manifold

Abstract

The present invention provides a manifold with a simple configuration and equipped with a rotary valve that allows for flow control and flow path switching. [Solution] The manifold 1 comprises a manifold body 5 in which a plurality of fluid passages 12, 12a, and 12b are formed inside, and a rotary valve 30 which controls the flow of fluid, and is configured by arranging a valve body 34 that rotates around an axis AX in a cylindrical valve chamber 16 formed in the manifold body 5. The valve body 34 has a flow control valve section 34a and a switching valve section 34b, as well as a partition section that separates the flow control valve section 34a and the switching valve section 34b.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manifold.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, automobiles equipped with a motor as a driving power source (hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), etc.) have become widespread. Hereinafter, these automobiles are collectively referred to as electric vehicles. In electric vehicles, there are many devices that require cooling, such as a motor (including an internal combustion engine such as an engine), a battery, an air conditioner, an ECU, etc., so a cooling circuit is configured to circulate fluids such as a coolant, a refrigerant, and oil to cool these devices. At this time, by forming the flow path of the cooling circuit in the manifold, the routing of the pipes through which the fluid flows can be reduced and the flow path configuration can be simplified, and the cooling circuit can be miniaturized. At this time, in order to control the flow of the fluid flowing through the flow path in the manifold, a flow control valve such as a rotary valve is arranged in the manifold.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary valve (a switching flow control valve in Patent Document 1) that switches or opens and closes a flow path through which a fluid flows and adjusts the flow rate of the fluid. The rotary valve has a cylindrical main valve and a sub-valve that rotate independently. The main valve and the sub-valve are housed in the internal space of the valve chamber. The sub-valve rotates coaxially with the main valve and is arranged radially inward of the main valve.

[0004] The valve chamber has two through-holes, a first radial hole and a second radial hole, through which fluid flows in from the outside, and an axial hole, through which fluid flows out to the outside. The main valve has a circular main valve through-hole, and the auxiliary valve has a roughly oval auxiliary valve through-hole with different lengths in the direction along the rotation axis along the circumferential direction. The main valve rotates to face either the first radial hole or the second radial hole, thereby switching between the first radial hole and the second radial hole as fluid inflow passages. The auxiliary valve rotates so that fluid flows only through the overlapping area between the main valve through-hole and the auxiliary valve through-hole, and flows out through the axial hole. In other words, the flow rate of the fluid to be discharged is controlled by changing the amount of overlap between the main valve through-hole and the auxiliary valve through-hole. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-135396 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In the rotary valve described in Patent Document 1, a main valve and an auxiliary valve are used, resulting in a larger size, a more complex structure, and increased assembly time. Furthermore, since the main valve and auxiliary valve rotate independently, separate drive sources are required for each, further increasing the size and manufacturing cost. Therefore, there was room for further improvement in the structure of the rotary valve.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a manifold equipped with a rotary valve that is simple in configuration and capable of flow control and flow path switching. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the manifold according to the present disclosure comprises a manifold body having a plurality of fluid passages formed inside, and a rotary valve configured by arranging a valve body that rotates about an axis in a cylindrical valve chamber formed in the manifold body, and controlling the flow of the fluid, wherein the valve body has a switching valve section and a flow control valve section, and a partition section that separates the switching valve section and the flow control valve section.

[0009] According to this embodiment, since the manifold has a rotary valve, the flow rate control and flow path switching of the fluid flowing through the flow path can be performed simultaneously by rotating the valve body. Because the rotary valve can perform both flow rate control and flow path switching simultaneously by rotating a single valve body, it can be made simpler in structure and smaller in size compared to the rotary valve disclosed in Patent Document 1, and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, thereby lowering manufacturing costs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the manifold according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the rotor of the first rotary valve. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in Figure 2. [Figure 5] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid control state by the first valve section and the second valve section in the first state. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid control state by the first and second valve sections in the second state. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid control state by the first and second valve sections in the third state. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid control state by the first and second valve sections in the fourth state. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid control state by the first and second valve sections in the fifth state. [Figure 10]This is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid control state by the first and second valve sections in the sixth state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments of the manifold relating to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are illustrative examples for illustrating the manifold, and the manifold relating to this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. Therefore, the manifold relating to this disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence.

