rotary valve

Abstract

To secure seal performance and reduce the size of a valve element in a radial direction.SOLUTION: A housing 11 of a rotary valve 10 includes: a cover 12 (a specific facing wall part) and a closing part 23 (a facing wall part) which face each other while sandwiching a storage part 45 from both axial sides; and an annular wall part 22 which encloses the storage part 45 from the outer side in a radial direction. A valve body part 52 of a valve element 51 has an outer peripheral surface 56 facing the annular wall part 22 and multiple movable passages. Each movable passage comprises one specific movable passage 61 and a general movable passage 67. An upstream end 62a of the specific movable passage 61 is open facing the cover 12 and a downstream end 63b is open on the outer peripheral surface 56. An upstream end 67a and a downstream end 67b of the general movable passage 67 are open on the outer peripheral surface 56. Annular radial packings 71 and 73 are respectively disposed between peripheral edge parts of a radial inflow port 26 and a radial outflow port 28, which are open at the annular wall part 22, and the outer peripheral surface 56.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rotary valve that switches fluid flow paths by rotating a valve element. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a rotary valve 100 for switching between flow paths for a plurality of fluids FL1 and FL2, which includes a housing 101 having a storage portion 102, and a valve element 111, as shown in FIG.

[0003] The housing 101 is formed with an inlet 106 and an outlet (outlet 107, etc.) for the fluid FL1 facing the storage portion 102. The housing 101 is formed with an inlet 108 and an outlet (not shown) for the fluid FL2 facing the storage portion 102.

[0004] Here, the direction along the axis AL of the shaft portion 116 of the valve body 111 is referred to as the axial direction. The housing 101 has specific opposing wall portions 103 and 104 that face each other and sandwich the accommodating portion 102 from both sides in the axial direction, and an annular wall portion 105 that surrounds the accommodating portion 102 from the outside in the radial direction of the shaft portion 116.

[0005] The valve element 111 has a valve body 112 accommodated in the accommodation portion 102 and having a plurality of movable flow paths, and a shaft portion 116 that rotatably supports the valve body 112 on the housing 101. The valve main body 112 has an outer peripheral surface 113 facing the annular wall 105. The movable flow paths consist of one specific movable flow path 114 and one or more general movable flow paths 115. An upstream end 114a of the specific movable flow path 114 opens facing the specific opposing wall 103 on the axis AL, and a downstream end 114b opens at the outer peripheral surface 113. An upstream end 115a of the general movable flow path 115 opens facing the specific opposing wall 103 at a location radially outward from the axis AL, and a downstream end (not shown) opens at the outer peripheral surface 113.

[0006] Furthermore, axial packings 117 are arranged between the peripheral edges of the inlets 106, 108 in the specific opposing wall portion 103 and the valve main body 112. In Fig. 14, one large axial packing 117 is used, which integrates one seal between the peripheral edge of the inlet 106 and the valve main body 112 and another seal between the peripheral edge of the inlet 108 and the valve main body 112.

[0007] A radial packing 118 is disposed between the peripheral edge of the outlet (outlet 107, etc.) in the annular wall portion 105 and the outer circumferential surface 113 of the valve main body portion 112. In the rotary valve 100 configured as described above, the valve element 111 is rotated around the shaft 116. When the downstream end 114b faces the outlet 107, the fluid FL1 flows through the specific movable flow path 114 and then flows out from the outlet 107. Furthermore, as the valve element 111 rotates, the upstream end 115a of the general movable flow path 115 faces the inlet 108 and the downstream end faces the outlet, and the fluid FL2 flows through the general movable flow path 115 and then flows out from the outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, a compression reaction force is generated as the radial packing 118 is compressed in the radial direction of the shaft portion 116. This compression reaction force seals the gap between the peripheries of the outlets (outlet 107, etc.) and the outer circumferential surface 113 of the valve main body 112. Furthermore, a compression reaction force is generated as the axial packing 117 is compressed in the axial direction. This compression reaction force seals the gap between the peripheries of the inlets 106, 108 and the valve main body 112.

[0009] Therefore, with the rotary valve 100, by rotating the valve element 111, it is possible to switch between the flow paths of the plurality of fluids FL1 and FL2, and further to prevent the fluids FL1 and FL2 from mixing with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-143743 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] However, in a conventional rotary valve 100 that uses an axial packing 117, the size of the valve body 112 in the radial direction of the stem 116 is significantly affected by the axial packing 117. As a result, the valve body 112 and, ultimately, the rotary valve 100 become larger in the radial direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A rotary valve that solves the above-mentioned problem includes a housing having a storage portion, and in which an inlet and an outlet for a fluid are formed facing the storage portion, a valve body portion that is stored in the storage portion and has a movable flow path that connects the inlet and the outlet, and a valve element that has a shaft portion that rotatably supports the valve body portion in the housing, and switches the outlet that is connected to the inlet via the movable flow path by rotation of the valve body portion about the shaft portion, and the housing has a pair of opposing walls that face each other across the storage portion from both sides in the axial direction that is a direction along the axis of the shaft portion, one of which is a specific opposing wall portion. The valve body has an outer circumferential surface facing the annular wall, the movable flow paths consist of one specific movable flow path and one or more general movable flow paths, the upstream ends of the specific movable flow paths open facing the specific opposing wall or open on the outer circumferential surface, the downstream ends of the specific movable flow paths open on the outer circumferential surface, and the upstream and downstream ends of the general movable flow paths open on the outer circumferential surface, and annular radial packings are arranged between the outer circumferential surface and each peripheral edge of the inlet and outlet opening on the annular wall.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the annular radial packing restricts fluid movement between the inner and outer radial regions of the radial packing, thereby suppressing the phenomenon of the fluid flowing in the inner region and the fluid flowing in the outer region mixing with each other.

