CN114382919A - Flow path switching valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a flow path switching valve having the function of a four-way switching valve and the function of a main function portion bypassing one flow path as required, which comprises a base member and a valve core. The base member has a first connection port, a second connection port, a third connection port, a fourth connection port, and a bypass connection port. The bypass connection port is connected to a bypass flow path that bypasses the main function portion of the flow path connected to the third connection port. The bypass connection port is disposed adjacent to the third connection port in the rotational direction of the valve body. The valve body has a first communicating portion and a second communicating portion for switching connection of the connection port according to a rotational position, and a first blocking portion and a second blocking portion for blocking the bypass connection port and the third connection port according to the rotational position of the valve body.

Description

Flow path switching valve

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a flow path switching valve that switches the flow of a fluid flowing through a plurality of flow paths.

Background

As an air conditioner for a vehicle, a device for heating a room using a heat pump circuit (vapor compression refrigeration cycle) is known. Such a vehicle air conditioner includes a heater core for heating air-conditioned air by a liquid (heat medium) flowing inside, a liquid circulation circuit for flowing the liquid through the heater core, and a heat pump circuit (refrigeration cycle) using outside air as a heat source in many cases.

The heat pump circuit is provided with: a compressor for pressurizing and discharging a sucked gas refrigerant; an expansion valve for decompressing and expanding the refrigerant discharged from the compressor; a condenser installed between the discharge side of the compressor and the expansion valve; and an outdoor heat exchanger installed between the expansion valve and a suction side of the compressor. The condenser of the heat pump circuit is disposed in contact with the liquid circulation circuit so as to be able to exchange heat with the liquid flowing through the liquid circulation circuit. In the heat pump circuit, the refrigerant that has absorbed heat from the outside air in the outdoor heat exchanger transfers heat to the liquid in the liquid circulation circuit through the compressor and the condenser. The heat transferred to the liquid within the liquid circulation loop heats the conditioned air in the heater core.

In such a vehicle air conditioner, since the heat pump circuit absorbs heat from the outside air by the outdoor heat exchanger, when heat is absorbed from the outside air in a situation where the temperature of the outside air is extremely low, the refrigerant in the heat pump circuit absorbs heat by lowering the temperature thereof to a lower level than the temperature of the outside air. Therefore, if the heating operation is performed in a situation where the outside air temperature is extremely low, the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump circuit decreases due to the decrease in the refrigerant temperature, and rapid heating of the heater core cannot be performed.

As a countermeasure against this, there has been proposed an air conditioning device for a vehicle (see, for example, japanese patent application laid-open No. h 7-12430) in which a high-pressure side heat exchanger (condenser) is attached to a high-pressure side of a heat pump circuit, a low-pressure side heat exchanger (evaporator) is attached to a low-pressure side of the heat pump circuit, and heat exchange (heat absorption) is performed on the low-pressure side between the low-pressure side heat exchanger and a liquid (heat medium) flowing through a liquid circulation circuit.

In such an air conditioning apparatus for a vehicle, the flow of liquid flowing in the liquid circulation circuit is appropriately switched according to the outside air temperature, the operating condition of the vehicle, and the like, and heat absorption or heat release is selectively performed in the battery, the motor drive circuit (PDU), the radiator, and the like. In the liquid circulation circuit, a plurality of valve elements such as a four-way switching valve and a three-way switching valve are disposed in the circuit, and various liquid flows are obtained by a combination of switching of the plurality of valve elements.

Disclosure of Invention

However, the switching mechanism for the flow path used in the liquid circulation circuit described above requires a plurality of valve bodies such as a four-way switching valve and a three-way switching valve to be disposed in the circuit, and therefore, the number of assembly steps for assembling the valve bodies to the circuit components is increased, and the switching mechanism is likely to cause an increase in size and weight of the entire circuit.

As a countermeasure against this, development of a flow path switching valve in which a function of bypassing one of the remaining flow paths as necessary by a main function unit of the flow path is added to a four-way switching valve capable of connecting two of the four flow paths to the remaining flow paths alternately has been advanced.

In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a flow path switching valve having a function of a four-way switching valve and a function of a main function unit that bypasses one flow path as necessary.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following aspects.

(1): a flow path switching valve according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a base member having a plurality of connection ports connected to the flow path; and a valve body rotatably assembled to the base member, the flow path switching valve switching connection of the plurality of flow paths according to a rotational position of the valve body, wherein the base member includes: a first connection port; a second connection port; a third connection port; a fourth connection port; and a bypass connection port connected to a bypass flow path that bypasses a main function portion of a flow path connected to the third connection port, the bypass connection port being disposed adjacent to the third connection port in a rotation direction of the valve body, the valve body including: a first communicating portion and a second communicating portion that enable the first connecting port and the second connecting port to selectively communicate with the third connecting port and the fourth connecting port, respectively, depending on rotational positions; a first blocking portion that blocks the bypass connection port when the valve body is located at a first rotational position at which the first connection port and the third connection port are connected by the first communication portion, and blocks the third connection port when the valve body is located at a second rotational position at which the first connection port and the bypass connection port are connected by the first communication portion; and a second blocking portion that blocks the bypass connection port when the valve body is located at a third rotational position at which the second connection port and the third connection port are connected by the second communication portion, and blocks the third connection port when the valve body is located at a fourth rotational position at which the second connection port and the bypass connection port are connected by the second communication portion.