[0012] [Manifold configuration] The manifold 1 according to this embodiment is used in automobiles equipped with a motor as a driving source (hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), etc.). Hereinafter, these automobiles will be collectively referred to as electric vehicles. The manifold 1 integrates a flow path for circulating coolant (an example of a fluid) to cool devices that require cooling, such as the motor (including internal combustion engines such as engines), battery, air conditioner, ECU, etc. of an electric vehicle, a rotary valve to control the flow of the coolant, and a water pump to pump the coolant.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the manifold 1 comprises a first rotary valve 30 (an example of a rotary valve), a second rotary valve 40, a first water pump 50 (an example of a pump), a second water pump 60, and a housing 5 (an example of a manifold body) with multiple passages 12 for circulating coolant between them. The housing 5 is formed by joining and integrating multiple housing components by methods such as welding. The coolant is cooling water such as long-life coolant (LLC), or insulating oil such as paraffin.

[0014] The multiple flow paths 12 (see Figure 5) formed in the housing 5 are a concept that includes both inflow passages for introducing coolant into one or more of the first rotary valve 30, the second rotary valve 40, the first water pump 50, and the second water pump 60, and outflow passages for releasing coolant from one or more of the first rotary valve 30, the second rotary valve 40, the first water pump 50, and the second water pump 60. As shown in Figure 1, the housing 5 has multiple inflow ports that are inlets for coolant flowing in from outside the manifold 1 and are connected to the flow paths 12, and multiple outflow ports that are connected to the flow paths 12 and are outlets for coolant flowing out to the outside of the manifold 1.

[0015] In this embodiment, the housing 5 contains the first rotary valve 30, the second rotary valve 40, the first water pump 50, and the second water pump 60, all mounted on the housing 5. The first rotary valve 30 and the second rotary valve 40 are mounted on the housing 5 in a position where the rotation axis AX (an example of an axis) of the first rotary valve 30 and the rotation axis BX of the second rotary valve 40 are parallel. The first water pump 50 and the second water pump 60 are mounted on the housing 5 in a position where the rotation axis AY of the first water pump 50 and the rotation axis BY of the second water pump 60 are parallel. In this embodiment, the first rotary valve 30 and the first water pump 50 are arranged so that their rotation axes AX and AY are perpendicular to each other on the same plane. The second rotary valve 40 and the second water pump 60 are arranged so that their rotation axes BX and BY are perpendicular to each other on the same plane.

[0016] [Configuration of the first rotary valve] In the present embodiment, both the first rotary valve 30 and the second rotary valve 40 are configured to be capable of performing both flow rate control of the fluid flowing through the flow path 12 and switching control (flow path switching) of the flow path 12 through which the fluid flows. Since the first rotary valve 30 and the second rotary valve 40 have similar or analogous configurations, in the present embodiment, only the configuration of the first rotary valve 30 will be described. Note that since the configurations of the first water pump 50 and the second water pump 60 are well-known, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0017] The first rotary valve 30 includes a valve chamber 16 which is a cylindrical hole formed in the housing 5, a cylindrical sealing material 36 disposed in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber 16, a cylindrical rotor 34 (an example of a valve body) disposed in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the sealing material 36, and an actuator 32 that generates a driving force for rotating the rotor 34. The sealing material 36 is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve chamber 16 and the outer peripheral surface of the rotor 34 to prevent leakage of the cooling water from the flow path 12. The sealing material 36 is fixed to the housing 5 by a known method and does not rotate with the rotor 34 even when the rotor 34 rotates.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the rotor 34 of the present embodiment has a shape in which a first valve portion 34a (an example of a flow control valve portion) disposed on the side far from the actuator 32 along the rotation axis core AX and a second valve portion 34b (an example of a switching valve portion) disposed on the side close to the actuator 32 are integrated. The first valve portion 34a and the second valve portion 34b are partitioned by a partition portion 34c and are not in communication. The rotor 34 has a shaft portion 34d that is coaxial with the rotation axis core AX. The shaft portion 34d is connected to the actuator 32, and a rotational driving force is transmitted from the actuator 32. When the rotor 34 rotates by the rotational driving force from the actuator 32, the first valve portion 34a and the second valve portion 34b rotate integrally. In the rotor 34 of the present embodiment, the first valve portion 34a performs flow rate control of the fluid, and the second valve portion 34b performs switching control of the flow path 12.

