Valve devices and fluid circuits

Abstract

The present invention provides a valve device that suppresses excessive pressure increases in fluid circuits, simplifies the configuration of fluid circuits, and prevents an increase in the number of parts, size, and manufacturing costs. [Solution] The valve device used in the fluid circuit (60) comprises a housing (10), a valve body (20), and a communication passage (30). The housing has a plurality of ports (P1~P18, P20~24) through which fluid flows in and out. The valve body has a plurality of valve passages (24, 201, 202, 241~246, V1~V14) that can communicate with the plurality of ports within the housing, and it is possible to switch the communication state between the plurality of ports and the plurality of valve passages to make the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits. The communication passage connects a valve passage or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit with a valve passage or port that forms another closed circuit when the valve body makes the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , , , , , ,

[0004] , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve device and a fluid circuit in which the valve device is used.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a valve device as a multi-way valve capable of switching a fluid circuit between a single closed circuit and a plurality of closed circuits has been known. The fluid circuit described in Patent Document 1 includes a heater circuit in which hot water circulates and a cooling water circuit in which cold water circulates. A valve device as a four-way valve is provided at the connection point between the heater circuit and the cooling water circuit. Further, a pressure relief path connects a reserve tank provided in the heater circuit and the cooling water circuit. In normal use, this fluid circuit forms the heater circuit and the cooling water circuit into closed circuits by driving the valve device. In this case, when the pressure in the cooling water circuit excessively increases due to, for example, a rise in the temperature of the fluid, the pressure in the cooling water circuit can be released to the reserve tank through the pressure relief passage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the fluid circuit described in Patent Document 1, since a pressure relief passage is provided in the middle of the piping, there are problems such as the configuration of the fluid circuit becoming complicated, the number of parts increasing, the size becoming large, the manufacturing process becoming complicated, and the manufacturing cost also increasing.

[0005] In view of the above points, this disclosure aims to provide a valve device and a fluid circuit that can suppress excessive pressure increases in the fluid circuit, simplify the configuration of the fluid circuit, and prevent an increase in the number of parts, an increase in size, and an increase in manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a valve device used in a fluid circuit (60) through which a fluid flows is: A housing (10) having multiple ports (P1-P18, P21-P24) through which fluid flows in and out, A valve body (20) has multiple valve passages (24, 201, 202, 241~246, V1~V14) that can communicate with multiple ports within the housing, and can switch the communication state between multiple ports and multiple valve passages to make the fluid circuit into multiple closed circuits, The valve body comprises a valve passage or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit when the fluid circuit is divided into multiple closed circuits, and a communication passage (30) that connects a valve passage or port that forms another closed circuit.

[0007] According to this, in a fluid circuit using a valve device, if the pressure in a predetermined closed circuit increases due to a rise in the fluid temperature or the like, the pressure in that predetermined closed circuit can be released to another closed circuit through a connecting passage. Therefore, by balancing the pressures in multiple closed circuits, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure increases in the fluid circuit. Consequently, by using the valve device of this disclosure, there is no need to provide a pressure relief passage in the fluid circuit as in Patent Document 1. Thus, the valve device of this disclosure simplifies the configuration of the fluid circuit and prevents an increase in the number of parts in the fluid circuit, an increase in size, and an increase in manufacturing costs compared to Patent Document 1.

[0008] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a fluid circuit through which a fluid flows is The valve device described in the above one perspective, When the valve device divides the fluid circuit into multiple closed circuits, it includes a pressure regulator (63) provided in one of the multiple closed circuits.

[0009] According to this, a fluid circuit according to another aspect of the present disclosure can reduce the number of pressure regulators, such as reserve tanks, to be installed in the fluid circuit by incorporating the valve device described in one aspect of the present disclosure. Thus, the configuration of the fluid circuit can be simplified, preventing an increase in the number of components, a larger size, and increased manufacturing costs of the fluid circuit.

[0010] The reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between that component and the specific components described in the embodiments described later. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a valve device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view along the axis of the valve body in a valve device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the valve body included in the valve device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the axis of the valve body in a valve device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the axis of the valve body in a modified valve device of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a circuit diagram showing a fluid circuit using the valve device according to the first embodiment, configured as a single closed circuit. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the valve flow path communicating with the port of the valve device in the fluid circuit state shown in Figure 6. [Figure 8] This is a circuit diagram showing a fluid circuit using the valve device according to the first embodiment, configured as two closed circuits. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the valve flow path communicating with the port of the valve device in the fluid circuit state shown. [Figure 10] This is a circuit diagram showing a fluid circuit using the valve device according to the first embodiment, configured as three closed circuits. [Figure 11] In the state of the fluid circuit shown in FIG. 10, it is an explanatory diagram for explaining a valve flow path communicating with a port of a valve device. [Figure 12] It is a circuit diagram showing a state in which a fluid circuit using a valve device of a comparative example is formed into two closed circuits. [Figure 13] It is a circuit diagram showing a state in which a fluid circuit using a valve device of a comparative example is formed into one closed circuit. [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view along the axial center of a valve body in a valve device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a cross-sectional view along the axial center of a valve body in a valve device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] It is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the valve body is rotated from the state of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] It is a perspective view showing only a valve body and a fixed valve in a valve device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial center of a valve body in a valve device according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI of FIG. 19.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same or equivalent to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0013] (First Embodiment) The valve device of the first embodiment will be described by taking a 10-way valve as an example of a multi-way valve used in a fluid circuit through which a fluid flows. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the valve device 1 includes a housing 10, a valve body 20, a communication path 30, and the like.

