Flow path switching valve

Abstract

To obtain a flow path switching valve having a valve body formed with at least three flow path ports, which can close each of the three flow path ports by rotating a valve element.SOLUTION: Three flow path ports 26 respectively are formed in a side wall 24 of a valve body 20. A sealing part 70 arranged so as to surround the flow path port 26 seals between an external surface 50b of a valve element 50 and the side wall 24. Also, the external surface 50b of the rotating valve element 50 is in contact with the entire circumference of at least one sealing part 70. Therefore, in a flow path switching valve 10 having the valve body 20 formed with the three flow path ports 26, the flow path ports 26 can be each closed by rotating the valve body 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a flow path switching valve.

Background Art

[0002] The ball valve body of the flow path switching valve described in Patent Document 1 is formed such that the axial dimension is smaller than the dimension in the direction orthogonal to the axis so that the sealing member is in a restored state in the assembled posture and the sealing member is in a compressed state in the supported posture. When assembling the flow path switching valve, the sheet member and the sealing member are housed in the valve chamber, and the ball valve body is arranged in the assembled posture between the sheet members. A rod-shaped jig is inserted from the second flow path of the valve body, and the tip thereof is fitted into the recess of the jig attachment portion of the ball valve body. The rod-shaped jig is rotated to rotate the ball valve body from the assembled posture to the supported posture.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The flow path switching valve includes a valve body having three flow ports formed in a side wall, a spherical valve body disposed in a valve chamber formed inside the valve body, and a sealing portion that seals between an outer surface of the valve body and the side wall of the valve body. Further, a cavity portion that is selectively connected to the flow port is formed in the spherical valve body.

[0005] In the conventional flow path switching valve, by rotating the valve body, a specific flow port is connected to one other flow port, or a specific flow port is connected to two other flow ports. However, the flow ports could not be closed respectively.

[0006] The problem of the present disclosure is to obtain a configuration in a flow path switching valve having a valve body with at least three flow path openings, in which the three flow path openings can be respectively blocked by rotating the valve body.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The flow path switching valve according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a valve body having a valve chamber formed therein, and flow path openings through which fluid passes are respectively formed in three side walls constituting the valve chamber, and a valve body rotatably disposed in the valve chamber and having a cavity formed therein and a spherical outer surface, and a flow hole through which fluid flowing into or flowing out of the cavity passes is formed in the outer surface, and three sealing portions that are annular and are respectively disposed so as to surround the flow path openings and contact the outer surface to seal between the outer surface and the side wall, and the outer surface of the rotating valve body is in contact with the entire circumference of at least one of the sealing portions.

[0008] According to the above aspect, the three flow path openings are respectively formed in the side walls. And the sealing portions disposed so as to surround the flow path openings seal between the outer surface of the valve body and the side wall.

[0009] Here, the outer surface of the rotating valve body is in contact with the entire circumference of at least one of the sealing portions. In other words, the outer surface of the rotating valve body blocks at least one flow path opening. Thus, in a flow path switching valve having a valve body with at least three flow path openings, the three flow path openings can be respectively blocked by rotating the valve body.

[0010] The flow path switching valve according to the second aspect of the present disclosure is the flow path switching valve according to the first aspect, wherein the valve body rotates to an angular position where the outer surface contacts the entire circumference of any one of the sealing portions and an angular position where the outer surface contacts the entire circumference of any two of the sealing portions.

[0011] According to the above aspect, the valve body rotates to an angular position where the outer surface contacts the entire circumference of any one of the sealing portions and an angular position where the outer surface contacts the entire circumferences of any two of the sealing portions. In other words, the valve body rotates to an angular position where the outer surface closes any one of the flow ports and an angular position where the outer surface closes any two of the flow ports. Thus, by rotating the valve body, any one of the flow ports or any two of the flow ports can be closed.

[0012] The flow path switching valve according to the third aspect of the present disclosure is the flow path switching valve described in the first or second aspect, wherein the sealing portion includes an annular sheet and an O-ring in contact with the sheet and the side wall, and an annular tapered surface in contact with the outer surface of the valve body is formed on the sheet. At any angular position of the rotating valve body, at least a part of the outer surface of the valve body is in contact with the tapered surfaces of the three sheets, and the O-ring is elastically deformed by the outer surface pressing the sheet against the side wall.

