Slide-type switching valve

Abstract

To obtain a slide type switching valve capable of suppressing deformation of an urging member to a predetermined amount or less by a deformation restriction part even when a valve body is displaced greatly by a load exceeding assumption, and capable of preventing an excessive load from acting on the urging member.SOLUTION: A slide type switching valve 1 comprises a hollow cylindrical valve body 2, a valve seat part 3 having one or more valve ports 30, 31, 32, a valve element 4 provided inside the valve body 2, and an urging member 6 that urges the valve element 4 toward the valve seat part 3. Between the valve element 4 and the valve body 2, provided is a deformation restriction part 7 that extends from at least one of a part of the valve element 4 and an inner peripheral surface of the valve body 2 to the other and restricts the urging member 6 from being deformed beyond a predetermined deformation amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide-type switching valve. [Background technology]

[0002] A known valve device used in a refrigeration cycle or the like is a slide-type switching valve, which has a valve seat with valve ports and switches the communication state of the valve ports using a valve element that slides axially on the valve seat. Among these, a slide-type switching valve that switches the refrigerant flow path is known, which includes a cylindrical valve body, a bowl-shaped valve element that slides freely within the valve body, and a valve seat that is fixed to the valve body and has multiple valve ports (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The valve element of the slide-type switching valve described in Patent Document 1 has a biasing member fixed thereto, and the biasing member biases the valve element toward the valve seat, thereby applying contact pressure between the seat surfaces of the valve element and the valve seat. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-200155 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned slide-type switching valve, if the valve disc is significantly displaced away from the valve seat due to a load that exceeds expectations, such as impact pressure blowing up from inside the valve disc, the biasing member may be deformed beyond its elastic range, and the desired biasing force may not be obtained.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a slide-type switching valve that can prevent excessive load from acting on the urging member by using a deformation control section to suppress deformation of the urging member to a predetermined amount or less, even if the valve body is about to be displaced significantly due to a load that exceeds expectations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The slide-type switching valve of the present invention is a slide-type switching valve comprising: a hollow cylindrical valve body; a valve seat portion having one or more valve ports provided in the valve body; a valve element provided inside the valve body so as to be slidable in the axial direction on the valve seat portion and switching the communication state of the valve port; and a biasing member that biases the valve element toward the valve seat portion, wherein a deformation restricting portion is provided between the valve element and the valve body, the deformation restricting portion extending from at least one of a part of the valve element and an inner circumferential surface of the valve body to the other, and restricting deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount, and a clearance between the deformation restricting portion and either the inner circumferential surface of the valve body or the outer circumferential surface of the valve element prevents the forward movement of the valve body. a predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is specified, the valve body has a seal portion that is in sliding contact with the sealing surface of the valve seat portion and an apex portion opposite the seal portion, the deformation regulating portion is provided extending from the apex portion of the valve body toward the inner peripheral surface of the valve body, the biasing member has an attachment portion attached to the apex portion of the valve body, an extension portion that rises from the attachment portion, and a contact portion that is provided at the tip of the extension portion and can come into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the valve body, and the deformation regulating portion is provided upstream of the biasing member in the fluid flow direction inside the valve body and is provided overlapping with the attachment portion and the extension portion of the biasing member in the fluid flow direction.

[0007] According to the present invention, the valve element provided inside the valve body is biased toward the valve seat by a biasing member. Therefore, the biasing force of the biasing member presses the valve element against the sealing surface of the valve seat, reducing the likelihood of a gap forming between the valve element and the sealing surface, ensuring airtightness within the valve body. Furthermore, a deformation limiting portion is provided between the valve element and the valve body, extending from at least one of a portion of the valve element and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body to the other, and restricting deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount. Therefore, even if an unexpected load, such as impact pressure rising from inside the valve element, acts on the valve element, the deformation of the biasing member is limited to the predetermined deformation amount, thereby preventing the valve element from significantly displacing away from the valve seat. Therefore, even if the valve element attempts to significantly displace due to an unexpected load, the deformation limiting portion can restrict deformation of the biasing member to within a predetermined amount, thereby providing a slide-type switching valve that prevents excessive load from acting on the biasing member. Furthermore, with this configuration, the predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is determined by the clearance between the deformation restricting portion and either the inner circumferential surface of the valve body or the outer circumferential surface of the valve disc. Therefore, before the biasing member deforms to the predetermined deformation amount, i.e., in the normal state, the displacement of the valve disc is not restricted by the deformation restricting portion, so the valve disc can slide smoothly in the axial direction without impairing its slidability against the valve seat. Furthermore, with this configuration, the deformation control portion extending from the top of the valve body toward the inner surface of the valve body can prevent the biasing member from deforming beyond a predetermined deformation amount. Furthermore, with this configuration, the deformation restricting portion is provided upstream of the biasing member in the direction of fluid flow within the valve body, and is provided overlapping the mounting portion and extension portion of the biasing member in the direction of fluid flow. Therefore, the flow velocity of high-pressure fluid flowing within the valve body is first reduced by the deformation restricting portion provided upstream, and the force of the fluid against the mounting portion and extension portion of the biasing member located downstream can be suppressed, thereby protecting the biasing member.

[0008] a valve seat having one or more valve ports provided in the valve body; a valve element provided inside the valve body so as to be slidable in the axial direction on the valve seat and switching the communication state of the valve ports; and a biasing member biasing the valve element toward the valve seat; wherein a deformation restricting member is provided between the valve element and the valve body, the deformation restricting member extending from at least one of a part of the valve element and an inner circumferential surface of the valve body to the other and restricting deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount, the predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member being determined by a clearance between the deformation restricting member and either the inner circumferential surface of the valve body or the outer circumferential surface of the valve element; and a guide member is provided inside the valve body, rising from a sealing surface of the valve seat and extending in the axial direction to guide the valve element in the axial direction, the clearance being set to be smaller than the height of the guide member. With this configuration, the clearance is set smaller than the height of the guide portion, so even if an unexpected load, such as impact pressure rising from inside the valve disc, acts on the valve disc and causes the valve disc to be significantly displaced in a direction away from the valve seat, the valve disc can be prevented from displacing in the same direction beyond the height of the guide portion. This prevents the valve disc from riding up onto the guide portion, allowing the guide portion, which maintains the appropriate position of the valve disc and the valve port, to function normally and ensuring the sliding movement of the valve disc.

