Switching device and vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides a switching device that can prevent foreign matter from entering the actuator that drives the spool valve. [Solution] The switching device 100 comprises a spool valve 30 extending in the Z direction, a case 20 housing the spool valve 30, and an actuator 40 for driving the spool valve 30. Inside the case 20, spaces S11 to S13 are formed in which the spool valve 30 moves in the Z direction, and a flow path 21a is connected to spaces S11 to S13. The actuator 40 includes a rod 41 connected to the spool valve 30 and a motor 45 that generates a driving force to move the rod 41 in the Z direction. The rod 41 is inserted into the case 20 from the Z1 side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a switching device and a vehicle.

Background Art

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

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Although not described in Patent Document 1 above, it is conceivable to use a spool valve that is axially moved by an actuator for the switching valve. In this configuration, foreign matter in the heat medium may enter the actuator, and the actuator may bite into the foreign matter. As a result, abnormalities may occur in the driving of the actuator.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a switching device and a vehicle capable of suppressing the entry of foreign matter into an actuator that drives a spool valve.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A switching device according to the first aspect of this disclosure is a switching device capable of switching the flow path of a heat transfer medium, and comprises an axially extending spool valve, a case housing the spool valve, and an actuator for driving the spool valve. Inside the case, there is a movable space through which the spool valve moves axially, and an internal flow path connected to the movable space through which the heat transfer medium flows. The actuator includes a connecting portion connected to the spool valve and a drive portion that generates a driving force to move the connecting portion axially. The connecting portion is inserted into the case from above.

[0007] A vehicle relating to the second aspect of this disclosure comprises a switching device relating to the first aspect and a vehicle body housing the switching device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to suppress the ingress of foreign matter into the actuator that drives the spool valve. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a first side view showing a vehicle equipped with a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a second side view showing a vehicle equipped with a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing an actuator and spool valve of a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a front view showing the configuration of the case body of a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a front view showing the configuration of the case cover of a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration near the rod of a switching device according to one embodiment. [Figure 8]This is a plan view of the rod and cylinder of a switching device according to one embodiment, as seen from the Z2 side. [Figure 9] Figure 7 is a magnified view of the area near the lip seal. [Figure 10] This is a schematic side view showing a switching device according to a modified embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or equivalent components are given the same number.

[0011] Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle 1 equipped with a switching device 100 according to this embodiment. Note that the application of the switching device 100 is not limited to vehicle applications. In this specification, the Z direction is defined as the vertical direction. Specifically, the Z1 direction is upward and the Z2 direction is downward. The X and Y directions are each perpendicular to the Z direction. The X and Y directions are perpendicular to each other in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction. The X1 and X2 directions are defined as the front and rear of the vehicle, respectively. The Y1 and Y2 directions are defined as the left and right of the vehicle, respectively. Note that the Z direction is an example of the "vertical direction" and "axial direction" as used in this disclosure.

[0012] Vehicle 1 comprises a vehicle body 2, a drive unit 3, and multiple (four) wheels 4, in addition to the switching device 100. Examples of vehicle 1 include hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles.

[0013] The vehicle body 2 houses the switching device 100 and the drive device 3. In the vehicle body 2, a space S1 for housing the switching device 100 and a space S2 for housing the drive device 3 are formed. The space S1 and the space S2 may be partitioned (isolated). Note that the space S1 is an example of the "accommodation space" in the present disclosure.

[0014] The vehicle body 2 includes a bonnet 2a. The bonnet 2a covers the space S1 from above. The bonnet 2a is openable and closable. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state where the bonnet 2a is closed, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state where the bonnet 2a is opened. When the bonnet 2a is opened, the space S1 is exposed. As a result, a user of the vehicle 1 or the like can access the switching device 100 when the bonnet 2a is opened. Note that the bonnet 2a is an example of the "upper surface portion" in the present disclosure.

[0015] Referring to FIG. 1 again, the drive device 3 is a device that generates the driving force of the vehicle body 2. The drive device 3 may be, for example, a device in which components such as a gear, a motor, and an inverter are integrated (packaged). Further, the drive device 3 may be a transaxle constituted by a transmission and a differential gear.