[0013] According to the above aspect, at any angular position of the rotating valve body, at least a part of the outer surface of the valve body is in contact with the tapered surfaces of the three sheets. And the O-ring is elastically deformed by the outer surface of the valve body pressing the sheet against the side wall.

[0014] Thus, due to the elastic deformation of the O-ring, the contact pressure between the outer surface of the valve body and the tapered surface of the sheet is increased. That is, the valve body is pressed by the sheet from three directions. Thereby, the posture of the rotating valve body is always stable.

[0015] The flow path switching valve according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the flow path switching valve described in any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the flow ports are circular, and the included angles between the center lines of adjacent flow ports are all the same.

[0016] According to the above aspect, the included angles between the center lines of adjacent flow ports are all the same. Thereby, compared with the case where the included angles are different, the flow path switching valve can have a simple configuration.

[0017] The flow path switching valve according to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the flow path switching valve described in the first to fourth aspects, wherein an inlet through which the fluid flowing into the valve chamber passes is formed at the bottom portion constituting the valve chamber.

[0018] According to the above aspect, an inlet through which the fluid flowing into the valve chamber passes is formed at the bottom portion constituting the valve chamber. Thereby, the fluid flowing in from the inlet can be caused to flow out from one or two flow path openings not blocked by the outer surface.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present disclosure, in a flow path switching valve having a valve body in which at least three flow path openings are formed, the three flow path openings can be respectively blocked by rotating the valve body.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] An example of the flow path switching valve according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. The arrow H shown in each figure indicates the vertical direction of the component, the arrow W indicates the width direction of the component, and the arrow D indicates the depth direction of the component. Further, the vertical direction of the component, the width direction of the component, and the depth direction of the component are orthogonal to each other. Note that the vertical direction of the component, the width direction of the component, and the depth direction of the component in the present disclosure may be different from the directions in the use state of the flow path switching valve.

[0022] <Configuration of the flow path switching valve 10> The flow path switching valve 10 shown in FIG. 8 is a rotary four-way valve that switches the flow path of a liquid, which is an example of a fluid flowing in an engine room of an automobile, in multiple directions.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the flow path switching valve 10 includes a valve body 20, a valve element 50, a sealing portion 70, a cover 80, a stem 84, and a drive portion 86. Note that the valve element 50 may also be referred to as a valve or a ball valve element.

[0024] (Valve body 20) The valve body 20 is integrally formed using a resin material. In the present embodiment, the valve body 20 is formed using polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) as an example.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2(A), the valve body 20 has a box-shaped base portion 22 with an open upper portion in the vertical direction of the component, three outflow pipes 36 protruding outward from the base portion 22, and one inflow pipe 38 protruding downward from the base portion 22.

[0026] 〔Base portion 22〕 The box-shaped base 22 is triangular as viewed from above as shown in FIGS. 2(A), (B), and (C), and has three side walls 24 and a bottom 28. And in the base 22, a valve chamber 22a in which the valve body 50 is disposed and an opening 22b that opens the valve chamber 22a upward are formed. Thus, inside the base 22, a triangular prism-shaped valve chamber 22a with one end open is formed. Note that the side walls 24 may also be referred to as side plates.

[0027] Further, the thickness direction of the bottom 28 is the vertical direction of the component, and the three side walls 24 are orthogonal to the bottom 28.

[0028] -Side wall 24- As shown in FIGS. 2(A), (B), and (C), three side walls 24 are provided. Among the three side walls 24, the thickness direction of one side wall 24 is the depth direction of the component. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the side wall 24 whose thickness direction faces the depth direction of the component is referred to as side wall 24a, the side wall 24 located in the clockwise direction with respect to side wall 24a in plan view is referred to as side wall 24b, and the remaining side wall 24 may be referred to as side wall 24c. In the present embodiment, the plan view means a view from above in the vertical direction of the component.

[0029] On the other hand, a circular flow port 26 through which the liquid flowing out from the valve chamber 22a passes is formed in the side wall 24. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the flow port 26 formed in the side wall 24a is referred to as flow port 26a, the flow port 26 formed in the side wall 24b is referred to as flow port 26b, and the flow port 26 formed in the side wall 24c may be referred to as flow port 26c.

[0030] And the three flow ports 26a, 26b, and 26c are arranged in a plane. Here, being arranged in a plane means that the center lines L1 of the three flow ports 26a, 26b, and 26c are arranged in the same plane.

