Multi-way switching device

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-way switching valve device that can mix fluids with different state quantities, enabling miniaturization, simplification, and reduction of the number of parts. [Solution] A base member 100 defines the first inlet 102a and first outlet 103a of the first fluid passage, the second inlet 104a and second outlet 105a of the second fluid passage, the third inlet 106a and third outlet 107 of the third fluid passage, and the fourth inlet 108a and fourth outlet 109a of the fourth fluid passage. A multi-way switching valve 120 is provided on the base member to open and close the first to fourth inlets and the first to fourth outlets. In a mixed switching position included in the multiple switching positions, the multi-way switching valve 120 allows fluid flowing out from the first outlet 103a via the third fluid passage Fp3 to flow into the first inlet 102a and second inlet 104a, and allows fluid flowing out from the second outlet 105a to flow into the second inlet 104a and first inlet 102a.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a multi-way switching valve device that switches the flow of fluid in a plurality of directions, and particularly relates to a multi-way switching valve device that adjusts the flow of a heat medium (cooling water) in a temperature regulation system including an HVAC system (which performs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, etc. inside the vehicle cabin) mounted on an electric vehicle or the like. BACKGROUND ART

[0002] As a conventional multi-way switching valve device, in a vehicle thermal management system provided with a vehicle heat pump system including an electric cabin heater, a battery system cooling loop that exchanges heat with a battery, and a drivetrain cooling loop including a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with drive motor oil, a configuration is known that employs a single switching valve (8-way valve) connected to both the battery system cooling loop and the drivetrain cooling loop and having four switching modes (switching positions) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This switching valve adjusts the flow of cooling water in each passage, and does not mix and flow cooling water flowing through different passages. Therefore, for example, it is not possible to perform adjustment such as mixing high-temperature cooling water and low-temperature cooling water to flow as cooling water at an appropriate temperature.

[0003] Further, in a vehicle thermal management system including a refrigerant circuit that has an indoor heat exchanger through which a refrigerant circulates and that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air, a heat medium circuit through which a heat medium circulates to adjust the temperatures of a battery and a drive motor, a refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat medium (cooling water), and a control unit that controls the operations of the refrigerant circuit and the heat medium circuit, a plurality of switching valves are arranged in the heat medium circuit instead of the multi-way switching valve device, and each switching valve is driven by the control unit to control the flow of the heat medium. In this case, since a plurality of switching valves are employed, it is necessary to control each switching valve, which leads to complicated control, a large number of components, and a complex structure. PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 11807067 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-63729 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its objective is to provide a multi-way switching valve device that can mix fluids with different state variables (e.g., temperature), is miniaturized, simplifies the system, reduces the number of parts, and is particularly applicable to temperature control systems of electric vehicles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The multi-way switching valve device of the present invention comprises a base member defining the first inlet and first outlet of the first fluid passage, the second inlet and second outlet of the second fluid passage, the third inlet and third outlet of the third fluid passage, and the fourth inlet and fourth outlet of the fourth fluid passage, and a multi-way switching valve rotatably arranged on the base member and switching to a plurality of switching positions in order to open and close the first to fourth inlets and the first to fourth outlets, wherein the multi-way switching valve is configured to allow fluid flowing out from the first outlet to flow into the first and second inlets, and fluid flowing out from the second outlet to flow into the second and first inlets, at a mixing switching position included in the plurality of switching positions.

[0007] In the above-described multi-way switching valve device, the multi-way switching valve may adopt a configuration in which, at the mixing switching position, the first outlet is connected to the third inlet, the third outlet is connected to the first and second inlets, the second outlet is connected to the first and second inlets, and the fourth inlet and fourth outlet are closed.

[0008] In the above-described multi-way switching valve device, the configuration may include a first switching position, a second switching position, a third switching position, a fourth switching position, and a fifth switching position, which are sequentially switched as the multi-way switching valve rotates in one direction, and the fifth switching position is a mixed switching position.

[0009] In the above-described multi-way switching valve device, the multi-way switching valve may adopt a configuration in which, at the first switching position, the first outlet is connected to the first inlet, the third outlet is connected to the second inlet, the second outlet is connected to the third inlet, and the fourth inlet and fourth outlet are closed.

[0010] In the above-described multi-way switching valve device, the multi-way switching valve may adopt a configuration in which, at the second switching position, the first outlet is connected to the second inlet, the third outlet is connected to the first inlet, the second outlet is connected to the third inlet, and the fourth inlet is connected to the fourth outlet; at the third switching position, the first outlet is connected to the second inlet, the third outlet is connected to the first inlet, the second outlet is connected to the fourth inlet, and the fourth outlet is connected to the third inlet; and at the fourth switching position, the first outlet is connected to the third inlet, the third outlet is connected to the first inlet, the second outlet is connected to the fourth inlet, and the fourth outlet is connected to the second inlet.

[0011] In the above-described multi-way switching valve device, the base member includes a cylindrical recess that houses the multi-way switching valve so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis, the cylindrical recess includes a first inner circumferential surface and a second inner circumferential surface divided in the direction of the axis, four openings arranged in the circumferential direction on the first inner circumferential surface, and four openings arranged in the circumferential direction on the second inner circumferential surface, and the multi-way switching valve may be configured to be cylindrical in shape and positioned in the cylindrical recess so as to be rotatable around the axis, and to form operating states in the first to fifth switching positions, it may include 15 weight-reducing passages arranged and opening on the first outer circumferential surface corresponding to the first inner circumferential surface, and 15 weight-reducing passages arranged and opening on the second outer circumferential surface corresponding to the second inner circumferential surface.

[0012] In the above-described multi-way switching valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the four openings arranged on the first inner surface correspond to the third outlet, second inlet, fourth outlet, and fourth inlet, and the four openings arranged on the second inner surface correspond to the first inlet, first outlet, third inlet, and second outlet.

[0013] In the above-described multi-way switching valve device, the multi-way switching valve may adopt a configuration that includes a third outlet connected to the first and second inlets, and a second outlet connected to the first and second inlets, and a vertical groove passage that connects a first outer surface weight-reducing passage and a second outer surface weight-reducing passage arranged in the axial direction, and a first outer surface weight-reducing passage and a second outer surface weight-reducing passage formed to communicate with the vertical groove passage.

[0014] In the above-described multi-way switching valve device, the multi-way switching valve may be configured to include a rotating shaft centered on an axis, a first and second weight-reducing section that are hollowed out from both sides in the direction of the axis around the rotating shaft, and a communication hole that connects the first and second weight-reducing sections.

[0015] In the above-described multi-way switching valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the first fluid passage is a first heat transfer medium passage through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the storage battery flows, the second fluid passage is a second heat transfer medium passage through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the drive motor that drives the wheels flows, the third fluid passage is a third heat transfer medium passage through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant passage flows, and the fourth fluid passage is a fourth heat transfer medium passage through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the outside air via the radiator flows.

[0016] In the above-described multi-way switching valve device, the base member may be configured to include a first inlet passage and a first outlet passage that form part of the first heat transfer medium passage, a second inlet passage and a second outlet passage that form part of the second heat transfer medium passage, a third inlet passage and a third outlet passage that form part of the third heat transfer medium passage, and a fourth inlet passage and a fourth outlet passage that form part of the fourth heat transfer medium passage.

[0017] In the above multi-way switching valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the base member is provided with a first electric pump that pressure-feeds the heat medium in the first inlet-side passage.

[0018] In the above multi-way switching valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the base member is provided with a second electric pump that pressure-feeds the heat medium in the second inlet-side passage.

[0019] In the above multi-way switching valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the base member is provided with a reservoir tank through which the heat medium flows in the second outlet-side passage.

[0020] In the above multi-way switching valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the base member is provided with a first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger that causes heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium on the downstream side of the reservoir tank in the second outlet-side passage.

[0021] In the above multi-way switching valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the first refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger includes a heat exchange part, an intermediate passage that forms part of the second heat medium passage, and a first refrigerant passage that forms part of the refrigerant passage, and an on-off valve is disposed on the upstream side of the first refrigerant passage.

[0022] In the above multi-way switching valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the base member is provided with a second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger that causes heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat medium between the third inlet-side passage and the third outlet-side passage.