[0009] The slide-type switching valve of the present invention is a slide-type switching valve comprising: a hollow cylindrical valve body; a valve seat portion having one or more valve ports provided in the valve body; a valve element provided inside the valve body so as to be slidable in the axial direction on the valve seat portion and switching the communication state of the valve port; and a biasing member for biasing the valve element toward the valve seat portion, wherein a biasing member is provided between the valve element and the valve body, the biasing member extending from at least one of a part of the valve element and an inner circumferential surface of the valve body to the other and deforming beyond a predetermined amount. The valve body is characterized in that a deformation limiting portion is provided to limit deformation of the biasing member, the predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is determined by a clearance between the deformation limiting portion and either the inner peripheral surface of the valve body or the outer peripheral surface of the valve disc, the valve disc has a seal portion that slides against the seal surface of the valve seat, an apex portion opposite the seal portion, and a side portion between the apex and the seal portion, and the deformation limiting portion is provided to extend from both widthwise sides of the valve disc toward the inner peripheral surface of the valve body. With this configuration, the deformation limiting portions that extend from both widthwise sides of the valve disc toward the inner peripheral surface of the valve body can limit deformation of the biasing member from exceeding the predetermined deformation amount.

[0010] a valve element provided within the valve body so as to be axially slidable on the valve seat and configured to switch the communication state of the valve port; and a biasing member configured to bias the valve element toward the valve seat; wherein a deformation restricting member is provided between the valve element and the valve body, the deformation restricting member extending from at least one of a part of the valve element and an inner circumferential surface of the valve body to the other and restricting deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount; the predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is determined by a clearance between the deformation restricting member and either the inner circumferential surface of the valve body or the outer circumferential surface of the valve element; the valve element has a seal portion that is in sliding contact with the seal surface of the valve seat and an apex portion opposite the seal portion; and the deformation restricting member is provided extending from the inner circumferential surface of the valve body toward the apex of the valve element. With this configuration, the deformation restriction portion extending from the inner circumferential surface of the valve body toward the top of the valve element can restrict deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount.

[0011] The slide-type switching valve of the present invention is a slide-type switching valve including a hollow cylindrical valve body, a valve seat portion having one or more valve ports provided in the valve body, a valve element provided inside the valve body so as to be slidable in the axial direction on the valve seat portion and switching the communication state of the valve port, and a biasing member that biases the valve element toward the valve seat portion, wherein a deformation restricting portion is provided between the valve element and the valve body, the deformation restricting portion extending from at least one of a part of the valve element and an inner circumferential surface of the valve body to the other, and restricting deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount, The predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is determined by a clearance between the inner peripheral surface of the valve body and either the inner peripheral surface of the valve body or the outer peripheral surface of the valve body, the valve body having a seal portion that slides against the sealing surface of the valve seat portion, an apex portion opposite the seal portion, and a side portion between the apex and the seal portion, the valve body having a step portion that protrudes outward in the width direction on both sides of the width direction, the deformation restricting portion extending from the inner peripheral surface of the valve body toward the apex of the valve body beyond the step portion, and the predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is determined by the clearance between the deformation restricting portion and the step portion. According to this configuration, the valve body has a step portion that protrudes outward in the width direction on both sides of the width direction, and the deformation restricting portion extending from the inner peripheral surface of the valve body toward the apex of the valve body beyond the step portion. The predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is determined by the clearance between the deformation restricting portion and the step portion. Therefore, the deformation control portion extending from the inner peripheral surface of the valve body toward the top side of the valve body beyond the step portion can prevent the biasing member from deforming beyond a predetermined deformation amount. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, even if the valve body is about to be displaced significantly due to a load exceeding that expected, the deformation of the urging member can be suppressed to a predetermined amount or less by the deformation control portion, thereby providing a slide-type switching valve that can prevent excessive load from acting on the urging member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 3, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 10(A) is a diagram showing the height of the biasing member, and FIG. 10(B) is a diagram showing the dimensions of the clearance. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing modified examples of the biasing member. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve body and a valve element in a first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a slide-type switching valve according to a first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve body and a valve element in a second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a slide-type switching valve according to a second modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a valve body and a valve element in a third modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a slide-type switching valve according to a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 1 to 7. A slide-type switching valve 1 according to this embodiment is a switching valve connected to a compressor, an evaporator, and a condenser in a refrigeration cycle or the like, and switches the flow path of a refrigerant flowing through these devices. The slide-type switching valve 1 includes a hollow cylindrical valve body 2, a valve seat 3 having a plurality of valve ports provided on the valve body 2, a valve element 4 provided inside the valve body 2 so as to be slidable in the axial direction L on the valve seat 3, a drive unit 5 that slides the valve element 4, a biasing member 6 that biases the valve element 4 toward the valve seat 3, and a deformation restricting member 7 that restricts deformation of the biasing member 6 from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount. The slide-type switching valve 1 of this embodiment has the drive unit 5 on one side in the axial direction L and an inlet port P (described later) on the other side in the axial direction L. Therefore, one side in the axial direction L may be referred to as the drive unit 5 side, and the other side in the axial direction L may be referred to as the inlet port P side.

[0015] The valve body 2 includes a circular bottom wall 2A and a side wall 2B extending from the periphery of the bottom wall 2A toward the actuator 5. The valve body 2 is molded into a cylindrical shape with a bottom by resin molding, and its interior defines the valve chamber 2a. An inlet port P is formed in the bottom wall 2A, communicating with the inside and outside of the valve chamber 2a. The inlet port P is connected to the discharge port of a compressor (not shown) via an inlet connection flow path 20 extending along the axis L. The inlet port P serves as the inlet through which high-pressure refrigerant delivered from the compressor flows into the valve chamber 2a. The side wall of the valve body 2 is formed with multiple cylindrical flow paths connecting the inside and outside of the valve chamber 2a, namely, a first connection flow path 21, an outlet connection flow path 22, and a second connection flow path 23, which are arranged in this order from the actuator 5 side along the axis L. The first connection flow path 21 is connected to a first port 30 (described later). The first connecting flow path 21 is connected to the condenser (or evaporator) and constitutes a flow path for the fluid that flows between the condenser (or evaporator) and the valve chamber 2a.

[0016] The outlet connection flow path 22 is a flow path that communicates with an outlet port 31, which will be described later. This outlet connection flow path 22 is connected to the suction port of the compressor, and constitutes a flow path through which low-pressure refrigerant that has returned to the valve chest 2a through the first connection flow path 21 (or the second connection flow path 23) is sent to the compressor. The second connection flow path 23 is a flow path that communicates with a second port 32, which will be described later. This second connection flow path 23 is connected to the evaporator (or the condenser), and constitutes a flow path for fluid that flows between the evaporator (or the condenser) and the valve chest 2a.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, guide portions 24 are formed at both ends in the width direction X of the peripheral portions of the first connection flow path 21, the outlet connection flow path 22, and the second connection flow path 23 inside the valve body 2. In this embodiment, the width direction X is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction L, and also perpendicular to the height direction Z, which is perpendicular to the axial direction L from the valve seat 3 toward a top portion 44 (described later) of the valve disc 4 in the cross-sectional views shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. This width direction X also indicates the width direction X of the valve disc 4. The guide portions 24 are formed in a stepped shape, rising in the height direction Z from both ends in the width direction X of a sealing surface 33 of the valve seat 3 (described later) and extending in the axial direction L, to guide the valve disc 4 in the axial direction L. As shown in Figure 1, a metallic cylindrical lower cover 25 is fixed to the end of the valve body 2 on the drive unit 5 side by insert molding with the valve body 2, and a metallic cylindrical upper cover 26 with a bottom and a bottom wall on the drive unit 5 side is fixed to the end of the lower cover 25 on the drive unit 5 side.