[0031] Also, as shown in FIG. 2(C), in plan view, the included angle (K1 in the figure) between the center lines L1 of adjacent flow ports 26 is all the same and is 120 [degrees].

[0032] - Bottom 28 - As shown in FIGS. 2(B) and 2(C), the bottom 28 is triangular in plan view, and a circular inlet 30 through which the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a passes is formed in the bottom 28. The center line L2 of the circular inlet 30 extends in the vertical direction of the component, and as shown in FIG. 2(C), in plan view, it overlaps with the intersection of the three center lines L1. Although details will be described later, the valve body 50 (see FIG. 1) rotates about the center line L2 as the rotation center (axis center). Note that the bottom 28 may also be referred to as a bottom plate.

[0033] Also, a plurality of plate-like restricting portions 32 for positioning the sealing portion 70 (see FIG. 1) disposed in the valve chamber 22a are formed on the bottom 28.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2(C), in plan view, a pair of the restricting portions 32 are formed with the flow port 26 therebetween. Specifically, the restricting portions 32 project from the bottom 28 and the side wall 24 into the valve chamber 22a and extend in the vertical direction of the component. And the pair of restricting portions 32 position the sealing portion 70 by sandwiching the sealing portion 70.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2(B) and 2(C), a plurality of plate-like supporting portions 34 for supporting the valve body 50 (see FIG. 1) disposed in the valve chamber 22a from below are formed on the bottom 28. The plurality of supporting portions 34 are provided at the vertex portions of the triangular bottom 28. Specifically, the supporting portions 34 project from the bottom 28 into the valve chamber 22a, and an upward-facing support surface 34a is formed on the supporting portions 34. And this support surface 34a is a curved surface.

[0036] 〔Outlet pipe 36〕 The outlet pipe 36 is cylindrical, and as shown in FIGS. 2(A), 2(B), and 2(C), it projects from the side wall 24 of the base portion 22 to the outside and extends in a direction orthogonal to the vertical direction of the component. And the liquid flowing out from the valve chamber 22a through the flow port 26 passes through the outlet pipe 36.

[0037] Hereinafter, for the sake of convenience of explanation, the outflow pipe 36 protruding outward from the side wall 24a may be described as the outflow pipe 36a, the outflow pipe 36 protruding outward from the side wall 24b may be described as the outflow pipe 36b, and the outflow pipe 36 protruding outward from the side wall 24c may be described as the outflow pipe 36c.

[0038] 〔Inflow pipe 38〕 The inflow pipe 38 is cylindrical and, as shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), protrudes outward from the bottom 28 of the base 22 and extends downward in the vertical direction of the component. The fluid flowing through the inflow pipe 38 flows into the valve chamber 22a through the inlet 30. In this embodiment, it is described that the fluid flows into the valve chamber 22a from the inflow pipe 38 (the inlet 30 thereof) and flows out from the outflow pipe 36 (36a, 36b, 36c). However, the flow direction of the fluid is not limited to this. For example, it is of course possible to use the fluid flowing in from any one or more of the outflow pipes 36a, 36b, 36c to flow out from the other outflow pipes 36 or the inflow pipe 38.

[0039] (Valve body 50) The valve body 50 is integrally formed using a resin material. In this embodiment, as an example, the valve body 50 is formed using polyphenylene sulfide (PPS). Note that the valve body 50 may also be referred to as a valve or a ball valve body.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3, the valve body 50 is spherical and has a cavity 50a formed inside. FIG. 3 shows the valve body 50 viewed from each direction. Hereinafter, the valve body 50 viewed from the front side orthogonal to the vertical direction of the component is described as the valve body 50-A, the valve body 50 viewed from above in the vertical direction of the component is described as the valve body 50-B, and the valve body 50 viewed from below in the vertical direction of the component is described as the valve body 50-C. Further, the valve body 50 viewed from the side surface side orthogonal to the vertical direction of the component is described as the valve body 50-D, the cross section of the valve body 50 viewed from the side surface side is described as the valve body 50-E, and the cross section of the valve body 50 viewed from above is described as the valve body 50-F. Also, the perspective view of the valve body 50 is described as the valve body 50-G.

