Valve device and fluid circuit

Abstract

This valve device used in a fluid circuit (60) comprises a housing (10), a valve body (20), and a communication passage (30). The housing has a plurality of ports (P1 to P18, P20 to P24) through which a fluid flows in and flows out. The valve body has a plurality of valve flow paths (24, 201, 202, 241 to 246, V1 to V14) capable of communicating with the plurality of ports in the housing, and can switch the communication state between the plurality of ports and the plurality of valve flow paths to make the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits. The communication passage communicates a valve flow path or port forming a predetermined closed circuit with a valve flow path or port forming another closed circuit when the valve body makes the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits.

Description

Valve device and fluid circuit CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-153920, filed on September 6, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a valve device and a fluid circuit in which the valve device is used.

[0003] Conventionally, a valve device serving as a multi-way valve capable of switching a fluid circuit between one closed circuit and multiple closed circuits has been known. The fluid circuit described in Patent Document 1 includes a heater circuit through which hot water circulates and a coolant circuit through which cold water circulates. A valve device serving as a four-way valve is provided at the connection between the heater circuit and the coolant circuit. A pressure relief path connects a reserve tank provided in the heater circuit to the coolant circuit. During normal use, the valve device activates the heater circuit and the coolant circuit, respectively, to form closed circuits. In this case, if the pressure in the coolant circuit increases excessively due to a rise in fluid temperature or the like, the pressure in the coolant circuit can be released to the reserve tank through the pressure relief path.

[0004] JP 2024-075942 A

[0005] However, the fluid circuit described in Patent Document 1 has a pressure relief passage in the middle of the piping, which results in a complex configuration of the fluid circuit, a large number of parts, an increased size, a complex manufacturing process, and increased manufacturing costs.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a valve device and a fluid circuit that can suppress excessive pressure increases in the fluid circuit, simplify the configuration of the fluid circuit, and prevent an increase in the number of parts, an increase in size, and an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a valve device used in a fluid circuit through which a fluid flows includes: a housing having a plurality of ports through which the fluid flows in and out; a valve element having a plurality of valve flow paths that can communicate with the plurality of ports within the housing and that can switch the communication state between the plurality of ports and the plurality of valve flow paths to form a plurality of closed circuits; and a communication passage that communicates between the valve flow paths or ports that form a predetermined closed circuit and the valve flow paths or ports that form another closed circuit when the valve element forms the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits.

[0008] According to this, when the pressure in a specific closed circuit in a fluid circuit using the valve device increases due to a rise in fluid temperature or the like, the pressure in that specific closed circuit can be released to another closed circuit through a communication passage. Therefore, by balancing the pressures in multiple closed circuits, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure increases in the fluid circuit. Therefore, by using the valve device of the present disclosure, it is not necessary to provide a pressure relief passage in the fluid circuit as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, compared to Patent Document 1, the valve device of the present disclosure simplifies the configuration of the fluid circuit, preventing an increase in the number of parts in the fluid circuit, an increase in size, and an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a fluid circuit through which a fluid flows includes: the valve device according to the one aspect above; and, when the valve device divides the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits, a pressure regulator provided in one of the plurality of closed circuits.

[0010] According to this, by including the valve device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid circuit according to another aspect of the present disclosure can reduce the number of pressure regulators, such as reserve tanks, provided in the fluid circuit, thereby simplifying the configuration of the fluid circuit and preventing an increase in the number of parts of the fluid circuit, an increase in size, and an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0011] 10 is a front view of the valve device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the valve disc in the valve device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the valve disc provided in the valve device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the valve disc in the valve device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the valve disc in a valve device according to a modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram showing a state in which a fluid circuit using the valve device according to the first embodiment is configured as one closed circuit. FIG. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating valve flow paths communicating with the ports of the valve device in the state of the fluid circuit shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram showing a state in which a fluid circuit using the valve device according to the first embodiment is configured as two closed circuits. FIG. 18 is an explanatory view illustrating valve flow paths communicating with the ports of the valve device in the state of the fluid circuit shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 19 is a circuit diagram showing a state in which a fluid circuit using the valve device according to the first embodiment is configured as three closed circuits. FIG. 19 is an explanatory view illustrating valve flow paths communicating with the ports of the valve device in the state of the fluid circuit shown in FIG. 20. A cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the valve disc in the valve device according to the third embodiment. A cross-sectional view taken along line XVI-XVI in Figure 15. A cross-sectional view showing a state in which the valve disc has been rotated from the state in Figure 16. A perspective view showing only the valve disc and fixed valve in the valve device according to the fourth embodiment. A cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the axis of the valve disc in the valve device according to the fourth embodiment. A cross-sectional view taken along line XX-XX in Figure 19. A cross-sectional view taken along line XXI-XXI in Figure 19.

[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 according to a first embodiment will be described using a 10-way valve as an example of a multi-way valve used in a fluid circuit through which a fluid flows. As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the valve device 1 includes a housing 10, a valve element 20, and a communication passage 30.

[0014] The housing 10 has a cylindrical portion 11 and a bottom portion 12 that closes one side of the cylindrical portion 11. The housing 10 has a plurality of ports P1 to P10 in a portion of the cylindrical portion 11 through which fluid flows in and out. The ports P1 to P10 penetrate the inner and outer walls of the cylindrical portion 11. Fluid circuit piping is connected to the ports P1 to P10. Thus, fluid flows into the housing 10 from the fluid circuit piping via the ports P1 to P10, and fluid flows out from the housing 10 to the fluid circuit piping via the ports P1 to P10. In the following description, the ten ports of the housing 10 may be referred to as port P1, port P2, port P3, ... port P10, respectively.

