Flow path switching device

Abstract

To provide a flow passage switching device capable of restraining enlargement caused by arranging a water pump.SOLUTION: The flow path switching device 100 includes a plurality of spool valves 20 extending in the Z direction, a plurality of water pumps 10, and a case 30 in which the plurality of spool valves 20 and the plurality of water pumps 10 are disposed. The plurality of spool valves 20 are provided inside the case 30. The plurality of water pumps 10 are disposed in the recesses (311 to 313) formed in the side surface 310 of the case 30. Each of the recessed portions (311 to 313) is recessed in the Y direction toward the inside of the case 30. The plurality of water pumps 10 and the plurality of spool valves 20 overlap each other in the X direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2021-156234 (Patent Document 1) discloses a thermal circuit in which a heat medium circulates. The thermal circuit is provided with a plurality of switching valves that switch the flow path of the heat medium and a plurality of pumps. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-156234 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The thermal circuit described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a switching valve and a pump. Here, for example, to simplify the circuit configuration, a flow path switching device equipped with a pump along with the switching valve may be used. In this case, the pump (water pump) is disposed in the flow path switching device, which may result in the flow path switching device becoming larger.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problem, and its purpose is to provide a flow path switching device that can prevent the device from becoming larger due to the installation of a water pump. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A flow path switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a flow path switching device capable of switching a flow path of a heat medium, and includes at least one spool valve extending in a first direction, at least one water pump, and a case in which the at least one spool valve and the at least one water pump are disposed. The at least one spool valve is provided inside the case. The at least one water pump is disposed in a recess formed in a side surface of the case. The recess is recessed from the side surface toward the inside of the case in a second direction intersecting with the first direction. The at least one spool valve and the at least one water pump overlap in a third direction intersecting with both the first direction and the second direction.

[0007] In the flow path switching device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, as described above, at least one spool valve and at least one water pump overlap in the third direction. This allows the at least one spool valve and at least one water pump to be disposed relatively closer together than when the at least one spool valve and at least one water pump do not overlap in the third direction. As a result, the case can be made smaller. This prevents the flow path switching device from becoming larger due to the inclusion of at least one water pump. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the flow path switching device in which the water pump is provided from becoming large. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a configuration of a thermal management unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a thermal management unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a thermal management unit according to a modified example of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0011] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a flow path switching device 100 according to this embodiment. The flow path switching device 100 is connected to a thermal management circuit (not shown). A heat medium (water, etc.) circulates in this thermal management circuit to exchange heat. The thermal management circuit may be, for example, a circuit for regulating the temperature of a vehicle battery.

[0012] The flow path switching device 100 includes at least one water pump 10 and a plurality of spool valves 20. In this embodiment, the flow path switching device 100 includes three water pumps 10 and three spool valves 20.

[0013] Each of the multiple water pumps 10 circulates a heat medium in the thermal management circuit. The multiple water pumps 10 include a battery pump 11, a unit pump 12, and an HT (High Temperature) pump 13. Each water pump 10 may be formed in a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 1. The battery pump 11 is an example of an "inter-valve pump" and a "first pump" in the present disclosure. The unit pump 12 is an example of an "inter-valve pump" and a "second pump" in the present disclosure. The HT pump 13 is an example of an "end-side pump" and a "second pump" in the present disclosure.

[0014] Each of the multiple spool valves 20 switches the flow path of the heat medium flowing through the thermal management circuit. The multiple spool valves 20 include spool valve 21, spool valve 22, and spool valve 23. Note that spool valve 21 and spool valve 22 are examples of the "first valve" and "second valve" respectively in the present disclosure. Also, spool valve 23 is an example of the "third valve" in the present disclosure.

[0015] The spool valves 21, 22, and 23 are formed in a generally cylindrical shape. The spool valve 23 is connected to a circuit in the thermal management circuit, which includes a heater or the like and through which a relatively high-temperature heat medium circulates.

[0016] Each spool valve 20 (21 to 23) is configured to be movable in the axial direction (Z direction). As the position of each spool valve 20 in the axial direction changes, the connection state of the flow paths between openings (not numbered) formed in each spool valve 20 and each heat medium flow path (for example, inlet ports 314a, 315a, 330a, 331a, outlet ports 314b, 315b, 330b, 331b, and flow paths 34 to 36, which will be described later) changes. This switches the flow path of the heat medium in the heat management circuit (flow path switching device 100).

