Slide type switching valve

Abstract

To provide a slide type switching valve adopting a resin material as a material for a valve body for suppressing the deformation of a valve body and a valve seat part, thus improving sealability between the valve seat part and a valve element to suppress the occurrence of valve leakage.SOLUTION: The slide type switching valve includes a valve body 2 formed of resin, a valve element 4, a valve seat part 3, and a pair of reinforced part 46a extended in the direction of an axial line L along a pair of inner peripheral faces 2b of the valve body 2, opposed to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial line L, the valve seat part 3 having a plurality of valve ports 30-32, a slide contact surface 33, and a joint surface 34, the joint surface 34 of the valve seat part 3 being fixed to a fixed face 2bf of the valve body 2, the pair of reinforced parts 46a being fixed at least to the valve seat part out of the valve body 2 and the valve seat part 3 so that all of the plurality of valve ports 30-32 are located between the pair of reinforced parts 46a. Thus, sealability between the valve seat part 3 and the valve element 4 can be improved.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide-type switching valve including a pair of reinforcing parts extending in the axial direction along the inner peripheral surface of a valve body and fixed to at least the valve seat part of the valve body and the valve seat part. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, in order to improve the coefficient of performance (COP) in a refrigeration cycle system, there has been a demand for improving the sealing performance of each device (slide valve) in the refrigeration cycle system.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 (see in particular page 7, line 20 to page 8, line 1 and Figure 5a) describes a slide-type switching valve in which welding is used as a fixing means between a plate-shaped valve seat portion made of a metal material and a valve body made of a metal material. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] China Patent Application Publication No. 101614288 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in Patent Document 1, since the valve body is made of a metal material, there is a problem that the weight of the slide-type switching valve is heavy (hereinafter referred to as "the first conventional problem (weight increase due to the valve body made of a metal material)").

[0006] In response to this, it is conceivable that the first conventional problem (weight increase due to a valve body made of a metal material) can be solved by using a resin material instead of metal as the material for the valve body in Patent Document 1.

[0007] However, when a resin material is used as the material for the valve body, the valve body is subject to bending deformation in the axial direction, i.e., deflection, due to temperature changes in the valve chamber, and this deflection can cause warping or distortion in the plate-shaped valve seat portion made of a metal material fixed to the valve body. This can impair the sealing performance between the valve seat portion and the valve disc, leading to the risk of valve leakage (hereinafter referred to as "the second conventional problem (deflection of the valve body made of a resin material and deformation of the valve seat portion)").

[0008] The object of the present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and is to provide a slide-type switching valve that uses a resin material as the material for the valve body and suppresses deformation of the valve body and valve seat, thereby improving the sealing performance between the valve seat and the valve body and suppressing the occurrence of valve leakage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a slide-type switching valve includes a hollow cylindrical valve body formed of resin, extending along an axial direction and having a plurality of connecting flow paths lined up in the axial direction, a valve disc provided inside the valve body so as to be able to slide along the axial direction, a plate-shaped valve seat portion made of a metal material fixed to a fixed surface of the valve body and with which the valve disc slides, and a pair of reinforcing parts extending in the axial direction along a pair of inner circumferential surfaces of the valve body facing each other in a direction perpendicular to the axis, wherein the valve seat portion has a plurality of valve ports communicating with each of the plurality of connecting flow paths, a sliding contact surface with which the valve disc slides, and a joint surface located on the opposite side of the sliding contact surface, the joint surface of the valve seat portion being fixed to the fixed surface of the valve body, and the pair of reinforcing parts being fixed to at least the valve seat portion of the valve body and the valve seat portion such that all of the plurality of valve ports are located between the pair of reinforcing parts.

[0010] In the above slide type switching valve, the pair of reinforcing portions may have a height, in a direction perpendicular to the fixing surface, that is greater than a thickness of the valve seat portion.

[0011] In the above slide type switching valve, the pair of reinforcing portions may be separate from the valve seat portion.

[0012] In the above slide type switching valve, the pair of reinforcing portions may be fixed to the valve body and the valve seat portion, respectively.

[0013] In the above slide type switching valve, the pair of reinforcing portions may be fixed to the valve seat portion by welding and also fixed to the valve body.

[0014] In addition, in the above-mentioned slide-type switching valve, the pair of reinforcing parts may be integrally molded with the valve seat part, and at least the valve seat part of the pair of reinforcing parts and the valve seat part may be fixed to the valve body.

[0015] In the above slide type switching valve, a pair of holding portions for holding the pair of reinforcing portions may be provided on an inner circumferential surface of the valve body.

[0016] In the above slide type switching valve, the pair of reinforcing portions may be insert molded into the valve body.

[0017] In addition, in the above-mentioned slide-type switching valve, the fixing surface of the valve body before the valve seat portion is fixed may be visible, when viewed from the axial direction, in a direction perpendicular to the axis L through openings at both ends of the valve body, including all edges of each of the connecting flow paths, throughout the entire axial direction. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, a resin material is used as the material for the valve body, and deformation of the valve body and the valve seat is suppressed, thereby providing a slide-type switching valve that improves the sealing performance between the valve seat and the valve body and suppresses the occurrence of valve leakage. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a slide type switching valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a refrigeration cycle system of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a state in which a valve seat portion is attached to the valve body shown in FIG. 1 in mode 1-1 of the first embodiment, where (a) is an overall view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIb-IIIb shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIc-IIIc shown in (a). [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are diagrams illustrating a state in which a valve seat portion is attached to the valve body shown in FIG. 1 in mode 1-2 of the first embodiment, where (a) is an overall view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVb-IVb shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IVc-IVc shown in (a). [Diagram 5] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating the state in which a valve seat portion is attached to the valve body shown in FIG. 1 in mode 1-3 of the first embodiment, where (a) is an overall view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Vb-Vb shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Vc-Vc shown in (a). [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a state in which a valve seat portion is attached to the valve body shown in FIG. 1 in mode 1-4 of the first embodiment, where (a) is an overall view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIb-VIb shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIc-VIc shown in (a). [Figure 7] 7A to 7C are diagrams illustrating a state in which a valve seat portion is attached to the valve body shown in FIG. 1 in mode 1-5 of the first embodiment, where (a) is an overall view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIb-VIIb shown in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIc-VIIc shown in (a). [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a slide type switching valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9]9A and 9B are cross-sectional views of the valve body shown in FIG. 8, in which (a) is an overall view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line IXb-IXb shown in (a), (c) is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXc shown in (a), and (d) is a view seen from the direction of arrow IXd shown in (a). [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are cross-sectional views of a valve body corresponding to FIG. 9 in a comparative example (first embodiment), where (a) is an overall view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line Xb-Xb shown in (a), (c) is a view seen from the direction of arrow Xc shown in (a), and (d) is a view seen from the direction of arrow Xd shown in (a). [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the fixing surfaces of the valve body in the second embodiment and the comparative example (first embodiment), where (a) is a cross-sectional perspective view corresponding to FIG. 9(b) in the second embodiment, and (b) is a cross-sectional perspective view corresponding to FIG. 10(b) in the comparative example (first embodiment). [Figure 12] 10A to 10E are diagrams illustrating the state in which a valve seat portion is attached to the valve body shown in FIG. 9 in the second embodiment, where (a) is an overall view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIb-XIIb shown in (a), (c) is an arrow view seen from the direction of arrow XIIc shown in (a), (d) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIId-XIId shown in (a), and (e) is an arrow view seen from the direction of arrow XIIe shown in (a). [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the state in which a valve seat portion is attached to the valve body shown in FIG. 12, where (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIIIa-XIIIa shown in FIG. 12C, and (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area surrounded by dashed line XIIIb shown in (a). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 13. However, the present invention is not limited to the aspect of this embodiment.

[0021] <Terminology> In the description of this specification and the claims, "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the directions shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3(a), Fig. 4(a), Fig. 5(a), Fig. 6(a), Fig. 7(a), Fig. 8, Fig. 9(a), Fig. 10(a), and Fig. 12(a). In the description of this specification and the claims, "one end side" and "other end side" refer to "the left side of the axial direction (negative side in the X-axis direction)" and "the right side of the axial direction (positive side in the X-axis direction)", respectively. In the description of this specification and the claims, "side" refers to "the direction perpendicular to the axis (Y-axis direction)". In the description of this specification and the claims, "one side" and "other side" refer to "the positive side in the Y-axis direction" and "the negative side in the Y-axis direction". In the description of this specification and the claims, "vertical direction" refers to "Z-axis direction". In the description of this specification and the claims, "horizontal direction" refers to "XY plane direction". In the present specification and claims, "visual inspection" refers to "performing an inspection." In the present specification and claims, "access" refers to "performing flat processing such as polishing."

