Valves and cooling modules for cooling modules

Abstract

The present invention provides a valve and cooling module for cooling modules that offer a high degree of flexibility in routing the inflow and outflow channels. [Solution] The cooling module valve, which switches between multiple fluid passages flowing within the cooling module, comprises a valve chamber through which the fluid flows in and out, a valve body 6A housed in the valve chamber and switching between multiple passages, and at least one of at least one inflow reserve chamber 6D, 6E and at least one outflow reserve chamber 6F, 6G located adjacent to the valve chamber. The valve body 6A rotates around a rotation axis and is divided into multiple valve spaces 63e, 63f, 63g in the circumferential direction by connecting plates, and the valve spaces 63f, 63g are further divided into multiple spaces in the direction of the rotation axis by partition plates. Discs are arranged at both ends in the direction of the rotation axis, and the fluid does not flow in along the direction of the rotation axis but flows in along the radial direction and flows out along the radial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve for a cooling module and a cooling module.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, automobiles equipped with a motor as a driving power source (hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), battery electric vehicles (BEV), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV), etc.) have become popular. These automobiles (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electric vehicles") have a battery for driving the motor. In electric vehicles, there are many devices that require cooling, such as a motor (including an internal combustion engine such as an engine), a battery, an air conditioner, an ECU, etc., and a cooling circuit for circulating cooling water is configured to cool these devices. However, these devices may have different appropriate operating temperatures individually. In such a case, in order to change the temperature of the circulating cooling water for each device with a different operating temperature, it is necessary to configure an independent cooling circuit for each temperature of the cooling water, and the routing of the piping of the cooling circuit and the circuit configuration become complicated. Even in a valve that switches the flow path, it is necessary to cope with such a complicated circuit configuration.

[0003] In the cooling module (in Patent Document 1, a flow path switching device) disclosed in Patent Document 1, a valve (in Patent Document 1, a heat medium three-way valve) in which an inflow path (in Patent Document 1, a heat medium inflow port) into which cooling water (in Patent Document 1, a heat medium) flows and an outflow path (in Patent Document 1, a heat medium outflow port) through which the cooling water flows out are formed at different height positions is disclosed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

[0005] In the cooling module valve disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cooling water that flows in inside the valve is moved vertically and then discharged. The inlet and outlet passages are formed in a direction that intersects the valve housing. In the valve disclosed in Patent Document 1, the inlet and outlet passages must be positioned according to the height of the valve, so the positioning of the inlet and outlet passages is constrained by the valve, and as a result, the routing of the inlet and outlet passages may become complicated.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a valve for a cooling module and a cooling module that allow the arrangement of inlet and outlet passages without being restricted by the height of the valve, and that offer a high degree of freedom in routing the inlet and outlet passages. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of a cooling module valve according to the present invention is a cooling module valve for switching a plurality of flow paths, including an inlet passage and an outlet passage for a fluid flowing within a cooling module, comprising: a valve chamber into which the fluid flowing through the inlet passage flows in and into which the fluid flowing through the outlet passage flows out; a valve body housed in the valve chamber for switching the plurality of flow paths; and at least one of at least one inlet reserve chamber located adjacent to the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the inlet passage, and at least one outlet reserve chamber located adjacent to the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the outlet passage.

[0008] According to this embodiment, since the valve is equipped with at least one of an inlet reserve chamber located between the valve chamber and the inlet passage, and an outlet reserve chamber located between the valve chamber and the outlet passage, the fluid flows into the valve chamber via the inlet reserve chamber and out of the valve chamber via the outlet reserve chamber. Therefore, by appropriately designing the size (height) of the inlet reserve chamber and the outlet reserve chamber, the arrangement of the inlet passage and the outlet passage is not restricted by the height of the cooling module valve. This makes it possible to provide a cooling module valve with a high degree of freedom in routing the inlet passage and the outlet passage.

[0009] One embodiment of the cooling module according to the present invention comprises a manifold formed by joining a plurality of resin housings, a cooling module valve housed in the manifold for switching between a plurality of flow paths, and a water pump for pumping fluid flowing through the flow paths, wherein the cooling module valve has a valve body, a valve chamber housing the valve body, and a spare chamber positioned adjacent to the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the flow path, the resin housing has a plurality of flow paths, the valve chamber, the spare chamber, and at least a vortex chamber of the water pump, and the resin housing is composed only of the flow paths, the valve chamber, the spare chamber, the vortex chamber, and partition walls separating them.

[0010] According to this embodiment, the manifold can be made smaller.

[0011] One embodiment of the cooling module according to the present invention comprises a manifold formed by joining a plurality of resin housings, and a cooling module valve housed in the manifold for switching between a plurality of flow paths, wherein the cooling module valve has a valve chamber and a spare chamber positioned adjacent to the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the flow path, the resin housing has a plurality of flow paths, the valve chamber and the spare chamber formed therein, the valve chamber includes a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber, and the resin housing has a valve communication passage connecting the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber.

[0012] According to this embodiment, fluid can be communicated between the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber.

[0013] One embodiment of the cooling module according to the present invention comprises a manifold formed by joining a plurality of resin housings at a joint surface, and a cooling module valve housed in the manifold for switching between a plurality of flow paths, wherein the cooling module valve has a valve body that rotates about a rotation axis and a valve chamber that houses the valve body, the resin housing has a plurality of the flow paths and the valve chamber formed therein, at least a portion of the plurality of flow paths has a portion that protrudes outward from the resin housing, and the plurality of flow paths having a portion that protrudes outward from the resin housing comprises a first flow path group which is a collection of some of the flow paths, and a second flow path group which is a collection of a plurality of flow paths not included in the first flow path group and is offset from the first flow path group in a direction along the rotation axis.

[0014] According to this embodiment, since multiple flow paths are arranged at different heights, the cooling module can be made more compact. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a circuit diagram of a cooling system having a cooling module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the cooling module. [Figure 3] This is a disassembled perspective view of the cooling module. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the first housing, seen from the joint side. [Figure 5] This is a disassembled perspective view of the cooling module. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the first valve body of the first rotary valve. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view of the second valve body of the second rotary valve. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 3. [Figure 9] is a perspective view of the lower housing as viewed from the joint surface side. [Figure 10] is a sectional view taken along the line X-X of FIG. 2. [Figure 11] is a diagram showing the operation of the cooling system. [Figure 12] is a perspective view of the valve body of the rotary valve in the cooling module according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] is a partially enlarged sectional view of the cooling module. [Figure 14] is a sectional view showing the flow of cooling water when the valve body is in the first position. [Figure 15] is a sectional view showing the flow of cooling water when the valve body is in the second position. [Figure 16] is a sectional view showing the flow of cooling water when the valve body is in the third position. [Figure 17] is a perspective view of the cooling module according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] is an exploded perspective view of the cooling module. [Figure 19] is a sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX of FIG. 17. [Figure 20] is an exploded perspective view of the manifold. [Figure 21] is a perspective view of the cooling module according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] is a sectional view taken along the line XXII-XXII of FIG. 21.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the valve for a cooling module according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are examples for explaining the present invention, and the present invention is not limited only to these embodiments. Therefore, the present invention can be implemented in various forms without departing from the gist thereof.

[0017] [First Embodiment] [Cooling system configuration] As shown in Figure 1, the cooling system A, including a valve for a cooling module according to the first embodiment, is configured to include a first water pump 1A, a radiator 1B, an inverter / motor 1C, a DC-DC converter 1D, a charger 1E, a reserve tank 1F, a second water pump 2A, a heater core 2B, an electric heater 2D, a water-cooled condenser 2C, a third water pump 3A, a battery 3B, a chiller 3C, an electric heater 3D, a first rotary valve 4 (an example of a valve for a cooling module), a second rotary valve 5 (an example of a valve for a cooling module), and multiple passages for circulating cooling water (an example of a fluid, coolant) through these components. Of these, the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, the third water pump 3A, the first rotary valve 4, and the second rotary valve 5 are attached to the cooling module 10. On the other hand, the radiator 1B, inverter / motor 1C, DC-DC converter 1D, charger 1E, reserve tank 1F, heater core 2B, electric heater 2D, water-cooled condenser 2C, battery 3B, chiller 3C, and electric heater 3D are positioned at a distance from the cooling module 10 and are configured to allow cooling water to flow between them and the cooling module 10 through multiple flow paths.

[0018] Cooling system A is used in automobiles equipped with a motor as a driving source, such as hybrid vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), battery vehicles (BEV), fuel cell vehicles (FCEV), etc. (hereinafter collectively referred to as "electric vehicles"), and circulates cooling water to cool the inverter / motor 1C, battery 3B, etc.

[0019] Radiator 1B cools the high-temperature coolant. The inverter / motor 1C is the driving power source, powered by electricity supplied from battery 3B. The DC-DC converter 1D and charger 1E charge battery 3B. The heater core 2B heats the air with the high-temperature coolant to warm the interior of the vehicle. Electric heaters 2D and 3D heat the coolant when its temperature is low. The water-cooled condenser 2C and chiller 3C cool the coolant when its temperature is high. Battery 3B supplies power to inverter / motor 1C.

[0020] The first water pump 1A pumps cooling water to supply the inverter / motor 1C, DC-DC converter 1D, and charger 1E. The second water pump 2A pumps cooling water to supply the heater core 2B, electric heater 2D, and water-cooled condenser 2C. The third water pump 3A pumps cooling water to supply the battery 3B, chiller 3C, and electric heater 3D. The first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A control the flow of cooling water through multiple channels by pumping the cooling water.

