Pumps with switching function, fluid circulation systems

Abstract

We provide a pump with a switching function that can integrate the functions of a switching valve and a pump. [Solution] The pump unit 7 has an impeller 60 that causes fluid to flow when driven by a second output shaft 50, and a housing 61 that houses the impeller 60 and is connected to a plurality of flow paths 5A to 5C. The flow path switching unit 8 is housed in the housing 61 of the pump unit 7 and is driven by a first output shaft 40 to switch the communication state between the inside of the housing 61 and the plurality of flow paths 5A to 5C. The housing 61 has a plurality of openings 62E to 62G that are connected to the plurality of flow paths 5A to 5C, respectively. The flow path switching unit 8 has a movable partition wall 67 that can individually open and close the plurality of openings 62E to 62G by changing its relative position with respect to the housing 61.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pump with a switching function and a fluid circulation system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a valve for switching the flow path of a fluid circulating in a system has been proposed, for example, in Patent Document 1. By being driven by an electric motor, the valve can change the communication state between the fluid inlet and the outlet. The fluid is pumped into the flow path by a pump separate from the valve.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Generally, a valve and a pump are each completed as independent products. For this reason, the valve and the pump have been used separately without being integrated. However, there is a need to combine a plurality of fluid flow paths into one module. Along with this, it is desired to integrate the function of the valve and the function of the pump. Further, it is desired to apply a device in which the functions of the valve and the pump are integrated to a fluid circulation system.

[0005] In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a pump with a switching function capable of integrating the function of a switching valve and the function of a pump, and a fluid circulation system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above object, in the invention according to claim 1, the pump with a switching function is A drive unit (6) having input units (10, 20) that generate driving force, a first output shaft (40) that rotates by the driving force transmitted from the input units, and a second output shaft (50) that rotates by the driving force transmitted from the input units, A pump section (7) having an impeller (60) that causes fluid to flow when driven by a second output shaft, and a housing (61) that houses the impeller and is connected to a plurality of flow paths (5A~5C), A flow path switching unit (8) is housed in the pump housing and driven by a first output shaft to switch the communication state between the inside of the housing and multiple flow paths, Includes, The housing has multiple openings (62E~62G) that connect to multiple flow paths, The flow path switching section has a movable partition (67) that allows multiple openings to be opened and closed individually by changing its relative position to the housing.

[0007] In the invention described in claim 5, the fluid circulation system is: A pump with a switching function (4) as described in claim 1, It is connected upstream of the pump with a switching function and has a heat receiving section (3) that transfers heat to the fluid, It is connected downstream of the pump with a switching function and includes a heat dissipation section (2) that dissipates heat from the fluid, It is equipped with.

[0008] According to this design, since one input unit drives two output shafts, it is possible to simultaneously supply fluid to the pump section and to supply fluid to one of multiple flow paths. Therefore, the function of the flow path switching section as a valve and the function of the pump section can be integrated.

[0009] The reference numerals in parentheses next to each means described in this section and in the claims indicate the correspondence with the specific means described in the embodiments described later. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]It is a configuration diagram of a fluid circulation system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the pump with a switching function shown in FIG. 1 and is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 3. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view of the drive unit and is a cross-sectional view showing the second output state. [Figure 5] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the first output state of the drive unit. [Figure 8] It is a developed view in which a part of the outer peripheral wall of the housing part of the pump part and the movable partition wall of the flow path switching part are arranged vertically. [Figure 9] It is a developed view showing the communication state of only the first discharge port (A). [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view of the pump part corresponding to the state of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a developed view showing the communication state of only the second discharge port (B). [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view of the pump part corresponding to the state of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a developed view showing the communication state of only the third discharge port (C). [Figure 14] It is a cross-sectional view of the pump part corresponding to the state of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] It is a developed view showing the communication state of the first discharge port (A) and the second discharge port (B). [Figure 16] It is a cross-sectional view of the pump part corresponding to the state of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] It is a developed view showing the communication state of the second discharge port (B) and the third discharge port (C). [Figure 18] It is a cross-sectional view of the pump part corresponding to the state of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] It is a developed view showing the communication state of the first discharge port (A) and the third discharge port (C). [Figure 20] It is a cross-sectional view of the pump section corresponding to the state of FIG. 19. [Figure 21] It is a developed view showing the communication state of the first discharge port (A), the second discharge port (B), and the third discharge port (C). [Figure 22] It is a cross-sectional view of the pump section corresponding to the state of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] It is a developed view respectively showing the positional relationship between the movable partition of the flow path switching section according to the second embodiment, the first opening, and the second opening. [Figure 24] It is a diagram showing the temporal change of the flow rate of the cooling water with respect to the heater core (B) and the radiator (A). [Figure 25] It is a cross-sectional view of the pump with a switching function according to the third embodiment, which is the XXV-XXV cross-sectional view of FIG. 26. [Figure 26] It is the XXVI-XXVII cross-sectional view of FIG. 25. [Figure 27] It is a schematic diagram showing the communication state of only the first discharge port (A). [Figure 28] It is a schematic diagram showing the communication state of only the second discharge port (B). [Figure 29] It is a schematic diagram showing the communication state of only the third discharge port (C). [Figure 30] It is a schematic diagram showing the communication state of the first discharge port (A) and the second discharge port (B). [Figure 31] It is a schematic diagram showing the communication state of the second discharge port (B) and the third discharge port (C). [Figure 32] It is a schematic diagram showing the communication state of the first discharge port (A) and the third discharge port (C). [Figure 33] It is a schematic diagram showing the communication state of the first discharge port (A), the second discharge port (B), and the third discharge port (C). [Figure 34] It is a schematic perspective view of the pump with a switching function according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 35] It is a cross-sectional view showing the suction part of the pump with a switching function according to the fourth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below 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 in the drawings.

[0012] (First Embodiment) A fluid circulation system circulates a fluid, such as coolant. Fluid circulation systems are applied, for example, to vehicles. In this case, the coolant is, for example, engine coolant.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the fluid circulation system 1 includes a heat dissipation unit 2, a heat receiving unit 3, and a pump 4 with a switching function.

[0014] The heat dissipation unit 2 dissipates heat from the fluid. The heat dissipation unit 2 is connected downstream of the pump 4 with a switching function. The heat dissipation unit 2 includes a radiator 2A, a heater core 2B, and an oil cooler 2C.

[0015] Radiator 2A is a heat exchanger that dissipates heat from the coolant to the outside air by exchanging heat between the coolant circulating in the fluid circulation system 1 and the outside air. Heater core 2B is an air heating unit that heats the air blown into the passenger compartment by exchanging heat between the coolant circulating in the fluid circulation system 1 and the air blown into the passenger compartment. In other words, heater core 2B releases the heat from the coolant into the air. Oil cooler 2C is a heat exchanger that cools the oil by exchanging heat between the coolant circulating in the fluid circulation system 1 and the oil. The oil, for example, flows inside the motor generator to lubricate and cool the motor generator.

[0016] The radiator 2A is connected to the first flow path 5A. The heater core 2B is connected to the second flow path 5B. The oil cooler 2C is connected to the third flow path 5C. The coolant that has passed through the radiator 2A, heater core 2B, and oil cooler 2C is pressurized and sent to the heat receiving unit 3 via the respective flow paths 5A to 5C. Note that each of the flow paths 5A to 5C is the path from the switching pump 4 to the heat receiving unit 3. The flow paths 5A to 5C merge upstream of the heat receiving unit 3 to form a single flow path.

[0017] The heat receiving section 3 transfers heat to the fluid. The heat receiving section 3 is connected upstream of the switching pump 4. The heat receiving section 3 is, for example, an internal combustion engine in a vehicle. The cooling water that has passed through the heat receiving section 3 is pumped to the switching pump 4 via the fourth flow path 5D.

[0018] The switching pump 4 has the function of a pump that pressurizes and sends coolant, and the function of a valve that switches the flow of coolant to either the radiator 2A, the heater core 2B, or the oil cooler 2C. In other words, the switching pump 4 pressurizes and sends coolant to each of the passages 5A to 5C, while switching the communication state with each of the passages 5A to 5C.

[0019] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pump 4 with a switching function includes a drive unit 6, a pump unit 7, and a flow path switching unit 8.

[0020] The drive unit 6 drives the pump 4 with a switching function. As shown in Figure 4, the drive unit 6 includes a motor unit 10, an input shaft 20, a main body 30, a first output shaft 40, and a second output shaft 50. The motor unit 10 and the input shaft 20 generate driving force. The main body 30 is a housing that accommodates the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50. The first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 rotate, respectively, due to the driving force transmitted from the input shaft 20.

