Switching device

Abstract

To provide a switching device capable of suppressing leakage of a medium from between a spool and a case while securing accuracy of temperature management of the medium.SOLUTION: The switching device 5 is a switching device that can be provided in the thermal management circuit and can switch the flow path of the medium flowing through the thermal management circuit. The switching device 5 includes at least one spool 101 to 103, a case 20, and a sealing material 500. A part of the flow path is formed in the case 20. The at least one spool includes a hollow spool 101 made of synthetic resin and formed in a hollow shape. The hollow spool 101 has at least one open side h10, h20. The seal member 500 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the hollow spool 101 and the case 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switching device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0314735 discloses an octovalve for use in a vehicle thermal management circuit. The octovalve has a stem shell with three channels.

[0003] On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-125626 discloses a flow path switching unit having a spool and a sleeve. The spool has a hollow portion that forms an internal space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0314735 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-125626 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the thermal management circuit described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0314735, it is desirable to reduce heat transfer between the medium and the spool, for example, in order to improve the accuracy of temperature management of the medium. For this reason, it is conceivable to form the spool from a synthetic resin, for example.

[0006] However, doing so raises the concern that the medium may leak from a gap formed between the spool and the case due to tolerances in molding the spool.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a switching device that can suppress leakage of the medium from between the spool and the case while ensuring accuracy in temperature control of the medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a switching device that can be installed in a thermal management circuit and can switch the flow path of a medium flowing through the thermal management circuit, and includes at least one spool, a case that houses the at least one spool, and a sealing material that is installed between the at least one spool and the case, wherein a portion of the flow path is formed in the case, and the at least one spool includes a hollow spool made of synthetic resin and formed in a hollow shape, and the hollow spool has at least one opening that connects the space inside the hollow spool to the space outside the hollow spool, and the sealing material is installed between the outer surface of the hollow spool and the case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a switching device that can suppress leakage of the medium from between the spool and the case while ensuring accuracy in temperature control of the medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded front view of the valve assembly. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams schematically illustrating modified examples of the rod and spool. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a switching device 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The switching device 5 is preferably applied to a thermal management circuit (not shown). A medium (such as water) that transfers heat circulates in the thermal management circuit. The thermal management circuit may be, for example, a circuit for regulating the temperature of a vehicle battery.

[0013] The switching device 5 can be provided in the thermal management circuit. The switching device 5 can switch the flow path of the medium flowing through the thermal management circuit. As shown in FIG. 1 , the switching device 5 includes a valve assembly 10 and a case 20.

[0014] Fig. 2 is an exploded front view of the valve assembly. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the valve assembly. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the valve assembly 10 includes at least one spool 101-103, at least one actuator 201-203, a substrate 300, a housing 400, and a sealant 500.

[0015] In this embodiment, the at least one spool includes three spools: a hollow spool 101, a first valve spool 102, and a second valve spool 103.

[0016] The hollow spool 101 is made of synthetic resin and is hollow. The hollow spool 101 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The hollow spool 101 may be formed by injection molding of synthetic resin containing glass fiber. In this embodiment, the glass fiber is more likely to be oriented along the axial direction of the hollow spool 101, thereby suppressing uneven distortion due to temperature changes.

[0017] The hollow spool 101 has at least one opening h10, h20. The at least one opening h10, h20 connects the space inside the hollow spool 101 with the space outside the hollow spool 101. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the at least one opening includes a first opening h10 and a second opening h20 formed at positions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the hollow spool 101 (the up-and-down direction in FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the hollow spool 101 has a plurality of first openings h10 and a plurality of second openings h20.

[0018] The multiple first openings h10 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the hollow spool 101. The size of each first opening h10 in the circumferential direction is formed to be approximately constant in the axial direction of the hollow spool 101.

[0019] The second openings h20 are arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction. The second openings h20 are provided at positions spaced apart from each first opening h10 in the axial direction. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each second opening h20 has a base portion h21 and an adjustment portion h22.

[0020] The circumferential dimension of the base portion h21 is constant in the axial direction. The circumferential dimension of the base portion h21 may be set to be the same as the circumferential dimension of the first opening h10.

[0021] The dimension of the adjustment portion h22 in the circumferential direction gradually decreases as it approaches the first opening h10 (as it moves away from the base portion h21).

[0022] When the switching device 5 including the hollow spool 101 is connected to the thermal management circuit, it is preferable that the switching device 5 is connected to the thermal management circuit so that switching of the flow path leading to the device causing a relatively small pressure loss is performed at the second opening h20 and switching of the flow path leading to the device causing a relatively large pressure loss is performed at the first opening h10. This prevents a relatively large amount of medium from flowing into the device causing a relatively small pressure loss, compared to when the first opening h10 and the second opening h20 have the same shape.