[0015] Hereinafter, the direction in which the axis of the tubular portion 11 of the housing 10 extends will be referred to as the "axial direction," and the side of the bottom 12 of the tubular portion 11 in the axial direction will be referred to as one side, and the side opposite the bottom 12 of the tubular portion 11 in the axial direction will be referred to as the other side.

[0016] A cover 13 closes the opening on the other side of the cylindrical portion 11 of the housing 10. The cover 13 is fixed to a locking portion 14 provided on the outer wall of the cylindrical portion 11 by a snap fit 15. An actuator 40 is fixed to the other side of the cover 13 by a screw 16. The actuator 40 has an electric motor, a reduction mechanism, and the like inside the case (not shown). The actuator 40 is only shown in FIG. 1.

[0017] The valve disc 20 is conical and is mounted inside the housing 10 so as to be rotatable about a predetermined axis CL. Here, a cone having the same axis as the axis CL of rotation of the valve disc 20 is defined. In Figures 2 to 4, only a portion of the axis of the cone and a portion of the generatrix G are indicated by dashed dotted lines. The axis of the cone and the axis CL of the valve disc 20 coincide. The surface of the cone obtained by rotating the generatrix G around the axis is called the side surface, the point of contact between the generatrix G and the axis is called the apex, and the surface opposite the apex and perpendicular to the axis is called the bottom surface. The valve disc 20 has an outer peripheral wall 21 formed along the side surface of the cone, a first end surface 22 formed on the apex side (i.e., one side) of the cone, and a second end surface 23 formed on the bottom side (i.e., the other side) of the cone and opposite the first end surface 22. The one side end surface 22 and the other side end surface 23 are formed perpendicular to the axis CL of the valve body 20 .

[0018] The valve element 20 is disposed so that one end surface 22 faces the bottom 12 of the housing 10, and is accommodated inside the housing 10 so as to be rotatable about a conical axis CL. The inner wall of the cylindrical portion 11 of the housing 10 has a shape that follows the side surface of a cone that is similar to and coaxial with the cone shape along which the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve element 20 follows. Therefore, the inner wall of the cylindrical portion 11 of the housing 10 and the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve element 20 are parallel to each other.

[0019] The valve element 20 has multiple valve flow paths 24 recessed from the outer peripheral wall 21 toward the axis CL. The multiple valve flow paths 24 can communicate with multiple ports P1 to P10 within the housing 10. The valve element 20 switches the communication state between the multiple ports P1 to P10 and the multiple valve flow paths 24 by changing the rotation phase around the axis CL. In other words, the valve element 20 switches the valve flow paths 24 that communicate with the multiple ports P1 to P10. In this way, the valve element 20 can switch between communication and blockage between the multiple ports.

[0020] The valve element 20 has an input shaft 25 that protrudes axially from the other end surface 23. The input shaft 25 passes through an insertion hole 17 formed in the cover 13. A bearing 18 and a shaft seal member 19 are provided between the inner wall of the insertion hole 17 and the input shaft 25. A gear 26 is provided at the tip of the input shaft 25, and torque for rotating the valve element 20 is input from an actuator 40.

[0021] A seal member 50 is provided between the inner wall of the housing 10 and the valve element 20. The surface of the seal member 50 facing the housing 10 abuts against the peripheral edges of the ports P1 to P10, and the surface facing the valve element 20 is in sliding contact with the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve element 20. The seal member 50 has a plurality of holes at positions corresponding to the plurality of ports P1 to P10.

[0022] A spring 51 provided between the other end surface 23 of the valve element 20 and the cover 13 biases the valve element 20 toward the apex of the cone. A component force acting from the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve element 20 on the seal member 50 and the housing 10 is generated in response to the load applied by the spring 51 in the axial direction of the valve element 20. The component force acts as a force pressing the valve element 20, the seal member 50, and the inner wall of the housing 10. The spring force of the spring 51 is adjusted so that the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve element 20 and the seal member 50 are in sliding contact with each other with little sliding resistance, and so that the seal member 50 abuts against the inner wall of the housing 10. This achieves sealing between the valve element 20 and the seal member 50 and between the housing 10 and the seal member 50, while also reducing torque during rotational driving of the valve element 20 and suppressing torque fluctuations.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a communication passage 30 is provided in a part of the valve body 20. The communication passage 30 is provided in a part of the flow path wall 27 that separates the valve flow path 24 of the valve body 20. In the first embodiment, the communication passage 30 is formed as a notch formed by cutting out a portion of the flow path wall 27 on the outer circumferential wall 21 side. The communication passage 30 in the first embodiment is a flow path that connects the valve flow path 24 on one side of the flow path wall 27 with the valve flow path 24 on the other side of the flow path wall 27. The flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communication passage 30 is smaller than the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​one port. The position where the communication passage 30 is provided in the valve body 20 and the function of the communication passage 30 will be described later.

[0024] 5, as a modification of the first embodiment, the communication passage 30 may be formed as a through-hole penetrating one surface of the flow path wall 27. The shape of the communication passage 30 is not limited to a semicircle or a circle, and may be any shape, such as a polygon or a shape combining straight lines and curves.

[0025] Fig. 6 shows an example of a fluid circuit 60 in which the valve device 1 of the first embodiment is used. As shown in Fig. 6, the fluid circuit 60 includes, for example, a first pump 61, a second pump 62, a pressure regulator 63, an electric drive unit 64, a heat exchanger 65, a chiller 66, a radiator 67, and a battery cooler 68. A fluid such as LLC or water circulates through the fluid circuit 60. LLC is an abbreviation for Long Life Coolant.