[0021] Here, the direction along the axis of the motor unit 10 and the input shaft 20 is defined as the axial direction. The direction perpendicular to the axial direction is defined as the radial direction.

[0022] The motor unit 10 constitutes the upper part of the drive unit 6. The motor unit 10 is adjacent to the upper surface of the main body 30. The motor unit 10 includes a drive motor 11 that generates rotational driving force by supplying power, an input shaft 20 to which the driving force generated by the drive motor 11 is input, and an output shaft switching unit 25 for switching the output destination of the driving force input from the input shaft 20.

[0023] The drive motor 11 is a motor that can be driven by position feedback control. The drive motor 11 has a rotor 12, a stator 13, and a shaft 14. For example, a three-phase brushless motor or a stepping motor can be used as the drive motor 11.

[0024] The shaft 14 is rotatably supported by the motor holding plate 15, which forms the upper surface of the drive unit 6. The rotor 12 is attached to the shaft 14. Therefore, the shaft 14 rotates together with the rotor 12. The shaft 14 is both the output shaft of the drive motor 11 and a part of the input shaft 20.

[0025] The stator 13 is fixed to a motor case or motor holding plate 15 (not shown). The stator 13 has stator coils. The rotor 12 is cylindrical in shape. The stator 13 is located inside the rotor 12. Multiple pairs of magnets, each consisting of a north pole and a south pole, are arranged circumferentially on the rotor 12. For example, four north poles and four south poles are arranged on the circumferential surface of the rotor 12. In this case, the number of poles Pr of the rotor 12 can be 8. The stator 13 and rotor 12 output a driving force to rotate the shaft 14 by electromagnetic force.

[0026] In the upper part of the drive unit 6, a motor holding plate 15 is positioned in the center of the circularly arranged output shaft switching unit 25. As described above, the motor holding plate 15 rotatably supports the shaft 14 of the drive motor 11.

[0027] The motor unit 10 also houses a circuit unit (not shown). The circuit unit has a circuit board equipped with multiple electronic components for controlling the drive motor 11. Furthermore, the circuit unit can perform control related to the switching operation of the output shaft in the drive unit 6, that is, control of the output shaft switching unit 25.

[0028] An input shaft 20 is joined to the lower end of the shaft 14 of the drive motor 11. The input shaft 20 is mounted so that its axis coincides with the extension of the rotation axis of the shaft 14. Therefore, the input shaft 20 rotates together with the rotor 12 and the shaft 14 when driven by the drive motor 11.

[0029] An input-side magnet 21 is formed at the lower end of the input shaft 20. As described above, the input shaft 20 rotates together with the rotor 12, etc., when rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 11 is input to it. Since the input-side magnet 21 is formed integrally with the input shaft 20, it rotates in response to the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 11.

[0030] As shown in Figure 5, the input magnet 21 is formed in a disc shape at the lower end of the input shaft 20. On the side surface of the input magnet 21, i.e., the outer peripheral surface of the disc shape, at least one pair of magnets consisting of an N pole 21N and an S pole 21S are arranged along the circumferential direction. In this embodiment, there is one N pole 21N and one S pole 21S, so the number of poles Pin of the input magnet 21 is 2.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, in the upper part of the drive unit 6, the output shaft switching unit 25 is arranged to surround the drive motor 11. As described above, the output shaft switching unit 25 is configured to switch the output destination of the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 11 to either the first output shaft 40 or the second output shaft 50. The output shaft switching unit 25 has a switching coil 26 and a switching yoke 27.

[0032] The switching coil 26 is a DC coil arranged in a ring shape on the partition wall 36 that constitutes the upper surface of the drive unit 6. The switching coil 26 can switch between flowing current in a predetermined direction and flowing current in the opposite direction.

[0033] The switching yoke 27 is a magnetic yoke configured to connect the inner and outer diameters of the annular switching coil 26 via the upper part of the switching coil 26. The switching yoke 27 can also be described as an annular iron member with a groove shape that is open at the bottom. In this case, the switching coil 26 is arranged inside the groove shape.

[0034] When a direct current is passed through the switching coil 26 configured as described above to generate a magnetic field, magnetic forces of different poles are generated at the inner diameter end and the outer diameter end of the switching yoke 27, respectively. Hereinafter, the outer diameter end of the switching coil 26 will be referred to as the first magnetic force generating section 27A, and the inner diameter end of the switching coil 26 will be referred to as the second magnetic force generating section 27B.

[0035] When current is passed through the switching coil 26, the magnetic field generated in the switching coil 26 generates magnetic fields in the first magnetic field generating unit 27A and the second magnetic field generating unit 27B, respectively. The polarity of the magnetic fields generated in the first magnetic field generating unit 27A and the second magnetic field generating unit 27B is controlled by the direction of the current flowing through the switching coil 26.

[0036] For example, when a current is passed through the switching coil 26 in a predetermined direction, the magnetic force generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A is an S pole, and the magnetic force generated in the second magnetic force generating unit 27B is an N pole. Conversely, when a current is passed through the switching coil 26 in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, the magnetic force generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A is an N pole, and the magnetic force generated in the second magnetic force generating unit 27B is an S pole.

[0037] Furthermore, since the first magnetic force generating unit 27A and the second magnetic force generating unit 27B are mounted so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the partition wall 36, the magnetic force generated by energizing the switching coil 26 can be applied to the lower part of the partition wall 36.

[0038] A partition wall 36 is positioned below the motor section 10, which includes the drive motor 11, input shaft 20, and output shaft switching section 25. The partition wall 36 is a sealing member that separates the space on the motor section 10 side of the drive section 6 from the space on the main body section 30 side, which includes the first output shaft 40, etc., and seals the space on the main body section 30 side.

[0039] The partition wall 36 is constructed, for example, as a non-magnetic material or a material having a predetermined magnetic permeability. Specifically, the partition wall 36 is formed of stainless steel that has been given magnetism by work hardening to transform an austenitic stainless steel such as SUS304, aluminum, or SUS305 into martensite.

[0040] The partition wall 36 is formed in a disc shape with a central portion concave along the axial direction. The partition wall 36 has a sealing cylindrical portion 36A, a sealing bottom portion 36B, and a sealing outer edge portion 36C. For example, the sealing cylindrical portion 36A, the sealing bottom portion 36B, and the sealing outer edge portion 36C are integrally molded.

[0041] The sealing cylindrical portion 36A is a cylindrical part that forms the side surface of the recessed portion along the axial direction in the central part of the partition wall 36. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the sealing cylindrical portion 36A is located on the outer diameter side of the input magnet 21.

[0042] The sealing bottom portion 36B is located below the input magnet 21 and also closes the bottom of the sealing cylindrical portion 36A. As a result, the internal space of the sealing cylindrical portion 36A is separated from the space on the main body portion 30 side. The sealing outer edge portion 36C is a plate-like portion formed at the upper end of the sealing cylindrical portion 36A so as to expand radially outward. The sealing outer edge portion 36C is fixed to the upper surface of the main body portion 30.

[0043] Furthermore, the sealing bottom portion 36B may be formed in the shape of a disc with its central part curving downwards. Also, the corners forming the boundary between the sealing cylindrical portion 36A and the sealing bottom portion 36B may be rounded with a predetermined radius of curvature instead of being right angles.

[0044] The main body 30, which constitutes the lower part of the drive unit 6, has a mechanism housing section 35 for housing various mechanisms. The internal space formed in the main body 30, namely the mechanism housing section 35 and the partition wall 36, is an example of a housing space.

[0045] The various mechanisms include a first output shaft 40, a first bearing member 47, a first support member 48, a first rotating shaft 49, a second output shaft 50, a second bearing member 57, and a second rotating shaft 59.

[0046] The first output shaft 40 of the drive unit 6 according to this embodiment rotates due to the rotational driving force generated by the motor unit 10 and is an output shaft for outputting rotational driving force to the flow path switching unit 8.

[0047] The first output shaft 40 is positioned so that its axis of rotation lies on the extension of the axis of rotation of the aforementioned shaft 14 and input shaft 20. The first output shaft 40 has a large-diameter section 41 and a small-diameter section 42. The axis of rotation of the first output shaft 40 is positioned so as to coincide with the center of the annularly formed output shaft switching section 25.

[0048] The large-diameter section 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape and constitutes the upper part of the first output shaft 40. Therefore, the large-diameter section 41 is housed within the mechanism housing section 35 of the main body section 30. The inner diameter of the large-diameter section 41 is at least larger than the outer diameter of the sealing cylindrical section 36A of the partition wall 36. Furthermore, the diameter of the large-diameter section 41 is formed to be the same as the diameter of the first magnetic force generating section 27A in the output shaft switching section 25.

