Flow path switching valve

Abstract

This flow path switching valve comprises: a valve unit including a valve main body in which a first port and a second port through which a fluid flows in and out are formed on a wall surface forming a valve chamber, and a third port is formed on a bottom surface of the valve chamber, a valve body disposed rotatably in the valve chamber, and in which a flow path is formed, a first flow path communicating with the first port, a second flow path provided along with the first flow path with the valve main body interposed therebetween, and communicating with the second port, and a third flow path communicating with the third port and which is open on the side opposite to the third port; and a rotation drive part coupled to the valve unit and which rotates the valve body. To the first flow path and the second flow path of the valve unit, the first flow path and the second flow path of another valve unit can be respectively connected and coupled.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Chinese Patent Application Publication No. 111828682 discloses a control valve (flow path switching valve) having a rotating valve body within a valve body and having five or more ports (pipe joints). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, the number of connection ports and the combination of flow paths are fixed according to the specifications, so there is no flexibility, and if the specifications change, it is thought that the design will have to be redone from scratch.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to easily realize flow path switching valves with various specifications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] a valve element rotatably disposed within the valve chamber and having flow paths formed therein; a first flow path communicating with the first inlet / outlet; a second flow path disposed in parallel to the first flow path across the valve body and communicating with the second inlet / outlet; and a third flow path communicating with the third inlet / outlet and having an opening on the side opposite to the third inlet / outlet; and a rotary drive unit connected to the valve unit and configured to rotate the valve element so that communication states of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet are switched via the flow paths in the valve element, and the first flow path and the second flow path of one valve unit can be connected to the first flow path and the second flow path of another valve unit, respectively.

[0006] In this flow path switching valve, the communication state of the first inlet / outlet, second inlet / outlet, and third inlet / outlet of the valve chest can be switched through the flow paths of the valve element by rotating the valve element with the rotary drive unit. The first flow path and second flow path of one valve unit can be connected and linked to the first flow path and second flow path of another valve unit, respectively, so flow path switching valves with various specifications can be easily realized by combining valve units.

[0007] In a second aspect, in the flow path switching valve according to the first aspect, a female fitting is provided at one end of each of the first flow path and the second flow path, and a male fitting having a structure that can be connected to the female fitting is provided at the other end of each of the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0008] In this flow path switching valve, a female fitting is provided at one end of each of the first and second flow paths, and a male fitting configured to be connectable to the female fitting is provided at the other end of each of the first and second flow paths, making it easy to connect the first flow paths of one valve unit to another, and the second flow paths of another valve unit to another.

[0009] In a third aspect, in the flow path switching valve according to the first or second aspect, the third flow path has a bent portion, and a spherical recess is provided at a portion of the bent portion facing the third inlet / outlet.

[0010] The fluid that flows from the valve chamber through the third inlet / outlet into the third flow path passes through the bent portion. In this flow path switching valve, a spherical recess is provided at the bent portion of the third flow path facing the third inlet / outlet, which reduces fluid resistance compared to a configuration in which there is no recess at that portion and the third flow path is simply bent. This reduces pressure loss in the third flow path.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, in the flow path switching valve according to any one of the first to third aspects, a rib is formed in the flow path of the valve body, extending in a direction toward the third inlet / outlet.

[0012] In this flow path switching valve, a rib extending toward the third inlet / outlet is formed in the flow path of the valve disc, which allows the fluid flowing through the valve disc to be rectified. Furthermore, by applying force to the rib when assembling the valve disc into the valve chamber, the orientation of the valve disc can be easily adjusted.

[0013] A fifth aspect is a flow path switching valve according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a first protrusion protruding from the first inlet / outlet side toward the inside of the first flow path is provided at a connection portion between the first flow path and the first inlet / outlet, and a second protrusion protruding from the second inlet / outlet side toward the inside of the second flow path is provided at a connection portion between the second flow path and the second inlet / outlet.

[0014] In this flow path switching valve, a first protrusion is provided at the connection portion of the first flow path with the first inlet / outlet of the valve chest, so that fluid flowing through the first flow path can be guided to the first inlet / outlet. Also, a second protrusion is provided at the connection portion of the second flow path with the second inlet / outlet of the valve chest, so that fluid flowing through the second flow path can be guided to the second inlet / outlet. In this way, the inflow of fluid from the first flow path and the second flow path into the valve chest can be promoted.

[0015] In a sixth aspect, in a flow path switching valve according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, another valve unit can be stacked and connected to the side of one of the valve units opposite the rotary drive section.

[0016] In this flow path switching valve, by stacking and connecting another valve unit on the side of one valve unit opposite the rotary drive section, the degree of freedom in combining valve units can be increased.

[0017] In a seventh aspect, in the flow path switching valve according to the sixth aspect, a portion of one of the valve units that overlaps with another of the valve units serves as a lid that closes the valve chest of the other of the valve units.

[0018] In this flow path switching valve, the portion of one valve unit that can be stacked on another valve unit serves as a lid that closes the valve chamber of the other valve unit, so that when stacking one valve unit on another valve unit, no additional part is required to close the valve chamber of the other valve unit, which prevents an increase in the number of parts and improves the workability when stacking and connecting the valve units.

[0019] In an eighth aspect, in the flow path switching valve according to the sixth or seventh aspect, one of the valve units is connected to another of the valve units in a stacked manner, and the two valve bodies in the two valve units are rotated by one of the rotary drive units.

[0020] In this flow path switching valve, the two valve bodies in the two stacked valve units are rotated by a single rotary drive unit, which reduces the number of parts and costs compared to when two valve units each have their own rotary drive unit.

[0021] In a ninth aspect, in a flow path switching valve according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, the center-to-center distance between the end of the first flow path and the end of the second flow path in one of the valve units is equal to the center-to-center distance between the ends of the first flow path in the overlapping direction when one of the valve units is overlapped and connected to another of the valve units.

