Valve device

Abstract

To provide a valve device which enables quick response of a thermostat to temperature change of a fluid for cooling the device.SOLUTION: A valve device (100) of the invention includes: an inflow part (18) into which a fluid flows; a first outflow part (11) from which the fluid flowing from the inflow part (18) flows out; a first passage (A) connecting the inflow part (18) with the first outflow part (11) and having a first valve (70); a second passage (B) which connects the inflow part (18) with the first outflow part (11), is different from the first passage (A), and has a second valve (80); and a straightening part (45) which is provided at the inflow part (18) and directs a part of the fluid flowing into the second passage (B) toward the first valve (70). The first valve (70) is a thermostat (70) having a temperature detection unit (72) which houses a wax which expands or contracts according to temperature change of the fluid and a rod (71) which may be moved forward or rearward from the temperature detection unit (72) by expansion and contraction of the wax. The second valve is a motor valve (80).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device for regulating the flow rate of a fluid that cools a device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1, a valve device that adjusts the flow rate according to predetermined conditions has been used. The valve device has an inlet for coolant and multiple outlets for sending out the inflowing coolant, and the coolant is sent to each device through pipes connected to each outlet. The document discloses a valve device for automotive coolant. The valve device is provided in the cylinder head of the engine, and coolant is introduced into the valve device through the inlet.

[0003] The valve device has a motor and a valve element that is controlled to open and close by the motor via a reduction mechanism. Coolant is delivered from the valve device to the heating heat exchanger, oil cooler, and radiator, and the amount of coolant delivered to each of these devices is regulated by the valve element. The valve device is electrically controlled by an on-board electronic controller in accordance with the coolant temperature and vehicle operating conditions, etc., and the valve element is opened and closed to deliver the introduced coolant to the heating heat exchanger, oil cooler, and radiator.

[0004] The valve device has two channels, a main channel and a secondary channel, inside the valve device to send coolant to the radiator. The main channel is equipped with an electric valve, and the secondary channel, which is used when the flow rate of the main channel is insufficient, is equipped with a thermostat. The thermostat includes a temperature-sensing part containing wax that expands and contracts in response to changes in the coolant temperature, and a rod whose base end is inserted into the temperature-sensing part and is movable back and forth relative to the temperature-sensing part. The wax in the thermostat expands and contracts in response to changes in the temperature of the surrounding coolant, and the valve opens and closes as the rod moves back and forth. The temperature of the coolant changes depending on the operating state of the engine. Therefore, the on-off valve needs to respond quickly to changes in the coolant temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-218763 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Conventional valve devices mainly use an electric valve, and the thermostat opens only when the flow rate of coolant from the electric valve to the radiator is insufficient. As a result, the coolant from the inlet flows directly into the main flow path on the electric valve side, but the coolant from the inlet flows less easily into the secondary flow path on the thermostat side.

[0007] If the cooling water does not flow smoothly toward the thermostat, the cooling water is likely to stagnate around the thermostat's temperature-sensing part, which means that the temperature-sensing part will not be able to properly respond to changes in the cooling water temperature, which could result in a delayed response of the thermostat to changes in the cooling water temperature.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a valve device in which a thermostat can quickly respond to temperature changes in the fluid that cools the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The valve device according to the present invention comprises: an inlet portion into which the fluid flows; a first outlet portion through which the fluid flowing in from the inlet portion flows out; a first flow path connecting the inlet and the first outlet and having a first valve; a second flow path connecting the inlet and the first outlet, having a second valve and different from the first flow path; and a rectifying portion provided in the inflow portion for directing a portion of the fluid flowing into the second flow path to the first valve, The first valve is a thermostat having a temperature detection part containing wax that expands and contracts in response to changes in the temperature of the fluid, and a rod that can move forward and backward from the temperature detection part due to the expansion and contraction of the wax, The second valve is an electrically operated valve.

[0010] According to the present invention, the rectifying section can direct the fluid flowing into the second flow path to the first valve, allowing the thermostat, which is the first valve, to respond quickly to temperature changes in the fluid that cools the device.

[0011] Furthermore, the flow rectifying portion of the valve device according to the present invention may be provided on a support portion that supports a part of the second valve.

[0012] With this configuration, the flow rectifier can be disposed by utilizing the support portion of the second valve without adding a separate support member dedicated to the flow rectifier, thereby ensuring maximum flow path space.

[0013] Furthermore, the flow rectifying portion of the valve device according to the present invention may at least partially overlap with the temperature detecting portion of the thermostat in the axial direction of the rod of the thermostat.

[0014] By overlapping the flow rectifying portion at least partially with the temperature detecting portion in the axial direction of the rod in this way, the fluid flowing into the second flow path can be reliably directed around the temperature detecting portion of the thermostat.

[0015] Furthermore, the flow straightening portion of the valve device according to the present invention may be arranged in only one of two regions separated by a first plane that is bounded by a plane passing through the central axis of the first valve and the central axis of the second valve when viewed from the axial direction of the rod.