[0022] (First embodiment) <Slide type switching valve> A slide type switching valve 100 (100A) of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The slide type switching valve 100 (100A) is mainly composed of a hollow cylindrical housing 1, a hollow cylindrical valve body 2, a valve seat portion 3 (3A) provided in the valve body 2 and having a plurality of valve ports 30 to 32 arranged in the axial line L direction, a valve body 4 slidably provided in a valve chamber 2a inside the valve body 2, and a drive portion 5 that drives the valve body 4 to slide. Each configuration of the slide type switching valve 100 (100A) will be described in order below. Here, the axis L in the figure is the central axis of the housing 1, the valve body 2, and the drive portion 5. Note that the slide type switching valve 100 (100A) in this embodiment is a four-way switching valve for the sake of explanation, but is not limited thereto, and may be, for example, a two-way valve or a three-way switching valve.

[0023] As will be described in detail later, in the first embodiment of the slide type switching valve 100A, the first problem (increased weight due to the valve body made of a metal material) is resolved by using a resin material as the material for the valve body 2, and the second problem (deflection of the valve body made of a resin material and deformation of the valve seat) is resolved by using a pair of reinforcing portions 46a to 46c, 3Bb.

[0024] The housing 1 is made of an aluminum material and is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom. In the housing 1, an inlet passage 1d is formed in the left wall, and an insertion port 1a for inserting the valve body 2 is formed in the right wall. In addition, a first passage 1e, an outlet passage 1s, and a second passage 1c are formed in the bottom wall of the housing 1 in this order along the axis L direction as a plurality of cylindrical flow paths. Here, although details will be described later, the inlet passage 1d and the outlet passage 1s are connected to the discharge port and the suction port of the compressor 200 (see FIG. 2), respectively, and the first passage 1e and the second passage 1c are connected to either the condenser or the evaporator, respectively.

[0025] The valve body 2 is made of a resin material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The valve body 2 has an inner circumferential surface 2b (see FIG. 3(a)), a one-end side wall portion 2c (see FIG. 3(a)), and an other-end side opening portion 2d (see FIG. 3(a)), and defines a valve chamber (inside of the valve body) 2a inside. The one-end side wall portion 2c of the valve body 2 is formed with an inlet port 20 that communicates with the valve chamber 2a. The inner circumferential surface 2b at the bottom of the valve body 2 is formed with a fixing surface 2bf (see FIG. 3(a)) that is flat and rectangular along the horizontal direction, and the fixing surface 2bf is formed with a first connection flow path (connection flow path) 21, an outlet connection flow path (connection flow path) 22, and a second connection flow path (connection flow path) 23, which are made up of a plurality of cylindrical flow paths, in order along the axis L direction. Here, the inlet port 20 and the outlet connection flow passage 22 are connected to the inlet path 1d and the outlet path 1s, respectively, and the first connection flow passage 21 and the second connection flow passage 23 are connected to the first path 1e and the second path 1c, respectively. Furthermore, a cylindrical lower cover 24 made of a metal material is fixed to the right end of the valve body 2 by insert molding. As will be described in detail later, an upper cover 25 fixed to the partition member 54 by insert molding is fixed to the lower cover 24 by welding or the like. In addition, O-rings 26 are provided on either the outer circumferential surface of the valve body 2 or the inner circumferential surface of the housing 1, and are arranged in a plurality of grooves G at predetermined intervals along the axis L direction. Therefore, when the valve body 2 is inserted into the housing 1 through the insertion port 1a of the housing 1 and fixed to the housing 1 via the top cover 25 by the C-shaped retaining ring 27, the inlet path 1d, the second path 1c, the outlet path 1s, the first path 1e, and the outside (atmosphere) of the housing 1 between the valve body 2 and the housing 1 are sealed by the O-ring 26. Note that, as will be described in detail later, the valve seat portion 3 (3A) is adhesively fixed to the valve body 2.

[0026] The valve seat portion 3 (3A) is made of a rectangular plate-like metal material, and includes a sliding surface 33 against which the valve body 4 slides, and a joint surface 34 (see FIG. 3(a)) located on the opposite side of the sliding surface 33 and to which an adhesive is applied. This joint surface 34 is adhesively fixed to the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2. The valve seat portion 3 (3A) is also formed with a first port (valve port) 30 communicating with the first connection flow passage 21, an outlet port (valve port) 31 communicating with the outlet connection flow passage 22, and a second port (valve port) 32 communicating with the second connection flow passage 23, each of which is formed at a predetermined interval in the axial direction L. The first port 30, the outlet port 31, and the second port 32 are formed in a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter smaller than that of the first connection flow passage 21, the outlet connection flow passage 22, and the second connection flow passage 23.

[0027] The valve body 4 is mainly made of a resin material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and includes a valve body 40 having a shape of an upside-down bowl-shaped container, and a connecting part 44 protruding from the right end in the direction of the axis L. The valve body 4 is in sliding contact with the sliding surface 33 of the valve seat 3 (3A) with its lower surface abutting thereon, forming a space between the valve seat 3 and the valve body 4.

[0028] The valve body 40 faces the sliding surface 33 of the valve seat 3 (3A) and comprises an elliptical opening edge portion 40a extending in the axial L direction, a bowl-shaped portion (the outer peripheral surface of the valve body) 40b protruding from the opening edge portion 40a towards the valve chamber 2a, a bowl-shaped recess 40c provided inside the bowl-shaped portion 40b, and a support member 40d that prevents deformation of the side wall of the bowl-shaped recess 40c.

[0029] The opening edge 40a constitutes a seal portion s that can slide against the sliding surface 33. A spring member 42 is sandwiched between the top of the bowl-shaped portion 40b and the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 2, and this spring member 42 urges the valve body 40 against the valve seat portion 3 (3A), sealing between the valve chamber 2a outside the bowl-shaped portion 40b and a bowl-shaped recess 40c inside the bowl-shaped portion 40b. A pair of seats 41 are formed on each side wall of the bowl-shaped recess 40c in a direction perpendicular to the axis L. The seats 41 have fitting grooves 41a extending in the direction of the axis L.

[0030] The support member 40d is made of a plate-shaped metal material, and is integrally formed by pressing. The support member 40d has a rectangular flat portion 40da extending laterally, which is a direction perpendicular to the axis L, and a pair of rising portions 40db rising from both lateral edges of the flat portion 40da. The pair of rising portions 40db are fitted into the fitting grooves 41a, respectively, so that the flat portion 40da is provided across each side wall of the bowl-shaped recess 40c. The support member 40d resists the pressure difference between the high-pressure valve chamber 2a and the low-pressure bowl-shaped recess 40c, thereby suppressing deformation of the bowl-shaped recess 40c.

[0031] The connecting portion 44 is formed in a hook shape, and is connected to the driving portion 5 via a shaft member 59 .

[0032] The drive unit 5 is a part that drives the valve body 4 to slide, and is equipped with a stepping motor 5a as an electric motor having a rotatable rotor, and a linear motion mechanism 5b that converts the rotation of the stepping motor 5a into linear motion and transmits it to the valve body 4.

[0033] The stepping motor 5a includes a can 50 having a bottomed cylindrical shape, a magnet rotor 51, and a stator coil 52.

[0034] The can 50 is made of a thin metal plate and is formed into a cylindrical shape with a bottom.

[0035] The magnet rotor 51 is a rotor and is disposed inside the can 50 .

[0036] The stator coil 52 is a stator, and is disposed so as to surround the outer periphery of the magnet rotor 51 around the axis L with the can 50 interposed therebetween.

[0037] The linear motion mechanism 5b includes a bearing member 53, a partition member 54, a male screw member 55, and a female screw member 56.

[0038] The bearing member 53 is made of a resin material such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), is disposed inside the bottom side of the can 50, and has a first bearing hole 53a that supports the right end of the male screw member 55 coaxially with the axis L. The bearing member 53 is made of a stainless steel thin plate and is biased along the right side in the direction of the axis L by a biasing member 53b having a tapered shape so that the bearing member 53 is firmly supported by the can 50.

[0039] The partition member 54 is made of a resin material and is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape. The upper cover 25, which is made of a metal material and formed into a tapered shape, is fixed to the outer periphery of the partition member 54 by insert molding. Here, the small diameter portion 25a of the upper cover 25 is fixed to the can 50 by welding or the like to seal the inside of the drive unit 5. In addition, the large diameter portion 25b of the upper cover 25 is fixed to the lower cover 24 by welding or the like. As a result, the central axes of the partition member 54, the can 50, the bearing member 53, and the valve body 2 are arranged coaxially with the axis L. Furthermore, the partition wall 54d, which is the bottom of the partition member 54, has a second bearing hole 54a that supports the left end of the male screw member 55 coaxially with the axis L, and a pair of partition holes 54b (only one side is shown in FIG. 1) arranged on either side of the second bearing hole 54a.

