Flow path switching valve

Abstract

To make it possible to easily realize a flow passage switching valve having various specifications.SOLUTION: A flow passage switching valve 10 comprises: a valve unit 20 comprising a valve body 14 in which a first inlet / outlet 31 and a second inlet / outlet 32 are formed in a wall surface forming a valve chest 12, and a third inlet / outlet 33 is formed in a bottom surface of the valve chest 12, a valve element 16 rotatably arranged in the valve chest 12, a first flow passage 21 communicating with the first inlet / outlet 31, a second flow passage 22 arranged in parallel with the first flow passage 21 across the valve body 14, and communicating with the second inlet / outlet 32, and a third flow passage 23 communicating with the third inlet / outlet 33, and opened on the side opposite to the third inlet / outlet 33; and a rotation driving part 18 for rotating the valve element 16. On the side opposite to the rotation driving part 18 with respect to one valve unit 20, another valve unit 20 is stacked and connected. The range of an opening of the valve element 16 of the one valve unit 20 corresponding to the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 is different from the range of an opening of the valve element 16 of the other valve unit 20 corresponding to the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A valve (flow path switching valve) provided in a circulation circuit for cooling water of an automobile has been disclosed (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-67366 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] 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.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to increase the variety of flow path switching. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A flow path switching valve according to a first aspect comprises a valve body having a valve chamber formed therein, a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet formed on a wall surface forming the valve chamber through which a fluid flows in and out, and a third inlet / outlet formed on a bottom surface of the valve chamber; 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 arranged 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 valve unit connected to the valve unit and including the first inlet / outlet. and a rotary drive unit that rotates the valve element so that the communication states of the first inlet / outlet, the second inlet / outlet, and the third inlet / outlet can be selectively switched through the flow path of the valve element, wherein one of the valve units is connected to the rotary drive unit on the opposite side of the other valve unit so that the two valve elements in the two valve units are rotationally driven by the single rotary drive unit, and the range of openings of the valve element of one of the valve units corresponding to the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet are different from the range of openings of the valve element of the other valve unit corresponding to the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet.

[0007] In this flow path switching valve, by stacking and connecting another valve unit on the side opposite the rotary drive unit of one valve unit, the degree of freedom in combining valve units can be increased. Furthermore, because the two valve bodies in the two stacked valve units are rotationally driven by a single rotary drive unit, the number of parts and costs can be reduced compared to when two valve units each have their own rotary drive unit. Furthermore, the range of openings corresponding to the first inlet / outlet and second inlet / outlet of the valve body of one valve unit is different from the range of openings corresponding to the first inlet / outlet and second inlet / outlet of the valve body of the other valve unit. The communication state of the flow paths in one valve unit can be made the same as or different from the communication state of the flow paths in the other valve unit.

[0008] In a second aspect, in the flow path switching valve according to the first aspect, by rotationally driving the two valve bodies using the rotary drive unit, while the opening of the valve body in one of the valve units is in communication with the first inlet / outlet, it is possible to switch between a state in which the opening of the valve body in the other valve unit is in communication with the first inlet / outlet and a state in which the opening is in communication with the second inlet / outlet, and while the opening of the valve body in one valve unit is in communication with the second inlet / outlet, it is possible to switch between a state in which the opening of the valve body in the other valve unit is in communication with the first inlet / outlet and a state in which the opening is in communication with the second inlet / outlet.

[0009] In this flow path switching valve, while the opening of the valve disc in one valve unit is in communication with the first inlet / outlet, the flow path of the other valve unit can be switched (between a state where the opening of the valve disc is in communication with the first inlet / outlet and a state where it is in communication with the second inlet / outlet).Furthermore, while the opening of the valve disc in one valve unit is in communication with the second inlet / outlet, the flow path of the other valve unit can be switched.

