Valve device

Abstract

A valve chamber (100) is formed by a first housing (10) and a second housing (20). A drive valve (40) adjusts a flow path area in which the valve chamber (100) and fluid passages (110, 120) communicate with each other, or a flow path area in which the plurality of fluid passages communicate with each other. A regulating part (21) is provided to the second housing (20) and regulates a reference position for the rotation of the drive valve (40). Fastening members (63, 65) fasten a first boss part (61) and a second boss part (62), and fix the first housing (10) and the second housing (20) in the axial direction. A first positioning part (81) and a second positioning part (82) are fitted to each other to position the first housing (10) and the second housing (20) in the circumferential direction. A first recessed part (91) is provided between the first boss part (61) and the first positioning part (81), and a second recessed part (92) is provided between the second boss part (62) and the second positioning part (82).

Description

Valve equipment CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-049901, filed on March 26, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to valve devices for controlling fluid flow.

[0003] The valve device described in Patent Document 1 includes a first housing having a cylindrical valve chamber and a fluid passage through which a fluid flows, a second housing closing one axial opening of the valve chamber, and an actuated valve rotatable about the axis within the valve chamber. The second housing is provided with a determining portion that determines a reference position for rotation of the actuated valve. An actuator that rotates the actuated valve is provided on the opposite side of the second housing from the first housing. This valve device is capable of controlling the flow rate of the fluid by adjusting the flow area of ​​the passage connecting the valve chamber and the fluid passage by controlling the rotational position of the actuated valve (hereinafter referred to as the "rotational position") with the actuator.

[0004] In this valve device, tapping screws are threaded into holes in a first boss portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the first housing and holes in a second boss portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the second housing, thereby fastening the first and second housings together in the axial direction. In addition, this valve device is configured so that the first and second housings are positioned circumferentially by fitting a pin extending from a second positioning portion that is provided adjacent to the second boss portion into a hole in a first positioning portion that is provided adjacent to the first boss portion.

[0005] Patent No. 7342830

[0006] However, the valve device described in Patent Document 1 includes a first boss portion and a first positioning portion, and also includes a second boss portion and a second positioning portion. Therefore, if deformation (i.e., distortion) occurs in the first boss portion or the second boss portion when a tapping screw is threaded into the holes of the first boss portion and the second boss portion, the deformation may be transmitted to the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion, potentially deforming the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion. As a result, if the relative positions of the first housing and the second housing are misaligned in the circumferential direction, the relative positional relationship between the fluid passage in the first housing and the defining portion provided in the second housing may be misaligned in the circumferential direction. This may result in a decrease in the accuracy of the rotational position of the actuated valve relative to the hole in the fixed valve provided at the opening of the fluid passage, potentially reducing the accuracy of flow control.

[0007] In order to suppress deformation of the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion, it is possible to increase rigidity by forming the first housing, the first positioning portion, the second housing, and the second positioning portion from a metal material. However, forming the first housing and the second housing from a metal material increases the weight and the number of processing steps.

[0008] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a valve device capable of highly accurate flow rate control.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a valve device for controlling a flow of a fluid includes: a first housing having a cylindrical valve chamber through which a fluid flows and a fluid passage communicating with the valve chamber; a second housing that closes one axial opening of the valve chamber and forms the valve chamber together with the first housing; an actuated valve that is rotatably provided in the valve chamber about the axis and adjusts the flow path area connecting the valve chamber with the fluid passage or the flow path area connecting a plurality of fluid passages; a determining portion that is provided in the second housing and determines a reference position for rotation of the actuated valve by abutting against a member that rotates with the actuated valve or against the actuated valve; a first boss portion that protrudes radially outward from an outer wall of the first housing; a second boss portion that protrudes radially outward from an outer wall of the second housing; a fastening member that is inserted into a hole in the first boss portion and a hole in the second boss portion and fastens the first boss portion and the second boss portion to fix the first housing and the second housing in the axial direction; a first positioning portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the first housing; The housing is provided with: a second positioning portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the second housing and engages with the first positioning portion to position the first housing and the second housing circumferentially; a first recess that is provided between the first boss portion and the first positioning portion and is recessed radially inward from the center of the hole of the first boss portion and the center of the first positioning portion; and a second recess that is provided between the second boss portion and the second positioning portion and is recessed radially inward from the center of the hole of the second boss portion and the center of the second positioning portion.

[0010] According to this, even if deformation (i.e., distortion) occurs in the first boss portion or the second boss portion when the first boss portion and the second boss portion are fastened together with a fastening member, the first recess and the second recess prevent the deformation from being transmitted to the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion. This improves the circumferential positional accuracy of the first housing and the second housing due to the engagement of the first positioning portion and the second positioning portion. This improves the circumferential positional accuracy of the multiple fluid passages in the first housing and the defining portion provided on the second housing, thereby improving the accuracy of the rotational position of the actuated valve relative to the openings of the fluid passages or the components (e.g., fixed valves) provided at the openings. Therefore, this valve device enables highly accurate flow rate control by controlling the rotational position of the actuated valve for fluids flowing between the valve chamber and the fluid passages or between multiple fluid passages.

[0011] 10 is a perspective view of a valve device according to a first embodiment; a cross-sectional view of the valve device according to the first embodiment; a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2; a perspective view of FIG. 3; a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 2; a view in which the shape of the sliding surface side of the actuated valve is superimposed on the cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 2; a perspective view showing a state in which the rotational position of the actuated valve is changed in part VII in FIG. 2; a plan view seen from the VIII direction in FIG. 2; a view in which the actuator and tapping screw are removed from FIG. 8; a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 2; cross-sectional views taken along line XI-XI in FIGS. 8, 9, and 10; a perspective view of a valve device according to a comparative example; a cross-sectional view of a portion corresponding to FIG. 11 in the ... second embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0013] First Embodiment A valve device 1 according to a first embodiment is used in a fluid circulation system mounted on, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. The fluid circulation system circulates coolant fluid through a power source for driving the vehicle, a radiator, a heater core for air conditioning in the vehicle interior, and the like. For example, LLC (Long Life Coolant) containing ethylene glycol is used as the coolant. The valve device 1 switches the flow path of the coolant flowing through the system and adjusts the flow rate.

