Valve device

Abstract

A valve device (1) is provided with: a housing (2) having a plurality of ports (5, 6); and a valve member (3) provided in the housing so as to be rotatable about a predetermined axis (CL). The plurality of ports have a left port (5) and a right port (6). A virtual plane (VS) is defined, which is perpendicular to a line (SL) connecting the axis (CL) and an intermediate point between the left port and the right port, and which encompasses the axis. A distance between a position (51) on the right port side in the opening of the left port and the virtual plane is L1, a distance between a position (52) on the opposite side to the right port in the opening of the left port and the virtual plane is L2, a distance between a position (61) on the left port side in the opening of the right port and the virtual plane is L3, and a distance between a position (62) on the opposite side to the left port in the opening of the right port and the virtual plane is L4. The valve device satisfies a relationship L1 > L2 and / or a relationship L3 > L4.

Description

Valve device Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-025072 filed on February 19, 2|025, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a valve device.

[0003] Conventionally, a valve device mounted on a vehicle has been known. The valve device is provided in a fluid circuit that constitutes a thermal management system of the vehicle. The fluid circuit is provided with a heat exchanger that adjusts the temperature of vehicle parts, a fluid pump that circulates fluid in the fluid circuit, and the like.

[0004] The valve device described in Patent Document 1 includes a cylindrical housing and a valve member provided rotatably around a predetermined axis inside the housing. The housing has ten ports through which fluid flows in and out. The ten ports are arranged in two rows in the axial direction. Hereinafter, the five ports arranged on the left side with respect to the intermediate line between the two rows are referred to as left ports, and the five ports arranged on the right side are referred to as right ports. This valve device is configured such that any one of the left ports communicates with any one of the right ports via a valve flow path provided in the valve member.

[0005] International Publication No. 2023 / 041003

[0006] However, in the valve device described in Patent Document 1, the openings of multiple ports arranged in two rows on the outer wall surface of the housing are all formed on the same plane. Therefore, in this valve device, when the fluid that flows in from the normal direction of the opening of one port and flows out in the normal direction of the opening of the other port changes direction in the valve passage of the valve member, the angle of the bend in the flow becomes small and steep, increasing the pressure loss of the fluid. As a result, there are problems such as a decrease in the discharge flow rate of the fluid pump that circulates the fluid in the fluid circuit in which the valve device is installed, and a decrease in the function of the heat exchanger arranged in the fluid circuit in regulating the temperature of vehicle parts. Furthermore, if the area of ​​the openings of the multiple ports in the valve device described in Patent Document 1 were to be increased on the same plane, the housing would have to be made larger.

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide a valve device capable of reducing fluid pressure loss.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the valve device comprises a housing having a plurality of ports through which fluid flows in and out, and a valve member rotatably mounted within the housing around a predetermined axis and having a valve passage that can communicate with the plurality of ports, and which can switch the state of communication between the plurality of ports and the valve passage, wherein the plurality of ports have a left port and a right port arranged in the rotational direction of the valve member, and when a virtual plane is defined perpendicular to the line connecting the midpoint between the left port and the right port and the axis, and including the axis, then L1 is the distance between the position on the right port side of the opening of the left port and the virtual plane, L2 is the distance between the position on the opposite side of the opening of the left port and the virtual plane, L3 is the distance between the position on the left port side of the opening of the right port and the virtual plane, and L4 is the distance between the position on the opposite side of the opening of the right port and the virtual plane, then at least one of the relationships L1 > L2 and L3 > L4 exists.

[0009] According to this, compared to the configuration of Patent Document 1, the valve device of this disclosure has a larger and gentler bending angle when the fluid flowing in and out in the direction normal to the opening of the left port or right port changes direction in the valve passage of the valve member. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device can be reduced. Furthermore, compared to the configuration of Patent Document 1, the valve device of this disclosure can enlarge the opening of the left port or right port in the rotational direction of the valve member without increasing the size of the housing. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the left port or right port can be reduced. As a result, a decrease in the discharge flow rate of the fluid pump that flows fluid into the fluid circuit in which the valve device is installed can be prevented, and the function of the heat exchanger arranged in the fluid circuit in regulating the temperature of vehicle parts can be improved.

[0010] This is a front view of the valve device according to the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1, excluding the actuator. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in Figure 1. This is a cross-sectional view of the valve device of the first comparative example. This is a table comparing the size of the port opening and the fluid flow within the valve device in the second comparative example and the first embodiment. This is a table comparing the shape of the port opening, the fluid flow within the valve device, and the size of the housing in the third and fourth comparative examples and the first embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view showing the valve device and flow path components fixed together according to the second embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the fluid pressure acting on the seal member in the valve device according to the second embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view showing the valve device and flow path components fixed together according to the fifth comparative example. This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the fluid pressure acting on the seal member in the valve device of the fifth comparative example. This is a cross-sectional view of the valve device according to the third embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the valve device according to the fourth embodiment. This is a cross-sectional view of the valve device according to the fifth embodiment.

