Switching device

Abstract

This suppresses misalignment of components positioned between the case and the drive unit when the heat transfer fluid is filled inside. [Solution] In the switching device 100, the gasket 130 seals the gap between the bottom wall portion 111 and the intermediate member 120. The drive unit 140 is biased toward the intermediate member 120. The drive unit 140 is configured to switch between a state in which a first path P1 is formed, allowing the heat transfer medium to flow from the inside to the outside of the case 110 through the first communication hole 120Ha and the first outlet hole 111Ha while facing the second communication hole 120Hb, and a state in which a second path P2 is formed, allowing the heat transfer medium to flow from the inside to the outside of the case 110 through the second communication hole 120Hb and the second outlet hole 111Hb while facing the first communication hole 120Ha. The locking portion 150 is provided to lock onto the intermediate member 120 when an external force is applied to the intermediate member 120 in a direction away from the bottom wall portion 111.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 This disclosure relates to a switching device. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-081902 discloses a heat management system. In the flow path of this heat management system, a refrigerant flows to cool a drive device that drives a vehicle. A metering valve is provided in a fluid circuit formed by the flow path. The metering valve is, for example, a three-way valve. The metering valve is configured to be able to adjust the ratio of the amount of refrigerant flowing from the first part to the second part to the amount of refrigerant flowing from the first part to the third part. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2024-081902 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 In a heat management system, a switching device that switches the flow path of a heat medium such as a refrigerant includes, for example, a case and a drive unit disposed inside the case. When the drive unit drives inside the case, the flow path is switched. 【0005】 Here, when the heat management system is operating, the circuit of the heat management system is filled with a heat medium. And before operating the heat management system, an operator fills the circuit with the heat medium. The flow of the heat medium in the circuit during filling may be in the opposite direction to the flow of the heat medium in the circuit during operation of the heat management system. And when the heat medium flows backward in the switching device, there is a risk that the heat medium may flow into gaps where the heat medium does not pass during normal operation of the heat management system unintentionally. As a result, there is a risk that the position of the member disposed between the case and the drive unit may shift. 【0006】 This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a switching device that can suppress misalignment of components placed between the case and the drive unit when a heat transfer medium is filled inside. [Means for solving the problem] 【0007】 A switching device according to a certain aspect of this disclosure switches the flow path of a heat transfer medium in a thermal management system. The switching device comprises a case, an intermediate member, a gasket, a drive unit, and a locking unit. The case includes a bottom wall portion having a first outlet hole and a second outlet hole that penetrate in the main direction, a top wall portion facing the bottom wall portion in the main direction, and a side wall portion located between the bottom wall portion and the top wall portion. An inlet hole is formed in the top wall portion or the side wall portion. The intermediate member is located between the bottom wall portion and the top wall portion. The intermediate member has a first communication hole and a second communication hole that penetrate in the main direction, respectively. The first communication hole is aligned with the first outlet hole in the main direction. The second communication hole is aligned with the second outlet hole in the main direction. The gasket seals the gap between the bottom wall portion and the intermediate member. The drive unit is located opposite the bottom wall portion as seen from the intermediate member. The drive unit is biased toward the intermediate member. The drive unit is configured to switch between two states: one in which a first path is formed that allows the heat transfer medium to flow from the inside to the outside of the case through the first communication hole and the first outlet hole while facing the second communication hole, and the other in which a second path is formed that allows the heat transfer medium to flow from the inside to the outside of the case through the second communication hole and the second outlet hole while facing the first communication hole. The locking part is provided to lock onto the intermediate member when an external force is applied to the intermediate member in a direction away from the bottom wall. 【0008】 According to the above configuration, for example, when the drive unit is facing the second communication hole, if the backflowing heat transfer fluid collides with the drive unit through the second communication hole from the second outlet hole, the drive unit, which was biased toward the intermediate member, may be displaced away from the intermediate member. As a result, the heat transfer fluid may enter the gap between the intermediate member and the bottom wall, and the heat transfer fluid may apply a force to the intermediate member in the direction away from the bottom wall. At this time, the locking part locks into the intermediate member, which can suppress the displacement of the intermediate member away from the bottom wall. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the heat transfer fluid that has entered the gap from shifting the position of the gasket between the intermediate member and the bottom wall. 