VALVE DEVICE

Abstract

A valve device includes a shaft (61), a housing (10) defining a flow channel (F) and having a plurality of openings (151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167), and a first movable disc (30) and a second movable disc (50) that are rotatable. The plurality of openings includes one-side openings (152, 154, 161, 162, 163, 167) and the other-side openings (153, 164, 165, 166). The housing includes a one-side partition wall that divides the flow channel into a plurality of one-side flow channels (Fi2, Fi4, Fo1, Fo2, Fo3, Fo7) and an other-side partition wall (1214) that divides the flow channel into a plurality of other-side flow channels (Fi3, Fo4, Fo5, Fo6). The first movable disc is rotated to switch a one-side flow channel that communicates with a first through hole (34, 341, 342).The second movable disc is rotated to switch a flow channel of the other side which is in communication with a second through hole (54).

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-146167 filed on September 14, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a valve device. BACKGROUND KNOWLEDGE

[0003] Conventionally, a valve device that switches a flow channel through which a fluid flows is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The valve device includes a cylindrical housing defining flow channels through which the fluid flows, and having three openings and two sealing disc units arranged separately inside the housing, which open and close the three openings.

[0004] In the valve device, the three openings, that is, a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, are formed in this order, and the first opening, the second opening, and the third opening are axially spaced from each other at an outer peripheral portion of the cylindrical housing. In the valve device, one of the two sealing disc units is arranged between the first opening and the second opening of the three openings, and the other is arranged between the second opening and the third opening of the three openings. With this configuration, the flow channels inside the housing are divided into three chambers by the two sealing disc units. A corresponding one of the openings is provided in each of the three chambers.

[0005] Each of the two sealing disc assemblies contains a fixed (stationary) sealing disc and rotating sealing discs. The fixed sealing disc and the rotating sealing disc are formed with recesses through which the fluid can flow. When the sealing discs are rotated and the respective recesses of the fixed sealing disc and the sealing disc overlap, the fluid can pass through the sealing disc assembly.

[0006] The valve device switches the openings through which the fluid flows in and out by changing the rotational positions of the sealing discs to change the one chamber among the three chambers into which the fluid flows in and out. This allows the valve device to switch the flow channel of the fluid flowing into the valve device. CITATION LISTPatent literature

[0007] Patent Literature 1: US-9874284-B2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The inventors have studied a valve device that can switch even more flow channels by increasing the number of openings through which a fluid can flow in and out. However, in the case of a configuration in which a single opening is provided in each of the chambers divided by seal disc units, as in the valve device of Patent Literature 1, the number of switchable flow channels is determined by the number of chambers divided by the seal disc units. This is because the chambers divided by the seal discs and the openings have a one-to-one correspondence.

[0009] Therefore, to increase the number of orifices, the number of chambers divided by the sealing disc units must be increased, and the axial size of a housing must be increased. This configuration results in an increase in the number of components of the valve device and further results in an increase in the size of the housing.

[0010] The object of the present disclosure is to provide a valve device in which the number of openings through which a fluid can flow in and out can be increased without increasing the number of components or the size of a housing.

[0011] A valve device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a shaft extending along an axial direction, the shaft being configured to rotate about a predetermined axis; a housing defining a flow channel through which a fluid flows, the housing having a plurality of openings, each of which communicates with the flow channel and serves as at least one of an inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel or an outlet through which the fluid flows out of the flow channel; and a first movable disc and a second movable disc provided to be aligned with each other in the axial direction while being spaced apart from each other within the flow channel to partition the flow channel in the axial direction, the first movable disc and the second movable disc being configuredto rotate along with the rotation of the shaft. In the valve device, the plurality of openings includes a plurality of one-side openings provided on one side in the axial direction with respect to the first movable disc, and a plurality of other-side openings formed on another side in the axial direction with respect to the second movable disc. The housing includes a one-side partition wall that divides the flow channel on the one side in the axial direction with respect to the first movable disc into a plurality of one-side flow channels that communicate with the plurality of one-side openings, and an other-side partition wall that divides the flow channel on the other side in the axial direction with respect to the second movable disc into a plurality of other-side flow channels.which communicate with the plurality of openings on the other side. Furthermore, the first movable disc has a first through-hole penetrating the first movable disc in the axial direction, and the first movable disc is configured to switch a flow channel within the plurality of flow channels on the one side that communicate with the plurality of flow channels on the other side by being caused to rotate along with the rotation of the shaft. Furthermore, the second movable disc has a second through-hole penetrating the second movable disc in the axial direction, and the second movable disc is configured to switch a flow channel within the plurality of flow channels on the other side that communicate with the second through-hole by being caused to rotate along with the rotation of the shaft.

[0012] According to this configuration, the inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel or the outlet through which the fluid flows out of the flow channel can be switched to any of the plurality of openings on one side by rotating the first movable disc to switch the flow channel on one side that communicates with the first through-hole. The inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel or the outlet through which the fluid flows out of the flow channel can be switched to any of the plurality of openings on the other side by rotating the second movable disc to switch the flow channel on the other side that communicates with the second through-hole.According to such a configuration, even with a number of two movable discs, the number of openings through which the fluid flows in and out can be increased without increasing the size of the housing in the axial direction.

[0013] The reference numerals in parentheses attached to the respective constituent elements and the like indicate examples of correspondence relationships between each of these constituent elements and the like and a corresponding one of the specific constituent elements and the like described in the embodiments to be described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an external view of the valve device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of Part III of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a plan view of a lower stationary disk according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a lower movable disk according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a bottom view of the lower movable disk according to the first embodiment. Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of Part VIII of Fig. 1. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view along the line IX-IX of Fig. 1. Fig. 10 is a plan view of an upper stationary disk according to the first embodiment. Fig. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of an upper movable disk according to the first embodiment. Fig. 12 is a plan view of the upper movable disk according to the first embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation modes of the valve device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to a first modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to a second modification of the first embodiment. Fig. 16 is an external view of a valve device according to a second embodiment. Fig. 17 is a view according to Fig. 4, in the valve device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 18 is a plan view of a lower stationary plate according to the second embodiment. Fig. 19 is a bottom view of a lower movable disk according to the second embodiment. Fig. 20 is a diagram for explaining the operation modes of the valve device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 21 is an external view of a valve device according to a third embodiment. Fig. 22 is a view according to Fig. 4, in the valve device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 23 is a plan view of a lower stationary disk according to the third embodiment. Fig. 24 is a bottom view of a lower movable disk according to the third embodiment. Fig. 25 is a diagram for explaining the operation modes of the valve device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to a first modification of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment. Fig. 29 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment. Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a lower stationary disk according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a lower movable plate according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 34 is a cross-sectional view of an upper fixed disk according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 35 is a cross-sectional view of an upper movable disk according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 36 is a cross-sectional view of a valve device according to a seventh embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts identical or equivalent to those described in the preceding embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may be omitted due to redundancy. In the embodiments, the constituent elements described in the preceding embodiment may be applied to other parts of the constituent elements when only a part of the constituent elements is described. In the following embodiments, the embodiments may be partially combined with each other even if the combination is not particularly specified, provided that the combination does not result in contradictions or is obviously technically impossible. First embodiment

[0015] The present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to 13. A valve device 1 according to the present embodiment is applied, for example, to a fluid circulation system in which a fluid (in the present example, cooling water) that adjusts the temperatures of a vehicle interior and a battery of an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle circulates. The fluid circulation system is a system that allows cooling water to circulate through a traveling power source, a radiator, a heating element of the vehicle interior air conditioning system, the battery, and the like. As the cooling water, for example, a long-life coolant (LongLifeCoolant, LLC) containing ethylene glycol is used. The valve device 1 is a device that, for example, switches a flow channel of the cooling water flowing in the fluid circulation system or adjusts a flow rate. In the present embodiment, the valve device 1 configured as a nine-way valve is described as an example.

[0016] First, a configuration of the valve device 1 of the present embodiment will be described. As in the present embodiment, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the valve device 1 includes a housing 10, a lower stationary disc 20, a lower movable disc 30, an upper stationary disc 40, an upper movable disc 50, a drive unit 60, a lower lever 70, and an upper lever 75. The valve device 1 further includes a lower torsion spring 80, an upper torsion spring 85, a compression spring 90, and the like. The valve device 1 of the present embodiment is configured as a disc valve so that the drive unit 60 rotates the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50 integrally with a shaft 61 to be described later to switch the fluid flow channel of the cooling water flowing in the fluid circulation system.

[0017] The valve device 1 is configured to switch the operating mode of the valve device 1 to switch the fluid flow of the cooling water flowing in the fluid circulation system. The operating mode of the valve device 1 is switched by the drive unit 60.

[0018] The housing 10 forms an outer shell of the valve device 1 and defines a flow channel F through which the fluid flows inside. The housing 10 is a non-rotatable member that does not rotate. Specifically, the housing 10 includes a bottomed cylindrical lower housing 11 and a bottomed cylindrical upper housing 12 connected to the opening side of the lower housing 11. The lower housing 11 and the upper housing 12 are formed, for example, by injection molding, in which a resin material is poured into a mold and solidified into a desired shape.

[0019] As in Fig. 1, the shaft 61 is inserted from the lower housing 11 to the drive unit 60 via the upper housing 12 into the housing 10. In the housing 10, the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 12 are arranged to be aligned with each other in a direction in which an axis CL of the shaft 61 extends. In the housing 10, components such as the lower fixed disk 20, the lower movable disk 30, the upper fixed disk 40, and the upper movable disk 50 are provided. In the housing 10, the flow channel F formed therein is partitioned by these components.

[0020] Specifically, for example, the flow passage F inside the casing 10 is divided in the direction in which the axis CL of the shaft 61 extends by the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50, which are arranged to be aligned with each other while being spaced apart from each other inside the flow passage F.

[0021] Below, as in Fig. 1 and the like, various configurations and the like are described, wherein a direction along the axis CL of the shaft 61 is defined as an axial direction DRa, a direction on one side in the axial direction DRa is defined as a lower direction DRa1, and a direction opposite to the lower direction DRa1 is defined as an upper direction DRa2. The lower direction DRa1 is a direction from the upper housing side 12 toward the lower housing side 11 in the axial direction DRa.

[0022] Various configurations and the like are described, wherein a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa and extending radially from the axial direction DRa is defined as a radial direction DRr, and a direction centered on the axis CL and extending around the axis CL is defined as a circumferential direction DRc. The circumferential direction DRc is a rotational direction of the shaft 61, which is rotated by a driving force supplied from the drive unit 60. In Fig. 2, the illustration of the drive unit 60 is omitted. The Fig. 1 and the like are examples and do not limit an installation structure of the valve device 1 of the present disclosure.

[0023] In the flow channels F inside the casing 10, a part on the lower direction DRa1 side with respect to the lower movable disc 30 is also called a lower flow channel Fb, and a part on the upper direction DRa2 side with respect to the upper movable disc 50 is also called an upper flow channel Fa. In the flow channel F inside the casing 10, the part between the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50 is also called a central flow channel Fc. That is, in the present embodiment, the flow channel F inside the casing 10 is divided into the lower flow channel Fb, the central flow channel Fc, and the upper flow channel Fa by the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50.

[0024] The lower housing 11 has a bottomed cylindrical shape and includes a lower side wall portion 111 surrounding the axis CL and a lower bottom wall portion 112 forming a bottom surface. The lower housing 11 defines a part of the flow channel F defined by the housing 10. Specifically, the lower housing 11 defines, for example, the central flow channel Fc and the lower flow channel Fb. The lower housing 11 is provided with two fluid inlet portions 151, 152 and three fluid outlet portions 161, 162, 163, each of which communicates with a corresponding portion of the central flow channel Fc and the lower flow channel Fb and through which the fluid flows.

[0025] The lower housing 11 accommodates a portion of the upper housing 12 and also houses the lower stationary disc 20, the lower movable disc 30, the upper stationary disc 40, the upper movable disc 50, the lower lever 70, the upper lever 75, the lower torsion spring 80, and the like. The lower housing 11 further houses the upper torsion spring 85, the compression spring 90, and the like. The lower housing 11 is formed as an integrally molded product in which the lower side wall portion 111 and the lower bottom wall portion 112 are integrally molded. As shown in Fig. 2, the two fluid inlet sections 151, 152 and the three fluid outlet sections 161, 162, 163 are connected to an outer peripheral portion of the lower housing 11.

[0026] The lower side wall portion 111 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the flow passage F in the circumferential direction DRc and extends in the axial direction DRa. The lower side wall portion 111 includes an O-ring installation portion 1111, on which an O-ring 113, provided for sealing a gap between the lower case 11 and the upper case 12, is arranged on the upper direction DRa2 side, which is the opening side. The O-ring installation portion 1111 is formed by increasing an inner diameter of one end of the lower side wall portion 111 on the upper direction DRa2 side compared to other portions of the lower side wall portion 111. The O-ring 113 is arranged on the O-ring installation portion 1111. The lower bottom wall portion 112 is formed continuous with the lower direction DRa1 side of the lower side wall portion 111.

[0027] Although not illustrated, a receiving groove is formed in an inner side of the lower side wall portion 111, which receives a lower projection 23 of the lower stationary disk 20, which will be described later. The rotation prevention of the lower stationary disk 20 can be achieved, for example, by using an anti-rotation pin instead of the lower projection 23.

[0028] The two fluid inlet sections 151, 152 are inlet ports that function as inlets through which the fluid flows into the flow channel F inside the housing 10. The three fluid outlet sections 161, 162, 163 are outlet ports that function as outlets through which the fluid flowing into the flow channel F inside the housing 10 flows to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0029] As in Fig. As illustrated in Fig. 2, one of the two fluid inlet portions 151, 152 is provided on the lower direction DRa1 side of the lower housing 11, and the other is provided on the upper direction DRa2 side of the lower housing 11. On the other hand, the three fluid outlet portions 161, 162, 163 are provided on the lower side DRa1 of the lower housing 11. The two fluid inlet portions 151, 152 and the three fluid outlet portions 161, 162, 163 are each formed of a tubular member shaped to allow fluid to flow therethrough.

[0030] In the following description, of the two fluid inlet portions 151, 152 provided in the lower case 11, the fluid inlet portion on the upper direction DRa2 side is referred to as a first fluid inlet portion 151, and the fluid inlet portion on the lower direction DRa1 side is referred to as a second fluid inlet portion 152. The three fluid outlet portions 161, 162, 163 provided in the lower case 11 are referred to as a first fluid outlet portion 161, a second fluid outlet portion 162, and a third fluid outlet portion 163, respectively.

[0031] The first fluid inlet portion 151 and the third fluid outlet portion 163 are provided so as to be aligned in the axial direction DRa. The second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 are provided adjacent to each other at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction DRc in the outer portion of the lower case 11. In the present embodiment, the second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the third fluid outlet portion 163, and the second fluid outlet portion 162 are provided adjacent to each other in this order at intervals of approximately 90°.The second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 are formed in the outer peripheral portion of the lower housing 11 with respect to the lower stationary disk 20 and the lower movable disk 30 with respect to the lower direction DRa1.

[0032] The first fluid inlet portion 151 communicates with the central flow channel Fc. The second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 communicate with the lower flow channel Fb. The arrangement of the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 is not limited to this example and can be changed as appropriate. The first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 function as openings in the present embodiment.The second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 function as one-side openings.

[0033] The lower bottom wall portion 112 is a portion on which the lower stationary disk 20 is installed, and is provided to hold a portion on the shaft 61 side in the lower direction DRa1. As shown in Fig. 3, the lower bottom wall portion 112 includes a lower installation surface 1121 on which the lower stationary disc 20 is placed in the upper direction DRa2. A lower bearing hole 1122 is formed in the lower bottom wall portion 112, which supports the shaft 61. The lower mounting surface 1121 is formed with a lower seal groove 1123 in which a lower seal 114 is disposed, sealing a gap between the lower stationary disc 20 and the lower mounting surface 1121.

[0034] The lower mounting surface 1121 is formed to extend in a planar manner along the radial direction DRr and the circumferential direction DRc. That is, the lower mounting surface 1121 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa and parallel to the radial direction DRr. The state in which the lower mounting surface 1121 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa does not mean a state in which the lower mounting surface 1121 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa in the strict sense, and includes a state in which the lower mounting surface 1121 slightly deviates from the state orthogonal to the axial direction DRa due to a manufacturing error or the like.

[0035] The portion on the lower direction DRa1 side of the shaft 61 is fitted into the lower bearing hole 1122, thereby rotatably supporting the shaft 61 therein.

[0036] The lower seal 114 is formed, for example, from an elastically deformable rubber member and is formed, for example, in an annular shape. Specifically, the lower seal 114 is formed in a shape corresponding to the lower stationary disc 20 and has respective holes corresponding to four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263 formed through the lower stationary disc 20, which will be described later. The lower seal 114 is mounted in the lower seal groove 1123 between the lower stationary disc 20 and the lower installation surface 1121. In the present embodiment, the lower seal 114 functions as a first seal member.

[0037] In the lower bottom wall portion 112, level differences are provided in correspondence with the four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263, which will be described later, of the lower stationary disc 20. That is, in the lower bottom wall portion 112, each of the portions facing the four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263, which will be described later, of the lower stationary disc 20 has a greater distance with respect to the upper housing 12 compared to portions not facing the four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263. In this configuration, as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, four flow channels Fi2, Fo1, Fo2, Fo3 are formed in the lower bottom wall section 112.

[0038] Specifically, the lower bottom wall portion 112 is formed with a second inlet flow channel Fi2, a first outlet flow channel Fo1, a second outlet flow channel Fo2, and a third outlet flow channel Fo3, which are respectively in communication with the second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163. The second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 are formed on the lower direction DRa1 side with respect to the lower stationary disk 20. The second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 are divided by four lower partition walls 1124 provided in the lower bottom wall portion 112 of the lower case 11.

[0039] In other words, the lower flow passage Fb in the flow passage F within the casing 10 is divided into the second inlet flow passage Fi2, the first outlet flow passage Fo1, the second outlet flow passage Fo2, and the third outlet flow passage Fo3 by the four lower partition walls 1124. In the present embodiment, the second inlet flow passage Fi2, the second outlet flow passage Fo2, the third outlet flow passage Fo3, and the first outlet flow passage Fo1 are formed side by side in this order along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0040] The second inlet flow channel Fi2 is formed such that a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape, and is formed such that a cross-sectional area orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof is different from each of the respective cross-sectional areas orthogonal to the axial direction DRa of the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3. Specifically, the second inlet flow channel Fi2 is formed such that the cross-sectional area orthogonal to the axial direction DRa is smaller than each of the respective cross-sectional areas orthogonal to the axial direction DRa of the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3.In the following, a cross-sectional area orthogonal to the axial direction DRa in each flow channel is also referred to as a flow channel cross-sectional area.

[0041] The second exhaust flow channel Fo2 is formed such that a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape, and is formed such that the flow channel cross-sectional area thereof is different from each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the first exhaust flow channel Fo1 and the third exhaust flow channel Fo3. Specifically, the second exhaust flow channel Fo2 is formed such that the flow channel cross-sectional area thereof is smaller than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the first exhaust flow channel Fo1 and the third exhaust flow channel Fo3.

[0042] The first outlet flow channel Fo1 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 are each formed such that a portion in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape, and these flow channels are formed such that the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas have substantially the same size.

[0043] The thickness of each of the four lower partition walls 1124 is uniform in the radial direction DRr. The size of each of the four lower partition walls 1124 is uniform across the axial direction DRa.

[0044] The four lower partition walls 1124 are provided at respective positions corresponding to the four lower partition portions 24 of the lower stationary disk 20, which will be described later. The ends of the four lower partition walls 1124 on the lower stationary disk 20 side are fixed in a state where each of the respective orientations thereof coincides with a corresponding one of the respective orientations of the four lower partition portions 24 of the lower stationary disk 20. Thus, the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first inlet flow channel Fo1, the second inlet flow channel Fo2, and the third inlet flow channel Fo3 are respectively communicated with the four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263 of the lower stationary disk 20.In the present embodiment, the four lower partition walls 1124 function as one-side partition walls, and the second intake flow channel Fi2, the first intake flow channel Fo1, the second intake flow channel Fo2, and the third intake flow channel Fo3, which are partitioned by the four lower partition walls 1124, function as one-side flow channels.

[0045] As in Fig. 1, the lower stationary disc 20 is fixed within the lower housing 11. In particular, for example, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3, the lower stationary disc 20 is disposed between the lower installation surface 1121 of the lower housing 11 and the lower movable disc 30. The lower stationary disc 20 is a sealing member that seals a gap between the lower housing 11 and the lower movable disc 30. The lower stationary disc 20 is disk-shaped and is disposed so that its central axis coincides with the axis CL.

[0046] The lower stationary disc 20 includes a lower sealing surface 21 in contact with the lower movable disc 30 and a lower support surface 28 in contact with the lower installation surface 1121. As shown in Fig. 5, the lower stationary disc 20 is formed with a lower stationary hole 22 through which the shaft 61 is inserted substantially at the center thereof.

[0047] The lower seal surface 21 and the lower support surface 28 are formed to extend planarly along the radial direction DRr and the circumferential direction DRc. That is, the lower seal surface 21 and the lower support surface 28 are orthogonal to the axial direction DRa and parallel to the radial direction DRr. The state in which the lower seal surface 21 and the lower support surface 28 are orthogonal to the axial direction DRa does not mean a state in which the lower seal surface 21 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa in the strict sense. The state in which the lower seal surface 21 and the lower support surface 28 are orthogonal to the axial direction DRa includes a state in which there is a slight deviation from the state orthogonal to the axial direction DRa due to a manufacturing error or the like.

[0048] The lower stationary disc 20 is formed from a material that has a lower coefficient of linear expansion, better wear resistance, and a lower coefficient of friction compared to the material of the housing 10. For example, the lower stationary disc 20 is formed from a high-hardness material whose hardness is higher than the hardness of the housing 10. Specifically, the lower stationary disc 20 is formed using at least one of the following materials: phenol, resin, or ceramic. The lower stationary disc 20 of the present embodiment is formed from ceramic.

[0049] In the lower stationary disc 20, only a portion forming the lower sealing surface 21 on which the lower movable disc 30 slides may be formed of a material, such as ceramic, having a smaller linear expansion coefficient and better wear resistance compared to the material constituting the housing 10. The lower stationary disc 20 may be formed by combining a plurality of individual parts.

[0050] The lower stationary disc 20 is provided so that it does not rotate relatively in the circumferential direction DRc within the flow channel F of the housing 10. In particular, the lower stationary disc 20 includes, for example, as shown in Fig. 5 illustrates the lower protrusion 23 projecting outward in the radial direction DRr. The lower stationary disc 20 is non-rotatable in the circumferential direction DRc along with the rotation of the shaft 61 by receiving the lower protrusion 23 into the receiving groove (not illustrated) formed in the inner portion of the lower side wall portion 111.