[0022] In this flow path switching valve, when two stacked valve units are connected and linked in the direction of the first flow paths and second flow paths of two other stacked valve units, it is possible not only to connect the first flow paths to each other or the second flow paths to each other, but also to connect the first flow path to the second flow path, thereby further increasing the degree of freedom in combining valve units.

[0023] In a tenth aspect, in the flow path switching valve according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, a secondary flow path is provided in the first flow path at a position opposite the first inlet / outlet, and a storage tank can be connected to the secondary flow path.

[0024] An eleventh aspect is the flow path switching valve according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein a pump can be attached to each of the first flow path and the second flow path.

[0025] In a twelfth aspect, in the flow path switching valve according to the third aspect, a through hole is formed in the bottom of the recess, and the through hole is closed by a closing part equipped with a temperature sensor. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present disclosure, flow path switching valves with various specifications can be easily realized. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example in which a storage tank is attached to a flow path switching valve. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example in which a reservoir tank and a pump are attached to a flow path switching valve. [Figure 4] 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a flow path switching valve in which two valve units are stacked and two valve bodies are rotated by one rotary drive part. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a valve unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a valve unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the valve unit as viewed from the male joint side of the first flow path. [Figure 8] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve unit as seen from the opening side of the third flow path, with the second flow path cut in the radial direction. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state in which an opening provided midway through the first flow path is closed by a lid member. FIG. [Figure 12]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration in which, in a flow path switching valve in which two valve units are stacked, a portion of one valve unit that is stacked on another valve unit serves as a lid that closes the valve chamber of the other valve unit. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a flow path switching valve according to a first modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a flow path switching valve according to a first modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to a second modification. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to a second modification. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to a third modification. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing one switching mode of a flow path switching valve according to Modification 4. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing another switching mode of the flow path switching valve according to the fourth modification. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to a fifth modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing one switching mode of a flow path switching valve according to Modification 5. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing another switching mode of the flow path switching valve according to the fifth modification. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 25] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing one switching mode of a flow path switching valve according to a sixth modification. [Figure 26] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing another switching mode of the flow path switching valve according to the sixth modification. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a flow path switching valve according to a seventh modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in each drawing are the same components. Note that duplicated explanations and reference numerals may be omitted in the embodiments described below. Furthermore, all drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional relationships, ratios, etc. of the elements shown in the drawings do not necessarily match those in reality. Furthermore, the dimensional relationships, ratios, etc. of the elements between multiple drawings do not necessarily match.

[0029] Furthermore, in this specification, descriptions of positions and directions such as up / down, left / right, front / rear, etc. are based on the directional arrows in Figure 1 and do not refer to positions and directions in actual use. In Figure 1, "U" indicates the upward direction (upper side), "D" indicates the downward direction (lower side), "LH" indicates the leftward direction (left side), "RH" indicates the rightward direction (right side), "F" indicates the forward direction (front side), and "R" indicates the rearward direction (rear side). "Up / down direction" refers to the directions of arrow U and arrow D. "Right / left direction" refers to the directions of arrow LH and arrow RH. "Front / rear direction" refers to the directions of arrow F and arrow R.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this flow path switching valve 10, three valve units 20 are connected in the left-right direction, and each valve unit 20 is stacked on top of another valve unit 20. In other words, six valve units 20 are combined. FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a flow path switching valve in which two valve units 20 are stacked on top of each other and two valve bodies are rotated by a single rotary drive unit. FIG. 4 corresponds to FIG. 1 with two upper and lower valve units 20 extracted. FIGS. 5 and 6 are partially cutaway perspective views showing one valve unit 20.

[0031] The flow path switching valve 10 is used as a rotary three-way valve (FIG. 5) or four-way valve (FIGS. 13 and 14) for switching the flow path of a fluid flowing in, for example, the engine compartment of an automobile. As shown in FIGS. 4 to 8, the flow path switching valve 10 has a valve unit 20 and a rotary drive unit 18.

[0032] [Valve unit] The valve unit 20 includes a valve body 14, a valve element 16, a first flow path 21, a second flow path 22, and a third flow path 23. In the example shown in Fig. 5, the valve unit 20 is a three-way valve that switches between, for example, a state in which the first flow path 21 and the third flow path 23 are connected to each other, a state in which the second flow path 22 and the third flow path 23 are connected to each other, and a state in which the first flow path 21, the second flow path 22, and the third flow path 23 are not connected to each other.

[0033] (Valve body) 6, the valve body 14 is made of, for example, synthetic resin, and has a valve chamber 12 formed therein. The valve chamber 12 is open at the top, and a valve element 16 and a sealing portion 38 (described later) are inserted from above. A first inlet / outlet 31 and a second inlet / outlet 32 ​​(described later) are formed in the wall surface that defines the valve chamber 12, facing each other and allowing fluid to enter and exit. As an example, the first inlet / outlet 31 is formed in the wall surface facing the rear of the valve chamber 12, and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​is formed in the wall surface facing the front of the valve chamber 12. In other words, the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​face each other in the front-to-rear direction of the valve chamber 12. In addition, a third inlet / outlet 33 is formed in the bottom surface of the valve chamber 12.

[0034] (Valve body) 4, 5, 9, and 10, the valve element 16 is a ball-shaped member made of, for example, synthetic resin, and is rotatably disposed within the valve chamber 12. An insertion hole 16A is formed in the upper part of the valve element 16, into which the valve stem 28 of the rotary drive unit 18 is inserted. The valve stem 28 and the insertion hole 16A engage with each other around the axial direction of the valve stem 28, so that the rotation of the valve stem 28 is transmitted to the valve element 16. The insertion hole 16A passes through to, for example, the flow path 36 of the valve element 16.