[0010] In a third aspect, in the flow path switching valve according to the first or second aspect, the valve unit is provided with a stopper that limits further rotation of the valve body at at least one of the upper and lower limits of the rotation range of the valve body.

[0011] In this flow path switching valve, a stopper provided on the valve body can limit further rotation of the valve disc at at least one of the upper and lower limits of the valve disc rotation range. Because the rotation drive unit can detect the angular position of the valve disc, the position where the stopper stops the rotation of the valve disc can be detected as the upper or lower limit of the valve disc rotation range, allowing calibration of the valve disc rotation range. If the angular difference between the upper and lower limits is known, the lower limit can be determined from the detected upper limit, and similarly, the upper limit can be determined from the detected lower limit. Therefore, compared to using an absolute angle sensor for calibration, it is possible to calibrate the valve disc rotation range in the rotation drive unit while suppressing cost increases. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the variety of flow path switching. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve unit. [Figure 3] 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 4] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a valve unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a valve unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a front view showing the valve unit as viewed from the male joint side of the first flow path. [Figure 7] 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 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an upper valve body. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the upper valve body. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a lower valve body. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the lower valve body. [Figure 12] 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 13] 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 14] 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid flow in the flow path switching valve in the first mode, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the angular position of the upper valve element in the first mode, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing the angular position of the lower valve element in the first mode. [Figure 15] 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid flow in the flow path switching valve in the second mode, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the angular position of the upper valve element in the second mode, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing the angular position of the lower valve element in the second mode. [Figure 16] 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid flow in the flow path switching valve in the third mode, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the angular position of the upper valve element in the third mode, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing the angular position of the lower valve element in the third mode. [Figure 17] 1A is a cross-sectional view showing the fluid flow in the flow path switching valve in the fourth mode, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view showing the angular position of the upper valve element in the fourth mode, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view showing the angular position of the lower valve element in the fourth mode. [Figure 18] 18(A) to 18(E) are cross-sectional views showing examples of angular positions of the stem, upper valve body, and lower valve body other than those shown in FIGS. 15 to 17. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components indicated by the same reference numerals in the various drawings are the same components. Note that duplicated descriptions 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 and ratios of elements shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones. Furthermore, the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements between multiple drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones.

[0015] 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.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a flow path switching valve 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. 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. 3 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. This FIG. 3 corresponds to FIG. 1 with two upper and lower valve units 20 extracted. FIGS. 4 and 5 are partially cutaway perspective views showing one valve unit 20.

[0017] The flow path switching valve 10 is used as a rotary three-way valve (FIG. 4) for switching the flow path of a fluid flowing in, for example, the engine compartment of an automobile. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the flow path switching valve 10 has a valve unit 20 and a rotary drive unit 18.

[0018] [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. 4, 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.

[0019] (Valve body) In FIG. 5 , 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 its 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, for example, are formed on the wall surface that defines the valve chamber 12 and face each other, allowing fluid to flow in and out. These wall surfaces are portions of the wall that define the valve chamber 12 that are positioned to face a lateral hole 36A of the valve element 16 (described later) when the valve element 16 rotates. For example, the first inlet / outlet 31 is formed on the rear wall surface of the valve chamber 12, and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​is formed on the front wall surface 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. A third inlet / outlet 33 is formed on the bottom surface of the valve chamber 12. This bottom surface is a portion of the wall that defines the valve chamber 12 that faces a pilot hole 36C of the valve element 16 (described later).

[0020] (Valve body) 3, 4, and 8 to 12, the upper valve element 16, which serves as an example of a valve element, is a ball-shaped member made of, for example, synthetic resin, and is rotatably disposed in the valve chamber 12 of one (for example, the upper side in FIG. 3) valve unit 20. An insertion hole 16A is formed in the upper part of the valve element 16, into which a valve shaft 28 of the rotary drive unit 18 is inserted. The valve shaft 28 and the insertion hole 16A engage with each other around the axial direction of the valve shaft 28, so that the rotation of the valve shaft 28 is transmitted to the valve element 16. The insertion hole 16A penetrates, for example, to the flow path 36 of the valve element 16.

