Flow passage changeover valve

Abstract

To provide a flow passage changeover valve capable of suppressing flow passage resistance.SOLUTION: A flow passage changeover valve 10 includes: a valve stem 28 that rotates about an axis by receiving rotating force; a valve body 14 that has a valve chest 12 formed therein and includes a first inlet / outlet 31 opened in a direction vertical to an axial direction of the valve stem 28, a second inlet / outlet 32 opened in a direction vertical to the axial direction of the valve stem 28 and at a position different from that of the first inlet / outlet 31 and a third inlet / outlet 33 opened in the direction vertical to the axial direction of the valve stem 28 and at a position different from those of the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 and through which the valve stem 28 can penetrate; a valve element 16 in which a flow passage 36 for switching a communication state of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32 and the third inlet / outlet 33 is formed, which is disposed within the valve chest 12 and to which the valve stem 28 is coupled; and a connecting part (insertion hole 16A) that is formed on the side opposite to the valve stem 28 in the valve element 16 and to which a valve stem different from the valve stem 28 is connectable concentrically.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow path switching valve. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a valve device that switches the communication state of a plurality of ports in a housing by rotating a valve element (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-82136 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described conventional example, the shaft that receives the driving force of the drive unit to rotate the valve element is located in the fluid flow path within the housing, and therefore this shaft generates flow path resistance.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a flow path switching valve that can suppress flow path resistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] a valve body through which the valve stem can pass; a flow path that switches the communication states of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet; a valve body through which the valve stem can pass; a valve disc that is disposed within the valve chamber and to which the valve stem is connected; and a connecting part that is formed on the opposite side of the valve disc from the valve stem and to which a valve stem different from the valve stem can be concentrically connected.

[0007] In this flow path switching valve, the valve body is rotated by a valve shaft that rotates around its axis when subjected to a rotational force, and the communication state of the first inlet / outlet, second inlet / outlet, and third inlet / outlet of the valve chamber can be switched by the flow path of the valve body.

[0008] The valve body has a connecting portion formed thereon. When one valve body is placed on top of another valve body, the valve stem extending from the valve body placed in the valve chamber of the other valve body is connected to the connecting portion of the valve body placed in the valve chamber of the first valve body, allowing the two valve bodies to rotate constantly.

[0009] The first inlet / outlet, second inlet / outlet, and third inlet / outlet all open in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve stem. Therefore, the valve stem is not located at any of the first inlet / outlet, second inlet / outlet, and third inlet / outlet. In other words, the fluid flow path at each inlet / outlet is not narrowed by the valve stem, thereby reducing flow path resistance.

[0010] The flow path switching valve of a second aspect is the first aspect, wherein the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet are formed in the valve body at the same position in the axial direction of the valve stem.

[0011] Since the positions of the first inlet / outlet, second inlet / outlet, and third inlet / outlet are the same, rather than at different axial positions, of the valve shaft, a structure can be realized in which any of the first inlet / outlet, second inlet / outlet, and third inlet / outlet is closed by the valve body without increasing the axial size of the valve body and valve body.

[0012] In the flow path switching valve of the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, one of the valve bodies is placed on top of another of the valve bodies on the opposite side of the valve shaft of the valve element placed in the valve chamber of the one of the valve bodies, and the valve shaft extending from the valve element placed in the valve chamber of the other of the valve bodies passes through the valve body as the different valve shaft and is connected to the connecting portion.

[0013] In this flow path switching valve, one valve body is connected to another valve body on the opposite side of the valve stem, allowing the two flow path switching valves to be arranged integrally. The valve stem extending from the valve element disposed in the valve chamber of the other valve body is connected to the connecting part of the valve element disposed in the valve chamber of the first valve body, allowing the valve element in the valve chamber of the one valve body and the valve element in the valve chamber of the other valve body to rotate integrally.

