Channel switching valve

Abstract

To provide a channel switching valve capable of switching a large number of ports in various patterns with a single valve that rotates integrally.SOLUTION: A channel switching valve 1 includes a housing 10, a valve body 30, and a drive part for driving the valve body 30 to rotate via a rotation shaft 32A. The housing 10 includes one-side port group 2 having a plurality of one-side ports, and the other-side port group 4 having a plurality of other-side ports and arranged at intervals in the axial direction relative to the one-side port group 2. The valve body 30 has one-side circumferential channel communicating between the paired one-side ports, an axial channel communicating between the one-side ports and the other-side ports, and the other-side circumferential channel communicating between the paired other-side ports.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow path switching valve that switches the flow of a fluid flowing through a plurality of flow paths. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art A liquid circulation system for a vehicle is known as an air conditioner for a vehicle. The liquid circulation system includes a refrigerant circuit and a water circuit for exchanging heat between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit and water, and is used for cooling and heating the vehicle interior.

[0003] This vehicle liquid circulation system requires various air conditioning modes, such as normal heating and cooling, heating that reuses waste heat from the motor, quick heating using an electric water heater (ECH), etc. As a result, the number of patterns for switching the water flow path in the water circuit etc. also increases, and the number of flow path switching valves increases accordingly.

[0004] Conventionally, a technique has been proposed in which two sets of flow path switching valves each having four flow paths (ports) are prepared and arranged close to each other, thereby making the entire device compact (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-68705 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 requires multiple motors to control each flow path switching valve and software to control these motors separately, which limits the compactness and simplification of the vehicle liquid circulation system.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a flow path switching valve that enables a large number of ports (flow paths) to be switched in various patterns using a single valve that rotates integrally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is a flow path switching valve having a housing, a valve body rotatably provided within the housing, and a drive unit that rotationally drives the valve body via a rotating shaft, wherein the housing comprises a one-side port group having a plurality of one-side ports arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft, and a other-side port group having a plurality of other-side ports arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft and arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the rotating shaft relative to the one-side port group, and the valve body comprises a one-side circumferential flow path that communicates between a pair of the one-side ports, an axial flow path that communicates between the one-side port and the other-side port, and a other-side circumferential flow path that communicates between the pair of the other-side ports. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, a flow path switching valve capable of switching a large number of ports in various patterns by a single valve that rotates integrally can be obtained. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1A is a plan view, FIG. 1B is a front view, FIG. 1C is a perspective view seen from above, and FIG. 1D is a perspective view seen from below of a flow path switching valve according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1A is an exploded perspective view of the flow path switching valve, FIG. 1B is a perspective view of one side case part, and FIG. 1C is a perspective view of the other side case part. [Diagram 3] 2A is an exploded perspective view of the valve body of the flow path switching valve as viewed from above, and FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of the valve body as viewed from below. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 is a plan view of the valve body in the first switching mode. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the valve body in a second switching mode. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the valve body in a third switching mode. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the valve body in a fourth switching mode. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a plan view of the valve body in a fifth switching mode. [Figure 10] 2A to 2E are schematic diagrams of a vehicle air conditioning system which is an application example of the flow path switching valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The structure shown in the drawings is an example of an embodiment of the present invention, and in the drawings, parts with the same reference numerals indicate parts with the same functions or the same components, and duplicated explanations in each drawing will be omitted as appropriate.

[0012] <Overall structure> FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. The flow path switching valve 1 includes a housing 10, a valve body 30 rotatably provided in the housing 10, and a driving unit (not shown) such as a motor or a solenoid that rotates the valve body 30 via a rotating shaft 32A. For convenience of explanation, the direction in which the rotating shaft 32A extends in FIG. 1(B) is referred to as the axial direction Z, the direction around the axial direction Z is referred to as the circumferential direction S, and the direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z is referred to as the radial direction R. In the axial direction Z, the upper side of the paper in FIG. 1(B) is referred to as the "one side", and the lower side of the paper is referred to as the "other side". Furthermore, the angle (position) around a given rotating shaft 32A in the circumferential direction S is referred to as the "phase", and the difference in the angle (position) of two members around the rotating shaft 32A is referred to as the "phase difference".

[0013] <Case> 2, the housing 10 has a first housing 12 and an second housing 14. The first housing 12 has a cylindrical first case portion 12A with a bottom, and a first port group 2 arranged on the peripheral wall of the first case portion 12A.

[0014] The one-side port group 2 includes first to fourth one-side ports 2Aout, 2Bin, 2Cout, 2Din arranged at equal intervals (phase intervals of 90 degrees) in the circumferential direction S. In this embodiment, the phase intervals of 90 degrees are defined as the "port-side reference phase difference." The first to fourth one-side ports 2Aout, 2Bin, 2Cout, 2Din are cylindrical tubes extending radially from the peripheral wall of the one-side case portion 12A toward the outside in the radial direction R. In this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which the positions in the axial direction Z of the first to fourth one-side ports 2Aout, 2Bin, 2Cout, 2Din coincide with each other, but the positions in the axial direction Z may be shifted from each other.

[0015] The first to fourth one-side ports 2Aout, 2Bin, 2Cout, 2Din form flow paths through which the fluid flows, and each is connected to a pipe of an external device (not shown). The first and third one-side ports 2Aout, 2Cout are outlet ports through which the fluid that has passed through the valve body 30 flows out of the housing 10 to the outside. The second and fourth one-side ports 2Bin, 2Din are inlet ports through which the external fluid flows into the housing 10. In other words, the one-side port group 2 has inlet ports and outlet ports alternately arranged along the circumferential direction S.

[0016] The other-side housing 14 has a cylindrical other-side case portion 14A with a bottom, and a group of other-side ports 4 arranged on the peripheral wall of the other-side case portion 14A.