[0014] The housing 10 has a cylindrical portion 11 and a bottom portion 12 that closes one side of the cylindrical portion 11. The housing 10 has a plurality of ports P1 to P10 in a part of the cylindrical portion 11 through which fluid flows in and out. Ports P1 to P10 penetrate the inner wall and outer wall of the cylindrical portion 11. Piping of a fluid circuit is connected to ports P1 to P10. Therefore, fluid flows from the piping of the fluid circuit into the inside of the housing 10 via ports P1 to P10, and fluid flows out from the inside of the housing 10 into the piping of the fluid circuit via ports P1 to P10. In the following description, the 10 ports of the housing 10 may be referred to as port P1, port P2, port P3...port P10.

[0015] Hereinafter, the direction in which the axis of the cylindrical portion 11 of the housing 10 extends will be referred to as the "axial direction," and the side of the cylindrical portion 11 with the bottom 12 in the axial direction will be described as one side, and the side of the cylindrical portion 11 opposite the bottom 12 in the axial direction will be described as the other side.

[0016] A cover 13 closes the opening on the other side of the cylindrical portion 11 of the housing 10. The cover 13 is fixed to a locking portion 14 provided on the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 11 by a snap-fit ​​15. An actuator 40 is fixed to the other side of the cover 13 by a screw 16. The actuator 40 has an electric motor and a reduction mechanism (not shown) inside the case. Note that the actuator 40 is shown only in Figure 1.

[0017] The valve body 20 is conical in shape and is rotatably mounted inside the housing 10 around a predetermined axis CL. Here, a cone is defined as having the same axis as the axis CL of rotation of the valve body 20. In Figures 2 to 4, only a portion of the axis of the cone and a portion of the generatrix G are shown by dashed lines. The axis of the cone and the axis CL of the valve body 20 coincide. In a cone, the surface obtained by rotating the generatrix G around the axis is called the side surface, the point of contact between the generatrix G and the axis is called the apex, and the surface opposite the apex and perpendicular to the axis is called the base surface. The valve body 20 has an outer peripheral wall 21 formed along the side surface of the cone, a one-side end surface 22 formed on the apex side (i.e., one side) of the cone, and a other-side end surface 23 formed opposite the one-side end surface 22 and on the base side (i.e., the other side) of the cone. The one end face 22 and the other end face 23 are formed perpendicular to the axis CL of the valve body 20.

[0018] The valve body 20 is positioned such that one end face 22 faces the bottom 12 of the housing 10, and is rotatably housed inside the housing 10 with a conical shaft as the axis of rotation CL. The inner wall of the cylindrical portion 11 of the housing 10 is shaped to follow the side surface of a cone that is similar to and coaxial with the cone along which the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve body 20 follows. Therefore, the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 11 of the housing 10 and the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve body 20 are parallel.

[0019] The valve body 20 has multiple valve passages 24 that are recessed from the outer peripheral wall 21 toward the axis CL. The multiple valve passages 24 can communicate with multiple ports P1 to P10 within the housing 10. The valve body 20 switches the communication state between the multiple ports P1 to P10 and the multiple valve passages 24 by changing its rotational phase around the axis CL. In other words, the valve body 20 switches the valve passages 24 that communicate with the multiple ports P1 to P10. This makes it possible for the valve body 20 to switch between communication and blockage between the multiple ports.

[0020] The valve body 20 has an input shaft 25 that protrudes axially in the other direction from the other end face 23. The input shaft 25 is inserted through an insertion hole 17 provided in the cover 13. A bearing 18 and an axial seal member 19 are provided between the inner wall of the insertion hole 17 and the input shaft 25. A gear 26 is provided at the tip of the input shaft 25, and torque is input from the actuator 40 to rotate the valve body 20.

[0021] A sealing member 50 is provided between the inner wall of the housing 10 and the valve body 20. The sealing member 50 has a surface on the housing 10 side that abuts against the peripheral portions of the ports P1 to P10, and a surface on the valve body 20 side that slides against the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve body 20. The sealing member 50 has multiple holes at positions corresponding to the multiple ports P1 to P10.

[0022] A spring 51, provided between the other end face 23 of the valve body 20 and the cover 13, biases the valve body 20 toward the apex of the cone. The load applied by the spring 51 in the axial direction of the valve body 20 generates a component force acting from the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve body 20 on the seal member 50 and the housing 10. This component force acts as a force pressing the valve body 20, the seal member 50, and the inner wall of the housing 10 against each other. The spring force of the spring 51 is adjusted so that the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve body 20 and the seal member 50 slide against each other with low sliding resistance, and the inner wall of the housing 10 and the seal member 50 come into contact. Therefore, a seal can be achieved between the valve body 20 and the seal member 50, and between the housing 10 and the seal member 50, while also reducing the torque during rotational drive of the valve body 20 and suppressing torque fluctuations.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a communication passage 30 is provided in a part of the valve body 20. The communication passage 30 is provided in a part of the flow path wall 27 that partitions the valve flow path 24 of the valve body 20. In the first embodiment, the communication passage 30 is formed as a notch in which the portion of the flow path wall 27 on the outer peripheral wall 21 side is cut out. In the first embodiment, the communication passage 30 is a flow path that connects the valve flow path 24 on one side of the flow path wall 27 to the valve flow path 24 on the other side of the flow path wall 27. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communication passage 30 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​a single port. The position in which the communication passage 30 is provided on the valve body 20 and the function of the communication passage 30 will be described later.

[0024] Furthermore, as a modification of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the communication passage 30 may be formed as a through-hole that penetrates one surface and the other surface of the flow path wall 27. Note that the shape of the communication passage 30 is not limited to a semicircle or a circle, but can be any shape, such as a polygon or a shape that combines straight lines and curves.