[0035] A flow path (internal flow path) 36 is provided inside the valve element 16 to selectively connect the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 of the valve body 14, for example. In other words, to selectively switch the communication states of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 , the valve element 16 has a horizontal hole 36A that connects to the flow path 36 from its outer periphery (side). The valve element 16 also has a pilot hole 36C that connects to the flow path 36 from its outer periphery (lower part). The flow path 36 communicates from the horizontal hole 36A to the pilot hole 36C. Depending on the state of the valve element 16, the horizontal hole 36A can face either the first inlet / outlet 31 or the second inlet / outlet 32. When the horizontal hole 36A is not facing any of the inlets or outlets, the valve element 16 is in a state of being in close contact with a seat member 40 (described later) and closed.

[0036] 9 and 10, a rib 16B extending in a direction (vertical direction) toward the third inlet / outlet 33 is formed in the flow path 36 of the valve body 16. This rib 16B is, for example, a thin plate-like protrusion, and is formed on the inner wall of the flow path 36 of the valve body 16 on the far side of the horizontal hole 36A.

[0037] 4 and 5, sealing portions 38 are provided between the valve element 16 and the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32, respectively, to seal the gap between the valve element 16 and the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32. The sealing portions 38 include, for example, a seat member 40 and an O-ring 42. The seat member 40 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and is formed in an annular shape with openings corresponding to the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32. The seat members 40 are disposed around the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​on the inner wall surfaces of the valve body 14 (the front and rear wall surfaces of the valve chamber 12). The valve element 16 is sandwiched between the two seat members 40 and is disposed so as to be rotatable and slidable while in contact with each seat member 40.

[0038] The gap between the seat member 40 and the valve body 14 is sealed, for example, airtight or watertight, by O-rings 42. The O-rings 42 are attached to O-ring grooves (not shown) formed in the seat member 40, for example.

[0039] As an example, the valve body 14 and the valve element 16 may be made of PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), the seat member 40 may be made of PTFE (fluororesin), and the O-ring 42 may be made of synthetic rubber.

[0040] (Rotation drive unit) In FIG. 4, the rotary driver 18 is connected to the valve unit 20 and rotates the valve element 16 so as to selectively switch the communication state of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 through the flow path of the valve element 16. The rotary driver 18 is disposed above the valve body 14 in the upper valve unit 20. Specifically, for example, a bracket 24 is fixed to the upper valve body 14, and the rotary driver 18 is fixed to the bracket 24 using, for example, screws 26 ( FIG. 1 ). The upward opening ( FIG. 5 ) of the valve chamber 12 of the upper valve body 14 is closed by, for example, the bracket 24 ( FIG. 12 ). In other words, the bracket 24 is shaped to close the opening of the valve chamber 12. The bracket 24 is welded to the inside of the opening of the valve chamber 12 in a spigot-fitted state. The bracket 24 has a protrusion 30. The protrusion 30 faces or abuts against the peripheral edge of the valve chamber 12 in the valve body 14. The protrusion 30 may be a fusion margin. The protrusion 30 may also be provided on the valve body 14 instead of the bracket 24.

[0041] The rotary drive unit 18 is, for example, a geared motor. The rotary drive unit 18 is provided with a connector 50 to which wiring is connected, for example, for communication with a control unit and for power supply. A valve shaft 28 serving as an output shaft is coupled to the rotary drive unit 18. The valve shaft 28 is inserted into a through-hole 24A formed in the bracket 24. An O-ring 29 or an X-ring (not shown) is attached to the valve shaft 28. The O-ring 29 ensures watertightness between the valve shaft 28 and the through-hole 24A. The lower end of the valve shaft 28 is inserted into an insertion hole 16A (FIG. 5) of the valve body 16.

[0042] (First flow path, second flow path, third flow path) 4 to 6, the first flow path 21, the second flow path 22, and the third flow path 23 are, for example, pipe portions formed integrally with the valve body 14. In other words, the first flow path 21 can be referred to as a first port, the second flow path 22 as a second port, and the third flow path 23 as a third port.

[0043] The first flow path 21 is open, for example, at both ends, and communicates with a first inlet / outlet 31 of the valve chamber 12. This first flow path 21 extends linearly, for example, in the left-right direction. The first inlet / outlet 31 is connected midway through the first flow path 21. As a result, the first flow path 21 and the first inlet / outlet 31 are formed in a substantially T-shape in plan view (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

[0044] The second flow path 22 is arranged in parallel to the first flow path 21 with the valve body 14 sandwiched therebetween, and is open at both ends, for example, and communicates with the second inlet / outlet 32. The second flow path 22 extends linearly, for example, in the left-right direction. The second inlet / outlet 32 ​​is connected midway through the second flow path 22. As a result, the second flow path 22 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​are formed in a substantially T-shape in plan view (see FIGS. 13 and 14).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, female fittings 51 and 52 are provided at one end of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, male fittings 61 and 62 are provided at the other end of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22, respectively. The male fittings 61 and 62 are configured to be connectable to the female fittings 51 and 52. Annular grooves 61A and 62A are formed on the outer peripheries of the male fittings 61 and 62. Furthermore, for example, a pair of arc-shaped slits 51A and 52A are formed in the female fittings 51 and 52. As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the male fittings 61 and 62 are fitted into the female fittings 51 and 52, respectively, and are configured to be retained by fitting a clip 34 into the grooves 61A and 62A through the slits 51A and 52A. The connection portions of the fittings are waterproofed by, for example, an O-ring 66. By having such a joint structure, the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of one valve unit 20 can be connected and linked to the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of another valve unit 20, respectively (see FIGS. 1, 13, and 14). Note that this joint structure is just one example, and any other joint structure can be used.