[0017] The other-side port group 4 includes first to fourth other-side ports 4Ain, 4Bout, 4Cin, 4Dout arranged at equal intervals (90-degree phase intervals) in the circumferential direction S. The first to fourth other-side ports 4Ain, 4Bout, 4Cin, 4Dout are cylindrical tubes extending radially outward in the radial direction R from the peripheral wall of the other-side case portion 14A. In this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which the positions of the first to fourth other-side ports 4Ain, 4Bout, 4Cin, 4Dout in the axial direction Z coincide with each other, but the positions in the axial direction Z may be shifted from each other.

[0018] The first to fourth one-side ports 4Ain, 4Bout, 4Cin, 4Dout form flow paths through which fluid flows, and each is connected to piping of an external device (not shown). The first and third other-side ports 4Ain, 4Cin are inflow ports through which external fluid flows into the inside of the housing 10. The second and fourth other-side ports 4Bout, 4Dout are outflow ports through which fluid that has passed through the valve body 30 flows out of the housing 10 to the outside. In other words, the other-side port group 4 has inflow ports and outflow ports alternately along the circumferential direction S.

[0019] Next, the arrangement of the one-side port group 2 and the other-side port group 4 will be described.

[0020] When the one-side port group 2 and the other-side port group 4 are viewed as a whole, the two groups are separated in the axial direction Z. The port in the other-side port group 4 closest to the first one-side port 2Aout is the first other-side port 4Ain. The port in the other-side port group 4 closest to the second one-side port 2Bin is the second other-side port 4Bout. The port in the other-side port group 4 closest to the third one-side port 2Cout is the third other-side port 4Cin. The port in the other-side port group 4 closest to the fourth one-side port 2Din is the fourth other-side port 4Dout.

[0021] Similarly, the port in one-side port group 2 closest to the first other-side port 4Ain is the first one-side port 2Aout. The port in one-side port group 2 closest to the second other-side port 4Bout is the second one-side port 2Bin. The port in one-side port group 2 closest to the third other-side port 4Cin is the third one-side port 2Cout. The port in one-side port group 2 closest to the fourth other-side port 4Dout is the fourth one-side port 2Din.

[0022] As a result of the above, when looking at the one-side port group 2 and the other-side port group 4 as a whole, the first one-side port 2Aout and the first other-side port 4Ain which are close to each other in the axial direction Z and form a pair are a combination of an inlet port and an outlet port, the second one-side port 2Bin and the second other-side port 4Bout which are close to each other in the axial direction Z and form a pair are a combination of an inlet port and an outlet port, the third one-side port 2Cout and the third other-side port 4Cin which are close to each other in the axial direction Z and form a pair are a combination of an outlet port and an inlet port, and the fourth one-side port 2Din and the fourth other-side port 4Dout which are close to each other in the axial direction Z and form a pair are a combination of an inlet port and an outlet port.

[0023] In this embodiment, the first one-side port 2Aout and the first other-side port 4Ain are at the same position (phase) in the circumferential direction S. The second one-side port 2Bin and the second other-side port 4Bout are at the same position (phase) in the circumferential direction S. The third one-side port 2Cout and the third other-side port 4Cin are at the same position (phase) in the circumferential direction S. The fourth one-side port 2Din and the fourth other-side port 4Dout are at the same position (phase) in the circumferential direction S.

[0024] However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the positions of the one-side port group 2 and the other-side port group 4 in the circumferential direction S may be shifted from each other.

[0025] 2(A), the first case part 12A and the second case part 14A are arranged so that the insides of their bottom surfaces face each other. As a result, when the flange parts 12C, 14C of the first case part 12A and the second case part 14A are connected with eight screws 16 in the circumferential direction, an accommodation space for accommodating the valve body 30 is formed inside.

[0026] A retaining hole 12E is formed in the center of the bottom surface of the one-side case part 12A, through which the rotating shaft 32A of the valve body 30 passes, thereby rotatably holding the rotating shaft 32A. Meanwhile, a retaining shaft 14E is provided in the center of the bottom surface of the other-side case part 14A, protruding toward the valve body 30. The retaining shaft 14E is inserted into a retaining hole 32B (see FIG. 3(B)) provided in the valve body 30, thereby rotatably holding the valve body 30.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2(B), the ends of the first to fourth one-side ports 2Aout, 2Bin, 2Cout, and 2Din are opened on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the one-side case portion 12A. A ring seal 12D made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicon is disposed in each opening. The ring seal 12D contacts the peripheral surface of the valve body 30 to ensure liquid-tightness with the internal flow path of the valve body 30, which will be described later. As shown in FIG. 2(C), the ends of the first to fourth other-side ports 4Ain, 4Bout, 4Cin, and 4Dout are opened on the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall of the other-side case portion 14A. A ring seal 14D made of an elastic material such as rubber or silicon is disposed in each opening. The ring seal 14D contacts the peripheral surface of the valve body 30 to ensure liquid-tightness with the internal flow path of the valve body 30, which will be described later.

[0028] <Valve body> 2(A), the valve body 30 is a cylindrical member. A one-side opening group 40 is formed on one side of the circumferential surface of the valve body 30 in the axial direction Z, and a other-side opening group 50 is formed on the other side. The number of openings in the one-side opening group 40 is set to an integer multiple of the number of ports in the one-side port group 2 (e.g., 4, 8, 12, 16, 20), and the number of openings in the other-side opening group 50 is set to an integer multiple of the number of ports in the other-side port group 4 (e.g., 4, 8, 12, 16, 20).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the one-side opening group 40 has first to sixteenth one-side openings 40A-40P arranged at equal intervals (22.5 degree phase intervals) in the circumferential direction S. In this embodiment, the first to sixteenth one-side openings 40A-40P are illustrated as having the same axial direction Z positions, but the axial direction Z positions may be shifted from each other. The other-side opening group 40 has first to sixteenth other-side openings 50A-50P arranged at equal intervals (22.5 degree phase intervals) in the circumferential direction S. In this embodiment, the first to sixteenth other-side openings 50A-50P are illustrated as having the same axial direction Z positions, but the axial direction Z positions may be shifted from each other.

