Flow path switching valve

Abstract

To provide a flow rate switching valve capable of performing switching of a plurality of flow passages by a simple structure.SOLUTION: At a rotor 50, a first communication passage 51 and a second communication passage 52 are formed. The first communication passage 51 is arranged so as to penetrate the rotor 50 in a valve axial direction Da, and to overlap one side in the valve axial direction Da with respect to a first space 21. The second communication passage 52 is dented to one side from the other side of the valve axial direction Da, and is provided so as to overlap one side in the valve axial direction Da with respect to the first space 21 and a second space 22. Also, according to the rotor 50 moving relatively with respect to a housing 11, the rotor 50 switches a space which communicates with a third space 23 via the first communication passage 51 out of first to sixth divided spaces 211-216 within the first to sixth divided spaces 211-216. At the same time, the rotor 50 also switches a space communicating with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52 out of the first to sixth divided spaces 211-216 within the first to sixth divided spaces 211-216.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow path switching valve through which a fluid flows. [Background technology]

[0002] As this type of flow path switching valve, for example, the flow path switching valve described in Patent Document 1 has been conventionally known. The flow path switching valve described in Patent Document 1 includes a main body portion having an inner chamber formed therein, and a partition portion disposed in the inner chamber and partitioning the inner chamber into a plurality of compartments.

[0003] The main body of the flow path switching valve has a plurality of inflow portions through which the cooling water flows and a plurality of outflow portions through which the cooling water flows, all of which communicate with the inner chamber. The partition portion of the flow path switching valve is displaceable relative to the main body. By displacing the partition portion relative to the main body, the corresponding relationship between the inflow portions and the outflow portions which communicate with each other via each of the plurality of partition chambers is changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-200943 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, in order to increase the driving range of vehicles, for example, multiple heat exchangers and on-board equipment are connected via a fluid circulation circuit through which a fluid circulates, thereby achieving high efficiency air conditioning by utilizing waste heat from the on-board equipment.

[0006] However, in such a fluid circulation circuit connecting multiple heat exchangers and in-vehicle devices, many flow path switching valves are required, which increases the number of parts and ultimately the cost. Moreover, the actual fluid circulation circuit has a configuration that varies depending on, for example, the vehicle model in which the fluid circulation circuit is used.

[0007] For these reasons, in addition to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, a technology relating to a flow path switching valve capable of switching multiple flow paths with a simple structure is required, and a technology relating to a flow path switching valve other than the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1. As a result of detailed studies by the inventors, the above findings were found.

[0008] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a flow path switching valve capable of switching between a plurality of flow paths with a simple structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, the flow path switching valve according to claim 1 comprises: a housing (11) in which a first space (21) and a second space (22) through which a fluid flows, and a third space (23) disposed on one side of the first space and the second space in one direction (Da) through which a fluid flows, are formed, the housing (11) having a first partition portion (24) separating the first space and the second space, and a plurality of second partition portions (25) separating the first space into a plurality of divided spaces (211-216) adjacent to the second space with the first partition portion interposed therebetween; a valve body (50) disposed within the housing so as to separate the first space, the second space, and the third space; The valve body is provided with a first communication passage (51) which is provided so as to overlap one side of the first space in the one direction and penetrates the first space in the one direction, and a second communication passage (52) which is recessed from the other side opposite to the one side of the one direction to one side and which is provided so as to overlap one side of the first space and the second space in the one direction, the plurality of partition spaces, the second space, and the third space are each connected to the outside of the housing; As the valve body moves relative to the housing, it switches among the multiple divided spaces which spaces communicate with the third space via the first communication passage, and also switches among the multiple divided spaces which spaces communicate with the second space via the second communication passage.

[0010] In this way, it is possible to simultaneously switch the flow path via the first communication passage and the flow path via the second communication passage by operating the valve without complicating the structure of the valve, so that multiple flow path switching can be performed with a simple structure.

[0011] Note that 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]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a flow path switching valve in the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the II-II cross section of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view showing a housing of the flow path switching valve in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a stator alone in the first embodiment and taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a flow path switching valve in a second embodiment, the view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the cross section taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5, in which the stator is omitted. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a second space in a housing and its surroundings in the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view in which the flow of the heat medium in the second space in the second embodiment is added by arrows to FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a flow path switching valve in a third embodiment, the view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a flow path switching valve in a fourth embodiment, the view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an extracted second space in the housing and its periphery in the fourth embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7. [Figure 12] 1. FIG. 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a flow path switching valve in a fifth embodiment, the view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotor alone in the fifth embodiment, taken along line XIII-XIII in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a flow path switching valve in a sixth embodiment, the view corresponding to FIG. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the stator alone in the sixth embodiment, taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 14, and corresponds to FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic cross section taken along line XVI-XVI in FIG. 15 in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic longitudinal section of a flow passage switching valve in a modified example of the second embodiment, in which a stator and its periphery are extracted from the flow passage switching valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to parts that are the same or equivalent to each other.

[0014] (First embodiment) The flow path switching valve 10 of this embodiment is a valve device for a vehicle mounted on, for example, a hybrid vehicle. The flow path switching valve 10 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 constitutes a part of a heat medium circuit that circulates a heat medium to a running engine, a running motor, a power control unit that controls the power supplied to the running motor, a heat exchanger for air conditioning, etc. Therefore, the heat medium circulating in the heat medium circuit flows through the flow path switching valve 10.

[0015] The flow path switching valve 10 can switch or block the flow path of the heat medium circuit via the flow path switching valve 10. The heat medium flowing through the flow path switching valve 10 is a liquid fluid, and for example, cooling water containing ethylene glycol is used as the heat medium. The power control unit is sometimes abbreviated as PCU.

[0016] 1 to 3, the flow passage switching valve 10 is a disk valve in which a substantially disk-shaped rotor 50 rotates about a predetermined operating axis Cv to switch the flow path of the heat medium. The flow passage switching valve 10 is a multi-way valve provided with a plurality of connection ports 12a to 19a (in other words, a plurality of connection ports 12a to 19a) that are connected to the outside of the flow passage switching valve 10. For example, in this embodiment, the flow passage switching valve 10 is provided with a total of eight connection ports 12a to 19a, so that the flow passage switching valve 10 of this embodiment is an eight-way valve.