[0014] First, the configuration of the valve device 1 will be described. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the valve device 1 includes a first housing 10, a second housing 20, a drive valve 40, a defining portion 21, a first boss portion 61, a second boss portion 62, a tapping screw 63, a first positioning portion 81, a second positioning portion 82, a first recess 91, and a second recess 92. The first housing 10, the first boss portion 61, the first positioning portion 81, and the first recess 91 are integrally formed by, for example, resin injection molding. The second housing 20, the defining portion 21, the second boss portion 62, the second positioning portion 82, and the second recess 92 are also integrally formed by, for example, resin injection molding.

[0015] In the following description, in the radial direction of an imaginary circle that is perpendicular to and centered on the axis CL of the cylindrical valve chamber 100 formed inside the first housing 10 and that extends from the axis CL to the outside will be referred to as the "radially outer side," and the direction toward the axis CL will be referred to as the "radially inner side." The circumferential direction of the imaginary circle will be referred to as the "circumferential direction of the first housing 10" or simply as the "circumferential direction." Note that the circumferential direction of the first housing 10 and the rotation direction of the actuated valve 40 are the same. The direction in which the axis CL extends will be referred to as the "axial direction," and the side of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 on which the actuator 50 is provided will be referred to as the "one axial side," and the opposite side will be referred to as the "other axial side."

[0016] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first housing 10 has a flow path forming portion 11 formed in a cylindrical shape, two fluid inlet portions 12 and 13 extending in a pipe-like manner from the flow path forming portion 11, and three fluid outlet portions 14, 15, and 16.

[0017] The two fluid inlet portions 12, 13 include a first fluid inlet portion 12 and a second fluid inlet portion 13. A first fluid inlet passage 102 is formed inside the first fluid inlet portion 12, and a second fluid inlet passage 103 is formed inside the second fluid inlet portion 13.

[0018] 1, 2, 5, and 6, the three fluid outlets 14, 15, and 16 include a first fluid outlet 14, a second fluid outlet 15, and a third fluid outlet 16. A first fluid outlet passage 104 is formed inside the first fluid outlet 14, a second fluid outlet passage 105 is formed inside the second fluid outlet 15, and a third fluid outlet passage 106 is formed inside the third fluid outlet 16.

[0019] The flow path forming portion 11 of the first housing 10 has a valve chamber 100 through which fluid flows, in a region on the drive valve 40 side of the fixed valve 30. The drive valve 40 and other components are provided in the valve chamber 100. A second fluid inlet passage 103 on the inner side of the second fluid inlet portion 13 extends radially outward from the valve chamber 100 of the flow path forming portion 11.

[0020] 2 and 5, the flow path forming portion 11 of the first housing 10 has, in an area opposite the actuated valve 40 with respect to the fixed valve 30, a plurality of inner passages 110 and a plurality of outer passages 120 as fluid passages leading to the valve chamber 100. The flow path forming portion 11 also has, as structural components in that area, a support portion 170, an inner passage partition wall 160, an inner / outer passage partition wall 130, an outer passage partition wall 140, and an outer peripheral wall 150.

[0021] The support portion 170 rotatably supports the end of the shaft 70 that passes through the insertion hole 47 of the drive valve 40 and the central hole 39 of the fixed valve 30 (i.e., the end on the other side of the axial direction of the shaft 70).

[0022] The multiple inner passages 110 are passages formed in a region radially outside the support portion 170. The multiple inner passages 110 are arranged within a predetermined angular range in the circumferential direction of the first housing 10 so as to surround the radially outside of the support portion 170. All of the multiple inner passages 110 are connected to a first fluid inlet passage 102 inside the first fluid inlet portion 12. The first fluid inlet passage 102 extends from the inner passage 110 to the other side in the axial direction.

[0023] The inner passage partition wall 160 is a wall that separates the multiple inner passages 110 from one another, and radially connects the support portion 170 and the inner / outer passage partition wall 130. The inner / outer passage partition wall 130 is a wall that separates the inner passages 110 from the outer passage 120, and is provided in a cylindrical shape between the inner passages 110 and the outer passage 120.

[0024] The multiple outer passages 120 are formed radially outward from the multiple inner passages 110. The multiple outer passages 120 include a first outer passage 121, a second outer passage 122, and a third outer passage 123. The first outer passage 121, the second outer passage 122, and the third outer passage 123 are arranged within a predetermined angular range in the circumferential direction of the first housing 10 so as to surround the radially outer sides of the multiple inner passages 110.

[0025] The first outer passage 121 is in communication with the first fluid outlet passage 104 inside the first fluid outlet portion 14. The first fluid outlet passage 104 extends radially outward from the first outer passage 121. The second outer passage 122 is in communication with the second fluid outlet passage 105 inside the second fluid outlet portion 15. The second fluid outlet passage 105 extends radially outward from the second outer passage 122. The third outer passage 123 is in communication with the third fluid outlet passage 106 inside the third fluid outlet portion 16. The third fluid outlet passage 106 extends radially outward from the third outer passage 123.

[0026] The outer passage partition wall 140 is a wall that separates the first outer passage 121, the second outer passage 122, and the third outer passage 123, and radially connects the inner / outer passage partition wall 130 and the outer peripheral wall 150. The outer peripheral wall 150 is a wall that forms the outer contour of the flow path forming portion 11, and is provided in a cylindrical shape radially outside the outer passage 120.

[0027] 2 , the fixed valve 30 is formed in a generally disk shape and is placed on one axial end of the outer peripheral wall 150, outer passage partition wall 140, inner / outer passage partition wall 130, inner passage partition wall 160, and support portion 170 of the first housing 10. In other words, the fixed valve 30 is provided at the boundary between the inner passage 110 and the outer passage 120 and the valve chamber 100. Note that a seal member 19 is provided between the fixed valve 30 and the valve chamber 100-side ends of the outer peripheral wall 150, outer passage partition wall 140, inner / outer passage partition wall 130, inner passage partition wall 160, and support portion 170.

