Fluid control valve

Abstract

To provide a fluid control valve capable of suppressing flowing of a fluid to a back side of a valve without limiting a switch pattern.SOLUTION: A fluid control valve includes: a valve 60 rotating around a shaft center CL and having a valve outer wall portion 61 on which a plurality of flow passage portions 64 are formed to circulate a fluid; a housing 10 having a plurality of opening portions 40 through which the fluid passes on a housing outer wall portion 11; and a seal member 70 disposed between the housing outer wall portion and the valve outer wall portion. The plurality of opening portions are formed in a manner that a part of the plurality of opening portions arranged two or more in the shaft center direction is formed into a lattice shape in which two or more rows are arranged in the circumferential direction. The seal member is provided with a plurality of through holes 71 so that the fluid passes therethrough. The plurality of flow passage portions are formed into the shape corresponding to the plurality of opening portions and the plurality of through holes. The plurality of through holes are arranged in the shaft center direction, and further arranged in a plurality of rows in the circumferential direction. The number of rows of the through holes is determined to be more than the number of opening rows.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fluid control valve.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a fluid control valve is known that includes a valve having a plurality of flow path portions through which a fluid flows, a housing in which the valve is housed and a plurality of ports for allowing the fluid to flow in and out are formed, and a seal member provided between the valve and the housing (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the fluid control valve described in Patent Document 1, four stages of ports are formed in the housing in the axial direction of the rotation axis of the valve, and two rows of ports are formed in the circumferential direction of the valve, and a total of eight ports are formed in a lattice pattern. Further, on the outer peripheral portion of the valve, a plurality of flow path portions capable of straddling two ports are formed along either one of the axial direction of the rotation axis of the valve and the circumferential direction of the valve. The seal member is formed in a lattice pattern surrounding all eight ports and having through-holes corresponding to each of the eight ports.

[0003] In the fluid control valve described in Patent Document 1 having such a valve, housing, and seal member, the fluid flow into and out of the fluid control valve is switched by rotating the valve to switch the flow path portions communicating with each of the eight ports.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, the sealing member described in Patent Document 1 has an outer peripheral portion that surrounds all eight ports and a partition portion that surrounds each of the eight ports. As a result, when each flow path is positioned opposite the eight ports, the sealing member prevents the fluids flowing through each of the eight ports from mixing when the outer peripheral portion and the partition portion are positioned opposite the eight ports.

[0006] However, if a flow path formed to span two rows of ports along the direction of rotation of the valve is positioned to span the outer circumference, the sealing member cannot enclose the portion of the flow path that spans the outer circumference that does not face the ports. Consequently, if the side of the valve facing the ports is considered the front side and the opposite side is considered the back side, the fluid flowing through the flow path that spans the outer circumference will wrap around from the front side to the back side of the valve, causing fluid to flow into the flow path portion other than the one facing the ports. This can lead to unexpected fluid flow and fluid leakage.

[0007] However, by adjusting the rotational position of the valve, such unexpected fluid flow and fluid leakage can be prevented. For example, in the fluid control valve described in Patent Document 1, by adjusting the rotational position of the valve so that the flow path that spans the two ports in the direction of valve rotation does not span the outer circumference of the sealing member, it is possible to suppress the flow of fluid to the back side of the valve.

[0008] However, adjusting the valve's rotational position so that it does not straddle the outer circumference of the sealing member limits the valve's rotational position, which restricts the switching pattern when the fluid control valve switches the fluid flow.

[0009] The present disclosure aims to provide a fluid control valve capable of suppressing fluid flow to the back of the valve without restricting the switching pattern. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The invention described in claim 1 is, A fluid control valve, A valve (60) having a valve outer wall portion (61) that rotates around an axis (CL) and in which multiple fluid passages (64) are formed, A housing (10) having a housing outer wall portion (11) that forms a valve housing space (AS) for housing a valve, and having a plurality of openings (40) through which fluid passes in the housing outer wall portion, The housing outer wall portion comprises a sealing member (70) positioned between the portion where multiple openings are formed and the valve outer wall portion, When the direction in which the axis extends is defined as the axial direction and the direction in which the valve rotates around the axis is defined as the circumferential direction, a portion of the multiple openings, which are arranged in two or more rows in the axial direction, are formed in a grid pattern with two or more rows in the circumferential direction. The sealing member is formed so that its circumferential size is larger than the area in which multiple openings are formed in the outer wall portion of the housing, The sealing member has multiple through holes (71) formed therein to allow fluid to pass through. Multiple flow channels are formed in a shape corresponding to multiple openings and multiple through holes. Multiple through holes, A shape that accommodates multiple openings, They are arranged in multiple rows in the axial direction and in multiple columns in the circumferential direction. When the number of rows of multiple openings arranged in the circumferential direction is defined as the number of opening rows, and the number of rows of multiple through holes arranged in the circumferential direction is defined as the number of through hole rows, the number of through hole rows is set to be greater than the number of opening rows.

[0011] According to this, when one of the multiple flow channels is positioned to straddle the circumferential end opening among the multiple openings, the sealing member can surround the flow channel that straddles the circumferential end opening. Therefore, even when a flow channel is positioned to straddle the circumferential end opening, it is possible to prevent the fluid flowing through this flow channel from leaking around to the back of the valve between the outer wall of the valve and the outer wall of the housing. Consequently, it is not necessary to adjust the rotation position of the valve so that the multiple flow channels do not straddle the circumferential end openings. In other words, it is possible to prevent fluid from flowing to the back of the valve without restricting the switching pattern of the fluid control valve that is switched by rotating the valve.

[0012] Note that the reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component etc. indicate an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and the specific components etc. described in the embodiments described later.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a front view of the fluid control valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a side view of the fluid control valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a top view of the fluid control valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a front view of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a top view of the housing according to the first embodiment as viewed from the direction of the arrow shown by VI in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the opening according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 10] It is a developed view in the circumferential direction of the valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining the fluid passage according to the first embodiment [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing a state where a seal member is attached to the housing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a state before the seal member according to the first embodiment is attached to the housing. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing a state where the seal member according to the first embodiment is attached to the housing. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the ninth fluid passage according to the first embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram for explaining the fluid flowing through the ninth fluid passage according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a front view of a fluid control valve according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] This figure shows the state of the sealing member according to the second embodiment before it is attached to the housing. [Figure 19] This is a diagram showing a valve according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] This is a diagram illustrating the fluid flowing through the 11th fluid passage according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of a fluid control valve according to the third embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view along line XXII-XXII. [Figure 23] This is a front view of a fluid control valve according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] This is a top view of a fluid control valve according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] Figure 24 shows a cross-sectional view taken from XXV-XXV. [Figure 26] This is a top view of a fluid control valve according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] Figure 26 shows a cross-sectional view taken from XXVII-XXVII. [Figure 28] This is a cross-sectional view of a fluid control valve according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 29] This diagram shows a state where fluid flows in through one of two circumferentially aligned openings and flows out through the other opening. [Figure 30] This diagram shows the shape of a valve through which fluid flows to two openings arranged circumferentially. [Figure 31] This diagram shows a state where fluid flows in through one of two axially aligned openings and flows out through the other opening. [Figure 32] This diagram shows the shape of a valve through which fluid flows to two openings aligned in the axial direction. [Figure 33] This figure shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through one opening and flows out through two openings. [Figure 34]This figure shows another example of a situation where fluid flows in through one opening and flows out through two openings. [Figure 35] This figure shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through two openings and flows out through one opening. [Figure 36] This figure shows another example of a situation where fluid flows in through two openings and out through one opening. [Figure 37] This diagram shows the shape of a valve that allows fluid to flow in through one opening and flow out through two openings, or vice versa. [Figure 38] This figure shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through three openings and flows out through two openings. [Figure 39] This figure shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through two openings and flows out through three openings. [Figure 40] This figure shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through one opening and flows out through four openings. [Figure 41] This diagram shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through four openings and flows out through one opening. [Figure 42] This diagram shows the shapes of valves, such as those that allow fluid to flow in through three openings and flow out through two openings, or those that allow fluid to flow in through two openings and flow out through three openings. [Figure 43] This figure shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through one opening and flows out through six openings. [Figure 44] This figure shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through six openings and flows out through one opening. [Figure 45] This figure shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through three openings and flows out through four openings. [Figure 46] This figure shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through five openings and flows out through two openings. [Figure 47]This diagram shows the shapes of valves, such as one that allows fluid to flow in through one opening and out through six openings, or one that allows fluid to flow in through six openings and out through one opening. [Figure 48] This diagram shows an example of a situation where fluid flows in through one opening and flows out through seven openings. [Figure 49] This diagram shows the shape of a valve that allows fluid to flow in through one opening and flow out through seven openings. [Figure 50] This diagram illustrates the portion of a valve in which fluid flows through two circumferentially aligned openings where no ribs are formed. [Figure 51] This diagram illustrates the area in a valve where ribs are not formed, in which fluid flows through two axially aligned openings. [Figure 52] This diagram illustrates the area in a valve where ribs are not formed, which allows fluid to flow through three circumferentially aligned openings. [Figure 53] This diagram illustrates the area in a valve where ribs are not formed, in which fluid flows through three openings aligned axially. [Figure 54] This diagram illustrates the portion of a valve in which ribs are not formed, where openings for fluid outflow are provided in both the axial and circumferential directions relative to an opening for fluid inflow. [Figure 55] This diagram illustrates the portion of a valve in which ribs are not formed, where openings for fluid outflow are provided in both the axial and circumferential directions relative to an opening for fluid inflow. [Figure 56] This diagram illustrates a portion of a valve in which a circumferential opening for fluid outflow is provided relative to an opening for fluid inflow, where no ribs are formed. [Figure 57] This diagram illustrates the portion of a valve in which a fluid outflow opening is provided axially relative to an opening for fluid inflow, where no ribs are formed. [Figure 58]This diagram illustrates the portion of a valve in which ribs are not formed, in which openings for fluid inflow are arranged in the axial direction and circumferential direction, and openings for fluid outflow are arranged in the circumferential direction. [Figure 59] This diagram illustrates the portion of a valve in which ribs are not formed, which has openings for fluid inflow arranged in the circumferential direction and openings for fluid outflow arranged in the axial direction and circumferential direction, respectively. [Figure 60] This diagram illustrates the portion of a valve in which ribs are not formed, allowing fluid to flow around the portion opposite to each other's openings, for openings that are not adjacent to each other. [Figure 61] This diagram illustrates the portion of a valve in which ribs are not formed, allowing fluid to flow through multiple non-adjacent openings, bypassing the portion facing each opening. [Figure 62] This diagram illustrates the portion of a valve in which ribs are not formed, allowing fluid to flow through multiple non-adjacent openings, bypassing the portion facing each opening. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same as or equivalent to those described in the prior embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions may be omitted. Also, if only a part of a component is described in an embodiment, the components described in the prior embodiments can be applied to the other parts of that component. The following embodiments can be partially combined with each other, even if not explicitly stated, as long as it does not impede the combination.

[0015] (First Embodiment) This embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16. The fluid control valve 1 of this embodiment is a valve device applied to a fluid circulation system in which a fluid (in this example, coolant) circulates to regulate the temperature of the cabin and battery of an electric vehicle or hybrid vehicle. The fluid circulation system is a system that circulates coolant to the vehicle's power source, radiator, heater core for cabin air conditioning, and battery, etc. As the coolant, for example, LLC (Long Life Coolant) containing ethylene glycol is used. The fluid control valve 1 switches the flow path of the fluid flowing in the fluid circulation system, or adjusts the flow rate, etc.

[0016] First, the configuration of the fluid control valve 1 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the fluid control valve 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 10, a housing cover 20, a drive unit 30, a valve 60, a sealing member 70, and a biasing unit 80, etc. The fluid control valve 1 of this embodiment is configured as a valve device that switches the flow path of cooling water flowing through the fluid circulation system by having the drive unit 30 rotate the valve 60 around the axis CL, which will be described later.

[0017] Furthermore, the fluid control valve 1 is configured to allow switching of its operating mode in order to switch the flow path of the fluid within the fluid circulation system. The operating mode of the fluid control valve 1 is switched by the drive unit 30. Details of the operating modes will be described later.

[0018] As shown in Figure 4, the housing 10 constitutes the outer shell of the fluid control valve 1 and forms a valve housing space AS inside it that accommodates the valve 60. The housing 10 is a non-rotating member. Specifically, the housing 10 has a cylindrical portion 11 formed in the shape of a bottomed cylinder, a bottom portion 12 that forms the bottom side of the bottomed cylinder, and a port forming portion 13 that allows fluid to flow in and out of the valve housing space AS. The cylindrical portion 11, the bottom portion 12, and the port forming portion 13 are molded, for example, by injection molding, in which resin material is poured into a mold and solidified into a desired shape. Specifically, the housing 10 is formed from, for example, a reinforcing material of polyamide 66 (hereinafter referred to as "PA66"), a reinforcing material of polyphthalamide (hereinafter referred to as "PPA"), or a reinforcing material of polyphenylene sulfide (hereinafter referred to as "PPS"). The reinforcing material is, for example, a member composed of a combination of PA66, PPA, or PPS with glass fiber, etc. Note that the drive unit 30 is omitted in Figure 4.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4, the valve housing space AS, which is inside the housing 10, houses the valve 60 and the sealing member 70. The housing 10 has an opening side of the cylindrical portion 11 that is closed by the housing cover 20.

[0020] In the following description, as shown in Figure 1 and other figures, the direction along the axis CL will be referred to as the axial direction DRa, one side of the axial direction DRa will be referred to as the first axial direction DRa1, and the direction opposite to the first axial direction DRa1 will be referred to as the second axial direction DRa2. In this embodiment, the opening side of the cylindrical portion 11 is referred to as the first axial direction DRa1, and the bottom 12 side of the housing 10 is referred to as the second axial direction DRa2.

[0021] Furthermore, the radial direction DRr is defined as the direction perpendicular to the axial direction DRa and radiating outward from the axis CL, and the circumferential direction DRc is defined as the direction around the axis CL centered on the axis CL. Various configurations will be explained in this way. The circumferential direction DRc is the direction in which the valve 60 rotates due to the driving force supplied from the drive unit 30. Of the circumferential direction DRc, one side is defined as the first circumferential direction DRc1, and the other side as the second circumferential direction DRc2. Note that the directions shown in Figure 1, etc., are examples and do not limit the installation state of the fluid control valve 1 of this disclosure.

[0022] The cylindrical portion 11 surrounds most of the valve 60 and is formed in a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 11 is formed such that its central axis is coaxial with the axis CL. The cylindrical portion 11 is formed in a substantially conical shape, with its outer and inner diameters decreasing from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2. That is, the cylindrical portion 11 is formed in a substantially conical shape where the apex is on the DRa2 side and the base is on the DRa1 side. In other words, in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis CL, the distance from the axis CL to the outer shell of the cylindrical portion 11 decreases as you move from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2. However, the end of the cylindrical portion 11 on the DRa1 side is not the apex but is formed flat. In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 11 functions as the outer wall of the housing that forms the valve housing space AS.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, etc., the cylindrical portion 11 is provided with a claw portion 111 on the first axial direction DRa1 side for attaching the housing cover 20. The bottom portion 12 is connected to the second axial direction DRa2 side of the cylindrical portion 11.

[0024] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a circumferential seal restricting portion 112 is provided on the inside of the cylindrical portion 11 to restrict the movement of the seal member 70 in the circumferential direction DRc. The circumferential seal restricting portion 112 restricts the movement of the seal member 70 in the circumferential direction DRc as the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc. The circumferential seal restricting portion 112 is formed to protrude toward the axis CL at positions corresponding to the end of the seal member 70 on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the end on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side of the seal member 70, in the area on the inner circumferential surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11 where the seal member 70 is arranged.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the cylindrical portion 11 has multiple openings 40 that allow fluid to flow into the valve housing space AS, and as shown in Figure 4, allow the fluid that has flowed into the valve housing space AS to flow out to the outside of the housing 10. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, the cylindrical portion 11 has eight openings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48. These eight openings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48 are formed in the portion of the cylindrical portion 11 where the port forming portion 13 is provided. These eight openings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48 are formed by penetrating the cylindrical portion 11 radially in the direction DRr. In other words, the eight openings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48 are formed by cutting out the cylindrical portion 11.

[0026] Hereafter, the eight openings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48 may be referred to as the eight openings 41-48. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the eight openings 41-48, and schematically shows the areas in the housing 10 where the eight openings 41-48 are formed when the housing 10 is viewed from a direction along the radial direction DRr.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the eight openings 41 to 48 are arranged in a grid pattern, with four openings in the axial direction DRa and two rows in the circumferential direction DRc. The eight openings 41 to 48 correspond to the shape of the cylindrical portion 11, which is approximately conical in shape, with the outer and inner diameters decreasing from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2. Specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, each of the eight openings 41 to 48 has an approximately trapezoidal shape, and the size of the circumferential direction DRc on the second axial direction DRa2 side is smaller than that on the first axial direction DRa1 side. In addition, the opening area (i.e., the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the radial direction DRr) of the eight openings 41 to 48 decreases as you move from the first axial direction DRa1 side to the second axial direction DRa2 side.

[0028] The cylindrical portion 11 has partition portions 50 that separate each of the eight openings 41 to 48. Specifically, the partition portion 50 has three circumferential partition portions 51 that separate the eight openings 41 to 48 in the axial direction DRa, and one axial partition portion 52 that separates the eight openings 41 to 48 in the circumferential direction DRc. In addition, the partition portion 50 has an outer peripheral partition portion 53 that surrounds the eight openings 41 to 48 and communicates with the three circumferential partition portions 51 and the one axial partition portion 52.

[0029] The three circumferential partitions 51 are formed extending in the circumferential direction DRc. The three circumferential partitions 51 partition each of the openings 41, 42, 43, and 44 of one of the eight openings 41-48 arranged in two rows, in the axial direction DRa on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side. The three circumferential partitions 51 also partition each of the openings 45, 46, 47, and 48 of the other of the eight openings 41-48 arranged in two rows, in the axial direction DRa on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side.

[0030] One axial partition 52 is formed extending in the axial direction DRa. The axial partition 52 separates openings 41, 42, 43, and 44 of one row from openings 45, 46, 47, and 48 of the other row of eight openings 41 to 48 in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0031] The outer peripheral partition 53 is the outer peripheral portion that surrounds the eight openings 41 to 48. The outer peripheral partition 53 surrounds the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second axial direction DRa2 side of the eight openings 41 to 48.