[0019] The first valve section 34a has a flow control channel 34e. As shown in Figure 3, the flow control channel 34e is formed by connecting a radial channel 34e1 that extends radially from the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 34 toward the rotation axis AX, and an axial channel 34e2 that extends coaxially with the rotation axis AX toward away from the shaft section 34d. In other words, the flow control channel 34e is an L-shaped channel.

[0020] The second valve section 34b has two switching passages 34f. As shown in Figure 4, the switching passages 34f have a shape in which the outer circumferential surface of the rotor 34 is cut out in the radial direction in a range where the central angle is approximately 120 degrees. The two switching passages 34f are formed in positions that are point-symmetric with respect to the rotation axis AX, and are not connected to each other because there is a wall 34g (an example of a partition) between them.

[0021] As the rotor 34 of the first rotary valve 30 is divided into a first valve section 34a and a second valve section 34b, in the housing 5 of this embodiment, the multiple flow paths 12 are divided into a first flow path 12a (an example of a flow path) that allows fluid to flow into and out of the first valve section 34a, and a second flow path 12b (an example of a flow path) that allows fluid to flow into and out of the second valve section 34b.

[0022] [Control of fluid flow] Next, the control of fluid flow by the first valve section 34a and the second valve section 34b when the rotor 34 of the first rotary valve 30 is rotated around the rotation axis AX will be explained using Figures 5 to 10. The flow rate control and flow path switching of the first rotary valve 30 in this embodiment can be divided into six types, from the first state to the sixth state, as the positions of the flow control flow path 34e and the switching flow path 34f change as the rotor 34 rotates.

[0023] As shown in Figures 5 to 10, the housing 5 has a first flow path 12a connected to the first valve portion 34a of the rotor 34, which has a first spare chamber 13a, a second spare chamber 14a, and a third spare chamber 15a at its end. The housing 5 also has a second flow path 12b connected to the second valve portion 34b of the rotor 34, which has a fourth spare chamber 13b, a fifth spare chamber 14b, a sixth spare chamber 15b, and a seventh spare chamber 16b at its end.

[0024] In the manifold 1 of this embodiment, the fluid flowing through the first passage 12a flows from one of the first reserve chambers 13a, 2 reserve chamber 14a, and 3 reserve chamber 15a into the radial passage 34e1 of the flow control passage 34e of the first valve section 34a of the rotor 34, flows through the axial passage 34e2, and flows out into the first passage 12a formed in the housing 5 so as to be coaxial with the rotation axis AX. The fluid flowing out from the axial passage 34e2 and flowing through the first passage 12a flows into the inlet port 52 of the first water pump 50, is pressurized by the first water pump 50 and pumped. The fluid flowing through the second passage 12b is configured to flow from the 5th reserve chamber 14b and 7th reserve chamber 16b into the switching passage 34f of the second valve section 34b of the rotor 34, and flows out into the 4th reserve chamber 13b and 6th reserve chamber 15b.

[0025] As described above, the sealing material 36 is fixed to the housing 5 and does not rotate with the rotor 34 even when the rotor 34 rotates. Therefore, the openings in the first spare chamber 13a, the second spare chamber 14a, and the third spare chamber 15a that face the flow control passage 34e of the first valve section 34a and the opening in the sealing material 36 that faces the flow control passage 34e of the first valve section 34a overlap to form a single opening. Since the first valve section 34a (rotor 34) rotates around the rotation axis AX, in this embodiment there are four overlapping openings. Hereinafter, these four openings will be referred to as the first inlets 17a. The upstream end of the first passage 12a formed in the housing 5 so as to connect to the downstream end of the axial passage 34e2 of the flow control passage 34e will be referred to as the first outlet 18a. The four first inlets 17a are arranged along the circumferential direction at intervals of 45 degrees at the central angle.