[0023] The first valve spool 102 is disposed at a position spaced apart from the hollow spool 101. The axial direction of the first valve spool 102 is parallel to the axial direction of the hollow spool 101. The first valve spool 102 is an example of the "other valve spool" in this disclosure.

[0024] The second valve spool 103 is disposed at a position spaced apart from both the hollow spool 101 and the first valve spool 102. The axial direction of the second valve spool 103 is parallel to the axial direction of the hollow spool 101. The second valve spool 103 is disposed at a position where the first valve spool 102 is sandwiched between the second spool 103 and the hollow spool 101 in the opposing direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2 ) in which the hollow spool 101 and the first valve spool 102 face each other. The second valve spool 103 is an example of the "other valve spool" in this disclosure.

[0025] The first valve spool 102 and the second valve spool 103 each have a shaft portion 110 and a partition portion 120 .

[0026] The at least one actuator includes three actuators. Specifically, the at least one actuator includes a hollow actuator 201, a first actuator 202, and a second actuator 203.

[0027] The hollow actuator 201 is capable of driving the hollow spool 101. The hollow actuator 201 has a rod 211 connected to the hollow spool 101. The rod 211 extends parallel to the axial direction of the hollow spool 101.

[0028] The hollow spool 101 is connected to the rod 211 so as to be movable relative to the rod 211 in the opposing direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2). Specifically, a through hole 211h is provided in the rod 211. The length of the through hole 211h in the opposing direction is longer than the length of the through hole 211h in the axial direction. The hollow spool 101 is connected to the rod 211 by a pin 220 inserted into the through hole 211h. In this embodiment, the hollow spool 101 is movable relative to the rod 211 in the radial direction of the rod 211.

[0029] The first actuator 202 is capable of driving the first valve spool 102. The first actuator 202 has a rod 212 connected to the first valve spool 102. The rod 212 extends parallel to the axial direction of the first valve spool 102. The first actuator 202 is an example of the "other actuator" in the present disclosure. The rod 212 is an example of the "other rod" in the present disclosure.

[0030] The first valve spool 102 is connected to the rod 212 so as to be movable relative to the rod 212 in the opposing direction. Specifically, a through hole 212h is provided in the rod 212. The length of the through hole 212h in the opposing direction is longer than the length of the through hole 212h in the axial direction. The first valve spool 102 is connected to the rod 212 by a pin 220 inserted through the through hole 212h. In this embodiment, the first spool valve 102 is movable relative to the rod 212 in the radial direction of the rod 212.

[0031] The second actuator 203 is capable of driving the second valve spool 103. The second actuator 203 has a rod 213 connected to the second valve spool 103. The rod 213 extends parallel to the axial direction of the second valve spool 103. The second actuator 203 is an example of the "other actuator" in the present disclosure. The rod 213 is an example of the "other rod" in the present disclosure.

[0032] The second valve spool 103 is connected to the rod 213 so as to be movable relative to the rod 213 in the opposing direction. Specifically, a through hole 213h is provided in the rod 213. The length of the through hole 213h in the opposing direction is longer than the length of the through hole 213h in the axial direction. The second valve spool 103 is connected to the rod 213 by a pin 220 inserted through the through hole 213h. In this embodiment, the second spool valve 103 is movable relative to the rod 213 in the radial direction of the rod 213.

[0033] The substrate 300 has the actuators 201 to 203 mounted thereon.

[0034] The housing 400 accommodates at least one actuator. In this embodiment, the housing 400 accommodates three actuators 201 to 203 and a substrate 300. The housing 400 accommodates the three actuators 201 to 203 such that the axial directions of the spools 101 to 103 are parallel to one another.

[0035] The housing 400 includes an actuator accommodating portion 410 and a board accommodating portion 420 .

[0036] The actuator accommodating section 410 accommodates the actuators 201 to 203. The actuator accommodating section 410 has holding sections 412 that hold the actuators 201 to 203. The holding sections 412 are formed in a cylindrical shape. The holding sections 412 are lined up at intervals in the opposing direction.

[0037] The substrate accommodating section 420 accommodates the substrate 300. The substrate accommodating section 420 is adjacent to the actuator accommodating section 410. The substrate accommodating section 420 is adjacent to the actuator accommodating section 410 on the side opposite to the side on which the rods 211-213 are located, with the actuators 201-203 as the reference.

