Flow path switching valve, and indoor and outdoor units of air conditioning systems equipped therewith

Abstract

In a flow path switching valve with flow paths in multiple directions, the present invention provides a flow path switching valve in which the valve body does not separate from the sealing member. [Solution] The flow path switching valve comprises a valve body 40, a valve element 50, and a sealing member 70. The valve body 40 has a valve chamber 30 formed inside, and at least three ports, which serve as inlets and outlets for fluid, are provided on the wall surface forming the valve chamber 30. The valve element 50 is positioned in the valve chamber 30 and has a first passage 51 through which fluid flows. The sealing member 70 seals the space between the valve element 50 and one or more ports. Furthermore, the sealing member 70 has a base portion 80 and an expansion portion 90. The base portion 80 is provided on the port side. The expansion portion 90 expands to open from the base portion 80 side toward the valve element 50 and biases to contact the valve element 50 when in communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] It relates to a flow path switching valve.

Background Art

[0002] A flow path switching valve that switches a plurality of flow paths provided in a valve body with a valve element prevents fluid leakage by sealing the space between the flow port of each flow path and the valve element with a sealing member.

[0003] For example, the ball valve disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 64-58874) has a metal annular sealing member, and a ball-shaped valve element is pressed against a tapered surface formed on the sealing member. Further, in Patent Document 1, the sealing member is pressed against the valve element side by a spring from the opposite side of the valve element across the tapered surface, thereby preventing the valve element from separating from the tapered surface.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] After assembly, the ball in the above ball valve does not separate from the sealing member, the surface pressure between the ball / sealing member is stable, and no fluid leakage occurs.

[0005] However, when the above configuration is applied to a flow path switching valve provided with flow paths in multiple directions, since the resultant force of the differential pressure acts obliquely rather than perpendicularly to the tapered surface of the sealing member, the valve element may separate from the tapered surface, and sealing performance cannot be ensured.

[0006] Therefore, in a flow path switching valve provided with flow paths in multiple directions, a flow path switching valve in which the valve element does not separate from the sealing member is desired.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The first-viewpoint flow control valve comprises a valve body, a valve element, an actuation unit, and a sealing member. The valve body has a valve chamber formed inside, and at least three ports, which serve as inlets and outlets for fluid, are provided on the wall surface forming the valve chamber. The valve element is positioned in the valve chamber and has a first passage through which fluid flows. The actuation unit drives the valve element to create a communication state, connecting the first passage and the ports. The sealing member seals the space between the valve element and one or more ports. Furthermore, the sealing member has a base and an expansion part. The base is provided on the port side. The expansion part expands so as to open from the base side toward the valve element and biases into contact with the valve element in the communication state.

[0008] In this flow path switching valve, the expansion portion is biased to contact the valve body when in communication, so the valve body tightly presses against the expansion portion of the sealing member, pushing it open. Therefore, even if the resultant force of the differential pressure is applied at an angle rather than perpendicular to the tapered surface of the sealing member, causing the valve body to shift away from the expansion portion, the expansion portion follows the direction of the valve body's shift, preventing the valve body and expansion portion from separating.

[0009] The flow path switching valve in the second view is the flow path switching valve in the first view, with a space provided to allow the expansion portion to tilt.

[0010] In this flow control valve, there is nothing to obstruct the tilting of the expansion section, so even if the valve body is displaced in a direction that pushes the expansion section due to fluctuations in fluid pressure, the expansion section can follow that displacement.

[0011] The flow path switching valve in the third perspective is the flow path switching valve in the second perspective, wherein the space is located between the base and the expansion part. The expansion part tilts relative to the base.

[0012] In this flow control valve, there is nothing to obstruct the tilting of the expansion section, so even if the valve body is displaced in a direction that pushes the expansion section due to fluctuations in fluid pressure, the expansion section can follow that displacement.

[0013] The flow path switching valve of the fourth perspective is a flow path switching valve of any one of the first, third, or fourth perspectives, wherein the opening angle, which is the maximum opposing angle between the inner surfaces of the expansion portion, is greater when it is in contact with the valve body than when it is not in contact with the valve body.

[0014] In this flow control valve, the expansion section opens at a larger angle due to contact with the valve body. As a reaction to this, the resistance force from the expansion section to the valve body increases, resulting in a greater sealing force between the expansion section and the valve body. Consequently, the sealing performance between the valve body and the expansion section is also improved.

[0015] The fifth-viewpoint flow control valve is a flow control valve of any one of the first-viewpoint to fourth-viewpoints, wherein in an unloaded state where no fluid flows through the first passage of the valve body, the valve body is in contact between the center and the tip of the expansion portion.

[0016] In this flow control valve, the expansion section expands from the base towards the valve body, so the tip is more flexible than the base and can more easily follow the displacement of the valve body. However, when pressure is applied to the valve body and pushes the expansion section, there is a high possibility that the contact point between the valve body and the expansion section will move towards the base. Therefore, the valve body is pre-set to contact the area between the center and the tip of the expansion section, thereby preventing the contact point between the valve body and the expansion section from shifting between the center and the base.

[0017] The flow path switching valve of the sixth perspective is a flow path switching valve of any one of the first to fifth perspectives, wherein the base has a connecting portion and a shaft portion. The connecting portion is an annular portion that contacts the port. The shaft portion is a cylindrical portion that connects the connecting portion and the expansion portion. The thickness of the shaft portion is greater than the thickness of the tip of the expansion portion.

[0018] In this flow control valve, when the valve body switches from a state where it is separated from the expansion section to a state where it is in contact with the expansion section, the valve body pushes the expansion section open. If the thickness of the shaft is made smaller than the thickness of the tip of the expansion section, the shaft may deform first due to the force the expansion section receives from the valve body, potentially impairing the sealing performance between the valve body and the expansion section. Therefore, by making the thickness of the shaft larger than the thickness of the tip of the expansion section, and configuring the valve so that the tip of the expansion section deforms easily when subjected to force from the valve body, stable sealing performance between the valve body and the expansion section can be ensured.

