Flow path switching valve

Abstract

Easily realize flow path switching valves with various specifications. [Solution] The flow path switching valve 10 comprises a valve body 14 having a first inlet / outlet 31 and a second inlet / outlet 32 ​​formed on the wall surface forming the valve chamber 12, and a third inlet / outlet 33 formed on the bottom surface of the valve chamber 12, a ball-shaped valve body 16 inside the valve chamber 12, a first flow path 21 communicating with the first inlet / outlet 31, a second flow path 22 arranged parallel to the first flow path 21 on either side of the valve body 14 and communicating with the second inlet / outlet 32, a third flow path 23 communicating with the third inlet / outlet 32, and the valve body 16 and the first inlet / outlet 31 and second inlet / outlet 3 The valve unit 20 has a sealing portion 38 between it and 2, and a rotary drive unit 18 connected to the valve unit 20 that rotates the valve body 16. The first passage 21 and second passage 22 of the valve unit 20 can be connected to the first passage 21 and second passage 22 of another valve unit 20, respectively. Female fittings are provided at one end of the first passage 21 and second passage 22, and male fittings that can be connected to the female fittings are provided at the other end of the first passage and second passage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow path switching valve.

Background Art

[0002] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 111828682 discloses a control valve (flow path switching valve) having a valve body that rotates inside a valve body and having five or more ports (pipe joints).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in the above conventional example, since the number of connection ports and the combination of flow paths are fixed according to the specifications, there is no freedom, and it is considered that if the specifications change, it is necessary to start over from the design.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to enable easy realization of flow path switching valves of various specifications.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The flow path switching valve according to the first aspect includes a valve body in which a valve chamber is formed inside, and a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet through which fluid enters and exits are formed on the wall surface forming the valve chamber, respectively, and a third inlet / outlet is formed on the bottom surface of the valve chamber. A valve body that is rotatably disposed in the valve chamber and has a flow path formed therein, a first flow path that communicates with the first inlet / outlet, a second flow path that is arranged in parallel with the first flow path across the valve body and communicates with the second inlet / outlet, and a third flow path that communicates with the third inlet / outlet and has an opening on the side opposite to the third inlet / outlet. A valve unit having the above, a rotary drive unit that is connected to the valve unit and rotates the valve body so that the communication state of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet is switched through the flow path of the valve body, and the first flow path and the second flow path of the valve unit are connected to the first flow path and the second flow path of another valve unit, respectively, so that they can be connected.

[0006] In this flow path switching valve, the valve body is rotated by a rotary drive unit, allowing the communication state of the first, second, and third inlet / outlet of the valve chamber to be switched through the flow path of the valve body. Since the first and second flow paths of one valve unit can be connected to the first and second flow paths of other valve units, flow path switching valves with various specifications can be easily realized by combining valve units.

[0007] The second embodiment is a flow path switching valve according to the first embodiment, wherein a female fitting is provided at one end of the first flow path and the second flow path, and a male fitting with a structure that can be connected to the female fitting is provided at the other end of the first flow path and the second flow path, respectively.

[0008] In this flow path switching valve, female fittings are provided at one end of the first flow path and the second flow path, and male fittings with a structure that can connect to the female fittings are provided at the other end of the first flow path and the second flow path of another valve unit. Therefore, for example, the first flow paths of one valve unit and the second flow paths of another valve unit can be easily connected to each other.

[0009] A third embodiment is a flow path switching valve according to the first or second embodiment, wherein the third flow path has a bent portion, and a spherical recess is provided in the portion of the bent portion facing the third inlet and outlet.

[0010] The fluid flowing from the valve chamber through the third inlet and outlet into the third flow path passes through the bend. In this flow path switching valve, a spherical recess is provided at the portion of the third flow path opposite the third inlet and outlet in the bend. Compared to a configuration where there is no recess and the section is simply bent, fluid resistance is reduced. Therefore, pressure loss in the third flow path can be suppressed.

[0011] The fourth embodiment is a flow path switching valve according to any one of the first to third embodiments, wherein the flow path of the valve body has ribs that extend in the direction toward the third inlet / outlet.

[0012] In this flow path switching valve, ribs extending toward the third inlet and outlet are formed in the flow path of the valve body, allowing for the straightening of the fluid flowing within the valve body. Furthermore, the orientation of the valve body can be easily adjusted by applying force to the ribs when assembling the valve body into the valve chamber.

[0013] The fifth embodiment is a flow path switching valve according to any one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the connection portion between the first flow path and the first inlet / outlet is provided with a first projection that protrudes from the first inlet / outlet side toward the interior of the first flow path, and the connection portion between the second flow path and the second inlet / outlet is provided with a second projection that protrudes from the second inlet / outlet side toward the interior of the second flow path.

[0014] In this flow path switching valve, a first projection is provided at the connection point between the first flow path and the first inlet / outlet of the valve chamber, thereby guiding the fluid flowing through the first flow path to the first inlet / outlet. Furthermore, a second projection is provided at the connection point between the second flow path and the second inlet / outlet of the valve chamber, thereby guiding the fluid flowing through the second flow path to the second inlet / outlet. In this way, the inflow of fluid from the first and second flow paths into the valve chamber can be facilitated.

[0015] The sixth embodiment is a flow path switching valve according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments, wherein one valve unit can be stacked and connected to the side of the valve unit opposite to the rotary drive unit.

[0016] In this flow path switching valve, the degree of freedom in combining valve units can be increased by stacking and connecting other valve units on the opposite side of the rotary drive unit of one valve unit.