[0028] 2 and 6 , the fixed valve 30 has a central hole 39, multiple inner holes 36, and multiple outer holes 34 that pass through in the axial direction. The fixed valve 30 also has a central portion 33, an inner hole partitioning portion 37, a middle partitioning portion 32, an outer hole partitioning portion 35, an outer peripheral portion 31, and a protrusion 38 as structural components. The protrusion 38 on the outer peripheral portion 31 is engaged with a locking portion 17 provided on the first housing 10. This fixes the fixed valve 30 to the flow path forming portion 11 so as not to rotate relative to the flow path forming portion 11 around the axis CL.

[0029] A shaft 70 is inserted through the central hole 39. The multiple inner holes 36 are connected to the multiple inner passages 110, respectively. The multiple outer holes 34 include a first outer hole 34a, a second outer hole 34b, a third outer hole 34c, and a fourth outer hole 34d. The first outer hole 34a is connected to the first outer passage 121. The second outer hole 34b and the fourth outer hole 34d are connected to the second outer passage 122. The third outer hole 34c is connected to the third outer passage 123.

[0030] The central portion 33 is a portion that surrounds the periphery of the central hole 39 and is placed on the support portion 170. The inner hole partition portion 37 is a portion that radially separates the multiple inner holes 36 and is placed on the inner passage partition wall 160. The intermediate partition portion 32 is a portion that circumferentially separates the inner holes 36 and the outer holes 34 and is placed on the inner-outer passage partition wall 130. The outer hole partition portion 35 is a portion that radially separates the multiple outer holes 34 and is placed on the outer passage partition wall 140. The outer peripheral portion 31 is a portion that is formed in an annular shape radially outside the multiple outer holes 34 and is placed on the outer peripheral wall 150.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the second housing 20 closes an opening of the first housing 10 on one axial side of the valve chamber 100, and together with the first housing 10, forms the valve chamber 100. The second housing 20 has a cylindrical second fitting portion 22 formed coaxially with the valve chamber 100. The first housing 10 also has a cylindrical first fitting portion 18 formed coaxially with the valve chamber 100. The second fitting portion 22 fits radially inward of the first fitting portion 18, thereby forming the valve chamber 100 inside the first housing 10 and the second housing 20. An O-ring 23 serving as a seal member is provided between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, at a position on one axial side of the first fitting portion 18 and the second fitting portion 22. The O-ring 23 is formed in an annular shape and prevents fluid in the valve chamber 100 from leaking outside the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0032] 2, 6, and 7, the actuated valve 40 is formed in a generally disk shape and is provided in the valve chamber 100 so as to be rotatable about the axis CL of the shaft 70. The surface of the actuated valve 40 facing the other side in the axial direction (i.e., the surface facing the fixed valve 30) is called the sliding surface 41. The sliding surface 41 of the actuated valve 40 and the fixed valve 30 are in sliding contact with each other.

[0033] The actuated valve 40 has a groove 42 recessed from the sliding surface 41 toward one side in the axial direction, and a through-hole 43 penetrating in the axial direction. A shaft 70 is inserted into an insertion hole 47 on the inside of a cylindrical portion 46 provided inside the groove 42. For the sake of explanation, in FIG. 6 , the shapes of the groove 42 and through-hole 43 of the actuated valve 40 are depicted larger than the inner hole 36 and outer hole 34 of the fixed valve 30. However, in reality, the shapes of the groove 42 and through-hole 43 of the actuated valve 40 may be the same as the shapes of the inner hole 36 and outer hole 34 of the fixed valve 30.

[0034] The groove 42 is provided so as to communicate with the multiple inner holes 36 and a specific outer hole 34 when the actuated valve 40 is in a specific rotational position. By controlling the rotational position of the actuated valve 40, it is possible to adjust the flow path area through which the groove 42 communicates with a specific outer hole 34 (i.e., a specific outer passage 120). In other words, the actuated valve 40 is able to adjust the flow path area through which the multiple inner passages 110 communicate with a specific outer passage 120 via the groove 42.

[0035] Furthermore, the through hole 43 is provided so as to communicate between the valve chamber 100 and a predetermined outer hole 34 when the actuated valve 40 is at a predetermined rotational position. By controlling the rotational position of the actuated valve 40, it is possible to adjust the flow path area through which the through hole 43 communicates with the predetermined outer hole 34 (i.e., the predetermined outer passage 120). In other words, the actuated valve 40 is able to adjust the flow path area through which the valve chamber 100 communicates with the predetermined outer passage 120 via the through hole 43.

[0036] 2, the shaft 70 is provided inside the first housing 10 and the second housing 20. The shaft 70 passes through the insertion hole 47 of the drive valve 40 and the central hole 39 of the fixed valve 30. The other end of the shaft 70 in the axial direction is rotatably supported in a bearing hole 171 of the support part 170.

[0037] A holder 71 is fixed to one axial side of the shaft 70. The shaft 70 and holder 71 are integrally formed by, for example, insert molding. The holder 71 is rotatably supported by a bearing 72 provided in the second housing 20. An annular seal member 77 is provided between the outer wall of the holder 71 and the inner wall of the second housing 20 at a location on the other axial side of the bearing 72 (i.e., on the valve chamber 100 side). This annular seal member 77 prevents fluid from leaking from the valve chamber 100 toward the bearing 72.

[0038] A gear 73 provided on one axial side of the holder 71 meshes with a gear of a torque transmission mechanism (not shown) of the actuator 50. A lever 74 is provided between the holder 71 and the actuated valve 40. The lever 74 connects the holder 71 and the actuated valve 40 in the rotational direction. Therefore, the torque output by the actuator 50 is transmitted from the holder 71 to the actuated valve 40 via the lever 74.