[0019] The flow path switching valve of the seventh perspective is a flow path switching valve of any one of the first to sixth perspectives, wherein the valve body has a first port, a second port, and a third port as ports. The drive unit drives the valve body to switch the communication state to either the first state or the second state. The first state is a state in which the first passage connects the first port and the second port. The second state is a state in which the first passage connects the first port and the third port.

[0020] This flow path switching valve can be used as a four-way switching valve by adding ports that can connect to the second port after switching from the first state to the second state, and to the third port after switching from the second state to the first state.

[0021] The flow path switching valve in the eighth perspective is the flow path switching valve in the seventh perspective, wherein the drive unit rotates the valve body to switch between a first state and a second state.

[0022] This flow path switching valve can be made smaller compared to a configuration that switches the flow path by moving the valve body in a straight line.

[0023] The flow path switching valve of the ninth aspect is a flow path switching valve of any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the sealing member is made of synthetic resin.

[0024] In this flow control valve, the synthetic resin sealing member has a lower elastic modulus and is more flexible than metal, resulting in better responsiveness to valve body displacement.

[0025] The flow path switching valve of the 10th aspect is any one of the flow path switching valves from the 1st aspect to the 9th aspect, and the opening angle of the expansion part when not in contact with the valve body is within the range of 60° to 120°.

[0026] The flow path switching valve of the 11th aspect is any one of the flow path switching valves from the 1st aspect to the 10th aspect, and the seal member and the port are integrally formed.

[0027] In this flow path switching valve, the number of parts is reduced, which is beneficial for a flow path switching valve with a large number of ports.

[0028] The flow path switching valve of the 12th aspect is any one of the flow path switching valves from the 1st aspect to the 10th aspect, and the seal member and the port are formed separately.

[0029] In this flow path switching valve, when ports of different shapes or different materials are mixed, it is beneficial to make the seal member and the port separate and only make the seal member common.

[0030] The flow path switching valve of the 13th aspect is any one of the flow path switching valves from the 1st aspect to the 12th aspect, and the first passage is a tunnel-shaped passage passing through the valve body or a groove-shaped passage provided on the peripheral surface of the valve body.

[0031] The flow path switching valve of the 14th aspect is any one of the flow path switching valves from the 1st aspect to the 12th aspect, and the fluid pressure inside the valve body is higher than the pressure around the valve body.

[0032] In this flow path switching valve, since the valve body switches the flow direction of the high-pressure fluid, it can be used as a valve for switching the flow direction of the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor of the air conditioner.

[0033] The flow path switching valve of the 15th aspect is any one of the flow path switching valves from the 1st aspect to the 12th aspect, and the fluid pressure inside the valve body is lower than the pressure around the valve body.

[0034] This flow path switching valve switches the flow direction of the low-pressure fluid, so it can be used as a valve that guides the low-pressure refrigerant from the indoor heat exchanger to the compressor's suction side during cooling operation of an air conditioning system, and guides the low-pressure refrigerant from the outdoor heat exchanger to the compressor's suction side during heating operation.

[0035] The indoor unit of the air conditioning system in the 16th aspect is an indoor unit of the air conditioning system equipped with a flow path switching valve as described in any one of the 13th aspects from the 1st aspect.

[0036] This air conditioning system provides an indoor unit in which the direction of refrigerant flow through the indoor heat exchanger is the same for both cooling and heating.

[0037] The outdoor unit of the air conditioning system in the 17th perspective is an outdoor unit of the air conditioning system equipped with a flow path switching valve as described in any one of the 13th perspectives.

[0038] When used as a four-way directional control valve in the outdoor unit of this air conditioning system, it can provide an outdoor unit with reduced mechanical noise compared to conventional four-way directional control valves that drive the valve body using a pressure difference. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0039] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system equipped with a flow path switching valve as disclosed herein. [Figure 2] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a flow path switching valve. [Figure 3] This is an internal perspective view of a flow path switching valve with the valve body and valve chamber forming wall removed. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the first state of the valve body and the refrigerant flow direction in a flow path switching valve during cooling operation. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the second state of the valve body and the refrigerant flow direction in the flow path switching valve during heating operation. [Figure 6] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first port, the valve body, and the sealing member that seals the space between the first port and the valve body. [Figure 7]This is a partial cross-sectional view of the sealing member showing the position of the contact area between the spherical surface of the valve body and the expanded surface of the sealing member. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the valve body, sealing member, and surrounding area of ​​a flow path switching valve according to the second modified example. [Figure 9] This is an internal perspective view of a flow path switching valve according to the third modified example, in which the body of the valve and the valve chamber forming wall have been removed. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the valve body. [Figure 11] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the sealing member shown. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the first state of the valve body and the direction of refrigerant flow during cooling operation of a flow path switching valve applied to a four-way switching valve. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the second state of the valve body and the refrigerant flow direction during heating operation of a flow path switching valve applied to a four-way switching valve. [Figure 14] This is another diagram showing the first state of the valve body and the direction of refrigerant flow during cooling operation of a flow path switching valve applied to a four-way switching valve. [Figure 15] This is another diagram showing the second state of the valve body and the direction of refrigerant flow during heating operation of a flow path switching valve applied to a four-way switching valve. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0040] (1) Overview of the air conditioning system equipped with a flow path switching valve 100 Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 equipped with the flow path switching valve 100 of this disclosure. In Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1 provides cooling and heating to a room. The air conditioning system 1 includes an outdoor unit 2 installed outside and an indoor unit 3 installed inside.

[0041] The outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 3 are connected to each other by two connecting pipes 27 and 29. This constitutes a refrigerant circuit 10 in the air conditioning system 1. In the refrigerant circuit 10, a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle is performed by the circulation of the filled refrigerant.

[0042] In this embodiment, the indoor unit 3 is equipped with a flow path switching valve 100, and is configured so that the direction of refrigerant flow to the indoor heat exchanger 19 is the same regardless of whether it is in cooling or heating operation. In addition, the refrigerant path of the indoor heat exchanger 19 is configured so that the refrigerant faces the air being blown into the indoor heat exchanger 19.

[0043] (1-1) Cooling operation During cooling operation, the four-way diverter valve 13 and the flow path diverter valve 100 shown in Figure 1 are in the state indicated by the solid lines. The high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 enters the outdoor heat exchanger 15 via the first port Po1 and the third port Po3 of the four-way diverter valve 13.