[0014] Here, the radial packing refers to the inlet and outlet that open in the annular wall of the housing and are located between their peripheries and the outer circumferential surface of the valve body. All outlets are included in the above. When the upstream end of a specific movable flow path opens in the outer circumferential surface of the valve body, the inlet corresponding to that upstream end is also included in the above.

[0015] Therefore, when the annular wall has an inlet and an outlet, the radial packing prevents fluids from mixing between the inlet and the outlet or between the outlets, whereas when the annular wall has only an outlet, the radial packing prevents fluids from mixing between the outlets.

[0016] Furthermore, when an inlet is opened in the specific opposing wall portion, the number of inlets is one. Moreover, as described above, annular radial packings are disposed between the peripheral edges of the inlet and outlet opening in the annular wall portion and the outer circumferential surface of the valve main body. Therefore, even if no axial packing is disposed between the peripheral edges of the inlet in the specific opposing wall portion and the valve main body, the phenomenon of fluids mixing between the inlet in the specific opposing wall portion and the inlet and outlet opening in the annular wall portion is suppressed.

[0017] Therefore, even if the axial packing is eliminated, it is possible to ensure sealing performance equivalent to that of a conventional rotary valve. The valve body does not need to be made larger in the radial direction to accommodate the axial packing.

[0018] In the above rotary valve, it is preferable that, of the movable flow paths, only the general movable flow path has both the upstream end and the downstream end open on the outer peripheral surface, and that the upstream end and the downstream end of at least one of the general movable flow paths open at different positions on the outer peripheral surface in the axial direction.

[0019] As the number of specific movable flow paths and general movable flow paths increases, the proportion of the valve body that they occupy increases. If the downstream ends of the specific movable flow paths and the upstream and downstream ends of the general movable flow paths were all located at the same axial position, the movable flow paths would be crowded together. It is difficult to form the specific movable flow paths and the general movable flow paths in the valve body while keeping them separated from each other.

[0020] While the above problem can be solved by increasing the size of the valve body in the radial direction, this goes against the goal of reducing the size of the valve body in the radial direction. In this regard, according to the above configuration, the upstream end and downstream end of at least one general movable flow path are opened at different positions on the outer circumferential surface in the axial direction.

[0021] Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the general movable flow path is increased compared to when the downstream end of the specific movable flow path and the upstream and downstream ends of all the general movable flow paths are located at the same position in the axial direction, and as a result, it is easy to form the specific movable flow path and the general movable flow path in a state where they are separated from each other in the valve body without increasing the radial size of the valve body. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the rotary valve, the valve body can be made smaller in the radial direction while ensuring sealing performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary valve according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the rotary valve of FIG. 1 as seen from the body side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 1 as seen from the body side. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 1 as seen from the cover side. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state before a cover is attached to a body in the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state before the valve body is assembled to the body to which the radial packing is attached in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a valve body in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the rotary valve of FIG. 2. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 8. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the rotary valve in the embodiment, and is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a body and a cover. [Figure 12] 9 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the rotary valve in FIG. 8 in which the valve disc has been rotated to a second rotation phase. [Figure 13] 13 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the rotary valve in FIG. 12 in which the valve element has been rotated to a third rotation phase. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional rotary valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a rotary valve that is provided midway through a plurality of fluid flow paths and switches the flow paths will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 13. FIG. Here, the term "fluid" includes either a liquid or a gas, or both. The term "multiple fluids" includes multiple types of fluids with different components, as well as multiple fluids of the same type. The term "multiple fluids of the same type" includes multiple identical fluids, as well as multiple fluids with the same components but different temperatures or other factors, such as viscosity. In this embodiment, the fluids are two types of cooling water with the same components but different temperatures. Note that a liquid other than cooling water may be used as the fluid.

[0025] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the rotary valve 10 includes a housing 11, a valve element 51, radial packings 71 to 74, and a shaft seal member 77. As will be described later, the valve element 51 is rotatable about a shaft portion 58 and a specific shaft portion 57 having an axis AL. Therefore, each component will be described based on the axis AL. The direction along the axis AL will be referred to as the "axial direction." The direction extending radially from the axis AL will be referred to as the "radial direction."

[0026] [Housing 11] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 11 includes a cover 12 and a body 21 that are arranged axially aligned with each other.

[0027] <Cover 12> 9 and 10, the cover 12 has a specific bearing portion 13 at its radial center. The specific bearing portion 13 is configured as a recess that opens at the center of the cover 12 and is recessed axially toward the side away from the body 21 (the lower side in FIGS. 9 and 10).

[0028] A circular axial inlet 14 is formed at the bottom of the specific bearing portion 13. A connecting pipe portion 15 that protrudes toward the side away from the body 21 is formed at the periphery of the axial inlet 14 in the specific bearing portion 13. A pipe (not shown) is connected to the connecting pipe portion 15, and fluid FL1 that is sent from outside the rotary valve 10 through the pipe is guided through the connecting pipe portion 15 to the axial inlet 14.

[0029] <Body 21> The body 21 has an annular wall portion 22 extending in the axial direction. A blocking portion 23 is formed at the end of the annular wall portion 22 opposite the cover 12 in the axial direction (the upper side in Figures 9 and 10) so as to close the end. The end of the annular wall portion 22 opposite the blocking portion 23 in the axial direction is blocked by the cover 12 attached to the body 21.