[0025] Figure 6 shows an example of a fluid circuit 60 in which the valve device 1 of the first embodiment is used. As shown in Figure 6, the fluid circuit 60 is equipped with, for example, a first pump 61, a second pump 62, a pressure regulator 63, an electric drive unit 64, a heat exchanger 65, a chiller 66, a radiator 67, a battery cooler 68, and the like. A fluid such as LLC or water circulates in the fluid circuit 60. LLC stands for Long Life Coolant.

[0026] The first pump 61 and the second pump 62 are, for example, electric fluid pumps that are driven by an electric current and circulate fluid in the fluid circuit 60. The pressure regulator 63 is, for example, a reserve tank. The reserve tank has the function of storing fluid and a pressure regulating function that releases pressure to the outside air through a cap 69 when the pressure in the fluid circuit 60 increases excessively. Note that the pressure regulator 63 is not limited to a reserve tank, but can be anything that has a pressure regulating function. In the first embodiment, it is sufficient to provide one pressure regulator 63 in the fluid circuit 60.

[0027] The electric drive unit 64 is a device that controls the power of, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and is composed of an inverter, a boost converter, a DC-DC converter, etc. (not shown). The heat exchanger 65 is a water-to-water heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between hot water flowing in a hot water circuit (not shown) and the fluid flowing in the fluid circuit 60. The chiller 66 is a refrigerant-to-water heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing in a heat pump cycle (not shown) and the fluid flowing in the fluid circuit 60. The radiator 67 is an air-to-water heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the fluid flowing in the fluid circuit 60 and the outside air. The battery cooler 68 is a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the fluid flowing in the fluid circuit 60 and the battery.

[0028] In the following description, the circuit containing the first pump 61, pressure regulator 63, and electric drive unit 64 will be referred to as the first circuit 71. The circuit containing the heat exchanger 65 will be referred to as the second circuit 72. The circuit containing the second pump 62 and chiller 66 will be referred to as the third circuit 73. The circuit containing the radiator 67 will be referred to as the fourth circuit 74. The circuit containing the battery cooler 68 will be referred to as the fifth circuit 75. The pressure regulator 63 is located in the first circuit 71, but is not limited to that; it may be located in any one of the circuits from the first to the fifth circuits 75.

[0029] Figure 6 schematically represents valve device 1. Ports P1 to P10 of valve device 1 shown in Figure 6 correspond to ports P1 to P10 of valve device 1 shown in Figure 1. The piping of the first circuit 71 to the fifth circuit 75 is connected to each of the ports P1 to P10 of valve device 1. Specifically, one end of piping 711 of the first circuit 71 is connected to port P5, and the other end of piping 711 of the first circuit 71 is connected to port P6. One end of piping 721 of the second circuit 72 is connected to port P7, and the other end of piping 721 of the second circuit 72 is connected to port P8. One end of piping 731 of the third circuit 73 is connected to port P9, and the other end of piping 731 of the third circuit 73 is connected to port P10. One end of piping 741 of the fourth circuit 74 is connected to port P1, and the other end of piping 741 of the fourth circuit 74 is connected to port P2. One end of the piping 751 of the fifth circuit 75 is connected to port P3, and the other end of the piping 751 of the fifth circuit 75 is connected to port P4. This is the same as in Figures 8, 10, 12, and 13, which will be referenced in the explanation below.

[0030] Figure 6 shows the state in which the valve device 1 sets the valve body 20 to a predetermined rotational phase, thereby forming a single closed circuit in the fluid circuit 60. In Figure 6, in order to explain in detail the multiple valve passages 24 described above, each valve passage 24 is indicated by a symbol combining the letter V and a number. This is also the case in Figures 7 to 13, which will be referenced in the following explanation. Figures 6 and 7 show only the five valve passages V1 to V5 that communicate with ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 forms a single closed circuit in the fluid circuit 60, out of the multiple valve passages 24 of the valve body 20. In the following explanation, the five valve passages V1 to V5 that communicate with ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 forms a single closed circuit in the fluid circuit 60 will be referred to as valve passage V1, valve passage V2...Valve passage V5, respectively.

[0031] Figure 7 shows the communication state between valve passages V1-V5 and ports P1-P10 when the valve device 1 forms a single closed circuit of the fluid circuit 60. The solid lines in Figure 7 indicate the five valve passages V1-V5. The solid lines in Figure 7 also indicate the passage walls 27 that separate the valve passages V1-V5. In the following explanation, when the valve device 1 forms a single closed circuit of the fluid circuit 60, the part of the valve body 20 that separates the valve passages communicating with ports P1-P10 may be appropriately referred to as the "first passage wall 271". The P1-P10 shown in Figure 7 represent ports P1-P10 that communicate with valve passages V1-V5, respectively. In Figure 7, each port P1-P10 is separated by a solid line and a dashed line.

[0032] Valve path V1 connects ports P6 and P7. Valve path V2 connects ports P8 and P9. Valve path V3 connects ports P1 and P10. Valve path V4 connects ports P2 and P3. Valve path V5 connects ports P4 and P5. As a result, circuits 71 to 75 form a single closed circuit.

[0033] In the first flow path wall 271, which separates the valve flow path 24 that communicates with the port when the valve device 1 forms the fluid circuit 60 into a single closed circuit, there is no connecting passage 30. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when the fluid circulates through a single closed circuit, no part of the fluid flows by shortcutting through the connecting passage 30.

[0034] Next, Figure 8 shows the state in which the valve device 1 sets the valve body 20 to a predetermined rotational phase, thereby creating multiple closed circuits (specifically, two closed circuits) in the fluid circuit 60. Figures 8 and 9 show only the five valve passages V6 to V10 that communicate with ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 creates two closed circuits in the fluid circuit 60, out of the multiple valve passages of the valve body 20. In the following description, these five valve passages will be referred to as valve passage V6, valve passage V7...valve passage V10, respectively.