[0040] The male screw member 55 is a rotor shaft having a male screw portion 55d on its outer circumferential surface, and is indirectly fixed to the center of the magnet rotor 51 via a fixing member 55a.

[0041] The female screw member 56 has a female screw portion 56a1 formed on its inner circumferential surface and is provided with a threaded tube portion 56a accommodated in the partition member 54 with a radial gap therebetween, and a pair of connecting arms 56b (only one side is shown in Figs. 1 and 2) that are inserted into a pair of partition holes 54b of the partition member 54 to restrict the rotation of the female screw member 56 about the axis L. The pair of connecting arms 56b are connected to the valve body 4 via a shaft member 59 and a clip 45. Here, the female screw portion 56a1 and the male screw portion 55d are screwed together to form a screw feed mechanism. The screw engagement area Sa between the female screw portion 56a1 and the male screw portion 55d is always accommodated in the screw accommodation space Ss defined by the can 50 and the partition member 54.

[0042] In the drive unit 5, when the stepping motor 5a rotates the male screw member 55, the screw feed mechanism converts the rotation of the male screw member 55 into linear motion of the female screw member 56. Due to the linear motion of the female screw member 56, the valve body 4 connected to the female screw member 56 is driven to advance and retreat so as to slide in the direction of the axis L.

[0043] In this embodiment, the drive unit 5 that drives the valve body 4 to move forward and backward is indirectly fixed to the magnet rotor 51 by the male screw member 55, but is not limited thereto. For example, the male screw member 55 may be directly fixed to the magnet rotor 51. In addition, the linear motion mechanism 5b in this embodiment is a mode in which the male screw member 55 is rotatably fixed to the housing 1, and the female screw member 56 slides forward and backward in the axial line L direction. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the female screw member 56 may be rotatably fixed to the housing 1, and the male screw member 55 may slide forward and backward in the axial line L direction. Furthermore, the slide type switching valve 100 (100A) in this embodiment is used in such a way that the longitudinal axis L is horizontal and the valve body 4 slides in the horizontal direction. However, it is not limited thereto. For example, the longitudinal axis L may be vertical and the valve body 4 may slide in the vertical direction. In addition, for the purpose of explanation, the drive unit 5 in this embodiment is equipped with a stepping motor 5a, but this is not limited to this. For example, the drive unit 5 may be configured to switch the pressure of a chamber partitioned by a piston provided in the valve body 2 using a pilot valve and drive the valve body using the differential pressure.

[0044] <Operation of the slide type switching valve> As shown in Fig. 2, the slide type switching valve 100 (100A) is used in a refrigeration cycle system, and a D joint pipe 1D, a C joint pipe 1C, an S joint pipe 1S, and an E joint pipe 1E are attached to the inlet path 1d, the second path 1c, the outlet path 1s, and the first path 1e, respectively. The slide type switching valve 100 (100A) causes the valve body 4 to move forward and backward so as to slide in the axial line L direction by the drive unit 5, thereby connecting the D joint pipe 1D connected to the discharge port of the compressor 200 and the S joint pipe 1S connected to the suction port of the compressor 200 to either the C joint pipe 1C connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 300 or the E joint pipe 1E connected to the indoor heat exchanger 400. In this way, the slide type switching valve 100 switches the fluid paths of the refrigeration cycle system.

[0045] <Operation of the refrigeration cycle system> First, in heating operation, as shown in Fig. 2, the slide type switching valve 100 drives the drive unit 5 to slide the valve body 4 to the left position in the axial line L direction, and the valve body body 40 and the valve seat portion 3 (3A) communicate the C joint pipe 1C and the S joint pipe 1S through the bowl-shaped recess 40c, and the D joint pipe 1D and the E joint pipe 1E through the valve chamber 2a and the first port 30. As a result, the high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 200 flows from the D joint pipe 1D through the valve chamber 2a into the E joint pipe 1E, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 2, flows through the indoor heat exchanger 400, the expansion device 500, and the outdoor heat exchanger 300 in this order, flows from the C joint pipe 1C through the bowl-shaped recess 40c into the S joint pipe 1S, and then circulates to the compressor 200. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger 300 functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchanger 400 functions as a condenser.

[0046] Next, in cooling operation, as shown in Fig. 1, the slide type switching valve 100 (100A) drives the drive unit 5 to slide the valve body 4 to the right position in the axial line L direction, and the valve body main body 40 and the valve seat portion 3 (3A) communicate the S joint pipe 1S and the E joint pipe 1E through the bowl-shaped recess 40c, and communicate the D joint pipe 1D and the C joint pipe 1C through the valve chamber 2a and the second port 32. As a result, the high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 200 flows from the D joint pipe 1D through the valve chamber 2a into the C joint pipe 1C, as shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 2, flows through the outdoor heat exchanger 300, the expansion device 500, and the indoor heat exchanger 400 in this order, flows from the E joint pipe 1E through the bowl-shaped recess 40c into the S joint pipe 1S, and then circulates to the compressor 200. At this time, during cooling operation, the refrigerant is circulated in the opposite direction to that during heating operation, and the outdoor heat exchanger 300 functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchanger 400 functions as an evaporator. In the refrigeration cycle system of Fig. 2, the C joint pipe 1C is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 300, and the E joint pipe 1E is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 400, but this is not limiting, and for example, the C joint pipe 1C may be connected to the indoor heat exchanger 400, and the E joint pipe 1E may be connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 300.

[0047] <About the reinforcement part> As described above, by using a resin material instead of metal as the material of the valve body in Patent Document 1, the first conventional problem (weight increase due to the valve body made of a metal material) can be solved. However, when a resin material is used as the material of the valve body, the valve body may be deflected in the axial direction due to temperature changes in the valve chamber, and this deformation may cause warping or distortion in the plate-shaped valve seat fixed to the valve body. This impairs the sealing ability between the valve seat and the valve disc, causing valve leakage, resulting in the second conventional problem (deflection of the valve body made of a resin material and deformation of the valve seat).

[0048] In response to this, the slide type switching valve 100A in the first embodiment employs a pair of reinforcing parts 46a-46c, 3Bb extending in the axial direction L along the inner circumferential surface 2b of the valve body 2, and the pair of reinforcing parts 46a-46c, 3Bb are fixed to the valve body 2 and the valve seats 3A, 3B, respectively, so that all of the valve ports 30-32 in the valve seats 3A, 3B are located between the pair of reinforcing parts 46a-46c, 3Bb. This solves the second problem (deflection of the valve body made of a resin material and deformation of the valve seats).

[0049] 3 to 7, the first embodiment is composed of five aspects, from aspect 1-1 to aspect 1-5, depending on the mounting structure of the pair of reinforcing parts 46a-46c, 3Bb to the valve body 2 and the valve seats 3A, 3B. Therefore, hereinafter, detailed structures of the valve body 2, the valve seats 3A, 3B, and the pair of reinforcing parts 46a-46c, 3Bb will be described in order from aspect 1-1 to aspect 1-5.

[0050] (Regarding mode 1-1) The detailed structures of the valve body 2, the valve seat portion 3A, and the pair of reinforcing portions 46a in the embodiment 1-1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0051] In the embodiment 1-1, as shown in Fig. 3(c), the valve body 2, the valve seat portion 3A, and the pair of reinforcing portions 46a are each separate members. Each configuration will be described in order below. For the sake of explanation, Fig. 3 omits the valve body 4 and the linear motion mechanism 5b connected to the valve body 4.

