Valve device

Abstract

To improve accuracy in controlling a flow rate by preventing crack of a housing and suppressing variation of a radial position of a shaft.SOLUTION: A housing 10, 11 forms a flow channel. A cylindrical boss portion 30 is injection-molded integrally with the housing 10, 11. An annular member 40, 41 is press-fitted and held in an inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30. A shaft 50 is disposed on a radial inner side of the annular member 40, 41 rotatably about a shaft center CL of the boss portion 30. A movable valve 60 is connected to a part of the shaft 50 and adjusts opening areas of flow channel opening portions 71, 72. A plurality of gate marks 18 are positions where molten resin is injected in injection molding. A plurality of ribs 31 are respectively disposed at positions between the plurality of gate marks 18 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the boss portion 30 and project radially inward from the inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30. A reinforcement portion 34 on which the ribs 31 are disposed with respect to the boss portion 30, and a non-reinforcement portion 35 free from the rib 31 exist.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a valve device that controls the flow rate of fluid flowing through a coolant circuit provided in an electric vehicle is known (see Patent Document 1). In an electric vehicle, it is effective to suppress excess heat discharge from the coolant circuit in order to suppress power consumption. Therefore, it is important to realize precise control of the amount of discharged heat by precise control of the coolant flow rate using the valve device.

[0003] The valve device described in Patent Document 1 includes a housing that forms a flow path, a shaft that is rotatably provided within the flow path around its axis, a disk-shaped movable valve provided at the end of the shaft, and a torsion spring provided around the shaft. The torsion spring applies a spring force to the shaft in the circumferential direction, thereby suppressing variation in the circumferential position of the shaft and the movable valve.

[0004] In addition, in the valve device described in Patent Document 1, one end of a shaft is rotatably supported by a bearing, and the other end is rotatably supported in a hole provided in a housing. The bearing is held inside a cylindrical portion (hereinafter referred to as a "boss portion") provided in a part of the housing. This suppresses variation in the radial position of the bearing and shaft. In this valve device, the shaft and the movable valve are connected, and the shaft is configured to pass through a fixed disk, thereby suppressing variation in the opening area of ​​the flow path and enabling highly accurate flow control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-257248 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In recent years, there has been a demand for the housing to be made of resin in order to reduce the weight and cost of the valve device. In such cases, there is a concern that a boss provided on a part of the housing may crack when a bearing is pressed into the boss. In particular, if a weld that reduces the strength of a part of the boss occurs during injection molding of the housing, the weld will promote cracking of the housing when the bearing is pressed into the boss. If a crack occurs in the boss of the housing and the radial position of the shaft varies, the accuracy of flow control by the movable valve connected to the shaft may deteriorate.

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a valve device that prevents cracking of the housing and suppresses variation in the radial position of the shaft, thereby improving the accuracy of flow rate control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, according to the invention of claim 1, the valve device includes a housing (10, 11, 20), a boss portion (30), an annular member (40, 41), a shaft (50), a movable valve (60), a plurality of gate marks (18), and a plurality of ribs (31). The housing is made of resin and forms a flow path (21) through which a fluid flows. The cylindrical boss portion is injection molded integrally with the housing. The annular member is press-fitted and held in an inner peripheral wall (37) of the boss portion. The shaft is provided radially inside the annular member so as to be rotatable around an axis (CL) of the boss portion, and extends in the axial direction within the flow path. The movable valve is connected to a part of the shaft and is rotatable around the axis as the shaft rotates, and adjusts the opening area of ​​a flow path opening portion (71, 72) provided in a part of the flow path. The plurality of gate marks are portions into which molten resin is injected during injection molding, and are provided in positions of the housing excluding the axis of the boss portion. The multiple ribs are provided at positions between multiple gate marks adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the boss portion and protrude radially inward from the inner peripheral wall of the boss portion. The boss portion has a reinforced portion (34) where the ribs are arranged and a non-reinforced portion (35) where the ribs are not arranged. A weld, which is a portion where molten resin meets during injection molding of the housing, is formed at a position including the rib.

[0009] According to this, when multiple gates are provided at positions on the housing other than the axis of the boss, a weld may occur in the boss. By providing a rib at the portion where the weld occurs (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "weld portion"), it is possible to improve the press-fit strength when the annular member is press-fitted into the inner peripheral wall of the boss.

[0010] In addition, the rib strengthens only the welded portion of the boss portion, which has low resin strength, so the boss portion has reinforced and non-reinforced portions. The deformation of the boss portion when the annular member is pressed into the boss portion is such that the deformation of the reinforced portion of the boss portion, which has low resin strength, is small, while the deformation of the non-reinforced portion, which has high resin strength, is large. Therefore, the strength balance can be adjusted when considering the resin strength of the weld and the geometric strength of the rib in the boss portion together, so that the weak point of the weld strength can be overcome. This prevents the boss portion from cracking, and realizes the press-fitting and holding of the annular member by the boss portion, thereby suppressing the variation in the radial position of the shaft. As a result, it becomes possible to control the opening area of ​​the flow passage opening with high precision by the movable valve connected to the shaft, thereby improving the accuracy of the flow control.