[0021] Hereinafter, the circulating flow path configured to return from the radiator 1B through the first water pump 1A, inverter / motor 1C, DC-DC converter 1D, charger 1E, and reserve tank 1F to the radiator 1B will be referred to as the first circulation path 1 (see Figure 11), and the flow path formed within the cooling module 10 of the first circulation path 1 will be referred to as the first flow path 11. Similarly, the circulating flow path configured to return from the heater core 2B through the second water pump 2A, water-cooled condenser 2C, and electric heater 2D to the heater core 2B will be referred to as the second circulation path 2 (see Figure 11), and the flow path formed within the cooling module 10 of the second circulation path 2 will be referred to as the second flow path 21. Similarly, the circulating flow path configured to return from the battery 3B through the third water pump 3A, chiller 3C, and electric heater 3D to the battery 3B will be referred to as the third circulation path 3 (see Figure 11), and the flow path formed within the cooling module 10 of the third circulation path 3 will be referred to as the third flow path 31. Furthermore, a connecting channel 51 (an example of a channel and outflow path) is formed within the cooling module 10, connecting the first channel 11, the second channel 21, and the third channel 31. The channel configuration within the cooling module 10 will be described later.

[0022] [Cooling module configuration] As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the cooling module 10 is composed of a first water pump 1A, a second water pump 2A, a third water pump 3A, a first rotary valve 4, a second rotary valve 5, and a manifold 100 with flow paths for circulating cooling water through these components. The manifold 100 is formed by joining and integrating multiple housings, thereby creating multiple flow paths for circulating cooling water across at least two housings (in this embodiment, the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, which will be described later). As shown in Figure 1, the cooling module 10 does not have an internal reserve tank. By not having a reserve tank, the cooling module 10 can be made compact and its placement can be increased.

[0023] The manifold 100 is formed by joining and integrating a first housing 110 (an example of a resin housing) and a second housing 120 (an example of a resin housing), both made of resin, by methods such as vibration welding. The manifold 100 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the joint surface 105 between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 is planar. Hereinafter, the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the joint surface 105 will be defined as the X direction, the direction parallel to the short direction of the joint surface 105 will be defined as the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the joint surface 105 will be defined as the Z direction. In other words, the joint surface 105 is parallel to the XY plane. Furthermore, within the X direction, the direction from the first water pump 1A toward the third water pump 3A will be defined as the X1 direction, and the opposite direction will be defined as the X2 direction. Within the Y direction, the direction from the second outflow port 115 towards the first inflow port 111 is defined as the Y1 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the Y2 direction (the second outflow port 115 and the first inflow port 111 will be described later). Within the Z direction, the direction from the second housing 120 towards the first housing 110 is defined as the Z1 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the Z2 direction. The Z2 direction is the direction of gravity. That is, the first housing 110 is positioned vertically above the second housing 120.

[0024] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first housing 110 has a first inlet port 111, a second inlet port 112, a third inlet port 113, a first outlet port 114, a second outlet port 115, and a fifth outlet port 116. The second housing 120 has a third outlet port 121, a fourth outlet port 122, and a sixth outlet port 123. The first inlet port 111, the second inlet port 112, the third inlet port 113, the first outlet port 114, the second outlet port 115, the third outlet port 121, the fourth outlet port 122, the fifth outlet port 116, and the sixth outlet port 123 are all cylindrical in shape. The first inlet port 111, the second inlet port 112, and the third inlet port 113 are arranged side by side so that their respective axes are along the Z direction and on the same plane, and each port has an opening facing the Z1 direction. The first outflow port 114 and the third outflow port 121 are arranged side by side so that their respective axes are aligned along the X direction and lie on the same plane, and both ports have openings facing in the X2 direction. The second outflow port 115 and the fifth outflow port 116 are arranged side by side so that their respective axes are aligned along the Y direction and lie on the same plane, and both ports have openings facing in the Y2 direction. The fourth outflow port 122 and the sixth outflow port 123 are also arranged side by side so that their respective axes are aligned along the Y direction and lie on the same plane, and both ports have openings facing in the Y2 direction.

[0025] The first inlet port 111, the first outlet port 114, and the second outlet port 115 are included in the first circulation path 1 and are all connected to the first flow path 11. The second inlet port 112 and the fourth outlet port 122 are included in the second circulation path 2 and are all connected to the second flow path 21. The third inlet port 113, the fifth outlet port 116, and the sixth outlet port 123 are included in the third circulation path 3 and are all connected to the third flow path 31.

[0026] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the manifold 100, the first rotary valve 4 and the second rotary valve 5 are installed between the first inlet port 111, the second inlet port 112, the third inlet port 113 and the second outlet port 115, the fifth outlet port 116 in the first housing 110 when viewed along the Z2 direction. In the first rotary valve 4 and the second rotary valve 5, exposed on the upper part of the first housing 110 are the first actuator 4B which rotates the first valve body 4A (an example of a valve body) of the first rotary valve 4 and the second actuator 5B which rotates the second valve body 5A (an example of a valve body) of the second rotary valve 5. Both the first valve body 4A and the second valve body 5A are located inside the second housing 120 (see Figure 8). This makes it possible to control the flow of cooling water circulating through multiple passages by switching the passages formed inside the second housing 120. The first rotary valve 4 and the second rotary valve 5 are both solenoid valves whose flow paths are switched by actuators. By rotating the first valve body 4A and the second valve body 5A around an axis along the Z direction to switch the flow paths, they control the flow of cooling water circulating through multiple flow paths. The first valve body 4A is a three-way valve, and the second valve body 5A is a four-way valve. Further details will be provided later.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in the manifold 100, the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A are mounted in this order along the X1 direction in the second housing 120. At this time, the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A are arranged so that their respective rotational axes are aligned along the Y direction. The second housing 120 has a downward first subflow channel 11a that communicates with the first inlet port 111 and extends in the Z direction, a downward second subflow channel 21a that communicates with the second inlet port 112 and extends in the Z direction, and a downward third subflow channel 31a that communicates with the third inlet port 113 and extends in the Z direction. The downward first subflow channel 11a, the downward second subflow channel 21a, and the downward third subflow channel 31a are formed spanning the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. The first water pump 1A pumps the cooling water that flows in through the first inlet port 111 and the downward first sub-flow channel 11a. The second water pump 2A pumps the cooling water that flows in through the second sub-flow channel 21a and the downward second inlet port 112. The third water pump 3A pumps the cooling water that flows in through the third sub-flow channel 31a and the downward third inlet port 113. Note that the downward first sub-flow channel 11a is part of the first flow channel 11, the downward second sub-flow channel 21a is part of the second flow channel 21, and the downward third sub-flow channel 31a is part of the third flow channel 31.

[0028] The first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A are attached to a mounting portion 125 formed on the Z2 end (vertical lower end) of the second housing 120, as shown in Figure 5. The mounting portion 125 is thicker than other parts of the second housing 120. This ensures that even though the second housing 120 is made of resin, it has enough strength to mount and hold the heavy first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A.

[0029] The mounting portion 125 is formed with a first vortex chamber 1Aa where cooling water flowing into the first water pump 1A from the downward first sub-flow channel 11a is discharged by the rotation of an impeller (not shown) and then swirls; a second vortex chamber 2Aa where cooling water flowing into the second water pump 2A from the downward second sub-flow channel 21a is discharged by the rotation of an impeller and then swirls; and a third vortex chamber 3Aa where cooling water flowing into the third water pump 3A from the downward third sub-flow channel 31a is discharged by the rotation of an impeller and then swirls. In this way, the mounting portion 125 is formed with a first vortex chamber 1Aa, a second vortex chamber 2Aa, and a third vortex chamber 3Aa, so that the first water pump 1A, the second water pump 2A, and the third water pump 3A do not need shrouds to restrict the inflow and outflow directions of the cooling water, making it possible to miniaturize, lighten, and reduce the cost of the cooling module 10.

[0030] Thus, in the cooling module 10, since the manifold 100 has multiple flow paths formed across the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, the number of pipes can be reduced. Furthermore, since the manifold 100 is constructed by joining the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, even if the flow path shape and flow path configuration within the manifold 100 become complex due to consideration of the position and direction of the ports to which the pipes are connected, the shapes of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120 can be simplified. As a result, the pipes connected to the ports can be consolidated and redundant routing can be avoided, thus shortening and simplifying the length of the pipes connected to the ports.

[0031] [Rotary valve configuration] The first rotary valve 4 includes a first valve body 4A, a first valve chamber 4C (an example of a valve chamber), and a first spare chamber 4D (an example of an inlet spare chamber and spare chamber). The second rotary valve 5 includes a second valve body 5A, a second valve chamber 5C (an example of a valve chamber), a second spare chamber 5D (an example of an inlet spare chamber and spare chamber), a third spare chamber 5E (an example of an outlet spare chamber and spare chamber), and a fourth spare chamber 5F (an example of an outlet spare chamber and spare chamber).