[0017] In the description of this embodiment, the axial direction of the actuation axis Cv may be referred to as the valve axis direction Da, which corresponds to one direction in the present disclosure. The radial direction of the actuation axis Cv may be referred to as the valve radial direction Dr, and the circumferential direction around the actuation axis Cv may be referred to as the valve circumferential direction Dc. FIG. 1 shows a cross section II of FIG. 2. In FIG. 1, the upper side of the paper of FIG. 1 corresponds to one side of the valve axis direction Da, and the lower side of the paper of FIG. 1 corresponds to the other side of the valve axis direction Da.

[0018] The flow path switching valve 10 includes a housing 11, a stator 30, an actuator 40, a rotor 50, and a shaft 60.

[0019] The housing 11 is an outer shell member that constitutes the outer shell of the flow path switching valve 10. The housing 11 is a non-rotating member that does not rotate, and is made of, for example, resin. The housing 11 accommodates the stator 30, the rotor 50, and the shaft 60 inside the housing 11. For example, the housing 11 may be composed of a single part, or may be composed of multiple parts.

[0020] The housing 11 has a first connection port forming portion 12, a second connection port forming portion 13, a third connection port forming portion 14, a fourth connection port forming portion 15, a fifth connection port forming portion 16, a sixth connection port forming portion 17, a seventh connection port forming portion 18, an eighth connection port forming portion 19, and a housing main body 20.

[0021] The housing body 20 has a cylindrical shape that extends in the valve axis direction Da. Both ends of the cylindrical shape of the housing body 20 are closed except for portions where connection ports are provided.

[0022] Additionally, the first to eighth connection port forming portions 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 are each formed in a tubular shape protruding outward from the housing body 20. For example, the second connection port forming portion 13 protrudes to the other side in the valve axis direction Da from an end portion of the housing body 20 on the other side in the valve axis direction Da. Additionally, the first, third to eighth connection port forming portions 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 each protrude outward from the outer circumferential surface of the housing body 20.

[0023] A first connection port 12a is formed on the inside of the first connection port forming portion 12, a second connection port 13a is formed on the inside of the second connection port forming portion 13, and a third connection port 14a is formed on the inside of the third connection port forming portion 14. A fourth connection port 15a is formed on the inside of the fourth connection port forming portion 15, a fifth connection port 16a is formed on the inside of the fifth connection port forming portion 16, and a sixth connection port 17a is formed on the inside of the sixth connection port forming portion 17. A seventh connection port 18a is formed on the inside of the seventh connection port forming portion 18, and an eighth connection port 19a is formed on the inside of the eighth connection port forming portion 19.

[0024] The first to eighth connection ports 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a, and 19a are each connected to a heat exchanger or piping provided outside the flow path switching valve 10 (in other words, outside the housing 11) in the heat medium circuit.

[0025] For example, the first connection port 12a is connected to a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the PCU and the heat medium, the second connection port 13a is connected to a chiller, the third and fifth connection ports 14a and 16a are connected to a radiator, the fourth and sixth connection ports 15a and 17a are connected to a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a battery that is a power source for driving and the heat medium, the seventh connection port 18a is connected to the first bypass passage, and the eighth connection port 19a is connected to the second bypass passage.

[0026] The first connection port 12a and the second connection port 13a each function as an inlet port through which the heat medium flows in from the outside of the flow path switching valve 10 as indicated by arrows A1 and A2 in Fig. 1. Meanwhile, the third to eighth connection ports 14a to 19a each function as an outlet port through which the heat medium flows out to the outside of the flow path switching valve 10.

[0027] In the description of this embodiment, the first to eighth connection ports 12a, 13a, 14a, 15a, 16a, 17a, 18a, and 19a may be abbreviated to the first to eighth connection ports 12a to 19a or connection ports 12a to 19a. The first to eighth connection port forming portions 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 may be abbreviated to the first to eighth connection port forming portions 12 to 19 or connection port forming portions 12 to 19. The second connection port 13a corresponds to the connection port of the present disclosure, and the second connection port forming portion 13 corresponds to the connection port forming portion of the present disclosure.

[0028] The inside of the housing body 20 is divided into a plurality of spaces 21, 22, and 23 through which the heat medium flows. Specifically, a first space 21, a second space 22, and a third space 23 are formed inside the housing body 20, and the third space 23 is disposed on one side of the first space 21 and the second space 22 in the valve axis direction Da. Furthermore, the first space 21 is divided into a plurality of divided spaces, namely, first to sixth divided spaces 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216. In the description of this embodiment, the first to sixth divided spaces 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, and 216 may be abbreviated to the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 or the divided spaces 211 to 216.

[0029] The housing body 20 has a first partition 24 and a plurality of second partitions 25. The first partition 24 and the plurality of second partitions 25 are each configured as a plate-shaped partition wall with a thickness direction perpendicular to the valve axis direction Da. The outer wall of the housing body 20 can be understood as a partition that separates the space outside the housing 11 from the spaces 21, 22, and 23 formed within the housing body 20.

[0030] The first partition portion 24 is a partition wall that separates the first space 21 and the second space 22. The first partition portion 24 has a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape centered on the operating axis Cv. Therefore, the operating axis Cv passes through the inner periphery of the first partition portion 24 (i.e., within the radial range Ar of the second space 22 shown in FIG. 1) and extends along the valve axis direction Da. The radial range Ar of the second space 22 is the range that the second space 22 occupies in the valve radial direction Dr.

[0031] Moreover, a second space 22 is formed on the inner peripheral side of the first partition portion 24. That is, the first partition portion 24 is formed so as to surround the second space 22. Moreover, a first space 21 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the first partition portion 24, and the first space 21 is formed so as to surround the first partition portion 24.

[0032] The multiple second partition portions 25 are partition walls that divide the first space 21 in the valve circumferential direction Dc. That is, the multiple second partition portions 25 divide the first space 21 into first to sixth divided spaces 211-216.

[0033] In detail, the second partition portions 25 are arranged side by side at intervals in the valve circumferential direction Dc, and the first to sixth division spaces 211-216 are respectively formed between the second partition portions 25. The second partition portions 25 are also arranged in a radial orientation centered on the operating axis Cv. Therefore, the second partition portions 25 and the division spaces 211-216 are arranged alternately side by side in the valve circumferential direction Dc.

[0034] The first to sixth divided spaces 211-216 are adjacent to the second space 22 with the first partition portion 24 in between. That is, the first partition portion 24 faces the second space 22 on the inner circumferential side of the first partition portion 24, and faces each of the first to sixth divided spaces 211-216 on the outer circumferential side of the first partition portion 24. In other words, the first to sixth divided spaces 211-216 are disposed on the outer circumferential side of the first partition portion 24, and are disposed so as to be aligned in the valve circumferential direction Dc.

