Rotary valve

Abstract

This rotary valve includes a shaft portion that rotates around a shaft core by a drive force and a valve portion that has a cylindrical shape and that can rotate integrally with the shaft portion. The valve portion includes a top plate portion extending from the shaft portion in a direction orthogonal to the shaft core, and a main body portion extending from the top plate portion along the shaft portion. The main body portion includes, on a side thereof opposite to the top plate portion, a cutout portion that is cut out in a fan shape around the shaft core. The cutout portion constitutes a communication path allowing an inlet into which a fluid flows to communicate with an outlet from which the fluid flows out.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rotary valve.

Background Art

[0002] As a rotary valve for switching a fluid flow path, Patent Document 1 discloses a rotary valve including a housing in which an inlet and an outlet are formed, a valve body portion housed in the housing, and a valve body rotatably supported by the housing. The valve body includes a columnar valve body portion, and a plurality of flow paths through which the fluid flows are formed in the valve body portion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] <舍 In a configuration for controlling a plurality of fluid flow paths, it is necessary to form a plurality of flow paths in the valve body portion as in the rotary valve disclosed in Patent Document 1. For this reason, the configuration of the valve body portion becomes complicated, and for example, a technique for manufacturing the rotary valve with high accuracy with respect to the positions of the inlet and the outlet formed in the housing is required. Therefore, a rotary valve with a simplified configuration is desired.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a rotary valve with a simplified configuration.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The rotary valve according to this disclosure is characterized by comprising a shaft portion that rotates about an axis by a driving force, and a cylindrical valve portion that can rotate integrally with the shaft portion, wherein the valve portion has a top plate portion extending from the shaft portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis, and a main body portion extending from the top plate portion along the shaft portion, wherein the main body portion includes a fan-shaped cutout portion on the opposite side of the top plate portion that is cut out about the axis, and the cutout portion constitutes a communication passage that connects an inlet through which fluid flows in and an outlet through which the fluid flows out.

[0007] This configuration simplifies the rotary valve's structure by simply cutting a fan-shaped notch in the main body centered on the axis, thereby creating a fluid flow passage within the main body. Because this notch is cut in a fan shape centered on the axis, it is easy to create. Furthermore, when the valve rotates, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid flow path increases. Additionally, there is no need to separately form multiple flow paths connecting the outlet and inlet within the main body. Thus, the rotary valve's structure is simplified. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a rotary valve according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the first position of the valve rotor according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a valve rotor according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the valve rotor from a different angle than Figure 3. [Figure 5] This is a view of the valve rotor according to the embodiment, as seen from the valve flow path side. [Figure 6] This is a view of the valve rotor according to the embodiment, seen from the opposite side of the top plate. [Figure 7] This figure shows the second position of the valve rotor according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the third position of the valve rotor according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure shows the fourth position of the valve rotor according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing a valve rotor according to a different embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, a rotary valve according to an embodiment of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, and the invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0010] [Basic configuration] Figure 1 shows a cross-section (longitudinal section) of the rotary valve 100 along its axis X. In this embodiment, the rotary valve 100 is a five-way valve used, for example, to control the flow of fluids to batteries, inverter motors, etc., mounted in vehicles such as automobiles. Examples of fluids include cooling water such as coolant.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the rotary valve 100 comprises a housing 1, a valve rotor 2 housed in the housing 1, a bearing 3 that rotatably supports the valve rotor 2, a sealing material 4 positioned between the housing 1 and the valve rotor 2 and extending substantially around the entire circumference of the valve rotor 2, and an actuator 5 connected to the valve rotor 2. The actuator 5 is composed of an electric motor or the like and transmits rotational force (an example of driving force) to the valve rotor 2. The valve rotor 2 rotates about the axis X due to the rotational force from the actuator 5. The rotation of the valve rotor 2 controls the flow of fluid. Hereinafter, the direction along the axis X will be referred to as the "axial direction DX", the direction perpendicular to the axial direction DX will be referred to as the "radial direction DR", and the circumferential direction of the valve rotor 2 will be referred to as the "circumferential direction DC". The orientation of the rotary valve 100 during use is not particularly limited, but the side of the axial direction DX on which the actuator 5 is installed may be referred to as the "upper side", and the opposite side as the "lower side".