[0014] The flow path switching valve of a fourth aspect is in any one of the first to third aspects and includes: a first flow path member having a first flow path communicating with the first inlet / outlet; a second flow path member having a second flow path communicating with the second inlet / outlet and arranged parallel to the first flow path member; and a third flow path member having a third flow path communicating with the third inlet / outlet and arranged at an angle with respect to the axial direction of the first flow path member and the second flow path member when viewed in the axial direction of the valve stem.

[0015] Since the first flow path member and the second flow path member are arranged in parallel, it is easy to realize a structure in which the first flow path member and the second flow path member do not interfere with each other and are not in contact with each other.

[0016] The third flow path member is disposed at an angle with respect to the axial direction of the first flow path member and the second flow path member when viewed in the axial direction of the valve stem, which provides greater freedom in the arrangement of the third flow path member compared to a structure in which the third flow path member is parallel or perpendicular to the axial directions of the first flow path member and the second flow path member when viewed in the axial direction of the valve stem.

[0017] A fifth aspect of the flow path switching valve is the fourth aspect, wherein the first flow path member, the second flow path member, and the third flow path member each have a connector to which other members are connected, and the third flow path member has an inclined portion that intersects with the first flow path member and the second flow path member when viewed in the axial direction of the valve shaft and is arranged at an incline, and positions the connector of the third flow path member so as not to interfere with the connector of the first flow path member or the second flow path member.

[0018] By having the inclined portion of the third flow path member intersect with the first flow path member and the second flow path member and being arranged at an incline, a structure can be realized in which the connector of the third flow path member does not interfere with the connector of the first flow path member or the second flow path member.

[0019] A sixth aspect of the flow path switching valve is the fifth aspect, wherein the third flow path member has a tubular communication portion that communicates with the third inlet / outlet and the inclined portion and forms a part of the third flow path.

[0020] The tubular communication portion can realize a structure in which the third flow path member communicates with the third inlet / outlet.

[0021] A seventh aspect of the flow path switching valve is the sixth aspect, wherein the communication portion extends in the axial direction of the valve stem between the first flow path member and the second flow path member.

[0022] Since the communication portion extends in the axial direction of the valve stem, it is possible to ensure a larger cross-sectional area and volume in the communication portion compared to a structure in which the communication portion does not extend.

[0023] The flow path switching valve of an eighth aspect is any one of the first to seventh aspects, and further includes a rotation drive portion that rotates the valve shaft.

[0024] The valve shaft can be rotated by a single rotary drive unit, which can also rotate the valve element. In a structure in which valve bodies are arranged one on top of another, the valve shaft can be rotated by a single rotary drive unit, which can simultaneously rotate multiple valve elements, including the valve element located in the valve chamber of one valve body and the valve element located in the valve chamber of another valve body.

[0025] A ninth aspect of the flow path switching valve is the flow path switching valve of any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the connecting portion is an insertion hole into which a valve stem is inserted so as not to rotate relatively to the valve body.

[0026] The connecting portion can be constructed with a simple structure in which an insertion hole is provided in the valve body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the present disclosure, a flow path switching valve capable of suppressing flow path resistance can be obtained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing an overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a cutaway front view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 is a cutaway plan view showing an overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] 1 is a cutaway perspective view showing an overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a valve body of the flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a valve body of the flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9]FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a cutaway front view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cutaway plan view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same components. Note that duplicated explanations and reference numerals may be omitted in the embodiments described below. Furthermore, all drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional relationships, ratios, etc. of each element shown in the drawings do not necessarily match those in reality. Furthermore, the dimensional relationships, ratios, etc. of each element between multiple drawings do not necessarily match.

[0030] In addition, in this specification, the up-down direction corresponds to the up-down direction on a drawing, for example, in Figure 1, and the left-right direction corresponds to the up-down direction on a drawing, for example, in Figure 2. These directions do not refer to directions in an actual state of use.

[0031] The flow path switching valve 10 is used as a rotary three-way or four-way valve for switching the flow path of a fluid flowing in, for example, the engine compartment of an automobile.