[0039] A compression spring 75 and a torsion spring 76 are provided between the holder 71 and the lever 74. One end of the compression spring 75 is engaged with the holder 71, and the other end is engaged with the lever 74. The compression spring 75 presses the lever 74, the actuated valve 40, the fixed valve 30, and the seal member 19 against the holder 71, pressing the lever 74, the actuated valve 40, the fixed valve 30, and the seal member 19 toward the surface of the first housing 10 facing the fixed valve 30. The surface of the first housing 10 facing the fixed valve 30 refers to the ends of the support portion 170, the inner passage partition wall 160, the inner / outer passage partition wall 130, the outer passage partition wall 140, and the outer peripheral wall 150 on one axial side. A reaction force against the pressing force of the compression spring 75 acts on the fixed valve 30 from the surface of the first housing 10 facing the fixed valve 30 and the seal member 19. Therefore, when the drive valve 40 rotates about the axis CL, a frictional force is generated between the fixed valve 30 and the drive valve 40. One end of the torsion spring 76 is engaged with the holder 71, and the other end is engaged with the lever 74, and the torsion spring 76 presses the lever 74 and the drive valve 40 against the holder 71 in the rotational direction.

[0040] An actuator 50 is provided on the opposite side of the second housing 20 from the first housing 10. The actuator 50 includes a control device (not shown), an electric motor (not shown), and a torque transmission mechanism (not shown). The control device is composed of a microcomputer including a processor that performs control processing and arithmetic processing, a memory unit such as ROM and RAM that stores programs, data, etc., and peripheral circuits. In the control device, the processor performs various control processing and arithmetic processing based on the programs stored in the memory unit.

[0041] The control device drives the electric motor in response to a command from the vehicle system, moving the actuated valve 40 to a predetermined rotational position. The torque output by the electric motor is transmitted via the torque transmission mechanism from the holder 71 to the shaft 70 and the lever 74 to the actuated valve 40. Therefore, with the sliding surface 41 of the actuated valve 40 in sliding contact with the fixed valve 30, the holder 71, shaft 70, compression spring 75, torsion spring 76, lever 74, and actuated valve 40 rotate together about the axis CL.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the second housing 20 is provided with a regulating portion 21 that defines a reference position for the rotation of the actuated valve 40. The regulating portion 21 protrudes toward the other axial direction from a surface 24 of the second housing 20 that faces the other axial direction. Meanwhile, a protrusion 78 that protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the holder 71 is provided at a position in the axial direction corresponding to the regulating portion 21. The protrusion 78 provided on the holder 71 is an example of a “member that rotates with the actuated valve 40” in this disclosure. The reference position for the rotation of the actuated valve 40 (specifically, the initial position of the rotation) is defined by the abutment of a surface 79 of the protrusion 78 facing the rotation direction with the regulating portion 21. That is, the regulating portion 21 provided on the second housing 20 defines the reference position for the rotation of the actuated valve 40 by abutting against the protrusion 78 that rotates with the actuated valve 40. The control device can move the drive valve 40 to a rotational position according to instructions from the vehicle system, using the position where the determining portion 21 and the protrusion 78 abut as a reference position (specifically, the initial position of rotation).

[0043] 7 , when the actuated valve 40 is in a predetermined rotational position, as indicated by arrow LF1, fluid flowing in from the first fluid inlet passage 102 flows in the following order: inner passage 110 → the plurality of inner holes 36 → groove 42 → first outer hole 34a → first outer passage 121 → first fluid outlet passage 104. Although not shown, the control device can adjust the flow path area connecting the groove 42 and the first outer hole 34a by controlling the rotational position of the actuated valve 40. Therefore, by controlling the rotational position of the actuated valve 40, the control device can adjust the flow rate of fluid flowing from the first fluid inlet passage 102 to the first fluid outlet passage 104.

[0044] 7 , when the actuated valve 40 is in a predetermined rotational position, the fluid flowing in from the second fluid inlet passage 103 flows in the following order: valve chamber 100 → through hole 43 → second outer hole 34b → second outer passage 122 → second fluid outlet passage 105. Although not shown, the control device can adjust the flow path area where the through hole 43 and the second outer hole 34b communicate by controlling the rotational position of the actuated valve 40. Therefore, the control device can adjust the flow rate of the fluid flowing from the second fluid inlet passage 103 to the second fluid outlet passage 105 by controlling the rotational position of the actuated valve 40.

[0045] 1 to 4 and 8 to 11, the first housing 10 is provided with a first boss 61, a first positioning portion 81, and a first recess 91. The second housing 20 is provided with a second boss 62, a second positioning portion 82, and a second recess 92. The actuator 50 is provided with a third boss 53. These will be described in detail below.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 , 10 , and 11 , the first boss portion 61 protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the first housing 10. For example, three first boss portions 61 are provided at predetermined intervals around the circumferential direction of the first housing 10. Each first boss portion 61 has a hole 611 recessed from the second boss portion 62 side toward the other side in the axial direction. As shown in FIG. 2 , a surface 612 of the first boss portion 61 facing the second boss portion 62 and a surface 613 of the first boss portion 61 opposite the second boss portion 62 (hereinafter referred to as the “surface 613 of the first boss portion 61 opposite the second boss portion”) are parallel to each other. Therefore, a space S3 is formed between the surface 613 of the first boss portion 61 facing the opposite second boss portion and a portion 11a of the outer wall of the flow path forming portion 11 opposite the second boss portion 62 with respect to the first boss portion 61. That is, the surface 613 of the first boss portion 61 on the side opposite the second boss portion and the portion 11a of the outer wall of the flow path forming portion 11 on the opposite side of the second boss portion 62 from the first boss portion 61 are not connected by a rib or the like.

[0047] 1, 2, 4, 9, and 11, the second boss portion 62 is provided at a position corresponding to the first boss portion 61, and protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the second housing 20. For example, three second boss portions 62 are provided at predetermined intervals around the circumference of the second housing 20. The second boss portion 62 has a hole 621 that penetrates in the axial direction.

[0048] 1, 2, 4, 8, and 11, the third boss portion 53 is provided at a position corresponding to the first boss portion 61 and the second boss portion 62, and protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the actuator 50. For example, three third boss portions 53 are provided on the actuator 50. The third boss portion 53 has a hole 531 that penetrates in the axial direction.