[0011] Claim 9 According to the invention, the valve device includes a housing (10, 11, 20), a boss portion (30), an annular member (40, 41), a shaft (50), a movable valve (60), one gate mark (18), and a rib (31). The housing is made of resin and forms a flow path (21) through which a fluid flows. The cylindrical boss portion is injection molded integrally with the housing. The annular member is press-fitted and held in an inner peripheral wall (37) of the boss portion. The shaft is provided radially inside the annular member so as to be rotatable around an axis (CL) of the boss portion, and extends in the axial direction within the flow path. The movable valve is connected to a part of the shaft and is rotatable around the axis as the shaft rotates, and adjusts the opening area of ​​a flow path opening portion (71, 72) provided in a part of the flow path. The one gate mark is a portion into which molten resin is injected during injection molding, and is provided at a position of the housing excluding the axis of the boss portion. The rib is provided at a position facing the gate mark across the axis of the boss, and protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral wall of the boss. The boss has a reinforced portion (34) where the rib is arranged, and a non-reinforced portion (35) where the rib is not arranged. A weld, which is a portion where molten resin meets during injection molding of the housing, is formed at a position including the rib.

[0012] According to this, claim 9 The invention according to claim 1 can achieve the same effect as claim 1.

[0013] Claim 1 0 According to the invention, the valve device includes a housing (10, 11, 20), a boss portion (30), an annular member (40, 41), a shaft (50), a movable valve (60), and a rib (31). The housing is made of resin and forms a flow path (21) through which a fluid flows. The cylindrical boss portion is injection molded integrally with the housing. The annular member is press-fitted and held in an inner peripheral wall (37) of the boss portion. The shaft is provided radially inside the annular member so as to be rotatable around an axis (CL) of the boss portion, and extends in the axial direction within the flow path. The movable valve is connected to a part of the shaft and is rotatable around the axis as the shaft rotates, and adjusts the opening area of ​​a flow path opening portion (71, 72) provided in a part of the flow path. The rib is provided at a position including a weld as a portion where molten resin meets during injection molding of the housing, and protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral wall of the boss portion. There are reinforced portions (34) where ribs are arranged relative to the boss portion, and non-reinforced portions (35) where no ribs are arranged.

[0014] According to this, claim 1 0 The invention according to claim 1 can achieve the same effect as claim 1.

[0015] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a front view of the valve device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a bottom view of the valve device as viewed from a direction II in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a fixed disk provided in the valve device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a movable valve provided in the valve device. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first housing provided in the valve device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a first housing provided in the valve device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a perspective view including a cross section taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 7. [Figure 10A] 11 is an explanatory view for explaining a step of press-fitting a bearing into a boss portion of a first housing. FIG. [Figure 10B] 11 is an explanatory view for explaining a step of press-fitting a bearing into a boss portion of a first housing. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an outline of a first housing included in a valve device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an outline of a first housing included in a valve device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an outline of a first housing included in a valve device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a plan view showing an outline of a first housing included in a valve device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a perspective view showing a state in which a seal member is press-fitted into a boss portion of a first housing in another embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 11 is a perspective view including a cross section of a first housing included in a valve device of a comparative example. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0018] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The valve device 1 of this embodiment is installed in a fluid circulation circuit that performs, for example, vehicle interior air conditioning and battery temperature control in an electric vehicle. In the fluid circulation circuit of an electric vehicle, fine adjustment of temperatures according to the vehicle interior air conditioning and the battery is required. Therefore, the valve device 1 used in the fluid circulation circuit of an electric vehicle is required to perform flow rate control with high accuracy compared to that used in the coolant circuit of an internal combustion engine. Therefore, the valve device 1 is capable of allowing, blocking, and switching the flow of fluid in the flow path in which the valve device 1 is installed in the fluid circulation circuit, as well as controlling the flow rate of fluid to each flow path with high accuracy. For example, LLC containing ethylene glycol is used as the fluid. LLC is an abbreviation for Long Life Coolant.

[0019] 1 to 3, the valve device 1 includes a housing 10, a boss portion 30, a bearing 40 as an annular member, a shaft 50, a movable valve 60, a fixed disk 70, and a drive portion 80. The housing 10 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 20.

[0020] In the following description, the radial direction of an imaginary circle perpendicular to and centered on the axis CL of the boss portion 30 and the shaft 50 is simply referred to as the "radial direction," and the circumferential direction of the imaginary circle is simply referred to as the "circumferential direction." Additionally, the direction in which the axis CL of the boss portion 30 and the shaft 50 extends is referred to as the "axial direction." Additionally, for ease of explanation, the upper side of the paper in FIG. 1 is referred to as one side of the axial direction, and the lower side of the paper in FIG. 1 is referred to as the other side of the axial direction.

[0021] As shown in Fig. 3, the first housing 11 and the second housing 20 form a flow path 21 through which a fluid flows inside thereof. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the second housing 20 is provided with an inlet portion 22 through which the fluid flows into the inner flow path 21, and a first outlet portion 23 and a second outlet portion 24 through which the fluid flows out from the inner flow path 21.

[0022] The first housing 11 is provided so as to cover an inner opening of a cylindrical portion 25 provided on one side in the axial direction of the second housing 20. As shown in Figures 3, 6 and 7, the first housing 11 has a plate portion 12, a fitting cylindrical portion 13, a boss portion 30, a plurality of ribs 31, an intermediate cylindrical portion 14, a plurality of fastening portions 15, etc.