[0012] 〔housing〕 FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the rotary valve 100. Note that FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary valve 100 as viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 1 has a housing wall portion 11 that partitions a space in which the valve rotor 2 is accommodated.

[0013] The housing wall portion 11 is circular in a direction view along the axial direction DX. A plurality of ports 12 are formed in the housing wall portion 11 along the circumferential direction DC. In the present embodiment, four ports 12 are formed along the circumferential direction DC of the housing wall portion 11, and the four ports 12 penetrate the housing wall portion 11 along the radial direction DR. Hereinafter, the four ports 12 are referred to as "first port 121", "second port 122", "third port 123", and "fourth port 124", respectively.

[0014] Also, a fifth port 125 is formed in the lower part (bottom wall) of the housing wall portion 11. The fifth port 125 communicates with the flow path chamber 1S formed in the housing 1. Each of the first port 121, the second port 122, the third port 123, the fourth port 124, and the fifth port 125 is connected to a different external flow path. Note that the external flow path is connected to, for example, a battery, an inverter motor, or the like.

[0015] 〔Valve Rotor〕 FIGS. 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the valve rotor 2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and FIG. 4, the valve rotor 2 has a cylindrical shape extending along the axial direction DX, and includes a shaft portion 20 coaxial with the axis X and a cylindrical valve portion 21 that can rotate integrally with the shaft portion 20. The valve rotor 2 is made of a material such as resin, and the shaft portion 20 and the valve portion 21 are integrally formed.

[0016] The shaft portion 20 has an end portion 20a (an example of an input end portion, hereinafter referred to as the "upper end portion 20a") on the side where the rotational force is input (the actuator 5 side (upper side) described with reference to FIG. 1). The upper end portion 20a is formed in a spline shape, and a ridge (or groove) that fits into a groove (or ridge) provided in a boss portion (not shown) of the actuator 5 described with reference to FIG. 1 is formed on the upper end portion 20a. With the upper end portion 20a configured in this way, the connection between the valve rotor 2 and the actuator 5 becomes more reliable, and the rotational force from the actuator 5 is reliably transmitted by the valve rotor 2.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the shaft portion 20 is hollow, and both ends in the axial direction DX are open. The shaft portion 20 has a shaft wall 201 that partitions the internal space 20s of the shaft portion 20 and the external space of the shaft portion 20.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, a shaft hole 201h that penetrates the shaft wall 201 in the radial direction DR is formed in the shaft wall 201. That is, the shaft hole 201h communicates the internal space 20s of the shaft portion 20 and the external space of the shaft portion 20. The shaft hole 201h functions as an air vent hole for gases such as air contained in the fluid.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the valve portion 21 has a top plate portion 22 that extends in the radial direction DR from the shaft portion 20, and a main body portion 23 that extends in a direction away from the top plate portion 22 (upper end portion 20a) along the axial direction DX from the top plate portion 22.

[0020] The top plate portion 22 is a circular plate shape when viewed in the direction along the axial direction DX. The top plate portion 22 has a disk-shaped top plate body 221 that extends along the radial direction DR, and an outer edge portion 222 that rises upward toward the upper end portion 20a side (upper side) with the outer peripheral portion of the top plate body 221 as the base end. The outer edge portion 222 is continuously provided over the entire circumference of the outer peripheral portion of the top plate body 221.

[0021] <000As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 6, the top plate body 221 has four top plate holes 221h that penetrate the top plate body 221 along the axial direction DX. The four top plate holes 221h function as air vents for gases such as air contained in the fluid. Figure 6 is a view of the valve rotor 2 from below.

[0022] As shown in Figure 6, the four top plate holes 221h include two first top plate holes h1 that are positioned opposite each other via the shaft portion 20, and two second top plate holes h2 that are spaced apart from each other between the two first top plate holes h1.