[0023] In the above multi-way switching valve device, a configuration may be adopted in which the second refrigerant-heat medium heat exchanger includes a heat exchange part, an intermediate passage that connects the third inlet-side passage and the third outlet-side passage, and a second refrigerant passage that forms part of the refrigerant passage, and an expansion valve is disposed on the upstream side of the second refrigerant passage. Effects of the Invention

[0024] According to the multi-way switching valve device having the above configuration, fluids with different state quantities (for example, temperature) can be mixed, downsizing, simplification of the system, reduction in the number of components, and the like can be achieved, and in particular, a multi-way switching valve device suitable for a temperature regulation system of an electric vehicle can be obtained. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] [Figure 1] This is a system diagram showing a temperature regulation system including a multi-way switching valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an external perspective view of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, viewed obliquely from above in one direction. [Figure 3] This is an external perspective view of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, viewed obliquely from above in the other direction. [Figure 4] This is an external perspective view of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, viewed obliquely from below. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing a base member that forms a part of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the base member forming a part of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, cut along a plane passing through the axis of the cylindrical recessed portion of the base member. [Figure 8] This is a partial plan view of the region of the cylindrical recessed portion of the base member forming a part of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, viewed from the direction of the axis. [Figure 9] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the base member forming a part of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, cut along a plane perpendicular to the axis. [Figure 10] This is a perspective cross-sectional view of the base member forming a part of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, cut along a plane perpendicular to the axis. [Figure 11] This is an external perspective view of the multi-way switching valve forming a part of the multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, viewed obliquely from above. [Figure 12]This is a perspective view of a multi-way switching valve, which forms part of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, viewed from below at an oblique angle. [Figure 13] This is a plan view from above of a multi-way switching valve, which forms part of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a cross-sectional view taken by cutting the first outer peripheral surface (upper section) of a multi-way switching valve, which forms part of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, with a plane perpendicular to the axis. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view taken by cutting the second outer surface (lower section) of a multi-way switching valve, which forms part of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, with a plane perpendicular to the axis. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view taken by cutting a multi-way switching valve, which forms part of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, in an intermediate region between the first outer surface (upper) and the second outer surface (lower) of the valve, with a plane perpendicular to the axis. [Figure 17] This is a perspective cross-sectional view taken by cutting the first outer peripheral surface (upper section) of a multi-way switching valve, which forms part of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, with a plane perpendicular to the axis. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view showing the results of a simulation of the fluid (heat transfer medium) flow at the mixing switching position (5th switching position) in a multiway switching valve that forms part of a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view showing a sealing member and a spacer member that form part of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a partial cross-sectional view taken from a plane including the axis in the region of the multiway switching valve and drive unit of a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view showing the inside of a drive unit that forms part of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a first refrigerant heat exchanger and a second refrigerant heat exchanger, which form part of a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 23] This is a system diagram showing the flow of fluid (heat transfer medium, refrigerant) when the multiway switching valve is in the first switching position in a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 24] This diagram shows the state of a multi-way switching valve when it is in the first switching position in a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the first outer surface (upper) and the second outer surface (lower). [Figure 25] This is a system diagram showing the fluid (heat transfer medium) flow when the multiway switching valve is in the second switching position in a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 26] This diagram shows the state of a multiway switching valve when it is in the second switching position in a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the first outer surface (upper) and the second outer surface (lower). [Figure 27] This is a system diagram showing the flow of fluid (heat transfer medium) when the multiway switching valve is in the third switching position in a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 28] This diagram shows the state of a multiway switching valve when it is in the third switching position in a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the first outer surface (upper) and the second outer surface (lower). [Figure 29] This is a system diagram showing the flow of fluid (heat transfer medium) when the multiway switching valve is in the fourth switching position in a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 30] This image shows the state of a multiway switching valve when it is in the fourth switching position in a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the first outer surface (upper) and the second outer surface (lower). [Figure 31] This is a system diagram showing the flow of fluids (heat transfer medium, refrigerant) when the multiway switching valve is in the fifth switching position (a mixing switching position for mixing fluids (heat transfer mediums) with different state quantities) in a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Figure 32] This diagram shows the state of a multiway switching valve when it is in the fifth switching position in a multiway switching valve device according to one embodiment, and is a partial cross-sectional view of the first outer surface (upper) and the second outer surface (lower). [Figure 33]This graph shows the results of a simulation comparing the present invention with the prior art, illustrating the time the battery can maintain the controlled temperature (target temperature) range at the fifth switching position (mixing switching position). [Figure 34] This shows the relationship between the contact portion of the multi-way switching valve and the stopper of the base member, and is a partial cross-sectional view taken from a plane perpendicular to the axis. [Figure 35] This table shows 15 different operating modes 1 to 15 at 5 switching positions in a temperature control system equipped with a multi-way switching valve device according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The multi-way switching valve device according to the present invention is applied, for example, in an electric vehicle, in addition to an EV air conditioning (HVAC) system that performs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning of the vehicle interior, to a temperature control system that controls the temperature of various functional components (storage batteries, drive motors, etc.) to a desired temperature by performing heat exchange between the cooling water (e.g., LLC) and the refrigerant (e.g., fluorocarbon gas) as a heat transfer medium.

[0027] Here, the temperature control system, as shown in Figure 1, includes a first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 as a first fluid passage, a second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 as a second fluid passage, a third heat transfer medium passage Fp3 as a third fluid passage, a fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4 as a fourth fluid passage, a refrigerant passage Rp, a storage battery 1, an onboard charger 2, an electric heating element 3, a vehicle control unit 4, a converter 5, an inverter 6, an oil heat exchanger 7, a rear drive motor 8, an oil passage 9, an oil pump 10 as a third electric pump, an inverter 11, an oil heat exchanger 12, a front drive motor 13, an oil passage 14, an oil pump 15 as a third electric pump, a radiator 16, an accumulator 17, a compressor 18, an on-off valve 19, a condenser 20, an expansion valve 21, an evaporator 22, a blower fan 23, a multi-way switching valve device M, and other components. Here, the condenser 20, the evaporator 22, and the blower fan 23 are located inside the vehicle compartment IC or in an area communicating with the vehicle compartment IC.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, a multi-way switching valve device M according to one embodiment comprises a base member 100, a cover member 110, a multi-way switching valve 120, a sealing member 130, a spacer member 140, a drive unit 150, a water pump 160 as a first electric pump, a water pump 170 as a second electric pump, a reservoir tank 180, a first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190, and a second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200.

[0029] The first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 is arranged such that its inlet I1 and outlet O1 face the multi-way switching valve 120 of the multi-way switching valve device M. The water pump 160, electric heating element 3, vehicle control unit 4, storage battery 1, and onboard charger 2 are arranged in order from the inlet I1 to the outlet O1 within the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1.

[0030] The storage battery 1 is, for example, a high-voltage battery of 300V to 400V, and is mainly used as a power source for the rear drive motor 8 and the front drive motor 13. It is positioned facing the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 via a heat exchange structure (not shown) so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing through the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1. Furthermore, other electrical components are powered by, for example, a low-voltage battery (not shown) of 12V to 48V.

[0031] The onboard charger 2 plays a role in converting the voltage of, for example, an EV charging station or a household AC power supply to the required voltage when charging the battery 1. It is positioned facing the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 via a heat exchange structure (not shown) so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing through the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1. The electric heating element 3 generates heat using the storage battery 1 as its power source. For example, a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heater is used and is positioned facing the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing through the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1. When a PTC heater is used as the electric heating element 3, its self-regulating characteristics cause its resistance to increase as its temperature rises, limiting the current that flows through it, thus reducing wasted power consumption. The vehicle control unit 4 is a control unit that is powered by a low-voltage battery and controls various aspects of the vehicle. It is positioned facing the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 via a heat exchange structure (not shown) so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing through the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1.

[0032] The second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 is arranged such that its inlet I2 and outlet O2 face the multi-way switching valve 120 of the multi-way switching valve device M. The second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 is arranged in the following order from inlet I2 to outlet O2: water pump 170, converter 5, inverter 6, oil heat exchanger 7, inverter 11, oil heat exchanger 12, reservoir tank 180, and first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190.

[0033] Converter 5 is a DC-DC converter that steps down the voltage of the storage battery 1 to a low voltage (e.g., 12-48V) suitable for charging a low-voltage battery, and is positioned to face the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 via a heat exchange structure (not shown) so as to exchange heat with the cooling water flowing through the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2.

[0034] The inverter 6 converts the voltage of the storage battery 1 from DC to AC and boosts it to a high voltage (e.g., 300-800V) to suit the drive of the rear drive motor 8. It is positioned facing the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 via a heat exchange structure (not shown) so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing through the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2. The oil heat exchanger 7 plays the role of transferring the heat generated by the rear drive motor 8 to the cooling water via the oil, and is positioned facing the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 so that heat exchange can occur between the cooling water flowing through the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 and the oil. The rear drive motor 8 drives the rear wheels of the vehicle and is cooled by circulating oil through the oil passage 9 with the oil pump 10, which exchanges heat with the coolant. The oil pump 10 is powered by a low-voltage battery.

[0035] The inverter 11 converts the voltage of the storage battery 1 from direct current to alternating current and boosts it to a high voltage (for example, 300-800V) to suit the drive of the front drive motor 13. It is positioned facing the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 via a heat exchange structure (not shown) so that it can exchange heat with the cooling water flowing through the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2. The oil heat exchanger 12 plays the role of transferring the heat generated by the front drive motor 13 to the cooling water via oil, and is positioned facing the second heat medium passage Fp2 so that heat exchange can occur between the cooling water flowing through the second heat medium passage Fp2 and the oil. The front drive motor 13 drives the front wheels of the vehicle and is cooled by circulating oil through the oil passage 14 using the oil pump 15, which exchanges heat with the coolant. The oil pump 15 is powered by a low-voltage battery.