[0023] The plate portion 12 of the first housing 11 is an annular portion. The fitting tubular portion 13 is a portion that extends in a cylindrical shape from a radially outer portion of the plate portion 12 to the other side in the axial direction. The tubular portion 25 of the second housing 20 is fitted into the radially outer surface of the fitting tubular portion 13. An O-ring 81 is provided between the tubular portion 25 of the second housing 20 and the fitting tubular portion 13 of the first housing 11.

[0024] The boss portion 30 is a portion that extends in a cylindrical shape in one axial direction from a radially inner portion of the plate portion 12. The multiple ribs 31 are portions that protrude radially inward from an inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30 at one end portion of the boss portion 30 in the axial direction.

[0025] A bearing 40 is press-fitted and held on the radially inner surface of the boss portion 30. A ball bearing is used as the bearing 40. A shaft 50 is supported inside the bearing 40 so as to be rotatable around its axis CL. The axis CL of the boss portion 30 and the axis CL of the shaft 50 coincide with each other.

[0026] A shaft seal 59 is provided between the radially inner surface of the boss portion 30 and the shaft 50. Meanwhile, a drive portion side cylinder portion 82 extending in a cylindrical shape from the drive portion 80 is fitted onto the radially outer side of the boss portion 30. An O-ring 83 is provided between the drive portion side cylinder portion 82 and the boss portion 30.

[0027] The intermediate cylindrical portion 14 is a portion that extends in a cylindrical shape in one axial direction from a surface of the plate portion 12 facing the driving portion 80. The multiple fastening portions 15 extend radially outward from an end portion on one axial direction side of the intermediate cylindrical portion 14. Bolts 17 are inserted into holes 16 provided in the fastening portions 15 to fasten the first housing 11 and the driving portion 80 together. The detailed configuration of the first housing 11 will be described later.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the second housing 20 accommodates a fixed disc 70, a shaft 50, a movable valve 60, a compression spring 90, a first torsion spring 91, a second torsion spring 92, and the like.

[0029] The fixed disk 70 is fixed to a mounting portion 26 provided on the inner wall of the second housing 20. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the fixed disk 70 is formed in a disk shape, for example, from ceramics. A protrusion 700 is provided on the radially outer side of the fixed disk 70. The protrusion 700 fits into a groove (not shown) provided in the second housing 20, thereby restricting the rotation of the fixed disk 70 around the axis CL relative to the second housing 20. The fixed disk 70 divides the flow path 21 inside the second housing 20 into a space on the inlet portion 22 side (hereinafter referred to as "inlet side space 210"), a space on the first outlet portion 23 side (hereinafter referred to as "first outlet side space 211"), and a space on the second outlet portion 24 side (hereinafter referred to as "second outlet side space"). Note that the second outlet side space is not shown in FIG. 3.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4, the fixed disk 70 has a plurality of flow passage openings 71, 72 that communicate in the plate thickness direction. Of the plurality of flow passage openings 71, 72, the first flow passage opening 71 communicates the inlet side space 210 with the first outlet side space 211. The second flow passage opening 72 communicates the inlet side space 210 with a second outlet side space (not shown). In addition, a hole 73 through which the rod 51 of the shaft 50 is inserted is provided in the center of the fixed disk 70. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, a gasket 74 provided on the fixed disk 70 fits into a groove provided on the inner wall of the second housing 20, and blocks the flow of the fluid that has bypassed the outer periphery of the fixed disk 70 between the inlet side space 210, the first outlet side space 211, and the second outlet side space.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the shaft 50 is formed by integrally insert-molding a metal rod 51 and a resin holder 52. Therefore, the shaft 50 itself has high straightness. The shaft 50 extends in the axial direction within the flow passage 21 and is provided rotatably around the axis CL. Specifically, one end of the shaft 50 is rotatably supported by a bearing 40 press-fitted and held in the boss portion 30. The other end of the shaft 50 is rotatably supported by a plain bearing hole 27 provided in the second housing 20. In this way, by providing the shaft 50 with a double-end support structure, the positional deviation of the axis CL of the shaft 50 is suppressed.

[0032] A gear 53 is provided at the end of the shaft 50 on the drive unit 80 side. The gear 53 meshes with an output gear (not shown) of the drive unit 80. The drive unit 80 has, for example, an electric motor (not shown) and a reduction mechanism (not shown). For example, a stepping motor is used as the electric motor. The drive unit 80 can rotate the shaft 50 in the forward and reverse directions around the axis CL.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the movable valve 60 is provided on the inlet side space 210 side with respect to the fixed disk 70. The movable valve 60 has a movable disk 61 as a valve body and a lever portion 62 fixed to the movable disk 61. The movable disk 61 is formed in a disk shape, for example, from ceramics. The movable disk 61 and the fixed disk 70 are provided so as to be slidable. A surface 63 of the movable disk 61 facing the fixed disk 70 is in sliding contact with a surface 75 of the fixed disk 70 facing the movable disk 61, and functions as a seal surface that closes the flow path openings 71 and 72 of the fixed disk 70. In addition, the movable disk 61 has an opening 64 that communicates in its plate thickness direction. Therefore, the movable valve 60 can open and close the first flow path opening 71 and the second flow path opening 72 of the fixed disk 70 by rotating around the axis CL, and can adjust the opening areas thereof.