[0032] Fig. 1 is a front view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve 10 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a plan cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the flow path switching valve 10 according to the first embodiment. In an embodiment of the technique of the present disclosure, a plurality of flow path switching valves 10 (two in the example shown in Fig. 1) are stacked and arranged in the vertical direction.

[0033] Each flow path switching valve 10 includes a valve body 14, a valve element 16 (see FIG. 2), a rotary drive unit 18 (see FIG. 1), a first flow path member 21, a second flow path member 22, a third flow path member 23, and a valve shaft 28. The insides of the first flow path member 21, the second flow path member 22, and the third flow path member 23 form a first flow path 21P, a second flow path 22P, and a third flow path 23P, respectively. The flow path switching valve 10 is a three-way valve that switches between, for example, a state in which the first flow path 21P and the third flow path 23P are connected to each other, a state in which the second flow path 22P and the third flow path 23P are connected to each other, and a state in which the first flow path 21P and the second flow path 22P are connected to each other. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the first flow path 21P and the third flow path 23P are connected to each other, as indicated by arrow F1.

[0034] The valve body 14 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin. A valve chamber 12 is formed inside the valve body 14. A first inlet / outlet 31, a second inlet / outlet 32 (see FIG. 2), and a third inlet / outlet 33 (see FIG. 5) are formed on the wall surface of the valve chamber 12, through which fluids enter and exit. In this embodiment, the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 face each other with the valve element 16 between them, and form a central angle of 180 degrees around a center line CL (described later). The third inlet / outlet 33 is located between the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32, and forms a central angle of 90 degrees with both the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32. The first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 open in a direction perpendicular to the center line CL. The first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 are equidistant from the center line CL. Furthermore, the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 are located at the same position in the direction in which the center line CL extends.

[0035] The valve element 16 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and is rotatably disposed within the valve chamber 12. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the valve element 16 has an outer circumferential surface that is part of a substantially spherical shape as a whole.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 6, an insertion hole 16A is formed in the upper part of the valve body 16, into which the lower part of the valve stem 28 can be inserted. As shown in Fig. 3, with the lower part of the valve stem 28 inserted into the insertion hole 16A, the valve stem 28 protrudes upward from the valve body 16. The lower part of the valve stem 28 and the insertion hole 16A are engaged with each other around the axial direction of the valve stem 28. When the valve stem 28 is rotated by the rotational driving force of the rotary drive unit 18, the rotation of the valve stem 28 is transmitted to the valve body 16. The insertion hole 16A does not pass through the valve body 16 and is formed with a length that does not reach the center of the valve body 16.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 7 , an insertion hole 16B is formed in the lower part of the valve element 16, into which the upper part of the valve stem 28 is inserted. As shown in FIG. 3 , when multiple flow path switching valves 10 are arranged one on top of the other, the upper part of the valve stem 28 is inserted into the insertion hole 16B. With the upper part of the valve stem 28 inserted into the insertion hole 16B in this manner, the valve stem 28 protrudes downward from the valve element 16. The upper part of the valve stem 28 and the insertion hole 16B are engaged with each other around the axial direction of the valve stem 28. That is, the valve stem 28 connects the valve element 16 of the upper flow path switching valve 10 and the valve element 16 of the lower flow path switching valve 10, which are arranged one on top of the other, so that they cannot rotate relative to each other, i.e., they rotate integrally. When the valve element 16 of the upper flow path switching valve 10 rotates, the valve element 16 of the lower flow path switching valve 10 also rotates via the valve stem 28. In this case, when the valve element 16 of the upper flow path switching valve 10 is used as a reference, the valve stem 28 protruding upward from the valve element 16 of the lower flow path switching valve 10 is a "different valve stem" in the disclosed technology.

[0038] The center line of the upper insertion hole 16A of the valve body 16 coincides with the center line of the lower insertion hole 16B. As shown in Fig. 3, this center line also coincides with the center line CL of the valve stem 28. Therefore, the axial direction of the valve stem 28 inserted into the upper insertion hole 16A and the axial direction of the valve stem 28 inserted into the lower insertion hole 16B also coincide with the center line CL and are concentric. The insertion holes 16A and 16B are an example of an insertion hole and also an example of a connecting portion.