[0017] The seventh embodiment is a flow path switching valve according to the sixth embodiment, wherein a portion of one valve unit that overlaps with another valve unit is a lid that closes the valve chamber of the other valve unit.

[0018] In this flow control valve, the portion of one valve unit that overlaps with another valve unit serves as a lid that closes the valve chamber of the other valve unit. Therefore, when overlapping one valve unit with another, no separate part is needed to close the valve chamber of the other valve unit. This suppresses the increase in the number of parts and improves the workability when overlapping and connecting valve units.

[0019] The eighth aspect is a flow path switching valve according to the sixth or seventh aspect, wherein one valve unit is connected in superposition to another valve unit, and the two valve bodies in the two valve units are rotated by one rotary drive unit.

[0020] In this flow path switching valve, the two valve bodies in two stacked valve units are rotated by a single rotary drive unit. Compared to a case where each of the two valve units has its own rotary drive unit, this design reduces the number of parts and lowers costs.

[0021] The ninth aspect is a flow path switching valve according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the distance between the centers of the end of the first flow path and the end of the second flow path in one valve unit is equal to the distance between the centers of the ends of the first flow paths in the overlapping direction when one valve unit is superimposed and connected to the other valve unit.

[0022] In this flow path switching valve, when connecting two stacked valve units in the direction of the first and second flow paths of two stacked valve units, it is possible not only to connect the first flow paths to each other and the second flow paths to each other, but also to connect the first flow path to the second flow path. This further increases the degree of freedom in valve unit combinations.

[0023] The tenth embodiment is a flow path switching valve according to any one of the first to ninth embodiments, wherein a sub-flow path is provided at a position opposite the first inlet and outlet in the first flow path, and a storage tank can be connected to the sub-flow path.

[0024] The 11th aspect is the flow path switching valve according to any one of the 1st to 10th aspects, wherein pumps can be respectively attached to the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0025] The 12th aspect is the flow path switching valve according to the 3rd aspect, wherein a through hole is formed in the bottom of the recess, and the through hole is closed by a closing portion provided with a temperature sensor.

Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to easily realize flow path switching valves of various specifications.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing an example in which a storage tank is attached to the flow path switching valve. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing an example in which a storage tank and a pump are attached to the flow path switching valve. [Figure 4] It is a partially broken perspective view showing a flow path switching valve in which two valve units are stacked and two valve bodies are rotated by one rotation driving unit. [Figure 5] [[ID=3I]]It is a partially broken perspective view showing a valve unit. [Figure 6] It is a partially broken perspective view showing a valve unit. [Figure 7] It is a front view showing the valve unit as viewed from the male joint side of the first flow path. [Figure 8] It is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the valve unit is viewed from the opening side of the third flow path and the second flow path is cut in the radial direction. [Figure 9] It is a front view showing a valve body. [Figure 10] It is a bottom view showing a valve body. [Figure 11] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the state in which an opening provided in the middle of the first flow path is closed by a lid member. [Figure 12]This is a cross-sectional view showing a flow path switching valve in which two valve units are stacked, where the portion of one valve unit that is stacked with the other valve unit serves as a lid that closes off the valve chamber of the other valve unit. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view showing a flow path switching valve according to Modification 1. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view showing a flow path switching valve according to Modification 1. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to modified example 2. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to modified example 2. [Figure 17] This is a partially broken perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to Modification 3. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to modified example 4. [Figure 19] This is a block diagram showing one of the switching modes of the flow path switching valve according to modified example 4. [Figure 20] This is a block diagram showing other switching modes of the flow path switching valve according to Modification 4. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to Modification 5. [Figure 22] This is a block diagram showing one of the switching modes of the flow path switching valve according to modified example 5. [Figure 23] This is a block diagram showing other switching modes of the flow path switching valve according to Modification 5. [Figure 24] This is a perspective view showing the flow path switching valve according to modified example 6. [Figure 25] This is a block diagram showing one of the switching modes of a flow path switching valve according to modified example 6. [Figure 26] This is a block diagram showing other switching modes of the flow path switching valve according to Modification 6. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to modified example 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] The embodiments for implementing this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are considered to be the same component. In the embodiments described below, descriptions and reference numerals that are repeated may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings used in the following description are all schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to reality. Also, the dimensional relationships and ratios of each element do not necessarily correspond between multiple drawings.

[0029] Furthermore, in this specification, descriptions of position and direction such as up / down, left / right, front / back are based on the directional arrows in Figure 1 and do not refer to the position and direction in actual use. In Figure 1, "U" indicates the up direction (upper side), "D" indicates the down direction (lower side), "LH" indicates the left direction (left side), "RH" indicates the right direction (right side), "F" indicates the front direction (front side), and "R" indicates the back direction (back side). "Up / down direction" means the direction of arrow U and arrow D. "Left / right direction" means the direction of arrow LH and arrow RH. And "front / back direction" means the direction of arrow F and arrow R.

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In this flow path switching valve 10, three valve units 20 are connected in the left-right direction, and each valve unit 20 is stacked on top of the other valve units 20 below each other. In other words, six valve units 20 are combined. Figure 4 is a partially broken perspective view showing a flow path switching valve in which two valve units 20 are stacked and two valve bodies are rotated by one rotary drive unit. Figure 4 corresponds to Figure 1 with the upper and lower two valve units 20 extracted. Figures 5 and 6 are partially broken perspective views showing one valve unit 20.