[0046] 6 to 8 , 13 , and 14 , a first protrusion 71 that protrudes from the first inlet / outlet 31 side toward the inside of the first flow path 21 is provided at a connection portion of the first flow path 21 with the first inlet / outlet 31. This first protrusion 71 is, for example, an arc-shaped ridge formed along the opening of the first inlet / outlet 31 to the first flow path 21. The range of the first protrusion 71 is, for example, less than half the circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the first flow path 21 on the first inlet / outlet 31 side. One side of the first protrusion 71 in the left-right direction is a concave surface that extends from a portion of the inner wall of the first flow path 21. In the illustrated example, the first protrusion 71 is provided on the left side of the first inlet / outlet 31. Note that the first protrusion 71 may be provided on the right side of the first inlet / outlet 31 or on both the left and right sides of the first protrusion 71.

[0047] Furthermore, a second protrusion 72 protruding from the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​side toward the inside of the second flow path 22 is provided at a connection portion of the second flow path 22 with the second inlet / outlet 32. This second protrusion 72 is, for example, an arc-shaped ridge formed along the opening of the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​to the second flow path 22. The range of the second protrusion 72 is, for example, less than half the circumference of the inner circumferential surface of the second flow path 22 on the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​side. One side of the second protrusion 72 in the left-right direction is a concave surface that extends from a portion of the inner wall of the second flow path 22. In the illustrated example, the second protrusion 72 is provided on the left side of the second inlet / outlet 32. Note that the second protrusion 72 may be provided on the right side of the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​or on both the left and right sides of the second protrusion 72.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 9, a sub-flow path 46 closed by a lid 44 may be provided in the first flow path 21, for example, at a position opposite the first inlet / outlet 31. The gap between the lid 44 and the end of the sub-flow path 46 is sealed by welding or by a sealing member such as an O-ring 48 to prevent water leakage. The sub-flow path 46 can be accessed by removing the lid 44. A storage tank 54, for example, can be connected to the sub-flow path 46. When the valve units 20 are stacked one above the other, two sub-flow paths 46 are provided, one above the other. These two sub-flow paths 46 can also be connected to a storage tank 54 with two connection ports (FIG. 2). In this case, the storage tank 54 may have two storage chambers that correspond to the connection ports and are separated from each other. This allows the same fluid but with different temperatures to be stored separately.

[0049] In addition, the female joint 51 or male joint 61 of the first flow path 21 at the end of the flow path switching valve 10 and the female joint 52 or malePumps 81, 82 can be attached to the fittings 62, respectively. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the pump 81 is attached to the female fitting 51 (see FIG. 2) of the first flow path 21 in the upper valve unit 20. The pump 82 is attached to the female fitting 52 of the second flow path 22 in the upper valve unit 20. The pump 81 has a fitting 91 that serves as an inlet and outlet for the fluid. The pump 82 has a fitting 92 that serves as an inlet and outlet for the fluid. The pump 81 can supply fluid from another device to the first flow path 21 via the fitting 91, or supply fluid in the first flow path 21 to another device. The pump 82 can supply fluid from another device to the second flow path 22, or supply fluid in the second flow path 22 to another device, via the fitting 92.

[0050] 4, 5, and 7, third flow path 23 communicates with third inlet / outlet 33 and is open on the side opposite third inlet / outlet 33. Specifically, third flow path 23 has bent portion 23A. Third inlet / outlet 33 is located above bent portion 23A. The open end of third flow path 23 is located, for example, in front of bent portion 23A and protrudes, for example, forward of second flow path 22. The open end of third flow path 23 is provided with, for example, a male fitting 64 that can be connected to a pipe to another device.

[0051] 4 and 5, a spherical recess 23B, for example, is provided in a portion of the bent portion 23A of the third flow path 23 facing the third inlet / outlet 33, i.e., below the third inlet / outlet 33. The recess 23B is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape. The recess 23B is recessed below a bottom 23C of the lateral flow path forward of the bent portion 23A. This allows a portion of the fluid that enters the third flow path 23 from the third inlet / outlet 33 to first fall down to the recess 23B and then enter the lateral flow path of the third flow path 23.

[0052] In the example shown in FIG. 5, a through-hole 23D is formed at the bottom of the recess 23B. The valve stem 58 can be passed through the through-hole 23D (FIG. 4). An O-ring 60 seals the gap between the valve stem 58 and the through-hole 23D. When another valve unit is not stacked below, for example, the bottom of the recess 23B may be configured without the through-hole 23D, as in the lower valve unit 20 in FIG. 4. Note that even if the through-hole 23D is provided, it may be blocked by a separate member (e.g., a blocking portion 86). For example, the blocking portion 86 may include a temperature sensor 84. The temperature sensor 84 is supported by, for example, the blocking portion 86, and is positioned so that its tip is located within the third flow path 23. For example, an O-ring 88 is attached to the blocking portion 86. The O-ring 88 ensures watertightness between the blocking portion 86 and the through-hole 23D. Using the temperature sensor 84 allows accurate measurement of the temperature within the third flow path 23.

[0053] [Overlapping of valve units] 1 and 4, in this embodiment, one valve unit 20 can be connected by stacking another valve unit 20 on the side opposite the rotary drive unit 18 of the other valve unit 20. The portion of the upper valve unit 20 that is stacked on the lower valve unit 20 serves as a lid 68 that closes the valve chamber 12 of the lower valve unit 20. This closing structure is generally similar to the closing structure of the valve chamber 12 using the bracket 24 in Figure 12, and the bottom of the upper valve body 14 is welded to the inside of the opening of the valve chamber 12 of the lower valve body 14 in a spigot-fitted state.