[0016] By configuring it in this manner, the fluid directed toward the first valve by the straightening section rotates along the inner surface of the first flow path, forming a flow that circulates around the temperature detection section of the thermostat as the first valve, allowing the fluid to flow efficiently to the first valve. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system including a valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the valve device according to the embodiment, taken along line II-II in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the valve device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the valve device of FIG. 2 in a state where a first valve and a second valve are open. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rectifying member of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] <Embodiment> A valve device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooling system including the valve device 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the valve device 100. Figure 3 is a bottom view of the valve device 100.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 1, an automotive cooling system to which a valve device 100 is applied will be described. The valve device 100 can be used as a flow control valve in a cooling system, for example, in an automotive cooling system. The valve device 100 used in an automotive cooling system is attached to, for example, a cylinder head CH of an internal combustion engine ENG mounted on a vehicle. Cooling system fluid, i.e., coolant, pressurized by a water pump WP mounted on the internal combustion engine ENG is introduced into the valve device 100. The valve device 100 adjusts and distributes the coolant to a radiator RAD and a coolant utilization device. The valve device 100 has a first valve and a second valve, which respectively adjust the flow rate of the coolant delivered from the valve device 100. The first valve is a thermostat 70, and the second valve is an electric valve 80. Note that the up-down direction in FIGS. 2 and 4 will be described as the up-down direction of the valve device 100. The up-down direction also corresponds to the axial direction of a rod 71.

[0020] The valve device 100 includes a housing 10, a thermostat 70, and an electric valve 80, which are housed in the housing 10. The electric valve 80 includes a second valve body 81, a motor 65, and a reduction gear 66. The valve device 100 has two flow paths for flowing coolant to the radiator RAD. One of the flow paths, a first flow path A, is equipped with a thermostat 70. The other flow path, a second flow path B, is equipped with an electric valve 80 whose opening and closing is controlled by a control device (not shown). The first flow path A is the main flow path that is normally used of the two flow paths for flowing coolant to the radiator RAD. The second flow path B is a flow path that is used when it is necessary to lower the coolant temperature Tx by increasing the amount of coolant sent to the radiator RAD in addition to the first flow path A. Furthermore, a first temperature T1, which is the valve opening temperature of the thermostat 70, is lower than a second temperature T2, which is the valve opening temperature of the electric valve 80. That is, the thermostat 70 opens first, and the temperature range over which the thermostat 70 is open is wider than the temperature range over which the motor-operated valve 80 is open. That is, the first valve and the second valve are configured to both open to allow the coolant to flow into the radiator while the vehicle is running unless one of the valves has failed. As will be described later, the motor-operated valve 80 is controlled not only to open and close based on the coolant temperature Tx but also in response to the vehicle running state, etc.

[0021] In the valve device 100 according to the present invention, the first flow path area S1, which is the smallest flow path area in the first flow path A, is larger than the second flow path area S2, which is the smallest flow path area in the second flow path B, and the first valve 70 is a thermostat 70. Therefore, the first flow path A is formed as a main flow path that is larger than the second flow path B and has a sufficient flow path area, and the first valve 70 in the first flow path A is a thermostat 70 that operates mechanically (non-energized, no current required). Therefore, the valve device 100 according to the present invention can be a valve device 100 with reduced power consumption.

[0022] The cooling water introduced into the valve device 100 is sent to a radiator RAD, which is a heat radiator, and to a plurality of cooling water utilization devices. The cooling water utilization devices include, for example, a heater HT, a transmission TM such as an AT or a CVT, and an exhaust gas recirculation device EG, and other devices required by the vehicle are provided.

[0023] A pipe L1 is connected between the valve device 100 and the radiator RAD. The cooling water to the radiator RAD is sent from the valve device 100 through the feed-side pipe L1. The radiator RAD is equipped with a blower fan FAN that blows air to the radiator RAD to dissipate heat. The cooling water dissipates heat as it passes through the radiator RAD, lowering its temperature. The cooling water that has passed through the radiator RAD is returned to the internal combustion engine ENG through the return-side pipe L1.

[0024] The valve device 100 is connected to the heater HT, the transmission TM, and the exhaust gas recirculation device EG through feed-side pipes L2, L3, and L4, respectively. The coolant that passes through each coolant utilization device is returned to the internal combustion engine ENG through return-side pipes L2, L3, and L4. The coolant returned to the internal combustion engine ENG is pressurized by the water pump WP and sent out again, circulating between the radiator RAD and each coolant utilization device. The coolant utilization devices may include one or more of the above-described devices, rather than all of them. Alternatively, the coolant utilization devices may include devices other than those described above, such as an oil cooler. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the pipes L2, L3, and L4 share some common portions on the feed and return sides, respectively. However, the pipes L2, L3, and L4 may also be independent pipes with no common portions.

[0025] The configuration of the valve device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The valve device 100 includes a housing 10 that forms the main body of the valve device 100, a motor 65, a reduction gear 66, a thermostat 70, and an electric valve 80, which are all housed in the housing 10.

[0026] The housing 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The housing 10 includes a first outlet 11 through which coolant is delivered to the radiator RAD, a second outlet 12 and a third outlet 13 through which coolant is delivered to each coolant utilization device, and an inlet 18 through which coolant is introduced from the internal combustion engine ENG. The housing 10 further includes a valve housing 20, a motor housing 26, and a reduction gear housing 27. The valve device 100 is fixed with the lower surface of the valve housing 20 abutting against the cylinder head CH.