[0052] <Details of the valve body structure> A resin material is used as the material of the valve body 2. A fixing surface 2bf (see Figs. 3(a) and (c)) that is flat and rectangular along the horizontal direction (XY plane direction) is formed on the inner peripheral surface 2b at the bottom of the valve body 2, and a first connecting flow path 21, an outlet connecting flow path 22, and a second connecting flow path 23, each consisting of a plurality of cylindrical flow paths, are formed in this fixing surface 2bf in order along the axis L direction. In addition, a pair of inner peripheral surfaces 2b facing each other on the side (Y axis direction) of the valve body 2 are formed with a pair of mounting grooves 2bm that extend in the axis L direction from one end side wall portion 2c to the other end opening portion 2d, as shown in Fig. 3(b), and have an L-shaped cross section as viewed from the axis L direction, as shown in Fig. 3(c), so as to sandwich the fixing surface 2bf. Here, the interval between the pair of mounting grooves 2bm is set to be slightly larger than the total width of the valve seat portion 3 and the pair of reinforcing portions 46a, taking into account the mounting error. The pair of mounting grooves 2bm and the fixing surface 2bf are visible and accessible in the direction of the axis L through the other end opening 2d. Furthermore, a one end guide portion 2cg made of the inner surface of the one end wall portion 2c is formed on the peripheral portion of one end side (X-axis minus side) of the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2. The one end guide portion 2cg is used for positioning when attaching the valve seat portion 3A and the pair of reinforcing portions 46a, and abuts against the valve seat portion 3A and the pair of reinforcing portions 46a at successive positions along the side (Y-axis direction). In this way, in the embodiment 1-1, since a resin material is used as the material of the valve body 2, the first conventional problem (weight increase due to the valve body made of a metal material) can be eliminated.

[0053] <Details of the valve seat structure> The valve seat portion 3A is made of a rectangular plate-like metal material, and a first port 30, an outlet port 31, and a second port 32 are formed at a predetermined interval along the axis L. As shown in Fig. 3(a), the valve seat portion 3 has a sliding surface 33 with which the valve body 4 slides, and a joining surface 34 located on the opposite side of the sliding surface 33 and to which an adhesive is applied. As shown in Fig. 3(b), the valve seat portion 3 has a one-end valve seat portion 3At that abuts against the one-end guide portion 2cg of the valve body 2.

[0054] In addition, in the embodiment 1-1, since the shape of the other end side in the axial L direction of the valve seat portion 3A (the positive side in the X-axis direction) has a non-linear shape as shown in FIG. 3(b), it is possible to prevent mistakes in the installation direction (the axial L direction and the front-back direction) by visual inspection.

[0055] <Details of the reinforcement structure> The pair of reinforcing parts 46a are made of stainless steel or the like, each having a rectangular column shape extending in the axial L direction, and have relatively high rigidity. As shown in FIG. 3(c), the cross-sectional shape of each reinforcing part 46a is rectangular, and the height h1 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is set to be larger than the width b1 in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) (h1>b1), so that the second moment of area (I1=b1×h1^3 / 12) of each reinforcing part 46a is set to be relatively large. This makes it possible to make the deflection in the axial L direction, which is inversely proportional to the second moment of area I1, relatively small. Here, since the width b1 in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the reinforcing part 46a has substantially the same value (b1≒Th) as the thickness Th of the valve seat part 3A, the height h1 of the reinforcing part 46a is set to be larger than the thickness Th of the valve seat part 3A (h1>Th). In addition, in the embodiment 1-1, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 46a is a rectangle with the long side in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), but this is not limited to this, and various cross-sectional shapes can be selected as long as the second moment of area can be set large.

[0056] <Installation process for the valve seat and reinforcement parts> From here, the process of attaching the valve seat 3A and the reinforcing parts 46a to the valve body 2 will be described. First, an adhesive (including, for example, an epoxy resin-based, acrylic resin-based, urethane resin-based, silicone-based, or vinyl acetate-based adhesive) is applied to the joint surface 34 (see FIG. 3(a)) of the valve seat 3A, which is disposed opposite the fixing surface 2bf and the pair of mounting grooves 2bm of the valve body 2, and the lower surface and outer side surface of the pair of reinforcing parts 46a. Then, the pair of reinforcing parts 46a are inserted into the valve chamber 2a through the other end side opening 2d of the valve body 2, and one end side of each reinforcing part 46a is abutted against the one end side guide part 2cg, thereby performing positioning in the axis L direction. Furthermore, the pair of reinforcing parts 46a are bonded and fixed while being pressed against the fixing surface 2bf and the pair of mounting grooves 2bm of the valve body 2. As a result, the pair of reinforcing parts 46a extend in the axis L direction along the inner circumferential surface 2b of the pair of valve bodies 2. Similarly, the valve seat 3A is inserted into the valve chamber 2a through the other end opening 2d of the valve body 2, and the one end valve seat 3At is brought into contact with the one end guide portion 2cg, thereby positioning the valve seat 3A in the direction of the axis L. The valve seat 3A is then bonded and fixed while being pressed against the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2. As shown in FIG. 3(c), the valve seat 3A is attached to the valve body 2, and each reinforcing portion 46a is sandwiched between the valve body 2 and the valve seat 3A. This makes the gap between the valve seat 3A and the reinforcing portion 46a extremely small, and the adhesive on the fixing surface 2bf side is actively introduced into the gap between the valve seat 3A and the reinforcing portion 46a by capillary action. As a result, the pair of reinforcing portions 46a are firmly bonded and fixed to the valve body 2 and the valve seat 3A, respectively.

[0057] In addition, in the embodiment 1-1, for the sake of explanation, the pair of reinforcing parts 46a and the valve seat part 3A are attached to the valve body 2 in this order, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, the valve seat part 3A and the pair of reinforcing parts 46a are attached in this order, or the valve seat part 3A and the pair of reinforcing parts 46a are attached simultaneously. In addition, in the embodiment 1-1, for the sake of explanation, the adhesive is applied to the valve seat part 3 and the pair of reinforcing parts 46a, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be, for example, the adhesive is applied to the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2 and the pair of mounting grooves 2bm.

[0058] As described above, in the embodiment 1-1, a pair of separate reinforcing parts 46a is employed and fixed to the valve body 2 and the valve seat 3A, which are adhesively fixed to each other, thereby solving the first and second problems of the conventional art (weight increase due to the valve body made of a metal material, deflection of the valve body made of a resin material, and deformation of the valve seat). In addition, in the embodiment 1-1, by arranging all of the valve ports 30-32 in the valve seat 3A between the pair of reinforcing parts 46a, deflection in the axial direction L around each of the valve ports 30-32 in the valve seat 3A can be reliably suppressed, and as a result, the sealing performance between the valve seat 3A and the valve body 4 can be improved and the occurrence of valve leakage can be suppressed. Furthermore, the specifications required for the main body 2 and the valve seat portion 3A differ depending on the application of the slide type switching valve 100A. However, in aspect 1-1, by making the pair of reinforcing portions 46a separate, it is possible to select reinforcing portions 46a having optimal rigidity and moment of inertia, thereby expanding the range of application of the slide type switching valve 100A.

[0059] (Regarding Mode 1-2) Here, the detailed structures of the valve body 2, the valve seat portion 3A, and the pair of reinforcing portions 46b in the embodiment 1-2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The embodiment 1-2 differs from the embodiment 1-1 in that the pair of reinforcing portions 46b are insert molded into the valve body 2, but the other basic configurations are the same as those of the embodiment 1-1. Here, the same members are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations (<regarding the detailed structure of the valve seat portion>) are omitted, and <regarding the detailed structure of the reinforcing portions>, <regarding the detailed structure of the valve body>, and <regarding the installation process of the valve seat portion> will be described.

[0060] <Details of the reinforcement structure> The pair of reinforcing parts 46b in the embodiment 1-2 are made of stainless steel or the like having a rectangular column shape extending in the axial direction L, similar to the pair of reinforcing parts 46a in the embodiment 1-1, and have relatively high rigidity. The cross-sectional shape of each reinforcing part 46b is rectangular, as shown in FIG. 4(c), and the height h2 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) is set to be larger than the width b2 in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) (h2>b2), so that the second moment of area (I2=b2×h2^3 / 12) of each reinforcing part 46b is set to be relatively large. This makes it possible to make the deflection in the axial direction L, which is inversely proportional to the second moment of area I2, relatively small. Here, the width b2 in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the reinforcing part 46b has substantially the same value (b2≒Th) as the thickness Th of the valve seat part 3A, so that the height h2 of the reinforcing part 46b is set to be larger than the thickness Th of the valve seat part 3A (h2>Th). In addition, in the embodiment 1-2, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 46b is a rectangle with the long side in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), but this is not limited to this, and various cross-sectional shapes can be selected as long as the second moment of area can be set large.

