Rotary valve

Abstract

To provide a rotary valve using a packing for enhancing the performance of regulating the leakage of liquid.SOLUTION: A packing 55 of a rotary valve 10 has a sheet-shaped packing body part 56 as a skeleton part arranged between an outer peripheral face 43 of a valve body part 42 of a valve element 41 and an inner peripheral face 22 of a body main body part 15. In the packing body part 56, a plurality of through-holes 57 each penetrating therethrough in the radial direction are formed at least in the state of neighboring each other in the peripheral direction. The plurality of through-holes 57 include the through-hole 57 opposed to an inner periphery opening 25 formed in the inner peripheral face 22 in the radial direction. At least around each through-hole 57 out of the inner peripheral face of the packing body part 56, an annular inner periphery lip part 61 is formed which is protruded inward in the radial direction to contact the outer peripheral face 43.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary valve that rotates a valve body to switch a liquid flow path.

Background Art

[0002] A rotary valve that switches a liquid flow path by rotating a valve body is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). FIG. 19 shows one form of the rotary valve. The rotary valve 100 includes a valve body 105 and a housing 104 having a cylindrical body 101. The valve body 105 includes a valve main body portion 106 housed in the body 101. The valve body 105 is rotatably supported by the housing 104 by a shaft portion extending along the axis AL.

[0003] Inner peripheral openings 103 through which liquid flows are formed at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of the valve main body portion 106 on the inner peripheral surface 102 of the body 101. A plurality of movable flow paths 107 through which liquid flows are formed in the valve body 105. Each movable flow path 107 has an outer peripheral opening 109 that opens on the outer peripheral surface of the valve main body portion 106.

[0004] In the rotary valve 100 having the above configuration, the communication state between the outer peripheral opening 109 and the inner peripheral opening 103 is changed by the rotation of the valve main body portion 106 about the axis AL, and the liquid flow path is switched.

[0005] In the rotary valve 100, a packing 113 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface 102 of the body 101 and the outer peripheral surface of the valve main body portion 106. The skeleton portion of the packing 113 is constituted by a packing main body portion 114. A plurality of through holes 116 penetrating in the radial direction of the valve main body portion 106 are formed in the packing main body portion 114. The plurality of through holes 116 include through holes 116 that are radially opposed to the inner peripheral opening 103.

[0006] Furthermore, in the rotary valve 100, the plurality of inner peripheral openings 103 are formed in a state of being concentrated in a partial region of the inner peripheral surface 102 in the circumferential direction. The plurality of inner peripheral openings 103 in the body 101, the plurality of outer peripheral openings 109 in the valve body portion 106, and the plurality of through holes 116 in the packing body portion 114 are all formed in a state of being at least adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.

[0007] Furthermore, in the rotary valve 100, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, a tapered portion 111 that becomes thinner toward the outside in the radial direction is formed between the circumferentially adjacent outer peripheral openings 109 in the outer peripheral portion of the valve body portion 106. On the other hand, the inner peripheral surface 115 of the packing body portion 114 is formed smoothly. And when the tapered portion 111 contacts the inner peripheral surface 115, the surface pressure generated by the contact is increased. Note that 118 in FIG. 20 is a low-friction sheet attached to the packing body portion 114 to reduce the friction between the packing 113 and the valve body portion 106.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, in the conventional rotary valve 100 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the portion of the inner peripheral surface 115 of the packing body portion 114 that contacts the tapered portion 111 is pressed outward in the radial direction. A minute concave pressing mark 117 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 115.

[0010] When the valve body portion 106 rotates for switching the flow path and the contact location with respect to the packing body portion 114 changes, that is, even after the tapered portion 111 moves away circumferentially from the pressing mark 117, the state where the pressing mark 117 is formed (remains) on the inner peripheral surface 115 continues. This phenomenon is more likely to occur as the period during which the valve body 105 was stopped before rotation, that is, the period during which the tapered portion 111 was pressed, is longer.

[0011] Then, as shown in FIG. 20, when the above rotation is stopped again, a tapered portion 111 different from the above tapered portion 111 contacts the inner peripheral surface 115, and a new pressing mark 117 is formed. At this time, it is desirable that the above different tapered portion 111 contacts the same location on the inner peripheral surface 115 of the packing body portion 114 where the tapered portion 111 contacted at the previous rotation stop. This is to ensure that the pressing mark 117 is formed at the same location.

[0012] However, due to component tolerances, the rotational accuracy of the valve body 105 by the actuator, etc., the above different tapered portion 111 may contact a location that is circumferentially displaced from the location where the tapered portion 111 contacted at the previous rotation stop on the inner peripheral surface 115, as shown in FIG. 21. In this case, a new pressing mark 117 is formed. Depending on the position of the newly formed pressing mark 117 in the circumferential direction, there is a possibility that the surface pressure generated between the packing body portion 114 and the tapered portion 111 may decrease. For example, when the new pressing mark 117 is formed in a state where it is connected circumferentially to the previously formed pressing mark 117, the surface pressure is lower than when the new pressing mark 117 is formed at the same location as the previously formed pressing mark 117. There is a possibility that liquid may leak from the location where the surface pressure has decreased.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0013] Each aspect of the rotary valve for solving the above problem is described. [Aspect 1] A housing having a cylindrical body, a valve body having a valve body portion housed within the body and rotatably supported by the housing by a shaft portion extending in the axial direction, and a packing having a sheet-like packing body portion disposed between an outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion and an inner peripheral surface of the body as a skeletal portion. In a region of a part of the inner peripheral surface of the body in the circumferential direction of the valve body portion, a plurality of inner peripheral openings through which a liquid flows are opened in at least an adjacent state in the circumferential direction. In the valve body, a plurality of movable flow paths through which the liquid flows are respectively formed. Each movable flow path has an outer peripheral opening that opens on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion. The plurality of outer peripheral openings are formed in at least an adjacent state in the circumferential direction. By rotation of the valve body portion about the shaft portion, a communication state between the outer peripheral opening and the inner peripheral opening is changed, and a flow path of the liquid is switched. The rotary valve is such that in the packing body portion, a plurality of through holes penetrating in the radial direction of the valve body portion are formed in at least an adjacent state in the circumferential direction. The plurality of through holes include through holes facing the inner peripheral openings in the radial direction. In an inner peripheral surface of the packing body portion, at least around each through hole, an annular inner peripheral lip portion protruding inward in the radial direction and contacting the outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion is formed.