[0041] As shown in valve bodies 50-A, 50-B, and 50-C, an upward-facing planar upper surface portion 52 is formed in the upper part of the valve body 50, and a downward-facing planar lower surface portion 54 is formed in the lower part of the valve body 50. The lower surface portion 54 is an example of a flat portion. Note that the lower surface portion 54 (flat portion) does not necessarily have to be planar. For example, it may have a shape without convex portions when the valve body 50 is viewed from the side.

[0042] Also, the upper surface portion 52 and the lower surface portion 54 are circular, and the lower surface portion 54 is made larger than the upper surface portion 52. And the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 sandwiched between the upper surface portion 52 and the lower surface portion 54 is spherical. The support surface 34a of the support portion 34 described above (see FIG. 2(B)) is a curved surface along the outer surface of the valve body 50. Note that for the portion of the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 that is spherical, not all portions have to be spherical. It is sufficient that the portion that slides with other members is spherical (spherical surface).

[0043] Furthermore, a rectangular concave portion 52a is formed in the upper surface portion 52 when viewed from above. Also, a circular inflow hole 54a that communicates with the cavity portion 50a and is centered on the center line L2 (see FIG. 2(C)) is formed in the lower surface portion 54. Specifically, in the operating state of the flow path switching valve 10, the inflow hole 54a is circular centered on the center line L2. And the inflow hole 54a is arranged to face the inlet 30 of the valve body 20 (see FIG. 2(B)) in the component up-down direction in the operating state of the flow path switching valve 10. In other words, the lower surface portion 54 where the inflow hole 54a is formed is arranged to face the bottom 28 where the inlet 30 of the valve body 20 is formed in the component up-down direction in the operating state of the flow path switching valve 10.

[0044] As shown in valve bodies 50-A, 50-D, 50-E, and 50-F, a flow hole 50c through which liquid flowing into or out of the cavity portion 50a passes is formed in the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50. The flow hole 50c extends in the circumferential direction of the valve body 50 when viewed from above, as shown in valve body 50-F.

[0045] In this configuration, the valve body 50 supported by the support portion 34 rotates about the center line L2 in the operating state of the flow path switching valve 10. Further, when the valve body 50 is rotated so that the lower surface portion 54 of the valve body 50 faces the side wall 24 of the base portion 22, a gap is formed between the lower surface portion 54 and the side wall 24 into which the sealing portion 70 can be inserted.

[0046] (Sealing portion 70) As shown in FIG. 1, the sealing portion 70 is annular and three are provided. And as shown in FIGS. 4(A), (B), and (C), the sealing portion 70 includes a sheet 72 and an O-ring 76, respectively.

[0047] -Sheet 72- The sheet 72 is integrally formed using a resin material. In the present embodiment, as an example, the sheet 72 is formed using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and (B), the sheet 72 is annular and is arranged in the valve chamber 22a so as to surround the flow path port 26 (see FIGS. 5(A) and (B)).

[0049] Further, as shown in FIGS. 4(C) and 5(B), the sheet 72 is formed with a facing surface 72a facing the side wall 24 of the base portion 22 and a tapered surface 72b inclined with respect to the center line L1 of the flow path port 26 on the side opposite to the facing surface 72a. Further, an annular recess 74 is formed in the facing surface 72a.

[0050] -O-ring 76- The O-ring 76 is formed using an elastic member. In the present embodiment, the O-ring 76 is formed using, for example, ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM).

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 4(B) and (C) and FIG. 5(B), part of the O-ring 76 is inserted into the recess 74 of the sheet 72. And the O-ring 76 is adapted to elastically deform in contact with the side wall 24 of the valve body 20 when the sheet 72 is disposed in the valve chamber 22a.

[0052] In this configuration, as shown in FIGS. 5(A) and (B) and FIG. 6, no matter at what position the valve body 50 rotating about the center line L2 is disposed, at least a part of the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 is in contact with the tapered surfaces 72b of the three sheets 72. And when the tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 contacts the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50, the sheet 72 is pushed toward the side wall 24 side, and the O-ring 76 is compressed. And when the O-ring 76 is compressed, the contact pressure between the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 and the tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 becomes stronger.

[0053] Thereby, the flow of the liquid between the sheet 72 and the side wall 24 is inhibited. Further, the flow of the liquid between the tapered surface 72b and the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 is inhibited. In other words, the sealing portion 70 contacts the outer surface 50b and seals between the outer surface 50b and the side wall 24.