[0030] A bearing portion 24 is formed in the center of the closing portion 23 in the radial direction. The bearing portion 24 is formed as a hole that penetrates the closing portion 23 in the axial direction. As shown in Figures 8 to 10, a circular radial inlet 26 is formed at one location on the annular wall portion 22. Furthermore, circular radial outlets 27, 28, and 29 are formed at multiple locations (three locations) on the annular wall portion 22. In this embodiment, the radial inlet 26 and the three radial outlets 27 to 29 are formed at equal angular intervals (90°) around the circumferential direction of the annular wall portion 22. The two radial outlets 27 and 28 are formed at the same location in the axial direction relative to the radial inlet 26. In contrast, the single radial outlet 29 is formed at a location axially away from the radial inlet 26, i.e., at a location away from the cover 12 in this embodiment.

[0031] The axial inlet 14 and the radial inlet 26 correspond to the inlet in the claims, and the radial outlets 27 to 29 correspond to the outlet. A connecting pipe portion 31 that protrudes radially outward from the annular wall portion 22 is provided at the periphery of the radial inlet 26 in the annular wall portion 22. A pipe (not shown) is connected to the connecting pipe portion 31, and the fluid FL2 that is sent from outside the rotary valve 10 through the pipe is guided through the connecting pipe portion 31 to the radial inlet 26. A packing mounting portion 33 is formed within the annular wall portion 22 at a location adjacent to the periphery of the radial inlet 26 on the radial inside of the annular wall portion 22.

[0032] A connecting pipe 34 is provided at the periphery of the radial outlet 27 in the annular wall 22, protruding radially outward in a direction different from the protruding direction of the connecting pipe 31. Pipes (not shown) are connected to the connecting pipe 34, and the fluids FL1 and FL2 flow into the pipes through the radial outlet 27 and the connecting pipe 34. A packing mounting portion 36 is formed within the annular wall 22 at a location adjacent to the periphery of the radial outlet 27 on the radial inward side.

[0033] A connecting pipe portion 37 is provided at the periphery of the radial outlet port 28 in the annular wall portion 22, protruding radially outward in a direction different from the protruding direction of the connecting pipe portions 31, 34. A piping (not shown) is connected to the connecting pipe portion 37, and the fluid FL1 flows into the piping through the radial outlet port 28 and the connecting pipe portion 37. A packing mounting portion 39 is formed within the annular wall portion 22 at a location adjacent to the periphery of the radial outlet port 28 on the radial inward side.

[0034] A connecting pipe portion 41 is provided at the periphery of the radial outlet port 29 in the annular wall portion 22, protruding radially outward in a direction different from the protruding direction of the connecting pipe portions 31, 34, and 37. A piping (not shown) is connected to the connecting pipe portion 41, and the fluid FL2 flows into the piping through the radial outlet port 29 and the connecting pipe portion 41. A packing mounting portion 43 is formed within the annular wall portion 22 at a location adjacent to the periphery of the radial outlet port 29 on the radial inward side.

[0035] The space surrounded by the annular wall portion 22 and the closing portion 23 of the body 21 and the cover 12 constitutes a housing portion 45. The housing portion 45 is connected to the packing mounting portions 33, 36, 39, and 43.

[0036] The housing 11 has a pair of opposing walls that face each other and sandwich the storage portion 45 from both sides in the axial direction. In order to distinguish between the pair of opposing walls, one of the opposing walls will be simply referred to as the "opposing wall" and the other will be referred to as the "specific opposing wall." In this embodiment, the specific opposing wall is formed by the cover 12, and the opposing wall is formed by the blocking portion 23.

[0037] [Valve body 51] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the valve body 51 includes a valve body portion 52 and a pair of shaft portions. <Valve main body 52> The valve main body 52 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction and is housed in the housing 45 (see FIGS. 8 to 10). The valve main body 52 has a specific end face 53 facing the cover 12 (specific opposing wall portion) and an end face 54 facing the blocking portion 23 (opposing wall portion). The valve main body 52 has an outer peripheral surface 56 facing the annular wall portion 22. The outer peripheral surface 56 is formed by a cylindrical surface centered on the axis AL.

[0038] <Shaft> 9 and 10, the shaft portion is made up of a specific shaft portion 57 and a shaft portion 58. The specific shaft portion 57 protrudes from the center of the specific end face 53 in the radial direction toward the cover 12 (specific opposing wall portion). The shaft portion 58 protrudes from the center of the end face 54 in the radial direction toward the closure portion 23 (opposing wall portion). The valve body 51 is rotatably supported by the specific bearing portion 13 at the specific shaft portion 57, and is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 24 at the shaft portion 58.

[0039] 8 to 10, a plurality of movable flow paths are formed in the valve main body 52. ​​The plurality of movable flow paths are made up of one specific movable flow path 61 through which a fluid FL1 flows, and two general movable flow paths 65, 67 through which a fluid FL2 flows.

[0040] <Specific movable flow path 61> An upstream portion 62 of the specific movable flow path 61 in the flow direction of the fluid FL1 extends in the axial direction on the axis AL. The upstream portion 62 penetrates the specific shaft portion 57. An upstream end 62a of the upstream portion 62 in the flow direction of the fluid FL1 opens at the protruding end surface 57a of the specific shaft portion 57 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). The upstream end 62a faces the axial inlet 14 and is always in communication with the axial inlet 14 regardless of the rotational phase of the valve body 51.

[0041] A downstream portion 63 of the specific movable flow path 61 in the flow direction of the fluid FL1 extends linearly radially outward from the upstream portion 62. A downstream end 63b of the downstream portion 63 in the flow direction of the fluid FL1 is open at the outer circumferential surface 56.