[0023] The main body portion 23 has a valve flow path portion 231 in which a fluid flow path is formed, and a valve base portion 232 that separates the fluid flow.

[0024] The valve flow path section 231 includes a fan-shaped wall section 231w centered on the axis X when viewed in the direction along the axial direction DX. A first valve flow path L1 (an example of a through-flow path) is formed in the wall section 231w, penetrating the interior of the wall section 231w (main body section 23). Fluid flows through the first valve flow path L1 in a predetermined position of the valve rotor 2. The first valve flow path L1 is formed in a roughly V-shape, bending near the axis X when viewed in the direction along the axial direction DX. The size of the flow path cross-section at the fluid inlet and outlet of the first valve flow path L1 corresponds to the port 12 described with reference to Figure 2. Hereinafter, the two inlet and outlet of the first valve flow path L1 will be referred to as "first inlet / outlet 231a" and "second inlet / outlet 231b".

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the first inlet outlet 231a and the second inlet outlet 231b are formed spaced apart, and a wall portion 231w (hereinafter referred to as the "intermediate portion 231m") is interposed between the first inlet outlet 231a and the second inlet outlet 231b. The intermediate portion 231m is configured to block the second port 122 or the third port 123 in the valve rotor 2 in a predetermined position, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. More specifically, the area of ​​the intermediate portion 231m is configured to be larger than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the second port 122 and the third port 123.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, the valve base 232 includes two base wall portions 232k and two valve spaces 232s, each partitioned by the two base wall portions 232k. The valve spaces 232s are open on the opposite side (lower side) of the top plate portion 22 (see also Figure 3). The valve spaces 232s also communicate with two first top plate holes h1 formed in the top plate portion 22. The two first top plate holes h1 function as air vents.

[0027] As shown in Figures 3 and 6, the main body portion 23 further has a notch portion 233 that is cut out in a sector shape (three-dimensionally, a frustoconical shape) centered on the axis X. The notch portion 233 is provided on the side opposite to the upper end portion 20a of the shaft portion 20, with respect to the top plate portion 22. That is, the notch portion 233 is provided on the side opposite to the top plate portion 22 in the axial direction DX.

[0028] The notch 233 is open on the side opposite to the top plate 22 (the lower side) and on the side facing the valve base 232 (the outer side in the radial direction DR). Hereinafter, the surface of the main body 23 on the notch 233 side will be referred to as the "inner surface 23n".

[0029] The space formed by the notch 233 communicates with two second top plate holes h2 formed in the top plate portion 22, as described with reference to Figures 3, 4, and 6. The two second top plate holes h2 function as air vents.

[0030] In this embodiment, the notch 233 faces (communicates with) the first port 121 or the fourth port 124, as described with reference to Figure 2, and also faces (communicates with) the fifth port 125 (flow chamber 1S) in the valve rotor 2 in a predetermined position. As shown in Figure 3, the notch 233 connects the portion where fluid flows in (or out) facing the fifth port 125 (hereinafter referred to as the "third inlet / outlet 233a") with the portion where fluid flows out (or in) facing the first port 121 or the fourth port 124 (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth inlet / outlet 233b"). In other words, the notch 233 connects the third inlet / outlet 233a, through which fluid flows in and out, with the fourth inlet / outlet 233b, through which fluid flows in and out, and constitutes a fluid passage 233s (hereinafter referred to as the "second valve flow path L2").

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the main body portion 23 has a protruding portion 234 at the end portion 23a (hereinafter referred to as the "lower end portion 23a") of the main body portion 23 that is opposite to the top plate portion 22 in the direction along the axial direction DX.

[0032] The protruding portion 234 includes two protruding walls 235 and 236 that protrude circumferentially DC from the inner surface 23n of the main body portion 23. Hereinafter, one of the two protruding walls 235 will be referred to as the "first protruding wall 235" and the other as the "second protruding wall 236".