[0038] The sealing material 500 is provided between at least one of the spools 101 to 103 and the case 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sealing material 500 has a plurality of spool seals 510 and a plurality of base seals 520.

[0039] Each spool seal 510 is attached to the outer peripheral surface of each spool 101-103. Specifically, a plurality of spool seals 510 are attached at intervals in the axial direction to the outer peripheral surface of the hollow spool 101. A plurality of spool seals 510 are attached at intervals in the axial direction to the outer peripheral surface of the partition portion 120 of the first valve spool 102. A plurality of spool seals 510 are attached at intervals in the axial direction to the outer peripheral surface of the partition portion 120 of the second valve spool 103.

[0040] Each base seal 520 is attached to the outer circumferential surface of each holding portion 412 .

[0041] The case 20 houses at least one spool. In this embodiment, the case 20 houses three spools 101 to 103. A part of the flow path in the thermal management circuit 1 is formed in the case 20. The case 20 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0042] As shown in Figure 4, the case 20 has three surrounding portions 21 to 23. The surrounding portion 21, which surrounds the hollow spool 101, allows the hollow spool 101 to move axially relative to the surrounding portion 21. The surrounding portion 22, which surrounds the first valve spool 102, allows the first valve spool 102 to move axially relative to the surrounding portion 22. The surrounding portion 23, which surrounds the second valve spool 103, allows the second valve spool 103 to move axially relative to the surrounding portion 23. Each of the surrounding portions 21 to 23 is connected to a flow path formed in the case 20.

[0043] Each of the surrounding portions 21 to 23 is in close contact with the sealing material 500. In other words, each of the spool seals 510 and each of the base seals 520 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of each of the surrounding portions 21 to 23. Each of the spool seals 510 is in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of each of the surrounding portions 21 to 23 and is able to slide axially along with each of the spools 101 to 103 relative to the inner circumferential surface.

[0044] As described above, in the switching device 5 of this embodiment, the spools 101-103 are made of synthetic resin, so heat transfer between the medium and each of the spools 101-103 is relatively low. This ensures accurate temperature control of the medium. Furthermore, because the sealant 500 is provided between each of the spools 101-103 and each of the enclosures 21-23, even if gaps are formed between each of the spools 101-103 and each of the enclosures 21-23 due to tolerances during molding of each of the spools 101-103, leakage of the medium from the gaps is suppressed.

[0045] 5, the rod 211 may be connected to the hollow spool 101 by a retaining member 211a. In this case, too, the hollow spool 101 is connected to the rod 211 so as to be movable relative to the rod 211 in the opposing direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 5).

[0046] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0047] [Aspect 1] A switching device that can be provided in a thermal management circuit and that can switch a flow path of a medium flowing through the thermal management circuit, comprising: at least one spool; a case that houses the at least one spool; a seal provided between the at least one spool and the case, a part of the flow path is formed in the case, the at least one spool includes a hollow spool made of synthetic resin and formed in a hollow shape; the hollow spool has at least one opening that communicates a space inside the hollow spool with a space outside the hollow spool; The switching device, wherein the sealing material is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the hollow spool and the case.

[0048] In this switching device, the hollow spool is made of synthetic resin, which reduces heat transfer between the medium and the hollow spool. This ensures accurate temperature control of the medium. Furthermore, a seal is provided between the hollow spool and the case, preventing leakage of the medium from gaps that may occur between the hollow spool and the case due to tolerances during molding of the hollow spool.

[0049] [Aspect 2] the at least one opening includes a first opening and a second opening formed at positions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the hollow spool; the second opening includes an adjustment portion; Aspect 2. The switching device according to aspect 1, wherein a dimension of the adjustment portion in a circumferential direction of the hollow spool gradually decreases toward the first opening in the axial direction.

[0050] In this aspect, for example, when a thermal management circuit includes two devices connected in parallel with each other and which have different pressure losses when a medium passes through each device, and a switching device is connected to the thermal management circuit, the switching device is connected to the thermal management circuit so that the second opening switches the flow path leading to the device with the relatively small pressure loss, thereby preventing a relatively large amount of medium from flowing into the device with the small pressure loss compared to when the first opening and the second opening have the same shape.

[0051] [Aspect 3] at least one actuator that drives the at least one spool; a housing containing the at least one actuator; the at least one spool includes another valve spool different from the hollow spool; The at least one actuator a hollow actuator capable of driving the hollow spool along the axial direction of the hollow spool; another actuator capable of driving the other valve spool in an axial direction of the other valve spool, The switching device according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the housing accommodates the hollow spool actuator and the other actuator so that the axial direction of the hollow spool and the axial direction of the other valve spool are parallel to each other.