[0027] The housing 10 is integrally formed from a resin material. By forming the housing 10 from a resin material, the valve device 100 can be formed lighter. This reduces the fuel consumption of the vehicle to which the valve device 100 is attached. The valve accommodating portion 20, the motor accommodating portion 26, and the reduction gear accommodating portion 27 may be formed individually or individually and then assembled. Alternatively, one or more of the valve accommodating portion 20, the motor accommodating portion 26, and the reduction gear accommodating portion 27 may be formed from a material other than a resin material, such as a lightweight metal material, for example, an aluminum alloy.

[0028] 2 and 3, the first outlet 11, the second outlet 12, and the third outlet 13, which are cooling water outlets, will be described. A first adapter 23 to a third adapter 25 are fitted and fixed into the first outlet 11 to the third outlet 13, respectively. The first adapter 23 to the third adapter 25 are members having hollow cylindrical portions to which one or more of the pipes L1 to L4 are connected. One end 31 of the first adapter 23 is inserted into a first opening 14 of the first outlet 11. One end 32 of the second adapter 24 is inserted into a second opening 15 of the second outlet 12. The third adapter 25 is inserted into a third opening (not shown) of the third outlet 13.

[0029] A pipe L1 (not shown) that delivers coolant to the radiator RAD is connected to the open end of the first adapter 23. A pipe L2 (not shown) that delivers coolant to one of the coolant utilization devices, for example, a heater HT, is connected to the open end of the second adapter 24. A pipe L3 (not shown) that delivers coolant to another of the coolant utilization devices, for example, a transmission TM, is connected to the open end of the third adapter 25. The coolant utilization devices connected to the second adapter 24 and the third adapter 25 are appropriately selected depending on the vehicle in which the valve device 100 is installed, and may be, for example, an exhaust gas recirculation device EG. Furthermore, the second adapter 24 and the third adapter 25 may each be connected to two or more coolant utilization devices via bifurcated pipes that branch the flow path, rather than just one.

[0030] One end 31 of the first adapter 23, one end 32 of the second adapter 24, and one end (not shown) of the third adapter 25 each have a sealing device including a seal and a spring. The first adapter 23 has a seal 33 and a spring 76 provided at its one end 31. The second adapter 24 has a seal 37 and a spring 77 provided at its one end 32. The seal 33 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape, with a thin elastic membrane connecting an annular portion 34 with a generally circular cross section provided at one end of the seal 33 and an annular portion 35 with a generally circular cross section provided at the other end. Similarly, the seal 37 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape, with a thin elastic membrane connecting an annular portion 38 with a generally circular cross section provided at one end of the seal 37 and an annular portion 39 with a generally circular cross section provided at the other end.

[0031] The diameters of the annular portions 34 and 38 provided at one end of the seals 33 and 37 are smaller than the diameters of the annular portions 35 and 39 provided at the other end of the seals 33 and 37. Therefore, the seals 33 and 37 are formed in a cylindrical shape with a diameter that gradually increases from one end to the other. The seals 33 and 35 are integrally formed from an elastic material, such as a resin material or rubber.

[0032] The first and second adapters 23 and 24 have cylindrical ends 31 and 32 with openings, and annular portions 35 and 39 at the other ends of the seals 33 and 37 are attached to the outer peripheral surfaces of the first and second adapters 23 and 32 by interference fit. Springs 76 and 77, each with an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the end 31 and 32, are inserted into the openings of the end 31 and 32. One end of each spring 76 and 77 protrudes outside the end 31 and 32, while the other end of each spring 76 and 77 is inserted into the opening of the end 31 and 32. An annular surface is formed on the inner surface of the opening of the end 31 and 32, perpendicular to the central axes X1 and X2 of the end 31 and 32. The ends of the springs 76 and 77 inserted into the end 31 and 32 are attached in contact with the annular surface.

[0033] The annular portions 34, 38 at one end of the seals 33, 37 are in contact with corresponding portions of the motor-operated valve 80. The annular portions 34, 38 at one end of the seals 33, 37 have annular surfaces perpendicular to the central axes X1, X2 on the surfaces of the other ends of the seals 33, 37. One end of each of the springs 76, 77 is attached to each of the annular surfaces. That is, the annular portions 34, 38 at one end of the seals 33, 37 are pressed against the corresponding curved surfaces of the motor-operated valve 80 by the springs 76, 77. Therefore, even when the motor-operated valve 80 is operated and rotated, the seals 33, 37 follow and maintain contact, and the cooling water flowing out of the motor-operated valve 80 can flow through the first adapter 23 and the second adapter 24 without leaking due to the seals 33, 37. In addition, one end of the third adapter 25 also has a sealing device including a seal and a spring of a similar shape to one end 31 of the first adapter 23 and one end 32 of the second adapter 24, and is configured with a similar structure.

[0034] With reference to Figure 2, the abutment portion 17 provided at the bottom of the valve accommodating portion 20 will be described. An open cylinder head opening OP is provided in the cylinder head CH of the internal combustion engine ENG. The abutment portion 17 has a flat surface so that it can abut against the mounting portion of the cylinder head CH in the housing 10. The abutment portion 17 is provided with an inlet portion 18 that corresponds to the opening shape of the cylinder head opening OP. The valve device 100 abuts against the mounting surface of the cylinder head CH with the inlet portion 18 aligned with the cylinder head opening OP and is fixed to the cylinder head CH with bolts (not shown). The inlet portion 18 is an opening provided in the abutment portion 17.