【0009】 Therefore, when the heat transfer fluid is filled inside, misalignment of the components placed between the case and the drive unit can be suppressed. 【0010】 In a switching device according to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, preferably, the locking portion is in contact with the intermediate member on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion of the intermediate member. 【0011】 According to the above configuration, when the heat transfer medium flows backward, the displacement of the intermediate member away from the bottom wall can be further suppressed. 【0012】 In a switching device according to certain aspects of this disclosure, preferably, the locking portion is formed separately from the case. With this configuration, the locking portion can be arranged relatively easily inside the case. 【0013】 In a switching device according to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, more preferably, the locking portion is located between the top wall portion and the intermediate member and is in contact with both the top wall portion and the intermediate member. 【0014】 With the above configuration, when the heat transfer medium flows backward, the displacement of the intermediate member away from the bottom wall can be further suppressed. 【0015】 In a switching device according to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, the locking portion is preferably formed in a cylindrical shape. The locking portion has a first open end and a second open end located opposite the first open end. The drive unit is disposed inside the locking portion. The first open end faces an intermediate member. The second open end faces a top wall. 【0016】 According to the above configuration, the second open end allows for a larger area in which the locking portion engages with the intermediate member. 【0017】 In a switching device according to a certain aspect of the present disclosure, the inlet hole is more preferably formed in the side wall. The locking portion has a lateral communication hole that connects the inner circumference and the outer circumference of the locking portion. The lateral communication hole is opposite the inlet hole. 【0018】 According to the above configuration, the locking mechanism can prevent obstruction of the flow of the heat transfer medium from the inlet hole. 【0019】 In a switching device according to a certain aspect of this disclosure, preferably, the edge of the first communication hole is located inside the first outlet hole when viewed from the main direction. The edge of the second communication hole is located inside the second outlet hole when viewed from the main direction. 【0020】 According to the above configuration, when the heat transfer medium flows from the inside of the case to the outside through the first outlet hole or the second outlet hole, the edge of the first communication hole or the edge of the second communication hole prevents the heat transfer medium from entering between the bottom wall and the intermediate member, respectively. However, when the heat transfer medium flows in the opposite direction, the heat transfer medium attempting to flow in from the first outlet hole or the second outlet hole is likely to collide with the edge portions of these communication holes. However, in a switching device according to a certain aspect of this disclosure, the locking portion engages with the intermediate member at this time, thereby preventing the intermediate member from being displaced away from the bottom wall. [Effects of the Invention] 【0021】 According to the present disclosure, when the heat medium is filled inside, displacement of a member disposed between the case and the drive unit can be suppressed. 【Brief Description of Drawings】 【0022】 [Figure 1] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a heat management system in which a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used. [Figure 2] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a switching device provided in the heat management system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the switching device of FIG. 3 as viewed in the direction of the arrow IV-IV. [Figure 5] FIG. 20 is a partial exploded perspective view of a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cutting device when the drive unit is in the second state. [Figure 7] FIG. 26 is a partial exploded perspective view of a cutting device when the drive unit is in the second state. [Figure 8] FIG. 29 is a partial exploded perspective view of a cutting device when the drive unit is in the third state. [Figure 9] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing the configuration of the heat management system of FIG. 1 in which an example of the flow of the heat medium supplied before operation is shown. [Figure 10] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing the switching device of FIG. 3 together with the flow of the heat medium flowing backward. [Figure 11] FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view showing a partial enlargement of the switching device of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 41 is a partial cross-sectional view of a switching device according to a comparative example. 【Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention】 【0023】 Hereinafter, a switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. 【0024】 Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thermal management system in which a switching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the switching device provided in the thermal management system shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the switching device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be used as a switching device to switch the flow path of a heat transfer medium in a thermal management system 1. First, the thermal management system 1 will be described. However, the thermal management system 1 in which the switching device 100 is used is not limited to those described below. This thermal management system 1 can be applied to equipment such as electric vehicles (xEVs), for example. 