[0052] In this embodiment, a plurality of spools can be arranged in a relatively small space.

[0053] [Aspect 4] Further provided is a substrate on which the hollow actuator and the other actuator are mounted, The housing includes: an actuator accommodating portion that accommodates the hollow actuator and the other actuator; A switching device according to aspect 3, further comprising: a substrate accommodating portion adjacent to the actuator accommodating portion and configured to accommodate the substrate.

[0054] In this embodiment, the actuators and the substrate are accommodated in a single housing, thereby reducing the space required for arranging the actuators and the substrate.

[0055] [Aspect 5] the hollow actuator includes a rod extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the hollow spool and connected to the hollow spool; the other actuator includes another rod extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the other valve spool and connected to the other valve spool; the hollow spool is connected to the rod so as to be movable relative to the rod in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod; A switching device according to aspect 3 or 4, wherein the other valve spool is connected to the other rod so as to be movable relative to the other rod in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the other rod.

[0056] This configuration facilitates assembly of the spools into the case, and also prevents the spools from sliding strongly against the case.

[0057] [Aspect 6] the case includes an enclosing portion that is in close contact with the sealing material and allows the hollow spool to move along the axial direction of the hollow spool, Aspect 6. The switching device according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the enclosure is connected to the flow path.

[0058] In this embodiment, the surrounding portion of the case also functions as a sleeve in the spool valve, so the number of parts is reduced compared to when a dedicated sleeve is provided.

[0059] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered limiting. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 5 Switching device, 10 Valve assembly, 20 Case, 21-23 Enclosure, 101 Hollow spool, 102 First valve spool (another valve spool), 103 Second valve spool (another valve spool), 110 Shaft, 120 Partition, 201 Hollow actuator, 202 First actuator (another actuator), 203 Second actuator (another actuator), 211 Rod, 211h Through hole, 212 Rod (another rod), 212h Through hole, 213 Rod (another rod), 213h Through hole, 300 Board, 400 Housing, 410 Actuator accommodating portion, 412 Holding portion, 420 Board accommodating portion, 500 Sealing material, 510 Spool seal, 520 Base seal, h10 First opening, h20 Second opening, h21 Base portion, h22 Adjustment portion.

Claims

1. A switching device that can be provided in a thermal management circuit and that can switch a flow path of a medium flowing through the thermal management circuit, comprising: at least one spool; a case that houses the at least one spool; a seal provided between the at least one spool and the case, a part of the flow path is formed in the case, the at least one spool includes a hollow spool made of synthetic resin and formed in a hollow shape; the hollow spool has at least one opening that communicates a space inside the hollow spool with a space outside the hollow spool; The switching device, wherein the sealing material is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the hollow spool and the case.

2. the at least one opening includes a first opening and a second opening formed at positions spaced apart from each other in the axial direction of the hollow spool; the second opening includes an adjustment portion; The switching device according to claim 1 , wherein a dimension of the adjustment portion in a circumferential direction of the hollow spool gradually decreases toward the first opening in the axial direction.

3. at least one actuator that drives the at least one spool; a housing that houses the at least one actuator; the at least one spool includes another valve spool different from the hollow spool; The at least one actuator a hollow actuator capable of driving the hollow spool along the axial direction of the hollow spool; another actuator capable of driving the other valve spool in an axial direction of the other valve spool, 2. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the housing accommodates the hollow spool actuator and the other valve spool actuator such that the axial direction of the hollow spool and the axial direction of the other valve spool are parallel to each other.

4. Further provided is a substrate on which the hollow actuator and the other actuator are mounted, The housing includes: an actuator accommodating portion that accommodates the hollow actuator and the other actuator; The switching device according to claim 3 , further comprising: a substrate accommodating portion adjacent to the actuator accommodating portion, the substrate accommodating portion accommodating the substrate.

5. the hollow actuator includes a rod extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the hollow spool and connected to the hollow spool; the other actuator includes another rod extending in a direction parallel to the axial direction of the other valve spool and connected to the other valve spool; the hollow spool is connected to the rod so as to be movable relative to the rod in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rod; The switching device according to claim 3 , wherein the other valve spool is connected to the other rod so as to be movable relative to the other rod in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the other rod.

6. the case includes an enclosing portion that is in close contact with the sealing material and allows the hollow spool to move along the axial direction of the hollow spool, The switching device according to claim 1 , wherein the enclosure is connected to the flow path.

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