According to the above aspect, when the valve body is positionally operated to the first rotational position, the first communicating portion of the valve body communicates the first connection port with the third connection port, and the second communicating portion communicates the second connection port with the fourth connection port. At this time, the bypass connection port is closed by the first shielding portion. As a result, the fluid flows between the first connection port and the third connection port, and the fluid also flows between the second connection port and the fourth connection port.

When the valve body is positionally operated to the second rotational position, the first communicating portion of the valve body communicates the first connection port with the bypass connection port, and the second communicating portion communicates the second connection port with the fourth connection port. At this time, the third connection port is closed by the first shielding portion. As a result, the fluid flows between the first connection port and the bypass connection port, and the fluid also flows between the second connection port and the fourth connection port.

When the valve body is positionally operated to the third rotational position, the second communicating portion of the valve body communicates the second connection port with the third connection port, and the first communicating portion communicates the first connection port with the fourth connection port. At this time, the bypass connection port is closed by the second shielding portion. As a result, the fluid flows between the second connection port and the third connection port, and the fluid also flows between the first connection port and the fourth connection port.

When the valve body is positionally operated to the fourth rotational position, the second communicating portion of the valve body communicates the second connection port with the bypass connection port, and the first communicating portion communicates the first connection port with the fourth connection port. At this time, the third connection port is closed by the second shielding portion. As a result, the fluid flows between the second connection port and the bypass connection port, and the fluid also flows between the first connection port and the fourth connection port.

(2): in the aspect (1), the valve body may be configured such that the third connection port and the bypass connection port communicate with the first communication portion at a rate corresponding to a rotational position when the valve body is located at a rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position, and the third connection port and the bypass connection port communicate with the second communication portion at a rate corresponding to a rotational position when the valve body is located at a rotational position between the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position.

In this case, when the valve body is located at a rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position, the first communication portion communicates with the third connection port and the bypass connection port at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body. When the valve body is located at a rotational position between the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position, the second communicating portion communicates with the third connection port and the bypass connection port at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body.

(3): in addition to the aspect (1) or (2), the valve body may have a circular outer peripheral surface centered on a rotation center of the valve body, and respective peripheral portions of the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, the bypass connection port, and the fourth connection port may be arranged to slidably abut against the outer peripheral surface of the valve body, and the valve body may include: a first communication port that communicates the third connection port with the first communication portion when the valve element is at the first rotational position, and communicates the bypass connection port with the first communication portion when the valve element is at the second rotational position; and a second communication port that communicates the third connection port with the second communication portion when the valve body is located at the third rotational position, and communicates the bypass connection port with the second communication portion when the valve body is located at the fourth rotational position, a peripheral edge portion of the first communication port constituting the first shielding portion, and a peripheral edge portion of the second communication port constituting the second shielding portion.

In this case, when the valve body is positionally operated to the first rotational position, the first communication port of the valve body communicates the third connection port with the first communication portion of the valve body, and the peripheral edge portion of the first communication port closes the bypass connection port.

When the valve body is positionally operated to the second rotational position, the first communication port of the valve body communicates the bypass connection port with the first communication portion of the valve body, and the peripheral edge portion of the first communication port closes the third connection port.

When the valve body is positionally operated to the third rotational position, the second communication port of the valve body communicates the third connection port with the second communication portion of the valve body, and the peripheral edge portion of the second communication port closes the bypass connection port.

When the valve body is positionally operated to the fourth rotational position, the second communication port of the valve body communicates the bypass connection port with the second communication portion of the valve body, and the peripheral edge portion of the second communication portion closes the third connection port.

(4): in addition to the aspect (1) or (2), the valve body may include: a bottomed cylindrical valve element body that is open to one axial side; and a partition wall that partitions an interior of the valve body into the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion, wherein the base member has a valve seat portion that slidably abuts against an end surface of an opening side of the valve body and an end surface of the partition wall, wherein the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, the bypass connection port, and the fourth connection port are formed in the valve seat portion so as to face an opening of the valve body, wherein the bypass connection port and the third connection port are adjacently arranged on a substantially concentric circle having a rotation center of the valve body as a center, wherein the valve body is provided with a first blocking wall that slidably abuts against the valve seat portion, and wherein the first blocking wall closes the bypass connection port and opens the third connection port when the valve body is located at the first rotation position, and a second blocking wall that slidably abuts against the valve seat portion when the valve body is at the second rotational position, closes the bypass connection port and opens the bypass connection port when the valve body is at the third rotational position, and closes the bypass connection port and opens the bypass connection port when the valve body is at the fourth rotational position, wherein the first blocking wall constitutes the first blocking portion and the second blocking wall constitutes the second blocking portion.