[0030] When the one-side opening group 40 and the other-side opening group 50 are viewed as a whole, the two groups are spaced apart in the axial direction Z. When the counterpart side of the one-side opening group 40 is defined as the other-side opening group 40, and the counterpart side of the other-side opening group 50 is defined as the one-side opening group 40, the first one-side opening 40A and the first other-side opening 50A are the counterpart openings closest to each other, the second one-side opening 40B and the second other-side opening 50B are the counterpart openings closest to each other, the third one-side opening 40C and the third other-side opening 50C are the counterpart openings closest to each other, the fourth one-side opening 40D and the fourth other-side opening 50D are the counterpart openings closest to each other, the fifth one-side opening 40E and the fifth other-side opening 50E are the counterpart openings closest to each other, the sixth one-side opening 40F and the sixth other-side opening 50F are the counterpart openings closest to each other, the seventh one-side opening 40G and the seventh other-side opening 50G are the counterpart openings closest to each other, the eighth one-side opening 40H and the eighth other-side opening The 9th one-side opening 40I and the 9th other-side opening 50I are the closest opposing openings to each other, the 10th one-side opening 40J and the 10th other-side opening 50J are the closest opposing openings to each other, the 11th one-side opening 40K and the 11th other-side opening 50K are the closest opposing openings to each other, the 12th one-side opening 40L and the 12th other-side opening 50L are the closest opposing openings to each other, the 13th one-side opening 40M and the 13th other-side opening 50M are the closest opposing openings to each other, the 14th one-side opening 40N and the 14th other-side opening 50N are the closest opposing openings to each other, the 15th one-side opening 40O and the 15th other-side opening 50O are the closest opposing openings to each other, and the 16th one-side opening 40P and the 16th other-side opening 50P are the closest opposing openings to each other. In this embodiment, the case where the positions of the nearest mating openings in the circumferential direction S coincide with each other is illustrated as an example, but they may be shifted from each other in the circumferential direction S.

[0031] <Valve opening> Next, the internal flow path of the valve body 30 will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. In the plan views of the valve body 30 in Figures 4 to 9, for convenience of explanation, the location of the first one-side opening 40A and the first other-side opening 50 is denoted by number 1, the location of the second one-side opening 40B and the second other-side opening 50B is denoted by number 2, the location of the third one-side opening 40C and the third other-side opening 50C is denoted by number 3, the location of the fourth one-side opening 40D and the fourth other-side opening 50D is denoted by number 5, the location of the fifth one-side opening 40E and the fifth other-side opening 50E is denoted by number 6, the location of the sixth one-side opening 40F and the sixth other-side opening 50F is denoted by number 7, the location of the seventh one-side opening 40G and the seventh other-side opening 50G is denoted by number 8, and the location of the eighth one-side opening 40H and the eighth other-side opening 50H is denoted by number 9. , the number 9 is assigned to the location of the 9th one-side opening 40I and the 9th other-side opening 50I, the number 10 is assigned to the location of the 10th one-side opening 40J and the 10th other-side opening 50J, the number 11 is assigned to the location of the 11th one-side opening 40K and the 11th other-side opening 50K, the number 12 is assigned to the location of the 12th one-side opening 40L and the 12th other-side opening 50L, the number 13 is assigned to the location of the 13th one-side opening 40M and the 13th other-side opening 50M, the number 14 is assigned to the location of the 14th one-side opening 40N and the 14th other-side opening 50N, the number 15 is assigned to the location of the 15th one-side opening 40O and the 15th other-side opening 50O, and the number 16 is assigned to the location of the 16th one-side opening 40P and the 16th other-side opening 50P.

[0032] <Valve body flow passage> As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the valve body 30 has a first-side circumferential flow passage group 44, a second-side circumferential flow passage group 54, and an axial flow passage group 60 formed inside. The axial flow passage group 60 specifically includes a large phase difference axial flow passage group 62 and a small phase difference axial flow passage group 68. The first-side circumferential flow passage group 44 includes a plurality of flow passages (first-side circumferential flow passages) that communicate a plurality of openings selected from the first-side opening group 40 with each other. The second-side circumferential flow passage group 54 includes a plurality of flow passages (second-side circumferential flow passages) that communicate a plurality of openings selected from the second-side opening group 50 with each other. The axial flow passage group 60 includes a plurality of flow passages (axial flow passages) that communicate an opening selected from the first-side opening group 40 with an opening selected from the second-side opening group 50 with each other. The large phase difference axial flow passage group 62 includes a plurality of axial flow passages (large phase difference axial flow passages) in which the phase difference in the circumferential direction S between an opening selected from the first-side opening group 40 and an opening selected from the second-side opening group 50 is large. The small phase difference axial flow passage group 68 has a plurality of axial flow passages (small phase difference axial flow passages) in which the phase difference in the circumferential direction S between an opening selected from the one side opening group 40 and an opening selected from the other side opening group 50 is smaller than that of the large phase difference axial flow passages.

[0033] In this embodiment, the phase difference between the openings at both ends of the large phase difference axial flow passage is preferably, for example, 45 degrees or more, and desirably exceeds 45 degrees. Furthermore, the phase difference between the openings at both ends of the large phase difference axial flow passage is preferably an integer multiple of the port side reference phase difference (here, 45 degrees). The phase difference between the openings at both ends of the small phase difference axial flow passage is preferably, for example, 45 degrees or less, and desirably less than 45 degrees.