[0035] The contact portion 17 has a seal 19 provided to surround the outside of the inlet portion 18 at the contact portion 17. Cooling water pressurized by the water pump WP is sealed by the seal 19 and introduced into the inlet portion 18 from a cylinder head opening OP of the internal combustion engine ENG without leaking.

[0036] The valve housing portion 20 communicates with the inlet portion 18. The internal space has a first space 21 and a second space 22, each formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The first space 21 and the second space 22 are disposed close to each other so that their outer peripheries partially overlap, and the two spaces communicate with each other. A thermostat 70 is accommodated in the first space 21, and an electric valve 80 is accommodated in the second space 22. As shown in FIG. 2 , the valve housing portion 20 has a first outlet portion 11 located above the first space 21. A valve seat 29 formed integrally with the valve housing portion 20 is provided between the first space 21 and the internal space within the first outlet portion 11. The valve seat 29 is formed in an annular shape so that the thermostat 70 can abut against it.

[0037] The inlet portion 18 of the valve device 100 abuts against the cylinder head opening OP of the cylinder head CH with the openings aligned. However, the shape of the flow path within the cylinder head opening OP is not necessarily such that the coolant flows uniformly into the first space 21 and the second space 22. The shape or structure of the cylinder head opening OP may be configured to make it difficult for the coolant to flow to the thermostat 70 of the valve device 100. In the valve device 100 of the present invention, the thermostat 70 provided therein can quickly respond even in such cases.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, the motor 65 is accommodated in a motor housing 26, which has an internal sealed space and is provided on the side of the valve housing 20. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the reduction gear 66 is accommodated in a reduction gear housing 27 formed on the upper part of the valve device 100. The reduction gear housing 27 has an enclosed space sealed by a cover 28 that forms the upper part of the housing 10. The reduction gear 66 has multiple gears 67, and the driving force of the motor 65 is transmitted in order from a first gear 67 fixed to an output shaft (not shown) of the motor 65 to a final gear 67, thereby forming a multi-stage reduction mechanism. The multiple gears 67 are formed as spur gears with different diameters and numbers of teeth, and are rotatably supported by parallel rotating shafts (not shown). Note that the reduction mechanism is not limited to gears, and may be other devices. For example, the reduction mechanism may be formed using a pulley and a belt.

[0039] A rotary shaft 87 of the motor-operated valve 80 is fitted into a fitting hole provided in the center of the final-stage gear 67. A gear on the output shaft (not shown) of the motor 65 meshes with the first-stage gear 67, and the rotation of the motor 65 is controlled by a control device, and the rotational torque is transmitted by a reduction gear 66. The rotational force transmitted to the final-stage gear 67 rotates the motor-operated valve 80 by a predetermined rotation angle in one direction or the other direction.

[0040] The reduction gear 66 can be configured in other ways as well. The shape, size, number of teeth, orientation of the rotation axis of the multiple gears 67 that make up the reduction gear 66, and arrangement within the reduction gear housing section 27 are determined appropriately depending on the required output torque, the size of the reduction gear housing section 27, etc.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, a support portion 40 is fitted into the inlet portion 18. The support portion 40 is a member that supports the lower end portion of the rotation shaft 87. The support portion 40 has a plurality of rod-shaped portions 41 and a central portion 43 that is coaxial with the rotation shaft 87. In a plan view, the support portion 40 is formed such that the rod-shaped portions 41 protrude radially from the central portion 43. The three rod-shaped portions 41 are provided at 120-degree intervals around the center of the central portion 43, and the support portion 40 is formed in a substantially Y-shape.

[0042] The end of each rod-shaped portion 41 is fixed to the inner wall of the inlet portion 18. The central portion 43 has a central hole 44. The lower end of a rotary shaft 87 of the motor-operated valve 80, which is the second valve 80, is fitted into the central hole 44 and rotatably held therein. Because the rod-shaped portions 41 are disposed in a space through which cooling water flows, each rod-shaped portion 41 is formed thin while maintaining the necessary strength. The number of rod-shaped portions 41 may be other than three. For example, two rod-shaped portions 41 may be provided around the center of the central portion 43 at 180-degree intervals, forming the support portion 40 in an I-shape. Alternatively, four rod-shaped portions 41 may be provided around the center of the central portion 43 at 90-degree intervals, forming the support portion 40 in a cross shape. The support portion 40 also has a flow straightening portion 45. The flow straightening portion 45 will be described later.

[0043] [Configuration of the motor-operated valve 80] The configuration of the motor-operated valve 80, which is the second valve, will be described with reference to Figure 2. The motor-operated valve 80 is an on-off valve that operates by the driving force of the motor 65 transmitted via a reduction gear 66. The motor-operated valve 80 is housed in the second space 22, which is the internal space of the valve accommodating section 20. The motor-operated valve 80 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with an internal space, and has a central cylindrical section 81 with a central hole 82, and a rotary shaft 87 that fits into the central cylindrical section 81.