[0049] An output magnet 45 is positioned in the upper part of the large-diameter section 41. As shown in Figure 5, the output magnet 45 is formed in a cylindrical shape, similar to the large-diameter section 41, and is composed of multiple pairs of magnets, each consisting of an N pole 45N and an S pole 45S, arranged at approximately equal intervals along the circumference. In this example, there are 20 N poles 45N and 20 S poles 45S, so the number of poles Pf of the output magnet 45 is 40. The output magnet 45 has a different number of poles than the input magnet 21 and can be described as a multi-pole magnet with a larger number of poles than the input magnet 21.

[0050] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the input-side magnet 21 of the input shaft 20 is positioned on the inner diameter side of the sealing cylindrical portion 36A in the partition wall 36. The output-side magnet 45 is positioned on the outer diameter side of the sealing cylindrical portion 36A. The output-side magnet 45 is positioned to face the input-side magnet 21 via the sealing cylindrical portion 36A of the partition wall 36. Therefore, the rotational driving force input to the input shaft 20 can be transmitted to the first output shaft 40 by the magnetic force acting between the input-side magnet 21 and the output-side magnet 45.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, a first switching magnet 46 is positioned on the upper end surface of the large-diameter portion 41. The first switching magnet 46 is positioned so that its upper side exhibits either a south pole or a north pole polarity (for example, a south pole). The first switching magnet 46 has an annular shape with the same diameter as the large-diameter portion 41. Therefore, the first switching magnet 46 positioned at the upper end of the large-diameter portion 41 faces the first magnetic force generating portion 27A of the output shaft switching portion 25 via the sealing outer edge portion 36C of the partition wall 36. This allows the magnetic force generated in the first magnetic force generating portion 27A of the output shaft switching portion 25 to act on the first switching magnet 46, thereby controlling the operation of the first output shaft 40.

[0052] The small-diameter portion 42 of the first output shaft 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a smaller diameter than the large-diameter portion 41 and extends downward from the lower part of the large-diameter portion 41. The first rotating shaft 49 of the flow path switching section 8 is connected to the lower end of the small-diameter portion 42. The first rotating shaft 49 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 42.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a groove 43 is formed at the lower end of the small-diameter portion 42. The groove 43 is formed by recessing the inner surface of the cylindrical small-diameter portion 42 into a groove shape. The groove 43 extends upward from the lower edge of the small-diameter portion 42.

[0054] Furthermore, a protruding portion 49A is formed on the upper end side of the first rotating shaft 49. The protruding portion 49A is formed by projecting radially outward from the outer surface of the cylindrical first rotating shaft 49. The protruding portion 49A extends downward from the upper end edge of the first rotating shaft 49. In addition, the outer diameter dimension of the protruding portion 49A is formed to be smaller than the inner dimension of the groove 43. Therefore, the protruding portion 49A of the first rotating shaft 49 can be fitted into the groove 43 of the small diameter portion 42.

[0055] As a result, the cooperation of the groove 43 and the protrusion 49A allows the first rotating shaft 49 to rotate in accordance with the rotational movement of the first output shaft 40, and also allows the rotational driving force transmitted to the first output shaft 40 to be transmitted to the flow path switching section 8. Furthermore, the cooperation of the groove 43 and the protrusion 49A allows the first output shaft 40 to move axially relative to the first rotating shaft 49.

[0056] As shown in Figure 4, a first bearing member 47 is positioned at the lower part of the mechanism housing 35 formed in the main body 30. The first bearing member 47 is fixed to the lower part of the mechanism housing 35 of the main body 30 and rotatably supports the first output shaft 40. The first bearing member 47 also allows axial movement of the first output shaft 40 within a predetermined range.

[0057] A first support member 48 is positioned below the first bearing member 47. The first support member 48 slidably supports the first rotating shaft 49.

[0058] The second output shaft 50 of the drive unit 6 rotates due to the rotational driving force generated by the motor unit 10, and is also an output shaft for outputting rotational driving force to the impeller 60, which will be described later.

[0059] The second output shaft 50 is positioned so that its axis of rotation lies on the extension of the axis of rotation of the aforementioned shaft 14 and input shaft 20. The second output shaft 50 has a cylindrical portion 51 and a shaft portion 52. The axis of rotation of the second output shaft 50 is positioned so as to coincide with the center of the annularly formed output shaft switching portion 25, and also coincides with the axis of rotation of the first output shaft 40.

[0060] The cylindrical portion 51 is formed in a cylindrical shape and constitutes the upper part of the second output shaft 50. The cylindrical portion 51 is located on the inner diameter side of the second output shaft 50 and on the outer diameter side of the sealing cylindrical portion 36A of the partition wall 36. Therefore, the cylindrical portion 51 is housed within the mechanism housing portion 35 of the main body portion 30. The diameter of the cylindrical portion 51 is formed to be the same as the diameter of the second magnetic force generating portion 27B in the output shaft switching portion 25.

[0061] A magnetic flux modulation unit 55 is located in the upper part of the cylindrical section 51. The magnetic flux modulation unit 55 modulates the magnetic flux between the input magnet 21 and the output magnet 45. The magnetic flux modulation unit 55 is formed integrally with the second output shaft 50.

[0062] As shown in Figure 5, the magnetic flux modulation section 55 is formed in a cylindrical shape, similar to the cylindrical section 51. The magnetic flux modulation section 55 has a plurality of magnetic sections 55A and a plurality of non-magnetic sections 55B. The magnetic sections 55A and non-magnetic sections 55B are fan-shaped. The magnetic sections 55A are arranged in parallel at approximately equal intervals along the circumference. The non-magnetic sections 55B are arranged between the magnetic sections 55A. For example, the magnetic sections 55A are made of a soft magnetic material (e.g., an iron-based metal). The non-magnetic sections 55B are made of a non-magnetic material (e.g., stainless steel or resin).

[0063] The number of poles Pp of the magnetic flux modulation unit 55 is the same as the sum of the number of poles Pin of the input magnet 21 and the number of poles Pf of the output magnet 45. In this embodiment, the number of poles Pin of the input magnet 21 is 2. The number of poles Pf of the output magnet 45 is 40. Therefore, the number of poles Pp of the magnetic flux modulation unit 55 is 42. In other words, the magnetic flux modulation unit 55 is composed of 21 magnetic parts 55A and 21 non-magnetic parts 55B.

[0064] As described above, the input-side magnet 21 of the input shaft 20 is positioned on the inner diameter side of the sealing cylindrical portion 36A of the partition wall 36. The output-side magnet 45 of the first output shaft 40 is positioned radially outward from the magnetic flux modulation unit 55 of the second output shaft 50. The magnetic flux modulation unit 55 is positioned to face the input-side magnet 21 and the output-side magnet 45 via the sealing cylindrical portion 36A of the partition wall 36. Therefore, the magnetic flux modulation unit 55 can modulate the magnetic flux acting between the input-side magnet 21 and the output-side magnet 45.

[0065] When the rotation of the second output shaft 50 is stopped, the rotational driving force input to the input shaft 20 can be transmitted to the second output shaft 50 by the magnetic force acting between the input magnet 21, the output magnet 45, and the magnetic flux modulation unit 55.

[0066] As shown in Figure 4, a second switching magnet 56 is positioned on the upper end surface of the cylindrical portion 51. The second switching magnet 56 is positioned so that its upper side exhibits either a south pole or a north pole polarity (for example, a south pole). The second switching magnet 56 has an annular shape with the same diameter as the cylindrical portion 51. The polarity of the upper surface of the second switching magnet 56 is positioned to exhibit the same polarity as the upper surface of the first switching magnet 46.

[0067] The second switching magnet 56, positioned at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 51, faces the second magnetic force generating portion 27B of the output shaft switching portion 25 via the sealing outer edge portion 36C of the partition wall 36. This allows the magnetic force generated in the second magnetic force generating portion 27B of the output shaft switching portion 25 to act on the second switching magnet 56. Therefore, the operation of the second output shaft 50 can be controlled.

[0068] The shaft portion 52 of the second output shaft 50 is an axial portion that extends downward from the lower part of the cylindrical portion 51. The shaft portion 52 is formed integrally with the cylindrical portion 51. As described above, the shaft portion 52 is inserted inside the small diameter portion 42 of the cylindrical first output shaft 40. The second rotating shaft 59 is located at the lower end of the shaft portion 52. The second rotating shaft 59 corresponds to the central axis of the impeller 60.

[0069] An insertion hole 52A is formed at the lower end of the shaft portion 52. The insertion hole 52A is drilled so as to extend axially upward from the lower end of the shaft portion 52, including the rotation axis of the second output shaft 50.