[0018] The top cover 26 has a small-diameter portion 26a in the center of its bottom wall, extending toward the drive unit 5 in the direction of axis L. A through-hole 26b is formed in the center of the small-diameter portion 26a, penetrating in the direction of axis L. A guide member 53, described later, is disposed within this through-hole 26b. The valve body 2, bottom cover 25, and top cover 26 configured in this manner are housed in a housing 8 (shown only in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B)). Note that reference symbol G in FIG. 1 denotes grooves formed at multiple positions in the direction of axis L at predetermined intervals on either the outer peripheral wall of the valve body 2 or the inner peripheral wall of the housing 8, and reference symbol 27 denotes an O-ring disposed in the groove G. The O-ring 27 provides a seal between the valve body 2 and the housing 8. Note that, although the valve body 2 in this embodiment is made of a resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), it may also be made of other appropriate materials, such as metals such as brass, iron, aluminum, and stainless steel.

[0019] The valve seat 3 is a portion of the side wall of the valve body 2 that is provided with the first connection flow path 21, the outlet connection flow path 22, and the second connection flow path 23, and is configured to have multiple valve ports. The valve seat 3 is formed from a thin metal plate and fixed to the side wall of the valve body 2 by insert molding, bonding, welding, or the like. A first port 30 communicating with the first connection flow path 21, an outlet port 31 communicating with the outlet connection flow path 22, and a second port 32 communicating with the second connection flow path 23 are formed through the plate surface of the valve seat 3. Each of the ports 30, 31, and 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape with an inner diameter smaller than that of the first connection flow path 21, the outlet connection flow path 22, and the second connection flow path 23, and is arranged at a predetermined interval in the direction of the axis L. The plate surface of the valve seat 3, on the side opposite to the side with the connection flow paths 21, 22, and 23, forms a seal surface 33 that comes into sliding contact with a seal portion S of the valve element 4, which will be described later. Therefore, the plurality of valve ports 30 , 31 , 32 open onto the sealing surface 33 .

[0020] The valve element 4 is made primarily of a resin such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) and is provided inside the valve body 2 so as to slide freely in the direction of axis L on the valve seat 3. The valve element 4 is configured to switch the communication state of the valve ports P, 30, 31, and 32. In this embodiment, the valve element 4 is configured with a bowl-shaped valve element main body 40 that seats on the valve seat 3 and communicates or blocks communication between the inlet port P, the first port 30, the outlet port 31, and the second port 32. The valve element main body 40 is configured with an oval opening edge 40a that is elongated in the direction of axis L and is provided to face the sealing surface 33 of the valve seat 3, and a bowl-shaped side portion 40b that protrudes from the opening edge 40a to the side opposite the valve seat 3, and the interior thereof forms a bowl-shaped recess 40c that serves as a fluid flow path. In other words, the valve element 4 is formed in a bowl shape that opens toward the valve seat 3. The dimension of the opening edge 40a of the bowl-shaped recess 40c in the axial direction L is set to a length that can cover two adjacent ports among the first port 30, the outlet port 31, and the second port 32. In addition, the dimension of the opening edge 40a in the width direction X is set to a length that can cover one port among the first port 30, the outlet port 31, and the second port 32.

[0021] The bowl-shaped recess 40c forms a seal portion S, with its opening edge 40a in sliding contact with the above-mentioned seal surface 33. That is, the valve element 4 has the seal portion S in sliding contact with the seal surface 33 of the valve seat 3. When this seal portion S abuts against the seal surface 33, for example, the first port 30 and the outlet port 31 are surrounded by the bowl-shaped recess 40c and are blocked from the other ports P and 32. As a result, the first port 30 and the outlet port 31 are communicated with each other, and the inlet port P is communicated with the second port 32. Then, when the seal portion S slides along the seal surface 33 toward the inlet port P, the outlet port 31 and the second port 32 are surrounded by the bowl-shaped recess 40c and are blocked from the other ports P and 30. As a result, the outlet port 31 is communicated with the second port 32 and the inlet port P is communicated with the first port 30. That is, the valve body 40 slides and the seal portion S comes into sliding contact with the seal surface 33, thereby switching between communication and blocking between the ports P, 30, 31, and 32.

[0022] A stopper 41 is formed on the end of the valve body 40 on the inlet port P side, protruding in the axial direction L toward the inlet port P. This stopper 41 is a protrusion for restricting the sliding movement of the valve body 4, and its protruding end abuts against a surface 2A1 on the valve chamber 2a side of the bottom wall 2A of the valve body 2, thereby restricting the movement of the valve body 4 toward the inlet port P. In other words, the stopper 41 and the surface 2A1 on the valve chamber 2a side of the bottom wall 2A of the valve body 2 define the limit of movement of the valve body 4 toward the inlet port P. A connecting portion 42 is formed on the end of the valve body 40 on the drive unit 5 side, protruding toward the drive unit 5. The end of the connecting portion 42 on the drive unit 5 side forms a thin plate-shaped thin plate portion 42a extending in the height direction Z from the side where the valve seat 3 is located toward the opposite side where the valve seat 3 is located. The thin plate portion 42a is formed with a notch 42b that opens to the side opposite to the side where the valve seat portion 3 is located, thereby forming the thin plate portion 42a in a hook shape.

[0023] Both end surfaces of the thin plate portion 42a in the width direction X are sandwiched in the width direction X by two connecting arms 55b of a female screw member 55 (described later). In this state, the thin plate portion 42a is connected to the female screw member 55 by a fixing pin 57 disposed within the notch 42b and a metal hose band 43 that circumferentially surrounds and tightens the connecting arms 55b and the thin plate portion 42a in the same direction. The end of the valve body 40 in the height direction Z (the end opposite the side where the seal portion S is located) forms the apex 44 of the valve body 4. With this configuration, the valve body 4 has the seal portion S, the apex 44 opposite the seal portion S, and a side portion 40b between the apex 44 and the seal portion S. As shown in FIG. 5 , the apex 44 is formed in a stepped shape that bulges in the height direction Z toward the side opposite the side where the valve seat 3 is located and extends in the direction of the axis L. A tip surface 44a of the apex 44 that faces the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 is formed flat so that a biasing member 6 (described later) can be installed thereon. A mounting protrusion 44b is formed in the center of the tip surface 44a in the axial direction L so as to rise up. The mounting protrusion 44b is fitted into a mounting hole 60a of a mounting portion 60 of the biasing member 6, which will be described later. As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), both side portions 40b1 of the side portion 40b of the valve body 4 in the width direction X are provided with guided portions 45 that can slide in the axial direction L and the height direction Z relative to the guide portion 24. The guided portions 45 protrude outward in the width direction X. The guided portions 45 are provided on the top portion 44 side of the valve body 4 so as to form step portions 45a. That is, both side portions 40b1 of the valve body 4 in the width direction X are provided with step portions 45a that protrude outward in the width direction X.