[0021] 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, 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. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , the valve element 16 has a horizontal hole 36A formed in its outer periphery (side) that connects to the flow path 36. The valve element 16 also has a pilot hole 36C formed in its outer periphery (lower portion) that connects to the flow path 36. 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.

[0022] 2, a rib 16B extending in a direction (vertical direction) toward the third inlet / outlet 33 may be 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.

[0023] 3 and 4, 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] (Rotation drive unit) In FIG. 3, 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. 4 ) of the valve chamber 12 of the upper valve body 14 is closed by, for example, the bracket 24 ( FIG. 13 ). 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.

[0027] 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 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. 4) of the valve body 16.

[0028] (First flow path, second flow path, third flow path)

[0029] 3 to 5, 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.

[0030] 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 FIG. 2).

[0031] 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 FIG. 2).

[0032] 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. 2, 4, and 5, 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 FIG. 2, 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, it is possible to connect and link the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of one valve unit 20 to the first flow path 21 and the second flow path 22 of another valve unit 20. Note that this joint structure is just one example, and any other joint structure can be used.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 , a first protrusion 71 protruding from the first inlet / outlet 31 side toward the inside of the first flow path 21 may be 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.

[0034] Furthermore, a second protrusion 72 protruding from the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​side toward the inside of the second flow path 22 may be 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.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , 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 used by removing the lid 44. For example, a storage tank 54 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 with two connection ports (not shown). In this case, the storage tank 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.

[0036] Furthermore, a pump (not shown) can be attached to the female joint 51 or the male joint 61 of the first flow path 21 at the end of the flow path switching valve 10, and to the female joint 52 or the female joint 62 of the second flow path 22 at the end of the flow path switching valve 10. The pump attached to the first flow path 21 can supply fluid from another device to the first flow path 21, or supply fluid in the first flow path 21 to another device. Furthermore, the pump attached to the second flow path 22 can supply fluid from another device to the second flow path 22, or supply fluid in the second flow path 22 to another device.

[0037] 3, 4, and 6, 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.

[0038] 3 and 4, 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.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 4, 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. 3). 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. 3. 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.

[0040] [Overlapping of valve units] 1 and 3, 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.

[0041] 3, 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] (Difference in valve body between upper and lower valve units) In Figures 3 and 14 to 18, the range of the opening (horizontal hole 36A) corresponding to the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​of the valve body 16 of one (e.g., the upper) valve unit 20 is different from the range of the opening (horizontal holes 36A, 36D) corresponding to the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​of the valve body 16 of the other (e.g., the lower) valve unit 20.

[0045] The valve element 16 shown in Figures 8 and 9 is used in the upper valve unit 20. One horizontal hole 36A is formed in this valve element 16. This horizontal hole 36A is, for example, a rectangle with rounded corners. The valve element 16 shown in Figures 10 and 11 is used in the lower valve unit 20. Two horizontal holes 36A, 36D are formed in this valve element 16 (Figure 11). Each of the horizontal holes 36A, 36D is, for example, an oval that is long in the axial direction of the insertion hole 16A. In Figure 11, the angle θ formed by the center lines of the horizontal holes 36A, 36D relative to the center O1 is, for example, 145°.

[0046] The arrangement of the opening (horizontal hole 36A) in the upper valve body 16 and the openings (horizontal holes 36A, 36D) in the lower valve body 16 is set so that, while the opening of the valve body 16 in one (upper) valve unit 20 is connected to the first inlet / outlet 31, the opening of the valve body 16 in the other (lower) valve unit 20 can be switched between a state in which it is connected to the first inlet / outlet 31 and a state in which it is connected to the second inlet / outlet 32.