[0036] The third heat transfer medium passage Fp3 is arranged such that its inlet I3 and outlet O3 face the multi-way switching valve 120 of the multi-way switching valve device M. A second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is located along the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3.

[0037] The fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4 is arranged such that its inlet I4 and outlet O4 face the multi-way switching valve 120 of the multi-way switching valve device M. A radiator 16 is positioned along the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4. The radiator 16 dissipates the heat from the coolant flowing through the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4 to the outside air.

[0038] The refrigerant passage Rp is arranged to pass through the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 and the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200. The refrigerant passage Rp is equipped with an accumulator 17, a compressor 18, an on-off valve 19, a condenser 20, an expansion valve 21, and an evaporator 22.

[0039] The accumulator 17 is located downstream of the evaporator 22 and upstream of the compressor 18 in the refrigerant passage Rp, and functions to separate the refrigerant into gas and liquid, sending only the gaseous refrigerant to the compressor 18. The compressor 18 is powered by the storage battery 1 and compresses the refrigerant to high temperature and pressure before sending it out. The on / off valve 19 is a solenoid valve driven by a low-voltage battery, and it opens and closes the refrigerant passage Rp leading to the condenser 20. The condenser 20 liquefies the high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant sent from the compressor 18 and releases the heat to the outside (inside the vehicle compartment IC). The expansion valve 21 is a solenoid valve driven by a low-voltage battery, located downstream of the condenser 20 and the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 in the refrigerant passage Rp, and rapidly expands the refrigerant to make it low temperature and low pressure. The evaporator 22 absorbs heat from the outside (inside the vehicle compartment IC) through a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 21. The blower fan 23 is powered by a low-voltage battery and generates forced convection of air within the vehicle compartment IC in order to promote the heat dissipation effect of the condenser 20 and the cooling effect of the evaporator 22.

[0040] In a multi-way switching valve device M according to one embodiment, the base member 100 is molded using a resin material and, as shown in Figures 6 to 10, includes a cylindrical recess 101 centered on the axis S, a first inlet passage 102 and a first outlet passage 103 that form part of the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1, a second inlet passage 104 and a second outlet passage 105 that form part of the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2, a third inlet passage 106 and a third outlet passage 107 that form part of the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3, a fourth inlet passage 108 and a fourth outlet passage 109 that form part of the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4, a plurality (14) embedded screw holes H, and a plurality (3) assembled mounting bosses B.

[0041] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cylindrical recess 101 has multiple openings (inlet I1, outlet O1, inlet I2, outlet O2, inlet I3, outlet O3, inlet I4, outlet O4) on its inner circumferential surface 101a centered on the axis S, within an angular range θ1 (here, approximately 110 degrees) narrower than half its circumference. Here, as shown in Figure 7, the inner circumferential surface 101a includes a first inner circumferential surface 101a1 and a second inner circumferential surface 101a2 separated in the direction of the axis S, with four openings (outlet O3, inlet I2, outlet O4, inlet I4) arranged circumferentially on the first inner circumferential surface 101a1 and four openings (inlet I1, outlet O1, inlet I3, outlet O2) arranged circumferentially on the second inner circumferential surface 101a2. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the inner circumferential surface 101a is provided with a pair of protrusions 101b that position the sealing member 130 at a position corresponding to the angular range θ1, and a pair of protrusions 101c that position the spacer member 140 in the angular range θ2 (θ1=θ2) located in the region opposite to the angular range θ1 across the axis S. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the cylindrical recess 101 has a bearing recess 101e in its bottom wall 101d that supports the end 121a of the rotating shaft 121 of the multi-way switching valve 120, and a stopper 101f that restricts rotation, and as shown in Figure 6, the flange portion 101g has an annular seal groove 101h into which the O-ring Sr1 is fitted, and five screw holes 101i.

[0042] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, the first inlet passage 102 includes a first inlet 102a through which cooling water flows into the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1, a first downstream end inlet 102b, and a first pump housing recess 102c located along the way. The first entrance 102a is an entrance I1 that opens onto the second inner surface 101a2. The first downstream port 102b is connected to the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1, which is upstream of the electric heating element 3. The first pump housing recess 102c is an area for housing the water pump 160, and as shown in Figure 6, it is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101, and has a flange portion 102c1 at its opening end for fixing the water pump 160.

[0043] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 10, the first outlet side passage 103 includes a first outlet 103a through which cooling water flows from the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 into the cylindrical recess 101, and a first upstream end outlet 103b. The first outlet 103a is an outlet O1 that opens onto the second inner surface 101a2. The first upstream port 103b is connected to the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1, which is downstream of the onboard charger 2.

[0044] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, the second inlet passage 104 includes a second inlet 104a through which cooling water flows into the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2, a second downstream end inlet 104b, and a second pump housing recess 104c located along the way. The second entrance 104a is an entrance I2 that opens onto the first inner surface 101a1. The second downstream port 104b is connected to the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2, which is upstream of the converter 5. The second pump housing recess 104c is an area for housing the water pump 170, and is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101, and is provided with a flange portion 104c1 at its opening end for fixing the water pump 170.

[0045] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, the second outlet passage 105 includes a second outlet 105a through which cooling water flows from the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 into the cylindrical recess 101, a second upstream end opening 105b, a branching opening 105c that is parallel to the axis S and opens in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101, and two dividing openings 105d and 105e that are divided partway downstream of the branching opening 105c and open parallel to the axis S and in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101. The second outlet 105a is an outlet O2 that opens onto the second inner surface 101a2. The second upstream port 105b is connected to the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2, which is downstream of the oil heat exchanger 12. The reservoir tank 180 is connected to the branch port 105c so as to be in communication with it from the axial direction S. The first refrigerant heat exchanger 190 is connected to the two dividing ports 105d and 105e from the axial direction S.

[0046] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 10, the third inlet passage 106 includes a third inlet 106a through which cooling water flows into the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3, and a third downstream end inlet 106b. The third entrance 106a is an entrance I3 that opens onto the second inner surface 101a2. The third downstream end opening 106b is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101. As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, the third outlet passage 107 includes a third outlet 107a through which cooling water flows from the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3 into the cylindrical recess 101, and a third upstream end outlet 107b. The third outlet 107a is an outlet O3 that opens onto the first inner surface 101a1. The third upstream opening 107b is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101. Furthermore, the third downstream port 106b and the third upstream port 107b are connected so as to communicate with the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 from the axial direction S.

[0047] As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, the fourth inlet passage 108 includes a fourth inlet 108a through which cooling water flows into the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4, and a fourth downstream end inlet 108b. The fourth entrance 108a is an entrance I4 that opens onto the first inner surface 101a1. The fourth downstream end opening 108b is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101. As shown in Figures 6, 7, and 9, the fourth outlet passage 109 includes a fourth outlet 109a through which cooling water flows from the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4 into the cylindrical recess 101, and a fourth upstream end outlet 109b. The fourth outlet 109a is an outlet O4 that opens onto the first inner surface 101a1. The fourth upstream opening 109b is formed to open parallel to the axis S and in the same direction as the cylindrical recess 101. Furthermore, the fourth downstream end 108b and the fourth upstream end 109b are connected so that a connection portion forming part of the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4 of the radiator 16 is in communication with them from the axial direction S.

[0048] The cover member 110 is formed from a resin material in a roughly disc shape and covers the cylindrical recess 101 and serves as a base for fixing the drive unit 150. As shown in Figure 5, it includes a circular hole 111 through which the end 121b of the rotating shaft 121 of the multi-way switching valve 120 passes, an annular joint 112 joined to the flange portion 101g of the cylindrical recess 101, five arm portions 113 protruding from the annular joint 112 and having circular holes through which screws b2 pass, and three boss portions 114 having screw holes into which screws b2 that fix the drive unit 150 are screwed.

[0049] The multi-way switching valve 120 is molded from a resin material into a cylindrical shape with an axis S as its center, and as shown in Figures 11 to 17, it has a rotating shaft 121 with an axis S as its center, a first hollowed-out section 122 and a second hollowed-out section 123 that are hollowed out from both sides in the direction of the axis S around the rotating shaft 121, a partition wall 124 separating the first hollowed-out section 122 and the second hollowed-out section 123, 15 hollowed-out passages 125a to 125o on the first outer peripheral surface 120a1 and 15 hollowed-out passages 126a to 126o on the second outer peripheral surface 120a2 which are divided in the direction of the axis S of the outer peripheral surface 120a, and a contact section 127 near the second hollowed-out section 123.

[0050] The rotating shaft 121 is provided with each end 121a, 121b and an annular seal portion 121c formed on the end 121b side. The end portion 121a is inserted into a bearing recess 101e formed in the bottom wall 101d of the cylindrical recess 101 of the base member 100 and is rotatably supported. The end portion 121b is connected to the gear 155 of the drive unit 150 through the circular hole 111 of the cover member 110. As shown in Figure 20, the annular seal portion 121c works in cooperation with the cover member 110 to hold the O-ring Sr2. The partition wall 124 is provided with a plurality of communication holes 124a that connect the first weight-reducing section 122 and the second weight-reducing section 123.