[0051] The lower stationary disc 20 of the present embodiment has the four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263 extending therethrough in the axial direction DRa, and each has four lower partition portions 24 provided between the corresponding ones of the four. The four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263 are formed through the lower stationary disc 20 in the axial direction DRa, and fluid can pass through each of the four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263. The four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263 are arranged alternately with the four lower partition portions 24 in the circumferential direction DRc along the entire circumference of the lower stationary disc 20. The four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263 are each formed such that a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape.In the following description, the four flow holes 252, 261, 262, 263 are respectively referred to as a second inlet flow hole 252, a first outlet flow hole 261, a second outlet flow hole 262, and a third outlet flow hole 263. In the present embodiment, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, and the second outlet flow hole 262 are provided side by side in this order along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0052] The second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third inlet flow hole 263 correspond to the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first inlet flow channel Fo1, the second inlet flow channel Fo2, and the third inlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb, respectively, on a one-to-one basis. Specifically, the second inlet flow hole 252 has a flow channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the flow channel cross-sectional area of the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and communicates with the second fluid inlet portion 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2. The first outlet flow hole 161 has a flow channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the flow channel cross-sectional area of the first outlet flow channel Fo1, and communicates with the first fluid outlet portion 161 via the first outlet flow channel Fo1.The second flow hole 262 has a flow channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the flow channel cross-sectional area of the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and communicates with the second fluid outlet portion 162 via the second outlet flow channel Fo2. The third flow hole 263 has a flow channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the flow channel cross-sectional area of the third outlet flow channel Fo3 and communicates with the third fluid outlet portion 163 via the third outlet flow channel Fo3. In the present embodiment, the second inlet flow hole 262, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263 function as first flow channel holes.

[0053] As in Fig. 3, the lower movable disk 30 is provided inside the lower housing 11 and is in contact with the lower sealing surface 21 of the lower stationary disk 20. As in the present embodiment in Fig. 3 and Fig. 6, the lower movable disc 30 is formed in a disc shape having an outer diameter substantially equal to the outer diameter of the lower stationary disc 20, and the lower movable disc 30 is arranged so that its central axis coincides with the axis CL.

[0054] The lower movable disc 30 includes a lower sliding surface 31 that slides on the lower stationary disc 20. The lower movable disc 30 is formed with a lower movable hole 32 through which the shaft 61 is inserted substantially at the center thereof, and is formed with two lower press-fitting grooves 33 into which the lower lever 70, which will be described later, is fitted.

[0055] The lower sliding surface 31 is formed to extend planarly along the radial direction DRr and the circumferential direction DRc. That is, the lower sliding surface 31 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa and parallel to the radial direction DRr. The state in which the lower sliding surface 31 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa does not mean a state in which the lower sliding surface 31 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa in the strict sense, and includes a state in which the lower sliding surface 31 slightly deviates from the state orthogonal to the axial direction DRa due to a manufacturing error or the like.

[0056] Like the lower stationary disc 20, the lower movable disc 30 is formed of a material having a smaller linear expansion coefficient, better wear resistance, and a lower friction coefficient compared to the material of the housing 10. For example, the lower movable disc 30 is formed of a high-hardness material whose hardness is higher than the hardness of the housing 10. Specifically, the lower movable disc 30 is formed using at least one of the following materials: phenol, resin, or ceramic. In the present embodiment, the lower movable disc 30 is formed of ceramic, a material similar to the material of the lower stationary disc 20.

[0057] In the lower movable disk 30, only a portion forming the lower sliding surface 31 on which the lower stationary disk 20 slides may be formed of a material such as ceramic, which has a smaller linear expansion coefficient and better wear resistance than the material constituting the housing 10. The lower movable disk 30 may be formed by combining a plurality of components.

[0058] The lower movable disc 30 is formed so that its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower housing 11 and is provided to be rotatable about the axis CL of the shaft 61. The lower movable disc 30 has a lower flow channel through-hole 34 extending through the lower movable disc 30 in the axial direction DRa and a lower flow channel communication hole 35 not extending through the lower movable disc 30.

[0059] As in Fig. 7, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 are each formed such that a portion in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape. The lower flow channel through-hole 34 is formed such that the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof is smaller than the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa of the lower flow channel communication hole 35. Specifically, for example, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 is formed such that the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a size 1 / 2 or less of the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa of the lower flow channel communication hole 35.

[0060] The lower flow channel through-hole 34 is formed through the lower movable disc 30 and is shaped to allow fluid to flow therethrough. In the lower flow channel through-hole 34, the lower side DRa1 communicates with one of the second inlet flow holes 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263 of the lower stationary disc 20. In the lower flow channel through-hole 34, the upper direction side DRa2 communicates with the central flow channel Fc.

[0061] The lower flow channel through-hole 34 is formed to have a flow channel cross-sectional area slightly larger than the flow channel cross-sectional area of the second inlet flow channel 252 of the lower stationary disk 20 and to have a size superimposable over the entire second inlet flow hole 252. On the other hand, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 is formed such that the flow channel cross-sectional area thereof is smaller than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263 of the lower stationary disk 20. The lower flow channel through-hole 34 has a size that does not extend over each of the respective entireties of the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0062] The lower flow channel through-hole 34 is formed so that it can communicate with one or two of the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in accordance with the rotational position of the lower movable disc 30. Specifically, in a case where the lower flow channel through-hole 34 overlaps only one of the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in the axial direction DRa, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with only this overlapped flow hole.In the case where the lower flow passage hole 34 straddles and overlaps two of the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in the axial direction DRa, the lower flow passage hole 34 communicates with these two spanned flow holes.

[0063] In other words, the lower movable disc 30 has the lower flow passage through hole 34 which communicates with at least one of the second intake flow passage Fi2, the first intake flow passage Fo1, the second intake flow passage Fo2, or the third intake flow passage Fo3 by the rotation of the lower movable disc 30 caused together with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0064] The lower flow channel communication hole 35 is formed by recessing a portion of the lower sliding surface 31 located on a side where sliding is performed with respect to the lower stationary disk 20. That is, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 is formed without extending through the lower movable disk 30. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 is formed to have a flow channel cross-sectional area larger than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the second inlet flow channel 252, the first outlet flow channel 261, the second outlet flow channel 262, and the third outlet flow channel 263.The lower flow channel communication hole 35 has a size that is superimposable with each of the respective entirety of the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0065] In the present embodiment, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 has a size that can be superimposed with at least respective parts of two or three of the second inlet flow port 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 62, or the third outlet flow hole 263 at the same time.

[0066] The lower flow channel communication hole 35 is formed so that two or three of the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263 can communicate. Specifically, in the case where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 straddles and overlaps two of the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in the axial direction DRa, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows these two spanned flow holes to communicate with each other.In the case where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 spans and overlaps any three flow holes of the second inlet flow channel 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows these three flow holes to communicate with each other. Thus, among the second inlet flow channel 252, the first outlet flow channel 261, the second outlet flow channel 262, and the third outlet flow channel 263, the flow holes that communicate with each other via the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicate with each other.

[0067] In other words, the lower movable disc 30 has the lower flow passage communication hole 35, which allows a plurality of the second intake flow passage Fi2, the first intake flow passage Fo1, the second intake flow passage Fo2, and the third intake flow passage Fo3 to communicate with each other by the rotation of the lower movable disc 30 caused together with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0068] Therefore, when the lower movable disc 30 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with one or two of the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower inlet flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with the flow hole(s) corresponding to the flow hole(s) with which the lower inlet flow channel through-hole 34 communicates, among the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3.As a result, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 enables communication between the central flow channel Fc and the flow channel(s) with which the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates, among the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3.

[0069] When the lower movable disc 30 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows two or three of the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow channels 261, the second outlet flow channels 262, and the third outlet flow channels 263 to communicate. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the respective flow channels corresponding to the two or three flow holes with which the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates, among the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first inlet flow channel Fo1, the second inlet flow channel Fo2, and the third inlet flow channel Fo3.As a result, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows the two or three flow channels among the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3, with which the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates, to communicate with each other.

[0070] In the present embodiment, a rotation range of the lower movable disc 30 is set in advance, and the lower flow channel through-hole 34 is configured to communicate with one or two of the first, second, and third outlet flow holes 261, 262, and 263. The lower inlet flow channel through-hole 34 is configured to be incommunicable with the second inlet flow channel through-hole 252. That is, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 is configured to be incommunicable with the second fluid inlet portion 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2.

[0071] The lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second inlet flow channel 252 and is configured to communicate with at least one of the first outlet flow holes 261 and the second outlet flow channel 262. Thus, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 is configured to allow the second inlet flow channel 252 to communicate with the first outlet flow hole 261 or the second outlet flow hole 262. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 is configured to prevent communication with the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the lower stationary disk 20 functions as a first stationary disk, and the lower movable disk 30 functions as a first movable disk.

[0073] The upper case 12 is a member that covers the opening side of the lower case 11. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the upper housing 12 has a bottomed cylindrical shape and includes an upper bottom wall portion 121 forming a surface and a lid portion 122 covering the lower housing 11. The upper housing 12 defines a part of the flow channel F defined by the housing 10. More specifically, the upper housing 12 defines, for example, the upper flow channel Fa. The upper housing 12 is provided with a fluid inlet portion 153 and three fluid outlet portions 164, 165, 166 that communicate with the upper flow channel Fa and through which the fluid flows.

[0074] The upper housing 12 houses the upper stationary disk 40 and also a portion of the upper movable disk 50. The upper bottom wall portion 121 and the lid portion 122 are formed as an integrally molded product in which the upper bottom wall portion 121 and the lid portion 122 are integrally molded.

[0075] The upper bottom wall portion 121 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the upper flow channel Fa in the circumferential direction DRc and extending in the axial direction DRa. The upper bottom wall portion 121 is formed to have an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the lower side wall portion 111. The lid portion 122 is continuous with the side of the upper bottom wall portion 121 in the upper direction DRa1. The one fluid inlet portion 153 and the three fluid outlet portions 164, 165, 166 are connected to an outer peripheral portion of the upper bottom wall portion 121.

[0076] One fluid inlet portion 153 is an inlet port that functions as an inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel F inside the housing 10. The three fluid outlet portions 164, 165, 166 are outlet ports that function as outlets through which the fluid flowing into the flow channel F inside the housing 10 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0077] The one fluid inlet portion 153 and the three fluid outlet portions 164, 165, 166 are each formed from a tubular member shaped to allow fluid to flow therethrough. In the following description, the one fluid inlet portion 153 provided in the upper housing 12 is referred to as the third fluid inlet portion 153, and the three fluid outlet portions 164, 165, 166 provided in the upper housing 12 are referred to as the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166, respectively.

[0078] As in Fig. 2, the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 is provided so as to be aligned in the axial direction DRa with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the third fluid outlet portion 163 provided in the lower case 11. The third fluid inlet portion 153, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 are provided side by side at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction DRc in an outer peripheral portion of the upper case 12. In the present embodiment, the third fluid inlet portion 153, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 are provided side by side at unequal intervals in this order.The third fluid inlet portion 153, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 are formed on the upper direction DRa2 side with respect to the upper stationary disk 40 and the upper movable disk 50 in the outer peripheral portion of the upper housing 12.

[0079] The third fluid inlet portion 153, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 communicate with the upper flow passage Fa. The arrangement of the third fluid inlet portion 153, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 is not limited to this example and can be changed accordingly. The third fluid inlet portion 153, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 are openings in the present embodiment and function as other-side openings.

[0080] The lid portion 122 is a member that closes the opening of the lower case 11 by fitting to the opening side of the lower case 11. The lid portion 122 includes a plate portion 1221 and a rib portion 1222. The plate portion 1221 is formed in an annular shape extending outward from an outer peripheral surface of the upper bottom wall portion 121 in the radial direction DRr. The plate portion 1221 has an outer diameter that gradually increases from the lower direction DRa1 toward the upper direction DRa2.

[0081] The rib portion 1222 is a portion of the lid portion 122 fitted to the opening side of the lower case 11. The rib portion 1222 has a cylindrical shape and is formed to have an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the lower side wall portion 111, and is configured to be attached from the opening side of the lower case 11.

[0082] The rib portion 1222 is provided to protrude from a surface of the plate portion 1221 on the lower direction DRa1 side toward the lower direction DRa1. The upper stationary disk 40 faces an inner peripheral surface of the rib portion 1222. The O-ring 113 is sandwiched between an inner peripheral surface of the lower case 11 and an outer peripheral surface of the rib portion 1222 of the upper case 12. The O-ring 113 is formed of urethane rubber, which is an annular elastic body and is configured to be elastically deformable by being compressed when sandwiched between the lower side wall portion 111 and the rib portion 1222.

[0083] Although not illustrated, a receiving groove is formed in an inner side of the rib portion 1222, which receives an upper projection 43 of the upper stationary disk 40, which will be described later. The rotation prevention of the upper stationary disk 40 can be achieved, for example, by using an anti-rotation pin instead of the upper projection 43.

[0084] The upper bottom wall portion 121 is a portion on which the upper stationary disk 40 is installed and which holds a portion in the upper direction DRa2 of the shaft 61. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Fig. 8, the upper bottom wall portion 121 includes an upper installation surface 1211 on which the upper stationary disk 40 is placed on the side in the upper direction DRa1. An upper bearing hole 1212 is formed in the upper bottom wall portion 1211, which supports the shaft 61. The upper installation surface 1211 is provided with an upper seal groove 1213, on which an upper seal 123 is disposed, which seals a gap between the upper stationary disk 40 and the upper installation surface 1211.

[0085] The upper installation surface 1211 is formed to extend in a planar manner along the radial direction DRr and the circumferential direction DRc. That is, the upper installation surface 1211 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa and parallel to the radial direction DRr. The state in which the upper installation surface 1211 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa does not mean a state in which the upper installation surface 1211 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa in the strict sense, and includes a state in which the upper installation surface 1211 slightly deviates from the state orthogonal to the axial direction DRa due to a manufacturing error or the like.

[0086] The portion on the upper direction DRa2 side of the shaft 61 is fitted to the upper bearing bore 1212, whereby the shaft 61 is rotatably supported therein.

[0087] The upper seal 123 is formed, for example, from an elastically deformable rubber member and is shaped, for example, in a ring shape. Specifically, the upper seal 123 is formed in a shape corresponding to the upper stationary disc 40 and has respective holes corresponding to the four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466 formed through the upper stationary disc 40, which will be described later. The upper seal 123 is fitted in the upper seal groove 1213 between the upper stationary disc 40 and the upper installation surface 1211. In the present embodiment, the upper seal 123 functions as a second seal member.

[0088] In the upper bottom wall portion 121, height differences are provided according to the four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466, which will be described later, of the upper stationary disk 40. That is, in the upper bottom wall portion 121, each of the portions facing the four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466, which will be described later, of the upper stationary disk 40 has a greater distance with respect to the lower housing 11 than portions not facing the four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466. In this configuration, as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, four flow channels Fi3, Fo4, Fo5, Fo6 are formed in the upper bottom wall section 121.

[0089] Specifically, the upper bottom wall portion 121 is formed with a third inlet flow channel Fi3, a fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, a fifth outlet flow channel Fo5, and a sixth outlet flow channel Fo6, which communicate with the third fluid inlet portion 153, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166, respectively. The third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6 are formed on the upper direction DRa2 side with respect to the upper stationary disk 40. The third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6 are divided by four upper partition walls 1214 provided in the upper bottom wall portion 121 of the upper case 12.

[0090] In other words, in the flow passage F within the casing 10, the upper flow passage Fa is divided into the third inlet flow passage Fi3, the fourth outlet flow passage Fo4, the fifth outlet flow passage Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow passage Fo6 by the four upper partition walls 1214. In the present embodiment, the third inlet flow passage Fi3, the sixth outlet flow passage Fo6, the fourth outlet flow passage Fo4, and the fifth outlet flow passage Fo5 are formed side by side in this order along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0091] The third intake flow passage Fi3, the fourth exhaust flow passage Fo4, the fifth exhaust flow passage Fo5, and the sixth exhaust flow passage Fo6 are each formed such that a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape, and these flow passages are formed such that the respective flow passage cross-sectional areas thereof are different. Specifically, the fourth exhaust flow passage Fo4, the third intake flow passage Fi3, the sixth exhaust flow passage Fo6, and the fifth exhaust flow passage Fo5 are formed such that the respective flow passage cross-sectional areas thereof increase in this order.

[0092] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, the thickness of each of the four upper partition walls 1214 is uniform across the radial direction DRr. The size of each of the four upper partition walls 1214 is uniform across the axial direction DRa.

[0093] The four upper partition walls 1214 are provided at respective positions corresponding to the four upper partition portions 44 of the upper stationary disk 40, which will be described later. The ends of the four upper partition walls 1214 on the upper stationary disk 40 side are fixed in a state where each of the respective orientations thereof coincides with a corresponding one of the respective orientations of the four upper partition portions 44 of the upper stationary disk 40. Thus, the third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6 are each in communication with the four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466 of the upper stationary disk 40.In the present embodiment, the four upper partition walls 1214 function as other-side partition walls, and the third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6, which are divided by the four upper partition walls 1214, function as other-side flow channels.

[0094] As in Fig. 1, the upper stationary disc 40 is fixed within the upper housing 12. In particular, for example, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 8, the upper stationary disc 40 is disposed between the upper installation surface 1211 of the upper housing 12 and the upper movable disc 50. The upper stationary disc 40 is a sealing member that seals a gap between the upper housing 12 and the upper movable disc 50. The upper stationary disc 40 is formed in a disc shape and is disposed so that its central axis coincides with the axis CL.

[0095] The upper stationary disc 40 includes an upper sealing surface 41 in contact with the upper movable disc 50 and an upper support surface 48 in contact with the upper installation surface 1211. As in Fig. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the upper stationary disc 40 is formed with an upper stationary hole 42 through which the shaft 61 is inserted substantially at the center thereof. The upper stationary disc 40 is formed to have an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the lower stationary disc 20. The upper stationary hole 42 is formed to have an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the lower stationary hole 22. This formation occurs because a portion of the shaft 61 inserted into the upper stationary disc 40 is larger than a portion of the shaft 61 inserted into the lower stationary disc 20.

[0096] The upper seal surface 41 and the upper support surface 48 are formed to extend planarly along the radial direction DRr and the circumferential direction DRc. That is, the upper seal surface 41 and the upper support surface 48 are orthogonal to the axial direction DRa and parallel to the radial direction DRr. The state in which the upper seal surface 41 and the upper support surface 48 are orthogonal to the axial direction DRa does not mean a state in which the upper seal surface 41 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa in the strict sense. The state in which the upper seal surface 41 and the upper support surface 48 are orthogonal to the axial direction DRa includes a state in which there is a slight deviation from the state orthogonal to the axial direction DRa due to a manufacturing error or the like.

[0097] Like the lower stationary disc 20, the upper stationary disc 40 is formed of a material having a lower coefficient of linear expansion, better wear resistance, and a lower coefficient of friction compared to the material of the housing 10. For example, the upper stationary disc 40 is formed of a high-hardness material whose hardness is higher than the hardness of the housing 10. Specifically, the upper stationary disc 40 is formed of at least one of phenol, resin, or ceramic. The upper stationary disc 40 of the present embodiment is formed of ceramic.

[0098] In the upper stationary disc 40, only a portion forming the upper sealing surface 41 on which the upper movable disc 50 slides may be formed of a material, such as ceramic, having a smaller linear expansion coefficient and better wear resistance compared to the material constituting the housing 10. The upper stationary disc 40 may be formed by combining a plurality of components.

[0099] The upper stationary disc 40 is intended not to rotate comparatively in the circumferential direction DRc within the flow channel F of the housing 10. In particular, for example, as in Fig. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the upper stationary disc 40 includes the upper protrusion 43 projecting outward in the radial direction DRr. The upper stationary disc 40 is not rotatable in the circumferential direction DRc along with the rotation of the shaft 61 by fitting the upper protrusion 43 into the receiving groove (not illustrated) formed in the inner peripheral portion of the rib portion 1222.

[0100] The upper stationary disk 40 of the present embodiment has the four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466 extending therethrough in the axial direction DRa, and each has four upper partition portions 44 provided between the corresponding ones of the four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466. The four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466 are formed through the upper stationary disk 40 in the axial direction DRa, and the fluid can pass through each of the four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466. The four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466 are arranged alternately with the four upper partition portions 44 in the circumferential direction DRc along the entire circumference of the upper stationary disk 40. The four flow holes 453, 464, 465, 466 are each formed such that a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape.In the following description, the four flow holes 453, 464, 465, and 466 are referred to as a third inlet flow hole 453, a fourth outlet flow hole 464, a fifth outlet flow hole 465, and a sixth outlet flow hole 466, respectively. In the present embodiment, the third inlet flow hole 453, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, the fourth outlet flow hole 464, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466 are provided side by side in this order along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0101] The third inlet flow hole 453, the fourth outlet flow hole 464, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466 correspond to the third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6 in the upper flow channel Fa, respectively, on a one-to-one basis. Specifically, the third flow hole 453 has a flow channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the flow channel cross-sectional area of the third inlet flow channel Fi3 and communicates with the third fluid inlet portion 153 via the third inlet flow channel Fi3. The fourth flow hole 464 has a flow channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the flow channel cross-sectional area of the fourth outlet channel Fo4 and is connected to the fourth fluid outlet portion 164 via the fourth outlet channel Fo4.The fifth flow hole 465 has a flow channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the flow channel cross-sectional area of the fifth outlet channel Fo5 and communicates with the fifth fluid outlet portion 165 via the fifth outlet channel Fo5. The sixth flow hole 466 has a flow channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the flow channel cross-sectional area of the sixth outlet channel Fo6 and communicates with the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 via the sixth outlet channel Fo6. The third inlet flow hole 453, the fourth outlet flow hole 464, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466 function as second flow channel holes in the present embodiment.

[0102] As in Fig. 8, a portion of the upper movable disk 50 is provided within the upper housing 12, and the upper movable disk 50 is provided so that it can be rotated about the axis CL of the shaft 61. The upper movable disk 50 is in surface contact with the upper sealing surface 41 of the upper stationary disk 40. As in the present embodiment in Fig. 8 and Fig. 11, the upper movable disk 50 is formed in a disk shape having an outer diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the upper stationary disk 40, and the upper movable disk 50 is arranged so that its central axis coincides with the axis CL.

[0103] The upper movable disc 50 includes an upper sliding surface 51 that slides on the upper stationary disc 40. The upper movable disc 50 is formed with an upper movable hole 52 through which the shaft 61 is inserted substantially at the center thereof, and is formed with two upper press-fitting grooves 53 into which the upper lever 75 to be described later is fitted. The upper movable disc 50 is formed so that its outer diameter is larger than the outer diameter of the lower movable disc 30. The upper movable hole 52 is formed so that it has an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the lower movable hole 32.

[0104] The upper sliding surface 51 is formed to extend planarly along the radial direction DRr and the circumferential direction DRc. That is, the upper sliding surface 51 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa and parallel to the radial direction DRr. The state in which the upper sliding surface 51 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa does not mean a state in which the upper sliding surface 51 is orthogonal to the axial direction DRa in the strict sense, and includes a state in which the upper sliding surface 51 slightly deviates from the state orthogonal to the axial direction DRa due to a manufacturing error or the like.

[0105] Like the upper stationary disk 40, the upper movable disk 50 is formed of a material having a lower coefficient of linear expansion, better wear resistance, and a lower coefficient of friction compared to the material of the housing 10. For example, the upper movable disk 50 is formed of a high-hardness material whose hardness is higher than the hardness of the housing 10. Specifically, the upper movable disk 50 is formed of at least one of phenol, resin, or ceramic. In the present embodiment, the upper movable disk 50 is formed of ceramic, a material similar to the material of the upper stationary disk 40.

[0106] In the upper movable disc 50, only a portion forming the upper sliding surface 51 on which the upper stationary disc 40 slides may be made of a material, such as ceramic, having a smaller linear expansion coefficient and better wear resistance compared to the material constituting the housing 10. The upper movable disc 50 may be formed by combining a plurality of components.