[0034] When the opening 64 of the movable disk 61 and the first flow path opening 71 of the fixed disk 70 communicate with each other, the fluid flows from the inlet side space 210 to the first outlet side space 211. When the opening 64 of the movable disk 61 and the second flow path opening 72 of the fixed disk 70 communicate with each other, the fluid flows from the inlet side space 210 to the second outlet side space. Furthermore, the movable valve 60 adjusts the opening area of ​​the first flow path opening 71 and the opening area of ​​the second flow path opening 72 of the fixed disk 70, thereby controlling the flow rate from the inlet side space 210 to the second outlet side space and from the inlet side space 210 to the second outlet side space.

[0035] Lever portion 62 fixed to movable disc 61 connects movable disc 61 and shaft 50 in a state in which movable disc 61 is displaceable in the axial direction. Therefore, when shaft 50 rotates about axis CL by being driven by drive portion 80, movable valve 60 also rotates about axis CL accordingly. Note that a hole 65 through which rod 51 of shaft 50 is inserted is provided in the center of movable valve 60.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3, the compression spring 90 is provided in the space between the rod 51 of the shaft 50 and the holder 52. One end of the compression spring 90 in the axial direction abuts against a surface of the holder 52 facing the other axial side, and the other end abuts against the spring receiver 67 of the lever portion 62 of the movable valve 60. The compression spring 90 biases the movable valve 60 towards the fixed disk 70. The biasing force of the compression spring 90 maintains the movable disk 61 and the fixed disk 70 in surface contact with each other.

[0037] The first torsion spring 91 is provided radially outward of the holder 52 of the shaft 50. One axial end of the first torsion spring 91 is engaged with a locking portion (not shown) provided on the first housing 11, and the other axial end is engaged with a locking portion (not shown) provided on the holder 52. The first torsion spring 91 biases the shaft 50 in the circumferential direction relative to the housing 10. The biasing force of the first torsion spring 91 suppresses circumferential rattling between the drive unit 80 and the shaft 50.

[0038] The second torsion spring 92 is provided closer to the movable valve 60 than the first torsion spring 91. One axial end of the second torsion spring 92 is engaged with a locking portion (not shown) provided on the holder 52, and the other end is engaged with a locking portion 66 provided on the lever portion 62. The second torsion spring 92 biases the movable valve 60 in the circumferential direction relative to the shaft 50. The biasing force of the second torsion spring 92 suppresses circumferential rattling between the shaft 50 and the movable valve 60.

[0039] Next, the configuration of the first housing 11 will be described in detail.

[0040] 6 to 9, the first housing 11 is formed by integrally molding the above-mentioned plate portion 12, fitting cylinder portion 13, boss portion 30, multiple ribs 31, intermediate cylinder portion 14, multiple fastening portions 15, etc. by injection molding. The first housing 11 is formed from, for example, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS).

[0041] The first housing 11 is provided with a plurality of gate marks 18 as portions where molten resin was injected into a mold during injection molding. The plurality of gate marks 18 are provided at positions on the first housing 11 excluding the axis CL of the boss portion 30. Specifically, the plurality of gate marks 18 are provided at positions spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction on the radially outer side of the intermediate tubular portion 14. The plurality of gate marks 18 are also provided adjacent to connection portions between the intermediate tubular portion 14 and the plurality of fastening portions 15. The plurality of gate marks 18 are formed at the end of a portion 19 formed to extend cylindrically in the axial direction at the connection portions between the intermediate tubular portion 14 and the plurality of fastening portions 15.

[0042] The multiple fastening portions 15 are provided at positions radially outward from the boss portion 30 and spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The multiple fastening portions 15 are provided so as to extend radially outward from the intermediate tubular portion 14. The number of the multiple gate marks 18 is the same as the number of the multiple fastening portions 15. In this embodiment, three of each of the multiple gate marks 18 and the multiple fastening portions 15 are provided.

[0043] When molten resin is injected into the mold from the gates during injection molding of the first housing 11, the molten resin flows into the fastening parts 15, the intermediate cylinder part 14, the plate part 12, and the like, and further flows into the boss part 30 and the ribs 31 to form these parts. In this embodiment, the number of gate marks 18 and the number of fastening parts 15 are the same, so it is possible to align the timing at which the molten resin injected into the mold from the gates flows into the boss part 30. The molten resin injected from the gates and flowing into the boss part 30 may meet at a part of the boss part 30 to form a weld. The weld is also called a weld line. In FIG. 9, an example of a part where the weld is formed is shown by a two-dot chain line WL. As shown in FIG. 9, the weld is formed at a position including the rib 31.