[0034] The one-side circumferential flow passage group 44 has first to fourth one-side circumferential flow passages 44A to 44D. The first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A is a U-shaped or V-shaped flow passage that communicates the first one-side opening 40A and the thirteenth one-side opening 40M, which have a phase difference of 90 degrees (port-side reference phase difference), so as to bypass the fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth one-side openings 40N, 40O, and 40P. The second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B is a U-shaped or V-shaped flow passage that communicates the third one-side opening 40C and the fifteenth one-side opening 40O, which have a phase difference of 90 degrees (port-side reference phase difference), so as to bypass the sixteenth, first, and second one-side openings 40P, 40A, and 40B. The third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C is a U-shaped or V-shaped flow passage that communicates with the seventh one-side opening 40G and the eleventh one-side opening 40K, which have a phase difference of 90 degrees (port-side reference phase difference), so as to bypass the eighth, ninth, and tenth one-side openings 40H, 40I, and 40J. The fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D is a U-shaped or V-shaped flow passage that communicates with the twelfth one-side opening 40L and the sixteenth one-side opening 40P, which have a phase difference of 90 degrees (port-side reference phase difference), so as to bypass the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth one-side openings 40M, 40N, and 40O.

[0035] When viewed from the axial direction Z, the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A and the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B intersect, the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B intersects with the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D, and the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A and the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D intersect.

[0036] The second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B and the third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C do not intersect with each other. Furthermore, the phase difference between the two end openings of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B and the two end openings of the third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C, a total of four openings, is an integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B and the third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C simultaneously fulfill a port connection function that communicates a pair of ports in the one-side port group 2 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0037] The phase difference between the openings at both ends of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A and the openings at both ends of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A and the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B do not simultaneously fulfill the port connecting function of connecting a pair of ports of the one-side port group 2 (see FIGS. 5 and 7).

[0038] The phase difference between the openings at both ends of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A and the openings at both ends of the third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A and the third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C do not simultaneously perform the port connection function of communicating a pair of ports of the one-side port group 2 (see FIGS. 5 and 7).

[0039] The phase difference between both end openings of the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D and both end openings of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D and the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B do not simultaneously fulfill the port connection function of communicating a pair of ports of the one-side port group 2 (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

[0040] The phase difference between both end openings of the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D and both end openings of the third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D and the third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C do not simultaneously perform the port connection function of communicating a pair of ports of the one-side port group 2 (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

[0041] The phase difference between both end openings of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A and both end openings of the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D is also a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference, so that the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A and the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D do not simultaneously perform the port connection function (see FIGS. 7 and 9).

[0042] The other-side circumferential flow passage group 54 has first to fourth other-side circumferential flow passages 54A to 54D. The first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A is a U-shaped or V-shaped flow passage that communicates with the third other-side opening 50C and the fifteenth other-side opening 50O, which have a phase difference of 90 degrees (port side reference phase difference), so as to bypass the sixteenth, first, and second other-side openings 50P, 50A, and 50B. The second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B is a U-shaped or V-shaped flow passage that communicates with the fourth one-side opening 50D and the sixteenth other-side opening 50P, which have a phase difference of 90 degrees (port side reference phase difference), so as to bypass the first, second, and third other-side openings 50A, 50B, and 50C. The third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C is a U-shaped or V-shaped flow passage that communicates with the seventh other-side opening 50G and the eleventh other-side opening 50K, which have a phase difference of 90 degrees (port side reference phase difference), so as to bypass the eighth, ninth, and tenth other-side openings 50H, 50I, and 50J. The fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D is a U-shaped or V-shaped flow passage that communicates with the ninth other-side opening 50I and the thirteenth other-side opening 50M, which have a phase difference of 90 degrees (port side reference phase difference), so as to bypass the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth other-side openings 50J, 50K, and 50L.

[0043] When viewed from the axial direction Z, the first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A and the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B intersect, and the third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C and the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D intersect.

[0044] The first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A and the third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C do not intersect with each other. The phase difference between the two end openings of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A and the two end openings of the third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C, a total of four openings, is an integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A and the third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C simultaneously fulfill a port connection function for connecting a pair of ports of the other-side port group 4 (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0045] The phase difference between both end openings of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B and both end openings of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B and the first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A do not simultaneously fulfill the port connection function of connecting a pair of ports of the other-side port group 4 (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

[0046] The phase difference between both end openings of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B and both end openings of the third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B and the third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C do not simultaneously perform the port connecting function of connecting a pair of ports of the other-side port group 4 (see FIGS. 5 and 9).

[0047] The phase difference between both end openings of the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D and both end openings of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D and the first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A do not simultaneously fulfill the port connection function of connecting a pair of ports of the other-side port group 4 (see FIGS. 5 and 7).

[0048] The phase difference between both end openings of the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D and both end openings of the third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D and the third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C do not simultaneously fulfill the port connecting function of connecting a pair of ports of the other-side port group 4 (see FIGS. 5 and 7).

[0049] The phase difference between both end openings of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B and both end openings of the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D is also a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference, so that the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B and the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D do not simultaneously fulfill the port connecting function of connecting a pair of ports of the other-side port group 4 (see FIGS. 7 and 9).

[0050] When viewed from the axial direction Z, the phase difference between the two end openings of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B and the two end openings of the first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A, a total of four openings, is an integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. Also, the phase difference between the two end openings of the third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C and the two end openings of the third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C, a total of four openings, is an integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, these four flow passages simultaneously perform a port connecting function that connects a pair of ports (see FIGS. 5 and 6).

[0051] The phase difference between both end openings of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A and both end openings of the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D is an integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference, so that the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A and the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D simultaneously fulfill a port connection function for connecting a pair of ports (see FIG. 7).

[0052] The phase difference between both end openings of the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D and both end openings of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B is an integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference, so that the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D and the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B simultaneously fulfill a port connection function for connecting a pair of ports (see FIG. 9).

[0053] The large phase difference axial flow passage group 62 has a first large phase difference axial flow passage 63 and a second large phase difference axial flow passage 65 .