[0035] The first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216, the second space 22, and the third space 23 are each connected to the outside of the housing 11 and function as part of a flow path through which the heat medium flows. Specifically, the third space 23 is connected to the first connection port 12a, and the third space 23 is connected to the outside of the housing 11 via the first connection port 12a. The second space 22 is connected to the second connection port 13a, and the second space 22 is connected to the outside of the housing 11 via the second connection port 13a.

[0036] Further, the first division space 211 is in communication with the third connection port 14a, and the first division space 211 is connected to the outside of the housing 11 via the third connection port 14a. The second division space 212 is in communication with the fourth connection port 15a, and the second division space 212 is connected to the outside of the housing 11 via the fourth connection port 15a. The third division space 213 is in communication with the fifth connection port 16a, and the third division space 213 is connected to the outside of the housing 11 via the fifth connection port 16a.

[0037] Further, the fourth division space 214 is in communication with a sixth connection port 17a, and the fourth division space 214 is connected to the outside of the housing 11 via the sixth connection port 17a. Further, the fifth division space 215 is in communication with a seventh connection port 18a, and the fifth division space 215 is connected to the outside of the housing 11 via the seventh connection port 18a. Further, the sixth division space 216 is in communication with an eighth connection port 19a, and the sixth division space 216 is connected to the outside of the housing 11 via the eighth connection port 19a.

[0038] 1 and 4, the stator 30 is formed in a plate shape with its thickness direction being the valve axis direction Da, and is made of, for example, a resin with high sliding performance. In this embodiment, for example, the stator 30 is formed in a substantially disk shape. The stator 30 is installed in the housing body 20 and is made non-rotatable relative to the housing body 20 by, for example, engagement between a recessed portion and a protruding portion (not shown).

[0039] In the housing body 20, the stator 30 is disposed between each of the first space 21 and the second space 22 and the third space 23. Therefore, the third space 23 is disposed on one side of the stator 30 in the valve axis direction Da, and the first space 21 and the second space 22 are disposed on the other side of the stator 30 in the valve axis direction Da.

[0040] The stator 30 is disposed on one side in the valve axis direction Da with respect to the first partition portion 24 and the multiple second partition portions 25. The stator 30 abuts against one end 241 that the first partition portion 24 has on one side in the valve axis direction Da and one end that each of the multiple second partition portions 25 has on one side in the valve axis direction Da from one side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0041] The stator 30 is formed with a plurality of flow holes through which the heat medium passes, specifically, first to seventh flow holes 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, and 307. The first to seventh flow holes 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, and 307 are each formed as a through hole penetrating the stator 30 in the valve axis direction Da. In the description of this embodiment, the first to seventh flow holes 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, and 307 may be abbreviated to the first to seventh flow holes 301-307 or the flow holes 301-307.

[0042] Specifically, the first through hole 301 of the stator 30 corresponds to the first division space 211, and is formed so that a cross section perpendicular to the valve axis direction Da has the same or approximately the same shape as the first division space 211. The other side of the first through hole 301 in the valve axis direction Da communicates only with the first division space 211 among the first to sixth division spaces 211-216 and the second space 22. For example, the first division space 211 is disposed so that the entire or approximately the entire end portion of the first division space 211 on one side in the valve axis direction Da overlaps with the first through hole 301 on the other side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0043] The second through hole 302 corresponds to the second division space 212, and is formed so that a cross section perpendicular to the valve axis direction Da has the same or approximately the same shape as the second division space 212. The other side of the second through hole 302 in the valve axis direction Da communicates only with the second division space 212 among the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the second division space 212 is disposed so that the entire or approximately the entire end portion of the second division space 212 on one side in the valve axis direction Da overlaps with the second through hole 302 on the other side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0044] The third through hole 303 corresponds to the third division space 213, and is formed so that a cross section perpendicular to the valve axis direction Da has the same or approximately the same shape as the third division space 213. The other side of the third through hole 303 in the valve axis direction Da communicates only with the third division space 213 among the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the third division space 213 is disposed so that the entire or approximately the entire end portion of the third division space 213 on one side in the valve axis direction Da overlaps with the third through hole 303 on the other side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0045] The fourth through hole 304 corresponds to the fourth division space 214, and is formed so that a cross section perpendicular to the valve axis direction Da has the same or approximately the same shape as the fourth division space 214. The other side of the fourth through hole 304 in the valve axis direction Da communicates only with the fourth division space 214 among the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the fourth division space 214 is disposed so that the entire or approximately the entire end portion of the fourth division space 214 on one side in the valve axis direction Da overlaps with the fourth through hole 304 on the other side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0046] The fifth through hole 305 corresponds to the fifth division space 215, and is formed so that a cross section perpendicular to the valve axis direction Da has the same or approximately the same shape as the fifth division space 215. The other side of the fifth through hole 305 in the valve axis direction Da communicates only with the fifth division space 215 among the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the fifth division space 215 is disposed so that the entire or approximately the entire end portion of the fifth division space 215 on one side in the valve axis direction Da overlaps with the fifth through hole 305 on the other side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0047] The sixth through hole 306 corresponds to the sixth division space 216, and is formed so that a cross section perpendicular to the valve axis direction Da has the same or approximately the same shape as the sixth division space 216. The other side of the sixth through hole 306 in the valve axis direction Da communicates only with the sixth division space 216 among the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the sixth division space 216 is disposed so that the entire or approximately the entire end portion of the sixth division space 216 on one side in the valve axis direction Da overlaps with the sixth through hole 306 on the other side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0048] The seventh through hole 307 corresponds to the second space 22, and is formed so that the cross section perpendicular to the valve axis direction Da has the same shape or substantially the same shape as the peripheral shape of the second space 22. That is, the seventh through hole 307 is formed so that the cross section perpendicular to the valve axis direction Da has a circular shape or substantially the same shape as the peripheral shape of the second space 22. The other side of the seventh through hole 307 in the valve axis direction Da communicates only with the second space 22 among the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 and the second space 22. For example, the second space 22 is arranged so that the entire or substantially the entire end portion of the second space 22 on one side in the valve axis direction Da overlaps with the seventh through hole 307 on the other side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0049] 2 and 4, the arrangement of the first to seventh through holes 301-307 of the stator 30 is the same as the arrangement of the first to sixth division spaces 211-216 and the second space 22 when viewed in the direction along the valve axis Da. That is, when viewed in the direction along the valve axis Da, the seventh through hole 307 has a circular or approximately circular shape centered on the operating axis Cv, and the first to sixth through holes 301-306 are arranged on the outer circumferential side of the seventh through hole 307. The first to sixth through holes 301-306 are arranged side by side in the valve circumferential direction Dc so as to surround the seventh through hole 307.