In this case, when the valve body is positionally operated to the first rotational position, the first connection port and the third connection port of the valve seat portion communicate with the first communication portion, and the bypass connection port is closed by the first blocking wall.

When the valve body is positionally operated to the second rotational position, the first communication port and the bypass connection port of the valve seat portion communicate with the first communication portion, and the third connection port is closed by the first blocking portion.

When the valve body is positionally operated to the third rotational position, the second communication port and the third connection port of the valve seat portion communicate with the second communication portion, and the bypass connection port is closed by the second blocking wall.

When the valve body is positionally operated to the fourth rotational position, the second communication port and the bypass connection port of the valve seat portion communicate with the second communication portion, and the third connection port is closed by the second blocking wall.

(5): in the aspect (4) described above, the base member may include a spool cover that covers an outer side of an end wall of the spool body disposed on the other axial side, and that forms a flow path chamber between the spool cover and the end wall, the end wall including: a first through hole that communicates the first communicating portion with the flow path chamber; and a second through hole that communicates the second communicating portion with the flow path chamber, wherein a check valve that blocks one of the first through hole and the second through hole from the flow path chamber side according to a pressure difference between the front and rear of the one of the first through hole and the second through hole is disposed in the end wall.

In this case, on the side of the first through-hole and the second through-hole where the check valve is disposed, the flow of the fluid from the flow path chamber to the side of the communication portion (the first communication portion or the second communication portion) is blocked by the check valve, and the flow of the fluid from the communication portion to the flow path chamber side is allowed. Therefore, in the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion, the flow of the fluid toward only one direction through the flow path chamber is allowed. If the pressure of the liquid in the flow passage chamber increases in a state where the check valve is closed, the pressure in the flow passage chamber acts so as to press the valve body against the valve seat portion. As a result, the end of the valve body on the opening side and the end of the partition wall are in close contact with the valve seat portion, and the sealing property between the valve body and the valve seat portion is improved.

A flow path switching valve according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a base member having a plurality of connection ports connected to the flow path; and a first valve body and a second valve body rotatably assembled to the base member, wherein the flow path switching valve switches connection of the plurality of flow paths in accordance with each rotational position of the first valve body and the second valve body, and wherein the base member includes: a first connection port connected to one end side of the first flow path; a second connection port connected to one end side of the second flow path; a third connection port connected to one end side of the third flow path; a fourth connection port connected to one end side of the fourth channel; a first bypass connection port connected to a first bypass passage that bypasses the main function unit of the third passage; a fifth connection port connected to the other end side of the second channel; a sixth connection port connected to the other end side of the first channel; a seventh connection port connected to the other end side of the fourth channel; an eighth connection port connected to the other end side of the third channel; and a second bypass connection port connected to a second bypass flow path that bypasses a main function portion of the fourth flow path, the first bypass connection port being disposed adjacent to the third connection port in a rotational direction of the first valve body, the second bypass connection port being disposed adjacent to the seventh connection port in the rotational direction of the second valve body, the first valve body including: a first communicating portion and a second communicating portion that enable the first connecting port and the second connecting port to selectively communicate with the third connecting port and the fourth connecting port, respectively, depending on rotational positions; a first blocking portion that blocks the first bypass connection port when the first valve body is located at a first rotational position at which the first connection port and the third connection port are connected by the first communication portion, and blocks the third connection port when the first valve body is located at a second rotational position at which the first connection port and the first bypass connection port are connected by the first communication portion; and a second blocking portion that blocks the first bypass connection port when the first valve body is located at a third rotational position at which the second connection port and the third connection port are connected by the second communication portion, and blocks the third connection port when the first valve body is located at a fourth rotational position at which the second connection port and the first bypass connection port are connected by the second communication portion, the second valve body including: a third communicating portion and a fourth communicating portion that enable the fifth connecting port and the sixth connecting port to selectively communicate with the seventh connecting port and the eighth connecting port, respectively, depending on a rotational position; a third blocking portion that blocks the second bypass connection port when the second spool is located at a first rotational position at which the fifth connection port and the seventh connection port are connected by the third communication portion, and blocks the seventh connection port when the second spool is located at a second rotational position at which the fifth connection port and the second bypass connection port are connected by the third communication portion; and a fourth blocking portion that blocks the second bypass connection port when the second spool is located at a third rotational position at which the sixth connection port and the seventh connection port are connected by the fourth communication portion, and blocks the seventh connection port when the second spool is located at a fourth rotational position at which the sixth connection port and the second bypass connection port are connected by the fourth communication portion.

According to the above aspect, when the first valve body and the second valve body are each positionally operated to the first rotational position, the first communicating portion of the first valve body communicates the first connection port with the third connection port, and the second communicating portion communicates the second connection port with the fourth connection port. At this time, the third communicating portion of the second valve body communicates the fifth connecting port with the seventh connecting port, and the fourth communicating portion communicates the sixth connecting port with the eighth connecting port.