[0014] According to the above configuration in which the inner peripheral lip portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the packing body portion, the inner peripheral lip portion is elastically deformed in the outward direction in the radial direction by contact with the outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion. The tapered portion of the valve body portion does not contact the inner peripheral surface of the packing body portion. Accordingly, it is unlikely that a concave pressing mark is formed on the inner peripheral lip portion.

[0015] Even if the position on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the packing body portion differs between the previous rotation stop of the valve body and the current rotation stop due to tolerances of parts or the like, the inner peripheral lip portion is not pressed by the tapered portion and no pressing mark is formed. No pressing mark is formed at a position where the pressing mark is displaced in the circumferential direction between the previous rotation stop of the valve body and the current rotation stop. A decrease in surface pressure due to the formation of a pressing mark at a position where the pressing mark is displaced in the circumferential direction does not occur, and it is unlikely that liquid will leak from a portion where the surface pressure has decreased. In this way, the performance of regulating liquid leakage by the packing is improved.

[0016] [Aspect 2] In each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, a boundary portion with the adjacent inner peripheral lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion. When a portion where the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are formed in the packing body portion is defined as a circumferential body intermediate portion, in the inner peripheral surface of the body, at a position where the circumferential body intermediate portion is sandwiched from both sides in the circumferential direction, a pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions protruding inward in the radial direction are formed, and the circumferential body intermediate portion is disposed between the pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions. The rotary valve according to [Aspect 1].

[0017] According to the above configuration, circumferential intermediate wall portions are respectively positioned on both sides in the circumferential direction of the circumferential body intermediate portion of the packing body portion. The two circumferential intermediate wall portions position the circumferential body intermediate portion in the circumferential direction with respect to the body. Also, the two circumferential intermediate wall portions restrict the circumferential movement of the circumferential body intermediate portion with respect to the body. Therefore, even if liquid pressure acting in the circumferential direction acts on the packing, the packing is restricted from shifting in the circumferential direction with respect to the body. The performance of regulating liquid leakage by the packing is maintained.

[0018] [Aspect 3] In each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, a boundary portion with the adjacent inner peripheral lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion. Among the packing main body portions, in each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, when a portion where the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are formed is defined as a circumferential main body intermediate portion, in each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are constituted by a common circumferential lip boundary portion extending in the axial direction in the circumferential main body intermediate portion. The rotary valve according to [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2].

[0019] According to the above configuration, the common circumferential lip boundary portion extends in the axial direction in the circumferential main body intermediate portion. This common circumferential lip boundary portion also serves as the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction in each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. Therefore, compared with the case where each of the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction is formed in the circumferential main body intermediate portion in a state of being circumferentially spaced apart from each other, it is possible to reduce the dimension of the circumferential main body intermediate portion in the circumferential direction.

[0020] [Aspect 4] In each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, a boundary portion with the adjacent inner peripheral lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion. Among the packing main body portions, in each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, when a portion where the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are formed is defined as a circumferential main body intermediate portion, in each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are formed in the circumferential main body intermediate portion in a state of being circumferentially spaced apart from each other. The rotary valve according to [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2].

[0021] According to the above configuration, the region sandwiched by the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction functions as a buffer region. Therefore, when a liquid pressure acting toward the other circumferential lip boundary portion acts on one circumferential lip boundary portion, if the circumferential lip boundary portion elastically deforms in the buffer region, it is difficult for the liquid pressure to act on the other circumferential lip boundary portion. The other circumferential lip boundary portion is less likely to be affected by the liquid pressure applied to one circumferential lip boundary portion. As a result, the performance of regulating liquid leakage by the packing is further improved.

[0022] [Aspect 5] In the circumferential body intermediate portion, at a location between the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction, a groove portion extending in the axial direction is formed in a state of being recessed inward in the radial direction from the outer surface of the circumferential body intermediate portion in the radial direction. The rotary valve according to [Aspect 4].

[0023] Here, with the compressive elastic deformation of the packing, a compressive reaction force, which is a force that pushes back the valve body portion, is generated. This compressive reaction force is necessary to seal between the outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion and the inner peripheral surface of the body. However, if the compressive reaction force is too large, the sliding resistance generated between the valve body portion and the packing increases as the valve body rotates, and the rotational torque required to rotate the valve body increases.

[0024] In this regard, according to the above configuration, in the circumferential body intermediate portion, among the locations between the adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions, the dimension in the radial direction of the location where the groove portion is formed is smaller than the dimension when the groove portion is not formed. Along with this, the compressive reaction force of the packing becomes smaller. As the valve body rotates, the sliding resistance generated between the valve body portion and the packing decreases, and it becomes possible to reduce the rotational torque required to rotate the valve body.

[0025] [Aspect 6] On the inner peripheral surface of the body, a protrusion extending in the axial direction in a state of protruding inward in the radial direction is formed, and the protrusion is inserted into the groove portion. The rotary valve according to [Aspect 5].

[0026] According to the above configuration, the protrusion inserted into the groove portion positions the circumferential direction of the circumferential body intermediate portion with respect to the body. Further, the protrusion restricts the circumferential movement of the circumferential body intermediate portion with respect to the body. Therefore, even when a liquid pressure acting in the circumferential direction acts on the packing, the packing is restricted from shifting in the circumferential direction with respect to the body. The performance of restricting liquid leakage by the packing is maintained.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, the performance of restricting liquid leakage by the packing can be enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

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Figure 14

Figure 15

Figure 16

Figure 17

Figure 18

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Figure 21

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, a first embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the rotary valve 10 includes a housing 11, a valve body 41, a support mechanism, a shaft seal member 52, a seal member 53, and a packing 55. Next, each part will be described.

[0030] Here, in order to specify the positional relationship of each part in the rotary valve 10, the axis AL of the valve body 41 is used as a reference. The direction along the axis AL is referred to as the "axial direction". The radial direction centered on the axis AL is referred to as the "radial direction". The direction along a circle centered on the axis AL is referred to as the "circumferential direction".