[0050] 4, the first to seventh through holes 301-307 are formed independently and not connected to one another in the stator 30. Therefore, the stator 30 has a plurality of stator partitions 311, 312 (specifically, a first stator partition 311 and a plurality of second stator partitions 312) that separate the first to seventh through holes 301-307 from one another.

[0051] Specifically, the first stator partition 311 has a circular or approximately circular shape centered on the operating axis Cv, and the multiple second stator partitions 312 are arranged on the outer periphery of the first stator partition 311 in a radial orientation centered on the operating axis Cv.

[0052] The second stator partitioning portions 312 separate the first to sixth through holes 301 to 306 from one another. That is, the second stator partitioning portions 312 and the first to sixth through holes 301 to 306 are arranged alternately in the valve circumferential direction Dc. The first stator partitioning portion 311 separates the first to sixth through holes 301 to 306 from the seventh through hole 307.

[0053] 1 and 2, the rotor 50 is a valve body that switches the flow path of the heat medium within the housing 11 by rotating the rotor 50. The rotor 50 is provided rotatable about the operating axis Cv. That is, the rotor 50 is rotatable about the operating axis Cv relative to the housing 11 and the stator 30.

[0054] The rotor 50 is formed in a disk shape with its thickness direction being the valve axis direction Da, and is made of, for example, a resin with high sliding performance. The rotor 50 is arranged so as to be stacked on one side of the stator 30 in the valve axis direction Da, and is in contact with the stator 30. In other words, the rotor 50 rotates relatively to the housing 11 and the stator 30 while sliding against the stator 30.

[0055] That is, the rotor 50 is disposed within the housing body 20 between the first space 21 and the second space 22 and the third space 23. The rotor 50 is disposed within the housing body 20 so as to separate the first space 21 and the second space 22 and the third space 23. The outer diameter of the rotor 50 is large enough to cover all of the first to seventh communication holes 301-307 of the stator 30.

[0056] In addition, the rotor 50 is pushed toward the other side in the valve axis direction Da by the pressure of the heat medium flowing inside the housing body 20 or the biasing force of a spring (not shown). Therefore, leakage of the heat medium at the contact area between the rotor 50 and the stator 30 and leakage of the heat medium at the contact areas between the partitions 24, 25 of the housing body 20 and the stator 30 are prevented.

[0057] In order to switch the flow path of the heat medium within the housing 11, the rotor 50 is formed with a first communication passage 51 and a second communication passage 52 through which the heat medium passes. The rotor 50 blocks communication between the second space 22 and the third space 23 regardless of the rotational position of the rotor 50. Although the rotor 50 is not shown in Figures 2 and 4, the first communication passage 51 and the second communication passage 52 are each indicated by a two-dot chain line (i.e., an imaginary line) in Figures 2 and 4.

[0058] The first communication passage 51 is provided as a through hole penetrating the rotor 50 in the valve axis direction Da. The first communication passage 51 is arranged so as to overlap with the first space 21 on one side in the valve axis direction Da, regardless of the rotation position of the rotor 50, and is arranged so as to overlap with the third space 23 on the other side in the valve axis direction Da. In other words, the first communication passage 51 is arranged so as to overlap with both the first space 21 and the third space 23 when viewed in the direction along the valve axis direction Da, regardless of the rotation position of the rotor 50. Therefore, as the rotor 50 rotates, the divided space overlapped by the first communication passage 51 among the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216 when viewed in the direction along the valve axis direction Da is communicated with the third space 23.

[0059] The second communication passage 52 has a shape recessed from the other side to one side in the valve axis direction Da. That is, in the rotor 50, the other side of the second communication passage 52 in the valve axis direction Da is open, but one side of the second communication passage 52 in the valve axis direction Da is blocked. The second communication passage 52 expands from the inside to the outside in the valve radial direction Dr with respect to the first partition portion 24.

[0060] Therefore, the second communication passage 52 is provided so as to overlap one side of the first space 21 and the second space 22 in the valve axis direction Da, regardless of the rotational position of the rotor 50. In other words, the second communication passage 52 is arranged so as to overlap both the first space 21 and the second space 22 when viewed in the direction along the valve axis direction Da, regardless of the rotational position of the rotor 50. With this arrangement, the rotor 50 communicates, as the rotor 50 rotates, the divided spaces that the second communication passage 52 overlaps with, among the first to sixth divided spaces 211-216, when viewed in the direction along the valve axis direction Da, with the second space 22.

[0061] Furthermore, the rotor 50 blocks the flow of the heat medium in a divided space among the first to sixth divided spaces 211-216 that does not overlap with any of the first and second communication passages 51, 52 when viewed in the direction along the valve axis Da. In other words, the rotor 50 fully closes the connection port that communicates with the divided space that does not overlap with any of the first and second communication passages 51, 52.

[0062] With this configuration, the rotor 50 switches the space that communicates with the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51 among the first to sixth division spaces 211-216 as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11. At the same time, the rotor 50 also switches the space that communicates with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52 among the first to sixth division spaces 211-216 among the first to sixth division spaces 211-216. Note that the above "movement of the rotor 50 relative to the housing 11" means, in detail, that the rotor 50 rotates around the operating axis Cv relative to the housing 11.

[0063] The first communication passage 51 and the second communication passage 52 are arranged such that their positions in the valve circumferential direction Dc are shifted from each other. Therefore, among the first to sixth division spaces 211-216, the division space that communicates with the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51 and the division space that communicates with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52 are different from each other.

[0064] 2, the first division space 211 communicates with the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51, but does not communicate with the second space 22. On the other hand, the second division space 212 communicates with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52, but does not communicate with the third space 23.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 1, the shaft 60 is a rotating shaft member that transmits the rotational force of the actuator 40 to the rotor 50. The shaft 60 passes through the third space 23 and connects the actuator 40 and the rotor 50 so as to be capable of transmitting power. Specifically, the shaft 60 extends from the rotor 50 to one side in the valve axis direction Da, and is supported by the housing 11 so as to be rotatable about the operating axis Cv. That is, the shaft 60 is rotatable about the operating axis Cv relative to the housing 11 and the stator 30. For example, the shaft 60 is a substantially cylindrical rod extending in the valve axis direction Da, and is supported at one end on the actuator 40 side so as to be rotatable.

