Flow path switching device

Abstract

To provide a flow passage switching device capable of selectively switching a plurality of flow passages, by surely driving a driving member, regardless of the size of pressure of fluid of a communication passage of the driving member.SOLUTION: In one aspect of the present disclosure, in the flow path switching device 1, the compression spring 61 is provided in the internal space IS provided between the first rotary disk 13 and the second rotary disk 14 to bias the first rotary disk 13 and the second rotary disk 14 in a direction away from each other and toward the housing 2, and the bypass passage 71 is provided to connect the internal space IS and the first inflow / outflow passage 21 of the upper housing 11 to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow path switching device configured to switch a flow path of a fluid. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a flow path switching valve that has a stator and a rotor seal connected to a rotor (drive member) that rotates while sliding circumferentially relative to the stator, and the rotor is supported by a spring or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-144027 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the flow path switching valve disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the pressure of the fluid in the rotor seal flow path becomes greater than the elastic force of the spring supporting the rotor and the rotor is pushed down, the fluid in the rotor seal flow path leaks from the rotor seal and flows into the space below the rotor, increasing the pressure in the space below the rotor. This causes the rotor seal to be compressed by the stator due to the pressure difference between the rotor seal flow path and the space below the rotor, increasing the sliding torque (i.e., the torque generated when the rotor seal slides on the stator) during rotor rotation. Depending on the pressure difference between the rotor seal flow path and the space below the rotor, this may prevent the rotor from rotating (driving), and the flow path switching valve disclosed in Patent Document 1 may become unable to selectively switch between multiple flow paths.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a flow path switching device that can reliably drive a drive member and selectively switch between multiple flow paths regardless of the magnitude of the fluid pressure in the connecting passage of the drive member. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect of the present disclosure, which has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, the flow path switching device includes a housing and a valve body portion arranged inside the housing, the valve body portion including a first drive member and a second drive member arranged adjacent to each other, the housing and at least one of the first drive member and the second drive member each including a plurality of communication passages, a sealing member for preventing fluid leakage is provided between the housing and around the communication passages in at least one of the first drive member and the second drive member, and by driving the first drive member and the second drive member, the communication passages in at least one of the first drive member and the second drive member and the communication passages in the housing are combined and connected to selectively switch and form a plurality of flow paths, the flow path switching device is characterized in that an elastic member is provided in an internal space provided between the first drive member and the second drive member to separate the first drive member and the second drive member from each other and to urge them in a direction toward the housing, and a bypass passage is provided which connects the internal space and the communication passages in the housing.

[0007] According to this aspect, the pressure in the internal space, which increases as the pressure of the fluid in the communication passage of the drive member increases, can be released to the communication passage of the housing via the bypass passage. This reduces the pressure in the internal space, thereby reducing the pressure difference between the communication passage of the drive member (i.e., the first drive member and the second drive member) and the internal space. This reduces the sliding torque of the drive member (i.e., the torque generated when the seal member slides on the housing when the drive member is driven), making it easier to drive the drive member. Therefore, regardless of the magnitude of the fluid pressure in the communication passage of the drive member, the drive member can be reliably driven to selectively switch between multiple flow paths.

[0008] In the above aspect, it is preferable that a pressure-feeding section is provided to pressurize the fluid in the communicating passage of the housing, and the bypass passage is connected to the communicating passage of the housing at a position upstream of the pressure-feeding section.

[0009] According to this aspect, the bypass passage is connected to a position upstream of the pumping section through the communication passage of the housing. The pressure upstream of the pumping section is lower than that of the internal space. This more reliably allows the pressure in the internal space to be released to the communication passage of the housing via the bypass passage, thereby reducing the pressure in the internal space.

[0010] In the above aspect, it is preferable that a passage opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the bypass passage is provided.

[0011] According to this aspect, the pressure in the internal space can be adjusted by opening and closing the bypass passage using the passage opening and closing mechanism in accordance with the pressure in the internal space. Therefore, when the pressure in the internal space increases, the pressure in the internal space can be adjusted to decrease using the passage opening and closing mechanism, thereby reducing the pressure difference between the communication passage of the drive member and the internal space. This reduces the sliding torque of the drive member, making it easier to drive the drive member, and also ensures the sealing performance of the seal member that seals the communication passage of the drive member.

[0012] In the above aspect, it is preferable that when the flow path is switched, the passage opening / closing mechanism opens the bypass passage.

[0013] According to this aspect, the pressure in the internal space is released to the communication passage of the housing via the bypass passage, so that the drive member can be driven to switch the flow path while the pressure in the internal space is reduced. Therefore, when switching the flow path, the sliding torque of the drive member can be reduced, making it easier to drive the drive member.

[0014] In the above aspect, it is preferable that a pumping unit is provided that pumps the fluid in the communicating passage of the housing, the bypass passage is connected to the communicating passage of the housing at a position upstream of the pumping unit, a passage opening / closing mechanism is provided that opens and closes the bypass passage, and when the pumping unit is stopped, the passage opening / closing mechanism keeps the bypass passage open.