[0039] The valve body 16 is formed with a center pillar 44, a wall body 46, and ribs 48. The center pillar 44 forms the center of the valve body 16, and insertion holes 16A and 16B are formed at both ends of the center pillar 44 in the axial direction, respectively.

[0040] The outer peripheral surface of the wall 46 forms a part of the spherical shape of the valve element 16. The portion of the valve element 16 where the wall 46 is not formed is partitioned by a rib 48, forming a flow path 36 in the valve element 16. The wall 46 is reinforced by the rib 48. When the valve element 16 rotates around the center line CL, the wall 46 blocks one of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33, depending on the orientation of the valve element 16. At this time, the inlet / outlet not blocked by the wall 46 is connected by the flow path 36. That is, any two of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 of the valve body 14 are selectively connected. In other words, the connection state of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 of the valve body 14 can be selectively switched depending on the orientation of the valve element 16.

[0041] 2, the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 of the valve body 14 all open in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction (the direction of the center line CL) of the valve stem 28. For this reason, as shown in Fig. 3, the valve stem 28 is not present in the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33. The valve stem 28 is also not present in the first flow path member 21, the second flow path member 22, and the third flow path member 23, which are connected to the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33, respectively.

[0042] When the wall 46 of the valve body 16 is in a state where it closes one of the inlet / outlet ports, it is in close contact with a sheet member 40 (described later) around the closed inlet / outlet port.

[0043] Sealing portions 38 that seal the gap between the valve element 16 and the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 are provided, respectively. The sealing portions 38 include, for example, a seat member 40 and an O-ring 42. The seat member 40 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and is formed in an annular shape with openings corresponding to the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32. The seat members 40 are disposed around the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 on the inner wall surfaces of the valve body 14 (the front and rear wall surfaces of the valve chamber 12). The valve element 16 is sandwiched between the two seat members 40 and is disposed so as to be rotatable and slidable while in contact with each seat member 40.

[0044] The gap between the seat member 40 and the valve body 14 is sealed, for example, airtight or watertight, by O-rings 42. The O-rings 42 are attached to O-ring grooves (not shown) formed in the seat member 40, for example.

[0045] As an example, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) can be used for the valve body 14 and the valve element 16, PTFE (fluororesin) can be used for the seat member 40, and synthetic rubber can be used for the O-ring 42.

[0046] The rotary drive unit 18 is connected to the valve body 14. The rotary drive unit 18 includes, for example, a geared motor. The rotary drive unit 18 is a device that rotates the valve body 16 so that the communication states of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 are selectively switched through the flow path 36 of the valve body 16. The rotary drive unit 18 is disposed above the upper valve body 14.

[0047] A valve shaft 28 serving as an output shaft is coupled to the rotary drive unit 18. The valve shaft 28 is inserted into a through-hole formed in the bracket 24. The lower end of the valve shaft 28 is inserted into the insertion hole 16A (FIG. 5) of the valve body 16. The valve shaft 28 receives the rotational force of the rotary drive unit 18 and rotates about its axis (about the center line CL).

[0048] In this embodiment, multiple flow path switching valves 10 can be connected in a stacked manner. For example, when a rotary drive unit 18 is connected to one flow path switching valve 10, another flow path switching valve 10 is connected in a stacked manner on the opposite side of the rotary drive unit 18. It is also possible to connect three or more flow path switching valves 10 in a stacked manner. When multiple flow path switching valves 10 are arranged in a stacked manner, the valve bodies 14 of the respective flow path switching valves 10 are also arranged in a stacked manner.

[0049] 3, the valve body 14 has a connection portion 66 extending downward from the position of the valve chamber 12, and a connection portion 68 extending upward. When multiple flow path switching valves 10 are connected in the vertical direction, the lower surface of the connection portion 66 faces the upper surface of the connection portion 68. The connection portions 66 and 68 are connected without misalignment, for example, by being spigot-fitted, and the connected state of the multiple flow path switching valves 10 is maintained.