[0054] The first large phase difference axial flow passage 63 is a radial flow passage that communicates the fourth one-side opening 40D and the twelfth other-side opening 50L, which have a phase difference of 180 degrees from each other (a phase difference twice the port-side reference phase difference). More specifically, the first large phase difference axial flow passage 63 has, from the fourth one-side opening 40D toward the twelfth other-side opening 50L, a first one-side axial flow passage piece 63A extending in the axial direction Z on one side, a first radial flow passage piece 63B extending in the radial direction R, and a first other-side axial flow passage piece 63C extending in the axial direction Z on the other side. In other words, it is a step-shaped flow passage.

[0055] When viewed from the axial direction Z, the twelfth other-side opening 50L located at the end of the first large phase difference axial flow passage 63 and the twelfth one-side opening 40L located at the end of the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D overlap with each other. Also, the fourth one-side opening 40D located at the end of the first large phase difference axial flow passage 63 and the fourth other-side opening 50D located at the end of the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B overlap with each other. As a result, the first large phase difference axial flow passage 63, the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D, and the second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B simultaneously exhibit a port connection function for connecting a pair of ports (see FIG. 9).

[0056] The second large phase difference axial flow passage 65 is a radial flow passage that communicates the ninth one-side opening 40I and the first other-side opening 50A, which have a phase difference of 180 degrees from each other (a phase difference twice the port-side reference phase difference). More specifically, the second large phase difference axial flow passage 65 has, from the ninth one-side opening 40I toward the first other-side opening 50A, a second one-side axial flow passage piece 65A extending in the axial direction Z on one side, a second radial flow passage piece 65B extending in the radial direction R, and a second other-side axial flow passage piece 65C extending in the axial direction Z on the other side. In other words, it is a step-shaped flow passage.

[0057] When viewed from the axial direction Z, the first other-side opening 50A located at the end of the second large phase difference axial flow passage 65 and the first one-side opening 40A located at the end of the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A overlap with each other. In addition, the ninth one-side opening 40I located at the end of the second large phase difference axial flow passage 65 and the ninth other-side opening 50I located at the end of the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D overlap with each other. As a result, the second large phase difference axial flow passage 65, the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A, and the fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D simultaneously exhibit a port connection function of connecting a pair of ports (see FIG. 7).

[0058] When viewed from the axial direction Z, the first radial flow passage piece 63B and the second radial flow passage piece 65B intersect. In addition, the phase difference between the phases of the openings at both ends of the first radial flow passage piece 63B and the phase difference between the phases of the openings at both ends of the second radial flow passage piece 65B is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the first radial flow passage piece 63B and the second radial flow passage piece 65B are set so as not to simultaneously perform the port connecting function of connecting a pair of ports (see FIGS. 7 and 9).

[0059] In the present embodiment, the phase difference between the openings at both ends of the first and second large phase difference axial flow channels 63, 65 is 180, so that the first radial flow channel piece 63B and the second radial flow channel piece 65B intersect with the center line of the rotation shaft 32A, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other words, the present invention includes a case where the phase difference between the openings at both ends of the first and second large phase difference axial flow channels 63, 65 is less than 180, so that the first radial flow channel piece 63B and the second radial flow channel piece 65B do not intersect with the center line.

[0060] The small phase difference axial flow passage group 68 has first to sixth small phase difference axial flow passages 68A to 68F. The first small phase difference axial flow passage 68A is a linear flow passage that communicates the second one-side opening 40B and the second other-side opening 50C. The second small phase difference axial flow passage 68B is a flow passage that communicates the fifth one-side opening 40E and the fifth other-side opening 50E. The third small phase difference axial flow passage 68C is a linear flow passage that communicates the sixth one-side opening 40F and the sixth other-side opening 50F. The fourth small phase difference axial flow passage 68D is a linear flow passage that communicates the eighth one-side opening 40H and the eighth other-side opening 50H. The fifth small phase difference axial flow passage 68E is a linear flow passage that communicates the tenth one-side opening 40J and the tenth other-side opening 50J. The sixth small phase difference axial flow passage 68F is a linear flow passage that communicates with the fourteenth one-side opening 40N and the fourteenth other-side opening 50N. All of the small phase difference axial flow passage groups 68 extend parallel to the axial direction Z.

[0061] The first small phase difference axial flow passage 68A, the third small phase difference axial flow passage 68C, the fifth small phase difference axial flow passage 68E, and the sixth small phase difference axial flow passage 68F are set to be integer multiples of the port side reference phase difference with respect to each other. As a result, the first small phase difference axial flow passage 68A, the third small phase difference axial flow passage 68C, the fifth small phase difference axial flow passage 68E, and the sixth small phase difference axial flow passage 68F simultaneously fulfill a port connection function for connecting a pair of ports (see FIG. 8).

[0062] The phase difference between the phases of the openings at both ends of the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B with respect to all the phases of these four flow passages 68A, 68C, 68E, 68F is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. The phase difference between the phases of the openings at both ends of the third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C with respect to all the phases of these four flow passages 68A, 68C, 68E, 68F is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. The phase difference between the phases of the openings at both ends of the third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C with respect to all the phases of these four flow passages 68A, 68C, 68E, 68F is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference.

[0063] As a result, the group of four flow paths 68A, 68C, 68E, 68F and the group of the second one-side circumferential flow path 44B, the first other-side circumferential flow path 54A, the third one-side circumferential flow path 44C, and the third other-side circumferential flow path 54C do not simultaneously perform the port connection function of connecting a pair of ports (see Figures 5, 6 and 8).