[0044] In the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the high-pressure refrigerant exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 23 and condenses. The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve 17. Subsequently, the refrigerant enters the indoor heat exchanger 19 through the inlet 19a via the fourth port Pi4 and third port Pi3 of the flow path switching valve 100.

[0045] In the indoor heat exchanger 19, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 25, absorbing heat from the indoor air and evaporating. The air is cooled in the indoor heat exchanger 19 and supplied to the indoor space.

[0046] The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 19 exits from the outlet 19b and passes through the second port Pi2 and first port Pi1 of the flow path switching valve 100 to the four-way switching valve 13. The refrigerant is then drawn into the compressor 11 via the second port Po2 and fourth port Po4 of the four-way switching valve 13 and the accumulator 21, where it is compressed again.

[0047] (1-2) Heating operation During heating operation, the four-way switching valve 13 and the flow path switching valve 100 shown in Figure 1 are in the state indicated by the dashed lines. The high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 11 passes through the first port Po1 and the second port Po2 of the four-way switching valve 13 to the flow path switching valve 100.

[0048] The refrigerant enters the indoor heat exchanger 19 through the inlet 19a via the first port Pi1 and third port Pi3 of the flow path switching valve 100. In the indoor heat exchanger 19, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 25, releasing heat and condensing. The air is heated in the indoor heat exchanger 19 and supplied to the indoor space.

[0049] The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 19 exits through the outlet 19b, passes through the second port Pi2 and fourth port Pi4 of the flow path switching valve 100, and reaches the outdoor expansion valve 17. After being depressurized in the outdoor expansion valve 17, the refrigerant enters the outdoor heat exchanger 15.

[0050] In the outdoor heat exchanger 15, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 23, absorbing heat from the outdoor air and evaporating. The refrigerant then passes through the third port Po3 and fourth port Po4 of the four-way switching valve 13 and the accumulator 21, and is drawn into the compressor 11, where it is compressed again.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the flow path switching valve 100 switches the refrigerant flow path between cooling operation and heating operation, so the direction of refrigerant flow to the indoor heat exchanger 19 is the same regardless of whether it is cooling or heating operation.

[0052] (2) Detailed structure of the flow path switching valve 100 Figure 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 100. In Figure 2, the flow path switching valve 100 comprises a valve body 40, a valve element 50, an actuation unit 60, and a sealing member 70.

[0053] (2-1) Valve body 40 The valve body 40 has a cylindrical body portion 41, a first end plate 42 that closes one end of the body portion 41, a second end plate 43 that closes the other end of the body portion 41, and a valve chamber forming wall 44. The body portion 41, the first end plate 42, and the second end plate 43 form the outer wall of the valve body 40, and the valve chamber forming wall 44 forms the inner wall of the valve body 40.

[0054] (2-1-1) Torso 41 The body portion 41 is a cylindrical metal component. Inside the body portion 41 are the valve chamber forming wall 44, the valve body 50, the gear mechanism of the drive unit 60, and the sealing member 70.

[0055] (2-1-2) First end plate 42 In the front view of Figure 2, the first end plate 42 is a metal plate-shaped member that closes the lower end of the body portion 41. The first end plate 42 also has a first port Pi1 and a fourth port Pi4 formed therein, which serve as refrigerant flow inlets. The first port Pi1 and the fourth port Pi4 are circular holes that penetrate the first end plate 42 and lead to the valve chamber 30.

[0056] A first copper pipe T1 is inserted into the first port Pi1. The length of the first copper pipe T1 inserted into the first port Pi1 corresponds to 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the thickness of the first end plate 42. Similarly, a fourth copper pipe T4 is inserted into the fourth port Pi4. The length of the fourth copper pipe T4 inserted into the fourth port Pi4 corresponds to 1 / 4 to 1 / 2 of the thickness of the first end plate 42.

[0057] (2-1-3) Second end plate 43 In the front view of Figure 2, the second end plate 43 is a metal plate-shaped member that closes the upper end of the body portion 41. The second end plate 43 is pre-formed with two through-holes. The second end plate 43 fixes the second copper pipe T2 and the third copper pipe T3 in place, with the pipes passing through these holes. One end of each of the second copper pipe T2 and the third copper pipe T3 extends into the interior of the body portion 41.

[0058] (2-1-4) Valve chamber forming wall 44 The valve chamber forming wall 44 is a component made of synthetic resin. Inside the body portion 41, the valve chamber forming wall 44 forms the valve chamber 30, which is the movable space for the valve body 50, and the second port Pi2 and third port Pi3 which lead to the valve chamber 30. The second port Pi2 and third port Pi3 are circular holes. The second port Pi2 and third port Pi3 lead to the valve chamber 30.

[0059] Furthermore, the valve chamber forming wall 44 forms a pipe hole H2 into which the second copper pipe T2 fits, a pipe hole H3 into which the third copper pipe T3 fits, a flow path R2 connecting pipe hole H2 and the second port Pi2, and a flow path R3 connecting pipe hole H3 and the third port Pi3.

[0060] (2-2) Valve body 50 Figure 3 is an internal perspective view of the flow path switching valve 100 with the body portion 41 and valve chamber forming wall 44 of the valve body 40 removed. In Figures 2 and 3, the valve body 50 is processed from a sphere into a predetermined shape. Specifically, the sphere is cut along the central axis at two points equal to opposite directions from its center, with a plane perpendicular to the central axis, to form a wheel-shaped member. Subsequently, the wheel-shaped member is cut along a plane parallel to the central axis so that its cross-section is D-shaped.

[0061] Therefore, the outer surface of the valve body 50 has two side surfaces 50a perpendicular to the central axis, a spherical surface 50b sandwiched between the two side surfaces 50a, and an inclined surface 50c perpendicular to the two side surfaces 50a and facing the spherical surface 50b.

[0062] A pivot shaft 52 protrudes perpendicularly from one side surface 50a, and the rotation shaft 651 of a pinion gear 65 is connected to the other side surface 50a. The pivot shaft 52 is rotatably supported by the valve chamber forming wall 44, and the valve body 50 rotates as the pinion gear 65 rotates.