[0044] The rib 31 is a portion of the boss portion 30 that protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30 at one end in the axial direction. The multiple ribs 31 are provided at positions between the multiple gate marks 18 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the boss portion 30. That is, the multiple ribs 31 are provided at the portion where the weld is formed. It can also be said that the multiple gate marks 18 described above are arranged so that the weld is formed at a position including the multiple ribs 31. The number of the multiple ribs 31 and the number of the multiple gate marks 18 are the same. In this embodiment, the multiple ribs 31 and the multiple gate marks 18 are each provided in the number of three. In this embodiment, the multiple ribs 31 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the boss portion 30. In this specification, the term "equally spaced" means that the intervals are substantially equal within a range including manufacturing errors.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the rib 31 has an inward surface 32 facing the inside of the boss portion 30, and two curved surfaces 33 provided at both ends of the inward surface 32. In this embodiment, the inward surface 32 is formed perpendicular to a line connecting the center of the rib 31 and the axis CL. The curved surface 33 is provided so as to be recessed in a direction in which a portion 350 of the boss portion 30 where the rib 31 is not provided is enlarged in the circumferential direction with respect to an imaginary plane VS extending from the inward surface 32. In this embodiment, the imaginary plane VS extending from the inward surface 32 is an imaginary plane that is perpendicular to a line connecting the center of the rib 31 and the axis CL and passes through the end of the inward surface 32. By providing the curved surfaces 33 at both ends of the inward surface 32 of the rib 31, it is possible to ensure a height at which the rib 31 protrudes radially inward from the inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30, as shown by the arrow H in FIG. 8.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 9, in the following description, a region of boss portion 30 where ribs 31 are provided, extended in the axial direction, is referred to as "reinforced portion 34," and a region of boss portion 30 excluding reinforced portion 34 is referred to as "non-reinforced portion 35." In Fig. 9, the boundary between reinforced portion 34 and non-reinforced portion 35 is indicated by dashed line 36. In this embodiment, since multiple ribs 31 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of boss portion 30, reinforced portions 34 are present at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of boss portion 30, and non-reinforced portions 35 are also present at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of boss portion 30.

[0047] Next, the technical significance of configuring the boss portion 30 of the first housing 11 of this embodiment to have the reinforced portion 34 and the non-reinforced portion 35 will be described. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the manufacturing process of the valve device 1 includes a step of press-fitting a bearing 40 into an inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30.

[0048] 10A, before the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30, the outer diameter D2 of the bearing 40 is slightly larger than the inner diameter D1 of the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30. Therefore, a portion 38 of the boss portion 30 on the other axial side of the portion where the bearing 40 is press-fitted and held has a tapered shape in which the inner diameter gradually decreases from the other axial side toward one side. This makes it easier to press the bearing 40 into the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30.

[0049] When the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30, the boss portion 30 is deformed so that its inner diameter D1 expands radially outward. In this embodiment, the boss portion 30 is mainly deformed so that the non-reinforced portion 35 expands radially outward, while the deformation of the reinforced portion 34 is suppressed by the rib 31. Therefore, the stress acting on the weld formed in the reinforced portion 34 is small, so that the boss portion 30 can be prevented from cracking. In addition, since the multiple reinforced portions 34 and the multiple non-reinforced portions 35 are all provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the boss portion 30, it is possible to make the deformation amount of each of the multiple non-reinforced portions 35 uniform when the bearing 40 is press-fitted, and the boss portion 30 can achieve both the roundness precision and strength.

[0050] 10B, when the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30, the rib 31 can be used as a stopper that restricts movement of the bearing 40 to one side in the axial direction. In this case, a surface 311 of the rib 31 facing the other side in the axial direction comes into contact with a surface of the bearing 40 facing one side in the axial direction.

[0051] Furthermore, when the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30, it is considered that a portion of the boss portion 30 on the other axial side of the bearing 40 will expand radially outward. In response to this, in this embodiment, the first housing 11 has a thick-walled portion 39 that is thickened on the radially outer side of the boss portion 30. The thick-walled portion 39 is provided on the other axial side of the multiple ribs 31, sandwiching the bearing 40 therebetween. As a result, when the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30, the thick-walled portion 39 can prevent the boss portion 30 from expanding radially outward.

[0052] Here, a configuration of the first housing 11 provided in a valve device of a comparative example will be described for comparison with the valve device 1 of the present embodiment. Note that this comparative example was created by the applicant of the present disclosure and is not a prior art.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 16, the first housing 11 included in the valve device of the comparative example has a rib 310 that protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30, which is provided around the entire circumference of the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30. Therefore, in the comparative example, the strength of the boss portion 30 is uniformly increased around the entire circumference. Other than that, the valve device of the comparative example is identical to the valve device 1 of the above-described embodiment. Note that in Fig. 16 as well, an example of a portion where a weld is formed in the boss portion 30 is indicated by a two-dot chain line WL.

[0054] In the manufacturing process of the valve device of the comparative example, when the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30, the boss portion 30 is deformed such that the inner diameter D1 expands radially outwardly substantially uniformly over the entire circumference. Therefore, in the comparative example, a large stress is also applied to the weld formed in a part of the boss portion 30, and there is a concern that the boss portion 30 may crack. If a crack were to occur in the boss portion 30 of the first housing 11 and the radial position of the shaft 50 were to vary, there is a risk that the accuracy of the flow rate control by the movable valve 60 fixed to the shaft 50 would deteriorate.

[0055] Compared to such a valve device of the comparative example, the valve device 1 of this embodiment provides the following advantageous effects.