[0064] Furthermore, the phase difference between the phases of the openings at both ends of the second small phase difference axial flow passage 68B with respect to all the phases of these four flow passages 68A, 68C, 68E, 68F is a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. Similarly, the phase difference between the phases of the openings at both ends of the fourth small phase difference axial flow passage 68D with respect to all the phases of these four flow passages 68A, 68C, 68E, 68F is set to a non-integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the group of four flow passages 68A, 68C, 68E, 68F and the second small phase difference axial flow passage 68B and the fourth small phase difference axial flow passage 68D do not simultaneously perform the port connection function of connecting a pair of ports (see FIG. 8).

[0065] Furthermore, the phase difference between the second small phase difference axial flow passage 68B and the fourth small phase difference axial flow passage 68D is set to a non-integer multiple of the port side reference phase difference, so that the second small phase difference axial flow passage 68B and the fourth small phase difference axial flow passage 68D do not simultaneously perform the port connecting function of connecting a pair of ports (see FIGS. 7 and 9).

[0066] The difference between the phase of the second small phase difference axial flow passage 68B and the phase of the openings at both ends of the first large phase difference axial flow passage 63 is set to an integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the second small phase difference axial flow passage 68B and the first large phase difference axial flow passage 63 simultaneously fulfill a port connection function for connecting a pair of ports (see FIG. 7).

[0067] The difference between the phase of the fourth small phase difference axial flow passage 68D and the phase of the openings at both ends of the second large phase difference axial flow passage 65 is set to an integer multiple of the port-side reference phase difference. As a result, the fourth small phase difference axial flow passage 68D and the second large phase difference axial flow passage 65 simultaneously fulfill a port connection function for connecting a pair of ports (see FIG. 9).

[0068] <Valve body component structure> Returning to FIG. 2(B), in order to form the above-mentioned multiple flow paths therein, the valve body 30 has, as independent members, a disk-shaped one-side valve portion 33 in which a one-side opening group 40 is mainly formed, a disk-shaped intermediate valve portion 34 in which axial flow paths and radial flow paths are mainly formed, and a disk-shaped other-side valve portion 38 in which a other-side opening group 50 is mainly formed.

[0069] In more detail, the intermediate valve portion 34 has, as mutually independent members, a disk-shaped one-side intermediate valve piece 35, a disk-shaped other-side intermediate valve piece 37, and a disk-shaped intermediate valve piece 36 disposed between the one-side intermediate valve piece 35 and the other-side intermediate valve piece 37. The one-side valve portion 33, the intermediate valve portion 34, and the other-side valve portion 38 are connected to each other in the axial direction Z by screws (not shown) or the like.

[0070] 3B, in the one-side valve portion 33, a one-side circumferential flow passage group 44 is mainly formed by a plurality of grooves. In detail, a first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A, a second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B, and a fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D are collectively formed by the first one-side groove 33A. In addition, a third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C is formed by the second one-side groove 33B. The first one-side groove 33A and the second one-side groove 33B function as flow passages by being covered by one side surface of the one-side intermediate valve piece 35.

[0071] 3(A), in the other-side valve portion 38, the other-side circumferential flow passage group 54 is mainly formed by a plurality of grooves. In detail, the first other-side groove 38A collectively forms a first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A and a second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B. The second other-side groove 38B forms a third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C and a fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D. The first other-side groove 38A and the second other-side groove 38B function as flow passages by being covered by the other side surface of the other-side intermediate valve piece 37.

[0072] A first radial flow passage piece 63B of the first large phase difference axial flow passage 63 is formed on the other side surface of the one-side intermediate valve piece 35 and / or one side surface of the intermediate valve piece 36. Similarly, a second radial flow passage piece 65B of the second large phase difference axial flow passage 65 is formed on one side surface of the other-side intermediate valve piece 37 and / or the other side surface of the intermediate valve piece 36. In this manner, by interposing the intermediate valve piece 36 between the first radial flow passage piece 63B and the second radial flow passage piece 65B, they are separated from each other in the axial direction Z, thereby preventing them from interfering with each other.

[0073] Seven through holes are formed in the intermediate valve portion 34 (the one-side intermediate valve piece 35, the intermediate valve piece 36, the other-side intermediate valve piece 37) so as to penetrate linearly in the axial direction Z. These through holes form part of a small phase difference axial flow passage group 68 (first to sixth small phase difference axial flow passages 68A-68F).

[0074] <Switching mode> 5 to 9 show five types of switching modes. In the first switching mode of FIG. 5, the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B communicates the third one-side port 2Cout and the fourth one-side port 2Din. The third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C communicates the first one-side port 2Aout and the second one-side port 2Bin. The first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A communicates the third other-side port 4Cin and the fourth other-side port 4Dout. The third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C communicates the first other-side port 4Ain and the second other-side port 4Bout. The first switching mode is a mode in which only the one-side circumferential flow passage group 44 and the other-side circumferential flow passage group 54 are used, and is therefore referred to as a "circumferential connection mode." The position of the valve body 30 relative to the housing 10 in the first switching mode is defined as the reference stop position of the valve body 30.

[0075] In the second switching mode of Fig. 6, the valve element 30 rotates 90 degrees counterclockwise from the reference stop position relative to the housing 10. In the second switching mode, the second one-side circumferential flow passage 44B communicates the fourth one-side port 2Din with the first one-side port 2Aout. The third one-side circumferential flow passage 44C communicates the second one-side port 2Bin with the third one-side port 2Cout. The first other-side circumferential flow passage 54A communicates the fourth other-side port 4Dout with the first other-side port 4Ain. The third other-side circumferential flow passage 54C communicates the second other-side port 4Bout with the third other-side port 4Cin. This second switching mode belongs to the "circumferential connection mode".