[0017] The flow path switching device 100 includes a battery pump 11, a unit pump 12, an HT pump 13, spool valves 21 to 23, a case 30, and a valve assembly 40. The number of water pumps 10 and spool valves 20 included in the flow path switching device 100 is not limited to three. For example, the number of water pumps 10 included in the flow path switching device 100 may be one or more. The number of spool valves 20 included in the flow path switching device 100 may be one or more. The X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to one another. The X and Z directions are examples of the "third direction" and "first direction," respectively, in the present disclosure. The Y direction is an example of the "second direction" in the present disclosure.

[0018] A plurality of spool valves 20 (21, 22, 23) and a plurality of water pumps 10 (11, 12, 13) are arranged in the case 30. In other words, the plurality of spool valves 20 (21, 22, 23) and the plurality of water pumps 10 (11, 12, 13) are arranged in the common case 30. The case 30 may be made of resin.

[0019] Hereinafter, when "plural spool valves 20" is mentioned, it refers to spool valves 21, 22, and 23. Furthermore, when "plural water pumps 10" is mentioned, it refers to battery pump 11, unit pump 12, and HT pump 13.

[0020] The case 30 includes a body 31, a gasket 32, and a cover 33. The body 31, the gasket 32, and the cover 33 are arranged in the Y direction. The body 31 is open on the Y2 side. The cover 33 closes the open portion of the body 31. In other words, the cover 33 functions as a lid for the body 31. The end (periphery) of the body 31 on the Y2 side is connected to the end (periphery) of the cover 33 on the Y1 side.

[0021] The gasket 32 ​​is disposed between the body 31 and the cover 33 and seals the gap between the body 31 and the cover 33. The body 31 is disposed on the Y1 side of the gasket 32. The cover 33 is disposed on the Y2 side of the gasket 32.

[0022] The case 30 (body 31) includes a side surface 310 in the Y direction. The side surface 310 is the side surface of the body 31 on the Y1 side. Each of the multiple water pumps 10 (11, 12, 13) is provided on the side surface 310. That is, each of the multiple water pumps 10 (11, 12, 13) is attached to the case 30 from the same direction (the Y1 side).

[0023] This allows the thickness of the flow path switching device 100 including the case 30 and the water pumps 10 (thickness in the mounting direction (Y direction) of the water pumps 10) to be reduced compared to when multiple water pumps 10 are mounted on different sides of the case 30.

[0024] Recesses 311, 312, and 313 recessed toward the inside (Y2 side) of the case 30 are formed on the side surface 310. The battery pump 11 is disposed in the recess 311. The unit pump 12 is disposed in the recess 312. The HT pump 13 is disposed in the recess 313.

[0025] The body 31 includes a side surface 314 and a side surface 315 in the X direction. The side surfaces 314 and 315 are arranged in the X direction. The side surface 314 is the side surface of the body 31 on the X1 side. The side surface 315 is the side surface of the body 31 on the X2 side. Each of the side surfaces 314 and 315 is an example of a "third direction side surface" in the present disclosure.

[0026] The side surface 314 is provided with at least one inlet port 314 a for allowing the heat medium to flow into the case 30 and at least one outlet port 314 b for allowing the heat medium to flow out of the case 30 .

[0027] The side surface 315 is provided with at least one inlet port 315 a for allowing the heat medium to flow into the case 30 and at least one outlet port 315 b for allowing the heat medium to flow out of the case 30 .

[0028] The cover 33 includes a side surface 330 and a side surface 331 in the X direction. The side surfaces 330 and 331 are arranged in the X direction. The side surface 330 is a side surface of the cover 33 on the X1 side. The side surface 331 is a side surface of the cover 33 on the X2 side. Each of the side surfaces 330 and 331 is an example of a "third direction side surface" in the present disclosure.

[0029] The side surface 330 is provided with at least one inlet port 330 a for allowing the heat medium to flow into the case 30 and at least one outlet port 330 b for allowing the heat medium to flow out of the case 30 .

[0030] The side surface 331 is provided with at least one inlet port 331 a through which the heat medium flows into the case 30 and at least one outlet port 331 b through which the heat medium flows out of the case 30 .

[0031] This makes it easier to place other devices, etc. (in this embodiment, valve assembly 40) in the space opposite the side surface in the Z direction, compared to when either the inlet port or the outlet port is provided on the side surface in the Z direction of the case 30.