[0033] The first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236 face each other in the circumferential direction DC, and each of the first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236 extends from the lower end portion 23a of the main body portion 23 toward the shaft portion 20 (inward in the radial direction DR). Each of the first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236 is substantially triangular in shape when viewed along the axial direction DX, and is formed to overlap with a part of the second valve flow path L2 (communication passage 233s) formed by the notch portion 233. The protruding portion 234 is formed to protrude further from the main body portion 23 toward the outer side of the radial direction DR, and is formed so that its length in the circumferential direction DC increases toward the outer side of the radial direction DR.

[0034] Each of the first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236 includes a first surface 234t (upper surface) facing the top plate body 221, and a second surface 234u (lower surface) on the opposite side of the first surface 234t and further from the upper end portion 20a than the first surface 234t. The second surface 234u is inclined so that it approaches the upper end portion 20a as it approaches the shaft portion 20 (towards the inside of the radial direction DR). The inner portion of the second surface 234u in the radial direction DR, that is, the outer circumference portion of the shaft portion 20, is provided with a bearing 3 as described with reference to Figure 1, and the valve rotor 2 is rotatably supported by the bearing 3.

[0035] [Fluid control] Next, fluid control by the rotary valve 100 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 and 7-9. In this embodiment, the rotary valve 100 controls two flow paths simultaneously. Figure 2 shows the rotary valve 100 with the valve rotor 2 set to the first position P1, Figure 7 shows the rotary valve 100 set to the second position P2, Figure 8 shows the rotary valve 100 set to the third position P3, and Figure 9 shows the rotary valve 100 set to the fourth position P4.

[0036] First, we will explain the fluid flow path when the valve rotor 2 is set to the first position P1 (see Figure 2).

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, when the valve rotor 2 is set to the first position P1, the second inlet / outlet 231b of the first valve passage L1 faces the second port 122, and the first inlet / outlet 231a faces a part of the first port 121. In addition, the open portion of the second valve passage L2 formed by the notch 233 (the third inlet / outlet 233a (see Figure 3)) faces the fourth port 124. In other words, the fluid supplied to the second port 122 flows through the first valve passage L1 to the first port 121, and the fluid supplied to the fifth port 125 flows through the second valve passage L2 to the fourth port 124.

[0038] Next, we will explain the case where the valve rotor 2 rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle around the axis X from the first position P1 shown in Figure 2 to the second position P2 (see Figure 7).

[0039] As shown in Figure 7, when the valve rotor 2 is set to the second position P2, the first inlet / outlet 231a of the first valve passage L1 faces a part of the first port 121, the second inlet / outlet 231b faces the third port 123, and the second port 122 faces the intermediate section 231m. In addition, a part of the open portion of the second valve passage L2 (the third inlet / outlet 233a (see Figure 3)) faces a part of the fourth port 124. In other words, the fluid supplied to the third port 123 passes through the first valve passage L1 and is supplied to the first port 121. In addition, the fluid supplied to the fifth port 125 passes through the second valve passage L2 and flows to the fourth port 124.

[0040] In the second position P2, the first protruding wall 235 faces and contacts the sealing material 4 in the radial direction DR. As a result, the reaction force due to the contact between the first protruding wall 235 and the sealing material 4 acts on the intermediate portion 231m, and the intermediate portion 231m makes stronger contact with the second port 122 (housing wall portion 11 constituting the second port 122) via the sealing material 4. In other words, by providing the protruding portion 234 (first protruding wall 235), the contact area between the valve rotor 2 and the sealing material 4 can be increased, and the reaction force due to contact can be applied to the intermediate portion 231m. As a result, the intermediate portion 231m and the second port 122 (housing wall portion 11 constituting the second port 122) can be tightly fitted together via the sealing material 4, and the flow of fluid into the second port 122 is suppressed.

[0041] Next, we will explain the case where the valve rotor 2 rotates clockwise by a predetermined angle around the axis X from the second position P2 shown in Figure 7 to the third position P3 (see Figure 8).