[0063] As shown in Figure 2, the valve body 50 has a circular tunnel-shaped first passage 51 that passes through it. The valve body 50 switches the communication state between the first passage 51 and each port to a first state during cooling operation and to a second state during heating operation.

[0064] Figure 4 shows the first state of the valve body 50 in the flow path switching valve 100 and the direction of refrigerant flow during cooling operation. Figure 5 shows the second state of the valve body 50 in the flow path switching valve 100 and the direction of refrigerant flow during heating operation.

[0065] (2-2-1) First state of valve body 50 In Figure 4, during the first state of cooling operation, the first port Pi1 and the second port Pi2 are connected by the first passage 51, and the third port Pi3 and the fourth port Pi4 are connected by the valve chamber 30. In the first state, the liquid refrigerant, depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve 17, flows in the order of the fourth port Pi4, the valve chamber 30, and the third port Pi3, and evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 19. The gaseous refrigerant that leaves the indoor heat exchanger 19 flows in the order of the second port Pi2, the first passage 51, and the first port Pi1, and flows out from the flow path switching valve 100.

[0066] (2-2-2) Second state of valve body 50 In Figure 5, during heating operation, in the second state, the first port Pi1 and the third port Pi3 are connected by the first passage 51, and the second port Pi2 and the fourth port Pi4 are connected by the valve chamber 30. In the second state, the gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 flows in the order of the first port Pi1, the first passage 51, and the third port Pi3, and condenses in the indoor heat exchanger 19. The liquid refrigerant that leaves the indoor heat exchanger 19 flows in the order of the second port Pi2, the valve chamber 30, and the fourth port Pi4, and flows out from the flow path switching valve 100.

[0067] (2-3) Drive unit 60 As shown in Figure 3, the drive unit 60 includes a motor 61, a worm gear 63, and a pinion gear 65. In this embodiment, a stepping motor capable of adjusting the rotation angle by pulse control is used as the motor 61. The output shaft 611 of the motor 61 is connected concentrically to the rotation axis of the worm gear 63.

[0068] The worm gear 63 meshes with the pinion gear 65. The pinion gear 65 has a rotating shaft 651 that is concentric with the rotating shaft of the valve body 50. The rotation of the motor 61 is reduced according to the gear ratio between the worm gear 63 and the pinion gear 65 and transmitted to the valve body 50. Therefore, it can be driven with less torque than if the valve body 50 were driven directly by the motor 61.

[0069] (2-4) Sealing member 70 The sealing member 70 seals the space between the valve body 50 and the ports among the first port Pi1, second port Pi2, and third port Pi3 that communicate with the first passage 51 of the valve body 50.

[0070] Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first port Pi1, the valve body 50, and the sealing member 70 that seals the space between the first port Pi1 and the valve body 50. Although there are minor differences between the sealing member 70 attached to the first port Pi1 and the sealing members 70 attached to the second port Pi2 and the third port Pi3, the main parts are the same, so only the sealing member 70 attached to the first port Pi1 will be described here.

[0071] In Figure 6, the sealing member 70 is made of synthetic resin and includes a base portion 80 and an expansion portion 90. The sealing member 70 has a through hole 70a that penetrates the base portion 80 and the expansion portion 90. The expansion portion 90 expands so as to open from the base portion 80 side toward the valve body 50, and the cross-section of the sealing member 70 is cup-shaped.

[0072] (2-4-1) Base 80 The base portion 80 includes a connecting portion 81 and a shaft portion 83. The connecting portion 81 and a part of the shaft portion 83 are fixed by a valve chamber forming wall 44. The connecting portion 81 is a disc-shaped portion that is in close contact with the periphery of the first port Pi1. The connecting portion 81 has a protrusion 81a that fits onto the first port Pi1, and the protrusion 81a functions as a positioning element. However, if there is another positioning method, the protrusion 81a is unnecessary and is not provided on the sealing member 70 that is in close contact with the second port Pi2 and the third port Pi3.

[0073] The shaft portion 83 is a cylindrical part that extends perpendicularly from the connecting portion 81 and connects the connecting portion 81 and the expansion portion 90. The outer diameter of the shaft portion 83 is smaller than the outer diameter of the connecting portion 81. The thickness of the shaft portion 83, which is the difference between the inner and outer surfaces, is set to t1.

[0074] (2-4-2) Expansion section 90 The expansion portion 90 has an expansion surface 90a whose diameter gradually expands from the end of the shaft portion 83 toward the valve body 50. The expansion surface 90a is a tapered or curved surface. The thickness of the expansion portion 90 gradually decreases from the base toward the tip, and the thickness t2 at the tip is smaller than the thickness t1 of the shaft portion 83.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the cross-sectional shape of the expansion portion 90 when cut by a virtual plane containing its central axis Ax in the direction of refrigerant flow is V-shaped. The degree of opening of this V-shape is the maximum opposing angle between the expansion surfaces 90a, and is referred to here as the "opening angle θ". When the expansion portion 90 is not in contact with the valve body 50, the opening angle θ of the expansion portion 90 is set in the range of 60° to 120°. However, when the expansion portion 90 is in contact with the valve body 50, the opening angle θ is larger than when there is no contact.

[0076] A space S is provided between the expansion portion 90 and the base portion 80, so that the tilting of the expansion portion 90 is not hindered even when the expansion portion 90 is pressed against the valve body 50. The space S may also be a gap with the valve chamber forming wall 44, and the gap dimension should be set to a dimension that takes into account the amount of deflection based on the elastic modulus of the expansion portion 90.

[0077] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the sealing member 70 showing the position of the contact portion CP between the spherical surface 50b of the valve body 50 and the expanded surface 90a of the sealing member 70. In Figure 7, the center line CL is the normal to the expanded surface 90a, passing through the center of the expanded surface 90a.

[0078] However, if the tip of the expanded surface 90a is chamfered or a fillet is formed, the center line CL shall be the normal line passing through the center of the region of the expanded surface 90a excluding the chamfer or fillet.