[0031] <Housing 11> The housing 11 includes a body 12 and a pair of covers 31, 35. [Body 12] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the body 12 includes a connection base 13 and a body main body 15. The connection base 13 has a quadrangular prism shape and constitutes the bottom of the body 12. The bottom surface 14 of the connection base 13 is flat. The body main body 15 extends in the axial direction and has a cylindrical shape with both ends open. The body main body 15 constitutes the upper part of the body 12 relative to the connection base 13. Annular stepped portions 16 centered on the axis AL are respectively formed at both ends of the body main body 15 in the axial direction (see FIG. 4).

[0032] On many parts of the inner peripheral portion of the body main body 15 excluding the top portion 17 that curves in an arc shape, a packing mounting portion 21 that is recessed in a curved state so as to bulge outward in the radial direction is formed. The packing mounting portion 21 is a location where a packing 55 (see FIG. 3 etc.) described later is mounted. The inner peripheral surface 22 of the packing mounting portion 21 has a larger diameter than the inner peripheral surface 18 of the top portion 17. As described above, since the packing mounting portion 21 occupies many parts of the inner peripheral portion of the body main body 15, the inner peripheral surface 22 of the packing mounting portion 21 will hereinafter be referred to as the "inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body 15".

[0033] At both ends of the packing mounting portion 21 in the circumferential direction, at the boundary portions with the top portion 17, a pair of stepped surfaces 23 that extend in both the radial direction and the axial direction are respectively formed. The body 12 is formed with a plurality of connecting flow paths 24 that connect the bottom surface 14 of the connection base 13 and a partial region (bottom portion) of the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15 in the circumferential direction. The plurality of connecting flow paths 24 are formed in a state of being arranged in both the circumferential direction and the axial direction. In the first embodiment, a plurality of connecting flow paths 24 are formed in plural numbers in the circumferential direction and in plural numbers in the axial direction. Each connecting flow path 24 extends in a direction orthogonal to the bottom surface 14 of the connection base 13. A plurality of housing external flow paths (not shown) provided outside the housing 11 are connected to each of the plurality of connecting flow paths 24. Then, the liquid supplied to the housing 11 through the housing external flow path flows into the body main body portion 15 through any one of the connecting flow paths 24. Also, the liquid that has passed through any one of the connecting flow paths 24 flows out to the housing external flow path.

[0034] Here, the liquid includes a plurality of liquids. The plurality of liquids include a plurality of types of liquids with different components, as well as a plurality of the same type of liquids. The plurality of the same type of liquids include a plurality of the same liquids, and also include a plurality of liquids that have the same components but different temperatures or other elements, such as viscosity.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the plurality of connecting flow paths 24 are each opened at the bottom of the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15. In order to distinguish each opening portion on the inner peripheral surface 22 from the opening portions at other locations in the rotary valve 10, it is referred to as an "inner peripheral opening 25". The plurality of inner peripheral openings 25 are adjacent to each other in both the circumferential direction and the axial direction.

[0036] [Cover 31, 35] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 7, a pair of covers 31, 35 are arranged at both ends of the body main body portion 15 in the axial direction. Each cover 31, 35 has an annular shape centered on the axis AL and has an annular protrusion 32 that protrudes toward the other cover 35, 31 side. The annular protrusion 32 of each cover 31, 35 is inserted into the corresponding annular stepped portion 16 of the body main body portion 15. And each cover 31, 35 is attached to the body main body portion 15 by fastening members (not shown) such as bolts and nuts. Note that each cover 31, 35 may be attached to the body main body portion 15 by an attachment means different from the fastening member, for example, welding or the like. Both open ends of the body main body portion 15 in the axial direction are closed by these covers 31, 35.

[0037] Note that one of the covers 31, 35 may be integrally formed with the body 12. In this case, the body main body portion 15 will have a cylindrical shape in which one end in the axial direction is closed and only one end is open. In other words, the body main body portion 15 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open end at one end.

[0038] <Valve body 41> As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the valve body 41 includes a valve main body portion 42 and a shaft portion 49. The valve main body portion 42 has a columnar shape extending in the axial direction and is housed inside the body main body portion 15. The valve main body portion 42 has an outer peripheral surface 43 facing the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15. The outer peripheral surface 43 is constituted by a cylindrical surface centered on the axis AL.

[0039] The outer diameter of the valve main body portion 42 is set to a value that can seal between the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15 and the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body portion 42 around the inner peripheral opening 25 by elastically deforming the packing 55 described later outward in the radial direction.

[0040] The shaft portion 49 protrudes axially from the center portion of the end surface of the valve main body portion 42 on the cover 31 side. The valve body 41 has a plurality of movable flow paths 44 through which liquid flows. Each movable flow path 44 has an outer peripheral opening that opens on the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body portion 42. The plurality of outer peripheral openings are formed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and the axial direction.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an example of a developed view showing a state in which the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body portion 42, on which a plurality of outer peripheral openings 46 to 48 are formed, is developed on a plane. The outer peripheral surface 43 is partitioned into a plurality of unit regions 45 in the axial direction and a plurality of unit regions 45 in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral openings 46 to 48 are as follows.

[0042] (A) An outer peripheral opening 46 composed of a plurality of unit regions 45 continuous in the circumferential direction. (B) An outer peripheral opening 47 composed of a plurality of unit regions 45 continuous in the axial direction. (C) An outer peripheral opening 48 formed by combining (A) and (B) above.

[0043] (D) Although not shown in FIG. 5, the outer peripheral opening may be constituted by one unit region 45. Note that the arrows in FIG. 5 indicate the flow direction of the liquid.

[0044] Then, by rotating the valve main body portion 42 about the shaft portion 49, the communication state of the outer peripheral openings 46 to 48 and the inner peripheral opening 25 is changed, and the liquid flow path is switched. The shaft portion 49 is rotated by an actuator such as an electric motor (not shown) or by manual operation.

[0045] <Support mechanism> As shown in FIG. 3, the support mechanism is a mechanism for rotatably supporting the valve body 41 with respect to the housing 11. The support mechanism includes a first support mechanism portion M1 and a second support mechanism portion M2.