[0061] <Details of the valve body structure> A pair of reinforcing parts 46b are insert-molded inside a pair of inner circumferential surfaces 2b of the valve body 2 facing the side (Y-axis direction) of the valve body 2 so as to extend in the axial L direction along the pair of inner circumferential surfaces 2b of the valve body 2. As a result, the pair of reinforcing parts 46b, which are insert parts, are completely embedded inside the valve body 2 made of a resin material. In addition, a pair of side guide parts 2bg are formed on the pair of inner circumferential surfaces 2b facing the side (Y-axis direction) of the valve body 2, which extend in the axial L direction from the one end side wall part 2c to the other end opening part 2d so as to sandwich the fixing surface 2bf as shown in FIG. 4(b) and have an L-shaped cross-sectional shape as viewed from the axial L direction as shown in FIG. 4(c). Here, the interval between the pair of side guide parts 2bg on the side (Y-axis direction) is set to be slightly larger than the width of the valve seat part 3, taking into account the installation error. The pair of side guide portions 2bg and the fixed surface 2bf are each visible and accessible in the direction of the axis L through the other end opening 2d. Furthermore, a one end guide portion 2cg made of the inner surface of the one end wall portion 2c is formed on the peripheral portion of one end side (the negative side of the X-axis) of the fixed surface 2bf of the valve body 2. This one end guide portion 2cg is used for positioning when attaching the valve seat portion 3A, and abuts against the valve seat portion 3A at successive positions along the side (Y-axis direction).

[0062] <About the valve seat installation process> From here, the process of attaching the valve seat portion 3A to the valve body 2 will be described. First, adhesive is applied to the joint surface 34 (see FIG. 4(a)) of the valve seat portion 3A, which is disposed opposite the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2. Then, the valve seat portion 3A is inserted into the valve chamber 2a through the other end opening 2d of the valve body 2, and the pair of side portions of the valve seat portion 3A are brought into contact with the pair of side guide portions 2bg to position it laterally (in the Y-axis direction), and the one end side valve seat portion 3At is brought into contact with the one end side guide portion 2cg to position it in the axial L direction. Furthermore, the valve seat portion 3A is adhesively fixed while being pressed against the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2.

[0063] As described above, in the embodiment 1-2, a pair of reinforcing parts 46b that are insert-molded into the valve body 2 are adopted, and the valve body 2 and the valve seat part 3A are adhesively fixed to each other, thereby solving the first and second problems of the conventional art (weight increase due to the valve body made of a metal material, bending of the valve body made of a resin material, and deformation of the valve seat part) in the same manner as in the embodiment 1-1, improving the sealing performance between the valve seat part 3A and the valve body 4, and suppressing the occurrence of valve leakage. In addition, in the embodiment 1-2, since it is not necessary to attach the pair of reinforcing parts 46b when attaching the valve seat part 3A to the valve body 2, the work time can be shortened. Furthermore, in the embodiment 1-2, the pair of reinforcing parts 46b are completely embedded inside the valve body 2 made of a resin material and are not exposed to the working fluid, and therefore deterioration over time due to corrosion, etc. can be suppressed.

[0064] (Regarding modes 1-3) Here, the detailed structures of the valve body 2, the valve seat portion 3A, and the pair of reinforcing portions 46c in the embodiment 1-3 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The embodiment 1-3 differs from the embodiment 1-1 in that the pair of separate reinforcing portions 46c are welded and fixed to the valve seat portion 3A, but the other basic configurations are the same as those of the embodiment 1-1. Here, the same members are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations (<Regarding the detailed structure of the valve body> and <Regarding the detailed structure of the valve seat portion>) are omitted, and only <Regarding the detailed structure of the reinforcing portions> and <Regarding the installation process of the valve seat portion and the reinforcing portions> will be described.

[0065] <Details of the reinforcement structure> The pair of reinforcing parts 46c in the embodiment 1-3 are made of stainless steel having a rectangular column shape extending in the axial direction L, similar to the pair of reinforcing parts 46a in the embodiment 1-1, and have relatively high rigidity. The cross-sectional shape of each reinforcing part 46c is substantially rectangular, as shown in FIG. 5(c), and the height h3 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2 is set to be larger than the width b3 in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) (h3>b3), so that the second moment of area (I3=b3×h3^3 / 12) of each reinforcing part 46c is set to be relatively large. This makes it possible to make the deflection in the axial direction L, which is inversely proportional to the second moment of area I3, relatively small. Here, since the width b3 in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the reinforcing part 46c has substantially the same value (b3≒Th) as the thickness Th of the valve seat part 3A, the height h3 of the reinforcing part 46c is set to be larger than the thickness Th of the valve seat part 3A (h3>Th). Here, the opposing surfaces of the pair of reinforcing parts 46c are provided with positioning protrusions 46cp extending inwardly in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) to function as positioning the valve seat part 3A. Note that, in the embodiment 1-3, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing part 46c is a substantially rectangular shape with the long side in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), but is not limited thereto, and various cross-sectional shapes can be selected as long as the area second moment can be set large.

[0066] <Installation process for the valve seat and reinforcement parts> From here, the process of attaching the valve seat 3A and the reinforcing parts 46c to the valve body 2 will be described. First, the pair of reinforcing parts 46c are welded to the valve seat 3A with the side (Y-axis direction) corners of the valve seat 3A engaged with the lower sides of the positioning protrusions 46cp of the pair of reinforcing parts 46c. This allows the pair of reinforcing parts 46a to be firmly welded to the desired positions of the valve seat 3A. After that, adhesive is applied to the joint surface 34 (see FIG. 5(a)) of the valve seat 3A, which is disposed opposite the fixing surface 2bf and the pair of mounting grooves 2bm of the valve body 2, and to the lower surface and outer side surface of the pair of reinforcing parts 46a welded to the valve seat 3A. Then, the valve seat 3A to which the pair of reinforcing parts 46c are welded is inserted into the valve chamber 2a through the other end opening 2d of the valve body 2, and the pair of reinforcing parts 46c are brought into contact with the pair of mounting grooves 2bm of the valve body 2 to perform lateral positioning (Y-axis direction), and the one-end valve seat 3At is brought into contact with the one-end guide part 2cg to perform positioning in the axial direction L. Furthermore, the valve seat 3A and the pair of reinforcing parts 46c are adhesively fixed while being pressed against the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2. Note that, when attaching the valve seat 3A to the valve body 2, after the pair of reinforcing parts 46c are welded to the valve seat 3A, an adhesive may be applied only to the joint surface 34 of the valve seat 3A, and the pair of reinforcing parts 46c may be adhesively fixed while being pressed against the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2. However, it is preferable to also apply an adhesive to the lower surface and outer side surface of the pair of reinforcing parts 46c, since this suppresses deformation of the valve body 2 in the axial direction L. Also, the pair of reinforcing parts 46c welded to the valve seat 3A may be insert-molded into the inner circumferential surface 2b of the valve body 2, as in the embodiment 1-2. This eliminates the need to attach the valve seat 3A, and therefore reduces the work time.

[0067] In addition, in the embodiment 1-3, the welding process between the pair of reinforcing portions 46c and the valve seat portion 3A is continuously formed along the direction of the axis L by arc welding (in which the parts to be joined are melted and joined by an arc generated between an electrode and the parts to be joined) or laser welding (in which the parts are melted and joined by irradiating laser light focused by a lens), etc. However, it is more preferable to employ arc spot welding or laser spot welding, which melts the parts locally, so as to minimize the thermal effect on the valve seat portion 3A, and to form the reinforcing portions 46c discontinuously along the direction of the axis L, since this suppresses deformation of the valve seat portion 3A due to heat during welding.

[0068] As described above, in the embodiment 1-3, by adopting a pair of reinforcing parts 46c welded to the valve seat part 3A and adhesively fixing the valve body 2 and the valve seat part 3A to each other, the first and second problems of the conventional art (weight increase due to the valve body made of a metal material, bending of the valve body made of a resin material, and deformation of the valve seat part) are eliminated, and the sealing performance between the valve seat part 3A and the valve body 4 is improved, and the occurrence of valve leakage can be suppressed, as in the embodiment 1-1. Furthermore, although the specifications required for the main body 2 and the valve seat part 3A differ depending on the application of the slide type switching valve 100A, in the embodiment 1-3, as in the embodiment 1-1, by making the pair of reinforcing parts 46c separate, the reinforcing parts 46c having the optimal rigidity and moment of inertia can be selected, and as a result, the range of application of the slide type switching valve 100A can be expanded. Furthermore, in the embodiment 1-3, when the valve seat part 3A is attached to the valve body 2, the valve seat part 3A and the pair of reinforcing parts 46c can be attached at the same time, so that the work time can be shortened. In addition, in the embodiment 1-3, the joint strength between the pair of reinforcing parts 46c and the valve seat part 3A is relatively large compared to the embodiment 1-1, and the upper surface of the side corner part of the valve seat part 3A is abutted against the lower surface of the positioning protrusion 46cp of the pair of reinforcing parts 46c and fixed by welding, so that the rigidity of the valve seat part 3A can be reliably set to be large. Note that in the embodiment 1-3, the pair of reinforcing parts 46c are provided with the positioning protrusion 46cp, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the reinforcing parts 46c may be welded to the valve seat part 3A without providing the positioning protrusion 46cp like the reinforcing parts 46a in the embodiment 1-1. However, providing the positioning protrusion 46cp is preferable because it allows the rigidity of the valve seat part 3A to be set to be large.