[0026] The first pump 61 and the second pump 62 are, for example, electric fluid pumps that are driven by electricity to circulate the fluid through the fluid circuit 60. The pressure regulator 63 is, for example, a reserve tank. The reserve tank has a function of storing fluid and a pressure regulation function of releasing pressure to the outside air through a cap 69 if the pressure in the fluid circuit 60 increases excessively. Note that the pressure regulator 63 is not limited to a reserve tank and may be any device that has a pressure regulation function. In the first embodiment, it is sufficient to provide one pressure regulator 63 in the fluid circuit 60.

[0027] The electric drive unit 64 is a device that controls the power of, for example, an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, and is configured to include an inverter, a boost converter, a DC-DC converter, etc. (not shown). The heat exchanger 65 is, for example, a water-water heat exchanger that exchanges heat between hot water flowing in a hot water circuit (not shown) and fluid flowing in the fluid circuit 60. The chiller 66 is a refrigerant-water heat exchanger that exchanges heat between low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing in a heat pump cycle (not shown) and fluid flowing in the fluid circuit 60. The radiator 67 is an air-water heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the fluid flowing in the fluid circuit 60 and outside air. The battery cooler 68 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the fluid flowing in the fluid circuit 60 and the battery.

[0028] In the following description, the circuit including the first pump 61, the pressure regulator 63, and the electric driver 64 will be referred to as the first circuit 71. The circuit including the heat exchanger 65 will be referred to as the second circuit 72. The circuit including the second pump 62 and the chiller 66 will be referred to as the third circuit 73. The circuit including the radiator 67 will be referred to as the fourth circuit 74. The circuit including the battery cooler 68 will be referred to as the fifth circuit 75. The pressure regulator 63 is provided in the first circuit 71, but this is not a limitation and it may be provided in any one of the first circuit 71 to the fifth circuit 75.

[0029] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the valve device 1. Ports P1 to P10 of the valve device 1 illustrated in FIG. 6 correspond to ports P1 to P10 of the valve device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. The pipes of the first circuit 71 to the fifth circuit 75 are connected to the ports P1 to P10 of the valve device 1, respectively. Specifically, one end of the pipe 711 of the first circuit 71 is connected to port P5, and the other end of the pipe 711 of the first circuit 71 is connected to port P6. One end of the pipe 721 of the second circuit 72 is connected to port P7, and the other end of the pipe 721 of the second circuit 72 is connected to port P8. One end of the pipe 731 of the third circuit 73 is connected to port P9, and the other end of the pipe 731 of the third circuit 73 is connected to port P10. One end of the pipe 741 of the fourth circuit 74 is connected to port P1, and the other end of the pipe 741 of the fourth circuit 74 is connected to port P2. One end of the pipe 751 of the fifth circuit 75 is connected to the port P3, and the other end of the pipe 751 of the fifth circuit 75 is connected to the port P4. This also applies to Figures 8, 10, 12, and 13, which will be referred to in the description below.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a state in which the valve device 1 has configured the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit by setting the valve element 20 at a predetermined rotational phase. Note that in FIG. 6, in order to provide a detailed explanation of the multiple valve flow paths 24 described above, each valve flow path 24 is indicated by a symbol combining the letter V and a number. This also applies to FIGS. 7 to 13, which will be referred to in the following explanation. Of the multiple valve flow paths 24 of the valve element 20, FIGS. 6 and 7 only show five valve flow paths V1 to V5 that communicate with ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit. In the following explanation, the five valve flow paths V1 to V5 that communicate with ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit will be referred to as valve flow path V1, valve flow path V2, ..., valve flow path V5, respectively.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows the communication state between the valve flow paths V1 to V5 and the ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit. The solid-line box in FIG. 7 indicates the five valve flow paths V1 to V5. The solid line in FIG. 7 also indicates the flow path wall 27 that separates the valve flow paths V1 to V5. In the following description, when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit, the portion of the valve element 20 that separates the valve flow paths V1 to V5 that communicate with the ports P1 to P10 may be referred to as the "first flow path wall 271" as appropriate. P1 to P10 in FIG. 7 indicate the ports P1 to P10 that communicate with the valve flow paths V1 to V5, respectively. In FIG. 7, the ports P1 to P10 are separated by solid and dashed lines.

[0032] Valve flow path V1 communicates between port P6 and port P7. Valve flow path V2 communicates between port P8 and port P9. Valve flow path V3 communicates between port P1 and port P10. Valve flow path V4 communicates between port P2 and port P3. Valve flow path V5 communicates between port P4 and port P5. As a result, the first circuit 71 to the fifth circuit 75 form a single closed circuit.

[0033] The first flow path wall 271, which serves as a section that separates the valve flow paths 24 that communicate with the ports when the fluid circuit 60 of the valve device 1 is configured as one closed circuit, does not have the communication path 30. Therefore, in the first embodiment, when fluid circulates in one closed circuit, a portion of the fluid does not take a shortcut through the communication path 30.

[0034] Next, Figure 8 shows a state in which the valve device 1 sets the valve element 20 at a predetermined rotational phase, thereby forming the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits (specifically, two closed circuits). Of the multiple valve flow paths of the valve element 20, Figures 8 and 9 show only five valve flow paths V6 to V10 that communicate with the ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 sets the fluid circuit 60 into two closed circuits. In the following description, these five valve flow paths will be referred to as valve flow path V6, valve flow path V7, ..., valve flow path V10, respectively.