[0026] Furthermore, the openings in the fourth spare chamber 13b, fifth spare chamber 14b, sixth spare chamber 15b, and seventh spare chamber 16b that face the switching passage 34f of the second valve section 34b overlap with the openings in the sealing material 36 that face the switching passage 34f of the second valve section 34b, forming a single opening. Since the second valve section 34b (rotor 34) rotates around the rotation axis AX, in this embodiment there are eight overlapping openings. Hereinafter, the four openings formed in the fifth spare chamber 14b and the seventh spare chamber 16b will be referred to as the second inlet 17b. The four openings formed in the fourth spare chamber 13b and the sixth spare chamber 15b will be referred to as the second outlet 18b. The eight openings facing the second valve section 34b are arranged along the circumferential direction at intervals of 45 degrees at the central angle. Specifically, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 5, the second outlets 18b formed in the fourth spare chamber 13b, the second inlets 17b formed in the fifth spare chamber 14b, the two second outlets 18b formed in the sixth spare chamber 15b, and the two second inlets 17b formed in the seventh spare chamber 16b are arranged in a clockwise direction.

[0027] [First state] The first state is as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 5, where the flow control channel 34e of the first valve section 34a of the rotor 34 faces only the first inlet 17a of the first pre-chamber 13a. In this state, of the fluid flowing through the first channel 12a, only the fluid in the first pre-chamber 13a flows into the radial channel 34e1 of the flow control channel 34e.

[0028] Even if the rotor 34 is rotated slightly clockwise or counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 5, it remains the first state. However, as the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the first pre-chamber 13a facing the flow regulating channel 34e decreases, the flow rate of the fluid in the first pre-chamber 13a flowing into the flow regulating channel 34e decreases in proportion to the opposing area. In other words, by rotating the rotor 34, the flow rate of the fluid flowing into the flow regulating channel 34e can be controlled (flow rate control). The fluid that flows into the radial channel 34e1 of the flow regulating channel 34e flows out from the axial channel 34e2, circulates through the first channel 12a, and flows into the inlet port 52 of the first water pump 50.

[0029] In the first state, the second valve section 34b is in the state shown in the lower diagram of Figure 5. At this time, the fluid in the fifth spare chamber 14b flows from the second inlet 17b into one of the switching channels 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b into the fourth spare chamber 13b, while the fluid in the seventh spare chamber 16b flows from the second inlet 17b into the other switching channel 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b into the sixth spare chamber 15b.

[0030] [Second state] The second state is as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 6, where the flow control channel 34e of the first valve section 34a of the rotor 34 faces both the first inlet 17a of the first pre-chamber 13a and the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a. In Figure 6, the rotor 34 has rotated 22.5 degrees clockwise from the first state shown in Figure 5. At this time, the fluid in the first pre-chamber 13a and the fluid in the second pre-chamber 14a of the fluid flowing through the first channel 12a flow into the radial channel 34e1 of the flow control channel 34e. In the state of Figure 6, the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the first pre-chamber 13a facing the flow control channel 34e is the same as the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a facing the flow control channel 34e, and the same amount of fluid from the first pre-chamber 13a and the fluid from the second pre-chamber 14a flow into the flow control channel 34e. However, the total flow rate of the fluid flowing into the flow control channel 34e will be less than in the first state. This is because the total area of ​​the first inlet 17a facing the flow control channel 34e will be smaller compared to the first state.

[0031] The second state is maintained even if the rotor 34 rotates slightly clockwise or counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 6. In this state, as long as the first inlet 17a of the first pre-chamber 13a and the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a face the flow control channel 34e, the total flow rate of fluid flowing into the flow control channel 34e remains unchanged. However, when the rotor 34 rotates, the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the first pre-chamber 13a facing the flow control channel 34e and the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a facing the flow control channel 34e change. As the area changes, the ratio of the flow rate of fluid in the first pre-chamber 13a flowing into the flow control channel 34e to the flow rate of fluid in the second pre-chamber 14a flowing into the flow control channel 34e changes according to the facing area. The fluid that flows into the radial flow path 34e1 of the flow control flow path 34e flows out from the axial flow path 34e2, as in the first state, through the first flow path 12a, and into the inlet port 52 of the first water pump 50.