[0049] 1, 2, 8, and 11, a tapping screw 63, which is an example of a fastening member, is inserted through the hole 531 of the third boss portion 53, passes through the hole 621 of the second boss portion 62, and is screwed into the inner wall of the hole 611 of the first boss portion 61 while cutting a thread. In this way, the tapping screw 63 fastens the first boss portion 61, the second boss portion 62, and the third boss portion 53 together. Therefore, the tapping screw 63 fixes the first housing 10, the second housing 20, and the actuator 50 in the axial direction.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 3 , 4 , and 11 , the first positioning portion 81 protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the first housing 10. The first positioning portion 81 has a positioning hole 811 recessed from the second positioning portion 82 toward the other side in the axial direction. The first positioning portion 81 is provided relatively close to a predetermined first boss portion 61. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the angle θ1 formed between a line segment L1 connecting the center of the first positioning portion 81 to the axis CL and a line segment L2 connecting the center of the predetermined first boss portion 61 to the axis CL is preferably 60 degrees or less, and more preferably 45 degrees or less. In the first embodiment, the angle θ1 is approximately 30 degrees.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 4 , and 9 to 11 , the second positioning portion 82 protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the second housing 20 at a position corresponding to the first positioning portion 81. Specifically, the second positioning portion 82 has an arm portion 821 that protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the second housing 20, and a positioning pin 822 that protrudes from the arm portion 821 toward the other side in the axial direction. The positioning pin 822 of the second positioning portion 82 fits into a positioning hole 811 of the first positioning portion 81. This allows the first positioning portion 81 and the second positioning portion 82 to position the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 in the circumferential direction. The second positioning portion 82 is also provided in a position close to a predetermined second boss portion 62. 9, the angle θ2 formed by a line segment L3 connecting the center of the second positioning portion 82 to the axis CL and a line segment L4 connecting the center of a predetermined second boss portion 62 to the axis CL is preferably 60 degrees or less, and more preferably 45 degrees or less. In the first embodiment, the angle θ2 is approximately 30 degrees.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 3 , 4 , and 11 , the first recess 91 is provided between the first boss 61 and the first positioning portion 81. The first recess 91 is recessed radially inward from the center of the hole 611 of the first boss 61 and the center of the first positioning portion 81. In other words, as shown in FIG. 3 , the distance D3 between the first recess 91 and the axis CL is smaller than the distance D1 between the center of the hole 611 of the first boss 61 and the axis CL. Furthermore, the distance D3 between the first recess 91 and the axis CL is smaller than the distance D2 between the center of the positioning hole 811 of the first positioning portion 81 and the axis CL. Therefore, a space S1 is formed by the first recess 91 along the shortest path connecting the center of the hole 611 of the first boss 61 and the center of the positioning hole 811 of the first positioning portion 81. In the first embodiment, the distance D3 between the first recess 91 and the axis CL is the same as the distance D4 between the axis CL and an outer wall (excluding the first positioning portion 81, etc.) between the plurality of first boss portions 61 of the first housing 10. In this disclosure, "same" includes not only completely same but also substantially same, which may differ slightly due to manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9 to 11 , the second recess 92 is provided between the second boss 62 and the second positioning portion 82. The second recess 92 is recessed radially inward from the center of the hole 621 of the second boss 62 and the center of the second positioning portion 82. In other words, as shown in FIG. 9 , the distance D7 between the second recess 92 and the axis CL is smaller than the distance D5 between the center of the hole 621 of the second boss 62 and the axis CL. Furthermore, the distance D7 between the second recess 92 and the axis CL is smaller than the distance D6 between the center of the positioning pin 822 of the second positioning portion 82 and the axis CL. Therefore, a space S2 is formed by the second recess 92 along the shortest path connecting the center of the hole 621 of the second boss 62 and the center of the positioning pin 822 of the second positioning portion 82. In the first embodiment, the distance D7 between the second recess 92 and the axis CL is the same as the distance D8 between the axis CL and the outer wall (excluding the second positioning portion 82) of the portion of the second housing 20 that is placed on the first housing 10 between the multiple second boss portions 62.

[0054] Here, a valve device 2 of a comparative example will be described for comparison with the valve device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0055] 12 and 13 , in the valve device 2 of the comparative example, the first housing 10 is provided with a first boss portion 61, a first positioning portion 81, and a first connecting portion 98. The second housing 20 is provided with a second boss portion 62, a second positioning portion 82, and a second connecting portion 99. The actuator 50 is provided with a third boss portion 53.

[0056] In the valve device 2 of the comparative example, the first boss portion 61 and the first positioning portion 81 are connected by a first connecting portion 98. The first connecting portion 98 is a portion that connects the first boss portion 61 and the first positioning portion 81 radially outward from the center of the hole 611 of the first boss portion 61 and the center of the first positioning portion 81. Therefore, the shortest path connecting the center of the hole 611 of the first boss portion 61 and the center of the positioning hole 811 of the first positioning portion 81 is filled with resin that forms the first connecting portion 98.

[0057] The second boss portion 62 and the second positioning portion 82 are connected by a second connecting portion 99. The second connecting portion 99 is a portion that connects the second boss portion 62 and the second positioning portion 82 radially outward from the center of the hole 621 of the second boss portion 62 and the center of the second positioning portion 82. Therefore, the shortest path connecting the center of the hole 621 of the second boss portion 62 and the center of the positioning pin 822 of the second positioning portion 82 is filled with resin that forms the second connecting portion 99.