[0035] FIG. 9 shows the communication state between the valve flow paths V6 to V10 and the ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 as the two closed circuits shown in FIG. 8 . The solid-line box in FIG. 9 indicates the valve flow paths V6 to V10. The solid line in FIG. 9 also indicates the flow path wall 27 that separates the valve flow paths V6 to V10. In the following description, when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 as multiple closed circuits, the portion of the valve element 20 that separates the valve flow paths that communicate with the ports P1 to P10 may be referred to as the "second flow path wall 272" as appropriate. P1 to P10 in FIG. 9 refer to the ports P1 to P10 that communicate with the valve flow paths V6 to V10, respectively. In FIG. 9 , the ports P1 to P10 are also separated by solid and dashed lines.

[0036] Valve flow path V6 communicates between port P6 and port P7. Valve flow path V7 communicates between port P3 and port P8. Valve flow path V8 communicates between port P4 and port P5. Valve flow path V9 communicates between port P2 and port P9. Valve flow path V10 communicates between port P1 and port P10. As a result, the first circuit 71, the second circuit 72, and the fifth circuit 75 form a predetermined closed circuit, and the third circuit 73 and the fourth circuit 74 form another closed circuit. Hereinafter, the predetermined closed circuit may be referred to as the "first closed circuit" as appropriate, and the other closed circuit may be referred to as the "second closed circuit" as appropriate.

[0037] The communicating passage 30 is provided in a portion of the second flow path wall 272, which serves as a partition between the valve flow paths V6 to V10 that communicate with the ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 as multiple closed circuits. Specifically, the communicating passage 30 is provided in the second flow path wall 272 that separates the valve flow path V8 from the valve flow path V10. As a result, when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 as multiple closed circuits, the communicating passage 30 connects a predetermined closed circuit (i.e., the first closed circuit) to another closed circuit (i.e., the second closed circuit) within the housing 10. Therefore, if the pressure in one closed circuit increases due to a rise in fluid temperature or the like, the pressure in that closed circuit can be released to another closed circuit through the communicating passage 30. Therefore, by balancing the pressures in the multiple closed circuits, it is possible to prevent an excessive increase in pressure in the fluid circuit 60.

[0038] The communication passage 30 provides communication between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit within the housing 10. Specifically, the communication passage 30 connects one valve passage V8 of the multiple valve passages V6, V7, and V8 that form the first closed circuit with one valve passage V10 of the multiple valve passages V9 and V10 that form the second closed circuit. This prevents circulation between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit, making it difficult for fluid to flow through the communication passage 30. This allows pressure to be transmitted between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit while suppressing heat transfer.

[0039] Next, Figure 10 shows a state in which the valve device 1 sets the valve element 20 at a predetermined rotational phase, thereby forming the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits (specifically, three closed circuits). Of the multiple valve flow paths of the valve element 20, Figures 10 and 11 show only four valve flow paths V11 to V14 that communicate with the ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 sets the fluid circuit 60 into three closed circuits. In the following description, these four valve flow paths will be referred to as valve flow path V11, valve flow path V12, valve flow path V13, and valve flow path V14, respectively.

[0040] Figure 11 shows the communication state between the valve flow paths V11 to V14 and the ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 into the three closed circuits shown in Figure 10. The solid line frames in Figure 11 indicate the valve flow paths V11 to V14. The solid lines in Figure 11 also indicate the flow path walls 27 (i.e., the second flow path walls 272) that separate the valve flow paths V11 to V14. P1 to P10 shown in Figure 11 indicate the ports P1 to P10 that communicate with the valve flow paths V11 to V14, respectively. In Figure 11, the ports P1 to P10 are also separated by solid and dashed lines.

[0041] The valve flow path V11 connects port P2 to port P5. The valve flow path V12 connects port P1 to port P6. The valve flow path V13 connects port P7 to port P10. The valve flow path V14 connects port P8 to port P9. As a result, the first circuit 71 and the fourth circuit 74 form a predetermined closed circuit, the second circuit 72 and the third circuit 73 form another closed circuit, and the fifth circuit 75 forms yet another closed circuit. Hereinafter, the predetermined closed circuit may be referred to as the "first closed circuit" as appropriate, the other closed circuit may be referred to as the "second closed circuit" as appropriate, and the yet another closed circuit may be referred to as the "third closed circuit" as appropriate. Note that no fluid circulates in the third closed circuit (i.e., the fifth circuit 75).

[0042] As described above, the communicating passage 30 is provided in a portion of the second flow path wall 272, which serves as a section separating the valve flow paths V11 to V14 that communicate with the ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 as multiple closed circuits. Specifically, a predetermined communicating passage 30a is provided in the second flow path wall 272 that separates the valve flow path V11 from the valve flow path V13. Another communicating passage 30b is also provided in the second flow path wall 272 that separates the valve flow path V11 from the port P4. Therefore, when the valve device 1 configures the fluid circuit 60 as three closed circuits, the communicating passage 30 communicates a predetermined closed circuit (i.e., the first closed circuit) with another closed circuit (i.e., the second closed circuit), and yet another closed circuit (i.e., the third closed circuit) within the housing 10. Therefore, if the pressure in one of the three closed circuits increases due to a rise in fluid temperature or the like, the pressure in that closed circuit can be released to the other closed circuits through the communicating passage 30. Therefore, by balancing the pressures in the multiple closed circuits, it is possible to prevent an excessive pressure rise in the fluid circuit 60.