[0107] The upper movable disc 50 is formed so that its outer diameter is smaller than the inner diameter of the rib portion 1222 and is provided to be rotatable about the axis CL of the shaft 61. The upper movable disc 50 has an upper flow channel through-hole 54 extending through the upper movable disc 50 in the axial direction DRa and an upper flow channel communication hole 55 not extending through the upper movable disc 50.

[0108] The upper flow channel through-hole 54 and the upper flow channel connecting hole 55 are each formed such that a portion in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape. The upper flow channel through-hole 54 is formed such that the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof is smaller than the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa of the upper flow channel connecting hole 55. Specifically, for example, the upper flow channel through-hole 54 is formed such that the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a size 1 / 2 or less of the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa of the upper flow channel connecting hole 55.

[0109] The upper flow channel through-hole 54 is formed through the upper movable disc 50 and is shaped to allow fluid to pass through. In the upper flow channel through-hole 54, the upper side DRa2 communicates with one of the third inlet flow holes 453, the fourth inlet flow hole 464, the fifth inlet flow hole 465, and the sixth inlet flow hole 466 of the upper stationary disc 40. In the upper flow channel through-hole 54, the lower direction DRa1 side communicates with the central flow channel Fc.

[0110] The upper flow channel through-hole 54 is formed to have a flow channel cross-sectional area slightly larger than the flow channel cross-sectional area of the fourth flow hole 464 and a size that overlaps the entire fourth flow hole 464. On the other hand, the upper flow channel through-hole 54 is formed to have a flow channel cross-sectional area smaller than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the third inlet flow hole 453, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466. The upper flow channel through-hole 54 has a size that cannot be overlapped over each of the respective entireties of the third inlet flow hole 453, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466.

[0111] The upper flow channel through-hole 54 is formed so that it can communicate with one or two of the third inlet flow hole 453, the fourth inlet flow hole 464, the fifth inlet flow hole 465, and the sixth inlet flow hole 466 in accordance with the rotational position of the upper movable disc 50. Specifically, in a case where the upper flow channel through-hole 54 overlaps only one of the third inlet flow hole 453, the fourth outlet flow hole 464, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466 in the axial direction DRa, the upper flow channel through-hole 54 communicates only with this overlapped flow hole.In the case where the upper flow channel through-hole 54 spans and overlaps two of the third inlet flow hole 453, the fourth outlet flow hole 464, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466 in the axial direction DRa, the upper flow channel through-hole 54 communicates with these two spanned flow holes.

[0112] In other words, the upper movable disc 50 has the upper flow passage through hole 54 which communicates with at least one of the third inlet flow passage Fi3, the fourth outlet flow passage Fo4, the fifth outlet flow passage Fo5, or the sixth outlet flow passage Fo6 by the rotation of the upper movable disc 50 caused together with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0113] The upper flow channel communication hole 55 is formed by recessing a part of the upper sliding surface 51 located on a sliding side with respect to the upper stationary disk 40. That is, the upper flow channel communication hole 55 is shaped so as not to extend through the upper movable disk 50. The upper flow channel connecting hole 55 is shaped to have a flow channel cross-sectional area larger than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the third flow hole 453, the fourth flow hole 464, the fifth flow hole 465, and the sixth flow hole 466. The upper flow channel connecting hole 55 has a size that can be superimposed over each of the respective entireties of the third flow hole 453, the fourth flow hole 464, the fifth flow hole 465, and the sixth flow hole 466.

[0114] In the present embodiment, the upper flow channel communication hole 55 has a size that can be simultaneously superimposed on at least respective parts of two or three of the third inlet flow holes 453, the fourth outlet flow holes 464, the fifth outlet flow holes 465, or the sixth outlet flow holes 466.

[0115] The upper flow channel communication hole 55 is shaped so that any two or three of the third flow holes 453, the fourth flow hole 464, the fifth flow hole 465, and the sixth flow hole 466 can communicate with each other. Specifically, in the case where the upper flow channel communication hole 55 straddles and overlaps any two of the third inlet flow holes 453, the fourth outlet flow holes 464, the fifth outlet flow holes 465, and the sixth outlet flow holes 466 in the axial direction DRa, the upper flow channel communication hole 55 allows these two spanned flow holes to communicate with each other.In the case where the upper flow channel communication hole 55 spans and overlaps any three of the following flow holes, namely the third inlet flow hole 453, the fourth outlet flow hole 464, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and / or the sixth outlet flow hole 466, in the axial direction DRa, the upper flow channel communication hole 55 allows these three overlapped flow holes to communicate with each other. Thus, among the third inlet flow hole 453, the fourth outlet flow hole 464, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466, the flow holes communicating with the upper flow channel communication hole 55 communicate with each other.

[0116] In other words, the upper movable disc 50 has the upper flow passage communication hole 55, which allows a plurality of flow passages, namely the third inlet flow passage Fi3, the fourth outlet flow passage Fo4, the fifth outlet flow passage Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow passage Fo6, to communicate with each other by the rotation of the upper movable disc 50 caused together with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0117] Therefore, when the upper movable disc 50 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, the upper flow channel through-hole 54 communicates with one or two of the following: the third inlet flow hole 453, the fourth outlet flow hole 464, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466. The upper flow channel through-hole 54 communicates with the flow channel(s) corresponding to the flow hole(s) with which the upper flow channel through-hole 54 communicates, among the third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6.As a result, the upper flow channel through-hole 54 enables communication between the central flow channel Fc and the flow channel(s) with which the upper flow channel through-hole 54 communicates, among the third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6.

[0118] When the upper movable disc 50 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, the upper flow channel communication hole 55 communicates with two or three of the following flow holes: the third inlet flow hole 453, the fourth outlet flow hole 464, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466. The upper flow channel communication hole 55 communicates with the respective flow channels communicating with the two or three flow holes with which the upper flow channel communication hole 55 communicates, among the third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6.As a result, the upper flow channel communication hole 55 allows the two or three flow channels with which the upper flow channel communication hole 55 communicates, among the third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6, to communicate with each other.

[0119] In the present embodiment, a rotation range of the upper movable disk 50 is determined in advance, and the upper flow channel through-hole 54 is configured to communicate with one or two of the fourth outlet flow hole 464, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466. The upper flow channel through-hole 54 is configured to be incommunicable with the third inlet flow hole 453. That is, the upper flow channel through-hole 54 is configured to be incommunicable with the third fluid inlet portion 153 via the third inlet flow channel Fi3.

[0120] The upper flow channel communication hole 55 communicates with the third inlet flow hole 453 and is configured to communicate with at least one of the fifth outlet flow holes 465 or the sixth outlet flow hole 466. Thus, the upper flow channel communication hole 55 is configured to allow the third flow hole 453 to communicate with the fifth flow hole 465 or the sixth flow hole 466. The upper flow channel communication hole 55 is configured to prevent communication with the fourth flow hole 464.

[0121] In the present embodiment, the upper stationary disk 40 functions as the second stationary disk and the upper movable disk 50 functions as the second movable disk.

[0122] Returning to Fig. 1, the drive unit 60 is provided on the upper side of the upper housing 12 in the direction DRa2. The drive unit 60 is a component that outputs rotational force for rotating the shaft 61. The drive unit 60 includes the shaft 61, a motor (not illustrated) as a drive source that rotates the shaft 61, and a gear unit (not illustrated) that transmits the output of the motor to the shaft 61. As the motor, for example, a servo motor, a stepping motor, or a brushless motor can be selected. As the gear unit, for example, a gear mechanism including a helical gear or a spur gear can be selected. Although not illustrated, the rotation of the motor is performed according to a control signal from a control unit that is electrically coupled to the motor.

[0123] The control unit is a computer including a memory, which is a non-volatile, tangible storage medium, a processor, and the like. The control unit executes a computer program stored in the memory and performs various types of control processing according to the computer program. The control unit executes the computer program stored in the memory and transmits a control signal that changes the rotational position of the shaft 61 to the control device 1. In the control device 1, the operation mode is switched based on the control signal transmitted from the control unit. Details of the operation modes will be described later.

[0124] The shaft 61 is a rotary shaft that rotates about the axis CL by the rotational force output from the drive unit 60. The shaft 61 extends along the axial direction DRa. The shaft 61 is rotatably supported in the axial direction DRa by the housing 10 on both sides. Specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 8, the shaft 61 on the lower direction DRa1 side is rotatably supported in the lower bearing hole 1122 of the lower housing 11, and on the upper direction DRa2 side, the shaft 61 is rotatably supported in the upper bearing hole 1212 of the upper housing 12. That is, the shaft 61 has a structure in which both ends are supported.

[0125] On the lower direction DRa1 side, the shaft 61 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not illustrated) provided in the lower bearing hole 1122, and on the upper direction DRa2 side, the shaft 61 is rotatably supported by a bearing (not illustrated) provided in the upper bearing hole 1212. As each of these bearings, a plain bearing, a ball bearing, or the like can be selected.

[0126] The shaft 61 passes through the lower stationary disc 20, the lower movable disc 30, the upper stationary disc 40, and the upper movable disc 50 and is supported so that it can rotate with respect to the lower housing 11 and the upper housing 12. One end of the shaft 61 on the upper side of the DRa2 direction is connected to the gear unit of the drive unit 60. In this configuration, the output of the motor is transmitted to the shaft 61 via the gear unit.

[0127] The shaft 61 includes a lower axial portion 611, an upper axial portion 612, and a flange portion 613. The lower axial portion 611, the upper axial portion 612, and the flange portion 613 are integrally formed, for example, from a metal part, and configured to be integrally rotated by the rotational force output from the motor of the drive unit 60. The lower axial portion 611 and the upper axial portion 612 are continuous in this order from the lower direction DRa1 side to the upper direction DRa2 side. The lower axial portion 611 is formed to have an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the upper axial portion 612. The flange portion 613 is formed at one end of the upper axial portion 612 on the lower direction DRa1 side.

[0128] The lower axial portion 611 is a rod-shaped member extending along the axial direction DRa and inserted through the lower stationary disk 20 and the lower movable disk 30. The lower axial portion 611 is formed such that the outer diameter thereof is smaller than the inner diameter of the lower stationary hole 22 of the lower stationary disk 20 and the inner diameter of the lower movable hole 32 of the lower movable disk 30, and is not directly connected to the lower stationary disk 20 and the lower movable disk 30. That is, the lower axial portion 611 is not directly fixed to the lower stationary disk 20 and the lower movable disk 30. Thus, a configuration is provided in which the rotational force of the shaft 61 is not directly transmitted to the lower movable disk 30 through the lower axial portion 611 when the lower axial portion 611 rotates.

[0129] In the present embodiment, the lower lever 70 and the lower torsion spring 80, which transmit the rotational force of the shaft 61 to the lower movable disc 30, are provided within the lower housing 11. The lower movable disc 30 is connected to the lower axial portion 611 via the lower lever 70 and the lower torsion spring 80. The lower torsion spring 80 is arranged around the lower axial portion 611 between the lower lever 70 and the flange portion 613.

[0130] The upper axial portion 612 is a rod-shaped member extending along the axial direction DRa and inserted through the upper stationary disk 40 and the upper movable disk 50. The upper axial portion 612 is formed such that the outer diameter thereof is smaller than the inner diameter of the upper stationary hole 42 of the upper stationary disk 40 and the inner diameter of the upper movable hole 52 of the upper movable disk 50, and is not directly connected to the upper stationary disk 40 and the upper movable disk 50. That is, the upper axial portion 612 is not directly fixed to the upper stationary disk 40 and the upper movable disk 50. Thus, a configuration is provided in which the rotational force of the shaft 61 is not directly transmitted to the upper movable disk 50 through the upper axial portion 612 when the upper axial portion 612 rotates.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the upper lever 75 and the upper torsion spring 85, which transmit the rotational force of the shaft 61 to the upper movable disc 50, are provided inside the lower housing 11. The upper movable disc 50 is connected to the upper axial portion 612 via the upper lever 75 and the upper torsion spring 85. The upper torsion spring 85 is arranged around the upper axial portion 612 between the upper lever 75 and the flange portion 613. The compression spring 90 is arranged around the upper axial portion 612 between the upper lever 75 and the flange portion 613.

[0132] The flange portion 613 is a portion that holds the lower torsion spring 80, the upper torsion spring 85, and the compression spring 90. The flange portion 613 is formed in an annular thin plate shape that protrudes outward in the radial direction DRr from one end on the lower direction DRa1 side on an outer peripheral side of the upper axial portion 612 and includes plate surfaces in the axial direction DRa. The flange portion 613 includes a lower flange surface 6131 on the lower direction DRa1 side and an upper flange surface 6232 on the upper direction DRa2 side.

[0133] The flange portion 613 includes a hook-shaped portion (not shown) facing the circumferential direction DRc of the lower torsion spring 80 on the lower flange surface 6131 and supporting a portion on one side of the lower torsion spring 80 in the circumferential direction DRc. The flange portion 613 includes a hook-shaped portion (not shown) facing the circumferential direction DRc of the upper torsion spring 85 on the upper flange surface 6232 and supporting one end on one side of the upper torsion spring 85 in the circumferential direction DRc. The upper flange surface 6232 of the flange portion 613 supports one end on the side of the compression spring 90 in the lower direction DRa1.

[0134] The lower lever 70 is a coupling member that couples the shaft 61 and the lower movable disc 30 via the lower torsion spring 80. The lower lever 70 is formed, for example, from a metal part and is configured separately from the lower movable disc 30. The lower lever 70 is fixed to the lower movable disc 30 and integrally rotatably couples the lower movable disc 30 and the shaft 61 in a state where the lower movable disc 30 can be displaced in the axial direction DRa.

[0135] The lower lever 70 has a substantially disk shape with a plate thickness direction in the axial direction DRa. The lower lever 70 includes protrusions (not illustrated) fitted into the lower press-fitting grooves 33 of the lower movable disk 30, and an engagement receiving portion (not illustrated) facing the circumferential direction DRc of the lower torsion spring 80. The lower lever 70 is connected to the lower movable disk 30 by fitting the protrusions of the lower lever 70 into the lower press-fitting grooves 33. The lower lever 70 holds one end of the lower torsion spring 80 on the side opposite to the side held by the flange portion 613 in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0136] The upper lever 75 is a coupling member that couples the shaft 61 and the upper movable disk 50 via the upper torsion spring 85. The upper lever 75 is formed, for example, from a metal part and is configured separately from the upper movable disk 50. The upper lever 75 is fixed to the upper movable disk 50 and integrally rotatably couples the upper movable disk 50 and the shaft 61 in a state where the upper movable disk 50 can be displaced in the axial direction DRa.

[0137] The upper lever 75 has a substantially disc-like shape with a plate thickness direction in the axial direction DRa. The upper lever 75 includes protrusions (not illustrated) fitted into the upper press-fitting grooves 53 of the upper movable disc 50 and an engagement receiving portion (not illustrated) facing the circumferential direction DRc of the upper torsion spring 85. The upper lever 75 is connected to the upper movable disc 50 by fitting the protrusions of the upper lever 75 into the upper press-fitting grooves 53. The upper lever 75 holds one end of the upper torsion spring 85 on the side opposite to the side held by the flange portion 613 in the circumferential direction DRc. The upper lever 75 supports one end of the compression spring 90 on the upper direction DRa2 side by a surface of the plate on the lower direction DRa1 side of the upper lever 75.

[0138] The lower torsion spring 80 is a torsion coil spring that biases the lower movable disc 30 to one side in the circumferential direction DRc with respect to the housing 10. The lower torsion spring 80 is formed by being wound around the lower axial portion 611. The coil of the lower torsion spring 80 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the lower axial portion 611. In the lower torsion spring 80, the end on the lower direction DRa1 side in the axial direction DRa is relatively non-rotatably coupled to the engagement receiving portion of the lower lever 70, and the end on the upper direction DRa2 side in the axial direction DRa is relatively non-rotatably coupled to the hook-shaped portion of the flange portion 613. The lower torsion spring 80 is arranged in a state in which it is elastically deformed by being twisted in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0139] In this configuration, the lower torsion spring 80 generates a biasing force through its own elastic deformation, which biases the lower movable disc 30 toward one side in the circumferential direction DRc. When the rotational force generated by the drive unit 60 is transmitted to the shaft 61, the rotational force is transmitted to the lower movable disc 30 via the flange portion 613, the lower torsion spring 80, and the lower lever 70. Then, the lower movable disc 30 is caused to rotate about the axis CL, integrally with the shaft 61, along with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0140] The upper torsion spring 85 is a torsion coil spring that biases the upper movable disc 50 to one side in the circumferential direction DRc with respect to the housing 10. The upper torsion spring 85 is formed by being wound around the upper axial portion 612. The coil of the upper torsion spring 85 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the upper axial portion 612. In the upper torsion spring 85, the end on the upper direction DRa2 side in the axial direction DRa is relatively non-rotatably coupled to the engaging portion of the upper lever 75, and the end on the lower direction DRa1 side in the axial direction DRa is relatively non-rotatably coupled to the hook-shaped portion of the flange portion 613. The upper torsion spring 85 is arranged in a state in which it is elastically deformed by being twisted in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0141] In this configuration, the upper torsion spring 85 generates a biasing force through its own elastic deformation, which biases the upper movable disc 50 toward one side in the circumferential direction DRc. When the rotational force generated by the drive unit 60 is transmitted to the shaft 61, the rotational force is transmitted to the upper movable disc 50 via the flange portion 613, the upper torsion spring 85, and the upper lever 75. Then, the upper movable disc 50 is caused to rotate about the axis CL, integrally with the shaft 61, along with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0142] The lower torsion spring 80 functions as a pressing element that generates a pressing force that presses the lower movable disk 30 in the circumferential direction DRc. The lower lever 70 functions as a first transmission part that transmits the pressing force generated by the lower torsion spring 80 to the lower movable disk 30. The upper torsion spring 85 functions as a pressing element that generates a pressing force that presses the upper movable disk 50 in the circumferential direction DRc. The upper lever 75 functions as a second transmission part that transmits the pressing force generated by the upper torsion spring 85 to the upper movable disk 50.

[0143] The compression spring 90 is an elastic member that biases the lower movable disk 30 and the upper movable disk 50 in the axial direction DRa. Specifically, the compression spring 90 is a helical compression spring that is elastically deformable in the axial direction DRa by being compressed in the axial direction DRa. The compression spring 90 is formed by being wound around the upper axial portion 612. The coil of the compression spring 90 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the upper axial portion 612 and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the upper torsion spring 85. The compression spring 90 is disposed on the inner side of the upper torsion spring 85.The end of the compression spring 90 on the side in the upper direction DRa2 is held by the upper lever 75, and the end of the compression spring 90 on the side in the lower direction DRa1 is held by the flange portion 613. The compression spring 90 is arranged in a state where it is elastically deformed by being compressed between the upper lever 75 and the flange portion 613.

[0144] In this configuration, the compression spring 90 generates a biasing force that biases the upper movable disc 50 in the upper direction DRa2 by biasing the upper lever 75 in the upper direction DRa2 through its own elastic deformation. The compression spring 90 also generates a biasing force that biases the lower movable disc 30 in the lower direction DRa1 by biasing the flange portion 613, the lower torsion spring 80, and the lower lever 70 in the lower direction DRa1 through their own elastic deformation.

[0145] Therefore, when the upper movable disk 50 is rotated integrally with the shaft 61, the upper sliding surface 51 slides on the upper sealing surface 41 in a state where it is pressed against the upper sealing surface 41 by the biasing force of the compression spring 90. When the lower movable disk 30 is rotated integrally with the shaft 61, the lower sliding surface 31 slides on the lower sealing surface 21 in a state where it is pressed against the lower sealing surface 21 by the biasing force of the compression spring 90. The compression spring 90, in the present embodiment, functions as a biasing member that presses the upper movable disk 50 against the upper stationary disk 40 and the lower movable disk 30 against the lower stationary disk 20.

[0146] Next, the operation of the valve device 1 of the present embodiment will be described. As indicated by arrows FLin in Fig. 2, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the third fluid inlet portion 153. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the third fluid inlet portion 153 flows into the flow channel F that communicates with each of the inlet portions. Specifically, for example, the fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows into the central flow channel Fc. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 flows into the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the third fluid inlet portion 153 flows into the upper flow channel Fa.

[0147] The fluid that has flowed in through the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the third fluid inlet portion 153 flows out from the first to sixth fluid outlet portions 161 to 166 to the outside of the valve device 1, as shown by arrows FLout in Fig. 2. Specifically, for example, the fluid that has flowed into the central flow channel Fc flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from a plurality of ones of the first to sixth fluid outlet portions 161 to 166 according to the rotational positions of the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50. The fluid that has flowed into the lower flow channel Fb flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from one or two of the first fluid outlet portions 161 and the second fluid outlet portion 162 according to the rotational position of the lower movable disc 30. The fluid that has flowed into the upper flow channel Fa flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from one or two of the fifth fluid outlet portions 165 and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 according to the rotational position of the upper movable disc 50.

[0148] In the present embodiment, the valve device 1 switches the operation mode of the valve device 1 to switch the fluid outlet portion through which the fluid flows out from the valve device 1, thereby switching the fluid channel of the cooling water flowing in the fluid circulation system. The operation mode of the valve device 1 can be switched by the control signal of the control unit. The valve device 1 in the present embodiment can switch the operation mode to a first operation mode, a second operation mode, and a third operation mode by rotating the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50 integrally with the shaft 61.

[0149] The rotational positions of the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50 and the flow of the fluid flowing through the flow channel F in each specific operation mode will be described with reference to Fig. 13 described. Fig. 13 shows the relative positions of the lower flow channel through hole 34 and the lower flow channel connecting hole 35 formed in the lower movable disc 30 with respect to the lower stationary disc 20 in each operation mode. Fig. 13 also shows the relative positions of the upper flow channel through-hole 54 and the upper flow channel connecting hole 55 formed in the upper movable disc 50 with respect to the upper stationary disc 40 in each operation mode. Fig. 13, for clarity of the drawing, the respective portions where the lower flow channel through-hole 34 and the lower flow channel connecting hole 35 are superimposed on the lower stationary disc 20 are shaded with dots. Corresponding portions where the upper flow channel through-hole 54 and the upper flow channel connecting hole 55 are superimposed on the upper stationary disc 40 are hatched with dots.

[0150] First, the first operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the first operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50 are positioned in the rotational positions which are in the first operation mode of Fig. 13 are illustrated.

[0151] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the lower flow channel through hole 34 communicates with the second outlet flow hole 262 and the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second inlet flow channel 252 and the first outlet flow channel 261.

[0152] Accordingly, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3. Subsequently, the second inlet flow channel Fo2 and the third inlet flow channel Fo3 communicate with the first fluid flow section 151 via the central channel Fc. Through the lower flow channel communication hole 35, the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the first outlet flow channel Fo1 can communicate. Then, the first inlet flow channel Fo1 communicates with the second fluid inlet section 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2.

[0153] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the first operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the central flow channel Fc and the lower flow channel through-hole 34, and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid flow that has flowed into the second flow channel Fo2 flows out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid that has flowed into the third outlet channel Fo3 flows out of the valve device 1 from the third fluid outlet portion 163.