[0054] 4, one valve unit 20 may be connected to another valve unit 20 by stacking them on top of each other, and the two valve elements 16 in the two valve units 20 may be rotated by a single rotary drive unit 18. In this example, the valve shaft 28 of the upper valve unit 20 and the valve shaft 58 of the lower valve unit 20 are connected by a connecting shaft 56. The connecting shaft 56 passes through the interior of the upper valve element 16 and the vertical flow path of the third flow path 23, connecting the upper and lower valve shafts 28, 58. When the upper valve shaft 28 is driven to rotate by the rotary drive unit 18, the rotation is transmitted to the lower valve shaft 58 via the connecting shaft 56, causing the upper and lower valve elements 16 to rotate synchronously.

[0055] The upper and lower valve units 20 may each be provided with a rotation drive unit 18, and the rotation of the valve element 16 may be controlled separately.

[0056] 1, the center-to-center distance W between the end of the first flow path 21 and the end of the second flow path 22 in one valve unit 20 may be equal to the center-to-center distance H between the ends of the first flow paths 21 in the overlapping direction when another valve unit 20 is overlapped and connected to one valve unit 20. In other words, W=H may be satisfied.

[0057] (action) This embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below. In Fig. 4, in the flow path switching valve 10 according to this embodiment, by rotating the valve element 16 with the rotary drive unit 18, the communication state of the first inlet / outlet 31, the second inlet / outlet 32, and the third inlet / outlet 33 of the valve chest 12 can be switched, for example, through the flow path 36 of the valve element 16. The first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​face each other across the valve chest 12, and one horizontal hole 36A is formed in the valve element 16, so that the flow path can be switched by rotating the valve element 16 by 180°.

[0058] The first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of one valve unit 20 can be connected to the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of another valve unit 20, respectively, so that flow path switching valves with various specifications can be easily realized by combining valve units 20. Specifically, female fittings 51 and 52 are provided at one end of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22, respectively, and male fittings 61 and 62 are provided at the other end of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22, respectively. The male fittings 61 and 62 can be connected to the female fittings 51 and 52, respectively. Therefore, for example, the first flow paths 21 of one valve unit 20 and the second valve unit 20 can be easily connected to each other, and the second flow paths 22 of the other valve unit 20 can be easily connected to each other.

[0059] 1, for example, when W=H, when connecting and linking two other stacked valve units 20 in the direction of the first flow paths 21 and second flow paths 22 of two stacked valve units 20, it is possible not only to connect the first flow paths 21 with each other or the second flow paths 22 with each other, but also to connect the first flow path 21 with the second flow path 22. In other words, two valve units 20 can be connected by rotating them by 90 degrees. This further increases the degree of freedom in combining valve units 20.

[0060] Furthermore, the fluid that flows from the valve chamber 12 into the third flow path 23 through the third inlet / outlet 33 passes through the bent portion 23A. When a spherical recess 23B is provided in the bent portion 23A of the third flow path 23 at a portion facing the third inlet / outlet 33, the resistance to the fluid is reduced compared to a configuration in which the recess 23B is not provided at that portion and the third flow path 23 is simply bent. This makes it possible to suppress pressure loss in the third flow path 23.

[0061] 9 and 10, if a rib 16B extending in the direction toward the third inlet / outlet 33 is formed in the flow path 36 of the valve disc 16, it is possible to rectify the fluid flowing through the valve disc 16. When assembling the valve disc 16 into the valve chamber 12, the orientation of the valve disc 16 can be easily adjusted by applying force to the rib 16B.

[0062] 6 to 8, 13, and 14, when a first protrusion 71 is provided at the connection portion of the first flow path 21 with the first inlet / outlet 31 of the valve chest 12, the first protrusion 71 disturbs the flow of fluid in the first flow path 21. This makes it possible to guide the fluid flowing through the first flow path 21 to the first inlet / outlet 31. When a second protrusion 72 is provided at the connection portion of the second flow path 22 with the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​of the valve chest 12, the second protrusion 72 disturbs the flow of fluid in the second flow path 22, making it possible to guide the fluid flowing through the second flow path 22 to the second inlet / outlet 32. In this way, the inflow of fluid from the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 into the valve chest 12 can be promoted.

[0063] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, by making it possible to stack and connect another valve unit 20 on the opposite side of the rotation drive unit 18 of one valve unit 20, the degree of freedom in combining valve units 20 can be increased.

[0064] If the portion of one valve unit 20 that can be stacked on another valve unit 20 is a lid 68 that closes the valve chamber 12 of the other valve unit 20, then when stacking one valve unit 20 on another valve unit 20, no additional part is required to close the valve chamber 12 of the other valve unit 20. This prevents an increase in the number of parts and improves the workability when stacking and connecting the valve units 20.

[0065] When the two valve bodies 16 in two stacked valve units 20 are rotated by one rotary drive unit 18, the number of parts and costs can be reduced compared to when a rotary drive unit 18 is provided for each of the two valve units 20.

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment, flow path switching valves with various specifications can be easily realized.

[0067] (Variation 1) The valve unit 20 is not limited to a three-way valve and may be, for example, a four-way valve as shown in Figures 13 and 14. In this case, the valve element 16 is formed with a lateral hole 36B that merges from its outer periphery (side) into the center of the lateral hole 36A, in a direction that is perpendicular to the rotation axis O1 of the valve element 16 and perpendicular to the lateral hole 36A. By rotating the valve element 16 by 90 degrees, it is possible to switch between a state in which the first inlet / outlet 31 and the third inlet / outlet 33 are connected to each other and a state in which the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​and the third inlet / outlet 33 are connected to each other.

[0068] (Variation 2) 15 and 16, in flow path switching valve 10 according to this modification, the structures of female joints 51, 52 and male joints 61, 62 are different from the structures shown in Figures 1 to 8. Figures 15 and 16 show the same flow path switching valve 10 from a different perspective.

[0069] In this modification, the pipe portion that forms the first flow path 21 is configured as a separate component from the valve body 14 and is joined to the valve body 14 by welding, for example, during assembly. The pipe portion that forms the second flow path 22 is configured as a single component with the valve body 14.