[0058] In the comparative example, as shown by arrow F1 in FIG. 13 , when the first boss portion 61 is deformed toward one side in the axial direction (i.e., toward the second boss portion 62) due to the fastening force (i.e., axial force) of the tapping screw 63, the deformation is transmitted to the first positioning portion 81 via the first connecting portion 98. As a result, as shown by arrow F2, the first positioning portion 81 is deformed toward the second boss portion 62, and the relative circumferential positions of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 resulting from the engagement between the first positioning portion 81 and the second positioning portion 82 are shifted. This causes a shift in the circumferential positional relationship between the outer holes 34 (i.e., the first to fourth outer holes 34a to 34d) of the fixed valve 30 that communicate with the fluid passage of the first housing 10 and the defining portion 21 provided on the second housing 20. As described above, the control device moves the actuated valve 40 to a rotational position in accordance with an instruction from the vehicle system, using the position where the defining portion 21 abuts on the protrusion 78 as a reference position (specifically, the initial position of rotation). Therefore, the valve device 2 of the comparative example has a problem in that when the control device moves the actuated valve 40, the accuracy of the rotational position of the actuated valve 40 relative to the outer hole 34 (i.e., the first to fourth outer holes 34a to 34d) of the fixed valve 30 deteriorates, resulting in a decrease in the accuracy of flow rate control.

[0059] Compared to the comparative example, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment has the following advantageous effects. That is, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment includes a first recess 91 between the first boss portion 61 and the first positioning portion 81. Also, a second recess 92 is provided between the second boss portion 62 and the second positioning portion 82. Therefore, a space S1 is formed by the first recess 91 along the shortest path connecting the center of the hole 611 of the first boss portion 61 and the center of the positioning hole 811 of the first positioning portion 81. Also, a space S2 is formed by the second recess 92 along the shortest path connecting the center of the hole 621 of the second boss portion 62 and the center of the positioning pin 822 of the second positioning portion 82. As a result, as shown by arrow F1 in FIG. 11 , even if the first boss portion 61 is deformed toward one side in the axial direction (i.e., toward the second boss portion 62) due to the fastening force (i.e., axial force) of the tapping screw 63, the space S1 formed by the first recess 91 blocks the transmission of that deformation. This prevents the deformation of the first boss portion 61 from being transmitted to the first positioning portion 81. Furthermore, even if the second boss portion 62 is deformed toward the other side in the axial direction (i.e., toward the first boss portion 61), the space S2 formed by the second recess 92 blocks the transmission of that deformation. This prevents the deformation of the second boss portion 62 from being transmitted to the second positioning portion 82. This improves the circumferential positional accuracy of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 due to the engagement between the first positioning portion 81 and the second positioning portion 82. This improves the circumferential positional accuracy of the fixed valve 30 fixed to the first housing 10 and the defining portion 21 provided on the second housing 20. This also improves the accuracy of the rotational position of the actuated valve 40 relative to the holes (specifically, the first to fourth outer holes 34a to 34d) of the fixed valve 30. As a result, the valve device 1 is capable of highly accurate flow rate control of the fluid flowing between the inner passage 110 and a predetermined outer passage 120 via the groove 42. The valve device 1 is also capable of highly accurate flow rate control of the fluid flowing between the valve chamber 100 and a predetermined outer passage 120 via the through hole 43.

[0060] Furthermore, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment has the following advantageous effects. (1) In the first embodiment, the fastening member that fastens the first boss portion 61 and the second boss portion 62 is the tapping screw 63 that is screwed into the hole 611 of the first boss portion 61. Using the tapping screw 63 as the fastening member makes it possible to firmly fasten the first boss portion 61 and the second boss portion 62 in the axial direction. On the other hand, the fastening force (i.e., axial force) of the tapping screw 63 tends to cause deformation of the first boss portion 61 or the second boss portion 62. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the first recess 91 and the second recess 92 prevent the deformation from being transmitted to the first positioning portion 81 and the second positioning portion 82. Therefore, the circumferential positional accuracy of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is improved, enabling highly accurate flow control.

[0061] (2) In the first embodiment, the first housing 10 has a cylindrical first fitting portion 18 that is coaxial with the valve chamber 100. The second housing 20 also has a cylindrical second fitting portion 22 that is coaxial with the valve chamber 100. The second fitting portion 22 is fitted radially inward of the first fitting portion 18 to form the valve chamber 100. This allows the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to be easily assembled by fitting the cylindrical first fitting portion 18 into the second fitting portion 22. However, this configuration allows the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 to easily rotate relative to each other in the circumferential direction. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the circumferential positional accuracy of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be improved, enabling highly accurate flow control.

[0062] (3) In the first embodiment, the surface 612 of the first boss portion 61 facing the second boss portion 62 and the surface 613 of the first boss portion 61 facing away from the second boss portion are parallel to each other. That is, a space S3 is formed between the surface 613 of the first boss portion 61 facing away from the second boss portion and a portion 11a of the outer wall of the flow path forming portion 11 on the opposite side of the first boss portion 61 from the second boss portion 62. As a result, if the surface 613 of the first boss portion 61 facing away from the second boss portion and the flow path forming portion 11 were connected by a rib or the like, if deformation of the first boss portion 61 were to occur, the deformation could be transmitted to the first positioning portion 81 via the rib and the flow path forming portion 11. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the surface 613 of the first boss portion 61 facing away from the second boss portion and the flow path forming portion 11 are not connected by a rib or the like. As a result, even if deformation occurs in the first boss portion 61, the deformation can be prevented from being transmitted to the first positioning portion 81 via the flow path forming portion 11. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the circumferential positional accuracy of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be improved, thereby enabling highly accurate flow control. Note that in this disclosure, "parallel" includes not only perfect parallelism but also substantial parallelism with slight deviation due to manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0063] (4) In the first embodiment, the angle θ1 formed between the line segment L1 connecting the center of the first positioning portion 81 to the axis CL and the line segment L2 connecting the center of the first boss portion 61 to the axis CL is 60° or less. Furthermore, the angle θ2 formed between the line segment L3 connecting the center of the second positioning portion 82 to the axis CL and the line segment L4 connecting the center of the second boss portion 62 to the axis CL is 60° or less. This allows the first positioning portion 81, the second positioning portion 82, the first boss portion 61, and the second boss portion 62 to be disposed close to each other. Therefore, when the valve device 1 is mounted on a vehicle or the like, the valve device 1 can be positioned so that the area where the first positioning portion 81, the second positioning portion 82, the first boss portion 61, and the second boss portion 62 are grouped together does not interfere with other vehicle-mounted components. This improves the mountability of the valve device 1 on a vehicle or the like.