【0025】 The thermal management system 1 comprises an upstream circuit 10 located upstream of the switching device 100, and a first downstream flow path 20A, a second downstream flow path 20B, and a third downstream flow path 20C located downstream of the switching device 100. The switching device 100 further flows the heat transfer medium flowing from the upstream circuit 10 into the first downstream flow path 20A, the second downstream flow path 20B, or the third downstream flow path 20C. The specific configuration of the switching device 100 will be described later. 【0026】 The thermal management system 1 further includes a reservoir tank 30. The reservoir tank 30 is connected to the upstream end of the upstream circuit 10. The reservoir tank 30 is directly or indirectly connected to the downstream ends of the first downstream channel 20A, the second downstream channel 20B, and the third downstream channel 20C. 【0027】 The upstream circuit 10 includes a pump 11, a condenser 12, a heater 13, and a plurality of upstream pipes 15. The pump 11, condenser 12, and heater 13 are arranged in this order from the reservoir tank 30 toward the switching device 100. The plurality of upstream pipes 15 connect, respectively, the reservoir tank 30 and the pump 11, the pump 11 and the condenser 12, the condenser 12 and the heater 13, and the heater 13 and the switching device 100. In the upstream circuit 10, the pump 11 causes the heat transfer medium to flow from the reservoir tank 30 side toward the switching device 100. The condenser 12 may typically be a water-cooled condenser. 【0028】 The first downstream channel 20A includes a radiator 21A and a plurality of first downstream pipes 25A. Each of the plurality of first downstream pipes 25A connects the switching device 100 to the radiator 21A and the radiator 21A to the reservoir tank 30. 【0029】 The second downstream channel 20B includes a heat exchanger 21B and a plurality of second downstream pipes 25B. Each of the plurality of second downstream pipes 25B connects the switching device 100 to the heat exchanger 21B, and the heat exchanger 21B to the first downstream pipe 25A connected to the reservoir tank 30 and the radiator 21A. The heat exchanger 21B and the reservoir tank 30 may be directly connected to each other by the second downstream pipes 25B. 【0030】 The third downstream channel 20C includes a heater core 21C and a plurality of third downstream pipes 25C. Each of the plurality of third downstream pipes 25C connects the switching device 100 to the heater core 21C and the heater core 21C to the reservoir tank 30. 【0031】 When the thermal management system 1 is in operation, the upstream circuit 10, the first downstream flow path 20A, the second downstream flow path 20B, the third downstream flow path 20C, the reservoir tank 30, and the switching device 100 are filled with a heat transfer medium, and the heat transfer medium flows through these circuits and devices when the pump 11 is in operation. This heat transfer medium is typically a liquid refrigerant. The heat transfer medium may be water or an aqueous solution. The heat transfer medium may also be insulating oil. In this embodiment, the heat transfer medium may be LLC (Long Life Coolant) containing, for example, ethylene glycol. 【0032】 This heat transfer medium can be supplied from the reservoir tank 30 before the thermal management system 1 is put into operation. The heat transfer medium may also be supplied at the factory that manufactures equipment such as electric vehicles equipped with the thermal management system 1. The procedure for supplying the heat transfer medium from the reservoir tank 30 will be described later. 【0033】 The multiple upstream pipes 15, multiple first downstream pipes 25A, multiple second downstream pipes 25B, and multiple third downstream pipes 25C are each made of an elastically deformable pipe, such as a rubber tube, so that they can be easily bent. 【0034】 The radiator 21A may be included in the second downstream channel 20B or the third downstream channel 20C. The heat exchanger 21B may be included in the first downstream channel 20A or the third downstream channel 20C. The heater core 21C may be included in the first downstream channel 20A or the second downstream channel 20B. 【0035】 The specific configuration of the switching device 100 will now be described. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a switching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the switching device of Figure 3 as seen in the direction of the arrow IV-IV. Figure 5 is a partially exploded perspective view of the switching device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. 【0036】 As shown in Figures 2 to 5, the switching device 100 comprises a case 110, an intermediate member 120, a gasket 130, a drive unit 140, and a locking unit 150. 【0037】 The case 110 includes a bottom wall portion 111, a top wall portion 112, and side wall portions 113. The bottom wall portion 111 has a first outlet hole 111Ha, a second outlet hole 111Hb, and a third outlet hole 111Hc, which penetrate in the main direction D1. The first outlet hole 111Ha, the second outlet hole 111Hb, and the third outlet hole 111Hc are aligned circumferentially around a virtual central axis C that extends parallel to the main direction D1. 【0038】 The bottom wall portion 111 includes a central portion 111A, an annular portion 111B, and a plurality of partition wall portions 111C. The central portion 111A is located on the central axis C. The annular portion 111B is located so as to surround the central portion 111A when viewed from the main direction D1. The plurality of partition wall portions 111C are spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of partition wall portions 111C connects the central portion 111A and the annular portion 111B. The first outlet hole 111Ha, the second outlet hole 111Hb, and the third outlet hole 111Hc are each formed by a pair of partition wall portions 111C adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis C, the central portion 111A, and the annular portion 111B. 