[0031] The flow path switching valve 10 is used as a rotary-type three-way valve (Figure 5) or four-way valve (Figures 13 and 14) to switch the flow path of a fluid, for example, in the engine compartment of an automobile. As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the flow path switching valve 10 has a valve unit 20 and a rotary drive unit 18.

[0032] [Valve Unit] The valve unit 20 comprises a valve body 14, a valve element 16, a first passage 21, a second passage 22, and a third passage 23. In the example shown in Figure 5, the valve unit 20 is a three-way valve that switches between, for example, a state in which the first passage 21 and the third passage 23 are in communication, a state in which the second passage 22 and the third passage 23 are in communication, and a state in which the first passage 21, the second passage 22, and the third passage 23 are not in communication with each other.

[0033] (Valve body) In Figure 6, the valve body 14 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and has a valve chamber 12 inside. The valve chamber 12 is open at the top, and the valve element 16 and sealing part 38, which will be described later, are inserted from above. The wall surface forming the valve chamber 12 has, for example, a first inlet / outlet 31 and a second inlet / outlet 32 ​​that face each other and allow fluid to enter and exit. For example, the first inlet / outlet 31 is formed on the rear wall surface of the valve chamber 12, and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​is formed on the front wall surface of the valve chamber 12. In other words, the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​face each other in the front-to-back direction of the valve chamber 12. A third inlet / outlet 33 is also formed on the bottom surface of the valve chamber 12.

[0034] (valve body) In Figures 4, 5, 9, and 10, the valve body 16 is a ball-shaped member made of, for example, synthetic resin, and is rotatably arranged within the valve chamber 12. An insertion hole 16A is formed in the upper part of the valve body 16 into which the valve stem 28 of the rotary drive unit 18 is inserted. The valve stem 28 and the insertion hole 16A are engaged with each other around the axial direction of the valve stem 28, so that the rotation of the valve stem 28 is transmitted to the valve body 16. The insertion hole 16A penetrates, for example, to the flow path 36 of the valve body 16.

[0035] In order to selectively connect the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 of the valve body 14, or in other words, to selectively switch the communication state of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33, a flow path (internal flow path) 36 is provided inside the valve body 16. More specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the valve body 16 has a lateral hole 36A formed on its outer circumference (side) that leads to the flow path 36. The valve body 16 also has a lower hole 36C formed on its outer circumference (bottom) that leads to the flow path 36. The flow path 36 communicates from the lateral hole 36A to the lower hole 36C. Depending on the state of the valve body 16, the lateral hole 36A can face either the first inlet / outlet 31 or the second inlet / outlet 32. When the lateral hole 36A is not facing either inlet / outlet, the valve body 16 is in a closed state, tightly pressed against the seat member 40, which will be described later.

[0036] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the flow path 36 of the valve body 16 has ribs 16B that extend in the direction toward the third inlet / outlet 33 (vertical direction). These ribs 16B are, for example, thin plate-shaped projections and are formed, for example, on the inner wall on the far side of the lateral hole 36A in the flow path 36 of the valve body 16.

[0037] In Figures 4 and 5, a sealing portion 38 is provided between the valve body 16 and the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​to seal the space between them. The sealing portion 38 includes, for example, a seat member 40 and an O-ring 42. The seat member 40 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and is formed in an annular shape with openings corresponding to the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32. This seat member 40 is arranged around the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​on the inner wall surface of the valve body 14 (the front and rear wall surfaces of the valve chamber 12). The valve body 16 is sandwiched between the two seat members 40 and is arranged to rotate and slide freely while in contact with each of the seat members 40.

[0038] The seat member 40 and the valve body 14 are sealed, for example, airtight and watertight, by O-rings 42. The O-rings 42 are attached, for example, to O-ring grooves (not shown) formed in the seat member 40.

[0039] For example, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) can be used for the valve body 14 and valve element 16, PTFE (fluororesin) can be used for the seat member 40, and synthetic rubber can be used for the O-ring 42.

[0040] (Rotating drive unit) In Figure 4, the rotary drive unit 18 is connected to the valve unit 20 and is a device that rotates the valve body 16 so that the communication state of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 is selectively switched through the flow path of the valve body 16. The rotary drive unit 18 is positioned above the valve body 14 in the upper valve unit 20. Specifically, a bracket 24 is fixed to the upper valve body 14, and the rotary drive unit 18 is fixed to the bracket 24 using a screw 26 (Figure 1). The upward opening (Figure 5) in the valve chamber 12 of the upper valve body 14 is closed by the bracket 24 (Figure 12). In other words, the bracket 24 has a shape that closes the opening of the valve chamber 12. The bracket 24 is welded to the inside of the opening of the valve chamber 12 in a spigot fit. The bracket 24 is provided with a protrusion 30. This protrusion 30 faces or abuts against the edge of the valve chamber 12 in the valve body 14. The protrusion 30 may be a melting allowance. Also, the protrusion 30 may be provided on the valve body 14 instead of the bracket 24.

[0041] The rotary drive unit 18 is, for example, a geared motor. The rotary drive unit 18 is provided with a connector 50 to which wiring for communication with the control unit and power supply is connected. A valve stem 28, which serves as the output shaft, is coupled to the rotary drive unit 18. The valve stem 28 is inserted through a through hole 24A formed in the bracket 24. An O-ring 29 or an X-ring (not shown) is attached to the valve stem 28. The O-ring 29 ensures watertightness between the valve stem 28 and the through hole 24A. The lower end of the valve stem 28 is inserted into the insertion hole 16A (Figure 5) of the valve body 16.