[0079] The expanded portion 90 is formed to expand from the base portion 80 towards the valve body 50 and to decrease in thickness from the base to the tip. Therefore, the tip is more flexible than the base, and it has good ability to follow the displacement of the valve body 50.

[0080] However, when refrigerant flows through the first passage 51, pressure is applied to the valve body 50, so the expansion portion 90 is pushed by the valve body 50, and there is a high possibility that the contact portion CP between the valve body 50 and the expansion portion 90 will move towards the base.

[0081] Therefore, it is necessary to suppress the movement of the contact point CP between the valve body 50 and the expansion portion 90 between the center and the base. In this embodiment, when no refrigerant is flowing through the first passage 51 of the valve body 50, the contact point CP between the spherical surface 50b and the expansion surface 90a is set to be located between the center line CL and the tip of the expansion surface 90a. As a result, even when the expansion portion 90 is pushed by the valve body 50, the contact point CP between the valve body 50 and the expansion portion 90 is less likely to move between the center and the base of the expansion portion 90.

[0082] (3) Features (3-1) Conventional ball valves (Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Publication No. 64-058874) have the disadvantage that when applied to flow path switching valves with flow paths in multiple directions, the resultant force of the differential pressure is applied at an angle rather than perpendicular to the tapered surface of the sealing member, which may cause the valve body to separate from the tapered surface. Furthermore, because the valve body and the sealing member are not separated, it cannot be applied to valve structures where the valve body completely separates from the sealing member during flow path switching.

[0083] In contrast, the expansion portion 90 of the flow path switching valve 100 according to this embodiment is configured to bias and contact the valve body 50 when in communication, so that the valve body 50 tightly adheres to the expansion portion 90 of the sealing member 70, pushing it open. Therefore, even if the valve body 50 shifts, the expansion portion 90 follows the direction of the shift of the valve body 50, so the valve body 50 and the expansion portion 90 do not separate. Furthermore, this can also be applied to valve structures in which the valve body 50 moves away from a specific sealing member 70 and contacts a sealing member 70 of a different flow path.

[0084] (3-2) The flow path switching valve 100 is provided with a space S that allows the expansion portion 90 to tilt, and there is nothing to obstruct the tilting of the expansion portion 90. Furthermore, the space S is located between the base portion 80 and the expansion portion 90, and the expansion portion 90 tilts relative to the base portion 80. Therefore, even if the valve body 50 is displaced in a direction that pushes the expansion portion 90 due to fluctuations in refrigerant pressure, the expansion portion 90 can follow that displacement.

[0085] (3-3) The opening angle θ of the expansion portion 90 is greater when it is in contact with the valve body 50 than when it is not in contact with the valve body 50. The opening angle θ of the expansion portion 90 increases when it is in contact with the valve body 50, and as a reaction to this, the resistance force from the expansion portion 90 to the valve body 50 increases, so the sealing force between the expansion portion 90 and the valve body 50 increases. As a result, the sealing performance between the valve body 50 and the expansion portion 90 is also improved.

[0086] (3-4) In the flow path switching valve 100, when there is no load and no refrigerant flows through the first passage 51 of the valve body 50, the valve body 50 contacts the center and tip of the expansion portion 90. Since the expansion portion 90 is configured to expand from the base 80 side toward the valve body 50, the tip is more flexible than the base and can easily follow the displacement of the valve body 50. However, when pressure is applied to the valve body 50 and pushes the expansion portion 90, there is a high possibility that the contact point between the valve body 50 and the expansion portion 90 will move from the tip toward the base. Therefore, the valve body 50 is set in advance to contact the center and tip of the expansion portion 90, thereby suppressing the shift of the contact point between the valve body 50 and the expansion portion 90 between the center and the base.

[0087] (3-5) The base portion 80 has a connecting portion 81 and a shaft portion 83. The connecting portion 81 is an annular portion that contacts the port. The shaft portion 83 is a cylindrical portion that connects the connecting portion 81 and the expansion portion 90. The thickness of the shaft portion 83 is greater than the thickness of the tip of the expansion portion 90.

[0088] In the flow path switching valve 100, when the valve body 50 switches from a state where it is separated from the expansion portion 90 to a state where it is in contact with the expansion portion 90, the valve body 50 pushes open the expansion portion 90. If the thickness of the shaft portion 83 is made smaller than the thickness of the tip of the expansion portion 90, the shaft portion 83 may deform first due to the force that the expansion portion 90 receives from the valve body 50, which may impair the sealing performance between the valve body 50 and the expansion portion 90.

[0089] Therefore, the thickness of the shaft portion 83 is made greater than the thickness of the tip of the expansion portion 90, so that the tip of the expansion portion 90 is easily deformed when subjected to force from the valve body 50. As a result, stable sealing performance between the valve body 50 and the expansion portion 90 can be ensured.

[0090] (3-6) The valve body 40 has a first port Pi1, a second port Pi2, and a third port Pi3 as ports. The drive unit 60 drives the valve body 50 to switch the communication state between a first state and a second state. The first state is when the first passage 51 connects the first port Pi1 and the second port Pi2. The second state is when the first passage 51 connects the first port Pi1 and the third port Pi3.

[0091] The flow path switching valve 100 can be used as a four-way switching valve by adding ports that can communicate with the second port Pi2 after switching from the first state to the second state, and with the third port Pi3 after switching from the second state to the first state.

[0092] (3-7) In the flow path switching valve 100, the drive unit 60 rotates the valve body 50 to switch between the first state and the second state, which allows for a smaller design compared to a configuration that switches the flow path by moving the valve body linearly.

[0093] (3-8) Since the sealing member 70 is made of synthetic resin, it has a lower elastic modulus and is more flexible than metal, and therefore has good ability to follow the displacement of the valve body 50.

[0094] (3-9) When the valve body 50 is not in contact with the expansion portion 90, the opening angle θ of the expansion portion 90 is within the range of 60° to 120°.

[0095] (3-10) The sealing member 70 and the port may be molded as a single unit. This reduces the number of parts and is beneficial for flow path switching valves with a large number of ports.

[0096] (3-11) The sealing member 70 and the port may be molded as separate parts. When ports of different shapes are mixed, it is more beneficial to mold the sealing member 70 and the port as separate parts and to standardize only the sealing member 70.