[0051] As shown in Figure 14, the weight-reducing passages 125a to 125o are arranged radially and extended toward the center on the rotation axis 121 side. Furthermore, the weight-reducing passages 125a and 125b are connected at the rear, the weight-reducing passages 125e and 125f are connected at the rear, and the weight-reducing passages 125j and 125k are connected at the rear.

[0052] As shown in Figure 15, the weight-reducing passages 126a to 126o are arranged radially and extended toward the center on the rotation axis 121 side. Furthermore, the weight-reducing passages 126a and 126b are connected at the rear, the weight-reducing passages 126c and 126d are connected at the rear, the weight-reducing passages 126e and 126h are connected at the rear, the weight-reducing passages 126f and 126g are connected at the rear, and the weight-reducing passages 126j and 126k are connected at the rear.

[0053] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the weight-reducing passages 125e and 126e, 125i and 126i, 125l and 126l, 125m and 126m, 125n and 126n, 125o and 126o are each formed as longitudinal groove passages Vg that communicate with each other in the axial direction S.

[0054] In the above configuration, as indicated by the arrows in Figure 17, the cooling water that flows into the hollowed-out passage 125e flows out from the hollowed-out passage 126e and hollowed-out passage 125f, and the cooling water that flows in from the hollowed-out passage 126h flows out from the hollowed-out passage 125f and hollowed-out passage 126e. Therefore, the cooling water that flows in from the hollowed-out passage 125e and the cooling water that flows in from the hollowed-out passage 126h mix and flow out from both the hollowed-out passage 126e and the hollowed-out passage 125f. In other words, the multi-way switching valve 120 is formed to include a vertical groove passage Vg that connects the weight-reducing passage 125e of the first outer peripheral surface 120a1 and the weight-reducing passage 126e of the second outer peripheral surface 120a2, and a weight-reducing passage 125f of the first outer peripheral surface 120a1 and a weight-reducing passage 126h of the second outer peripheral surface 120a2 that are formed to communicate with the vertical groove passage Vg.

[0055] Figure 18 shows the results of a simulation of the fluid flow shown in Figure 17. As can be seen from the flow diagram in the figure, the cooling water flowing in from the hollowed-out passage 125e collides with the inner wall at the back, and its flow direction is bent, flowing towards the lower hollowed-out passage 126e and also towards the lateral hollowed-out passage 125f. The cooling water flowing in from the hollowed-out passage 126h collides with the inner wall at the back, and its flow direction is bent, flowing towards the hollowed-out passage 126e and also towards the upper hollowed-out passage 125f. Therefore, the fluids flowing through the hollowed-out passages 126e and 125f flow out as a mixed flow. In this particular case, by creating a streamlined shape with rounded corners in the RS region and a slope (inclined surface) in the SL region, the cooling water can be mixed and flow smoothly towards each passage.

[0056] As shown in Figure 8, the contact portion 127 contacts the stopper 101f formed on the bottom wall 101d of the cylindrical recess 101 of the base member 100, thereby restricting the rotation of the multi-way switching valve 120. That is, the multi-way switching valve 120 rotates clockwise CW and counterclockwise CCW around the axis S, contacting the stopper 101f, and restricting further rotation of the multi-way switching valve 120.

[0057] As shown in Figure 19, the sealing member 130 is assembled in the shape of an arc plate centered on the axis S, and comprises an outer arc plate 131 made of rubber material, an inner arc plate 132 made of crystalline resin material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other fluororesin, and a plurality of (in this case, 8) roughly rectangular holes 133. Each of the multiple rectangular holes 133 is formed to correspond to one of the multiple openings (first inlet 102a, first outlet 103a, second inlet 104a, second outlet 105a, third inlet 106a, third outlet 107a, fourth inlet 108a, fourth outlet 109a) formed on the inner circumferential surface 101a of the cylindrical portion 101. Then, as shown in Figures 8 and 20, the sealing member 130 is positioned between the inner circumferential surface 101a of the cylindrical recess 101 of the base member 100 and the outer circumferential surface 120a of the multi-way switching valve 120 at a position corresponding to the angular range θ1 between the pair of protruding portions 101b.

[0058] As shown in Figure 19, the spacer member 140 is assembled in the shape of an arc plate centered on the axis S and comprises an outer arc plate 141 made of rubber material and an inner arc plate 142 made of crystalline resin material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or other fluororesin. Then, as shown in Figures 8 and 20, the spacer member 140 is positioned between the pair of protrusions 101c at a location corresponding to the angular range θ2, that is, in the region opposite to the seal member 130 across the axis S, between the inner circumferential surface 101a of the cylindrical recess 101 of the base member 100 and the outer circumferential surface 120a of the multi-way switching valve 120.

[0059] In this way, since the sealing member 130 and the spacer member 140 are arranged to face each other across the axis S, the centering function of the multi-way switching valve 120 can be obtained, and the sliding resistance can be reduced compared to the case where the sealing member is arranged around the entire circumference, thereby reducing the driving force of the multi-way switching valve 120.

[0060] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the drive unit 150 includes a housing 151, a motor 152 having a drive gear 152a, reduction gears 153 and 154, a gear 155, and a Hall IC 156. The housing 151 surrounds the gear 155 except for the connecting hole 155a, and is composed of a housing body 151a and a housing cover 151b, and as shown in Figure 20, it has three boss portions 151a1 through which the screw b2 passes. Motor 152 is, for example, a DC motor and is powered by a low-voltage battery. The gear 155 includes a connecting hole 155a to which the end 121b of the rotating shaft 121 is connected, and a detection part 155b embedded with a permanent magnet or the like. The Hall IC 156 is positioned on the housing cover 151b so as to face the detection unit 155b and is configured to detect the rotational position of the multi-way switching valve 120. The drive unit 150, having the above configuration, is joined to the outside of the cover member 110 from the axial direction S and fixed to the cover member 110 by screws b2.

[0061] The water pump 160 is an electric centrifugal pump driven by a low-voltage battery, and as shown in Figure 5, it has a fitting flange portion 161 and two boss portions 161a through which a screw b1 passes. The water pump 160 is positioned in the first pump housing recess 102c of the base member 100 from the axial direction S, and the fitting flange portion 161 is joined to the flange portion 102c1 and fixed to the base member 100 by the screw b1.

[0062] The water pump 170 is an electric centrifugal pump driven by a low-voltage battery, and as shown in Figure 5, it has a fitting flange portion 171 and two boss portions 171a through which a screw b1 passes. The water pump 170 is positioned in the second pump housing recess 104c of the base member 100 from the axial direction S, and the fitting flange portion 171 is joined to the flange portion 104c1 and fixed to the base member 100 by the screw b1.

[0063] The reservoir tank 180 adjusts the internal pressure, which fluctuates according to the temperature change of the cooling water, by passing cooling water through it. As shown in Figure 5, it has a passage portion 181 that forms an internal passage (not shown) that communicates with the branch port 105c, and two boss portions 182 through which the screw b1 passes. The reservoir tank 180 is joined so as to communicate with the branch port 105c from the axial direction S, and is fixed to the base member 100 by the screw b1 via the boss portions 182.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first refrigerant heat exchanger 190 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage Rp and the cooling water flowing through the second heat exchanger passage Fp2, and is located downstream of the reservoir tank 180 in the second outlet passage 105 of the base member 100. As shown in Figures 5 and 22, the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 includes a housing 191, a heat exchange section 192 in which a plurality of highly heat-transferable metal plates are arranged within the housing 191, an intermediate passage 193 which forms part of the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2, i.e., the second outlet passage 105, a first refrigerant passage 194 which forms part of the refrigerant passage Rp, and an on / off valve 195 located upstream of the first refrigerant passage 194. The housing 191 includes four boss portions 191a through which the screw b1 passes, an inlet joint portion 193a and an outlet joint portion 193b of the intermediate passage 193, and an inlet connecting portion 194a and an outlet connecting portion 194b of the first refrigerant passage 194. The on / off valve 195 is a solenoid valve driven by a low-voltage battery, and it opens and closes the upstream side of the first refrigerant passage 194.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the second refrigerant heat exchanger 200 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage Rp and the cooling water flowing through the third heat exchanger passage Fp3, and is located in the base member 100 between the third inlet passage 106 and the third outlet passage 107. As shown in Figures 5 and 22, the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 includes a housing 201, a heat exchange section 202 in which multiple metal plates with high heat transfer properties are arranged within the housing 201, an intermediate passage 203 connecting the third inlet passage 106 and the third outlet passage 107, a second refrigerant passage 204 which forms part of the refrigerant passage Rp, and an expansion valve 205 located upstream of the second refrigerant passage 204. The housing 201 includes four boss portions 201a through which the screw b1 passes, an inlet joint portion 203a and an outlet joint portion 203b of the intermediate passage 203, and an inlet connecting portion 204a and an outlet connecting portion 204b of the second refrigerant passage 204. The expansion valve 205 is a solenoid valve driven by a low-voltage battery, which opens the upstream side of the second refrigerant passage 204 to expand the refrigerant.