[0024] The drive unit 5 is a part that drives the valve element 4 to slide, and includes a stepping motor 5a as an electric motor having a rotatable rotor, and a linear motion mechanism 5b that converts the rotation of the stepping motor 5a into linear motion and transmits it to the valve element 4. As shown in Fig. 1, the stepping motor 5a includes a metal, bottomed, cylindrical can 50 that is fixed to the small-diameter portion 26a of the top cover 26 and seals the inside of the drive unit 5, a magnet rotor 51 built into the can 50, and a stator coil (not shown) that is arranged to sandwich the can 50 and surround the outer periphery of the magnet rotor 51 around the axis L. The can 50 is formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape from a thin metal plate, and is arranged so that its central axis is coaxial with the axis L of the valve body 2, and its tip is fixed to the edge of the small-diameter portion 26a of the top cover 26 by welding or the like. The linear motion mechanism 5b includes a bearing member 52 arranged inside the bottom side (opposite the inlet port P side) of the can 50, a guide member 53 fixed to the upper cover 26, a male screw 54 as a rotor shaft fixed to the center of the magnet rotor 51 via a fixing member 54a, and a female screw member 55 having a female screw portion 55a1 that screws into a male screw portion 54d formed on the outer circumferential surface of the male screw 54. In other words, the linear motion mechanism 5b is configured as a screw feed mechanism having a male screw portion 54d and a female screw portion 55a1 that screw into each other.

[0025] The bearing member 52 is a cylindrical member that supports the male screw 54 rotatably about the axis L. The bearing member 52 is inserted into the can 50 so that its central axis is coaxial with the axis L of the valve body 2, and is positioned so that its end on the opposite side of the inlet port P in the direction of the axis L abuts against the inner surface of the bottom wall of the can 50. A first bearing hole 52a that opens toward the inlet port P is formed in the center of the bearing member 52, which is the axial position of the male screw 54. The first bearing hole 52a is a bottomed recessed hole that is provided so that a first shaft portion 54b, which will be described later, can be inserted into it.

[0026] The guide member 53 is a cylindrical member with a bottom, and is disposed within the through-hole 26b of the top cover 26 so that its bottom is located on the inlet port P side and its tip is located on the opposite side from the inlet port P. The guide member 53 has a fixing ring 56 integrally formed by insert molding at approximately the center in the axial direction L, and this fixing ring 56 is fixed to the top cover 26 by welding to the edge of the small-diameter portion 26a of the top cover 26. The guide member 53 is disposed so that its central axis is coaxial with the axial line L of the valve body 2. This arrangement results in the central axes of the can 50, bearing member 52, and guide member 53 all being coaxial with the axial line L of the valve body 2. A second bearing hole 53a is formed in the center of the guide member 53, which corresponds to the axial center position of the male thread 54, and opens opposite the first bearing hole 52a in the axial direction L. The second bearing hole 53a is a bottomed recessed hole into which a second shaft portion 54c (described later) can be inserted.

[0027] 2, a pair of guide holes 53b are formed in the bottom wall of the guide member 53 at portions radially outward of the second bearing hole 53a, through which connecting arm portions 55b of the female screw member 55, described later, are inserted so as to be able to advance and retreat in the direction of axis L. The edges of the guide holes 53b are shaped to fit along the outer peripheral surfaces of the connecting arms 55b, so that even if the connecting arms 55b attempt to rotate about axis L as they advance and retreat in the direction of axis L, their outer wall surfaces come into contact with the edges of the guide holes 53b, preventing rotation. In other words, the guide member 53 is configured to prevent the female screw member 55 from rotating about axis L and to guide the female screw member 55 forward and retreat in the direction of axis L.

[0028] The male screw 54 is fixed to the center of the magnet rotor 51 using a fixing member 54a, extends in the direction of axis L, and is configured to rotate about axis L integrally with the magnet rotor 51. One end of the male screw 54 forms a cylindrical first shaft portion 54b, and the other end of the male screw 54 forms a cylindrical second shaft portion 54c, with a male screw portion 54d formed on the outer circumferential surface of the portion between the first shaft portion 54b and the second shaft portion 54c. The first shaft portion 54b is fitted into the first bearing hole 52a, and the second shaft portion 54c is fitted into the second bearing hole 53a, so that the male screw 54 is supported in the first bearing hole 52a and the second bearing hole 53a with its central axis coaxial with axis L so as to be rotatable about axis L.

[0029] The female screw member 55 includes a cylindrical base end portion 55a housed within the guide member 53, with its outer peripheral wall sliding against the inner peripheral wall of the guide member 53, and two connecting arms 55b extending from the base end portion 55a in the axial direction L toward the inlet port P, passing through the guide hole 53b, and extending into the valve chamber 2a. The base end portion 55a is formed so that its central axis is coaxial with that of the guide member 53. A female screw portion 55a1 is formed at the center of the female screw member 55 along the axial direction L. This female screw portion 55a1 is configured to threadably engage with the male screw portion 54d. With this configuration, the female screw member 55 can move coaxially in the axial direction L as the male screw 54 rotates. The connecting arms 55b connect the drive unit 5 and the valve element 4. The connecting arms 55b extend in the direction of the axis L from part of the periphery of the base end 55a through the guide holes 53b to the valve chamber 2a. As shown in Fig. 2, a through hole 55b1 is formed at the tip of each connecting arm 55b, penetrating the connecting arm 55b in the thickness direction, and a shaft-shaped fixing pin 57 is inserted into and fixed to the through hole 55b1.

[0030] The biasing member 6 is a member for biasing the valve element 4 toward the valve seat 3. In this embodiment, the biasing member 6 is a leaf spring formed by pressing or the like using a metal material such as phosphor bronze. As shown in FIG. 6 , the biasing member 6 includes an attachment portion 60 attached to the tip surface 44a of the top portion 44 of the valve element main body 40, an extension portion 61 rising in the height direction Z from the attachment portion 60, and a contact portion 62 provided at the tip of the extension portion 61 and capable of contacting the inner circumferential surface of the valve main body 2. As shown in FIG. 3 , the attachment portion 60, the extension portion 61, and the contact portion 62 are integrally formed. The attachment portion 60 is formed in a flat plate shape that is aligned with the tip surface 44a of the top portion 44 and is smaller in dimension in the axial direction L than the tip surface 44a. A mounting hole 60a, into which the above-mentioned mounting protrusion 44b is fitted, is formed so as to penetrate the mounting portion 60 in the thickness direction at the center in the direction of the axis L. The mounting portion 60 is fixed to the valve body 40 by abutting the end face on the valve seat 3 side against the tip face 44a and fitting the mounting protrusion 44b into the mounting hole 60a.