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same or equivalent to each other will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0012] (First Embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The valve device 1 of the first embodiment is installed in a fluid circuit (not shown) that constitutes the thermal management system of a vehicle. Generally, the fluid circuit is equipped with a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with vehicle components that require temperature control (e.g., batteries, traction motors, etc.), a heat exchanger for in-cabin air conditioning, and a fluid pump that circulates fluid in the fluid circuit. Water or an antifreeze mainly composed of ethylene glycol is used as the fluid circulating in the fluid circuit. The valve device 1 switches the flow path or adjusts the flow rate in a plurality of fluid passages that constitute the fluid circuit.

[0013] The valve device 1 of the first embodiment will be described using, for example, a 10-way valve as a multi-way valve that switches between 10 fluid flow paths. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the valve device 1 includes a bottomed cylindrical housing 2, a valve member 3 that is rotatably mounted within the housing 2 around a predetermined axis CL, and an actuator 4 that rotates the valve member 3.

[0014] In the following explanation, the direction perpendicular to the axis CL and extending outward from the axis CL in the radial direction of a virtual circle centered on the axis CL is referred to as the radially outward direction. The direction in which the axis CL extends is referred to as the "axial direction," the side of the housing 2 on which the actuator 4 is installed is referred to as the "one side in the axial direction," and the opposite side is referred to as the "other side in the axial direction."

[0015] As shown in Figure 2, the housing 2 has a cylindrical portion 21 and a bottom portion 22 that closes the other side of the cylindrical portion 21 in the axial direction. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the housing 2 has a plurality of ports 5, 6 (for example, 10 ports 5, 6) in a part of the cylindrical portion 21 through which fluid flows in and out. The ports 5, 6 penetrate the inner wall 23 and the outer wall 24 of the cylindrical portion 21. In the following description, the openings formed in the outer wall 24 of the housing 2 in the ports 5, 6 will be simply referred to as "port openings".

[0016] As shown in Figure 1, the multiple ports 5 and 6 are arranged in two rows in the axial direction. In the following description, when viewing the multiple ports 5 and 6 from the outside of the housing 2, the multiple ports arranged on the left side will be called the left port 5, and the multiple ports arranged on the right side will be called the right port 6. Specifically, the left port 5 consists of, for example, five ports arranged in the axial direction, and the right port 6 also consists of, for example, five ports arranged in the axial direction. The left port 5 and the right port 6 are positioned in the rotational direction R of the valve member 3.

[0017] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cover 7 closes the opening on one side in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 21 of the housing 2. The cover 7 is fixed to the housing 2 by screws 8. An actuator 4 is provided on one side in the axial direction of the cover 7. The actuator 4 is fixed to the cover 7 by screws 9. The actuator 4 has an electric motor (not shown) and a reduction mechanism inside the actuator case.

[0018] The valve member 3 is conical in shape and is rotatably mounted inside the housing 2 around a predetermined axis CL. Here, we define a cone having the same axis as the axis CL of rotation of the valve member 3. In Figure 2, only a portion of the generatrix G of the cone is shown by a dashed line. The cone is defined as having a side surface when the generatrix G is rotated around the axis, 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 member 3 has an outer peripheral wall 31 formed along the side surface of its cone, a bottom end surface 32 formed on the apex side of the cone (i.e., the other side in the axial direction), and an actuator side end surface 33 formed on the bottom side of the cone (i.e., one side in the axial direction) opposite the bottom end surface 32.

[0019] The valve member 3 is positioned so that its bottom end face 32 faces the bottom 22 of the housing 2, and is rotatably housed inside the housing 2 with a conical shaft as the axis of rotation CL. The inner wall 23 of the cylindrical portion 21 of the housing 2 is shaped to follow the side surface of a cone that is similar to and coaxial with the cone along which the outer peripheral wall 31 of the valve member 3 follows. Therefore, the inner wall 23 of the cylindrical portion 21 of the housing 2 and the outer peripheral wall 31 of the valve member 3 are parallel.

[0020] The valve member 3 has a plurality of valve passages 34 that are recessed from the outer peripheral wall 31 toward the axis CL. The plurality of valve passages 34 can communicate with a plurality of ports 5 and 6 within the housing 2. The valve member 3 switches the communication state between the plurality of ports 5 and 6 and the plurality of valve passages 34 by changing the rotational phase around the axis CL. In this way, the valve member 3 can switch between communication and blockage between the plurality of ports 5 and 6.

[0021] The valve member 3 has an input shaft 35 that protrudes from the actuator-side end face 33 to one side in the axial direction. The input shaft 35 is inserted through an insertion hole 71 provided in the cover 7. A bearing 72 and an axial seal member 73 are provided between the inner wall of the insertion hole 71 and the input shaft 35. Torque for rotating the valve member 3 is input from the actuator 4 to the tip 38 of the input shaft 35.

[0022] An inner seal 40 is provided between the inner wall 23 of the housing 2 and the valve member 3. The inner seal 40 has a surface on the housing 2 side that abuts against the peripheral portion of the ports 5 and 6, and a surface on the valve member 3 side that slides against the outer peripheral wall 31 of the valve member 3. The inner seal 40 has a plurality of holes 41 at positions corresponding to the plurality of ports 5 and 6.