[0035] Figure 9 shows the communication between the valve passages V6-V10 and ports P1-P10 when the valve device 1 has configured the fluid circuit 60 into the two closed circuits shown in Figure 8. The solid lines in Figure 9 indicate the valve passages V6-V10. The solid lines in Figure 9 indicate the passage wall 27 that separates the valve passages V6-V10. In the following explanation, when the valve device 1 has configured the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, the part of the valve body 20 that separates the valve passages communicating with ports P1-P10 may be appropriately referred to as the "second passage wall 272". The P1-P10 shown in Figure 9 represent ports P1-P10 that communicate with valve passages V6-V10, respectively. In Figure 9, each port P1-P10 is separated by solid and dashed lines.

[0036] Valve path V6 connects ports P6 and P7. Valve path V7 connects ports P3 and P8. Valve path V8 connects ports P4 and P5. Valve path V9 connects ports P2 and P9. Valve path V10 connects ports P1 and P10. As a result, the first circuit 71, the second circuit 72, and the fifth circuit 75 become predetermined closed circuits, and the third circuit 73 and the fourth circuit 74 become other closed circuits. Hereinafter, the predetermined closed circuits may be referred to as the "first closed circuit" as appropriate, and the other closed circuits may be referred to as the "second closed circuit" as appropriate.

[0037] The communication passage 30 is provided in a part of the second flow path wall 272, which separates the valve flow paths V6 to V10 that communicate with ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 divides the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits. Specifically, the communication passage 30 is provided in the second flow path wall 272 that separates the valve flow path V8 and the valve flow path V10. As a result, when the valve device 1 divides the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, the communication passage 30 connects a predetermined closed circuit (i.e., the first closed circuit) and another closed circuit (i.e., the second closed circuit) within the housing 10. Therefore, if the pressure in one closed circuit increases due to a rise in the temperature of the fluid, etc., the pressure in that closed circuit can be released to the other closed circuit through the communication passage 30. Thus, by balancing the pressure in the multiple closed circuits, it is possible to prevent an excessive pressure rise in the fluid circuit 60.

[0038] The connecting passage 30 connects the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit within the housing 10 in a single passage. Specifically, the connecting passage 30 connects one valve passage V8, one of the multiple valve passages V6, V7, and V8 that form the first closed circuit, with one valve passage V10, one of the multiple valve passages V9 and V10 that form the second closed circuit. As a result, circulation does not occur between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit, and fluid flow is less likely to occur in the connecting passage 30. Therefore, it is possible to transmit pressure between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit while suppressing heat transfer.

[0039] Next, Figure 10 shows the state in which the valve device 1 sets the valve body 20 to a predetermined rotational phase, thereby creating multiple closed circuits (specifically, three closed circuits) in the fluid circuit 60. Figures 10 and 11 show only the four valve passages V11 to V14 that communicate with ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 creates three closed circuits in the fluid circuit 60, out of the multiple valve passages of the valve body 20. In the following description, these four valve passages will be referred to as valve passage V11, valve passage V12, valve passage V13, and valve passage V14, respectively.

[0040] Figure 11 shows the communication state between valve passages V11-V14 and ports P1-P10 when the valve device 1 has configured the fluid circuit 60 into the three closed circuits shown in Figure 10. The solid lines in Figure 11 indicate the valve passages V11-V14. The solid lines in Figure 11 indicate the passage wall 27 (i.e., the second passage wall 272) that separates the valve passages V11-V14. The P1-P10 shown in Figure 11 represent ports P1-P10 that communicate with valve passages V11-V14, respectively. In Figure 11, each port P1-P10 is separated by solid and dashed lines.

[0041] Valve passage V11 connects ports P2 and P5. Valve passage V12 connects ports P1 and P6. Valve passage V13 connects ports P7 and P10. Valve passage V14 connects ports P8 and P9. As a result, the first circuit 71 and the fourth circuit 74 become a predetermined closed circuit, the second circuit 72 and the third circuit 73 become another closed circuit, and the fifth circuit 75 becomes yet another closed circuit. Hereinafter, the predetermined closed circuit may be appropriately referred to as the "first closed circuit," the other closed circuit as the "second closed circuit," and yet another closed circuit as the "third closed circuit." Note that fluid does not circulate in the third closed circuit (i.e., the fifth circuit 75).

[0042] As described above, when the valve device 1 divides the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, the communication passage 30 is provided in a part of the second flow path wall 272, which separates the valve flow paths V11 to V14 that communicate with ports P1 to P10. Specifically, the communication passage 30 is provided in the second flow path wall 272 that separates valve flow path V11 and valve flow path V13. The communication passage 30 is also provided in the second flow path wall 272 that separates valve flow path V11 and port P4. Therefore, when the valve device 1 divides the fluid circuit 60 into three closed circuits, the communication passage 30 connects a predetermined closed circuit (i.e., the first closed circuit), another closed circuit (i.e., the second closed circuit), and yet another closed circuit (i.e., the third closed circuit) within the housing 10. As a result, if the pressure in one of the three closed circuits increases due to a rise in the temperature of the fluid, etc., the pressure in that closed circuit can be released to the other closed circuits through the communication passage 30. Therefore, by balancing the pressures within multiple closed circuits, it is possible to prevent an excessive pressure rise in the fluid circuit 60.