[0097] (3-12) The first passage 51 is a circular tunnel-shaped passage that penetrates the valve body 50.

[0098] (3-13) By utilizing the flow path switching valve 100, an indoor unit 3 can be provided in which the direction of refrigerant flowing to the indoor heat exchanger 19 is the same regardless of whether it is in cooling or heating operation.

[0099] (3-14) By adopting the flow path switching valve 100 as a four-way switching valve, it is possible to provide an outdoor unit 2 with reduced mechanical noise compared to conventional four-way switching valves that drive the valve body with a pressure difference.

[0100] (4) Variations Here, we will describe a modified example that changes a part of the above embodiment.

[0101] (4-1) First variation In the above embodiment, the second port Pi2 and the third port Pi3 are molded integrally with the valve chamber forming wall 44, and the description is based on the premise that the second port Pi2 and the third port Pi3 are separate from the sealing member 70.

[0102] However, if the valve chamber forming wall 44 and the sealing member 70 are molded from the same synthetic resin, the second port Pi2, the third port Pi3, and the corresponding sealing members 70 may be molded integrally during the molding of the valve chamber forming wall 44. Polyacetal resin, which is commonly used as a resin spring material, is preferable as the synthetic resin.

[0103] However, since the first port Pi1 is formed on the first end plate 42 which is made of metal, and the first port Pi1 and the corresponding sealing member 70 are made of different materials, it is reasonable to make them separate components as in the above embodiment.

[0104] (4-2) Second variation In the above embodiment, the spherical surface 50b of the valve body 50 is in contact with the expanded portion 90 of the sealing member 70, so the expanded surface 90a of the expanded portion 90 is either a conical or spherical surface. However, the valve body does not necessarily need to have a spherical surface, and the expanded surface does not necessarily need to be either a conical or spherical surface.

[0105] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the valve body 150, the sealing member 170, and their surroundings of the flow path switching valve 200 according to the second modified example. The configuration of the flow path switching valve 200 according to the second modified example is the same as that of the flow path switching valve 100 according to the above embodiment, except for the valve body 150 and the sealing member 170. Therefore, only the valve body 150 and the sealing member 170 will be described here.

[0106] (4-2-1) Valve body 150 In Figure 8, the valve body 150 is formed such that a cylinder having two sides perpendicular to its central axis is cut by a plane parallel to its central axis, resulting in a D-shaped cross-section.

[0107] Therefore, the outer surface of the valve body 150 has two side surfaces 150a perpendicular to the central axis, a circumferential surface 150b sandwiched between the two side surfaces 150a, and an inclined surface 150c perpendicular to the two side surfaces 150a and facing the circumferential surface 150b.

[0108] A pivot shaft 152 protrudes perpendicularly from one side surface 150a, and the rotation shaft 651 of a pinion gear 65 is connected to the other side surface 150a. The pivot shaft 152 is rotatably supported by the valve chamber forming wall 44, and the valve body 150 rotates as the pinion gear 65 rotates.

[0109] The valve body 150 has a first passage 151 that passes through it, similar to that in Figure 2 of the above embodiment. The valve body 150 switches the communication state between the first passage 151 and each port to a first state during cooling operation and to a second state during heating operation. The first state is the same as in Figure 4, and the second state is the same as in Figure 5, so their explanations are omitted.

[0110] (4-2-2) Sealing member 170 The sealing member 170 has a base portion 180 and an extension portion 190. The base portion 180 includes a connecting portion 181 and a shaft portion 183. The connecting portion 181 is a rectangular plate-shaped portion. The shaft portion 183 is a rectangular tubular portion that extends perpendicularly from the connecting portion 181 and connects the connecting portion 181 and the extension portion 190. The outer dimensions of the shaft portion 183 are smaller than the outer dimensions of the connecting portion 181. The connecting portion 181 and the shaft portion 183 have the same effects as the connecting portion 81 and shaft portion 83 of the above embodiment, so their description is omitted here.

[0111] The expansion portion 190 has a rectangular cross-section in plan view, with a constant dimension along its long side, but its dimension along its short side increases as it approaches the valve body 150. Therefore, the cross-section obtained by cutting the expansion portion 190 with a plane perpendicular to the long side expands to open towards the valve body 150.

[0112] The extension portion 190 is in close contact with the two side surfaces 150a and the circumferential surface 150b so as to surround the flow opening of the first passage 151, so that the refrigerant flowing through the first passage 151 does not leak from the flow opening of the first passage 151 to the valve chamber 30 side.

[0113] (4-3) Third variation In the above embodiment, the first passage 51 of the valve body 50 is a circular tunnel-shaped hole that penetrates the valve body 50, but it is not limited to a hole and may be a groove.

[0114] Figure 9 is an internal perspective view of the flow path switching valve 300 according to the third modified example, in which the body portion of the valve body and the valve chamber forming wall have been removed. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the valve element 250 shown in Figure 9. Furthermore, Figure 11 is a perspective view of the sealing member 270 shown in Figure 9. The configuration of the flow path switching valve 300 according to the third modified example is the same as that of the flow path switching valve 100 according to the above embodiment, except for the valve element 250 and the sealing member 270. Therefore, only the valve element 250 and the sealing member 270 will be described here.

[0115] (4-3-1) Valve body 250 In Figures 9 and 10, the valve body 250 is processed from a sphere into a predetermined shape. Specifically, the sphere is cut along the central axis at two points equal to each other and in opposite directions from its center, by a plane perpendicular to the central axis, to form a wheel-shaped member. Subsequently, the wheel-shaped member is cut along a plane parallel to the central axis so that its cross-section is D-shaped.

[0116] Therefore, the outer surface of the valve body 250 has two side surfaces 250a perpendicular to the central axis, a spherical surface 250b sandwiched between the two side surfaces 250a, and an inclined surface 250c perpendicular to the two side surfaces 250a and facing the spherical surface 250b.

[0117] A pivot shaft 252 protrudes perpendicularly from one side surface 250a, and the rotation shaft 651 of a pinion gear 65 is connected to the other side surface 250a. The pivot shaft 252 is rotatably supported by the valve chamber forming wall 44, and the valve body 250 rotates as the pinion gear 65 rotates.