[0042] The specific movable flow path 61 changes the state of communication between the axial inlet 14 and the radial outlets 27, 28 via the specific movable flow path 61 by moving (pivoting) the downstream portion 63 in accordance with the rotation of the valve body 51.

[0043] <General Movable Channel 65> The general movable flow path 65 extends linearly at a location radially outward from the axis AL of the valve main body 52. ​​An upstream end 65a and a downstream end 65b of the general movable flow path 65 in the flow direction of the fluid FL2 open at locations circumferentially spaced from each other on the outer circumferential surface 56. The upstream end 65a and the downstream end 65b are located at the same location in the axial direction as the downstream end 63b.

[0044] The general movable flow path 65 moves (rotates) around the axis AL as the valve body 51 rotates, thereby changing the state of communication between the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlet 27 via the general movable flow path 65 (see Figure 12).

[0045] <General Movable Channel 67> As shown in Figures 7 to 10, the general movable flow path 67 extends linearly at a location of the valve main body 52 that is spaced radially outward from the axis AL. An upstream end 67a and a downstream end 67b of the general movable flow path 67 in the flow direction of the fluid FL2 are open at locations on the outer circumferential surface 56 that are spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. The upstream end 67a is located at the same location in the axial direction as the downstream end 63b of the specific movable flow path 61 and the upstream end 65a and downstream end 65b of the general movable flow path 65. The downstream end 67b (see Figures 9 and 10) is located at a different location in the axial direction from the upstream end 67a (see Figure 9), that is, at a location on the side away from the cover 12 in this embodiment.

[0046] The general movable flow path 67 moves (rotates) around the axis AL as the valve body 51 rotates, thereby changing the state of communication between the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlet 29 via the general movable flow path 67 (see Figures 8 and 11).

[0047] [Radial packing 71~74] As shown in Figures 3 to 6 and 8, the same number (four) of radial gaskets 71, 72, 73, and 74 as the radial inlet 26 and radial outlet 27 to 29 are used as the radial gaskets. The radial gaskets 71 to 74 are formed of an elastic material such as rubber and have the same shape. The radial gaskets 71 to 74 have a rectangular outer shape. The inner surfaces of the radial gaskets 71 to 74 in the radial direction are concavely curved along the outer peripheral surface 56 of the valve main body 52. ​​Each of the radial gaskets 71 to 74 has a circular hole 75 with an inner diameter approximately the same as that of the radial inlet 26 and radial outlet 27 to 29, and is annular.

[0048] Each of the radial packings 71 to 74 has a sealing portion (not shown). The sealing portion is annular and protrudes radially inward from the periphery of the hole 75. The sealing portion is concavely curved along the outer peripheral surface 56 and can be tightly attached to the outer peripheral surface 56.

[0049] As shown in Figures 5, 6 and 8, the radial gasket 71 is attached to the gasket attachment portion 33 and is positioned between the peripheral edge of the radial inlet 26 in the annular wall portion 22 and the outer circumferential surface 56.

[0050] The radial packing 72 is attached to the packing attachment portion 36 and is located between the peripheral edge of the radial outlet port 27 in the annular wall portion 22 and the outer circumferential surface 56 . The radial packing 73 is attached to the packing attachment portion 39 and is located between the peripheral edge of the radial outlet port 28 in the annular wall portion 22 and the outer circumferential surface 56 .

[0051] The three radial packings 71 to 73 are located at the same positions in the axial direction and spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10, the radial packing 74 is attached to the packing attachment portion 43 and is located between the peripheral edge of the radial outlet port 29 in the annular wall portion 22 and the outer circumferential surface 56.

[0052] Unlike the conventional rotary valve 100, no axial packing is disposed between the cover 12 and the specific end surface 53 of the valve body 52. <Shaft seal member 77> 3, 4, 9, and 10, the shaft seal member 77 is formed in an annular shape from an elastic material such as rubber. The shaft seal member 77 is disposed around the shaft portion 58, between the shaft portion 58 and the inner wall surface of the bearing portion 24. The shaft seal member 77 prevents the fluids FL1 and FL2 in the accommodating portion 45 from passing between the shaft portion 58 and the inner wall surface of the bearing portion 24 and leaking out of the rotary valve 10.

[0053] Next, the operation of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described, along with the effects that accompany the operation. [(1) Switching of flow paths by rotary valve 10] 8 to 10, a fluid FL1 sent from outside the rotary valve 10 is guided to the axial inlet 14 by the connecting pipe portion 15. A fluid FL2 sent from outside the rotary valve 10 is guided to the radial inlet 26 by the connecting pipe portion 31.

[0054] Under these circumstances, the valve element 51 is rotated by a motor (not shown), manual operation, or the like, and the rotational phase changes, thereby changing the state of communication between the axial inlet 14 and the radial outlets 27, 28 through the specific movable flow path 61. The change in the rotational phase also changes the state of communication between the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27, 29. The rotational phases that are subject to change are the first rotational phase, the second rotational phase, and the third rotational phase.

[0055] Regardless of the rotation phase, the upstream end 62a of the specific movable flow path 61 always faces the axial inlet 14. Therefore, the fluid FL1 can flow into the specific movable flow path 61 from the upstream end 62a regardless of the rotation phase.

[0056] Furthermore, the seal portions of the radial packings 71 to 74 restrict the fluids FL1, FL2 from moving back and forth between the inner and outer regions in the radial direction of the radial packings 71 to 74. This restriction prevents the fluids FL1, FL2 flowing in the inner region from mixing with the fluids FL1, FL2 flowing in the outer region.