[0031] The extension portion 61 includes a base end 61a connected to one end of the mounting portion 60 in the width direction X, and a folded portion 61b folded back from the base end 61a and extending to the other end in the width direction X, i.e., the opposite side. The extension portion 61 is configured so that when the biasing member 6 is subjected to a force such as pressure in the height direction Z, the base end 61a and the folded portion 61b deform so that the base end 61a and the folded portion 61b approach each other, and the force of the extension portion 61 attempting to return to its original shape after deformation generates a biasing force. The contact portion 62 is a protrusion provided at the tip of the folded portion 61b of the extension portion 61, and is formed to protrude in a hemispherical shape toward the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2. With this configuration, the protruding end of the hemispherical contact portion 62 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2, and the flat mounting portion 60 is fixed to the tip surface 44a of the apex 44, thereby providing the biasing member 6 between the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 and the apex 44 of the valve disc 4. The biasing member 6 biases the valve element 4 toward the valve seat portion 3 side, and prevents the valve element 4 from floating up in the height direction Z.

[0032] The deformation restricting portion 7 restricts the deformation of the biasing member 6 from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount, as described above. It is made of a resin material, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), and is molded integrally with the valve body 4. As shown in FIG. 5 , the deformation restricting portion 7 extends from both ends of the top portion 44 of the valve body 4 in the axial direction L toward the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 (i.e., in the height direction Z), and also extends in the width direction X. Each deformation restricting portion 7 is formed in a plate shape that overlaps the mounting portion 60 and the extension portion 61 of the biasing member 6 in the axial direction L. That is, the deformation restricting portion 7 is provided between the valve body 4 and the valve body 2. In this configuration, when the valve body 4 displaces in the height direction Z toward the side opposite the valve seat 3, the tip of the deformation restricting portion 7 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2, preventing further displacement of the valve body 4 in the height direction Z and preventing further deformation of the biasing member 6. As shown in FIG. 4(B), a clearance A is provided between the tip of the deformation restricting portion 7 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2. As described above, when the deformation restricting portion 7 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2, the biasing member 6 cannot deform any further. Therefore, this clearance A functions as a gap that determines the predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member 6. In other words, the predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member 6 is determined by the clearance A between the tip of the deformation restricting portion 7 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2. As shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), the dimension of the clearance A is set smaller than the height dimension H1, which is the dimension of the guide portion 24 in the height direction Z. This prevents the valve disc 4 from displacing in the direction away from the valve seat 3 beyond the height dimension H1 of the guide portion 24 in the height direction Z of the guide portion 24, and prevents the valve disc 4 from riding up on the guide portion 24.

[0033] 7 , the dimension of the clearance A is set to a clearance dimension H4 that is approximately 50% or less of the combined height dimension (first dimension H2+second dimension H3) of the extension portion 61 and the contact portion 62 of the biasing member 6, where H2 is the first dimension and H3 is the second dimension. That is, the dimension of the clearance A between the tip of the deformation restricting portion 7 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 is set to approximately half or less of the combined height dimension of the extension portion 61 and the contact portion 62 of the biasing member 6. Note that, by providing the clearance A, the fluid flowing through the valve chamber 2a may pass through the clearance A. In this embodiment, the inlet port P is open in the axial direction L, and therefore the high-pressure fluid flowing into the valve chamber 2a often flows in the axial direction L from the inlet port P side toward the actuator 5 side (the inlet port P side is upstream of the valve disc 4).

[0034] However, as described above, the dimension of the mounting portion 60 of the biasing member 6 in the axial direction L is smaller than the dimension of the tip surface 44a of the top portion 44 of the valve disc 4 in the axial direction L. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1 , each deformation restricting portion 7 is disposed so as to sandwich the biasing member 6 from the drive unit 5 side and the inlet port P side in the axial direction L. As a result, for example, if the axial direction L is the fluid flow direction, each deformation restricting portion 7 extends in a direction intersecting the fluid flow direction (height direction Z and width direction X), and at least one of the deformation restricting portions 7 is provided upstream of the biasing member 6 in the fluid flow direction inside the valve body 2. More specifically, of the deformation restricting portions 7, the deformation restricting portion 7 located on the inlet port P side is located closer to the inlet port P than the biasing member 6. As described above, since the inlet port P side is upstream of the valve disc 4, the deformation restricting portion 7 on the inlet port P side is provided upstream of the biasing member 6 in the fluid flow direction inside the valve body 2.

[0035] As described above, the deformation restricting portions 7 are provided so as to overlap the mounting portion 60 and the extending portion 61 of the biasing member 6 in the axial direction L, and therefore each deformation restricting portion 7 is provided so as to overlap the mounting portion 60 and the extending portion 61 of the biasing member 6 in the fluid flow direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), a chamfered portion 7a is formed on the leading edge of each deformation restricting portion 7. The chamfered portion 7a is provided by chamfering the one end side of the deformation restricting portion 7 in the width direction X along the folded portion 61b of the extending portion 61 of the biasing member 6 as viewed in the fluid flow direction. In this embodiment, the chamfered portion 7a is formed by chamfering one end side of the deformation restricting portion 7 in the width direction X along the folded portion 61b of the extending portion 61 of the biasing member 6 as viewed in the fluid flow direction.

[0036] In this embodiment, the deformation restricting portion 7 is configured so as not to obstruct the fluid flowing through the valve chamber 2a more than necessary, as shown in Fig. 5. Specifically, when the valve element 4 is viewed from the top 44 side, the deformation restricting portion 7 is disposed so as not to extend beyond the outer shape of the top 44 in the direction of the axis L and the width direction X, and is contained between the top 44 and the inner peripheral surface of the valve body 2, as shown in Fig. 5.

[0037] In the slide-type switching valve 1 configured as described above, the valve element 4 slides in the direction of the axis L to switch the refrigerant flow path. First, when the drive unit 5 is driven to move the valve element 4 toward the inlet port P, the valve element 4 slides toward the inlet port P while being guided by the guide unit 24 while maintaining the appropriate position relative to the valve ports 30, 31, and 32, and the second port 32 and the outlet port 31 are covered by the valve element main body 40. This brings the second port 32 into communication with the outlet port 31. The inlet port P also comes into communication with the first port 30. At this time, high-pressure refrigerant flows into the valve chamber 2a via the inlet connecting flow path 20 and the inlet port P, and the high-pressure refrigerant is sent to the condenser through the first port 30 and the first connecting flow path 21. Meanwhile, low-pressure refrigerant sent from the evaporator flows into the bowl-shaped recess 40c via the second port 32 and the second connecting flow path 23, and the low-pressure refrigerant is sent to the intake port of the compressor via the outlet port 31 and the outlet connecting flow path 22.