When the first valve element and the second valve element are respectively position-operated to the second rotational position, the first communicating portion of the first valve element communicates the first connection port with the first bypass connection port, and the second communicating portion communicates the second connection port with the fourth connection port. At this time, the third communicating portion of the second valve body communicates the fifth connecting port with the second bypass connecting port, and the fourth communicating portion communicates the sixth connecting port with the eighth connecting port.

When the first valve body and the second valve body are respectively operated to the third rotation position, the first communicating portion of the first valve body enables the first connecting port to communicate with the fourth connecting port, and the second communicating portion enables the second connecting port to communicate with the third connecting port. At this time, the third communicating portion of the second valve body communicates the fifth connecting port with the eighth connecting port, and the fourth communicating portion communicates the sixth connecting port with the seventh connecting port.

When the first valve element and the second valve element are each positionally operated to the fourth rotational position, the first communicating portion of the first valve element communicates the first connection port with the fourth connection port, and the second communicating portion communicates the second connection port with the first bypass connection port. At this time, the third communicating portion of the second valve body communicates the fifth connecting port with the eighth connecting port, and the fourth communicating portion communicates the sixth connecting port with the second bypass connecting port.

Therefore, when the above-described configuration is adopted, the connection of the first to fourth connection ports and the bypass of the fluid flowing through the main function portion of the third flow path can be appropriately switched by the position operation of the first valve body, and the connection of the fifth to eighth connection ports and the bypass of the fluid flowing through the fourth flow path can be appropriately switched by the position operation of the second valve body.

(7): in the aspect (6) above, the first valve body and the second valve body may include: a bottomed cylindrical valve element body that is open to one axial side; and a partition wall that partitions an interior of the valve body into the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion or into the third communicating portion and the fourth communicating portion, wherein the base member has a valve seat portion that is disposed between the first valve body and the second valve core, wherein an end surface of the first valve body on an opening side and the partition wall slidably abut against one side surface of the valve seat portion, and wherein an end surface of the second valve body on the opening side and the partition wall slidably abut against the other side surface of the valve seat portion, wherein the first connecting port, the second connecting port, the third connecting port, the first bypass, and the fourth connecting port are formed in the valve seat portion so as to face an opening of the first valve body, and wherein the fifth connecting port, and the fourth connecting port are formed in the valve seat portion so as to face an opening of the second valve body, The sixth connection port, the seventh connection port, the second bypass connection port, and the eighth connection port.

In this case, since the valve seat portion, to which the first valve body and the second valve body are slidably brought into contact, is disposed between the first valve body and the second valve body, the plurality of connection ports can be collectively disposed in the common valve seat portion. Therefore, the flow path switching valve can be downsized by adopting this configuration.

(8): in the aspect (7) described above, the first bypass passage and the second bypass passage may be formed in the valve seat portion so as to penetrate the valve seat portion.

In this case, it is not necessary to provide a separate pipe for arranging the first bypass passage and the second bypass passage, and the respective lengths of the first bypass passage and the second bypass passage connecting the two connection ports can be set to be close to the shortest length. Therefore, in the case of adopting the present configuration, the number of components can be reduced, and the pressure loss and unnecessary heat loss of the fluid flowing through the first bypass passage and the second bypass passage can be suppressed.

According to the aspect of the present invention, the function of the four-way switching valve that can selectively connect two of the four flow paths to the remaining flow paths and the function of the main function unit that bypasses one of the remaining flow paths as necessary can be obtained by one flow path switching valve. Therefore, when the flow path switching valve of the present invention is used, the number of assembling steps for assembling the components to the fluid circuit can be reduced, and the entire fluid circuit can be made compact and light.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit used in a vehicle air conditioner according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram of a heat pump circuit used in the vehicle air conditioner of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the first channel switching valve of the first embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the second flow path switching valve of the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the two flow path switching valves according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the two flow path switching valves according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the two flow path switching valves according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the two flow path switching valves according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the two flow path switching valves according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the flow path switching valve of the second embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve of the second embodiment, which corresponds to the cross-section XI-XI in fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a XII-direction view of fig. 10 of the valve seat portion of the flow path switching valve of the second embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a XIII-direction view of fig. 10 of a valve seat portion of the flow path switching valve according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view corresponding to the section XI-XI in fig. 10 for explaining the function of the check valve of the flow path switching valve according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view corresponding to the section XI-XI in fig. 10 for explaining another function of the check valve of the flow path switching valve according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the flow path switching valve according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the flow path switching valve according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the flow path switching valve according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 19 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the flow path switching valve according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the flow path switching valve according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the flow path switching valve according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a side view, partly in section, of a flow path switching valve of the third embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve according to the third embodiment, the cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sectional views XXIII-XXIII in fig. 22.

Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve according to the third embodiment, the cross-sectional view corresponding to the cross-sections XXIV to XXIV in fig. 23.

Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve according to the third embodiment, the cross-section corresponding to the section XXV-XXV in fig. 22.

Fig. 26 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the flow path switching valve according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 27 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the flow path switching valve according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 28 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the flow path switching valve according to the third embodiment.

Fig. 29 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit for explaining the operation of the flow path switching valve according to the third embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

< first embodiment >

Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of a liquid circulation circuit 1 to which the flow path switching valve of the present embodiment is applied. Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram of a heat pump circuit 2 constituting the vehicle air conditioner together with the liquid circulation circuit 1 shown in fig. 1.

In the present embodiment, the flow path switching valve is used in the liquid circulation circuit 1 of the vehicle air conditioner, but the use of the flow path switching valve is not limited to this, and the flow path switching valve may be used in a fluid circulation circuit other than the vehicle air conditioner.

The liquid circulation circuit 1 shown in fig. 1 includes: a temperature increasing flow path 21 (first flow path) to which the high-pressure side heat exchanger 10 and the heater core 11 are attached; a radiator-PDU flow path 23 (third flow path) of the heat exchange unit 13 in which the radiator 12 and a motor drive circuit (PDU) are installed; and a first bypass flow path 25 for causing the liquid to flow while bypassing the main function portion of the radiator-PDU flow path 23. In the high-pressure side heat exchanger 10, heat exchange is performed between the liquid flowing inside and a high-pressure portion of the heat pump circuit 2, which will be described later. In the heater core 11, heat is exchanged between the liquid flowing inside and air-conditioning air of an air-conditioning unit, not shown, of the vehicle. The heat sink 12 exchanges heat with outside air. The motor drive circuit (PDU) is a drive circuit of a motor (not shown) used for driving a vehicle or the like, and the heat exchange portion 13 of the motor drive circuit exchanges heat between a liquid flowing inside and the motor drive circuit.

A first pump 29 for causing a liquid as a heat medium to flow through the liquid circulation circuit 1 is attached to the temperature increasing flow path 21 at a position upstream of the high-pressure side heat exchanger 10. As the liquid flowing through the liquid circulation circuit 1, for example, a liquid containing ethylene glycol or the like as a main component, which has high thermal conductivity and is not easily frozen, can be used.

The liquid circulation circuit 1 further includes: a temperature lowering flow path 22 (second flow path) to which the heat exchanger 14 for the engine and the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 (chiller) are attached; a battery flow path 24 (fourth flow path) of the heat exchange unit 16 to which the battery is attached; and a second bypass passage 26 for allowing the liquid to flow while bypassing the main function portion of the battery passage 24. In the engine heat exchanger 14, heat is exchanged between the liquid flowing inside and the cooling water of the engine of the vehicle. The low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 exchanges heat between the liquid flowing inside and a low-pressure portion of the heat pump circuit 2, which will be described later.

A second pump 30 for causing a liquid as a heat medium to flow through the liquid circulation circuit 1 is attached to the temperature-lowering flow path 22 on the upstream side of the engine heat exchanger 14.

In the liquid circulation circuit 1, a first channel switching valve 3A and a second channel switching valve 3B are installed in order to appropriately switch the connection state of the respective channels. The first channel switching valve 3A and the second channel switching valve 3B constitute a channel switching valve in the present embodiment. Fig. 1 schematically shows the configuration of the first channel switching valve 3A and the second channel switching valve 3B. The detailed configuration of the first channel switching valve 3A and the second channel switching valve 3B will be described later.

The first channel switching valve 3A includes: a first connection port 31 connected to one end side of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 (first flow path); a second connection port 32 connected to one end side of the temperature lowering flow path 22 (second flow path); a third connection port 33 connected to one end side of the heat sink-PDU flow path 23 (third flow path); a fourth connection port 34 connected to one end side of each of the battery flow path 24 (fourth flow path) and the second bypass flow path 26; and a first bypass connection port 39 connected to one end side of the first bypass passage 25.

The second channel switching valve 3B has: a fifth connection port 35 connected to the other end side of the temperature lowering flow path 22 (second flow path); a sixth connection port 36 connected to the other end side of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 (first flow path); a seventh connection port 37 connected to the other end side of the battery flow path 24 (fourth flow path); an eighth connection port 38 connected to the other end of each of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 (third flow path) and the first bypass flow path 25; and a second bypass connection port 40 connected to the other end side of the second bypass passage 26.

The heat pump circuit 2 is constituted by a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. As shown in fig. 2, the heat pump circuit 2 includes: an electric compressor 70 for pressurizing and discharging the sucked gas refrigerant; an expansion valve 71 for decompressing and expanding the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 70; a high-pressure side heat exchanger 10 (condenser) installed between the discharge side of the compressor 70 and the expansion valve 71; and a low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 (evaporator) installed between the expansion valve 71 and the suction side of the compressor 70. As the refrigerant flowing through the heat pump circuit 2, for example, chlorofluorocarbon, hydrochlorofluorocarbon, or the like can be used.