[0070] (Variation 3) 17, in the flow path switching valve 10 according to this modification, in one valve unit 20 (upper valve unit), the valve shaft 28 inserted into the valve element 16 is separate from the stem 98 serving as the output shaft of the rotary drive unit 18. The lower end of the stem 98 is inserted into the valve shaft 28. Rotation of the stem 98 is transmitted to the valve shaft 28. In this modification, the valve shaft 28 can be shared with the valve shaft 58 of another valve unit 20 (lower valve unit).

[0071] In this modification, similar to modification 2 (FIGS. 15 and 16), the pipe portion that constitutes first flow path 21 is configured as a separate component from valve body 14 and is joined to valve body 14 during assembly. In sealing portion 38 that seals between valve element 16 and first inlet / outlet 31 and second inlet / outlet 32, O-rings 42 are attached to O-ring grooves provided in the pipe portion that constitutes first flow path 21 and O-ring grooves provided in valve body 14, respectively.

[0072] (Variation 4) In Figure 18, the flow path switching valve 10 according to this modification is formed by connecting two valve unit 20 assemblies according to modification 2 (Figures 15 and 16). The valve unit 20 assembly is formed by stacking two valve units 20. The assembly of the two valve units 20 is designated, from the left in Figure 18, as valve unit 20(I) and valve unit 20(II). The valve unit 20(I) is indicated by a dashed line, and the valve unit 20(II) is indicated by a two-dot dashed line. The valve unit 20(I) is attached rotated 90° relative to the valve unit 20(II). Accordingly, the positions of the rotation drive units 18 are also different from each other.

[0073] 18, on the rotary drive unit 18 side of the valve unit 20(II), the right end of the second flow path is port A and the right end of the first flow path is port B. Also, on the opposite side of the rotary drive unit 18 in the valve unit 20(II), the right end of the second flow path is port C and the right end of the first flow path is port D.

[0074] The third flow path is designated as port G on the rotary drive unit 18 side of the valve unit 20(I). The third flow path is designated as port H on the opposite side of the rotary drive unit 18 side of the valve unit 20(I).

[0075] Similar to the configuration in Figure 4, in the valve units 20(I) and 20(II), when the rotation drive unit 18 drives the stem 98 and the upper valve shaft 28 to rotate, the rotation is transmitted to the lower valve shaft 58 via the connecting shaft 56, causing the upper and lower valve bodies 16 to rotate synchronously. In Figures 19 and 20, solid lines indicating flow indicate the flow within the valve units 20(I) and 20(II). Dashed lines indicate the flow outside the valve units, i.e., the external flow path. Furthermore, with regard to the lines indicating flow, thick lines indicate areas with flow, and thin lines indicate areas without flow. The same applies to the following modified examples.

[0076] This modification makes it possible to realize two switching modes, for example, as shown in FIGS. In the switching mode shown in FIG. 19, port A communicates with port E, and port B communicates with port G. Port C communicates with port H, and port D communicates with port F. Ports A and H, ports B and E, ports C and F, and ports D and G are all blocked. Other unused ports are also blocked. In this case, if external flow paths are formed connecting ports A and C, ports B and D, ports E and F, and ports G and H, respectively, a series flow path (series circuit) can be configured that passes through ports A, E, F, D, B, G, H, and C and returns to port A. A heat exchanger, evaporator, condenser, battery, motor, etc. can be placed in the external flow path.

[0077] In the switching mode shown in Figure 20, port A communicates with port H, and port B communicates with port E. Port C communicates with port F, and port D communicates with port G. Ports A and E, ports B and G, ports C and H, and ports D and F are all blocked. Other unused ports are also blocked. In this case, if external flow paths are formed connecting ports A and C, ports B and D, ports E and F, and ports G and H, a serial flow path (series circuit) can be configured that passes through ports A, H, G, D, B, E, F, and C and returns to port A.

[0078] (Variation 5) In FIG. 21 , the flow path switching valve 10 according to this modification is configured by connecting three valve unit 20 assemblies according to Modification 2 ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ). The valve unit 20 assembly is configured by stacking two valve units 20. Of the three valve unit 20 assemblies, two valve units 20 are connected in series with their first flow paths connected to each other and their second flow paths connected to each other. Starting from the left in FIG. 21 , they are designated valve unit 20(I) and valve unit 20(II). The third valve unit 20 is designated valve unit 20(III). The valve unit 20(I) is indicated by a thick dashed line, the valve unit 20(II) is indicated by a two-dot dashed line, and the valve unit 20(III) is indicated by a thin dashed line. In FIG. 21 , the valve unit 20(III) is connected to the front of the valve unit 20(I) and the valve unit 20(II). Specifically, the first flow path and the second flow path of the valve unit 20(III) are connected to the third flow paths of the valve unit 20(I) and the valve unit 20(II).

[0079] 21, on the rotary drive unit 18 side of the valve unit 20(II), the right end of the second flow path is port A and the right end of the first flow path is port B. Also, on the opposite side of the rotary drive unit 18 in the valve unit 20(II), the right end of the second flow path is port C and the right end of the first flow path is port D.

[0080] On the rotary drive unit 18 side of the valve unit 20(III), the first flow path is designated as port E, the second flow path is designated as port G, and the third flow path is designated as port J. On the opposite side of the rotary drive unit 18 of the valve unit 20(III), the first flow path is designated as port F, the second flow path is designated as port H, and the third flow path is designated as port K.

[0081] This modification makes it possible to realize two switching modes, for example, as shown in FIGS. In the switching mode shown in FIG. 22, port A communicates with port E, and port B communicates with port G. Port C communicates with port F, and port D communicates with port H. Port G communicates with port J, and port H communicates with port K. Ports A and G, B and E, C and H, D and F, E and J, and F and K are all blocked. Other unused ports are also blocked. In this case, if external flow paths are formed connecting ports A and C, B and D, E and F, G and H, and J and K, a serial flow path (series circuit) can be formed that passes through ports A, E, F, and C and returns to port A. A serial flow path (series circuit) can also be formed that passes through ports B, G, J, K, H, and D and returns to port B.