[0076] In the third switching mode of FIG. 7, the valve element 30 rotates 45 degrees counterclockwise from the reference stop position with respect to the housing 10. In the third switching mode, the first one-side circumferential flow passage 44A communicates the third one-side port 2Cout and the fourth one-side port 2Din. The fourth other-side circumferential flow passage 54D communicates the second other-side port 4Bout and the third other-side port 4Cin. The second small phase difference axial flow passage 68B communicates the first one-side port 2Aout and the first other-side port 4Ain. The second large phase difference axial flow passage 65 communicates the second one-side port 2Bin and the fourth other-side port 4Dout. This third switching mode is a mode in which the one-side circumferential flow passage group 44 and the other-side circumferential flow passage group 54 are used in combination with the axial flow passage group 60, and is therefore referred to as a "mixed connection mode." In this mixed connection mode, the flow passages of both the large phase difference axial flow passage group 62 and the small phase difference axial flow passage group 68 in the axial flow passage group 60 are utilized.

[0077] In the fourth switching mode of FIG. 8, the valve element 30 rotates 22.5 degrees counterclockwise from the reference stop position relative to the housing 10. In the fourth switching mode, the first small phase difference axial flow passage 68A communicates the fourth one-side port 2Din with the fourth other-side port 4Dout. The third small phase difference axial flow passage 68C communicates the first one-side port 2Aout with the first other-side port 4Ain. The fifth small phase difference axial flow passage 68E communicates the second one-side port 2Bin with the second other-side port 4Bout. The sixth small phase difference axial flow passage 68F communicates the third one-side port 2Cout with the third other-side port 4Cin. This fourth switching mode is a mode in which only the axial flow passage group 60 is used, and is therefore referred to as the "axial connection mode."

[0078] In the fifth switching mode of FIG. 9, the valve body 30 rotates 337.5 degrees counterclockwise (22.5 degrees clockwise) from the reference stop position with respect to the housing 10. In the fifth switching mode, the fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 44D communicates the second one-side port 2Bin with the third one-side port 2Cout. The second other-side circumferential flow passage 54B communicates the third other-side port 4Cin with the fourth other-side port 4Dout. The fourth small phase difference axial flow passage 68D communicates the first one-side port 2Aout with the first other-side port 4Ain. The first large phase difference axial flow passage 63 communicates the fourth one-side port 2Din with the second other-side port 4Bout. This fifth switching mode belongs to the "mixed connection mode". In the mixed connection mode of the fifth switching mode, both the large phase difference axial flow passage group 62 and the small phase difference axial flow passage group 68 are used.

[0079] According to the flow path switching valve 1 of this embodiment, by using a single drive unit and a single valve element 30 and stopping the valve element 30 at five different stop positions relative to the housing 10, the connection state of the flow paths of a total of eight ports, the first to fourth one-side ports 2Aout, 2Bin, 2Cout, 2Din and the first to fourth other-side ports 4Ain, 4Bout, 4Cin, 4Dout, can be freely switched between first to fifth switching modes. While realizing these five switching modes, the flow path switching valve 1 can be configured to be extremely compact overall, since it is no longer necessary to combine multiple flow path switching valves as in the conventional case.

[0080] In the present flow path switching valve 1, the one-side port group 2 has inflow ports and outflow ports alternately arranged along the circumferential direction S, the other-side port group 4 has inflow ports and outflow ports alternately arranged along the circumferential direction S, and further, the one-side port group 2 and the other-side port group 4 adjacent to each other in the axial direction Z are also arranged so that the inflow ports and outflow ports form pairs. As a result, the flow path lengths of the one-side circumferential flow path group 44 that connects the one-side port groups 2 to each other and the other-side circumferential flow path group 54 that connects the other-side port groups 4 to each other can be shortened, and the internal structure of the valve body 30 can be simplified. Furthermore, the flow path lengths of the small phase difference axial flow path group 68 can also be shortened, and the internal structure of the valve body 30 can be further simplified.

[0081] In addition, according to this flow path switching valve 1, by having the first large phase difference axial flow path 63 and the second large phase difference axial flow path 65, a mixed connection mode can be realized, making it possible to increase the number of switching modes.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the present flow path switching valve 1, the valve body 30 is assembled from at least three members: the one-side valve portion 33, the intermediate valve portion 34, and the other-side valve portion 38. This allows the flow paths within the valve body 30 to be manufactured efficiently. Maintenance is also easy, as an operator can disassemble the valve body 30.

[0083] <Application Examples> 10A shows a vehicle air conditioning system 100 to which the flow path switching valve 1 of this embodiment is applied. The vehicle air conditioning system 100 includes a refrigerant circuit 110, a first heat medium circuit 120 in which a heat medium that performs heat exchange using a heat exchanger 104A of the refrigerant circuit 110 circulates, a second heat medium circuit 130 in which a heat medium that performs heat exchange using a heat exchanger 104B of the refrigerant circuit 110 circulates, an external heat medium circuit 140 in which a heat medium that passes through an external heat exchanger 142 that performs heat exchange with the outside (outdoors) circulates, an HVAC unit 150 in which the air in the vehicle cabin is ventilated and circulated, a motor heat medium circuit 160 in which a heat medium that adjusts the temperature of a motor M circulates, and a battery heat medium circuit 170 in which a heat medium that adjusts the temperature of a battery B circulates.

[0084] A pair of pipes of the second heat medium circuit 130, a pair of pipes of the external heat medium circuit 140, a pair of pipes of the motor heat medium circuit 160, and a pair of pipes of the battery heat medium circuit 170 are connected to the flow path switching valve 1 of this embodiment. The external heat medium circuit 140 and the first heat medium circuit 120 are connected by a general-purpose four-way valve 180. The refrigerant circuit 110 has a pair of heat exchangers 104A and 104B, as well as a compressor 102, an expansion mechanism 106, and an accumulator 108. The HVAC unit 150 has a heater 152 that heats air with the heat medium of the first heat medium circuit 120, a heat absorber 154 that cools air with the heat medium of the second heat medium circuit 130, and the like. The battery heat medium circuit 170 has a water heating electric heater ECH in the middle.