[0032] In the first rotary valve 4, the entire first valve body 4A is housed in the first valve chamber 4C. As shown in Figure 6, the first valve body 4A has a first shaft 42 that rotates by the first actuator 4B and a first valve body 43 that rotates integrally with the first shaft 42. The first valve body 43 has a cylindrical shape with walls on the top, bottom, and sides, and through holes, namely the first flow hole 43a, the second flow hole 43b, and the third flow hole 43c, are formed in the side wall 43d. The first flow hole 43a, the second flow hole 43b, and the third flow hole 43c are adjacent to each other, spaced 90 degrees apart in the circumferential direction, and are connected to each other inside the first valve body 43. The first flow hole 43a, the second flow hole 43b, and the third flow hole 43c are all substantially rectangular and have the same opening area. The opening areas of the first flow hole 43a, the second flow hole 43b, and the third flow hole 43c are larger than the opening areas of the first communication hole 131 (an example of an inlet), the second communication hole 132, and the third communication hole 133, which will be described later (see Figure 8).

[0033] In the second rotary valve 5, the second valve body 5A is entirely housed in the second valve chamber 5C. As shown in Figure 7, the second valve body 5A has a second shaft 52 that rotates by the second actuator 5B and a second valve body 53 that rotates integrally with the second shaft 52. The second valve body 53 has a cylindrical shape, and a fourth flow hole 53a and a fifth flow hole 53b are formed in the side wall 53c. The fourth flow hole 53a and the fifth flow hole 53b are connected to each other inside the second valve body 53. The fourth flow hole 53a and the fifth flow hole 53b are spaced 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction. Both the fourth flow hole 53a and the fifth flow hole 53b have a rectangular shape, and the opening area of ​​the fourth flow hole 53a is larger than that of the fifth flow hole 53b. The opening area of ​​the fifth flow hole 53b is approximately the same as the opening areas of the fifth communication hole 135 (an example of an outlet), the sixth communication hole 136, and the seventh communication hole 137 (an example of an outlet), which will be described later. The fourth flow hole 53a has an area such that, when the second valve body 53 is rotated around the second shaft 52, the fifth flow hole 53b faces the fourth communication hole 134 (an example of an inlet), which will be described later, regardless of whether it faces the fifth communication hole 135, the sixth communication hole 136, or the seventh communication hole 137 (see Figure 8). As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the fourth communication hole 134, the fifth communication hole 135, the sixth communication hole 136, and the seventh communication hole 137 are arranged such that the axis P of the fourth communication hole 134, the axis Q of the fifth communication hole 135, the axis R of the sixth communication hole 136, and the axis S of the seventh communication hole 137 are all on the same plane. By arranging the communication holes in this way, the height of the inlet and outlet can be made the same, so the height of the second rotary valve 5 can be reduced and the cooling module 10 can be made smaller.

[0034] [Cooling water flow in the cooling module] Next, the flow of cooling water in the cooling module 10 will be explained using Figures 3 and 8 to 10. First, the flow of cooling water in the first circulation path 1 (see Figure 11) will be explained. As shown in Figure 3, the cooling water cooled by the radiator 1B enters the second housing 120 of the cooling module 10 from the first inlet port 111, flows through the downward first sub-flow path 11a in the Z2 direction, and flows into the first water pump 1A. The cooling water pumped by the first water pump 1A flows through the upward first sub-flow path 11b formed along the Z direction in the Z1 direction, and branches off from the upward first sub-flow path 11b into a lateral first sub-flow path 11c (an example of a flow path) at the joint surface 105 between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. As described above, since the first outlet port 114 is formed in the first housing 110, the cooling water that flows in the Z1 direction from the second housing 120 across the first housing 110 through the upward first subflow channel 11b then changes direction of flow in the X2 direction and flows out from the first outlet port 114. The cooling water that flows out of the cooling module 10 from the first outlet port 114 cools the DC-DC converter 1D and the charger 1E, and then flows back to the radiator 1B via the reserve tank 1F (see Figure 1).

[0035] The lateral first sub-flow channel 11c is formed across the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, and is formed along the Y direction. In other words, the lateral first sub-flow channel 11c is formed along the joint surface 105 between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, with the upper half of the lateral first sub-flow channel 11c formed in the first housing 110 and the lower half formed in the second housing 120. The lateral first sub-flow channel 11c is formed by the joining of the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. Cooling water flows through the lateral first sub-flow channel 11c in the Y2 direction and flows out of the cooling module 10 from the second outlet port 115 provided at the downstream end of the lateral first sub-flow channel 11c. The cooling water that flows out from the second outlet port 115 cools the inverter / motor 1C and returns to the radiator 1B via the reserve tank 1F (see Figure 1). Furthermore, the upward first subchannel 11b and the lateral first subchannel 11c constitute a part of the first channel 11.

[0036] Next, the flow of cooling water in the second circulation path 2 (see Figure 11) will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the cooling water cooled by the heater core 2B enters the second housing 120 of the cooling module 10 from the second inlet port 112, flows through the downward second sub-flow path 21a in the Z2 direction, and flows into the second water pump 2A. The cooling water pumped by the second water pump 2A flows through the upward second sub-flow path 21b (an example of a flow path and inlet path) formed along the Z direction in the Z1 direction. At the downstream end of the upward second sub-flow path 21b, a first spare chamber 4D is formed, which is a space that communicates with the upward second sub-flow path 21b. The first spare chamber 4D is positioned adjacent to the first valve chamber 4C of the first rotary valve 4 in the Y1 direction. The first spare chamber 4D has a first communication hole 131 that opens along the Y direction, and communicates with the first valve chamber 4C through the first communication hole 131. By providing the first spare chamber 4D, the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the upward second sub-flow channel 21b in the Z1 direction can be changed to the Y2 direction, allowing it to flow from the first communication hole 131 into the first valve chamber 4C. In other words, the upward second sub-flow channel 21b is positioned so as not to overlap with the first communication hole 131 in a side view (viewed parallel to the XY plane). The first valve chamber 4C and the first spare chamber 4D are formed spanning the second housing 120 and the first housing 110. This increases the degree of freedom in the shape (size, height) of the first spare chamber 4D and increases the degree of freedom in routing the upward second sub-flow channel 21b.

[0037] The first valve chamber 4C houses the first valve body 4A so as to be rotatable around a first shaft 42 that is aligned in the Z direction. Cooling water flowing through the upward second sub-flow channel 21b flows entirely into the first valve chamber 4C via the first spare chamber 4D and the first communication hole 131. The first valve chamber 4C communicates with the lateral second sub-flow channel 21c (an example of a flow channel) via a second communication hole 132 that is opened in the Y direction, and with the fourth flow channel 41 via a third communication hole 133 that is opened in the X direction. The lateral second sub-flow channel 21c extends along the Y direction, and the fourth flow channel 41 extends along the X direction, both of which are formed within the second housing 120 (see Figure 3). Note that the downward second sub-flow channel 21a, the upward second sub-flow channel 21b, the lateral second sub-flow channel 21c, the first valve chamber 4C, and the first spare chamber 4D constitute part of the second flow channel 21, but the fourth flow channel 41 is not part of the second flow channel 21 and does not constitute the second circulation path 2.

[0038] In the state shown in Figure 8, the third flow hole 43c of the first valve body 4A faces the first communication hole 131, the first flow hole 43a faces the second communication hole 132, while the third communication hole 133 is closed, facing the side wall 43d. As a result, the cooling water flowing into the first valve chamber 4C flows through the lateral second sub-flow channel 21c (state of the second circulation path 2 in Figure 11). Although not shown in the figure, when viewed along the Z2 direction, if the first valve body 43 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise around the first shaft 42, the second flow hole 43b faces the first communication hole 131, the third flow hole 43c faces the third communication hole 133, while the second communication hole 132 is closed, facing the side wall 43d. As a result, the cooling water flowing into the first valve chamber 4C flows through the fourth flow channel 41. In this manner, the first rotary valve 4 switches the outflow path of the cooling water, which flows through the upward second subflow path 21b formed in the cooling module 10 and enters the first valve chamber 4C via the first pre-chamber 4D, to the lateral second subflow path 21c and the fourth flow path 41.

[0039] Cooling water that flows from the first valve chamber 4C through the second communication hole 132 into the lateral second sub-flow channel 21c flows in the Y2 direction and flows out of the cooling module 10 through the fourth outlet port 122. Cooling water that flows out of the fourth outlet port 122 flows back to the heater core 2B via the water-cooled condenser 2C and the electric heater 2D (see Figure 1). Cooling water that flows from the first valve chamber 4C through the third communication hole 133 into the fourth flow channel 41 flows in the X2 direction and flows out of the cooling module 10 through the third outlet port 121. Cooling water that flows out of the second outlet port 115 flows into the radiator 1B via the reserve tank 1F (see Figure 1). The first rotary valve 4 rotates the first valve body 4A around an axis along the Z direction by the first actuator 4B, thereby switching the flow of cooling water that has flowed through the upward second sub-flow channel 21b into the first valve chamber 4C to the lateral second sub-flow channel 21c and the fourth flow channel 41.

