Switching device

Abstract

To provide a switching device that simplifies the configuration of the circuits connected to the switching device. [Solution] The switching device 100 includes a spool valve 40 that switches the flow path of the heat transfer medium, The device comprises a case 20 housing a spool valve 40 and an air vent valve 30. The case 20 has spaces S1 to S3 in which the spool valve 40 is housed, and spaces S4 to S6 that communicate with spaces S1 to S3, respectively. The air vent valve 30 is inserted into each of spaces S4 to S6.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a switching device.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-156234 (Patent Document 1) discloses a heat circuit in which a heat medium circulates. A switching valve for switching the flow path of the heat medium is provided in the heat circuit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although not described in the above Patent Document 1, it is conceivable to provide an air bleeding valve on the circuit connected to the switching device in order to bleed the air accumulated in the heat medium. In this case, a connector or the like for connecting the air bleeding valve to the above circuit is required, and there is a risk that the number of components of the above circuit increases and the configuration of the above circuit becomes complicated.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a switching device capable of simplifying the configuration of a circuit connected to the switching device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The switching device according to one aspect of this disclosure includes a switching valve that switches the flow path of a heat medium, a case that houses the switching valve, and an air bleeding valve. The case has a first space in which the switching valve is housed and a second space communicating with the first space. The air bleeding valve is inserted into the second space.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, the configuration of the circuit connected to the switching device can be simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing an actuator and spool valve of a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a front view showing the configuration of the case body of a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the case cover of a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 3. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or equivalent components are given the same number.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the switching device 100 according to this embodiment. In this specification, the Z direction is defined as the vertical direction. Specifically, the Z1 direction is upward and the Z2 direction is downward. The X and Y directions are each perpendicular to the Z direction. The X and Y directions are perpendicular to each other in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction. The Z direction is an example of the "vertical direction" in this disclosure.

[0011] The switching device 100 is connected to a circuit (not shown). In this circuit, a heat transfer medium (such as water) may be circulating for heat exchange. This circuit may be, for example, a thermal management circuit for temperature control of a vehicle battery. The application of the switching device 100 is not limited to vehicles.

[0012] The switching device 100 comprises at least one water pump 10, a case 20, at least one air vent valve 30, at least one spool valve 40 (Figure 2), and an actuator 50. In this embodiment, the switching device 100 comprises three water pumps 10, three air vent valves 30, and three spool valves 40. Note that the number of water pumps 10, air vent valves 30, and spool valves 40 is not limited to three. Note that the spool valve 40 is an example of a "switching valve" in this disclosure.

[0013] Each air vent valve 30 is provided to remove air that has accumulated in the flow path when water is injected into the thermal management circuit. For example, water may be injected from a reservoir tank (not shown) provided in the thermal management circuit. When injecting water, it is not necessary to drive each water pump 10, or one or more water pumps 10 may be driven.

[0014] Each of the water pumps 10 circulates a heat transfer medium in the heat management circuit. The water pumps 10 include water pump 11, water pump 12, and water pump 13. Each water pump 10 may be formed in a columnar shape (a cylinder in Figure 1) as shown in Figure 1. Water pumps 11, 12, and 13 are each provided to circulate a heat transfer medium in each circuit located in the heat management circuit.

[0015] The case 20 houses multiple water pumps 10 and multiple spool valves 40. In other words, the multiple water pumps 10 and multiple spool valves 40 are housed in a common case 20. The case 20 may be made of resin.

[0016] The case 20 includes a body 21, a gasket 22, and a cover 23. The body 21, the gasket 22, and the cover 23 are arranged in the Y direction. The end portion (peripheral portion) on the Y2 side of the body 21 is connected to the end portion (peripheral portion) on the Y1 side of the cover 23.

[0017] The gasket 22 is disposed between the body 21 and the cover 23 and seals the gap between the body 21 and the cover 23. The body 21 is disposed on the Y1 side of the gasket 22. The cover 23 is disposed on the Y2 side of the gasket 22.

[0018] The case 20 (body 21) includes a side surface 210 in the Y direction. The side surface 210 is the side surface on the Y1 side of the body 21. Each of the water pumps 11, 12, and 13 is provided on the side surface 210. That is, each of the water pumps 11, 12, and 13 is attached to the case 20 from the same direction (Y1 side). Note that the side surface 210 is an example of the "second surface" of the present disclosure.