[0054] Also, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the outer surface 50b of the rotating valve body 50 covers the entire flow port 26b. In other words, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 in the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26b.

[0055] Thereby, the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 cannot flow out from the flow port 26b. In other words, the flow port 26b is blocked. Thus, the outer surface 50b of the rotating valve body 50 moves to and is disposed at a position where it contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of any one of the sealing portions 70.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the outer surface 50b of the rotating valve body 50 covers the entire fluid inlet 26b and the entire fluid outlet 26c. In other words, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 in the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the fluid inlet 26b, and the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 in the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the fluid outlet 26c.

[0057] As a result, the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 cannot flow out from the fluid inlet 26b and the fluid outlet 26c. In other words, the fluid inlet 26b and the fluid outlet 26c are blocked. In this way, the outer surface 50b of the rotating valve body 50 moves to a position where it contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surfaces 72b of any two of the sealing portions 70 and is disposed there.

[0058] In addition, in the present embodiment, as an example, the central angle (central angle K2 shown in FIG. 5) from one edge to the other edge of the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 is 149 [degrees]. Further, the central angle (central angle K3 shown in FIG. 5) from one end point on one tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 to one end point on the other tapered surface 72b is 155 [degrees]. Furthermore, the central angle (central angle K4 shown in FIG. 5) from the other end point on one tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 to the other end point on the other tapered surface 72b is 176 [degrees].

[0059] (Cover 80, Stem 84) The cover 80 is integrally formed using a resin material. In the present embodiment, the cover 80 is formed using polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) as an example. As shown in FIG. 1, the cover 80 is plate-shaped with the vertical direction of the component as the plate thickness direction, and closes the opening 22b of the valve chamber 22a of the valve body 20 from above.

[0060] In addition, the cover 80 is formed with a through-hole 80a through which the stem 84 passes, and three cylindrical portions 82 for attaching the drive unit 86 to the cover 80. Further, the threaded portion of the screw 90 used for attaching the drive unit 86 to the cover 80 is engaged with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 82. And, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), the upper surface 82a of the cylindrical portion 82 is formed in a protruding conical shape.

[0061] In this configuration, the cover 80 closes the opening 22b of the valve body 20 and is fused to the valve body 20. Thereby, the valve chamber 22a is blocked.

[0062] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the stem 84 extends in the vertical direction of the components and passes through the through-hole 80a formed in the cover 80 (see FIG. 6). And, a fitting portion 84a that fits into a recess 52a formed in the upper surface portion 52 of the valve body 50 is formed in the portion of the stem 84 disposed in the valve chamber 22a. On the other hand, a gear portion 84b to which the driving force of the motor provided in the drive unit 86 is transmitted is formed in the portion of the stem 84 on the side opposite to the fitting portion 84a.

[0063] Furthermore, an O-ring 85 for sealing between the stem 84 and the through-hole 80a of the cover 80 is attached to the stem 84.

[0064] (Drive unit 86) The drive unit 86 is provided with a motor inside and is attached to the cover 80 from above the cover 80 as shown in FIG. 1. Also, the drive unit 86 is formed with three cylindrical portions 88 for attaching the drive unit 86 to the cover 80. The screw 90 used for attaching the drive unit 86 to the cover 80 is inserted into a circular hole formed in the cylindrical portion 88. And, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) and 7(B), the lower surface 88a of the cylindrical portion 88 is formed in a recessed conical shape so that the upper surface 82a of the cylindrical portion 82 fits therein.

[0065] In this configuration, three screws 90 are passed through the cylindrical portion 88, and the threaded portions of the screws 90 are respectively tightened into the cylindrical portion 82. As a result, the drive unit 86 is attached to the cover 80. And in this state, the gear portion 84b (see FIG. 1) of the stem 84 is engaged with the output shaft of the drive unit 86.

[0066] <Operation of the flow path switching valve 10> Next, the operation of the flow path switching valve 10 will be described. By using this flow path switching valve 10, the outflow destination of the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 of the valve body 20 can be switched. Specifically, the drive unit 86 rotates the valve body 50 disposed in the valve chamber 22a about the center line L2 via the stem 84. As a result, which flow port 26 the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 flows out from is switched.

[0067] For example, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the outer surface 50b of the rotating valve body 50 covers the entire flow port 26b. In other words, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 comes into contact with the entire circumferential surface of the tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 in the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26b. Further, in other words, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 comes into contact with the entire circumferential surface of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26b.