[0050] A through hole 74 is formed in the connecting portion 66 and the connecting portion 68. A valve stem 28 can be inserted into the through hole 74. By inserting the valve stem 28 into the through hole 74, the valve bodies 16 of the upper and lower flow path switching valves 10 can be synchronously rotatably connected. In this case, as described above, the valve stem 28 protruding upward from the lower valve body 16 corresponds to the "different valve stem" of the disclosed technology when the upper valve body 16 is used as the reference. In other words, the valve stem 28 protruding from the lower valve body 16 passes through the through hole 74 of the valve main body 14 as a "different valve stem" and is inserted into the insertion hole 16B of the upper valve body 16.

[0051] The first flow path member 21, the second flow path member 22, and the third flow path member 23 are, for example, tubular members formed integrally with the valve body 14.

[0052] The first flow path member 21 has, for example, a linear portion that is open at both ends and extends in the direction of the axis J1, and a branch portion that branches off midway from this linear portion, and is formed in a substantially T-shape in plan view (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The linear portion of the first flow path member 21 is arranged, for example, in the left-right direction. The branch portion of the first flow path member 21 communicates with the first inlet / outlet 31 of the valve chamber 12.

[0053] The second flow path member 22 is disposed next to the first flow path member 21 with the valve body 14 sandwiched therebetween. The second flow path member 22 has, for example, both ends open, a linear portion extending in the direction of the axis J2, and a branch portion branching from the linear portion, and is formed in a substantially T-shape in plan view (see FIGS. 2 and 4). The linear portion of the second flow path member 22 is disposed, for example, in the left-right direction and parallel to the linear portion of the first flow path member 21. The branch portion of the second flow path member 22 communicates with the second inlet / outlet 32 of the valve chamber 12. FIG. 2 is a view of the flow path switching valve 10 as viewed in the axial direction of the valve stem 28 (the direction of the center line CL). FIG. 2 is also a view of the flow path switching valve 10 as viewed in the normal direction of a plane including the axis J1 of the first flow path member 21 and the axis J2 of the second flow path member 22. The center line CL of the valve shaft 28 is one of the normal lines to a plane including the axis J1 of the first flow path member 21 and the axis J2 of the second flow path member 22. The direction in which the flow path switching valve 10 is viewed from above or below is the normal direction to the plane including the axis J1 of the first flow path member 21 and the axis J2 of the second flow path member 22.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2 , female joints 51 and 52 are provided at one end of the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22, respectively. Male joints 61 and 62 are provided at the other end of the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22, respectively. The male joints 61 and 62 are configured to be connectable to the female joints 51 and 52. By connecting the male joints 61 and 62 to the female joints 51 and 52, respectively, it is possible to link multiple flow path switching valves 10 in the left-right direction (lateral direction). The first flow path member 21 has a larger outer diameter at the portion where the female joint 51 and the male joint 61 are formed than at the portion where the female joint 51 and the male joint 61 are not formed (the middle portion of the linear portion). Similarly, the second flow path member 22 has a larger outer diameter at the portion where the female joint 52 and the male joint 62 are formed than at the portion where the female joint 52 and the male joint 62 are not formed (the middle portion of the linear portion). The male joint 61 is an example of a connector in the first flow path member 21. The male joint 62 is an example of a connector in the second flow path member 22.

[0055] A pump can be attached to the female joint 51 or the male joint 61 of the first flow path member 21 at the end of the flow path switching valve 10, and to the female joint 52 or the male joint 62 of the second flow path member 22 at the end of the flow path switching valve 10. These pumps can supply fluid from other devices to the first flow path member 21 or the second flow path member 22, respectively, or supply fluid in the first flow path member 21 to other devices.