[0032] In the second state, the second valve section 34b is in the state shown in the lower diagram of Figure 6. In this state as in the first state, the fluid in the fifth pre-chamber 14b flows from the second inlet 17b into one of the switching channels 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b to the fourth pre-chamber 13b, while the fluid in the seventh pre-chamber 16b flows from the second inlet 17b into the other switching channel 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b to the sixth pre-chamber 15b. The flow rate of the fluid flowing from the fifth pre-chamber 14b to the fourth pre-chamber 13b via one of the switching channels 34f in the second state is the same as the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the fifth pre-chamber 14b to the fourth pre-chamber 13b via one of the switching channels 34f in the first state and does not change. Furthermore, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the seventh pre-chamber 16b to the sixth pre-chamber 15b via the other switching channel 34f in the second state is the same as the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the seventh pre-chamber 16b to the sixth pre-chamber 15b via the other switching channel 34f in the first state and does not change. This is because the opening areas of the second inlet 17b and the second outlet 18b are sufficiently large for the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the second channel 12b, so even if the opening areas of the second inlet 17b and the second outlet 18b change slightly from the first state, it does not affect the fluid flow rate.

[0033] [Third state] The third state is as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 7, in which the flow control channel 34e of the first valve section 34a of the rotor 34 faces only the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a. In Figure 7, the rotor 34 is rotated 22.5 degrees clockwise from the second state shown in Figure 6. At this time, of the fluid flowing through the first channel 12a, only the fluid in the second pre-chamber 14a flows into the radial channel 34e1 of the flow control channel 34e. In the state of Figure 7, the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a facing the flow control channel 34e is the same as the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the first pre-chamber 13a facing the flow control channel 34e in the first state, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the second pre-chamber 14a into the flow control channel 34e is the same as the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the first pre-chamber 13a into the flow control channel 34e in the first state.

[0034] Even if the rotor 34 is rotated slightly clockwise or counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 7, it is still the third state. However, as the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the second reserve chamber 14a facing the flow control channel 34e decreases, the flow rate of the fluid in the second reserve chamber 14a flowing into the flow control channel 34e decreases in proportion to the opposing area. In other words, as with the first state, the flow rate of the fluid flowing into the flow control channel 34e can be controlled by rotating the rotor 34. The fluid that flows into the radial channel 34e1 of the flow control channel 34e flows out from the axial channel 34e2, flows through the first channel 12a, and flows into the inlet port 52 of the first water pump 50, just as with the first and second states.

[0035] In the third state, the second valve section 34b is in the state shown in the lower diagram of Figure 7. In this state, as in the first and second states, the fluid in the fifth pre-chamber 14b flows from the second inlet 17b into one of the switching channels 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b into the fourth pre-chamber 13b, while the fluid in the seventh pre-chamber 16b flows from the second inlet 17b into the other switching channel 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b into the sixth pre-chamber 15b. The flow rate of the fluid flowing from the fifth pre-chamber 14b to the fourth pre-chamber 13b via one of the switching channels 34f in the third state is the same as the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the fifth pre-chamber 14b to the fourth pre-chamber 13b via one of the switching channels 34f in the first and second states, and does not change. Furthermore, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the seventh pre-chamber 16b to the sixth pre-chamber 15b via the other switching channel 34f in the third state is the same as and does not change the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the seventh pre-chamber 16b to the sixth pre-chamber 15b via the other switching channel 34f in the first and second states.

[0036] [Fourth state] The fourth state is as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 8, where the flow control channel 34e of the first valve section 34a of the rotor 34 faces only the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a. In Figure 9, the rotor 34 has been rotated 45 degrees clockwise from the third state shown in Figure 7. At this time, of the fluid flowing through the first channel 12a, only the fluid in the second pre-chamber 14a flows into the radial channel 34e1 of the flow control channel 34e. In the state shown in Figure 8, the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a facing the flow control channel 34e is the same as the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a facing the flow control channel 34e in the third state, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the second pre-chamber 14a into the flow control channel 34e is the same as the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the second pre-chamber 14a into the flow control channel 34e in the third state.

[0037] Even if the rotor 34 is rotated slightly clockwise or counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 8, it is still the fourth state. However, as the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the second reserve chamber 14a facing the flow control channel 34e decreases, the flow rate of the fluid in the second reserve chamber 14a flowing into the flow control channel 34e decreases in proportion to the opposing area. In other words, as with the first and third states, the flow rate of the fluid flowing into the flow control channel 34e can be controlled by rotating the rotor 34. The fluid that flows into the radial channel 34e1 of the flow control channel 34e flows out from the axial channel 34e2, as with the first to fourth states, through the first channel 12a, and into the inlet port 52 of the first water pump 50.