[0038] Next, when the valve element 4 is attempted to move toward the drive unit 5, the valve element 4 slides toward the drive unit 5 while being guided by the guide portion 24 while maintaining the appropriate position relative to the valve ports 30, 31, and 32, and the valve element main body 40 covers the outlet port 31 and the first port 30. This brings the outlet port 31 and the first port 30 into communication. The inlet port P also brings the second port 32 into communication. At this time, high-pressure refrigerant flows into the valve chamber 2a via the inlet connection passage 20 and the inlet port P, and is then sent to the evaporator via the second port 32 and the second connection passage 23. Meanwhile, low-pressure refrigerant sent from the condenser flows into the bowl-shaped recess 40c via the first port 30 and the first connection passage 21, and is then sent to the suction port of the compressor via the outlet port 31 and the outlet connection passage 22. Regardless of whether any of the ports P, 30, 31, and 32 is in communication or blocked, a clearance A is provided between the deformation restricting portion 7 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2, and therefore the fluid in the valve chamber 2a may flow into the valve chamber 2a between the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 and the top 44 of the valve element 4. However, because the biasing member 6 and the deformation restricting portion 7 are positioned as described above, the flow velocity of the fluid is first reduced by the deformation restricting portion 7 provided on the upstream side, and the force of the fluid against the mounting portion 60 and extension portion 61 on the downstream side is suppressed.

[0039] When the valve body 40 is communicating with or blocking each port P, 30, 31, 32, the biasing force of the biasing member 6 presses the seal portion S of the valve body 4 against the seal surface 33 of the valve seat 3, making it difficult for a gap to form between the seal portion S and the seal surface 33, thereby ensuring airtightness within the valve body 4. In this state, if the valve body 4 is significantly displaced away from the valve seat 3 due to an unexpected load, such as an impact pressure blowing up from inside the valve body 4, the biasing member 6 will deform in the same direction, but the tip of the deformation restriction portion 7 will abut against the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2, eliminating the above-mentioned clearance A and preventing further displacement of the valve body 4. Therefore, deformation of the biasing member 6 beyond a predetermined deformation amount is suppressed.

[0040] According to the above embodiment, the slide-type switching valve 1 is a slide-type switching valve 1 comprising: a hollow cylindrical valve body 2; a valve seat 3 having a plurality of valve ports 30, 31, 32 provided in the valve body 2; a valve element 4 provided inside the valve body 2 so as to be slidable in the axial direction L on the valve seat 3 and switching the communication state of the valve ports 30, 31, 32; and a biasing member 6 that biases the valve element 4 toward the valve seat 3. Between the valve element 4 and the valve body 2, a deformation restricting portion 7 is provided that extends from a part of the valve element 4 to the inner surface of the valve body 2 and restricts deformation of the biasing member 6 from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount.

[0041] According to the present invention, the valve element 4 provided inside the valve body 2 is biased toward the valve seat 3 by the biasing member 6. Therefore, the biasing force of the biasing member 6 presses the valve element 4 against the seal surface 33 of the valve seat 3, making it difficult for a gap to form between the valve element 4 and the seal surface 33, thereby ensuring airtightness within the valve element 4. In addition, a deformation restricting portion 7 is provided between the valve element 4 and the valve body 2. The deformation restricting portion 7 extends from a portion of the valve element 4 to the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 and restricts deformation of the biasing member 6 from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount. Therefore, even if an unexpected load, such as an impact pressure rising from inside the valve element 4, acts on the valve element 4, the deformation of the biasing member 6 can be limited to the predetermined deformation amount, thereby preventing the valve element 4 from being significantly displaced away from the valve seat 3. Therefore, even if the valve element 4 attempts to be significantly displaced due to an unexpected load, the deformation restricting portion 7 can restrict deformation of the biasing member 6 to a predetermined amount or less, thereby providing a slide-type switching valve 1 that prevents an excessive load from acting on the biasing member 6.

[0042] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member 6 is determined by the clearance A between the deformation restricting portion 7 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2. With this configuration, before the biasing member 6 deforms to the predetermined deformation amount, i.e., in the normal state, the displacement of the valve disc 4 is not restricted by the deformation restricting portion 7. This allows the valve disc 4 to slide smoothly in the direction of the axis L without impairing its slidability relative to the valve seat 3. Furthermore, the valve disc 4 has a seal portion S that is in sliding contact with the seal surface 33 of the valve seat 3 and an apex portion 44 opposite the seal portion S. The deformation restricting portion 7 extends from the apex portion 44 of the valve disc 4 toward the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2. With this configuration, the deformation restricting portion 7, which extends from the apex portion 44 of the valve disc 4 toward the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2, can restrict the biasing member 6 from deforming beyond the predetermined deformation amount.

[0043] Furthermore, the deformation restricting portion 7 is provided upstream of the biasing member 6 in the fluid flow direction inside the valve body 2, and is provided so as to overlap in the fluid flow direction with the attachment portion 60 and extension portion 61 of the biasing member 6. Therefore, the flow velocity of the high-pressure fluid flowing inside the valve body 2 in particular is first reduced by the deformation restricting portion 7 provided on the upstream side, and the momentum of the fluid against the attachment portion 60 and extension portion 61 of the biasing member 6 on the downstream side can be suppressed, thereby protecting the biasing member 6.

[0044] Furthermore, the clearance A between the tip of the deformation restricting portion 7 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 is set to be equal to or less than half the combined height (first dimension H2 + second dimension H3) of the extension portion 61 and the contact portion 62 of the biasing member 6, thereby appropriately suppressing deformation of the biasing member 6. The deformation restricting portion 7 is formed in a plate shape that extends from the top portion 44 of the valve body 4 toward the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 and in a direction intersecting the fluid flow direction (the direction of the axis L in this embodiment), and the tip edge of the deformation restricting portion 7 is provided with a chamfered portion 7a that follows the outline of the biasing member 6 as viewed from the fluid flow direction. In this way, the tip edge of the plate-shaped deformation restricting portion 7 is provided with a chamfered portion 7a that follows the outline of the biasing member 6 as viewed from the fluid flow direction, thereby preventing the deformation restricting portion 7 from becoming larger than necessary and protecting the biasing member 6.