[0056] The third flow path member 23 has a tubular communicating portion 23A that communicates with the third inlet / outlet 33, and a tubular inclined portion 23B that extends from the communicating portion 23A. The communicating portion 23A is disposed, for example, parallel to the center line CL of the valve stem 28. More specifically, the communicating portion 23A is located between the first flow path member 61 and the second flow path member 62, and extends in the axial direction of the valve stem 28. One end of the communicating portion 23A communicates with the third inlet / outlet 33.

[0057] One end of the inclined portion 23B communicates with the communication portion 23A. The other end of the inclined portion 23B is located opposite the third inlet / outlet 33, and the end of the third flow path member 23 is open. A male joint 63, for example, that can be connected to a pipe to another device is provided at the end on the open side of the third flow path member 23. The third flow path member 23 has a larger outer diameter at the portion where the male joint 63 is formed than at the portion where the male joint 63 is not formed. The male joint 63 is an example of a connector in the third flow path member 23.

[0058] 2 and 4, when the flow path switching valve 10 is viewed in the axial direction of the valve stem 28, the inclined portion 23B intersects with the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22 and is inclined obliquely laterally. More specifically, the inclined portion 23B is inclined with respect to the axis J1 of the first flow path member 21 and the axis J2 of the second flow path member 22. Because the inclined portion 23B is inclined in this manner, the male joint 63 of the third flow path member 23 is positioned offset from a part of the first flow path member 21, specifically, from the male joint 61 of the first flow path member 21. In other words, the male joint 63 is positioned so as not to interfere with the male joint 61.

[0059] The communicating portion 23A is located between the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22, at a position different from the valve chamber 12. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the communicating portion 23A is offset downward in Fig. 2 from the valve chamber 12, and extends in the axial direction of the valve stem 28. In this way, the communicating portion 23A extends in a space different from the valve chamber 12, and this structure can obtain a cross-sectional area and volume that can ensure a flow rate in the communicating portion 23A without being affected by the shape of the valve chamber 12.

[0060] Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

[0061] In the flow path switching valve 10 of the first embodiment, the rotary drive unit 18 rotates the valve shaft 28, thereby rotating the valve element 16, thereby selectively switching the communication states of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 of the valve chamber 12 through the flow path 36 of the valve element 16. For example, in the example shown in Figure 2, the wall body 46 of the valve element 16 closes the second inlet / outlet 32. In this state, the first inlet / outlet 31 and the third inlet / outlet 33 are in communication.

[0062] In the first embodiment, a plurality of flow path switching valves 10 are connected in a stacked manner, and the respective valve bodies 14 are also arranged in a stacked manner. The valve elements 16 of the respective flow path switching valves 10 are connected so as to rotate synchronously via a valve shaft 28. Therefore, the rotational driving force of a single rotary drive unit 18 can rotate the plurality of valve elements 16 synchronously and integrally via the valve shaft 28.

[0063] The first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 of the valve chest 12 all open in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve stem 28 (the direction of the center line CL). Therefore, the valve stem 28 is not present at the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33. If the valve stem 28 were present at any of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33, the flow path cross-sectional area of the inlet / outlet where the valve stem 28 is present would be narrowed, and flow path resistance due to the valve stem 28 would be generated against the movement of the fluid. However, in the flow path switching valve 10 of the first embodiment, the valve stem 28 is not present at any of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33, so no flow path resistance due to the valve stem 28 is generated.

[0064] Moreover, in the flow path switching valve 10 of the first embodiment, the valve stem 28 is not present in the first flow path member 21, the second flow path member 22, and the third flow path member 23, which are respectively connected to the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33. Therefore, flow path resistance due to the valve stem 28 is not generated in the first flow path member 21, the second flow path member 22, and the third flow path member 23 either.

[0065] In the flow path switching valve 10 of the first embodiment, the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22 are arranged in parallel in their respective linear portions, thereby realizing a structure in which the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22 do not interfere with each other.