[0044] The flow rectifier 45 of the valve device according to the present invention has at least a portion overlapping with the second valve 80 when viewed in the flow direction of the fluid flowing into the second flow path B. Therefore, the flow rectifier 45 can efficiently direct the fluid flowing into the second flow path B to the first valve 70. Therefore, the first valve 70 can quickly respond to temperature changes in the fluid that cools the device.

[0045] The cylindrical motor-operated valve 80 has a first cylindrical portion 83 and a second cylindrical portion 84, each of whose outer circumferential surfaces protrude in an arcuate shape in side view. The first cylindrical portion 83 and the second cylindrical portion 84 are configured to be continuous in the direction of the central axis X3 of the motor-operated valve 80, i.e., in the vertical direction. The first cylindrical portion 83 and the second cylindrical portion 84 are configured to be unable to rotate relative to each other. The first cylindrical portion 83 and the second cylindrical portion 84 are connected to the central cylindrical portion 81 via multiple bridge portions (not shown). The area between the first cylindrical portion 83, the second cylindrical portion 84, and the central cylindrical portion 81, except for the bridge portions (not shown), forms a flow path for cooling water. The upper first cylindrical portion 83 of the motor-operated valve 80 is located on a longitudinal extension of the first adapter 23. The lower first cylindrical portion 84 of the motor-operated valve 80 is located on a longitudinal extension of the second adapter 24. The outer circumferential surfaces of the first cylindrical portion 83 and the second cylindrical portion 84 are each provided with a valve opening 85, 86 that communicates with the internal space of the motor-operated valve 80. The valve openings 85, 86 are formed as elongated holes that are parallel to a plane perpendicular to the central axis X3, and open within a predetermined angular range on the outer circumferential surface of the motor-operated valve 80 when viewed from above, centered on the central axis X3.

[0046] The first cylindrical portion 83 and the second cylindrical portion 84 are configured to rotate integrally by the driving force of the central shaft 87 of the reduction gear 66. Meanwhile, the temperature range of the coolant delivered to the radiator RAD connected to the valve device 100 and each coolant utilization device differs depending on the coolant utilization device. Therefore, the opening angles of the elongated holes of the valve opening 85 and the valve opening 86 and the opening positions on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first cylindrical portion 83 and the second cylindrical portion 84 are determined so that the valve opening state is optimized for each radiator RAD and each coolant utilization device. The elongated holes of the valve openings 85, 86 are each formed at an opening angle of 180 degrees or less when viewed from above, centered on the rotation axis X3.

[0047] In the valve device 100 of the embodiment, the thermostat 70 is disposed in the first flow path A as the normally used main flow path, and the motor-operated valve 80 is disposed in the second flow path B as the sub-flow path. Therefore, the thermostat 70 as the first valve of the normally used main flow path does not require power, and can open the motor-operated valve 80 in response to temperature changes in the coolant when necessary. Therefore, the valve device 100 of the embodiment can be a valve device 100 with reduced power consumption.

[0048] Furthermore, in the valve device 100 of the embodiment, the motor-operated valve 80 as the second valve is not used as the main valve, so it only needs to be opened and closed when necessary. This makes it possible to reduce the power required for opening and closing the motor-operated valve 80 (second valve) and for continuously monitoring the fluid temperature Tx. Furthermore, because the number of opening and closing operations of the motor-operated valve 80 is reduced, wear on the seals 33 and 37 in contact with the motor-operated valve 80 is reduced, thereby extending the service life of the valve device 100. Furthermore, the control program for the motor-operated valve 80 can be configured more simply. Therefore, the valve device 100 according to the present invention can be a valve device 100 with reduced power consumption.

[0049] [Thermostat 70 Configuration] The configuration of the thermostat 70, which is the first valve, will be described with reference to Fig. 2. The thermostat 70 is an on-off valve that operates according to the temperature of the cooling water based on a well-known principle. The thermostat 70 is housed in the first space 21.

[0050] The thermostat 70 has a rod 71, a wax housing 72 housing wax that expands and contracts in response to changes in the coolant temperature, a valve element 73, a spring 74, and a spring retaining plate 75. The upper end of the rod 71 is inserted into a blind hole provided on the inner surface of the upper part of the valve housing 20, and is attached in the vertical direction. The lower end of the rod 71 is housed in the wax housing 72. The rod 71 moves in the vertical direction relative to the wax housing 72 due to the expansion and contraction of the wax. A substantially circular valve element 73 is fixed to the outer periphery of the upper end of the wax housing 72 so as not to move relative to the wax housing 72. A spring retaining plate 75 is supported by the valve housing 20 at the lower end of the thermostat 70. A spring 74 is held between the valve element 73 and the spring retaining plate 75.

[0051] The operation of the thermostat 70, which is the first valve, will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the thermostat 70 in FIG. 2 in an open state. The thermostat 70 operates when the wax filled in the wax storage section 72 expands or contracts due to temperature changes. When the coolant temperature Tx around the wax storage section 72 reaches or exceeds the first temperature T1, the wax in the wax storage section 72 gradually expands in response to the coolant temperature Tx. Accordingly, the wax storage section 72 moves downward. Therefore, the valve element 73 fixed to the wax storage section 72 moves downward together with the wax storage section 72. As a result, the valve element 73 separates from the valve seat 29, opening the valve of the thermostat 70. The rectifying section 45 is positioned so that at least a portion thereof overlaps with the temperature detection section of the thermostat in the vertical direction in a side view.