[0057] <First rotation phase> As shown in Figures 8 to 11, in the first rotation phase, the downstream end 63b of the specific movable flow path 61 faces the radial outlet 28 via the radial packing 73. The specific movable flow path 61 connects the axial inlet 14 and the radial outlet 28. In addition, the upstream end 67a of the general movable flow path 67 faces the radial inlet 26 via the radial packing 71. The downstream end 67b of the general movable flow path 67 faces the radial outlet 29 via the radial packing 74. The general movable flow path 67 connects the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlet 29.

[0058] The upstream end 65a and downstream end 65b of the general movable flow path 65 do not face any of the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27-29. Therefore, the fluid FL1 sent to the connecting pipe portion 15 is guided to the radial outlet 28 by the specific movable flow path 61. This fluid FL1 flows from the radial outlet 28 through the connecting pipe portion 37 and flows out into the piping.

[0059] Here, the radial packing 73 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the downstream end 63b on the outer circumferential surface 56 and the peripheral edge of the radial outlet 28 on the annular wall portion 22. Therefore, the radial packing 73 prevents the fluid FL1 in the radially inner region of the radial packing 73 from mixing with the fluids FL1 and FL2 in the radially outer regions.

[0060] Furthermore, the fluid FL2 sent to the connecting pipe portion 31 flows from the radial inlet 26 into the general movable flow path 67, and is guided by the general movable flow path 67 to the radial outlet 29. This fluid FL2 passes from the radial outlet 29 through the connecting pipe portion 41 and flows out into the piping.

[0061] Here, the radial packing 71 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the radial inlet 26 in the annular wall portion 22 and the peripheral edge of the upstream end 67a in the outer circumferential surface 56. Therefore, the radial packing 71 prevents the fluid FL2 in the radially inner region of the radial packing 71 from mixing with the fluids FL1 and FL2 in the radially outer regions.

[0062] Additionally, the radial packing 74 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the downstream end 67b on the outer circumferential surface 56 and the peripheral edge of the radial outlet 29 on the annular wall portion 22. Therefore, the radial packing 74 prevents the fluid FL2 in the radially inner region of the radial packing 74 from mixing with the fluids FL1 and FL2 in the radially outer regions.

[0063] The radial outlet 27 faces the outer peripheral surface 56 via a radial packing 72. The radial packing 72 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the radial outlet 27 in the annular wall portion 22 and the outer peripheral surface 56. This prevents the fluids FL1 and FL2 in the radially outer region of the radial packing 72 from entering the inner region and flowing out of the radial outlet 27.

[0064] The rotary valve 10 is in a mode in which the fluid FL1 flows in through the axial inlet 14 and flows out through the radial outlet 28, and the fluid FL2 flows in through the radial inlet 26 and flows out through the radial outlet 29.

[0065] <Second rotation phase> 12 , in the second rotation phase, the upstream end 65a of the general movable flow path 65 faces the radial inlet 26 via the radial packing 71. The downstream end 65b of the general movable flow path 65 faces the radial outlet 27 via the radial packing 72. The general movable flow path 65 brings the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlet 27 into communication with each other.

[0066] The downstream end 63b of the specific movable flow path 61 and the upstream end 67a and downstream end 67b of the general movable flow path 67 do not face any of the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27-29. Therefore, the fluid FL2 sent to the connecting pipe portion 31 flows from the radial inlet 26 into the general movable flow path 65, and is guided to the radial outlet 27 by the general movable flow path 65. This fluid FL2 flows from the radial outlet 27 through the connecting pipe portion 34 and flows out into the piping.

[0067] Here, the radial packing 71 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the radial inlet 26 in the annular wall portion 22 and the peripheral edge of the upstream end 65a in the outer circumferential surface 56. Therefore, the radial packing 71 prevents the fluid FL2 in the region radially inside the radial packing 71 from mixing with the fluids FL1 and FL2 on the outside.

[0068] Furthermore, the radial packing 72 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the downstream end 65b on the outer circumferential surface 56 and the peripheral edge of the radial outlet 27 on the annular wall portion 22. Therefore, the radial packing 72 prevents the fluid FL2 in the radially inner region of the radial packing 72 from mixing with the fluids FL1 and FL2 in the radially outer regions.

[0069] The radial outlet 28 faces the outer peripheral surface 56 via the radial packing 73. The radial packing 73 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the radial outlet 28 in the annular wall portion 22 and the outer peripheral surface 56. This prevents the fluids FL1, FL2 in the radial outer region of the radial packing 73 from entering the inner region and flowing out of the radial outlet 28.

[0070] Furthermore, the radial outlet 29 faces the outer peripheral surface 56 via the radial packing 74. The radial packing 74 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the radial outlet 29 in the annular wall portion 22 and the outer peripheral surface 56. Therefore, the fluids FL1, FL2 in the radial outer region of the radial packing 74 are prevented from entering the inner region and flowing out of the radial outlet 29.

[0071] The rotary valve 10 is in a mode in which the fluid FL2 flows in through the radial inlet 26 and flows out through the radial outlet 27. The rotary valve 10 is also in a mode in which the fluid FL1 flows into the specific movable flow path 61 through the axial inlet 14 but is blocked from flowing out through the outlet.

[0072] <Third rotation phase> 13, in the third rotational phase, the downstream end 63b of the specific movable flow path 61 faces the radial outlet 27 via the radial packing 72. The specific movable flow path 61 brings the axial inlet 14 and the radial outlet 27 into communication with each other.