[0015] According to this aspect, when the pumping unit is stopped, the pressure in the internal space can be lowered by venting the pressure in the internal space to the communication passage of the housing via the bypass passage, which reduces the sliding torque of the drive member when the drive member is subsequently driven to switch the flow passage, making it easier to drive the drive member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the flow path switching device of the present disclosure, the drive member can be reliably driven to selectively switch between a plurality of flow paths regardless of the magnitude of the pressure of the fluid in the communication path of the drive member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a flow path switching device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the flow path switching device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the flow path switching device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the flow path switching device in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the flow path switching device according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2 showing the flow path switching device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching device taken along line BB in FIG. 3 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the upper housing in the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a first rotating disk in the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first rotating disk in the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the first rotating disk in the embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a perspective view showing the first rotating disk cut along line CC in FIG. 10 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a second rotating disk in the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a second rotating disk in the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 4 is a bottom view showing the second rotating disk in the embodiment. [Figure 16] 15 is a perspective view showing the second rotating disk taken along line DD in FIG. 14 in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a rotation shaft in the embodiment. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view taken along line EE in FIG. 17, showing a rotation axis in the embodiment. [Figure 19] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 2, showing the flow path switching device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Figure 20] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 2, illustrating the rotational position of the first rotating disk relative to the upper housing for the "first pattern" of the flow path switching pattern in the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 21] 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the second rotating disk relative to the lower housing along line HH in FIG. 2 for the "first pattern" according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 22] 21 is a schematic diagram equivalent to FIG. 20 showing the rotational position of the first rotating disk relative to the upper housing for the "second pattern" of the flow path switching pattern in the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 21 showing the rotational position of the second rotating disk relative to the lower housing for the "second pattern" in the embodiment; [Figure 24] 21 is a schematic diagram equivalent to FIG. 20 showing the rotational position of the first rotating disk relative to the upper housing for the "third pattern" of the flow path switching pattern in the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 21 showing the rotational position of the second rotating disk relative to the lower housing for the "third pattern" in the embodiment; [Figure 26] Schematic diagram of a cross section taken along line II in Figure 3. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a fluid system to which a flow path switching device according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] An embodiment of a flow path switching device according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0019] [Outline of flow path switching device] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the flow path switching device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a front view of the flow path switching device 1. FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the flow path switching device 1. FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the flow path switching device 1. FIG. 5 shows an exploded perspective view of the flow path switching device 1. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching device 1 taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching device 1 taken along line BB in FIG. 3. The control unit 5 is not shown in FIGS. 2 to 7. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the flow path switching device 1 includes a housing 2, a valve body unit 3 arranged inside the housing 2, a drive unit 4 that drives the valve body unit 3, and a control unit 5 that controls the drive unit 4.

[0020] [About housing] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the housing 2 includes an upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12, and is configured by fastening the two housings 11, 12 together with a plurality of screws 6. The housing 2 includes an inflow / outflow passage 20 through which a fluid flows in and out. The inflow / outflow passage 20 corresponds to an example of a "communication passage" provided in a "housing" of the disclosed technology. In this embodiment, the housing 2 is formed from, for example, resin.

[0021] The flow path switching device 1 of this embodiment is configured as an eight-way valve, for example, and the housing 2 has eight inlet / outlet passages 20. Of the eight inlet / outlet passages 20, a first inlet / outlet passage 21, a second inlet / outlet passage 22, a third inlet / outlet passage 23, and a fourth inlet / outlet passage 24 are provided in the upper housing 11, and a fifth inlet / outlet passage 25, a sixth inlet / outlet passage 26, a seventh inlet / outlet passage 27, and an eighth inlet / outlet passage 28 are provided in the lower housing 12.

[0022] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the inside of the upper housing 11. As shown in Fig. 8, an entrance 21a of the first inflow / outflow passage 21, an entrance 22a of the second inflow / outflow passage 22, an entrance 23a of the third inflow / outflow passage 23, and an entrance 24a of the fourth inflow / outflow passage 24 are opened inside the upper housing 11. Similarly, as shown in Fig. 5, entrances 25a, 26a, 27a, 28a of the fifth inflow / outflow passage 25 to the eighth inflow / outflow passage 28 are opened inside the lower housing 12.

[0023] [About the valve body] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the valve body portion 3 rotates in the housing 2 and includes a first rotating disk 13 and a second rotating disk 14 that are stacked adjacent to each other and arranged vertically, and a rotating shaft 15 that rotates both rotating disks 13, 14. Both rotating disks 13, 14 are stacked in the axial direction X. The first rotating disk 13 corresponds to an example of a "first driving member" in the disclosed technology, and the second rotating disk 14 corresponds to an example of a "second driving member" in the disclosed technology. Both rotating disks 13, 14 and the rotating shaft 15 are formed from, for example, resin.