[0042] (First channel, second channel, third channel) In Figures 4 to 6, the first channel 21, the second channel 22, and the third channel 23 are, for example, pipe sections integrally formed with the valve body 14. The first channel 21 can also be referred to as the first port, the second channel 22 as the second port, and the third channel 23 as the third port.

[0043] The first flow path 21 has, for example, openings at both ends and is in communication with the first inlet / outlet 31 of the valve chamber 12. This first flow path 21 extends linearly, for example, in the left-right direction. The first inlet / outlet 31 is connected to the first flow path 21 midway. As a result, the first flow path 21 and the first inlet / outlet 31 are formed in a roughly T-shape in plan view (see Figures 13 and 14).

[0044] The second flow path 22 is arranged parallel to the first flow path 21, flanking the valve body 14, and has, for example, open ends, communicating with the second inlet / outlet 32. The second flow path 22 extends linearly, for example, in the left-right direction. The second inlet / outlet 32 ​​is connected to the middle of the second flow path 22. As a result, the second flow path 22 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​are formed in a roughly T-shape in plan view (see Figures 13 and 14).

[0045] As shown in Figure 1, female connectors 51 and 52 are provided at one end of the first channel 21 and the second channel 22, respectively. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, male connectors 61 and 62 are provided at the other ends of the first channel 21 and the second channel 22, respectively. The male connectors 61 and 62 are structured to be connectable to the female connectors 51 and 52. Annular grooves 61A and 62A are formed on the outer circumference of the male connectors 61 and 62. In addition, a pair of arc-shaped slits 51A and 52A are formed in the female connectors 51 and 52, respectively. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the male connectors 61 and 62 are fitted into the female connectors 51 and 52, respectively, and the clips 34 are fitted into the grooves 61A and 62A through the slits 51A and 52A to prevent them from coming loose. Water sealing of the connection portion of each connector is performed by, for example, an O-ring 66. This joint structure allows the first flow path 21 and second flow path 22 of one valve unit 20 to be connected to the first flow path 21 and second flow path 22 of another valve unit 20 (see Figures 1, 13, and 14). This joint structure is just one example, and any other joint structure can be used.

[0046] In Figures 6 to 8, 13, and 14, a first projection 71 is provided at the connection point between the first channel 21 and the first inlet / outlet 31, projecting inward from the first inlet / outlet 31 side into the first channel 21. This first projection 71 is, for example, an arc-shaped ridge formed along the opening of the first inlet / outlet 31 relative to the first channel 21. The extent of the first projection 71 is, for example, less than half the circumference of the inner surface of the first channel 21 on the side of the first inlet / outlet 31. One side of the first projection 71 in the left-right direction is a concave surface that extends a part of the inner wall of the first channel 21. In the illustrated example, the first projection 71 is provided on the left side of the first inlet / outlet 31. However, the first projection 71 may also be provided on the right side of the first inlet / outlet 31, or on both the left and right sides of the first projection 71.

[0047] Furthermore, a second projection 72 is provided at the connection point between the second channel 22 and the second inlet / outlet 32, projecting inward from the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​side towards the interior of the second channel 22. This second projection 72 is, for example, an arc-shaped ridge formed along the opening of the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​relative to the second channel 22. The extent of the second projection 72 is, for example, less than half the circumference of the inner surface of the second channel 22 on the side of the second inlet / outlet 32. One side of the second projection 72 in the left-right direction is a concave surface that extends a part of the inner wall of the second channel 22. In the illustrated example, the second projection 72 is provided on the left side of the second inlet / outlet 32. However, the second projection 72 may also be provided on the right side of the second inlet / outlet 32, or on both the left and right sides of the second projection 72.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 4, and 9, a sub-channel 46, closed by a cover 44, may be provided in the first channel 21 at a position opposite to, for example, the first inlet / outlet 31. The space between the cover 44 and the end of the sub-channel 46 is sealed by welding or sealed by a sealing member such as an O-ring 48. The sub-channel 46 can also be used by removing the cover 44. A storage tank 54 can be connected to the sub-channel 46, for example. When the valve units 20 are stacked vertically, there are two sub-channels 46, one above the other. These two sub-channels 46 can also be connected to a storage tank 54 that has two connection ports (Figure 2). In this case, the storage tank 54 may have two storage chambers that correspond to each connection port and are separated from each other. This allows for the separate storage of the same fluid but at different temperatures.

[0049] Furthermore, pumps 81 and 82 can be attached to the female connector 51 or male connector 61 of the terminal first flow path 21 and the female connector 52 or male connector 62 of the terminal second flow path 22, respectively, in the flow path switching valve 10. In the example shown in Figure 3, pump 81 is attached to the female connector 51 of the first flow path 21 in the upper valve unit 20 (see Figure 2). Pump 82 is attached to the female connector 52 of the second flow path 22 in the upper valve unit 20. Pump 81 has a connector 91 that serves as a fluid inlet and outlet. Pump 82 also has a connector 92 that serves as a fluid inlet and outlet. Pump 81 can supply fluid from other equipment to the first flow path 21 via the connector 91, or supply fluid from the first flow path 21 to other equipment. Pump 82 can supply fluid from other equipment to the second flow path 22 via the connector 92, or supply fluid from the second flow path 22 to other equipment.

[0050] In Figures 4, 5, and 7, the third channel 23 communicates with the third inlet / outlet 33, and its opposite end is open. Specifically, the third channel 23 has a bend 23A. The third inlet / outlet 33 is located above the bend 23A. The open end of the third channel 23 is located, for example, in front of the bend 23A and protrudes forward, for example, beyond the second channel 22. The open end of the third channel 23 is provided with, for example, a male connector 64 that can be connected to piping for other equipment.