[0068] As a result, the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 cannot flow out from the flow port 26b. In other words, the flow port 26b is blocked.

[0069] Also, in this state, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 is not in contact with the entire circumferential surface of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26a and the entire circumferential surface of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26c. Therefore, the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 flows out from the flow ports 26a and 26c.

[0070] Furthermore, by rotating the valve body 50 disposed in the valve chamber 22a via the stem 84 around the center line L2, the drive unit 86 causes the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 to cover the entire flow port 26a. As a result, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 comes into contact with the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26a. Then, the flow port 26a is blocked by the outer surface 50b.

[0071] Also, in this state, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 is not in contact with the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26b and the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26c. Therefore, the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 flows out from the flow ports 26b and 26c.

[0072] Furthermore, by rotating the valve body 50 disposed in the valve chamber 22a via the stem 84 around the center line L2, the drive unit 86 causes the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 to cover the entire flow port 26c. As a result, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 comes into contact with the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26c. Then, the flow port 26c is blocked by the outer surface 50b.

[0073] Also, in this state, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 is not in contact with the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26a and the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26b. Therefore, the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 flows out from the flow ports 26a and 26b.

[0074] As described above, the outer surface 50b of the rotating valve body 50 moves to a position where it comes into contact with the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of any one of the sealing portions 70 and is disposed there.

[0075] On the one hand, the drive unit 86 rotates the valve body 50 disposed in the valve chamber 22a via the stem 84 around the center line L2, so that, as shown in FIG. 5(B), the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 covers the entire flow port 26b and the entire flow port 26c. In other words, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 in the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26b, and the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 in the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26c.

[0076] As a result, the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 cannot flow out from the flow ports 26b and 26c. In other words, the flow ports 26b and 26c are blocked.

[0077] Also, in this state, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 is not in contact with the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26a. Therefore, the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 flows out from the flow port 26a.

[0078] Furthermore, the drive unit 86 rotates the valve body 50 disposed in the valve chamber 22a via the stem 84 around the center line L2, so that the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 covers the entire flow port 26a and the entire flow port 26c. As a result, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26a, and the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26c. And the flow ports 26a and 26c are blocked by the outer surface 50b.

[0079] Also, in this state, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 is not in contact with the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26b. Therefore, the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 flows out from the flow port 26b.

[0080] Furthermore, by rotating the valve body 50 disposed in the valve chamber 22a via the stem 84 around the center line L2, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 covers the entire flow port 26a and the entire flow port 26b. As a result, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 comes into contact with the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26a and the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26b. Then, the flow ports 26a and 26b are blocked by the outer surface 50b.

[0081] Also, in this state, the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 is not in contact with the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26c. Therefore, the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a from the inlet 30 flows out from the flow port 26c.

[0082] As described above, the outer surface 50b of the rotating valve body 50 moves to a position where it comes into contact with the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of any two of the sealing portions 70 and is disposed there.

[0083] <Summary> In the flow path switching valve 10 described above, the three flow ports 26 are respectively formed in the side wall 24 of the valve body 20. And the sealing portion 70 disposed so as to surround the flow port 26 seals between the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 and the side wall 24.

[0084] Also, the outer surface 50b of the rotating valve body 50 comes into contact with the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of at least one of the sealing portions 70 respectively. In other words, the outer surface 50b of the rotating valve body 50 blocks at least one of the flow ports 26. Thus, in the flow path switching valve 10 having the valve body 20 in which the three flow ports 26 are formed, by rotating the valve body 50, the flow ports 26 can be blocked respectively.

[0085] In the flow path switching valve 10, the valve body 50 rotates between a position (angular position) where the outer surface 50b contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of any one of the sealing portions 70 and a position where it contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surfaces 72b of any two of the sealing portions 70. In other words, the valve body 50 rotates between a position where the outer surface 50b closes any one of the flow path openings 26 and a position where it closes any two of the flow path openings 26. Thus, by rotating the valve body 50, any one of the flow path openings 26 or any two of the flow path openings 26 can be closed.

[0086] Also, in the flow path switching valve 10, at any position where the rotating valve body 50 is disposed, at least a part of the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 is in contact with the tapered surfaces 72b of the three sheets 72, respectively. And the O-ring 76 is elastically deformed by the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 pressing the sheet 72 toward the side wall 24.