[0024] [About the first rotating disc] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of the first rotating disk 13. Fig. 10 shows a plan view of the first rotating disk 13. Fig. 11 shows a bottom view of the first rotating disk 13. Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of the first rotating disk 13 taken along line CC in Fig. 10.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the first rotating disk 13 is accommodated inside the housing 2 together with the second rotating disk 14. As shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, the first rotating disk 13 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom and includes two rotation passages 30 that open upward in the axial direction X. The two rotation passages 30 include a first rotation passage 31 and a second rotation passage 32. The rotation passages 30 have a semicircular arc shape in a plan view. The rotation passages 30 correspond to an example of a "communication passage" provided in a "first driving member" of the technology disclosed herein. A first shaft hole 13a, through which the rotation shaft 15 passes, is formed in the center of the first rotating disk 13. A first boss 13b is formed in the first rotating disk 13, centered on the first shaft hole 13a.

[0026] [About the second rotating disc] Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of the second rotating disk 14. Fig. 14 shows a plan view of the second rotating disk 14. Fig. 15 shows a bottom view of the second rotating disk 14. Fig. 16 shows a perspective view of the second rotating disk 14 taken along line DD in Fig. 14.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, the second rotating disc 14 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom, similar to the first rotating disc 13, and includes two rotational passages 40 that open downward in the axial direction X. The two rotational passages 40 include a third rotational passage 43 and a fourth rotational passage 44. These rotational passages 40 have a semicircular arc shape in bottom view. These rotational passages 40 correspond to an example of a "communication passage" provided in a "second driving member" of the technology disclosed herein. A second shaft hole 14a, through which the rotational shaft 15 passes, is also formed in the center of the second rotating disc 14. As shown in FIG. 14, a second boss 14b is formed on the upper surface of the second rotating disc 14, centered around the second shaft hole 14a.

[0028] [About the rotation axis] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the rotating shaft 15. FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the rotating shaft 15 taken along line EE in FIG. 17. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the rotating shaft 15 of this embodiment is formed in multiple stages with different outer diameters in different locations. An upper end 15a of the rotating shaft 15, which is connected to the drive unit 4, is a gear with multiple teeth. A lower end 15b of the rotating shaft 15, which is fitted into the shaft hole 12a of the lower housing 12, has a small diameter and an irregular shape. A pair of first and second protrusions 15c and 15d, which are arranged on the same circumference, are provided on the outer periphery of the middle part of the rotating shaft 15.

[0029] As shown in Figure 18, the protrusions 15c, 15d protrude in an arc shape from the outer periphery of the rotary shaft 15 and are arranged at intervals of 180 degrees. The first protrusion 15c has a longer circumferential length than the second protrusion 15d. Here, it is preferable that the protrusions 15c, 15d are arranged in two or more locations to ensure stable engagement with the first rotary disc 13 and the second rotary disc 14, and it is also preferable that the protrusions be arranged and shaped asymmetrically to prevent incorrect assembly.

[0030] 5 to 7, the rotating shaft 15 is provided to penetrate the upper housing 11 and both rotating discs 13, 14. The upper end 15a of the rotating shaft 15 penetrates the through-hole 11a of the upper housing 11 and is connected to the drive unit 4, and the lower end 15b is rotatably supported by the shaft hole 12a of the lower housing 12.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , a bearing 51 that rotatably supports the rotary shaft 15 is provided in the through hole 11a of the upper housing 11. A washer 52 is provided at the upper opening of the through hole 11a, centered on the rotary shaft 15. The washer 52 is held in place by an E-ring 53 fixed on the rotary shaft 15. A compression spring 54 is provided on the rotary shaft 15 between the bearing 51 and the washer 52. The compression spring 54 biases the rotary shaft 15 upward in the axial direction X, thereby preventing rattling due to vibration of the rotary shaft 15. The bearing 51 supports the rotary shaft 15 with its inner ring, thereby smoothing the rotation of the rotary shaft 15. The bearing 51 also supports the compression spring 54 with its inner ring, thereby smoothing the rotation of the compression spring 54. A lip seal 55 that prevents fluid leakage is provided in the through hole 11a between the upper housing 11 and the rotary shaft 15. The rotary shaft 15 may also be made of metal.

[0032] 6 and 7, a torsion spring 56 is provided inside the shaft hole 12a of the lower housing 12, with the lower end 15b of the rotary shaft 15 as its center. The torsion spring 56 is interposed between the bottom of the shaft hole 12a and the middle part of the rotary shaft 15, and urges the rotary shaft 15 in the rotation direction Y, thereby eliminating rattle between the rotary shaft 15 and the drive unit 4.

[0033] [About the rotation transmission mechanism] The flow path switching device 1 of this embodiment includes a rotation transmission mechanism for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating shaft 15 to the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14. Figure 19 shows the flow path switching device 1 in a cross section taken along line FF in Figure 2. The rotation transmission mechanism of this embodiment is provided between the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 and the rotating shaft 15, and is configured to allow relative movement of the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 in the axial direction X of the rotating shaft 15, and to partially release the transmission of the rotational force of the rotating shaft 15 to the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 as the rotating shaft 15 rotates.

