equal to the sealing width of a first sealing element. It is therefore possible to reduce the amount of material used for a sealing element without increasing the number of elements forming the sealing element, compared to a design for joining sealing elements by a cylindrical wall, as described in patent document 1.

[0151] In a ninth aspect, a flow control valve forms part of a thermal management system and switches the flow of a fluid within that system. Therefore, it is possible to design the thermal management system in a more compact way by miniaturizing the flow control valve.

[0152] In a tenth aspect, a valve body stops rotating in a position where all the circumferences of a valve body opening do not overlap with either a first or second sealing element when the rotation of the valve body ceases. It is therefore possible to prevent a sealing element, which possesses elasticity, from slipping away under prolonged, uneven compression and deformation. As a result, local deformation of the sealing element is suppressed, and the sealing element can prevent the occurrence of a seal leak that would impair the performance of a flow-through diverter valve.

[0153] In an eleventh aspect, a valve body stops at a rotational position where all the circumferences of a valve body opening do not overlap with either a first or a second sealing element when a machine stops. It is therefore possible to prevent a sealing element from dislodging in a state where it is unevenly compressed and deformed for a long period, in the same way as in the preceding aspect. As a consequence, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a seal leak.

Claims

[1] Flow passage switching valve for switching a flow passage through which a fluid flows, or for opening or closing the flow passage, wherein the valve has the following features: a valve body (302) which rotates about a valve axis (CLv) and has a valve body outer circumferential surface (302a) which is directed outwards in a valve radial direction (DRr) and extends to surround the valve axis (CLv), wherein the valve radial direction (DRr) is a radial direction of the valve axis (CLv); a valve body (32) which has the following: a valve chamber (321) that accommodates the valve body (302); and a main inner body circumferential surface (322) which is opposite the outer circumferential surface (302a) of the valve body and faces the valve chamber (321); and an elastic sealing component (34) which is received in the valve chamber (321) and is placed outside the valve body (302) in the valve radial direction (DRr) to be arranged between the valve body outer circumferential surface (302a) and the main body inner circumferential surface (322) in the valve radial direction (DRr), wherein the main valve body (32) further has a first opening hole (32a) and a second opening hole (32b), each of which passes through the main valve body (32) from the valve chamber (321) in the valve radial direction (DRr); the second opening hole (32b) is located side by side with the first opening hole (32a) in a circumferential direction (DRc) of the valve axis (CLv); the valve body (302) has one or at least two valve body openings (302b, 302c) that open outwards in the valve radial direction (DRr); one or at least two valve body openings (302b, 302c) are connected to one of the first opening hole (32a) and the second opening hole (32b) according to a rotational position of the valve body (302); the sealing component (34) has the following features: a first sealing part (341) and a second sealing part (342), each clamped between the outer circumferential surface (302a) of the valve body and the inner circumferential surface (322) of the main body; and a joining element (345) that connects the first sealing element (341) and the second sealing element (342) together; the first sealing part (341) extends to surround a circumferential edge (322a) of the first opening hole (32a) on the side of the main body inner circumferential surface (322); when an opening of one or at least two valve body openings (302b, 302c) is connected to the first opening hole (32a), the first sealing part (341) prevents the escape of the fluid flowing between the one opening and the first opening hole (32a); the second sealing part (342) extends to surround a circumferential edge (322b) of the second opening hole (32b) on the side of the main body inner circumferential surface (322); when one opening of the one or at least two valve body openings (302b, 302c) is connected to the second opening hole (32b), the second sealing part (342) prevents the escape of the fluid flowing between the one opening and the second opening hole (32b); the joining part (345) has a first joining end section (345a) which is connected to the first sealing part (341) and a second joining end section (345b) which is connected to the second sealing part (342), and is placed at a position where a mutual distance (A1) between the first sealing part (341) and the second sealing part (342) in the circumferential direction (DRc) is the smallest; each of at least the first joining end section (345a) and the second joining end section (345b) of the joining part (345) is pressed outwards in the valve radial direction (DRr) through the valve body outer circumferential surface (302a) in order to be elastically deformed, where the flow control valve characterized by is that the sealing component (34) further comprises a tubular part (350) which has a tubular shape around the valve axis (CLv) and which connects the first sealing part (341) and the second sealing part (342) together; the joining part (345) is designed as a part of the tubular part (350); and the joining part (345) bulges outwards from an outer circumferential surface (350b) of the tubular part (350) which is formed around the joining part (345) in the valve radial direction (DRr). [2] Flow switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the joining part (345) is compressed in the valve radial direction (DRr) by the valve body outer circumferential surface (302a) and the main body inner circumferential surface (322). [3] Flow diverter valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the first sealing part (341) extends around the first opening hole (32a) with a predetermined sealing width (W1) in a radial direction of the first opening hole (32a) in order to be annular in shape; and the joining part (345) is designed such that a width (WC1) of the joining part (345) in one direction of the valve axis (CLv) is equal to the sealing width (W1). [4] Flow diverter valve according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: the flow control valve forms part of a heat management system (10) which has a refrigeration circuit (12) that cools a first heat exchange medium; the first heat exchange medium and a second heat exchange medium, which has a higher temperature than the first heat exchange medium, circulate through the heat management system (10); the thermal management system (10) supplies the first heat exchange medium or the second heat exchange medium to each of a plurality of devices (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d); and the flow switching valve switches the flow of the fluid that serves as the first heat exchange medium or the second heat exchange medium in the thermal management system (10). [5] Flow diverting valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the rotation of the valve body (302) stops, the valve body (302) stops at a rotational position where no circumferential edges (302d, 302e) of the one or the at least two valve body openings (302b, 302c) overlap with any of the first sealing part (341) and the second sealing part (342). [6] Flow diverter valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: the flow control valve is placed in a vehicle that has a drive engine; and when the machine stops, the valve body (302) stops in a rotational position where no circumferential edges (302d, 302e) of one or at least two valve body openings (302b, 302c) overlap with any of the first sealing part (341) and the second sealing part (342).

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