[0040] Next, the flow of cooling water in the third circulation path 3 (see Figure 11) will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the cooling water that has cooled the battery 3B enters the second housing 120 of the cooling module 10 from the third inlet port 113, flows in the Z2 direction through the downward third sub-flow path 31a, and flows into the third water pump 3A. The cooling water pumped by the third water pump 3A flows in the Z1 direction through the upward third sub-flow path 31b (an example of a flow path and inlet path) formed along the Z direction. At the downstream end of the upward third sub-flow path 31b, a second spare chamber 5D is formed, which is a space that communicates with the upward third sub-flow path 31b. The second spare chamber 5D is positioned adjacent to the second valve chamber 5C (an example of a valve chamber) of the second rotary valve 5 in the Y1 direction. The second spare chamber 5D has a fourth communication hole 134 that opens along the Y direction, and communicates with the second valve chamber 5C through the fourth communication hole 134. By providing the second spare chamber 5D, the flow direction of the cooling water flowing in the upward third subflow channel 31b in the Z1 direction can be changed to the Y2 direction, allowing it to flow from the fourth communication hole 134 into the second valve chamber 5C. In other words, the upward third subflow channel 31b is positioned so as not to overlap with the fourth communication hole 134 in a side view. The second valve chamber 5C and the second spare chamber 5D are formed spanning the second housing 120 and the first housing 110. This increases the degree of freedom in the shape (size, height) of the second spare chamber 5D and increases the degree of freedom in routing the upward third subflow channel 31b.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, the second valve chamber 5C houses the second valve body 5A so as to be rotatable around a second shaft 52 along the Z direction. The cooling water flowing through the upward third sub-flow channel 31b flows entirely into the second valve chamber 5C via the second spare chamber 5D and the fourth communication hole 134. The second valve chamber 5C has a sixth communication hole 136 that opens along the Y direction and communicates with the lateral third sub-flow channel 31d via the sixth communication hole 136. The second valve chamber 5C also has a fifth communication hole 135 (an example of an outlet) and a seventh communication hole 137 (an example of an outlet) that open adjacently on both sides of the sixth communication hole 136 in the circumferential direction and communicates with the third spare chamber 5E and the fourth spare chamber 5F, respectively, via the fifth communication hole 135 and the seventh communication hole 137. The third spare chamber 5E and the fourth spare chamber 5F are formed spanning the second housing 120 and the first housing 110. This increases the degree of freedom in the shape (size, height) of the third spare chamber 5E and the fourth spare chamber 5F, and increases the degree of freedom in routing the L-shaped third sub-channel 31c and the connecting channel 51.

[0042] In the state shown in Figure 8, the fourth flow hole 53a of the second valve body 5A faces the fourth communication hole 134, and the fifth flow hole 53b faces the fifth communication hole 135, while the sixth communication hole 136 and the seventh communication hole 137 are closed, facing the side wall 53c. As a result, the cooling water that flows into the second valve chamber 5C flows into the third spare chamber 5E. In other words, the cooling water that flows into the second valve chamber 5C flows into the L-shaped third sub-flow channel 31c (an example of a flow channel and outflow channel), which will be described later. Although not shown in the figure, when viewed along the Z2 direction, if the second valve body 53 is rotated 45 degrees clockwise around the second shaft 52, the fourth flow hole 53a remains facing the fourth communication hole 134, while the fifth flow hole 53b faces the sixth communication hole 136. Then, when the second valve body 53 is rotated clockwise by another 45 degrees around the second shaft 52, the fourth flow hole 53a remains facing the fourth communication hole 134, while the fifth flow hole 53b faces the seventh communication hole 137. In this way, the second rotary valve 5 switches the outflow path of the cooling water that flows through the upward third subflow path 31b formed in the cooling module 10 and flows into the second valve chamber 5C via the second spare chamber 5D to the third spare chamber 5E (L-shaped third subflow path 31c), the lateral third subflow path 31d, and the fourth spare chamber 5F (communication path 51).

[0043] As shown in Figure 10, the third spare chamber 5E communicates with the fifth outlet port 116 via an L-shaped third sub-channel 31c extending along the Z direction. By providing the third spare chamber 5E, the flow direction of the cooling water that flows from the second valve chamber 5C to the third spare chamber 5E in a direction perpendicular to the Z direction via the fifth communication hole 135 can be changed to the Z1 direction, allowing it to flow through the L-shaped third sub-channel 31c and out of the cooling module 10 from the fifth outlet port 116. That is, the L-shaped third sub-channel 31c is positioned so as not to overlap with the fifth communication hole 135 in a side view. The cooling water that flows out from the fifth outlet port 116 returns to the battery 3B via the electric heater 3D (see Figure 1). The cooling water that flows from the second valve chamber 5C to the lateral third sub-channel 31d via the sixth communication hole 136 flows in the Y2 direction and out of the cooling module 10 from the sixth outlet port 123. The cooling water discharged from the sixth outlet port 123 is returned to the battery 3B via the chiller 3C (see Figure 1). The downward third sub-channel 31a, the upward third sub-channel 31b, the L-shaped third sub-channel 31c, the lateral third sub-channel 31d, the second valve chamber 5C, the second reserve chamber 5D, and the third reserve chamber 5E constitute part of the third channel 31.

[0044] As shown in Figures 3 and 9, the fourth spare chamber 5F communicates with a communication channel 51 that extends from the fourth spare chamber 5F in the Z direction and then bends and extends in the X direction. That is, the communication channel 51 is positioned so as not to overlap with the seventh communication hole 137 in a side view. The first portion 51a of the communication channel 51 that extends in the Z direction is formed in the second housing 120, and the second portion 51b that extends in the X direction is formed spanning the first housing 110 and the second housing 120. In other words, the second portion 51b of the communication channel 51 is formed along the joint surface 105 between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, with the upper half of the second portion 51b being formed in the first housing 110 and the lower half being formed in the second housing 120. The communication channel 51 is not part of the third channel 31 and does not constitute the third circulation path 3.

[0045] As described above, the connecting passage 51 connects the first passage 11, the second passage 21, and the third passage 31 within the cooling module 10. By providing the connecting passage 51 in this way, the three circulation paths through which the cooling water circulates can be consolidated, thereby reducing the number of pipes connected to the port and simplifying the piping by shortening the pipe length.

[0046] The second portion 51b of the communication channel 51 communicates with the lateral first sub-channel 11c at the end opposite to the fourth spare chamber 5F. Furthermore, when viewed along the Z direction, the second portion 51b intersects with the lateral second sub-channel 21c. The second portion 51b is recessed in the Z2 direction, thereby communicating with the lateral second sub-channel 21c at the intersection.

[0047] The second rotary valve 5 rotates the second valve body 5A around an axis along the Z direction by the second actuator 5B, thereby switching the flow of cooling water that has flowed into the second valve chamber 5C from the upward third sub-flow channel 31b in three ways: (1) through the fifth communication hole 135, through the third spare chamber 5E and the L-shaped third sub-flow channel 31c, and out through the fifth outlet port 116; (2) through the seventh communication hole 137, through the fourth spare chamber 5F and the communication channel 51, and out through the second outlet port 115; and (3) through the seventh communication hole 137, through the fourth spare chamber 5F, the communication channel 51, and the lateral second sub-flow channel 21c, and out through the second outlet port 115 and the fourth outlet port 122, while also flowing through the lateral third sub-flow channel 31d from the sixth communication hole 136 and out through the sixth outlet port 123.

[0048] In a side view, the L-shaped third sub-channel 31c is positioned so as not to overlap with the fifth communication hole 135, and the communication channel 51 is positioned so as not to overlap with the seventh communication hole 137. By making the heights of the outflow channel and the outlet different in this way, the degree of freedom in routing the outflow channel can be increased.

[0049] [Second Embodiment] Next, a rotary valve 6 (an example of a valve for a cooling module) according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The rotary valve 6 of this embodiment is used in a cooling module 20. The cooling module 20 has a different flow path configuration from the cooling module 10 according to the above embodiment.

[0050] As shown in Figures 13 to 16, the rotary valve 6 includes a valve body 6A, a valve chamber 6C, a first spare chamber 6D (an example of an inlet spare chamber and spare chambers), a second spare chamber 6E (an example of an inlet spare chamber and spare chambers), a third spare chamber 6F (an example of an outlet spare chamber and spare chambers), and a fourth spare chamber 6G (an example of an outlet spare chamber and spare chamber). In the rotary valve 6, the entire valve body 6A is housed in the valve chamber 6C. As shown in Figure 12, the valve body 6A has a shaft 62 that rotates around the rotation axis T by an actuator 6B, and a valve body 63 that rotates integrally with the shaft 62. The valve body 63 is formed by two discs 63a and 63b arranged vertically spaced apart, a connecting plate 63c that includes the rotation axis T of the shaft 62 and is positioned to connect the two discs 63a and 63b, a semicircular partition plate 63d positioned perpendicular to the connecting plate 63c in the center of the connecting plate 63c, and two support pillars that connect the two discs 63a and 63b. The two discs 63a and 63b and the connecting plate 63c form a first valve space 63e (an example of a valve space), the disc 63a, the connecting plate 63c, and the partition plate 63d form a second valve space 63f (an example of a valve space), and the disc 63b, the connecting plate 63c, and the partition plate 63d form a third valve space 63g (an example of a valve space). In other words, the connecting plate 63c divides the space into multiple (two in this embodiment) spaces in the circumferential direction (the first valve space 63e and the space that integrates the second valve space 63f and the third valve space 63g). Furthermore, at least one of these spaces is further divided into multiple (two in this embodiment) spaces (the second valve space 63f and the third valve space 63g) in the direction along the rotation axis T by the partition plate 63d. When the valve body 6A is housed in the valve chamber 6C, the first valve space 63e, the second valve space 63f, and the third valve space 63g are separated by the discs 63a, 63b, the connecting plate 63c, and the partition plate 63d, and do not communicate with each other.