[0154] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid flow that has flowed into the first outlet channel Fo1 flows out from the first fluid outlet portion 161 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0155] When the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the upper movable disc 50 is positioned in a rotational position where the upper flow channel through hole 54 communicates with the fourth exhaust flow hole 464 and the sixth exhaust flow hole 466. The upper movable disc 50 is positioned in a rotational position where the upper flow channel communication hole 55 communicates with the third inlet flow hole 453 and the fifth exhaust flow hole 465.

[0156] Accordingly, the upper flow channel through-hole 54 communicates with the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4 and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6. Subsequently, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4 and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6 communicate with the first fluid flow section 151 via the central flow channel Fc. Through the upper flow channel communication hole 55, the third inlet flow channel Fi3 and the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 can communicate. Then, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 communicates with the third fluid inlet section 153 via the third inlet flow channel Fi3.

[0157] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the first operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the central flow channel Fc and the upper flow channel through-hole 54, and flows to the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4 and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6 in the upper flow channel Fa. The fluid flow that has flowed into the fourth flow channel Fo4 flows out from the fourth fluid outlet portion 164 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid that has flowed into the sixth outlet channel Fo6 flows out of the valve device 1 from the sixth fluid outlet portion 166.

[0158] The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the third fluid inlet portion 153 flows through the third inlet flow channel Fi3 and the upper flow channel communication hole 55, and flows to the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 in the upper flow channel Fa. The fluid that has flowed into the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 flows out of the valve device 1 from the fifth fluid outlet portion 165.

[0159] As described above, when the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the first operation mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the third fluid inlet portion 153. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 through the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows out of the valve device 1 from each of the second fluid outlet portions 162, the third fluid outlet portion 163, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 flows out of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the third fluid inlet portion 153 flows out of the valve device 1 from the fifth fluid outlet portion 165.

[0160] Next, the second operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the second operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50 are in the positions shown in the second operation mode of Fig. 13 rotation positions shown.

[0161] Specifically, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position in which the lower flow channel through hole 34 communicates only with the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position in which the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, and the second outlet flow hole 262.

[0162] According to FIG. 1, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates only with the third outlet flow channel Fo3. Then, the third outlet flow channel Fo3 communicates with the first fluid inlet portion 151 via the central flow channel Fc. The lower flow channel connecting hole 35 allows the second inlet flow channel Fi2 to communicate with the first outlet flow channel Fo1 and the second outlet flow channel Fo2. Then, the first outlet flow channel Fo1 and the second outlet flow channel Fo2 communicate with the second fluid inlet portion 152 via the second outlet flow channel Fo2.

[0163] Therefore, when the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the second operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 passes through the central flow channel Fc and the lower flow hole 34 of the flow channel and flows to the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the third outlet flow channel Fo3 flows out of the device 1 from the third fluid outlet portion 163.

[0164] The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 flows through the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the lower flow channel communication hole 35, and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 and the second outlet flow channel Fo2 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first outlet flow channel Fo1 flows out of the device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161. The fluid that has flowed into the second outlet flow channel Fo2 flows out of the device 1 from the second fluid outlet portion 162.

[0165] When the operation mode is set to the second operation mode, the upper movable disc 50 is located at a rotational position where the upper flow channel through hole 54 communicates only with the fourth outlet flow hole 464. The upper movable disc 50 is located at a rotational position where the upper flow channel communication hole 55 communicates with the third inlet flow hole 453, the fifth outlet flow hole 465, and the sixth outlet flow hole 466.

[0166] According to FIG. 11, the upper flow channel through-hole 54 communicates only with the fourth exhaust flow channel Fo4. Then, the fourth exhaust flow channel Fo4 communicates with the first fluid inlet portion 151 via the central flow channel Fc. The upper flow channel connecting hole 55 allows the third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fifth exhaust flow channel Fo5, and the sixth exhaust flow channel Fo6 to communicate with each other. Then, the fifth exhaust flow channel Fo5 and the sixth exhaust flow channel Fo6 communicate with the third fluid inlet portion 153 via the third inlet flow channel Fi3.

[0167] When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the second operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the central flow channel Fc and the upper flow channel through-hole 54 and flows to the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4 in the upper flow channel Fa. The fluid that has flowed into the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4 flows out of the device 1 from the fourth fluid outlet portion 164.

[0168] The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the third fluid inlet portion 153 flows through the third inlet flow channel Fi3 and the upper flow channel communication hole 55, and flows to the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6 in the upper flow channel Fa. The fluid that has flowed into the fifth flow channel Fo5 flows out of the device 1 from the fifth fluid outlet portion 165. The fluid that has flowed into the sixth flow channel Fo6 flows out of the device 1 from the sixth fluid outlet portion 166.

[0169] As described above, when the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the second operation mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the third fluid inlet portion 153. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows out of the valve device 1 from the third fluid outlet portion 163 and the fourth fluid outlet portion 164. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 flows out of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161 and the second fluid outlet portion 162, respectively.The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the third fluid inlet portion 153 flows out of the valve device 1 from each of the fifth fluid outlet portion 165 and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166.

[0170] Next, the third operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the third operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50 are in the positions shown in the third operation mode of Fig. 13 rotation positions shown.

[0171] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the third operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned at a rotational position where the lower flow channel through hole 34 communicates with the first outlet flow hole 261 and the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned at a rotational position where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the second outlet flow hole 262.

[0172] Accordingly, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with the first outlet flow channel Fo1 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3. Then, the first outlet flow channel Fo1 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 communicate with the first fluid inlet portion 151 via the central flow channel Fc. The lower flow channel connecting hole 35 allows the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the second outlet flow channel Fo2 to communicate with each other. Then, the second outlet flow channel Fo2 communicates with the second fluid inlet portion 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2.

[0173] When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the third operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the central flow channel Fc and the flow channel through-hole 34 of the lower flow channel, and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first outlet flow channel Fo1 flows out of the device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161. The fluid that has flowed into the third outlet flow channel Fo3 flows out of the device 1 from the third fluid outlet portion 163.

[0174] The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 flows through the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the lower flow channel communication hole 35, and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the second outlet flow channel Fo2 flows out of the valve device 1 from the second fluid outlet portion 162.

[0175] When the operation mode is set to the third operation mode, the upper movable disc 50 is located at a rotational position where the upper flow channel through hole 54 communicates with the fourth outlet flow hole 464 and the fifth outlet flow hole 465. The upper movable disc 50 is positioned at a position where the upper flow channel communication hole 55 communicates with the third inlet flow channel 453 and the sixth outlet flow channel 466.

[0176] Accordingly, the upper flow channel through-hole 54 communicates with the fourth exhaust flow channel Fo4 and the fifth exhaust flow channel Fo5. Then, the fourth exhaust flow channel Fo4 and the fifth exhaust flow channel Fo5 communicate with the first fluid inlet portion 151 via the central flow channel Fc. The upper flow channel connecting hole 55 allows the third inlet flow channel Fi3 and the sixth exhaust flow channel Fo6 to communicate with each other. Then, the sixth exhaust flow channel Fo6 communicates with the third fluid inlet portion 153 via the third inlet flow channel Fi3.

[0177] When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the third operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the central flow channel Fc and the upper flow channel through-hole 54, and flows to the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4 and the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 in the upper flow channel Fa. The fluid that has flowed into the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4 flows out of the valve device 1 from the fourth fluid outlet portion 164. The fluid that has flowed into the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 flows out of the valve device 1 from the fifth fluid outlet portion 165.

[0178] The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the third fluid inlet portion 153 flows through the third inlet flow channel Fi3 and the upper flow channel communication hole 55, and flows to the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6 in the upper flow channel Fa. The fluid that has flowed into the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6 flows out of the valve device 1 from the sixth fluid outlet portion 166.

[0179] As described above, when the mode of the valve device 1 is set to the third mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the third fluid inlet portion 153. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows out of the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid outlet portion 161, the third fluid outlet portion 163, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, and the fifth fluid outlet portion 165. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 flows out of the valve device 1 from the second fluid outlet portion 162. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the third fluid inlet portion 153 flows out of the valve device 1 from the sixth fluid outlet portion 166.

[0180] As described above, the valve device 1 of the present embodiment switches the operation modes to switch the respective outlet portions among the first to sixth fluid outlet portions 161 to 166 that communicate with the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the third fluid inlet portion 153. Thus, the valve device 1 can switch the fluid channel of the cooling water flowing in the fluid circulation system to the fluid channel in accordance with each operation mode.

[0181] As described above, the valve device 1 of the present embodiment includes the shaft 61 and the housing 10, which defines the flow passage F and has the first to third fluid inlet portions 151 to 153 and the first to sixth fluid outlet portions 161 to 166 through which the fluid flows. The device 1 includes the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50, which are provided so as to be aligned with each other in the axial direction DRa while being spaced apart from each other within the flow passage F to partition the flow passage F in the axial direction DRa, and which are caused to rotate along with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0182] The second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 are provided on the lower direction DRa1 side with respect to the lower movable disc 30. The third fluid inlet portion 153, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 are provided on the upper direction DRa2 side with respect to the upper movable disc 50.

[0183] The housing 10 includes the lower partition walls 1124 that divide the lower flow channel Fb into the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3. The housing 10 includes the upper partition walls 1214 that divide the upper flow channel Fa into the third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5, and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6.

[0184] The lower movable disc 30 has the lower flow channel through-hole 34 formed through the lower movable disc 30. The lower movable disc 30 switches the flow channel, which communicates with the lower flow channel communication hole 34, among the second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 by being rotated by the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0185] The upper movable disc 50 has the upper flow channel through-hole 54 formed through the upper movable disc 50. The upper movable disc 50 switches the flow channel communicating with the upper flow channel communication hole 54 among the third fluid inlet portion 153, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 through the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0186] According to this configuration, the fluid outlet portion through which the fluid flows out can be switched to any of the first fluid outlet portions 161, second fluid outlet portions 162, and third fluid outlet portions 163 by rotating the lower movable disc 30. The fluid outlet portion through which the fluid flows can be switched to any of the fluid outlet portions 164, 165, and 166 by rotating the upper movable disc 50.

[0187] According to such a configuration, even in a configuration including the two disks of the lower movable disk 30 and the upper movable disk 50, the number of fluid outlet portions through which the fluid flows out can be increased without increasing the size of the housing 10. Thus, the operating mode of the device 1 can be increased.

[0188] In the present embodiment, the flow channel F within the housing 10 is divided into the lower flow channel Fb, the middle flow channel Fc, and the upper flow channel Fa by the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50. The valve device 1 includes the first fluid inlet portion 151 communicating with the central flow channel Fc, and the second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 communicating with the lower flow channel Fb. The valve device 1 further includes the third fluid inlet portion 153, the fourth fluid outlet portion 164, the fifth fluid outlet portion 165, and the sixth fluid outlet portion 166 communicating with the upper flow channel Fa.The valve device 1 switches the respective fluid outlet portions among these six fluid outlet portions communicating with these three fluid inlet portions by rotating the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50.

[0189] On the other hand, the valve device 1 may have a configuration in which one of the lower movable discs 30 and the upper movable discs 50 is removed and the number of movable discs is set to one, and one of the lower flow channels Fb and the upper flow channels Fa is removed. For example, assume that the valve device 1 has a configuration in which the upper movable disc 50 and the upper flow channel Fa are removed. It is assumed that the valve device 1 has the second fluid inlet portion 152, the third fluid inlet portion 153, and the first to sixth fluid outlet portions 161 to 166 communicating with the lower flow channel Fb.

[0190] In this case, the lower flow channel Fb is divided into eight spaces by the lower partition walls 1124. The device 1 is configured to switch the respective fluid outlet portions among the first to sixth fluid outlet portions 161 to 166, which communicate with the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the third fluid inlet portion 153, by rotating the lower movable disc 30.

[0191] However, in the case where the lower flow passage Fb is divided into the eight spaces by the lower partition walls 1124, the flow passage cross-sectional area in each space is smaller than the flow passage cross-sectional area of the present embodiment. As a result, the resistance experienced by the fluid increases when the fluid has flowed into the eight spaces divided by the lower partition walls 1124, and the increased resistance hinders the fluid flow. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the size of the casing 10 in the circumferential direction DRc is not sufficiently secured to provide the second fluid inlet portion 152, the third fluid inlet portion 153, and the first to sixth fluid outlet portions 161 to 166 on the outer periphery of the casing 10.

[0192] When the size of the housing 10 in the radial direction DRr is increased, the resistance experienced by the fluid after flowing into the eight spaces can be reduced, and a space in which the fluid inlet portions and the fluid outlet portions are provided can be fixed to the outer periphery of the housing 10. However, increasing the size of the housing 10 in the radial direction DRr is not desirable because it also increases the size of the housing of the valve device 1.

[0193] Furthermore, there is a limitation on the number of flow channels for the fluid flow within the housing 10 that are switched by the single lower movable disc 30, and therefore difficulties arise in freely switching the three operation modes, unlike the present embodiment in which the free switching is possible.

[0194] In contrast, the device 1 of the present embodiment switches the respective fluid outlet portions among the first to sixth fluid outlet portions 161 to 166, which communicate with the first to third fluid inlet portions 151 to 153, by rotating the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50. Thus, the increase in resistance experienced by the fluid when the fluid flows through the flow channel F inside the housing 10 can be avoided without increasing the size of the housing 10 in the radial direction DRr, and a space in which the fluid inlet portions and the fluid outlet portions are provided can be secured on the outer periphery of the housing 10. Furthermore, the operation mode of the valve device 1 can be easily increased.

[0195] According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0196] (1) In the above embodiment, the valve device 1 includes the lower stationary disc 20 and the upper stationary disc 40, which are provided so as not to rotate along with the rotation of the shaft 61. The valve device 1 also includes the compression spring 90, which presses the lower movable disc 30 against the lower stationary disc 20 and presses the upper movable disc 50 against the upper stationary disc 40. The lower stationary disc 20 is provided between the lower installation surface 1121 of the lower housing 11 and the lower movable disc 30.The lower stationary disc 20 is formed with the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263, which communicate with the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3, respectively. The upper stationary disc 40 is provided between the upper installation surface 1211 of the upper housing 12 and the upper movable disc 50. The upper fixed disk 40 is formed with the third inlet flow hole 453, the fourth outlet flow hole 464, the fifth outlet flow hole 465 and the sixth outlet flow hole 466, which communicate with the third inlet flow channel Fi3, the fourth outlet flow channel Fo4, the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6, respectively.Each of the lower stationary discs 20 and the upper stationary discs 40 is formed of a material having a coefficient of friction that is smaller than the coefficient of friction of the material of the housing 10.

[0197] According to this configuration, a gap between the lower installation surface 1121 and the lower movable disc 30 can be sealed with the lower stationary disc 20 by pressing the lower movable disc 30 against the lower stationary disc 20 provided between the lower installation surface 1121 and the lower movable disc 30. In the event that difficulties arise in ensuring the surface accuracy of the lower installation surface 1121, the sealing performance between the lower movable disc 30 and the housing 10 can be ensured.

[0198] A gap between the upper installation surface 1211 and the upper movable disc 50 can be sealed with the upper stationary disc 40 by pressing the upper movable disc 50 against the upper stationary disc 40 provided between the upper installation surface 1211 and the upper movable disc 50. In the event that difficulties arise in ensuring the surface accuracy of the upper installation surface 1211, the sealing performance between the upper movable disc 50 and the housing 10 can be ensured.

[0199] When the lower movable disk 30 is caused to rotate integrally with the shaft 61, the lower sealing surface 21 of the lower stationary disk 20 and the lower sliding surface 31 of the lower movable disk 30 slide on each other by the lower movable disk 30 being pressed against the lower stationary disk 20. To ensure the required sliding performance when the lower sealing surface 21 and the lower sliding surface 31 slide on each other, the friction coefficient of the lower sealing surface 21 is desirably small.

[0200] When the upper movable disk 50 is caused to rotate integrally with the shaft 61, the upper sealing surface 41 of the upper stationary disk 40 and the upper sliding surface 51 of the upper movable disk 50 slide on each other by pressing the upper movable disk 50 against the upper stationary disk 40. To ensure the required sliding ability when the upper sealing surface 41 and the upper sliding surface 51 slide on each other, the friction coefficient of the upper sealing surface 41 is desirably small.

[0201] To meet these requirements, each of the lower stationary disks 20 and the upper stationary disks 40 of the embodiment is formed of a material having a friction coefficient smaller than the friction coefficient of the material of the housing 10. Thus, the required sliding ability can be ensured when the lower sealing surface 21 and the lower sliding surface 31 slide on each other, and the required sliding ability can be ensured when the upper sealing surface 41 and the upper sliding surface 51 slide on each other.

[0202] (2) In the above embodiment, the valve device 1 includes the lower seal 114 provided between the lower installation surface 1121 and the lower stationary disc 20, and seals the gap between the lower installation surface 1121 and the lower stationary disc 20. The device 1 also includes the upper seal 123 provided between the upper installation surface 1211 and the upper stationary disc 40, and seals the gap between the upper installation surface 1211 and the upper stationary disc 40.

[0203] According to this configuration, the leakage of the fluid from the gap between the lower installation surface 1121 and the lower stationary disk 20 can be reduced, and the leakage of the fluid from the gap between the upper installation surface 1211 and the upper stationary disk 40 can be reduced.

[0204] (3) In the above embodiment, both the lower stationary disk 20 and the upper stationary disk 40 are formed of ceramics with a small linear expansion coefficient, excellent wear resistance, and a small friction coefficient. According to this configuration, wear resistance is easily ensured while the linear expansion coefficient is reduced, compared to a case where the lower stationary disk 20 and the upper stationary disk 40 are formed of other elements.

[0205] (4) In the above embodiment, each of the lower movable plate 30 and the upper movable plate 50 is formed of ceramics having a small linear expansion coefficient, excellent wear resistance, and a small friction coefficient. According to this configuration, wear resistance is easily ensured while the linear expansion coefficient is reduced, compared to a case where the lower movable plate 30 and the upper movable plate 50 are formed of other elements.

[0206] (5) In the above embodiment, the lower movable disc 30 has the lower flow channel communication hole 35, which allows the second inlet flow channel Fi2 to communicate with the first outlet flow channel Fo1 and the second outlet flow channel Fo2. The upper movable disc 50 has the upper flow channel communication hole 55, which allows the third inlet flow channel Fi3 to communicate with the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6.

[0207] According to this configuration, the lower movable disc 30 can guide the fluid flowing in from the second inlet flow channel Fi2, which is formed as the lower flow channel Fb, to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3, which are formed as the same lower flow channel Fb as the second inlet flow channel Fi2, instead of the central flow channel Fc. Thus, the operating mode of the device 1 can be increased compared to a configuration in which the lower movable disc 30 does not have the lower flow channel communication hole 35.

[0208] The upper movable disc 50 can guide the fluid that has flowed from the third inlet flow channel Fi3, which is formed as the upper flow channel Fa, to the fifth outlet flow channel Fo5 and the sixth outlet flow channel Fo6, which is formed as the same upper flow channel Fa as the third inlet flow channel Fi3, instead of the central flow channel Fc. Thus, the operating mode of the device 1 can be increased compared to a configuration in which the upper movable disc 50 does not have the upper flow channel communication hole 55.

[0209] (6) In the above embodiment, the compression spring 90 is formed of an elastic member that is elastically deformable.

[0210] According to this configuration, a configuration can be achieved in which the lower movable disk 30 can be easily pressed against the lower stationary disk 20, while the upper movable disk 50 can be easily pressed against the upper stationary disk 40, compared with a case in which the compression spring 90 is composed of a member other than the elastic member.

[0211] In this embodiment, the single compression spring 90 presses the lower movable disc 30 against the lower fixed disc 20 and presses the upper movable disc 50 against the upper fixed disc 40. Thus, the number of components of the valve device 1 can be reduced compared to a case where the members that press the lower movable disc 30 and the upper fixed disc 40 are configured separately from each other.

[0212] (7) In the above embodiment, the device 1 includes the lower torsion spring 80 that urges the lower movable disk 30 in the circumferential direction DRc centered on the axis CL, and the upper torsion spring 85 that urges the upper movable disk 50 in the circumferential direction DRc centered on the axis CL.

[0213] According to this configuration, the rattling of the lower movable disk 30 in the circumferential direction DRc can be reduced by the urging force of the lower torsion spring 80 in the circumferential direction DRc. Thus, the displacement of the rotation position of the lower movable disk 30 with respect to the lower stationary disk 20 can be reduced.

[0214] Therefore, the displacement in an overlap between the lower flow channel through-hole 34 of the lower movable disc 30 and each of the first outlet flow holes 261, the second outlet flow holes 262, and the third outlet flow holes 263 of the lower stationary disc 20 can be reduced. The displacement can also be reduced in an overlap between the lower flow channel connecting hole 35 of the lower movable disc 30 and each of the second inlet flow holes 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, and the second outlet flow hole 262 of the lower stationary disc 20.

[0215] The rattling of the upper movable disk 50 in the circumferential direction DRc can be reduced by the urging force of the upper torsion spring 85 in the circumferential direction DRc. Thus, the positional shift of the rotational position of the upper movable disk 50 with respect to the upper stationary disk 40 can be reduced.

[0216] Therefore, the displacement in an overlap between the upper flow channel through-hole 54 of the upper movable disc 50 and each of the fourth exhaust flow holes 464, the fifth exhaust flow holes 465, and the sixth exhaust flow holes 466 of the upper stationary disc 40 can be reduced. The displacement can also be reduced in an overlap between the upper flow channel connecting hole 55 of the upper movable disc 50 and each of the third inlet flow holes 453, the fifth exhaust flow hole 465, and the sixth exhaust flow hole 466 of the upper stationary disc 40.

[0217] Therefore, the flow rate of the fluid can be accurately controlled to flow out from each of the first fluid outlet portions 161, second fluid outlet portions 162, third fluid outlet portions 163, fourth fluid outlet portions 164, fifth fluid outlet portions 165, and sixth fluid outlet portions 166.

[0218] In the embodiment, neither the lower movable disk 30 nor the upper movable disk 50 is directly connected to the shaft 61. The lower movable disk 30 and the upper movable disk 50 are configured to be held in the axial direction DRa by the compression spring 90 and configured to be held in the circumferential direction DRc by the lower torsion spring 80 and the upper torsion spring 85.

[0219] In the event that it is difficult to ensure the surface accuracy of each of the lower installation surface 1121, the upper installation surface 1211, the lower sealing surface 21, the lower sliding surface 31, the upper sealing surface 41, and the upper sliding surface 51, and these surfaces deviate from a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa, the adjacent surfaces can easily be brought into contact with each other. Therefore, the sealing performance between these contacting surfaces can be easily ensured.

[0220] (8) In the above embodiment, the valve device 1 includes the lower lever 70, which is fixedly attached to the lower movable disc 30 and transmits the urging force of the lower torsion spring 80 to the lower movable disc 30. The valve device 1 also includes the upper lever 75, which is fixed to the upper movable disc 50 and transmits the urging force of the upper torsion spring 85 to the upper movable disc 50.

[0221] In the case where the device 1 does not have the lower lever 70, and the lower movable disc 30 has a portion with a shape similar to the shape of the lower lever 70 and receives the pressing force directly from the lower torsion spring 80, the shape of the lower movable disc 30 becomes complicated. Therefore, the configuration is designed such that the lower lever 70 is provided separately from the lower movable disc 30, and the lower movable disc 30 receives the pressing force from the lower torsion spring 80 via the lower lever 70, whereby the shape of the lower movable disc 30 can be simplified. According to the simple shape of the lower movable disc 30, the lower flow channel through hole 34 and the lower flow channel connection hole 35 can be easily formed in the lower movable disc 30, and the manufacturing cost of the lower movable disc 30 can be reduced.