[0052] The thermostat 70 gradually opens in response to the coolant temperature Tx above the first temperature T1, and is fully open at a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the thermostat 70 increases its valve opening in response to an increase in the coolant temperature Tx, allowing the amount of coolant passing through the thermostat 70 to continuously increase. When the thermostat 70 is open, the inlet portion 18 and the first space 21 communicate with the internal space of the first outlet portion 11. The flow of coolant passing through the thermostat 70 and flowing to the radiator RAD is the first flow path A to the radiator RAD. In FIG. 4, the first flow path A is indicated by a dashed arrow A.

[0053] [Operation of the thermostat 70 and the motor-operated valve 80] The operation of the thermostat 70 and the motor-operated valve 80 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 4. Figure 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the same valve device 100 as Figure 2, showing the thermostat 70 and the motor-operated valve 80 in an open state. The opening degree of the thermostat 70 is automatically adjusted by the expansion and contraction of wax in accordance with the coolant temperature Tx. The motor-operated valve 80 is controlled to open and close in accordance with the coolant temperature Tx. The valve opening temperature of the thermostat 70 is a first temperature T1, and a second temperature T2, which is the valve opening temperature of the first cylindrical portion 83 of the motor-operated valve 80, is set to a temperature higher than the first temperature T1.

[0054] In the valve device 100, the first temperature T1 at which the first valve 70 opens is lower than the second temperature T2 at which the second valve 80 opens. Therefore, the first valve 70 can be kept open over as wide a range as possible, and the first flow path A, which is normally used, can be used over as wide a temperature range as possible. Therefore, the valve device 100 according to the present invention can be a valve device 100 with reduced power consumption.

[0055] The temperature range above the second temperature T2 at which the motor-operated valve 80 opens is a temperature that is higher than the coolant temperature Tx and at which immediate cooling is desired. In other words, the motor-operated valve 80 is a fail-safe mechanism that operates at high temperatures. Furthermore, even if the coolant temperature Tx is within a temperature range below the second temperature T2, the motor-operated valve 80 is configured so that, when a predetermined condition is met, the control device determines the vehicle state and opens the motor-operated valve 80 earlier than normal. The predetermined condition is when the coolant temperature Tx is predicted to rise by a certain amount or more, or when the rate of increase of the coolant temperature Tx with respect to time is predicted to rise by a certain amount or more. Specifically, the driving conditions are those in which the coolant temperature Tx is determined to rise sharply, such as when sudden acceleration continues for a certain period of time or when driving at a continuous high speed.

[0056] The predetermined condition may also be configured to include a case where the thermostat 70 does not open for some reason, such as a malfunction, or a case where the thermostat 70 opens less than specified. In such a case, the motor-operated valve 80 opens earlier than normal before the coolant temperature Tx reaches the second temperature T2, preventing the coolant temperature Tx from exceeding the upper limit of the cooling system. In this case, the valve device 100 or a vehicle equipped with the valve device 100 is configured so that a control device can detect or estimate malfunction of the thermostat 70. For example, the valve device 100 is provided with an operating stroke sensor for the thermostat 70. Alternatively, the valve device 100, the control device that controls the valve device 100, or the vehicle equipped with the valve device 100 may be provided with a determination device that stores a coolant temperature change reference value for a predetermined time and is capable of comparing the rate of change of the coolant temperature Tx for the predetermined time with the reference value. The determination device compares the rate of change of the coolant temperature Tx for the predetermined time with the reference value to determine malfunction of the thermostat 70. Alternatively, the determination device compares the coolant temperature Tx with the operating stroke of the thermostat 70 to determine whether the thermostat 70 is malfunctioning.

[0057] The rectifying portion 45 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The rectifying portion 45 is a member that directs a portion of the fluid flowing into the second flow path B toward a thermostat 70 serving as a first valve provided in the first flow path A. As shown in Figure 5, the rectifying portion 45 has a first portion 46, a second portion 47, and a third portion 48. The rectifying portion 45 is made of a resin material and is formed integrally with the support portion 40.

[0058] The flow rectifier 45 is provided on the support part 40 that supports a part of the second valve 80. This allows the flow rectifier 45 to be arranged by effectively utilizing the support part 40 that supports the motor-operated valve 80 as the second valve, without adding a support member dedicated to the flow rectifier 45. Therefore, according to the valve device 100 of the embodiment, it is possible to maximize the flow path space compared to a device that is provided with a separate support member dedicated to the flow rectifier 45 in addition to the support part 40.

[0059] The first portions 46 are members having a flat surface, and two of them are arranged. The two first portions 46 are arranged so that the flat surfaces of the first portions 46 are parallel to the axial direction of the rod 71 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the up-and-down direction of the valve device 100), that is, along the flow direction D of the cooling water flowing into the inlet portion 18. One ends of the two first portions 46 are connected to each other and arranged on the central portion 43 side, and the two first portions 46 are arranged radially at a predetermined angle to each other.