[0019] The case 20 includes an inlet port 24 and an outlet port 25. The inlet port 24 allows the heat medium to flow into the case 20. The outlet port 25 allows the heat medium to flow out of the case 20. Each of the inlet port 24 and the outlet port 25 is provided on each of the body 21 and the cover 23. Each of the inlet port 24 and the outlet port 25 extends in the X direction. Note that each of the inlet port 24 and the outlet port 25 is an example of the "port" of the present disclosure.

[0020] The air vent valve 30 includes air vent valves 31, 32, and 33. Each of the air vent valves 31, 32, and 33 is inserted into the case 20 through the side surface 210 of the body 21. Note that the air vent valve 31 is an example of the "second air vent valve" and the "valve for the confluence space" in the present disclosure. Also, the air vent valve 32 is an example of the "first air vent valve" and the "valve for the confluence space" in the present disclosure. Also, the air vent valve 33 is an example of the "first air vent valve" and the "valve for the regulated space" in the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a plurality of spool valves 40 and an actuator 50.

[0022] Each of the plurality of spool valves 40 switches the flow path of the heat medium. The plurality of spool valves 40 includes a spool valve 41, a spool valve 42, and a spool valve 43. Each of the spool valves 41, 42, and 43 is housed in the case 20. In the following, when the spool valve 40 is described, it corresponds to each of the spool valves 41, 42, and 43. Note that the spool valve 41 is an example of the "switching valve" in the present disclosure. Also, the spool valve 42 is an example of the "switching valve" and the "second switching valve" in the present disclosure. Also, the spool valve 43 is an example of the "switching valve" and the "first switching valve" in the present disclosure.

[0023] Each spool valve 40 is generally formed in a cylindrical shape. The spool valve 43 is formed in a hollow shape. Each of the spool valves 41 and 42 is not in a hollow shape. The spool valve 43 may be connected to a high-temperature circuit in which a relatively high-temperature heat medium equipped with a heater or the like circulates among the above heat management circuits.

[0024] Each spool valve 40 is configured to be movable in the axial direction (Z direction). As the axial position of each spool valve 40 changes, the connection state between the openings and gaps formed in each spool valve 40 and the heat transfer medium flow path in the case 20 (for example, the flow path 23a (Figure 6) described later) is switched. For example, spool valve 41 has a gap 41a in which the shaft portion 40a of the spool valve 40 is exposed. Spool valve 42 has gaps 42a and 42b in which the shaft portion 40a is exposed. The positions of gaps 42a and 42b are different in the Z direction. Openings 43a and 43b are formed on the outer circumferential surface of spool valve 43. The positions of openings 43a and 43b are different in the Z direction. As the positions of the gaps 41a, 42a, 42b and openings 43a, 43b in the Z direction change, the flow state of the heat transfer medium in each spool valve 40 changes.

[0025] Furthermore, openings 43c and 43d are formed at the Z1-side end and Z2-side end of the spool valve 43, respectively.

[0026] Each of the multiple spool valves 40 is located inside the case 20 (body 21). Each of the multiple spool valves 40 extends in the Z direction. The axial directions of each spool valve 40 are parallel to each other.

[0027] Multiple spool valves 40 are arranged at intervals in the X direction. That is, multiple spool valves 40 are arranged in the X direction.

[0028] Each of the spool valves 41 to 43 is provided with multiple spool seals 40b. The multiple spool seals 40b are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of each of the spool valves 41 to 43 at intervals in the Z direction. Note that in Figure 2, for simplification, only some of the spool seals 40b are labeled with reference numerals.

[0029] The actuator 50 includes a drive unit 51 and a main body 52 that controls the drive unit 51. In the actuator 50, the drive unit 51 and the main body 52 are integrally provided.

[0030] The drive unit 51 has rods 51a, 51b, and 51c. The main body 52 may include a motor that drives rods 51a to 51c and a circuit board that outputs control signals to the motor.

[0031] The drive unit 51 has a holding part 51d, a holding part 51e, and a holding part 51f. The holding part 51d holds the rod 51a above the rod 51a. The holding part 51e holds the rod 51b above the rod 51b. The holding part 51f holds the rod 51c above the rod 51c.

[0032] A base seal 51g is provided at the Z2-side end of each of the retaining parts 51d, 51e, and 51f.

[0033] The rod 51a is inserted into the spool valve 41 from the Z1 side. The position of the spool valve 41 in the Z direction is changed by the rod 51a.

[0034] The rod 51b is inserted into the spool valve 42 from the Z2 side. The position of the spool valve 42 in the Z direction is changed by the rod 51b.

[0035] The rod 51c is inserted into the spool valve 43 from the Z2 side. The position of the spool valve 43 in the Z direction is changed by the rod 51c.