[0222] In the case of a configuration in which the device 1 does not include the upper lever 75, and in which the upper movable disk 50 includes a portion having a shape similar to the shape of the upper lever 75 and receives the pressing force directly from the upper torsion spring 85, the shape of the upper movable disk 50 is complicated. Therefore, the configuration is designed such that the upper lever 75 is provided separately from the upper movable disk 50, and the upper movable disk 50 receives the pressing force from the upper torsion spring 85 via the upper lever 75, whereby the shape of the upper movable disk 50 can be simplified. According to the simple shape of the upper movable disk 50, the upper flow channel through hole 54 and the upper flow channel connection hole 55 can be easily formed in the upper movable disk 50, and the manufacturing cost of the upper movable disk 50 is reduced. First modification of the first embodiment

[0223] In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the lower lever 70, which couples the shaft 61 and the lower movable disk 30 via the lower torsion spring 80, is configured separately from the lower movable disk 30. An example was also described in which the upper lever 75, which couples the shaft 61 and the upper movable disk 50 via the upper torsion spring 85, is configured separately from the upper movable disk 50. However, the configurations of the lower lever 70 and the upper lever 75 are not limited thereto.

[0224] The lower lever 70 can, for example, as in Fig. 14, may be formed integrally with the lower movable disc 30. The upper lever 75 may be formed integrally with the upper movable disc 50.

[0225] According to this configuration, the number of parts constituting the device 1 is reduced compared to the housing part in which the lower lever 70 is configured separately from the lower movable disc 30 and the upper lever 75 is configured separately from the upper movable disc 50. Second modification of the first embodiment

[0226] In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the shaft 61 and the lower movable disk 30 are coupled via the lower torsion spring 80. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0227] The device 1 can, for example, as in Fig. 15, can be configured without including the lower torsion spring 80. In this case, the lower lever 70, which causes the lower torsion spring 80 and the lower movable disk 30 to be coupled to each other, is unnecessary, and thus a configuration can be adopted in which the lower lever 70 is also not provided.

[0228] In the case where the lower torsion spring 80 is not provided, the shaft 61 and the lower movable disc 30 are directly coupled to each other. For example, the lower movable hole 32 of the lower movable disc 30 may be shaped such that the inner diameter thereof is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the lower axial portion 611, and the shaft 61 and the lower movable disc 30 may be directly coupled to each other by fitting the lower axial portion 611 into this lower movable hole 32.

[0229] In this configuration, when the lower axial portion 611 rotates, the rotational force of the shaft 61 is directly transmitted to the lower movable disk 30 via the lower axial portion 611. Furthermore, the lower movable disk 30 can be biased in the lower direction DRa1, and thus the lower stationary disk 20 can be pressed against the lower installation surface 1121 by the compression spring 90 biasing the flange portion 613 in the lower direction DRa1.

[0230] Although not illustrated, the valve device 1 may be configured such that the valve device 1 includes the lower torsion spring 80 and the lower lever 70, and instead does not include the upper torsion spring 85 and the upper lever 75. In this case, the shaft 61 and the upper movable disc 50 can be directly coupled to each other by fitting the upper axial portion 612 into the upper movable hole 52 of the upper movable disc 50.

[0231] In this configuration, when the upper axial portion 612 rotates, the rotational force of the shaft 61 is directly transmitted through the upper axial portion 612 to the upper movable disk 50. Furthermore, the upper stationary disk 40 can be pressed against the upper installation surface 1211 by the compression spring 90, which biases the upper movable disk 50 in the upward direction DRa2. Second embodiment

[0232] Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16 to 20. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a fourth fluid inlet portion 154 is also provided in the lower housing 11. The present embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in the shapes of the lower stationary disc 20 and the lower movable disc 30. Other components are similar to those in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parts different from those in the first embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of parts similar to those in the first embodiment will be omitted where appropriate.

[0233] As in the present embodiment in Fig. 16 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 17, the lower sidewall portion 111 is provided with the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 in addition to the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163. The fourth fluid inlet portion 154 is an inlet port that functions as an inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel F within the housing 10.

[0234] In the present embodiment, the second fluid outlet portion 162, the second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the fourth fluid inlet portion 154, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 are provided side by side in this order at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction DRc in the outer peripheral portion of the lower casing 11. Specifically, the second fluid outlet portion 162, the second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the fourth fluid inlet portion 154, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 are arranged side by side at intervals of approximately 60°. The fourth fluid inlet portion 154 is formed in the outer portion of the lower casing 11 with respect to the lower stationary disk 20 and the lower movable disk 30 with respect to the lower direction DRa1.

[0235] The fourth fluid inlet portion 154 communicates with the lower flow channel Fb. The fourth fluid inlet portion 154 is an opening and functions as a one-side opening.

[0236] In the lower side wall portion 111, as in the first embodiment, the first fluid inlet portion 151 is provided on the upper direction DRa2 side with respect to the lower stationary disk 20 and the lower movable disk 30.

[0237] The lower bottom wall portion 112 is formed with a fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 that communicates with the fourth fluid inlet portion 154. The fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 is formed on the lower direction DRa1 side with respect to the lower stationary disk 20. The second outlet flow channel Fo2, the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 are partitioned by five lower partition walls 1124 provided in the lower bottom wall portion 112. In other words, in the flow channel F within the casing 10, the lower flow channel Fb is partitioned by the five lower partition walls 1124 into the second outlet flow channel Fo2, the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3.In the present embodiment, the second outlet flow passage Fo2, the second inlet flow passage Fi2, the first inlet flow passage Fo1, the fourth inlet flow passage Fi4, and the third outlet flow passage Fo3 are formed side by side in this order along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0238] The fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 is formed such that a portion in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape and is shaped such that a flow channel cross-sectional area thereof has substantially the same size as each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the first outlet flow channel Fo1. The fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 is formed such that the flow channel cross-sectional area thereof is approximately half the flow channel cross-sectional area of the third outlet flow channel Fo3.

[0239] The five lower partition walls 1124 are provided at respective positions corresponding to the five lower portions 24 of the lower stationary disk 20, which will be described later. The ends of the five lower partition walls 1124 on the lower stationary disk 20 side are fixed in a state where each of the respective orientations thereof coincides with a corresponding one of the respective orientations of the five lower partition portions 24 of the lower stationary disk 20. The fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 communicates with a fourth inlet flow hole 254, which will be described later, of the lower stationary disk 20. The fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 functions as a one-side flow channel.

[0240] As in Fig. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the lower stationary disc 20 of the present embodiment is formed with the fourth inlet flow hole 254, in addition to the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263. The fourth inlet flow hole 254 is formed through the lower stationary disc 20 in the axial direction DRa, and the fluid can pass therethrough. The fourth inlet flow hole 254 is formed such that a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape.

[0241] The second outlet flow hole 262, the second outlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third inlet flow hole 263 are formed adjacent to each other in this order. The lower stationary disc 20 has each of the five lower partition portions 24 provided between the corresponding portions of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first inlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0242] The second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263 are arranged alternately with the five lower partition portions 24 in the circumferential direction DRc along the entire circumference of the lower stationary disk 20.

[0243] The fourth inlet flow hole 254 has a flow channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the flow channel cross-sectional area of the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and is connected to the fourth fluid inlet section 154 via the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4. The fourth inlet flow hole 254 functions as a first flow channel hole in the present embodiment. Fig. 18, the lower projection 23 is omitted.

[0244] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 19, the lower movable disk 30 of the present embodiment includes a lower flow channel through-hole 34 extending through the lower movable disk 30 in the axial direction DRa, and two lower flow channel communication holes 35 that do not pass through the lower movable disk 30. The two lower flow channel communication holes 35 are each formed so that a cross section in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape.

[0245] In the present embodiment, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 is formed to have a flow channel cross-sectional area smaller than the flow channel cross-sectional area of any one of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower flow channel through-hole 34 is formed so as not to be completely superimposable over any one of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0246] The lower flow channel through-hole 34 is formed so that it can communicate with one or two of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in accordance with the rotational position of the lower movable disc 30. In the case where the lower flow channel through-hole 34 overlaps only one of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in the axial direction DRa, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates only with this overlapped flow hole.In the case where the lower flow channel through-hole 34 straddles and overlaps the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in the axial direction DRa, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with these two spanned flow holes.

[0247] In other words, the lower movable disc 30 has the lower flow passage through hole 34, which communicates with at least one of the second outlet flow passage Fo2, the second inlet flow hole Fi2, the first outlet flow passage Fo1, the fourth inlet flow passage Fi4, and the third outlet flow passage Fo3 by the rotation of the lower movable disc 30 caused together with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0248] In the present embodiment, a rotation range of the lower movable disc 30 is determined in advance, and the lower flow channel through-hole 34 is configured to be able to communicate with one or two of the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower flow channel through-hole 34 is configured to be incommunicable with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the fourth inlet flow hole 254. That is, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 is configured to be incommunicable with the second fluid inlet portion 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2, and is configured to be incommunicable with the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 via the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4.

[0249] Therefore, when the lower movable disc 30 is caused to rotate and then stopped at a predetermined position, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with one or two of the first exhaust flow hole 261, the second exhaust flow hole 262, and the third exhaust flow hole 263. The lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with the flow channel(s) corresponding to the flow hole(s) with which the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates, among the first exhaust flow hole Fo1, the second exhaust flow hole Fo2, and the third exhaust flow hole Fo3.As a result, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 enables communication between the central flow channel Fc and the flow channel(s) with which the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates, among the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3.

[0250] One of the two lower flow channel communication holes 35 is formed such that the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof is larger than the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa of the lower flow channel through-hole 34. On the other hand, the other of the two lower flow channel communication holes 35 is formed such that the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof is substantially the same size as the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa of the lower flow channel through-hole 34.

[0251] Hereinafter, of the two lower flow channel communication holes 35, the one having a larger flow channel cross-sectional area is also referred to as the first lower communication hole 351, and the other having a smaller flow channel cross-sectional area is also referred to as the second lower communication hole 352. The lower flow channel through-hole 34, the first lower communication hole 351, and the second lower communication hole 352 are formed adjacently in this order at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0252] The first lower communication hole 351 and the second lower communication hole 352 are each formed by recessing a portion of the lower sliding surface 31 located on a side where sliding is performed with respect to the lower stationary disk 20. That is, the first lower communication hole 351 and the second lower communication hole 352 are formed without extending through the lower movable disk 30.

[0253] The first lower communication hole 351 is formed such that the flow channel cross-sectional area thereof is larger than the flow channel cross-sectional area of any one of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, and the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and smaller than the flow channel cross-sectional area of the third outlet flow hole 263. The first lower communication hole 351 is formed to be completely superimposable over any one of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, and the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and is formed to be not completely superimposable over the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0254] In the present embodiment, the first lower communication hole 351 has a size superimposable on at least the respective part(s) of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, or the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0255] The first lower communication hole 351 is formed to communicate with the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263. In the case where the first lower communication hole 351 overlaps only one of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in the axial direction DRa, the first lower communication hole 351 communicates with only this overlapped flow hole.In the case where the first lower housing part 351 straddles and overlaps the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in the axial direction DRa, the first lower communication hole 351 allows these two spanned flow holes to communicate with each other. Thus, among the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263, the flow holes communicating with the first lower communication hole 351 communicate with each other.

[0256] The second lower communication hole 352 is formed so that the flow channel cross-sectional area thereof is smaller than the flow channel cross-sectional area of any one of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263. The second lower communication hole 352 is formed so that it is not completely superimposable over each of the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0257] In the present embodiment, the second lower communication hole 352 has a size superimposable on at least the respective part(s) of one or two of the second outlet flow holes 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first inlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0258] The second lower communication hole 352 is formed to communicate with the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263. In the case where the second lower communication hole 352 overlaps with the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in the axial direction DRa, the second lower communication hole 352 communicates with only this overlapped communication hole.In the case where the second lower communication hole 352 straddles and overlaps the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the fourth inlet flow hole 254, and the third outlet flow hole 263 in the axial direction DRa, the second lower communication hole 352 allows these two spanned flow holes to communicate with each other. Thus, the flow holes communicating with the second lower communication hole 352 among the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, and the fourth inlet flow hole 254 communicate.

[0259] In other words, the lower movable disc 30 has the first lower communication hole 351 and the second lower communication hole 352, each of which allows a plurality of the second outlet flow passage Fo2, the second inlet flow hole Fi2, the first outlet flow passage Fo1, the fourth inlet flow passage Fi4, and the third outlet flow passage Fo3 to communicate with each other by the rotation of the lower movable disc 30 caused together with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0260] In the present embodiment, a rotation range of the lower movable disc 30 is determined in advance, and the first lower communication hole 351 is configured to communicate with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the first outlet flow hole 261, and is configured to communicate with the fourth inlet flow hole 254 and the first outlet flow hole 261. The first lower communication hole 351 is configured to communicate with the fourth inlet flow hole 254 and the third outlet flow hole 263. Thus, the first lower communication hole 351 is configured to allow the second inlet flow hole 252 to communicate with the first outlet flow hole 261, and is configured to allow the fourth inlet flow hole 254 to communicate with the first outlet flow hole 261.The first lower communication hole 351 is configured so that the fourth inlet flow hole 254 can communicate with the third outlet flow hole 263. The first lower communication hole 351 is configured so that it does not communicate with the second outlet flow hole 262.

[0261] Therefore, when the lower movable disc 30 is caused to rotate and then stop at a predetermined position, the first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the first outlet flow hole 261. The first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the first outlet flow hole Fo1, allowing the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the first outlet flow channel Fo1 to communicate with each other. Alternatively, the first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the fourth inlet flow hole 254 and the first outlet flow hole 261 when the lower movable disc 30 is caused to rotate and then stop at a predetermined position.The first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the first outlet flow channel Fo1, and allows the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the first outlet flow channel Fo1 to communicate. Alternatively, when the lower movable disc 30 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, the first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3, and allows the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 to communicate with each other.

[0262] The second lower communication hole 352 is configured to communicate with one or two of the following: the fourth inlet flow hole 254, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263. Thus, the second lower communication hole 352 is configured to allow the fourth inlet flow hole 254 to communicate with the third outlet flow hole 263. The second lower communication hole 352 is configured to allow communication between the second outlet flow hole 262 and the third outlet flow hole 263. The second lower communication hole 352 is configured to disallow communication with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the first outlet flow hole 261.

[0263] Therefore, in the case where the lower movable disc 30 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, and the second lower communication hole 352 communicates with only one of the fourth inlet flow holes 254 and the third outlet flow hole 263, the second lower communication hole 352 does not allow the flow hole with which the second lower communication hole 352 communicates to communicate with other flow holes. That is, the second lower communication hole 352 closes one of the fourth inlet flow holes 254 and the third outlet flow hole 263 with which the second lower communication hole 352 communicates. Thus, the second lower communication hole 352 does not allow the flow channel with which the second lower communication hole 352 communicates from the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the third outlet flow hole Fo3 to communicate with other flow channels.

[0264] In the case where the lower movable disc 30 is caused to rotate and then stopped at a predetermined position, the second lower communication hole 352 communicates with the fourth inlet flow hole 254 and the third outlet flow hole 263, and the second lower communication hole 352 allows the fourth inlet flow hole 254 and the third outlet flow hole 263 to communicate with each other. The second lower communication hole 352 communicates with the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the third outlet flow hole Fo3, and allows the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 to communicate with each other.The second lower communication hole 352 also communicates with the second outlet flow hole 262 and the third outlet flow hole 263, and allows the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 to communicate.

[0265] The valve device 1 of the present embodiment can switch the operation mode to a first operation mode, a second operation mode, a third operation mode, a fourth operation mode, a fifth operation mode, and a sixth operation mode by rotating the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50. The rotational position of the lower movable disc 30 and the flow of the fluid flowing through the flow channel F in each specific operation mode will be described with reference to Fig. 20 described.

[0266] In Fig. 20, for clarity of the drawing, the respective portions where the lower flow channel through-hole 34, the first lower communication hole 351, and the second lower communication hole 352 are superimposed on the lower stationary disc 20 are shaded with dots. In the present embodiment, the description of the fluid flow flowing through the upper flow channel Fa is omitted because the shapes of the upper housing 12, the upper stationary disc 40, and the upper movable disc 50 are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0267] First, the first operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the first operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which in the first operation mode of Fig. 20 is illustrated.

[0268] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is located in a position where the lower flow channel through-hole 34 of the flow channel communicates with the second outlet flow hole 262 and the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a position where the first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the first outlet flow hole 261. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a position where the second lower communication hole 352 communicates only with the fourth inlet flow hole 254.

[0269] Accordingly, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3. Then, the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 communicate with the first fluid inlet portion 151 via the central flow channel Fc. The first lower communication hole 351 allows the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the first outlet flow channel Fo1 to communicate. Then, the first outlet flow portion Fo1 communicates with the second fluid inlet portion 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2. The second lower communication hole 352 communicates only with the fourth flow channel Fi4. Then, the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 is closed by the second lower communication hole 352 and the lower sliding surface 31.

[0270] When the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the third exhaust flow hole 263 faces a portion of the lower sliding surface 31 where the lower flow channel through-hole 34, the first lower communication hole 351, and the second lower communication hole 352 are not formed. When the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the third exhaust flow channel Fo3 is closed by the lower sliding surface 31.

[0271] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the first operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the middle flow channel Fc and the lower flow channel through-hole 34, and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that flows into the second outlet flow channel Fo2 flows out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid that has flowed into the third outlet channel Fo3 flows out from the third fluid outlet portion 163 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0272] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second flow channel Fi2 and the first lower communication hole 351 and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first outlet flow channel Fo1 flows out from the first fluid outlet portion 161 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0273] However, the fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 is blocked by the lower movable disc 30 and does not flow out from the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163.

[0274] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the first operation mode, the fluid flows into the device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the second fluid inlet portion 152. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the second fluid outlet portion 162 and the third fluid outlet portion 163, respectively. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161. However, the fluid does not flow into the valve device 1 from the fourth fluid inlet portion 154, which is closed by the lower movable disc 30.

[0275] Next, the second operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the second operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which is in the second operation mode of Fig. 20 is illustrated.

[0276] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the second operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a position where the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates only with the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the first outlet flow hole 261. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the second lower communication hole 352 communicates only with the fourth inlet flow hole 254.

[0277] Accordingly, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with only the third outlet flow channel Fo3. The third outlet flow channel Fo3 then communicates with the first fluid flow section 151 via the central flow channel Fc. The first lower communication hole 351 allows the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the first outlet flow channel Fo1 to communicate with each other. Subsequently, the first inlet flow channel Fo1 communicates with the second fluid flow section 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2. The second lower communication hole 352 communicates only with the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4. Subsequently, the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 is closed by the second lower communication hole 352 and the lower sliding surface 31.

[0278] When the operation mode is set to the second operation mode, the second outlet flow hole 262 faces a portion of the lower sliding surface 31 in which none of the lower flow channel through-holes 34, the first lower communication hole 351, and the second lower communication hole 352 are formed. Thus, when the operation mode is set to the second operation mode, the second outlet flow channel Fo2 is closed by the lower sliding surface 31.

[0279] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the second operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the central flow channel Fc and the lower flow channel through-hole 34 and flows to the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the third fluid outlet channel Fo3 flows out from the third fluid outlet portion 163 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0280] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second flow channel Fi2 and the first lower communication hole 351 and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first outlet flow channel Fo1 flows out from the first fluid outlet portion 161 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0281] However, the fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 through the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 is blocked by the lower movable disc 30 and does not flow out of the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163.

[0282] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the second operation mode, the fluid flows into the device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151 and the second fluid inlet portion 152. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the third fluid outlet portion 163. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161. However, the fluid does not flow into the valve device 1 from the fourth fluid inlet portion 154, which is closed by the lower movable disc 30.

[0283] Next, the third operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the third operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which is in the third operation mode of Fig. 20 is illustrated.

[0284] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the third operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates only with the second outlet flow hole 262. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the first outlet flow hole 261. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the second lower communication hole 352 communicates with the fourth inlet flow hole 254 and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0285] Accordingly, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates only with the second outlet flow channel Fo2. The second outlet flow channel Fo2 then communicates with the first fluid flow portion 151 via the central flow channel Fc. The first lower communication hole 351 allows the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the first outlet flow channel Fo1 to communicate with each other. Then, the first inlet flow channel Fo1 communicates with the second fluid flow portion 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2. The second lower communication hole 352 allows the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 to communicate. Then, the third inlet flow channel Fo3 communicates with the fourth fluid flow portion 154 via the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4.

[0286] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the third operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the central flow channel Fc and the lower flow channel through-hole 34 and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the second outlet flow channel Fo2 flows out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0287] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second flow channel Fi2 and the first lower communication hole 351 and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first flow channel Fo1 flows out of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161.

[0288] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 passes through the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the second lower communication hole 352 and flows to the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the third outlet flow channel Fo3 flows out from the third fluid outlet portion 163 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0289] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the third operation mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fourth fluid inlet portion 154. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the second fluid outlet portion 162. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the third fluid outlet portion 163.

[0290] Next, the fourth operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the fourth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position shown in the fourth operation mode of Fig. 20 is illustrated.

[0291] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the fourth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a position where the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates only with the second outlet flow hole 262. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the fourth inlet flow hole 254 and the first outlet flow hole 261. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the second lower communication hole 352 communicates only with the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0292] Accordingly, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with only the second outlet flow channel Fo2. The second outlet flow channel Fo2 then communicates with the first fluid flow portion 151 via the central flow channel Fc. The first lower communication hole 351 allows the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the first outlet flow hole Fo1 to communicate. Then, the first outlet flow channel Fo1 communicates with the fourth fluid flow portion 154 via the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4. The second lower communication hole 352 communicates only with the third outlet flow channel Fo3. Then, the third outlet flow channel Fo3 is closed by the second lower communication hole 352 and the lower sliding surface 31.

[0293] When the operation mode is set to the fourth operation mode, the second inlet flow hole 252 faces a portion of the lower sliding surface 31 in which none of the lower flow channel through-holes 34, the first lower communication hole 351, and the second lower communication hole 352 are formed. Therefore, when the operation mode is set to the fourth operation mode, the second inlet flow channel Fi2 is closed by the lower sliding surface 31.

[0294] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the fourth operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the central flow channel Fc and the lower flow channel through-hole 34 and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the second outlet flow channel Fo2 flows out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0295] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 passes through the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the first lower communication hole 351 and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first outlet flow channel Fo1 flows out from the first fluid outlet portion 161 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0296] However, the fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 through the second fluid inlet portion 152 is blocked by the lower movable disc 30 and does not flow out of the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163.

[0297] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the fourth operation mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151 and the fourth fluid inlet portion 154. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the second fluid outlet portion 162. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161. However, the fluid does not flow into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152, which is closed by the lower movable disc 30.

[0298] Next, the fifth operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the fifth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which is in the fifth operation mode of Fig. 20 is illustrated.

[0299] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the fifth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a position where the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates only with the first outlet flow hole 261. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the fourth inlet flow hole 254 and the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the second lower communication hole 352 communicates with the second outlet flow hole 262 and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0300] Accordingly, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates only with the first outlet flow channel Fo1. The first outlet flow channel Fo1 then communicates with the first fluid flow portion 151 via the central flow channel Fc. The first lower communication hole 351 allows the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 to communicate. Then, the third inlet flow channel Fo3 communicates with the fourth fluid flow portion 154 via the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4. The second lower communication hole 352 communicates with the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3. Then, the second outlet flow channel Fo2 communicates with the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 via the third outlet flow channel Fo3, the first lower communication hole 351, and the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4.