[0070] A protruding piece 59A is formed on the upper end of the second rotating shaft 59. The protruding piece 59A protrudes upward from the upper end of the second rotating shaft 59 along the axis of rotation of the second rotating shaft 59. The outer diameter of the protruding piece 59A is smaller than the inner diameter of the insertion hole 52A formed in the shaft portion 52. Therefore, the protruding piece 59A of the second rotating shaft 59 can be inserted into the insertion hole 52A of the shaft portion 52 and engaged with the insertion hole 52A of the shaft portion 52.

[0071] As a result, the through-hole 52A and the protruding piece 59A work together to rotate the second rotating shaft 59 in accordance with the rotational movement of the second output shaft 50, thereby transmitting the rotational driving force transmitted to the second output shaft 50 to the impeller 60. Furthermore, the through-hole 52A and the protruding piece 59A work together to move the second output shaft 50 axially relative to the impeller 60.

[0072] A second bearing member 57 is positioned above the first bearing member 47 in the lower part of the mechanism housing 35 formed in the main body 30. The second bearing member 57 is fixed to the main body 30 between the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50, and also rotatably supports the second output shaft 50. Furthermore, the second bearing member 57 allows axial movement of the second output shaft 50 within a predetermined range.

[0073] The main body 30 constitutes part of the body, or casing, of the drive unit 6. The main body 30 is formed from a cast material (for example, AC4C) using an Al-Si-Mg aluminum alloy.

[0074] In the drive unit 6 configured as described above, the drive force is transmitted by switching between a first output state in which the flow path switching unit 8 can be adjusted via the first output shaft 40, and a second output state in which the rotation of the impeller 60 can be adjusted via the second output shaft 50.

[0075] The switching operation between the first output state and the second output state of the drive unit 6 will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0076] First, the first output state of the drive unit 6 will be explained with reference to Figure 7. The first output state is a state in which the drive motor 11 and the output shaft switching unit 25 control the operation of the drive motor and the output shaft switching unit 25, thereby allowing the output of driving force from the first output shaft 40 while simultaneously limiting the output of driving force from the second output shaft 50.

[0077] Specifically, when switching to the first output state, a direct current is passed through the switching coil 26 of the output shaft switching unit 25 in a predetermined direction. By passing a direct current in the predetermined direction, a magnetic field is generated in the switching coil 26, and magnetic forces are generated at both ends of the switching yoke 27 in the output shaft switching unit 25. In the first output state, the polarity of the magnetic force generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A is the south pole, and the polarity of the magnetic force generated in the second magnetic force generating unit 27B is the north pole.

[0078] The magnetic forces generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A and the second magnetic force generating unit 27B act on the components of the mechanism housing unit 35 via the sealing outer edge 36C of the partition wall 36. The first magnetic force generating unit 27A faces the first switching magnet 46 via the sealing outer edge 36C, and the second magnetic force generating unit 27B faces the second switching magnet 56 via the sealing outer edge 36C.

[0079] The first switching magnet 46 is attached to the first output shaft 40 such that its upper side is the south pole. Therefore, in the first output state, when a magnetic force is generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A, the magnet moves away from the output shaft switching unit 25 due to repulsion from the magnetic force.

[0080] Meanwhile, the second switching magnet 56 is also attached to the second output shaft 50 with its upper side facing the south pole. Therefore, in the first output state, when a magnetic force is generated in the second magnetic force generating unit 27B, it is attracted by the magnetic force. As a result, the upper end surface of the second output shaft 50 comes into close contact with the sealing outer edge 36C of the partition wall 36 due to the magnetic force of the second magnetic force generating unit 27B.

[0081] When the drive motor 11 is driven in this state, the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 11 is transmitted to the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 by magnetic interaction between the input magnet 21, the magnetic flux modulation unit 55, and the output shaft switching unit 25.

[0082] In the first output state, the magnetic force generated in the second magnetic force generating unit 27B pulls the second output shaft 50 towards the output shaft switching unit 25, causing it to be in close contact with the partition wall 36. Therefore, the magnetic force generated in the second magnetic force generating unit 27B and the frictional force generated between the partition wall 36 and the second output shaft 50 act as resistance to the rotational driving force transmitted from the drive motor 11 to the second output shaft 50.

[0083] In the first output state, the relationship between the driving force transmitted to the second output shaft 50 and the resistance force caused by the output shaft switching unit 25, etc., is set such that the resistance force caused by the output shaft switching unit 25, etc., is greater than the driving force transmitted to the second output shaft 50. Therefore, in the first output state, the second output shaft 50 receives the driving force generated by the drive motor 11, but its rotation is hindered by the resistance force caused by the output shaft switching unit 25, etc.

[0084] On the other hand, in the first output state, the magnetic force generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A pushes the first output shaft 40 away from the output shaft switching unit 25 and separates it from the partition wall 36. Therefore, no magnetic force or frictional force acts as a counterforce to the rotational driving force transmitted from the drive motor 11 to the first output shaft 40.

[0085] Therefore, in the first output state, the rotation caused by the driving force transmitted to the first output shaft 40 is not hindered by resistance caused by the output shaft switching unit 25, etc. Consequently, in the first output state, the first output shaft 40 receives the driving force generated by the drive motor 11 and becomes capable of outputting to the first rotating shaft 49, which is the output destination.

[0086] Then, in the first output state shown in Figure 7, when the drive motor 11 is driven, the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 11 is transmitted to the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 by magnetic interaction between the input-side magnet 21, the magnetic flux modulation unit 55, and the output shaft switching unit 25. At this time, the second output shaft 50 remains stationary due to the magnetic force of the output shaft switching unit 25, but the first output shaft 40 rotates at a predetermined reduction ratio relative to the rotation of the drive motor 11. In this embodiment, the reduction ratio is 20, given the configuration of the input-side magnet 21, the magnetic flux modulation unit 55, and the output-side magnet 45.

[0087] Thus, according to the drive unit 6 of this embodiment, the first output shaft 40 can be moved by operating the drive motor 11 in the first output state. That is, by controlling the rotation direction of the drive motor 11 in the first output state, the flow path switching unit 8 can be rotated via the first rotating shaft 49. In addition, the rotation of the impeller 60 can be stopped.

[0088] In the first output state, the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 move axially, but the impeller 60 and the flow path switching unit 8 do not move axially within the pump unit 7. This is also the case in the second output state. Furthermore, the drive unit 6 can rotate the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 simultaneously without switching between the first and second output states.

[0089] Next, the second output state of the drive unit 6 will be explained with reference to Figure 4. The second output state is a state in which the drive motor 11 and the output shaft switching unit 25 control the operation of the drive motor and the output shaft switching unit 25, thereby allowing the output of driving force from the second output shaft 50 while simultaneously limiting the output of driving force from the first output shaft 40.

[0090] Specifically, when switching to the second output state, a direct current is passed through the switching coil 26 of the output shaft switching unit 25 in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction in the first output state. By passing a direct current, a magnetic field is generated in the switching coil 26, and magnetic forces are generated at both ends of the switching yoke 27 in the output shaft switching unit 25. In the second output state, since a direct current is passed in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction, the polarity of the magnetic force generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A is north pole, and the polarity of the magnetic force generated in the second magnetic force generating unit 27B is south pole.

[0091] As explained in the first output state, the magnetic force generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A and the second magnetic force generating unit 27B acts on the first switching magnet 46 and the second switching magnet 56 via the sealing outer edge 36C of the partition wall 36.

[0092] As described above, the first switching magnet 46 is attached to the first output shaft 40 with its upper side facing the south pole. Therefore, in the second output state, when a magnetic force is generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A, it is attracted towards the output shaft switching unit 25 by the magnetic force. As a result, the upper end surface of the first output shaft 40 comes into close contact with the sealing outer edge 36C of the partition wall 36 due to the magnetic force of the first magnetic force generating unit 27A.

[0093] On the other hand, the second switching magnet 56 is also attached to the second output shaft 50 with its upper side facing the south pole. Therefore, in the second output state, when a magnetic force is generated in the second magnetic force generating unit 27B, it moves away from the output shaft switching unit 25 in opposition to the magnetic force.

[0094] When the drive motor 11 is driven in the second output state, the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 11 is transmitted to the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 by magnetic interaction between the input magnet 21, the magnetic flux modulation unit 55, and the output shaft switching unit 25.

[0095] In the second output state, the magnetic force generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A pulls the first output shaft 40 towards the output shaft switching unit 25, causing it to be in close contact with the partition wall 36. As a result, the magnetic force generated in the first magnetic force generating unit 27A and the frictional force generated between the partition wall 36 and the first output shaft 40 act as resistance to the rotational driving force transmitted from the drive motor 11 to the first output shaft 40.