[0034] In this embodiment, both rotating discs 13, 14 and the rotating shaft 15 are connected so as to be relatively movable in the rotational direction Y and the axial direction X. That is, as shown in Fig. 19, the rotating shaft 15 is assembled to the first boss 13b so as to coincide with the center of the first boss 13b of the first rotating disc 13. As shown in Figs. 11, 12 and 19, the first boss 13b has a pair of first notches 13c, 13d in which part of its circumferential direction is missing.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 19, the first protrusions 15c and the second protrusions 15d are fitted into these first notches 13c and 13d. Gaps 16 are provided in the circumferential direction between the first notches 13c and 13d and the first protrusions 15c and the second protrusions 15d. Therefore, the rotating shaft 15 and the first rotating disk 13 are allowed to move relatively in the axial direction X along the first notches 13c and 13d and the protrusions 15c and 15d, and are allowed to move relatively in the rotational direction Y within the range of the gaps 16 between the first notches 13c and 13d and the protrusions 15c and 15d. In this way, the rotating shaft 15 is connected to the first rotating disk 13 so as to be movable relatively in the rotational direction Y and the axial direction X.

[0036] On the other hand, similar to the first rotating disk 13, the rotating shaft 15 is assembled to the second boss 14b so as to coincide with the center of the second boss 14b of the second rotating disk 14. Similar to the first boss 13b, the second boss 14b has a pair of second cutouts 14c, 14d in which part of its circumferential direction is missing, as shown in Figures 14 and 16.

[0037] The first protrusion 15c and the second protrusion 15d are fitted into these second cutouts 14c, 14d. Gaps are also provided in the circumferential direction between the second cutouts 14c, 14d and the protrusions 15c, 15d. Therefore, the rotating shaft 15 and the second rotating disk 14 are allowed to move relatively in the axial direction X along the second cutouts 14c, 14d and the protrusions 15c, 15d, and are allowed to move relatively in the rotational direction Y within the range of the gaps between the second cutouts 14c, 14d and the protrusions 15c, 15d. In this way, the rotating shaft 15 is connected to the second rotating disk 14 so as to be movable relatively in the rotational direction Y and the axial direction X.

[0038] The rotating shaft 15 rotates by receiving driving force from the drive unit 4, and rotates relative to each other within the gap 16 at each boss 13b, 14b, and rotates integrally with both rotating disks 13, 14 by engaging with the circumferential inner surfaces of each notch 13c, 13d and each notch 14c, 14d.

[0039] [About sealing materials] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, 9, 10 and 15, in this embodiment, a first seal member 17 and a second seal member 18 are provided between the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 and the housing 2 (upper housing 11 and lower housing 12) to prevent leakage of fluid.

[0040] The first seal member 17 is provided on the first rotating disk 13, and the second seal member 18 is provided on the second rotating disk 14. That is, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , a surrounding groove 13e is formed on the upper surface of the first rotating disk 13 so as to surround the periphery of the openings of the two rotational passages 30 (first rotational passage 31 and second rotational passage 32). The first seal member 17 is fitted into and fixed to the surrounding groove 13e, and is provided so as to protrude from the upper surface of the first rotating disk 13. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 , a surrounding groove 14e is formed on the lower surface of the second rotating disk 14 so as to surround the periphery of the openings of the two rotational passages 40 (third rotational passage 43 and fourth rotational passage 44). The second seal member 18 is fitted into and fixed to the surrounding groove 14e, and is provided so as to protrude from the lower surface of the second rotating disk 14.

[0041] In this embodiment, the seal members 17 and 18 are made of rubber only. The seal members 17 and 18 may also be made of fluororesin (e.g., Teflon (registered trademark)) or rubber coated with fluororesin.

[0042] [About the drive unit] The drive unit 4 includes a motor or the like (not shown) for applying a rotational driving force to the rotary shaft 15. The drive unit 4 corresponds to an example of the "drive means" of the disclosed technology. The flow path switching device 1 selectively switches and forms a plurality of flow paths by combining and connecting the rotation passages 30, 40 of the rotary discs 13, 14 with the inflow / outflow passages 20 (first inflow / outflow passage 21 to eighth inflow / outflow passage 28) of the housing 2 by driving the rotary discs 13, 14 to rotate via the rotary shaft 15 with the drive unit 4, thereby forming a plurality of "flow path switching patterns" described below.

[0043] [About the control unit] The control unit 5 controls the drive unit 4 to rotate the rotating shaft 15 to rotate the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14, and after completing the switching of the flow path, to rotate the rotating shaft 15 in the reverse direction to release the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 from approaching each other in the axial direction X.