[0043] The predetermined communication passage 30a provides a single communication between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit within the housing 10. The other communication passage 30b provides a single communication between the first closed circuit and the third closed circuit within the housing 10. Specifically, the predetermined communication passage 30a provides communication between one valve passage V11 of the multiple valve passages V11 and V12 forming the first closed circuit and one valve passage V13 of the multiple valve passages V13 and V14 forming the second closed circuit. The other communication passage 30b provides communication between one valve passage V11 of the multiple valve passages V11 and V12 forming the first closed circuit and port P4 of the multiple ports P3 and P4 forming the third closed circuit. This prevents circulation between the first to third closed circuits and makes it difficult for fluid to flow through the communication passages 30a and 30b. This allows pressure to be transmitted between the first to third closed circuits while suppressing heat transfer.

[0044] Here, a comparative valve device 100 will be described for comparison with the valve device 1 of the first embodiment described above. The comparative valve device 100 does not include the communication passage 30, unlike the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, but has the same configuration as the first embodiment in other respects.

[0045] Figure 12 shows a state in which the valve device 100 of the comparative example has configured the fluid circuit 60 into two closed circuits by setting the valve element 20 at a predetermined rotational phase. Figure 12 also shows five valve flow paths V6 to V10 that communicate with the ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 100 of the comparative example has configured the fluid circuit 60 into two closed circuits. These five valve flow paths V6 to V10 are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0046] The valve device 100 of the comparative example does not include the communication passage 30. Instead, the fluid circuit 60 in which the valve device 100 of the comparative example is used is provided with a pressure relief passage 101. The pressure relief passage 101 is a pipe connecting a reserve tank serving as the pressure regulator 63 with the fourth circuit 74. As a result, when the pressure in the second closed circuit (i.e., the circuit including the third circuit 73 and the fourth circuit 74) increases due to a rise in fluid temperature or the like, the pressure in the second closed circuit can be released to the reserve tank through the pressure relief passage 101. This makes it possible to prevent excessive pressure increases in the fluid circuit 60. However, because the fluid circuit 60 in which the valve device 100 of the comparative example is used has the pressure relief passage 101 provided midway through the pipe, the configuration of the fluid circuit 60 becomes complex, resulting in an increased number of parts, an increased size, a complex manufacturing process, and increased manufacturing costs.

[0047] On the other hand, Figure 13 shows a state in which the valve device 100 of the comparative example has the valve element 20 at a predetermined rotational phase, thereby forming the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit. Figure 13 also shows five valve flow paths V1 to V5 that communicate with the ports P1 to P10 when the valve device 100 of the comparative example forms the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit. These five valve flow paths V1 to V5 are also the same as those described in the first embodiment.

[0048] When the fluid circuit 60 using the valve device 100 of the comparative example is used as a single closed circuit, a portion of the closed circuit indicated by arrows A1 to A4 and the pressure relief passage 101 indicated by arrows B1 to B4 are arranged in parallel. This causes a portion of the fluid flowing through the closed circuit to take a shortcut through the pressure relief passage 101. As a result, the intended flow rate of fluid cannot be supplied to a device (e.g., a battery cooler 68) located in a portion of the closed circuit that is parallel to the pressure relief passage 101, and the intended amount of heat cannot be transported. Therefore, when the fluid circuit 60 using the valve device 100 of the comparative example is used as a single closed circuit, there is a problem of reduced thermal management.

[0049] Compared to the valve device 100 of the comparative example described above, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment has the following advantages. (1) The valve device 1 of the first embodiment includes a communication passage 30 that connects the valve flow path 24 or ports P1-P10 that form a predetermined closed circuit when the valve element 20 divides the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits with the valve flow path 24 or ports P1-P10 that form another closed circuit. This allows the pressure in a predetermined closed circuit in the fluid circuit 60 in which the valve device 1 is used to increase due to a rise in fluid temperature or other reasons to be released through the communication passage 30 to another closed circuit. Therefore, by balancing the pressures in the multiple closed circuits, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure increases in the fluid circuit 60. Therefore, by using the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the fluid circuit 60 with a pressure relief passage 101, as in the comparative example. Therefore, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment simplifies the configuration of the fluid circuit 60 compared to the valve device 100 of the comparative example, and can prevent an increase in the number of parts of the fluid circuit 60, an increase in size, and an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0050] (2) In the first embodiment, the communicating passage 30 connects one of the valve flow paths 24 or ports P1-P10 forming a predetermined closed circuit to another of the valve flow paths 24 or ports forming another closed circuit. Therefore, if the multiple valve flow paths 24 or ports P1-P10 forming a predetermined closed circuit were connected to the multiple valve flow paths 24 or ports P1-P10 forming another closed circuit via the communicating passage 30, circulation would occur between the predetermined closed circuit and the other closed circuit. For example, in the fluid circuit 60 shown in FIG. 8 , if a second communicating passage connecting the valve flow paths V9 and V7 were provided in addition to the first communicating passage 30 connecting the valve flow paths V8 and V10, circulation of fluid would occur between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit. Specifically, a flow from the valve flow path V10 to the valve flow path V8 occurs through the first communication path 30, and a flow from the valve flow path V7 to the valve flow path V9 occurs through the second communication path, resulting in heat transfer between the two closed circuits. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the communication path 30 connects one valve flow path 24 or port forming a predetermined closed circuit with one valve flow path 24 or port forming another closed circuit. Therefore, fluid does not circulate between the predetermined closed circuit and the other closed circuit, and fluid flow is unlikely to occur in the communication path 30. Therefore, heat transfer can be suppressed while pressure is transmitted between the predetermined closed circuit and the other closed circuit.