[0118] As shown in Figure 10, the spherical side 250b of the valve body 250 is notched in a groove shape along the inclined surface 250c, resulting in the formation of a groove-shaped first passage 251. Therefore, the edge of the groove-shaped first passage 251 is surrounded by the spherical side 250b.

[0119] (4-3-2) Sealing member 270 In Figures 10 and 11, the sealing member 270 has three base portions 280, three extension portions 290, and a sealing belt 291 connecting the three extension portions 290.

[0120] The base portion 280 includes a connecting portion 281 and a shaft portion 283. The connecting portion 281 and the shaft portion 283 perform the same functions as the connecting portion 81 and the shaft portion 83 of the above embodiment, and the extension portion 290 performs the same function as the extension portion 90 of the above embodiment, so their description is omitted here.

[0121] The seal belt 291 adheres tightly to the spherical surface 250b so as to surround the opening and edge of the groove-shaped first passage 251 of the valve body 250, so that the refrigerant flowing through the groove-shaped first passage 251 does not leak from the edge of the first passage 251 to the valve chamber 30 side.

[0122] (5) Application of flow path switching valves to four-way switching valves In the above embodiment, the flow path switching valve 100 is provided to direct the refrigerant from the inlet 19a to the outlet 19b of the indoor heat exchanger 19, regardless of whether it is in cooling or heating mode. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing through the flow path switching valve 100 is low-pressure refrigerant during cooling mode and high-pressure refrigerant during heating mode. Also, since liquid refrigerant flows through the fourth port Pi4, its port diameter is set to be smaller than that of the first port Pi1, the second port Pi2, and the third port Pi3.

[0123] When such a flow path switching valve 100 is applied to a four-way switching valve, the incoming and outgoing refrigerant becomes a gaseous refrigerant, so it is desirable that the diameter of the fourth port Pi4 be set to the same size as the first port Pi1, the second port Pi2, and the third port Pi3.

[0124] (5-1) A pattern in which the refrigerant pressure inside the valve body 50 is higher than the pressure around the valve body 50. Figure 12 shows the first state of the valve body 50 and the refrigerant flow direction during cooling operation of the flow path switching valve 400 applied to a four-way switching valve. Figure 13 shows the second state of the valve body 50 and the refrigerant flow direction during heating operation of the flow path switching valve 400 applied to a four-way switching valve.

[0125] In Figures 12 and 13, the port diameter of the fourth port Pi4' of the flow path switching valve 400 is set to be the same size as the first port Pi1, the second port Pi2, and the third port Pi3. Accordingly, the diameter of the fourth copper pipe T4' is also set to be the same size as the first copper pipe T1, the second copper pipe T2, and the third copper pipe T3.

[0126] The first copper pipe T1 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 11, and the fourth copper pipe T4' is connected to the suction side of the compressor 11 via the accumulator 21. The second copper pipe T2 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 15, and the third copper pipe T3 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 19.

[0127] (5-1-1) Flow path switching valve 400 during cooling operation As shown in Figure 12, during cooling operation, the valve body 50 enters a first state in which the first passage 51 connects the first port Pi1 and the second port Pi2.

[0128] The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 enters the flow path switching valve 400, flows through the first port Pi1, the first passage 51, and the second port Pi2, and exits from the flow path switching valve 400.

[0129] The refrigerant exiting the flow path switching valve 400 enters the outdoor heat exchanger 15, where it dissipates heat and condenses. The refrigerant exiting the outdoor heat exchanger 15 is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve 17 and enters the indoor heat exchanger 19. The refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 19 to become low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0130] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger 19 enters the flow path switching valve 400, flows through the third port Pi3, valve chamber 30, and fourth port Pi4', and exits the flow path switching valve 400. The refrigerant discharged from the flow path switching valve 400 is drawn into the compressor 11 via the accumulator 21.

[0131] (5-1-2) Flow path switching valve 400 during heating operation As shown in Figure 13, during heating operation, the valve body 50 enters a second state in which the first passage 51 connects the first port Pi1 and the third port Pi3.

[0132] The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 enters the flow path switching valve 400, flows through the first port Pi1, the first passage 51, and the third port Pi3, and exits from the flow path switching valve 400.

[0133] The refrigerant exiting the flow path switching valve 400 enters the indoor heat exchanger 19, where it dissipates heat and condenses. The refrigerant exiting the indoor heat exchanger 19 is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve 17 and enters the outdoor heat exchanger 15. The refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 to become low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0134] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 15 enters the flow path switching valve 400, flows through the second port Pi2, valve chamber 30, and fourth port Pi4', and exits the flow path switching valve 400. The refrigerant discharged from the flow path switching valve 400 is drawn into the compressor 11 via the accumulator 21.

[0135] (5-1-3) Characteristics of the flow path switching valve 400, which is used as a four-way switching valve. As can be seen from Figures 12 and 13, the refrigerant flowing through the first passage 51 of the valve body 50 is a high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, while the refrigerant flowing through the valve chamber 30 surrounding the valve body 50 is a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In this way, the flow path switching valve 400 can be used as a four-way switching valve in which the refrigerant pressure inside the valve body 50 is higher than the pressure around the valve body 50.

[0136] (5-2) Pattern in which the refrigerant pressure inside the valve body 50 is lower than the pressure around the valve body 50 Figure 14 is another diagram showing the first state of the valve body 50 and the refrigerant flow direction during cooling operation of the flow path switching valve 400 applied to a four-way switching valve. Figure 15 is another diagram showing the second state of the valve body 50 and the refrigerant flow direction during heating operation of the flow path switching valve 400 applied to a four-way switching valve.

[0137] In Figures 14 and 15, the port diameter of the fourth port Pi4' of the flow path switching valve 400 is set to be the same size as the first port Pi1, the second port Pi2, and the third port Pi3. Accordingly, the diameter of the fourth copper pipe T4' is also set to be the same size as the first copper pipe T1, the second copper pipe T2, and the third copper pipe T3.

[0138] The fourth copper pipe T4' is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 11, and the first copper pipe T1 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 11 via the accumulator 21. The third copper pipe T3 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 15, and the second copper pipe T2 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 19.