【0039】 A groove 111G is further formed in the bottom wall portion 111. The groove 111G is formed on the surface facing the top wall portion 112 when viewed from the bottom wall portion 111. The groove 111G is formed on the central portion 111A, the annular portion 111B, and the multiple partition wall portions 111C. Each of the grooves 111G on the multiple partition wall portions 111C is connected to the groove 111G on the central portion 111A and the groove 111G on the annular portion 111B. 【0040】 The top wall portion 112 faces the bottom wall portion 111 in the main direction D1. An insertion hole 112H is formed in the top wall portion 112, penetrating in the main direction D1. The insertion hole 112H is located on the central axis C. 【0041】 The top wall portion 112 includes a first top wall portion 112A and a second top wall portion 112B. An insertion hole 112H is formed in the first top wall portion 112A. The second top wall portion 112B is positioned on the outer circumference of the first top wall portion 112A with respect to the central axis C. The second top wall portion 112B is fixed directly or indirectly to the first top wall portion 112A. 【0042】 The side wall portion 113 is located between the bottom wall portion 111 and the top wall portion 112. The side wall portion 113 has a substantially cylindrical outer shape with the central axis C as the center. The side wall portion 113 is connected to the bottom wall portion 111. The side wall portion 113 is connected to the annular portion 111B. The side wall portion 113 is integrally formed with the annular portion 111B. The side wall portion 113 is connected to the top wall portion 112. The side wall portion 113 is connected to the second top wall portion 112B. The side wall portion 113 is integrally formed with the second top wall portion 112B. 【0043】 An inlet hole EH is formed in the case 110. The inlet hole EH is formed in the top wall portion 112 or the side wall portion 113. In this embodiment, the inlet hole EH is formed in the side wall portion 113. 【0044】 The case 110 further comprises an inlet connecting pipe 114, a first outlet pipe 115A, a second outlet pipe 115B, a third outlet pipe 115C, and a closing part 116. 【0045】 The inlet connecting pipe 114 is connected to the inlet hole EH. In this embodiment, the inlet connecting pipe 114 is connected to the inlet hole EH of the side wall portion 113. On the opposite side of the inlet hole EH, the inlet connecting pipe 114 is connected to the upstream pipe 15 of the upstream circuit 10. 【0046】 Note that the inlet connecting pipe 114 and inlet hole EH shown in Figure 3 are shown in different positions than those shown in Figures 2 and 4 for convenience. 【0047】 The first outlet pipe 115A is connected to the bottom wall 111. The first outlet pipe 115A extends from the bottom wall 111 in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D1. The inside of the first outlet pipe 115A is in communication with the inside of the first outlet hole 111Ha. On the side opposite to the bottom wall 111, the first outlet pipe 115A is connected to the first downstream pipe 25A of the first downstream flow path 20A. 【0048】 The second outlet pipe 115B is connected to the bottom wall 111. The second outlet pipe 115B is located opposite the top wall 112 when viewed from the bottom wall 111. The second outlet pipe 115B extends in the main direction D1. The second outlet pipe 115B is connected to one end of the second outlet hole 111Hb in the main direction D1. 【0049】 The third outlet pipe 115C is connected to the bottom wall 111. The third outlet pipe 115C extends from the bottom wall 111 in a direction perpendicular to the main direction D1. The inside of the third outlet pipe 115C is in communication with the inside of the third outlet hole 111Hc. On the side opposite to the bottom wall 111, the third outlet pipe 115C is connected to the third downstream pipe 25C of the third downstream channel 20C. 【0050】 The closing portion 116 is connected to the bottom wall portion 111. The closing portion 116 is located on the opposite side from the top wall portion 112 when viewed from the bottom wall portion 111. The closing portion 116 closes one end of the first outlet hole 111Ha and the third outlet hole 111Hc. 【0051】 The intermediate member 120 is located between the bottom wall portion 111 and the top wall portion 112. The intermediate member 120 has a plurality of first communication holes 120Ha, second communication holes 120Hb, and third communication holes 120Hc that penetrate in the main direction D1. 【0052】 Each of the multiple first connecting holes 120Ha is aligned with the first outlet hole 111Ha in the main direction D1. The second connecting hole 120Hb is aligned with the second outlet hole 111Hb in the main direction D1. The third connecting hole 120Hc is aligned with the third outlet hole 111Hc in the main direction D1. 【0053】 Each edge of the multiple first communication holes 120Ha is located inside the first outlet hole 111Ha when viewed from the main direction D1 (see Figure 4). The edge of the second communication hole 120Hb is located inside the second outlet hole 111Hb when viewed from the main direction D1. 【0054】 The intermediate member 120 has an intermediate central portion 121, an intermediate annular portion 122, a plurality of spokes 123, and a projection 124. The intermediate central portion 121 is located on the central axis C. The intermediate annular portion 122 is located so as to surround the intermediate central portion 121 when viewed from the main direction D1. The plurality of spokes 123 are spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of spokes 123 connects the intermediate central portion 121 and the intermediate annular portion 122. Each of the plurality of first communication holes 120Ha, second communication holes 120Hb, and third communication holes 120Hc is formed by a pair of spokes 123 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis C, the intermediate central portion 121, and the intermediate annular portion 122. 