[0051] (3) In the first embodiment, the communication passage 30 provides communication between the valve flow passage 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form a predetermined closed circuit and the valve flow passage 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form another closed circuit. This prevents circulation between the predetermined closed circuit and the other closed circuit, making it difficult for fluid to flow through the communication passage 30. This allows pressure to be transmitted between the predetermined closed circuit and the other closed circuit while suppressing heat transfer.

[0052] (4) In the first embodiment, the communication passage 30 is located in a position that does not allow communication between the multiple valve flow paths 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form a single closed circuit when the valve element 20 configures the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit. When the fluid circuit 60 using the valve device 100 of the comparative example is used as a single closed circuit, the pressure relief passage 101 becomes a shortcut, resulting in a problem of poor thermal management. In contrast, when the valve device 1 of the first embodiment uses the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit, no shortcut is formed, as in the comparative example. Therefore, the intended flow rate of fluid can be passed through all devices in the closed circuit, allowing the intended amount of heat to be transported. This improves thermal management.

[0053] (5) In the first embodiment, the valve element 20 has a first flow path wall 271 and a second flow path wall 272. The first flow path wall 271 is a portion that separates the valve flow paths 24 that communicate with the ports P1 to P10 when the valve element 20 configures the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit. The second flow path wall 272 is a portion that separates the valve flow paths 24 that communicate with the ports P1 to P10 when the valve element 20 configures the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit. The communicating passage 30 is not provided in the first flow path wall 271, but is provided in a portion of the second flow path wall 272. As a result, because the communicating passage 30 is not provided in the first flow path wall 271, when the valve element 20 configures the fluid circuit 60 as a single closed circuit, the multiple valve flow paths 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form that single closed circuit do not communicate with each other. Furthermore, since the communication passage 30 is provided in a part of the second flow path wall 272, when the valve body 20 configures the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, it connects the valve flow path 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form a predetermined closed circuit with the valve flow path 24 or ports P1 to P10 that form another closed circuit.

[0054] (6) In the first embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication passage 30 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the ports P1 to P10. This suppresses the flow of fluid through the communication passage 30. Therefore, when the valve element 20 configures the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, it is possible to suppress the transfer of heat while transmitting pressure between a predetermined closed circuit and another closed circuit.

[0055] (7) In the first embodiment, the valve body 20 is cone-shaped. However, as will be described in the second to fourth embodiments below, the valve body 20 may be cylindrical, ball-shaped, or disk-plate-shaped. This allows the valve body 20 to be of various shapes.

[0056] (8) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, the communication passage 30 is a notch formed by cutting out a portion of the flow path wall 27 on the outer peripheral wall 21 side, or a through hole that penetrates from one surface to the other surface of the flow path wall 27. In this way, the communication passage 30 can have various shapes.

[0057] (9) In the fluid circuit 60 using the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, when the valve device 1 divides the fluid circuit 60 into a plurality of closed circuits, one of the plurality of closed circuits is provided with a pressure regulator 63. Accordingly, by using the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, the number of pressure regulators 63 such as reserve tanks provided in the fluid circuit 60 can be reduced. Therefore, the configuration of the fluid circuit 60 can be simplified, and an increase in the number of parts of the fluid circuit 60, an increase in the size, and an increase in manufacturing costs can be prevented.

[0058] (Second to Fourth Embodiments) In the second to fourth embodiments, the shape of the valve device 1 is changed from that of the first embodiment, but other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0059] Second Embodiment As shown in Figure 14, the valve device 2 of the second embodiment includes a cylindrical valve element 20. The outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve element 20 is formed to fit along the side surface of the cylinder. The valve element 20 is provided inside the housing 10 so as to be rotatable about a predetermined axis CL. The inner wall of the tubular portion 11 of the housing 10 is also cylindrical and is formed parallel to the outer peripheral wall 21 of the valve element 20. Otherwise, the valve device 2 of the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the valve device 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0060] The valve device 2 of the second embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the valve device 1 described in the first embodiment.

[0061] 15 to 17 , the valve element 20 provided in the valve device 3 of the third embodiment is a ball-shaped valve element formed by stacking multiple spheres (e.g., three spheres) in the axial direction. The valve element 20 is rotatably mounted inside the housing 10 around a predetermined axis CL. The valve element 20 has a first central valve flow path 201 and a second central valve flow path 202 provided in the center. The first central valve flow path 201 and the second central valve flow path 202 are separated by an intermediate flow path wall 28. The valve element 20 also has a first outer valve flow path 241 that opens from the first central valve flow path 201 to the outer peripheral wall 21. The valve element 20 also has a second outer valve flow path 242, a third outer valve flow path 243, and a fourth outer valve flow path 244 that open from the second central valve flow path 202 to the outer peripheral wall 21, as well as a communication path 30. The second outer valve flow path 242, the third outer valve flow path 243, and the communication path 30 are provided on the same plane perpendicular to the axis CL.

[0062] The housing 10 has eight ports P11 to P18. In the third embodiment, the eight ports P11 to P18 of the housing 10 may be referred to as port P11, port P12, port P13, ... port P18, respectively. The ports P11 to P17 open in a direction perpendicular to the axis CL, and the port P18 opens in the axial direction.

[0063] The ports P11, P12 and the first outer valve passage 241 are provided on the same plane perpendicular to the axis CL. The ports P13, P14, P15, the second outer valve passage 242, the third outer valve passage 243 and the communication passage 30 are provided on the same plane perpendicular to the axis CL. The ports P16, P17 and the fourth outer valve passage 244 are provided on the same plane perpendicular to the axis CL. The port P18 and the second central valve passage 202 are always in communication.