[0023] A spring 74 provided between the actuator-side end face 33 of the valve member 3 and the cover 7 biases the valve member 3 toward the apex of the cone. A load applied by the spring 74 in the axial direction of the valve member 3 generates a component force acting from the outer peripheral wall 31 of the valve member 3 toward the inner seal 40 and the housing 2. This component force acts as a force pressing the valve member 3, the inner seal 40, and the inner wall 23 of the housing 2 together. The spring force of the spring 74 is adjusted so that the outer peripheral wall 31 of the valve member 3 and the inner seal 40 slide against each other with low sliding resistance, and the inner wall 23 of the housing 2 and the inner seal 40 come into contact. Therefore, a seal can be achieved between the valve member 3 and the inner seal 40, and between the housing 2 and the inner seal 40, while also reducing the torque during rotational drive of the valve member 3 and suppressing torque fluctuations. The general configuration of the valve device 1 of the first embodiment has been described above.

[0024] Next, the shapes of the ports 5 and 6 of the valve device 1 of the first embodiment will be described in detail. First, as shown in Figure 3, a virtual plane VS is defined that is perpendicular to the line SL connecting the midpoint between the left port 5 and the right port 6 and the axis CL, and that includes the axis CL. Then, the distance between the position 51 on the right port 6 side of the opening of the left port 5 and the virtual plane VS is defined as L1. The distance between the position 52 on the opposite side of the opening of the left port 5 and the virtual plane VS is defined as L2. The distance between the position 61 on the left port 5 side of the opening of the right port 6 and the virtual plane VS is defined as L3. The distance between the position 62 on the opposite side of the opening of the right port 6 and the virtual plane VS is defined as L4.

[0025] In this case, the opening of the left port 5 has an L1 > L2 relationship, and the opening of the right port 6 has an L3 > L4 relationship. As a result, as shown by arrow LF1 in Figure 3, for example, fluid flowing in from the normal direction to the opening of the left port 5, changing direction in the valve passage 34 of the valve member 3, and flowing out in the normal direction to the opening of the right port 6 will have a flow bending angle that is much gentler than that of the first comparative example described later. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced.

[0026] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line III-III in Figure 1, and as described above, the opening of the left port 5 has the relationship L1 > L2, and the opening of the right port 6 has the relationship L3 > L4. However, the valve device 1 of this embodiment is not limited to this, and even in a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C in Figure 1, the opening of the left port 5 has the relationship L1 > L2, and the opening of the right port 6 has the relationship L3 > L4. That is, even if the multiple ports constituting the left port 5 and the multiple ports constituting the right port 6 of the valve device 1 are arranged at positions offset in the axial direction, they still have the relationships L1 > L2 and L3 > L4. As a result, even when the direction of fluid flow is changed in the axial direction within the valve passage 34, as shown by arrow LF2 in Figure 2, the fluid pressure loss can be reduced.

[0027] Here, in order to compare it with the valve device 1 of the first embodiment described above, the valve device of the first comparative example will be described. As shown in Figure 4, in the valve device of the first comparative example, both the opening of the left port 5 and the opening of the right port 6 are formed parallel to the virtual plane VS. Specifically, the valve device of the first comparative example has the relationship L1 = L2 = L3 = L4. As a result, as shown by arrow LF3 in Figure 4, for example, the fluid that flows in from the normal direction of the opening of the left port 5, changes the direction of flow in the valve passage 34 of the valve member 3, and flows out in the normal direction of the opening of the right port 6 has a smaller and steeper bending angle of flow compared to the first embodiment. Therefore, there is a problem that the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 increases. Compared to this valve device of the first comparative example, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment can reduce the fluid pressure loss by having the relationships L1 > L2 and L3 > L4 as described above.

[0028] Furthermore, the ports 5 and 6 and valve member 3 of the valve device 1 of the first embodiment are also defined as follows. As shown in Figure 3, let W be the distance between the position 52 of the opening of the left port 5 opposite to the right port 6 and the position 62 of the opening of the right port 6 opposite to the left port 5. Let D1 be the distance between the radially outer position 36 of the valve passage 34 of the valve member 3 and the position 37 on the axis CL side. In this case, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment has the relationship D1 < W.

[0029] Here, for comparison with the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, the relationship between D1 and W in the valve device of the second comparative example and the resulting fluid flow are shown in the upper part of the table in Figure 5. As shown in the upper part of the table in Figure 5, when W is smaller than D1, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 becomes smaller. In contrast, as shown in the lower part of the table in Figure 5, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment can make the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 much gentler by making W larger than D1. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, D2 is the distance between position 51 on the right port 6 side of the opening of the left port 5 and position 53 on the axis CL side of the left port 5 that is on the right port 6 side. D3 is the distance between position 61 on the left port 5 side of the opening of the right port 6 and position 63 on the axis CL side of the right port 6 that is on the left port 5 side. In this case, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment has the relationships D2 < W and D3 < W. According to this, if W is smaller than D2 and D3, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device becomes smaller. On the other hand, by making W larger than D2 and D3 in the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 can be made larger and gentler. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced.