[0042] As shown in Figure 8, when the valve rotor 2 is set to the third position P3, the first inlet / outlet 231a of the first valve passage L1 faces the second port 122, the second inlet / outlet 231b faces a part of the fourth port 124, and the third port 123 faces the intermediate section 231m. In addition, a part of the open portion of the second valve passage L2 (the third inlet / outlet 233a (see Figure 3)) faces a part of the first port 121. In other words, the fluid supplied to the second port 122 flows through the first valve passage L1 to the fourth port 124. At the same time, the fluid supplied to the fifth port 125 flows through the second valve passage L2 to the first port 121.

[0043] In the third position P3, the second protruding wall 236 faces and contacts the sealing material 4 in the radial direction DR. As a result, the reaction force due to the contact between the second protruding wall 236 and the sealing material 4 acts on the intermediate portion 231m, and the intermediate portion 231m makes stronger contact with the third port 123 (housing wall portion 11 constituting the third port 123) via the sealing material 4. In other words, by providing the protruding portion 234 (second protruding wall 236), the contact area between the valve rotor 2 and the sealing material 4 can be increased, and the reaction force due to contact can be applied to the intermediate portion 231m. As a result, the intermediate portion 231m and the third port 123 (housing wall portion 11 constituting the third port 123) can be tightly fitted together via the sealing material 4, and the flow of fluid into the third port 123 is suppressed.

[0044] Next, we will explain the case where the valve rotor 2 rotates further clockwise around the axis X by a predetermined angle from the third position P3 shown in Figure 8 to the fourth position P4 (see Figure 9).

[0045] As shown in Figure 9, when the valve rotor 2 is set to the fourth position P4, the first inlet / outlet 231a of the first valve passage L1 faces the third port 123, and the second inlet / outlet 231b faces a portion of the fourth port 124. In addition, a portion of the open part of the second valve passage L2 (the third inlet / outlet 233a (see Figure 3)) faces the first port 121. In other words, the fluid supplied to the third port 123 flows through the first valve passage L1 to the fourth port 124. At the same time, the fluid supplied to the fifth port 125 flows through the second valve passage L2 to the first port 121.

[0046] [Effects of the Embodiment] As described above, according to this embodiment, by simply cutting out the main body 23 in a fan shape centered on the axis X, a fluid passage 233s can be formed in the main body 23, thereby simplifying the configuration of the rotary valve 100.

[0047] Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figure 7, when the valve rotor 2 is in the second position P2, the reaction force due to the contact between the first protruding wall 235 and the sealing material 4 acts on the intermediate portion 231m, and the intermediate portion 231m (acting portion) reliably contacts the second port 122 via the sealing material 4, thereby suppressing the flow of fluid into the second port 122. Similarly, as explained with reference to Figure 8, when the valve rotor 2 is in the third position P3, the reaction force due to the contact between the second protruding wall 236 and the sealing material 4 acts on the intermediate portion 231m (acting portion), and the intermediate portion 231m reliably contacts the third port 123 via the sealing material 4, thereby suppressing the flow of fluid into the third port 123. In other words, by providing the first protruding wall 235 and the second protruding wall 236, the contact area between the sealing material 4 and the valve rotor 2 can be increased, and the sealing performance of the rotary valve 100 can be improved. Furthermore, by increasing the contact area, it becomes possible to disperse the reaction force caused by contact between the sealing material and the protrusion 234, for example, and to mitigate the uneven distribution of the reaction force from the sealing material 4 caused by the notch 233. Moreover, the protrusion 234 is formed to protrude more from the main body 23 towards the outside of the radial direction DR, and its length in the circumferential direction DC is larger towards the outside of the radial direction DR. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress the flow of fluid into the second port 122 or the third port 123 without obstructing the fluid flow.