[0043] One connecting passage 30 connects the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit within the housing 10 in a single passage. Another connecting passage 30 connects the first closed circuit and the third closed circuit within the housing 10 in a single passage. Specifically, one connecting passage 30 connects one valve passage V11 of the multiple valve passages V11 and V12 that form the first closed circuit to one valve passage V13 of the multiple valve passages V13 and V14 that form the second closed circuit. Another connecting passage 30 connects one valve passage V11 of the multiple valve passages V11 and V12 that form the first closed circuit to port P4 of the multiple ports P3 and P4 that form the third closed circuit. As a result, circulation does not occur between the first to third closed circuits, and fluid flow is less likely to occur in the connecting passage 30. Therefore, it is possible to transmit pressure between the first to third closed circuits while suppressing heat transfer.

[0044] Here, in order to compare it with the valve device 1 of the first embodiment described above, a comparative example valve device 100 will be explained. The comparative example valve device 100 lacks the communication passage 30 compared to the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, and otherwise has the same configuration as the first embodiment.

[0045] Figure 12 shows the comparative example valve device 100 in a state where the valve body 20 is set to a predetermined rotational phase, thereby forming two closed circuits in the fluid circuit 60. Figure 12 shows five valve passages V6 to V10 that communicate with ports P1 to P10 when the comparative example valve device 100 forms two closed circuits in the fluid circuit 60. These five valve passages V6 to V10 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0046] The comparative example valve device 100 does not have a connecting passage 30. Instead, the fluid circuit 60 in which the comparative example valve device 100 is used is provided with a pressure relief passage 101. The pressure relief passage 101 is a pipe that connects the reserve tank, which acts as a pressure regulator 63, to the fourth circuit 74. This makes it possible to release the pressure in the second closed circuit (i.e., the circuit including the third circuit 73 and the fourth circuit 74) to the reserve tank through the pressure relief passage 101 when the pressure in the second closed circuit increases due to a rise in the temperature of the fluid, etc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an excessive pressure rise in the fluid circuit 60. However, because the fluid circuit 60 in which the comparative example valve device 100 is used has a pressure relief passage 101 in the middle of the piping, the configuration of the fluid circuit 60 becomes complex, the number of parts increases, the size becomes larger, the manufacturing process becomes more complex, and the manufacturing cost increases.

[0047] On the other hand, Figure 13 shows the comparative example valve device 100 in a state where the valve body 20 is set to a predetermined rotational phase, thereby forming a single closed circuit of the fluid circuit 60. Figure 13 shows five valve passages V1 to V5 that communicate with ports P1 to P10 when the comparative example valve device 100 forms a single closed circuit of the fluid circuit 60. These five valve passages V1 to V5 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0048] In the fluid circuit 60 using the comparative example valve device 100, when used as a single closed circuit, a portion of the closed circuit indicated by arrows A1 to A4 and the pressure relief passage 101 indicated by arrows B1 to B4 are arranged in parallel. As a result, a portion of the fluid flowing through the closed circuit flows in a way that shortcuts the pressure relief passage 101. Therefore, it is not possible to supply the intended flow rate of fluid to the equipment (e.g., battery cooler 68) installed in the portion of the closed circuit that is parallel to the pressure relief passage 101, and thus the intended amount of heat cannot be transported. Consequently, the fluid circuit 60 using the comparative example valve device 100 has the problem of reduced thermal management when used as a single closed circuit.

[0049] Compared to the valve device 100 of the comparative example described above, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment provides the following effects. (1) The valve device 1 of the first embodiment includes a valve passage 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form a predetermined closed circuit when the valve body 20 makes the fluid circuit 60 into a plurality of closed circuits, and a communication passage 30 that connects the valve passage 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form another closed circuit. According to this, in a fluid circuit 60 in which the valve device 1 is used, if the pressure in a predetermined closed circuit increases due to a rise in the temperature of the fluid, etc., the pressure in that predetermined closed circuit can be released to another closed circuit through the connecting passage 30. Therefore, by balancing the pressures in multiple closed circuits, it is possible to prevent an excessive pressure rise in the fluid circuit 60. Accordingly, by using the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a pressure relief passage 101 in the fluid circuit 60 as in the comparative example. Thus, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment simplifies the configuration of the fluid circuit 60 compared to the valve device 100 of the comparative example, and prevents an increase in the number of parts in the fluid circuit 60, an increase in size, and an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0050] (2) In the first embodiment, the communication passage 30 connects one valve passage 24 or port from among a plurality of valve passages 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form a predetermined closed circuit with one valve passage 24 or port from among a plurality of valve passages 24 or ports that form another closed circuit. According to this, if multiple valve passages 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form a predetermined closed circuit are connected by a connecting passage 30 to multiple valve passages 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form another closed circuit, circulation will occur between the predetermined closed circuit and the other closed circuit. For example, in the fluid circuit 60 shown in Figure 8, if a second connecting passage is provided to connect valve passage V9 and valve passage V7 in addition to the first connecting passage 30 that connects valve passage V8 and valve passage V10, fluid circulation will occur between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit. Specifically, a flow will occur in the first connecting passage 30 from valve passage V10 to valve passage V8, and a flow will occur in the second connecting passage from valve passage V7 to valve passage V9, resulting in heat transfer between the two closed circuits. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the communication passage 30 connects one valve passage 24 or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit with another valve passage 24 or port that forms another closed circuit. Therefore, fluid circulation does not occur between the predetermined closed circuit and the other closed circuit, and fluid flow is less likely to occur in the communication passage 30. Thus, it is possible to transmit pressure between the predetermined closed circuit and the other closed circuit while suppressing heat transfer.

[0051] (3) In the first embodiment, the communication passage 30 connects a valve passage 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form a predetermined closed circuit with another valve passage 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form a different closed circuit. According to this, circulation does not occur between a predetermined closed circuit and another closed circuit, and fluid flow is less likely to occur in the connecting passage 30. Therefore, it is possible to suppress heat transfer while transmitting pressure between a predetermined closed circuit and another closed circuit.