[0031] Furthermore, the ports 5 and 6 and valve member 3 of the valve device 1 of the first embodiment have the relationships D1 + D2 < W and D1 + D3 < W. According to this, if W is smaller than D1 + D2 and D1 + D3, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device becomes smaller. In contrast, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment can make the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 larger and gentler by making W larger than D1 + D2 and D1 + D3. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced.

[0032] Furthermore, in the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, when the left port 5 and the right port 6 are viewed from an external position of the housing 2, both the left port 5 and the right port 6 have a shape in which the length L5 in the rotational direction R of the valve member 3 is longer than the length L6 in the axial direction. Specifically, both the left port 5 and the right port 6 are rectangular. In this disclosure, the term "rectangle" is not limited to a mathematical rectangle, but includes, for example, a substantial rectangle with rounded corners.

[0033] Here, for comparison with the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, the valve device of the third comparative example is shown in the upper part of the table in Figure 6. As shown in the upper part of the table in Figure 6, when the left port 5 and the right port 6 are made into a square, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device becomes small and steep, as indicated by arrow LF4. Consequently, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device increases.

[0034] In contrast, as shown in the middle section of the table in Figure 6, the valve device 1 of the first embodiment has rectangular left ports 5 and right ports 6, so the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 can be made much gentler, as shown by arrow LF5. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in the fourth comparative example in the lower part of the table in Figure 6, if the left port 5 and the right port 6 are made square and the area of ​​their openings is increased, the angle of the flow bend inside the valve device becomes larger and gentler, as indicated by arrow LF6, and the fluid pressure loss can be reduced. However, doing so would increase the size of the valve device.

[0036] Furthermore, the ports 5 and 6 of the valve device 1 of the first embodiment are formed as follows. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the inner wall of the left port 5 opposite to the right port 6 has a left port inclined surface 54 that slopes radially outward from the axis CL side and gradually moves away from the right port 6. Similarly, the inner wall of the right port 6 opposite to the left port 5 has a right port inclined surface 64 that slopes radially outward from the axis CL side and gradually moves away from the left port 5. As a result, abrupt changes in the flow area are suppressed in the left port 5, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the left port 5. Similarly, abrupt changes in the flow area are suppressed in the right port 6, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the right port 6.

[0037] The valve device 1 of the first embodiment described above provides the following effects: (1) In the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, the opening of the left port 5 has an L1 > L2 relationship, and the opening of the right port 6 has an L3 > L4 relationship. As a result, in the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, when the fluid flowing in and out in the direction normal to the openings of the multiple ports 5 and 6 changes direction of flow in the valve passage 34 of the valve member 3, the bending angle of the flow becomes large and gentle. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced. In addition, in the valve device 1 of the first embodiment, the opening of the left port 5 or the right port 6 can be made larger in the rotation direction R of the valve member 3 without increasing the size of the housing 2. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the left port 5 or the right port 6 can be reduced. As a result, a decrease in the discharge flow rate of the fluid pump that flows fluid into the fluid circuit in which the valve device 1 is installed can be prevented, and the function of the heat exchanger arranged in the fluid circuit to regulate the temperature of vehicle parts can be improved.

[0038] (2) In the first embodiment, both the left port 5 and the right port 6 are rectangles in which the length L5 in the rotational direction R of the valve member 3 is longer than the length L6 in the axial direction. With this configuration, when the fluid flowing into the valve device 1 from either the left port 5 or the right port 6 changes direction in the valve passage 34 of the valve member 3 and flows out from the other port 6, the angle of the flow bend can be made much gentler. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, with this configuration, the pressure loss of the fluid can be reduced without increasing the axial size of the valve device 1, thus enabling miniaturization of the valve device 1.

[0039] (3) In the first embodiment, the left port 5 has a left port inclined surface 54, and the right port 6 has a right port inclined surface 64. With this, abrupt changes in the flow area are suppressed in the left port 5, so that the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the left port 5 can be reduced. Similarly, abrupt changes in the flow area are suppressed in the right port 6, so that the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the right port 6 can be reduced.

[0040] (4) In the first embodiment, the multiple ports constituting the left port 5 and the multiple ports constituting the right port 6 are not limited to being arranged at the same position in the axial direction, but may also be arranged at positions offset in the axial direction, and still have the relationship L1 > L2 and L3 > L4. According to this, the valve device 1 can reduce fluid pressure loss even when the fluid flowing in from one of the left port 5 and the right port 6 changes the direction of the fluid flow in the valve passage 34 to the axial direction and flows out from the other of the left port 5 and the right port 6.

[0041] (5) In the first embodiment, the relationship D1 < W is found between ports 5 and 6 and valve member 3. According to this, if W is smaller than D1, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 becomes smaller. Conversely, by making W larger than D1, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 can be made larger and gentler. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced.