[0038] In the fourth state, the second valve section 34b is in the state shown in the lower diagram of Figure 8. At this time, unlike the first to third states, the fluid in the fifth pre-chamber 14b flows from the second inlet 17b into one of the switching flow paths 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b into the sixth pre-chamber 15b, while the fluid in the seventh pre-chamber 16b flows from the second inlet 17b into the other switching flow path 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b into the fourth pre-chamber 13b. In other words, in the fourth state, the flow paths are switched so that the fluid flows out to different pre-chambers than in the first to third states. Thus, the third and fourth states differ in that the first valve section 34a controls the flow rate of the fluid in the second pre-chamber 14a, but the second valve section 34b switches the flow paths.

[0039] [Fifth State] The fifth state is as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 9, where the flow control channel 34e of the first valve section 34a of the rotor 34 faces both the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a and the first inlet 17a of the third pre-chamber 15a. In Figure 9, the rotor 34 has rotated 22.5 degrees clockwise from the fourth state shown in Figure 8. At this time, the fluid in the second pre-chamber 14a and the fluid in the third pre-chamber 15a of the fluid flowing through the first channel 12a flow into the radial channel 34e1 of the flow control channel 34e. In the state of Figure 9, the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a facing the flow control channel 34e is the same as the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the third pre-chamber 15a facing the flow control channel 34e, and the same amount of fluid from the second pre-chamber 14a and the fluid from the third pre-chamber 15a flow into the flow control channel 34e. However, the total flow rate of the fluid flowing into the flow control channel 34e will be less than in the fifth state. This is because the total area of ​​the first inlet 17a facing the flow control channel 34e will be smaller compared to the fifth state.

[0040] The fifth state is maintained even if the rotor 34 rotates slightly clockwise or counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 9. In this state, as long as the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a and the first inlet 17a of the third pre-chamber 15a face the flow control channel 34e, the total flow rate of fluid flowing into the flow control channel 34e remains unchanged. However, when the rotor 34 rotates, the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a facing the flow control channel 34e and the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the third pre-chamber 15a facing the flow control channel 34e change. As the area changes, the ratio of the flow rate of fluid in the second pre-chamber 14a flowing into the flow control channel 34e to the flow rate of fluid in the third pre-chamber 15a flowing into the flow control channel 34e changes according to the facing area. The fluid that flows into the radial flow path 34e1 of the flow control flow path 34e flows out from the axial flow path 34e2, as in the first to fifth states, through the first flow path 12a, and into the inlet port 52 of the first water pump 50.

[0041] In the fifth state, the second valve section 34b is in the state shown in the lower diagram of Figure 9. In this state, as in the fourth state, the fluid in the fifth pre-chamber 14b flows from the second inlet 17b into one of the switching channels 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b into the sixth pre-chamber 15b, while the fluid in the seventh pre-chamber 16b flows from the second inlet 17b into the other switching channel 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b into the fourth pre-chamber 13b. The flow rate of the fluid flowing from the fifth pre-chamber 14b to the sixth pre-chamber 15b via one of the switching channels 34f in the fifth state is the same as the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the fifth pre-chamber 14b to the sixth pre-chamber 15b via one of the switching channels 34f in the fourth state and does not change. Furthermore, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the seventh pre-chamber 16b to the fourth pre-chamber 13b via the other switching channel 34f in the fifth state is the same as and does not change the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the seventh pre-chamber 16b to the fourth pre-chamber 13b via the other switching channel 34f in the fourth state.

[0042] [Sixth State] The sixth state is as shown in the upper diagram of Figure 10, in which the flow control channel 34e of the first valve section 34a of the rotor 34 faces only the first inlet 17a of the third pre-chamber 15a. In Figure 10, the rotor 34 has rotated 22.5 degrees clockwise from the fifth state shown in Figure 9. At this time, of the fluid flowing through the first channel 12a, only the fluid in the third pre-chamber 15a flows into the radial channel 34e1 of the flow control channel 34e. In the state shown in Figure 10, the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the third pre-chamber 15a facing the flow control channel 34e is the same as the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the first pre-chamber 13a facing the flow control channel 34e in the first state, and the same as the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a facing the flow control channel 34e in the third and fourth states. The flow rate of the fluid flowing from the third pre-chamber 15a into the flow control channel 34e is the same as the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the first pre-chamber 13a into the flow control channel 34e in the first state, and the same as the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the second pre-chamber 14a into the flow control channel 34e in the third and fourth states.