[0301] When the operation mode is set to the fifth operation mode, the second inlet flow hole 252 faces a portion of the lower sliding surface 31 in which none of the lower flow channel through-holes 34, the first lower communication hole 351, and the second lower communication hole 352 are formed. Thus, when the operation mode is set to the fifth operation mode, the second inlet flow channel Fi2 is closed by the lower sliding surface 31.

[0302] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the fifth operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the central flow channel Fc and the lower flow channel through-hole 34 and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first outlet flow channel Fo1 flows out from the first fluid outlet portion 161 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0303] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 passes through the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the first lower communication hole 351 and flows to the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. Part of the fluid that has flowed into the third outlet flow channel Fo3 flows from the third fluid outlet portion 163 to the outside of the device 1, and the rest of the fluid passes through the lower flow channel through-hole 34 and flows into the second outlet flow channel Fo2 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the second flow channel Fo2 flows out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0304] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the fifth operation mode, the fluid flows into the device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151 and the fourth fluid inlet portion 154. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the second fluid outlet portion 162 and the third fluid outlet portion 163. However, the fluid does not flow into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152, which is closed by the lower movable disc 30.

[0305] Next, the sixth operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the sixth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which is in the sixth operation mode of Fig. 20 is shown.

[0306] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the sixth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a position where the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with the second outlet flow hole 262 and the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower communication hole 351 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the first outlet flow hole 261. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the second lower communication hole 352 communicates with the fourth inlet flow hole 254 and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0307] Accordingly, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 communicates with the second outlet flow hole Fo2 and the third outlet flow hole Fo3. Then, the second fluid inlet portion Fo2 and the third fluid outlet portion Fo3 communicate with the first fluid flow portion 151 via the central flow channel Fc. The first lower communication hole 351 allows the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the first outlet flow channel Fo1 to communicate with each other. Then, the first inlet flow channel Fo1 communicates with the second fluid flow portion 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2. The second lower communication hole 352 allows the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 to communicate. Then, the third inlet flow channel Fo3 communicates with the fourth fluid flow portion 154 via the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4.

[0308] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the sixth operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 flows through the middle flow channel Fc and the lower flow channel through-hole 34, and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the second flow channel Fo2 flows out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid that has flowed into the third outlet channel Fo3 flows out from the third fluid outlet portion 163 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0309] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second flow channel Fi2 and the first lower communication hole 351 and flows to the first outlet channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first flow channel Fo1 flows out from the first fluid outlet portion 161 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0310] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 passes through the fourth inlet flow channel Fi4 and the second lower communication hole 352 and flows to the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the third flow channel Fo3 flows out from the third fluid outlet portion 163 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0311] As described above, the valve device 1 switches the operation mode to switch each of the respective fluid outlet portions communicating with the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fourth fluid inlet portion 154 to one of the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163. In this way, the valve device 1 can switch the fluid flow of the cooling water flowing in the fluid circulation system. The valve device 1 can close the second fluid inlet portion 152, the fourth fluid inlet portion 154, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163 according to the operation modes.

[0312] Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment. As in the present embodiment, the valve device 1 of the present embodiment can achieve the operation and effects by a configuration similar to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment. Third embodiment

[0313] Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 21 to 25. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a fifth fluid inlet portion 155 and a seventh fluid outlet portion 167 are also provided in the lower casing 11. The present embodiment also differs from the first embodiment in the shapes of the lower stationary disc 20 and the lower movable disc 30. Other shapes are similar to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of parts similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0314] As in the present embodiment in the Fig. 21 and Fig. As illustrated in Fig. 22, the lower side wall portion 111 is provided with the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 in addition to the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163. The fifth fluid inlet portion 155 is an inlet port that functions as an inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel F inside the housing 10. The seventh fluid outlet portion 167 is an outlet port that functions as an outlet through which the fluid flowing into the flow channel F inside the housing 10 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0315] The fifth fluid inlet portion 155 is formed on the upper direction DRa2 side with respect to the lower stationary disk 20 and the lower movable disk 30. The fifth fluid inlet portion 155 is arranged side by side with the first fluid inlet portion 151 along the circumferential direction DRc in the outer peripheral portion of the lower casing 11, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 and the first fluid inlet portion 151 are provided at a predetermined interval. Specifically, the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 are provided side by side along the circumferential direction DRc at an interval of approximately 180°. The fifth fluid inlet portion 155 communicates with the central flow passage Fc. The first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 communicate with the central flow passage Fc as inlet ports.The first fluid inlet section 151 and the fifth fluid inlet section 155 communicate with each other via the central flow channel Fc.

[0316] In the present embodiment, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the third fluid outlet portion 163, the second fluid outlet portion 162, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 are provided in this order adjacent to each other at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction DRc in the outer peripheral portion of the lower casing 11. Specifically, the first fluid outlet portion 161, the third fluid outlet portion 163, the second fluid outlet portion 162, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 are arranged adjacent to each other at intervals of approximately 60°. The fluid of the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 is formed on the lower direction DRa1 side with respect to the lower stationary disk 20 and the lower movable disk 30. The seventh fluid outlet portion 167 communicates with the lower flow passage Fb.

[0317] In the present embodiment, the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 function as openings. The fluid in the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 functions as the opening of one side.

[0318] The lower bottom wall portion 112 is formed with a seventh flow channel Fo7 communicating with the seventh fluid outlet portion 167. The seventh flow channel Fo7 is formed on the lower direction DRa1 side with respect to the lower stationary disk 20. The first outlet flow channel Fo1, the third outlet flow channel Fo3, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, the second inlet flow channel Fi2, and the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 are divided by five lower partition walls 1124 provided in the lower bottom wall portion 112. In other words, in the flow channel F within the housing 10, the lower flow channel Fb is divided by the five lower partition walls 1124 into the first inlet flow channel Fo1, the third inlet flow channel Fo3, the second inlet flow channel Fo2, the second inlet flow channel Fi2, and the seventh inlet flow channel Fo7.In the present embodiment, the first intake flow passage Fo1, the third intake flow passage Fo3, the second intake flow passage Fo2, the second intake flow passage Fi2, and the seventh intake flow passage Fo7 are formed side by side in this order along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0319] The seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 is formed such that a portion in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape, and is formed such that a flow channel cross-sectional area thereof is larger than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the third outlet flow channel Fo3, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the second inlet flow channel Fi2.

[0320] The first outlet flow channel Fo1 is formed such that its flow channel cross-sectional area is larger than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the third outlet flow channel Fo3, the second inlet flow channel Fi2, and the second outlet flow channel Fo2. The second outlet flow channel Fo2 is formed such that its flow channel cross-sectional area is larger than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3. The second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 are formed such that their respective flow channel cross-sectional areas are substantially the same size.

[0321] The five lower partition walls 1124 are provided at respective positions corresponding to the five lower partition portions 24 of the lower stationary disk 20. The ends of the five lower partition walls 1124 on the lower stationary disk 20 side are fixed in a state where each of the respective orientations thereof coincides with a corresponding one of the respective orientations of the five lower partition portions 24 of the lower stationary disk 20. The seventh exhaust flow channel Fo7 communicates with a seventh exhaust flow hole 267, which will be described later, of the lower stationary disk 20. The seventh exhaust flow channel Fo7 functions as a one-side flow channel.

[0322] As in the present embodiment in Fig. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the lower stationary disc 20 is formed with the seventh outlet flow hole 267 in addition to the first outlet flow hole 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the second inlet flow hole 252. The seventh outlet flow hole 267 is formed through the lower stationary disc 20 in the axial direction DRa, and the fluid can flow therethrough. The seventh outlet flow hole 267 is formed such that a portion in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape.

[0323] The first outlet flow hole 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267 are formed adjacent to each other in this order. The lower stationary disc 20 has each of the five lower partition portions 24 provided between the corresponding portions of the first outlet flow hole 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267.

[0324] The first outlet flow hole 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267 are arranged alternately with the five lower partition portions 24 in the circumferential direction DRc along the entire circumference of the lower stationary disk 20.

[0325] The seventh outlet flow hole 267 has a flow channel cross-sectional area corresponding to the flow channel cross-sectional area of the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 and communicates with the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 via the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7. The seventh outlet flow hole 267 functions as a first flow channel hole in the present embodiment. Fig. 23, the lower projection 23 is omitted.

[0326] As in Fig. 24, the lower movable disk 30 of the present embodiment includes two lower flow channel through-holes 34 extending through the lower movable disk 30 in the axial direction DRa, and one lower flow channel communication hole 35 not extending through the lower movable disk 30. The two lower flow channel through-holes 34 are each formed such that a portion in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof has a substantially sector-shaped shape.

[0327] The two lower flow channel through-holes 34 are each formed such that the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof is larger than the cross section in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa of the lower flow channel connecting hole 35. The two lower flow channel through-holes 34 are formed such that the respective portions in the direction orthogonal to the axial direction DRa thereof have substantially the same size. Hereinafter, of the two lower flow channel through-holes 34, one is also referred to as a first lower through-hole 341 and the other is also referred to as a second lower through-hole 342. The first lower through-hole 341, the lower flow channel connecting hole 35, and the second lower through-hole 342 are formed side by side in this order at predetermined intervals along the circumferential direction DRc.

[0328] The first lower through-hole 341 and the second lower through-hole 342 are formed through the lower movable disc 30 and are each shaped to allow fluid to pass through the lower stationary disc 20. In each of the first lower through-hole 341 and the second lower through-hole 342, the lower direction side DRa1 communicates with one of the second inlet flow holes 252, the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, the third outlet flow hole 263, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267. In each of the first lower through-hole 341 and the second lower through-hole 342, the upper direction side DRa2 communicates with the central flow channel Fc.

[0329] The first lower through-hole 341 and the second lower through-hole 342 are each formed such that a flow channel cross-sectional area thereof is larger than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the second inlet flow hole 252, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263. The first lower through-hole 341 and the second lower through-hole 342 are each formed such that they are completely superimposable over the second inlet flow hole 252, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0330] On the other hand, the first lower through-hole 341 and the second lower through-hole 342 are each formed such that the flow channel cross-sectional area thereof is smaller than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the first outlet flow hole 261 and the seventh outlet flow hole 267. The first lower through-hole 341 and the second lower through-hole 342 are formed such that they are not completely superimposable over the first outlet flow hole 261 and the seventh outlet flow hole 267.

[0331] The first lower through-hole 341 and the second lower through-hole 342 are each formed so that they can communicate with one or two of the first outlet flow holes 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267 in accordance with the rotational position of the lower movable disc 30. In the case where the first lower through-hole 341 or the second lower through-hole 342 overlaps only one of the first outlet flow holes 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267 in the axial direction DRa, the first lower through-hole 341 or the second lower through-hole 342 communicates with only this overlapped flow hole.In the case where the first lower through-hole 341 or the second lower through-hole 342 straddles and overlaps two of the first outlet flow hole 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267 in the axial direction DRa, the first lower through-hole 341 or the second lower through-hole 342 communicates with these two flow holes.

[0332] In other words, the lower movable disc 30 has the first lower through-hole 341 and the second lower through-hole 342, each of which communicates with at least one of the first outlet flow hole 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, or the seventh outlet flow hole 267, which is caused by the rotation of the lower movable disc 30 together with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0333] In the present embodiment, a rotation range of the lower movable disk 30 is determined in advance, and the first lower through-hole 341 is configured to communicate with one or two of the first outlet flow holes 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263. The first lower through-hole 341 is configured to be incommunicable with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the seventh outlet flow passage Fo7. That is, the first lower through-hole 341 is configured to be incommunicable with the second fluid inlet portion 152 via the second inlet flow passage Fi2, and to be incommunicable with the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 via the seventh outlet flow passage Fo7.

[0334] Therefore, when the lower movable disc 30 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, the first lower through-hole 341 communicates with one or two of the first exhaust flow holes 261, the second exhaust flow hole 262, and the third exhaust flow hole 263. The first lower through-hole 341 communicates with the flow channel(s) corresponding to the flow hole(s) with which the first lower through-hole 341 communicates, among the first exhaust flow hole Fo1, the second exhaust flow hole Fo2, and the third exhaust flow hole Fo3.As a result, the first lower through-hole 341 enables communication between the central flow channel Fc and the flow channel(s) with which the first lower through-hole 341 communicates, among the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the third outlet flow channel Fo3.

[0335] The second lower through-hole 342 is configured to communicate with one, two, or three of the following: the second inlet flow hole 252, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267. The second lower through-hole 342 is configured to be incommunicable with the first outlet flow hole 261 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3. That is, the second lower through-hole 342 is configured to be incommunicable with the first fluid outlet portion 161 via the first outlet flow channel Fo1, and to be incommunicable with the third fluid outlet portion 163 via the third outlet flow channel Fo3.

[0336] Therefore, when the lower movable disc 30 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, the second lower through-hole 342 communicates with one, two, or three of the second inlet flow holes 252, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267. The second lower through-hole 342 communicates with the flow channel(s) corresponding to the flow hole(s) with which the second lower through-hole 342 communicates, among the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the second outlet flow hole Fo2, and the seventh outlet flow hole Fo7.As a result, the second lower through-hole 342 enables communication between the central flow channel Fc and the flow channel(s) with which the second lower through-hole 342 communicates, among the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the second outlet flow hole Fo2, and the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7.

[0337] The lower flow channel communication hole 35 is formed by recessing a portion of the lower sliding surface 31 located on a sliding side with respect to the lower stationary disk 20. That is, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 is formed without extending through the lower movable disk 30.

[0338] The lower flow channel connecting hole 35 is formed to have a flow channel cross-sectional area slightly larger than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the second inlet flow hole 252 and the third outlet flow hole 263, and is formed to be completely superimposable over each of the second inlet flow hole 252 and the third outlet flow hole 263. On the other hand, the lower flow channel connecting hole 35 is formed to have a flow channel cross-sectional area smaller than each of the respective flow channel cross-sectional areas of the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267.The lower flow channel connecting hole 35 is formed so that it cannot be completely superimposed over each of the first outlet flow holes 261, the second outlet flow hole 262 and the seventh outlet flow hole 267.

[0339] The lower flow channel communication hole 35 is formed so that it can communicate with one or two of the first outlet flow hole 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267 in accordance with the rotation of the lower movable disc 30. In the case where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 overlaps only one of the first outlet flow hole 261, the third inlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267 in the axial direction DRa, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates only with this overlapped flow hole.In the case where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 spans and overlaps two of the first outlet flow hole 261, the third outlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267 in the axial direction DRa, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows these two flow holes to communicate with each other.

[0340] In other words, the lower movable disc 30 has the lower flow channel communication hole 35 which communicates with at least one of the first outlet flow hole 261, the third inlet flow hole 263, the second outlet flow hole 262, the second inlet flow hole 252, or the seventh outlet flow hole 267 by the rotation of the lower movable disc 30 caused together with the rotation of the shaft 61.

[0341] In the present embodiment, a rotation range of the lower movable disc 30 is set in advance, and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 is configured to communicate with one or two of the first exhaust flow holes 261, the second exhaust flow hole 262, and the third exhaust flow hole 263. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 is configured to communicate with the seventh exhaust flow hole 267. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 is configured not to communicate with the seventh exhaust flow hole Fo7.

[0342] Therefore, when the lower movable disc 30 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with only one of the first outlet flow holes 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 prevents the flow hole with which the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates from communicating with other flow holes. That is, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 closes the flow hole with which the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates among the first outlet flow hole 261, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the third outlet flow hole 263.Thus, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 does not allow the channel to which the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates, among the first outlet flow hole Fo1, the second outlet flow hole Fo2, and the third outlet flow hole Fo3, to communicate with other flow channels.

[0343] When the lower movable disc 30 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the first exhaust flow hole 261 and the third exhaust flow hole 263, and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows the first exhaust flow hole 261 and the third exhaust flow hole 263 to communicate with each other. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the first exhaust flow channel Fo1 and the third exhaust flow channel Fo3, and allows the first exhaust flow channel Fo1 and the third exhaust flow channel Fo3 to communicate.

[0344] When the lower movable disc 30 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second exhaust flow hole 262 and the third exhaust flow hole 263, and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows the second exhaust flow hole 262 and the third exhaust flow hole 263 to communicate with each other. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second exhaust flow channel Fo2 and the third exhaust flow channel Fo3, and allows the second exhaust flow channel Fo2 and the third exhaust flow channel Fo3 to communicate.

[0345] When the lower movable disc 30 is rotated and then stopped at a predetermined position, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the seventh outlet flow hole 267, and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows the second inlet flow hole 252 and the seventh outlet flow hole 267 to communicate with each other. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second inlet flow hole Fi2 and the seventh outlet flow hole Fo7, and allows the second inlet flow hole Fi2 and the seventh outlet flow hole Fo7 to communicate with each other.

[0346] The valve device 1 of the present embodiment can switch the operation mode into first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth operation modes by rotating the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50. The rotational position of the lower movable disc 30 and the flow of the fluid flowing through the flow channel F in each specific operation mode will be described with reference to Fig. 25 described.

[0347] In Fig. In Fig. 25, for clarity of the drawing, the respective portions where the first lower through-hole 341, the second lower through-hole 342, and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 are superimposed on the lower stationary disc 20 are shaded with dots. In the present embodiment, the description of the fluid flow flowing through the upper flow channel Fa is omitted because the shapes of the upper housing 12, the upper stationary disc 40, and the upper movable disc 50 are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0348] First, the first operating mode will be described. When the operating mode of the valve device 1 is set to the first operating mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which in the first operating mode of Fig. 25 is shown.

[0349] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower through-hole 341 communicates only with the first outlet flow hole 261. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the second lower through-hole 342 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the second outlet flow hole 262. The lower movable disc 30 is located in a rotational position where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the first outlet flow hole 261 and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0350] Accordingly, the first lower through-hole 341 communicates only with the first outlet flow channel Fo1. Then, the first outlet flow channel Fo1 communicates with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The second lower through-hole 342 communicates with the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the second outlet flow hole Fo2. Then, the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the second outlet flow channel Fo2 communicate with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows the first outlet channel Fo1 and the third outlet channel Fo3 to communicate.Then, the third fluid outlet channel Fo3 communicates with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the first outlet flow channel Fo1, the first lower communication hole 341, and the central flow channel Fc.

[0351] When the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the seventh exhaust flow hole 267 faces a portion of the lower sliding surface 31 in which none of the first lower through-holes 341, the second lower through-holes 342, and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 is formed. Therefore, when the operation mode is set to the first operation mode, the seventh exhaust flow channel Fo7 is closed by the lower sliding surface 31.

[0352] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the first operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows into the central flow channel Fc. The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the second lower through-hole 342 and flows into the central flow channel Fc. Thus, the respective fluids that have flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 mix with each other in the central flow channel Fc.

[0353] Part of the fluid mixed in the central flow channel Fc passes through the first lower through-hole 341 and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb, and the rest of the fluid passes through the second lower through-hole 342 and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first outlet flow channel Fo1 further diverges, and part of the fluid flows from the first fluid outlet portion 161 to the outside of the valve device 1, and the rest of the fluid flows through the lower flow channel communication hole 35 and flows to the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the second flow channel Fo2 flows out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the valve device 1.The fluid that has flowed into the third outlet channel Fo3 flows out from the third fluid outlet portion 163 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0354] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the first operation mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, and the third fluid outlet portion 163. The fluid does not flow out of the valve device 1 from the seventh fluid outlet portion 167, which is closed by the lower movable disc 30.

[0355] Next, the second operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the second operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which in the second operation mode of Fig. 25 is shown.

[0356] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the second operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower through-hole 341 communicates only with the first outlet flow hole 261. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the second lower through-hole 342 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the second outlet flow hole 262. The lower movable disc 30 is in a rotational position where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates only with the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0357] Accordingly, the first lower through-hole 341 communicates only with the first outlet flow channel Fo1. Then, the first outlet flow channel Fo1 communicates with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The second lower through-hole 342 communicates with the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the second outlet flow hole Fo2. Then, the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the second outlet flow channel Fo2 communicate with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates only with the third outlet flow channel Fo3. Then, the third outlet flow channel Fo3 is closed by the lower flow channel communication hole 35.

[0358] When the operation mode is set to the second operation mode, the seventh exhaust flow hole 267 faces a portion of the lower sliding surface 31 in which none of the first lower through-holes 341, the second lower through-holes 342, and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 is formed. Therefore, when the operation mode is set to the second operation mode, the seventh exhaust flow channel Fo7 is closed by the lower sliding surface 31.

[0359] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the second operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows into the central flow channel Fc. The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the second lower through-hole 342 and flows into the central flow channel Fc. Thus, the respective fluids that have flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 mix with each other in the central flow channel Fc.

[0360] Part of the fluid mixed in the central flow channel Fc passes through the first lower through-hole 341 and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb, and the rest of the fluid passes through the second lower through-hole 342 and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first flow channel Fo1 flows out from the first fluid outlet portion 161 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid that has flowed into the second outlet channel Fo2 flows out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0361] The lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates only with the third outlet flow channel Fo3 and does not allow the third outlet flow channel Fo3 to communicate with the other outlet flow channels. Thus, the fluid is not allowed to flow out of the valve device 1 from the third outlet flow channel Fo3.

[0362] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the second operation mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows out from the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the second fluid inlet portion 152 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid does not flow out from the third fluid outlet portion 163 and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167, which are closed by the lower movable disc 30, to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0363] Next, the third operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the third operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which is in the third operation mode of Fig. 25 is shown.

[0364] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the third operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower through-hole 341 communicates with the second outlet flow hole 262 and the third outlet flow hole 263. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the second lower through-hole 342 communicates only with the seventh outlet flow hole 267. The lower movable disc 30 is located in a rotational position where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the seventh outlet flow hole 267.

[0365] Accordingly, the first lower through-hole 341 communicates with the second outlet flow hole Fo2 and the third outlet flow hole Fo3. Then, the second fluid inlet portion Fo2 and the third fluid outlet portion Fo3 communicate with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The second lower through-hole 342 communicates only with the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7. Then, the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 communicates with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 to communicate with each other. Then, the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 communicates with the second fluid flow portion 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2.

[0366] When the operation mode is set to the third operation mode, the first outlet flow hole 261 faces a portion of the lower sliding surface 31 in which none of the first lower through-holes 341, the second lower through-holes 342, and the lower flow channel communication hole 35 is formed. Therefore, when the operation mode is set to the third operation mode, the first outlet flow channel Fo1 is closed by the lower sliding surface 31.

[0367] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the third operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows into the central flow channel Fc. Thus, the respective fluids that have flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 mix with each other in the central flow channel Fc.