[0048] Furthermore, the protrusions 234 are configured such that the second surfaces 234u of the first protrusion wall 235 and the second protrusion wall 236 are inclined to approach the upper end portion 20a as they approach the shaft portion 20. This prevents interference between the protrusions 234 and the bearing 3. As a result, the height (upward protrusion) of the valve rotor 2 supported by the bearing 3 is suppressed, and the overall height (length in the direction along the axial direction DX) of the rotary valve 100 can be reduced.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the formation of the top plate hole 221h in the top plate portion 22 allows for the removal of gases such as air contained in the fluid flowing into the valve space 232s and the communication passage 233s through the top plate hole 221h. This also prevents air from getting trapped in the rotary valve, thereby improving valve performance. Moreover, it allows for a reduction in the weight of the rotary valve 100.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, by forming a shaft hole 201h in the shaft portion 20 that connects the internal space 20s with the external space of the shaft portion 20, gas contained in the fluid that flows into the internal space 20s of the shaft portion 20 can be removed from the shaft hole 201h. In addition, air entrapment in the rotary valve can be prevented, thereby improving valve performance. Moreover, the weight of the rotary valve 100 can be reduced.

[0051] [Another embodiment] This disclosure may be configured as follows, in addition to the embodiments described above (parts having the same functions as the embodiments are given the same numbers and reference numerals as the embodiments).

[0052] (1) In this embodiment, the case has been described in which the second surface 234u (lower surface) of each of the two protruding walls 235 is an inclined surface that approaches the upper end portion 20a as it approaches the shaft portion 20. However, the second surface 234u (lower surface) of each of the two protruding walls 235 may not be an inclined surface but a flat surface.

[0053] (2) In this embodiment, the case in which the protrusion 234 is provided on the lower end portion 23a of the main body portion 23 has been described. However, the protrusion 234 may be provided in a location other than the lower end portion 23a of the main body portion 23, as long as it does not obstruct the fluid flow while maintaining the sealing performance of the rotary valve 100. For example, the protrusion 234 may be provided between the upper end portion 23b (see Figure 3) and the lower end portion 23a on the top plate portion 22 side (for example, near the midpoint).

[0054] (3) In this embodiment, the case in which the main body portion 23 has a protruding portion 234 has been described as an example, but the main body portion 23 may omit the protruding portion 234.

[0055] (4) As shown in Figure 10, the rotary valve 100 may also be provided with a connecting portion 237 that faces the top plate portion 22 across the notch portion 233 and connects in the circumferential direction DC. This increases the contact area between the sealing material 4 and the valve rotor 2, thereby improving the sealing performance of the rotary valve 100. In addition, by increasing the contact area, it is possible to disperse the reaction force caused by contact between the sealing material and the protrusion portion 234, for example, and the uneven distribution of the reaction force from the sealing material 4 due to the provision of the notch portion 233 can be mitigated.

[0056] (5) In this embodiment, four top plate holes 221h are formed in the top plate body 221, but the number of top plate holes 221h formed in the top plate body 221 is not limited to four, and may be 1 to 3, or 5 or more. Alternatively, the top plate holes 221h may be omitted.

[0057] (6) In this embodiment, a shaft hole 201h is formed in the shaft wall 201 of the shaft portion 20, but the shaft hole 201h may be omitted.

[0058] (7) In this embodiment, a five-way rotary valve 100 was described as an example, but the rotary valve 100 may be a three-way valve, a four-way valve, or the like. The number of ports 12 formed in the housing 1 (housing wall portion 11) is not limited to five, but can be appropriately changed according to the number of fluid directions controlled by the rotary valve 100.

[0059] (8) Furthermore, the inlet and outlet for the fluid are not limited to those described in this embodiment and can be interchanged. In other words, the direction of fluid flow may be reversed.

[0060] (9) In the above embodiment, the case in which the actuator 5 is positioned on the upper side and rotational force from the actuator 5 is input to the end portion 20a was described, but the actuator 5 is not limited to being positioned on the upper side of the shaft portion 20, and may be positioned on the lower side, for example. In this case, the end portion 20a to which the rotational force from the actuator 5 is input is also positioned on the lower side of the shaft portion 20.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the following configuration can be conceived.