【0055】 Each of the multiple partition walls 111C in the bottom wall 111 overlaps with a spoke 123 when viewed from the main direction D1. The width of each of the multiple partition walls 111C in the bottom wall 111 in the circumferential direction is smaller than the width of the spoke 123 that overlaps it. 【0056】 The projection 124 extends outward from the intermediate annular portion 122. The projection 124 is locked to the side wall portion 113 in the circumferential direction about the central axis C. As a result, the movement of the intermediate member 120 in the circumferential direction is suppressed. Consequently, even if the drive unit 140 rotates about the central axis C, the intermediate member 120 does not rotate substantially. 【0057】 The gasket 130 seals the gap between the bottom wall portion 111 and the intermediate member 120. In this embodiment, the gasket 130 is made of a single continuous member. Specifically, the gasket 130 is located between the central portion 111A and the intermediate central portion 121. The gasket 130 is located between the annular portion 111B and the intermediate annular portion. The gasket 130 is located between each of the multiple partition wall portions 111C and the spoke 123 facing them. The gasket 130 is positioned in a state of compression in the main direction D1 by the intermediate member 120 and the bottom wall portion 111. 【0058】 The gasket 130 is positioned within the groove 111G of the bottom wall portion 111. The thickness of the gasket 130 in the main direction D1, when not compressed in the main direction D1, is greater than the depth of the groove 111G. 【0059】 The drive unit 140 is located opposite the bottom wall portion 111 when viewed from the intermediate member 120. The drive unit 140 is biased toward the intermediate member 120. The drive unit 140 is in contact with the intermediate member 120. 【0060】 The drive unit 140 is configured to drive in a way that allows switching between a first state, a second state, and a third state. Figure 3 shows the drive unit 140 in the first state, and Figure 5 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the switching device 100 in the first state. 【0061】 As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the drive unit 140 in the first state forms a first path P1 through the first communication hole 120Ha and the first outlet hole 111Ha, while facing the second communication hole 120Hb and the third communication hole 120Hc, allowing the heat transfer medium to flow from the inside to the outside of the case 110. The first path P1 is schematically shown by white arrows in Figures 3 and 5. More specifically, the heat transfer medium flows into the switching device 100 from the upstream pipe 15 of the upstream circuit 10 through the inlet connecting pipe 114 and the inlet hole EH. The heat transfer medium in the switching device 100 can further flow out through the first communication hole 120Ha, the first outlet hole 111Ha, and the first outlet pipe 115A in the first path P1 to the first downstream pipe 25A (see Figure 2) of the first downstream flow path 20A. 【0062】 Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the cutting device when the drive unit is in the second state. Figure 7 is a partially exploded perspective view of the cutting device when the drive unit is in the second state. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the drive unit 140 in the second state forms a second path P2 through the second communication hole 120Hb and the second outlet hole 111Hb, while facing the first communication hole 120Ha and the third communication hole 120Hc, allowing the heat transfer medium to flow from the inside to the outside of the case 110. In Figures 6 and 7, the second path P2 is indicated by a white arrow. More specifically, the heat transfer medium in the switching device 100 can flow out through the second communication hole 120Hb, the second outlet hole 111Hb, and the second outlet pipe 115B in the second path P2 to the second downstream pipe 25B (see Figure 2) of the second downstream flow path 20B. 【0063】 Figure 8 is a partially exploded perspective view of the cutting device when the drive unit is in the third state. As shown in Figure 8, the drive unit 140 in the third state forms a third path P3 through the third communication hole 120Hc and the third outlet hole 111Hc, while facing the first communication hole 120Ha and the second communication hole 120Hb, allowing the heat transfer medium to flow from the inside to the outside of the case 110. In Figure 8, the third path P3 is indicated by a white arrow. More specifically, the heat transfer medium in the switching device 100 can flow out through the third communication hole 120Hc, the third outlet hole 111Hc, and the third outlet pipe 115C in the third path P3 to the third downstream pipe 25C (see Figure 2) of the third downstream flow path 20C. 【0064】 The specific configuration of the drive unit 140 will now be described. However, the configuration of the drive unit 140 is not limited to the following. The drive unit 140 includes a drive disk 141, an engaging member 142, a motor shaft 143, a biasing member 144, a central shaft portion 145, and a motor body 146. 