[0046] [First support mechanism portion M1] The first support mechanism part M1 is provided on the valve main body part 42 and the cover 31. More specifically, a bearing hole 33 penetrating the cover 31 in the axial direction is formed at the center of the cover 31. The shaft part 49 of the valve body 41 is rotatably inserted into the bearing hole 33. The first support mechanism part M1 is constituted by these bearing hole 33 and shaft part 49.

[0047] [Second support mechanism part M2] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the second support mechanism part M2 includes a bottomed bearing hole (not shown) extending axially in the valve main body part 42 and a shaft part 36 provided on the cover 35. The bearing hole is formed on the end of the valve main body part 42 on the cover 35 side and on the axis line AL.

[0048] The shaft part 36 projects from the central part of the cover 35 toward the other cover 31. The shaft part 49 is inserted into the bearing hole so as to be relatively rotatable. In other words, the valve main body part 42 is rotatably supported by the shaft part 36 in the bearing hole. The second support mechanism part M2 is constituted by these bearing hole and shaft part 36.

[0049] [Shaft seal member 52] As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft seal member 52 is formed in an annular shape by an elastic material such as rubber. The shaft seal member 52 is disposed around the shaft part 49 and between the shaft part 49 and the inner wall surface of the bearing hole 33 in the cover 31. The shaft seal member 52 regulates the leakage of the liquid in the body main body part 15 to the outside of the rotary valve 10 through the space between the shaft part 49 and the inner wall surface of the bearing hole 33.

[0050] [Seal member 53] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the seal member 53 is used to seal the fastening portion when the covers 31 and 35 are attached to the body main body portion 15 by fastening or the like. In the present embodiment in which the pair of covers 31 and 35 are fastened to the body main body portion 15, two seal members 53 are used. Each seal member 53 is formed in an annular shape by an elastic material such as rubber. Each seal member 53 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the annular protrusion 32 of each cover 31 and 35 and the inner peripheral surface of the annular step portion 16 in the body main body portion 15. Each seal member 53 restricts the liquid in the body main body portion 15 from leaking to the outside of the rotary valve 10 through the space between the annular step portion 16 and the annular protrusion 32.

[0051] In addition, when one of the covers 31 and 35 is integrally formed with the body 12 as described above and the other is fastened to the body main body portion 15, only one seal member 53 is used. Further, when one or both of the covers 31 and 35 are welded to the body main body portion 15, the seal member 53 is not required between the cover 31 and 35 to be welded and the body main body portion 15.

[0052] <Packing 55> As shown in FIGS. 3, 10, and 11, the skeleton portion of the packing 55 is constituted by a packing main body portion 56 in a sheet shape. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the packing main body portion 56 is attached to the packing mounting portion 21 of the body main body portion 15. The packing main body portion 56 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body portion 42 and the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, a plurality of through holes 57 penetrating in the radial direction are formed in the packing main body portion 56 in a state of being adjacent to each other in both the circumferential direction and the axial direction. The plurality of through holes 57 include through holes 57 that face the inner peripheral opening 25 in the radial direction.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 10, an annular inner peripheral lip portion 61 that protrudes inward in the radial direction and contacts the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve body portion 42 is formed around at least each through hole 57 on the inner peripheral surface 58 of the packing main body portion 56. An annular outer peripheral lip portion 62 that protrudes outward in the radial direction and contacts the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15 is formed around at least each through hole 57 on the outer peripheral surface 59 of the packing main body portion 56.

[0055] Further, when the packing main body portion 56 does not face the inner peripheral opening 25 in the radial direction and has a region where the through hole 57 is not formed, the same inner peripheral lip portion 61 and outer peripheral lip portion 62 as described above may be formed in this region.

[0056] Note that when there is no particular need to distinguish between the inner peripheral lip portion 61 and the outer peripheral lip portion 62, both may be simply referred to as the "lip portion 63". Here, as shown in Figs. 9 and 11, in each of the lip portions 63 adjacent in the circumferential direction, the boundary portion with the adjacent lip portion 63 is defined as the "circumferential lip boundary portion 64". In each of the lip portions 63 adjacent in the axial direction, the boundary portion with the adjacent lip portion 63 is defined as the "axial lip boundary portion 65". In each of the lip portions 63 located at both ends in the circumferential direction, the outermost portion in the circumferential direction is defined as the "circumferential lip outer end portion 66". In each of the lip portions 63 located at both ends in the axial direction, the outermost portion in the axial direction is defined as the "axial lip outer end portion 67".

[0057] Also, in the packing main body portion 56, in each of the lip portions 63 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the portion where the circumferential lip boundary portions 64 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are formed is defined as the "circumferential main body intermediate portion 68". In the packing main body portion 56, in each of the lip portions 63 adjacent to each other in the axial direction, the portion where the axial lip boundary portions 65 adjacent to each other in the axial direction are formed is defined as the "axial main body intermediate portion 69". The portion of the packing main body portion 56 where the circumferential lip outer end portion 66 is formed is defined as the "circumferential main body outer end portion 71". The portion of the packing main body portion 56 where the axial lip outer end portion 67 is formed is defined as the "axial main body outer end portion 72".

[0058] [Mounting Structure of Packing 55] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, in each of a plurality of locations on the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15 that sandwich the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 from both sides in the circumferential direction, a pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 protruding inward in the radial direction are formed. The two circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 is disposed between the pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions 73.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, at the bottom of the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15, in each of a plurality of locations that sandwich the axial main body intermediate portion 69 from both sides in the axial direction, a pair of axial intermediate wall portions 75 protruding inward in the radial direction are formed. The two axial intermediate wall portions 75 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. Each axial main body intermediate portion 69 is disposed between the pair of axial intermediate wall portions 75.

[0060] At a location on the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15 that is a predetermined distance away in the axial direction from each of the covers 31, 35, an axial outer end wall portion 76 protruding inward in the radial direction is formed. The axial main body outer end portion 72 is disposed between the covers 31, 35 and the adjacent axial outer end wall portion 76.