[0051] The manifold of the cooling module 20 is formed by joining and integrating a first housing 70 (an example of a resin housing) and a second housing 80 (an example of a resin housing), both made of resin, by methods such as vibration welding. A valve chamber 6C is located in the second housing 80, and adjacent to the valve chamber 6C are the first spare chamber 6D, the second spare chamber 6E, the third spare chamber 6F, the fourth spare chamber 6G, and the fifth spare chamber 6H. The first spare chamber 6D, the second spare chamber 6E, the third spare chamber 6F, the fourth spare chamber 6G, and the fifth spare chamber 6H are formed spanning the second housing 80 and the first housing 70. This increases the degree of freedom in the shape (size, height) of each spare chamber, and increases the degree of freedom in routing the inlet and outlet passages, which will be described later.

[0052] In the following explanation, we define the direction parallel to the cross-section shown in Figure 13 and perpendicular to the axis 62 as the X direction, the direction perpendicular to the cross-section as the Y direction, and the direction parallel to the axis 62 as the Z direction. Furthermore, within the X direction, the direction from the valve body 6A toward the fifth reserve chamber 6H is defined as the X1 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the X2 direction. Within the Y direction, the direction from the valve body 6A toward the third inflow passage 82 (described later) is defined as the Y2 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the Y1 direction. Within the Z direction, the direction from the second housing 80 toward the first housing 70 is defined as the Z1 direction, and the opposite direction is defined as the Z2 direction. The Z2 direction is the direction of gravity. That is, the first housing 70 is positioned vertically above the second housing 80.

[0053] As shown in Figures 13 to 16, the first spare chamber 6D is formed in the first housing 70 and connected to the first inlet passage 71 (a flow path and an example of an inlet passage) through which cooling water flows. The second spare chamber 6E is formed in the second housing 80 and connected to the second inlet passage 81 (a flow path and an example of an inlet passage) through which cooling water flows, via the seventh connecting hole 64g (an example of an inlet). The third spare chamber 6F is formed spanning the first housing 70 and the second housing 80 and connected to the first outlet passage 72 (a flow path and an example of an outlet passage) through which cooling water flows out, via the eighth connecting hole 64h (an example of an outlet). The fourth spare chamber 6G is formed in the first housing 70 and connected to the second outlet passage 73 (a flow path and an example of an outlet passage) through which cooling water flows out. The fifth spare chamber H is formed in the second housing 80 and is connected to the third outlet passage 74 (an example of a flow path and outlet passage) through the ninth communication hole 64i (an example of an outlet) through which cooling water flows out. The valve body 6A is also formed in the second housing 80 and is connected to the third inlet passage 82 (an example of a flow path) through which cooling water flows in. No spare chamber is formed between the third inlet passage 82 and the valve body 6A.

[0054] The valve body 6A and the first spare chamber 6D are in communication through the first communication hole 64a (an example of an inlet) formed in the valve chamber 6C. The valve body 6A and the second spare chamber 6E are in communication through the second communication hole 64b (an example of an inlet) formed in the valve chamber 6C. The valve body 6A and the third spare chamber 6F are in communication through the third communication hole 64c (an example of an outlet) formed in the valve chamber 6C. The valve body 6A and the fourth spare chamber 6G are in communication through the fourth communication hole 64d (an example of an outlet) formed in the valve chamber 6C. The valve body 6A and the fifth spare chamber 6H are in communication through the fifth communication hole 64e (an example of an outlet) formed in the valve chamber 6C. The valve body 6A and the third inlet passage 82 are in communication through the sixth communication hole 64f formed in the valve chamber 6C. In this case, the first communication hole 64a, the second communication hole 64b, and the fourth communication hole 64d are positioned in the valve body 6A in the Z2 direction from the partition plate 63d and overlapping with the third valve space 63g in a side view (parallel to the XY plane), and the axes (not shown) of the first communication hole 64a, the second communication hole 64b, and the fourth communication hole 64d lie on the same plane. Furthermore, the third communication hole 64c, the fifth communication hole 64e, and the sixth communication hole 64f are positioned in the valve body 6A in the Z1 direction from the partition plate 63d and overlapping with the second valve space 63f in a side view, and the axes (not shown) of the third communication hole 64c, the fifth communication hole 64e, and the sixth communication hole 64f lie on the same plane. This allows the inlet and outlet to be positioned at two different heights, thus reducing the height of the rotary valve 6 compared to a rotary valve where multiple inlets and outlets are positioned at different heights, and thus enabling a smaller cooling module 20. For example, the first communication hole 64a and the third communication hole 64c are at different heights and communicate with each other via the first valve space 63e of the valve body 6A located in the valve chamber 6C.

[0055] [Cooling water flow in the cooling module] Next, the flow of cooling water in the cooling module 20 will be explained using Figures 14 to 16. In the cooling module 20 of this embodiment, the rotary valve 6 switches the flow path in three ways. Depending on the position of each valve body 6A, these are referred to as the first position, second position, and third position. Note that (a) in Figures 14 to 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow aa in Figure 13, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow bb in Figure 13.

[0056] In the first position shown in Figure 14, the first valve space 63e of valve body 6A faces the first spare chamber 6D and the third spare chamber 6F, the second valve space 63f of valve body 6A faces the third inlet passage 82 and the fifth spare chamber 6H, and the third valve space 63g of valve body 6A faces the second spare chamber 6E and the fourth spare chamber 6G. At this time, the cooling water flowing from the first inlet passage 71 into the first spare chamber 6D flows into the third spare chamber 6F via the first communication hole 64a, the first valve space 63e, and the third communication hole 64c, and flows out into the first outlet passage 72 (see also Figure 13). The cooling water flowing into the third inlet passage 82 flows into the fifth spare chamber 6H via the sixth communication hole 64f, the second valve space 63f, and the fifth communication hole 64e, and flows out into the third outlet passage 74 (see also Figure 13). The cooling water that flows from the second inlet passage 81 into the second reserve chamber 6E flows into the fourth reserve chamber 6G via the second communication hole 64b, the third valve space 63g, and the fourth communication hole 64d, and then flows out into the second outlet passage 73 (see also Figure 13).

[0057] In the second position shown in Figure 15, the first valve space 63e of valve body 6A faces the second spare chamber 6E and the third spare chamber 6F, the second valve space 63f of valve body 6A faces the third inlet passage 82 and the fifth spare chamber 6H, and the third valve space 63g of valve body 6A faces the first spare chamber 6D and the fourth spare chamber 6G. At this time, the cooling water flowing from the second inlet passage 81 into the second spare chamber 6E flows into the third spare chamber 6F via the second communication hole 64b, the first valve space 63e, and the third communication hole 64c, and flows out into the first outlet passage 72 (see also Figure 13). The cooling water flowing into the third inlet passage 82 flows into the fifth spare chamber 6H via the sixth communication hole 64f, the second valve space 63f, and the fifth communication hole 64e, and flows out into the third outlet passage 74 (see also Figure 13). The cooling water that flows from the first inlet passage 71 into the first reserve chamber 6D flows into the fourth reserve chamber 6G via the first communication hole 64a, the third valve space 63g, and the fourth communication hole 64d, and then flows out into the second outlet passage 73 (see also Figure 13).

[0058] In the third position shown in Figure 16, the first valve space 63e of valve body 6A faces the second spare chamber 6E and the fifth spare chamber 6H, the second valve space 63f of valve body 6A faces the third inlet passage 82 and the third spare chamber 6F, and the third valve space 63g of valve body 6A faces the first spare chamber 6D and the fourth spare chamber 6G. At this time, the cooling water flowing from the second inlet passage 81 into the second spare chamber 6E flows into the fifth spare chamber 6H via the second communication hole 64b, the first valve space 63e, and the fifth communication hole 64e, and flows out into the third outlet passage 74 (see also Figure 13). The cooling water flowing into the third inlet passage 82 flows into the third spare chamber 6F via the sixth communication hole 64f, the second valve space 63f, and the third communication hole 64c, and flows out into the first outlet passage 72 (see also Figure 13). The cooling water that flows from the first inlet passage 71 into the first reserve chamber 6D flows into the fourth reserve chamber 6G via the first communication hole 64a, the third valve space 63g, and the fourth communication hole 64d, and then flows out into the second outlet passage 73 (see also Figure 13).

[0059] As described above, by providing the first spare chamber 6D, even if the first inlet passage 71 is positioned above (in the Z1 direction) the rotary valve 6 and extends along the Z direction, the flow direction can be changed by 90 degrees to allow the cooling water to flow into the valve chamber 6C. Furthermore, by providing the third spare chamber 6F, even if the first outlet passage 72 is positioned above the rotary valve 6 and extends along the X direction, the height of the cooling water flowing out of the valve chamber 6C in the Z direction can be changed to allow the cooling water to flow into the first outlet passage 72. Moreover, by providing the fourth spare chamber 6G, even if the second outlet passage 73 is positioned above the rotary valve 6 and extends along the Z direction, the height and direction of the cooling water flowing out of the valve chamber 6C in the Z direction can be changed to allow the cooling water to flow into the second outlet passage 73. Furthermore, because a fifth reserve chamber 6H is provided, even if the third outlet passage 74 is positioned above and spaced apart from the rotary valve 6 and extends along the X direction, the height of the cooling water flowing out of the valve chamber 6C in the Z direction can be changed to allow the cooling water to flow through the third outlet passage 74. Therefore, the arrangement of the inlet and outlet passages is not constrained by the height (length along the Z direction) of the rotary valve 6. In addition, since the heights of the inlet and outlet passages and / or the outlet passages can be made different, the degree of freedom in routing the inlet and outlet passages can be increased.