[0096] In the second output state, the relationship between the driving force transmitted to the first output shaft 40 and the resistance force caused by the output shaft switching unit 25, etc., is set such that the resistance force caused by the output shaft switching unit 25, etc., is greater than the driving force transmitted to the first output shaft 40. Therefore, in the second output state, the first output shaft 40 receives the driving force generated by the drive motor 11, but its rotation is hindered by the resistance force caused by the output shaft switching unit 25, etc.

[0097] On the other hand, in the second output state, the magnetic force generated in the second magnetic force generating unit 27B moves the second output shaft 50 away from the output shaft switching unit 25 and separates it from the partition wall 36. Therefore, no magnetic force or frictional force acts as a counterforce to the rotational driving force transmitted from the drive motor 11 to the second output shaft 50.

[0098] Therefore, in the second output state, the rotation caused by the driving force transmitted to the second output shaft 50 is not hindered by resistance caused by the output shaft switching section 25, etc. Consequently, in the second output state, the second output shaft 50 receives the driving force generated by the drive motor 11 and becomes capable of outputting to the second rotating shaft 59, which is the output destination.

[0099] Then, in the second output state shown in Figure 4, when the drive motor 11 is driven, the rotational driving force generated by the drive motor 11 is transmitted to the first output shaft 40 and the second output shaft 50 by magnetic interaction between the input-side magnet 21, the magnetic flux modulation unit 55, and the output shaft switching unit 25. At this time, the first output shaft 40 remains stationary due to the magnetic force of the output shaft switching unit 25, but the second output shaft 50 rotates at a predetermined reduction ratio relative to the rotation of the drive motor 11. In this embodiment, given the configuration of the input-side magnet 21, the magnetic flux modulation unit 55, and the output-side magnet 45, the reduction ratio is 21.

[0100] As described above, with the drive unit 6 according to this embodiment, the second output shaft 50 can be moved by operating the drive motor 11 in the second output state. That is, by controlling the rotation direction of the drive motor 11 in the second output state, the impeller 60 can be rotated via the second rotating shaft 59. In addition, the rotation of the flow path switching unit 8 can be stopped. The above describes the configuration and operation of the drive unit 6.

[0101] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pump unit 7 is driven by the first output shaft 40 of the drive unit 6 to pump cooling water into the respective passages 5A to 5C. The pump unit 7 includes a second rotating shaft 59, an impeller 60, and a housing 61.

[0102] The impeller 60 is a turbine that draws cooling water into the housing 61 and circulates it, driven by the rotation of the second output shaft 50 via the second rotating shaft 59. The second rotating shaft 59 is the shaft that connects the second output shaft 50 of the drive unit 6 to the impeller 60.

[0103] The housing 61 has a housing section 62, an intake port 63, a distribution section 64, a first discharge port 65A, a second discharge port 65B, and a third discharge port 65C.

[0104] The housing portion 62 houses a part of the second rotating shaft 59 and the impeller 60. The housing portion 62 is, for example, hollow cylindrical in shape. The housing portion 62 has an outer peripheral wall 62A around its axis, one first side wall 62B in the axial direction of the housing portion 62, and the other second side wall 62C in the axial direction of the housing portion 62. The first side wall 62B is provided with a through hole 62D for passing the second rotating shaft 59. The drive unit 6 is located on the side of the first side wall 62B.

[0105] The housing portion 62 has a first opening 62E, a second opening 62F, and a third opening 62G. Each of the openings 62E to 62G is a through hole provided in the outer peripheral wall 62A of the housing portion 62. Each of the openings 62E to 62G is arranged at an angular pitch of 45° in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axes of the first rotation axis 49 and the second rotation axis 59. Note that the angular pitch of each of the openings 62E to 62G is not limited to 45° and may be at other angular pitches.

[0106] The intake port 63 is the part that allows the cooling water that has passed through the heat receiving section 3 to flow into the interior of the housing section 62 from the fourth flow path 5D. The intake port 63 is provided on the second side wall 62C of the housing section 62. Cooling water is drawn into the intake port 63 by the negative pressure generated by the rotation of the impeller 60.

[0107] The distribution section 64 is provided at intervals on the outside of the outer peripheral wall 62A and the first side wall 62B of the housing section 62. The distribution section 64 has a cylindrical first wall section 64A that covers the outer peripheral wall 62A of the housing section 62 at a fixed interval, and a disc-shaped second wall section 64B that covers the first side wall 62B of the housing section 62 at a fixed interval. The second wall section 64B is provided with through holes 64C for passing the first rotating shaft 49 and the second rotating shaft 59.

[0108] The first wall portion 64A is connected to the second side wall 62C of the outer peripheral wall 62A of the housing portion 62, and is also connected to the second wall portion 64B. Therefore, a space portion 64D is formed between the outer peripheral wall 62A and the first side wall 62B of the housing portion 62 and the respective wall portions 64A and 64B of the distribution portion 64.

[0109] The three discharge ports 65A to 65C are for discharging compressed cooling water into the respective flow paths 5A to 5C. Each discharge port 65A to 65C is located on the first wall 64A of the distribution unit 64. Each discharge port 65A to 65C is connected to the first wall 64A and also to the respective space 64D of the distribution unit 64. Each discharge port 65A to 65C is arranged at the same angular pitch as the respective openings 62E to 62G.

[0110] The first discharge port 65A is connected to the first flow path 5A. The first discharge port 65A is connected to the first opening 62E of the housing 62 via the flow path switching unit 8. Therefore, the first opening 62E of the housing 62 is connected to the first flow path 5A via the flow path switching unit 8 and the first discharge port 65A.

[0111] The second discharge port 65B is connected to the second flow path 5B. The second discharge port 65B is connected to the second opening 62F of the housing 62 via the flow path switching unit 8. Therefore, the second opening 62F of the housing 62 is connected to the second flow path 5B via the flow path switching unit 8 and the second discharge port 65B.

[0112] The third discharge port 65C is connected to the third flow path 5C. The third discharge port 65C is connected to the third opening 62G of the housing 62 via the flow path switching unit 8. Therefore, the third opening 62G of the housing 62 is connected to the third flow path 5C via the flow path switching unit 8 and the third discharge port 65C.

[0113] In the following, the first discharge port 65A, the first opening 62E, and the radiator 2A will be represented by A, the second discharge port 65B, the second opening 62F, and the heater core 2B will be represented by B, and the third discharge port 65C and the third opening 62G will be represented by C.

[0114] The flow path switching unit 8 distributes the cooling water flowing into the housing 61 to one of the flow paths 5A to 5C. The flow path switching unit 8 is housed in the housing 61 of the pump unit 7. The flow path switching unit 8 has a first rotating shaft 49, a bottom 66, and a movable partition wall 67.

[0115] The bottom portion 66 is a disc connected to the first rotation axis 49. The movable bulkhead 67 is connected to the outer edge of the bottom portion 66 and also constitutes part of a cylindrical shape. In other words, the bottom portion 66 and the movable bulkhead 67 are composed of, for example, the bottom portion of a bottomed cylindrical object and a part of the cylindrical portion.

[0116] The movable partition wall 67 has the function of switching the communication state between the inside of the housing 61 and each of the flow paths 5A to 5C. The movable partition wall 67 is housed in the space 64D of the distribution section 64, maintaining a certain gap with the outer peripheral wall 62A and the first wall section 64A so as not to come into contact with either the outer peripheral wall 62A or the first wall section 64A. The movable partition wall 67 rotates together with the bottom section 66 when the first rotation shaft 49 is driven by the first output shaft 40, and can be stopped at any position. In addition, as the relative position of the movable partition wall 67 with respect to the outer peripheral wall 62A of the housing 61 changes with the rotation of the first rotation shaft 49, each of the openings 62E to 62G can be opened and closed individually.

[0117] The flow path switching section 8 may be in contact with both the outer periphery wall 62A and the first wall section 64A. In this case, the flow path switching section 8 is slidable relative to the outer periphery wall 62A and the first wall section 64A.

[0118] Figure 8 shows an unfolded view of the outer periphery wall 62A of the housing 62 of the pump unit 7 and the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching unit 8, with each part arranged vertically. As shown in Figure 8, the outer periphery wall 62A of the housing 62 has circular openings 62E to 62G with a diameter d formed at a pitch p. The movable partition wall 67 also has a circular communication hole 67A with a diameter d through which cooling water passes.