[0032] In this embodiment, of the eight openings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48, four openings 42, 44, 45, and 47 allow fluid to flow into the valve housing space AS, while four openings 41, 43, 46, and 48 allow fluid to flow out of the housing 10. Hereinafter, the openings 42, 44, 45, and 47 that allow fluid to flow into the valve housing space AS will be referred to as the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, the third fluid inlet 45, and the fourth fluid inlet 47. The four openings 41, 43, 46, and 48 that allow fluid to flow out of the housing 10 will be referred to as the first fluid outlet 41, the second fluid outlet 43, the third fluid outlet 46, and the fourth fluid outlet 48.

[0033] The first fluid inlet 42, second fluid inlet 44, third fluid inlet 45, and fourth fluid inlet 47 are inlet ports that allow fluid to flow into the valve housing space AS within the housing 10. The first fluid outlet 41, second fluid outlet 43, third fluid outlet 46, and fourth fluid outlet 48 are outlet ports that allow the fluid that has flowed into the valve housing space AS within the housing 10 to flow out of the valve housing space AS.

[0034] In this embodiment, the first fluid outlet 41, the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid outlet 43, and the second fluid inlet 44 are arranged in the first circumferential direction DRc1 side from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2 side. In addition, the third fluid inlet 45, the third fluid outlet 46, the fourth fluid inlet 47, and the fourth fluid outlet 48 are arranged in the second circumferential direction DRc2 side from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2 side.

[0035] That is, the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41 are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. The second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43 are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. The third fluid inlet 45 and the third fluid outlet 46 are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. The fourth fluid inlet 47 and the fourth fluid outlet 48 are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa.

[0036] Furthermore, the first fluid inlet 42 and the third fluid outlet 46 are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction DRc. The second fluid inlet 44 and the fourth fluid outlet 48 are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction DRc. The third fluid inlet 45 and the first fluid outlet 41 are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction DRc. The fourth fluid inlet 47 and the second fluid outlet 43 are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0037] Port forming sections 13 are provided at positions opposite to the first fluid inlet section 42, second fluid inlet section 44, third fluid inlet section 45, fourth fluid inlet section 47, first fluid outlet section 41, second fluid outlet section 43, third fluid outlet section 46, and fourth fluid outlet section 48.

[0038] Hereinafter, a group of openings consisting of the first fluid outlet 41, the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid outlet 43, and the second fluid inlet 44 may be referred to as the first row of openings, and a group of openings consisting of the third fluid inlet 45, the third fluid outlet 46, the fourth fluid inlet 47, and the fourth fluid outlet 48 may be referred to as the second row of openings. Furthermore, a group of openings consisting of the third fluid inlet 45 and the first fluid outlet 41 may be referred to as the first stage of openings, and a group of openings consisting of the first fluid inlet 42 and the third fluid outlet 46 may be referred to as the second stage of openings. Furthermore, a group of openings consisting of the fourth fluid inlet 47 and the second fluid outlet 43 may be referred to as the third stage of openings, and a group of openings consisting of the second fluid inlet 44 and the fourth fluid outlet 48 may be referred to as the fourth stage of openings.

[0039] Note that the arrangement of the first fluid inlet 42, second fluid inlet 44, third fluid inlet 45, fourth fluid inlet 47, first fluid outlet 41, second fluid outlet 43, third fluid outlet 46, and fourth fluid outlet 48 is not limited to this example and can be changed as appropriate. Hereafter, the first fluid inlet 42, second fluid inlet 44, third fluid inlet 45, and fourth fluid inlet 47 may be referred to as the first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47. Also, the first fluid outlet 41, second fluid outlet 43, third fluid outlet 46, and fourth fluid outlet 48 may be referred to as the first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48.

[0040] The bottom portion 12 closes off a part of the valve housing space AS and supports the rotating shaft 62 of the valve 60, which will be described later. The bottom portion 12 is formed to expand in a planar shape along the radial direction DRr and the circumferential direction DRc. The bottom portion 12 has a support hole 121 into which the second axial direction DRa2 side of the rotating shaft 62 of the valve 60 is fitted. The support hole 121 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 62.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the bottom portion 12 is provided with two rotation restricting portions 122 that restrict the rotation of the valve 60. The rotation restricting portions 122 are formed in a position where they can contact the stopper 63 of the valve 60, which will be described later. When the valve 60 rotates toward the first circumferential direction DRc1, the stopper 63 of the valve 60 contacts one of the rotation restricting portions 122, thereby suppressing the rotation of the valve 60 toward the first circumferential direction DRc1. Similarly, when the valve 60 rotates toward the second circumferential direction DRc2, the stopper 63 of the valve 60 contacts the other rotation restricting portion 122, thereby suppressing the rotation of the valve 60 toward the second circumferential direction DRc2. As a result, the rotation position of the valve 60 is set to its initial position.

[0042] Furthermore, the bottom portion 12 is provided with a radial seal restricting portion 123 that restricts the movement of the seal member 70 in the circumferential direction DRc and the radial direction DRr. The radial seal restricting portion 123 restricts the movement of the seal member 70 in the circumferential direction DRc as the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc, and also restricts its movement inward in the radial direction DRr. The radial seal restricting portion 123 is formed as a recessed groove along the circumferential direction DRc at the end of the cylindrical portion 11 in the radial direction DRr, from one circumferential seal restricting portion 112 to the other circumferential seal restricting portion 112.

[0043] The port forming section 13 is the part that allows fluid to flow into the valve housing space AS and to discharge the fluid that has flowed into the valve housing space AS to the outside of the housing 10. The port forming section 13 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, with the axial direction DRa formed in the longitudinal direction. The port forming section 13 has flow holes 131 that communicate with the first fluid inlet section 42 to the fourth fluid inlet section 47 and the first fluid outlet section 41 to the fourth fluid outlet section 48, respectively. The flow holes 131 are formed to penetrate the port forming section 13 in the radial direction DRr.

[0044] The housing cover 20 closes the valve housing space AS by blocking the opening side of the cylindrical portion 11 in the housing 10, and also supports the rotating shaft 62 of the valve 60. As shown in Figure 4, the housing cover 20 has a bearing portion 21 that supports the first axial direction DRa1 side of the rotating shaft 62 of the valve 60, and an annular cover seal 23 that seals the gap between the shaft hole 22 into which the rotating shaft 62 is inserted in the housing cover 20 and the rotating shaft 62. Furthermore, the housing cover 20 is provided with a drive unit seal 24 that seals the gap between the portion into which the drive unit 30 is inserted in the housing cover 20 and the drive unit 30.

[0045] The bearing section 21 is composed of, for example, ball bearings or rolling bearings, and rotatably supports the rotating shaft 62. The cover seal 23 is composed of, for example, an O-ring made of an elastically deformable rubber material. The cover seal 23 ensures sealing between the housing cover 20 and the rotating shaft 62. The drive unit seal 24 is composed of, for example, an O-ring made of an elastically deformable rubber material. The drive unit seal 24 ensures sealing between the housing cover 20 and the drive unit 30.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, the housing cover 20 has a receiving portion 25 on the first axial direction DRa1 side into which the claw portion 111 provided on the cylindrical portion 11 is fitted. The housing cover 20 is then attached to the cylindrical portion 11 by fitting the claw portion 111 into the receiving portion 25. In other words, the housing cover 20 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 11 by a snap fit.

[0047] Furthermore, the housing cover 20 has a cover screw receiving portion 26 on the DRa2 side in the second axial direction into which the screw member S is inserted.

[0048] Furthermore, a drive unit 30 is provided on the DRa1 side of the housing cover 20 in the first axial direction. The drive unit 30 is fixed to the housing cover 20 by a screw member S inserted into the cover screw receiving portion 26 of the housing cover 20.

[0049] The drive unit 30 is an actuator that outputs rotational force to rotate the valve 60. The drive unit 30 includes a motor (not shown) as a drive source for rotating the valve 60, and a reduction mechanism (not shown) that transmits the output of the motor to the rotation shaft 62 of the valve 60. The motor can be, for example, a servo motor, a stepping motor, or a brushless motor. The reduction mechanism can be, for example, a gear mechanism including a helical gear or a spur gear. Although not shown, the motor rotates according to a control signal from a control unit electrically connected to the motor.

[0050] The control unit can employ a computer having a memory, which is a non-transitional physical storage medium, and a processor. The control unit is, for example, a control device that executes a computer program stored in memory and performs various control processes according to the computer program. The control unit executes the computer program stored in memory and transmits a control signal to the fluid control valve 1 that changes the rotational position of the valve 60. The operating mode of the fluid control valve 1 is switched based on the control signal transmitted from the control unit.

[0051] Valve 60 is a valve member that rotates around its axis CL by the rotational force output by the drive unit 30, thereby switching the flow of fluid to the first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47 and the first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48, respectively. As shown in Figure 4, valve 60 is arranged in the valve housing space AS and is positioned so as not to contact the inner circumferential surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11 so as to be rotatable. That is, valve 60 is positioned so as to form a predetermined gap between valve 60 and cylindrical portion 11. Furthermore, valve 60 is formed so that its central axis is coaxial with the axis CL and also coaxial with the central axis of cylindrical portion 11.

[0052] The valve 60 is formed in a substantially conical shape, with its outer diameter decreasing from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2. That is, the valve 60 is formed in a substantially conical shape with the apex on the second axial direction DRa2 side and the base on the first axial direction DRa1 side. In other words, in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis CL, the distance from the axis CL to the outer shell of the valve 60 decreases as you move from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2. However, the end of the valve 60 on the first axial direction DRa1 side is not the apex, but is formed flat.

[0053] As shown in Figures 4 and 8, the valve 60 has a valve outer wall portion 61 that forms a substantially conical outer shell, a rotating shaft 62, and a stopper 63. These valve outer wall portion 61, rotating shaft 62, and stopper 63 are integrally molded. For example, the valve outer wall portion 61, rotating shaft 62, and stopper 63 are formed by molding from one of the following: PA66 reinforcing material, PPA reinforcing material, PPS reinforcing material, or phenol (hereinafter referred to as "PF") reinforcing material.

[0054] Here, a cone shape having the same axis as the rotation axis 62 of the valve 60 is defined. As shown in Figure 4, the valve 60 has an outer wall portion 61 formed along the side surface of the defined cone shape. The valve outer wall portion 61 faces the cylindrical portion 11 in the radial direction DRr and has an outer circumferential surface 611 that faces the inner circumferential surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11. Here, as shown in Figure 8, the internal angle θ between the generatrix of the cone parallel to the valve outer wall portion 61 and the rotation axis 62 (i.e., the axis CL) is set to 5 degrees or more. In other words, the internal angle θ between the generatrix along the outer circumferential surface 611 and the axis CL is set to 5 degrees or more. In this embodiment, the internal angle θ is set to 7 degrees. Note that the internal angle θ may be set to an angle smaller than 7 degrees as long as it is 5 degrees or more, or to an angle larger than 7 degrees.

[0055] Furthermore, the valve outer wall portion 61 has a conical shape that follows the shape of the cylindrical portion 11. That is, the outer circumferential surface 611 of the valve outer wall portion 61 and the inner circumferential surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11 are substantially parallel to each other in their opposing portions, and the radial distance DRr between the outer circumferential surface 611 and the inner circumferential surface 16 is substantially constant. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 16 that forms the valve housing space AS in the cylindrical portion 11 has a shape that follows the side surface of a cone similar to that of the valve outer wall portion 61. In other words, the cylindrical portion 11 has a conical shape that follows the shape of the valve outer wall portion 61.

[0056] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the valve outer wall portion 61 has multiple fluid passages 64 corresponding to eight openings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48, four of which are arranged in the axial direction DRa and two rows of which are arranged in the circumferential direction DRc. Specifically, as shown in Figure 10, the valve outer wall portion 61 has ten fluid passages 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, 64h, 64i, and 64j through which fluid flows.

[0057] Furthermore, the outer wall portion 61 of the valve has multiple occlusion portions 65 formed therein to prevent fluid from flowing into the valve housing space AS. Specifically, the outer wall portion 61 of the valve has six occlusion portions 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e, and 65f formed therein. These ten fluid passages 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, 64h, 64i, and 64j and the six occlusion portions 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e, and 65f are formed so that when the valve 60 rotates, one of them faces one of the eight openings 41 to 48. Furthermore, the outer wall portion 61 of the valve has ribs 66 formed therein that separate each of the 10 fluid passages 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, 64h, 64i, 64j and the 6 closed portions 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e, 65f.

[0058] These 10 fluid passages 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, 64h, 64i, and 64j are controlled by the rotation of valve 60, which switches the opening opposite to each of the 8 openings 41-48, thereby switching the inflow and outflow of fluid to the fluid control valve 1. Similarly, these 6 occluded sections 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e, and 65f are controlled by the rotation of valve 60, which switches the opening opposite to each of the 8 openings 41-48, thereby preventing the inflow and outflow of fluid to the opposite opening. The rib 66 is formed to surround each of these 10 fluid passages 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, 64h, 64i, and 64j, and the 6 occluded sections 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e, and 65f.

[0059] Hereafter, the ten fluid passages 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, 64h, 64i, and 64j may be referred to as the ten fluid passages 64a to 64j. Also, the ten fluid passages 64a, 64b, 64c, 64d, 64e, 64f, 64g, 64h, 64i, and 64j will be referred to as the first fluid passage 64a, the second fluid passage 64b, the third fluid passage 64c, the fourth fluid passage 64d, the fifth fluid passage 64e, the sixth fluid passage 64f, the seventh fluid passage 64g, the eighth fluid passage 64h, the ninth fluid passage 64i, and the tenth fluid passage 64j. Furthermore, the first fluid passage 64a, second fluid passage 64b, third fluid passage 64c, fourth fluid passage 64d, fifth fluid passage 64e, sixth fluid passage 64f, seventh fluid passage 64g, eighth fluid passage 64h, ninth fluid passage 64i, and tenth fluid passage 64j may be referred to as the first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j.

[0060] Furthermore, the six closure sections 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e, and 65f may be referred to as the six closure sections 65a to 65f. Also, the six closure sections 65a, 65b, 65c, 65d, 65e, and 65f may be referred to as the first closure section 65a, the second closure section 65b, the third closure section 65c, the fourth closure section 65d, the fifth closure section 65e, and the sixth closure section 65f. Furthermore, the first closure section 65a, the second closure section 65b, the third closure section 65c, the fourth closure section 65d, the fifth closure section 65e, and the sixth closure section 65f may be referred to as the first to sixth closure sections 65a to 65f. In addition, the side of the valve 60 facing the eight openings 41 to 48 is called the front side, and the side opposite the front side is called the back side. In the valve 60, one of the first fluid passages 64a to 10th fluid passages 64j and one of the first closing portions 65a to 6th closing portions 65f, located on the front side, face the first fluid inlet portions 42 to 4th fluid inlet portions 47 and the first fluid outlet portions 41 to 4th fluid outlet portions 48.

[0061] Each of the 10 fluid passages 64a to 64j is formed recessed toward the axial CL side along at least one of the axial direction DRa and the circumferential direction DRc. Each of the 10 fluid passages 64a to 64j has an opening shape that is a combination of multiple substantially trapezoidal shapes corresponding to each of the eight grid-like openings 41 to 48. That is, the opening shape of each of the 1st to 10th fluid passages 64j is a combination of multiple trapezoidal shapes in which the size of the circumferential direction DRc is smaller on the second axial direction DRa2 side compared to the first axial direction DRa1 side. Furthermore, when the valve 60 rotates and is positioned to face the eight openings 41 to 48, the 1st to 10th fluid passages 64j are formed to be large enough to straddle two or more of the eight openings 41 to 48.

[0062] Here, the first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j are formed to connect at least one of the first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47 with at least one of the first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48. As a result, the first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j can guide fluid flowing in from any of the connecting first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47 to any of the connecting first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48.

[0063] The first to sixth closure portions 65a to 65f are formed to prevent fluid from flowing into the valve housing space AS from the opposing inlet when facing any one of the first to fourth fluid inlet portions 42 to 47. Specifically, the opening shapes of the first to sixth closure portions 65a to 65f correspond to the shapes of the first to fourth fluid inlet portions 42 to 47, respectively, and are formed recessed toward the axis CL. That is, the first to sixth closure portions 65a to 65f are formed recessed in a substantially trapezoidal shape.

[0064] Furthermore, the first to sixth closure portions 65a to 65f are formed to prevent fluid from flowing out of any one of the first to fourth fluid outlet portions 41 to 48 when they face each other. Specifically, the opening shapes of the first to sixth closure portions 65a to 65f correspond to the shapes of the first to fourth fluid outlet portions 41 to 48, respectively, and are formed recessed on the axis CL side. That is, the first to sixth closure portions 65a to 65f are formed recessed in a roughly trapezoidal shape.

[0065] The first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j and the first to sixth closure sections 65a to 65f are each separated by ribs 66. The ribs 66 have an axial rib 66a that extends in the axial direction DRa and a circumferential rib 66b that extends in the circumferential direction DRc. The axial rib 66a is formed so as to be able to face the axial partition 52 when the valve 60 rotates. The circumferential rib 66b is formed so as to be able to face the circumferential partition 51 when the valve 60 rotates. The first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j and the first to sixth closure sections 65a to 65f are each surrounded by the axial rib 66a and the circumferential rib 66b. For example, the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b surrounding the first to sixth closing portions 65a to 65f are formed in positions opposite to the axial partition portion 52 and circumferential partition portion 51 surrounding any of the first to fourth fluid inlet portions 42 to 47.

[0066] In this embodiment, the first fluid passages 64a to 10th fluid passages 64j and the first to 6th closing sections 65a to 6th closing sections 65f are each formed adjacent to one another. The rib 66 that separates the adjacent first fluid passages 64a to 10th fluid passages 64j and the first to 6th closing sections 65a to 6th closing sections 65f is formed integrally with the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that separate the adjacent portions being common to each other.

[0067] The specific shapes and formation locations of the first fluid passages 64a to 10th fluid passages 64j and the first to 6th closure sections 65a to 6th closure sections 65f will be explained with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Figures 10 and 11 show the front side of each valve 60 when it is rotated circumferentially in the DRc direction, so that the fluid passages and closure sections facing the eight openings 41 to 48 are clearly visible. Figures 10 and 11 also schematically show the areas where the 10 fluid passages 64a to 64j and the first to 6th closure sections 65a to 6th closure sections 65f are formed when the valve 60 is unfolded circumferentially in the DRc direction, with the grid representing the ribs 66. Within the grid, solid lines indicate areas where ribs 66 are formed, while dashed lines indicate areas where ribs 66 are not formed.