[0045] Furthermore, since the biasing member 6 can be formed of a leaf spring in which the mounting portion 60, the extending portion 61, and the contact portion 62 are integrated, the biasing member 6 can be made smaller than a biasing member 6 in which the mounting portion 60, the extending portion 61, and the contact portion 62 are not integrated. Inside the valve body 2, a guide portion 24 is provided that rises from the seal surface 33 of the valve seat 3, extends in the direction of the axis L, and guides the valve disc 4 in the direction of the axis L. Since the clearance A is set smaller than the height H1 of the guide portion 24, even if an unexpected load, such as an impact pressure rising from inside the valve disc 4, acts on the valve disc 4 and causes the valve disc 4 to be significantly displaced in a direction away from the valve seat 3, the valve disc 4 can be prevented from displacing in the same direction beyond the height H1 of the guide portion 24. Therefore, the valve body 4 is prevented from riding up onto the guide portion 24, thereby allowing the guide portion 24, which maintains the proper positioning of the valve body 4 and the valve ports 30, 31, 32, to function normally and ensuring the sliding movement of the valve body 4.

[0046] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and includes other configurations that can achieve the object of the present invention, including the following modifications. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modification of the urging member 6. Reference numeral 6a in FIG. 8 denotes the urging member in this modification. The urging member 6a includes an attachment portion 60a1, an extending portion 61A having a base end portion 61a1 and a folded portion 61b1, and a contact portion 62a. The shape of the extending portion 61A is different from the shape of the extending portion 61 in the above-described embodiment. Specifically, while the extending portion 61 in the above-described embodiment is formed in a shape that is folded back at an acute angle in a plan view, the extending portion 61A in this modification is formed in a shape that is folded back so as to be curved in a plan view.

[0047] Next, a first modified example of the present invention will be described. FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve body 2 and the valve element 4 in the first modified example, and FIG. 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the slide-type switching valve 1 in the first modified example. Reference numeral 71 in FIGS. 9 and 10 denotes a deformation restricting portion in the first modified example. In this first modified example, the shape and arrangement of the deformation restricting portion 71 differ from those of the deformation restricting portion 7 in the previous embodiment. The deformation restricting portion 71 extends in the height direction Z from both widthwise X-side ends 40b1 of the valve element 4 toward the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2. As shown in FIG. 10, the deformation restricting portion 71 is formed in a rod shape so that the tip end opposite the valve seat 3 is rounded. The deformation restricting portion 71 is provided on both widthwise X-side ends 40b1 on the drive unit 5 side and on both widthwise X-side ends 40b1 on the inlet port P side (i.e., a total of four). A clearance A1 is provided between the tip of the deformation restricting portion 71 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2. This clearance A1 has the same function as the clearance A in the above embodiment, and its dimension is set smaller than the height dimension H1 of the above-mentioned guide portion 24, and the predetermined deformation amount of the urging member 6 is determined by the clearance A1 between the tip of the deformation restricting portion 71 and the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2. According to this first modified example, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved, and the predetermined deformation amount of the urging member 6 can be restricted by the deformation restricting portions 71 provided so as to extend from both side portions 40b1 of the valve disc 4 in the width direction X toward the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2.

[0048] Next, a second modified example of the present invention will be described. FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve body 2 and the valve element 4 in the second modified example, and FIG. 12 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the slide-type switching valve 1 in the second modified example. Reference numeral 72 in FIGS. 11 and 12 designates a deformation restricting portion in the second modified example. In this second modified example, the shape and arrangement of the deformation restricting portion 72 differ from those of the deformation restricting portions 7 and 71 in the above-described embodiment and the first modified example. The deformation restricting portion 72 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 toward the apex 44 of the valve element 4. The deformation restricting portion 72 bulges in the height direction Z from a position opposite one end of the apex 44 of the valve element 4 in the width direction X toward the apex 44, and extends in the axial direction L from the drive unit 5 side to the inlet port P side. A clearance A2 is provided between the tip of the deformation restricting portion 72 and the apex 44 of the valve element 4 (i.e., the outer circumferential surface of the valve element 4). This clearance A2 has the same function as the clearances A and A1 in the above-described embodiment and the first modified example, and its dimension is set smaller than the height dimension H1 of the guide portion 24 described above. The predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member 6 is determined by the clearance A2 between the tip of the deformation restricting portion 72 and the top portion 44 of the valve disc 4. According to the second modified example, not only can the same effects as the above-described embodiment be achieved, but the deformation restricting portion 72, which extends from the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 toward the top portion 44 of the valve disc 4, can restrict the predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member 6. Furthermore, in the second modified example, the deformation restricting portion 72 is formed on the valve body 2 side, and therefore the configuration of the valve disc 4 can be simplified by the amount that the deformation restricting portion 72 is not provided on the valve disc 4.

[0049] Next, a third modified example of the present invention will be described. FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve body 2 and the valve element 4 in the third modified example, and FIG. 14 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the slide-type switching valve 1 in the third modified example. Reference numeral 73 in FIGS. 13 and 14 denotes a deformation restricting portion in the third modified example. In this third modified example, the shape and arrangement of the deformation restricting portion 73 differ from those of the deformation restricting portions 7, 71, and 72 in the above-described embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example. The deformation restricting portion 73 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 toward the apex 44 of the valve element 4 beyond the step 45a of the guided portion 45 on both widthwise X sides 40b1 of the valve element 4. That is, the deformation restricting portion 73 extends from the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 toward the apex 44 of the valve element 4 beyond the step 45a. The deformation restricting portion 73 is formed in a rib shape that extends inward in the widthwise X from the inner surfaces of both widthwise X sides of the valve body 2 and in the axial L direction from the drive unit 5 side to the inlet port P side. A clearance A3 is provided between the tip of the deformation restricting portion 73 and the step 45a of the guided portion 45 (i.e., the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 4). The clearance A3 has the same function as the clearances A, A1, A2 in the above-described embodiment, the first modified example, and the second modified example, and its dimension is set smaller than the height dimension H1 (not shown in FIG. 14) of the above-described guide portion 24, and the predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member 6 is determined by the clearance A3 between the tip of the deformation restricting portion 73 and the step 45a.

[0050] According to the third modified example, the same effects as those of the above embodiment are achieved, and the deformation restricting portion 73, which is provided extending from the inner circumferential surface of the valve body 2 toward the top portion 44 of the valve element 4 beyond the step portion 45a, can restrict deformation of the biasing member 6 from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount. Furthermore, according to this modified example, when the valve element 4 is displaced in a direction away from the valve seat 3, the step portion 45a of the guided portion 45 of the valve element 4 abuts against the deformation restricting portion 73. At this time, as described above, the guided portion 45 is provided so as to be able to slide in the height direction Z relative to each guide portion 24 provided on the valve body 2, and therefore the guided portion 45 moves in the height direction Z while sliding against the guide portion 24, whereby the step portion 45a abuts against the deformation restricting portion 73. Therefore, by making the guided portion 45 slide against the guide portion 24 (i.e., by making it guided by the guide portion 24), the step portion 45a can be made to abut against the deformation control portion 73 without being misaligned, and the deformation of the urging member 6 can be kept below a predetermined amount by the deformation control portion 73.