[0052] (4) In the first embodiment, the communication passage 30 is provided in a position that does not connect the multiple valve passages 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form one closed circuit when the valve body 20 makes the fluid circuit 60 one closed circuit. In the comparative example above, when the fluid circuit 60 using the valve device 100 is used as a single closed circuit, the pressure relief passage 101 becomes a shortcut flow path, resulting in a problem of reduced thermal management. In contrast, when the fluid circuit 60 of the valve device 1 of the first embodiment is used as a single closed circuit, no shortcut flow path like that in the comparative example is formed. Therefore, the intended flow rate of fluid can be supplied to all equipment arranged in the closed circuit, and the intended amount of heat can be transported. Consequently, thermal management can be improved.

[0053] (5) In the first embodiment, the valve body 20 has a first flow path wall 271 and a second flow path wall 272. The first flow path wall 271 is the part that partitions the valve flow path 24 that communicates with ports P1 to P10 when the valve body 20 makes the fluid circuit 60 a single closed circuit. The second flow path wall 272 is the part that partitions the valve flow path 24 that communicates with ports P1 to P10 when the valve body 20 makes the fluid circuit 60 a plurality of closed circuits. The communication passage 30 is not provided in the first flow path wall 271, but is provided in a part of the second flow path wall 272. According to this, since the communication passage 30 is not provided in the first flow path wall 271, when the valve body 20 makes the fluid circuit 60 into one closed circuit, the multiple valve flow paths 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form that one closed circuit are not connected to each other. Also, since the communication passage 30 is provided in a part of the second flow path wall 272, when the valve body 20 makes the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, the valve flow paths 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form a predetermined closed circuit are connected to the valve flow paths 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form another closed circuit.

[0054] (6) In the first embodiment, the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communication passage 30 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​ports P1 to P10. According to this, the fluid flow in the communication passage 30 is suppressed. Therefore, when the valve body 20 makes the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, it is possible to suppress heat transfer while transmitting pressure between one closed circuit and another.

[0055] (7) In the first embodiment, the valve body 20 is conical. However, as will be described in the second to fourth embodiments below, the valve body 20 may be cylindrical, ball-shaped, or disc-plate shaped. According to this, the valve body 20 can be of various shapes.

[0056] (8) In the first embodiment and its modified form, the communication passage 30 is a notch in which the portion of the flow channel wall 27 on the outer peripheral wall 21 side is cut out, or a through hole that penetrates one surface of the flow channel wall 27 and the other surface. According to this, the connecting passage 30 can take on various shapes.

[0057] (9) In the fluid circuit 60 in which the valve device 1 of the first embodiment is used, if the valve device 1 divides the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, a pressure regulator 63 is provided in one of the multiple closed circuits. According to this, by using the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, the number of pressure regulators 63, such as reserve tanks, installed in the fluid circuit 60 can be reduced. Therefore, the configuration of the fluid circuit 60 can be simplified, preventing an increase in the number of parts, an increase in size, and an increase in manufacturing costs for the fluid circuit 60.

[0058] (Second to Fourth Embodiments) The second to fourth embodiments are modified versions of the first embodiment in terms of the shape of the valve device 1, and are otherwise the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0059] (Second Embodiment) As shown in Figure 14, the valve body 20 of the second embodiment of the valve device 2 is cylindrical. The outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve body 20 is formed to conform to the cylindrical side surface. The valve body 20 is mounted inside the housing 10 so as to be rotatable about a predetermined axis CL. The inner wall of the cylindrical portion 11 of the housing 10 is also cylindrical and is formed parallel to the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve body 20. Otherwise, the valve device 2 of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the valve device 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0060] The valve device 2 of the second embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects and advantages as the valve device 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0061] (Third embodiment) As shown in Figures 15 to 17, the valve body 20 of the valve device 3 of the third embodiment is ball-shaped, formed by stacking multiple spheres (for example, three spheres) in the axial direction. The valve body 20 is rotatably mounted inside the housing 10 around a predetermined axis CL. The valve body 20 has a first central valve passage 201 and a second central valve passage 202 located in the center. The first central valve passage 201 and the second central valve passage 202 are separated by an intermediate passage wall 28. Furthermore, the valve body 20 has a first external valve passage 241 that opens from the first central valve passage 201 to the outer peripheral wall 21. In addition, the valve body 20 has a second external valve passage 242 that opens from the second central valve passage 202 to the outer peripheral wall 21, a third external valve passage 243, a fourth external valve passage 244, and a connecting passage 30. The second external valve passage 242, the third external valve passage 243, and the connecting passage 30 are provided on the same plane perpendicular to the axis CL.

[0062] The housing 10 has eight ports P11 to P18. In the third embodiment, the eight ports P11 to P18 of the housing 10 may be referred to as port P11, port P12, port P13...port P18, respectively. Ports P11 to P17 open perpendicular to the axis CL, and port P18 opens axially.

[0063] Ports P11 and P12 and the first external valve passage 241 are located on the same plane perpendicular to the axis CL. Ports P13, P14 and P15, the second external valve passage 242, the third external valve passage 243, and the communication passage 30 are located on the same plane perpendicular to the axis CL. Ports P16 and P17 and the fourth external valve passage 244 are located on the same plane perpendicular to the axis CL. Port P18 and the second central valve passage 202 are always in communication.