[0061] [Other Structures of Packing 55] Incidentally, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3, 8, and 9, the packing main body 56 is divided into a plurality (three) of main body divided bodies 77, 78, and 79 in the circumferential direction. The division is made at the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68. Each of the main body divided bodies 77 and 79 has a circumferential main body outer end portion 71 at the end portion far from the main body divided body 78 in the circumferential direction, and has a circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 at the end portion closer to the main body divided body 78 in the circumferential direction. On the other hand, the main body divided body 78 has circumferential main body intermediate portions 68 at both end portions in the circumferential direction. A plurality (two) of lip portions 63 are formed in the circumferential direction on the inner peripheral surface 58 and the outer peripheral surface 59 of each of the main body divided bodies 77 to 79. The boundary portion between each of the main body divided bodies 77 to 79 and the adjacent main body divided bodies 77 to 79 is disposed between the pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 described above.

[0062] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 are constituted by a common circumferential lip boundary portion 64 extending in the axial direction at the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68. In other words, at the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 are united into one and extend in the axial direction. In the first embodiment, the common circumferential lip boundary portion 64 is formed at the central portion of the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 in the circumferential direction, but may be formed at a location away from the central portion in the circumferential direction.

[0063] Also, in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 are constituted by a common axial lip boundary portion 65 extending in the circumferential direction at the axial main body intermediate portion 69. In other words, at the axial main body intermediate portion 69, the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 are united into one and extend in the circumferential direction. In the first embodiment, the common axial lip boundary portion 65 is formed at the central portion of the axial main body intermediate portion 69 in the axial direction, but may be formed at a location away from the central portion in the axial direction.

[0064] Note that, as shown in FIG. 10, a low-friction sheet 84 made of a material having a lower coefficient of friction than the packing main body 56, for example, a fluororesin, is attached to the inner peripheral surface 58 of the packing main body 56. When the low-friction sheet 84 contacts the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body 42, the friction between the packing 55 and the valve main body 42 is reduced, and the load required to rotate the valve body 41 can be reduced. Note that instead of the above sheet, the inner peripheral surface 58 of the packing main body 56 may be coated with a material having a low coefficient of friction, such as the above fluororesin.

[0065] In each figure, when explaining each part of the packing 55 using reference numerals, for the sake of convenience, lead lines are drawn from the corresponding parts and the parts are labeled as if the low-friction sheet 84 were not present.

[0066] <Operation of the First Embodiment> [Assembly of the Packing 55] When assembling the packing 55 to the body main body 15, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, all the body divided bodies 77 to 79 are mounted on the packing mounting portion 21 in a state where they are in contact with each other in the circumferential direction.

[0067] The circumferential body intermediate portions 68 of the respective body divided bodies 77 to 79 are inserted and arranged between a pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions 73. Both circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 position the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 in the circumferential direction with respect to the body main body 15. Further, the boundary portions (circumferential body intermediate portions 68) of each body divided body 77 to 79 with the adjacent body divided bodies 77 to 79 are arranged between the pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 in a state where they are in contact with each other (see FIGS. 6 and 9). Both circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 position the circumferential direction of the above boundary portions with respect to the body main body 15. Further, both circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 hold both boundary portions in a state where they are in contact with each other. The circumferential body outer end portions 71 of each of the body divided bodies 77 and 79 approach or contact the stepped surfaces 23 at both ends in the circumferential direction of the packing mounting portion 21 (see FIGS. 8 and 9).

[0068] Also, the axial body intermediate portion 69 of the main body divided body 78 is inserted and disposed between a pair of axial intermediate wall portions 75. Both axial intermediate wall portions 75 position the axial body intermediate portion 69 axially with respect to the body main body portion 15.

[0069] In the main body divided body 78, each of the axial body outer end portions 72 at both ends in the axial direction approaches or contacts the corresponding axial outer end wall portion 76 in the body main body portion 15. Note that each axial body outer end portion 72 is sandwiched and positioned from both sides in the axial direction by the axial outer end wall portion 76 and the annular protrusions 32 of the covers 31 and 35 when the rotary valve 10 is assembled.

[0070] [Regarding the operation of the rotary valve 10] During the operation of the rotary valve 10, the valve body 41 is rotated about the axis AL of the shaft portion 49 by an actuator or manually. Due to this rotation, as shown in FIG. 9, the communication state between the inner peripheral opening 25 on the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15 and the outer peripheral openings 46 to 48 (see FIG. 5) on the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body portion 42 is changed, and the liquid flow path is switched. That is, the inner peripheral opening 25 of the body main body portion 15 and the outer peripheral openings 46 to 48 of the valve main body portion 42 are communicated via the through hole 57 of the packing main body portion 56 disposed therebetween. Then, the liquid flows through the inner peripheral opening 25 of the body main body portion 15, the through hole 57 of the packing 55, the movable flow path 44 of the valve main body portion 42, and another inner peripheral opening 25 of the body main body portion 15 as a flow path. When the rotation of the valve main body portion 42 switches the one of the outer peripheral openings 46 to 48 of the valve main body portion 42 that is communicated with the inner peripheral opening 25 of the body main body portion 15 via the through hole 57 of the packing main body portion 56, the flow path is switched.

[0071] [Regarding the seal by the packing 55] Here, in the first embodiment where the inner peripheral lip portion 61 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 58 of the packing main body portion 56, due to contact with the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body portion 42, the inner peripheral lip portion 61 is elastically deformed in the radially outward direction by compression. Different from the conventional rotary valve 100 described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, the tapered portion 111 at the outer peripheral portion of the valve main body portion 106 does not contact the inner peripheral surface 58 of the packing main body portion 56. Accordingly, it is unlikely that a concave pressing mark 117 is formed on the inner peripheral lip portion 61.

[0072] Due to component tolerances and the like, even if the portion of the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body portion 42 that contacts the inner peripheral surface 58 of the packing main body portion 56 is different between the previous rotation stop of the valve body 41 and the current rotation stop, a pressing mark 117 caused by the tapered portion 111 is not formed on the inner peripheral lip portion 61. The pressing mark 117 is not formed at a location where it is displaced in the circumferential direction between the previous rotation stop and the current rotation stop of the valve body 41.