[0069] (Regarding modes 1-4) Here, the detailed structures of the valve body 2 and the valve seat portion 3B in the embodiment 1-4 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The valve seat portion 3B in this embodiment is composed of a flat plate portion 3Ba and a pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb, which are integrally molded with each other, and differs from the embodiment 1-3 in that the other basic configurations are the same as those in the embodiment 1-3. Here, the same members are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations (<regarding the detailed structure of the valve body>) are omitted, and <regarding the detailed structure of the valve seat portion> and <regarding the installation process of the valve seat portion> will be described.

[0070] <Details of the valve seat structure> The valve seat portion 3B is made of plate-shaped stainless steel or the like, and is integrally formed by pressing, and includes a rectangular flat plate portion 3Ba arranged along the horizontal direction (XY plane direction) and a pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb rising from both lateral (Y-axis) ends of the flat plate portion 3Ba. Here, the flat plate portion 3Ba has substantially the same configuration as the valve seat portion 3A in the embodiment 1-3, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] Next, the pair of reinforcing parts 3Bb are substantially similar to the pair of reinforcing parts 46a in the embodiment 1-1, and the cross-sectional shape corresponding to each reinforcing part 3Bb is substantially rectangular as shown in FIG. 3(c). The height h4 in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) from the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2 is set to be larger than the width b4 in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) (h4>b4), so that the second moment of area (I4=b4×h4^3 / 12) of each reinforcing part 3Bb is set to be relatively large. This makes it possible to make the deflection in the axial direction L, which is inversely proportional to the second moment of area I4, relatively small. Here, since the width b4 in the lateral direction (Y-axis direction) of the reinforcing part 3Bb is the same as the thickness Th' of the valve seat part 3B (b4=Th'), the height h4 of the reinforcing part 3Bb is set to be larger than the thickness Th' of the valve seat part 3B (h4>Th'). In addition, in the embodiment 1-4, the cross-sectional shape of the reinforcing portion 3Bb is a rectangle with the long side in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), but this is not limited to this, and various cross-sectional shapes can be selected as long as the second moment of area can be set large.

[0072] In addition, unlike the valve seat portion 3A in embodiment 1-3, the valve seat portion 3B in embodiment 1-4 does not have a non-linear shape at the other end side in the axial L direction of the flat portion 3Ba (the positive side in the X-axis direction). Instead, as shown in Figure 6(a), the other end sides in the axial L direction of a pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb have a tapered shape, thereby making it possible to prevent any visual errors in the installation direction (axis L direction).

[0073] <About the valve seat installation process> From here, the process of attaching the valve seat portion 3B to the valve body 2 will be described. First, adhesive is applied to the joint surface 34 (see FIG. 6(a)) of the flat plate portion 3Ba, which is disposed opposite the fixing surface 2bf and the pair of mounting grooves 2bm of the valve body 2, and to the lower surface and outer side surface of the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb. Then, the valve seat portion 3B is inserted into the valve chamber 2a through the other end opening 2d of the valve body 2, and the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb are abutted against the pair of mounting grooves 2bm of the valve body 2 to position it laterally (in the Y-axis direction), and the one end valve seat portion 3Bt is abutted against the one end guide portion 2cg to position it in the axial direction L. Furthermore, the flat plate portion 3Ba and the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb are adhesively fixed while being pressed against the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2. As shown in FIG. 6(c), the pair of mounting grooves 2bm have a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional shape corresponding to the pair of reinforcing parts 3Bb when viewed from the axial line L direction. When mounting the valve seat part 3B to the valve body 2, an adhesive may be applied only to the joint surface 34 of the flat plate part 3Ba, and the flat plate part 3Ba may be pressed against the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2 to bond and fix the valve seat part 3B to the valve body 2. However, it is preferable to also apply an adhesive to the lower surface and outer side surface of the pair of reinforcing parts 3Bb, since this suppresses deformation of the valve body 2 in the axial line L direction. In addition, the pair of reinforcing parts 3Bb integrally molded with the flat plate part 3Ba of the valve seat part 3B may be insert molded inside the inner peripheral surface 2b of the valve body 2, as in the embodiment 1-2. This eliminates the need to mount the valve seat part 3B, thereby shortening the work time.

[0074] As described above, in the embodiment 1-4, a pair of reinforcing parts 3Bb integrally molded with the flat plate part 3Ba is adopted, and the valve body 2 and the valve seat part 3B are adhesively fixed to each other, as in the embodiment 1-3, thereby solving the first and second problems of the conventional art (weight increase due to the valve body made of a metal material, bending of the valve body made of a resin material, and deformation of the valve seat part), improving the sealing performance between the valve seat part 3B and the valve body 4, and suppressing the occurrence of valve leakage. Also, in the embodiment 1-4, as in the embodiment 1-3, when the flat plate part 3Ba is attached to the valve body 2, the pair of reinforcing parts 3Bb can be attached at the same time, thereby shortening the work time. In addition, in the embodiment 1-4, the pair of reinforcing parts 3Bb and the flat plate part 3Ba are integrally molded, so that the rigidity of the flat plate part 3Ba can be set more reliably and the cost can be reduced. In addition, in embodiments 1-1 to 1-4, the length in the axial direction L of a pair (two pieces) of reinforcing portions 46a, 46b, 46c, 3Bb is the same, but this is not limited to the above. For example, as long as all of the multiple valve ports 30-32 are located between the pair of reinforcing portions, the pair of reinforcing portions may be asymmetric with respect to each other (different lengths, shapes), or one side of the pair of reinforcing portions may be composed of multiple members extending in the axial direction L. In addition, in the embodiments 1-1 to 1-4, the pair of reinforcing parts 46a, 46b, 46c, 3Bb extend in the axial direction L, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the reinforcing parts may be U-shaped when viewed from the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) including a pair of reinforcing parts extending in the axial direction L as well as a reinforcing part fixed to the one-end valve seat parts 3At, 3Bt, or may be square-shaped when viewed from the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) including the above-mentioned U-shaped reinforcing part as well as a reinforcing part fixed to the other-end valve seat part. This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the valve seat part 3 and the valve body 2 in the axial direction L as well as deformation of the valve seat part 3 and the valve body 2 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction L (Y-axis direction).

[0075] (Regarding modes 1-5) Here, the detailed structures of the valve body 2 and the valve seat portion 3B in the embodiment 1-5 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. This embodiment 1-5 differs from the embodiment 1-4 in that a pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb in the valve seat portion 3B is held by a pair of holding portions 2e provided on the inner peripheral surface 2b of the valve body 2, but the other basic configurations are the same as those of the embodiment 1-4. Here, the same members are given the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations (<regarding the detailed structure of the valve seat portion>) are omitted, and <regarding the detailed structure of the valve body> and <regarding the installation process of the valve seat portion> will be described.

[0076] <Details of the valve body structure> As shown in Fig. 7(b), a pair of inner circumferential surfaces 2b facing each other on the side (Y-axis direction) of the valve body 2 are formed with a pair of mounting grooves 2bm and a pair of retaining portions 2e, which extend in the axial direction L from one end side wall portion 2c to the other end opening portion 2d so as to sandwich a fixing surface 2bf, and have a substantially C-shaped cross section as viewed from the axial direction L, as shown in Fig. 7(c). The pair of mounting grooves 2bm, the pair of retaining portions 2e, and the fixing surface 2bf are each visible and accessible in the axial direction L through the other end opening portion 2d.

[0077] <About the valve seat installation process> From here, the process of attaching the valve seat portion 3B to the valve body 2 will be described. First, adhesive is applied to the joint surface 34 (see FIG. 7(a)) of the flat plate portion 3Ba, which is disposed opposite the fixing surface 2bf, the pair of mounting grooves 2bm, and the pair of holding portions 2e of the valve body 2, and to the lower surface and outer side surface of the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb. Then, the valve seat portion 3B is inserted into the valve chamber 2a through the other end opening 2d of the valve body 2, and the upper and lower ends of the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb are engaged with the pair of mounting grooves 2bm and the pair of holding portions 2e of the valve body 2, respectively, to ensure positioning in the lateral direction (Y axis direction), and the one end side valve seat portion 3Bt is abutted against the one end side guide portion 2cg to perform positioning in the axial direction L. Furthermore, the flat plate portion 3Ba and the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb are adhesively fixed while being pressed against the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2. When attaching the valve seat portion 3B to the valve body 2, adhesive may be applied to the joint surface 34, the lower surfaces and outer side surfaces of the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb, as well as the upper surfaces of the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb, or adhesive may be applied only to the joint surface 34.