[0043] Even if the rotor 34 is rotated slightly clockwise or counterclockwise from the state shown in Figure 10, it is still the sixth state. However, as the area of ​​the first inlet 17a of the third reserve chamber 15a facing the flow control channel 34e decreases, the flow rate of the fluid in the third reserve chamber 15a flowing into the flow control channel 34e decreases in proportion to the opposing area. In other words, as with the first, third, and fourth states, the flow rate of the fluid flowing into the flow control channel 34e can be controlled by rotating the rotor 34. The fluid that flows into the radial channel 34e1 of the flow control channel 34e flows out from the axial channel 34e2, as with the first to sixth states, through the first channel 12a, and into the inlet port 52 of the first water pump 50.

[0044] In the sixth state, the second valve section 34b is in the state shown in the lower diagram of Figure 10. In this state, as in the fourth and fifth states, the fluid in the fifth pre-chamber 14b flows from the second inlet 17b into one of the switching channels 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b into the sixth pre-chamber 15b, while the fluid in the seventh pre-chamber 16b flows from the second inlet 17b into the other switching channel 34f and flows out from the second outlet 18b into the fourth pre-chamber 13b. The flow rate of the fluid flowing from the fifth pre-chamber 14b to the sixth pre-chamber 15b via one of the switching channels 34f in the sixth state is the same as the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the fifth pre-chamber 14b to the sixth pre-chamber 15b via one of the switching channels 34f in the fourth and fifth states, and does not change. Furthermore, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the seventh pre-chamber 16b to the fourth pre-chamber 13b via the other switching channel 34f in the sixth state is the same as and does not change the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the seventh pre-chamber 16b to the fourth pre-chamber 13b via the other switching channel 34f in the fourth and fifth states.

[0045] As described above, the manifold 1 of this embodiment has a first rotary valve 30, so that by rotating the rotor 34, it is possible to simultaneously control the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path 12 and switch the flow path. Since the first rotary valve 30 can rotate one rotor 34 with one actuator 32 and simultaneously control the flow rate and switch the flow path, compared to the rotary valve disclosed in Patent Document 1, the configuration can be simplified and the size reduced, and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost.

[0046] [Other Embodiments] (1) In the above embodiment, the manifold 1 had one first rotary valve 30, one second rotary valve 40, one first water pump 50, and one second water pump 60, but the number of rotary valves and water pumps is arbitrary. Also, it is not necessary to have water pumps.

[0047] (2) In the above embodiment, the fluid flowing through the flow control channel 34e of the rotor 34 of the first rotary valve 30 was configured to flow into the inlet port 52 of the first water pump 50, but it is not necessary for it to be configured to flow into the first water pump 50.

[0048] (3) In the above embodiment, there were three pre-chambers flowing into the flow control channel 34e, from the first pre-chamber 13a to the third pre-chamber 15a, but the number of pre-chambers may be two or less, or four or more. In particular, four pre-chambers can be provided by providing a wall between the two first inlets 17a of the second pre-chamber 14a and dividing the second pre-chamber 14a into two.

[0049] In the embodiment of manifold 1 described above, the following configuration can be envisioned.

[0050] <1> One embodiment of the manifold (1) comprises a manifold body (5) having a plurality of fluid passages (12, 12a, 12b) formed inside, and a rotary valve (30) which controls the flow of fluid and is configured by arranging a valve body (34) that rotates about an axis (AX) in a cylindrical valve chamber (16) formed in the manifold body (5), the valve body (34) having a flow control valve section (34a) and a switching valve section (34b), and a partition section (34g) that separates the flow control valve section (34a) and the switching valve section (34b).

[0051] According to this embodiment, since the manifold (1) has a rotary valve (30), the flow rate control and flow path switching of the fluid flowing through the flow paths (12, 12a, 12b) can be performed simultaneously by rotating the valve body (34). Since the rotary valve (30) can perform flow rate control and flow path switching simultaneously by rotating one valve body (34) with one actuator (32), the configuration can be simplified and the size reduced compared to the rotary valve disclosed in Patent Document 1, and the number of assembly steps can be reduced, thereby lowering the manufacturing cost.