[0044] [About flow path switching patterns] An example of a flow path switching pattern will now be described. FIG. 20 shows the rotational position of the first rotating disk 13 relative to the upper housing 11 in a cross-sectional view taken along line GG in FIG. 2, which relates to a "first pattern" of the flow path switching pattern. In FIG. 20, the outline of the upper housing 11, which is not shown in the cross-section, is shown by a two-dot chain line. FIG. 21 shows the rotational position of the second rotating disk 14 relative to the lower housing 12 in a cross-sectional view taken along line HH in FIG. 2, which relates to the "first pattern." In FIG. 21, the outline of the lower housing 12, which is not shown in the cross-section, is shown by a two-dot chain line. FIG. 22 shows the rotational position of the first rotating disk 13 relative to the upper housing 11 in a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 20, which relates to a "second pattern" of the flow path switching pattern. FIG. 23 shows the rotational position of the second rotating disk 14 relative to the lower housing 12 in a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 21, which relates to the "second pattern." Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram equivalent to Fig. 20 showing the rotational position of the first rotating disk 13 relative to the upper housing 11 in relation to the "third pattern" of the flow path switching pattern. Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram equivalent to Fig. 21 showing the rotational position of the second rotating disk 14 relative to the lower housing 12 in relation to the "third pattern".

[0045] 20 and 21 , depending on the rotational positions of the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14, the first rotational passage 31 of the first rotating disk 13 communicates with the first inflow / outflow passage 21 and the second inflow / outflow passage 22, and the second rotational passage 32 communicates with the third inflow / outflow passage 23 and the fourth inflow / outflow passage 24. Furthermore, the third rotational passage 43 of the second rotating disk 14 communicates with the fifth inflow / outflow passage 25 and the sixth inflow / outflow passage 26, and the fourth rotational passage 44 communicates with the seventh inflow / outflow passage 27 and the eighth inflow / outflow passage 28. In this state, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 20 , the fluid that has flowed into the first inflow / outflow passage 21 flows out from the second inflow / outflow passage 22 via the first rotational passage 31, and the fluid that has flowed into the fourth inflow / outflow passage 24 flows out from the third inflow / outflow passage 23 via the second rotational passage 32. Furthermore, as shown by the arrows in Figure 21, the fluid that flows into the sixth inflow / outflow passage 26 flows out from the fifth inflow / outflow passage 25 via the third rotation passage 43, and the fluid that flows into the seventh inflow / outflow passage 27 flows out from the eighth inflow / outflow passage 28 via the fourth rotation passage 44.

[0046] In the second pattern, as shown in Figures 22 and 23, the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 rotate counterclockwise by approximately 60° from the state of the first pattern, and the first rotational passage 31 of the first rotating disk 13 communicates with the first inflow / outflow passage 21 and the third inflow / outflow passage 23, and the second rotational passage 32 communicates with the second inflow / outflow passage 22 and the fourth inflow / outflow passage 24. In addition, the third rotational passage 43 of the second rotating disk 14 communicates with the fifth inflow / outflow passage 25 and the sixth inflow / outflow passage 26, and the fourth rotational passage 44 communicates with the seventh inflow / outflow passage 27 and the eighth inflow / outflow passage 28. In this state, as shown by the arrows in Figure 22, the fluid that has flowed into the first inflow / outflow passage 21 flows out from the third inflow / outflow passage 23 via the first rotational passage 31, and the fluid that has flowed into the fourth inflow / outflow passage 24 flows out from the second inflow / outflow passage 22 via the second rotational passage 32. As shown by the arrows in Figure 23, the fluid that flows into the seventh inflow / outflow passage 27 flows out from the eighth inflow / outflow passage 28 via the fourth rotation passage 44, and the fluid that flows into the sixth inflow / outflow passage 26 flows out from the fifth inflow / outflow passage 25 via the third rotation passage 43.

[0047] In the third pattern, as shown in Figures 24 and 25, the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 are further rotated counterclockwise by approximately 60° from the state in the second pattern, and the first rotational passage 31 of the first rotating disk 13 is connected to the third inflow / outflow passage 23 and the fourth inflow / outflow passage 24, and the second rotational passage 32 is connected to the first inflow / outflow passage 21 and the second inflow / outflow passage 22. In addition, the fourth rotational passage 44 of the second rotating disk 14 is connected to the sixth inflow / outflow passage 26 and the eighth inflow / outflow passage 28, and the third rotational passage 43 is connected to the fifth inflow / outflow passage 25 and the seventh inflow / outflow passage 27. In this state, as shown by the arrows in Figure 24, the fluid that has flowed into the first inflow / outflow passage 21 flows out from the second inflow / outflow passage 22 via the second rotational passage 32, and the fluid that has flowed into the fourth inflow / outflow passage 24 flows out from the third inflow / outflow passage 23 via the first rotational passage 31. Also, as shown by the arrows in Figure 25, the fluid that flows into the seventh inflow / outflow passage 27 flows out from the fifth inflow / outflow passage 25 via the third rotation passage 43, and the fluid that flows into the sixth inflow / outflow passage 26 flows out from the eighth inflow / outflow passage 28 via the fourth rotation passage 44.