[0062] (1) The rotary valve 100 according to the present disclosure is characterized by comprising a shaft portion 20 that rotates about an axis X by a driving force, and a cylindrical valve portion 21 that can rotate integrally with the shaft portion 20, wherein the valve portion 21 has a top plate portion 22 extending from the shaft portion 20 in a direction perpendicular to the axis X, and a main body portion 23 extending from the top plate portion 22 along the shaft portion 20, wherein the main body portion 23 includes a fan-shaped notch portion 233 on the opposite side from the top plate portion 22, and the notch portion 233 constitutes a communication passage 233s that connects a third inlet outlet 233a (inlet) through which fluid flows in and a fourth inlet outlet 233b (outlet) through which fluid flows out.

[0063] According to this configuration, a fluid passage 233s can be formed in the main body 23 simply by cutting out a sector-shaped notch in the main body 23 centered on the axis X, thereby simplifying the configuration of the rotary valve 100. Because this notch 233 is cut out in a sector-shaped shape centered on the axis X, it is easy to create the notch 233. In addition, when the valve 21 rotates, the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid-flowable passage increases. Furthermore, there is no need to separately form multiple passages inside the main body 23 to connect the fourth inlet / outlet 233b (outlet) and the third inlet / outlet 233a (inlet). Thus, the rotary valve 100 has a simplified configuration.

[0064] (2) In the rotary valve 100 described in (1), the main body portion 23 may have protruding walls 235, 236 that protrude in the circumferential direction DC.

[0065] According to this configuration, the main body portion 23 has protruding walls 235 and 236 that project in the circumferential direction DC, which makes it possible to increase the area of ​​the contact portion (hereinafter referred to as the "contact portion") between the member provided on the outer circumference of the main body portion 23 (for example, the sealing material 4) and the protruding walls 235 and 236. As a result, it becomes possible to disperse the reaction force caused by the contact between the sealing material 4 and the protruding walls 235 and 236, and to mitigate the uneven distribution of the reaction force from the sealing material 4 caused by the notch portion 233. This makes it possible to improve the sealing performance of the rotary valve 100.

[0066] (3) In the rotary valve 100 described in (2), the surfaces of the protruding walls 235 and 236 that are farther from the top plate portion 22 may be inclined such that they approach the top plate portion 22 as they approach the shaft portion 20.

[0067] With this configuration, the surfaces of the protruding walls 235 and 236 that are further from the top plate portion 22 are inclined so that they move closer to the top plate portion 22 as they approach the shaft portion 20. This prevents interference between the bearing 3, which rotatably supports the end of the shaft portion 20 opposite to the top plate portion 22, and the protruding walls 235 and 236. As a result, the height of the valve rotor 2 supported by the bearing 3 (protrusion toward the top plate portion 22) is suppressed, and the overall height of the rotary valve 100 (length in the direction along the axis X) can be reduced.

[0068] (4) In the rotary valve 100 described in any one of (1) to (3), the top plate portion 22 may have a top plate hole 221h that penetrates along the axis X.

[0069] With this configuration, air and other gases contained in the fluid that flows in from below the top plate portion 22 (the side furthest from the top plate portion 22) can be removed from the top plate hole 221h. In addition, air entrapment in the rotary valve 100 can be prevented, thereby improving valve performance.

[0070] (5) In the rotary valve 100 described in any one of (1) to (4), the shaft portion 20 is hollow and has a shaft wall 201 that separates the internal space 20s of the shaft portion 20 from the external space, and a shaft hole 201h is formed in the shaft wall 201 that penetrates the shaft wall 201 in a direction perpendicular to the axis X.

[0071] This configuration allows for the removal of air and other gases contained in the fluid that flows into the internal space 20s of the shaft portion 20 from the shaft hole 201h. Furthermore, it prevents air from entering the rotary valve 100, thereby improving valve performance.

[0072] (6) In the rotary valve 100 described in (1), the main body portion 23 may further include a connecting portion 237 that faces the top plate portion 22 across the notch portion 233 and connects in the circumferential direction DC.