[0060] [Third Embodiment] Next, a cooling module 300 using the first rotary valve 340 (an example of a valve for a cooling module) and the second rotary valve 350 (an example of a valve for a cooling module) according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. The cooling module 300 of this embodiment has a different flow path configuration from the cooling modules 10 and 20 according to the above embodiments.

[0061] As shown in Figure 17, the cooling module 300 according to this embodiment comprises a first rotary valve 340, a second rotary valve 350, a first water pump 360 (an example of a water pump), a second water pump 370 (an example of a water pump), and a manifold 302 having a plurality of flow paths 312 (an example of inlet and outlet passages) (see Figure 19) for circulating cooling water through these. The manifold 302 is formed by joining and integrating a plurality of housings, and in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, it is formed by joining a first housing 310 and a second housing 330.

[0062] The multiple flow paths 312 shown in Figure 19 are a concept that includes both an inlet passage for introducing cooling water into the first rotary valve 340 or the second rotary valve 350, and an outlet passage for releasing cooling water from the first rotary valve 340 or the second rotary valve 350. Furthermore, the multiple flow paths 312 are a concept that includes all flow paths through which cooling water circulates inside the manifold 302, such as flow paths formed only in the first housing 310, flow paths formed only in the second housing 330, and flow paths formed across from the first housing 310 to the second housing 330.

[0063] In this embodiment, among the flow channels 312, those flow channels 312 having portions that protrude outward from the outer wall 310a of the first housing 310 are arranged in multiples (five in this embodiment) on the side closer to the second housing 330 and in multiples (four in this embodiment) on the side further away from the second housing 330, in a direction along the rotation axis AX of the first rotary valve 340. Specifically, in Figure 19, the five flow channels 312 whose entire protruding portions are depicted are the flow channels 312 on the side closer to the second housing 330. On the other hand, the four flow channels 312 whose protruding portions are depicted in cross-section are the flow channels 312 on the side further away from the second housing 330. The central axes along the protruding direction of these nine flow channels 312 are all perpendicular to the rotation axis AX (see Figure 18). Of the nine flow channels 312, the five flow channels 312 located closer to the second housing 330 intersect a virtual plane P1 that passes through the central axis CX of the protruding portion of any one of these flow channels 312 and is perpendicular to the rotation axis AX (see Figure 17). The set of five channels 312 in this positional relationship is called the first channel group 312a. Furthermore, the four channels 312 other than the five channels 312 in the first channel group 312a intersect a virtual plane P2 that passes through the central axis DX of the protruding part of any one of these channels 312 and is perpendicular to the rotation axis AX (see Figure 17). The set of four channels 312 in this positional relationship is called the second channel group 312b. That is, the second channel group 312b is positioned offset from the first channel group 312a in a direction along the rotation axis AX.

[0064] As shown in Figure 19, at least one channel 312 from each of the first channel group 312a and the second channel group 312b is connected to the first valve chamber 316 (an example of a valve chamber) via a first communication hole 316a (an example of an inlet or outlet) and a second communication hole 316b (an example of an inlet or outlet). The axis of the first communication hole 316a (not shown) and the axis of the second communication hole 316b (not shown) are at different heights in the direction along the rotation axis AX.

[0065] In the manifold 302 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 17 to 19, the first rotary valve 340, the second rotary valve 350, the first water pump 360, and the second water pump 370 are all mounted on the first housing 310. The first rotary valve 340 and the first water pump 360 are positioned next to each other, and the second rotary valve 350 and the second water pump 370 are positioned next to each other. The rotation axis AX of the first rotary valve 340 and the rotation axis AX of the second rotary valve 350 are parallel, and the rotation axis BX of the first water pump 360 and the rotation axis BX of the second water pump 370 are parallel. Furthermore, the rotation axis AX of the first rotary valve 340 and the second rotary valve 350, and the rotation axis BX of the first water pump 360 and the second water pump 370 are perpendicular to each other. Only a portion of the multiple flow paths 312 are formed in the second housing 330 (see Figure 20).

[0066] The first rotary valve 340 has a first actuator 341, a first valve body 342 (an example of a valve body), a first valve chamber 316, and a plurality of spare chambers 314 (an example of an inlet spare chamber or an outlet spare chamber) formed around the first valve chamber 316. The second rotary valve 350 has a second actuator 351, a second valve body 352 (an example of a valve body), a second valve chamber 318 (an example of a valve chamber), and a plurality of spare chambers 314 formed around the second valve chamber 318. Of these, the first valve chamber 316, the second valve chamber 318, and the spare chambers 314 are formed in the first housing 310. The first valve chamber 316 and the second valve chamber 318 each house the entirety of the first valve body 342 and the second valve body 352, respectively. The first valve chamber 316 and the second valve chamber 318 are formed in the first housing 310 and are located in a central region 310b situated between a pair of opposing outer walls 310a and between the first water pump 360 and the second water pump 370.

[0067] The first actuator 341 and the second actuator 351 are exposed on the surface of the first housing 310. The first valve body 342, similar to the valve body 6A of the rotary valve 6 of the second embodiment, is divided into multiple (two in this embodiment) spaces in the circumferential direction by a connecting plate 342a, and at least one (one in this embodiment) of these spaces is further divided into multiple (two in this embodiment) spaces in the direction along the rotation axis AX by a partition plate 342b. The space divided by the connecting plate 342a and without a partition plate 342b is called the first valve space 342c, and the spaces divided by the connecting plate 342a and the partition plate 342b are called the second valve space 342d and the third valve space 342e (see Figure 18). The second valve body 352 is also divided into three valve spaces in the same way as the first valve body 342. Note that the first communication hole 316a and the second communication hole 316b communicate with each other when they face the first valve space 342c of the first valve body 342, but when there is a partition plate 342b between them they face either the second valve space 342d or the third valve space 342e respectively and do not communicate with each other.

[0068] Multiple spare chambers 314 are formed between the flow path 312 and the first valve chamber 316, and between the flow path 312 and the second valve chamber 318, with the flow path 312 and the first valve chamber 316, and the flow path 312 and the second valve chamber 318 communicating via the spare chambers 314. The spare chamber 314 is a concept that includes both inflow spare chambers connected to the inflow passage and outflow spare chambers connected to the outflow passage. In this embodiment, spare chambers 314 are arranged in all flow paths 312 that communicate with the first valve chamber 316, and in all flow paths 312 that communicate with the second valve chamber 318. Multiple flow paths 312 and multiple spare chambers 314 are arranged radially so as to surround the first valve chamber 316 and the second valve chamber 318, respectively.

[0069] As shown in Figure 20, the first housing 310 has a first partition wall 324 (an example of a partition wall) that separates two adjacent chambers from the flow path 312, the first valve chamber 316, the second valve chamber 318, the reserve chamber 314, the first vortex chamber 320, and the second vortex chamber 322. The first housing 310 consists only of the flow path 312, the first valve chamber 316, the second valve chamber 318, the reserve chamber 314, the first vortex chamber 320, the second vortex chamber 322, and the first partition wall 324.

[0070] The second housing 330 has a second partition wall 332 (an example of a partition wall) that separates a portion of the multiple flow channels 312 formed in the second housing 330 and two adjacent spare chambers 314. The manifold 302 is formed by joining the first partition wall 324 of the first housing 310 and the second partition wall 332 of the second housing 330.

[0071] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a cooling module 400 using the first rotary valve 440 (an example of a valve for a cooling module) and the second rotary valve 450 (an example of a valve for a cooling module) according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22. The cooling module 400 of this embodiment has a different flow path configuration from the cooling modules 10, 20, and 300 according to the above embodiments.

[0072] The cooling module 400 according to this embodiment comprises a first rotary valve 440, a second rotary valve 450, a first water pump 460 (an example of a water pump), a second water pump 470 (an example of a water pump), and a manifold 402 having a plurality of flow paths 412 for circulating cooling water through these. The manifold 402 is formed by joining and integrating a plurality of housings, and in this embodiment, it is formed by joining a first housing 410 and a second housing 430. The plurality of flow paths 412 are a concept that includes both inflow passages for bringing cooling water into the first rotary valve 440 or the second rotary valve 450, and outflow passages for releasing cooling water from the first rotary valve 440 or the second rotary valve 450. Furthermore, the concept of multiple flow paths 412 includes all flow paths through which cooling water flows inside the manifold 402, such as flow paths formed only in the first housing 410, flow paths formed only in the second housing 430, and flow paths formed spanning from the first housing 410 to the second housing 430.

[0073] In the manifold 402 of this embodiment, the first rotary valve 440 and the second rotary valve 450 are mounted on the first housing 410, and the first water pump 460 and the second water pump 470 are mounted on the second housing 430. The rotation axis AX of the first rotary valve 440, the rotation axis AX of the second rotary valve 450, the rotation axis BX of the first water pump 360, and the rotation axis BX of the second water pump 370 are all parallel.

[0074] The first rotary valve 440, as shown in Figure 22, has a first actuator 441, a first valve body 442 (an example of a valve body), a first valve chamber 416 (an example of a valve chamber), and a spare chamber 414 formed around the first valve chamber 416. The second rotary valve 450 has a second actuator 451, a second valve body 452 (an example of a valve body), a second valve chamber 418 (an example of a valve chamber), and a spare chamber 414 formed around the second valve chamber 418. Of these, the first valve chamber 416, the second valve chamber 418, and the spare chamber 414 are formed in the first housing 410. The first valve chamber 416 and the second valve chamber 418 house the entirety of the first valve body 442 and the second valve body 452, respectively. The first actuator 441 and the second actuator 451 are exposed on the surface of the first housing 410.