[0073] As a result, a decrease in surface pressure due to the formation of the pressing mark 117 at a location where it is displaced in the circumferential direction is unlikely to occur. When liquid flows through a location where the surface pressure has decreased, it is unlikely that liquid flows, that is, leaks, between the inner region and the outer region of the annular inner peripheral lip portion 61.

[0074] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 are respectively located on both sides in the circumferential direction of each circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 of the packing 55. The two circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 restrict the circumferential movement of the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 with respect to the body main body portion 15.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, axial intermediate wall portions 75 are respectively located on both sides in the axial direction of the axial main body intermediate portion 69 of the main body divided body 78. The two axial intermediate wall portions 75 restrict the axial movement of the axial main body intermediate portion 69 with respect to the body main body portion 15.

[0076] In addition, on both sides in the axial direction of each of the outer ends of the main body in the two axial directions 72, there are located an axial outer end wall portion 76 and an annular protrusion 32 of the covers 31, 35. The axial outer end wall portion 76 and the annular protrusion 32 restrict the axial movement of the axial outer end portion 72 of the main body in the axial direction with respect to the main body portion 15 of the body.

[0077] Also, as shown in FIG. 11, the common circumferential lip boundary portion 64 extends in the axial direction at the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68. This common circumferential lip boundary portion 64 also serves as the circumferential lip boundary portions 64 adjacent in the circumferential direction at each of the lip portions 63 adjacent in the circumferential direction. Further, the common axial lip boundary portion 65 extends in the circumferential direction at the axial main body intermediate portion 69. This common axial lip boundary portion 65 also serves as the axial lip boundary portions 65 adjacent in the axial direction at each of the lip portions 63 adjacent in the axial direction.

[0078] <Effect of the First Embodiment> (1-1) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, on the inner peripheral surface 58 of the packing main body portion 56, at least around each through hole 57, an annular inner peripheral lip portion 61 that protrudes inward in the radial direction and contacts the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body portion 42 is formed. Therefore, compared with the case where the tapered portion 111 of the valve main body portion 106 contacts the inner peripheral surface 115 of the packing main body portion 114, the performance of sealing the space between the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body portion 42 and the inner peripheral surface 22 of the main body portion 15 of the body by the packing 55 can be enhanced.

[0079] (1-2) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 10, in the inner peripheral surface 22 of the main body portion 15 of the body, at the locations that sandwich the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 of the packing main body portion 56 from both sides in the circumferential direction, a pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 that protrude inward in the radial direction are formed. And the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 is disposed between these circumferential intermediate wall portions 73. Therefore, even when the liquid pressure in the circumferential direction acts on the packing 55, the packing 55 is restricted from shifting in the circumferential direction with respect to the main body portion 15 of the body, and the performance of restricting the leakage of the liquid by the packing 55 can be maintained.

[0080] (1-3) As shown in FIGS. 3, 8, and 9, in the first embodiment, the packing main body portion 56 is divided into a plurality of main body divided bodies 77 to 79 by being divided at the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68. However, as shown in FIG. 9, the boundary portions (circumferential main body intermediate portion 68) between the adjacent main body divided bodies 77 to 79 of each main body divided body 77 to 79 are arranged between the pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 in a state of being in contact with each other. Therefore, even when a liquid pressure acting in the circumferential direction acts on each of the main body divided bodies 77 to 79, it is possible to regulate the circumferential displacement of each of those main body divided bodies 77 to 79 with respect to the body main body portion 15, and the effect of (1-2) can be obtained satisfactorily.

[0081] (1-4) As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, at the bottom of the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15, a pair of axial intermediate wall portions 75 protruding inward in the radial direction are formed at a plurality of locations in both the circumferential direction and the axial direction. Both axial intermediate wall portions 75 are formed at locations that sandwich the axial main body intermediate portion 69 (see FIG. 11) from both sides in the axial direction among those (main body divided body 78) arranged at the central portion in the circumferential direction (bottom of the body main body portion 15) of the packing 55. And the axial main body intermediate portion 69 is arranged between both axial intermediate wall portions 75. Therefore, even when a liquid pressure acting in the axial direction acts on the main body divided body 78, it is possible to regulate the axial displacement of the main body divided body 78 with respect to the body main body portion 15, and the performance of regulating liquid leakage by the packing 55 can be maintained.

[0082] (1-5) As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, at a location a predetermined distance away from the covers 31 and 35 in the axial direction at the bottom of the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15, an axial outer end wall portion 76 protruding inward in the radial direction is formed. The axial main body outer end portion 72 (see FIG. 11) is arranged between the annular protrusion 32 of the covers 31 and 35 and the adjacent axial outer end wall portion 76. Therefore, even when a liquid pressure acting in the axial direction acts on the main body divided body 78, it is possible to regulate the axial displacement of the main body divided body 78 with respect to the body main body portion 15. The performance of regulating liquid leakage by the packing 55 can be maintained.

[0083] (1-6) As shown in Fig. 11, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 are constituted by a common circumferential lip boundary portion 64 extending axially in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68. Therefore, compared with the case where the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 are formed in a state of being circumferentially separated from each other in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68, the dimension of the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 in the circumferential direction can be reduced. As a result, the packing 55 can be miniaturized in the circumferential direction.

[0084] (1-7) In each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 are constituted by a common axial lip boundary portion 65 extending circumferentially in the axial body intermediate portion 69. Therefore, compared with the case where the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 are formed in a state of being axially separated from each other in the axial body intermediate portion 69, the dimension of the axial body intermediate portion 69 in the axial direction can be reduced. As a result, the packing 55 can be miniaturized in the axial direction.

[0085] (Second Embodiment) Next, with reference to Figs. 12 to 18, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0086] As shown in Figs. 12, 15, and 18, in the second embodiment, as the packing 55, a single sheet-like one is used. This packing 55 is curved in an arc shape centered on the axis AL.

[0087] Also, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 are formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 in a state of being circumferentially separated from each other. In each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 are formed in the axial body intermediate portion 69 in a state of being axially separated from each other.

[0088] As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 17, in each circumferential body intermediate portion 68, a groove portion 85 is formed at a location between adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64. In the second embodiment, the groove portion 85 is formed at the center of the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 in the circumferential direction, but it may be formed at a location away from the center in the circumferential direction. Each groove portion 85 extends in the axial direction in a state of being recessed inward in the radial direction from the outer surface (outer circumferential surface 59) of the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 in the radial direction.