[0056] The first housing 11 included in the valve device 1 of this embodiment is made of resin, and a cylindrical boss portion 30 is injection molded integrally with the first housing 11. A plurality of gate marks 18 are provided in the first housing 11 at positions excluding the axis CL of the boss portion 30. A plurality of ribs 31 protruding radially inward from an inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30 are provided between the plurality of gate marks 18 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. A reinforced portion 34 where the ribs 31 are arranged relative to the boss portion 30, and a non-reinforced portion 35 where the ribs 31 are not arranged are present.

[0057] According to this, when multiple gates are provided in the first housing 11 at positions other than the axis CL of the boss portion 30, welds may occur in the boss portion 30. By arranging the rib 31 in the portion where the weld occurs, the press-fit strength when the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30 can be improved.

[0058] In addition, the rib 31 strengthens only the weld portion of the boss portion 30, which has low resin strength, so that the boss portion 30 has a reinforced portion 34 and a non-reinforced portion 35. When the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the boss portion 30, the deformation of the boss portion 30 is such that the deformation amount of the reinforced portion 34, which has low resin strength, is small, while the deformation amount of the non-reinforced portion 35, which has high resin strength, is large. Therefore, the strength balance can be adjusted when considering the resin strength of the weld and the geometric strength of the rib 31 in the boss portion 30 together, so that the resin strength of the weld portion, which is a weak point, can be overcome. This prevents the boss portion 30 from cracking, and realizes the press-fitting and holding of the bearing 40 by the boss portion 30, thereby suppressing the variation in the radial position of the shaft 50. As a result, the opening area of ​​the flow passage openings 71 and 72 can be controlled with high precision by the movable valve 60 fixed to the shaft 50, and the accuracy of the flow control can be improved.

[0059] Furthermore, the valve device 1 of this embodiment provides the following advantageous effects. (1) In this embodiment, the shaft 50 is rotatably supported by the bearing 40 serving as an annular member. Accordingly, the bearing 40 is exemplified as an annular member that is press-fitted and held in the boss portion 30 of the first housing 11. The bearing 40 (specifically, a ball bearing, a sliding bearing, or the like) that rigidly supports the shaft 50 particularly promotes resin deformation, and the rib 31 has a significant effect in improving strength. Therefore, the valve device 1 can suppress variation in the radial position of the bearing 40, thereby suppressing variation in the radial position of the shaft 50, and thereby improving the accuracy of flow rate control by the movable valve 60.

[0060] (2) In this embodiment, the rib 31 has an inward surface 32 facing the inside of the boss portion 30, and curved surfaces 33 provided on both ends of the inward surface 32. The curved surfaces 33 are provided so as to be recessed in a direction that increases the circumferential size of a portion 350 of the boss portion 30 where the rib 31 is not provided, with respect to an imaginary plane VS that is an extension of the inward surface 32. This ensures that the circumferential size of the non-reinforced portion 35 is ensured, and that the height at which the rib 31 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30 is ensured. Therefore, when the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the boss portion 30, the non-reinforced portion 35, which has a sufficient circumferential size, bears the deformation that occurs during press-fitting, while the rib 31, which has a sufficient height, can suppress deformation at the reinforced portion 34 during press-fitting, so that stress concentration at the weld can be reliably prevented.

[0061] (3) In the present embodiment, the first housing 11 has a plurality of fastening portions 15 for connecting to other components. The plurality of fastening portions 15 are disposed radially outward of the boss portion 30 and spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the boss portion 30. The number of the plurality of fastening portions 15 is the same as the number of the plurality of gate marks 18. According to this, the timing at which the molten resin injected into the mold from each gate during injection molding reaches the boss portion 30 can be synchronized, so that the multiple non-reinforced portions 35 and the multiple reinforced portions 34 can be arranged at approximately equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the boss portion 30. Therefore, when the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30, by aligning the amount of deformation of the multiple non-reinforced portions 35 during press-fitting, it is possible to achieve both the roundness precision and strength of the boss portion 30.

[0062] (4) In this embodiment, a weld, which is a portion where molten resin meets during injection molding of the first housing 11, is formed in the boss portion 30 at a position including the rib 31. According to this, the multiple ribs 31 are provided at positions between multiple gate marks 18 that are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the boss portion 30, so that when a weld is formed during injection molding of the first housing 11, the weld is formed at a position of the boss portion 30 that includes the rib 31.

[0063] (4) In this embodiment, the resin that forms the first housing 11 is preferably PPS, for example. According to this, PPS is exemplified as the resin forming the first housing 11. PPS has high strength and rigidity, excellent heat resistance, low water absorption, and excellent dimensional stability, and is therefore suitable as a material for the first housing 11 that is integrally molded with the boss portion 30 in the valve device 1.

[0064] (5) In this embodiment, the surface of the bearing 40 facing the axial direction and the rib 31 come into contact with each other. According to this, when the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30, the rib 31 can be used as a positioning stopper.

[0065] (6) In the present embodiment, the first housing 11 has a thick-walled portion 39 that is thickened on the radially outer side of the boss portion 30. The multiple ribs 31 are provided on the opposite side in the axial direction to the thick-walled portion 39 with the bearing 40 in between. According to this, when the bearing 40 is press-fitted into the inner peripheral wall 37 of the boss portion 30, the thick portion 39 can prevent the boss portion 30 from expanding radially outward.