[0087] Thus, due to the elastic deformation of the O-ring 76, the contact pressure between the outer surface 50b of the valve body 50 and the tapered surface 72b of the sheet 72 is increased. That is, the valve body 50 is being pushed by the sheet 72 from three directions. As a result, the posture of the rotating valve body 50 is always stable.

[0088] Also, in the flow path switching valve 10, the included angles between the center lines of adjacent flow path openings 26 are all the same. Thereby, the flow path switching valve 10 can have a simpler configuration compared to the case where the included angles are different.

[0089] Also, in the flow path switching valve 10, an inlet 30 through which the liquid flowing into the valve chamber 22a passes is formed in the bottom portion 28 that constitutes the valve chamber 22a. Thereby, the liquid flowing in from the inlet 30 can be made to flow out from one or two of the flow path openings 26 that are not blocked by the outer surface 50b.

[0090] Also, in the flow path switching valve 10, there is no sealing portion surrounding the inlet 30. For this reason, the number of sealing portions can be reduced compared to the case where a sealing portion surrounding the inlet is provided.

[0091] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail with respect to specific embodiments, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments, and the present disclosure can take various other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above embodiment, although not specifically described, the flow path switching valve 10 includes the inflow pipe 38 and the inflow port 30, but it may not include the inflow pipe and the inflow port. In that case, liquid flows in from one flow port 26 and flows out from the other flow port 26.

[0092] Also, in the above embodiment, the valve body 50 rotates between a position where the outer surface 50b contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surface 72b of any one of the sealing portions 70 and a position where the outer surface contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surfaces 72b of any two of the sealing portions 70. However, the valve may not rotate to a position where the outer surface contacts the entire circumference of the tapered surfaces 72b of any two of the sealing portions. In this case, the effect achieved by the outer surface contacting the entire circumference of the tapered surfaces 72b of any two of the sealing portions is not achieved.

[0093] Also, in the above embodiment, although liquid as a fluid has been described, it may be a gas.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 10 Flow path switching valve 20 Valve body 22a Valve chamber 22b Opening 24 Side wall 24a Side wall 24b Side wall 24c Side wall 26 Flow port 26a Flow port 26b Flow port 26c Flow port 28 Bottom 30 Inflow port 50 Valve body 50a Cavity 50b Outer surface 50c Flow hole 70 Sealing portion 72 Sheet 72b Tapered surface 76 O-rings 80 Covers

Claims

1. A valve body having a valve chamber formed therein, and flow ports through which fluid passes are formed in three side walls constituting the valve chamber, respectively; A valve element rotatably disposed in the valve chamber, having a cavity formed therein, having a spherical outer surface, and having flow holes through which fluid flowing into or out of the cavity passes formed in the outer surface; Three sealing portions, which are annular and are respectively disposed so as to surround the flow ports, and which are in contact with the outer surface and seal between the outer surface and the side walls; The outer surface of the rotating valve element is in contact with the entire circumference of at least one of the sealing portions; Furthermore, the valve element rotates to an angular position where the outer surface is in contact with the entire circumference of only one of the sealing portions and to an angular position where the outer surface is in contact with the entire circumference of only two of the sealing portions; In the angular position where the valve element rotates to be in contact with the entire circumference of only two of the sealing portions, the flow holes of the valve element are connected to only one of the flow ports different from the two flow ports respectively surrounded by the two sealing portions whose entire circumferences are in contact with the outer surface; A flow path switching valve.

2. The sealing portion includes an annular sheet having a recess formed therein, and an O-ring that is in contact with the sheet and the side wall and a part of which is inserted into the recess; An annular tapered surface that is in contact with the outer surface of the valve element is formed on the sheet; Regardless of the angular position at which the rotating valve element is disposed, at least a part of the outer surface of the valve element is in contact with the tapered surfaces of the three sheets respectively, and the O-ring is elastically deformed by the outer surface pressing the sheet against the side wall; The flow path switching valve according to Claim 1.

3. The flow ports are circular, and The included angles between the center lines of adjacent flow ports are all the same; The flow path switching valve according to Claim 1 or 2.

4. An inlet through which fluid flowing into the valve chamber passes is formed in the bottom portion constituting the valve chamber; The flow path switching valve according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

Images