[0066] Next, we will explain the assembly process for the multi-way switching valve device M, which has the above configuration. As shown in Figure 5, the following components are prepared in advance: base member 100, cover member 110, multi-way switching valve 120, seal member 130, spacer member 140, drive unit 150, water pumps 160, 170, reservoir tank 180, first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190, second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200, O-rings Sr1, Sr2, and multiple screws b1, b2.

[0067] First, the sealing member 130 and the spacer member 140 are positioned between the pair of protrusions 101b and 101c in the cylindrical recess 101 of the base member 100, from the axial direction S. Next, the multi-way switching valve 120, fitted with the O-ring Sr2, is inserted into the cylindrical recess 101 from the axial direction S, with its end portion 121a inserted into the bearing recess 101e.

[0068] Next, the O-ring Sr1 is fitted into the annular seal groove 101h of the flange portion 101g, and the cover member 110 is joined to the flange portion 101g of the base member 100 from the axial direction S and fixed with screws b2. In this assembled state, the end portion 121b of the multi-way switching valve 120 is exposed to the outside through the circular hole 111. Next, the drive unit 150 is brought closer to the cover member 110 from the direction of the axis S, and its end portion 121b is fitted into the connecting hole 155a of the gear 155, and it is fixed to the cover member 110 with screws b2.

[0069] Next, the water pump 160 is fitted into the first pump housing recess 102c of the base member 100 from the axial direction S and secured by screws b1. Next, the water pump 170 is fitted into the second pump housing recess 104c of the base member 100 from the axial direction S and secured by screws b1.

[0070] Next, the reservoir tank 180 is joined to the base member 100 from the axial direction S so as to communicate with the branch port 105c, and is fixed with screws b1. Next, the first refrigerant heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 190 is joined to the base member 100 from the axial direction S and fixed with screws b1, such that the two dividing ports 105d and 105e and the intermediate passage 193 are in communication. Next, the second refrigerant heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 200 is joined to the base member 100 from the axial direction S and fixed with screws b1, such that the third downstream end 106b and the third upstream end 107b communicate with the intermediate passage 203. Furthermore, the assembly order is not limited to the procedure described above; other procedures may also be used.

[0071] In this way, various components (cover member 110, multi-way switching valve 120, seal member 130, spacer member 140, drive unit 150, water pumps 160, 170, reservoir tank 180, first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190, second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200) can be assembled to the base member 100 from one side in the axial direction S, thus reducing the setup time during assembly and, therefore, reducing the assembly man-hours. Furthermore, by employing an assembly method starting from one side in the axial direction S, multiple passages (first inlet passage 102, first outlet passage 103, second inlet passage 104, second outlet passage 105, third inlet passage 106, third outlet passage 107, fourth inlet passage 108, fourth outlet passage 109) can be arranged radially around the cylindrical recess 101 on the base member 100 and formed integrally. This allows for the consolidation of the arrangement structure, reduction of the number of parts, and thinning of the device in the axial direction S.

[0072] Next, the operation of the temperature control system, including the multi-way switching valve device M, will be described. When the multi-way switching valve 120 is in the first switching position, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, the first outlet 103a (outlet O1) and the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) are connected facing the weight-reducing passage sections 126b and 126a, respectively, thereby connecting the first outlet side passage 103 and the first inlet side passage 102, and the third outlet 107a (outlet O3) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) are connected facing the weight-reducing passage sections 125a and 125b, respectively, thereby connecting the third outlet side passage By connecting 107 to the second entrance passage 104, and connecting the second exit 105a (exit O2) and the third entrance 106a (exit I3) opposite the weight-reducing passage sections 126d and 126c respectively, the second exit passage 105 and the third entrance passage 106 are connected, and by connecting the fourth entrance 108a (exit I4) and the fourth exit 109a (exit O4) opposite the weight-reducing passage sections 125d and 125c respectively, the fourth entrance passage 108 and the fourth exit passage 109 are closed.

[0073] Therefore, the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 becomes a closed-loop passage, and the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 and the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3 are connected in series to form a closed-loop passage. As a result, by energizing the electric heating element 3 and generating heat, the cooling water in the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 is heated, and the storage battery 1 can be heated by the heated cooling water. Furthermore, the cooling water heated by the heat generated from the rear drive motor 8 and the front drive motor 13 (and the heat emitted from the converter 5, inverters 6 and 11) can be guided to the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3. Therefore, in operating mode 1, with the on-off valve 195 and expansion valve 21 closed (OFF) and the on-off valve 19 open (ON), the compressor 18 is started and the expansion valve 205 is opened, so that the refrigerant is heated by the cooling water in the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200, and the heat released from the condenser 20 can heat the inside of the vehicle interior IC. In this operating mode 1, when the outside air temperature is low, for example in an environment below -10℃, the power consumption of the battery 1 can be suppressed while heating the battery 1 to an appropriate temperature, and the waste heat generated by the drive motor can be recovered to heat the refrigerant, improving the heating efficiency inside the vehicle interior IC.

[0074] Furthermore, at the first switching position, as shown in Figure 35, operating modes 2 and 3 are set as other operating modes. In operation mode 2, the electric heating element 3 is turned ON, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 is turned OFF, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned OFF, and the compressor 18 is turned OFF to heat the storage battery 1. In operation mode 3, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned ON, and the compressor 18 is turned ON to heat the refrigerant.

[0075] When the multi-way switching valve 120 is in the second switching position, as shown in Figures 25 and 26, the first outlet 103a (outlet O1) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) are connected facing the weight-reducing passage sections 126o and 125o, respectively, thereby connecting the first outlet side passage 103 and the second inlet side passage 104, and the third outlet 107a (outlet O3) and the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) are connected facing the weight-reducing passage sections 125n and 126n, respectively, thereby connecting the third outlet side passage 1 By connecting 07 to the first entrance-side passage 102, and by connecting the second exit 105a (exit O2) and the third entrance 106a (exit I3) opposite the weight-reducing passage sections 126b and 126a respectively, the second exit-side passage 105 and the third entrance-side passage 106 are connected, and by connecting the fourth entrance 108a (exit I4) and the fourth exit 109a (exit O4) opposite the weight-reducing passage sections 125b and 125a respectively, the fourth entrance-side passage 108 and the fourth exit-side passage 109 are connected.

[0076] Therefore, the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1, the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2, and the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3 are connected in series to form a closed-loop passage, and the cooling water circulates through this closed-loop passage. In addition, the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4 is a closed-loop passage because the fourth inlet 108a and the fourth outlet 109a are connected, so no cooling water circulates to the radiator 16.

[0077] At the second switching position, operating modes 4 to 7 are set, as shown in Figure 35. In operation mode 4, the electric heating element 3 is turned ON, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 is turned ON, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned OFF, and the compressor 18 is turned ON, causing the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 to function as a liquid condenser, and the cooling water is heated by the electric heating element 3 and the refrigerant, thereby heating the storage battery 1. In operation mode 5, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 is turned ON, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned OFF, and the compressor 18 is turned ON, causing the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 to function as a liquid condenser, heating the cooling water with the refrigerant and heating the storage battery 1. In operation mode 6, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 190 is turned OFF, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 200 is turned OFF, and the compressor 18 is turned OFF, and the cooling water is heated using only the heat generated by the heat-generating components (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.), thereby heating the storage battery 1. In operation mode 7, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 is turned OFF, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned ON, and the compressor 18 is turned ON, causing the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 to function as a chiller to cool the cooling water and cool the storage battery 1.

[0078] When the multi-way switching valve 120 is in the third switching position, as shown in Figures 27 and 28, the first outlet 103a (outlet O1) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) are connected facing the weight-reducing passage sections 126m and 125m, respectively, thereby connecting the first outlet side passage 103 and the second inlet side passage 104, and the third outlet 107a (outlet O3) and the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) are connected facing the weight-reducing passage sections 125l and 126l, respectively, thereby connecting the third outlet side passage By connecting 107 to the first entrance-side passage 102, and by connecting the second exit 105a (exit O2) and the fourth entrance 108a (I4) opposite the weight-reducing passage sections 126o and 125o respectively, the second exit-side passage 105 and the fourth entrance-side passage 108 are connected, and by connecting the fourth exit 109a (exit O4) and the third entrance 106a (entrance I3) opposite the weight-reducing passage sections 125n and 126n respectively, the fourth exit-side passage 109 and the third entrance-side passage 106 are connected.

[0079] Therefore, the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1, the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2, the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4, and the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3 are connected in series to form a closed-loop passage, and the cooling water circulates through the closed-loop passage. At the third switching position, operating modes 8 and 9 are set, as shown in Figure 35. In operation mode 8, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 is turned OFF, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned ON, and the compressor 18 is turned ON. The second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 functions as a chiller to cool the cooling water, and the heat is released to the outside by the radiator 16 to cool the storage battery 1 and heat-generating components (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.). In operation mode 9, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 190 is turned OFF, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 200 is turned OFF, and the compressor 18 is turned OFF, and the heat is released to the outside by the radiator 16 to cool the storage battery 1 and heat-generating components (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.).