In the case of the present embodiment, the expansion valve 72 for air conditioning and the evaporator 73 for air conditioning are installed between the suction side and the discharge side of the compressor 70 in the heat pump circuit 2 so as to be parallel to the passage connecting the expansion valve 71 and the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15. The connection and disconnection of the air conditioning expansion valve 72 and the air conditioning evaporator 73 to and from the heat pump circuit 2 are switched by an opening/closing valve 74. The air conditioning evaporator 73 and the heater core 11 are disposed in an air conditioning unit, not shown, for blowing air-conditioned air into the vehicle interior.

The heat pump circuit 2 absorbs heat of the liquid flowing through the temperature decreasing channel 22 in the liquid circulation circuit 1 in the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15, and releases heat to the liquid flowing through the temperature increasing channel 21 in the liquid circulation circuit 1 in the high-pressure side heat exchanger 10. Since the high-pressure side heat exchanger 10 is disposed on the upstream side of the heater core 11 in the temperature increasing flow path 21, the heater core 11 can be heated by the heat increased in temperature by the high-pressure portion of the heat pump circuit 2. The liquid circulation circuit 1 can transfer the heat of the liquid absorbed in the engine heat exchanger 14, the heat exchange unit 16 of the battery, the heat exchange unit 13 of the motor drive circuit, and the like to the low-pressure side of the heat pump circuit 2 in the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 by appropriately switching the connection state of the flow paths by the first flow path switching valve 3A and the second flow path switching valve 3B.

The heat pump circuit 2 can perform indoor cooling and dehumidification by the air conditioning evaporator 73 by causing the air conditioning expansion valve 72 and the air conditioning evaporator 73 to function by opening the opening/closing valve 74 under control by a control device, not shown.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing the detailed structure of the first channel switching valve 3A, and fig. 4 is a sectional view showing the detailed structure of the second channel switching valve 3B. As is clear from a comparison between fig. 3 and 4, the first channel switching valve 3A and the second channel switching valve 3B have substantially the same configuration.

As shown in fig. 3, the first channel switching valve 3A includes: a base member 41A having a cylindrical peripheral wall; and a short-axis cylindrical valve body 43A rotatably assembled in the valve housing portion 42 in the peripheral wall of the base member 41A. The valve body 43A is coupled to a shaft of a motor, not shown, and the rotational position thereof is adjusted by the motor.

The first connection port 31, the second connection port 32, the third connection port 33, the fourth connection port 34, and the first bypass connection port 39 are formed in the peripheral wall of the base member 41A so as to face radially inward. The first connection port 31 and the second connection port 32 are disposed at positions facing each other (positions separated by approximately 180 ° from each other) on the peripheral wall of the base member 41A. The fourth connection port 34 is disposed at an intermediate position between the first connection port 31 and the second connection port 32 (at a position separated by approximately 90 ° from the two connection ports) on the peripheral wall of the base member 41A. The first connection port 31, the second connection port 32, and the fourth connection port 34 are all formed to have substantially the same inner diameter.

The third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 are disposed at positions facing the fourth connection port 34 on the peripheral wall of the base member 41A. The third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 have inner diameters that are approximately half of the inner diameters of the fourth connection port 34 and the other connection ports. The third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 are disposed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall of the base member 41A (in the rotational direction of the valve body 43A).

The outer peripheral surface 43A-1 of the valve body 43A housed in the valve housing portion 42 of the base member 41A slidably abuts the peripheral edge portions of the connection ports (the first to fourth connection ports 31 to 34 and the first bypass connection port 39) disposed on the peripheral wall of the base member 41A. The outer peripheral surface 43A-1 of the valve body 43A is formed in a circular shape centered on the rotation center of the valve body 43A.

A first communication hole 44 (first communication portion) and a second communication hole 45 (second communication portion) that communicate two separate positions on the outer periphery of the valve body 43A are formed in the valve body 43A. The first communication hole 44 has a hole diameter that gradually increases from one end side toward the other end side so that the hole diameter of the one end side becomes approximately half the hole diameter of the other end side. One end portion and the other end portion of the first communication hole 44 are disposed at positions separated by substantially 90 ° on the outer periphery of the valve body 43A. Similarly to the first communication hole 44, the second communication hole 45 also has a hole diameter that gradually increases from the one end side toward the other end side so that the hole diameter of the one end side becomes approximately half the hole diameter of the other end side. The end portion of the second communication hole 45 on the side where the hole diameter is large is disposed apart from the end portion of the first communication hole 44 on the outer periphery of the valve body 43A by substantially 90 °. One end portion and the other end portion of the second communication hole 45 are disposed at positions separated by substantially 90 ° on the outer periphery of the valve body 43A.

The first and second communication holes 44 and 45 have smaller diameters at their ends, and the diameters of the holes are formed to be substantially the same as the inner diameters of the third and first bypass connection ports 33 and 39. The first and second communication holes 44 and 45 have larger diameters and are formed to have diameters substantially equal to the inner diameters of the first, second, and fourth connection ports 31, 32, and 34.