[0066] In the flow path switching valve 10 of the first embodiment, the inclined portion 23B of the third flow path member 23 intersects with the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22 when viewed in the axial direction of the valve stem 28. Furthermore, the inclined portion 23B of the third flow path member 23 extends in a direction inclined with respect to the axis J1 of the first flow path member 21 and the axis J2 of the second flow path member 22. Therefore, there is a high degree of freedom in the shape and arrangement of the third flow path member 23 compared to a structure in which the inclined portion 23B of the third flow path member 23 is arranged parallel to or perpendicular to the axis J1 of the first flow path member 21 and the axis J2 of the second flow path member 22 when viewed in the axial direction of the valve stem 28.

[0067] Furthermore, the first flow path member 21, the second flow path member 22, and the third flow path member 23 all have male joints 61, 62, and 63. In a structure in which the inclined portion 23B of the third flow path member 23 is disposed perpendicular to the axis J1 of the first flow path member 21 and the axis J2 of the second flow path member 22 when viewed in the axial direction of the valve stem 28, there is a risk of interference between any of the male joints 61, 62, and 63. However, in the flow path switching valve 10 of the first embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 2 and other figures, the inclined portion 23B of the third flow path member 23 extends in a direction inclined relative to the axis J1 of the first flow path member 21 and the axis J2 of the second flow path member 22. This results in a structure in which the male joints 61, 62, and 63 are positioned so as not to interfere with each other. 2 shows a structure in which the male joint 63 of the third flow path member 23 is positioned so as not to interfere with the male joint 61 of the first flow path member 21, but depending on the shape of the third flow path member 23, the male joint 63 can also be positioned so as not to interfere with the male joint 62 of the second flow path member 22. Furthermore, in FIG. 2, the inclined portion 23B of the third flow path member 23 appears to be in contact with the male joint 61 of the first flow path member 21, but in reality, the third flow path member 23 and the first flow path member 21 are arranged offset in the axial direction of the valve shaft 28, and therefore the inclined portion 23B does not come into contact with the male joint 61.

[0068] In the flow path switching valve 10 of the first embodiment, the communicating portion 23A extends in the axial direction of the valve shaft 28. By having the communicating portion 23A extend in this manner, a structure can be achieved that can ensure the flow rate in the communicating portion 23A without being affected by the shapes of the valve chamber 12, the first flow path member 21, and the second flow path member 22. In particular, by arranging the communicating portion 23A between the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22, the cross-sectional area and volume of the communicating portion 23A are ensured without making the flow path switching valve 10 excessively large.

[0069] The flow path switching valve 10 of the first embodiment has a rotary drive unit 18. One valve body 14 is connected to another valve body 14 on the side opposite the rotary drive unit 18. In this structure in which a plurality of flow path switching valves 10 are connected in a stacked manner, the valve elements 16 of the plurality of flow path switching valves 10 are connected by a valve shaft 28. Therefore, the rotary drive force of the single rotary drive unit 18 can rotate the plurality of valve elements 16 connected by the valve shaft 28 in synchronization.

[0070] Insertion holes 16A and 16B are formed in the valve body 16. By inserting (inserting) the valve stem 28 into these insertion holes 16A and 16B, it is possible to easily connect the valve stem 28 to the valve body 16. Note that the connecting portion according to the disclosed technology is not limited to insertion holes such as the insertion holes 16A and 16B, and the valve stem 28 may be connected to the valve body 16 by, for example, adhesive bonding, welding, fastening, or the like.

[0071] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the same elements, members, etc. as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0072] 8 to 11 , in the flow path switching valve 80 of the second embodiment, the inclined portion 23B of the third flow path member 23 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22 (strictly speaking, in a twisted position) when the flow path switching valve 10 is viewed from above or from the bottom. The first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22 are formed longer than those of the flow path switching valve 10 of the first embodiment, thereby providing a structure in which the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22 do not interfere with the third flow path member 23.