[0085] In FIG. 10(A), the flow path switching valve 1 is in the first switching mode. As a result, the external heat medium circuit 140 and the motor heat medium circuit 160 are connected, and the second heat medium circuit 130 and the battery heat medium circuit 170 are connected, so that it is possible to cool the battery B while (dehumidifying) cooling the room. When the flow path switching valve 1 is in the second switching mode as shown in FIG. 10(B), the external heat medium circuit 140 and the second heat medium circuit 130 are connected, and the motor heat medium circuit 160 and the battery heat medium circuit 170 are connected, so that it is possible to (dehumidify) heat the room. When the flow path switching valve 1 is in the third switching mode as shown in FIG. 10(C), the external heat medium circuit 140, the second heat medium circuit 130 and the motor heat medium circuit 160 are connected, so that it is possible to heat the room by using the waste heat of the motor M. When the flow path switching valve 1 is in the fourth switching mode as shown in Fig. 10(D), the external heat medium circuit 140 and the battery heat medium circuit 170 are connected, and the motor heat medium circuit 160 and the second heat medium circuit 130 are connected, making it possible to heat the room while performing defrosting. When the flow path switching valve 1 is in the fifth switching mode as shown in Fig. 10(E), the second heat medium circuit 130, the motor heat medium circuit 160 and the battery heat medium circuit 170 are connected, making it possible to heat the room while providing additional heat using the ECH.

[0086] Incidentally, the flow path switching valve 1 of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 Flow path switching valve 2. Port group on one side 2Aout first port 2Bin second side port 2Cout Third side port 2Din 4th side port 4 Other side port group 4Ain 1st other side port 4Bout 2nd other side port 4Cin 3rd other side port 4Dout Fourth other side port 10. Chassis 12 One side housing 12A One side case part 12C, 14C flange 12D Ring Seal 12E Retaining hole 14 Other side housing 14A Other side case part 14D Ring Seal 14E Holding shaft 30 Valve body 32A Rotating shaft 32B holding hole 33 One-side valve section 33A First groove on one side 33B Second one side groove 34 Intermediate valve section 35 One side intermediate valve piece 36 Intermediate valve piece 37 Other side intermediate valve piece 38 Other side valve part 38A First and other groove 38B Second other side groove 40 One-side opening group 44 One side circumferential flow passage group 44A First one-side circumferential flow passage 44B Second one-side circumferential flow passage 44C Third one side circumferential flow passage 44D Fourth one-side circumferential flow passage 50 Other side aperture group 54 Other side circumferential flow passage group 54A First other side circumferential flow passage 54B Second other side circumferential flow passage 54C Third other side circumferential flow passage 54D Fourth other side circumferential flow passage 60 Axial Channel Group 62 Large phase difference axial flow path group 63 First large phase difference axial flow path 63A First side axial flow passage piece 63B First radial passage piece 63C First other side axial passage piece 65 Second large phase difference axial flow path 65A Second one-side axial flow passage piece 65B Second radial passage piece 65C Second other side axial passage piece 68 Small phase difference axial flow passages 68A First small phase difference axial flow passage 68B Second small phase difference axial flow passage 68C Third small phase difference axial flow passage 68D 4th small phase difference axial flow channel 68E 5th small phase difference axial flow channel 68F Sixth small phase difference axial flow channel 100 Vehicle air conditioning system 102 Compressor 104A heat exchanger 104B Heat Exchanger 106 Expansion Mechanism 108 Accumulator 110 Refrigerant circuit 120 First heat carrier circuit 130 Second heat medium circuit 140 External heat carrier circuit 142 External heat exchanger 150 HVAC units 152 Heater 154 Heat sink 160 Motor heat transfer medium circuit 170 Heat transfer medium circuit for battery 180 Four-way valve B Battery ECH Electric water heater Medium motor

Claims

1. A flow path switching valve having a housing, a valve body rotatably provided within the housing, and a drive unit that rotationally drives the valve body via a rotation shaft, The housing includes: a one-side port group including a plurality of one-side ports arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the rotating shaft; a second-side port group including a plurality of second-side ports arranged at intervals in a circumferential direction of the rotating shaft and arranged at intervals in an axial direction of the rotating shaft relative to the first-side port group, The valve body is a one-side circumferential flow passage that communicates the pair of one-side ports; an axial flow passage that communicates the one side port and the other side port; a second-side circumferential flow passage that connects the pair of second-side ports,

2. The valve body includes a plurality of the one-side circumferential flow paths and a plurality of the other-side circumferential flow paths, When the valve body is viewed in the axial direction, a plurality of the one-side circumferential flow paths intersect with each other, and a plurality of the other-side circumferential flow paths intersect with each other. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 .

3. When the valve body is viewed from the axial direction, the plurality of axial flow paths intersect with each other. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 .

4. The valve body has the following as the axial flow path: a large phase difference axial flow passage that communicates the one-side port and the other-side port having a large relative angular difference in the circumferential direction; a low phase difference axial flow passage that communicates the one-side port and the other-side port, the relative angle difference between which is small in the circumferential direction, The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 .

5. The one-side ports are arranged such that inlet ports and outlet ports are alternately arranged in order in the circumferential direction, The other side ports are arranged such that inlet ports and outlet ports are alternately arranged in order in the circumferential direction. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 .

6. the other side port closest to the one side port serving as the inflow port is serving as the outflow port, The other side port closest to the one side port serving as the outflow port serves as the inflow port. The flow path switching valve according to claim 5 .

7. The valve body is a one-side valve portion in which at least a portion of the one-side flow path is formed; a second-side valve portion in which at least a portion of the second-side flow path is formed; an intermediate valve portion disposed between the one-side valve portion and the other-side valve portion, and in which at least a part of the axial flow path is formed, The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 .

8. the one-side port group includes four of the one-side ports, The other-side port group includes four other-side ports. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 .

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