[0047] Furthermore, the arrangement of these openings (horizontal holes 36A, 36D) is set so that, while the opening of the valve body 16 in one (upper) valve unit 20 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 32, the opening of the valve body 16 in the other (lower) valve unit 20 can be switched between a state in which it is connected to the first inlet / outlet 31 and a state in which it is connected to the second inlet / outlet 32.

[0048] 14 and 15, the range of the opening of each valve element 16 is set so that, within the angular range in which the horizontal hole 36A of the upper valve element 16 is connected to the first inlet / outlet 31, a state in which the horizontal hole 36D of the lower valve element 16 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​and a state in which the horizontal hole 36A of the lower valve element 16 is connected to the first inlet / outlet 31 can be switched. This range of the opening includes the range of the openings (horizontal holes 36A, 36D) and the phase of the openings (difference in the position of the openings) between the upper valve element 16 and the lower valve element 16. Since the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​are opposed to each other, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, within the angle range in which the horizontal hole 36A of the upper valve body 16 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 32, the state in which the horizontal hole 36D of the lower valve body 16 is connected to the first inlet / outlet 31 and the state in which the horizontal hole 36A of the lower valve body 16 is connected to the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​can be switched.

[0049] (Stopper) As shown in Figure 18, the valve unit 20 is provided with a stopper 70 that limits further rotation of the valve element 16 at at least one of the upper and lower limits of the rotation range of the valve element 16. The stopper 70 is provided, for example, on the valve body 14. As an example, a stem 28A that rotates together with the valve shaft 28 is provided with a protrusion 28B that abuts against the stopper 70. The stopper 70 and the protrusion 28B are set so that the valve element 16 can rotate, for example, approximately 330°. This angle is approximately ±165° with respect to the angle position in Figure 18(C).

[0050] Within the rotation range of the valve disc 16, the range of normal use is the range shown in Figures 18(B) to 18(D). This range also includes the angular positions shown in Figures 14 to 17. If the angular positions were arranged in order, the angular positions in Figures 14 and 15 would be located between Figures 18(B) and 18(C), and the angular positions in Figures 16 and 17 would be located between Figures 18(C) and 18(D). For this reason, in Figure 18, (B) and (C) and (C) and (D) are depicted with a relatively large distance between them.

[0051] Calibration can be performed to determine the upper and lower limits of the valve disc rotation range at the angle positions of Figure 18(A) and Figure 18(E). Calibration may be performed at either the angle position of Figure 18(A) or the angle position of Figure 18(E). Furthermore, if other calibration means can be used or if calibration is not required, stopper 70 and protrusion 28B do not have to be provided.

[0052] (action) This embodiment is configured as described above, and its operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 3, 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 chamber 12 can be selectively switched 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 chamber 12. In the upper valve unit 20, one horizontal hole 36A is formed in the valve element 16 (FIG. 9), so that the flow path can be switched by rotating the valve element 16 180°. Specifically, the communication state between the first inlet / outlet 31 and the third inlet / outlet 33 and the communication state between the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​and the third inlet / outlet 33 can be switched.

[0053] In the lower valve unit 20, two lateral holes 36A, 36D are formed in the valve element 16 (FIG. 11), and therefore the flow path can be switched by rotating the valve element 16. Specifically, it is possible to switch between a state in which either of the lateral holes 36A, 36D communicates with the first inlet / outlet 31, thereby connecting the first inlet / outlet 31 and the third inlet / outlet 33, and a state in which either of the lateral holes 36A, 36D communicates with the second flow path 22, thereby connecting the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​and the third inlet / outlet 33.

[0054] In either the upper valve unit 20 or the lower valve unit 20, the first inlet / outlet 31 and the third inlet / outlet 33 can be closed depending on the angular position of the valve body 16.