[0051] Although the embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments and modifications. The present invention also encompasses design changes and other modifications that do not deviate from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the above embodiment, the fluid flow direction within the valve chamber 2a is the axial line L, but the fluid flow direction is not limited to the axial line L. For example, the inlet port P may be disposed opposite the first port 30, the outlet port 31, and the second port 32 in a direction intersecting the axial line L. In this case, since the high-pressure fluid flowing within the valve chamber 2a tends to flow in a direction intersecting the axial line L, it is preferable to set the fluid flow direction to the direction intersecting the axial line L and provide the deformation restricting portion 7 upstream of the direction intersecting the axial line L and overlapping with the mounting portion 60 and the extension portion 61. Furthermore, the above embodiment, first modification, second modification, and third modification may be configured independently, or any or all of these configurations may be combined. In other words, the deformation control portion 7 provided between the valve element 4 and the valve body 2 extends from at least one of a part of the valve element 4 and the inner surface of the valve body 2 to the other, and the predetermined deformation amount of the urging member 6 is determined by the clearance A between the deformation control portion 7 and either the inner surface of the valve body 2 or the outer surface of the valve element 4.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the valve seat portion 3 is configured to have multiple (three) ports 30, 31, and 32, but the valve seat portion 3 does not necessarily have to have multiple ports and may have a single port. In other words, the valve seat portion 3 may be configured to have one or multiple valve ports provided in the valve body 2. Furthermore, the valve element 4 does not necessarily have to be bowl-shaped, but may be configured to be slidable on the valve seat portion 3 and to be able to switch between the communicating and blocking states of each port. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] L axis A Clearance S seal part 1 Slide type switching valve 2 Valve body 3 Valve seat 33 Sealing surface 4 Valve body 40a Opening edge 44 Top 5 Drive unit 6. Pressurizing member 7 Deformation control section

Claims

1. A slide-type switching valve comprising: a hollow cylindrical valve body; a valve seat portion having one or more valve ports provided in the valve body; a valve element provided inside the valve body so as to be slidable in an axial direction on the valve seat portion and switching the communication state of the valve ports; and a biasing member biasing the valve element toward the valve seat portion, a deformation restricting portion is provided between the valve body and the valve main body, the deformation restricting portion extending from at least one of a part of the valve body and an inner circumferential surface of the valve main body to the other, and restricting deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount; a predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is defined by a clearance between the deformation restricting portion and either an inner circumferential surface of the valve body or an outer circumferential surface of the valve element, the valve body has a seal portion that is in sliding contact with a seal surface of the valve seat portion, and a top portion opposite the seal portion, the deformation restricting portion is provided to extend from the top portion of the valve body toward an inner circumferential surface of the valve main body, the biasing member has an attachment portion attached to the top portion of the valve body, an extension portion standing upright from the attachment portion, and a contact portion provided at a tip of the extension portion and capable of contacting an inner circumferential surface of the valve body, a pressure vessel that is provided with a pressure vessel having a pressure vessel extending therethrough, the pressure vessel having a pressure vessel extending therethrough, and a pressure vessel having a pressure vessel extending therethrough, the ...

2. A slide-type switching valve comprising: a hollow cylindrical valve body; a valve seat portion having one or more valve ports provided in the valve body; a valve element provided inside the valve body so as to be slidable in an axial direction on the valve seat portion and switching the communication state of the valve ports; and a biasing member biasing the valve element toward the valve seat portion, a deformation restricting portion is provided between the valve body and the valve main body, the deformation restricting portion extending from at least one of a part of the valve body and an inner circumferential surface of the valve main body to the other, and restricting deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount; a predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is defined by a clearance between the deformation restricting portion and either an inner circumferential surface of the valve body or an outer circumferential surface of the valve element, a guide portion is provided inside the valve body, the guide portion rising from a sealing surface of the valve seat portion and extending in the axial direction, and the guide portion guides the valve element in the axial direction; The slide-type switching valve is characterized in that the clearance is set smaller than the height dimension of the guide portion.

3. A slide-type switching valve comprising: a hollow cylindrical valve body; a valve seat portion having one or more valve ports provided in the valve body; a valve element provided inside the valve body so as to be slidable in an axial direction on the valve seat portion and switching the communication state of the valve ports; and a biasing member biasing the valve element toward the valve seat portion, a deformation restricting portion is provided between the valve body and the valve main body, the deformation restricting portion extending from at least one of a part of the valve body and an inner circumferential surface of the valve main body to the other, and restricting deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount; a predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is defined by a clearance between the deformation restricting portion and either an inner circumferential surface of the valve body or an outer circumferential surface of the valve element, the valve body has a seal portion that is in sliding contact with a seal surface of the valve seat portion, an apex portion opposite the seal portion, and a side portion between the apex portion and the seal portion, The slide-type switching valve is characterized in that the deformation restricting portions are provided extending from both widthwise sides of the valve body toward an inner peripheral surface of the valve body.

4. A slide-type switching valve comprising: a hollow cylindrical valve body; a valve seat portion having one or more valve ports provided in the valve body; a valve element provided inside the valve body so as to be slidable in an axial direction on the valve seat portion and switching the communication state of the valve ports; and a biasing member biasing the valve element toward the valve seat portion, a deformation restricting portion is provided between the valve body and the valve main body, the deformation restricting portion extending from at least one of a part of the valve body and an inner circumferential surface of the valve main body to the other, and restricting deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount; a predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is defined by a clearance between the deformation restricting portion and either an inner circumferential surface of the valve body or an outer circumferential surface of the valve element, the valve body has a seal portion that is in sliding contact with a seal surface of the valve seat portion, and a top portion opposite the seal portion, The slide-type switching valve, wherein the deformation restricting portion is provided extending from an inner peripheral surface of the valve body toward the top portion of the valve element.

5. A slide-type switching valve comprising: a hollow cylindrical valve body; a valve seat portion having one or more valve ports provided in the valve body; a valve element provided inside the valve body so as to be slidable in an axial direction on the valve seat portion and switching the communication state of the valve ports; and a biasing member biasing the valve element toward the valve seat portion, a deformation restricting portion is provided between the valve body and the valve main body, the deformation restricting portion extending from at least one of a part of the valve body and an inner circumferential surface of the valve main body to the other, and restricting deformation of the biasing member from exceeding a predetermined deformation amount; a predetermined deformation amount of the biasing member is defined by a clearance between the deformation restricting portion and either an inner circumferential surface of the valve body or an outer circumferential surface of the valve element, the valve body has a seal portion that is in sliding contact with a seal surface of the valve seat portion, an apex portion opposite the seal portion, and a side portion between the apex portion and the seal portion, Step portions that protrude outward in the width direction are provided on both width direction sides of the valve body, the deformation restricting portion is provided to extend from the inner circumferential surface of the valve body toward the top portion of the valve element beyond the step portion, A slide-type switching valve, wherein a predetermined amount of deformation of the biasing member is defined by a clearance between the deformation restricting portion and the step portion.

Images