[0032] The cover 33 includes a side surface 332 in the Y direction. The side surface 332 is a side surface of the cover 33 on the Y2 side. The side surface 332 is provided on the opposite side (back side) of the side surface 310 of the body 31. The side surface 310 of the body 31 and the side surface 332 of the cover 33 are arranged in the Y direction. Therefore, each of the recesses 311, 312, 313 is recessed from the side surface 310 toward the side surface 332.

[0033] The body 31 includes a side surface 316 in the Z direction. The side surface 316 is a side surface of the body 31 on the Z1 side. At least one air vent valve 316a is provided on the side surface 316. In this embodiment, a plurality of air vent valves 316a are provided on the side surface 316.

[0034] Each of the multiple spool valves 20 is provided inside a case 30 (body 31). Each of the multiple spool valves 20 extends in the Z direction. That is, the axial directions of the spool valves 20 are parallel to each other.

[0035] The multiple spool valves 20 are arranged at intervals in the X direction. That is, the multiple spool valves 20 are arranged in the X direction.

[0036] Spool valve 22 is disposed between spool valve 21 and spool valve 23. Spool valve 21 is disposed on the X1 side of spool valve 22. Spool valve 23 is disposed on the X2 side of spool valve 22. In other words, spool valve 21 is disposed at the end of the multiple spool valves 20 closest to the X1 side (closest to the X1 side). Spool valve 23 is disposed at the end of the multiple spool valves 20 closest to the X2 side (closest to the X2 side).

[0037] By arranging the spool valve 23 at the end on the X2 side of the three spool valves 20, the influence of the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the spool valve 23 on both the heat medium flowing through the spool valve 21 and the heat medium flowing through the spool valve 22 can be suppressed compared to when the spool valve 23, through which a heat medium with a relatively high temperature flows, is arranged in the center of the three spool valves 20.

[0038] The valve assembly 40 includes an actuator 41 and a controller 42 that controls the actuator 41. In the valve assembly 40, the actuator 41 and the controller 42 are integrally provided.

[0039] The actuator 41 includes a rod 41a, a rod 41b, a rod 41c, and a motor 41d, a motor 41e, and a motor 41f. The motor 41d drives the rod 41a. The motor 41e drives the rod 41b. The motor 41f drives the rod 41c.

[0040] The rod 41a is inserted into the spool valve 21 from the Z2 side of the spool valve 21. The motor 41d drives the rod 41a to change the position of the spool valve 21 in the Z direction.

[0041] The rod 41b is inserted into the spool valve 22 from the Z2 side of the spool valve 22. The motor 41e drives the rod 41b to change the position of the spool valve 22 in the Z direction.

[0042] The rod 41c is inserted into the spool valve 23 from the Z2 side of the spool valve 23. The motor 41f drives the rod 41c to change the position of the spool valve 23 in the Z direction.

[0043] 2 is a perspective view showing a flow path switching device 100 in which the components in FIG. 1 are combined. As shown in FIG. 2, the valve assembly 40 is disposed adjacent to the case 30 in the Z direction. Specifically, the parts of the valve assembly 40 other than the rods (41a to 41c, FIG. 1) (motors (41d to 41f), controller 42, etc., FIG. 1) are disposed adjacent to the case 30 on the Z2 side of the case 30. The rods (41a to 41c) are disposed within the case 30 together with the spool valve 20.

[0044] This allows the space occupied by the case 30 and the valve assembly 40 to be smaller than when the valve assembly 40 and the case 30 are arranged at a distance from each other, thereby further miniaturizing the thermal management circuit 1. Furthermore, since the actuator 41 and the controller 42 are integrated, the configuration of the flow path switching device 100 can be simplified.

[0045] 2, the water pumps 10 are arranged at different positions in the Z direction. Therefore, the positions of adjacent water pumps 10 in the Z direction are shifted from each other.

[0046] This makes it possible to prevent interference between the water pumps 10. As a result, the water pumps 10 can be easily brought closer to each other in the X direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent the area occupied by the water pumps 10 (the width in the X direction) from becoming larger.

[0047] Of the three water pumps 10, the battery pump 11 is arranged closest to the Z2 side. Of the three water pumps 10, the unit pump 12 is arranged closest to the Z1 side. The HT pump 13 is located closer to the Z1 side than the battery pump 11 and closer to the Z2 side than the unit pump 12. The battery pump 11, unit pump 12, and HT pump 13 are arranged in this order from the X1 side. That is, the multiple water pumps 10 (11, 12, 13) are arranged in a staggered pattern. The battery pump 11 and the HT pump 13 may be arranged at the same position in the Z direction.