[0036] Figure 3 is a front view showing the interior of the body 21.

[0037] The inlet port 24 (Figure 1) provided on the body 21 includes ports 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, and 24e. The outlet port 25 (Figure 1) connected to the body 21 includes port 25a.

[0038] The spool valves 41 to 43 are each housed in spaces S1 to S3 within the case 20. Specifically, the spool valves 41, 42, and 43 are positioned in surrounding portions 26, 27, and 28 formed in the body 21, respectively. The surrounding portion 26 that surrounds the spool valve 41 allows the spool valve 41 to move axially within space S1 within the surrounding portion 26. The surrounding portion 27 that surrounds the spool valve 42 allows the spool valve 42 to move axially within space S2 within the surrounding portion 27. The surrounding portion 28 that surrounds the spool valve 43 allows the spool valve 43 to move axially within space S3 within the surrounding portion 28. Each of the surrounding portions 26 to 28 is connected to a flow path formed in the case 20. Note that each of the spaces S1 to S3 is an example of the "first space" in this disclosure.

[0039] Each spool seal 40b (Figure 2) and each base seal 51g (Figure 2) are in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of each surrounding portion 26-28. Each spool seal 40b is axially slidable with respect to the inner circumferential surface of each surrounding portion 26-28 together with each spool valve +41-43.

[0040] Within body 21, spaces S4, S5, and S6 are formed. Space S4 is in communication with space S3. Space S5 is in communication with space S3. Space S6 is in communication with space S2. Space S4 is an example of the "second space" and "regulating space" of this disclosure. Spaces S5 and S6 are also examples of the "second space" and "merging space" of this disclosure.

[0041] Space S4 is in communication with space S3a at the upper end of space S3. Space S4 extends from space 3a towards X2. The heat transfer fluid that flows inside the spool valve 43 flows into space 3a.

[0042] Space S4 is a restricted space where the outflow of the heat transfer medium is regulated. In other words, a restricted space is a space in which no flow paths (inlet, outlet) for the heat transfer medium are formed other than the inlet into which the heat transfer medium flows. To put it another way, a restricted space is a space in which a dead end is formed in the path through which the heat transfer medium flows.

[0043] Space S5 is in communication with space S3b at the lower end of space S3. Space S3b is in communication with the flow path 21a formed within the body 21. The flow path 21a is through which the heat transfer medium flowing in from port 24c flows. In addition, the heat transfer medium flows into space S5 from the space on the cover 23 (Figure 1) side through the opening 22a formed in the gasket 22. In other words, in space S5, the heat transfer medium flowing through flow path 21a and the heat transfer medium from opening 22a merge.

[0044] Space S6 is in communication with space S2a at the upper end of space S2. Space S6 is a space within the flow channel 21b formed in the body 21. Flow channel 21b is connected to port 24a, and the heat transfer medium flowing in from port 24a flows through it. Space S2a is in communication with flow channel 21c formed in the body 21. Flow channel 21c is in communication with flow channel 21b. In other words, the heat transfer medium flowing through flow channel 21b and the heat transfer medium flowing through flow channel 21c merge in space S6. In Figure 2, the heat transfer mediums that merge in space S6 (flow channel 21b) are represented by dashed arrows.

[0045] The heat transfer medium flows into the flow path 21c from the space on the cover 23 (Figure 1) side through the opening 22b formed in the gasket 22.

[0046] Figure 4 is a front view showing the inside of cover 23.

[0047] The inlet port 24 (Figure 1) connected to cover 23 includes ports 24f, 24g, and 24h. The outlet port 25 (Figure 1) connected to cover 23 includes ports 25b, 25c, and 25d.

[0048] The cover 23 has two channels formed therein: channel 23a and channel 23b. The heat transfer medium that flows in from port 24h flows through channel 23a. The heat transfer medium that has flowed through channel 23a flows out into the space on the body 21 side through opening 22a. In other words, in space S5 (Figure 3), the heat transfer medium flowing through channel 23a and the heat transfer medium flowing through channel 21a (Figure 3) merge.

[0049] The heat transfer medium that has flowed through channel 23b flows out into the space on the body 21 side through opening 22b. In other words, in space S6 (Figure 3), the heat transfer medium flowing through channel 23b and the heat transfer medium flowing through channel 21b (Figure 3) merge.

[0050] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 3.

[0051] In conventional configurations, it is conceivable to install an air vent valve on the thermal circuit to remove air accumulated in the heat transfer medium. In this case, connectors or the like are required to connect the air vent valve to the flow path of the thermal circuit, which increases the number of components in the thermal circuit and may complicate (and / or increase the size) of the thermal circuit.