[0119] As the movable partition wall 67 moves in the circumferential direction, if the movable partition wall 67 blocks the space between the openings 62E to 62G of the housing section 62 and the discharge ports 65A to 65C of the distribution section 64 connected to them, cooling water cannot be discharged from the pump section 7. On the other hand, if the movable partition wall 67 does not block the space between the openings 62E to 62G of the housing section 62 and the discharge ports 65A to 65C of the distribution section 64 connected to them, the openings 62E to 62G and the discharge ports 65A to 65C are in communication and cooling water is discharged. This allows switching between the flow paths 5A to 5C through which cooling water is discharged from the pump section 7.

[0120] Furthermore, the flow path switching unit 8 adjusts the flow rate of the cooling water by adjusting the opening degree of one of the openings 62E to 62G by moving the movable partition wall 67 relative to the outer peripheral wall 62A of the housing unit 62. In other words, the flow path switching unit 8 adjusts the flow rate of the cooling water by adjusting the area in which the openings 62E to 62G of the housing 61 and the opening of the communication hole 67A overlap.

[0121] Here, the movable partition wall 67 is not cylindrical, but rather has a shape in which a part of the cylinder is missing in the circumferential direction. For this reason, the movable partition wall 67 has a first end 67B in the circumferential direction and a second end 67C in the other circumferential direction. Thus, the flow rate of the cooling water can be adjusted not only by the communication hole 67A, but also by adjusting the area in which each end 67B, 67C and the openings 62E to 62G overlap. In other words, each end 67B, 67C has the same function as the communication hole 67A.

[0122] Note that Figure 8 shows the outer peripheral wall 62A of the housing 62, but this is equivalent to showing the discharge holes of each discharge port 65A to 65C provided in the first wall 64A of the distribution unit 64. In other words, in this embodiment, the opening shape and size of each opening 62E to 62G, the communication hole 67A, and the discharge holes of each discharge port 65A to 65C are the same. Of course, the opening shape and size of the holes may be different.

[0123] Next, the switching of the communication state of the flow path switching unit 8 will be described. First, when the drive unit 6 shifts from the second output state to the first output state, the flow path switching unit 8 rotates. As a result, the positions of the communication holes 67A, the first end portion 67B, and the second end portion 67C of the flow path switching unit 8 move with respect to the outer peripheral wall 62A of the housing portion 62. As shown in FIG. 9, the first end portion 67B of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching unit 8 is located between the first opening 62E and the second opening 62F of the housing portion 62. Further, the communication hole 67A of the movable partition wall 67 is located between the second opening 62F and the third opening 62G of the housing portion 62.

[0124] As a result, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the inside of the housing portion 62, the first opening 62E, the communication hole 67A, and the first discharge port 65A(A) are in a communication state. Further, the second opening 62F is closed by the wall portion between the first end portion 67B of the movable partition wall 67 and the communication hole 67A. The third opening 62G is closed by the wall portion between the communication hole 67A of the movable partition wall 67 and the second end portion 67C. Therefore, only the first discharge port 65A(A) is in a communication state. Note that the impeller 60 is omitted in FIG. 10. The same applies to the following similar figures. As shown in FIG. 11, the communication hole 67A of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching unit 8 moves to the same position as the second opening 62F of the housing portion 62. Further, the first end portion 67B of the movable partition wall 67 is located outside the first opening 62E of the housing portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0125] As a result, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the inside of the housing portion 62, the second opening 62F, the communication hole 67A, and the second discharge port 65B(B) are in a communication state. Further, the first opening 62E is closed by the wall portion between the first end portion 67B of the movable partition wall 67 and the communication hole 67A. The third opening 62G is closed by the wall portion between the communication hole 67A of the movable partition wall 67 and the second end portion 67C. Therefore, only the second discharge port 65B(B) is in a communication state. <C communication state> As shown in FIG. 13, the second end portion 67C of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching portion 8 is located between the second opening portion 62F and the third opening portion 62G of the housing portion 62. Further, the communication hole 67A of the movable partition wall 67 is located outside the first opening portion 62E of the housing portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0126] As a result, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the inside of the housing portion 62, the third opening portion 62G, the communication hole 67A, and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. Further, the first opening portion 62E and the second opening portion 62F are closed by the wall portion between the communication hole 67A of the movable partition wall 67 and the second end portion 67C. Therefore, only the third discharge port 65C(C) is in a communicating state. <A+B communicating state> As shown in FIG. 15, the first end portion 67B of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching portion 8 is located between the second opening portion 62F and the third opening portion 62G of the housing portion 62. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the inside of the housing portion 62, the first opening portion 62E, the first discharge port 65A(A), and the inside of the housing portion 62, the second opening portion 62F, the second discharge port 65B(B) are in a communicating state. Further, the third opening portion 62G is closed by the wall portion between the first end portion 67B of the movable partition wall 67 and the communication hole 67A. Therefore, the first discharge port 65A(A) and the second discharge port 65B(B) are in a communicating state. <B+C communicating state> As shown in FIG. 17, the second end portion 67C of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching portion 8 is located between the first opening portion 62E and the second opening portion 62F of the housing portion 62. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the inside of the housing portion 62, the second opening portion 62F, the second discharge port 65B(B), and the inside of the housing portion 62, the third opening portion 62G, the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. Further, the third opening portion 62G is closed by the wall portion between the communication hole 67A of the movable partition wall 67 and the second end portion 67C. Therefore, the second discharge port 65B(B) and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. <A+C communicating state> As shown in FIG. 19, the first end portion 67B of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching portion 8 is located between the first opening portion 62E and the second opening portion 62F of the housing portion 62. Further, the communication hole 67A of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching portion 8 moves to the same position as the third opening portion 62G of the housing portion 62.

[0127] Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, inside the housing portion 62, the first opening portion 62E, the first discharge port 65A(A), and inside the housing portion 62, the third opening portion 62G, the communication hole 67A, the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. Also, the second opening portion 62F is closed by a wall portion between the first end portion 67B of the movable partition wall 67 and the communication hole 67A. Therefore, the first discharge port 65A(A) and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. <A+B+C communicating state> As shown in FIG. 21, the first end portion 67B of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching portion 8 is located outside the third opening portion 62G of the housing portion 62 in the circumferential direction. Note that the second end portion 67C of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching portion 8 may be located outside the first opening portion 62E of the housing portion 62 in the circumferential direction.

[0128] Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, inside the housing portion 62, the first opening portion 62E, the first discharge port 65A(A), and inside the housing portion 62, the second opening portion 62F, the second discharge port 65B(B), and inside the housing portion 62, the third opening portion 62G, the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. Therefore, all of the first discharge port 65A(A), the second discharge port 65B(B), and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state.

[0129] As described above, after switching to a desired flow path by the flow path switching portion 8, when the drive portion 6 shifts from the first output state to the second output state, the impeller 60 rotates in a state where the position of the flow path switching portion 8 is fixed. Thereby, cooling water can be pumped to the flow path according to the switching state of the flow path switching portion 8.

[0130] As described above, in this embodiment, the pump 4 with a switching function is configured to drive two output shafts 40 and 50 by the drive unit 6. This makes it possible to simultaneously discharge the cooling water drawn into the pump unit 7 to the outside and pump the cooling water into one of the flow paths 5A to 5C. Therefore, the pump 4 with a switching function can be configured to integrate the function of the flow path switching unit 8 as a valve and the function of the pump unit 7.

[0131] As another example, the heat receiving unit 3 may be something that provides cold or heat to the fluid, such as a chiller. In this case, the heat dissipation unit 2 would be something that generates heat, such as an inverter, electric motor, or secondary battery. This allows a cold fluid to be supplied to a heat-generating element such as an inverter.

[0132] As another example, the opening shapes of each opening 62E-62G, the communication hole 67A, and each discharge port 65A-65C are not limited to circular shapes, but may be other shapes. Also, the opening shapes of each opening 62E-62G, the communication hole 67A, and each discharge port 65A-65C may be the same or different shapes.

[0133] Regarding the correspondence between the description of this embodiment and the description of the claims, the motor unit 10 and the input shaft 20 correspond to the "input unit" in the claims.

[0134] (Second Embodiment) This embodiment will mainly describe the differences from the first embodiment. In this embodiment, for example, the operation of the pump 4 with a switching function when supplying cooling water to the radiator 2A and the heater core 2B will be described.

[0135] As shown in Figure 23, the flow path switching section 8 individually opens and closes a first opening 62E connected to the radiator 2A(A) and a second opening 62F connected to the heater core 2B(B). The openings of the first opening 62E and the second opening 62F are circular. In contrast, the communication hole 67A of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching section 8 is an elliptical shape that extends in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the opening size of the communication hole 67A is larger than the opening sizes of each opening 62E and 62F.