[0064] Second Embodiment A second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the configurations of the first fixing portion and the fastening member are changed from those of the first embodiment, but the rest of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0065] 14 , in the second embodiment, an insert nut 64 is embedded inside the first boss portion 61. The insert nut 64 is a nut formed integrally with the first boss portion 61 by insert molding. A screw 65, which is an example of a fastening member, is inserted through the hole 531 of the third boss portion 53, passes through the hole 621 of the second boss portion 62, and is threadedly coupled to the insert nut 64 of the first boss portion 61. In this way, the screw 65 fastens the first boss portion 61, the second boss portion 62, and the third boss portion 53 together, and fixes the first housing 10, the second housing 20, and the actuator 50 in the axial direction.

[0066] In the second embodiment described above, the use of the screw 65 as a fastening member also makes it possible to firmly fasten the first boss portion 61 and the second boss portion 62 in the axial direction. However, the fastening force (i.e., axial force) of the screw 65 tends to cause deformation in the first boss portion 61 or the second boss portion 62. However, in the second embodiment as well, the first recess 91 and the second recess 92 prevent this deformation from being transmitted to the first positioning portion 81 and the second positioning portion 82. Therefore, the positional accuracy of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 in the circumferential direction is improved, enabling highly accurate flow control.

[0067] (Other Embodiments) (1) In the above embodiments, the valve device 1 has been described as having two fluid inlets 12, 13 and three fluid outlets 14, 15, 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of fluid inlets 12, 13 and fluid outlets 14, 15, 16 can be changed as desired. The number of outer passages 120 and inner passages 110 provided in the housing can also be changed as desired. The number of inner holes 36 and outer holes 34 in the fixed valve 30 can also be changed as desired, and the number of through holes 43 and grooves 42 in the actuated valve 40 can also be changed as desired. The valve device 1 can also be used so that fluid flows in through the fluid outlets 14, 15, 16 and flows out through the fluid inlets 12, 13.

[0068] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the drive valve 40 has been described as having both a through hole 43 and a groove portion 42, but this is not limited thereto, and the drive valve 40 may have a configuration having either a through hole 43 or a groove portion 42.

[0069] (3) In the above embodiments, the fixed valve 30 is provided at the boundary between the valve chamber 100 and the inner passage 110 and the outer passage 120 of the first housing 10, but this is not limiting, and the fixed valve 30 may be omitted. In this case, for example, the sliding contact surface 41 of the actuating valve 40 may be in direct sliding contact with the end faces of the outer peripheral wall 150, outer passage partition wall 140, inner / outer passage partition wall 130, inner passage partition wall 160, and support portion 170 of the first housing 10 facing the valve chamber 100.

[0070] (4) In the above embodiments, the torque output by the actuator 50 is transmitted from the holder 71, which is integral with the shaft 70, to the actuated valve 40 via the lever 74. However, this is not limiting, and the shaft 70, holder 71, lever 74, etc. may be omitted. In this case, for example, the torque of the actuator 50 may be transmitted directly to the actuated valve 40, or may be transmitted to the actuated valve 40 via a gear or the like.

[0071] (5) In the above embodiments, the second fitting portion 22 provided on the second housing 20 is fitted to the radially inner side of the first fitting portion 18 provided on the first housing 10. However, this is not limiting. For example, the second fitting portion 22 may be fitted to the radially outer side of the first fitting portion 18.

[0072] (6) In the above embodiments, the reference position for rotation of the actuated valve 40 is determined by the protrusion 78 provided on the holder 71 coming into contact with the determining portion 21. However, this is not limiting. For example, the reference position for rotation of the actuated valve 40 may be determined by the direct contact of a portion of the actuated valve 40 with the determining portion 21.

[0073] (7) In the first embodiment, the tapping screw 63 as a fastening member is configured to be inserted through the hole 621 of the second boss portion 62 and screwed into the inner wall of the hole 611 of the first boss portion 61. However, this is not limiting. For example, the tapping screw 63 may be configured to be inserted through the hole 611 of the first boss portion 61 and screwed into the inner wall of the hole 621 of the second boss portion 62.

[0074] (8) In the second embodiment, the screw 65 as a fastening member is inserted through the hole 621 of the second boss portion 62 and threadedly coupled to the insert nut 64 embedded in the first boss portion 61. However, this is not limiting. For example, the screw 65 may be inserted through the hole 611 of the first boss portion 61 and threadedly coupled to the insert nut 64 embedded in the second boss portion 62.

[0075] (9) In the above embodiments, the tapping screw 63 or the screw 65 as a fastening member is configured to fasten the first boss portion 61, the second boss portion 62, and the third boss portion 53 together, but this is not limiting and the fastening member may be configured to fasten the first boss portion 61 and the second boss portion 62 together. In this case, the actuator 50 and the second housing 20 may be fixed together by a member other than the fastening member.

[0076] (10) In the above embodiments, the positioning hole 811 of the first positioning portion 81 and the positioning pin 822 of the second positioning portion 82 are fitted together. However, this is not limiting. For example, the positioning hole of the second positioning portion 82 may be fitted together with the positioning pin of the first positioning portion 81.

[0077] (11) In each of the above embodiments, a configuration has been described in which three first boss portions 61, three second boss portions 62, and three third boss portions 53 are provided, but this is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that there are one or more first boss portions 61, three second boss portions 62, and three third boss portions 53, and the number can be changed as desired.

[0078] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and portions thereof are not unrelated to each other and can be combined as appropriate unless the combination is clearly impossible. It goes without saying that, in each of the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential unless specifically stated as essential or clearly considered essential in principle. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, when numerical values ​​such as the number, values, amounts, and ranges of components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers unless specifically stated as essential or clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, when the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc. are mentioned, they are not limited to the shape, positional relationship, etc., unless specifically stated or limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

[0079] The control device and methods described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the control device and methods described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer configured with a processor configured with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control device and methods described herein may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers configured with a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions in combination with a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored as instructions executed by a computer on a computer-readable non-transitory tangible storage medium.