[0016] The switching device 100 faces the bonnet 2a in the Z direction. In other words, the switching device 100 is disposed at a position where there is no intervening object between the switching device 100 and the bonnet 2a. The upper end portion 101 of the switching device 100 may be disposed along the bonnet 2a.

[0017] As a result, in a state where the bonnet 2a is opened, a user or the like can easily access the switching device 100.

[0018] The switching device 100 is disposed on the Z1 side of the drive device 3. Specifically, the lower end portion 102 of the switching device 100 is disposed on the Z1 side of the upper end portion 3a of the drive device 3. Note that the switching device 100 may be disposed at a position overlapping the drive device 3 in the Z direction.

[0019] Thus, when the switching device 100 is arranged on the Z2 side of the driving device 3, the user or the like can more easily access the switching device 100 from the Z1 side as compared with the case where the switching device 100 is arranged on the Z2 side of the driving device 3.

[0020] The switching device 100 is arranged on the Z1 side of the wheel 4. Specifically, the lower end portion 102 of the switching device 100 is arranged on the Z1 side of the upper end portion 4a of the wheel 4.

[0021] Thus, when the switching device 100 is arranged on the Z2 side of the upper end portion 4a of the wheel 4, the user or the like can more easily access the switching device 100 from the Z1 side as compared with the case where the switching device 100 is arranged on the Z2 side of the upper end portion 4a of the wheel 4.

[0022] Note that the position of the switching device 100 in the Z direction is not limited to the above example. For example, in the Z direction, the lower end portion 102 of the switching device 100 may be at the same position as the upper end portion 4a of the wheel 4 (or the upper end portion 3a of the driving device 3) or on the Z2 side.

[0023] The switching device 100 is connected to a circuit (not shown) provided in the vehicle body 2. In the above circuit, a heat medium (such as water) for heat transfer may circulate. The above circuit may be, for example, a heat management circuit for temperature control of a vehicle battery.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the switching device 100. The switching device 100 includes at least one water pump 10, a case 20, at least one spool valve 30 (FIG. 4), and an actuator 40. In the present embodiment, the switching device 100 includes three water pumps 10 and three spool valves 30. Note that the number of each of the water pump 10 and the spool valve 30 is not limited to three, and may be, for example, one.

[0025] Each of the water pumps 10 circulates a heat transfer medium in the heat management circuit. The water pumps 10 include water pump 11, water pump 12, and water pump 13. Each water pump 10 may be formed in a columnar shape (a cylinder in Figure 3) as shown in Figure 3.

[0026] The case 20 houses multiple water pumps 10 and multiple spool valves 30. In other words, the multiple water pumps 10 and multiple spool valves 30 are housed in a common case 20. The case 20 may be made of resin.

[0027] Case 20 includes a body 21, a gasket 22, and a cover 23. The body 21, gasket 22, and cover 23 are arranged in the Y direction. The Y2 side end (periphery) of the body 21 is connected to the Y1 side end (periphery) of the cover 23.

[0028] The gasket 22 is positioned between the body 21 and the cover 23, sealing the gap between the body 21 and the cover 23. The body 21 is located on the Y1 side of the gasket 22. The cover 23 is located on the Y2 side of the gasket 22.

[0029] The case 20 (body 21) includes a side 210 in the Y direction. Side 210 is the Y1 side of the body 21. Each of the water pumps 11, 12, and 13 is mounted on side 210. That is, each of the water pumps 11, 12, and 13 is attached to the case 20 from the same direction (Y1 side).

[0030] The case 20 includes an inlet port 24 and an outlet port 25. The inlet port 24 allows the heat transfer medium to flow into the case 20. The outlet port 25 allows the heat transfer medium to flow out of the case 20. Each of the inlet port 24 and the outlet port 25 is provided in the body 21 and the cover 23, respectively. Each of the inlet port 24 and the outlet port 25 extends in the X direction.

[0031] The orientation in which the switching device 100 is positioned may be rotated relative to the orientation shown in Figure 3. For example, the switching device 100 may be positioned so that the inlet port 24 and the outlet port 25 each extend in the Y direction.