[0073] The upstream end 65a and downstream end 65b of the general movable flow path 65 and the upstream end 67a and downstream end 67b of the general movable flow path 67 do not face any of the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27-29.

[0074] Therefore, the fluid FL1 sent to the connecting pipe portion 15 is guided to the radial outlet 27 by the specific movable flow path 61. This fluid FL1 flows from the radial outlet 27 through the connecting pipe portion 34 and is then discharged into the piping.

[0075] Here, the radial packing 72 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the downstream end 63b on the outer circumferential surface 56 and the peripheral edge of the radial outlet 27 on the annular wall portion 22. Therefore, the radial packing 72 prevents the fluid FL1 in the radially inner region of the radial packing 72 from mixing with the fluids FL1 and FL2 in the radially outer regions.

[0076] The radial inlet 26 faces the outer peripheral surface 56 via a radial packing 71. The radial packing 71 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the radial inlet 26 in the annular wall portion 22 and the outer peripheral surface 56. This prevents the fluids FL1 and FL2 in the radial outer region of the radial packing 71 from entering the inner region and mixing with the fluid FL2 sent via the connecting pipe portion 31.

[0077] Furthermore, the radial outlet 28 faces the outer peripheral surface 56 via the radial packing 73. The radial packing 73 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the radial outlet 28 in the annular wall portion 22 and the outer peripheral surface 56. This prevents the fluids FL1, FL2 in the radial outer region of the radial packing 73 from entering the inner region and flowing out of the radial outlet 28.

[0078] Furthermore, the radial outlet 29 faces the outer peripheral surface 56 via a radial packing 74. The radial packing 74 is in contact with the peripheral edge of the radial outlet 29 in the annular wall portion 22 and the outer peripheral surface 56. Therefore, the fluids FL1, FL2 in the radial outer region of the radial packing 74 are prevented from entering the inner region and flowing out of the radial outlet 29.

[0079] The rotary valve 10 is in a mode in which the fluid FL2 does not flow into either of the general movable flow paths 65, 67, and the fluid FL1 flows in through the axial inlet 14 and flows out through the radial outlet 27.

[0080] As described above, according to this embodiment, even though it is a single rotary valve 10, by rotating the valve element 51 and changing the rotational phase, it is possible to switch between flow modes for each of the two types of fluids FL1 and FL2.

[0081] [(2) Regarding the abolition of axial packing] In this embodiment, the radial packings 71-74 are intended for the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27-29 that open in the annular wall portion 22, and are located between their peripheral edges and the outer peripheral surface 56 of the valve main body 52. ​​Therefore, for the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27-29, it is possible to prevent the fluids FL1, FL2 flowing through the radially inner regions of the radial packings 71-74 from mixing with the fluids FL1, FL2 flowing through the radially outer regions. The radial packings 71-74 can prevent the fluids FL1, FL2 from mixing between the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27-29 or between the radial outlets 27-29.

[0082] The cover 12 (specific opposing wall portion) is provided with the axial inlet 14. However, the axial inlet 14 is provided in only one location on the cover 12. Moreover, as described above, annular radial packings 71-74 are disposed between the peripheral edge portions of the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27-29 and the outer circumferential surface 56 of the valve main body 52. ​​Therefore, even if no axial packings are disposed between the peripheral edge portion of the axial inlet 14 and the specific end face 53, it is possible to suppress the phenomenon in which the fluids FL1 and FL2 mix between the axial inlet 14 and the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27-29.

[0083] As a result, even if the axial packing is eliminated as in the above embodiment, it is possible to ensure sealing performance equivalent to that of the conventional rotary valve 100. [(3) Reducing the diameter of the valve body 52 by eliminating the axial packing] Furthermore, as described above, since the axial packing is eliminated, it is not necessary to increase the radial size of the valve main body 52 in order to accommodate the axial packing. This eliminates the restriction imposed by the axial packing on the diameter of the valve main body 52. ​​This makes it possible to reduce the radial size of the valve main body 52. ​​This also makes it possible to reduce the radial size of the housing 11.

[0084] [(4) Reducing the diameter of the valve body 52 by using the general movable flow path 67] Here, as the number of specific movable flow paths 61 and general movable flow paths 65, 67 increases, the proportion of the valve main body 52 that they occupy increases. If the downstream end 63b of the specific movable flow path 61, the upstream end 65a and downstream end 65b of the general movable flow path 65, and the upstream end 67a and downstream end 67b of the general movable flow path 67 were all located at the same position in the axial direction, the movable flow paths would be crowded together. It would be difficult to form the specific movable flow path 61 and the general movable flow paths 65, 67 in the valve main body 52 while they are spaced apart from each other, or in other words, without interfering with each other.

[0085] If the valve main body 52 is made larger in the radial direction, it becomes easier to form the specific movable flow path 61 and the general movable flow paths 65, 67 in a state where they are spaced apart from each other in the valve main body 52. ​​However, this goes against the goal of making the valve main body 52 smaller in the radial direction.

[0086] In this regard, in this embodiment, the downstream end 67b of the general movable flow path 67 is opened at a position separated from the upstream end 67a in the axial direction. The upstream end 65a and downstream end 65b of the general movable flow path 65 and the upstream end 67a of the general movable flow path 67 are opened at the same position in the axial direction as the downstream end 63b of the specific movable flow path 61.

[0087] Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the general movable flow path 67 is increased compared to when the downstream end 63b of the specific movable flow path 61, the upstream end 65a and downstream end 65b of the general movable flow path 65, and the upstream end 67a and downstream end 67b of the general movable flow path 67 are all located at the same position in the axial direction. As a result, it becomes easy to form the specific movable flow path 61 and the general movable flow paths 65, 67 in the valve main body 52 while separating them from each other, without increasing the radial size of the valve main body 52.