[0048] [Contact pressure adjustment mechanism] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 19, a plurality of compression springs 61 are provided in an internal space IS between the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14. The compression springs 61 bias the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 in a direction to separate the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 from each other and move them closer to the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12, in order to adjust the contact surface pressure of each sealing member 17, 18 against the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12. The compression springs 61 have the same shape and biasing force. In this embodiment, three compression springs 61 are arranged at equal angular intervals between the two rotating disks 13, 14. The compression springs 61 correspond to an example of the "elastic member" of the disclosed technology. In this embodiment, the surface pressure adjustment mechanism is composed of the above-mentioned "rotation transmission mechanism" and the compression springs 61.

[0049] As shown in Figures 7, 11 and 12, three receiving holes 13f are provided at equal angular intervals on the bottom surface of the first rotating disk 13 to receive the upper parts of the compression springs 61. As shown in Figures 5, 7, 13, 14 and 16, three receiving holes 14f are provided at equal angular intervals on the top surface of the second rotating disk 14 to receive the lower parts of the compression springs 61. Cylindrical portions 13g and 14g are provided in the centers of the receiving holes 13f and 14f, respectively, and the compression springs 61 are assembled and held around the peripheries of these cylindrical portions 13g and 14g. By assembling each compression spring 61 into each receiving hole 13f, 14f between both rotary discs 13, 14, the biasing force of each compression spring 61 moves both rotary discs 13, 14 away from each other and brings them close to the upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12, and biases each seal member 17, 18 in a direction to contact the inner surface of the upper housing 11 and the inner surface of the lower housing 12. In this embodiment, the rotation transmission mechanism described above connects each rotary disc 13, 14 to the rotary shaft 15 so as to be able to move relatively in the axial direction X, and therefore each rotary disc 13, 14 is allowed to move in the axial direction X within a predetermined range by the biasing force of each compression spring 61.

[0050] [Regarding the internal space pressure relief structure] When the pressure of the fluid in the rotation passage 30 of the first rotating disk 13 becomes greater than the elastic force of the compression spring 61 and the first rotating disk 13 is pushed down, the fluid in the rotation passage 30 leaks from the first sealing member 17 and flows into the internal space IS, causing the pressure in the internal space IS to increase.

[0051] Then, the first seal member 17 is compressed due to the pressure difference between the rotational passage 30 and the internal space IS, and the sliding torque of the first rotating disk 13 (i.e., the torque generated when the first seal member 17 slides on the upper housing 11 when the first rotating disk 13 rotates (i.e., when driven)) increases. Then, depending on the pressure difference between the rotational passage 30 and the internal space IS, it may become difficult for the first rotating disk 13 to rotate, and the flow path switching device 1 may not be able to selectively switch between the multiple flow paths.

[0052] Furthermore, the second seal member 18 is compressed due to the pressure difference between the rotational passage 40 of the second rotating disk 14 and the internal space IS, and the sliding torque of the second rotating disk 14 (i.e., the torque generated when the second seal member 18 slides on the lower housing 12 when the second rotating disk 14 rotates) increases. This may make it difficult for the second rotating disk 14 to rotate, depending on the pressure difference between the rotational passage 40 and the internal space IS, and the flow path switching device 1 may not be able to selectively switch between the multiple flow paths.

[0053] The same thing happens when the pressure of the fluid in the rotation passage 40 becomes greater than the elastic force of the compression spring 61 and the second rotating disc 14 is pushed up.

[0054] Therefore, in this embodiment, a pressure relief structure for the internal space IS is provided to reduce the increased pressure in the internal space IS.

[0055] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 26, the flow path switching device 1 is provided with a bypass passage 71 that connects the internal space IS with the inflow / outflow passage 20 of the housing 2. The inflow / outflow passage 20 to which the bypass passage 71 is connected may be any of the first inflow / outflow passage 21 to the eighth inflow / outflow passage 28. Fig. 26 shows, as an example, an example in which the inflow / outflow passage 20 to which the bypass passage 71 is connected is the second inflow / outflow passage 22.

[0056] Further, a water pump 72 is provided in the inlet / outlet passage 20 to pump fluid (e.g., coolant) through the inlet / outlet passage 20. The bypass passage 71 is connected to the inlet / outlet passage 20 at a position upstream of the water pump 72 in the fluid flow (i.e., on the left side in FIG. 26 ). The water pump 72 is an example of a “pumping section” in the present disclosure.

[0057] Furthermore, the bypass passage 71 is provided with a passage opening / closing mechanism 73 that opens and closes the bypass passage 71. This passage opening / closing mechanism 73 is, for example, a solenoid valve or a check valve.

[0058] In the pressure relief structure for the internal space IS configured as described above, when the pressure in the internal space IS reaches or exceeds a predetermined pressure value, the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 opens the bypass passage 71.