[0032] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a plurality of spool valves 30 and an actuator 40. Each of the plurality of spool valves 30 extends in the Z direction. The axial directions of each spool valve 30 are parallel to each other. The actuator 40 drives each of the plurality of spool valves 30.

[0033] Each of the multiple spool valves 30 switches the flow path of the heat transfer medium. The multiple spool valves 30 include spool valve 31, spool valve 32, and spool valve 33. Each of the spool valves 31, 32, and 33 is housed in case 20. In the following, when "spool valve 30" is mentioned, it refers to each of the spool valves 31, 32, and 33.

[0034] Each spool valve 30 is generally formed in a cylindrical shape. Spool valve 33 is formed in a hollow shape. Spool valves 31 and 32 are not hollow. Spool valve 33 may be connected to a high-temperature circuit in the heat management circuit described above, in which a relatively high-temperature heat transfer medium, such as a heater, circulates.

[0035] Each spool valve 30 is configured to be movable in the axial direction (Z direction). As the axial position of each spool valve 30 changes, the connection state between the openings and gaps formed in each spool valve 30 and the heat transfer medium flow path (flow path 21a (Figure 5) described later) in the case 20 is switched. For example, spool valve 31 has a gap 31a in which the shaft portion 30a of the spool valve 30 is exposed. Spool valve 32 has gaps 32a and 32b in which the shaft portion 30a is exposed. The positions of gaps 32a and 32b are different in the Z direction. Openings 33a and 33b are formed on the outer circumferential surface of spool valve 33. The positions of openings 33a and 33b are different in the Z direction. As the positions of the gaps 31a, 32a, 32b and openings 33a, 33b in the Z direction change, the flow state of the heat transfer medium in each spool valve 30 changes.

[0036] Furthermore, openings 33c and 33d are formed at the Z1-side end and Z2-side end of the spool valve 33, respectively.

[0037] Each of the multiple spool valves 30 is located inside the body 21. In other words, the body 21 houses the multiple spool valves 30.

[0038] Multiple spool valves 30 are arranged at intervals in the X direction. That is, multiple spool valves 30 are arranged in the X direction.

[0039] Each of the spool valves 31 to 33 is provided with multiple spool seals 30b. The multiple spool seals 30b are arranged at intervals in the Z direction on the outer circumferential surface of each of the spool valves 31 to 33. Note that in Figure 4, for simplification, only some of the spool seals 30b are labeled with reference numerals.

[0040] The actuator 40 includes three rods 41 and an actuator case 42. The three rods 41 are connected to spool valves 31, 32, and 33, respectively. Each rod 41 is configured to be movable in the Z direction. As each rod 41 moves in the Z direction, each spool valve 30 connected to the rod 41 also moves in the Z direction. Each rod 41 extends in the Z direction. Note that the rods 41 are an example of the "connecting portion" in this disclosure.

[0041] The actuator case 42 includes three cylinders 43 and three base seals 44. The rod 41 slides in the Z direction within each cylinder 43. The base seals 44 are located near the Z2 end of each cylinder 43. Note that "near the end" has a broad meaning that includes both the end and the vicinity of the end. The cylinders 43 are also an example of the "enclosure" in this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 5 is a front view showing the interior of the body 21. Multiple flow channels 21a are formed in the body 21. In Figure 3, for simplification, only some of the flow channels 21a are labeled with reference numerals. Note that the flow channels 21a are an example of the "internal flow channels" of this disclosure.

[0043] The inlet port 24 (Figure 3) provided on the body 21 includes ports 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, and 24e. The outlet port 25 (Figure 3) connected to the body 21 includes port 25a.

[0044] The spool valves 31 to 33 are each housed in spaces S11 to S13 within the case 20. Specifically, the spool valves 31, 32, and 33 are positioned in surrounding portions 26, 27, and 28 formed in the body 21, respectively. The surrounding portion 26 that surrounds the spool valve 31 allows the spool valve 31 to move in the Z direction within space S11 of the surrounding portion 26. The surrounding portion 27 that surrounds the spool valve 32 allows the spool valve 32 to move in the Z direction within space S12 of the surrounding portion 27. The surrounding portion 28 that surrounds the spool valve 33 allows the spool valve 33 to move in the Z direction within space S13 of the surrounding portion 28. Each surrounding portion 26 to 28 (spaces S11 to S13) is connected to one of a plurality of flow paths 21a. As a result, the heat transfer medium flowing through each flow path 21a flows in and out of spaces S11 to S13. Each of spaces S11 to S13 is an example of a "movement space" as described in this disclosure.