[0078] As described above, since the embodiment 1-5 has the same configuration as the embodiment 1-4 except for the use of the pair of retaining parts 2e, it has the same effect as the embodiment 1-4, that is, it can solve the first and second problems of the conventional embodiment (weight increase due to the valve body made of a metal material, bending of the valve body made of a resin material, and deformation of the valve seat), improve the sealing performance between the valve seat part 3B and the valve body 4, and suppress the occurrence of valve leakage. Furthermore, in the embodiment 1-5, as in the embodiment 1-4, it is possible to shorten the installation time of the pair of reinforcing parts 3Bb, and to further improve the rigidity of the valve seat part 3B and reduce the cost. Furthermore, in the embodiment 1-5, the upper ends of the pair of reinforcing parts 3Bb are retained by the pair of retaining parts 2e, which are the inner peripheral surface 2b of the valve body 2, and thus it is possible to suppress not only bending of the valve body 2 in the axial line L direction, but also deformation of the valve body 2 radially outward due to the internal pressure P applied to the valve body 2 (see FIG. 7(c)).

[0079] For the sake of explanation, the pair of holding parts 2e in the embodiment 1-5 is formed so that the holding object is the valve seat part 3B (embodiment 1-4) integrally formed by press working, but is not limited thereto. For example, the holding object may be the valve seat part 3A (embodiment 1-3) to which the pair of reinforcing parts 46c are welded, or the valve seat part 3A (embodiment 1-1) to which the pair of reinforcing parts 46a, which are separate bodies, are adhesively fixed. However, it is preferable that the holding object is the valve seat part 3B integrally formed by press working or the valve seat part 3A to which the pair of reinforcing parts 46c are welded, because the bearing strength of the pair of holding parts 2e can be obtained. In addition, the pair of holding parts 2e in the embodiment 1-5 is formed continuously along the axis L direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the holding object may be formed discontinuously along the axis L direction.

[0080] Second embodiment A slide type switching valve 100B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0081] In the slide type switching valve 100A in the aspects 1-1 to 1-5 of the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 7, a pair of reinforcing parts 46a-46c, 3Bb extending in the axial direction L along the inner peripheral surface 2b of the valve body 2 is adopted, and the pair of reinforcing parts 46a-46c, 3Bb is fixed to the valve body 2 and the valve seats 3A, 3B, respectively. This suppresses the occurrence of bending of the valve body 2 and the valve seats 3A, 3B in the axial direction L, improves the sealing performance between the flat plate part 3Ba and the valve element 4, and suppresses the occurrence of valve leakage.

[0082] However, if the deflection of the valve body 2 itself in the direction of the axis L is relatively large before the valve seat portions 3A, 3B and the pair of reinforcing portions 46a-46c, 3Bb are attached to the valve body 2, it becomes necessary to visually check the flatness of the fixing surface 2bf and to perform flattening processing in order to correct the deflection of the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2, which may result in increased costs for the slide type switching valve 100A.

[0083] Therefore, we will consider in detail the deflection in the axial direction L that may occur in the valve body 2 itself and the flattening process for this deflection. First, as shown in Figures 1, 10, and 11(b), the other end side (positive side of the X-axis) of the valve body 2 does not have an other end side wall portion, while the one end side (negative side of the X-axis) of the valve body 2 has a one end side wall portion 2c having an inlet port 20. Therefore, the valve body 2 has the following new problem because the one end side wall portion 2c is formed.

[0084] First, when the valve body 2 is resin-molded, the difference in thickness of the resin material in the radial direction is larger in the portion where the one-end side wall portion 2c is formed and in the portions where the connecting flow paths 21-23 are formed than in other portions along the axis L. For this reason, when the resin material cools and hardens, the difference in thickness of the resin material in the radial direction causes a difference in shrinkage rate, which may result in a phenomenon in which the surface of the valve body 2 is recessed, that is, a so-called sink mark. In particular, the one-end side wall portion 2c and the fixing surface 2bf adjacent to the connecting flow paths 21-23 may be deflected in the axial direction L due to the sink mark, which may reduce the flatness (hereinafter referred to as "first new problem (low flatness of the fixing surface due to sink mark)").

[0085] Secondly, in the valve body 2 after resin molding, in order to inspect the influence caused by the sink marks, etc., it is necessary to visually check the flatness of the fixing surface 2bf along the axis L direction. Here, the fixing surface 2bf is visible from the other end side (positive side of the X-axis) of the valve body 2 (see FIG. 10(d)), but is difficult to visually check from one end side (negative side of the X-axis) of the valve body 2 because the one end side wall portion 2c having the inlet port 20 is formed thereon (see FIG. 10(c)). Furthermore, if a portion of the fixing surface 2bf with low flatness is confirmed as a result of visual check, it is necessary to perform flattening processing on the fixing surface 2bf along the axis L direction by grinding or the like. However, because the one end side wall portion 2c is formed, it is difficult to access the fixing surface 2bf on the one end side to perform flattening processing (hereinafter referred to as "second new problem (difficulty in viewing and accessing the fixing surface)").

[0086] Thirdly, after the valve seats 3A, 3B and the pair of reinforcing portions 46a to 46c, 3Bb are attached to the valve body 2, it is necessary to visually check the flatness of the sliding surfaces 33 of the valve seats 3A, 3B along the axis L and, in some cases, to perform flattening processing such as polishing on the sliding surfaces 33 along the axis L. However, as described in Section 2, because the one-end wall portion 2c having the inlet port 20 is formed on one end side (the negative X-axis side) of the valve body 2, it is particularly difficult to view and access the sliding surfaces 33 on the one end side (see Figure 10(c)) (hereinafter referred to as the "third new issue (difficulty in viewing and accessing the sliding surfaces)").

[0087] Therefore, in the slide type switching valve 100B according to the second embodiment, in order to solve the first to third new problems mentioned above (low flatness of the fixed surface due to sink marks, and difficulty in viewing and accessing the fixed surface and the sliding surface), the one end side wall portion 2c is omitted and a new one end side opening (inlet port) 2c' (20) is formed.

[0088] Here, the slide type switching valve 100B according to the second embodiment differs from the slide type switching valve 100A of the first embodiment in aspect 1-4 in that the valve body 2' does not have one end side wall portion 2c, but the other basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment. Here, the same members are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations (<regarding the detailed structure of the valve seat portion>) are omitted, and <regarding the detailed structure of the valve body> and <regarding the installation process of the valve seat portion> will be explained.

[0089] <Details of the valve body structure> From here, the detailed structure of the valve body 2' will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. In Fig. 11(a) of the valve body 2' and Fig. 11(b) of the valve body 2, the lower cover 24 is omitted. As shown in Figs. 9 and 11(a), the valve body 2' has a relatively large opening area and is provided with a one-end opening 2c' (openings at both ends) which is an inlet port 20, and an other-end opening 2d (openings at both ends) which are opposed to each other in the axial line L direction. In addition, a fixing surface 2bf (see Figs. 9 and 11(a)) which is flat and rectangular along the horizontal direction (XY plane direction) is formed on the inner peripheral surface 2b at the bottom of the valve body 2', and a first connecting flow path 21, an outlet connecting flow path 22, and a second connecting flow path 23 which are made up of a plurality of cylindrical flow paths are formed in this fixing surface 2bf in order along the axial line L direction. Here, as shown in Fig. 9(b), Fig. 9(c) and Fig. 11(a), a pair of one-end cutouts 2f flush with the fixing surface 2bf is formed at the one-end opening 2c' at positions facing each other laterally (in the Y-axis direction). This pair of one-end cutouts 2f can expand the area of ​​the fixing surface 2bf on the side (in the Y-axis direction) that can be viewed and accessed through the one-end opening 2c'. Thus, in the second embodiment, the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2' can be viewed and accessed throughout the entire axial line L direction, including all edges of the multiple connecting flow paths 21, 22, 23, through the one-end opening 2c' and the other-end opening 2d, as viewed from the axial line L direction.

[0090] Furthermore, a pair of inner peripheral surfaces 2b facing the sides (Y-axis direction) of the valve body 2' are formed with a pair of mounting grooves 2bm extending in the axial L direction from the one end opening 2c' to the other end opening 2d (see FIG. 9(b)) so as to sandwich the fixing surface 2bf, and having a substantially L-shaped cross-sectional shape as viewed from the axial L direction (see FIG. 12(d)). The pair of mounting grooves 2bm are visible and accessible in the axial L direction via the other end opening 2d. Furthermore, a pair of one end guide portions 2cg consisting of the inner surface of the one end opening 2c' is formed on the peripheral portion of the one end side (X-axis minus side) of the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2'.