[0089] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 12, 15, and 16, on the inner circumferential surface 22 of the body main body portion 15, protrusions 86 are formed at a plurality of locations spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each protrusion 86 extends in the axial direction in a state of protruding inward in the radial direction. The tip end portions of each protrusion 86 are inserted into the groove portions 85 facing each other in the radial direction.

[0090] Regarding the second embodiment, the configurations other than the above are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those described in the first embodiment, and the overlapping descriptions are omitted.

[0091] <Operation of the Second Embodiment> [Regarding the Assembly of the Packing 55] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when assembling the packing 55 to the body main body portion 15, the packing 55 formed of a single sheet is mounted on the packing mounting portion 21.

[0092] At this time, as shown in FIG. 17, the packing 55 is mounted on the packing mounting portion 21 so that the tip end portions of the protrusions 86 of the body main body portion 15 enter the groove portions 85 provided at a plurality of locations in the circumferential direction of each circumferential body intermediate portion 68. The protrusions 86 inserted into the groove portions 85 position the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 in the circumferential direction with respect to the body main body portion 15, instead of the pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 (see FIG. 10) in the first embodiment.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 12, 14, and 18, the axial body intermediate portion 69 is inserted and disposed between a pair of axial intermediate wall portions 75, and the axial positioning of the axial body intermediate portion 69 with respect to the body main body portion 15 is the same as that in the first embodiment. Further, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the circumferential body outer end portion 71 approaches or contacts the stepped surfaces 23 at both ends in the circumferential direction of the packing mounting portion 21, which is the same as that in the first embodiment. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 18, the axial body outer end portion 72 is also sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction by the axial outer end wall portion 76 in the body main body portion 15 and the annular protrusions 32 of the covers 31 and 35, which is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0094] [Sealing by the packing 55] As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in the rotary valve 10 of the second embodiment, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 are separated from each other in the circumferential direction. The region sandwiched by the adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 functions as a buffer region. Therefore, when a liquid pressure acts from one circumferential lip boundary portion 64 toward the other circumferential lip boundary portion 64, if the former circumferential lip boundary portion 64 elastically deforms in the buffer region, the liquid pressure hardly acts on the latter circumferential lip boundary portion 64.

[0095] Also, as shown in FIG. 18, in the rotary valve 10 of the second embodiment, in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 are separated from each other in the axial direction. The region sandwiched by the adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 functions as a buffer region. Therefore, when a liquid pressure acts from one axial lip boundary portion 65 toward the other axial lip boundary portion 65, if the former axial lip boundary portion 65 elastically deforms in the buffer region, the liquid pressure hardly acts on the latter axial lip boundary portion 65.

[0096] Here, as the packing 55 undergoes compressive elastic deformation, a compressive reaction force, which is the force that pushes back the valve body portion 42, is generated. This compressive reaction force is necessary to seal between the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve body portion 42 and the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body portion 15. However, if the compressive reaction force is too large, the sliding resistance generated between the valve body portion 42 and the packing 55 increases as the valve element 41 rotates.

[0097] In this regard, according to the second embodiment, among the circumferential direction main body intermediate portions 68, the dimension in the radial direction of the portion where the groove portion 85 is formed is smaller than the dimension when the groove portion 85 is not formed. Accordingly, the compressive reaction force of the packing 55 becomes smaller. As the valve element 41 rotates, the sliding resistance generated between the valve body portion 42 and the packing 55 decreases.

[0098] Furthermore, the protrusion 86 inserted into the groove portion 85 restricts the circumferential movement of the circumferential direction main body intermediate portion 68 with respect to the body main body portion 15. <Effects of the Second Embodiment> Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as the above (1-1), (1-4), and (1-5) in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the following effects can be obtained. Among these effects, in particular, the effect of (2-1) is an effect that replaces (1-6), the effect of (2-2) is an effect that replaces (1-7), and the effect of (2-4) is an effect that replaces (1-2).

[0099] (2-1) As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, in each of the lip portions 63 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, the circumferential lip boundary portions 64 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are formed in the circumferential direction main body intermediate portion 68 in a state of being circumferentially separated from each other. Therefore, even if a liquid pressure acts on one circumferential lip boundary portion 64 toward the other circumferential lip boundary portion 64, the other circumferential lip boundary portion 64 is less likely to be affected by the liquid pressure applied to the one circumferential lip boundary portion 64. Further improvement in the performance of restricting liquid leakage by the packing 55 can be achieved.

[0100] (2-2) As shown in Fig. 18, in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 are formed in the axial body intermediate portion 69 in a state of being axially separated from each other. Therefore, even if a liquid pressure acting toward the other axial lip boundary portion 65 acts on one axial lip boundary portion 65, the other axial lip boundary portion 65 is less likely to be affected by the liquid pressure applied to the one axial lip boundary portion 65. Further improvement in the performance of restricting liquid leakage by the packing 55 can be achieved.

[0101] (2-3) As shown in Fig. 17, in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68, a groove portion 85 is formed at a location between adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64. The groove portion 85 extends axially in a state of being recessed inward in the radial direction from the outer surface (outer circumferential surface 59) of the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 in the radial direction. Therefore, the compression reaction force generated due to the compressive elastic deformation of the packing 55 can be reduced. The sliding resistance generated between the valve body portion 41 and the packing 55 as the valve body 41 rotates can be decreased. As a result, the rotational torque required to rotate the valve body 41 can be reduced.

[0102] (2-4) As shown in Fig. 17, a protrusion 86 that extends axially in a state of protruding inward in the radial direction is formed on the inner circumferential surface 22 of the body main body portion 15, and this protrusion 86 is inserted into the groove portion 85. Therefore, even if a liquid pressure acting in the circumferential direction acts on the packing 55, the packing 55 can be restricted from shifting in the circumferential direction with respect to the body main body portion 15. The performance of restricting liquid leakage by the packing 55 can be maintained.

[0103] (2-5) The packing main body portion 56 is not divided and forms a single sheet shape. Therefore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to a case where the packing main body portion 56 is divided into a plurality of main body divided bodies 77 to 79.