[0045] Each spool seal 30b (Figure 4) and each base seal 44 (Figure 4) are in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of each surrounding portion 26-28. Each spool seal 30b is slidable in the Z direction along with each spool valve 31-33 relative to the inner circumferential surface of each surrounding portion 26-28 while in close contact with the inner circumferential surface.

[0046] The body 21 includes a top plate 21b. The top plate 21b is positioned on the Z1 side of the multiple flow channels 21a and spaces S11 to S13. Specifically, the top plate 21b is positioned to overlap with the multiple flow channels 21a and spaces S11 to S13 in the Z direction.

[0047] The gasket 22 has multiple openings 22a. The heat transfer medium can move between the body 21 and the cover 23 through the openings 22a. In Figure 5, for simplification, only some of the openings 22a are labeled.

[0048] Figure 6 is a front view showing the inside of the cover 23. Multiple channels 23a are formed in the cover 23. In Figure 3, for simplification, only some of the channels 23a are labeled with reference numerals.

[0049] The inlet port 24 (Figure 3) connected to cover 23 includes ports 24f, 24g, and 24h. The outlet port 25 (Figure 3) connected to cover 23 includes ports 25b, 25c, and 25d.

[0050] The cover 23 includes a top plate 23b. The top plate 23b is positioned on the Z1 side of the multiple flow channels 23a. Specifically, the top plate 23b is positioned to overlap with the multiple flow channels 23a in the Z direction. The top plate 23b and the top plate 21b of the body 21 (Figure 5) constitute the top plate 20a of the case 20.

[0051] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the actuator 40. In Figure 7, only the rod 41 connected to the spool valve 31 is shown among the three rods 41, but the configurations corresponding to the remaining two rods 41 are the same, so a detailed explanation is not provided.

[0052] In conventional switching devices, foreign matter from the heat transfer medium can enter the actuator, causing the actuator to become jammed with the foreign matter. As a result, malfunctions may occur in the actuator's operation.

[0053] Therefore, in this embodiment, the rod 41 is inserted into the case 20 from the Z1 side. Since foreign matter tends to move towards the Z2 side in the heat transfer medium, it is possible to suppress the movement of foreign matter towards the base side (Z1 side) of the rod 41. As a result, it is possible to suppress the ingress of foreign matter into the actuator 40.

[0054] The rod 41 passes through a through hole 21c formed in the top plate 21b of the body 21. The top plate 21b has through holes 21c corresponding to each rod 41. In other words, the top plate 21b has three through holes 21c arranged in the X direction.

[0055] Figure 8 is a plan view of the rod 41 from a position P (Figure 4) located away from the rod 41 in the Z direction. The cylinder 43 surrounds the rod 41 as seen from position P. As seen from position P, the cylinder 43 surrounds the rod 41 from the outer circumference. In other words, the cylinder 43 is positioned radially outward from the rod 41. Radial direction means the radial direction around the axis of the rod 41. Note that the spool valve 30 is omitted from Figure 8 for clarity.

[0056] Referring again to Figure 7, a space S21 is formed inside the cylinder 43. The space S21 extends from the Z2 side end face 43a of the cylinder 43 to the Z1 side. That is, an opening 43b communicating with the space S21 is formed in the end face 43a. The rod 41 is inserted into the space S21 through the opening 43b. The opening 43b has a circular shape (Figure 8). The rod 41 is positioned so that its axis (central axis) intersects the center of the opening 43b.

[0057] Space S21 includes the sliding space S21a. Sliding space S21a is the space in the Z direction adjacent to space S21b, where the lip seal 47 described later is located, within space S21. The rod 41 slides in the Z direction within the sliding space S21a.

[0058] The cylinder 43 is inserted into the case 20 from above. Specifically, the cylinder 43 is inserted into the body 21 together with the rod 41, passing through the through hole 21c.