[0060] The second portion 47 is a plate-like member having a flat surface, and one second portion 47 is disposed. The second portion 47 is disposed so that the flat surface of the second portion 47 is perpendicular to the up-down direction of the valve device 100, i.e., so as to block the flow direction D of the cooling water flowing into the inlet portion 18. The second portion 47 is disposed between the two first portions 46 in an outer circumferential portion away from the central portion 43, extending in the circumferential direction to connect the two first portions 46.

[0061] The third portion 48 is a member having a sloped surface that is disposed obliquely with respect to the flow direction D of the cooling water, and one third portion 48 is disposed. The third portion 48 is disposed on an inner circumferential portion between the two first portions 46 that contacts the central portion 43. That is, the third portion 48 is disposed so as to connect the two first portions 46 and the second portion 47. The sloped surface of the third portion 48 is disposed obliquely with respect to the up-and-down direction of the valve device 100, that is, with respect to the flow direction D of the cooling water flowing into the inlet portion 18. The sloped surface of the third portion 48 and the second portion 47 are connected at an obtuse angle. This allows the flow rectifying portion 45 to smoothly flow the cooling water that hits the sloped surface of the third portion 48 toward the thermostat 70 serving as the first valve.

[0062] The flow rectifying section 45 of the valve device 100 according to the present invention at least partially overlaps with the wax containing section 72 serving as the temperature detecting section of the thermostat 70 in the vertical direction in a side view. This allows the fluid flowing into the second flow path B to be efficiently directed toward the wax containing section 72 (temperature detecting section) of the thermostat 70. This allows the thermostat 70 to quickly respond to temperature changes in the fluid that cools the device.

[0063] The flow rectifying portion 45 is formed in a substantially sector shape with the first portion 46, the second portion 47, and the third portion 48 connected as described above.

[0064] The rectifying section 45 formed in this manner is provided on the support section 40. The rectifying section 45 is provided by aligning the upper end of one of the first members 46 with the lower surface of one of the rod-shaped sections 41 of the support section 40. As shown in the bottom view of FIG. 3 , one of the first members 46 of the rectifying section 45 is disposed on central axes X1 and X2 that pass through the thermostat 70 and the motor-operated valve 80, and the entire rectifying section 45 is disposed in an area on one side of the central axes X1 and X2.

[0065] The flow rectifying unit 45 of the valve device 100 according to the present invention is disposed on only one side of a plane including a plane passing through the central axis of the first valve 70 and the central axis of the second valve 80. As a result, the fluid directed toward the first valve 70 by the flow rectifying unit 45 forms a flow that circulates around the first valve 70, allowing the fluid to flow efficiently to the first valve. Therefore, the thermostat 70 can respond quickly to temperature changes in the fluid that cools the device.

[0066] In addition, instead of a structure in which the rectifying portion 45 is integrally formed with the support portion 40, the rectifying portion 45 and the support portion 40 may be formed separately and fixed together by some fixing method such as laser welding.

[0067] In Fig. 4, the flow straightening unit 45 and the flows A to D of the cooling water are indicated by arrows. Note that the arrows A to D indicating the flow of the cooling water are conceptual illustrations and are provided for reference only. In Fig. 4, the flow of the cooling water flowing into the inlet 18 is indicated by arrow D. Part of the flow indicated by arrow D flows upward along arrow D and becomes the flow indicated by arrow B, which is the flow of second flow path B. Furthermore, part of the flow indicated by arrow D becomes the flow indicated by arrow A, which is the flow of first flow path A, by the flow straightening unit 45.

[0068] A portion of the flow indicated by arrow D is changed in direction upon hitting the rectifying section 45. The upward flow along arrow D hits the second member 47 or the third member 48 of the rectifying section 45 and flows toward the wax storage section 72 (temperature detection section). The cooling water that has flowed toward the wax storage section 72 (temperature detection section) can return to the second flow path B from above the rectifying section 45. Therefore, even when the thermostat 70 is closed, the cooling water can flow smoothly around the wax storage section 72 (temperature detection section), preventing the cooling water from stagnating around the wax storage section 72 (temperature detection section).

[0069] 3 shows the flow of the arrow C as viewed from below. The flow of the arrow C is directed toward the thermostat 70 by the rectifying unit 45.

[0070] The valve device 100 includes a rectifying section 45 that directs a portion of the fluid flowing into the second flow path B to the first valve 70. This allows the fluid flowing into the second flow path B to be directed to the first valve 70. This allows the first valve 70 to quickly respond to temperature changes in the fluid that cools the device.

[0071] In addition, the flow rectifier 45 provides the following advantageous effects. In the bottom view shown in FIG. 3, the entire flow rectifier 45 is disposed on one side (upper side in FIG. 3) of the central axes X1 and X2 that pass through the thermostat 70 and the motor-operated valve 80. Therefore, when viewed from below, the flow indicated by arrow C is directed to flow on one side of the central axes X1 and X2 of the thermostat 70. The flow indicated by arrow C that has flowed on one side of the thermostat 70 (upper side in FIG. 3) flows around the thermostat 70, and then changes direction and flows toward the motor-operated valve 80 on the other side of the thermostat 70 (lower side in FIG. 3). In other words, the flow whose direction has been changed by the flow rectifier 45 flows efficiently without stagnation, stirring the first space 21 and the second space 22. Therefore, the distribution of the coolant temperature Tx in the first space 21 and the second space 22 is not biased and is more even than when the flow rectifying section 45 is not present.