【0065】 The drive disk 141 has a roughly disc-shaped outer form. The drive disk 141 rotates about its central axis C. The drive disk 141 has a disk hole 141H that penetrates in the main direction D1. As the drive disk 141 rotates, the disk hole 141H is displaced circumferentially about its central axis C. In the first state, the drive disk 141 closes the second communication hole 120Hb and the third communication hole 120Hc, and the disk hole 141H is aligned with the first communication hole 120Ha (see Figures 3 and 5). In the second state, the drive disk 141 closes the first communication hole 120Ha and the third communication hole 120Hc, and the disk hole 141H is aligned with the second communication hole 120Hb (see Figures 6 and 7). In the third state, the drive disk 141 closes the first communication hole 120Ha and the second communication hole 120Hb, and the disk hole 141H is aligned with the third communication hole 120Hc (see Figure 8). 【0066】 The engaging member 142 engages with the drive disk 141 in the circumferential direction about the central axis C. The engaging member 142 rotates the drive disk 141. The motor shaft 143 rotates the engaging member 142. The motor shaft 143 penetrates the top wall portion 112 in the main direction D1. The biasing member 144 is, for example, a spring. The biasing member 144 is positioned between the motor shaft 143 and the engaging member 142 in the main direction D1. The biasing member 144 biases the motor shaft 143 and the engaging member 142 away from each other. The central shaft portion 145 extends along the central axis C. The central shaft portion 145 is fitted into the motor shaft 143 and the bottom wall portion 111. The central shaft portion 145 penetrates the intermediate member 120, the gasket 130, and the drive disk 141. The motor body 146 is mounted on the top wall portion 112. The motor body 146 rotates the motor shaft 143. 【0067】 As shown in Figure 3, the locking portion 150 is provided to lock onto the intermediate member 120 when an external force is applied to the intermediate member 120 in a direction away from the bottom wall portion 111. In this embodiment, the locking portion 150 is in contact with the intermediate member 120 on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion 111. 【0068】 The locking portion 150 is formed separately from the case 110. The locking portion 150 is located between the top wall portion 112 and the intermediate member 120, and abuts against both the top wall portion 112 and the intermediate member 120. Specifically, the locking portion 150 abuts against the first top wall portion 112A. 【0069】 The locking portion 150 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The drive unit 140 is located inside the locking portion 150. The locking portion 150 has a first open end 151 and a second open end 152 located opposite the first open end 151. The first open end 151 opens to one side in the main direction D1. The second open end 152 opens to the other side in the main direction D1. The first open end 151 faces the intermediate member 120. The first open end 151 abuts against the intermediate member 120 around its entire circumference. The second open end 152 faces the top wall portion 112. The second open end 152 abuts against the top wall portion 112 around its entire circumference. 【0070】 Furthermore, the locking portion 150 has a lateral communication hole 153H that connects the inner circumference and the outer circumference of the locking portion 150. The lateral communication hole 153H is opposite the inlet hole EH. 【0071】 Here, we will describe the procedure for supplying the heat transfer medium from the reservoir tank 30 before the operation of the heat management system 1 described above. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the heat management system of Figure 1, illustrating an example of the flow of the heat transfer medium supplied before operation. In Figure 9, the flow of the heat transfer medium is indicated by thick black arrows. 【0072】 As shown in Figure 9, in the thermal management system 1, the heat transfer medium is supplied from the reservoir tank 30. Before supplying the heat transfer medium, the flow path of the heat transfer medium is pre-vacuumed via the reservoir tank 30. Due to this vacuuming, the elastically deformable upstream pipe 15, the first downstream pipe 25A, the second downstream pipe 25B, and the third downstream pipe 25C may be deformed by atmospheric pressure and become partially blocked. As a result, the heat transfer medium may flow vigorously in the opposite direction to the direction in which the heat transfer medium flows when the thermal management system 1 is in operation. 【0073】 For example, as shown in Figure 9, the heat transfer medium can flow from the reservoir tank 30 toward the switching device 100 in the first downstream channel 20A, the second downstream channel 20B, and the third downstream channel 20C. These reverse-flowing heat transfer mediums can reach the switching device 100 before the heat transfer mediums that flow through the upstream circuit 10 and reach the switching device 100. In Figure 9, for example, an example is shown in which the heat transfer medium that reverse-flows in the second downstream channel 20B is the first to reach the switching device 100. 【0074】 Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the switching device of Figure 3 along with the flow of the reversed heat transfer medium. Figure 11 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the switching device of Figure 10. In Figures 10 and 11, the flow of the reversed heat transfer medium is indicated by thick black arrows. 【0075】 As shown in Figures 9 to 11, in the first state, when the heat transfer medium that has flowed backward through the second downstream channel 20B first reaches the switching device 100, the backward-flowing heat transfer medium collides with the drive unit 140 through the second outlet hole 111Hb and the second communication hole 120Hb. As a result, the drive disk 141 is displaced away from the intermediate member 120. This creates a gap between the drive disk 141 and the intermediate member 120, and the intermediate member 120 is subjected to pressure from the compressed gasket 130 (see arrow F). Then, a gap is created between the intermediate member 120 and the bottom wall portion 111. The heat transfer medium enters through this gap, and the heat transfer medium can further apply a force to the intermediate member 120 in the direction away from the bottom wall portion 111. In addition, the entered heat transfer medium can press the gasket 130 radially with respect to the central axis C. 