The end portion of the first communication hole 44 on the side where the aperture is small constitutes a first communication port 46 that can alternatively communicate with the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39. The first communication port 46 communicates the third communication port 33 with the first communication hole 44 when the valve body 43A is at a first rotational position a (see fig. 1 and 3) described later, and communicates the first bypass communication port 39 with the first communication hole 44 when the valve body 43A is at a second rotational position b (see fig. 5) described later. In fig. 3, a rotational position when the reference position p of the valve body 43A coincides with an arrow a on the base member 41A side becomes a first rotational position, and a rotational position when the reference position p coincides with an arrow b on the base member 41A side becomes a second rotational position.

The peripheral edge portion 46e of the first communication port 46 closes the first bypass communication port 39 when the valve body 43A is located at the first rotational position a, and closes the third communication port 33 when the valve body 43A is located at the second rotational position b. In the present embodiment, the peripheral edge portion 46e of the first communication port 46 constitutes a first shielding portion of the valve body 43A.

The first communication port 46 communicates with the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43A when the valve body 43A is at an intermediate rotational position i1 (any intermediate rotational position) between the first rotational position a and the second rotational position b (see fig. 6).

The end of the second communication hole 45 on the side with the smaller diameter forms a second communication port 47 that can alternatively communicate with the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39. The second communication port 47 communicates the third connection port 33 with the second communication hole 45 when the valve body 43A is located at a third rotational position c (see fig. 7) described later, and communicates the first bypass connection port 39 with the second communication hole 45 when the valve body 43A is located at a fourth rotational position d (see fig. 8) described later. In fig. 3, the rotational position of the valve body 43A when the reference position p coincides with the arrow c on the base member 41A side becomes the third rotational position, and the rotational position when the reference position p coincides with the arrow d on the base member 41A side becomes the fourth rotational position.

The peripheral edge portion 47e of the second communication port 47 closes the first bypass connection port 39 when the valve body 43A is located at the third rotational position c, and closes the third connection port 33 when the valve body 43A is located at the fourth rotational position d. In the present embodiment, the peripheral edge portion 47e of the second communication port 47 constitutes a second shielding portion of the valve body 43A.

The second communication port 47 communicates with the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43A when the valve body 43A is located at an intermediate rotational position i2 (any intermediate rotational position) between the third rotational position c and the fourth rotational position d (see fig. 9).

A through hole 48 that communicates the first communication hole 44 with the second communication hole 45 is provided in the valve body 43A. A check valve 49 that allows only the flow of the liquid from the second communication hole 45 side to the first communication hole 44 side is disposed in the through hole 48.

As shown in fig. 4, the second channel switching valve 3B includes a base member 41B and a valve body 43B having the same configuration as the first channel switching valve 3A. The valve body 43B is coupled to a shaft of a motor, not shown, and the rotational position thereof is adjusted by the motor.

The fifth connection port 35, the sixth connection port 36, the seventh connection port 37, the eighth connection port 38, and the second bypass connection port 40 are formed in the circumferential wall of the base member 41B so as to face radially inward. The fifth connection port 35, the sixth connection port 36, the seventh connection port 37, the eighth connection port 38, and the second bypass connection port 40 in the second channel switching valve 3B are identical in shape, structure, arrangement, and the like to the first connection port 31, the second connection port 32, the third connection port 33, the fourth connection port 34, and the first bypass connection port 39 in the first channel switching valve 3A.

In the case of the second channel switching valve 3B, the outer peripheral surface 43B-1 of the valve body 43B housed in the valve housing portion 42 of the base member 41B slidably abuts the peripheral edge portions of the connection ports (the fifth to eighth connection ports 35 to 38 and the second bypass connection port 40) disposed on the peripheral wall of the base member 41B.

The valve body 43B is formed with a third communication hole 50 (third communication portion) and a fourth communication hole 51 (fourth communication portion) that communicate two positions separated on the outer periphery of the valve body 43B. The third communication hole 50 and the fourth communication hole 51 in the second channel switching valve 3B have the same shape, structure, arrangement, and the like as the first communication hole 44 and the second communication hole 45 in the first channel switching valve 3A.

The end of the third communication hole 50 on the side with the smaller diameter forms a third communication port 52 that can alternatively communicate with the seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40. The third communication port 52 communicates the seventh connection port 37 with the third communication hole 50 when the valve body 43B is located at a first rotational position a (see fig. 1 and 4) described later, and communicates the second bypass connection port 40 with the third communication hole 50 when the valve body 43B is located at a second rotational position B (see fig. 5) described later.

In fig. 4, the rotational position when the reference position p of the spool 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B coincides with the arrow a on the base member 41B side becomes the first rotational position, and the rotational position when the reference position p coincides with the arrow B on the base member 41B side becomes the second rotational position.

The peripheral edge portion 52e of the third communication port 52 closes the second bypass connection port 40 when the valve body 43B is located at the first rotational position a, and closes the seventh connection port 37 when the valve body 43B is located at the second rotational position B.