[0080] When the multi-way switching valve 120 is in the fourth switching position, as shown in Figures 29 and 30, the first outlet 103a (outlet O1) and the third inlet 106a (inlet I3) are connected facing the weight-reducing passages 126j and 126k, respectively, thereby connecting the first outlet side passage 103 and the third inlet side passage 106, and the third outlet 107a (outlet O3) and the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) are connected facing the weight-reducing passages 125i and 126i, respectively, thereby connecting the third outlet side passage 1 By connecting 07 to the first entrance-side passage 102, and connecting the second exit 105a (exit O2) and the fourth entrance 108a (entrance I4) opposite the weight-reducing passage sections 126l and 125l respectively, the second exit-side passage 105 and the fourth entrance-side passage 108 are connected, and by connecting the fourth exit 109a (exit O4) and the second entrance 104a (entrance I2) opposite the weight-reducing passage sections 125k and 125j respectively, the fourth exit-side passage 109 and the second entrance-side passage 104 are connected.

[0081] Therefore, the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 and the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3 are connected in series to form a closed-loop passage, and the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 and the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4 are connected in series to form a closed-loop passage, and the cooling water circulates through each of these closed-loop passages. At the fourth switching position, operating modes 10 to 13 are set, as shown in Figure 35. In operation mode 10, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 is turned ON, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned ON, and the compressor 18 is turned ON. The first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 functions as a liquid condenser to release heat from the refrigerant to the cooling water, the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 functions as a chiller to cool the cooling water, and the radiator 16 releases heat to the outside to cool the storage battery 1 and heat-generating components (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.). In operation mode 11, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 is turned OFF, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned ON, and the compressor 18 is turned ON. The second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 functions as a chiller to cool the cooling water, and the heat is released to the outside by the radiator 16 to cool the storage battery 1 and heat-generating components (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.). In operation mode 12, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on / off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 is turned ON, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned OFF, and the compressor 18 is turned ON. The first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 functions as a liquid condenser to release heat from the refrigerant to the cooling water, and the radiator 16 releases heat to the outside to cool the heat-generating components (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.). In operation mode 13, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 190 is turned OFF, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer fluid heat exchanger 200 is turned OFF, and the compressor 18 is turned OFF, and the heat is released to the outside by the radiator 16 to cool the heat-generating components (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.).

[0082] When the multi-way switching valve 120 is in the fifth switching position, which is a mixing switching position for mixing cooling water as fluids with different state variables (in this case, temperature), as shown in Figures 31 and 32, the first outlet 103a (outlet O1) and the third inlet 106a (inlet I3) are connected facing the weight-reducing passages 126f and 126g, respectively, thereby connecting the first outlet side passage 103 and the third inlet side passage 106, and the third outlet 107a (outlet O3) and the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) are connected facing the weight-reducing passages 125e, 126e, and 125f, respectively. The third exit-side passage 107 is connected to the first inlet-side passage 102 and the second inlet-side passage 104, and the second exit 105a (exit O2) is connected to the first inlet 102a (inlet I1) and the second inlet 104a (inlet I2) facing the weight-reducing passage sections 126h, 126e, and 125f, respectively, thereby connecting the second exit-side passage 105 to the first inlet-side passage 102 and the second inlet-side passage 104, and the fourth inlet 108a (inlet I4) and the fourth exit 109a (exit O4) are connected to the weight-reducing passage sections 125h and 125g, respectively, thereby closing the fourth inlet-side passage 108 and the fourth exit-side passage 109.

[0083] Therefore, the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 and the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3 are connected in series to form a loop passage, the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1, the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3, and the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 are connected in series to form a loop passage, and the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 is a loop passage that circulates itself, and the cooling water circulates through each of these loop passages. At the fifth switching position, operating modes 14 and 15 are set, as shown in Figure 35. In operation mode 14, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 is turned ON, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned ON, and the compressor 18 is turned ON. The first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 functions as a liquid condenser to release heat from the refrigerant to the cooling water, and the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 functions as a chiller to cool the cooling water, thereby moderately heating (slightly heating) the battery 1. In this way, by appropriately heating and cooling the cooling water, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the battery 1 from becoming unstable and to maintain the battery 1 at an appropriate control temperature. In operation mode 15, the electric heating element 3 is turned OFF, the on-off valve 195 of the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 is turned OFF, the expansion valve 205 of the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is turned OFF, and the compressor 18 is turned OFF. The cooling water is heated with heat recovered from the heat-generating components (rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13, etc.) to moderately heat (slightly heat) the storage battery 1. In this way, for example, while suppressing the amount of heat generated by the electric heating element 3, the heat (waste heat) emitted from the heat-generating components (converter 5, inverters 6, 11, rear drive motor 8, front drive motor 13) can be used to adjust the cooling water in the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 to an optimal temperature, thereby heating the storage battery 1 to a suitable temperature (slight heating).

[0084] Figure 33 shows the simulation results comparing the temperature stabilization of the battery 1 between the present invention and the conventional technology, i.e., the length of time it can be maintained within a predetermined range centered on the target temperature, when the control temperature (target temperature) of the battery 1 is set to 30°C. As can be seen from Figure 33, the present invention can maintain the temperature in the target temperature range for a longer period compared to the conventional technology, thereby achieving greater temperature stabilization of the battery 1.

[0085] If the heat output of the electric heating element 3 is increased, the time it takes for the battery 1 to reach its optimal temperature will be shortened, but an overshoot exceeding the allowable upper temperature limit may occur, increasing the frequency of switching to cooling mode, which could lead to increased control complexity and instability of the battery 1. Therefore, by mixing and flowing cooling water with different state variables (temperatures) as described above, the cooling water can be adjusted to the optimal temperature for the battery 1, avoiding the overshoot seen in conventional systems, reducing the switching frequency, and maintaining the battery 1 at a stable temperature.

[0086] As described above, the multi-way switching valve 120 can be switched as appropriate from the first switching position to the fifth switching position. As shown in Figure 34, the position of the contact portion 127, shown by the solid line, corresponds to the first switching position. When rotated in one direction (clockwise CW), it passes through the second, third, and fourth switching positions to reach the fifth switching position, which is the position of the contact portion 127, shown by the dashed line. In this way, the multi-way switching valve 120 can be positioned at the desired switching position by rotating it clockwise (CW) or counterclockwise (CCW) with respect to the stopper 101f, while the angular position is detected by the Hall IC 156.

[0087] As described above, the multi-way switching valve device of the present invention comprises a base member 100 that defines the first inlet 102a and first outlet 103a of the first fluid passage, the second inlet 104a and second outlet 105a of the second fluid passage, the third inlet 106a and third outlet 107a of the third fluid passage, and the fourth inlet 108a and fourth outlet 109a of the fourth fluid passage, and a multi-way switching valve 120 that is rotatably disposed on the base member 100 to open and close the first inlets 102a to the fourth inlets 108a and the first outlets 103a to the fourth outlets 109a and switches to a plurality of switching positions, wherein the multi-way switching valve 120, in a mixing switching position included in the plurality of switching positions, allows fluid flowing out from the first outlet 103a to flow into the first inlet 102a and second inlet 104a, and allows fluid flowing out from the second outlet 105a to flow into the second inlet 104a and first inlet 102a. According to this, in the first fluid passage, the fluid flowing through it can be circulated while the fluid flowing through the second fluid passage is introduced to create a mixed flow, and similarly, in the second fluid passage, the fluid flowing through it can be circulated while the fluid flowing through the first fluid passage is introduced to create a mixed flow. Therefore, if the state variables (e.g., temperature) of each fluid are different, each can be adjusted to an appropriate temperature.

[0088] Furthermore, in the mixed switching position, the multi-way switching valve 120 connects the first outlet 103a to the third inlet 106a, the third outlet 107a to the first inlet 102a and the second inlet 104a, the second outlet 105a to the first inlet 102a and the second inlet 104a, and closes the fourth inlet 108a and the fourth outlet 109a. According to this, the fluid flowing out of the first fluid passage can be returned to the first fluid passage via the third fluid passage and also flow into the second fluid passage, and the fluid flowing out of the second fluid passage can be returned to the second fluid passage and also flow into the first fluid passage. Therefore, if the fluid flowing through the third fluid passage is heated or cooled from an external source, for example, the fluid in a corresponding state can be guided to the first and second fluid passages.

[0089] Furthermore, the multiple switching positions include a first switching position, a second switching position, a third switching position, a fourth switching position, and a fifth switching position, which are sequentially switched as the multi-way switching valve 120 rotates in one direction, with the fifth switching position being a mixed switching position. According to this, the multi-way switching valve 120 can switch from the first switching position to the fifth switching position by rotating in one direction, and conversely, by rotating in the other direction, it can switch from the fifth switching position to the first switching position.