[0042] (6) In the first embodiment, ports 5 and 6 have the relationships D2 < W and D3 < W. According to this, if W is smaller than D2 and D3, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 will be smaller. On the other hand, by making W larger than D2 and D3, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 can be made larger and gentler. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced.

[0043] (7) In the first embodiment, the ports 5 and 6 and the valve member 3 have the relationships D1 + D2 < W and D1 + D3 < W. According to this, if W is smaller than D1 + D2 and D1 + D3, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 will be smaller. On the other hand, by making W larger than D1 + D2 and D1 + D3, the bending angle of the flow inside the valve device 1 can be made larger and gentler. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced.

[0044] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the seal member, and is the same as the first embodiment in other respects. Therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows a state in which the valve device 1 of the second embodiment is fixed to a flow path component 80 that forms part of a fluid circuit. As shown in FIG. 7, the flow path component 80 has a left flow path 81 communicating with the left port 5 and a right flow path 82 communicating with the right port 6. The valve device 1 and the flow path component 80 are fixed by screws or the like (not shown). Note that the shape of the flow path component 80 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and any shape can be adopted.

[0046] The outer wall 24 of the housing 2 of the valve device 1 has a portion connecting the position 52 on the opposite side of the opening of the left port 5 from the right port 6 and the position 62 on the opposite side of the opening of the right port 6 from the left port 5, which is a curved surface convex in a direction away from the axis CL (i.e., radially outward). A seal member 90 is provided on the curved outer wall 24 of the housing 2. The seal member 90 is sandwiched between the housing 2 of the valve device 1 and the flow path component 80. The left outer edge portion 91 of the seal member 90 is fitted into the left step portion 25 formed on the housing 2. The right outer edge portion 92 of the seal member 90 is fitted into the right step portion 26 formed on the housing 2. The seal member 90 is provided in a state of being pressed between the valve device 1 and the flow path component 80 by the force pressing the valve device 1 and the flow path component 80. Note that the force pressing the valve device 1 and the flow path component 80 is, for example, the axial force of a screw (not shown) for fixing the valve device 1 and the flow path component 80.

[0047] The seal member 90 has a left hole 93 and a right hole 94. The left hole 93 of the seal member 90 communicates with the left port 5 of the valve device 1 and the left flow path 81 of the flow path component 80. The right hole 94 of the seal member 90 communicates with the right port 6 of the valve device 1 and the right flow path 82 of the flow path component 80. 0]]

[0048] In the second embodiment of the valve device 1, just like in the first embodiment, the opening of the left port 5 has the relationship L1 > L2, and the opening of the right port 6 has the relationship L3 > L4. Also, in the second embodiment of the valve device 1, just like in the first embodiment, the outer wall 24 of the housing 2 is a curved surface that is convex radially outward. As a result, the force pressing the valve device 1 against the flow path component 80 is reduced, and the size of the valve device 1 can be made smaller. The reasons for this will be explained in detail below.

[0049] First, the normal to the center position at the opening of the left port 5 (hereinafter referred to as the "left port normal 55") is defined. Next, the tangent to the part of the opening of the left port 5 opposite to the right port 6 (hereinafter referred to as the "left port outer edge tangent 56") is defined. At this time, the angle θ1 between the left port normal 55 and the left port outer edge tangent 56 is acute on the opposite side from the right port 6 and on the axis CL side.

[0050] Furthermore, the normal to the center position at the opening of the right port 6 (hereinafter referred to as "right port normal 65") is defined. Next, the tangent to the part of the opening of the right port 6 opposite to the left port 5 (hereinafter referred to as "right port outer edge tangent 66") is defined. At this time, the angle θ2 between the right port normal 65 and the right port outer edge tangent 66 is acute on the opposite side from the left port 5 and on the axis CL side.

[0051] As a result, as shown in Figure 8, the force F2 acting on the right outer edge 92 of the seal member 90 (specifically, the portion of the seal member 90 that contacts the right stepped portion 26 of the housing 2) from the fluid flowing from the right port 6 of the valve device 1 to the right flow path 82 of the flow path component 80 can be reduced. In addition, the force acting on the left outer edge 91 of the seal member 90 (specifically, the portion of the seal member 90 that contacts the left stepped portion 25 of the housing 2) from the fluid flowing from the left port 5 of the valve device 1 to the left flow path 81 of the flow path component 80 can be reduced.

[0052] In Figure 8, the force F1 of the fluid flowing from the right port 6 of the valve device 1 towards the right flow path 82 of the flow path component 80 is shown by a solid arrow. The component force F2 acting on the right outer edge 92 of the seal member 90 in relation to this fluid force is shown by a dashed arrow. The component force F2 acting on the right outer edge 92 of the seal member 90 is smaller than the force F1 of the fluid flowing from the right port 6 of the valve device 1 towards the right flow path 82 of the flow path component 80. Therefore, the force required to press the valve device 1 and the flow path component 80 together to fix the seal member 90 can be reduced. Consequently, the number of screws (not shown) used to fix the housing 2 of the valve device 1 to the flow path component 80 can be reduced, and the rigidity of the housing 2 can be reduced. As a result, the size of the valve device 1 can be made smaller.