[0059] This prevents foreign matter from entering the gap G between the outer circumferential surface 41a of the rod 41 and the inner circumferential surface 43c of the cylinder 43.

[0060] The cylinder 43 is fitted into the through hole 21c. The base seal 44 is sandwiched between the portion of the cylinder 43 inserted into the through hole 21c and the inner circumferential surface 21d of the top plate 21b that defines the through hole 21c. This makes it possible for the base seal 44 to prevent the heat transfer medium in the flow path 21a from leaking out of the through hole 21c to the outside of the case 20.

[0061] The actuator 40 includes a motor 45, a shaft 46, and a lip seal 47. The motor 45 and shaft 46 are examples of the "drive unit" and "shaft member" as defined in this disclosure, respectively. The lip seal 47 is an example of the "seal member" as defined in this disclosure.

[0062] Motor 45 generates a driving force that moves the rod 41 in the Z direction. A separate motor 45 is provided for each rod 41. In other words, the actuator 40 includes three motors 45.

[0063] Each motor 45 is housed in an actuator case 42. Each motor 45 is housed in a housing chamber S22 within the actuator case 42. The actuator case 42 includes a housing chamber defining section 48 that defines the housing chamber S22. The housing chamber defining section 48 defines one housing chamber S22 in which three motors 45 are housed.

[0064] Each of the three cylinders 43 is fixed to the housing chamber criterion 48. The three cylinders 43 may be integrally formed with the housing chamber criterion 48. Alternatively, the three cylinders 43 may be formed from separate components from the housing chamber criterion 48 and fixed to the housing chamber criterion 48 by a jig or the like.

[0065] The containment chamber section 48 is positioned closer to Z1 than the rod 41. This prevents the heat transfer medium, and consequently foreign matter within the heat transfer medium, from entering the containment chamber S22.

[0066] The housing chamber defusing section 48 is located on the Z1 side of the cylinder 43. Specifically, the cylinder 43 extends from the lower portion 48a of the housing chamber defusing section 48 toward the Z2 side. The lower portion 48a is the part located on the Z2 side of the housing chamber S22. That is, the lower portion 48a may extend in the X direction along the housing chamber S22. In this case, only a part of the lower portion 48a is located between the housing chamber S22 and the cylinder 43.

[0067] The containment chamber defusing section 48 is positioned on the Z1 side of the case 20. Specifically, the lower end of the containment chamber defusing section 48 is positioned on the Z1 side of the case 20. The containment chamber defusing section 48 and the case 20 are spaced apart. This makes it possible to suppress the flow of the heat transfer medium into the containment chamber S22 and the space S21 compared to the case where at least a part of the containment chamber defusing section 48 is located inside the case 20 (flow channel 21a).

[0068] The shaft 46 extends in the Z direction from the motor 45 toward the rod 41. The shaft 46 has a cylindrical shape. The shaft 46 may be directly connected to the motor 45, or it may be indirectly connected to the motor 45 by being connected to a gear connected to the motor 45. The shaft 46 transmits the driving force generated by the motor 45 to the rod 41.

[0069] The shaft 46 is configured to be rotatable. The shaft 46 rotates around its axis due to the driving force generated by the motor 45. The axis of the shaft 46 and the axis of the rod 41 coincide (overlap).

[0070] An insertion hole 41b is formed in the rod 41. The shaft 46 is inserted into the insertion hole 41b from the Z1 side. Note that the insertion hole 41b is an example of a "shaft member insertion hole" as disclosed herein.

[0071] This allows the shaft 46 to be easily inserted into the insertion hole 41b formed in the rod 41, in a configuration where the shaft 46 extends toward the rod 41 from the Z1 side.

[0072] The insertion hole 41b of the rod 41 extends downward from the upper end surface 41c of the rod 41. An opening 41d is formed in the upper end surface 41c, communicating with the insertion hole 41b. The shaft 46 is inserted into the insertion hole 41b through the opening 41d.

[0073] The shaft 46 includes an outer circumferential surface 46a. A lead screw 46b is provided on the outer circumferential surface 46a. The lead screw 46b is an example of the "first lead screw" of this disclosure.