[0090] Furthermore, in the first switching position, the multi-way switching valve 120 connects the first outlet 103a to the first inlet 102a, the third outlet 107a to the second inlet 104a, the second outlet 105a to the third inlet 106a, and closes the fourth inlet 108a and the fourth outlet 109a. According to this, the first fluid passage can be made into a closed-loop passage, and the second and third fluid passages can be connected in series to form a closed-loop passage, allowing the fluid to circulate within each of the closed-loop passages.

[0091] Furthermore, in the second switching position, the multi-way switching valve 120 connects the first outlet 103a to the second inlet 104a, the third outlet 107a to the first inlet 102a, the second outlet 105a to the third inlet 106a, and the fourth inlet 108a to the fourth outlet 109a. In the third switching position, the first outlet 103a is connected to the second inlet 104a, and the third outlet 107a is connected to the second inlet 109a. The first inlet is connected to 102a, the second outlet 105a is connected to the fourth inlet 108a, the fourth outlet 109a is connected to the third inlet 106a, and at the fourth switching position, the first outlet 103a is connected to the third inlet 106a, the third outlet 107a is connected to the first inlet 102a, the second outlet 105a is connected to the fourth inlet 108a, and the fourth outlet 109a is connected to the second inlet 104a. According to this, the first fluid passage, the second fluid passage, and the third fluid passage can be connected in series to form a closed-loop passage, allowing fluid to circulate within that closed-loop passage, while the fourth fluid passage can be used as a closed-pool passage.

[0092] Furthermore, the base member 100 includes a cylindrical recess 101 that houses the multi-way switching valve 120 so as to be rotatable around a predetermined axis S, and the cylindrical recess 101 includes a first inner circumferential surface 101a1 and a second inner circumferential surface 101a2 divided in the direction of axis S, four openings O3, I2, O4, I4 arranged in the circumferential direction on the first inner circumferential surface 101a1, and four openings I1, O1, I3, O2 arranged in the circumferential direction on the second inner circumferential surface 101a2, and multi-way switching The valve 120 is cylindrical in shape and is positioned in the cylindrical recess 101 so as to be rotatable around the axis S. It includes 15 weight-reducing passages 125a to 125o arranged and opening on the first outer surface 120a1 corresponding to the first inner surface 101a1, and 15 weight-reducing passages 126a to 126o arranged and opening on the second outer surface 120a2 corresponding to the second inner surface 101a2, in order to form the operating state at the first to fifth switching positions. According to this, instead of using multiple switching valves, a single multi-way switching valve 120 can be used to achieve miniaturization while providing the function of performing five switching operations from the first switching position to the fifth switching position.

[0093] Furthermore, the four openings O3, I2, O4, and I4 arranged on the first inner surface 101a1 correspond to the third outlet 107a, the second inlet 104a, the fourth outlet 109a, and the fourth inlet 108a, respectively, and the four openings I1, O1, I3, and O2 arranged on the second inner surface 101a2 correspond to the first inlet 102a, the first outlet 103a, the third inlet 106a, and the second outlet 105a. According to this, by arranging multiple openings in a two-stage configuration on the inner circumferential surface 101a of the cylindrical recess 101, the first to fourth fluid passages can be arranged accordingly, thereby achieving a thinner, more compact base member 100 and a reduction in the number of parts.

[0094] Furthermore, the multi-way switching valve 120 connects the third outlet 107a to the first inlet 102a and the second inlet 104a, and connects the second outlet 105a to the first inlet 102a and the second inlet 104a. It includes a vertical groove passage Vg that connects the weight-reducing passage 125e of the first outer peripheral surface 120a1 and the weight-reducing passage 126e of the second outer peripheral surface 120a2, which are arranged in the direction of the axis S, and a weight-reducing passage 125f of the first outer peripheral surface 120a1 and a weight-reducing passage 126h of the second outer peripheral surface 120a2, which are formed to communicate with the vertical groove passage Vg. According to this, a single multi-way switching valve 120 can be provided with the function of mixing the fluids flowing through multiple passages and distributing the mixed flow downstream.

[0095] Furthermore, the multi-way switching valve 120 includes a rotating shaft 121 centered on the axis S, a first weight-reducing section 122 and a second weight-reducing section 123 that are removed from both sides in the direction of the axis S around the rotating shaft 121, and a communication hole 124a that connects the first weight-reducing section 122 and the second weight-reducing section 123. According to this, when molding the multi-way switching valve 120, weight reduction can be achieved, and by providing the communication hole 124a, it can be used as an air vent hole for discharging air mixed in the fluid.

[0096] Furthermore, the first fluid passage is a first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the battery 1 flows, the second fluid passage is a second heat transfer medium passage Fp2 through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the drive motors 8 and 13 that drive the wheels flows, the third fluid passage is a third heat transfer medium passage Fp3 through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant passage Rp flows, and the fourth fluid passage is a fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4 through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the outside air via the radiator 16 flows. According to this, the temperature of the heat transfer medium (cooling water) can be appropriately adjusted to a suitable temperature through the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1, the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2, the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3, and the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4.

[0097] Furthermore, the base member 100 includes a first inlet passage 102 and a first outlet passage 103 that form part of the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1, a second inlet passage 104 and a second outlet passage 105 that form part of the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2, a third inlet passage 106 and a third outlet passage 107 that form part of the third heat transfer medium passage Fp3, and a fourth inlet passage 108 and a fourth outlet passage 109 that form part of the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4. According to this, by providing the base member 100 with passages that form part of the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1 to the fourth heat transfer medium passage Fp4 included in the temperature control system, it is possible to simplify the system and reduce the number of parts.

[0098] Furthermore, the base member 100 is equipped with a first electric pump (water pump 160) for pressurizing and supplying the heat transfer medium in the first inlet-side passage 102. According to this, the heat transfer medium can be forcibly pumped in the first entrance passage 102.

[0099] Furthermore, a second electric pump (water pump 170) for pressurizing the heat transfer medium is located in the second inlet passage 104 of the base member 100. According to this, the heat transfer medium can be forcibly pumped in the second entrance passage 104.

[0100] Furthermore, a reservoir tank 180 through which a heat transfer medium passes is located in the second outlet passage 105 of the base member 100. According to this, the internal pressure of the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2, which fluctuates in response to temperature changes in the heat transfer medium (cooling water), can be adjusted, thereby preventing damage to components due to overpressure.

[0101] Furthermore, the base member 100 is equipped with a first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190, which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat transfer medium, downstream of the reservoir tank 180 in the second outlet passage 105. According to this, heat exchange can be performed between the heat transfer medium flowing through the second outlet passage 105 and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage Rp via the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190. For example, the first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 190 can be made to function as a liquid condenser to heat the heat transfer medium.

[0102] Furthermore, the first refrigerant heat transfer heat exchanger 190 includes a heat exchange section 192, an intermediate passage 193 which forms part of the second heat transfer passage Fp2, and a first refrigerant passage 194 which forms part of the refrigerant passage Rp, and an on / off valve 195 is located upstream of the first refrigerant passage 194. According to this, the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the heat transfer medium can be appropriately adjusted by the opening and closing operation of the on-off valve 195.

[0103] Furthermore, a second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 is arranged in the base member 100 between the third inlet passage 106 and the third outlet passage 107 to exchange heat between the refrigerant and the heat transfer medium. According to this, heat exchange can be performed between the heat medium flowing through the third heat medium passage (third inlet passage 106 and third outlet passage 107) and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage Rp via the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 200. For example, the second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 200 can be made to function as a chiller to cool the heat medium.

[0104] Furthermore, the second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger 200 includes a heat exchange section 202, an intermediate passage 203 connecting the third inlet passage 106 and the third outlet passage 107, and a second refrigerant passage 204 which forms part of the refrigerant passage Rp, and an expansion valve 205 is located upstream of the second refrigerant passage 204. According to this, the heat exchange with the refrigerant can be appropriately adjusted by opening and closing the expansion valve 205.

[0105] In the above embodiment, the multi-way switching valve device was shown to be used to regulate the flow of a heat transfer medium (cooling water), but it is not limited to this and can also be used to regulate the flow of other fluids. In the above embodiment, the mixing switching position (fifth switching position) of the multi-way switching valve 120 is shown to be via the third fluid passage (third heat transfer medium passage Fp3), but it is not limited to this, and an embodiment may be adopted that includes a mixing switching position in which the fluid flowing out from the first outlet of the first fluid passage is returned to the first inlet of the first fluid passage and guided to the second inlet of the second fluid passage to mix the fluids, and the fluid flowing out from the second outlet of the second fluid passage is returned to the second inlet of the second fluid passage and guided to the first inlet of the first fluid passage to mix the fluids.

[0106] In the above embodiment, a configuration is shown in which the first electric pump (water pump 160) is located in the first inlet passage 102 of the first heat transfer medium passage Fp1. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and any passage and structure that allows for natural circulation due to the temperature gradient of the heat transfer medium may be used without employing the first electric pump. In the above embodiment, a configuration is shown in which a second electric pump (water pump 170) is placed in the second inlet passage 104 of the second heat transfer medium passage Fp2. However, the system is not limited to this configuration, and any passage and structure that allows for natural circulation due to the temperature gradient of the heat transfer medium may be used without employing a second electric pump.