[0068] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the first fluid passages 64a to 10th fluid passages 64j and the first to 6th closure portions 65a to 65f are formed over the entire axial DRa of the valve outer wall portion 61, and also over the entire circumferential DRc. The first fluid passages 64a to 10th fluid passages 64j and the first to 6th closure portions 65a to 65f are formed in either of the multiple rows when the circumferential DRc is divided, or in either of the multiple stages when the axial DRa is divided.

[0069] Furthermore, the first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j are formed in 10 cells on the valve outer wall 61, when each row of fluid passages is considered as a single flow cell. In other words, the first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j are formed in one or more of the 10 rows when the valve outer wall 61 is divided into 10 rows in the circumferential direction DRc. In addition, the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc such that the opposing first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j change with each row for each of the eight openings 41 to 48 arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0070] Here, the valve outer wall portion 61 is divided into four sections in the axial direction DRa and into ten sections in the circumferential direction DRc, and each area of ​​the valve outer wall portion 61 is defined as one section. Each section corresponds to one of the eight openings 41 to 48, and in Figures 10 and 11, for clarity, the size of each section is shown with the same shape.

[0071] Furthermore, when the valve outer wall portion 61 is divided into four sections along the axial direction DRa, each section is defined as the 1st stage section, 2nd stage section, 3rd stage section, and 4th stage section, starting from the 1st axial direction DRa1 side to the 2nd axial direction DRa2 side. Then, when the valve outer wall portion 61 is divided into 10 sections along the circumferential direction DRc, each section is defined as the 1st column section, 2nd column section, 3rd column section, 4th column section, 5th column section, 6th column section, 7th column section, 8th column section, 9th column section, and 10th column section, starting from the 1st axial direction DRa1 side to the 2nd axial direction DRa2 side. These columns correspond to the cells described above.

[0072] When defined in this way, the first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j have a shape formed by combining multiple sections located in any of the first to fourth stages and any of the first to tenth columns. The first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j are formed in a position that faces any of the first to fourth fluid inlets 42 to 47 and can face any of the first to fourth fluid outlets 41 to 48. The first to sixth closure sections 65a to 65f correspond to one section located in any of the first to fourth stages and any of the first to tenth columns. The first to sixth closure sections 65a to 65f are formed in a position that can face any of the first to fourth fluid inlets 42 to 47 or any of the first to fourth fluid outlets 41 to 48. The shapes and positions of the first fluid passages 64a to 10th fluid passages 64j and the first to 6th closure sections 65a to 65f will be described below using sections.

[0073] The first fluid passage 64a has a shape that combines a first-stage and first-row section with a second-stage and first-row section. The first fluid passage 64a is partitioned by axial ribs 66a on the first circumferential DRc1 side and the second circumferential DRc2 side, and partitioned by circumferential ribs 66b on the first axial DRa1 side and the second axial DRa2 side. Furthermore, the first fluid passage 64a has a shape in which no circumferential ribs 66b are formed between the first-stage and first-row section and the second-stage and first-row section.

[0074] The first fluid passage 64a configured in this way is capable of spanning two openings in the axial direction DRa. Now, suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the first fluid passage 64a is positioned to face the eight openings 41 to 48. The first fluid passage 64a is capable of facing the first and second stage openings. Furthermore, the first fluid passage 64a is capable of connecting the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. In addition, the first fluid passage 64a is capable of connecting the third fluid inlet 45 and the third fluid outlet 46, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa.

[0075] In this case, of the adjacent first fluid inlet 42 and first fluid outlet 41, the first fluid inlet 42 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the first fluid outlet 41 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet. Also, of the adjacent third fluid inlet 45 and third fluid outlet 46, the third fluid inlet 45 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the third fluid outlet 46 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet.

[0076] Suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the first fluid passage 64a is positioned to connect the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41. In this case, the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that partition the first fluid passage 64a face the partition portion 50 that separates the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41 from other fluid inlet and fluid outlet portions. The circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position that faces the circumferential partition portion 51 that separates the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41.

[0077] The second fluid passage 64b has a shape that combines the third-stage and first-row section with the fourth-stage and first-row section. The second fluid passage 64b is partitioned by axial ribs 66a on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side, while the first axial direction DRa1 side and the second axial direction DRa2 side are partitioned by circumferential ribs 66b. Furthermore, the second fluid passage 64b has a shape in which no circumferential ribs 66b are formed between the third-stage and first-row section and the fourth-stage and first-row section.

[0078] The second fluid passage 64b configured in this way is capable of spanning two openings in the axial direction DRa. Now, suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the second fluid passage 64b is positioned to face the eight openings 41 to 48. The second fluid passage 64b is capable of facing the third and fourth stage openings. Furthermore, the second fluid passage 64b is capable of connecting the second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. In addition, the second fluid passage 64b is capable of connecting the fourth fluid inlet 47 and the fourth fluid outlet 48, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa.

[0079] In this case, of the adjacent second fluid inlet 44 and second fluid outlet 43, the second fluid inlet 44 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the second fluid outlet 43 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet. Also, of the adjacent fourth fluid inlet 47 and fourth fluid outlet 48, the fourth fluid inlet 47 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the fourth fluid outlet 48 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet.

[0080] Suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the second fluid passage 64b is positioned to connect the second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43. In this case, the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that partition the second fluid passage 64b face the partition portion 50 that separates the second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43 from other fluid inlet and fluid outlet portions. Furthermore, the circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position that faces the circumferential partition portion 51 that separates the second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43.

[0081] The third fluid passage 64c has a shape that combines the first and second row section to the first and sixth row section and the second and second row section. The third fluid passage 64c is partitioned by axial ribs 66a on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side, and partitioned by circumferential ribs 66b on the first axial direction DRa1 side and the second axial direction DRa2 side. Furthermore, the third fluid passage 64c has a shape in which there are no circumferential ribs 66b between the first and second row section and the second and second row section, and there are no axial ribs 66a between the first and second row section and the first and sixth row section.

[0082] The third fluid passage 64c configured in this way can span two openings in the axial direction DRa and can span two openings in the circumferential direction DRc. Furthermore, the third fluid passage 64c can span three adjacent openings in either the axial direction DRa or the circumferential direction DRc. Now, suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the third fluid passage 64c is positioned to face the eight openings 41-48. The third fluid passage 64c can face the first and second stage openings. Furthermore, the third fluid passage 64c can connect the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. Furthermore, the third fluid passage 64c can connect the third fluid inlet 45 and the third fluid outlet 46, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. Furthermore, the third fluid passage 64c is capable of connecting the third fluid inlet 45 and the first fluid outlet 41, which are adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction DRc. In addition, the third fluid passage 64c is capable of connecting the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41 and the third fluid inlet 45, which are adjacent to each other in either the axial direction DRa or the circumferential direction DRc.

[0083] In this case, of the adjacent first fluid inlet 42 and first fluid outlet 41, the first fluid inlet 42 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the first fluid outlet 41 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet. Also, of the adjacent third fluid inlet 45 and third fluid outlet 46, the third fluid inlet 45 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the third fluid outlet 46 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet. Furthermore, of the adjacent third fluid inlet 45 and first fluid outlet 41, the third fluid inlet 45 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the first fluid outlet 41 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet.

[0084] Suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc to position the third fluid passage 64c in a way that connects the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41. In this case, the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that partition the third fluid passage 64c face the partition portion 50 that separates the first fluid inlet 42, the first fluid outlet 41, and the third fluid inlet 45 from other fluid inlet and fluid outlet portions. The circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position that faces the circumferential partition portion 51 that partitions the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41.

[0085] Furthermore, suppose that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc to position the third fluid passage 64c so that it connects the third fluid inlet 45 and the first fluid outlet 41. In this case, the axial rib 66a is not formed in a position opposite to the axial partition 52 that separates the third fluid inlet 45 and the first fluid outlet 41.

[0086] The fourth fluid passage 64d has a shape that combines the third-stage and second-row section with the fourth-stage and second-row section. The fourth fluid passage 64d is partitioned by axial ribs 66a on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side, while the first axial direction DRa1 side and the second axial direction DRa2 side are partitioned by circumferential ribs 66b. Furthermore, the fourth fluid passage 64d has a shape in which there are no circumferential ribs 66b between the third-stage and second-row section and the fourth-stage and second-row section.

[0087] The fourth fluid passage 64d, configured in this way, is capable of spanning two openings in the axial direction DRa. Now, suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the fourth fluid passage 64d is positioned to face the eight openings 41-48. The fourth fluid passage 64d is capable of facing the third and fourth stage openings. Furthermore, the fourth fluid passage 64d is capable of connecting the second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. In addition, the fourth fluid passage 64d is capable of connecting the fourth fluid inlet 47 and the fourth fluid outlet 48, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa.

[0088] In this case, of the adjacent second fluid inlet 44 and second fluid outlet 43, the second fluid inlet 44 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the second fluid outlet 43 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet. Also, of the adjacent fourth fluid inlet 47 and fourth fluid outlet 48, the fourth fluid inlet 47 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the fourth fluid outlet 48 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet.

[0089] Suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc to position the fourth fluid passage 64d so that it connects the second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43. In this case, the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that partition the fourth fluid passage 64d face the partition portion 50 that separates the second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43 from other fluid inlet and fluid outlet portions. Furthermore, the circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position that faces the circumferential partition portion 51 that separates the second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43.

[0090] The fifth fluid passage 64e has a shape that combines the second and third row section to the fourth and third row section. The fifth fluid passage 64e is partitioned by axial ribs 66a on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side, and partitioned by circumferential ribs 66b on the first axial direction DRa1 side and the second axial direction DRa2 side. Furthermore, the fifth fluid passage 64e has a shape in which circumferential ribs 66b are not formed between the second and third row section to the fourth and third row section.

[0091] The fifth fluid passage 64e, configured in this way, is capable of spanning three openings in the axial direction DRa. Now, let's assume that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc to position the fifth fluid passage 64e facing the eight openings 41 to 48. The fifth fluid passage 64e is capable of facing the second to fourth stage openings. Furthermore, the fifth fluid passage 64e is capable of connecting the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, and the second fluid outlet 43, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. In addition, the fifth fluid passage 64e is capable of connecting the third fluid outlet 46, the fourth fluid inlet 47, and the fourth fluid outlet 48, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa.

[0092] In this case, of the adjacent first fluid inlet 42, second fluid inlet 44, and second fluid outlet 43, the first fluid inlet 42 and second fluid inlet 44 correspond to the third adjacent inlet, and the second fluid outlet 43 corresponds to the third adjacent outlet. Also, of the adjacent third fluid outlet 46, fourth fluid inlet 47, and fourth fluid outlet 48, the third fluid inlet 45 corresponds to the second adjacent inlet, and the fourth fluid inlet 47 and fourth fluid outlet 48 correspond to the second adjacent outlet.

[0093] Assume that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc to position the fifth fluid passage 64e in a location that connects the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, and the second fluid outlet 43. The axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that partition the fifth fluid passage 64e face the partition portion 50 that separates the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, and the second fluid outlet 43 from other fluid inlet and fluid outlet sections. The circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position that faces the circumferential partition portion 51 that separates the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, and the second fluid outlet 43, respectively.

[0094] The sixth fluid passage 64f has a shape that combines the second-stage and fourth-column section with the third-stage and fourth-column section. The sixth fluid passage 64f is partitioned by axial ribs 66a on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side, while the first axial direction DRa1 side and the second axial direction DRa2 side are partitioned by circumferential ribs 66b. Furthermore, the sixth fluid passage 64f has a shape in which there are no circumferential ribs 66b between the second-stage and fourth-column section and the third-stage and fourth-column section.

[0095] The sixth fluid passage 64f, configured in this way, is capable of spanning two openings in the axial direction DRa. Now, let's assume that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the sixth fluid passage 64f is positioned to face the eight openings 41 to 48. The sixth fluid passage 64f is capable of facing the second and third stage openings. Furthermore, the sixth fluid passage 64f is capable of connecting the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid outlet 43, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. In addition, the sixth fluid passage 64f is capable of connecting the fourth fluid inlet 47 and the third fluid outlet 46, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa.

[0096] In this case, of the adjacent first fluid inlet 42 and second fluid outlet 43, the first fluid inlet 42 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the second fluid outlet 43 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet. Also, of the adjacent fourth fluid inlet 47 and third fluid outlet 46, the fourth fluid inlet 47 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the third fluid outlet 46 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet.

[0097] Suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc to position the sixth fluid passage 64f in a location that connects the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid outlet 43. In this case, the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that partition the sixth fluid passage 64f face the partition portion 50 that separates the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid outlet 43 from other fluid inlet and fluid outlet portions. Furthermore, the circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position that faces the circumferential partition portion 51 that separates the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid outlet 43.

[0098] The seventh fluid passage 64g has a shape that combines the third and fifth row section, the fourth and fifth row section, and the third and sixth row section. The seventh fluid passage 64g is partitioned by axial ribs 66a on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side, and partitioned by circumferential ribs 66b on the first axial direction DRa1 side and the second axial direction DRa2 side. Furthermore, the seventh fluid passage 64g has a shape in which there are no circumferential ribs 66b between the third and fifth row section and the fourth and fifth row section, and there are no axial ribs 66a between the third and fifth row section and the third and sixth row section.

[0099] The seventh fluid passage 64g, configured in this way, is capable of spanning two openings in the axial direction DRa and two openings in the circumferential direction DRc. Furthermore, the seventh fluid passage 64g is capable of spanning three adjacent openings in either the axial direction DRa or the circumferential direction DRc. Now, suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the seventh fluid passage 64g is positioned to face the eight openings 41-48. The seventh fluid passage 64g is capable of facing the third and fourth stage openings. Furthermore, the seventh fluid passage 64g is capable of connecting the fourth fluid inlet 47 and the fourth fluid outlet 48, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. Furthermore, the seventh fluid passage 64g is capable of connecting the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, and the fourth fluid inlet 47, which are adjacent to each other in either the axial direction DRa or the circumferential direction DRc.

[0100] In this case, of the adjacent fourth fluid inlet 47 and fourth fluid outlet 48, the fourth fluid inlet 47 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet, and the fourth fluid outlet 48 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet. Also, of the adjacent second fluid inlet 44, second fluid outlet 43, and fourth fluid inlet 47, the second fluid inlet 44 and fourth fluid inlet 47 correspond to the third adjacent inlet, and the second fluid outlet 43 corresponds to the third adjacent outlet.

[0101] Suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc to position the seventh fluid passage 64g in a location that connects the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, and the fourth fluid inlet 47. In this case, the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that partition the seventh fluid passage 64g face the partition portion 50 that separates the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, and the fourth fluid inlet 47 from other fluid inlet and fluid outlet portions. Furthermore, the circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position that faces the circumferential partition portion 51 that separates the second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43.

[0102] Furthermore, suppose that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc to position the seventh fluid passage 64g so that it connects the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, and the fourth fluid inlet 47. In this case, the axial rib 66a is not formed in a position opposite to the axial partition 52 that separates the second fluid outlet 43 and the fourth fluid inlet 47.

[0103] The eighth fluid passage 64h has a shape that combines the first-stage and seventh-column section to the fourth-stage and seventh-column section. The eighth fluid passage 64h is partitioned by axial ribs 66a on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side, while the first axial direction DRa1 side and the second axial direction DRa2 side are partitioned by circumferential ribs 66b. Furthermore, the eighth fluid passage 64h has a shape in which circumferential ribs 66b are not formed between the first-stage and seventh-column section to the fourth-stage and seventh-column section.

[0104] The eighth fluid passage 64h, configured in this way, is capable of spanning four openings in the axial direction DRa. Now, let's assume that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the eighth fluid passage 64h is positioned to face the eight openings 41 to 48. The eighth fluid passage 64h is capable of facing the first to fourth stage openings. Furthermore, the eighth fluid passage 64h is capable of connecting the first fluid inlet 42 and second fluid inlet 44 and the second fluid outlet 43 and second fluid inlet 44, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. In addition, the eighth fluid passage 64h is capable of connecting the third fluid inlet 45 and third fluid outlet 46 and the fourth fluid inlet 47 and fourth fluid outlet 48, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa.

[0105] In this case, of the adjacent first fluid outlet 41, first fluid inlet 42, second fluid outlet 43, and second fluid inlet 44, the first fluid inlet 42 and second fluid inlet 44 correspond to the fourth adjacent inlet, and the first fluid outlet 41 and second fluid outlet 43 correspond to the fourth adjacent outlet. Also, of the adjacent third fluid inlet 45, fourth fluid inlet 47, third fluid outlet 46, and fourth fluid inlet 47, the third fluid inlet 45 and fourth fluid inlet 47 correspond to the fourth adjacent inlet, and the third fluid outlet 46 and fourth fluid outlet 48 correspond to the fourth adjacent outlet.

[0106] Assume that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc to position the eighth fluid passage 64h in a way that connects the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, and the second fluid inlet 44. In this case, the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that partition the eighth fluid passage 64h face the partition portion 50 that separates the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, and the second fluid inlet 44 from other fluid inlets and outlets. The circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position that faces the circumferential partition portion 51 that separates the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, and the second fluid inlet 44, respectively.

[0107] The ninth fluid passage 64i has a shape that combines the first and eighth row section to the fourth and eighth row section, the first and ninth row section, the second and ninth row section, and the fourth and ninth row section. The ninth fluid passage 64i is partitioned by axial ribs 66a on the first circumferential DRc1 side and the second circumferential DRc2 side, and partitioned by circumferential ribs 66b on the first axial DRa1 side and the second axial DRa2 side. Furthermore, the ninth fluid passage 64i does not have circumferential ribs 66b between the first and eighth row section to the fourth and eighth row section, nor between the first and ninth row section and the second and ninth row section. Furthermore, the ninth fluid passage 64i has a shape in which axial ribs 66a are not formed between the first-stage and eighth-row section and the first-stage and ninth-row section, and between the second-stage and eighth-row section and the second-stage and ninth-row section. In addition, the ninth fluid passage 64i has a shape in which axial ribs 66a are not formed between the fourth-stage and eighth-row section and the fourth-stage and ninth-row section.