[0051] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a spherical recess 23B is provided in the portion of the third channel 23 opposite the third inlet / outlet 33 at the bend 23A, that is, below the third inlet / outlet 33. The recess 23B is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape. The recess 23B is recessed below the bottom 23C of the lateral channel forward of the bend 23A. As a result, some of the fluid that enters the third channel 23 from the third inlet / outlet 33 falls down to the recess 23B before entering the lateral channel of the third channel 23.

[0052] In the example shown in Figure 5, a through hole 23D is formed at the bottom of the recess 23B. The valve stem 58 can be passed through the through hole 23D (Figure 4). The space between the valve stem 58 and the through hole 23D is sealed by an O-ring 60. If another valve unit cannot be stacked below, the structure may be such that, for example, the recess 23B does not have a through hole 23D at the bottom, as in the lower valve unit 20 in Figure 4. Even if a through hole 23D is provided, it may be closed by a separate component (for example, a closing part 86). For example, the closing part 86 may be equipped with a temperature sensor 84. The temperature sensor 84 is supported, for example, by the closing part 86 and is positioned so that its tip is located inside the third flow path 23. For example, an O-ring 88 is attached to the closing part 86. This O-ring 88 ensures watertightness between the closing part 86 and the through hole 23D. By using the temperature sensor 84, the temperature inside the third flow path 23 can be accurately measured.

[0053] [Overlapping valve units] In Figures 1 and 4, in this embodiment, one valve unit 20 can be stacked and connected on the opposite side of the rotational drive unit 18 of the first valve unit 20. The portion of the upper valve unit 20 that is stacked with the lower valve unit 20 is a lid 68 that closes the valve chamber 12 of the lower valve unit 20. This closing structure is generally the same as the closing structure of the valve chamber 12 by the bracket 24 in Figure 12, and the bottom of the upper valve body 14 is welded to the inside of the opening of the valve chamber 12 in the lower valve body 14 in a spigot fit.

[0054] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, one valve unit 20 may be stacked and connected to another valve unit 20, and the two valve bodies 16 in the two valve units 20 may be rotated by a single rotary drive unit 18. In this example, the valve stem 28 of the upper valve unit 20 and the valve stem 58 of the lower valve unit 20 are connected by a connecting shaft 56. The connecting shaft 56 connects the upper and lower valve stems 28 and 58 by passing through the inside of the upper valve body 16 and the longitudinal passage of the third passage 23. When the rotary drive unit 18 rotates the upper valve stem 28, that rotation is transmitted to the lower valve stem 58 via the connecting shaft 56, causing the upper and lower valve bodies 16 to rotate synchronously.

[0055] Alternatively, a rotary drive unit 18 may be provided for each of the upper and lower valve units 20, allowing for separate control of the rotation of the valve body 16.

[0056] In Figure 1, the distance W between the centers of the ends of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 in one valve unit 20 may be equal to the distance H between the centers of the ends of the first flow path 21 in the overlapping direction when one valve unit 20 is superimposed and connected to the other valve unit 20. In other words, W = H may be the case.

[0057] (action) This embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be explained below. In Figure 4, in the flow path switching valve 10 according to this embodiment, the valve body 16 can be rotated by the rotary drive unit 18 to switch, for example, the communication state of the first inlet / outlet 31, second inlet / outlet 32, and third inlet / outlet 33 of the valve chamber 12 through the flow path 36 of the valve body 16. The first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​face each other across the valve chamber 12, and one lateral hole 36A is formed in the valve body 16, so the flow path can be switched by rotating the valve body 16 by 180°.

[0058] The first flow path 21 and second flow path 22 of one valve unit 20 can be connected to the first flow path 21 and second flow path 22 of another valve unit 20, respectively. Therefore, by combining valve units 20, flow path switching valves with various specifications can be easily realized. Specifically, female connectors 51 and 52 are provided at one end of the first flow path 21 and second flow path 22, respectively, and male connectors 61 and 62 are provided at the other end of the first flow path 21 and second flow path 22, respectively. The male connectors 61 and 62 can be connected to the female connectors 51 and 52, respectively. Therefore, for example, the first flow paths 21 and second flow paths 22 of one valve unit 20 and other valve units 20 can be easily connected to each other.

[0059] In Figure 1, for example, if W=H, when connecting two other stacked valve units 20 in the direction of the first flow path 21 and second flow path 22 of two stacked valve units 20, it becomes possible not only to connect the first flow paths 21 to each other and the second flow paths 22 to each other, but also to connect the first flow path 21 to the second flow path 22. In other words, the two valve units 20 can be connected by rotating them 90° relative to each other. This further increases the degree of freedom in combining the valve units 20.

[0060] Furthermore, the fluid that flows from the valve chamber 12 through the third inlet / outlet 33 into the third flow path 23 passes through the bent section 23A. When a spherical recess 23B is provided at the portion of the bent section 23A of the third flow path 23 that faces the third inlet / outlet 33, fluid resistance is reduced compared to a configuration where there is no recess 23B at that portion and it is simply bent. As a result, pressure loss in the third flow path 23 can be suppressed.

[0061] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, if a rib 16B extending toward the third inlet / outlet 33 is formed in the flow path 36 of the valve body 16, the fluid flowing inside the valve body 16 can be straightened. When assembling the valve body 16 into the valve chamber 12, the orientation of the valve body 16 can be easily adjusted by applying force to the rib 16B.