[0368] Part of the fluid mixed in the middle flow channel Fc passes through the first lower through-hole 341 and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb, and the rest of the fluid passes through the second lower through-hole 342 and flows to the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the second flow channel Fo2 flows out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid that has flowed into the third flow channel Fo3 flows out from the third fluid outlet portion 163 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid that has flowed into the seventh flow channel Fo7 flows out from the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0369] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the lower flow channel communication hole 35. The fluid that has flowed through the lower flow channel communication hole 35 joins with the fluid that has flowed in from the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 and passed through the second lower through hole 342, and flows to the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the seventh flow channel Fo7 flows out from the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0370] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the third operation mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 via the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the second fluid outlet portion 162, the third fluid outlet portion 163, and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 also flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the seventh fluid outlet portion 167. The fluid does not flow out of the first fluid outlet portion 161, which is closed by the lower movable disc 30, to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0371] Next, the fourth operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the fourth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which is in the fourth operation mode of Fig. 25 is shown.

[0372] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the fourth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower through-hole 341 communicates only with the second outlet flow hole 262. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the second lower through-hole 342 communicates only with the seventh outlet flow hole 267. The lower movable disc 30 is in a rotational position where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the seventh outlet flow hole 267.

[0373] Accordingly, the first lower through-hole 341 communicates only with the second outlet flow channel Fo2. Then, the second outlet flow channel Fo2 communicates with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The second lower through-hole 342 communicates only with the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7. Then, the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 communicates with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 to communicate with each other. Then, the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 communicates with the second fluid flow portion 152 via the second inlet flow channel Fi2.

[0374] When the operation mode is set to the fourth operation mode, the first exhaust flow hole 261 and the third exhaust flow hole 263 face respective portions of the lower sliding surface 31 in which none of the first lower through-holes 341, the second lower through-holes 342, and the lower flow channel connection hole 35 is formed. When the operation mode is set to the fourth operation mode, the first exhaust flow channel Fo1 and the third exhaust flow hole 263 are closed by the lower sliding surface 31.

[0375] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the fourth operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows into the central flow channel Fc. Thus, the respective fluids that have flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 mix with each other in the central flow channel Fc.

[0376] Part of the fluid mixed in the central flow channel Fc passes through the first lower through-hole 341 and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 in the lower flow channel Fb, and the rest of the fluid passes through the second lower through-hole 342 and flows to the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the second flow channel Fo2 flows out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid that has flowed into the seventh flow channel Fo7 flows out from the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0377] The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second inlet channel Fi2 and the lower flow channel communication hole 35. The fluid that has flowed through the lower flow channel communication hole 35 joins with the fluid that has flowed in from the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 and passed through the second lower through hole 342, and flows to the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the seventh flow channel Fo7 flows out from the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0378] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the fourth operation mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the second fluid outlet portion 162 and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 also flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the seventh fluid outlet portion 167. The fluid does not flow out of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161 and the third fluid outlet portion 163, which are closed by the lower movable disc 30.

[0379] Next, the fifth operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the fifth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which is in the fifth operation mode of Fig. 25 is shown.

[0380] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the fifth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower through-hole 341 communicates only with the first outlet flow hole 261. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the second lower through-hole 342 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252 and the seventh outlet flow hole 267. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second outlet flow hole 262 and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0381] Accordingly, the first lower through-hole 341 communicates only with the first outlet flow channel Fo1. Then, the first outlet flow channel Fo1 communicates with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The second lower through-hole 342 communicates with the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the seventh outlet flow hole Fo7. Then, the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 communicate with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 to communicate.However, the second intake flow channel Fo2 and the third intake flow channel Fo3 are not connected to a first intake flow channel Fi1, the second intake flow channel Fi2, a fifth intake flow channel Fi5, the first intake flow channel Fo1, and the seventh intake flow channel Fo7. Thus, the second exhaust flow channel Fo2 and the third exhaust flow channel Fo3 are closed by the lower sliding surface 31 and the lower flow channel communication hole 35.

[0382] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the fifth operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows into the central flow channel Fc. The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the second lower through-hole 342 and flows into the central flow channel Fc. Thus, the respective fluids that have flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 mix with each other in the central flow channel Fc.

[0383] Part of the fluid mixed in the central flow channel Fc passes through the first lower through-hole 341 and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb, and the rest of the fluid passes through the second lower through-hole 342 and flows to the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first flow channel Fo1 flows out from the first fluid outlet portion 161 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid that has flowed into the seventh flow channel Fo7 flows out from the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0384] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the fifth operation mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 through the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161 and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167. The fluid does not flow out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the second fluid outlet portion 162 and the third fluid outlet portion 163, which are closed by the lower movable disc 30.

[0385] Next, the sixth operation mode will be described. When the operation mode of the valve device 1 is set to the sixth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in the rotational position which is in the sixth operation mode of Fig. 25 is shown.

[0386] Specifically, when the operation mode is set to the sixth operation mode, the lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the first lower through-hole 341 communicates only with the first outlet flow hole 261. The lower movable disc 30 is located in a rotational position where the second lower through-hole 342 communicates with the second inlet flow hole 252, the second outlet flow hole 262, and the seventh outlet flow hole 267. The lower movable disc 30 is positioned in a rotational position where the lower flow channel communication hole 35 communicates with the second outlet flow hole 262 and the third outlet flow hole 263.

[0387] Accordingly, the first lower through-hole 341 communicates only with the first outlet flow channel Fo1. Then, the first outlet flow channel Fo1 communicates with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The second lower through-hole 342 communicates with the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the second outlet flow hole Fo2, and the seventh outlet flow hole Fo7. Then, the second inlet flow channel Fi2, the second outlet flow channel Fo2, and the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 communicate with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 via the central flow channel Fc. The lower flow channel communication hole 35 allows the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the third outlet flow channel Fo3 to communicate.Then, the second outlet flow portion Fo2 communicates with the second fluid flow portion 152 via the second lower communication hole 342 and the second inlet flow channel Fi2. The third outlet flow channel Fo3 communicates with the second fluid inlet portion 152 via the second outlet flow channel Fo2, the second lower through hole 342, and the second inlet flow channel Fi2.

[0388] Therefore, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the sixth operation mode, the fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows into the central flow channel Fc. The fluid that has flowed into the device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 passes through the second inlet flow channel Fi2 and the second lower through-hole 342 and flows into the central flow channel Fc. Thus, the respective fluids that have flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 mix with each other in the central flow channel Fc.

[0389] Part of the fluid mixed in the central flow channel Fc passes through the first lower through-hole 341 and flows to the first outlet flow channel Fo1 in the lower flow channel Fb, and the rest of the fluid passes through the second lower through-hole 342 and flows to the second outlet flow channel Fo2 and the seventh outlet flow channel Fo7 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the first flow channel Fo1 flows out from the first fluid outlet portion 161 to the outside of the valve device 1. The fluid that has flowed into the seventh flow channel Fo7 flows out from the seventh fluid outlet portion 167 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0390] The fluid that has flowed into the second outlet channel Fo2 further diverges, and a portion of the fluid flows from the second fluid outlet portion 162 to the outside of the device 1, while the remainder of the fluid passes through the lower flow channel communication hole 35 and flows into the third outlet channel Fo3 in the lower flow channel Fb. The fluid that has flowed into the third flow channel Fo3 flows out from the third fluid outlet portion 163 to the outside of the valve device 1.

[0391] As described above, when the operation mode of the device 1 is set to the sixth operation mode, the fluid flows into the valve device 1 from each of the first fluid inlet portions 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155. The fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 flows out to the outside of the valve device 1 from the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, the third fluid outlet portion 163, and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167.

[0392] As described above, the valve device 1 switches the operation mode to connect each of the respective fluid outlet portions communicating with the first fluid inlet portion 151, the second fluid inlet portion 152, and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 to one of the first fluid outlet portion 161, the second fluid outlet portion 162, the third fluid outlet portion 163, and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167. In this way, the valve device 1 can switch the fluid flow of the cooling water flowing in the fluid circulation system. In the device 1, the fluid flowing into the first inlet flow channel Fi1 and the fifth inlet flow channel Fi5 can be diverted through the lower communication hole 35 of the flow channel, allowing part of the fluid to flow out from the first fluid outlet portion 161 and the rest of the fluid to flow out from the third fluid outlet portion 163.In the device 1, the fluid that has flowed into the first inlet flow channel Fi1, the second inlet flow channel Fi2, and the fifth inlet flow channel Fi5 can be drawn apart through the lower connection hole 35 of the flow channel, allowing part of the fluid to flow out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 and the rest of the fluid to flow out from the third fluid outlet portion 163. In the valve device 1, the fluids allowed to flow into the valve device 1 from the second fluid inlet portion 152 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 can be caused to mix with each other, allowing the fluid to flow out from the second fluid outlet portion 162 or the seventh fluid outlet portion 167.

[0393] Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment. As in the present embodiment, the valve device 1 of the present embodiment can achieve the operation and effects by a configuration similar to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment. Modification of the third embodiment

[0394] In the third embodiment described above, an example was described in which the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 communicate with each other via the central flow passage Fc. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the central flow passage Fc may be divided by a partition member (not shown) into a space communicating with the first fluid inlet portion 151 and a space communicating with the fifth fluid inlet portion 155. In this case, the fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fluid that has flowed into the valve device 1 from the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 can be guided to different fluid outlet portions.

[0395] For example, a space communicating with the first fluid inlet portion 151 is assumed to be a first space, a space communicating with the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 is assumed to be a second space, and the first space and the second space are assumed to be partitioned by a partition member provided inside the lower case 11. The first space is assumed to communicate with the first exhaust flow hole 261 and the third exhaust flow hole 263. The second space is assumed to communicate with the second exhaust flow hole 262 and the seventh exhaust flow hole 267.

[0396] In the case where the central flow channel Fc is divided into first and second spaces in this way, the respective fluids that have flowed into the valve device 1 from the first fluid inlet portion 151 and the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 do not converge in the central flow channel Fc. The fluid that has flowed into the first space from the first fluid inlet portion 151 can flow out to the outside of the valve device 1 according to the operating modes from the first fluid outlet portion 161 and the third fluid outlet portion 163. The fluid that has flowed into the second space from the fifth fluid inlet portion 155 can flow out to the outside of the valve device 1 according to the operating modes from the second fluid outlet portion 162 and the seventh fluid outlet portion 167. Fourth embodiment

[0397] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 26 described.

[0398] The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the valve device 1 does not include the lower stationary disc 20 and the upper stationary disc 40. Other embodiments are similar to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of parts similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0399] As in the present embodiment in Fig. As illustrated in Fig. 26, the valve device 1 is not provided with the lower stationary disc 20 and the upper stationary disc 40 within the housing 10. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lower seal 114 is provided between the lower movable disc 30 and the lower installation surface 1121. The upper seal 123 is provided between the upper movable disc 50 and the upper installation surface 1211.

[0400] The compression spring 90 urges the flange portion 613 in the downward direction DRa1, thereby urging the lower movable disc 30 in the downward direction DRa1 via the lower torsion spring 80 and the lower lever 70 configured separately from the lower movable disc 30. As a result, the lower movable disc 30 is pressed against the lower seal 114. The compression spring 90 urges the upper movable disc 50 in the upward direction DRa2 via the upper lever 75 configured separately from the upper movable disc 50. As a result, the upper movable disc 50 is pressed against the upper seal 123.

[0401] Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment. As in the present embodiment, the valve device 1 of the present embodiment can achieve the operation and effects by a configuration similar to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0402] The leakage of the fluid from a gap between the lower installation surface 1121 and the lower movable disc 30 can be reduced by pressing the lower movable disc 30 against the lower seal 114 provided between the lower installation surface 1121 and the lower movable disc 30.

[0403] The leakage of the fluid from a gap between the upper installation surface 1211 and the upper movable disc 50 can be reduced by pressing the upper movable disc 50 against the upper seal 123 provided between the upper installation surface 1211 and the upper movable disc 50. First modification of the fourth embodiment

[0404] In the fourth embodiment described above, an example was described in which the lower lever 70, which couples the shaft 61 and the lower movable disk 30 via the lower torsion spring 80, is configured separately from the lower movable disk 30. An example was also described in which the upper lever 75, which couples the shaft 61 and the upper movable disk 50 via the upper torsion spring 85, is configured separately from the upper movable disk 50. However, the configurations of the lower lever 70 and the upper lever 75 are not limited to this.

[0405] For example, as in Fig. 27, the lower lever 70 may be formed integrally with the lower movable disc 30. That is, the lower lever 70 may be made of ceramic, integrally formed with the lower movable disc 30.

[0406] The upper lever 75 may be formed integrally with the upper movable disc 50. That is, the upper lever 75 may be formed of ceramic, integral with the upper movable disc 50.

[0407] According to this configuration, the number of parts constituting the valve device 1 can be reduced compared to the case where the lower lever 70 is configured separately from the lower movable disc 30 and the upper lever 75 is configured separately from the upper movable disc 50. Second modification of the fourth embodiment

[0408] In the fourth embodiment and the first modification of the fourth embodiment described above, an example was described in which the shaft 61 and the lower movable sheave 30 are coupled via the lower torsion spring 80. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0409] For example, as in Fig. 28, the valve device 1 may be configured without the lower torsion spring 80. In the event that the lower lever 70 coupling the lower torsion spring 80 and the lower movable disc 30 is unnecessary, a configuration may be adopted in which the lower lever 70 is also not provided.

[0410] In the case of the configuration where the lower torsion spring 80 is not provided, the shaft 61 and the lower movable disc 30 are directly coupled to each other. For example, the lower movable hole 32 of the lower movable disc 30 may be formed such that the inner diameter thereof is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the lower axial portion 611, and the shaft 61 and the lower movable disc 30 may be directly coupled to each other by fitting the lower axial portion 611 into this lower movable hole 32.

[0411] With this configuration, when the lower axial portion 611 rotates, the rotational force of the shaft 61 is directly transmitted to the lower movable disc 30 via the lower axial portion 611. Furthermore, the lower movable disc 30 can be biased in the lower direction DRa1 by the compression spring 90, which biases the flange portion 613 in the lower direction DRa1, and thus the lower movable disc 30 can be pressed against the lower installation surface 1121.

[0412] Although not illustrated, the valve device 1 may be configured such that the valve device 1 includes the lower torsion spring 80 and the lower lever 70, and instead does not include the upper torsion spring 85 and the upper lever 75. In this case, the shaft 61 and the upper movable disc 50 may be directly coupled to each other by fitting the upper axial portion 612 into the upper axial hole 52 of the upper movable disc 50.

[0413] In this configuration, when the upper axial portion 612 rotates, the rotational force of the shaft 61 is directly transmitted to the upper movable disk 50 via the upper axial portion 612. Furthermore, the upper movable disk 50 can be pressed against the upper installation surface 1211 by the compression spring 90, which biases the upper movable disk 50 in the upper direction DRa2. Fifth embodiment

[0414] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 29. The present embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that the lower seal 114 and the upper seal 123 are not provided. Other embodiments are similar to those of the fourth embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of parts similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0415] As in the present embodiment in Fig. 29, in the valve device 1, the lower installation surface 1121 is not formed with the lower seal groove 1123. The lower seal 114 is not provided between the lower movable disc 30 and the lower installation surface 1121. The upper installation surface 1211 is not formed with the upper seal groove 1213. The upper seal 123 is not provided between the upper movable disc 50 and the upper installation surface 1211.

[0416] The lower movable disk 30 is preloaded in the lower direction DRa1 and is pressed against the lower installation surface 1121 by receiving the preload force generated by the compression spring 90 via the flange portion 613 and the lower torsion spring 80.

[0417] The upper movable disk 50 is biased in the upper direction DRa2 and is pressed against the upper installation surface 1211 by receiving the biasing force generated by the compression spring 90 via the upper lever 75.

[0418] Other configurations are similar to those of the fourth embodiment. As in the present embodiment, the valve device 1 of the present embodiment can achieve the operation and effects by a configuration similar to or equivalent to that of the fourth embodiment.

[0419] The valve device 1 of the present embodiment includes the compression spring 90, which presses the lower movable disc 30 against the lower installation surface 1121 and the upper movable disc 50 against the upper installation surface 1211.

[0420] Thus, even in the configuration where the lower seal 114 is not provided, the fluid hardly leaks from a gap between the lower installation surface 1121 and the lower movable disc 30. Even in the configuration where the upper seal 123 is not provided, the fluid hardly leaks from a gap between the upper installation surface 1211 and the upper movable disc 50. First modification of the fifth embodiment

[0421] In the fifth embodiment described above, an example was described in which the lower lever 70, which couples the shaft 61 and the lower movable disk 30 via the lower torsion spring 80, is configured separately from the lower movable disk 30. An example was also described in which the upper lever 75, which couples the shaft 61 and the upper movable disk 50 via the upper torsion spring 85, is configured separately from the upper movable disk 50. However, the configurations of the lower lever 70 and the upper lever 75 are not limited to this.

[0422] For example, as in Fig. 30, the lower lever 70 may be formed integrally with the lower movable disc 30. That is, the lower lever 70 may be made of ceramic, formed integrally with the lower movable disc 30.

[0423] The upper lever 75 may be formed integrally with the upper movable disc 50. That is, the upper lever 75 may be formed of ceramic, integral with the upper movable disc 50.

[0424] According to this configuration, the number of parts constituting the valve device 1 can be reduced compared to the case where the lower lever 70 is configured separately from the lower movable disc 30 and the upper lever 75 is configured separately from the upper movable disc 50. Second modification of the fifth embodiment

[0425] In the fifth embodiment and the first modification of the fifth embodiment described above, an example in which the shaft 61 and the lower movable sheave 30 are coupled via the lower torsion spring 80 was described. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0426] For example, as in Fig. 31, the valve device 1 may be configured without the lower torsion spring 80. In the event that the lower lever 70 coupling the lower torsion spring 80 and the lower movable disc 30 is unnecessary, a configuration may be adopted in which the lower lever 70 is also not provided.

[0427] In the case of the configuration where the lower torsion spring 80 is not provided, the shaft 61 and the lower movable disc 30 are directly coupled to each other. For example, the lower movable hole 32 of the lower movable disc 30 may be formed such that the inner diameter thereof is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the lower axial portion 611, and the shaft 61 and the lower movable disc 30 may be directly coupled to each other by fitting the lower axial portion 611 into this lower movable hole 32.

[0428] With this configuration, when the lower axial portion 611 rotates, the rotational force of the shaft 61 is directly transmitted to the lower movable disc 30 via the lower axial portion 611. Furthermore, the lower movable disc 30 can be pressed against the lower installation surface 1121 by the compression spring 90, which biases the flange portion 613 in the lower direction DRa1.

[0429] Although not illustrated, the valve device 1 may be configured such that the valve device 1 includes the lower torsion spring 80 and the lower lever 70, and instead does not include the upper torsion spring 85 and the upper lever 75. In this case, the shaft 61 and the upper movable disc 50 may be directly coupled to each other by fitting the upper axial portion 612 into the upper axial hole 52 of the upper movable disc 50.

[0430] In this configuration, when the upper axial portion 612 rotates, the rotational force of the shaft 61 is directly transmitted to the upper movable disk 50 via the upper axial portion 612. Furthermore, the upper movable disk 50 can be pressed against the upper installation surface 1211 by the compression spring 90, which biases the upper movable disk 50 in the upper direction DRa2. Sixth embodiment

[0431] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 32. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the lower stationary plate 20 and the upper stationary plate 40 are not each formed of ceramic. Other embodiments are similar to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of parts similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0432] As in the present embodiment in Fig. As illustrated in Fig. 32, the lower stationary disk 20 is formed of metal (for example, an aluminum alloy). In the lower stationary disk 20, the lower seal surface 21 on the upper direction DRa2 side, which is a surface on a side in contact with the lower movable disk 30 due to the pressing of the lower movable disk 30, is coated by a thin-film coating treatment that improves lubricity. As the specific thin-film coating treatment, a coating such as a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating, a diamond coating, or the like can be used, which improves wear resistance, impact resistance, and the like in addition to lubricity. The DLC coating and the diamond coating can be formed by a plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method, a sputtering method, an ion beam deposition method, or the like.The lower sealing surface 21 can be coated with Teflon (registered trademark) as a surface treatment that improves the sliding properties.

[0433] As in the present embodiment in Fig. As illustrated in Fig. 33, the lower movable disk 30 is formed of metal (for example, an aluminum alloy). In the lower movable disk 30, the lower sliding surface 31 on the lower direction DRa1 side, which is a surface on a side that is in contact with the lower stationary disk 20 by being pressed against the lower stationary disk 20, is coated by a thin film coating treatment that improves sliding performance. As the specific coating treatment, DLC coating, diamond coating, or the like can be selected. The lower sliding surface 31 can be coated with Teflon (registered trademark) as a surface treatment that improves sliding performance.

[0434] As in the Fig. 34 and Fig. 35, both the upper stationary disk 40 and the upper movable disk 50 of the present embodiment are formed of metal (for example, an aluminum alloy), similar to the lower stationary disk 20. In the upper stationary disk 40, the upper sealing surface 41 on the lower direction side DRa1, which is a surface on a side that is in contact with the upper movable disk 50 by pressing the upper movable disk 50, is coated by a thin-film coating treatment that improves sliding performance. In the upper movable disk 50, the upper sliding surface 51 on the upper direction side DRa2, which is a surface on a side that is in contact with the upper stationary disk 40 by being pressed against the upper stationary disk 40, is coated by a thin-film coating treatment that improves sliding performance.DLC coating, diamond coating, or the like can be used as a specific coating treatment on the upper seal surface 41 and the upper sliding surface 51. Both the upper seal surface 41 and the upper sliding surface 51 can be coated with Teflon (registered trademark) as a surface treatment that improves sliding performance.

[0435] Other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment. As in the present embodiment, the valve device 1 of the present embodiment can achieve the operation and effects by a configuration similar to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0436] Since the lower seal surface 21 is coated with a coating treatment that improves sliding performance, the required sliding performance can be ensured when the lower movable disc 30 slides on the lower stationary disc 20. Since the upper seal surface 41 is coated with a coating treatment that improves sliding performance, the required sliding performance can be ensured when the upper movable disc 50 slides on the upper stationary disc 40. Modifications of the sixth embodiment

[0437] In the above sixth embodiment, an example was described in which the lower sealing surface 21, the lower sliding surface 31, the upper sealing surface 41, and the upper sliding surface 51 are each coated by a coating treatment that improves sliding performance. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, in the case where one of the lower stationary disk 20 and the upper stationary disk 40 is made of ceramics, a configuration may be adopted in which only the sealing surface of the other disk is coated by the coating treatment that improves sliding performance. In the case where one of the lower movable disk 30 and the upper movable disk 50 is made of ceramics, a configuration may be adopted in which only the sliding surface of the other disk is coated by the coating treatment that improves sliding performance. Seventh embodiment

[0438] Next, a seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 36. The present embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the valve device 1 includes a first flow channel unit 1A and a second flow channel unit 1B. Other embodiments are similar to those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parts different from those of the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the description of parts similar to those of the first embodiment may be omitted as appropriate.

[0439] In the present embodiment, as shown in Fig.36, the first flow channel unit 1A, the second flow channel unit 1B, and the drive unit 60 are provided. Each of the first flow channel unit 1A and the second flow channel unit 1B includes corresponding components, except for the drive unit 60, to the components of the valve device 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0440] Specifically, the first flow channel unit 1A includes a first housing 10A, a first lower stationary disc 20A, a first lower movable disc 30A, a first upper stationary disc 40A, a first upper movable disc 50A, a first lower lever 70A, a first upper lever 75A, a first lower torsion spring 80A, a first upper torsion spring 85A, a first compression spring 90A, and the like.