[0108] The ninth fluid passage 64i, configured in this way, can span two and four openings in the axial direction DRa, and can span two openings in the circumferential direction DRc. Furthermore, the ninth fluid passage 64i can span seven adjacent openings in either the axial direction DRa or the circumferential direction DRc.

[0109] Here, assume that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the ninth fluid passage 64i is positioned to face the eight openings 41 to 48. The ninth fluid passage 64i is capable of facing the first and second stage openings, or the first to fourth stage openings. The ninth fluid passage 64i is capable of connecting the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. The ninth fluid passage 64i is also capable of connecting the first fluid inlet 42, the first fluid outlet 41, the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, the third fluid inlet 45, the third fluid outlet 46, and the fourth fluid outlet 48, which are adjacent to each other in either the axial direction DRa or the circumferential direction DRc.

[0110] In this case, of the adjacent first fluid outlet section 41 and first fluid inlet section 42, the first fluid inlet section 42 corresponds to the first adjacent inlet section, and the first fluid outlet section 41 corresponds to the first adjacent outlet section. Also, of the adjacent first fluid inlet section 42, first fluid outlet section 41, second fluid inlet section 44, second fluid outlet section 43, third fluid inlet section 45, third fluid outlet section 46, and fourth fluid outlet section 48, the first fluid inlet section 42, second fluid inlet section 44, and third fluid inlet section 45 correspond to the fourth adjacent inlet section, and the first fluid outlet section 41, second fluid outlet section 43, third fluid outlet section 46, and fourth fluid outlet section 48 correspond to the fourth adjacent outlet section.

[0111] Assume that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the ninth fluid passage 64i is positioned to connect the first fluid inlet 42, the first fluid outlet 41, the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, the third fluid inlet 45, the third fluid outlet 46, and the fourth fluid outlet 48. In this case, the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that partition the ninth fluid passage 64i face the partition 50 that partitions the first fluid inlet 42, the first fluid outlet 41, the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, the third fluid inlet 45, the third fluid outlet 46, and the fourth fluid outlet 48, and a different fourth fluid inlet 47.

[0112] Furthermore, the circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position opposite to the circumferential partition portion 51 that separates the first fluid inlet portion 42, the first fluid outlet portion 41, the second fluid inlet portion 44, and the second fluid outlet portion 43, respectively. Also, the circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position opposite to the circumferential partition portion 51 that separates the third fluid inlet portion 45 and the third fluid outlet portion 46.

[0113] Furthermore, the axial ribs 66a are not formed at positions facing the axial partition 52 that separates the first fluid outlet 41 and the third fluid inlet 45, nor at positions facing the axial partition 52 that separates the first fluid inlet 42 and the third fluid outlet 46. Also, the axial ribs 66a are not formed at positions facing the axial partition 52 that separates the second fluid inlet 44 and the fourth fluid outlet 48.

[0114] Furthermore, suppose that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the ninth fluid passage 64i is positioned to connect the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41. In this case, the axial rib 66a is not formed in a position opposite to the axial partition 52 that partitions the first fluid inlet 42 on the side where the third fluid outlet 46 does not exist in the circumferential direction DRc (i.e., the first circumferential direction DRc1 side). Also, the axial rib 66a is not formed in a position opposite to the axial partition 52 that partitions the second fluid inlet 44 on the side where the fourth fluid outlet 48 does not exist in the circumferential direction DRc (i.e., the first circumferential direction DRc1 side). Furthermore, among the axial partition portions 52 that partition the first fluid outlet portion 41, the axial rib 66a is not formed at a position opposite to the axial partition portion 52 on the side where the third fluid inlet portion 45 does not exist in the circumferential direction DRc (i.e., the side on the first circumferential direction DRc1).

[0115] The tenth fluid passage 64j has a shape that combines the second-stage and tenth-column section to the fourth-stage and tenth-column section. The tenth fluid passage 64j is partitioned by axial ribs 66a on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side, while the first axial direction DRa1 side and the second axial direction DRa2 side are partitioned by circumferential ribs 66b. Furthermore, the tenth fluid passage 64j has a shape in which circumferential ribs 66b are not formed between the second-stage and tenth-column section to the fourth-stage and tenth-column section.

[0116] The tenth fluid passage 64j configured in this way is capable of spanning three openings in the axial direction DRa. Now, let's assume that the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc so that the tenth fluid passage 64j is positioned to face the eight openings 41 to 48. The tenth fluid passage 64j is capable of facing the second to fourth stage openings. Furthermore, the tenth fluid passage 64j is capable of connecting the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, and the second fluid outlet 43, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa. In addition, the tenth fluid passage 64j is capable of connecting the third fluid outlet 46, the fourth fluid inlet 47, and the fourth fluid outlet 48, which are adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa.

[0117] In this case, of the adjacent first fluid inlet 42, second fluid inlet 44, and second fluid outlet 43, the first fluid inlet 42 and second fluid inlet 44 correspond to the third adjacent inlet, and the second fluid outlet 43 corresponds to the third adjacent outlet. Also, of the adjacent third fluid outlet 46, fourth fluid inlet 47, and fourth fluid outlet 48, the third fluid inlet 45 corresponds to the second adjacent inlet, and the fourth fluid inlet 47 and fourth fluid outlet 48 correspond to the second adjacent outlet.

[0118] Suppose the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc to position the tenth fluid passage 64j so that it connects the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, and the second fluid outlet 43. In this case, the axial rib 66a and circumferential rib 66b that partition the tenth fluid passage 64j face the partition portion 50 that separates the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, and the second fluid outlet 43 from other fluid inlet and fluid outlet sections. The circumferential rib 66b is not formed in a position that faces the circumferential partition portion 51 that separates the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, and the second fluid outlet 43, respectively.

[0119] The first closure section 65a is formed in the fourth stage and fourth column section. The first closure section 65a is surrounded by an axial rib 66a and a circumferential rib 66b. The first closure section 65a, configured in this way, can face the fourth stage opening when the valve 60 is rotated in the circumferential direction DRc and positioned to face the eight openings 41-48. When the first closure section 65a is positioned to face the second fluid inlet section 44, it blocks the second fluid inlet section 44, thereby preventing fluid from flowing into the second fluid inlet section 44. Also, when the first closure section 65a is positioned to face the fourth fluid outlet section 48, it blocks the fourth fluid outlet section 48, thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the fourth fluid outlet section 48.

[0120] The second closure section 65b is formed in the second and fifth row of the valve. The second closure section 65b is surrounded by an axial rib 66a and a circumferential rib 66b. The second closure section 65b, configured in this way, can face the second-stage opening when the valve 60 is rotated in the circumferential direction DRc and positioned to face the eight openings 41-48. When the second closure section 65b is positioned to face the first fluid inlet section 42, it blocks the first fluid inlet section 42, thereby preventing fluid from flowing into the first fluid inlet section 42. Furthermore, when the second closure section 65b is positioned to face the third fluid outlet section 46, it blocks the third fluid outlet section 46, thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the third fluid outlet section 46.

[0121] The third closure section 65c is formed in the second and sixth row section. The third closure section 65c is surrounded by an axial rib 66a and a circumferential rib 66b. The third closure section 65c, configured in this way, can face the second-stage opening when the valve 60 is rotated in the circumferential direction DRc and positioned to face the eight openings 41-48. When the third closure section 65c is positioned to face the first fluid inlet section 42, it blocks the first fluid inlet section 42, thereby preventing fluid from flowing into the first fluid inlet section 42. Also, when the third closure section 65c is positioned to face the third fluid outlet section 46, it blocks the third fluid outlet section 46, thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the third fluid outlet section 46.

[0122] The fourth closure section 65d is formed in the fourth and sixth row section. The fourth closure section 65d is surrounded by an axial rib 66a and a circumferential rib 66b. The fourth closure section 65d, configured in this way, can face the fourth opening when the valve 60 is rotated in the circumferential direction DRc and positioned to face the eight openings 41-48. When the fourth closure section 65d is positioned to face the second fluid inlet section 44, it blocks the second fluid inlet section 44, thereby preventing fluid from flowing into the second fluid inlet section 44. Furthermore, when the fourth closure section 65d is positioned to face the fourth fluid outlet section 48, it blocks the fourth fluid outlet section 48, thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the fourth fluid outlet section 48.

[0123] The fifth closure section 65e is formed in the third and ninth row section. The fifth closure section 65e is surrounded by an axial rib 66a and a circumferential rib 66b. The fifth closure section 65e, configured in this way, can face the third-stage opening when the valve 60 is rotated in the circumferential direction DRc and positioned to face the eight openings 41-48. When the fifth closure section 65e is positioned to face the fourth fluid inlet section 47, it blocks the fourth fluid inlet section 47, thereby preventing fluid from flowing into the fourth fluid inlet section 47. Furthermore, when the fifth closure section 65e is positioned to face the second fluid outlet section 43, it blocks the second fluid outlet section 43, thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the second fluid outlet section 43.

[0124] The sixth closure section 65f is formed in the first and tenth row section. The sixth closure section 65f is surrounded by an axial rib 66a and a circumferential rib 66b. The sixth closure section 65f, configured in this way, can face the first-stage opening when the valve 60 is rotated in the circumferential direction DRc and positioned to face the eight openings 41-48. When the sixth closure section 65f is positioned to face the third fluid inlet section 45, it blocks the third fluid inlet section 45, thereby preventing fluid from flowing into the third fluid inlet section 45. Furthermore, when the sixth closure section 65f is positioned to face the first fluid outlet section 41, it blocks the first fluid outlet section 41, thereby preventing fluid from flowing out of the first fluid outlet section 41.

[0125] Furthermore, the valve 60 has a rotating shaft 62 that protrudes from the first axial direction DRa1 side and the second axial direction DRa2 side, respectively. The portion of the rotating shaft 62 that protrudes toward the first axial direction DRa1 side is rotatably supported by a bearing portion 21, and the portion that protrudes toward the second axial direction DRa2 side is rotatable by a support hole 121 formed in the bottom portion 12. In addition, the end of the rotating shaft 62 on the first axial direction DRa1 side passes through the housing cover 20 and is connected to the reduction mechanism of the drive unit 30.

[0126] Furthermore, a stopper 63 is provided on the valve 60 on the side facing the second axial direction DRa2, in a location different from the part of the valve 60 facing the housing cover 20. The stopper 63 is formed at a position radially away from the rotation axis 62 in the DRr direction, extending in the axial direction DRa toward the second axial direction DRa2. The stopper 63 is also formed at a position facing the rotation restricting portion 122 in the circumferential direction DRc, so that it can come into contact with the rotation restricting portion 122 when the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc. In addition, a sealing member 70 is provided between the valve outer wall portion 61 of the valve 60 and the cylindrical portion 11 of the housing 10.

[0127] The sealing member 70 is positioned in the valve outer wall portion 61 and the portion 11 where eight openings 41-48 are formed, and seals a predetermined gap between the valve 60 and the eight openings 41-48. As shown in Figure 12, the sealing member 70 is configured to cover all eight openings 41-48. In addition, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the sealing member 70 has a plurality of through holes 71 that allow fluid flowing through the eight openings 41-48 to pass through.

[0128] As shown in Figure 13, the sealing member 70 is formed in a substantially fan-shaped plate shape before being installed between the valve outer wall 61 and the cylindrical portion 11. Then, as shown in Figure 12, the sealing member 70 is positioned so that its thickness direction is the radial direction DRr. When the sealing member 70 is placed between the valve outer wall 61 and the cylindrical portion 11, as shown in Figures 12 and 14, it is bent and positioned so that the portion forming an arc extends in the circumferential direction DRc and is positioned along the inner circumferential surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11. Thus, the plate surface of the sealing member 70 is planar before installation, but becomes a curved shape that bends in the circumferential direction DRc when installed.

[0129] The sealing member 70 is provided between two circumferential sealing restricting portions 112, and one side and the other side of the circumferential DRc are supported by the circumferential sealing restricting portions 112. The sealing member 70 is also supported by being fitted into the circumferential sealing restricting portion 112 formed on the bottom portion 12, on the second axial direction DRa2 side.

[0130] Furthermore, when the sealing member 70 is positioned between the valve outer wall portion 61 and the cylindrical portion 11, it has a sliding portion 72 positioned on the valve outer wall portion 61 side and a pressing portion 73 positioned on the cylindrical portion 11 side. In other words, the sealing member 70 is constructed by stacking the sliding portion 72 and the pressing portion 73 in the thickness direction of the plate. These sliding portion 72 and pressing portion 73 are made of different materials.

[0131] Specifically, the sealing member 70 has a sliding portion 72 made of a high-sliding material with a low coefficient of friction, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (hereinafter referred to as "PTFE") or fluororesin. In contrast, the pressing portion 73 is made of an elastic material such as rubber.

[0132] The sealing member 70 is formed, for example, by applying a sliding portion 72 made of PTFE, fluororesin, etc., to the surface of a pressing portion 73 made of an elastic material such as a rubber material. Alternatively, the sealing member 70 may be formed by integrally assembling the sliding portion 72 made of PTFE, fluororesin, etc., and the pressing portion 73 made of an elastic material such as a rubber material, or by bonding them with an adhesive, etc., or by baking them together.

[0133] This makes it easier to deform the pressing portion 73 to conform to the shape of the cylindrical portion 11 when the sealing member 70 is positioned between the outer wall portion 61 of the valve and the cylindrical portion 11. As a result, the ease of assembly of the sealing member 70 can be improved, and the gap between the valve 60 and the sealing member 70, and the gap between the housing 10 and the sealing member 70 can be reduced. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the flow of fluid into the gap between the valve 60 and the sealing member 70, and the gap between the housing 10 and the sealing member 70.

[0134] Furthermore, by making the sliding portion 72 located on the valve outer wall portion 61 side a high-sliding material with a low coefficient of friction, such as PTFE or fluororesin, the sliding resistance between the valve 60 and the sealing member 70 can be reduced.

[0135] In this embodiment, the sealing member 70 has a circumferential DRc that is larger than the area in which the eight openings 41 to 48 in the cylindrical portion 11 are formed. The sealing member 70 has multiple through holes 71 that penetrate the sealing member 70 in the thickness direction, extending across the entire axial DRa and the entire circumferential DRc, forming a grid pattern. The through holes 71 are formed in four rows in the axial DRa and in four columns in the circumferential DRc.

[0136] These through holes 71, four in each of the axial direction DRa and circumferential direction DRc, have trapezoidal openings corresponding to the eight openings 41 to 48, with the circumferential DRc on the second axial direction DRa2 side being smaller than that on the first axial direction DRa1 side. In other words, the openings of the through holes 71 correspond to the first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j, and specifically, they correspond to the sections that form the first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j.

[0137] Furthermore, of the four rows of through holes 71 arranged in the circumferential direction DRc, the two central rows of through holes 71 are formed in positions opposite to the eight openings 41-48. The two central rows of through holes 71 allow the fluid flowing through the eight openings 41-48 to pass through.

[0138] In contrast, of the four rows of through holes 71 arranged in the circumferential direction DRc, the row of through holes 71 formed at the end on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the row of through holes 71 formed at the end on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side are formed in positions that do not face the eight openings 41 to 48. That is, the row of through holes 71 formed at the end on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the row of through holes 71 formed at the end on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side are formed on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side with respect to the eight openings 41 to 48.

[0139] Furthermore, the portion of the sealing member 70 that forms the two central rows of through-holes 71 surrounds each of the eight openings 41 to 48, and suppresses the mixing of fluids passing through each of the eight openings 41 to 48.

[0140] Furthermore, of the sealing member 70, a row of through holes 71 formed at the end on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and a row of through holes 71 formed at the end on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side surround the fluid passages that do not face the eight openings 41 to 48. As a result, the sealing member 70 seals the fluid passages that do not face the eight openings 41 to 48 of the first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j, with the row of through holes 71 formed at each end on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side. In this case, the sealing member 70 suppresses the mixing of fluids flowing through the fluid passages that do not face the eight openings 41 to 48 of the first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j.

[0141] Here, the number of rows of eight openings 41-48 arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc is defined as the number of opening rows, and the number of rows of through holes 71 arranged in four rows in the circumferential direction DRc is defined as the number of through hole rows. In this embodiment, the number of opening rows is set to two rows. The number of through hole rows is set to four rows. That is, in this embodiment, the number of through hole rows is set to two more rows than the number of opening rows. Specifically, the through holes 71 are provided in one more row on each side of the circumferential direction DRc than the eight openings 41-48 arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc. As a result, the sealing member 70 has a group of through holes 71 in one row on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and a group of through holes 71 in the second circumferential direction DRc2 side, which are formed in positions that do not face the eight openings 41-48 in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0142] The reason why the number of through-hole rows is set to be greater than the number of opening rows will be explained with reference to Figures 15 and 16. Here, Figure 15 shows a front view of the valve 60 when the valve 60 is positioned such that a portion of the ninth fluid passage 64i faces the first row of openings, and the sixth closing portion 65f and the tenth fluid passage 64j face the second row of openings. Also, the dashed lines in Figure 15 indicate the area covered by the eight openings 41 to 48 in the outer wall portion 61 of the valve.

[0143] As described above, the ninth fluid passage 64i is capable of spanning two openings in the circumferential direction DRc. Therefore, when the second circumferential direction DRc2 side of the ninth fluid passage 64i is positioned opposite the first row of openings, the first circumferential direction DRc1 side does not face the eight openings 41 to 48. In this case, the ninth fluid passage 64i connects the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid inlet 44, which are not adjacent to each other, via the portion on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side that does not face the eight openings 41 to 48. As a result, the fluid flowing from the second fluid inlet 44 into the valve 60 flows to the first fluid outlet 41 via the portion on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side of the ninth fluid passage 64i. That is, the fluid flowing from the second fluid inlet 44 into the valve 60 bypasses the position facing the eight openings 41 to 48 and flows to the first fluid outlet 41.

[0144] Here, let's assume that the number of through-hole rows is set to be the same as the number of opening rows. In this case, when the fluid flowing from the second fluid inlet 44 into the valve 60 flows into the portion on the DRc1 side in the first circumferential direction of the ninth fluid passage 64i, there is a risk that it will leak out through the gap between the outer peripheral surface 611 of the valve outer wall 61 and the inner peripheral surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11.

[0145] In contrast, in this embodiment, the number of through-hole rows is set to be two more than the number of opening rows. The sealing member 70 has a portion that forms a row of through-holes 71 on the first circumferential DRc1 side and a row of through-holes 71 on the second circumferential DRc2 side at positions that do not face the eight openings 41 to 48 in the circumferential DRc.