[0066] Further, the shaft 60 is connected to the rotor 50 so as to be non-rotatable relative to the rotor 50. Therefore, the shaft 60 rotates together with the rotor 50 about the operating axis Cv. In other words, the shaft 60 and the rotor 50 rotate integrally about the operating axis Cv relative to the housing 11 and the stator 30. The shaft 60 and the rotor 50 form a rotating part 62 that rotates about the operating axis Cv relative to the housing 11.

[0067] The actuator 40 is a drive source that rotates the rotor 50, and includes, for example, a motor and a speed reducing mechanism that reduces the rotation of the motor. In the actuator 40, the rotation angle of the motor is controlled by a control device (not shown). As a result, the rotation position of the rotor 50 about the actuation axis Cv is controlled by the control device.

[0068] The arrangement of the actuator 40 is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the actuator 40 is arranged on one side of the third space 23 in the valve axis direction Da.

[0069] In the flow path switching valve 10 configured as described above, when current is applied to the actuator 40, the actuator 40 rotates the rotor 50 and the shaft 60 around the actuation axis Cv, as shown in Fig. 1. Then, in accordance with a control signal from the control device, the actuator 40 stops the rotation of the rotor 50 and the shaft 60 so that the rotational position of the rotor 50 becomes a predetermined target position, and maintains the rotational position of the rotor 50 at the predetermined target position.

[0070] For example, suppose that the rotor 50 is rotated by the actuator 40 and positioned at a rotational position where the first and second communication passages 51, 52 are positioned as shown in Fig. 2. In this case, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, in the housing 11, the first division space 211 communicates with the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51 of the rotor 50, but does not communicate with the second space 22. On the other hand, the second division space 212 communicates with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50, but does not communicate with the third space 23. Furthermore, the flow of the heat medium in the third to sixth division spaces 213 to 216 is blocked by the rotor 50. That is, the fifth to eighth connection ports 16a to 19a are fully closed.

[0071] As a result, the heat medium is permitted to flow between the first connection port 12a and the third connection port 14a, and the heat medium flows from the first connection port 12a to the third connection port 14a. At this time, the heat medium flows from the first connection port 12a through the third space 23, the first communication passage 51 of the rotor 50, the first communication hole 301 of the stator 30, and the first division space 211, in that order, to the third connection port 14a.

[0072] At the same time, the heat medium is permitted to flow between the second connection port 13a and the fourth connection port 15a, and the heat medium flows from the second connection port 13a to the fourth connection port 15a. At this time, the heat medium flows from the second connection port 13a through the second space 22, the seventh communication hole 307 of the stator 30, the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50, and the second division space 212, in that order, to the fourth connection port 15a.

[0073] As described above, according to this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the rotor 50 is formed with the first communication passage 51 and the second communication passage 52. The first communication passage 51 is provided as a through hole penetrating the rotor 50 in the valve axis direction Da, and is disposed so as to overlap one side of the first space 21 in the valve axis direction Da. The second communication passage 52 is recessed from the other side of the valve axis direction Da to one side, and is disposed so as to overlap one side of the first space 21 and the second space 22 in the valve axis direction Da. In addition, as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11, the rotor 50 switches the space that communicates with the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51 among the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216. At the same time, the rotor 50 also switches the space that communicates with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52 among the first to sixth divided spaces 211-216.

[0074] For this reason, it is possible to simultaneously switch the flow paths via the first communication passage 51 and the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 by operating the rotor 50 without complicating the structure of the rotor 50. Therefore, the flow path switching valve 10 of this embodiment is capable of switching a plurality of flow paths with a simple structure.

[0075] (1) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the rotor 50 rotates about the operating axis Cv that passes through the inner periphery of the first partition portion 24 and extends along the valve axis direction Da. Therefore, by rotating the rotor 50, it is possible to switch between a plurality of flow paths. Furthermore, by rotatably restraining the rotor 50 within the housing body 20 so as not to shift in the valve radial direction Dr, it is possible to rotatably support the end of the shaft 60 on the rotor 50 side.

[0076] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Also, parts that are the same as or equivalent to the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted or simplified. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0077] 5 to 7, in this embodiment, the housing body 20 has a plurality of space inner walls 26. The plurality of space inner walls 26 are provided in the second space 22 and are arranged radially about the operating axis Cv when viewed in the direction along the valve axis Da. That is, the plurality of space inner walls 26 are connected to each other at their inner ends in the valve radial direction Dr and are connected to the inner circumferential surface of the first partition portion 24 at their outer ends in the valve radial direction Dr.

[0078] Therefore, the multiple space inner walls 26 divide the second space 22 into multiple space partitions 221. For example, in this embodiment, four space inner walls 26 are provided, forming four space partitions 221. Note that in Fig. 6, the stator 30 is omitted from illustration in order to illustrate the first and second partitions 24, 25 of the housing body 20.

[0079] Each of the plurality of space inner walls 26 has a wall end 261 provided on one side in the valve axis direction Da. For example, all of the space inner walls 26 are formed such that the positions of the wall ends 261 in the valve axis direction Da are the same.

[0080] The shaft 60 of this embodiment is connected to the rotor 50 so as not to rotate relative to the rotor 50, similarly to the first embodiment. However, unlike the first embodiment, the shaft 60 of this embodiment passes through the rotor 50. The shaft 60 has the other end 601 provided on the other side of the shaft 60 in the valve axis direction Da, and the other end 601 enters the seventh through hole 307 of the stator 30.

[0081] Moreover, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 faces the wall end 261 of the space inner wall 26 in the valve axis direction Da, and abuts against the wall end 261 in the valve axis direction Da. In other words, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 abuts against the wall end 261 in the valve axis direction Da. In short, the wall end 261 of the space inner wall 26 is in contact with the other end 601 of the shaft 60, which is a part of the rotating part 62.

[0082] As a result, the wall end 261 of the space inner wall 26 receives the shaft 60 from the other side in the valve axis direction Da relative to the shaft 60. In other words, the wall end 261 supports the shaft 60 so that the shaft 60 does not move from the position where the other end 601 of the shaft 60 abuts against the wall end 261 to the other side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0083] Further, a communication groove 26a is formed in each of the space inner walls 26 so as to be cut from one side to the other side in the valve axis direction Da. All of these communication grooves 26a are located in the second space 22, and therefore are provided in the flow path of the heat transfer medium that flows from the second connection port 13a to the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 in the housing body 20.