[0073] This configuration makes it possible to increase the contact area between the member (e.g., sealing material 4) provided on the outer circumference of the main body 23 and the connecting portion 237. For example, it becomes possible to disperse the reaction force caused by the contact between the sealing material 4 and the connecting portion 237, and the uneven distribution of the reaction force from the sealing material 4 caused by the notch portion 233 can be mitigated. This makes it possible to improve the sealing performance of the rotary valve 100.

[0074] (7) In the rotary valve 100 described in any one of (1) to (6), the main body portion 23 may have a first valve passage L1 (through passage) that penetrates the inside.

[0075] With this configuration, since a first valve passage L1 (through passage) is formed that penetrates the interior, it is possible to control the flow of fluid through the first valve passage L1 (through passage) and the flow of fluid through the passage connected by the notch 233, that is, to control the flow of fluid through two passages.

[0076] (8) In the rotary valve 100 described in any one of (1) to (7), the third inlet / outlet 233a (inlet) or the fourth inlet / outlet 233b (outlet) may communicate with a flow path chamber 1S formed in the housing 1 that houses the valve portion 21, on the side opposite to the top plate portion 22 in the direction along the axis X.

[0077] This configuration allows for the control of the fluid flow through the flow channel chamber 1S formed in the housing 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0078] This disclosure can be used in rotary valves. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1: Housing, 1S: Flow chamber, 20: Shaft section, 20s: Internal space, 21: Valve section, 22: Top plate section, 23: Main body section, 100: Rotary valve, 201: Shaft wall, 201h: Shaft hole, 221h: Top plate hole, 233: Notch section, 233a: Third inlet / outlet (inlet), 233b: Fourth inlet / outlet (outlet), 233s: Connecting passage, 234u: Surface furthest from the top plate section (bottom surface), 235: Protruding wall, 236: Protruding wall, 237: Connecting section, DC: Circumferential direction, DX: Axial direction, DR: Radial direction, L1: Through-flow channel, X: Axial

Claims

1. A shaft that rotates around its axis due to the driving force, It comprises a cylindrical valve portion that can rotate integrally with the aforementioned shaft portion, The valve portion has a top plate portion extending from the shaft portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis, and a main body portion extending from the top plate portion along the shaft portion. The main body portion includes a fan-shaped cutout on the opposite side from the top plate portion, centered on the axis. The aforementioned notch constitutes a communication passage that connects an inlet through which fluid flows in with an outlet through which the fluid flows out. The main body portion has a protruding wall that circumferentially protrudes from the inner surface on the notched side and extends toward the shaft portion at the end of the main body portion opposite to the top plate portion. The aforementioned protruding wall is a rotary valve in which the length in the circumferential direction increases as it extends radially outward from the valve portion.

2. A shaft portion that rotates about the axis by a driving force, It comprises a cylindrical valve portion that can rotate integrally with the aforementioned shaft portion, The valve portion has a top plate portion extending from the shaft portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis, and a main body portion extending from the top plate portion along the shaft portion. The main body portion includes a fan-shaped cutout on the opposite side from the top plate portion, centered on the axis. The aforementioned notch constitutes a communication passage that connects an inlet through which fluid flows in with an outlet through which the fluid flows out. The main body portion has a protruding wall that circumferentially protrudes from the inner surface on the notched side and extends toward the shaft portion at the end of the main body portion opposite to the top plate portion. A rotary valve in which the surface of the protruding wall furthest from the top plate portion is inclined so that it approaches the top plate portion as it approaches the shaft portion.

3. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the top plate portion has a top plate hole formed through it along the axis.

4. The shaft portion is hollow and has a shaft wall that separates the internal space from the external space of the shaft portion. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a shaft hole is formed in the shaft wall, penetrating the shaft wall in a direction perpendicular to the axis.

5. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body portion has a through-flow channel formed therethrough.

6. The rotary valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inlet or outlet communicates with a flow chamber formed in the housing that houses the valve portion, on the side opposite to the top plate portion in the direction along the axis.

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