[0048] Furthermore, the arrangement of the multiple water pumps 10 is not limited to this. For example, the HT pump 13 may be arranged closer to the Z1 side than the unit pump 12 (or the battery pump 11 may be arranged closer to the Z1 side than the unit pump 12), so that the multiple water pumps 10 (11-13) are linearly arranged in a direction inclined with respect to the X direction.

[0049] However, since a conventional thermal management circuit includes multiple switching valves and multiple water pumps, the thermal management circuit is likely to be large in size. Therefore, it is desirable to reduce the size of the thermal management circuit.

[0050] 3, in this embodiment, each spool valve 20 and each water pump 10 overlap in the X direction. Specifically, the Y2 side portion of each water pump 10 and the Y1 side portion of each spool valve 20 overlap in the X direction.

[0051] The battery pump 11 is disposed in the gap between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 22 arranged in the X direction.

[0052] This allows the battery pump 11 to be accommodated in the gap between the spool valves 20. As a result, the space occupied by the water pump 10 and the plurality of spool valves 20 can be easily reduced, and the flow path switching device 100 can be made smaller.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 3, the recess 311 extends to the gap between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 22 aligned in the X direction.

[0054] Specifically, the recess 311 includes a first space 311a and a second space 311b. The second space 311b is provided on the Y2 side of the first space 311a. The first space 311a is formed continuously with the second space 311b. At least a portion of the second space 311b is provided between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 22. In this embodiment, a portion of the second space 311b on the Y2 side is provided between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 22.

[0055] The battery pump 11 includes a Y2-side portion 11a and a protruding portion 11b that protrudes toward the Y2 side from the Y2-side end of the portion 11a. The portion 11a is housed in the first space 311a. The protruding portion 11b is housed in the second space 311b. Therefore, at least a portion of the protruding portion 11b housed in the second space 311b is provided between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 22. In this embodiment, a portion of the protruding portion 11b on the Y2 side is provided between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 22.

[0056] Similarly, the recess 313 includes a first space 313a and a second space 313b. The second space 313b is provided on the Y2 side of the first space 313a. The first space 313a is formed continuously with the second space 313b.

[0057] The HT pump 13 includes a Y2-side portion 13a and a protruding portion 13b that protrudes toward the Y2 side from the Y2-side end of the portion 13a. The portion 13a is housed in the first space 313a. The protruding portion 13b is housed in the second space 313b.

[0058] The distance D1 between the spool valve 22 and the spool valve 21 is equal to the distance D2 between the spool valve 22 and the spool valve 23. In other words, the spool valve 22 is disposed in the center between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 23.

[0059] 4 is a partially enlarged view of the vicinity of the recess 311 in FIG. 3. The first space 311a is formed by a peripheral surface 311c and a bottom surface 311d. The peripheral surface 311c surrounds the portion 11a of the battery pump 11. The Y2-side end of the peripheral surface 311c is connected to the peripheral edge of the bottom surface 311d. The bottom surface 311d covers the portion 11a from the Y2 side. Note that the bottom surface 311d may support the portion 11a from the Y2 side.

[0060] The second space 311b is formed by a peripheral surface 311e and a bottom surface 311f. The peripheral surface 311e extends from the bottom surface 311d of the first space 311a toward the Y2 side. The Y2-side end of the peripheral surface 311e is connected to the peripheral edge of the bottom surface 311f. The peripheral surface 311e surrounds the portion 11b of the battery pump 11. The bottom surface 311f covers the portion 11b from the Y2 side. Note that the bottom surface 311f may support the portion 11b from the Y2 side.

[0061] The above phrase "the recess 311 extends to the gap between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 22" means that at least a portion of the circumferential surface 311e and the bottom surface 311f are located between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 22 (between the dashed lines in FIG. 6). Therefore, at least a portion of the circumferential surface 311e and the bottom surface 311f are located between a flow path 34 connected to the spool valve 21 within the case 30 and a flow path 35 connected to the spool valve 22 within the case 30. Note that the flow paths 34 and 35 are each provided in a range indicated by diagonal lines extending from the upper left to the lower right on the paper surface of FIG. 4.

[0062] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 2. The unit pump 12 is disposed in the gap between the spool valves 22 and 23 aligned in the X direction. As shown in Fig. 5, the recess 312 extends to the gap between the spool valves 22 and 23 aligned in the X direction.