[0055] An example of flow path switching will now be described in detail. The upper valve element 16 and the lower valve element 16 are rotationally driven by a single rotary drive unit 18, and rotate by the same angle. In the angular position shown in Fig. 14, the horizontal hole 36A of the upper valve element 16 communicates with the first inlet / outlet 31, so that the third flow path 23 communicates with the first flow path 21. Furthermore, the horizontal hole 36D of the lower valve element 16 communicates with the second inlet / outlet 32, so that the third flow path 23 communicates with the second flow path 22. In other words, in the upper valve unit 20, the first flow path 21 communicates with the third flow path 23, and in the lower valve unit 20, the second flow path 22 communicates with the third flow path 23.

[0056] When the valve disc 16 is rotated clockwise in plan view from this state to the angular position shown in FIG. 15 , the horizontal hole 36A of the upper valve disc 16 still communicates with the first inlet / outlet 31, maintaining communication between the third flow path 23 and the first flow path 21. On the other hand, the horizontal hole 36D of the lower valve disc 16 is disengaged from the second inlet / outlet 32, and the horizontal hole 36A communicates with the first inlet / outlet 31, so that the third flow path 23 communicates with the first flow path 21. In other words, in both the upper valve unit 20 and the lower valve unit 20, the first flow path 21 communicates with the third flow path 23. If hot water flows through the first flow path 21 and cold water flows through the second flow path 22, switching the flow paths as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 allows hot water to flow through the third flow path 23 of the upper valve unit 20, while allowing hot water or cold water to flow through the third flow path 23 of the lower valve unit 20.

[0057] 16 , the horizontal hole 36A of the upper valve element 16 communicates with the second inlet / outlet 32, so that the third flow path 23 communicates with the second flow path 22. Furthermore, the horizontal hole 36D of the lower valve element 16 communicates with the first inlet / outlet 31, so that the third flow path 23 communicates with the first flow path 21. That is, in the upper valve unit 20, the second flow path 22 communicates with the third flow path 23, and in the lower valve unit 20, the first flow path 22 communicates with the third flow path 23.

[0058] 17 , the horizontal hole 36D of the upper valve disc 16 is still connected to the second inlet / outlet 32, maintaining communication between the third flow path 23 and the second flow path 22. Meanwhile, the horizontal hole 36D of the lower valve disc 16 is no longer connected to the first inlet / outlet 31, and the horizontal hole 36A is connected to the second inlet / outlet 32, so that the third flow path 23 is connected to the second flow path 22. That is, in both the upper valve unit 20 and the lower valve unit 20, the second flow path 22 is connected to the third flow path 23. By switching the flow paths as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , it is possible to flow cold water through the third flow path 23 of the upper valve unit 20, while flowing hot water or cold water through the third flow path 23 of the lower valve unit 20.

[0059] In this way, according to this embodiment, the communication state of the flow paths in the upper valve unit 20 can be made the same as or different from the communication state of the flow paths in the other valve unit 20.

[0060] Furthermore, the flow path of the lower valve unit 20 can be switched while the opening of the valve element 16 in the upper valve unit 20 is in communication with the first inlet / outlet 31. Furthermore, the flow path of the lower valve unit 20 can be switched while the opening of the valve element 16 in the upper valve unit 20 is in communication with the second inlet / outlet 32. Specifically, in the lower valve unit 20, the opening of the valve element 16 can be switched between a state in which it communicates with the first inlet / outlet 31 and a state in which it communicates with the second inlet / outlet 32.

[0061] This is just one example of flow path switching, and other patterns of flow path switching can be achieved by adjusting the positional relationship between the valve element 16, the first inlet / outlet 31, and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​in the valve unit 20.

[0062] 18(A) and (E), a stopper 70 provided on the valve body 14 can limit further rotation of the valve element 16 at least at the upper and lower limits of the valve element rotation range. The angular position shown in FIG. 18(A) indicates the lower limit of the valve element rotation range, and the angular position shown in FIG. 18(E) indicates the upper limit of the valve element rotation range. In either angular position of FIG. 18(A) or (E), the protrusion 28B that rotates together with the valve stem 28 abuts against the stopper 70.