[0088] (5) Other effects In addition to the above, the present embodiment also provides the following effects. (5-1) In the technology using the axial packing 117, as in the conventional rotary valve 100, the gap between the specific opposing wall portion 103 and the valve body portion 112 is sealed by the compression reaction force generated by compressing the axial packing 117 in the axial direction.

[0089] If there is dimensional variation among the components that make up the rotary valve 100, the axial packing 117 elastically deforms to absorb the variation to some extent. However, if the variation is greater than the axial packing 117 can absorb, a gap may form between the valve body 112 and the axial packing 117, potentially hindering sealing performance. This problem can be solved by compressing the axial packing 117 more to increase the compression reaction force. However, as the compression reaction force of the axial packing 117 increases, the sliding resistance generated between the valve body 112 and the axial packing 117 increases as the valve disc 111 rotates. As a result, the rotational torque required to rotate the valve disc 111 increases.

[0090] In this regard, as described above, the present embodiment does not use the axial packing 117. Therefore, the sliding resistance that conventionally occurs between the axial packing 117 and the valve main body 112 does not occur in the present embodiment. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the rotational torque required to rotate the valve body 51 can be reduced.

[0091] (5-2) In the rotary valve 10 of this embodiment, the radial packings 71 to 74 are compressed in the radial direction of the valve body 52, generating a compression reaction force that seals the gap between the outer circumferential surface 56 of the valve body 52 and the annular wall portion 22. The rotational torque required to rotate the valve element 51 is also affected by this compression reaction force.

[0092] In this embodiment, as described above, the axial packing 117 is eliminated, thereby reducing the radial size of the valve body 52. ​​This reduction in size reduces the effect of the compression reaction force of each of the radial packings 71 to 74 on the rotational torque of the valve body 51. This reduces the effect of all of the radial packings 71 to 74, making it possible to reduce the rotational torque.

[0093] (5-3) In the conventional rotary valve 100, the following can be considered as another measure to suppress an increase in the rotational torque of the valve element 111 while ensuring sealing performance. The shaft portion 116 is formed from a separate part from the valve main body 112. The shaft portion 116 is connected to the valve main body 112 so as to be movable in the axial direction and rotatable integrally therewith. An elastic member is disposed between the shaft portion 116 and the valve main body 112 to bias the shaft portion 116 and the valve main body 112 in both axial directions.

[0094] The elastic member and axial packing 117 each elastically deform to absorb dimensional variations in the components that make up the rotary valve 100. The ability to absorb variations is improved compared to when only the axial packing 117 is used. There is no need to compress the axial packing 117 too much to absorb variations, thereby increasing the compression reaction force. As the valve disc 111 rotates, the sliding resistance generated between the valve body 112 and the axial packing 117 does not become excessive, and the increase in rotational torque required to rotate the valve disc 111 can be suppressed.

[0095] However, the above measures increase the number of parts, which increases the cost of the rotary valve 100 and increases the time required to assemble the parts, resulting in new problems. In this regard, in this embodiment, as described above, the axial packing 117 is not used. Therefore, there is no need to adopt a configuration with a large number of parts as described above. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the cost of parts and reduce the number of assembly steps.

[0096] (5-4) The conventional rotary valve 100 uses a single large axial packing 117. This axial packing 117 is usually made of an expensive material. Therefore, the cost of the axial packing 117 is high.

[0097] In this regard, in this embodiment, sealing is performed using small radial packings 71 to 74, rather than using a large axial packing 117. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of the packing used for sealing.

[0098] [Example of change] The above embodiment can also be implemented as a modified example in which it is modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modified example can be implemented in combination with each other within a range where no technical contradiction occurs.

[0099] [Matters regarding Housing 11] The positions of the closing portion 23 and the cover 12 in the direction along the axis AL may be reversed from those in the above embodiment. For example, in Figures 9 and 10, the cover 12 may be disposed above the annular wall portion 22, and the closing portion 23 may be formed below the annular wall portion 22. In this case, the axial inlet 14 for the fluid FL1 may be formed in the closing portion 23.

[0100] The housing 11 may be made of a member different from the body 21 and the cover 12, provided that the housing 11 has the storage portion 45. This modification also includes adding another member to the body 21 and the cover 12.

[0101] [Matters regarding valve body 51] The valve body 52 may be formed in a spherical shape instead of a cylindrical shape. The shaft portion of the valve body 51 may be formed by one of the shaft portion 58 and the specific shaft portion 57 .

[0102] The upstream end 62a of the specific movable flow path 61 may be open to face a position other than the center of the cover 12 (specific facing wall portion) in the radial direction. In this case, the position of the axial inlet 14 in the cover 12 is also changed to a position facing the upstream end 62a.

[0103] Even in this modified example, even if an axial gasket is not placed between the peripheral portion of the axial inlet 14 and the specific end face 53, the phenomenon of fluids FL1 and FL2 mixing between the axial inlet 14 and the radial inlet 26 and radial outlets 27-29 can be suppressed.

[0104] This is because, as described above, the annular radial packings 71 to 74 are arranged between the peripheral edges of the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27 to 29 and the outer circumferential surface 56 of the valve body 52.

[0105] The upstream end 62a of the specific movable flow path 61 may open on the outer peripheral surface 56 of the valve main body 52 instead of at a location (specific end face 53) facing the cover 12 (specific facing wall portion). In this case, a radial inlet is formed in the annular wall portion 22 instead of the axial inlet 14 of the cover 12 as the inlet facing the upstream end 62a.