[0072] The valve device 100 includes an inlet 18 through which fluid flows, a first outlet 11 through which the fluid flowing in from the inlet 18 flows out, a first flow path A connecting the inlet 18 and the first outlet 11 and having a thermostat 70 as a first valve, a second flow path B connecting the inlet 11 and the first outlet 11 and having an electric valve 80 as a second valve and different from the first flow path A, and a rectifying section 45 provided in the inlet 18 and directing a portion of the fluid flowing into the second flow path B toward the first valve 70.

[0073] According to the valve device 100, the rectifying section 45 can direct the fluid flowing into the second flow path B to the first valve 70. Therefore, the first valve 70 can quickly respond to temperature changes in the fluid that cools the device.

[0074] The flow rectifying portion 45 of the valve device is provided on a support portion 40 that supports a part of the motor-operated valve 80 serving as the second valve.

[0075] With this configuration, the flow rectifier 45 can be disposed without adding a separate support member dedicated to the flow rectifier, thereby ensuring maximum flow path space.

[0076] Furthermore, the flow rectifying portion 45 of the valve device 100 according to the present invention at least partially overlaps with the wax containing portion 72 serving as the temperature detecting portion of the thermostat 70 in the axial direction of the rod 71 of the thermostat 70 .

[0077] In this way, by at least partially overlapping the flow straightening portion with the temperature detecting portion in the axial direction of the rod, the fluid flowing into the second flow path B can be reliably directed around the temperature detecting portion 72 of the thermostat 70.

[0078] Furthermore, when viewed from the axial direction of the rod, the rectifying section 45 of the valve device 100 is arranged in only one of two areas separated by a first plane that is bounded by a plane passing through the central axis of the thermostat 70 as the first valve and the central axis of the electric valve 80 as the second valve.

[0079] By configuring it in this manner, the fluid directed toward the thermostat 70 (first valve) by the rectifying section 45 forms a flow that circulates around the wax storage section 72 (temperature detection section) of the thermostat 70 (first valve) so as to rotate along the inner surface of the first flow path A, allowing the fluid to flow efficiently to the thermostat 70 (first valve).

[0080] <Other embodiments> The valve device of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention. For example, the valve device 100 may be applied to vehicles other than those equipped with only an internal combustion engine ENG as a drive source, and may be applied to devices for vehicles or non-vehicles that are cooled by fluid, such as an internal combustion engine ENG equipped in a hybrid vehicle or a motor for generating driving force equipped in an electric vehicle.

[0081] Furthermore, although the valve opening 85 of the first cylindrical portion 83 of the motor-operated valve 80 is rotationally controlled to be in only a fully closed state and a fully open state as described above, it may be controlled to be in a partially open state between the fully closed state and the fully open state. For example, the valve opening 85 of the first cylindrical portion 83 and the valve opening 86 of the second cylindrical portion 84 may be continuously controlled to gradually open and close from the fully closed state to the fully open state.

[0082] Furthermore, at least one of the valve openings 85, 86 may be a perfect circle instead of an elongated hole. The second valve may be configured with a thermostat 70 instead of the motor-operated valve 80. That is, both the first valve and the second valve may be configured with a thermostat 70. In this case, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of the cooling water while significantly reducing power consumption. Furthermore, the time and expense involved in developing a control program for the motor-operated valve is not required.

[0083] Furthermore, in the present invention, the materials of the components, the positions of the various pipes, and the arrangement of the devices in the cooling circuit, which have been explained in the above embodiment, may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 10. Housing 11 First Outlet 12 Second Outlet 13 Third Outlet 18 Inlet 23 First Adapter 24 Second Adapter 25 Third Adapter 40 Support part 41 Rod-shaped part 43 Central part 45 Rectifier 46 Part 1 47 Part 2 48 Part 3 65 motor 66 Reducer 70 Thermostat (first valve) 73 Valve body 72 Wax storage unit (temperature detection unit) 80 Electric valve (second valve) 83 First cylindrical part 84 Second cylindrical section 85,86 Valve opening 87 Rotational Axis S1 First flow area S2 Second flow area T1 1st temperature T2 2nd temperature Tx Fluid temperature (cooling water temperature)

Claims

1. an inlet portion into which the fluid flows; a first outlet portion through which the fluid flowing in from the inlet portion flows out; a first flow path connecting the inlet and the first outlet and having a first valve; a second flow path connecting the inlet and the first outlet, the second flow path having a second valve and different from the first flow path; and a rectifying portion provided in the inlet portion and directing a portion of the fluid flowing into the second flow path to the first valve, the first valve is a thermostat having a temperature detection part containing wax that expands and contracts in response to temperature changes of the fluid, and a rod that can move forward and backward from the temperature detection part due to the expansion and contraction of the wax, The second valve is a motor-operated valve.

2. The valve device according to claim 1 , wherein the flow rectifying portion is provided on a support portion that supports a part of the second valve.

3. 3. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the flow rectifying portion at least partially overlaps with the temperature detecting portion of the thermostat in the axial direction of the rod of the thermostat.

4. 3. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the flow straightening portion is arranged in only one of two regions separated by a first plane that is a boundary plane passing through a central axis of the first valve and a central axis of the second valve when viewed from the axial direction of the rod.

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