[0104] <Modification Example> Each of the above embodiments can be implemented with the following modifications. Each of the above embodiments and the following modification examples can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically non - conflicting range.

[0105] [Matters related to the packing 55] (In the second embodiment as well, similar to the first embodiment, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 may be constituted by a common circumferential lip boundary portion 64 extending in the axial direction at the circumferential body intermediate portion 68. Also, in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 may be constituted by a common axial lip boundary portion 65 extending in the circumferential direction at the axial body intermediate portion 69.)

[0106] (In the first embodiment as well, similar to the second embodiment, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 may be formed at the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 in a state of being circumferentially separated from each other. Also, in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 may be formed at the axial body intermediate portion 69 in a state of being axially separated from each other.)

[0107] (In each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 may be in circumferential contact with each other at the circumferential body intermediate portion 68.) (In each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 may be in axial contact with each other at the axial body intermediate portion 69.)

[0108] (The number of the circumferential lip boundary portions 64 at the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 may be different between the inner circumferential lip portion 61 and the outer circumferential lip portion 62.) (The number of the axial lip boundary portions 65 at the axial body intermediate portion 69 may be different between the inner circumferential lip portion 61 and the outer circumferential lip portion 62.)

[0109] · In the circumferential direction body intermediate part 68, of the groove part 85 and the protrusion part 86 in the body main body part 15, only the protrusion part 86 may be omitted. Also, both the groove part 85 and the protrusion part 86 may be omitted. In these cases, the circumferential direction body intermediate part 68 may be sandwiched from both sides in the circumferential direction by a pair of circumferential direction intermediate wall parts 73 as in the first embodiment. If this is done, the circumferential direction body intermediate part 68 will have its movement in the circumferential direction restricted by both circumferential direction intermediate wall parts 73.

[0110] · In the first embodiment, the number of body divided bodies 77 to 79 can be changed on the condition that it is plural. That is, the number of body divided bodies 77 to 79 may be 2 or 3 or more.

[0111] · In the second embodiment, each protrusion part 86 only needs to be inserted into at least a part of the groove part 85 in the radial direction. Therefore, as in the second embodiment, each protrusion part 86 may be inserted into a part of the groove part 85 in the radial direction, or may be inserted into all of it.

[0112] [Other matters] · The plurality of inner peripheral openings 25 may be opened in a state where they are adjacent only in the circumferential direction among the circumferential direction and the axial direction. In this case, in the packing main body part 56, the plurality of through holes 57 penetrating in the radial direction may be formed in a state where they are adjacent only in the circumferential direction among the circumferential direction and the axial direction.

[0113] · The plurality of outer peripheral openings 46 to 48 may be opened in a state where they are adjacent only in the circumferential direction among the circumferential direction and the axial direction.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0114] 10…Rotary valve 11…Housing 12…Body 22…Inner peripheral surface 25…Inner peripheral opening 36, 49…Shaft part 41…Valve body 42…Valve main body part 43…Outer peripheral surface 44…Movable flow path 46, 47, 48… Outer peripheral opening 55… Packing 56… Packing main body part 57… Through-hole 61… Inner peripheral lip part 64… Circumferential direction lip boundary part 68… Circumferential direction main body intermediate part 73… Circumferential direction intermediate wall part 85… Groove part 86… Protrusion

Claims

1. A housing having a cylindrical body, a valve body having a valve body portion housed in the body and rotatably supported by the housing by a shaft portion extending in the axial direction, and a packing having a sheet-like packing body portion disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion and the inner peripheral surface of the body as a skeleton portion. In a part of the inner peripheral surface of the body in the circumferential direction of the valve body portion, a plurality of inner peripheral openings through which liquid flows are opened at least in a state of being adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. A plurality of movable flow paths through which the liquid flows are formed in the valve body. Each movable flow path has an outer peripheral opening that opens on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion. The plurality of outer peripheral openings are formed at least in a state of being adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. A rotary valve in which the communication state between the outer peripheral opening and the inner peripheral opening is changed by rotation of the valve body portion about the shaft portion, and the flow path of the liquid is switched. In the packing body portion, a plurality of through holes penetrating in the radial direction of the valve body portion are formed at least in a state of being adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of through holes include through holes facing the inner peripheral opening in the radial direction. A rotary valve in which, at least around each through hole, an annular inner peripheral lip portion protruding inward in the radial direction and contacting the outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the packing body portion.

2. In each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, a boundary portion with an adjacent inner peripheral lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion. When, in the packing body portion, in each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, a portion where the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction are formed is defined as a circumferential body intermediate portion. In the inner peripheral surface of the body, at positions sandwiching the circumferential body intermediate portion from both sides in the circumferential direction, a pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions protruding inward in the radial direction are formed. The circumferential body intermediate portion is disposed between the pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions. The rotary valve according to Claim 1.

3. In each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, a boundary portion with an adjacent inner peripheral lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion. In the packing main body portion, when a portion where the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction are formed in each of the inner circumferential lip portions adjacent in the circumferential direction is defined as a circumferential main body intermediate portion, In each of the inner circumferential lip portions adjacent in the circumferential direction, the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction are constituted by a common circumferential lip boundary portion extending in the axial direction in the circumferential main body intermediate portion. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. In each of the inner circumferential lip portions adjacent in the circumferential direction, a boundary portion with the adjacent inner circumferential lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion. In the packing main body portion, when a portion where the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction are formed in each of the inner circumferential lip portions adjacent in the circumferential direction is defined as a circumferential main body intermediate portion, In each of the inner circumferential lip portions adjacent in the circumferential direction, the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction are formed in the circumferential main body intermediate portion in a state of being separated from each other in the circumferential direction. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. In the circumferential main body intermediate portion, at a location between the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction, a groove portion extending in the axial direction is formed in a state of being recessed inward in the radial direction from the outer surface of the circumferential main body intermediate portion in the radial direction. The rotary valve according to claim 4.

6. On the inner circumferential surface of the body, a protrusion extending in the axial direction is formed in a state of protruding inward in the radial direction. The protrusion is inserted into the groove portion. The rotary valve according to claim 5.

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