[0075] The reserve chambers 414 are formed between the flow path 412 and the first valve chamber 416, and between the flow path 412 and the second valve chamber 418, and the flow path 412 and the first valve chamber 416, and the flow path 412 and the second valve chamber 418 are in communication through the reserve chambers 414. The concept of reserve chambers 414 includes both an inflow reserve chamber connected to the inflow passage and an outflow reserve chamber connected to the outflow passage. In this embodiment, reserve chambers 414 are located throughout the space between the first valve chamber 416 and the flow path 412, and throughout the space between the second valve chamber 418 and the flow path 412.

[0076] The first valve chamber 416 of the first rotary valve 440 and the second valve chamber 418 of the second rotary valve 450, both formed in the first housing 410, are connected by a valve communication passage 424 (an example of a flow path). A spare chamber 414 is located between the valve communication passage 424 and the first valve chamber 416 and the second valve chamber 418.

[0077] [Other Embodiments] In each of the embodiments described above, each spare chamber is formed spanning the first housing and the second housing, but it may also be configured to be formed only in the first housing or only in the second housing.

[0078] In the fourth embodiment described above, the first valve chamber 416 of the first rotary valve 440 and the second valve chamber 318 of the second rotary valve 450 were connected by a spare chamber 414 and a valve communication passage 424. However, the valve may be configured to communicate only through the spare chamber 414 without the valve communication passage 424. Alternatively, the valve may be configured to communicate only through the valve communication passage 424 without the spare chamber 414.

[0079] The following configuration can be conceived from the embodiments described above.

[0080] (1) One embodiment of a cooling module valve is a cooling module valve that switches between a plurality of flow paths including an inlet passage and an outlet passage for a fluid flowing within a cooling module, comprising: a valve chamber into which the fluid flowing through the inlet passage flows in and into which the fluid flowing through the outlet passage flows out; a valve body housed in the valve chamber and switching between the plurality of flow paths; and at least one of at least one inlet reserve chamber located adjacent to the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the inlet passage, and at least one outlet reserve chamber located adjacent to the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the outlet passage.

[0081] According to this embodiment, since the valve is equipped with at least one of an inlet reserve chamber located between the valve chamber and the inlet passage, and an outlet reserve chamber located between the valve chamber and the outlet passage, the fluid flows into the valve chamber via the inlet reserve chamber and out of the valve chamber via the outlet reserve chamber. Therefore, by appropriately designing the size (height) of the inlet reserve chamber and the outlet reserve chamber, the arrangement of the inlet passage and the outlet passage is not restricted by the height of the cooling module valve. This makes it possible to provide a cooling module valve with a high degree of freedom in routing the inlet passage and the outlet passage.

[0082] (2) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the outlet from the valve chamber to the outlet chamber and the outlet from the outlet chamber to the outlet passage, or the inlet from the inlet passage to the inlet chamber and the inlet from the inlet chamber to the valve chamber, in at least one of the plurality of inlet pre-chambers and outlet pre-chambers, have different heights in the direction of the rotation axis of the valve body.

[0083] According to this embodiment, the arrangement of the inlet and outlet passages can be freely set by changing the height of the spare room.

[0084] (3) In another embodiment of the valve for the cooling module, the valve chamber has an inlet communicating with the inlet reserve chamber and an outlet communicating with the outlet reserve chamber, wherein the axis of the inlet and the axis of the outlet are located on the same plane.

[0085] According to this embodiment, since the heights of the inlet and outlet can be aligned, the height of the cooling module valve can be reduced, and the cooling module can be miniaturized.

[0086] (4) In another embodiment of the valve for the cooling module, at least one of the inlet and outlet passages is arranged so as not to overlap with the inlet and outlet in a side view.

[0087] According to this embodiment, since at least one of the inlet and outlet passages is arranged so as not to overlap with the inlet and outlet in a side view, the heights of the inlet passage and the inlet and / or the heights of the outlet passage and the outlet can be made different, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in routing the inlet and outlet passages.

[0088] (5) In another embodiment of the valve for the cooling module, at least one of the inlet reserve chamber and the outlet reserve chamber is formed across a plurality of resin housings.

[0089] According to this embodiment, the degree of freedom in the shape (size, height) of the inflow reserve chamber and / or outflow reserve chamber is increased, and the degree of freedom in routing the inflow and outflow passages is also increased.

[0090] (6) In another embodiment of the valve for the cooling module, at least one of the outflow passages communicates with other flow paths within the cooling module, and the outflow passage is formed across a plurality of resin housings.

[0091] According to this embodiment, by forming a communication channel across multiple resin housings, communication can be established even if other channels are formed in a single resin housing.

[0092] (7) In another embodiment of the valve for the cooling module, the valve body is entirely housed in the valve chamber.

[0093] According to this embodiment, since the valve body does not protrude from the valve chamber, the valve for the cooling module can be miniaturized.

[0094] (8) Another embodiment of a valve for a cooling module is such that the valve body rotates about a rotation axis and is divided into a plurality of valve spaces in the circumferential direction by a connecting plate, and at least one of the valve spaces is further divided into a plurality in the direction of the rotation axis by a partition plate.

[0095] According to this embodiment, two valves that would normally be required can be combined into one. Furthermore, because it has a partition plate, multiple independent flow paths can be formed in the direction of the rotation axis. In addition, in the valve space without a partition plate, ports at different heights can be connected within the valve body, allowing the valve to be made more compact.

[0096] (9) In another embodiment of the valve for the cooling module, the valve chamber has an inlet and an outlet that are at different height positions of the axis in the direction along the axis of rotation.

[0097] According to this embodiment, the valve chamber has an inlet and an outlet that are at different height positions of the axis in the direction along the axis of rotation, so the valve can be made compact.

[0098] (10) In another embodiment of the valve for the cooling module, the inlet reserve chamber and the outlet reserve chamber are located between the valve chamber and all of the inlet passages, and between the valve chamber and all of the outlet passages.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the heights of the inlet formed in the inlet passage and the valve chamber, and / or the heights of the outlet formed in the outlet passage and the valve chamber can be made different, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in routing the inlet passage and the outlet passage.

[0100] (11) One embodiment of a cooling module comprises a manifold formed by joining a plurality of resin housings, a cooling module valve housed in the manifold for switching between a plurality of flow paths, and a water pump for pumping fluid flowing through the flow paths, wherein the cooling module valve has a valve body, a valve chamber housing the valve body, and a spare chamber positioned adjacent to the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the flow path, and the resin housing has a plurality of flow paths, the valve chamber, the spare chamber, and at least a vortex chamber of the water pump, wherein the resin housing consists only of the flow paths, the valve chamber, the spare chamber, the vortex chamber, and partition walls separating them.

[0101] According to this embodiment, the manifold can be miniaturized while achieving the effects described in (1) above.

[0102] (12) One embodiment of a cooling module comprises a manifold formed by joining a plurality of resin housings, and a cooling module valve housed in the manifold for switching between a plurality of flow paths, wherein the cooling module valve has a valve chamber and a spare chamber located adjacent to the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the flow path, the resin housing has a plurality of flow paths, the valve chamber and the spare chamber formed therein, the valve chamber includes a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber, and the resin housing has a valve communication passage connecting the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber.

[0103] According to this embodiment, while achieving the effects described in (1) above, fluid can be communicated between the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber via the valve communication passage.

[0104] (13) One embodiment of a cooling module comprises a manifold formed by joining a plurality of resin housings at a joint surface, and a cooling module valve housed in the manifold for switching between a plurality of flow paths, wherein the cooling module valve has a valve body that rotates about a rotation axis and a valve chamber that houses the valve body, the resin housing has a plurality of the flow paths and the valve chamber formed therein, at least a portion of the plurality of flow paths has a portion that protrudes outward from the resin housing, the plurality of flow paths having a portion that protrudes outward from the resin housing comprises a first flow path group which is a collection of some of the flow paths, and a second flow path group which is a collection of a plurality of flow paths not included in the first flow path group and is offset from the first flow path group in a direction along the rotation axis.

[0105] According to this embodiment, since multiple flow paths are arranged at different heights, the cooling module can be made more compact.

[0106] (14) In one embodiment of the cooling module, the valve body of the valve for the cooling module rotates about the rotation axis and is divided into a plurality of valve spaces in the circumferential direction by a connecting plate, and at least one of the valve spaces is further divided into a plurality in the direction of the rotation axis by a partition plate.

[0107] According to this embodiment, two valves that would normally be required can be combined into one. Furthermore, because it has a partition plate, multiple independent flow paths can be formed in the direction of the rotation axis. In addition, in the valve space without a partition plate, ports at different heights can be connected within the valve body, allowing for a more compact valve and a smaller cooling module.

[0108] (15) In another embodiment of the cooling module, the valve chamber has an inlet and an outlet that are at different height positions of the axis in the direction along the axis of rotation.

[0109] According to this embodiment, the valve chamber has an inlet and an outlet with different height positions of the axis in the direction along the axis of rotation, so the valve can be made more compact and the cooling module can be miniaturized.

[0110] (16) In one embodiment of the cooling module, the valve chamber is located in the resin housing in a central region between a pair of opposing outer walls.