[0064] Figures 15 and 16 show the state in which the valve device 3 sets the valve body 20 to a predetermined rotational phase, thereby creating multiple closed circuits in the fluid circuit 60 (not shown). Of the multiple closed circuits (not shown), the piping of the first closed circuit is assumed to be connected to ports P13, P14, and P18, and the piping of the second closed circuit is assumed to be connected to port P15. As shown by arrow F1 in Figure 15, in the first closed circuit, fluid flowing from port P18 into the second central valve flow path 202 flows out from port P13. Also, as shown by arrow F2 in Figure 16, in the first closed circuit, fluid flowing from port P14 into the second central valve flow path 202 flows out from port P13. At this time, the communication passage 30 provided in the valve body 20 connects the second central valve flow path 202 that forms the first closed circuit and port P15 that is connected to the second closed circuit. Therefore, the communication passage 30 is provided in a part of the second flow path wall 272, which partitions the second central valve flow path 202 that communicates with ports P13, P14, and P18 when the valve device 3 divides the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits. In Figure 16, the area of ​​the second flow path wall 272 of the valve body 20 is enclosed by a dashed line. Since the connecting passage 30 connects the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit with a single passage, it is possible to transmit pressure between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit while suppressing heat transfer.

[0065] On the other hand, Figure 17 shows a state in which the valve device 3 sets the valve body 20 to a predetermined rotational phase, thereby forming a single closed circuit of the fluid circuit 60 (not shown). One closed circuit piping, not shown, is assumed to be in communication with ports P14, P15, and P18. As shown by arrow F3 in Figure 17, in one closed circuit, the fluid that flows from port P14 into the second central valve flow path 202 flows out from port P15. At this time, the communication passage 30 provided in the valve body 20 is blocked by the inner wall of the housing 10 and therefore does not function as a passage. Consequently, the communication passage 30 is not provided in the first flow path wall 271, which is the part that partitions the second central valve flow path 202 that communicates with ports P14, P15, and P18 when the valve device 3 makes the fluid circuit 60 into one closed circuit. In Figure 17, the area of ​​the first flow path wall 271 of the valve body 20 is enclosed by a dashed line.

[0066] The valve device 3 of the third embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the valve device 1 described in the first embodiment and the like. In addition, in the third embodiment, the second flow path wall 272, which is provided with the communication passage 30, and the first flow path wall 271, which is not provided with the communication passage 30, are different parts of the integrally formed valve body 20.

[0067] (Fourth Embodiment) As shown in Figures 18 to 21, the valve body 20 of the valve device 4 of the fourth embodiment is a disc-shaped plate type. The valve body 20 is rotatably mounted inside the housing 10 around a predetermined axis CL. The valve body 20 has a concave valve passage 245 that is recessed from one axial surface to the other surface, and a through valve passage 246 and a connecting passage 30 that penetrate the axial surfaces. The concave valve passage 245, the through valve passage 246 and the connecting passage 30 are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction on the valve body 20.

[0068] The housing 10 has four ports P21 to P24. In the fourth embodiment, the four ports P21 to P24 of the housing 10 may be referred to as port P21, port P22, port P23, and port P24, respectively. Ports P21, P22, and P24 are located in the housing 10 on one axial side relative to the valve body 20. Port P23 is located in the housing 10 on the other axial side relative to the valve body 20. The housing 10 also has a fixed valve 80 inside.

[0069] The fixed valve 80 is a component fixed to the housing 10 and sliding with the valve body 20. The fixed valve 80 has holes 81, 82, and 83 that are always in communication with ports P21, P22, and P24, and a hole 84 that is in communication with the communication passage 30 of the valve body 20 when the valve body 20 is in a predetermined rotational phase. When the valve body 20 is in a predetermined rotational phase, holes 81 and 82 of the fixed valve 80 are in communication with the concave valve passage 245 of the valve body 20, and hole 83 of the fixed valve 80 is in communication with the through valve passage 246 of the valve body 20.

[0070] Figures 19 to 21 show the state in which the valve device 4 sets the valve body 20 to a predetermined rotational phase, thereby creating multiple closed circuits in the fluid circuit 60 (not shown). Of the multiple closed circuits not shown, the piping of the first closed circuit is assumed to be in communication with ports P21 and P22, and the piping of the second closed circuit is assumed to be in communication with ports P23 and P24. As shown by arrow F4 in Figure 20, in the first closed circuit, the fluid that flows into the concave valve passage 245 from port P21 flows out from port P22. Also, as shown by arrow F5 in Figure 21, in the second closed circuit, the fluid that flows into the through valve passage 246 from port P23 flows out from port P24. At this time, the communication passage 30 provided in the valve body 20 connects port P21, which forms the first closed circuit, and port P23, which forms the second closed circuit. Since the communication passage 30 connects the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit with a single passage, it is possible to transmit pressure between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit while suppressing heat transfer.

[0071] The valve device 4 of the fourth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects and advantages as the valve device 1 described in the first embodiment and the like.

[0072] (Other embodiments) (1) In the first and second embodiments described above, the valve devices 1 and 2 were described using 10-way valves as an example of multi-way valves, but the valve devices are not limited to this, and any valve device that can make the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits is acceptable, for example, a 4-way valve or more. In the third and fourth embodiments described above, the valve devices 3 and 4 are also acceptable as long as they can make the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, for example, a 4-way valve or more.

[0073] (2) In the first embodiment described above, specific examples of equipment and piping installed in the fluid circuit 60 were shown, but the equipment and piping installed in the fluid circuit 60 can be changed as desired.

[0074] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications may be made as appropriate within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, the embodiments and parts thereof are not unrelated to each other and can be combined as appropriate, except in cases where the combination is clearly impossible. In addition, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except in cases where they are explicitly stated to be particularly essential or where they are clearly considered essential in principle. Furthermore, in the embodiments, when numerical values ​​such as the number, numerical values, quantities, or ranges of the components of the embodiments are mentioned, the embodiments are not limited to those specific numbers, except in cases where they are explicitly stated to be particularly essential or where they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, when the shapes, positional relationships, etc., of the components, etc., are mentioned in the embodiments, the embodiments are not limited to those shapes, positional relationships, etc., except in cases where they are explicitly stated to be particularly essential or where they are clearly limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc., in principle.