[0441] The second flow channel unit 1B includes a second housing 10B, a second lower stationary disc 20B, a second lower movable disc 30B, a second upper stationary disc 40B, a second upper movable disc 50B, a second lower lever 70B, a second upper lever 75B, a second lower torsion spring 80B, a second upper torsion spring 85B, a second compression spring 90B, and the like.

[0442] The first flow channel unit 1A, the second flow channel unit 1B, and the drive unit 60 are provided along the direction in which the axis CL of the shaft 61 extends. The first flow channel unit 1A and the second flow channel unit 1B are provided such that the arrangement orientation of the components of the first flow channel unit 1A and the arrangement orientation of the components of the second flow channel unit 1B are opposite to each other in the axial direction DRa. The shaft 61 of the drive unit 60 is arranged to pass through the first flow channel unit 1A and the second flow channel unit 1B.

[0443] The first housing 10A and the second housing 10B each correspond to the housing 10 in the first embodiment. Each of the first lower stationary pulley 20A and the second lower stationary pulley 20B corresponds to the lower stationary pulley 20 in the first embodiment. Each of the first lower movable pulley 30A and the second lower movable pulley 30B corresponds to the lower movable pulley 30 in the first embodiment. Each of the first upper stationary pulley 40A and the second upper stationary pulley 40B corresponds to the upper stationary pulley 40 in the first embodiment. Each of the first upper movable pulley 50A and the second upper movable pulley 50B corresponds to the upper movable pulley 50 in the first embodiment.

[0444] The first lower lever 70A and the second lower lever 70B each correspond to the lower lever 70 in the first embodiment. The first upper lever 75A and the second upper lever 75B each correspond to the upper lever 75 in the first embodiment. The first lower torsion spring 80A and the second lower torsion spring 80B each correspond to the lower torsion spring 80 in the first embodiment. Each of the first upper torsion spring 85A and the second upper torsion spring 85B corresponds to the upper torsion spring 85 in the first embodiment. The first compression spring 90A and the second compression spring 90B each correspond to the compression spring 90 in the first embodiment.

[0445] The configurations of the respective components of the first flow channel unit 1A and the second flow channel unit 1B are similar to the configurations of the respective components of the valve device 1 described in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the detailed description of each of the respective components of the first flow channel unit 1A and the second flow channel unit 1B is omitted.

[0446] In the present embodiment, each of the first lower movable disc 30A, the second lower movable disc 30B, the first upper movable disc 50A, and the second upper movable disc 50B is configured to be rotatable integrally with the shaft 61. Thus, the device 1 in the present embodiment can switch the respective operation modes of the first flow channel unit 1A and the second flow channel unit 1B by causing the drive unit 60 to rotate the shaft 61.

[0447] Specifically, the drive unit 60 causes the first lower movable disc 30A and the first upper movable disc 50A to rotate integrally with the shaft 61, thereby switching the operation mode of the first flow channel unit 1A to any one of the first to third operation modes described in the first embodiment. According to this configuration, even if the number of movable discs provided in the first flow channel unit 1A is two, the fluid flow flowing through the fluid inlet portions and the fluid outlet portions provided in the first housing 10A can be switched without increasing the size of the first housing 10A.

[0448] The drive unit 60 causes the second lower movable disc 30B and the second upper movable disc 50B to rotate integrally with the shaft 61, whereby the operation mode of the second flow channel unit 1B can be switched to any of the first to third operation modes described in the first embodiment. According to this configuration, even if the number of movable discs provided in the second flow channel unit 1B is two, the fluid flow flowing through the fluid inlet portions and the fluid outlet portions provided in the second housing 10B can be switched without increasing the size of the second housing 10B.

[0449] Furthermore, with the single drive unit 60, the respective operating modes of the first flow channel unit 1A and the second flow channel unit 1B can be switched. Thus, the number of components of the device 1 can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the first flow channel unit 1A and the second flow channel unit 1B are provided with respective powers that switch the respective operating modes of the flow channel units. Other embodiments

[0450] The typical embodiments of the present disclosure have already been described above. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be modified, for example, as follows.

[0451] In the above embodiments, it was described that the valve device 1 is used in a fluid circulation system mounted in, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. However, the application is not limited thereto. For example, the valve device 1 may be used in a fluid circulation system mounted in a vehicle other than an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Alternatively, the valve device 1 may also be used in an application other than a vehicle.

[0452] In the above-described embodiments, it was described that the fluid flowing through the flow channel F inside the housing 10 included in the valve device 1 is cooling water. However, the fluid is not limited to this. For example, the fluid may be a liquid or a gas other than cooling water.

[0453] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the valve device 1 is configured to switch the operation mode to the three operation modes or the six operation modes. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the valve device 1 may be configured to switch the operation mode to two, four, or five operation modes, or it may be configured to switch the operation mode to seven or more operation modes.

[0454] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the housing 10 has one or two fluid inlet portions communicating with the middle flow passage Fc, and one or two fluid inlet portions and three or four fluid outlet portions communicating with the lower flow passage Fb. Furthermore, an example was described in which the housing 10 has one fluid inlet portion and three fluid outlet portions communicating with the upper flow passage Fa. However, the configurations and the number of fluid inlet portions and fluid outlet portions formed in the housing 10 are not limited thereto.

[0455] For example, the housing 10 may be configured to have three or more fluid inlet portions communicating with the central flow channel Fc, or it may be configured to have one fluid outlet portion communicating with the central flow channel Fc. The housing 10 may be configured so that no fluid inlet portion communicates with the central flow channel Fc and no fluid outlet portion communicates with the central flow channel Fc.

[0456] The housing 10 may be configured to have three or more fluid inlet portions communicating with the lower flow channel Fb, or it may be configured to have two or fewer or five or more fluid outlet portions communicating with the lower flow channel Fb. For example, the housing 10 may be configured to have no fluid inlet portion and only one fluid outlet portion relative to the fluid inlet portion and the fluid outlet portion communicating with the lower flow channel Fb, or it may be configured to have no fluid outlet portion and only one fluid inlet portion relative to the fluid inlet portion and the fluid outlet portion communicating with the lower flow channel Fb.

[0457] The housing 10 may be configured to have two or more fluid inlet portions communicating with the upper flow channel Fa, or it may be configured to have two or fewer or four or more fluid outlet portions communicating with the upper flow channel Fa. For example, the housing 10 may be configured to have no fluid inlet portion and only one fluid outlet portion with respect to the fluid inlet portion and the fluid outlet portion communicating with the upper flow channel Fa, or it may be configured to have no fluid outlet portion and only one fluid inlet portion with respect to the fluid inlet portion and the fluid outlet portion communicating with the upper flow channel Fa.

[0458] In the above embodiments, an example was described in which each of the fluid inlet portions provided in the housing 10 functions as an inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel F, and in which each of the fluid outlet portions provided in the housing 10 functions as an outlet through which the fluid flowing into the flow channel F flows out to the outside of the valve device 1. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0459] For example, the fluid inlet portion may be configured to function either as an inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel F, or as an outlet through which the fluid flowing into the flow channel F flows out to the outside of the valve device 1, depending on the rotational positions of the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50. The fluid outlet portion may also be configured to function either as an inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel F, or as an outlet through which the fluid allowed to flow into the flow channel F flows out to the outside of the valve device 1, depending on the rotational positions of the lower movable disc 30 and the upper movable disc 50.

[0460] In the above-described embodiments, an example was described in which the lower flow channel through-hole 34 and the upper flow channel through-hole 54 are each sized to span and overlap two flow holes formed in the lower stationary disk 20 in the axial direction DRa. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0461] For example, the lower flow channel through-hole 34 and the upper flow channel through-hole 54 may be formed to have a size capable of spanning and overlapping three or more flow holes in the axial direction DRa.

[0462] In the above-described embodiments, an example was described in which each of the lower flow channel communication holes 35 and the upper flow channel communication hole 55 is shaped so that it can span and overlap two or three flow holes formed in the upper stationary disk 40 in the axial direction DRa. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0463] For example, the lower flow channel communication hole 35 and the upper flow channel communication hole 55 may be formed to have a size such that they can span and overlap four or more flow channels in the axial direction DRa.

[0464] In the above embodiments, an example was described in which the lower movable plate 30 is formed with the lower flow channel communication hole 35 and the upper movable plate 50 is formed with the upper flow channel communication hole 55. However, the configuration is not limited thereto.

[0465] For example, the lower movable disc 30 may be configured such that the lower flow channel communication hole 35 is not formed in the lower movable disc 30. The upper movable disc 50 may be configured such that the upper flow channel communication hole 55 is not formed in the upper movable disc 50. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the lower flow channel communication hole 35 is not formed in the lower movable disc 30, while the upper flow channel communication hole 55 is not formed in the upper movable disc 50.

[0466] In the above-described embodiments, an example was described in which the one or two lower flow channel through holes 34 and the one or two lower flow channel communication holes 35 are formed in the lower movable disc 30, and thus the two or three holes are formed in total in the lower movable disc 30. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0467] For example, the lower movable disc 30 may be formed with three or more lower flow channel through-holes 34, or it may be formed with three or more lower flow channel connecting holes 35. The lower movable disc 30 may be configured such that a plurality of lower flow channel through-holes 34 and a plurality of lower flow channel connecting holes 35 are formed in the lower movable disc 30, thus forming a total of four or more holes in the lower movable disc 30.

[0468] In the above-described embodiments, an example was described in which the single upper flow channel through hole 54 and the single upper flow channel communication hole 55 are formed in the upper movable disc 50, and thus a total of two holes are formed in the upper movable disc 50. However, the configuration is not limited to this.

[0469] For example, the upper movable disc 50 may be configured such that a plurality of either the upper flow channel through-holes 54 or the upper flow channel connecting holes 55 are formed in the upper movable disc 50, thus forming a total of three or more holes in the upper movable disc 50. The upper movable disc 50 may be configured such that a plurality of upper flow channel through-holes 54 and a plurality of upper flow channel connecting holes 55 are formed in the upper movable disc 50.

[0470] In the first to fifth embodiments and the seventh embodiment described above, an example was described in which each of the lower stationary plate 20, the lower movable plate 30, the upper stationary plate 40, and the upper movable plate 50 is formed of ceramic. However, the configuration is not limited thereto.

[0471] For example, each of the lower stationary disc 20, the lower movable disc 30, the upper stationary disc 40, and the upper movable disc 50 may be formed of a material other than ceramic (e.g., phenol, resin, metal, or the like). Each of the lower stationary disc 20, the lower movable disc 30, the upper stationary disc 40, and the upper movable disc 50 may be formed of a variety of types among ceramic, phenol, resin, metal, or the like.

[0472] In the above-described embodiments, an example was described in which the valve device 1 includes at least one of the lower torsion spring 80 and the upper torsion spring 85. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. The valve device 1 may be configured to include neither the lower torsion spring 80 nor the upper torsion spring 85.

[0473] In the above-described embodiments, an example was described in which the valve device 1 includes at least one of the two lower levers 70 and the upper lever 75. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the valve device 1 may be configured to include neither the lower lever 70 nor the upper lever 75.

[0474] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the single compression spring 90 presses the lower movable disc 30 against the lower stationary disc 20 and the upper movable disc 50 against the upper stationary disc 40. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the valve device 1 may be configured such that the valve device 1 includes two compression springs 90 such that one of the two compression springs 90 presses the lower movable disc 30 against the lower stationary disc 20, and the other of the two compression springs 90 presses the upper movable disc 50 against the upper stationary disc 40.

[0475] In the above-described embodiments, an example was described in which the compression spring 90 is an elastic member that biases the lower movable disk 30 and the upper movable disk 50, and is a helical compression spring elastically deformable in the axial direction DRa. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the compression spring 90 may be formed of a member other than the elastic member. The compression spring 90 may be formed of an elastic member other than the helical compression spring.

[0476] In the above embodiments, it is to be understood that the components of the embodiments are not necessarily indispensable unless clearly stated otherwise or generally considered indispensable.

[0477] In the case where a numerical value such as the number, a numerical value, a quantity or an area of the housing part is mentioned in the embodiments described above, the numerical value is not limited to the specified number unless it is otherwise specified that it is indispensable or is clearly limited to the specified number in principle.

[0478] In the case where a shape, a positional relationship, or the like of the component or the like is mentioned in the above embodiments, the shape, the positional relationship, or the like is not limited to the mentioned shape unless otherwise specified or fundamentally limited to a certain shape, a certain positional relationship, or the like.

[0479] The control unit of the drive unit 60 of the present disclosure and the method thereof may be implemented by a dedicated computer including a memory and a processor programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. The control unit of the present disclosure and the method thereof may be implemented by a dedicated computer including a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. The control unit of the present disclosure and the method thereof may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a memory and a processor programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor with one or more hardware logic circuits.The computer program may be stored in a computer-readable, non-transferable, tangible storage medium as an instruction to be executed by a computer. Features of the present invention

[0480] The disclosure described above can be understood, for example, under the following aspects <Erster Aspekt>

[0481] A device for a valve comprising: a shaft (61) extending along an axial direction (DRa), the shaft being configured to rotate about a predetermined axis (CL); a housing (10) defining a flow channel (F) through which a fluid flows, the housing having a plurality of openings (151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167), each of which communicates with the flow channel and functions as at least one of an inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel or an outlet through which the fluid flows out of the flow channel; and a first movable disc (30) and a second movable disc (50) provided so as to be aligned with each other in the axial direction while being spaced apart from each other within the flow channel to divide the flow channel in the axial direction, wherein the first movable disc and the second movable disc are configured to rotate with the rotation of the shaft. In the valve device, the plurality of openings includes a plurality of one-side openings (152, 154, 161, 162, 163, 167) provided on one side in the axial direction with respect to the first movable disc, and a plurality of other-side openings (153, 164, 165, 166) formed on another side in the axial direction with respect to the second movable disc.The housing comprises a one-side partition wall (1124) which divides the flow channel on the one side in the axial direction with respect to the first movable disc into a plurality of one-side openings (Fi2, Fi4, Fo1, Fo2, Fo3, Fo7) which communicate with the plurality of one-side openings, and an other-side partition wall (1214) which divides the flow channel on the other side in the axial direction with respect to the second movable disc into a plurality of other-side flow channels (Fi3, Fo4, Fo5, Fo6) which communicate with the plurality of other-side openings.The first movable disc has a first through-hole (34, 341, 342) penetrating the first movable disc in the axial direction, and the first movable disc is configured to switch a flow channel within the plurality of flow channels on one side that communicate with the plurality of flow channels on the other side by being caused to rotate along with the rotation of the shaft. Furthermore, the second movable disc has a second through-hole (54) penetrating the second movable disc in the axial direction, and the second movable disc is configured to switch a flow channel within the plurality of flow channels on the other side that communicate with the second through-hole by being caused to rotate along with the rotation of the shaft. <Zweiter Aspekt>

[0482] The valve device according to the first aspect further includes: a first sealing member (114) provided between a portion of the housing where the first movable disc is arranged and the first movable disc, the first sealing member sealing a gap between the housing and the first movable disc; a second sealing member (123) provided between a portion of the housing where the second movable disc is arranged and the second movable disc, the second sealing member sealing a gap between the housing and the second movable disc; and a biasing member (90) configured to press the first movable disc against the first sealing member and to press the second movable disc against the second sealing member. <Dritter Aspekt>

[0483] The valve device according to the first aspect further includes: a first stationary disc (20) provided between the housing and the first movable disc so as not to be rotatable with the rotation of the shaft, the first stationary disc being provided with a plurality of first flow channel holes (252, 254, 261, 262, 263, 267) each communicating with the plurality of flow channels of one side; a second stationary disc (40) provided between the housing and the second movable disc so as not to be rotatable with the rotation of the shaft, the second stationary disc being provided with a plurality of second flow channel holes (453, 464, 465, 466) each communicating with the plurality of flow channels of the other side;anda biasing member (90) configured to press the first movable disc against the first stationary disc and to press the second movable disc against the second stationary disc. In the valve device, the first stationary disc has a friction coefficient smaller than a friction coefficient of the housing in a surface of the first stationary disc on a side against which the first movable disc is pressed, and the second stationary disc has a friction coefficient smaller than the friction coefficient of the housing in a surface of the second stationary disc on a side against which the second movable disc is pressed. <Vierter Aspekt>

[0484] The valve device according to the third aspect further includes: a first sealing member (114) provided between a portion of the housing on which the first stationary disc is arranged and the first stationary disc, the first sealing member sealing a gap between the housing and the first stationary disc; and a second sealing member (123) provided between a portion of the housing on which the second stationary disc is arranged and the second stationary disc, the second sealing member sealing a gap between the housing and the second stationary disc. <Fünfter Aspekt>

[0485] In the valve device according to the third or fourth aspect, at least one of the first stationary disc or the second stationary disc contains at least one of resin, ceramic, or phenol. <Sechster Aspekt>

[0486] In the valve device according to at least one of the first to fifth aspects, at least one of the first movable disc or the second movable disc contains at least one of resin, ceramic or phenol. <Siebter Aspekt>

[0487] In the valve device according to any one of the third to sixth aspects, at least one of the first stationary disc or the first movable disc is coated by a coating treatment that improves lubricity on a surface on which the first stationary disc and the first movable disc are in contact with each other. <Achter Aspekt>

[0488] In the valve device according to at least one of the third to seventh aspects, at least one of the second stationary disc or the second movable disc is coated by a coating treatment that improves lubricity on a surface on which the second stationary disc and the second movable disc are in contact with each other. <Neunter Aspekt>

[0489] In the device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, at least one of the first movable disc or the second movable disc has a communication hole (35, 351, 352, 55), wherein the communication hole is provided to span two or more flow channels of a plurality of flow channels capable of communicating with the communication hole among the plurality of flow channels of the one side and the plurality of flow channels of the other side, and wherein the communication hole is configured so that the two or more flow channels can communicate with each other. <Zehnter Aspekt>

[0490] In the valve device according to any one of the second to ninth aspects, the biasing member includes an elastic member that is elastically deformable. <Elfter Aspekt>

[0491] The valve device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects further includes a pressing element (80, 85) configured to generate a pressing force that presses at least one of the first movable discs or the second movable disc in a circumferential direction (DRc) centered on the predetermined axis. <Zwölfter Aspekt>

[0492] In the valve device according to the eleventh aspect, the valve device further includes at least one of a first transmission part (70) and a second transmission part (75), the first transmission part being fixedly attached to the first movable disc and configured to transmit the pressing force to the first movable disc, and the second transmission part being fixed to the second movable disc and configured to transmit the pressing force to the second movable disc. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022-146167

[0001] US-9874284-B2

[0007]

Claims

[1] Valve device comprising: a shaft (61) extending along an axial direction (DRa), the shaft being configured to rotate about a predetermined axis (CL); a housing (10) defining a flow channel (F) through which a fluid flows, the housing having a plurality of openings (151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167), each of which communicates with the flow channel and acts either as an inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow channel or as an outlet through which the fluid flows out of the flow channel; and a first movable disc (30) and a second movable disc (50) which are provided so as to be aligned with each other in the axial direction while being spaced apart from each other within the flow channel to divide the flow channel in the axial direction, wherein the first movable disc and the second movable disc are configured to rotate together with the rotation of the shaft, wherein the plurality of openings includes a plurality of one-side openings (152, 154, 161, 162, 163, 167) provided on one side in the axial direction with respect to the first movable disc, and a plurality of other-side openings (153, 164, 165, 166) formed on another side in the axial direction with respect to the second movable disc, wherein the housing includes a one-side partition wall (1124) that divides the flow channel on the one side in the axial direction with respect to the first movable disc into a plurality of one-side flow channels (Fi2, Fi4, Fo1, Fo2, Fo3, Fo7) that communicate with the plurality of one-side openings, and an other-side partition wall (1214) that divides the flow channel on the other side in the axial direction with respect to the second movable disc into a plurality of other-side flow channels (Fi3, Fo4, Fo5, Fo6) that communicate with the plurality of other-side openings, wherein the first movable disc has a first through-hole (34, 341, 342) passing through the first movable disc in the axial direction, and the first movable disc is configured to switch a flow channel within the plurality of flow channels of one side, which communicates with the plurality of flow channels of the other side, by being caused to rotate together with the rotation of the shaft, and wherein the second movable disc has a second through-hole (54) penetrating the second movable disc in the axial direction, and the second movable disc is configured to switch a flow channel within the plurality of other-side flow channels communicating with the second through-hole by being caused to rotate along with the rotation of the shaft. [2] Valve device according to claim 1, further comprising a first sealing member (114) provided between a portion of the housing where the first movable disc is provided and the first movable disc, the first sealing member sealing a gap between the housing and the first movable disc; a second sealing member (123) provided between a portion of the housing where the second movable disc is provided and the second movable disc, the second sealing member sealing a gap between the housing and the second movable disc; and a biasing member (90) configured to urge the first movable disc against the first sealing member and to urge the second movable disc against the second sealing member. [3] Valve device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first stationary disc (20) provided between the housing and the first movable disc so as not to be rotatable with the rotation of the shaft, the first stationary disc being provided with a plurality of first flow channel holes (252, 254, 261, 262, 263, 267) each communicating with the plurality of one-side flow channels; a second stationary disc (40) provided between the housing and the second movable disc so as not to be rotatable along with the rotation of the shaft, the second stationary disc being provided with a plurality of second flow channel holes (453, 464, 465, 466) each communicating with the plurality of flow channels of the other side; and a biasing member (90) configured to urge the first movable disc against the first stationary disc and to urge the second movable disc against the second stationary disc, wherein the first stationary disc has a friction coefficient on a surface of the first stationary disc on a side against which the first movable disc is pressed, which is smaller than a friction coefficient of the housing, and wherein the second stationary disc has a friction coefficient on a surface of the second stationary disc on a side against which the second movable disc is pressed that is smaller than the friction coefficient of the housing. [4] Valve device according to claim 3, further comprising: a first sealing member (114) provided between a portion of the housing on which the first stationary disc is arranged and the first stationary disc, the first sealing member sealing a gap between the housing and the first stationary disc; and a second sealing member (123) provided between a portion of the housing where the second stationary disc is arranged and the second stationary disc, the second sealing member sealing a gap between the housing and the second stationary disc. [5] The valve device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the first stationary disc and the second stationary disc contains at least one of a resin, a ceramic, and a phenol. [6] The valve device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first movable disc and the second movable disc contains at least one of resin, ceramic, and phenol. [7] The valve device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the first stationary disc and the first movable disc is coated by a coating treatment that improves lubricity on a surface on which the first stationary disc and the first movable disc are in contact with each other. [8] The valve device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one of the second stationary disc and the second movable disc is coated by a coating treatment that improves lubricity on a surface on which the second stationary disc and the second movable disc are in contact with each other. [9] The valve device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the first movable disc and the second movable disc has a communication hole (35, 351, 352, 55), the communication hole being provided to span two or more flow channels of the plurality of flow channels capable of communicating with the communication hole among the plurality of flow channels of the one side and the plurality of flow channels of the other side, the communication hole being configured to allow two or more flow channels to communicate with each other. [10] The valve device according to claim 2, wherein the biasing member includes an elastic member that is elastically deformable. [11] The valve device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing member (80, 85) configured to generate a pressing force that presses at least one of the first movable disc or the second movable disc in a circumferential direction (DRc) centered on the predetermined axis. [12] The valve device according to claim 11, further comprising at least one of a first transmission member (70) and a second transmission member (75), wherein the first transmission member is fixed to the first movable disc and configured to transmit the pressing force to the first movable disc, and the second transmission member is fixed to the second movable disc and configured to transmit the pressing force to the second movable disc.

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