[0136] For example, if the communication hole 67A is located between the first opening 62E and the second opening 62F in the circumferential direction, the first opening 62E is closed by the wall portion between the first end 67B of the movable partition wall 67 and the communication hole 67A. Similarly, the second opening 62F is closed by the wall portion between the communication hole 67A and the second end 67C of the movable partition wall 67. Therefore, cooling water is not supplied to the heater core 2B(B) and the radiator 2A(A).

[0137] As shown in Figure 24, when the vehicle starts, the engine coolant temperature rises. When the coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold at time T1, the coolant can be used for heating. Therefore, as shown in the uppermost part of Figure 23, the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching section 8 is rotated to move the movable partition wall 67 to a position where a part of the second end 67C side of the communication hole 67A and a part of the second opening 62F(B) overlap. This supplies coolant to the heater core 2B(B).

[0138] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 24, the movable partition wall 67 is moved little by little from time T1 to time T2, thereby increasing the area in which the communication hole 67A of the movable partition wall 67 and the second opening 62F(B) overlap. The movement of the movable partition wall 67 can be continuous or intermittent. As a result, the flow rate of cooling water supplied from the second opening 62F(B) to the heater core 2B increases. Also, the first opening 62E(A) remains closed by the wall portion between the first end 67B of the movable partition wall 67 and the communication hole 67A. Therefore, the flow rate of cooling water supplied to the heater core 2B(B) is adjusted from time T1 to time T2.

[0139] Next, after time point T2 has elapsed, the second opening 62F(B) is fully opened, as shown in the second row of Figure 23. As a result, the flow rate of cooling water to the heater core 2B(B) becomes constant, as shown in Figure 24. The water temperature of the cooling water continues to rise even after time point T2 has elapsed.

[0140] Subsequently, if the coolant temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold at time T3, it is possible to cool the coolant. Therefore, as shown in the third step of Figure 23, the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching unit 8 is rotated to move the movable partition wall 67 to a position where the first end 67B of the movable partition wall 67 and the first opening 62E overlap. As a result, the coolant passes not only through the second opening 62F but also through the first opening 62E. Thus, the coolant is also supplied to the radiator 2A(A).

[0141] Furthermore, by moving the movable bulkhead 67 from time T3 to time T4, the position of the first end 67B of the movable bulkhead 67 relative to the first opening 62E(A) is moved toward the second opening 62F(B). As a result, the overlapping area between the movable bulkhead 67 and the first opening 62E(A) is reduced, and the flow rate of cooling water passing through the first opening 62E(A) increases. Also, since the second opening 62F(B) is fully open through the communication hole 67A of the movable bulkhead 67, a constant flow rate of cooling water is continuously supplied to the heater core 2B(B).

[0142] For example, a gradual flow rate adjustment is performed on the heater core 2B(B), while a rapid flow rate adjustment is performed on the radiator 2A(A). Of course, a gradual flow rate adjustment may also be performed on the radiator 2A(A).

[0143] After time point T4 has elapsed, both the first opening 62E(A) and the second opening 62F(B) are fully open, as shown in the fourth row of Figure 23. As a result, as shown in Figure 24, the flow rate of coolant to the heater core 2B(B) and the flow rate of coolant to the radiator 2A become constant.

[0144] As described above, by setting the dimensions of the movable partition wall 67 and the communication hole 67A, it becomes possible to switch the flow of cooling water to each heat exchanger according to the temperature of the cooling water and to adjust the flow rate.

[0145] (Third embodiment) This embodiment will mainly describe the differences from the first and second embodiments. As shown in Figures 25 and 26, the housing 61 has a housing section 62, an intake port 63, a first discharge port 65A, a second discharge port 65B, and a third discharge port 65C. In other words, in this embodiment, the housing 61 does not have a distribution section 64.

[0146] Therefore, the housing 62 constitutes the external appearance of the pump 7. The flow path switching section 8 is housed inside the housing 62. The movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching section 8 is a bottomed cylindrical shape. The impeller 60 is housed in the hollow portion of the flow path switching section 8.

[0147] Each of the openings 62E to 62G is formed in the outer periphery wall 62A of the housing 62. As shown in Figure 26, the first opening 62E(A) and the second opening 62F(B) are arranged at a 45° angle pitch. Also, the first opening 62E(A) and the third opening 62G(C) of the housing 62 are aligned in a straight line in the radial direction. That is, the third opening 62G is located on the opposite side of the first opening 62E(A). The second opening 62F(B) and the third opening 62G(C) are at a 135° angle.

[0148] The first discharge port 65A is connected to the first opening 62E of the housing 62. The second discharge port 65B is connected to the second opening 62F of the housing 62. The third discharge port 65C is connected to the third opening 62G of the housing 62.

[0149] In this embodiment, four first to fourth communication holes 67D to 67G are formed in the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching section 8. The opening shapes and opening sizes of the respective communication holes 67D to 67G and the respective openings 62E to 62G are the same. The first communication hole 67D, the second communication hole 67E, and the third communication hole 67F are formed at an angular pitch of 45°. The second communication hole 67E and the fourth communication hole 67G are arranged in a straight line in the radial direction. That is, the fourth communication hole 67G is located on the opposite side of the second communication hole 67E with respect to the central axis of the flow path switching section 8. The first communication hole 67D and the fourth communication hole 67G are at an angle of 135°. The third communication hole 67F and the fourth communication hole 67G are at an angle of 135°.

[0150] Next, the switching of the communication state of the flow path switching section 8 will be described. As described above, when the drive unit 6 shifts from the second output state to the first output state, the position of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching section 8 is adjusted. As shown in FIG. 27, the third communication hole 67F of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching section 8 is located at the first opening 62E of the housing section 62. Thereby, the inside of the housing section 62, the third communication hole 67F, the first opening 62E, and the first discharge port 65A(A) are in a communicating state. Further, the second opening 62F is closed by a wall portion between the third communication hole 67F and the fourth communication hole 67G of the movable partition wall 67. The third opening 62G is closed by a wall portion between the fourth communication hole 67G and the first communication hole 67D of the movable partition wall 67. Therefore, only the first discharge port 65A(A) is in a communicating state. As shown in FIG. 28, the first communication hole 67D of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching section 8 is located at the second opening 62F of the housing section 62. Thereby, the inside of the housing section 62, the first communication hole 67D, the second opening 62F, and the second discharge port 65B(B) are in a communicating state. Further, the first opening 62E is closed by a wall portion between the first communication hole 67D and the fourth communication hole 67G of the movable partition wall 67. The third opening 62G is closed by a wall portion between the third communication hole 67F and the fourth communication hole 67G of the movable partition wall 67. Therefore, only the second discharge port 65B(B) is in a communicating state. <X <C communication state> As shown in FIG. 29, the third communication hole 67F of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching unit 8 is located at the third opening 62G of the housing portion 62. Thereby, the inside of the housing portion 62, the third communication hole 67F, the third opening 62G, and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. Further, the first opening 62E and the second opening 62F are closed by a wall portion between the fourth communication hole 67G and the first communication hole 67D of the movable partition wall 67. Therefore, only the third discharge port 65C(C) is in a communicating state. <A+B communicating state> As shown in FIG. 30, the first communication hole 67D of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching unit 8 is located at the first opening 62E of the housing portion 62, and the second communication hole 67E of the movable partition wall 67 is located at the second opening 62F of the housing portion 62. Thereby, the inside of the housing portion 62, the first communication hole 67D, the first opening 62E, and the first discharge port 65A(A) are in a communicating state. The inside of the housing portion 62, the second communication hole 67E, the second opening 62F, and the second discharge port 65B(B) are in a communicating state. Further, the third opening 62G is closed by a wall portion between the third communication hole 67F and the fourth communication hole 67G of the movable partition wall 67. Therefore, the first discharge port 65A(A) and the second discharge port 65B(B) are in a communicating state. <B+C communicating state> As shown in FIG. 31, the fourth communication hole 67G of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching unit 8 is located at the second opening 62F of the housing portion 62, and the first communication hole 67D of the movable partition wall 67 is located at the third opening 62G of the housing portion 62. Thereby, the inside of the housing portion 62, the fourth communication hole 67G, the second opening 62F, and the second discharge port 65B(B) are in a communicating state. The inside of the housing portion 62, the first communication hole 67D, the third opening 62G, and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. Further, the first opening 62E is closed by a wall portion between the third communication hole 67F and the fourth communication hole 67G of the movable partition wall 67. Therefore, the second discharge port 65B(B) and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. <A+C communicating state> As shown in FIG. 32, the fourth communication hole 67G of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching unit 8 is located at the first opening 62E of the housing portion 62, and the second communication hole 67E of the movable partition wall 67 is located at the third opening 62G of the housing portion 62. Thereby, the inside of the housing portion 62, the fourth communication hole 67G, the first opening 62E, and the first discharge port 65A(A) are in a communicating state. The inside of the housing portion 62, the second communication hole 67E, the third opening 62G, and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. Further, the second opening 62F is closed by a wall portion between the fourth communication hole 67G and the first communication hole 67D of the movable partition wall 67. Therefore, the first discharge port 65A(A) and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. <A + B + C communicating state> As shown in FIG. 33, the second communication hole 67E of the movable partition wall 67 of the flow path switching unit 8 is located at the first opening 62E of the housing portion 62. The third communication hole 67F of the movable partition wall 67 is located at the second opening 62F of the housing portion 62. The fourth communication hole 67G of the movable partition wall 67 is located at the third opening 62G of the housing portion 62. Thereby, the inside of the housing portion 62, the second communication hole 67E, the first opening 62E, and the first discharge port 65A(A) are in a communicating state. The inside of the housing portion 62, the third communication hole 67F, the second opening 62F, and the second discharge port 65B(B) are in a communicating state. The inside of the housing portion 62, the fourth communication hole 67G, the third opening 62G, and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state. Therefore, all of the first discharge port 65A(A), the second discharge port 65B(B), and the third discharge port 65C(C) are in a communicating state.