[0052] <2> the above <1> In the manifold (1), the manifold body (5) has a first inlet (17a) through which fluid flows into the flow control valve section (34a), a first outlet (18a) through which fluid flows out of the flow control valve section (34a), a second inlet (17b) through which fluid flows into the switching valve section (34b), and a second outlet (18b) through which fluid flows out of the switching valve section (34b). The flow control valve section (34a) has a flow control channel (34e) that allows the fluid flowing in from the first inlet (17a) to flow to the first outlet (18a). The switching valve section (34b) has a switching passage (34f) that allows fluid flowing in from the second inlet (17b) to flow to the second outlet (18b), and it is preferable that when the valve body (34) rotates around its axis (AX), the flow rate of fluid flowing from the first inlet (17a) into the flow control passage (34e) of the flow control valve section (34a) changes, while the flow rate of fluid flowing from the second inlet (17b) into the switching passage (34f) of the switching valve section (34b) and the flow rate of fluid flowing out from the second outlet (18b) do not change.

[0053] According to this embodiment, using a single valve body (34), the flow rate of the fluid can be controlled in flow rate control, and the flow path can be switched without changing the flow rate of the fluid in flow path switching.

[0054] <3> the above <2> In the manifold (1), it is preferable that the flow control channel (34e) faces the first inlet (17a) in the radial direction of the valve body (34) and faces the first outlet (18a) in the direction of the axial center (AX).

[0055] According to this embodiment, since the flow control channel (34e) faces the first inlet (17a) in the radial direction of the valve body (34), it is easy to arrange multiple channels along the circumferential direction of the valve body.

[0056] <4> the above <3> In the manifold (1), a pump (50) is further attached to the manifold body (5) to pump the fluid, and it is preferable that the fluid flowing out from the first outlet (18a) flows into the inlet port (52) of the pump (50).

[0057] According to this embodiment, the fluid, whose flow rate has been adjusted to an appropriate level by flow rate control, can be supplied to the pump (50) and pumped under pressure. [Industrial applicability]

[0058] This disclosure is applicable to manifolds. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1: Manifold, 5: Housing (Manifold body), 12: Flow path, 12a: First flow path (flow path), 12b: Second flow path (flow path), 16: Valve chamber, 17a: First inlet, 17b: Second inlet, 18a: First outlet, 18b: Second outlet, 30: First rotary valve (rotary valve), 34: Rotor (valve body), 34a: First valve section (flow control valve section), 34b: Second valve section (switching valve section), 34e: Flow control flow path, 34f: Switching flow path, 34g: Wall section (partition section), 50: First water pump (pump), 52: Inlet port, AX: Rotating shaft (shaft)

Claims

1. A manifold body having multiple fluid passages formed inside, The manifold body comprises a rotary valve configured by arranging a valve body that rotates around an axis in a cylindrical valve chamber formed in the manifold body, which controls the flow of the fluid, The valve body is a manifold having a flow control valve section and a switching valve section, as well as a partition section separating the flow control valve section and the switching valve section.

2. The manifold body has a first inlet through which the fluid flows into the flow control valve section, a first outlet through which the fluid flows out of the flow control valve section, a second inlet through which the fluid flows into the switching valve section, and a second outlet through which the fluid flows out of the switching valve section. The flow control valve section has a flow control channel that allows the fluid flowing in from the first inlet to flow to the first outlet. The switching valve section has a switching channel that allows the fluid flowing in from the second inlet to flow to the second outlet. The manifold according to claim 1, wherein when the valve body rotates about the axis, the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the first inlet into the flow control passage of the flow control valve section changes, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the second inlet into the switching passage of the switching valve section and the flow rate of the fluid flowing out from the second outlet do not change.

3. The manifold according to claim 2, wherein the flow control channel faces the first inlet in the radial direction of the valve body and faces the first outlet in the axial direction.

4. The manifold body is further equipped with a pump that is attached to the manifold body and pumps the fluid, The manifold according to claim 3, wherein the fluid discharged from the first outlet flows into the inlet port of the pump.

Images