[0064] 15 and 16 show a state in which the valve device 3 sets the valve element 20 at a predetermined rotational phase, thereby forming the fluid circuit 60 (not shown) into multiple closed circuits. Of the multiple closed circuits (not shown), the piping of a first closed circuit is connected to ports P13, P14, and P18, and the piping of a second closed circuit is connected to port P15. As indicated by arrow F1 in FIG. 15 , in the first closed circuit, fluid flowing from port P18 into the second central valve flow path 202 flows out from port P13. Also, as indicated by arrow F2 in FIG. 16 , in the first closed circuit, fluid flowing from port P14 into the second central valve flow path 202 flows out from port P13. At this time, the communication passage 30 provided in the valve element 20 communicates between the second central valve flow path 202, which forms the first closed circuit, and port P15, which is connected to the second closed circuit. Therefore, the communication passage 30 is provided in a part of the second flow passage wall 272 that separates the second central valve flow passage 202 that communicates with the ports P13, P14, and P18 when the valve device 3 configures the fluid circuit 60 into a plurality of closed circuits. In Figure 16, the range of the second flow passage wall 272 in the valve body 20 is surrounded by a dashed dotted line. The communication passage 30 connects the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit with a single passage, and therefore it is possible to transmit pressure between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit while suppressing heat transfer.

[0065] On the other hand, FIG. 17 illustrates a state in which the valve device 3 sets the valve element 20 at a predetermined rotational phase, thereby forming a single closed circuit in the fluid circuit 60 (not shown). The piping of the single closed circuit (not shown) is connected to ports P14, P15, and P18. As indicated by arrow F3 in FIG. 17 , in the single closed circuit, fluid flowing from port P14 into the second central valve flow path 202 flows out from port P15. At this time, the communication passage 30 provided in the valve element 20 is blocked by the inner wall of the housing 10 and therefore does not function as a passage. Therefore, the communication passage 30 is not provided in the first flow path wall 271, which serves as a partitioning section of the second central valve flow path 202 that communicates with ports P14, P15, and P18 when the valve device 3 forms the fluid circuit 60 into a single closed circuit. In FIG. 17 , the area of ​​the first flow path wall 271 in the valve element 20 is surrounded by a dashed line.

[0066] The valve device 3 of the third embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the valve device 1 described in the first embodiment, etc. In the third embodiment, the second flow path wall 272 in which the communication path 30 is provided and the first flow path wall 271 in which the communication path 30 is not provided are different portions of the valve body 20 that is integrally formed.

[0067] 18 to 21 , the valve element 20 provided in the valve device 4 of the fourth embodiment is a disk-shaped disk plate type. The valve element 20 is provided inside the housing 10 so as to be rotatable about a predetermined axis CL. The valve element 20 has a recessed valve flow path 245 recessed from one surface to the other surface in the axial direction, and a through valve flow path 246 and a communicating path 30 that penetrate from one surface to the other surface in the axial direction. The recessed valve flow path 245, the through valve flow path 246, and the communicating path 30 are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the valve element 20.

[0068] The housing 10 has four ports P21 to P24. In the fourth embodiment, the four ports P21 to P24 of the housing 10 may be referred to as port P21, port P22, port P23, and port P24, respectively. The ports P21, P22, and P24 are provided on one axial side of the housing 10 with respect to the valve body 20. The port P23 is provided on the other axial side of the housing 10 with respect to the valve body 20. The housing 10 has a fixed valve 80 inside.

[0069] The fixed valve 80 is a member fixed to the housing 10 and slides against the valve element 20. The fixed valve 80 has holes 81, 82, and 83 that are constantly in communication with the ports P21, P22, and P24, and a hole 84 that is in communication with the communication passage 30 of the valve element 20 when the valve element 20 is in a predetermined rotational phase. When the valve element 20 is in a predetermined rotational phase, the holes 81 and 82 of the fixed valve 80 are in communication with the recessed valve flow path 245 of the valve element 20, and the hole 83 of the fixed valve 80 is in communication with the through valve flow path 246 of the valve element 20.

[0070] 19 to 21 show a state in which the valve device 4 sets the valve element 20 at a predetermined rotational phase, thereby forming the fluid circuit 60 (not shown) into multiple closed circuits. Of the multiple closed circuits (not shown), the piping of a first closed circuit is assumed to be connected to ports P21 and P22, and the piping of a second closed circuit is assumed to be connected to ports P23 and P24. As indicated by arrow F4 in FIG. 20 , in the first closed circuit, fluid flowing from port P21 into the recessed valve flow path 245 flows out from port P22. Furthermore, as indicated by arrow F5 in FIG. 21 , in the second closed circuit, fluid flowing from port P23 into the through-valve flow path 246 flows out from port P24. At this time, the communication passage 30 provided in the valve element 20 connects the port P21 forming the first closed circuit with the port P23 forming the second closed circuit. The communication passage 30 connects the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit with a single passage, so that pressure can be transmitted between the first closed circuit and the second closed circuit while suppressing heat transfer.

[0071] The valve device 4 of the fourth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the valve device 1 described in the first embodiment and the like.

[0072] (Other Embodiments) (1) In the above first and second embodiments, the valve devices 1 and 2 are described as 10-way valves as multi-way valves, but the present invention is not limited to this. The valve devices may be any valves capable of forming the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, such as four-way valves or more. In the above third and fourth embodiments, the valve devices 3 and 4 may be any valves capable of forming the fluid circuit 60 into multiple closed circuits, such as four-way valves or more.