[0052] Therefore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the air vent valve 33 is inserted into space S4.

[0053] As a result, since the air vent valve 33 is provided on the switching device 100, there is no need to provide an air vent valve on the circuit (thermal management circuit) connected to the switching device 100. Consequently, the need to provide connectors or the like for connecting the air vent valve on the circuit is reduced, the circuit configuration can be simplified, and the circuit can be prevented from becoming larger.

[0054] Furthermore, air tends to accumulate in the heat transfer medium within space S4, which is a restricted space where the flow of the heat transfer medium is limited. Therefore, by inserting an air vent valve 33 into space S4, which is a restricted space, air can be efficiently removed from the heat transfer medium.

[0055] The body 21 includes an upper surface 21d and a partition wall 21e. The cover 23 includes an upper surface 23c. The upper surface 20a of the case 20 is formed by the upper surface 23c of the cover 23 and the upper surface 21d of the body 21. The upper surface 20a is located at the upper end of the case 20. The upper surface 20a (upper surface 21d) covers each spool valve 40 from above. Note that the upper surface 20a is an example of the "first surface" of this disclosure.

[0056] The main body 52 of the actuator 50 is positioned along the upper surface 20a of the case 20. The main body 52 may be in contact with the upper surface 20a.

[0057] Therefore, the air vent valve 33 is inserted into the space S4 by passing through a side surface 210 that is different from the upper surface 20a, which is located opposite the main body 52. ​​Specifically, the side surface 210 intersects with the upper surface 20a.

[0058] This reduces interference between the air vent valve 33 and the main body 52 compared to the case where the air vent valve 33 and the main body 52 are mounted along the same plane. As a result, workers performing maintenance on the switching device 100 can easily access both the air vent valve 33 and the main body 52.

[0059] Space S4 is formed along the upper surface 20a of the case 20. Since air tends to move upward, air tends to accumulate in space S4, which is formed along the upper surface 20a of the case 20. Therefore, by inserting the air release valve 33 into space S4, the air can be efficiently released by the air release valve 33.

[0060] Space S4 is formed by the body 21 and the gasket 22. More specifically, space S4 is the space enclosed by the upper surface 21d of the body 21, the partition wall 21e of the body 21, the gasket 22, and the side surface 210 of the body 21. Note that space S4 does not necessarily have to be adjacent to the gasket 22.

[0061] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view along the line VI-VI in Figure 3. Space S5 is adjacent to space S3b on the Y1 side of space S3b. Space S5 may be provided by forming a recess in the side surface 210 of body 21, for example, as shown in Figure 6.

[0062] With the opening 22a not blocked by the outer surface of the spool valve 43, the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path 23a and the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path 21a merge in space S5.

[0063] Here, air tends to accumulate in the space where the heat transfer fluids meet. Therefore, by inserting an air vent valve 32 into the space S5 where the heat transfer fluids meet, air can be efficiently removed from the heat transfer fluid.

[0064] The air vent valve 32 is inserted into the space S5. Like the air vent valve 33, the air vent valve 32 penetrates the side 210 of the body 21.

[0065] As shown in Figure 6, the body 21 has a passage 21h that connects the passage 23a of the cover 23 to the space S3. Figure 6 illustrates the state in which the passage 21h is closed by the outer surface of the spool valve 43 when the spool valve 43 moves downward (see dashed line). As a result, the heat transfer medium in the passage 23a does not flow into the space S3 on the body 21 side. This is an example of how the spool valve 40 switches the flow path of the heat transfer medium.

[0066] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view along the line VII-VII in Figure 3. The flow path 21b is formed by the flow path forming portion 21f. The flow path forming portion 21f has a cylindrical shape extending in the X direction. The side surface 21g of the flow path forming portion 21f is part of the side surface 210 of the body 21.

[0067] The air vent valve 31 is inserted into the space S6. The air vent valve 31 penetrates the side surface 21g of the flow path forming portion 21f.

[0068] As a result, the air vent valve 31 is inserted into the space S6 where the heat transfer fluids meet, allowing air to be efficiently removed from the heat transfer fluid.

[0069] Note that the insertion positions of the air vent valves 31 (32) shown in Figures 6 and 7 are examples only, and this disclosure is not limited to these examples. The air vent valves may be inserted into other spaces within the case 20 where air tends to accumulate.