[0146] Therefore, even if the sealing member 70 is positioned in the ninth fluid passage 64i such that the first circumferential DRc1 side does not face the eight openings 41 to 48, the portion forming a row of through holes 71 on the first circumferential DRc1 side surrounds the portion that does not face the openings. As a result, when the fluid flowing from the second fluid inlet 44 into the valve 60 flows into the portion of the ninth fluid passage 64i on the first circumferential DRc1 side, it is possible to suppress fluid leakage from the gap between the outer peripheral surface 611 of the valve outer wall portion 61 and the inner peripheral surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11.

[0147] Returning to Figure 4, a biasing portion 80 is provided between the valve 60 on the first axial direction DRa1 side and the housing cover 20 on the second axial direction DRa2 side. The biasing portion 80 is a member that presses the valve 60 in the second axial direction DRa2, and is composed of, for example, a compression coil spring. The compression coil spring is provided between the valve 60 and the housing cover 20 in a compressed state, and the biasing force generated by the compression presses the valve 60 in the second axial direction DRa2.

[0148] Here, as described above, the internal angle θ between the conical generatrix parallel to the valve outer wall portion 61 and the axis CL is set to 5 degrees or more. Therefore, the biasing force of the biasing portion 80 acts as a component force that presses the valve 60 against the seal member 70, and also acts as a component force that presses the seal member 70 against the cylindrical portion 11. Thus, by adjusting the biasing force of the biasing portion 80, it is possible to maintain a state in which the outer peripheral surface 611 of the valve outer wall portion 61 and the seal member 70 are in sliding contact, and a state in which the inner peripheral surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11 and the seal member 70 are in contact, both when the valve 60 is rotating and when it is stopped.

[0149] Furthermore, a spring guide 81 is provided between the valve 60 on the first axial direction DRa1 side and the housing cover 20 on the second axial direction DRa2 side. The spring guide 81 supports a biasing portion 80 which is composed of a compression coil spring. The spring guide 81 has a cylindrical portion 811 provided inside the biasing portion 80 and a thin disc-shaped disc portion 812 connected to the second axial direction DRa2 side of the cylindrical portion 811.

[0150] The cylindrical portion 811 extends along the axial direction DRa and is supported on its inner side by the housing cover 20. The disc portion 812 rests on the first axial direction DRa1 side of the valve 60 and is supported by the valve 60. The disc portion 812 supports the second axial direction DRa2 side of the biasing portion 80.

[0151] The spring guide 81 configured in this way suppresses the radial displacement of the biasing portion 80 DRr and can transmit the biasing force of the biasing portion 80 to the valve 60.

[0152] Furthermore, in each of the components of the fluid control valve 1 described above, the housing cover 20, cover seal 23, valve 60, sealing member 70, and biasing unit 80 are configured to be detachable from the housing 10 from the first axial direction DRa1 side. For this reason, the following steps can be used as a method for manufacturing the fluid control valve 1. First, the sealing member 70 is assembled to the housing 10. Next, the valve 60 is assembled to the housing 10. Subsequently, the housing cover 20, which is provided with the cover seal 23, is assembled to the housing 10 while positioning the spring guide 81 and the biasing unit 80. Finally, the drive unit 30 is assembled to the housing cover 20, and the assembly of the fluid control valve 1 is completed.

[0153] Next, the operation of the fluid control valve 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. The fluid control valve 1 can allow fluid to flow into the valve housing space AS from one or more of the first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47 by adjusting the rotational position of the valve 60. The fluid control valve 1 can then discharge the fluid that has flowed into the valve housing space AS from one or more of the first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48. In other words, the fluid control valve 1 switches the fluid outlet from which the fluid flows out by rotating the valve 60 around the axis CL and switching the flow path inlet facing the first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j. This switches the operating mode of the fluid control valve 1. The fluid control valve 1 of this embodiment is configured to allow switching of the operating mode to 10 switching patterns by switching the rotational position of the valve 60 to 10 rotational positions, which will be described with reference to Figure 11.

[0154] Here, among the rotational positions of the valve 60 shown in Figure 11, the position where the first fluid passage 64a faces the first row opening is defined as the first valve position, and the position where the fourth fluid passage 64d faces the first row opening is defined as the second valve position. Furthermore, the position where the fifth fluid passage 64e faces the first row opening is defined as the third valve position, the position where the sixth fluid passage 64f faces the first row opening is defined as the fourth valve position, and the position where the first closure part 65a faces the first row opening is defined as the fifth valve position. Then, the position where the eighth fluid passage 64h faces the second row opening is defined as the sixth valve position, the position where the eighth fluid passage 64h faces the first row opening is defined as the seventh valve position, and the position where the fifth closure part 65e faces the second row opening is defined as the eighth valve position. Furthermore, the position where the 10th fluid passage 64j faces the second row opening is defined as the 9th valve position, and the position where the 10th fluid passage 64j faces the first row opening is defined as the 10th valve position.

[0155] When valve 60 is positioned in the first valve position, the first fluid passage 64a communicates with the first fluid inlet 42 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the first fluid outlet 41 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The second fluid passage 64b communicates with the second fluid inlet 44 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the second fluid outlet 43 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The third fluid passage 64c communicates with the third fluid inlet 45 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the third fluid outlet 46 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The fourth fluid passage 64d communicates with the fourth fluid inlet 47 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the fourth fluid outlet 48 on the downstream side of the fluid flow.

[0156] As a result, the fluid flowing in from the first fluid inlet 42 is guided through the first fluid passage 64a to the first fluid outlet 41 and flows outside the fluid control valve 1. The fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet 44 is guided through the second fluid passage 64b to the second fluid outlet 43 and flows outside the fluid control valve 1. The fluid flowing in from the third fluid inlet 45 is guided through the third fluid passage 64c to the third fluid outlet 46 and flows outside the fluid control valve 1. Furthermore, the fluid flowing in from the fourth fluid inlet 47 is guided through the fourth fluid passage 64d to the fourth fluid outlet 48 and flows outside the fluid control valve 1.

[0157] In this case, the first fluid passage 64a, the second fluid passage 64b, the third fluid passage 64c, and the fourth fluid passage 64d each function as a first fluid flow path that guides the fluid flowing in from any one of the first fluid inlet section 42 to the fourth fluid inlet section 47 to any one of the first fluid outlet section 41 to the fourth fluid outlet section 48 with which it communicates.

[0158] When valve 60 is positioned in the second valve position, the third fluid passage 64c communicates with the first fluid inlet 42 and the third fluid inlet 45 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the first fluid outlet 41 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The fourth fluid passage 64d communicates with the second fluid inlet 44 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the second fluid outlet 43 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The fifth fluid passage 64e communicates with the fourth fluid inlet 47 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the third fluid outlet 46 and the fourth fluid outlet 48 on the downstream side of the fluid flow.

[0159] As a result, the fluids flowing in from the first fluid inlet 42 and the third fluid inlet 45 merge in the third fluid passage 64c and are guided to the first fluid outlet 41, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1. The fluids flowing in from the second fluid inlet 44 are guided to the second fluid outlet 43 via the fourth fluid passage 64d, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1. The fluids flowing in from the fourth fluid inlet 47 are split in the fifth fluid passage 64e and guided to the third fluid outlet 46 and the fourth fluid outlet 48, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1.

[0160] In this case, the third fluid passage 64c functions as a third flow path that guides fluid flowing in from two of the first fluid inlets 42 to the fourth fluid inlets 47 to one of the first fluid outlets 41 to the fourth fluid outlets 48 with which it communicates. The fourth fluid passage 64d functions as a first flow path that guides fluid flowing in from one of the first fluid inlets 42 to the fourth fluid inlets 47 to one of the first fluid outlets 41 to the fourth fluid outlets 48 with which it communicates. The fifth fluid passage 64e functions as a second flow path that guides fluid flowing in from one of the first fluid inlets 42 to the fourth fluid inlets 47 to two of the first fluid outlets 41 to the fourth fluid outlets 48 with which it communicates.

[0161] When valve 60 is positioned in the third valve position, the third fluid passage 64c communicates with the third fluid inlet 45 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the first fluid outlet 41 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The fifth fluid passage 64e communicates with the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid inlet 44 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the second fluid outlet 43 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The sixth fluid passage 64f communicates with the fourth fluid inlet 47 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the third fluid outlet 46 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The first blocking section 65a blocks the fourth fluid outlet 48.

[0162] As a result, the fluid flowing in from the third fluid inlet 45 is guided to the first fluid outlet 41 via the third fluid passage 64c and flows outside the fluid control valve 1. The fluids flowing in from the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid inlet 44 are merged in the fifth fluid passage 64e and guided to the second fluid outlet 43 and flow outside the fluid control valve 1. The fluid flowing in from the fourth fluid inlet 47 is guided to the third fluid outlet 46 via the sixth fluid passage 64f and flows outside the fluid control valve 1. However, the fourth fluid outlet 48 is blocked by the first blockage 65a and does not communicate with any of the first fluid inlets 42 to the fourth fluid inlets 47, so no fluid flows out of it.

[0163] In this case, the third fluid passage 64c and the sixth fluid passage 64f function as first fluid passages that guide the fluid flowing in from one of the first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47 to one of the first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48 with which they communicate. The fifth fluid passage 64e functions as a second fluid passage that guides the fluid flowing in from one of the first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47 to two of the first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48 with which they communicate.

[0164] Here, when valve 60 is positioned at the third valve position, the third fluid passage 64c has a row on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side that does not face the eight openings 41-48, and the two rows on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side also do not face the eight openings 41-48. The fluid flowing in from the third fluid inlet 45 flows to the portion of the third fluid passage 64c that forms the row on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the portion that forms the two rows on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side.

[0165] However, the portion forming the row on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the third fluid passage 64c is surrounded by the portion forming the row of through holes 71 on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the sealing member 70. Therefore, leakage of fluid that has flowed to the portion forming the row on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the third fluid passage 64c from the gap between the outer circumferential surface 611 of the valve outer wall portion 61 and the inner circumferential surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11 is suppressed.

[0166] In contrast, of the portions forming the two rows on the second circumferential DRc2 side of the third fluid passage 64c, the portion closest to the second circumferential DRc2 side is not surrounded by the portion forming the single row of through holes 71 on the second circumferential DRc2 side of the sealing member 70. Therefore, there is a risk that the fluid that has flowed to the portion forming the two rows on the second circumferential DRc2 side of the third fluid passage 64c may flow to the back side of the valve 60 through the gap between the outer peripheral surface 611 of the valve outer wall portion 61 and the inner peripheral surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11.

[0167] However, even if fluid were to flow to the back of the valve 60, the portion forming the row on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the third fluid passage 64c is surrounded by the portion forming the row of through holes 71 on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the seal member 70. Also, the fourth fluid passage 64d is surrounded by the portion forming the row of through holes 71 on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the seal member 70. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow of fluid that has flowed to the back of the valve 60 into these third fluid passage 64c and fourth fluid passage 64d.

[0168] When valve 60 is positioned as the fourth valve, the third fluid passage 64c communicates with the third fluid inlet 45 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the first fluid outlet 41 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The sixth fluid passage 64f communicates with the first fluid inlet 42 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the second fluid outlet 43 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The seventh fluid passage 64g communicates with the fourth fluid inlet 47 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the fourth fluid outlet 48 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The first blocking section 65a blocks the second fluid inlet 44. The second blocking section 65b blocks the third fluid outlet 46.

[0169] As a result, the fluid flowing in from the third fluid inlet 45 is guided to the first fluid outlet 41 via the third fluid passage 64c and flows outside the fluid control valve 1. Similarly, the fluid flowing in from the first fluid inlet 42 is guided to the second fluid outlet 43 via the sixth fluid passage 64f and flows outside the fluid control valve 1. Then, the fluid flowing in from the fourth fluid inlet 47 is guided to the fourth fluid outlet 48 via the seventh fluid passage 64g and flows outside the fluid control valve 1. However, the second fluid inlet 44 is blocked by the first blocking section 65a, so fluid does not flow into the valve housing space AS. Also, the third fluid outlet 46 is blocked by the second blocking section 65b and does not communicate with any of the first fluid inlets 42 to the fourth fluid inlets 47, so fluid does not flow out.

[0170] In this case, the third fluid passage 64c, the sixth fluid passage 64f, and the seventh fluid passage 64g function as first fluid flow channels that guide the fluid flowing in from one of the first fluid inlet sections 42 to the fourth fluid inlet section 47 to one of the first fluid outlet sections 41 to the fourth fluid outlet section 48 with which they communicate.

[0171] Here, when valve 60 is positioned at the fourth valve position, the third fluid passage 64c has two rows on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side that do not face the eight openings 41-48, and one row on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side that does not face the eight openings 41-48. The fluid flowing in from the third fluid inlet 45 flows to the portion of the third fluid passage 64c that forms the two rows on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the portion that forms the one row on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side.

[0172] However, the portion forming the row on the second circumferential DRc2 side of the third fluid passage 64c is surrounded by the portion forming the row of through holes 71 on the second circumferential DRc2 side of the sealing member 70. Therefore, leakage of fluid that has flowed to the portion forming the row on the second circumferential DRc2 side of the third fluid passage 64c from the gap between the outer peripheral surface 611 of the valve outer wall portion 61 and the inner peripheral surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11 is suppressed.

[0173] In contrast, of the two rows forming the third fluid passage 64c on the first circumferential DRc1 side, the portion closest to the first circumferential DRc1 side is not surrounded by the portion forming the single row of through holes 71 on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the sealing member 70. Therefore, there is a risk that the fluid that has flowed to the portion forming the single row on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the third fluid passage 64c may flow to the back side of the valve 60 through the gap between the outer peripheral surface 611 of the valve outer wall portion 61 and the inner peripheral surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11.

[0174] However, even if fluid were to flow to the back of the valve 60, the portion forming the row on the second circumferential DRc2 side of the third fluid passage 64c is surrounded by the portion forming the row of through holes 71 on the second circumferential DRc2 side of the seal member 70. Also, the seventh fluid passage 64g is surrounded by the portion forming the row of through holes 71 on the second circumferential DRc2 side of the seal member 70. Furthermore, the third closure portion 65c and the fourth closure portion 65d are surrounded by the portion forming the row of through holes 71 on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the seal member 70. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flow of fluid that has flowed to the back of the valve 60 into these third fluid passage 64c and seventh fluid passage 64g.

[0175] When valve 60 is positioned at the fifth valve position, the third fluid passage 64c communicates with the third fluid inlet 45 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the first fluid outlet 41 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The seventh fluid passage 64g communicates with the second fluid inlet 44 and the fourth fluid inlet 47 on the upstream side of the fluid flow and with the second fluid outlet 43 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. In addition, the second blocking section 65b blocks the first fluid inlet 42. The third blocking section 65c blocks the third fluid outlet 46. The fourth blocking section 65d blocks the fourth fluid outlet 48.

[0176] As a result, the fluid flowing in from the third fluid inlet 45 is guided to the first fluid outlet 41 via the third fluid passage 64c and flows outside the fluid control valve 1. Also, the fluids flowing in from the second fluid inlet 44 and the fourth fluid inlet 47 are merged in the seventh fluid passage 64g and guided to the second fluid outlet 43 and flow outside the fluid control valve 1. However, the first fluid inlet 42 is blocked by the second blocking section 65b, so fluid does not flow into the valve housing space AS. The third fluid outlet 46 is blocked by the third blocking section 65c and does not communicate with any of the first fluid inlets 42 to the fourth fluid inlets 47, so fluid does not flow out. The fourth fluid outlet 48 is blocked by the fourth blocking section 65d and does not communicate with any of the first fluid inlets 42 to the fourth fluid inlets 47, so fluid does not flow out.

[0177] In this case, the third fluid passage 64c functions as a first fluid channel that guides the fluid flowing in from one of the first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47 to one of the first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48 with which it communicates. The seventh fluid passage 64g functions as a third fluid channel that guides the fluid flowing in from two of the first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47 to one of the first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48 with which it communicates.

[0178] When valve 60 is positioned at the sixth valve position, the eighth fluid passage 64h communicates with the third fluid inlet 45 and the fourth fluid inlet 47 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the third fluid outlet 46 and the fourth fluid outlet 48 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. In addition, the third fluid passage 64c closes the first fluid outlet 41. The third closing section 65c closes the first fluid inlet 42. The seventh fluid passage 64g closes the second fluid outlet 43. The fourth closing section 65d closes the second fluid inlet 44.

[0179] As a result, the fluids flowing in from the third fluid inlet 45 and the fourth fluid inlet 47 are merged and separated in the eighth fluid passage 64h and guided to the third fluid outlet 46 and the fourth fluid outlet 48, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1. However, the first fluid outlet 41 is blocked by the third fluid passage 64c and does not communicate with any of the first fluid inlets 42 to the fourth fluid inlets 47, so it does not allow fluid to flow out. The first fluid inlet 42 is blocked by the third blocking section 65c, so it does not allow fluid to flow into the valve housing space AS. The second fluid outlet 43 is blocked by the seventh fluid passage 64g and does not communicate with any of the first fluid inlets 42 to the fourth fluid inlets 47, so it does not allow fluid to flow out. The second fluid inlet 44 is blocked by the fourth blocking section 65d, so it does not allow fluid to flow into the valve housing space AS.

[0180] In this case, the eighth fluid passage 64h functions as a fourth fluid channel that guides the fluid flowing in from two of the first fluid inlet sections 42 to the fourth fluid inlet sections 47 to any two of the first fluid outlet sections 41 to the fourth fluid outlet sections 48 with which it is in communication.

[0181] When valve 60 is positioned at the seventh valve position, the eighth fluid passage 64h communicates with the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid inlet 44 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the first fluid outlet 41 and the second fluid outlet 43 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The ninth fluid passage 64i communicates with the third fluid inlet 45 and the fourth fluid inlet 47 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the third fluid outlet 46 and the fourth fluid outlet 48 on the downstream side of the fluid flow.

[0182] As a result, the fluids flowing in from the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid inlet 44 are merged and separated in the eighth fluid passage 64h and guided to the first fluid outlet 41 and the second fluid outlet 43, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1. In addition, the fluids flowing in from the third fluid inlet 45 and the fourth fluid inlet 47 are merged and separated in the ninth fluid passage 64i and guided to the third fluid outlet 46 and the fourth fluid outlet 48, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1.

[0183] In this case, the eighth fluid passage 64h and the ninth fluid passage 64i function as fourth fluid passages that guide the fluid flowing in from two of the first fluid inlet sections 42 to the fourth fluid inlet sections 47 to any two of the first fluid outlet sections 41 to the fourth fluid outlet sections 48 with which they communicate.