[0074] The rod 41 includes an inner circumferential surface 41e and a bottom surface 41f. The inner circumferential surface 41e and the bottom surface 41f define the insertion hole 41b. The inner circumferential surface 41e faces the outer circumferential surface 46a of the shaft 46. A lead screw 41g is provided on the inner circumferential surface 41e. The lead screw 41g meshes with the lead screw 46b of the shaft 46. As a result, the rotational force of the shaft 46 is converted into a thrust force that moves the rod 41 in the Z direction by the lead screw 46b and the lead screw 41g. The lower end of the shaft 46 may be in contact with the bottom surface 41f. The lead screw 41g is an example of the "second lead screw" of this disclosure.

[0075] The lip seal 47 is provided between the sliding space S21a and the housing chamber S22. Specifically, the lip seal 47 is positioned in the space S21b formed between the sliding space S21a and the housing chamber S22. Space S21b is formed at the upper end of space S21 and is located adjacent to the sliding space S21a in the Z direction.

[0076] A through hole 47a is formed in the lip seal 47. The shaft 46 extends from the motor 45 to the rod 41 by passing through the through hole 47a.

[0077] This allows the drive force of the motor 45 to be transmitted to the rod 41 via the shaft 46 while the lip seal 47 prevents the heat transfer medium in space S21 from leaking into the containment chamber S22. In addition, the air contained in the heat transfer medium in space S21 tends to move towards Z1, and this air can be discharged into the containment chamber S22 through the through hole 47a of the lip seal 47.

[0078] Figure 9 is a magnified view of the area near the lip seal 47 in Figure 7. The lip seal 47 has an inner circumference 47b, a spring 47c, an outer circumference 47d, and a connecting portion 47e.

[0079] The inner circumference 47b is formed in an annular shape. The shaft 46 penetrates the inner circumference 47b in the Z direction. The inner surface of the inner circumference 47b is adjacent to the outer surface 46a of the shaft 46. The lead screw 46b is not provided on the portion of the outer surface 46a that is adjacent to the inner surface of the inner circumference 47b. The through hole 47a is formed in the inner circumference 47b.

[0080] The spring 47c is formed in an annular shape. The spring 47c surrounds the inner circumference 47b from the outer circumference and also applies a biasing force to the inner circumference 47b from the outer circumference. This biasing force determines the degree of contact between the shaft 46 and the inner circumference 47b.

[0081] The outer circumference 47d is formed in an annular shape. The outer circumference 47d is in close contact with the inner circumference 43c of the cylinder 43. The outer circumference 47d may be fixed to the actuator case 42 (cylinder 43) by a biasing force from a metal ring (not shown) provided inside the lip seal 47.

[0082] The connecting portion 47e connects the inner circumference portion 47b and the outer circumference portion 47d. The connecting portion 47e is also formed in an annular shape, similar to the inner circumference portion 47b and the outer circumference portion 47d.

[0083] Referring again to Figure 7, the actuator 40 includes a pin member 49. The rod 41 includes an end 41h on the Z2 side. The spool valve 30 also includes an end 34 on the Z1 side. The end 41h of the rod 41 and the end 34 of the spool valve 30 are connected by the pin member 49. The pin member 49 penetrates both the end 41h and the end 34. The pin member 49 may have, for example, a rod shape extending in the X direction.

[0084] As described above, in the above embodiment, the rod 41 is inserted into the case 20 from above (Z1 side). As a result, since the rod 41 is inserted into the flow path 21a from above, it is possible to suppress foreign matter in the heat transfer medium flowing through the flow path 21a from entering the actuator 40. Consequently, for example, it is possible to suppress abnormalities in the operation of the actuator 40 caused by foreign matter entering between the rod 41 and the shaft 46.

[0085] (modified version) In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the rod 41 and the spool valve 30 each extend in the Z direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. As shown in Figure 10, if the rod 41 is inserted into the case 20 from the Z1 side, the direction in which the rod 41 and the spool valve 30 each extend (the direction in which they move) may intersect with the Z direction.

[0086] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the cylinder 43 is inserted into the case 20 from the Z1 side together with the rod 41, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The cylinder 43 does not have to be inserted into the case 20. The actuator case 42 does not have to be provided with the cylinder 43.