[0070] As described above, in this embodiment, the air vent valve 33 is inserted into space S4. This allows the air vent valve 33 to vent the air accumulated in space S4, which is in communication with space S3 where the spool valve 43 is housed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the inclusion of air in the heat transfer medium passing through the spool valve 43. This reduces the need to provide an air vent valve in the heat management circuit etc. connected to the switching device 100, and thus simplifies the configuration of the heat management circuit etc. Note that air vent valves 31 and 32 also have the same effect.

[0071] Furthermore, the air vent valves 33 (32) are inserted into spaces S4 (S5) that communicate with space S3, respectively, while the air vent valve 31 is inserted into space S6 that communicates with space S2. This allows air to be vented from different spaces using separate air vent valves. As a result, the efficiency of air venting can be increased compared to when multiple spaces are vented using a common air vent valve.

[0072] Furthermore, space S4 is in communication with space S3a at the upper end (the end on the Z1 side) of space S3. Space S6 is in communication with space S2a at the upper end (the end on the Z1 side) of space S2. This allows air that tends to move upward to be efficiently discharged by the air vent valves 33 and 31.

[0073] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which an air vent valve 33 inserted into the regulated space S4 and an air vent valve 32(31) inserted into the confluence space S5(S6) where the heat transfer medium merges are provided. However, the disclosure is not limited to this. Only one of the air vent valves for the regulated space and the air vent valve for the confluence space may be provided.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the main body 52 of the actuator 50 is shown as being adjacent to the upper surface 20a and the side surface 210 into which the air vent valves 31-33 are inserted are different surfaces of the case 20, but the disclosure is not limited to this. For example, any of the air vent valves 31-33 may be inserted into the case 20 by penetrating the upper surface 20a.

[0075] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a spool valve 40 is housed in the case 20, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. A rotary valve may also be housed in the case 20.

[0076] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which an air vent valve is not inserted into the space communicating with the space S1 in which the spool valve 41 is housed, but the disclosure is not limited to this. An air vent valve may be inserted into the space communicating with space S1.

[0077] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the air vent valve 33 is inserted into a space S4 along the upper surface 20a of the case 20, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The air vent valve may be inserted into a space along the side or bottom surface of the case.

[0078] Furthermore, the configurations of the above embodiments and the various modified examples may be combined with each other.

[0079] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 20 Case, 20a Top surface (first surface), 21a, 21b, 21c, 23a, 23b Flow path, 24 Inlet port (port), 25 Outlet port (port), 30 Air vent valve, 31 Air vent valve (second air vent valve) (valve for confluence space), 32 Air vent valve (first air vent valve) (valve for confluence space), 33 Air vent valve (first air vent valve) (valve for regulated space), 40, 41 Spool valve (switching valve), 42 Spool valve (switching valve) (second switching valve), 43 Spool valve (switching valve) (first switching valve), 50 Actuator, 52 Main body, 100 Switching device, 210 Side surface (second surface), S1, S2, S3 Space (first space), S2a, S3a Space (space on the upper end side), S4 space (second space) (regulating space), S5, S6 space (second space) (merging space).

Claims

1. A switching valve that switches the flow path of the heat transfer medium, A case housing the aforementioned switching valve, Equipped with an air vent valve, The aforementioned case includes: The first space in which the aforementioned switching valve is housed, A second space is formed that communicates with the aforementioned first space, The aforementioned air vent valve is a switching device inserted into the second space.

2. The second space includes a restricted space in which the outflow of the heat transfer medium is restricted. The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the air vent valve includes a valve for the restricted space that is inserted into the restricted space.

3. The second space includes a confluence space where heat transfer fluids flowing through multiple channels formed within the case merge, The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air vent valve includes a valve for the confluence space that is inserted into the confluence space.

4. The system further comprises an actuator that drives the aforementioned switching valve, The aforementioned case is, Page 1 and, Including a second surface different from the first surface, The actuator includes a main body portion arranged along the first surface, The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the air vent valve is inserted into the second space through the second surface.

5. The aforementioned switching valve includes a spool valve extending in the vertical direction, The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second space is in communication with the space on the upper end side of the first space.

6. The case includes an upper surface that covers the switching valve from above. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein the second space is formed in a position along the upper surface.

7. The aforementioned switching valve includes a first switching valve and a second switching valve different from the first switching valve. The aforementioned air vent valve includes a first air vent valve and a second air vent valve different from the first air vent valve. The first air vent valve is inserted into the second space which is in communication with the first space in which the first switching valve is housed. The switching device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second air vent valve is inserted into the second space which is in communication with the first space in which the second switching valve is housed.

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