[0059] For example, if the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 is a solenoid valve, the control unit 5 opens the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 and opens the bypass passage 71 when the pressure in the internal space IS is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure value. This allows the pressure in the internal space IS to escape to the inflow / outflow passage 20 via the bypass passage 71.

[0060] On the other hand, when the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 is a solenoid valve, the control unit 5 closes the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 and closes the bypass passage 71 when the pressure in the internal space IS is less than a predetermined pressure value. This prevents the fluid from flowing back from the inflow / outflow passage 20 through the bypass passage 71 into the internal space IS.

[0061] Furthermore, when the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 is a check valve, when the pressure in the internal space IS is equal to or greater than a predetermined pressure value, the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 opens, opening the bypass passage 71. This allows the pressure in the internal space IS to escape to the inflow / outflow passage 20 via the bypass passage 71.

[0062] On the other hand, if the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 is a check valve, when the pressure in the internal space IS is lower than a predetermined pressure value, the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 is in a closed state, and the bypass passage 71 is closed. This prevents the fluid from flowing back from the inflow / outflow passage 20 through the bypass passage 71 into the internal space IS.

[0063] Furthermore, when the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 is an electromagnetic valve, another specific method of controlling the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 is that the control unit 5 controls the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 to be in an open state and the bypass passage 71 to be in an open state when switching the flow path and / or when the water pump 72 is stopped.

[0064] [About the function and effect of the flow path switching device] When the pressure of the fluid in the rotation passage 30 exceeds the elastic force of the compression spring 61, the first rotating disc 13 is pushed down, causing the fluid in the rotation passage 30 to leak through the first seal member 17 and flow into the internal space IS, thereby increasing the pressure in the internal space IS. Furthermore, when the pressure of the fluid in the rotation passage 40 exceeds the elastic force of the compression spring 61, the second rotating disc 14 is pushed up, causing the fluid in the rotation passage 40 to leak through the second seal member 18 and flow into the internal space IS, thereby also increasing the pressure in the internal space IS.

[0065] As a measure against such an increase in pressure in the internal space IS, the flow path switching device 1 of this embodiment is provided with a bypass passage 71 connecting the internal space IS and the inflow / outflow passage 20.

[0066] In this way, the inflow / outflow passage 20 and the internal space IS can be communicated via the bypass passage 71. This allows the pressure in the internal space IS, which increases due to an increase in the pressure of the fluid in the rotation passage 30 and / or the rotation passage 40, to be released to the inflow / outflow passage 20 via the bypass passage 71. This allows the pressure in the internal space IS to be lowered, thereby reducing the pressure difference between the rotation passage 30 and the internal space IS and the pressure difference between the rotation passage 40 and the internal space IS.

[0067] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the sliding torque of the first rotating disk 13 and the sliding torque of the second rotating disk 14, facilitating the rotation of the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14. Therefore, regardless of the magnitude of the fluid pressure in the rotation passage 30 and the rotation passage 40, it is possible to reliably rotate the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 and selectively switch between multiple flow paths.

[0068] Furthermore, because the flow path switching device 1 modularizes the flow path switching valve and the water pump 72, there is no need to add piping or passages to connect the flow path switching valve and the water pump 72. This allows the flow path switching device 1 to be made smaller in size, and the manufacturing costs of the flow path switching device 1 can be reduced.

[0069] The bypass passage 71 is connected to the inflow / outflow passage 20 at a position upstream of the water pump 72 .

[0070] In this way, the bypass passage 71 is connected to a position upstream of the water pump 72 in the inflow / outflow passage 20. Since the water pump 72 sends fluid from the upstream side to the downstream side, the pressure upstream of the water pump 72 is lower than that of the internal space IS. Therefore, the pressure in the internal space IS can be more reliably released to the inflow / outflow passage 20 via the bypass passage 71, thereby reducing the pressure in the internal space IS.

[0071] In addition, a passage opening / closing mechanism 73 for opening and closing the bypass passage 71 is provided.

[0072] As a result, the pressure in the internal space IS can be adjusted by opening and closing the bypass passage 71 in accordance with the pressure in the internal space IS. Therefore, when the pressure in the internal space IS rises, the passage opening and closing mechanism 73 can be used to adjust the pressure in the internal space IS so that it decreases, thereby reducing the pressure difference between the rotation passage 30 and the internal space IS, and the pressure difference between the rotation passage 40 and the internal space IS. This reduces the sliding torque of the first rotating disk 13 and the sliding torque of the second rotating disk 14, making it easier to rotate the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14, and also ensures the sealing performance of the first seal member 17 that seals the rotation passage 30 and the second seal member 18 that seals the rotation passage 40.

[0073] Furthermore, when switching the flow path, the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 may keep the bypass passage 71 open.

[0074] As a result, the pressure in the internal space IS is released to the inflow / outflow passage 20 via the bypass passage 71, and the flow path can be switched by rotating the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 while the pressure in the internal space IS is reduced. Therefore, when switching the flow path, the sliding torque of the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 can be reduced, making it easier for the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 to rotate.