[0087] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the housing chamber defining section 48 that defines the housing chamber S22 is positioned on the Z1 side of the rod 41, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the housing chamber defining section 48 may be positioned to the side of the rod 41 (cylinder 43) (to the Y1 side or Y2 side). Alternatively, the housing chamber defining section 48 may be positioned to the side of the case 20.

[0088] In the above embodiment, an example in which a lip seal 47 is used is shown, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. Instead of the lip seal 47, for example, a mechanical seal or a gland packing may be used.

[0089] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the shaft 46 is inserted into the rod 41, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the shaft member may be in contact with the upper end surface of the rod, and the rod may be moved axially by applying a pressing force against the upper end surface. In this case, the shaft member may be configured to be movable (or extendable) in the axial direction without rotation.

[0090] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the switching device 100 and the bonnet 2a face each other in the Z direction, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the switching device 100 may be housed in a case having a cover that covers the switching device 100 from the Z1 side.

[0091] Furthermore, the configurations of the above embodiments and the various modified examples may be combined with each other.

[0092] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] 1 Vehicle, 2 Vehicle body, 2a Bonnet (top surface), 3 Drive unit, 4 Wheels, 20 Case, 21a Flow path (internal flow path), 30, 31, 32, 33 Spool valve, 40 Actuator, 41 Rod (connecting part), 41b Insertion hole (shaft member insertion hole), 41e Inner circumferential surface, 41g Lead screw (second lead screw), 42 Actuator case, 43 Cylinder (enclosing part), 45 Motor (drive unit), 46 Shaft (shaft member), 46a Outer circumferential surface, 46b Lead screw (first lead screw), 47 Lip seal (sealing member), 47a Through hole, 48 Housing chamber defined part, 100 Switching device, S1 Space (housing space), S11, S12, S13 Space (moving space), S21a Sliding space, S22 Housing chamber.

Claims

1. A switching device capable of switching the flow path of a heat transfer medium, A spool valve extending in the axial direction, A case for housing the aforementioned spool valve, The system includes an actuator that drives the spool valve, Inside the aforementioned case, The spool valve has a movement space in which it moves in the axial direction, An internal channel is formed which is connected to the aforementioned moving space and through which the heat transfer medium flows, The actuator is The connecting portion connected to the spool valve, The drive unit includes a drive unit that generates a driving force to move the connecting portion in the axial direction, The aforementioned connecting portion is a switching device inserted into the case from above.

2. The actuator includes an actuator case that houses the drive unit, The actuator case has a surrounding portion that encloses the connecting portion when viewed from a position spaced apart from the connecting portion in the axial direction, The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the surrounding portion is inserted into the case from above.

3. The actuator case includes a housing chamber defining section that defines a housing chamber for housing the drive unit, The switching device according to claim 2, wherein the accommodation chamber regulating section is positioned above the connecting section.

4. The switching device according to claim 3, wherein the housing chamber regulating section is positioned above the case.

5. A sliding space is formed within the actuator case, through which the connecting portion slides in the axial direction. The actuator is A sealing member provided between the sliding space and the housing chamber, The drive unit transmits the driving force generated by the drive unit to the connecting unit and includes a shaft member that extends in the axial direction, The switching device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the shaft member extends from the drive unit to the connecting unit by passing through a through hole formed in the seal member.

6. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein the sealing member includes a lip seal.

7. The aforementioned shaft member is configured to be rotatable, The connecting portion has a shaft member insertion hole into which the shaft member is inserted. The shaft member has an outer surface on which the first lead screw is provided, The shaft member insertion hole has an inner circumferential surface on which a second feed screw that engages with the first feed screw is provided. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein the shaft member is inserted into the shaft member insertion hole from above.

8. The switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the axial direction is the vertical direction.

9. A switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A vehicle comprising a vehicle body housing the aforementioned switching device.

10. The vehicle body has a housing space formed therein in which the switching device is housed. The vehicle body includes an openable and closable upper portion that covers the storage space from above, The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the switching device is positioned vertically opposite to the upper surface portion.

11. The vehicle further comprises a drive device that generates the driving force of the vehicle body, The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the switching device is positioned above the drive unit.

12. Equipped with additional wheels, The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the switching device is positioned above the wheels.

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