[0066] (Second to fifth embodiments) The second to fifth embodiments are similar to the first embodiment except for the configuration of the gate mark 18 and the rib 31, and only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described. Note that in Figs. 11 to 14, which are referred to in the description of the second to fifth embodiments, only the plate portion 12, the boss portion 30, the gate mark 18, and the rib 31 of the first housing 11 are shown, and other configurations are omitted. In Figs. 11 to 14, an example of a portion where a weld is formed is indicated by a mark "x" with the symbol WL.

[0067] Second embodiment 11, the first housing 11 included in the valve device 1 of the second embodiment has two gate marks 18 and two ribs 31. That is, the number of the plurality of ribs 31 and the number of the plurality of gate marks 18 are the same.

[0068] The two gate marks 18 are provided at positions radially outward from the boss portion 30 and spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In this case, a weld is formed between the two gate marks 18 in the boss portion 30. A rib 31 is provided at each position where the weld is formed. The two ribs 31 are provided at positions facing each other across the axis CL. That is, the two ribs 31 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the boss portion 30.

[0069] In the second embodiment described above, reinforced portions 34 where ribs 31 are arranged and non-reinforced portions 35 where ribs 31 are not arranged are also present at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the boss portion. Therefore, the valve device 1 of the second embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0070] Third embodiment 12, the first housing 11 included in the valve device 1 of the third embodiment has three gate marks 18 and three ribs 31. That is, the number of the plurality of ribs 31 and the number of the plurality of gate marks 18 are the same.

[0071] The three gate marks 18 are provided at positions radially outward from the boss portion 30 and spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. In this case, welds are formed between circumferentially adjacent gate marks 18 in the boss portion 30. Ribs 31 are provided at each position where the welds are formed. The three ribs 31 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the boss portion 30.

[0072] In the third embodiment described above, the reinforced portions 34 where the ribs 31 are arranged and the non-reinforced portions 35 where the ribs 31 are not arranged are also present at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the boss portion. Therefore, the valve device 1 of the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0073] (Fourth embodiment) 13, the first housing 11 included in the valve device 1 of the fourth embodiment has four gate marks 18 and four ribs 31. That is, the number of the plurality of ribs 31 and the number of the plurality of gate marks 18 are the same.

[0074] The four gate marks 18 are provided at positions radially outward from the boss portion 30 and spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. In this case, welds are formed between circumferentially adjacent gate marks 18 in the boss portion 30. Ribs 31 are provided at each position where the welds are formed. The four ribs 31 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the boss portion 30.

[0075] In the fourth embodiment described above, the reinforced portions 34 where the ribs 31 are arranged and the non-reinforced portions 35 where the ribs 31 are not arranged are also present at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the boss portion. Therefore, the valve device 1 of the fourth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0076] Fifth embodiment 14, the first housing 11 included in the valve device 1 of the fifth embodiment has one gate mark 18 and one rib 31. That is, the number of the ribs 31 and the number of the gate marks 18 are the same.

[0077] One gate mark 18 is provided at a position radially outward from the boss portion 30. In this case, a weld is formed in the boss portion 30 at a position substantially opposite the gate mark 18 across the axis CL. A rib 31 is provided at the position where the weld is formed.

[0078] In the fifth embodiment described above as well, the boss portion has a reinforced portion 34 where the rib 31 is arranged and a non-reinforced portion 35 where the rib 31 is not arranged. Therefore, the valve device 1 of the fifth embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0079] (Other embodiments) (1) In each of the above embodiments, the housing 10 has been described as including the first housing 11 and the second housing 20, but this is not limited thereto, and the housing 10 may be formed integrally with the first housing 11 and the second housing 20.

[0080] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the first housing 11 as the housing 10 has been described as having the plate portion 12, the fitting portion, the boss portion 30, the rib 31, the intermediate cylindrical portion 14, the fastening portion 15, etc., but is not limited thereto, and the housing 10 may have at least the boss portion 30 and the rib 31.

[0081] (3) In each of the above embodiments, the annular member press-fitted and held in the inner circumferential wall 37 of the boss portion 30 is described as the bearing 40. However, this is not limited thereto. As shown in FIG. 15 , the annular member may be, for example, a seal member 41. According to this, the rib 31 provided on the boss portion 30 improves the strength against press-fit cracking, thereby increasing the upper limit of the press-fit allowance, thereby improving the sealing performance.

[0082] (4) In each of the above embodiments, the bearing 40 as an annular member press-fitted into the inner wall 37 of the boss portion 30 has been described as a ball bearing. However, the bearing 40 may be, for example, a plain bearing, a roller bearing, a needle bearing, a slide bearing, or the like.

[0083] (5) In each of the above embodiments, the valve device 1 has been described as being used in the fluid circulation circuit of an electric vehicle. However, the valve device 1 is not limited to this and can be used for various purposes such as allowing, blocking, flow path switching, and flow rate control of fluid in fluid circulation circuits other than those of electric vehicles.