[0053] In Figure 8, the force F1 and its component force F2 of the fluid flowing from the right port 6 of the valve device 1 toward the right flow path 82 of the flow path component 80 are shown, and similarly, the force and its component force of the fluid flowing from the left port 5 of the valve device 1 toward the left flow path 81 of the flow path component 80 are shown.

[0054] Here, in order to compare it with the valve device 1 of the second embodiment described above, a valve device of the fifth comparative example will be described. As shown in Figure 9, in the valve device of the fifth comparative example, both the opening of the left port 5 and the opening of the right port 6 are formed parallel to the virtual plane VS. The sealing member 90 is sandwiched between the housing 2 and the flow path component 80 of the valve device 1. The left outer edge 91 of the sealing member 90 is fitted into the left stepped portion 25 formed in the housing 2. The right outer edge 92 of the sealing member 90 is fitted into the right stepped portion 26 formed in the housing 2.

[0055] In this case, the valve device of the fifth comparative example exerts a greater force pressing the valve device against the flow path component 80 compared to the second embodiment described above, making it difficult to miniaturize the size of the valve device. The reasons for this will be explained in detail below.

[0056] In the fifth comparative example, the angle θ3 between the left port normal 55 and the left port outer edge tangent 56 is approximately a right angle. Also, the angle θ4 between the right port normal 65 and the right port outer edge tangent 66 is also approximately a right angle.

[0057] As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the force F3 acting on the right outer edge 92 of the seal member 90 (specifically, the portion of the seal member 90 that contacts the right stepped portion 26 of the housing 2) increases due to the fluid flowing from the right port 6 of the valve device toward the right flow path 82 of the flow path component 80. Also, the force acting on the left outer edge 91 of the seal member 90 (specifically, the portion of the seal member 90 that contacts the left stepped portion 25 of the housing 2) increases due to the fluid flowing from the left port 5 of the valve device toward the left flow path 81 of the flow path component 80. Therefore, the force pressing the valve device and the flow path component 80 together to fix the seal member 90 between them increases. Consequently, in the fifth comparative example, it is necessary to increase the number of screws (not shown) that fix the housing 2 of the valve device and the flow path component 80, thereby increasing the rigidity of the housing 2. As a result, it becomes difficult to miniaturize the size of the valve device.

[0058] The valve device 1 of the second embodiment described above has the following effects: (1) Similar to the first embodiment, the valve device 1 of the second embodiment has an opening of the left port 5 with a relationship L1 > L2 and an opening of the right port 6 with a relationship L3 > L4. Furthermore, the valve device 1 of the second embodiment is equipped with a sealing member 90 between the housing 2 and the flow path component 80. This reduces the component force F2 acting on the sealing member 90 from the force F1 of the fluid flowing out from the left port 5 and the right port 6. As a result, the load pressing the sealing member 90 against the housing 2 can be reduced. Consequently, the configuration connecting the housing 2 and the flow path component 80 with the sealing member 90 in between (for example, the number of screws, the rigidity of the housing 2, etc.) can be simplified, and the valve device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0059] (2) In the second embodiment, the angle θ1 between the left port normal 55 and the left port outer edge tangent 56 is acute on the opposite side from the right port 6 and on the axis CL side. Also, the angle θ2 between the right port normal 65 and the right port outer edge tangent 66 is acute on the opposite side from the left port 5 and on the axis CL side. This makes it possible to reduce the component force F2 acting on the sealing member 90 from the force F1 of the fluid flowing out from the left port 5 and the right port 6.

[0060] (Third Embodiment) The third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 11. The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment and the like in the first embodiment and the like in the first embodiment and the like in the first embodiment and the like in the third embodiment, with a change in the shape of the openings of ports 5 and 6 in the outer wall 24 of the housing 2. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment and the like will be described.

[0061] As shown in Figure 11, in the valve device 1 of the third embodiment, the portion 27 connecting the position 51 on the right port 6 side of the opening of the left port 5 and the position 52 on the opposite side of the opening of the left port 5 to the right port 6 is straight on the outer wall 24 of the housing 2. Also, the portion 28 connecting the position 61 on the left port 5 side of the opening of the right port 6 and the position 62 on the opposite side of the opening of the right port 6 to the left port 5 is straight on the outer wall 24 of the housing 2.

[0062] In the third embodiment as well, the openings of the left port 5 have the relationship L1 > L2, and the openings of the right port 6 have the relationship L3 > L4. As a result, the valve device 1 of the third embodiment can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment and the like.

[0063] (Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 12. The fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, etc., in that the shape of the openings of ports 5 and 6 in the outer wall 24 of the housing 2 is changed, and in other respects it is the same as the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment, etc. will be described.