[0084] The partition spaces 221 adjacent to each other in the valve circumferential direction Dc across the space inner wall portion 26 communicate with each other via the communication grooves 26a formed in the space inner wall portion 26. That is, in the present embodiment, the communication grooves 26a of the space inner wall portion 26 are provided as merging passages that communicate the multiple partition spaces 221 with each other.

[0085] For example, the heat medium flowing from the second connection port 13a through the second space 22 toward the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 flows as shown by the arrow B1 in Fig. 8. That is, the multiple communication grooves 26a allow the heat medium that flows separately from the second connection port 13a to each of the multiple divided spaces 221 in the flow path of the heat medium flowing from the second connection port 13a to the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 to merge on the upstream side of the heat medium flow relative to the second communication passage 52. In Fig. 8, the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 is simplified and illustrated by a two-dot chain line.

[0086] 5, in this embodiment, like the communication groove 26a, the seventh communication hole 307 of the stator 30 also merges the heat medium that flows from the second connection port 13a to each of the multiple divided spaces 221 on the upstream side of the heat medium flow relative to the second communication passage 52. For this reason, the seventh communication hole 307 of the stator 30 is also provided as the above-mentioned merge passage.

[0087] (1) As described above, according to this embodiment, the wall end 261 of the space inner wall 26 comes into contact with the other end 601 of the shaft 60, which is a part of the rotating part 62, and thereby receives the shaft 60 from the other side of the shaft 60 in the valve axis direction Da. This makes it possible to stabilize the rotation of the rotor 50 and the shaft 60 compared to a cantilever support in which the other end 601 of the shaft 60 is not supported. In addition, since the shaft 60 is likely to be maintained in an upright position along the valve axis direction Da, for example, a seal such as an O-ring related to the shaft 60 is stabilized, and leakage of the heat medium around the shaft 60 can be prevented.

[0088] (2) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the multiple communicating grooves 26a allow the heat medium that flows separately from the second connection port 13a to each of the multiple partition spaces 221 in the flow path of the heat medium flowing from the second connection port 13a to the second communication passage 52 to merge upstream of the heat medium flow relative to the second communication passage 52.

[0089] Therefore, the heat medium that flows from the second connection port 13a into the multiple partition spaces 221 can reach the second communication passage 52 without being blocked. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow loss of the heat medium compared to a case where, for example, any of the heat medium that flows into the multiple partition spaces 221 is blocked.

[0090] Except for the points described above, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment.

[0091] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0092] 9, in this embodiment, the shaft 60 is connected to the rotor 50 so as not to rotate relative to the rotor 50, similar to the second embodiment. However, unlike the second embodiment, the shaft 60 in this embodiment does not pass through the rotor 50. For example, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 abuts against the rotor 50 from one side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotor 50 has a protruding portion 53 that partially protrudes toward the other side in the valve axis direction Da within the rotor 50. This protruding portion 53 protrudes toward the other side in the valve axis direction Da from a portion of the rotor 50 around the protruding portion 53, and enters the seventh communication hole 307 of the stator 30. The protruding portion 53 has a other end 531 provided on the other side of the protruding portion 53 in the valve axis direction Da.

[0094] Similar to the other end 601 of the shaft 60 in the second embodiment, the other end 531 of the protrusion 53 in this embodiment faces the wall end 261 of the space inner wall 26 in the valve axis direction Da and abuts against the wall end 261 in the valve axis direction Da. In other words, the wall end 261 of the space inner wall 26 is in contact with the other end 531 of the protrusion 53, which is a part of the rotating part 62.

[0095] As a result, in this embodiment, the wall end 261 of the space inner wall portion 26 has the rotor 50 interposed between it and the shaft 60, but similar to the second embodiment, the shaft 60 is received from the other side in the valve axis direction Da relative to the shaft 60.

[0096] Except for the points described above, this embodiment is similar to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained from the configuration common to the second embodiment.

[0097] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0098] As shown in Fig. 10, in this embodiment, the shaft 60 is connected to the rotor 50 so as not to rotate relative to it, similar to the second embodiment. However, unlike the second embodiment, the shaft 60 in this embodiment does not pass through the rotor 50. For example, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 abuts against the rotor 50 from one side in the valve axis direction Da. Note that the cross section of the stator 30 shown in the IV-IV cross section of Fig. 10 is similar to the cross section of the stator 30 shown in Fig. 4.

[0099] 10 and 11, no communication grooves 26a (see FIGS. 5 and 7) are formed in the multiple space inner walls 26 provided in the second space 22. Therefore, the multiple partitioned spaces 221 partitioned by the space inner walls 26 do not communicate with each other in the second space 22.

[0100] However, similarly to the second embodiment, each of the multiple partition spaces 221 communicates with the seventh communication hole 307 of the stator 30 on one side in the valve axis direction Da. That is, in this embodiment, the seventh communication hole 307 is provided as a junction passage that communicates the multiple partition spaces 221 with each other.

[0101] Therefore, the seventh flow hole 307 causes the heat medium that flows separately from the second connection port 13a to each of the multiple partition spaces 221 in the flow path of the heat medium flowing from the second connection port 13a to the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 to merge upstream of the heat medium flow relative to the second communication passage 52.

[0102] Except for the points described above, this embodiment is similar to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the second embodiment can be obtained from the configuration common to the second embodiment.

[0103] Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0104] 12 and 13, the rotor 50 of this embodiment is formed with an intermediate space 54 recessed from the other side to one side in the valve axis direction Da. This intermediate space 54 has the same shape as the seventh through hole 307 of the stator 30 when viewed in the direction along the valve axis direction Da, specifically, a circular shape centered on the operating axis Cv. The entire intermediate space 54 overlaps with the entire seventh through hole 307 when viewed in the direction along the valve axis direction Da.

[0105] In the rotor 50, the other side of the relay space 54 in the valve axis direction Da is open, but one side in the valve axis direction Da is closed. The relay space 54 communicates with the seventh communication hole 307 of the stator 30 regardless of the rotational position of the rotor 50. Therefore, the seventh communication hole 307 and the relay space 54 are formed as one space arranged in the heat medium communication path between the second space 22 and the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50.