[0184] When valve 60 is positioned at the eighth valve position, the ninth fluid passage 64i communicates with the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, and the third fluid inlet 45 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the first fluid outlet 41, the second fluid outlet 43, the third fluid outlet 46, and the fourth fluid outlet 48 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The fifth blocking section 65e then blocks the fourth fluid inlet 47.

[0185] As a result, the fluids flowing in from the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, and the third fluid inlet 45 are merged and separated in the ninth fluid passage 64i and guided to the first fluid outlet 41, the second fluid outlet 43, the third fluid outlet 46, and the fourth fluid outlet 48, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1. However, the fourth fluid inlet 47 is blocked by the fifth blocking section 65e, so fluid is not allowed to flow into the valve housing space AS.

[0186] In this case, the ninth fluid passage 64i functions as a fourth fluid channel that guides the fluid flowing in from three of the first fluid inlets 42 to the fourth fluid inlets 47 to all four fluid outlets 41 to the fourth fluid outlets 48 with which it communicates.

[0187] When valve 60 is positioned at the ninth valve position, the ninth fluid passage 64i communicates with the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid inlet 44 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the first fluid outlet 41 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. In this case, the second fluid inlet 44 and the first fluid outlet 41 are communicated via a portion on the first circumferential DRc1 side that does not face any of the eight openings 41 to 48 in the ninth fluid passage 64i. That is, the ninth fluid passage 64i connects the second fluid inlet 44 and the first fluid outlet 41, which are not adjacent to each other, at the first row of openings located at the end on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the eight openings 41 to 48 arranged in two rows in the circumferential DRc. Furthermore, when valve 60 is positioned at the ninth valve position, the tenth fluid passage 64j communicates with the fourth fluid inlet 47 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the third fluid outlet 46 and the fourth fluid outlet 48 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The fifth blocking section 65e blocks the second fluid outlet 43, and the sixth blocking section 65f blocks the third fluid inlet 45.

[0188] As a result, the fluids flowing in from the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid inlet 44 are merged and separated in the ninth fluid passage 64i and guided to the first fluid outlet 41, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1. At this time, the fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet 44 is guided to the first fluid outlet 41 by bypassing the parts of the valve outer wall 61 that face the eight openings 41 to 48. The fluid flowing in from the fourth fluid inlet 47 is separated in the tenth fluid passage 64j and guided to the third fluid outlet 46 and the fourth fluid outlet 48, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1. However, the second fluid outlet 43 is blocked by the fifth blocking section 65e and does not communicate with any of the first to fourth fluid inlet sections 42 to 47, so it does not allow fluid to flow out. Also, the third fluid inlet 45 is blocked by the sixth blocking section 65f, so it does not allow fluid to flow into the valve housing space AS.

[0189] Here, when the fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet 44 flows to the first fluid outlet 41, the fluid flows around the portion of the valve outer wall 61 in the ninth fluid passage 64i that is opposite to the eight openings 41-48. The portion of the ninth fluid passage 64i that forms a row on the first circumferential DRc1 side, which is the portion of the fluid that flows around the portion of the valve outer wall 61 in the ninth fluid passage 64i that is opposite to the eight openings 41-48, is surrounded by the portion of the sealing member 70 that forms a row of through holes 71 on the first circumferential DRc1 side. As a result, leakage of the fluid flowing through the portion of the ninth fluid passage 64i that forms a row on the first circumferential DRc1 side from the gap between the outer circumferential surface 611 of the valve outer wall 61 and the inner circumferential surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11 is suppressed.

[0190] In this case, the ninth fluid passage 64i functions as a bypass flow path that guides the fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet 44, which is provided at the end on the first circumferential DRc1 side, to the first fluid outlet 41, bypassing the portion of the valve outer wall 61 that is opposite to the eight openings 41-48. The ninth fluid passage 64i is also provided at the end on the first circumferential DRc1 side and connects the second fluid inlet 44, which are not adjacent to each other, with the first fluid inlet 42 and the first fluid outlet 41. Furthermore, the ninth fluid passage 64i is formed with the same size on the circumferential DRc side as the eight openings 41-48, and when positioned opposite these eight openings 41-48, it also functions as a fourth flow path as described above. The tenth fluid passage 64j functions as a second fluid flow section that guides the fluid flowing in from any one of the first fluid inlet sections 42 to the fourth fluid inlet section 47 to any two of the first fluid outlet sections 41 to the fourth fluid outlet section 48 with which it communicates. When the valve 60 is positioned at the tenth valve position, the tenth fluid passage 64j communicates with the first fluid inlet section 42 and the second fluid inlet section 44 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the second fluid outlet section 43 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The first fluid passage 64a communicates with the third fluid inlet section 45 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the third fluid outlet section 46 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The second fluid passage 64b communicates with the fourth fluid inlet section 47 on the upstream side of the fluid flow, and with the fourth fluid outlet section 48 on the downstream side of the fluid flow. The sixth blocking section 65f blocks the first fluid outlet section 41.

[0191] As a result, the fluids flowing in from the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid inlet 44 are merged in the tenth fluid passage 64j and guided to the second fluid outlet 43, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1. The fluid flowing in from the third fluid inlet 45 is guided to the third fluid outlet 46 via the first fluid passage 64a, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1. Furthermore, the fluid flowing in from the fourth fluid inlet 47 is guided to the fourth fluid outlet 48 via the second fluid passage 64b, flowing outside the fluid control valve 1.

[0192] In this case, the first fluid passage 64a and the second fluid passage 64b each function as a first fluid passage that guides fluid flowing in from any one of the first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47 to any one of the first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48 with which they communicate. The tenth fluid passage 64j functions as a third fluid passage that guides fluid flowing in from two of the first fluid inlet 42 to the fourth fluid inlet 47 to any one of the first fluid outlet 41 to the fourth fluid outlet 48 with which it communicates.

[0193] In this way, by switching the valve 60 to the 10th valve position, the operating mode switching pattern is switched to one of 10 different patterns. In each switching pattern, the fluid inlet section into which the fluid flows in is switched from the 1st fluid inlet section 42 to the 4th fluid inlet section 47, and the fluid outlet section out which the fluid flows out is switched from the 1st fluid outlet section 41 to the 4th fluid outlet section 48.

[0194] As described above, in the fluid control valve 1 of this embodiment, the seal member 70 has multiple through holes 71 arranged in the axial direction DRa and multiple rows arranged in the circumferential direction DRc. The number of rows of through holes is set to be greater than the number of rows of openings.

[0195] According to this, when the third fluid passage 64c, the seventh fluid passage 64g, and the ninth fluid passage 64i are positioned to straddle the opening at the end of the circumferential DRc, the sealing member 70 surrounds these third fluid passage 64c, the seventh fluid passage 64g, and the ninth fluid passage 64i.

[0196] Therefore, even if the third fluid passage 64c, the seventh fluid passage 64g, and the ninth fluid passage 64i are positioned to straddle the opening at the end of the circumferential DRc, it is possible to suppress the flow of fluid through these fluid passages between the valve outer wall portion 61 and the cylindrical portion 11. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the flow of fluid through the third fluid passage 64c, the seventh fluid passage 64g, and the ninth fluid passage 64i to the back side of the valve 60. Consequently, it is not necessary to adjust the rotational position of the valve 60 so that the third fluid passage 64c, the seventh fluid passage 64g, and the ninth fluid passage 64i do not straddle the opening formed at the end of the circumferential DRc. In other words, it is possible to suppress the flow of fluid to the back side of the valve 60 without limiting the switching pattern of the fluid control valve 1 that is switched by adjusting the rotational position of the valve 60.

[0197] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0198] (1) In the above embodiment, the number of through-hole rows is set to be two more than the number of opening rows. The through-holes 71 are provided in a number that is one more on each side of the circumferential DRc than the eight openings 41-48 arranged in two rows in the circumferential DRc.

[0199] According to this, regardless of whether the third fluid passage 64c, the seventh fluid passage 64g, and the ninth fluid passage 64i are positioned to straddle either the opening on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side or the opening on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side, it is possible to suppress fluid from flowing around to the back side of the valve 60.

[0200] (2) In the above embodiment, eight openings 41 to 48 are formed in a grid pattern, and a first fluid outlet 41, a first fluid inlet 42, and a second fluid inlet 44 are located at the end on the first circumferential DRc1 side. A ninth fluid passage 64i is formed in the outer wall portion 61 of the valve, which guides the fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet 44 to the first fluid outlet 41, bypassing the portion of the outer wall portion 61 that faces the eight openings 41 to 48. The sealing member 70 surrounds the ninth fluid passage 64i at a position that does not face the eight openings 41 to 48 in the circumferential DRc.

[0201] According to this, a fluid passage can be formed in the ninth fluid passage 64i, which is located in a position that is not opposite to the eight openings 41-48 and is not directly connected to the eight openings 41-48. In other words, the part of the valve outer wall 61 through which the fluid flows is not limited to a position opposite to the eight openings 41-48, and the degree of freedom in how the fluid flows can be improved. As a result, the number of switching patterns when switching between the first fluid outlets 41 to 48, which are communicating with the first fluid inlet 42 to 4th fluid inlet 47, can be increased.

[0202] (3) In the above embodiment, the ninth fluid passage 64i connects the second fluid inlet 44 and the first fluid outlet 41, which are not adjacent to each other.

[0203] According to this, among the eight openings 41 to 48, the openings that the ninth fluid passage 64i communicates with are not limited to openings that are opposite to each other, thereby improving the degree of freedom in how the fluid flows. As a result, the number of switching patterns when switching between the first fluid outlets 41 to 4th fluid outlets 48 that communicate with the first fluid inlet 42 to 4th fluid inlet 47 can be increased.

[0204] (4) In the above embodiment, the first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j are formed in 10 cells on the outer wall portion 61 of the valve, with each row of flow path portions being a single flow path portion.

[0205] According to this, even if the valve 60 is rotated every two rows so that the parts facing the eight openings 41-48 are all changed, five switching patterns can still be secured.

[0206] (5) In the above embodiment, the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc such that the opposing first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j change with respect to the eight openings 41 to 48 arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0207] According to this, by rotating the valve 60, the parts facing the eight openings 41-48 arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc are changed one row at a time, thereby securing 10 switching patterns.

[0208] (6) In the above embodiment, the sealing member 70 has a sliding portion 72 facing the outer wall portion 61 of the valve and a pressing portion 73 facing the cylindrical portion 11. The sliding portion 72 and the pressing portion 73 are made of different materials.

[0209] According to this, among the properties required for the sealing member 70, the cylindrical portion 11 side, which requires elasticity, and the valve outer wall portion 61 side, which requires sliding properties, can be selected from materials corresponding to their respective required properties.

[0210] (7) In the above embodiment, the valve 60 is provided with a biasing portion 80 that biases the valve 60 in the second axial direction DRa2. The valve outer wall portion 61 is formed to follow the side surface of a cone, with the vertex side being the second axial direction DRa2 side. The biasing portion 80 biases the valve 60 toward the vertex side of the cone, maintaining a state in which the valve outer wall portion 61 and the sealing member 70 are pressed together when the valve 60 is rotating and when it is stopped, and also maintaining a state in which the cylindrical portion 11 and the sealing member 70 are pressed together.

[0211] According to this, the component force pressing the valve 60 against the sealing member 70 and the component force pressing the housing 10 against the sealing member 70 can be easily adjusted. As a result, the gap between the valve 60 and the sealing member 70 and the gap between the housing 10 and the sealing member 70 can be reduced, thereby ensuring a good seal between the valve 60 and the sealing member 70 and between the housing 10 and the sealing member 70.

[0212] Furthermore, the outer wall portion 61 of the valve is shaped to follow the conical side surface, and the valve 60 is biased toward the apex of the cone by the biasing portion 80. As a result, even if wear occurs on the sliding surface between the valve 60 and the sealing member 70 due to aging or other factors, the state in which the valve 60 and the sealing member 70 are in sliding contact is maintained. Therefore, the fluid control valve 1 can maintain the sealing performance between the valve 60 and the sealing member 70 even with respect to aging.

[0213] (8) In the above embodiment, the interior angle θ between the conical generatrix parallel to the outer wall portion 61 of the valve and the axis CL is 5 degrees or more.

[0214] According to this, the component force of the biasing force applied by the biasing portion 80 in the second axial direction DRa2 (i.e., the component force acting from the valve outer wall portion 61 to the sealing member 70 and the cylindrical portion 11) makes it easier to ensure a sliding contact state between the valve outer wall portion 61 and the sealing member 70. Furthermore, it is possible to maintain a contact state between the cylindrical portion 11 and the sealing member 70 and ensure the sealing performance between the cylindrical portion 11 and the sealing member 70.

[0215] (9) In the above embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 16 that forms the valve housing space AS in the cylindrical portion 11 has a shape that follows the conical side surface similar to the outer wall portion 61 of the valve.

[0216] According to this, the component force of the biasing force applied by the biasing portion 80 in the second axial direction DRa2 (i.e., the component force acting from the valve outer wall portion 61 to the sealing member 70 and the cylindrical portion 11) maintains the contact state between the cylindrical portion 11 and the sealing member 70, thereby ensuring sealing performance.

[0217] (10) In the above embodiment, the rotation axis 62 of the valve 60 protrudes toward the DRa1 side in the first axial direction. The valve 60, cover seal 23 and housing cover 20 are detachable from the housing 10 from the DRa1 side in the first axial direction.

[0218] If, conversely to the configuration of this embodiment, the rotating shaft 62 protrudes toward the second axial direction DRa2, then the shaft hole 22 and cover seal 23 would be provided at the bottom 12 of the housing 10. In that case, when assembling the valve 60 to the housing 10 during the manufacturing of the fluid control valve 1, care must be taken to prevent the rotating shaft 62 and the cover seal 23 from coming into contact and damaging the cover seal 23, which is difficult. Specifically, the valve 60 must be assembled to the housing 10 with the central axis of the housing 10 and the central axis of the valve 60 aligned throughout the entire assembly stroke.

[0219] In contrast, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 62 is configured to protrude toward the DRa1 side in the first axial direction, and a cover seal 23 is provided in the shaft hole 22 of the housing cover 20. Therefore, when assembling the valve 60 to the housing 10 during the manufacturing of the fluid control valve 1, the risk of contact between the rotating shaft 62 and the cover seal 23 is suppressed, making assembly easier.

[0220] (11) In the above embodiment, the housing cover 20 is fixed to the housing 10 by snap fitting.

[0221] According to this, the number of parts required to assemble and fix the housing cover 20 to the housing 10 can be reduced compared to when fastening members such as screws are used.

[0222] (12) In the above embodiment, the valve 60 has a stopper 63 that restricts the rotation of the valve 60. The stopper 63 is provided in a location different from the location facing the housing cover 20.

[0223] If the stopper 63 is provided on the housing cover 20, the load used to restrict the rotation of the valve 60 will be applied to the part of the housing cover 20 that is attached to the housing 10 via the housing cover 20. This could cause damage to the part of the housing cover 20 that is attached to the housing 10. In contrast, according to this embodiment, it is possible to avoid the load used to restrict the rotation of the valve 60 being applied to the part of the housing cover 20 that is attached to the housing 10 via the housing cover 20. Therefore, it is possible to avoid damage to the part of the housing cover 20 that is attached to the housing 10.

[0224] (13) In the above embodiment, the housing 10 has a bottom portion 12 that closes the second axial direction DRa2 side of the housing 10. The stopper 63 protrudes toward the bottom portion 12. The bottom portion 12 has a rotation restricting portion 122 that restricts the rotation of the valve 60 by contacting the stopper 63.

[0225] According to this, compared to the case where the rotation restricting portion 122 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 16 of the housing 10 where the sealing member 70 is provided, a sealing surface between the valve outer wall portion 61 and the cylindrical portion 11 can be reliably secured.

[0226] (14) In the above embodiment, the stopper 63 is formed to extend in the axial direction DRa.

[0227] According to this, the stopper 63 can be easily brought into contact with the rotation restricting part 122 provided on the bottom 12.

[0228] (Second Embodiment) Next, the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 20. In this embodiment, the shapes of the housing 10, valve 60, and sealing member 70 differ from those of the first embodiment. Otherwise, it is the same as the first embodiment. For this reason, in this embodiment, the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the parts that are the same as the first embodiment may be omitted from the description.

[0229] As shown in Figure 17, the housing 10 of this embodiment has a larger axial DRa than that of the first embodiment. That is, the cylindrical portion 11 of this embodiment has a larger axial DRa than that of the cylindrical portion 11 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the cylindrical portion 11 of this embodiment has additional openings 49a and 49b compared to the first embodiment. Specifically, the cylindrical portion 11 has 10 openings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49a, and 49b. These 10 openings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49a, and 49b are arranged in a grid pattern, with five openings in the axial DRa direction and two rows in the circumferential DRc direction.

[0230] Hereinafter, the ten openings 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49a, and 49b will also be referred to as the ten openings 41-49b. Opening 49a will be called the fifth fluid inlet 49a. Opening 49b will be called the fifth fluid outlet 49b. The fifth fluid inlet 49a is an inlet port that allows fluid to flow into the valve housing space AS within the housing 10. The fifth fluid outlet 49b is an outlet port that allows the fluid that has flowed into the valve housing space AS within the housing 10 to flow out of the valve housing space AS.

[0231] Furthermore, the first fluid outlet 41, the first fluid inlet 42, the second fluid inlet 44, the second fluid outlet 43, and the fifth fluid outlet 49b are arranged in the first circumferential direction DRc1 side from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2 side. Also, the third fluid inlet 45, the third fluid outlet 46, the fourth fluid outlet 48, the fourth fluid inlet 47, and the fifth fluid inlet 49a are arranged in the second circumferential direction DRc2 side from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2 side.