[0073] In the flow path switching valve 80 of the second embodiment, the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 of the valve chest 12 all open in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve stem 28 (the direction of the center line CL), and the valve stem 28 is not present in the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33. Therefore, in the flow path switching valve 80 of the second embodiment, no flow path resistance due to the valve stem 28 is generated in any of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33. Furthermore, the valve stem 28 is not present in the first flow path member 21, the second flow path member 22, and the third flow path member 23, and no flow path resistance due to the valve stem 28 is generated in the first flow path member 21, the second flow path member 22, and the third flow path member 23.

[0074] The flow path switching valve 10 is not limited to a three-way valve, and may be, for example, a four-way valve. In this case, the valve element 16 has four inlets and outlets formed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve shaft 28. Then, for example, by rotating the valve element 16, it is possible to switch between a state in which two of the four inlets and outlets are connected.

[0075] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0076] Female fittings 51, 52 are provided at one end of the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22, respectively, and male fittings 61, 62 having a structure that can be connected to the female fittings 51, 52 are provided at the other end of the first flow path member 21 and the second flow path member 22, respectively, but a configuration that does not have such a fitting structure is also possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 10. Flow path switching valve 12 Valve chamber 14 Valve body 16 Valve body 16A, 16B Insertion holes (example of connecting part) 18 Rotation drive unit 21 First flow path member 21P First flow path 22 Second flow path member 22P second flow path 23 Third flow path member 23P third flow path 23A Communication part 23B Slope 24 Bracket 28 Valve stem 31 First entrance / exit 32 Second entrance / exit 33 Third entrance / exit 36 Flow path 38 Sealing part 40 Sheet material 42 Ring 44 Central pillar 46 Wall 48 Ribs 51, 52 Female joint 61, 62 Male joint 63 Male joint 66 Connection 68 Connection 74 Through Hole 80 Flow path switching valve

Claims

1. a valve stem that receives a rotational force and rotates around its axis; a valve body having a valve chamber formed therein, a first inlet / outlet opening in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve stem, a second inlet / outlet opening in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve stem and at a position different from the first inlet / outlet, and a third inlet / outlet opening in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve stem and at a position different from the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet; and a valve body, the valve body having a flow path formed therein for switching communication states of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet, the valve body being disposed in the valve chamber and connected to the valve stem; a connecting portion formed on the valve body on the opposite side to the valve shaft, to which a valve shaft different from the valve shaft can be concentrically connected; A flow path switching valve having the above structure.

2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 , wherein the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet are formed in the valve body at the same positions in the axial direction of the valve stem.

3. one of the valve bodies is disposed in the valve chamber of the valve body on the opposite side of the valve stem, and another of the valve bodies is disposed on top of the other of the valve bodies; 2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein a valve stem extending from the valve element disposed in the valve chamber of another of the valve bodies passes through the valve body as the different valve stem and is connected to the connecting portion.

4. a first flow path member having a first flow path communicating with the first inlet / outlet; a second flow path member that is provided with a second flow path that communicates with the second inlet / outlet and is arranged in parallel to the first flow path member; a third flow path member including a third flow path communicating with the third inlet / outlet, the third flow path member being inclined with respect to the axial direction of the first flow path member and the second flow path member as viewed in the axial direction of the valve stem; The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 , further comprising:

5. the first flow path member, the second flow path member, and the third flow path member each include a connector to which other members are connected; 5. The flow path switching valve according to claim 4, wherein the third flow path member has an inclined portion that intersects with the first flow path member and the second flow path member and is arranged at an incline when viewed in the axial direction of the valve shaft, and positions the connector of the third flow path member so as not to interfere with the connector of the first flow path member or the second flow path member.

6. The flow path switching valve according to claim 5 , wherein the third flow path member has a tubular communication portion that communicates with the third inlet / outlet and the inclined portion and forms a part of the third flow path.

7. The flow path switching valve according to claim 6 , wherein the communication portion extends in the axial direction of the valve stem between the first flow path member and the second flow path member.

8. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 , further comprising a rotary drive unit that rotates the valve shaft.

9. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 , wherein the connecting portion is an insertion hole into which a valve stem is inserted so as not to rotate relative to the valve body.

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