[0106] In this embodiment, the second communication passage 52 of the rotor 50 has a shape recessed from the other side to one side in the valve axis direction Da as in the fourth embodiment, but the second communication passage 52 in this embodiment communicates with the relay space 54. Specifically, the second communication passage 52 in this embodiment is connected to the relay space 54 from the outside in the valve radial direction Dr. In other words, the second communication passage 52 extends from the peripheral portion of the relay space 54 to the outside in the valve radial direction Dr.

[0107] Since the relay space 54 and the second communication passage 52 are formed in this manner, in this embodiment, the seventh communication hole 307 of the stator 30 and the relay space 54 of the rotor 50 correspond to a merging passage that mutually communicates the multiple partitioned spaces 221. The seventh communication hole 307 and the relay space 54 merge the heat medium that flows from the second connection port 13a to the second communication passage 52 on the upstream side of the heat medium flow in the heat medium flow path that flows from the second connection port 13a to the second communication passage 52.

[0108] Except for the points described above, this embodiment is similar to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the fourth embodiment can be obtained from the configuration common to the fourth embodiment.

[0109] Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0110] As shown in Figures 14 to 16, in the rotor 50 of this embodiment, in addition to the first communication passage 51 and the second communication passage 52, a third communication passage 56 is formed. Note that, although the rotor 50 is not shown in Figure 15, the first to third communication passages 51, 52, 56 are respectively indicated by two-dot chain lines (i.e., imaginary lines) in Figure 15. Also, Figure 14 shows a cross section taken along line XIV-XIV in Figure 15.

[0111] The arrangement of the third communication passage 56 differs from that of the second communication passage 52, but, for example, the shape of the third communication passage 56 is the same as that of the second communication passage 52. Specifically, like the second communication passage 52, the third communication passage 56 has a shape recessed from the other side to one side in the valve axis direction Da. That is, in the rotor 50, the other side of the third communication passage 56 in the valve axis direction Da is open, but one side in the valve axis direction Da is closed. The third communication passage 56 expands from the inside to the outside in the valve radial direction Dr with respect to the first partition portion 24.

[0112] Therefore, the third communication passage 56 is provided so as to overlap one side of the first space 21 and the second space 22 in the valve axis direction Da regardless of the rotational position of the rotor 50. With this arrangement, the rotor 50 connects, as viewed in the direction along the valve axis direction Da, one of the first to sixth divided spaces 211-216 that the third communication passage 56 overlaps with to the second space 22 as the rotor 50 rotates.

[0113] Furthermore, the rotor 50 blocks the flow of the heat medium in those of the first to sixth divided spaces 211-216 that do not overlap any of the first to third communication passages 51, 52, 56 when viewed in the direction along the valve axis Da.

[0114] With this configuration, the rotor 50 switches the space that communicates with the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51 among the first to sixth division spaces 211-216 as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11. At the same time, the rotor 50 also switches the space that communicates with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52 among the first to sixth division spaces 211-216 as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11. The switching of the communication relationship via the first and second communication passages 51 and 52 is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotor 50 also switches the space that communicates with the second space 22 via the third communication passage 56 among the first to sixth division spaces 211-216 as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11.

[0115] The first communication passage 51, the second communication passage 52, and the third communication passage 56 are arranged such that their positions in the valve circumferential direction Dc are shifted from one another. In this embodiment, for example, the third communication passage 56 is arranged on the opposite side of the second communication passage 52 across the operating axis Cv.

[0116] Therefore, among the first to sixth divided spaces 211 to 216, the divided space that communicates with the third space 23 via the first communicating passage 51, the divided space that communicates with the second space 22 via the second communicating passage 52, and the divided space that communicates with the second space 22 via the third communicating passage 56 are different from each other.

[0117] 15, the first division space 211 communicates with the third space 23 via the first communication passage 51, but does not communicate with the second space 22. The second division space 212 communicates with the second space 22 via the second communication passage 52, but does not communicate with the third space 23. The fifth division space 215 communicates with the second space 22 via the third communication passage 56, but does not communicate with the third space 23.

[0118] (1) As described above, according to this embodiment, as shown in Figures 14 to 16, in addition to the first communication passage 51 and the second communication passage 52, the third communication passage 56 is formed in the rotor 50. Then, as the rotor 50 moves relative to the housing 11, the space that communicates with the second space 22 via the third communication passage 56 among the first to sixth division spaces 211-216 is also switched among the first to sixth division spaces 211-216.

[0119] Therefore, the heat medium that has flowed into the second space 22 can be branched and made to flow out from the flow path switching valve 10.

[0120] Except for the points described above, this embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment.

[0121] It should be noted that although this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, this embodiment can also be combined with any of the second to fifth embodiments described above.

[0122] (Other embodiments) (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the fluid passing through the flow passage switching valve 10 is a heat medium, but the fluid may be a fluid other than a heat medium. In addition, the fluid passing through the flow passage switching valve 10 may be a gas rather than a liquid.

[0123] (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the flow passage switching valve 10 is mounted on, for example, a hybrid vehicle, but the use of the flow passage switching valve 10 is not limited to vehicles.

[0124] (3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the flow path switching valve 10 includes the actuator 40 as shown in Fig. 1, but this is merely an example. For example, the flow path switching valve 10 may not include the actuator 40, and the rotor 50 and the shaft 60 may be rotated by a drive source provided outside the flow path switching valve 10.

[0125] (4) In each of the above-described embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flow path switching valve 10 is an eight-way valve. However, it may be a multi-way valve having seven or fewer ports, or a multi-way valve having nine or more ports.

[0126] (5) In each of the above-described embodiments, the stator 30 and the rotor 50 shown in Fig. 1 are both made of resin, but there is no limitation on the materials used to make the stator 30 and the rotor 50. For example, one or both of the stator 30 and the rotor 50 may be made of ceramic.

[0127] (6) In the above-described first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the flow path switching valve 10 includes the stator 30. However, if the first partition portion 24 and the multiple second partition portions 25 have sufficient sliding performance with respect to the rotor 50, the stator 30 may be omitted. In such a case where the stator 30 is not included, the rotor 50 contacts the first partition portion 24 and the multiple second partition portions 25 from one side in the valve axis direction Da, and slides against the first partition portion 24 and the multiple second partition portions 25 as the rotor 50 rotates.