[0232] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, the size of the sealing member 70 in the axial direction DRa of the cylindrical portion 11 is larger in the sealing member 70 in the axial direction DRa compared to the first embodiment, as the size of the axial direction DRa of the cylindrical portion 11 increases.The through holes 71 formed in the sealing member 70 are arranged in a row of five in the axial direction DRa and correspond to 10 openings 41 to 49b arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc.Specifically, the sealing member 70 in the sealing member 70 in the axial direction DRa has five rows of through holes 71 arranged in a row in the axial direction DRa and four rows in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0233] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of through holes 71 is one more on each side of the circumferential direction DRc than the number of 10 openings 41 to 49b arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc. That is, the sealing member 70 has a group of through holes 71 in one row on the first axial direction DRa1 side and a group of through holes 71 in the second axial direction DRa2 side, which are formed in positions that do not face the 10 openings 41 to 49b in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0234] Of the sealing member 70, the portion forming the two central rows of through holes 71 surrounds each of the 10 openings 41 to 49b, and suppresses the mixing of fluids passing through each of the 10 openings 41 to 49b. In addition, of the sealing member 70, the row of through holes 71 formed at the end on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the row of through holes 71 formed at the end on the second circumferential direction DRc2 side surround fluid passages that do not face the 10 openings 41 to 49b. As a result, the row of through holes 71 formed at the ends on the first circumferential direction DRc1 side and the second circumferential direction DRc2 side of the sealing member 70 seals fluid passages that do not face the 10 openings 41 to 49b.

[0235] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the valve 60 of this embodiment has multiple fluid passages 64 formed corresponding to 10 openings 41-49b, five of which are arranged in the axial direction DRa and two rows of which are arranged in the circumferential direction DRc. Among the multiple fluid passages 64, an 11th fluid passage 64k, which corresponds to the 9th fluid passage 64i in the first embodiment, is formed in the outer wall portion 61 of the valve.

[0236] Specifically, the 11th fluid passage 64k is capable of spanning five adjacent openings in either the axial direction DRa or the circumferential direction DRc. Furthermore, when the valve 60 is rotated in the circumferential direction DRc and positioned to face the 10 openings 41-49b, the 11th fluid passage 64k is capable of facing the second and fourth stage openings, or the second to fourth stage openings.

[0237] Here, if the second circumferential DRc2 of the 11th fluid passage 64k is positioned opposite the first row of openings, the first circumferential DRc1 side does not face the 10 openings 41 to 49b. In this case, the 11th fluid passage 64k connects the first fluid inlet 42 and the second fluid outlet 43, which are not adjacent to each other, via the portion on the first circumferential DRc1 side that does not face the 10 openings 41 to 49b. As a result, as shown in Figure 20, the fluid control valve 1 can direct the fluid flowing from the first fluid inlet 42 into the valve 60 to the second fluid outlet 43 via the portion on the first circumferential DRc1 side of the 11th fluid passage 64k.

[0238] Here, when the fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet 44 flows to the second fluid outlet 43, the fluid flows around the portion of the valve outer wall 61 in the 11th fluid passage 64k that is opposite to the 10 openings 41 to 49b. The portion of the seal member 70 that forms a row of through holes 71 on the first circumferential DRc1 side, which is the portion of the fluid that flows around the portion of the valve outer wall 61 in the 11th fluid passage 64k that is opposite to the 10 openings 41 to 49b, is surrounded by the portion of the seal member 70 that forms a row of through holes 71 on the first circumferential DRc1 side. As a result, leakage of the fluid flowing through the portion of the 11th fluid passage 64k that forms a row on the first circumferential DRc1 side from the gap between the outer circumferential surface 611 of the valve outer wall 61 and the inner circumferential surface 16 of the cylindrical portion 11 is suppressed.

[0239] Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment. The fluid control valve 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, which are achieved from a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0240] (Third embodiment) Next, the third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 21 and 22. In this embodiment, the shape of the valve 60 differs from that of the first embodiment. Otherwise, it is the same as the first embodiment. For this reason, in this embodiment, the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the parts that are the same as the first embodiment may be omitted from the description.

[0241] As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the valve 60 of this embodiment has an inner cylinder portion 67 that limits the size of the radial DRr of the plurality of fluid passages 64. The inner cylinder portion 67 is cylindrical and is formed so that its central axis is coaxial with the axis CL.

[0242] As shown in Figure 22, the inner cylinder portion 67 is formed inside the valve 60 along the axial direction DRa, from the end on the first axial direction DRa1 side to the end on the second axial direction DRa2 side. The inner cylinder portion 67 is formed in a substantially conical shape, with its outer diameter decreasing from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2. In other words, the inner cylinder portion 67 is formed in a substantially conical shape, with the second axial direction DRa2 side being the apex and the first axial direction DRa1 side being the base. To put it another way, in a cross-section perpendicular to the axis CL, the distance from the axis CL to the outer shell of the inner cylinder portion 67 decreases as you move from the first axial direction DRa1 to the second axial direction DRa2.

[0243] Furthermore, the inner cylinder portion 67 has a conical shape that follows the shape of the cylinder portion 11. That is, the outer surface 671 that forms the outer shell of the inner cylinder portion 67 has a shape that follows the conical side surface similar to that of the cylinder portion 11. In other words, the outer surface 671 of the inner cylinder portion 671 is substantially parallel to the inner circumferential surface 16 of the cylinder portion 11 in the parts that face each other, and the radial distance DRr between the outer surface 671 and the inner circumferential surface 16 is substantially constant.

[0244] Here, the radial distance DRr between the outer surface 671 and the inner circumferential surface 16 is defined as distance D. According to this embodiment, the distance D of each of the first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j formed in any of the first, second, third, and fourth sections is constant.

[0245] By the way, in the first embodiment, the distances in the radial direction DRr of the first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j formed in any of the first, second, third, and fourth compartments are decreasing from the first axial direction DRa1 side toward the second axial direction DRa2 side. Therefore, when the fluid flowing through each of the first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j flows to different stages in the axial direction DRa, the flow area becomes smaller, and there is a possibility of pressure loss occurring.

[0246] On the other hand, since the distance D of each of the first fluid passages 64a to the tenth fluid passages 64j formed in any of the first, second, third, and fourth compartments is constant, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of pressure loss caused by the reduction of the flow area.

[0247] For other aspects, it is the same as the first embodiment. The fluid control valve 1 of the present embodiment can obtain the same effects as those achieved by the common configuration or equivalent configuration as the first embodiment in the same manner as the first embodiment.

[0248] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 25. In this embodiment, the method of attaching the drive unit 30 and the housing cover 20 to the housing 10 is different from that of the first embodiment. Other than this, it is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, mainly the parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and the description of the parts the same as the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0249] As shown in FIG. 23, on the first axial direction DRa1 side of the cylindrical portion 11, a housing screw hole 113 into which a screw member S for fixing the housing cover 20 is inserted is provided in addition to the claw portion 111 for attaching the housing cover 20.

[0250] Furthermore, the housing cover 20 has a cover screw receiving portion 26 into which a screw member S is inserted into a housing screw hole 113 provided in the cylindrical portion 11. As shown in Figure 25, the central axes of the housing screw hole 113 and the cover screw receiving portion 26 coincide. The housing cover 20 is then tightened and fixed by the screw member S inserted into the housing screw hole 113 and the cover screw receiving portion 26. In other words, the housing cover 20 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 11 by a snap fit and also fixed by the screw member S. The screw member S can be various types of screws, such as countersunk screws or tapping screws.

[0251] The drive unit 30 is fixed to the housing cover 20 by a screw member S for attaching the housing cover 20 to the cylindrical portion 11. In other words, the housing cover 20 and the drive unit 30 are fastened together to the cylindrical portion 11 by a common screw member S.

[0252] As described above, in this embodiment, the drive unit 30 and the housing cover 20 are fastened together to the housing 10 with a common screw member S.

[0253] According to this, the number of parts required for assembling and fixing the drive unit 30 and the housing cover 20 to the housing 10 can be reduced.

[0254] Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment. The fluid control valve 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, which are achieved from a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0255] (Modified version of the fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment described above, an example was described in which the housing cover 20 is fixed to the cylindrical portion 11 by a snap fit and also by a screw member S, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, if the housing cover 20 and the drive unit 30 are fastened together to the cylindrical portion 11 by a common screw member S, the housing cover 20 may not be fixed to the cylindrical portion 11 by a snap fit, as shown in Figures 26 and 27. In this case, the fluid control valve 1 may not have a claw portion 111 on the cylindrical portion 11 and may not have a receiving portion 25 on the housing cover 20.

[0256] (Fifth embodiment) Next, the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 28. In this embodiment, the method of installing the biasing unit 80 differs from that of the first embodiment. Otherwise, it is the same as the first embodiment. For this reason, in this embodiment, the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and the parts that are the same as the first embodiment may be omitted from the description.

[0257] As shown in Figure 28, the valve 60 of this embodiment is provided with a protrusion 114 that projects toward the first axial direction DRa1 on the first axial direction DRa1 side. The protrusion 114 is provided inside the biasing portion 80 which is composed of a compression coil spring.

[0258] The biasing portion 80 has an L-shaped cross-section parallel to the axis CL, and its radially inner surface slides against the protrusion 460 provided on the first axial direction DRa1 side of the valve 60, while the surface on the first axial direction DRa1 side slides against the surface on the first axial direction DRa1 side of the valve 60.

[0259] According to this, the spring guide 81 suppresses the radial displacement of the biasing portion 80 DRr and can transmit the biasing force of the biasing portion 80 to the valve 60.

[0260] Other aspects are the same as in the first embodiment. The fluid control valve 1 of this embodiment can obtain the same effects as in the first embodiment, which are achieved from a configuration common to or equivalent to that of the first embodiment.

[0261] (Other embodiments) While representative embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified in various ways, for example, as follows.

[0262] In the first and second embodiments described above, examples of the shape of the valve 60 are shown, but the shape of the valve 60 is not limited to these and can be modified in various ways depending on the system in which the fluid control valve 1 is used. In other words, the multiple fluid passages 64 formed in the valve 60 can be formed in various shapes.

[0263] For example, as shown in Figure 29, when the 10 openings 40 are arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc and in five stages in the axial direction DRa, the valve 60 may be formed so that fluid flows in from one side of the circumferential direction DRc and flows out from the other side at each stage. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may be formed to span two openings 40 in the circumferential direction DRc, as shown in Figure 30, for example.

[0264] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 31, when the eight openings 40 are arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc and in four rows in the axial direction DRa, the valve 60 may be formed so that fluid flowing in from one side of adjacent openings 40 in the axial direction DRa flows out from the other side.

[0265] In this case, the fluid passage 64 may be formed to span two openings 40 in the axial direction DRa, for example, as shown in Figure 32.

[0266] Also, as shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the valve 60 may be formed such that the fluid flowing in from one of the plurality of openings 40 flows out from two of the openings 40. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, the valve 60 may be formed such that the fluid flowing in from two of the plurality of openings 40 flows out from one of the openings 40.

[0267] In this case, the fluid passage 64 may be formed to straddle two openings 40 in the axial direction DRa and straddle two openings 40 in the circumferential direction DRc, for example, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 37.

[0268] Also, as shown in FIG. 38, the valve 60 may be formed such that the fluid flowing in from three of the plurality of openings 40 flows out from two of the openings 40. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 39, the valve 60 may be formed such that the fluid flowing in from two of the plurality of openings 40 flows out from three of the openings 40. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 40, the valve 60 may be formed such that the fluid flowing in from one of the plurality of openings 40 flows out from four of the openings 40. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 41, the valve 60 may be formed such that the fluid flowing in from four of the plurality of openings 40 flows out from one of the openings 40.

[0269] In this case, the fluid passage 64 may be formed to straddle three openings 40 in the axial direction DRa and straddle two openings 40 in the circumferential direction DRc at one end and the other end in the axial direction DRa, for example, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 42.

[0270] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 43, the valve 60 may be configured such that fluid flows in from one of the multiple openings 40 and flows out from six of the multiple openings 40. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 44, the valve 60 may be configured such that fluid flows in from six of the multiple openings 40 and flows out from one of the multiple openings 40. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 45, the valve 60 may be configured such that fluid flows in from three of the multiple openings 40 and flows out from four of the multiple openings 40. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 46, the valve 60 may be configured such that fluid flows in from five of the multiple openings 40 and flows out from two of the multiple openings 40. Alternatively, although not shown, the valve 60 may be configured such that fluid flows in from two of the multiple openings 40 and flows out from five of the multiple openings 40. Alternatively, although not shown, the valve 60 may be configured such that fluid flows in from four of the multiple openings 40 and flows out from three of the multiple openings 40.

[0271] In this case, the fluid passage 64 may be formed to span four openings 40 in the axial direction DRa, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 47, and to span two openings 40 in the circumferential direction DRc at one end and the other end of the axial direction DRa. Furthermore, in the portion that spans two openings 40 in the circumferential direction DRc, it may also be formed to span two openings 40 in the axial direction DRa.

[0272] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 48, the valve 60 may be configured such that fluid flows in through one of the multiple openings 40 and flows out through seven of the other openings 40.

[0273] In this case, the fluid passage 64 may be formed to span four openings 40 in the axial direction DRa and two openings 40 in the circumferential direction DRc, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 49. That is, when the valve 60 is positioned facing all of the multiple openings 40, no ribs 66 are formed at any position facing the partition portion 50 that separates each of the openings 40.

[0274] The shape of the fluid passage 64 described above is just one example and is not limited thereto. Various shapes of the fluid passage 64 will be described with reference to Figures 50 to 62, using schematic diagrams similar to those in Figures 10 and 11 of the first embodiment. In Figures 50 to 62, the grid enclosed by thick lines indicates the parts of the valve 60 that face the multiple openings 40. In addition, the solid lines of the grid indicate the parts where ribs 66 are formed. The dashed lines indicate the parts where ribs 66 are not formed.

[0275] When fluid flows in from one side of adjacent openings 40 in the circumferential direction DRc and flows out from the other side, the fluid passage 64 does not need to have a configuration in which ribs 66 are formed opposite the partition portion 50 that separates these adjacent openings 40, as shown in Figure 50. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the ribs 66 surround all of the two compartments, or it may have a shape in which axial ribs 66a are not provided on one side or the other side of the circumferential direction DRc.

[0276] When fluid flows in from one side of two adjacent openings 40 in the axial direction DRa and flows out from the other side, the fluid passage 64 does not need to have a configuration in which ribs 66 are formed opposite the partition portion 50 that separates these adjacent openings 40, as shown in Figure 51. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the ribs 66 surround all of the two compartments, or it may have a shape in which circumferential ribs 66b are not provided on one side or the other side in the axial direction DRa.

[0277] When fluid flows in through one of three adjacent openings 40 in the circumferential direction DRc and flows out through the other two, the fluid passage 64 only needs to be configured such that no ribs 66 are formed in positions opposite to the partition portion 50 that separates each of these three adjacent openings 40.

[0278] For example, as shown in Figure 52, consider the case where fluid flows in from the middle of three adjacent openings 40 in the circumferential direction DRc and flows out from the middle opening 40 through the openings 40 on one and the other side of the circumferential direction DRc. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the axial ribs 66a are not provided at positions opposite to the partition portion 50 that separates the middle opening 40 from the other side of the circumferential direction DRc.

[0279] When fluid flows in through one of three adjacent openings 40 in the axial direction DRa and flows out through the other two, the fluid passage 64 only needs to be configured such that no ribs 66 are formed in positions opposite to the partitions 50 that separate each of these three adjacent openings 40.

[0280] For example, as shown in Figure 53, consider the case where fluid flows in from the middle of three adjacent openings 40 in the axial direction DRa and flows out from the middle opening 40 through the other openings 40 on either side of the axial direction DRa. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the circumferential ribs 66b are not provided at positions opposite to the partition portion 50 that separates the one side and the other side of the middle opening 40 in the axial direction DRa.

[0281] When an opening 40 into which fluid flows in is provided with openings 40 for fluid to flow out in the axial direction DRa and the circumferential direction DRc, the fluid passage 64 should be configured such that no ribs 66 are formed in positions opposite to the partition portion 50 that separates each of these adjacent openings 40.

[0282] For example, as shown in Figure 54, consider the case where an opening 40 for fluid inflow is provided with an opening 40 for fluid outflow on one or both sides in the axial direction DRa, and an opening 40 for fluid outflow is provided only on one side in the circumferential direction DRc. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the axial rib 66a and the circumferential rib 66b are not provided at positions opposite to the partition 50 that separates the opening 40 for fluid outflow and the opening 40 for fluid inflow.

[0283] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 55, we will consider the case in which an opening 40 for fluid inflow is provided with an opening 40 for fluid outflow on one or both sides in the axial direction DRa, and an opening 40 for fluid outflow is provided on both sides in the circumferential direction DRc. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the axial rib 66a and the circumferential rib 66b are not provided at positions opposite to the partition 50 that separates the opening 40 for fluid outflow and the opening 40 for fluid inflow.

[0284] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 56, we will consider a case in which an opening 40 for fluid outflow is provided only on one side of the circumferential DRc relative to the opening 40 for fluid inflow, and no opening 40 for fluid outflow is provided in the axial direction DRa. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which axial ribs 66a are not provided at positions opposite to the partition portion 50 that separates the opening 40 for fluid outflow and the opening 40 for fluid inflow.

[0285] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 57, we will consider a case in which an opening 40 for fluid outflow is provided only on one side in the axial direction DRa relative to the opening 40 for fluid inflow, and no opening 40 for fluid outflow is provided in the circumferential direction DRc. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which circumferential ribs 66b are not provided at positions opposite to the partition portion 50 that separates the opening 40 for fluid outflow and the opening 40 for fluid inflow.

[0286] When openings 40 for introducing fluid are arranged in at least one direction in the circumferential DRc and axial DRa directions, and openings 40 for releasing fluid are also arranged in at least one direction in the circumferential DRc and axial DRa directions, the fluid passage 64 should be configured such that no ribs 66 are formed at positions opposite to the partitions 50 that separate each of these adjacent openings 40.

[0287] For example, consider the case shown in Figure 58, where the fluid inlet openings 40 are arranged in the circumferential DRc and axial DRa directions, and the fluid outlet openings 40 are arranged in the circumferential DRc direction. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the axial ribs 66a and circumferential ribs 66b are not provided at positions opposite to the partition 50 that separates the fluid outlet opening 40 and the fluid inlet opening 40.

[0288] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 59, we will consider the case where the fluid inlet openings 40 are arranged in the circumferential direction DRc, and the fluid outlet openings 40 are arranged in the axial direction DRa and the circumferential direction DRc, respectively. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the axial rib 66a and the circumferential rib 66b are not provided at positions opposite to the partition portion 50 that separates the fluid outlet opening 40 and the fluid inlet opening 40.

[0289] When an opening 40 for introducing fluid and an opening 40 for releasing fluid are provided at positions that are not adjacent to each other in the axial direction DRa, the fluid passage 64 that connects these non-adjacent openings 40 does not have axial-side ribs 66a formed at positions opposite to the outer peripheral partition portions 53 that separate each of these non-adjacent openings 40.