[0139] (5-2-1) Flow path switching valve 400 during cooling operation As shown in Figure 14, during cooling operation, the valve body 50 enters a first state in which the first passage 51 connects the first port Pi1 and the second port Pi2.

[0140] The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 enters the flow path switching valve 400, flows through the fourth port Pi4', the valve chamber 30, and the third port Pi3, and exits from the flow path switching valve 400.

[0141] The refrigerant exiting the flow path switching valve 400 enters the outdoor heat exchanger 15, where it dissipates heat and condenses. The refrigerant exiting the outdoor heat exchanger 15 is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve 17 and enters the indoor heat exchanger 19. The refrigerant evaporates in the indoor heat exchanger 19 to become low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0142] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the indoor heat exchanger 19 enters the flow path switching valve 400, flows through the second port Pi2, the first passage 51, and the first port Pi1, and exits the flow path switching valve 400. The refrigerant discharged from the flow path switching valve 400 is drawn into the compressor 11 via the accumulator 21.

[0143] (5-2-2) Flow path switching valve 400 during heating operation As shown in Figure 15, during heating operation, the valve body 50 enters a second state in which the first passage 51 connects the first port Pi1 and the third port Pi3.

[0144] The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the compressor 11 enters the flow path switching valve 400, flows through the fourth port Pi4', the valve chamber 30, and the second port Pi2, and exits from the flow path switching valve 400.

[0145] The refrigerant exiting the flow path switching valve 400 enters the indoor heat exchanger 19, where it dissipates heat and condenses. The refrigerant exiting the indoor heat exchanger 19 is depressurized by the outdoor expansion valve 17 and enters the outdoor heat exchanger 15. The refrigerant evaporates in the outdoor heat exchanger 15 to become low-pressure gaseous refrigerant.

[0146] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant discharged from the outdoor heat exchanger 15 enters the flow path switching valve 400, flows through the third port Pi3, the first passage 51, and the first port Pi1, and exits the flow path switching valve 400. The refrigerant discharged from the flow path switching valve 400 is drawn into the compressor 11 via the accumulator 21.

[0147] (5-2-3) Characteristics of the flow path switching valve 400, which is used as a four-way switching valve. As can be seen from Figures 14 and 15, the refrigerant flowing through the first passage 51 of the valve body 50 is a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, while the refrigerant flowing through the valve chamber 30 surrounding the valve body 50 is a high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. In this way, the flow path switching valve 400 can be used as a four-way switching valve in which the refrigerant pressure inside the valve body 50 is lower than the pressure around the valve body 50.

[0148] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0149] 1. Air conditioning system 2 Outdoor Units 3 Indoor Units 30 valve chambers 40 Valve body 50, 150, 250 valve bodies 51, 151, 251 1st aisle 60 Drive unit 70, 170, 270 sealing members 80, 180, 280 base 81, 181, 281 Connection part 83, 183, 283 shaft section 90, 190, 290 extension section 100, 200 flow path switching valve 300, 400 flow path switching valve Pi1 Port 1 Pi2 Port 2 Pi3 3rd Port S space θ Opening angle [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0150] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 64-58874

Claims

1. A valve body (40) having a valve chamber (30) formed inside, and at least three ports (Pi1 to Pi3) that serve as fluid inlets and outlets provided on the wall surface forming the valve chamber (30), A valve body (50) is arranged in the valve chamber (30) and has a first passage (51) through which fluid flows, A drive unit (60) drives the valve body (50) to create a communication state that connects the first passage (51) and the ports (Pi1 to Pi3), A sealing member (70) that seals the space between the valve body (50) and one or more of the ports (Pi1 to Pi3), Equipped with, The sealing member (70) is The base (80) provided on the port side, The expanded portion (90) expands to open from the base (80) side toward the valve body (50), and in the communication state biases and contacts the valve body (50), Having, Flow path switching valve (100).

2. A space (S) is provided that allows the extension portion (90) to tilt. The flow path switching valve (100) according to claim 1.

3. The space (S) is located between the base (80) and the expansion portion (90). The extended portion (90) tilts relative to the base portion (80). The flow path switching valve (100) according to claim 2.

4. The opening angle (θ), which is the maximum opposing angle between the inner surfaces of the expanded portion (90), is greater when it is in contact with the valve body (50) than when it is not in contact with the valve body (50). A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. When no fluid flows through the first passage (51) of the valve body (50) in an unloaded state, the valve body (50) contacts the center and tip of the expansion portion (90). A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The base portion (80) is An annular connection part (81) in contact with the aforementioned ports (Pi1 to Pi3), A cylindrical shaft portion (83) connects the connecting portion (81) and the expansion portion (90), It has, The thickness of the shaft portion (83) is greater than the thickness of the tip portion of the extension portion (90). A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The valve body (40) has a first port (Pi1), a second port (Pi2), and a third port (Pi3) as ports. The drive unit (60) drives the valve body (50) to achieve the communication state. A first state in which the first passage (51) connects the first port (Pi1) and the second port (Pi2), and In the second state, the first passage (51) connects the first port (Pi1) and the third port (Pi3). Switch to one of the following: A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. The drive unit (60) rotates the valve body (50) to switch between the first state and the second state. The flow path switching valve (100) according to claim 7.

9. The sealing member (70) is made of synthetic resin. A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. When the valve body (50) is not in contact with the expansion portion (90), the opening angle (θ) of the expansion portion (90) is within the range of 60° to 120°. A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The sealing member (70) and the ports (Pi2, Pi3) are integrally molded. A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The sealing member (70) and the port (Pi1) are molded as separate parts. A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

13. The first passage (51) is a tunnel-shaped passage that penetrates the valve body (50) or a groove-shaped passage provided on the circumferential surface of the valve body (50). A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

14. The fluid pressure inside the valve body (50) is higher than the pressure around the valve body (50). A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

15. The fluid pressure inside the valve body (50) is lower than the pressure around the valve body (50). A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

16. A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is installed, Indoor unit of an air conditioning system.

17. A flow path switching valve (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 is installed, Outdoor unit of an air conditioning system.

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