[0062] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 to 8, 13, and 14, if a first projection 71 is provided at the connection point between the first flow path 21 and the first inlet / outlet 31 of the valve chamber 12, the fluid flow in the first flow path 21 is disturbed by the first projection 71. This allows the fluid flowing through the first flow path 21 to be guided to the first inlet / outlet 31. Also, if a second projection 72 is provided at the connection point between the second flow path 22 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​of the valve chamber 12, the fluid flow in the second flow path 22 is disturbed by the second projection 72, thereby allowing the fluid flowing through the second flow path 22 to be guided to the second inlet / outlet 32. In this way, the inflow of fluid from the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 into the valve chamber 12 can be promoted.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, by making it possible to stack and connect other valve units 20 on the opposite side of the rotational drive unit 18 of one valve unit 20, the degree of freedom in combining the valve units 20 can be increased.

[0064] If the portion of one valve unit 20 that is stacked with another valve unit 20 is a lid 68 that closes the valve chamber 12 of the other valve unit 20, then when stacking one valve unit 20 with another valve unit 20, no additional part is required to close the valve chamber 12 of the other valve unit 20. This suppresses an increase in the number of parts and improves workability when stacking and connecting the valve units 20.

[0065] When two valve bodies 16 in two stacked valve units 20 are rotated by a single rotary drive unit 18, the number of parts and costs can be reduced compared to when each of the two valve units 20 is provided with a rotary drive unit 18.

[0066] Thus, according to this embodiment, flow path switching valves with various specifications can be easily realized.

[0067] (Variation 1) The valve unit 20 is not limited to a three-way valve, but may be a four-way valve, for example, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. In this case, the valve body 16 has a lateral hole 36B formed in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis O1 of the valve body 16 and perpendicular to the lateral hole 36A, which merges from its outer circumference (side) into the center of the lateral hole 36A. By rotating the valve body 16 by 90°, it is possible to switch between a state in which the first inlet / outlet 31 and the third inlet / outlet 33 are in communication and a state in which the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​and the third inlet / outlet 33 are in communication.

[0068] (Modification 2) In Figures 15 and 16, the structure of the female connectors 51, 52 and male connectors 61, 62 in the modified flow path switching valve 10 differs from the structure shown in Figures 1 to 8. Figures 15 and 16 show the same flow path switching valve 10 from different viewpoints.

[0069] Furthermore, in this modified example, the pipe section constituting the first flow path 21 is constructed separately from the valve body 14 in its component state and is joined to the valve body 14 during assembly, for example, by welding. The pipe section constituting the second flow path 22 is constructed integrally with the valve body 14 in its component state.

[0070] (Variation 3) In Figure 17, in the modified flow path switching valve 10, in one valve unit 20 (upper valve unit), the valve stem 28 inserted into the valve body 16 is separate from the stem 98 which serves as the output shaft of the rotary drive unit 18. The lower end of the stem 98 is inserted into the valve stem 28. The rotation of the stem 98 is transmitted to the valve stem 28. In this modified example, the valve stem 28 can be shared with the valve stem 58 of the other valve unit 20 (lower valve unit).

[0071] Furthermore, in this modified example, similar to Modified Example 2 (Figures 15 and 16), the pipe portion constituting the first flow path 21 is constructed separately from the valve body 14 in its component state and is joined to the valve body 14 during assembly. In the sealing portion 38 that seals the space between the valve body 16 and the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32, the O-ring 42 is attached to an O-ring groove provided in the pipe portion constituting the first flow path 21 and to an O-ring groove provided in the valve body 14, respectively.

[0072] (Modification 4) In Figure 18, the flow path switching valve 10 according to this modified example is constructed by connecting two assemblies of valve units 20 according to Modified Example 2 (Figures 15 and 16). The assembly of valve units 20 is constructed by stacking two valve units 20. The two assemblies of valve units 20 are referred to as valve unit 20(I) and valve unit 20(II) from left to right in Figure 18. The portion of valve unit 20(I) is shown by a dashed line, and the portion of valve unit 20(II) is shown by a double dashed line. Valve unit 20(I) is mounted rotated 90° relative to valve unit 20(II). Consequently, the positions of the rotary drive unit 18 are also different.

[0073] In Figure 18, on the side of the valve unit 20(II) where the rotary drive unit 18 is located, the right end of the second flow path is designated as port A, and the right end of the first flow path is designated as port B. On the side of the valve unit 20(II) opposite the rotary drive unit 18, the right end of the second flow path is designated as port C, and the right end of the first flow path is designated as port D.

[0074] On the side of the valve unit 20(I) where the rotary drive unit 18 is located, the third flow path is designated as port G. On the side of the valve unit 20(I) opposite to where the rotary drive unit 18 is located, the third flow path is designated as port H.

[0075] Similar to the configuration in Figure 4, in valve units 20(I) and 20(II), when the rotary drive unit 18 rotates the stem 98 and the upper valve shaft 28, the rotation is transmitted to the lower valve shaft 58 via the connecting shaft 56, causing the upper and lower valve bodies 16 to rotate synchronously. In Figures 19 and 20, the solid lines indicating flow show the flow within valve units 20(I) and 20(II). The dashed lines show the flow outside the valve unit, i.e., the external flow path. Furthermore, for the flow lines, thick lines indicate areas with flow, and thin lines indicate areas without flow. The same applies to the following modified examples.