[0290] For example, as shown in Figure 60, the opening 40 at the end on the first circumferential DRc1 side that allows fluid to flow in is designated as the end fluid inlet, and the opening 40 at the end on the first circumferential DRc1 side that allows fluid to flow out is designated as the end fluid outlet. In this case, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the axial rib 66a is not provided at the position facing the axial rib 52 that partitions the end fluid inlet on the side where there is no opening 40 in the circumferential DRc relative to the end fluid inlet. Also, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the axial rib 66a is not provided at the position facing the axial rib 52 that partitions the end fluid outlet on the side where there is no opening 40 in the circumferential DRc relative to the end fluid outlet.

[0291] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 61, if there are two end fluid outlets side by side in the axial direction DRa, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the axial side partitions 52 that separate each of the two end fluid outlets do not have axial side ribs 66a at the positions facing the axial side partition 52 on the side where there is no opening 40 in the circumferential direction DRc relative to the end fluid outlet.

[0292] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 62, if there are two end fluid inlets arranged side by side in the axial direction DRa, the fluid passage 64 may have a shape in which the axial partition portion 52 that separates each of the two end fluid inlets does not have an axial rib 66a at a position facing the axial partition portion 52 on the side where there is no opening 40 in the circumferential direction DRc relative to the end fluid inlet.

[0293] As described above, the shape of the valve 60 can be modified in various ways. Furthermore, not only the valve 60, but also the various components that make up the fluid control valve 1 can be modified in various ways as shown below.

[0294] In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which there are four inlet ports and four outlet ports among the eight openings 41 to 48, and the same number of each. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, there may be configurations in which the number of inlet ports and the number of outlet ports are different, such as three inlet ports and five outlet ports among the eight openings 41 to 48.

[0295] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the number of rows of through-holes 71 formed in the sealing member 70 is set to be two rows greater than the number of rows of openings, and one row is provided on each side of the circumferential DRc beyond the eight openings 41 to 48. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the number of rows of through-holes may be set to be one row greater than the number of rows of openings, and one row may be provided on either the one side or the other side of the circumferential DRc beyond the eight openings 41 to 48. Alternatively, the number of rows of through-holes may be set to be three or more rows greater than the number of rows of openings, and one or more rows may be provided on each side of the circumferential DRc beyond the eight openings 41 to 48.

[0296] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which a ninth fluid passage 64i is formed in the outer wall portion 61 of the valve, which guides the fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet portion 44 to the first fluid outlet portion 41 by bypassing the portion of the outer wall portion 61 facing the eight openings 41 to 48. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the outer wall portion 61 of the valve may not have a ninth fluid passage 64i formed therein, which guides the fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet portion 44 to the first fluid outlet portion 41 by bypassing the portion of the outer wall portion 61 facing the eight openings 41 to 48.

[0297] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the ninth fluid passage 64i is surrounded by the sealing member 70 at a position that does not face the eight openings 41 to 48 in the outer wall portion 61, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the ninth fluid passage 64i may not be surrounded by the sealing member 70 at a position that does not face the eight openings 41 to 48 in the outer wall portion 61.

[0298] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the ninth fluid passage 64i connects the second fluid inlet portion 44 and the first fluid outlet portion 41, which are not adjacent to each other, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the ninth fluid passage 64i may be configured to connect the first fluid inlet portion 42 and the second fluid outlet portion 43, which are adjacent to each other, via portions that do not face the eight openings 41 to 48 in the outer wall portion 61 of the valve.

[0299] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j are formed in 10 cells in the valve outer wall portion 61, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the first fluid passage 64a to the tenth fluid passage 64j may have fewer than 10 cells or more than 10 cells, as long as 8 or more cells are formed in the valve outer wall portion 61.

[0300] In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the valve 60 rotates in the circumferential direction DRc such that the four opposing flow channels change with respect to eight openings 41-48 arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the valve 60 may be configured to rotate in the circumferential direction DRc such that the four opposing flow channels change with respect to eight openings 41-48 arranged in two rows in the circumferential direction DRc, with respect to two rows.

[0301] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the sealing member 70 has a sliding portion 72 facing the valve outer wall portion 61 and a pressing portion 73 facing the cylindrical portion 11, and the sliding portion 72 and the pressing portion 73 are made of different materials, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the sealing member 70 may have a configuration that does not have a sliding portion 72 and a pressing portion 73, and the portion facing the valve outer wall portion 61 and the portion facing the cylindrical portion 11 may be made of the same material.

[0302] In the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the fluid control valve 1 includes a biasing portion 80 that biases a conical valve 60 in the axial direction DRa, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the fluid control valve 1 may be configured without a biasing portion 80.

[0303] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the internal angle θ between the conical generatrix parallel to the valve outer wall portion 61 and the axis CL is 5 degrees or more, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the valve 60 may be formed such that the internal angle θ between the conical generatrix parallel to the valve outer wall portion 61 and the axis CL is less than 5 degrees.

[0304] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the inner circumferential surface 16 forming the valve housing space AS in the cylindrical portion 11 has a shape that follows a conical side surface similar to that of the valve outer wall portion 61, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the inner circumferential surface 16 forming the valve housing space AS in the cylindrical portion 11 may have a shape that follows a conical side surface that is not similar to that of the valve outer wall portion 61.

[0305] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the valve 60, cover seal 23, and housing cover 20 are detachable from the housing 10 from the first axial direction DRa1 side, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the valve 60, cover seal 23, and housing cover 20 may not be detachable from the housing 10 from the first axial direction DRa1 side.

[0306] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the housing cover 20 is fixed to the housing 10 by a snap fit, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the housing cover 20 may be fixed to the housing 10 by a method other than a snap fit, such as by an adhesive.

[0307] In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the stopper 63 provided on the valve 60 is provided in a location different from the location facing the housing cover 20, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the stopper 63 may be provided in a location facing the housing cover 20.

[0308] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the rotation restricting portion 122 is formed on the bottom portion 12 of the housing 10, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the rotation restricting portion 122 may be formed on a different part of the housing 10, such as the inner circumferential surface 16, or the bottom portion 12.

[0309] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the stopper 63 is formed extending in the axial direction DRa, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the stopper 63 may be configured to extend in a direction different from the axial direction DRa, such as the radial direction DRr.

[0310] In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the multiple openings 40 are arranged in a grid pattern with four or five openings in the axial direction DRa and two or three rows in the circumferential direction DRc, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the multiple openings 40 may be arranged in a grid pattern with six or more openings in the axial direction DRa. Alternatively, the multiple openings 40 may be arranged in a grid pattern with four or more rows in the circumferential direction DRc.

[0311] In the embodiments described above, the fluid control valve 1 was described as being used in a fluid circulation system installed in, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, but it is not limited to this. For example, the fluid control valve 1 may be used in a fluid circulation system installed in a vehicle other than an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. Furthermore, the fluid control valve 1 may be used in applications other than vehicles.

[0312] In the embodiments described above, the fluid flowing through the fluid control valve 1 was described as cooling water, but it is not limited to this. For example, the fluid may be a liquid or gas other than cooling water.

[0313] In the embodiments described above, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except in cases where they are explicitly stated to be essential or where they are clearly considered essential in principle.

[0314] In the embodiments described above, if numerical values ​​such as the number, numerical values, quantities, or ranges of the components of the embodiment are mentioned, the embodiment is not limited to those specific numbers unless explicitly stated as particularly essential or clearly limited to a specific number in principle.

[0315] In the embodiments described above, when referring to the shape, positional relationships, etc. of the components, the definition is not limited to those shapes, positional relationships, etc., unless otherwise specifically stated or when the definition is fundamentally limited to a particular shape, positional relationship, etc.

[0316] The control unit and its method of this disclosure may be implemented in a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied by a computer program. The control unit and its method of this disclosure may be implemented in a dedicated computer provided by configuring a processor by one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. The control unit and its method of this disclosure may be implemented in one or more dedicated computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured by one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program may also be stored as instructions executed by the computer on a computer-readable non-transitional tangible recording medium.

[0317] (Features of the present invention) [Claim 1] A fluid control valve, A valve (64) having a valve outer wall portion (61) that rotates around an axis (CL) and in which multiple fluid passage portions (64) are formed, A housing (10) having a housing outer wall portion (11) that forms a valve housing space (AS) for housing the valve, and having a plurality of openings (40) in the housing outer wall portion through which the fluid passes, The housing outer wall portion comprises a sealing member (70) disposed between the portion where the plurality of openings are formed and the valve outer wall portion, When the direction in which the axis extends is defined as the axial direction and the direction in which the valve rotates around the axis is defined as the circumferential direction, a portion of the plurality of openings, where two or more are aligned in the axial direction, is formed in a grid pattern with two or more rows in the circumferential direction. The sealing member has a plurality of through holes (71) formed therein for the fluid to pass through. The plurality of flow channels are formed in a shape corresponding to the plurality of openings and the plurality of through holes, The aforementioned multiple through holes are arranged in multiple rows in the axial direction and in multiple columns in the circumferential direction. A fluid control valve in which the number of rows of the plurality of openings arranged in the circumferential direction is defined as the number of opening rows, and the number of rows of the plurality of through holes arranged in the circumferential direction is defined as the number of through hole rows, wherein the number of through hole rows is set to be greater than the number of opening rows.

[0318] [Claim 2] The number of through-hole rows is set to be two more than the number of opening rows. The fluid control valve according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of through holes are provided in a row that is one row greater on each side in the circumferential direction than the plurality of openings arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0319] [Claim 3] The plurality of openings include an end fluid inlet portion and an end fluid outlet portion provided at either one of the circumferential ends and the other end, The outer wall portion of the valve is formed with bypass flow channels (64j, 64k) that guide the fluid flowing in from the end fluid inlet portion to the end fluid outlet portion, bypassing the portion of the outer wall portion of the valve that is opposite to the plurality of openings. The fluid control valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sealing member surrounds the bypass flow path at a position not facing the plurality of openings in the circumferential direction.

[0320] [Claim 4] The fluid control valve according to claim 3, wherein the bypass flow path connects the end fluid inlet and end fluid outlet portions that are not adjacent to each other.

[0321] [Claim 5] The fluid control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of flow channels consist of eight or more flow channels when each of the multiple rows of flow channels arranged in the circumferential direction is considered as one cell of flow channel.

[0322] [Claim 6] The fluid control valve according to claim 5, wherein the valve rotates in the circumferential direction such that the multiple flow paths facing each of the multiple openings arranged in multiple rows in the circumferential direction change with each row.

[0323] [Claim 7] The sealing member has a sliding portion (72) facing the outer wall of the valve and a pressing portion (73) facing the outer wall of the housing. The fluid control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sliding portion and the pressing portion are composed of different materials.

[0324] [Claim 8] The valve is provided with a biasing part (80) that biases it in the axial direction, The outer wall portion of the valve is formed to follow the conical side surface, with one side in the axial direction being the apex side. The biasing portion biases the valve toward the conical apex, maintaining a state in which the outer wall of the valve and the sealing member are pressed together when the valve is rotating and when it is stopped, and maintaining a state in which the outer wall of the housing and the sealing member are pressed together, according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0325] [Claim 9] The fluid control valve according to claim 8, wherein the internal angle between the conical generatrix parallel to the outer wall of the valve and the axis is 5 degrees or more.

[0326] [Claim 10] The fluid control valve according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the inner circumferential surface (16) forming the valve housing space in the outer wall portion of the housing has a shape that follows a conical side surface similar to that of the outer wall portion of the valve.

[0327] [Claim 11] The fluid control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of flow channels are formed in a row in the axial direction, and when the direction radiating outward from the axis is defined as the radial direction, the radial distance between each of the plurality of flow channels arranged in the axial direction is constant.

[0328] [Claim 12] A housing cover (20) that closes the valve housing space, Cover seal (23) attached to the housing cover The system includes a drive unit (30) that outputs a rotational force to rotate the valve, The valve has a rotating shaft (62) that protrudes toward one side in the axial direction and is connected to the drive unit, and rotates by the rotational force, The housing is cylindrical in shape, extending in the axial direction and having an opening on one side in the axial direction. The housing cover has a shaft hole (22) into which the rotating shaft is inserted, The cover seal is provided within the shaft hole, between the shaft hole and the rotating shaft. The fluid control valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the valve, the cover seal, and the housing cover are detachable from the housing from one side in the axial direction.

[0329] [Claim 13] The fluid control valve according to claim 12, wherein the housing cover is fixed to the housing by a snap fit.

[0330] [Claim 14] The fluid control valve according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the drive unit and the housing cover are fixed to the housing with the same screw member.

[0331] [Claim 15] The valve has a stopper (63) that restricts the rotation of the valve. The fluid control valve according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the stopper is provided in a location different from the location facing the housing cover.

[0332] [Claim 16] The housing has a bottom portion (12) that closes the other side in the axial direction, The stopper protrudes toward the bottom, The fluid control valve according to claim 15, wherein the bottom portion has a rotation restricting portion (122) that restricts the rotation of the valve by contacting the stopper.

[0333] [Claim 17] The fluid control valve according to claim 16, wherein the stopper is formed to extend in the axial direction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0334] 10 Housing 11 Housing exterior wall section 40 Multiple openings 60 valves 61 Valve outer wall 64 Multiple flow channels 70 Sealing member 71 Through hole AS valve housing space CL axis center

Claims

1. A fluid control valve, A valve (60) having a valve outer wall portion (61) that rotates around an axis (CL) and in which multiple fluid passages (64) are formed, A housing (10) having a housing outer wall portion (11) that forms a valve housing space (AS) for housing the valve, and having a plurality of openings (40) in the housing outer wall portion through which the fluid passes, The housing outer wall portion comprises a sealing member (70) disposed between the portion where the plurality of openings are formed and the valve outer wall portion, When the direction in which the axis extends is defined as the axial direction and the direction in which the valve rotates around the axis is defined as the circumferential direction, a portion of the plurality of openings, where two or more openings are aligned in the axial direction, is formed in a grid pattern with two or more rows in the circumferential direction. The sealing member is formed such that its circumferential size is larger than the area in which the multiple openings are formed in the outer wall portion of the housing, and the sealing member has a plurality of through holes (71) formed therein for the fluid to pass through. The plurality of flow channels are formed in a shape corresponding to the plurality of openings and the plurality of through holes, The plurality of through holes are shaped to correspond to the plurality of openings, and are arranged in multiple rows in the axial direction and in multiple columns in the circumferential direction. A fluid control valve in which the number of rows of the plurality of openings arranged in the circumferential direction is defined as the number of opening rows, and the number of rows of the plurality of through holes arranged in the circumferential direction is defined as the number of through hole rows, wherein the number of through hole rows is set to be greater than the number of opening rows.

2. The number of through-hole rows is set to be two more than the number of opening rows. The fluid control valve according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of through holes are provided in a row that is one row greater on each side in the circumferential direction than the plurality of openings arranged in the circumferential direction.

3. The plurality of openings include an end fluid inlet portion and an end fluid outlet portion provided at either one of the circumferential ends and the other end, The outer wall portion of the valve is formed with bypass flow channels (64j, 64k) that guide the fluid flowing in from the end fluid inlet portion to the end fluid outlet portion by bypassing the portion of the outer wall portion of the valve that is opposite to the plurality of openings. The fluid control valve according to claim 1, wherein the sealing member surrounds the bypass flow path at a position that does not face the plurality of openings in the circumferential direction.

4. The fluid control valve according to claim 3, wherein the bypass flow path connects the end fluid inlet and end fluid outlet portions that are not adjacent to each other.

5. The fluid control valve according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flow channels consist of eight or more flow channels when each of the plurality of flow channels arranged in multiple rows in the circumferential direction is considered as one cell of flow channel.

6. The fluid control valve according to claim 5, wherein the valve rotates in the circumferential direction such that the multiple flow paths facing each of the multiple openings arranged in multiple rows in the circumferential direction change with each row.

7. The sealing member has a sliding portion (72) facing the outer wall of the valve and a pressing portion (73) facing the outer wall of the housing. The fluid control valve according to claim 1, wherein the sliding portion and the pressing portion are composed of different materials.

8. The valve is provided with a biasing part (80) that biases it in the axial direction, The outer wall portion of the valve is formed to follow the conical side surface, with one side in the axial direction being the apex side. The fluid control valve according to claim 1, wherein the biasing portion biases the valve toward the apex of the cone, and maintains a state in which the outer wall of the valve and the sealing member are pressed together when the valve is rotating and when it is stopped, and maintains a state in which the outer wall of the housing and the sealing member are pressed together.

9. The fluid control valve according to claim 8, wherein the internal angle between the conical generatrix parallel to the outer wall of the valve and the axis is 5 degrees or more.

10. The fluid control valve according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the inner circumferential surface (16) forming the valve housing space in the outer wall portion of the housing has a shape that follows a conical side surface similar to that of the outer wall portion of the valve.

11. The fluid control valve according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of flow channels are formed in a plurality of arrangements in the axial direction, and when the direction radiating outward from the axis is defined as the radial direction, the radial distance between each of the plurality of flow channels arranged in the axial direction is constant.

12. A housing cover (20) that closes the valve housing space, Cover seal (23) attached to the housing cover The system includes a drive unit (30) that outputs a rotational force to rotate the valve, The valve has a rotating shaft (62) that protrudes toward one side in the axial direction and is connected to the drive unit, and rotates by the rotational force, The housing is cylindrical in shape, extending in the axial direction and having an opening on one side in the axial direction. The housing cover has a shaft hole (22) into which the rotating shaft is inserted. The cover seal is provided within the shaft hole, between the shaft hole and the rotating shaft. The fluid control valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve, the cover seal, and the housing cover are detachable from the housing from one side in the axial direction.

13. The fluid control valve according to claim 12, wherein the housing cover is fixed to the housing by a snap fit.

14. The fluid control valve according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the drive unit and the housing cover are fixed to the housing with the same screw member.

15. The valve has a stopper (63) that restricts the rotation of the valve. The fluid control valve according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the stopper is provided in a location different from the location facing the housing cover.

16. The housing has a bottom portion (12) that closes the other side in the axial direction, The stopper protrudes toward the bottom, The fluid control valve according to claim 15, wherein the bottom portion has a rotation restricting portion (122) that restricts the rotation of the valve by contacting the stopper.

17. The fluid control valve according to claim 16, wherein the stopper is formed to extend in the axial direction.

Images