[0091] In this way, in the valve body 2' of the second embodiment, by omitting the one-end side wall portion 2c in the valve body 2 of the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress the flatness of the fixing surface 2bf adjacent to the fixing surface 2bf on the one end side from being reduced due to sink marks. In addition, in the valve body 2' of the second embodiment, the flatness of the fixing surface 2bf adjacent to each of the connection flow paths 21, 22, 23 may be reduced due to sink marks, but the entire edge of each of the connection flow paths 21, 22, 23 can be viewed and accessed through the one-end side opening 2c' and the other-end side opening 2d over the entire axis L direction, that is, inspection can be performed and flat processing can be performed by polishing, etc. As a result, the valve body 2' of the second embodiment can solve the first and second new problems (low flatness of the fixing surface due to sink marks, difficulty in viewing and accessing the fixing surface).

[0092] <About the valve seat installation process> From here, the process of attaching the valve seat portion 3B to the valve body 2' will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. First, adhesive is applied to the joint surface 34 (see Figure 12(a)) of the flat plate portion 3Ba, which is disposed opposite the fixing surface 2bf and the pair of mounting grooves 2bm of the valve body 2', and the lower surface and outer side surface of the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb. Then, the valve seat portion 3B is inserted into the valve chamber 2a through the other end opening 2d of the valve body 2', and the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb are abutted against the pair of mounting grooves 2bm of the valve body 2' to position the side (Y-axis direction), and one side (positive side in the Y-axis direction) and the other side (negative side in the Y-axis direction) of the one end valve seat portion 3Bt are abutted against the one end guide portion 2cg, respectively, to position the one end valve seat portion 3Bt in the axis L direction. Then, the flat plate portion 3Ba and the pair of reinforcing portions 3Bb are adhesively fixed while being pressed against the fixing surface 2bf of the valve body 2'. As shown in Figures 12(c) and 12(e), the valve seat portion 3B adhesively fixed to the valve body 2' can be seen and accessed, including all edges of the multiple valve ports 30, 31, 32, throughout the entire direction of the axial line L via the one-end opening 2c' and the other-end opening 2d.

[0093] In this way, in the valve body 2' of the second embodiment, after the valve seat portion 3B is attached to the valve body 2', it is possible to see and access the entire edge portions of the multiple valve ports 30-32, including the entire edges thereof, throughout the entire direction of the axis L, via the one-end opening 2c' and the other-end opening 2d, i.e., it is possible to carry out inspections and to perform flattening by polishing or the like. As described above, the valve body 2' of the second embodiment can solve the third new problem (difficulty in seeing and accessing the sliding surfaces).

[0094] As described above, in the second embodiment, the one-end side wall portion is omitted from the valve body 2', and the one-end side opening 2c' having a relatively large opening area is adopted, thereby solving the first to third new problems (low flatness of the fixing surface due to sink marks, and difficulty in viewing and accessing the fixing surface and the sliding surface) and achieving the same effect as in the first embodiment, mode 1-4, that is, solving the first and second problems of the conventional art (weight increase due to the valve body made of metal material, bending of the valve body made of resin material, and deformation of the valve seat portion). This further improves the sealing performance between the valve seat portion 3B and the valve element 4, and further suppresses the occurrence of valve leakage.

[0095] For the sake of explanation, the valve body 2' in the second embodiment is adopted for the valve seat portion 3B in aspect 1-4 of the first embodiment, but is not limited thereto and may be adopted for, for example, the valve seat portion 3A and a pair of reinforcing portions 46a to 46c in aspects 1-1 to 1-3 of the first embodiment, or the valve seat portion 3B in aspect 1-5.

[0096] <Other> It goes without saying that the slide type switching valve 100 (100A, 100B) of this embodiment is applicable not only to the refrigeration cycle system illustrated, but also to any fluid device and fluid circuit. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned respective modes, embodiments, and modified examples described throughout, and appropriate changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 100, 100A, 100B Slide type switching valve 1. Housing 1a Insertion port 1c Pathway 2 1d Entrance route 1e 1st Pathway 1s Exit route 1C C fitting pipe 1D D joint pipe 1E E joint pipe 1S S joint pipe 2,2' Valve body 2a Valve chamber (inside the valve body) 2b Inner surface 2bf fixed surface 2bg Pair of side guides 2bm Pair of mounting grooves 2c One end side wall 2c' One end opening (openings on both ends) 2cg One end guide part 2d Opening at the other end (openings at both ends) 2e Pair of holding parts 2f A pair of notches on one end 20 Inlet Port 21 First connecting flow path (connecting flow path) 22 Outlet connection flow path (connection flow path) 23 Second connecting flow path (connecting flow path) 24 Lower lid 25 Top lid 25a Small diameter section 25b Large diameter section 26 O-ring 27 Retaining ring 3,3A,3B Valve seat part 3At,3Bt One end side valve seat part 3Ba flat plate part 3Bb Reinforcement part 30 1st port (valve port) 31 Outlet port (valve port) 32 2nd port (valve port) 33 Sliding surface 34 Joint surface 4 Valve body 40 Valve body 40a opening edge 40b Bowl-shaped part 40c Bowl-shaped recess 41 Pair of pedestals 41a Fitting groove 42 Spring parts 40d Support member 40da flat part 40db pair of risers 44 Connecting part 45 clips 46a, 46b, 46c Reinforcement section 5 Drive unit 5a stepper motor 5b Linear motion mechanism 50 Can 51 Magnet rotor 52 Stator coil 53 Bearing materials 53a First bearing hole 53b biasing member 54 Partition wall member 54a Second bearing hole 54b A pair of bulkhead holes 54d Partition wall 55 Male threaded member 55a Fixing member 55d Male thread 56 Female thread member 56a Threaded cylinder 56a1 Female thread 56b Pair of connecting arms 59 Shaft material 200 Compressor 300 Outdoor heat exchanger 400 Indoor heat exchanger 500 aperture device b1~b4 Width of reinforcement G groove h1~h4 Height of reinforcement I1~I4 Moment of inertia L axis P Internal pressure s Seal part Sa threaded area Ss Screw storage space Th,Th' Thickness of valve seat

Claims

1. A slide type switching valve, a hollow cylindrical valve body integrally formed from resin, extending along an axial direction, having a plurality of connecting flow paths aligned in the axial direction, and having a wall portion on one end side in the axial direction and an opening portion on the other end side; a valve body provided inside the valve body so as to be slidable along an axial direction; a plate-shaped valve seat portion made of a metal material and fixed to a fixing surface of the valve body, with which the valve element slides; A pair of reinforcing portions extending in the axial direction along inner circumferential surfaces of a pair of the valve bodies opposed to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axis; Equipped with the valve seat portion has a plurality of valve ports communicating with the plurality of connection flow paths, respectively, a sliding contact surface with which the valve body slides, and a joint surface located on the opposite side of the sliding contact surface, The joining surface of the valve seat portion is fixed to the fixing surface of the valve body, a pair of reinforcing parts fixed to at least the valve seat part of the valve body and the valve seat part so that all of the plurality of valve ports are located between the pair of reinforcing parts.

2. 2. The slide type switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the pair of reinforcing parts have a height, in a direction perpendicular to the fixing surface, that is greater than a thickness of the valve seat part.

3. 3. The slide type switching valve according to claim 2, wherein the pair of reinforcing portions are separate from the valve seat portion.

4. 4. The slide type switching valve according to claim 3, wherein the pair of reinforcing parts are fixed to the valve body and the valve seat, respectively.

5. 4. The slide type switching valve according to claim 3, wherein the pair of reinforcing parts are fixed to the valve seat part by welding and are fixed to the valve body.

6. 3. The slide type switching valve according to claim 2, wherein the pair of reinforcing portions are integrally molded with the valve seat portion, and at least the valve seat portion of the pair of reinforcing portions and the valve seat portion is fixed to the valve body.

7. 6. The slide type switching valve according to claim 3, wherein an inner circumferential surface of the valve body is provided with a pair of holding portions for holding the pair of reinforcing portions.

8. 3. The slide type switching valve according to claim 2, wherein the pair of reinforcing parts are insert molded into the valve body.

9. 2. The slide type switching valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing surface of the valve body before the valve seat portion is fixed is visible, when viewed from the axial direction, in a direction perpendicular to the axis, through openings at both ends of the valve body, over the entire axial direction, including all edges of each of the connecting flow paths.

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