[0076] This modified version makes it possible to realize, for example, the two switching modes shown in Figures 19 and 20. In the switching mode shown in Figure 19, port A communicates with port E, and port B communicates with port G. Also, port C communicates with port H, and port D communicates with port F. Ports A and H, port B and E, port C and F, and port D and G are each blocked off. Other unused ports are also blocked off. In this case, by forming external flow paths connecting ports A and C, port B and D, port E and F, and port G and H, a series flow path (series circuit) can be constructed that passes through ports A, E, F, D, B, G, H, and C and returns to port A. Heat exchangers, evaporators, capacitors, batteries, motors, etc., can be placed in the external flow path.

[0077] In the switching mode shown in Figure 20, port A communicates with port H, and port B communicates with port E. Also, port C communicates with port F, and port D communicates with port G. Ports A and E, port B and G, port C and H, and port D and F are each blocked off. Other unused ports are also blocked off. In this case, if external flow paths are formed connecting ports A and C, port B and D, port E and F, and port G and H, a series flow path (series circuit) can be constructed that passes through ports A, H, G, D, B, E, F, and C and returns to port A.

[0078] (Variation 5) In Figure 21, the flow path switching valve 10 according to this modified example is constructed by connecting three assemblies of valve units 20 according to Modified Example 2 (Figures 15 and 16). Each assembly of valve units 20 is constructed by stacking two valve units 20. Of the three assemblies of valve units 20, the first flow paths of two valve units 20 are connected in series, and the second flow paths of two valve units 20 are connected in series, and these are designated as valve unit 20(I) and valve unit 20(II) from left to right in Figure 21. The third valve unit 20 is designated as valve unit 20(III). The portion of valve unit 20(I) is shown by a thick dashed line, the portion of valve unit 20(II) is shown by a double dashed line, and the portion of valve unit 20(III) is shown by a thin dashed line. In Figure 21, valve unit 20(III) is connected to the front of valve units 20(I) and valve unit 20(II). Specifically, the first and second flow paths of valve unit 20(III) are connected to the third flow paths of valve unit 20(I) and valve unit 20(II).

[0079] In Figure 21, on the side of the valve unit 20(II) where the rotary drive unit 18 is located, the right end of the second flow path is designated as port A, and the right end of the first flow path is designated as port B. On the side of the valve unit 20(II) opposite the rotary drive unit 18, the right end of the second flow path is designated as port C, and the right end of the first flow path is designated as port D.

[0080] On the side of the valve unit 20(III) facing the rotary drive unit 18, the first flow path is designated as port E, the second flow path as port G, and the third flow path as port J. On the side of the valve unit 20(III) facing the rotary drive unit 18, the first flow path is designated as port F, the second flow path as port H, and the third flow path as port K.

[0081] This modified version makes it possible to realize, for example, the two switching modes shown in Figures 22 and 23. In the switching mode shown in Figure 22, port A communicates with port E, and port B communicates with port G. Also, port C communicates with port F, and port D communicates with port H. Furthermore, port G communicates with port J, and port H communicates with port K. Ports A and G, port B and E, port C and H, port D and F, port E and J, and port F and K are blocked off. Other unused ports are also blocked off. In this case, by forming external flow paths connecting ports A and C, port B and D, port E and F, port G and H, and port J and K, a series flow path (series circuit) can be constructed that passes through ports A, E, F, and C and returns to port A. A series flow path (series circuit) can also be constructed that passes through ports B, G, J, K, H, and D and returns to port B.

[0082] In the switching mode shown in Figure 23, port A communicates with port G, and port B communicates with port E. Port E also communicates with port J. Additionally, port C communicates with port H, and port D communicates with port F. Port F also communicates with port K. Ports A and E, B and G, C and F, D and H, G and J, and H and K are each blocked off. Ports that are not in use are also blocked off. In this case, by forming external flow paths connecting ports A and C, B and D, E and F, G and H, and J and K, a series flow path (series circuit) can be constructed that passes through ports A, G, H, and C and returns to port A. A series flow path (series circuit) can also be constructed that passes through ports B, E, J, K, F, and D and returns to port B.

[0083] Thus, in this modified configuration, two series flow paths (series circuits) can coexist in any switching mode. Furthermore, the flow can be switched between the two switching modes.

[0084] (Experimental variation 6) In Figure 24, the flow path switching valve 10 in this modified example is the same as in Modification Example 5 (Figure 21), but with the front valve unit 20(III) rotated 90° before installation. Ports A to D are the same as in Modification Example 5.

[0085] On the side of the valve unit 20(III) facing the rotary drive unit 18, the first flow path is designated as port G, the second flow path as port H, and the third flow path as port J. On the side of the valve unit 20(III) facing the rotary drive unit 18, the first flow path is designated as port E, the second flow path as port F, and the third flow path as port K.

[0086] This modified version makes it possible to realize, for example, the two switching modes shown in Figures 25 and 26. In the switching mode shown in Figure 25, port A communicates with port E. Port E also communicates with port K. Port B communicates with port G. Port G also communicates with port J. Ports A and G, B and E, C and F, D and H, F and K, and H and J are each blocked off. Although ports D and F and C and H are connected, the flow in each path is blocked by valve unit 20(III). Other unused ports are also blocked off. In this case, by forming external flow paths that connect ports A and C, B and D, C and J, D and K, E and F, and G and H, a series flow path (series circuit) can be constructed that returns to port A after passing through ports A, E, K, D, B, G, J, and C.