[0075] (Perspective of this disclosure) The above disclosure can be understood from the following perspectives, for example. [First point of view] In a valve device used in a fluid circuit (60) through which a fluid flows, A housing (10) having multiple ports (P1-P18, P21-P24) through which fluid flows in and out, A valve body (20) has multiple valve passages (24, 201, 202, 241~246, V1~V14) that can communicate with multiple ports within the housing, and can switch the communication state between multiple ports and multiple valve passages to make the fluid circuit into multiple closed circuits, A valve device comprising a valve passage (30) that connects a valve passage or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit when the valve body makes the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits, and a valve passage or port that forms another closed circuit. [Second perspective] The valve device according to the first aspect, wherein the communication passage connects one of the multiple valve passages or ports that form a predetermined closed circuit to one of the multiple valve passages or ports that form another closed circuit. [Third perspective] The valve device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the communication passage connects a valve passage or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit with another valve passage or port that forms a different closed circuit. [Fourth perspective] The valve body can switch the fluid circuit between one closed circuit and multiple closed circuits by switching the communication state between multiple ports and multiple valve passages within the housing. The valve device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the communication passage is provided at a position that connects a valve passage or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit when the fluid circuit consists of multiple closed circuits with a valve passage or port that forms another closed circuit when the fluid circuit consists of multiple closed circuits, without connecting a plurality of valve passages or ports that form one closed circuit when the valve body makes the fluid circuit one closed circuit. [Fifth perspective] The valve body is capable of switching the fluid circuit between one closed circuit and multiple closed circuits by switching the communication state between multiple ports and multiple valve passages within the housing, and has a first passage wall (271) as a part that partitions the valve passages communicating with the ports when the fluid circuit is one closed circuit, and a second passage wall (272) as a part that partitions the valve passages communicating with the ports when the fluid circuit is multiple closed circuits. The valve device according to any one of the first to fourth views, wherein the communication passage is not provided in the first flow path wall but is provided in a part of the second flow path wall. [Sixth perspective] The valve device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication passage is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the port. [Seventh perspective] The valve device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the valve body is one of a ball type, a disc plate type, a cylindrical type, or a cone type. [Perspective 8] The valve device according to any one of the first to seventh views, wherein the communication passage is a notch formed by cutting out a portion of the outer peripheral wall side of the flow path wall that partitions the valve flow path, or a through hole that penetrates one surface and the other surface of the flow path wall. [Perspective 9] In the fluid circuit through which the fluid flows, A valve device described in any one of the eighth aspects, A fluid circuit comprising, when the valve device divides the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits, a pressure regulator (63) provided in one of the plurality of closed circuits. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1-4: Valve device, 10: Housing, 20: Valve body, 24: Valve passage, 30: Communication passage, 60: Fluid circuit, 201: First central valve passage (valve passage), 202: Second central valve passage (valve passage), 241: First outer valve passage (valve passage), 242: Second outer valve passage (valve passage), 243: Third outer valve passage (valve passage), 244: Fourth outer valve passage (valve passage), 245: Concave valve passage (valve passage), 246: Through valve passage (valve passage), P1-P18, P21-P24: Ports, V1-V14: Valve passage.

Claims

1. In a valve device used in a fluid circuit (60) through which a fluid flows, A housing (10) having multiple ports (P1 to P18, P21 to P24) through which fluid flows in and out, A valve body (20) has multiple valve passages (24, 201, 202, 241-246, V1-V14) that can communicate with multiple ports within the housing, and can switch the communication state between the multiple ports and the multiple valve passages to make the fluid circuit into multiple closed circuits, A valve device comprising a valve passage (30) that connects a valve passage or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit when the valve body makes the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits, and a valve passage or port that forms another closed circuit.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the communication passage connects one of the plurality of valve passages or ports that form a predetermined closed circuit to one of the plurality of valve passages or ports that form another closed circuit.

3. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication passage connects a valve passage or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit with another valve passage or port that forms a different closed circuit.

4. The valve body can switch the fluid circuit between one closed circuit and multiple closed circuits by switching the communication state between multiple ports and multiple valve passages within the housing. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication passage is provided at a position that connects a valve passage or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit when the fluid circuit consists of multiple closed circuits with a valve passage or port that forms another closed circuit when the fluid circuit consists of multiple closed circuits, without connecting a plurality of valve passages or ports that form one closed circuit when the valve body makes the fluid circuit one closed circuit.

5. The valve body is capable of switching the fluid circuit between one closed circuit and multiple closed circuits by switching the communication state between multiple ports and multiple valve passages within the housing, and has a first passage wall (271) as a part that partitions the valve passages communicating with the ports when the fluid circuit is one closed circuit, and a second passage wall (272) as a part that partitions the valve passages communicating with the ports when the fluid circuit is multiple closed circuits. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication passage is not provided in the first flow path wall, but is provided in a part of the second flow path wall.

6. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication passage is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the port.

7. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve body is one of the following: ball type, disc plate type, cylindrical type, or conical type.

8. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication passage is a notch formed by cutting out a portion of the outer peripheral wall side of the flow path wall that partitions the valve flow path, or a through hole that penetrates one surface and the other surface of the flow path wall.

9. In the fluid circuit through which the fluid flows, The valve device according to claim 1, A fluid circuit comprising, when the valve device divides the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits, a pressure regulator (63) provided in one of the plurality of closed circuits.

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