[0063] The recess 312 includes a first space 312a and a second space 312b. The second space 312b is provided on the Y2 side of the first space 312a. The first space 312a is formed continuously with the second space 312b. At least a portion of the second space 312b is provided between the spool valve 22 and the spool valve 23. In this embodiment, a portion of the second space 312b on the Y2 side is provided between the spool valve 22 and the spool valve 23.

[0064] The unit pump 12 includes a Y2-side portion 12a and a protruding portion 12b that protrudes toward the Y2 side from the Y2-side end of the portion 12a. The portion 12a is housed in the first space 312a. The protruding portion 12b is housed in the second space 312b. Therefore, at least a portion of the protruding portion 12b housed in the second space 312b is provided between the spool valve 22 and the spool valve 23. In this embodiment, a portion of the protruding portion 12b on the Y2 side is provided between the spool valve 22 and the spool valve 23.

[0065] The first space 312a is formed by a peripheral surface 312c and a bottom surface 312d. The peripheral surface 312c surrounds the portion 12a of the unit pump 12. The Y2-side end of the peripheral surface 312c is connected to the peripheral edge of the bottom surface 312d. The bottom surface 312d covers the portion 12a from the Y2 side. Note that the bottom surface 312d may support the portion 12a from the Y2 side.

[0066] The second space 312b is formed by a peripheral surface 312e and a bottom surface 312f. The peripheral surface 312e extends from the bottom surface 312d of the first space 312a toward the Y2 side. The peripheral surface 312e surrounds the portion 12b of the unit pump 12. The Y2-side end of the peripheral surface 312e is connected to the peripheral edge of the bottom surface 312f. The bottom surface 312f covers the portion 12b from the Y2 side. Note that the bottom surface 312f may support the portion 12b from the Y2 side.

[0067] Note that "the recess 312 extends to the gap between the spool valve 22 and the spool valve 23" means that at least a portion of the circumferential surface 312e and the bottom surface 312f are located between the spool valve 22 and the spool valve 23 (between the dashed lines in FIG. 5). Therefore, at least a portion of the circumferential surface 312e and the bottom surface 312f are located between a flow path 35 connected to the spool valve 22 within the case 30 and a flow path 36 connected to the spool valve 23 within the case 30. Note that the flow paths 35 and 36 are each provided in a range indicated by diagonal lines extending from the upper left to the lower right on the paper surface of FIG. 5.

[0068] With the above-described configuration, the water pumps (11, 12) arranged in the recesses (311, 312) can be easily accommodated in the gaps between the spool valves 20.

[0069] 3 again, the HT pump 13 is arranged on the X2 side with respect to a spool valve 23 that is arranged at the end (closest to the X2 side) on the X2 side of the multiple spool valves 20. Specifically, the protruding portion 13b of the HT pump 13 and the portion of the HT pump 13 that is on the X2 side of the protruding portion 13b are arranged on the X2 side with respect to the spool valve 23. In more detail, the portion of the HT pump 13 that is on the X2 side of the portion that overlaps with the spool valve 23 in the Y direction is arranged on the X2 side with respect to the spool valve 23.

[0070] As a result, the HT pump 13 arranged outside the multiple spool valves 20 and the battery pump 11 and unit pump 12 arranged between the spool valves 20 are all provided in the same case 30, thereby preventing the space occupied by the HT pump 13, battery pump 11, and unit pump 12 from becoming too large.

[0071] As described above, in this embodiment, the multiple spool valves 20 and the multiple water pumps 10 are overlapped in the X direction. This allows the spool valves 20 and the water pumps 10 to be easily arranged close to each other. As a result, the thickness of the case 30 in the Y direction, along which the recesses (311-313) in which the water pumps 10 are arranged, extend, can be easily reduced. This makes it easy to prevent the flow path switching device 100 from becoming too large.

[0072] Furthermore, the water pump 10 is disposed in the gap between the spool valves 20 aligned in the X direction. This allows the water pump 10 to be disposed by effectively utilizing the gap formed between the spool valves 20, thereby preventing the flow path switching device 100 from becoming larger by the area where the water pump 10 is disposed. In other words, the flow path switching device 100 can be made smaller.

[0073] [Variations] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the distance D1 between the spool valve 22 and the spool valve 21 and the distance D2 between the spool valve 22 and the spool valve 23 were equal, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, the distance D12 between the spool valve 23 and the spool valve 22 may be greater than the distance D11 between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 22. This makes it possible to suppress the influence of the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the spool valve 23 on the heat medium flowing through the spool valve 22.