[0151] As described above, even in a form in which the housing 61 of the pump unit 7 does not have the distribution unit 64, the supply or stop of the cooling water to each of the discharge ports 65A to 65C can be switched according to the rotational position of the flow path switching unit 8.

[0152] (Fourth Embodiment) This embodiment will mainly describe the differences from the above embodiments. In the above embodiments, the pump 4 with switching function is configured to distribute the cooling water drawn in from the fourth flow path 5D to one of the three first flow paths 5A to 5C. In contrast, in this embodiment, the cooling water drawn in from one of the three first flow paths 5A to 5C is routed to the fourth flow path 5D.

[0153] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 34 and 35, the housing 61 of the pump unit 7 has an intake section 61A and a discharge section 61B.

[0154] The suction section 61A is the part that draws in cooling water from three first flow paths 5A to 5C. The suction section 61A houses the flow path switching section 8 described above. The suction section 61A has a first passage 61C connected to the first suction port 63A, a second passage 61D connected to the second suction port 63B, a third passage 61E connected to the third suction port 63C, and a fourth passage 61F that connects each of the passages 61C to 61E and leads to the discharge section 61B.

[0155] Figure 35 shows a connected state where cooling water is drawn from the third intake port 63C through the third opening 62G into the third passage 61E. Note that Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view taken from a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0156] The discharge section 61B is the part connected to the suction section 61A in the axial direction. The discharge section 61B is connected to the fourth passage 61F of the suction section 61A and also houses the impeller 60. The discharge section 61B also has a discharge port 65D for discharging cooling water to the outside.

[0157] As described above, by providing a flow path switching section 8 on the cooling water intake side, cooling water can be selectively drawn in from any of the multiple intake ports 63A to 63C.

[0158] (Other embodiments) The configuration of the switching function pump 4 shown in each of the above embodiments is merely an example, and the present invention can be realized with other configurations without being limited to those shown above. For example, the number of settings for switching between the intake and discharge of cooling water is not limited to three; it could be two, or even four or more if possible.

[0159] Furthermore, the drive unit 6 may be made up of other mechanisms. For example, the drive unit 6 may have a mechanism for rotating gears, thereby rotating the first rotating shaft 49 and the second rotating shaft 59.

[0160] The technical features of the switching pump 4 disclosed herein are as follows: (Item 1) A drive unit (6) having input units (10, 20) that generate driving force, a first output shaft (40) that rotates by the driving force transmitted from the input units, and a second output shaft (50) that rotates by the driving force transmitted from the input units, A pump unit (7) having an impeller (60) that causes fluid to flow when driven by the second output shaft, and a housing (61) that houses the impeller and is connected to a plurality of flow paths (5A to 5C), A flow path switching unit (8) is housed in the housing of the pump unit and is driven by the first output shaft to switch the communication state between the inside of the housing and the plurality of flow paths, Includes, The housing has a plurality of openings (62E~62G) connected to each of the plurality of flow paths, The flow path switching section has a movable partition (67) that can individually open and close the multiple openings by changing its relative position to the housing, thus providing a pump with a switching function. (Item 2) The flow path switching unit adjusts the flow rate of the fluid by adjusting the opening degree of one of the plurality of openings, as described in item 1, for the switching function pump. (Item 3) The flow path switching section has communication holes (67A, 67D~67G) through which the fluid passes, and the flow rate of the fluid is adjusted by adjusting the area in which the openings of the plurality of openings in the housing and the openings of the communication holes overlap, as described in item 1 or 2, a pump with a switching function. (Item 4) A heat receiving section (3) that provides heat to the fluid is connected upstream of the pump section. A pump with a switching function as described in any one of items 1 to 3, wherein a heat dissipation section (2) for dissipating heat from the fluid is connected downstream of the pump section. (Item 5) A drive unit (6) having input units (10, 20) that generate driving force, a first output shaft (40) that rotates by the driving force transmitted from the input units, and a second output shaft (50) that rotates by the driving force transmitted from the input units, A pump unit (7) having an impeller (60) that causes fluid to flow when driven by the second output shaft, and a housing (61) that houses the impeller and is connected to a plurality of flow paths (5A to 5C), A flow path switching unit (8) is housed in the housing of the pump unit and is driven by the first output shaft to switch the communication state between the inside of the housing and the plurality of flow paths, Includes, The housing has a plurality of openings (62E~62G) connected to each of the plurality of flow paths, The flow path switching section has a movable partition wall (67) that can individually open and close the multiple openings by changing its relative position with respect to the housing, and is a pump (4) with a switching function, A heat receiving section (3) is connected upstream of the aforementioned pump with switching function and provides heat to the fluid, A heat dissipation unit (2) is connected downstream of the aforementioned pump with switching function and dissipates heat from the fluid, A fluid circulation system equipped with this feature. [Explanation of symbols]

[0161] 6 Drive Unit 7 Pump section 8. Flow path switching section 10. Motor section (input section) 20 Input axis (input section) 40, 50 output shafts 60 Impeller 61 Housing 62E~62G opening 67 Movable bulkhead

Claims

1. A drive unit (6) having input units (10, 20) that generate driving force, a first output shaft (40) that rotates by the driving force transmitted from the input units, and a second output shaft (50) that rotates by the driving force transmitted from the input units, A pump unit (7) having an impeller (60) that causes fluid to flow when driven by the second output shaft, and a housing (61) that houses the impeller and is connected to a plurality of flow paths (5A to 5C), A flow path switching unit (8) is housed in the housing of the pump section and is driven by the first output shaft to switch the communication state between the inside of the housing and the plurality of flow paths, Includes, The housing has a plurality of openings (62E to 62G) connected to the plurality of flow paths, The flow path switching section has a movable partition wall (67) that can individually open and close the multiple openings by changing its relative position to the housing, thus providing a pump with a switching function.

2. The flow path switching unit adjusts the flow rate of the fluid by adjusting the opening degree of any of the plurality of openings, as described in claim 1, for the pump with a switching function.

3. The flow path switching section has communication holes (67A, 67D to 67G) through which the fluid passes, and the flow rate of the fluid is adjusted by adjusting the area in which the openings of the plurality of openings in the housing and the openings of the communication holes overlap, as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. A heat receiving unit (3) that provides heat to the fluid is connected upstream of the pump unit. A pump with a switching function according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a heat dissipation unit (2) for dissipating heat from the fluid is connected downstream of the pump unit.

5. A drive unit (6) having input units (10, 20) that generate driving force, a first output shaft (40) that rotates by the driving force transmitted from the input units, and a second output shaft (50) that rotates by the driving force transmitted from the input units, A pump unit (7) having an impeller (60) that causes fluid to flow when driven by the second output shaft, and a housing (61) that houses the impeller and is connected to a plurality of flow paths (5A to 5C), A flow path switching unit (8) is housed in the housing of the pump section and is driven by the first output shaft to switch the communication state between the inside of the housing and the plurality of flow paths, Includes, The housing has a plurality of openings (62E to 62G) connected to the plurality of flow paths, The flow path switching section has a movable partition wall (67) that can individually open and close the multiple openings by changing its relative position with respect to the housing, and is a pump (4) with a switching function, A heat receiving section (3) is connected upstream of the aforementioned pump with switching function and provides heat to the fluid, A heat dissipation unit (2) is connected downstream of the aforementioned pump with switching function and dissipates heat from the fluid, A fluid circulation system equipped with this feature.

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