[0064] As shown in Figure 12, in the fourth embodiment, the opening of the left port 5 has the relationship L1 > L2. However, in the fourth embodiment, the opening of the right port 6 is formed parallel to the virtual plane VS. Therefore, the opening of the right port 6 has the relationship L3 = L4.

[0065] The valve device 1 of the fourth embodiment described above, compared to the configuration of the first comparative example, allows the flow direction of the fluid flowing in and out in the normal direction to the openings of the multiple ports 5 and 6 to be changed in the valve passage 34 of the valve member 3, and the bending angle of that flow can be made much larger and gentler. As a result, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, the valve device 1 of the fourth embodiment allows the opening of the left port 5 to be made larger in the rotational direction R of the valve member 3. As a result, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the left port 5 can be reduced.

[0066] (Fifth Embodiment) The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 13. The fifth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, etc., in that the shape of the openings of ports 5 and 6 in the outer wall 24 of the housing 2 is changed, and in other respects it is the same as the first embodiment, etc. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment, etc. will be described.

[0067] As shown in Figure 13, in the fifth embodiment, the opening of the right port 6 has the relationship L3 > L4. However, in the fifth embodiment, the opening of the left port 5 is formed parallel to the virtual plane VS. Therefore, the opening of the left port 5 has the relationship L1 = L2.

[0068] The valve device 1 of the fifth embodiment described above, compared to the configuration of the first comparative example, allows the flow direction of the fluid flowing in and out in the normal direction to the openings of the multiple ports 5 and 6 to be changed in the valve passage 34 of the valve member 3, and the bending angle of that flow can be made much larger and gentler. As a result, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the valve device 1 can be reduced. Furthermore, the valve device 1 of the fifth embodiment allows the opening of the right port 6 to be made larger in the rotational direction R of the valve member 3. As a result, the pressure loss of the fluid flowing through the right port 6 can be reduced.

[0069] (Other Embodiments) (1) In the above embodiments, the valve device 1 was described as a 10-way valve as a multi-way valve, but it is not limited to this, and the valve device 1 only needs to have a left port 5 and a right port 6, and is only required to have two or more valves.

[0070] (2) In the above embodiments, the valve device 1 was described as having a conical valve member 3, but the valve member 3 can be any shape, such as cylindrical, ball-shaped, or disc-shaped.

[0071] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified as appropriate. Furthermore, the embodiments and parts thereof are not unrelated to each other and can be combined as appropriate, except in cases where the combination is clearly impossible. In addition, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential unless they are explicitly stated to be particularly essential or are clearly considered essential in principle. Furthermore, when numerical values ​​such as the number, numerical values, quantities, or ranges of the components of the embodiments are mentioned in the embodiments, they are not limited to those specific numbers unless they are explicitly stated to be particularly essential or are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, when the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the components are mentioned in the embodiments, they are not limited to those shapes, positional relationships, etc. unless they are explicitly stated to be particular or are clearly limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

[0072] (Perspective of this disclosure) The above disclosure can be understood from the following perspectives, for example. [First viewpoint] A valve device comprising: a housing (2) having a plurality of ports (5, 6) through which fluid flows in and out; a valve member (3) rotatably mounted within the housing around a predetermined axis (CL) and having a valve passage (34) that can communicate with the plurality of ports, and capable of switching the communication state between the plurality of ports and the valve passage, wherein the plurality of ports have a left port (5) and a right port (6) arranged in the rotation direction (R) of the valve member, and a virtual plane (VS) perpendicular to the line (SL) connecting the midpoint between the left port and the right port and the axis, the distance between the position (51) on the right port side of the opening of the left port and the virtual plane is L1, the distance between the position (52) on the opposite side of the opening of the left port from the right port and the virtual plane is L2, and the distance between the position (61) on the left port side of the opening of the right port and the virtual plane is L3. A valve device having at least one of the following relationships: L1 > L2 and L3 > L4, where L4 is the distance between the opening of the right port opposite to the left port (62) and the virtual plane. [Second viewpoint] The valve device according to the first viewpoint, having the following relationships: L1 > L2 and L3 > L4. [Third viewpoint] The valve device according to the first or second viewpoint, where, when the left port and the right port are viewed from an outside position of the housing, both the left port and the right port have a shape in which the length of the valve member in the rotational direction (L5) is longer than the length in the axial direction (L6). [Fourth viewpoint] The valve device according to any one of the first to third viewpoints, wherein the inner wall of the left port opposite to the right port has a left port inclined surface (54) that slopes outward from the axial side and gradually moves away from the right port, and the inner wall of the right port opposite to the left port has a right port inclined surface (64) that slopes outward from the axial side and gradually moves away from the left port.[Fifth viewpoint] The valve device according to any one of the first to fourth viewpoints, wherein the left port is composed of a plurality of ports arranged in the axial direction, the right port is also composed of a plurality of ports arranged in the axial direction, and even if the plurality of ports constituting the left port and the plurality of ports constituting the right port are arranged at positions offset in the axial direction, at least one of the relationships L1 > L2 and L3 > L4 exists. [Sixth viewpoint] The valve device according to any one of the first to fifth viewpoints, wherein if W is the distance between the opening of the left port on the opposite side of the right port and the opening of the right port on the opposite side of the left port, and D1 is the distance between the outer position (36) and the axial position (37) of the valve passage, then the relationship D1 < W exists. [Seventh viewpoint] The valve device according to the sixth viewpoint, wherein D2 is the distance between the position on the right port side of the opening of the left port and the position (53) on the axis side of the left port, and D3 is the distance between the position on the left port side of the opening of the right port and the position (63) on the axis side of the right port, such that D2 < W and D3 < W. [Eighth viewpoint] The valve device according to the seventh viewpoint, wherein D1 + D2 < W and D1 + D3 < W. [Ninth Perspective] The valve device according to any one of the first to eighth perspectives, wherein the housing is fixed to a flow path component (80) having a left flow path (81) communicating with the left port and a right flow path (82) communicating with the right port, and further comprises a sealing member (90) provided in a pressed state between the housing and the flow path component, having a left hole (93) communicating with the left port and a right hole (94) communicating with the right port.[Tenth viewpoint] The valve device according to any one of the first to ninth viewpoints, wherein the angle (θ1) between the normal (55) to the center position at the opening of the left port and the tangent (56) to the part of the opening of the left port opposite to the right port is acute on the opposite side of the right port and on the axis side, and the angle (θ2) between the normal (65) to the center position at the opening of the right port and the tangent (66) to the part of the opening of the right port opposite to the left port is acute on the opposite side of the left port and on the axis side. [Eleventh viewpoint] The valve device according to any one of the first to ninth viewpoints, wherein the part of the outer wall (24) of the housing that connects the part of the left port opposite to the right port and the part of the right port opposite to the left port is a curved surface that is convex in the direction away from the axis.