[0111] According to this embodiment, since the valve chamber is positioned closer to the center of the resin housing, it is easy to configure a flow path or spare chamber adjacent to the valve chamber, eliminating dead space within the resin housing and enabling miniaturization. Furthermore, compared to configurations where the valve chamber is positioned at the end of the resin housing, the flow path can be made relatively shorter.

[0112] (17) In one embodiment of the cooling module, the flow path, the inlet reserve chamber, and the reserve chamber are arranged radially around the valve chamber.

[0113] According to this embodiment, since the flow path and the reserve chamber are arranged to surround the valve chamber, dead space is eliminated within the resin housing, allowing for miniaturization. [Industrial applicability]

[0114] This invention can be used in valves for cooling modules and cooling modules. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 4: First rotary valve (valve for cooling module), 4A: First valve body (valve body), 4C: First valve chamber (valve chamber), 4D: First reserve chamber (inlet reserve chamber), 5: Second rotary valve (valve for cooling module), 5A: Second valve body (valve body), 5C: Second valve chamber (valve chamber), 5D: Second reserve chamber (inlet reserve chamber, reserve chamber), 5E: Third reserve chamber (outlet reserve chamber, reserve chamber), 5F: Fourth reserve chamber (outlet reserve chamber, reserve chamber), 6: Rotary valve (valve for cooling module), 6A: Valve body, 6C: Valve chamber, 6D: First reserve chamber (inlet reserve chamber, reserve chamber), 6E: Second reserve chamber (inlet reserve chamber, reserve chamber), 6F: Third spare chamber (outlet spare chamber, spare chamber), 6G: Fourth spare chamber (outlet spare chamber, spare chamber), 10: Cooling module, 11c: Lateral first sub-channel (channel), 20: Cooling module, 21b: Upward second sub-channel (inlet channel, channel), 21c: Lateral second sub-channel (channel), 31b: Upward third sub-channel (inlet channel, channel), 31c: L-shaped third sub-channel (outlet channel, channel), 51: Connecting channel (outlet channel, channel), 63c: Connecting plate, 63d: Partition plate, 63e: First valve space (valve space), 63f: Second valve space (valve space), 63g: Third valve space (valve space), 64a: First connecting Hole (inlet), 64b: Second connecting hole (inlet), 64c: Third connecting hole (outlet), 64d: Fourth connecting hole (outlet), 70: First housing (resin housing), 71: First inflow passage (inflow passage, flow path), 72: First outflow passage (outflow passage, flow path), 73: Second outflow passage (outflow passage, flow path), 80: Second housing (resin housing), 81: Second inflow passage (inflow passage, flow path), 82: Third inflow passage (inflow passage, flow path), 110: First housing (resin housing), 120: Second housing (resin housing), 131: First connecting hole (inlet), 134: Fourth connecting hole (inlet), 135: Fifth communication hole (outlet), 137: Seventh communication hole (outlet), 300: Cooling module, 302: Manifold, 310: First housing (resin housing), 310a: Outer wall, 312: Flow path (inlet path, outlet path), 312a: First flow path group, 312b: Second flow path group, 314: Spare chamber (inlet spare chamber, outlet spare chamber), 316: First valve chamber (valve chamber), 316a: First communication hole (inlet or outlet), 316b: Second communication hole (inlet or outlet), 318: Second valve chamber (valve chamber), 320: First vortex chamber (vortex chamber), 322: Second vortex chamber (vortex chamber), 324: First compartment wall (compartment wall),330: Second housing (resin housing), 332: Second partition wall (partition wall), 340: First rotary valve (valve for cooling module), 342: First valve body (valve body), 342a: Connecting plate, 342b: Partition plate, 342c: First valve space (valve space), 342d: Second valve space (valve space), 342e: Third valve space (valve space), 350: Second rotary valve (valve for cooling module), 352: Second valve body (valve body), 360: First water pump (water pump), 370: Second water pump (water pump), 400: Cooling module, 402 : Manifold, 410: First housing (resin housing), 412: Flow path (inflow passage, outflow passage), 414: Spare chamber (inflow spare chamber, outflow spare chamber), 416: First valve chamber (valve chamber), 418: Second valve chamber (valve chamber), 424: Valve connecting passage (flow path), 430: Second housing (resin housing), 440: First rotary valve (valve for cooling module), 450: Second rotary valve (valve for cooling module), 460: First water pump (water pump), 470: Second water pump (water pump), AX: Rotation axis, T: Rotation axis

Claims

1. A cooling module valve that switches between multiple flow paths, including inlet and outlet passages, for a fluid circulating within the cooling module, A cylindrical valve chamber into which the fluid flowing through the inlet passage flows and into which the fluid flowing through the outlet passage flows out, A valve body housed in the valve chamber for switching between multiple flow paths, The valve comprises at least one of the following: at least one inlet reserve chamber located adjacent to the circumferential outer side of the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the inlet passage, and at least one outlet reserve chamber located adjacent to the circumferential outer side of the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the outlet passage. The valve body rotates around a rotation axis and is divided into a plurality of valve spaces in the circumferential direction by a connecting plate, at least one of the valve spaces is further divided into a plurality of spaces in the direction of the rotation axis by a partition plate, discs are arranged at both ends in the direction of the rotation axis, and the fluid does not flow in along the direction of the rotation axis but flows in along the radial direction and flows out along the radial direction, in a valve for a cooling module.

2. The valve chamber has at least one set of an inlet communicating with the inlet reserve chamber and an outlet communicating with the outlet reserve chamber. The valve for a cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet are at different height positions of their axes in the direction along the axis of rotation.

3. The cooling module valve according to claim 1, wherein the outlet from the valve chamber to the outlet chamber and the outlet from the outlet chamber to the outlet passage, or the inlet from the inlet passage to the inlet chamber and the inlet from the inlet chamber to the valve chamber, in at least one of the plurality of inlet reserve chambers and outlet reserve chambers, have different heights in the direction of the rotation axis of the valve body.

4. The valve chamber has at least one set of an inlet communicating with the inlet reserve chamber and an outlet communicating with the outlet reserve chamber. The cooling module valve according to claim 1, wherein the axis of the inlet and the axis of the outlet are arranged on the same plane.

5. The cooling module valve according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the inlet passage and the outlet passage is arranged so as not to overlap with the inlet and outlet in a side view.

6. The aforementioned inflow reserve chamber and the aforementioned outflow reserve chamber are formed in a manifold that is integrated by joining multiple resin housings. The valve for a cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the inlet reserve chamber and the outlet reserve chamber are formed across a plurality of resin housings.

7. The flow path, including the aforementioned outflow passage, is formed in a manifold that is integrated by joining multiple resin housings. The valve for a cooling module according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the outflow passages communicates with other flow paths within the cooling module, and the outflow passage is formed across a plurality of resin housings.

8. The valve for a cooling module according to claim 1, wherein the valve body is entirely housed in the valve chamber.

9. The valve for a cooling module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the inlet reserve chamber and the outlet reserve chamber are arranged between the valve chamber and all of the inlet passages, and between the valve chamber and all of the outlet passages.

10. A manifold formed by joining multiple resin housings, A cooling module valve housed in the manifold, which switches between multiple flow paths, The system includes a water pump that pumps the fluid flowing through the aforementioned passage, The valve for the cooling module comprises a valve body, a valve chamber housing the valve body, and a spare chamber positioned adjacent to the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the flow path. The resin housing has a plurality of flow channels, valve chambers, reserve chambers, and at least one of the water pump chambers formed therein. The resin housing is a cooling module consisting only of the flow path, the valve chamber, the reserve chamber, the vortex chamber, and partition walls separating them.

11. A manifold formed by joining multiple resin housings, The manifold is housed in the aforementioned manifold and includes a valve for a cooling module that switches between multiple flow paths, The valve for the cooling module has a valve chamber and a spare chamber located adjacent to the valve chamber between the valve chamber and the flow path, The resin housing has a plurality of the flow channels, valve chambers, and spare chambers formed therein. The valve chamber includes a first valve chamber and a second valve chamber. The resin housing is a cooling module having a valve communication passage that connects the first valve chamber and the second valve chamber.

12. A manifold formed by joining multiple resin housings at their joint surfaces, The manifold is housed in the aforementioned manifold and includes a valve for a cooling module that switches between multiple flow paths, The valve for the cooling module has a valve body that rotates around a rotation axis and a valve chamber that houses the valve body. The resin housing has a plurality of the flow channels and the valve chambers formed therein. At least some of the multiple flow channels have portions that protrude outward from the resin housing, A cooling module comprising a plurality of channels having portions that protrude outward from the resin housing, the first channel group being an aggregate of some of the channels, and a second channel group being an aggregate of a plurality of channels not included in the first channel group, which are offset from the first channel group in a direction along the rotation axis.

13. The cooling module according to claim 12, wherein the valve body of the cooling module valve rotates about the rotation axis and is divided into a plurality of valve spaces in the circumferential direction by a connecting plate, and at least one of the valve spaces is further divided into a plurality in the direction of the rotation axis by a partition plate.

14. The cooling module according to claim 13, wherein the valve chamber has an inlet and an outlet that are at different height positions of the axis in a direction along the axis of rotation.

15. The cooling module according to claim 10, wherein the valve chamber is located in the central region between a pair of opposing outer walls within the resin housing.

16. The cooling module according to claim 15, wherein the flow path and the reserve chamber are arranged radially to surround the valve chamber.

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