[0080] (Viewpoints of the Present Disclosure) The above-described present disclosure can be understood from the following viewpoints, for example. [First Aspect] A valve device for controlling a flow of a fluid, comprising: a first housing (10) having a cylindrical valve chamber (100) through which a fluid flows, and fluid passages (110, 120) communicating with the valve chamber; a second housing (20) closing one axial opening of the valve chamber and forming the valve chamber together with the first housing; an actuated valve (40) rotatably provided in the valve chamber about an axis (CL) and adjusting a flow passage area through which the valve chamber communicates with the fluid passage or a flow passage area through which a plurality of the fluid passages communicate with each other; a determining portion (21) provided in the second housing and abutting against a member (78) that rotates together with the actuated valve or the actuated valve to determine a reference position for rotation of the actuated valve; a first boss portion (61) protruding radially outward from an outer wall of the first housing; and a second boss portion (62) protruding radially outward from an outer wall of the second housing. a first positioning portion (81) protruding radially outward from an outer wall of the first housing; a second positioning portion (82) protruding radially outward from an outer wall of the second housing and fitting into the first positioning portion to position the first housing and the second housing in the circumferential direction; a first recess (91) provided between the first boss portion and the first positioning portion, recessed radially inward from the center of the hole of the first boss portion and the center of the first positioning portion; and a second recess (92) provided between the second boss portion and the second positioning portion, recessed radially inward from the center of the hole of the second boss portion and the center of the second positioning portion.[Second Aspect] The valve device according to the first aspect, wherein a space (S1) is formed by the first recess along the shortest path connecting the center of the hole of the first boss portion and the center of the first positioning portion, and a space (S2) is formed by the second recess along the shortest path connecting the center of the hole of the second boss portion and the center of the second positioning portion. [Third Aspect] The valve device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the fastening member is a tapping screw (63) screwed into a hole in the first boss portion or the second boss portion, or a screw (65) fastened to an insert nut (64) embedded in the first boss portion or the second boss portion. [Fourth Aspect] The valve device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the first housing has a cylindrical first fitting portion (18) provided coaxially with the valve chamber, and the second housing also has a cylindrical second fitting portion (22) provided coaxially with the valve chamber, and the second fitting portion fits into a radially inner or outer side of the first fitting portion to form the valve chamber. [Fifth Aspect] The valve device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein a surface (612) of the first boss portion facing the second boss portion and a surface (613) of the first boss portion opposite to the second boss portion are formed parallel to each other. [Sixth Aspect] The valve device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a space (S3) is formed between the surface of the first boss portion opposite to the second boss portion and a portion (11a) of the outer wall of the first housing opposite to the second boss portion with respect to the first boss portion. [Seventh Aspect] The valve device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein an angle (θ1) formed between a line segment (L1) connecting the center of the first positioning portion to the axis and a line segment (L2) connecting the center of the first boss portion to the axis is 60 degrees or less, and an angle (θ2) formed between a line segment (L3) connecting the center of the second positioning portion to the axis and a line segment (L4) connecting the center of the second boss portion to the axis is 60 degrees or less.

Claims

1. A valve device for controlling the flow of a fluid, comprising: a first housing (10) having a cylindrical valve chamber (100) through which a fluid flows, and fluid passages (110, 120) leading to the valve chamber; a second housing (20) closing one axial opening of the valve chamber and forming the valve chamber together with the first housing; a drive valve (40) rotatably provided in the valve chamber about an axis (CL) and adjusting the flow passage area connecting the valve chamber with the fluid passage or the flow passage area connecting a plurality of the fluid passages; a determining portion (21) provided in the second housing and abutting against a member (78) that rotates with the drive valve or the drive valve to determine a reference position for rotation of the drive valve; a first boss portion (61) protruding radially outward from an outer wall of the first housing; and a second boss portion (62) protruding radially outward from an outer wall of the second housing. a first positioning portion (81) protruding radially outward from an outer wall of the first housing; a second positioning portion (82) protruding radially outward from an outer wall of the second housing and fitting into the first positioning portion to position the first housing and the second housing in the circumferential direction; a first recess (91) provided between the first boss portion and the first positioning portion, recessed radially inward from the center of the hole of the first boss portion and the center of the first positioning portion; and a second recess (92) provided between the second boss portion and the second positioning portion, recessed radially inward from the center of the hole of the second boss portion and the center of the second positioning portion.

2. A valve device as described in claim 1, wherein a space (S1) is formed by the first recess between the center of the hole of the first boss portion and the center of the first positioning portion in the shortest path, and a space (S2) is formed by the second recess between the center of the hole of the second boss portion and the center of the second positioning portion in the shortest path.

3. A valve device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening member is a tapping screw (63) that is screwed into a hole in the first boss portion or the second boss portion, or a screw (65) that is fastened to an insert nut (64) embedded in the first boss portion or the second boss portion.

4. A valve device as set forth in claim 1 or 2, wherein the first housing has a cylindrical first fitting portion (18) provided coaxially with the valve chamber, the second housing also has a cylindrical second fitting portion (22) provided coaxially with the valve chamber, and the second fitting portion fits radially inside or outside the first fitting portion, thereby forming the valve chamber.

5. A valve device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface (612) of the first boss portion facing the second boss portion and the surface (613) of the first boss portion opposite the second boss portion are formed parallel to each other.

6. A valve device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein a space (S3) is formed between the surface of the first boss portion opposite the second boss portion and a portion (11a) of the outer wall of the first housing opposite the second boss portion with respect to the first boss portion.

7. A valve device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle (θ1) formed by the line segment (L1) connecting the center of the first positioning portion to the axis and the line segment (L2) connecting the center of the first boss portion to the axis is 60 degrees or less, and the angle (θ2) formed by the line segment (L3) connecting the center of the second positioning portion to the axis and the line segment (L4) connecting the center of the second boss portion to the axis is 60 degrees or less.

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