【0076】 However, under these circumstances, the locking portion 150 locks with the intermediate member 120 in the main direction D1. This prevents the intermediate member 120 from being displaced away from the bottom wall portion 111. Consequently, it prevents the heat transfer medium entering the gap from pressing the gasket 130 radially with respect to the central axis C, thereby preventing the gasket 130 from shifting radially. 【0077】 Let's explain how the gasket 130 would shift position if the locking portion 150 were absent. Figure 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of a switching device according to a comparative example. The cross-sectional view of the comparative example in Figure 12 corresponds to the cross-sectional view of the embodiment in Figure 11. The switching device according to the comparative example shown in Figure 12 has the same configuration as the switching device 100 according to this embodiment, except that it does not have a locking portion. As shown in Figure 12, in the switching device according to the comparative example, the heat transfer medium that has entered between the bottom wall portion 911 and the intermediate member 920 presses the gasket 930 radially. As a result, the gasket 930 protrudes from the groove portion 911G. The protruding gasket 930 partially bites between the bottom wall portion 911 and the intermediate member 920 at the corner of the groove portion 911G. As a result, in the switching device according to the comparative example, the heat transfer medium can leak out between each path (each circuit) of the heat transfer medium. 【0078】 As described above, the switching device 100 according to this embodiment includes a locking portion 150. The locking portion 150 is provided to lock onto the intermediate member 120 when an external force is applied to the intermediate member 120 in a direction away from the bottom wall portion 111. 【0079】 According to the above configuration, for example, when the drive unit 140 is facing the second communication hole 120Hb, if the backflowing heat transfer medium collides with the drive unit 140 through the second outlet hole 111Hb and the second communication hole 120Hb, the drive unit 140, which was biased toward the intermediate member 120, may be displaced away from the intermediate member 120. As a result, the heat transfer medium may enter the gap between the intermediate member 120 and the bottom wall portion 111, and the heat transfer medium may apply a force to the intermediate member 120 in the direction away from the bottom wall portion 111. At this time, the locking portion 150 locks to the intermediate member 120, which can suppress the displacement of the intermediate member 120 away from the bottom wall portion 111. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the heat transfer medium that has entered the gap from shifting the position of the gasket 130 between the intermediate member 120 and the bottom wall portion 111. 【0080】 Therefore, when the heat transfer medium is filled inside, misalignment of the components placed between the case 110 and the drive unit 140 can be suppressed. 【0081】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking portion 150 is in contact with the intermediate member 120 on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion 111 of the intermediate member 120. 【0082】 According to the above configuration, when the heat transfer medium flows backward, the displacement of the intermediate member 120 away from the bottom wall portion 111 can be further suppressed. 【0083】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking portion 150 is formed separately from the case 110. 【0084】 According to the above configuration, the locking portion 150 can be placed inside the case 110 relatively easily. 【0085】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the locking portion 150 is positioned between the top wall portion 112 and the intermediate member 120, and is in contact with both the top wall portion 112 and the intermediate member 120. 【0086】 With the above configuration, when the heat transfer medium flows backward, the displacement of the intermediate member 120 away from the bottom wall portion 111 can be further suppressed. 【0087】 In this embodiment, the locking portion 150 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The locking portion 150 has a first open end 151 and a second open end 152 located opposite the first open end 151. The drive unit 140 is located inside the locking portion 150. The first open end 151 faces the intermediate member 120. The second open end 152 faces the top wall portion 112. 【0088】 According to the above configuration, the second open end 152 can enlarge the area in which the locking portion 150 engages with the intermediate member 120. 【0089】 In this embodiment, the inlet hole EH is formed in the side wall portion 113. The locking portion 150 has a lateral communication hole 153H that connects the inner circumference and the outer circumference of the locking portion 150. The lateral communication hole 153H is opposite the inlet hole EH. 【0090】 According to the above configuration, the locking portion 150 can prevent obstruction of the inflow of the heat transfer medium from the inlet hole EH. 【0091】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the edge of the first communication hole 120Ha is located inside the first outlet hole 111Ha when viewed from the main direction D1. The edge of the second communication hole 120Hb is located inside the second outlet hole 111Hb when viewed from the main direction D1. 