[0073] (2) In the first embodiment, specific examples of the devices and piping installed in the fluid circuit 60 were shown, but the devices and piping installed in the fluid circuit 60 are not limited to these, and can be changed as desired.

[0074] 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.

[0075] (Aspects of the Present Disclosure) The above-described present disclosure can be understood from the following aspects, for example: [First Aspect] A valve device used in a fluid circuit (60) through which a fluid flows, comprising: a housing (10) having a plurality of ports (P1 to P18, P21 to P24) through which the fluid flows in and out; a valve element (20) having a plurality of valve flow paths (24, 201, 202, 241 to 246, V1 to V14) that can communicate with a plurality of the ports within the housing and that can switch communication states between the plurality of ports and the plurality of valve flow paths, thereby making the fluid circuit a plurality of closed circuits; and a communication passage (30) that communicates the valve flow paths or the ports that form a predetermined closed circuit when the valve element forms the fluid circuit a plurality of closed circuits with the valve flow paths or the ports that form other closed circuits. [Second Aspect] The valve device according to the first aspect, wherein the communication passage connects one of the valve flow passages or the ports forming a predetermined closed circuit to one of the valve flow passages or the ports forming another closed circuit. [Third Aspect] The valve device according to the first or second aspect, wherein the communication passage connects, via a single passage, the valve flow passage or the port forming the predetermined closed circuit to the valve flow passage or the port forming another closed circuit. [Fourth Aspect] The valve device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the valve element is capable of switching the fluid circuit between one closed circuit and a plurality of closed circuits by switching the communication state between the plurality of ports and the plurality of valve flow paths within the housing, and the communication passage is provided at a position that communicates the valve flow path or the port that forms a predetermined closed circuit with the valve flow path or the port that forms another closed circuit when the valve element configures the fluid circuit as a plurality of closed circuits, without communicating between the plurality of valve flow paths or the ports that form the single closed circuit when the valve element configures the fluid circuit as a single closed circuit.[Fifth Aspect] The valve device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the valve element is capable of switching the fluid circuit between one closed circuit and multiple closed circuits by switching the communication states between the multiple ports and the multiple valve flow paths within the housing, and has a first flow path wall (271) that separates the valve flow paths that communicate with the ports when the fluid circuit is configured as one closed circuit, and a second flow path wall (272) that separates the valve flow paths that communicate with the ports when the fluid circuit is configured as multiple closed circuits, and the communicating path is not provided in the first flow path wall, but is provided in a part of the second flow path wall. [Sixth Aspect] The valve device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the communicating path is smaller than a flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the port. [Seventh Aspect] The valve device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the valve element is one of a ball type, a disc plate type, a cylindrical type, and a cone type. [Eighth Aspect] The valve device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the communication passage is a notch formed by cutting out a portion of an outer peripheral wall side of a flow path wall that separates the valve flow path, or a through hole that penetrates one surface and the other surface of the flow path wall. [Ninth Aspect] In the fluid circuit through which a fluid flows, the valve device according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, and when the valve device divides the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits, a pressure regulator (63) provided in one of the plurality of closed circuits.

Claims

1. A valve device used in a fluid circuit (60) through which a fluid flows, comprising: a housing (10) having a plurality of ports (P1 to P18, P21 to P24) through which the fluid flows in and out; a valve element (20) having a plurality of valve flow paths (24, 201, 202, 241 to 246, V1 to V14) that can communicate with a plurality of the ports within the housing, and that can switch the communication state between the plurality of ports and the plurality of valve flow paths to make the fluid circuit a plurality of closed circuits; and a communication passage (30) that communicates the valve flow paths or ports that form a predetermined closed circuit with the valve flow paths or ports that form another closed circuit when the valve element makes the fluid circuit a plurality of closed circuits.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the communication passage connects one of the plurality of valve flow paths or ports that form a given closed circuit with one of the plurality of valve flow paths or ports that form another closed circuit.

3. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication passage is a single passage that connects the valve flow path or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit with the valve flow path or port that forms another closed circuit.

4. A valve device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve body is capable of switching the fluid circuit between one closed circuit and multiple closed circuits by switching the communication state between multiple ports and multiple valve flow paths within the housing, and the communication passage is provided at a position that communicates the valve flow path or port that forms a predetermined closed circuit with the valve flow path or port that forms another closed circuit when the valve body configures the fluid circuit as multiple closed circuits, without communicating between multiple valve flow paths or ports that form one closed circuit when the valve body configures the fluid circuit as one closed circuit.

5. A valve device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve element is capable of switching the fluid circuit between one closed circuit and multiple closed circuits by switching the communication state between the multiple ports and the multiple valve flow paths within the housing, and has a first flow path wall (271) as a section that separates the valve flow paths that communicate with the ports when the fluid circuit is configured as one closed circuit, and a second flow path wall (272) as a section that separates the valve flow paths that communicate with the ports when the fluid circuit is configured as multiple closed circuits, and the communication path is not provided in the first flow path wall but is provided in a part of the second flow path wall.

6. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the communication passage is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the port.

7. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the valve element is one of a ball type, a disc plate type, a cylindrical type, and a conical type.

8. A valve device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the communication passage is a notch formed by cutting out a portion of the outer wall side of the flow path wall that separates the valve flow path, or a through hole that penetrates from one surface to the other surface of the flow path wall.

9. A fluid circuit comprising: a valve device according to claim 1 in the fluid circuit through which a fluid flows; and a pressure regulator (63) provided in one of the closed circuits when the valve device divides the fluid circuit into a plurality of closed circuits.

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