[0107] As described above, the multi-way switching valve device of the present invention can mix fluids with different state quantities (e.g., temperature), and can achieve miniaturization, system simplification, and reduction in the number of parts. Therefore, it is not only applicable to electric vehicles, but is also useful in systems or other equipment in other fields. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] Fp1 first heat medium passage (first fluid passage) Fp2 second heat medium passage (second fluid passage) Fp3 3rd heat medium passage (3rd fluid passage) Fp4 4th heat medium passage (4th fluid passage) 1. Storage battery 2. Onboard Charger 3 Electric heating element 4. Vehicle control unit 5 Converters 6 Inverters 7. Oil heat exchanger 8 Rear drive motor 9 Oil passage 10. Oil pump (3rd electric pump) 11 Inverters 12 Oil heat exchanger 13 Front drive motor 14 Oil passages 15. Oil pump (3rd electric pump) 16 Radiator 17 Accumulator 18 Compressor 19. Shut-off valves 20 Condenser 21 Expansion valve 22 Evaporator M Multi-way switching device 100 parts 101 Recessed part of the drum S-axis 101a Inner circumferential surface 101a1 First inner circumferential surface 101a2 Second inner circumferential surface Entrances I1, I2, I3, and I4 (4 openings) O1, O2, O3, O4 are four exits. 102 First Inlet Side Passage (First Heat Medium Passage) 102a First Entrance 102b First downstream port 102c No. 1 Containment Recess 103 First Exit Side Passage (First Heat Medium Passage) 103a Exit 1 103b First Upstream Port 104 Second Inlet Side Passage (Second Heat Medium Passage) 104a Second Entrance 104b Second Downstream Port 104c No. 2 Containment Recess 105 Second Exit Side Passage (Second Heat Medium Passage) 105a, Exit 2 105b Second Upstream Port 105c Divergence 105d,105e two-point fracture 106. Third Inlet Side Passage (Third Heat Medium Passage) 106a Third Entrance 106b Third Downstream Port 107 Third Exit Side Passage (Third Heat Medium Passage) 107a, Exit 3 107b Third Upstream Port 108. Fourth Inlet Side Passage (Fourth Heat Medium Passage) 108a Entrance 4 108b 4th downstream port 109. Fourth Exit Side Passage (Fourth Heat Medium Passage) 109a, Exit 4 109b Fourth Upstream Port 110 カバー parts 120 Multi-party switching 120a Outer surface 120a1 1st outer surface 120a2 2nd outer surface 121 Rotation axis 122 First weight reduction section 123 Second weight reduction section 124 Partition wall 124a Communication hole 125a~125o Fifteen weight-reducing passages on the first outer surface 120a1 126a~126o Fifteen weight-reducing passages on the second outer surface 120a2 Vg Vertical groove passage section 127 Contact part 130 sealing member 140 Spacer member 150 Drive Unit 152 Motor 153,154 Reduction gear 155 Gears 155b Detected part 156 Hall IC 160 Water pump (1st electric pump) 170 Water pump (2nd electric pump) 180 Reservoir Tank 190 1st refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 191 Housing 192 Heat exchange section 193 Intermediate Passage 194 First refrigerant passage 195 Shut-off valve 200 Second refrigerant heat medium heat exchanger 201 Housing 202 Heat exchange section 203 Intermediate Passage 204 Second Refrigerant Passage 205 Expansion valve

Claims

1. A base member defining the first inlet and first outlet of the first fluid passage, the second inlet and second outlet of the second fluid passage, the third inlet and third outlet of the third fluid passage, and the fourth inlet and fourth outlet of the fourth fluid passage, The system includes a multi-way switching valve that is rotatably positioned on the base member and switches to a plurality of switching positions in order to open and close the first to fourth inlets and the first to fourth outlets, The multi-way switching valve, in a mixing switching position included in the plurality of switching positions, allows the fluid flowing out from the first outlet to flow into the first inlet and the second inlet, and allows the fluid flowing out from the second outlet to flow into the second inlet and the first inlet. A multi-way switching valve device characterized by the following features.

2. The multi-way switching valve, in the mixing switching position, connects the first outlet to the third inlet, connects the third outlet to the first and second inlets, connects the second outlet to the first and second inlets, and closes the fourth inlet and the fourth outlet. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 1.

3. The plurality of switching positions include a first switching position, a second switching position, a third switching position, a fourth switching position, and a fifth switching position, which are sequentially switched as the multi-way switching valve rotates in one direction. The fifth switching position is the mixing switching position. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 2.

4. The multi-way switching valve, in the first switching position, connects the first outlet to the first inlet, connects the third outlet to the second inlet, connects the second outlet to the third inlet, and closes the fourth inlet and the fourth outlet. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 3.

5. The aforementioned multi-way switching valve is, At the second switching position, the first outlet is connected to the second inlet, the third outlet is connected to the first inlet, the second outlet is connected to the third inlet, and the fourth inlet is connected to the fourth outlet. At the third switching position, the first outlet is connected to the second inlet, the third outlet is connected to the first inlet, the second outlet is connected to the fourth inlet, and the fourth outlet is connected to the third inlet. At the fourth switching position, the first outlet is connected to the third inlet, the third outlet is connected to the first inlet, the second outlet is connected to the fourth inlet, and the fourth outlet is connected to the second inlet. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 4.

6. The base member includes a cylindrical recess that houses the multi-way switching valve so that it can rotate around a predetermined axis, The cylindrical recess includes a first inner surface and a second inner surface divided in the direction of the axis, four openings arranged in the circumferential direction on the first inner surface, and four openings arranged in the circumferential direction on the second inner surface. The multi-way switching valve is cylindrical in shape and is arranged in the cylindrical recess so as to be rotatable around the axis, and includes 15 weight-reducing passages arranged and opening on the first outer peripheral surface corresponding to the first inner peripheral surface, and 15 weight-reducing passages arranged and opening on the second outer peripheral surface corresponding to the second inner peripheral surface, in order to form the operating state at the first switching position to the fifth switching position. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 5.

7. The four openings arranged on the first inner surface correspond to the third outlet, the second inlet, the fourth outlet, and the fourth inlet, The four openings arranged on the second inner surface correspond to the first inlet, the first outlet, the third inlet, and the second outlet. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 6.

8. The multi-way switching valve includes a third outlet connected to the first inlet and the second inlet, and a longitudinal groove passage connecting the first outer surface weight-reducing passage and the second outer surface weight-reducing passage, which are arranged in the axial direction, to connect the second outlet to the first inlet and the second inlet, and a first outer surface weight-reducing passage and a second outer surface weight-reducing passage formed to communicate with the longitudinal groove passage, The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 7.

9. The multi-way switching valve includes a rotating shaft centered on the axis, a first and second weight-reducing section removed from both sides in the direction of the axis around the rotating shaft, and a communication hole connecting the first and second weight-reducing sections. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 8.

10. The first fluid passage is a first heat transfer medium passage through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the battery flows. The second fluid passage is a second heat transfer medium passage through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the drive motor that drives the wheels flows. The third fluid passage is a third heat transfer medium passage through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant passage flows. The fourth fluid passage is a fourth heat transfer medium passage through which a heat transfer medium that exchanges heat with the outside air via the radiator flows. A multi-way switching valve device according to any one of features 1 to 9.

11. The base member includes a first inlet passage and a first outlet passage that form part of the first heat transfer medium passage, a second inlet passage and a second outlet passage that form part of the second heat transfer medium passage, a third inlet passage and a third outlet passage that form part of the third heat transfer medium passage, and a fourth inlet passage and a fourth outlet passage that form part of the fourth heat transfer medium passage. The multi-way switching valve device according to claim 10.

12. A first electric pump for pressurizing the heat transfer medium is arranged in the base member in the first inlet passage. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 11.

13. A second electric pump for pressurizing the heat transfer medium is arranged in the base member in the second inlet passage. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 11.

14. The base member has a reservoir tank through which the heat transfer medium passes in the second outlet passage. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 11.

15. The base member is provided with a first refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger, which exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat transfer medium, downstream of the reservoir tank in the second outlet passage. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 14.

16. The first refrigerant heat transfer heat exchanger includes a heat exchange section, an intermediate passage that forms part of the second heat transfer passage, and a first refrigerant passage that forms part of the refrigerant passage. An on / off valve is located upstream of the first refrigerant passage. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 15.

17. The base member is provided with a second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat transfer medium between the third inlet passage and the third outlet passage. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 11.

18. The second refrigerant heat transfer medium heat exchanger includes a heat exchange section, an intermediate passage connecting the third inlet passage and the third outlet passage, and a second refrigerant passage that forms part of the refrigerant passage. An expansion valve is located upstream of the second refrigerant passage. The multi-way switching valve device according to feature 17.

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