[0063] The angular position shown in Fig. 18(B) indicates a state in which the valve body 16 has rotated slightly clockwise in a plan view from the angular position in Fig. 18(A), and the protrusion 28B has moved away from the stopper 70. The angular position shown in Fig. 18(D) indicates a state in which the valve body 16 has rotated slightly counterclockwise in a plan view from the angular position in Fig. 18(E), and the protrusion 28B has moved away from the stopper 70.

[0064] The angular position shown in Figure 18(C) is the center of the valve disc rotation range. Note that, in the angular position shown in Figure 18, the first inlet / outlet 31 and the second inlet / outlet 32 ​​are closed in both the upper valve unit 20 and the lower valve unit 20.

[0065] Because the rotation drive unit 18 can detect the angular position of the valve disc 16, it can detect the position where the rotation of the valve disc 16 is stopped by the stopper 70 as the upper or lower limit of the valve disc rotation range, and calibrate the valve disc rotation range. If the angular difference between the upper and lower limits is known, the lower limit can be determined from the detected upper limit, and similarly, the upper limit can be determined from the detected lower limit. Therefore, compared to using an absolute angle sensor for calibration, it is possible to calibrate the valve disc rotation range in the rotation drive unit 18 while suppressing cost increases.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 1, for example, when W=H, when two stacked valve units 20 are connected and linked 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 to each other and the second flow paths 22 to each other, but also to connect the first flow paths 21 and the second flow paths 22. In other words, the two valve units 20 can be connected by rotating them by 90 degrees relative to each other. This further increases the degree of freedom in combining the valve units 20. Note that in this embodiment, the two valve units 20 are connected by rotating them by 90 degrees relative to each other, but they may also be connected by rotating them by, for example, 180 degrees.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 2, when 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.

[0070] 5 to 7 , 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.

[0071] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, 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.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] As described above, according to this embodiment, flow path switching valves with various specifications can be easily realized.

[0075] [Other embodiments] The above describes one example of an embodiment of the present invention, but the embodiment of the present invention 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 invention.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10. Flow path switching valve 12 Valve chamber 14 Valve body 16 Valve body 18 Rotation drive unit 20 Valve Unit 21 First Channel 22 Second flow path 23 Third flow path 31 First entrance / exit 32 Second entrance / exit 33 Third entrance / exit 36 Flow path 70 Stopper

Claims

1. a valve unit including: a valve body having a valve chamber formed therein, a first inlet / outlet and a second inlet / outlet formed on a wall surface defining the valve chamber through which a fluid flows in and out, and a third inlet / outlet formed on a bottom surface of the valve chamber; a 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; and a third flow path communicating with the third inlet / outlet and having an open side opposite to the third 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 selectively switched through the flow path of the valve body; and and one of the valve units is connected to another of the valve units on the opposite side of the rotary drive unit, and the two valve bodies in the two valve units are rotationally driven by the single rotary drive unit; A flow path switching valve, wherein the range of openings of the valve body of one of the valve units corresponding to the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet is different from the range of openings of the valve body of the other valve unit corresponding to the first inlet / outlet and the second inlet / outlet.

2. The two valve bodies are rotationally driven by the rotation drive unit, while the opening of the valve body in one of the valve units is in communication with the first inlet / outlet, the opening of the valve body in the other valve unit can be switched between a state in which it is in communication with the first inlet / outlet and a state in which it is in communication with the second inlet / outlet, 2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein, while the opening of the valve body in one of the valve units is in communication with the second inlet / outlet, the opening of the valve body in the other valve unit can be switched between a state in which it is in communication with the first inlet / outlet and a state in which it is in communication with the second inlet / outlet.

3. 3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve unit is provided with a stopper that limits further rotation of the valve element at least at one of an upper limit and a lower limit of a rotation range of the valve element.

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