[0084] (6) In each of the above embodiments, the first housing 11 is made of PPS. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the resin from which the first housing 11 is made can be selected arbitrarily.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the claims. Moreover, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined, except when the combination is clearly impossible. Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except when they are specifically stated to be essential or when they are clearly considered to be essential in principle. Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the numbers, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of the components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers, except when they are specifically stated to be essential or when they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the components are mentioned, they are not limited to the shapes, positional relationships, etc., except when they are specifically stated to be essential or when they are clearly limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1 valve device, 10 housing, 11 first housing, 18 gate mark, 20 second housing, 21 flow passage, 30 boss portion, 31 rib, 34 reinforced portion, 35 non-reinforced portion, 37 inner peripheral wall, 40 bearing, (annular member), 41 sealing member (annular member), 50 shaft, 60 movable valve, 71 first flow passage opening (flow passage opening), 72 second flow passage opening (flow passage opening), CL axis.

Claims

1. In the valve device, A resin housing (10, 11, 20) that forms a flow path (21) through which a fluid flows; A cylindrical boss portion (30) that is injection molded integrally with the housing; an annular member (40, 41) press-fitted and held on an inner peripheral wall (37) of the boss portion; a shaft (50) that is provided radially inside the annular member so as to be rotatable around an axis (CL) of the boss portion and extends in an axial direction within the flow path; a movable valve (60) connected to a portion of the shaft and rotatable about an axis in accordance with the rotation of the shaft, the movable valve adjusting an opening area of ​​a flow passage opening (71, 72) provided in a portion of the flow passage; a plurality of gate marks (18) provided at positions of the housing excluding the axis of the boss portion and serving as portions into which molten resin is injected during injection molding; a plurality of ribs (31) provided between the plurality of gate marks adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the boss portion and protruding radially inward from an inner peripheral wall of the boss portion; There are a reinforced portion (34) in which the rib is disposed relative to the boss portion, and a non-reinforced portion (35) in which the rib is not disposed, A weld, which is a portion where molten resin meets during injection molding of the housing, is formed at a position including the rib.

2. the annular member is a bearing, The valve device according to claim 1 , wherein the shaft is rotatably supported in the bearing.

3. 2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the annular member is a sealing member (41).

4. The rib has an inward surface (32) facing the inside of the boss portion and curved surfaces (33) provided on both ends of the inward surface, 4. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the curved surface has a curved shape that is recessed relative to an imaginary plane (VS) that is an extension of the inward surface so that a portion (350) of the boss portion where the rib is not provided becomes larger in the circumferential direction.

5. The housing has a plurality of fastening portions (15) for connecting to other components, The fastening portions are disposed radially outward from the boss portion and spaced apart from one another in a circumferential direction of the boss portion, 5. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein a number of the plurality of fastening portions is the same as a number of the plurality of gate marks.

6. 6. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the resin forming said housing is polyphenylene sulfide.

7. 7. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein an axial surface of said annular member is in contact with said rib.

8. The housing has a thick-walled portion (39) having a thicker wall thickness on the radially outer side of the boss portion, 8. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of ribs are provided on an axially opposite side of the thick-walled portion with respect to the annular member.

9. In the valve device, A resin housing (10, 11, 20) that forms a flow path (21) through which a fluid flows; A cylindrical boss portion (30) that is injection molded integrally with the housing; an annular member (40, 41) press-fitted and held on an inner peripheral wall (37) of the boss portion; a shaft (50) that is provided radially inside the annular member so as to be rotatable around an axis (CL) of the boss portion and extends in an axial direction within the flow path; a movable valve (60) connected to a portion of the shaft and rotatable about an axis in accordance with the rotation of the shaft, the movable valve adjusting an opening area of ​​a flow passage opening (71, 72) provided in a portion of the flow passage; a gate mark (18) provided at a position of the housing excluding the axis of the boss portion, as a portion into which molten resin is injected during injection molding; a rib (31) provided at a position facing the gate mark across an axis of the boss portion and protruding radially inward from an inner peripheral wall of the boss portion, There are a reinforced portion (34) in which the rib is disposed relative to the boss portion, and a non-reinforced portion (35) in which the rib is not disposed, A weld, which is a portion where molten resin meets during injection molding of the housing, is formed at a position including the rib.

10. In the valve device, A resin housing (10, 11, 20) that forms a flow path (21) through which a fluid flows; A cylindrical boss portion (30) that is injection molded integrally with the housing; an annular member (40, 41) press-fitted and held on an inner peripheral wall (37) of the boss portion; a shaft (50) that is provided radially inside the annular member so as to be rotatable around an axis (CL) of the boss portion and extends in an axial direction within the flow path; a movable valve (60) connected to a portion of the shaft and rotatable about an axis in accordance with the rotation of the shaft, the movable valve adjusting an opening area of ​​a flow passage opening (71, 72) provided in a portion of the flow passage; a rib (31) provided at a position including a weld as a portion where molten resin meets during injection molding of the housing, the rib protruding radially inward from an inner peripheral wall of the boss portion, The valve device has a reinforced portion (34) where the rib is arranged relative to the boss portion, and a non-reinforced portion (35) where the rib is not arranged.

11. The housing further includes a plurality of gate marks (18) at positions other than the axis of the boss portion as portions into which molten resin is injected during injection molding, The ribs are provided in plurality, The valve device according to claim 10 , wherein the plurality of ribs are provided at positions between the plurality of gate marks adjacent to each other in a circumferential direction of the boss portion.

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