[0128] (7) In each of the above-described embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the center of rotation of the rotor 50 and the center line of the first partition portion 24 are the working axis Cv and therefore coincide with each other, but this is only an example. For example, the first partition portion 24 may be disposed such that the center line of the first partition portion 24 is slightly offset from the working axis Cv, which is the center of rotation of the rotor 50.

[0129] (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the first communication passage 51 of the rotor 50 is provided as a through hole penetrating the rotor 50 in the valve axis direction Da, but this is just one example. For example, the first communication passage 51 may be provided as a cut groove formed so as to be cut from the radial outside to the radial inside of the rotor 50. Even in this case, the first communication passage 51 still penetrates the rotor 50 in the valve axis direction Da.

[0130] (9) In each of the above-described embodiments, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the rotor 50 switches the flow path of the heat medium by rotating about the actuation axis Cv, but this is only one example. For example, it is assumed that the first partition portion 24 is not cylindrical but extends linearly in a predetermined direction perpendicular to the valve axis direction Da, and the first to sixth division spaces 211 to 216 are arranged linearly in the predetermined direction along the first partition portion 24. In that case, the rotor 50 can switch the flow path of the heat medium by reciprocating along the predetermined direction.

[0131] (10) In the second embodiment described above, four space inner wall portions 26 are provided radially as shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, but this is just one example. For example, it is also conceivable that one space inner wall portion 26 is provided so as to divide the second space 22 in half when viewed in the direction along the valve axis direction Da.

[0132] (11) In the second embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 5, the other end 601 of the shaft 60 abuts against the wall end 261 of the space inner wall 26 in the valve axis direction Da, but this is just one example. For example, as shown in Fig. 17, it is also possible that the other end 601 of the shaft 60 is separated from the wall end 261 of the space inner wall 26 to the other side in the valve axis direction Da.

[0133] 17, the stator 30 is formed with a shaft insertion hole 308 having a circular cross section penetrating in the valve axis direction Da, and the other end 601 of the shaft 60 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 308 and rotatably fitted therein. As a result, the shaft 60 is constrained at the other end 601 in the valve radial direction Dr by the stator 30, and can rotate while being guided by the stator 30. Note that since FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view in which the cross-sectional position of the flow path switching valve 10 is different from that in FIG. 5, the first and second communication passages 51, 52 of the rotor 50 and the seventh communication hole 307 of the stator 30 are not shown in FIG. 7, but are formed in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0134] (12) In the second embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 5, the shaft 60 protrudes from the rotor 50 so as to enter the seventh through hole 307 of the stator 30 and abuts against the space inner wall portion 26 in the valve axis direction Da, but this is just one example. For example, the shaft 60 may not protrude from the rotor 50, and a part of the space inner wall portion 26 may protrude to one side in the valve axis direction Da so as to enter the seventh through hole 307, and the protruding part may abut against the other end 601 of the shaft 60.

[0135] (13) The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be practiced in various modified forms. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined, except in cases where the combination is clearly impossible.

[0136] In each of the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, unless otherwise specified as essential or considered to be obviously essential in principle. In each of the above embodiments, when the numbers, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of the components of the embodiment are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers, except when specified as essential or when they are obviously limited to a specific number in principle. In each of the above embodiments, when the materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the components are mentioned, they are not limited to the materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc., except when specified as essential or when they are obviously limited to a specific material, shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle. [Explanation of symbols]

[0137] 10. Flow path switching valve 11. Housing 21 1st space 22 Second space 23 Third space 24 First Partition 25 Second partition 50 Rotor (valve body) 51 1st communication passage 52 2nd communication passage

Claims

1. A flow path switching valve, a housing (11) in which a first space (21) and a second space (22) through which a fluid flows, and a third space (23) disposed on one side of one direction (Da) relative to the first space and the second space and through which a fluid flows, are formed, the housing (11) having a first partition portion (24) separating the first space and the second space, and a plurality of second partition portions (25) separating the first space into a plurality of divided spaces (211 to 216) adjacent to the second space with the first partition portion therebetween; a valve body (50) disposed in the housing so as to separate the first space, the second space and the third space, The valve body is provided with a first communication passage (51) penetrating in the one direction so as to overlap with the one side of the first space in the one direction, and a second communication passage (52) recessed from the other side opposite to the one side of the one direction toward the one side and provided to overlap with the one side of the first space and the second space in the one direction, the plurality of partition spaces, the second space, and the third space are each connected to the outside of the housing, The valve body is a flow path switching valve that, as the valve body moves relative to the housing, switches among the multiple divided spaces which spaces communicate with the third space via the first communicating passage, and also switches among the multiple divided spaces which spaces communicate with the second space via the second communicating passage.

2. The first partition portion is formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the second space, The plurality of partition spaces are disposed on the outer circumferential side of the first partition portion and are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction (Dc) of the first partition portion, The flow passage switching valve according to claim 1 , wherein the valve body rotates about an actuation axis (Cv) that passes through an inner periphery of the first partition portion and extends along the one direction.

3. a shaft (60) extending from the valve body toward the one side in the one direction, connected to the valve body so as not to rotate relative to the valve body, and rotating together with the valve body around the actuation axis; The housing has a space inner wall portion (26) provided in the second space, the space inner wall portion (26) including a wall portion one end (261) provided on the one side in the one direction, 3. The flow passage switching valve according to claim 2, wherein a portion of the wall portion at one end contacts a portion of a rotating portion (62) formed by the valve body and the shaft, thereby receiving the shaft from the other side of the one direction relative to the shaft.

4. The housing has a connection port forming portion (13) in which a connection port (13a) communicating with the second space and connected to the outside of the housing is formed, The space inner wall portion divides the second space into a plurality of partitioned spaces (221), a junction passage (26a, 54, 307) is formed in the housing, the junction passage being provided in a flow path of a fluid flowing from the connection port to the second communication passage and connecting the plurality of partition spaces to each other; The flow passage switching valve according to claim 3 , wherein the merging passage merges the fluids, which flow from the connection port in the flow path to each of the plurality of partitioned spaces, on an upstream side of the fluid flow with respect to the second communication passage.

5. In addition to the first communication passage and the second communication passage, a third communication passage (56) is also formed in the valve body, the third communication passage (56) being recessed from the other side in the one direction to the one side and overlapping the one side in the one direction with respect to the first space and the second space, 5. The flow passage switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve body switches, as the valve body moves relative to the housing, a space among the plurality of divided spaces that communicates with the second space via the third communication passage among the plurality of divided spaces.

Images