[0106] The number of general movable flow paths 65, 67 may be changed to one or three or more. The specific movable flow path 61 may branch into multiple parts midway along the flow direction of the fluid FL1. For example, multiple downstream sections 63 may be set. The multiple downstream sections 63 extend radially outward from the upstream section 62. In this case, the positions of the multiple downstream sections 63 in the axial direction may be the same as or different from each other.

[0107] In the former case, the multiple downstream portions 63 may extend in directions different from each other. In the latter case, the multiple downstream portions 63 may extend in directions different from each other or in the same direction. The general movable flow paths 65, 67 may also branch into multiple paths midway in the flow direction of the fluid FL2, similar to the specific movable flow path 61. In this case, the general movable flow paths 65, 67 may branch in the circumferential direction or in the axial direction.

[0108] In the above embodiment, the position of the downstream end 67b of the general movable flow path 67 in the axial direction may be changed. The downstream end 67b may be formed, for example, at the same position as the upstream end 67a in the axial direction, or may be formed closer to the cover 12 than the upstream end 67a in the axial direction.

[0109] As with the general movable flow path 67, the upstream end 65a and the downstream end 65b of the general movable flow path 65 may be located at different positions in the axial direction. The downstream end 63b of the specific movable flow path 61 and the upstream ends 65a, 67a and downstream ends 65b, 67b of the general movable flow paths 65, 67 may be formed at three or more different locations in the axial direction.

[0110] The general movable flow passage 67, whose upstream end 67a and downstream end 67b are located at different positions in the axial direction, may be formed in a straight line as in the above embodiment, or may be formed in a curved shape. In the latter case, the general movable flow passage 67 may be composed of, for example, a portion extending in the axial direction and a portion extending in the radial direction from the same portion.

[0111] [Radial packings 71-74] The outer shape of the radial packings 71 to 74 may be changed to a shape other than a rectangle. The shape of the holes 75 in the radial packings 71 to 74 may be changed to a shape other than a circle.

[0112] The radial packings 71 to 74 may be made of a hard material instead of an elastic material. A plurality of different shapes may be set for the radial packings 71 to 74. Each of the plurality of radial packings 71 to 74 may be formed in any one of the shapes.

[0113] [others] In the above embodiment, the downstream portion 63 of the specific movable flow passage 61 moves in accordance with the rotation of the valve body 51, thereby changing the state of communication between the axial inlet 14 and the radial outlets 27, 28.

[0114] Changing the above-mentioned communication state also includes adjusting the amount of rotation of the valve body 51 to continuously change the flow path area between the downstream end 63b of the specific movable flow path 61 and the radial outlets 27, 28, thereby adjusting the amount of fluid FL1 flowing out from the same radial outlets 27, 28.

[0115] In the above embodiment, the general movable flow paths 65, 67 move in accordance with the rotation of the valve body 51, thereby changing the state of communication between the radial inlet 26 and the radial outlets 27, 29. Changing the above-mentioned communication state also includes adjusting the amount of rotation of the valve body 51 to continuously change the flow path area between the upstream ends 65a, 67a of the general movable flow paths 65, 67 and the radial inlet 26, thereby adjusting the amount of fluid FL2 flowing out from the radial outlets 27, 29.

[0116] In addition, changing the above-mentioned communication state also includes adjusting the amount of rotation of the valve body 51 to continuously change the flow path area between the downstream ends 65b, 67b and the radial outlets 27, 29, thereby adjusting the amount of fluid FL2 flowing out from the radial outlets 27, 29. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10...Rotary valve 11. Housing 12...Cover (specific opposing wall part) 14...Axial inlet (inlet) 22...Annular wall portion 23...Blocking section (opposing wall section) 26...Radial inlet (inlet) 27,28,29...Radial outlet (outlet) 45...Storage section 51...Valve body 52...Valve body 56...Outer surface 57…Specific shaft part (shaft part) 58...Shaft 61...Specific movable flow path (movable flow path) 62a, 65a, 67a...upstream end 63b,65b,67b...downstream end 65, 67...General movable flow path (movable flow path) 71, 72, 73, 74... Radial packing AL…Axis line FL1, FL2…Fluid

Claims

[Claim 1] a housing having a storage portion, and an inlet and an outlet for a fluid formed facing the storage portion; a valve body portion housed in the storage portion, and having a movable flow path formed therein for connecting the inlet and the outlet; and a valve element having a shaft portion for rotatably supporting the valve body portion in the housing, and which switches the outlet that is connected to the inlet via the movable flow path by rotation of the valve body portion about the shaft portion, The housing has a pair of opposing wall portions that sandwich the accommodating portion from both sides in the axial direction, which is a direction along the axis of the shaft portion, and one of the opposing wall portions is a specific opposing wall portion, and an annular wall portion that surrounds the accommodating portion from the outside in the radial direction of the shaft portion, the valve body has an outer circumferential surface facing the annular wall, the movable flow path comprises one specific movable flow path and one or more general movable flow paths, an upstream end of the specific movable flow path opens opposite to the specific opposing wall portion, a downstream end of the specific movable flow path opens at the outer circumferential surface, and an upstream end and a downstream end of the general movable flow path open at the outer circumferential surface, annular radial packings are disposed between the outer circumferential surface and peripheral edges of the inlet and outlet openings in the annular wall portion; The rotary valve has an upstream end and a downstream end of at least one of the general movable flow passages, the upstream end and the downstream end of the general movable flow passage being open at different positions on the outer circumferential surface in the axial direction.

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