[0075] Furthermore, when the water pump 72 is stopped, the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 may keep the bypass passage 71 open.

[0076] As a result, when the water pump 72 is stopped, such as when the vehicle is stopped, the pressure in the internal space IS can be reduced by releasing the pressure in the internal space IS to the inflow / outflow passage 20 via the bypass passage 71. Therefore, when the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 are subsequently rotated to switch the flow path, the sliding torque of the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 can be reduced, making it easier for the first rotating disk 13 and the second rotating disk 14 to rotate.

[0077] [Application to fluid systems] The flow path switching device 1 of this embodiment can be applied to a fluid system 101 as shown in FIG. 27, for example.

[0078] As such a fluid system 101, for example, a system to be mounted on a vehicle, which controls the flow of cooling water to adjust the temperature of a battery 122 or a PCU 123, can be constructed as shown in FIG.

[0079] In addition to the flow path switching device 1, the fluid system 101 has a first flow path 111, a second flow path 112, a third flow path 113, and a fourth flow path 114. A chiller 121 is provided in the first flow path 111, a battery 122 is provided in the second flow path 112, a PCU 123 is provided in the third flow path 113, and a radiator 124 is provided in the fourth flow path 114. Water pumps 72 are provided in the inflow / outflow passage 20 connected to the first flow path 111 and the inflow / outflow passage 20 connected to the third flow path 113. A bypass passage 71 is connected to the inflow / outflow passage 20 connected to the first flow path 111 at a position upstream of the water pump 72. The bypass passage 71 may also be connected to the inflow / outflow passage 20 connected to the third flow path 113 at a position upstream of the water pump 72.

[0080] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the present disclosure in any way. It goes without saying that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0081] For example, the combination of the bypass passage 71 and the water pump 72 may be multiple instead of one. Also, the water pump 72 may be provided in a passage connected to the downstream side of the inflow / outflow passage 20, rather than in the inflow / outflow passage 20.

[0082] Furthermore, the passage opening / closing mechanism 73 is not limited to being provided at one end of the bypass passage 71, and may be provided at any location other than the one end.

[0083] Furthermore, although the above description has stated that the housing 2 has eight inlet / outlet passages 20, this is not limiting and the housing 2 may have a number of inlet / outlet passages 20 other than eight. Furthermore, although the above description has stated that the first rotating disk 13 includes two rotational passages 30, this is not limiting and the first rotating disk 13 may include a number of rotational passages 30 other than two. Furthermore, although the above description has stated that the second rotating disk 14 includes two rotational passages 40, this is not limiting and the second rotating disk 14 may include a number of rotational passages 40 other than two. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 Flow path switching device 2. Housing 3 Valve body 4 Drive unit 5. Control section 11 Upper housing 12 Lower housing 13 First rotating disk 14 Second rotating disk 15 Rotation axis 17 First seal member 18 Second seal member 20 Inlet / outlet passage 30 Rotating Passage 31 First Turning Passage 32 Second Turning Passage 40 Rotating Passage 43 Third Turning Passage 44 4th Turning Passage 61 compression spring 71 Bypass Passage 72 Water pump 73 Passage opening / closing mechanism IS interior space

Claims

1. Housing and a valve body portion disposed inside the housing; Equipped with the valve body portion includes a first drive member and a second drive member disposed adjacent to each other, the housing, and at least one of the first drive member and the second drive member each include a plurality of communication passages; a seal member for suppressing leakage of fluid is provided between the housing and a periphery of the communication passage in at least one of the first drive member and the second drive member; a flow path switching device configured to selectively switch and form a plurality of flow paths by driving the first drive member and the second drive member to combine and connect the communication path in at least one of the first drive member and the second drive member with the communication path in the housing, an elastic member is provided in an internal space between the first drive member and the second drive member, the elastic member separating the first drive member and the second drive member from each other and biasing the first drive member in a direction to bring them closer to the housing; a bypass passage is provided that connects the internal space and the communication passage of the housing; A flow path switching device characterized by the above.

2. 2. The flow path switching device according to claim 1, a pumping unit that pumps the fluid in the communication passage of the housing; the bypass passage is connected to the communication passage of the housing at a position upstream of the pumping section; A flow path switching device characterized by the above.

3. The flow path switching device according to claim 1 or 2, a passage opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the bypass passage is provided; A flow path switching device characterized by the above.

4. The flow path switching device according to claim 3, When switching the flow path, the passage opening / closing mechanism opens the bypass passage; A flow path switching device characterized by the above.

5. 2. The flow path switching device according to claim 1, a pumping unit that pumps the fluid in the communication passage of the housing; the bypass passage is connected to the communication passage of the housing at a position upstream of the pumping portion, a passage opening / closing mechanism for opening and closing the bypass passage is provided; When the pumping unit is stopped, the passage opening / closing mechanism opens the bypass passage. A flow path switching device characterized by the above.

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