[0082] In the switching mode shown in FIG. 23, port A communicates with port G, and port B communicates with port E. Port E also communicates with port J. Port C communicates with port H, and port D communicates with port F. Port F also communicates with port K. Ports A and E, B and G, C and F, D and H, G and J, and H and K are all blocked. Unused ports are also blocked. In this case, if external flow paths are formed connecting ports A and C, B and D, E and F, G and H, and J and K, a serial flow path (series circuit) can be formed that passes through ports A, G, H, and C and returns to port A. A serial flow path (series circuit) can also be formed that passes through ports B, E, J, K, F, and D and returns to port B.

[0083] In this way, in this modified example, two series flow paths (series circuits) can coexist in either switching mode, and the flow can be switched between the two switching modes.

[0084] (Variation 6) 24, the flow path switching valve 10 according to this modification is the same as the modification 5 (FIG. 21) except that the front valve unit 20 (III) is rotated by 90 degrees. Ports A to D are the same as those in the modification 5.

[0085] On the rotary drive unit 18 side of the valve unit 20(III), the first flow path is designated as port G, the second flow path is designated as port H, and the third flow path is designated as port J. On the opposite side of the rotary drive unit 18 of the valve unit 20(III), the first flow path is designated as port E, the second flow path is designated as port F, and the third flow path is designated as port K.

[0086] This modification makes it possible to realize two switching modes, for example, as shown in FIGS. In the switching mode shown in Figure 25, port A communicates with port E. Port E also communicates with port K. Port B communicates with port G. Port G also communicates with port J. Ports A and G, B and E, C and F, D and H, F and K, and H and J are blocked, respectively. Note that ports D and F communicate, and ports C and H communicate, but the flow of each path is controlled by the valve unit. 20 (III) is blocked. Other unused ports are also blocked. In this case, if external flow paths are formed connecting ports A and C, ports B and D, ports C and J, ports D and K, ports E and F, and ports G and H, a serial flow path (series circuit) can be formed that passes through ports A, E, K, D, B, G, J, and C and returns to port A.

[0087] In the switching mode shown in Figure 26, port A communicates with port G, and port B communicates with port E. Port C communicates with port F, and port D communicates with port H. Ports A and E, B and G, C and H, D and F, E and K, F and K, G and J, and H and J are blocked, respectively. Other unused ports are also blocked. In this case, if external flow paths are formed connecting ports A and C, B and D, C and J, D and K, E and F, and G and H, respectively, a serial flow path (series circuit) can be configured that passes through ports A, G, H, D, B, E, F, and C and returns to port A.

[0088] (Variation 7) In FIG. 27, the flow path switching valve 10 according to this modification is configured by connecting three assemblies of the valve units 20 according to the modification 2 (FIGS. 15 and 16). The assembly of the valve units 20 is configured by stacking two valve units 20. The assembly of the two valve units 20 is shown in FIG. 27 27, the valve units 20(I), 20(II), and 20(III) are arranged in this order from the left. In this modified example, the valve unit 20(II) is attached rotated 180° relative to the valve units 20(I) and 20(III). In FIG. 27, the rotary drive units 18 of the valve units 20(I) and 20(III) are located on the upper side, while the rotary drive unit 18 of the valve unit 20(II) is located on the lower side. The opening direction of the third flow path is also reversed front to back.

[0089] In this way, by combining a plurality of valve units 20, it is possible to realize a variety of circuits while maintaining a compact size.

[0090] [Other embodiments] The above describes one example of an embodiment of the present disclosure, but the embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the above, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0091] Female fittings 51, 52 are provided at one end of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22, respectively, and male fittings 61, 62 having a structure that can be connected to the female fittings 51, 52 are provided at the other end of the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22, respectively, but the configuration may not have such a fitting structure.

[0092] Although the recess 23B is provided in the bent portion 23A of the third flow path 23, a configuration without such a recess 23B is also possible. Although the rib 16B is formed in the flow path 36 of the valve body 16, a configuration without such a rib 16B is also possible.

[0093] Although a first protrusion 71 is provided at the connection portion between the first flow path 21 and the first inlet / outlet 31, and a second protrusion 72 is provided at the connection portion between the second flow path 22 and the second inlet / outlet 32, either the first protrusion 71 or the second protrusion 72 may be provided, or neither the first protrusion 71 nor the second protrusion 72 may be provided.

[0094] Although it is possible to connect one valve unit 20 to another valve unit 20 by stacking it on the side opposite the rotary drive unit 18 of the other valve unit 20, other members may be interposed between the two valve units 20. Also, such connection does not necessarily have to be possible.

[0095] The center-to-center distance W between the end of the first flow path 21 and the end of the second flow path 22 in one valve unit 20 is set to be equal to the center-to-center distance H between the ends of the first flow path 21 in the overlapping direction when one valve unit 20 is overlapped and connected to another valve unit 20 (W = H), but the center-to-center distance W may be different from the center-to-center distance H. Furthermore, in the above-described flow path switching valve, the valve units 20 are configured to be overlapped in two stages, but they may also be overlapped in three or more stages.