Claims

1. A valve device comprising: a housing (2) having a plurality of ports (5, 6) through which fluid flows in and out; a valve member (3) rotatably mounted within the housing around a predetermined axis (CL) and having a valve passage (34) that can communicate with the plurality of ports, and capable of switching the communication state between the plurality of ports and the valve passage, wherein the plurality of ports have a left port (5) and a right port (6) arranged in the rotation direction (R) of the valve member, and a virtual plane (VS) perpendicular to the line (SL) connecting the midpoint between the left port and the right port and the axis, and including the axis, the distance between the position (51) on the right port side of the opening of the left port and the virtual plane is L1, the distance between the position (52) on the opposite side of the opening of the left port from the right port and the virtual plane is L2, and the distance between the position (61) on the left port side of the opening of the right port and the virtual plane is L3. A valve device having at least one of the following relationships: L1 > L2 and L3 > L4, where L4 is the distance between the opening of the right port on the opposite side from the left port (62) and the virtual plane.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein L1 > L2 and L3 > L4 relationships exist.

3. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, when the left port and the right port are viewed from an external position of the housing, both the left port and the right port have a shape in which the length (L5) of the valve member in the rotational direction is longer than the length (L6) in the axial direction.

4. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner wall of the left port opposite to the right port has a left port inclined surface (54) that slopes outward from the axial side and gradually moves away from the right port, and the inner wall of the right port opposite to the left port has a right port inclined surface (64) that slopes outward from the axial side and gradually moves away from the left port.

5. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the left port is composed of a plurality of ports arranged in the axial direction, the right port is also composed of a plurality of ports arranged in the axial direction, and the plurality of ports constituting the left port and the plurality of ports constituting the right port, even if they are positioned offset in the axial direction, have at least one of the relationships L1 > L2 and L3 > L4.

6. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the relationship D1 < W is obtained when W is the distance between the opening of the left port on the opposite side of the right port and the opening of the right port on the opposite side of the left port, and D1 is the distance between the outer position (36) and the axial position (37) of the valve passage.

7. The valve device according to claim 6, wherein D2 is the distance between the position on the right port side of the opening of the left port and the position (53) on the axial side of the left port, and D3 is the distance between the position on the left port side of the opening of the right port and the position (63) on the axial side of the right port, such that D2 < W and D3 < W.

8. The valve device according to claim 7, wherein the relationships D1 + D2 < W and D1 + D3 < W.

9. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing is fixed to a flow path component (80) having a left flow path (81) communicating with the left port and a right flow path (82) communicating with the right port, and further comprises a sealing member (90) provided in a pressed state between the housing and the flow path component, having a left hole (93) communicating with the left port and a right hole (94) communicating with the right port.

10. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the angle (θ1) between the normal (55) to the center position in the opening of the left port and the tangent (56) to the portion of the opening of the left port opposite to the right port is acute on the opposite side of the right port and on the axial side, and the angle (θ2) between the normal (65) to the center position in the opening of the right port and the tangent (66) to the portion of the opening of the right port opposite to the left port is acute on the opposite side of the left port and on the axial side.

11. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the portion of the outer wall (24) of the housing that connects the left port to the position opposite to the right port and the right port to the position opposite to the left port is a curved surface that is convex in the direction away from the axis.

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