[0074] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which multiple water pumps 10 are arranged on the common side surface 310 of the case 30, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Multiple water pumps 10 may also be arranged on different sides of the case 30.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the water pump 10 is disposed in the recesses (311 to 313) formed in the side surface 310 of the case 30, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the water pump 10 may be disposed (housed) inside the case 30.

[0076] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the spool valve 23, through which a relatively high-temperature heat medium flows, is provided at the end of the three spool valves 20, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The spool valve 23 may also be provided between the spool valve 21 and the spool valve 22.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the HT pump 13 is not provided between the spool valves 20, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. All of the water pumps 10 may be provided between the spool valves 20. For example, multiple water pumps 10 may be disposed in a common gap between the spool valves 20.

[0078] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the inlet port and the outlet port are arranged on the side surface of the case 30 in the X direction, and the valve assembly 40 is adjacent to the case 30 in the Z direction, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the inlet port and the outlet port may be arranged on the side surface of the case 30 in the Z direction, and the valve assembly 40 may be adjacent to the case 30 in the X direction.

[0079] In the above embodiment, an example in which the flow path switching device 100 is connected to a thermal management circuit has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, a flow path switching device having the same configuration as the flow path switching device 100 may be provided on a circuit other than the thermal management circuit.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the flow path switching device 100 is provided with a plurality of spool valves 20, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. The flow path switching device 100 may be provided with only one spool valve 20.

[0081] The configurations of the above-described embodiment and the various modified examples may be combined with each other.

[0082] 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]

[0083] 10 water pump, 11 water pump (intervalve pump) (first pump), 12 water pump (intervalve pump) (second pump), 13 water pump (end side pump) (second pump), 20 spool valve, 21 spool valve (first valve), 22 spool valve (second valve), 23 spool valve (third valve), 30 case, 40 valve assembly, 41 actuator, 42 controller, 100 flow path switching device, 310 side (third direction side), 311, 312, 313 recess, 314, 315, 330, 331 side (second direction side), 314a, 315a, 330a, 331a inlet port, 314b, 315b, 330b, 331b outlet port, D11 distance (distance between second valve and first valve), D12 Distance (distance between the second and third valves).

Claims

1. A flow path switching device capable of switching a flow path of a heat medium, at least one spool valve extending in a first direction; at least one water pump; a case in which the at least one spool valve and the at least one water pump are disposed, the at least one spool valve is provided inside the case; The at least one water pump is disposed in a recess formed in a side surface of the case, the recess is recessed from the side surface toward the inside of the case in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, The flow path switching device, wherein the at least one spool valve and the at least one water pump overlap in a third direction that intersects both the first direction and the second direction.

2. the at least one spool valve includes a plurality of spool valves; The plurality of spool valves are spaced apart in the third direction, The flow path switching device according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one water pump includes an inter-valve pump disposed in a gap between spool valves aligned in the third direction among the plurality of spool valves.

3. The flow path switching device according to claim 2 , wherein the recess in which the inter-valve pump is disposed extends to the gap between the spool valves aligned in the third direction.

4. the plurality of spool valves include a first valve, a second valve, and a third valve; a heat medium having a temperature higher than that of the heat medium flowing through each of the first valve and the second valve flows through the third valve; The flow path switching device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the third valve is disposed at an end of the plurality of spool valves in the third direction.

5. the second valve is disposed between the first valve and the third valve, The flow path switching device according to claim 4 , wherein a distance between the second valve and the third valve is greater than a distance between the second valve and the first valve.

6. the at least one water pump includes a plurality of water pumps; The plurality of water pumps include a first pump disposed at a first position in the first direction; The flow path switching device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second pump disposed at a second position different from the first position in the first direction.

7. The case is an inlet port for allowing a heat transfer medium to flow into the case; an outlet port for allowing the heat medium to flow out of the case; 4. The flow path switching device according to claim 1, wherein each of the inlet port and the outlet port is provided on a third direction side surface of the case that is a side surface in the third direction.

8. a valve assembly including an actuator for driving the at least one spool valve and a controller for controlling the actuator, 4. The flow path switching device according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the valve assembly is disposed adjacent to the case in the first direction.

9. 4. The flow path switching device according to claim 2, wherein the at least one water pump further includes an end-side pump that is arranged on one side in the third direction with respect to a spool valve that is arranged at an end on one side in the third direction among the plurality of spool valves.

Images