[0096] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-120887, filed on July 28, 2022, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. a valve unit comprising: a valve body having a valve chamber formed therein, with first and second inlet / outlets formed on wall surfaces defining the valve chamber, through which fluids enter and exit, and a third inlet / outlet formed on a bottom surface of the valve chamber; a ball-shaped valve element rotatably disposed within the valve chamber and having a flow path formed therein; a first flow path communicating with the first inlet / outlet; a second flow path arranged in parallel to the first flow path across the valve body and communicating with the second inlet / outlet; a third flow path communicating with the third inlet / outlet and having an open end opposite to the third inlet / outlet; and sealing portions that respectively seal between the valve element and the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet. a rotary drive unit connected to the valve unit and configured to rotate the valve body so that communication states of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet are switched through the flow path of the valve body; and the first flow path and the second flow path of the valve unit can be connected to the first flow path and the second flow path of another valve unit, respectively; A flow path switching valve, wherein one of the valve units can be connected to another of the valve units by stacking the other on the side opposite to the rotary drive portion of the one of the valve units.

2. A valve unit comprising: a valve body having a valve chamber formed therein, and a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet formed on the wall surfaces forming said valve chamber for fluid to enter and exit, and a third inlet / outlet formed on the bottom surface of said valve chamber; a ball-shaped valve element rotatably arranged within said valve chamber and having a flow path formed thereon; a first flow path communicating with said first inlet / outlet; a second flow path arranged in parallel to said first flow path across said valve body and communicating with said second inlet / outlet; a third flow path communicating with said third inlet / outlet and having an opening on the side opposite to said third inlet / outlet; and sealing portions sealing between said valve element and said first inlet / outlet and said second inlet / outlet, respectively. a rotary drive unit connected to the valve unit and configured to rotate the valve body so that communication states of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet are switched through the flow path of the valve body; and the first flow path and the second flow path of the valve unit can be connected to the first flow path and the second flow path of another valve unit, respectively; a sub-flow path is provided in the first flow path at a position opposite to the first inlet / outlet, A flow path switching valve, wherein a storage tank can be connected to the sub-flow path.

3. a female joint is provided at one end of the first flow path and a female joint is provided at one end of the second flow path, The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 , wherein the other ends of the first flow path and the second flow path are provided with male joints each having a structure connectable to the female joint.

4. A valve unit comprising: a valve body having a valve chamber formed therein, and a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet formed on the wall surfaces forming said valve chamber for fluid to enter and exit, and a third inlet / outlet formed on the bottom surface of said valve chamber; a ball-shaped valve element rotatably arranged within said valve chamber and having a flow path formed thereon; a first flow path communicating with said first inlet / outlet; a second flow path arranged in parallel to said first flow path across said valve body and communicating with said second inlet / outlet; a third flow path communicating with said third inlet / outlet and having an opening on the side opposite to said third inlet / outlet; and sealing portions sealing between said valve element and said first inlet / outlet and said second inlet / outlet, respectively. a rotary drive unit connected to the valve unit and configured to rotate the valve body so that communication states of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet are switched through the flow path of the valve body; and the first flow path and the second flow path of the valve unit can be connected to the first flow path and the second flow path of another valve unit, respectively; The third flow path has a bent portion, and a spherical recess is provided in the bent portion at a position facing the third inlet / outlet.

5. A valve unit comprising: a valve body having a valve chamber formed therein, and a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet formed on the wall surfaces forming said valve chamber for fluid to enter and exit, and a third inlet / outlet formed on the bottom surface of said valve chamber; a ball-shaped valve element rotatably arranged within said valve chamber and having a flow path formed thereon; a first flow path communicating with said first inlet / outlet; a second flow path arranged in parallel to said first flow path across said valve body and communicating with said second inlet / outlet; a third flow path communicating with said third inlet / outlet and having an opening on the side opposite to said third inlet / outlet; and sealing portions sealing between said valve element and said first inlet / outlet and said second inlet / outlet, respectively. a rotary drive unit connected to the valve unit and configured to rotate the valve body so that communication states of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet are switched through the flow path of the valve body; and the first flow path and the second flow path of the valve unit can be connected to the first flow path and the second flow path of another valve unit, respectively; a rib extending in a direction toward the third inlet / outlet is formed in the flow path of the valve body.

6. A valve unit comprising: a valve body having a valve chamber formed therein, and a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet formed on the wall surfaces forming said valve chamber for fluid to enter and exit, and a third inlet / outlet formed on the bottom surface of said valve chamber; a ball-shaped valve element rotatably arranged within said valve chamber and having a flow path formed thereon; a first flow path communicating with said first inlet / outlet; a second flow path arranged in parallel to said first flow path across said valve body and communicating with said second inlet / outlet; a third flow path communicating with said third inlet / outlet and having an opening on the side opposite to said third inlet / outlet; and sealing portions sealing between said valve element and said first inlet / outlet and said second inlet / outlet, respectively. a rotary drive unit connected to the valve unit and configured to rotate the valve body so that communication states of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet are switched through the flow path of the valve body; and the first flow path and the second flow path of the valve unit can be connected to the first flow path and the second flow path of another valve unit, respectively; a first protrusion protruding from the first inlet / outlet side toward an inside of the first flow path is provided at a connection portion of the first flow path with the first inlet / outlet, A flow path switching valve, wherein a second protrusion protruding from the second inlet / outlet side toward the inside of the second flow path is provided at a connection portion of the second flow path with the second inlet / outlet.

7. 2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein a portion of one of the valve units that is overlapped with another of the valve units serves as a lid that closes the valve chamber of the other valve unit.

8. One of the valve units is connected to another of the valve units in a stacked manner, The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 , wherein the two valve bodies in the two valve units are rotated by one of the rotary drive parts.

9. The center-to-center distance between the end of the first flow path and the end of the second flow path in one of the valve units is The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 , wherein the distance is equal to a center-to-center distance between ends of the first flow path in an overlapping direction when one of the valve units is overlapped and connected to another of the valve units.

10. 2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein a pump can be attached to each of the first flow path and the second flow path.

11. a through hole is formed in the bottom of the recess; 5. The flow path switching valve according to claim 4, wherein the through hole is closed by a closing portion equipped with a temperature sensor.

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