[0087] In the switching mode shown in Figure 26, port A communicates with port G, and port B communicates with port E. Also, port C communicates with port F, and port D communicates with port H. Ports A and E, B and G, C and H, D and F, E and K, F and K, G and J, and H and J are each blocked off. Other unused ports are also blocked off. In this case, if external flow paths are formed connecting ports A and C, B and D, C and J, D and K, E and F, and G and H, a series flow path (series circuit) can be constructed that passes through ports A, G, H, D, B, E, F, and C and returns to port A.

[0088] (Example 7) In Figure 27, the flow path switching valve 10 according to this modified example is constructed by connecting three assemblies of the valve unit 20 according to Modification 2 (Figures 15 and 16). Each assembly of the valve unit 20 is constructed by stacking two valve units 20. The two assemblies of the valve unit 20 are designated as valve unit 20(I), valve unit 20(II), and valve unit 20(III) from left to right in Figure 27. In this modified example, valve unit 20(II) is mounted rotated 180° relative to valve units 20(I) and 20(III). In Figure 27, the rotation drive unit 18 of valve units 20(I) and 20(III) is located on the upper side, while the rotation drive unit 18 of valve unit 20(II) is located on the lower side. The direction in which the third flow path opens is also reversed.

[0089] In this way, by combining multiple valve units 20, various circuits can be realized while maintaining a compact design.

[0090] [Other embodiments] Although an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and it is of course possible to implement it in various modified forms without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

[0091] Female connectors 51 and 52 are provided at one end of the first channel 21 and the second channel 22, respectively, and male connectors 61 and 62, which are connected to the female connectors 51 and 52, are provided at the other end of the first channel 21 and the second channel 22, respectively. However, a configuration without such a connector structure is also possible.

[0092] Although a recess 23B is provided in the bent portion 23A of the third flow path 23, a configuration without such a recess 23B is also possible. Although a rib 16B is formed in the flow path 36 of the valve body 16, a configuration without such a rib 16B is also possible.

[0093] A first projection 71 is provided at the connection point between the first channel 21 and the first inlet / outlet 31, and a second projection 72 is provided at the connection point between the second channel 22 and the second inlet / outlet 32. However, either the first projection 71 or the second projection 72 may be provided, or neither the first projection 71 nor the second projection 72 may be provided.

[0094] Although it is possible to stack and connect another valve unit 20 on the opposite side of the first valve unit 20 from the rotational drive unit 18, other components may be interposed between the two valve units 20. Furthermore, such connection is not required.

[0095] In the first valve unit 20, the distance W between the centers of the ends of the first flow path 21 and the end of the second flow path 22 is set to be equal to the distance H between the centers of the ends of the first flow path 21 in the overlapping direction when another valve unit 20 is stacked on top of the first valve unit 20 (W=H). However, the distance W between the centers may be different from the distance H between the centers. Also, in the above flow path switching valve, the valve unit 20 is configured to be stacked in two stages, but it may be stacked in three or more stages.

[0096] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-120887, filed on 28 July 2022, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually noted to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A valve unit comprising: a valve body having a valve chamber formed inside, with a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet formed on the wall surface forming the valve chamber, for fluid to enter and exit, respectively, and a third inlet / outlet formed on the bottom surface of the valve chamber; a ball-shaped valve body rotatably arranged within the valve chamber and having a flow path formed therein; a first flow path communicating with the first inlet / outlet; a second flow path arranged parallel to the first flow path with the valve body in between and communicating with the second inlet / outlet; a third flow path communicating with the third inlet / outlet and having an opening on the opposite side from the third inlet / outlet; and sealing parts that seal the space between the valve body and the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet, respectively. A rotary drive unit connected to the valve unit rotates the valve body so that the communication state of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet is switched through the flow path of the valve body, It has, The first passage and the second passage of one valve unit can be connected to the first passage and the second passage of another valve unit, respectively. Female connectors are provided at one end of the first channel and the second channel, respectively. A flow path switching valve, wherein a male connector, which can be connected to the female connector, is provided at the other end of the first flow path and the second flow path, respectively.

2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the third flow path has a bent portion, and a spherical recess is provided in the portion of the bent portion facing the third inlet and outlet.

3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the flow path of the valve body has ribs that extend in the direction toward the third inlet and outlet.

4. The connection portion between the first flow path and the first inlet / outlet is provided with a first projection that protrudes from the first inlet / outlet side toward the interior of the first flow path. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the connection portion between the second flow path and the second inlet / outlet is provided with a second projection that protrudes from the second inlet / outlet side toward the interior of the second flow path.

5. On the side of one valve unit opposite the rotational drive unit, another valve unit can be stacked and connected. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein a portion of one valve unit that overlaps with another valve unit is a lid that closes the valve chamber of the other valve unit.

6. Another valve unit is connected in stacks on the side of one valve unit opposite to the rotational drive unit. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the two valve bodies in the two valve units are rotated by one of the rotary drive units.

7. On the side of one valve unit opposite the rotational drive unit, another valve unit can be stacked and connected. The distance between the centers of the end of the first flow path and the end of the second flow path in one of the valve units is The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the centers of the ends of the first flow path in the overlapping direction is equal to the distance between the centers of the ends of the first flow path in a state in which one valve unit is stacked and connected to one of the valve units.

8. A sub-channel is provided at a position opposite the first inlet / outlet in the first channel, The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein a storage tank can be connected to the aforementioned sub-flow path.

9. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein pumps can be attached to the first flow path and the second flow path, respectively.

10. A through hole is formed at the bottom of the recess. The flow path switching valve according to claim 2, wherein the through hole is closed by a closing section equipped with a temperature sensor.

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