【0092】 According to the above configuration, when the heat transfer medium flows from the inside of the case 110 to the outside through the first outlet hole 111Ha or the second outlet hole 111Hb, the edge of the first communication hole 120Ha or the edge of the second communication hole 120Hb prevents the heat transfer medium from entering between the bottom wall portion 111 and the intermediate member 120. However, when the heat transfer medium flows in the opposite direction, the heat transfer medium attempting to flow in from the first outlet hole 111Ha or the second outlet hole 111Hb is likely to collide with the edge portions of these communication holes. However, in a switching device 100 according to a certain aspect of this disclosure, the locking portion 150 locks onto the intermediate member 120 at this time, thereby preventing the intermediate member 120 from being displaced away from the bottom wall portion 111. 【0093】 In the above-described embodiment, the combinatable configurations may be combined with each other. 【0094】 The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of this disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols] 【0095】 1 Thermal management system, 10 Upstream circuit, 11 Pump, 12 Condenser, 13 Heater, 15 Upstream pipe, 20A First downstream channel, 20B Second downstream channel, 20C Third downstream channel, 21A Radiator, 21B Heat exchanger, 21C Heater core, 25A First downstream pipe, 25B Second downstream pipe, 25C Third downstream pipe, 30 Reservoir tank, 100 Switching device, 110 Case, 111 Bottom wall section, 111A Central section, 111B Annular section, 111C Partition section, 111G Groove section, 111Ha First outlet hole, 111Hb Second outlet hole, 111Hc Third outlet hole, 112 Top wall section, 112A First top wall section, 112B Second top wall section, 112H Insertion hole, 113 Side wall section, 114 Inlet connecting pipe, 115A First outlet pipe, 115B Second outlet pipe, 115C Third outlet pipe, 116 Closure part, 120 Intermediate member, 120Ha First communication hole, 120Hb Second communication hole, 120Hc Third communication hole, 121 Intermediate central part, 122 Intermediate annular part, 123 Spoke, 124 Projection part, 130 Gasket, 140 Drive part, 141 Drive disc, 141H Disc hole, 142 Engaging member, 143 Motor shaft, 144 Biasing member, 145 Central shaft part, 146 Motor body, 150 Locking part, 151 First open end, 152 Second open end, 153H Side communication hole, C Central axis, D1 Main direction, EH Inlet hole, P1 First path, P2 Second path, P3 Third path.

Claims

[Claim 1] A switching device for switching the flow path of a heat transfer medium in a heat management system, The case and, Intermediate member and Gasket and, The drive unit and It is equipped with a locking part, The aforementioned case is, A bottom wall portion having a first outlet hole and a second outlet hole formed therein, which penetrate in the main direction, In the aforementioned main direction, the top wall portion is opposite to the bottom wall portion, Including a side wall portion located between the bottom wall portion and the top wall portion, An entrance hole is formed in the top wall portion or the side wall portion. The intermediate member is located between the bottom wall and the top wall. The intermediate member is provided with a first communication hole and a second communication hole that penetrate in the main direction, The first communication hole is aligned with the first outlet hole in the main direction, The second communication hole is aligned with the second outlet hole in the main direction, The gasket seals the gap between the bottom wall and the intermediate member. The drive unit is located opposite the bottom wall portion when viewed from the intermediate member, and is biased toward the intermediate member. The drive unit is configured to switch between a state in which a first path is formed in which the heat transfer medium can flow from the inside to the outside of the case through the first communication hole and the first outlet hole while facing the second communication hole, and a state in which a second path is formed in which the heat transfer medium can flow from the inside to the outside of the case through the second communication hole and the second outlet hole while facing the first communication hole. A switching device in which the locking portion is provided to lock onto the intermediate member when an external force is applied to the intermediate member in a direction away from the bottom wall portion. [Claim 2] The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is in contact with the intermediate member on the side opposite to the bottom wall portion of the intermediate member. [Claim 3] The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is formed separately from the case. [Claim 4] The switching device according to claim 3, wherein the locking portion is located between the top wall portion and the intermediate member and abuts against both the top wall portion and the intermediate member. [Claim 5] The locking portion is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a first open end and a second open end located opposite the first open end. The drive unit is located inside the locking portion, The first open end faces the intermediate member, The switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second open end faces the top wall portion. [Claim 6] The inlet hole is formed in the side wall portion, The locking portion has a lateral communication hole that connects the inner circumference and the outer circumference of the locking portion. The switching device according to claim 5, wherein the lateral communication hole is opposite to the inlet hole. [Claim 7] The edge of the first communication hole is located inside the first exit hole when viewed from the main direction, The switching device according to claim 1, wherein the edge of the second communication hole is located inside the second outlet hole when viewed from the main direction.

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