When the valve body 43B is located at an intermediate rotational position i1 (any intermediate rotational position) between the first rotational position a and the second rotational position B (see fig. 6), the third communication port 52 communicates with the seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43B.

The end of the fourth communication hole 51 on the side with the smaller diameter forms a fourth communication port 53 that can alternatively communicate with the seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40. The fourth communication port 53 communicates the seventh connection port 37 with the fourth communication hole 51 when the valve body 43B is located at a third rotational position c (see fig. 7) described later, and communicates the second bypass connection port 40 with the fourth communication hole 51 when the valve body 43B is located at a fourth rotational position d (see fig. 8) described later.

In fig. 4, the rotational position of the valve body 43B when the reference position p coincides with the arrow c on the base member 41B side is the third rotational position, and the rotational position when the reference position p coincides with the arrow d on the base member 41B side is the fourth rotational position.

The peripheral edge portion 53e of the fourth communication port 53 closes the second bypass connection port 40 when the valve body 43B is located at the third rotational position c, and closes the seventh connection port 37 when the valve body 43B is located at the fourth rotational position d.

The fourth communication port 53 communicates with the seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43B when the valve body 43B is located at an intermediate rotational position i2 (any intermediate rotational position) between the third rotational position c and the fourth rotational position d (see fig. 9).

In the case of the second channel switching valve 3B, a through hole 48 that communicates the third communication hole 50 with the fourth communication hole 51 is also provided in the valve body 43B, and a check valve 49 that allows only the flow of the liquid from the third communication hole 50 side to the fourth communication hole 51 side is disposed in the through hole 48.

Fig. 5 to 9 are views similar to fig. 1 showing the flow of the liquid in the liquid circulation circuit 1 when the first channel switching valve 3A and the second channel switching valve 3B are appropriately rotated.

The switching of the flow paths by the first flow path switching valve 3A and the second flow path switching valve 3B will be described below with reference to fig. 1 and fig. 5 to 9. In fig. 1 and 5 to 9, black arrows indicate a state in which the liquid flows, and white arrows indicate a state in which the liquid does not flow.

The first rotational position a, the second rotational position B, the third rotational position c, and the fourth rotational position d of each flow path switching valve 3A and 3B are defined as follows.

(1) "first rotational position a in first channel switching valve 3A"

The rotational position of the valve body 43A when the first connection port 31 and the third connection port 33 of the base member 41A are connected by the first communication hole 44.

(2) "second rotational position b in first channel switching valve 3A"

The rotational position of the valve body 43A when the first connection port 31 and the first bypass connection port 39 of the base member 41A are connected by the first communication hole 44.

(3) "third rotational position c in first channel switching valve 3A"

The rotational position of the valve body 43A when the second connection port 32 and the third connection port 33 of the base member 41A are connected through the second communication hole 45.

(4) "fourth rotational position d in first channel switching valve 3A"

The rotational position of the valve body when the second connection port 32 and the first bypass connection port 39 of the base member 41A are connected through the second communication hole 45.

(5) "first rotational position a in the second channel switching valve 3B"

The rotational position of the valve body 43B when the fifth connection port 35 and the seventh connection port 37 of the base member 41B are connected through the third communication hole 50.

(6) "second rotation position B in the second channel switching valve 3B"

The rotational position of the valve body 43B when the fifth connection port 35 of the base member 41B and the second bypass connection port 40 are connected through the third communication hole 50.

(7) "third rotational position c in the second channel switching valve 3B"

The rotational position of the valve body 43B when the sixth connection port 36 and the seventh connection port 37 of the base member 41B are connected through the fourth communication hole 51.

(8) "fourth rotational position d in the second channel switching valve 3B"

The rotational position of the valve body 43B when the sixth connection port 36 of the base member 41B and the second bypass connection port 40 are connected by the fourth communication hole 51.

In fig. 1, the spool 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A and the spool 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B are both positionally operated to the first rotational position a. At this time, the first communication hole 44 of the valve body 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A communicates the first connection port 31 with the third connection port 33, and the second communication hole 45 communicates the second connection port 32 with the fourth connection port 34. The third communication hole 50 of the valve body 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B communicates the fifth connection port 35 with the seventh connection port 37, and the fourth communication hole 51 communicates the sixth connection port 36 with the eighth connection port 38.

In this state, the downstream portion of the warming flow path 21 is connected to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 through the first connection port 31 and the third connection port 33 of the first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portion of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 is connected to the upstream portion of the warming flow path 21 through the eighth connection port 38 and the sixth connection port 36 of the second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid of the heater core 11 having passed through the temperature increasing flow path 21 is returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21 through the radiator-PDU flow path 23.

The downstream portion of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 is connected to the battery flow path 24 via the second connection port 32 and the fourth connection port 34 of the first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portion of the battery flow path 24 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 via the seventh connection port 37 and the fifth connection port 35 of the second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 passes through the battery flow path 24 and is returned to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 5, the spool 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A and the spool 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B are both positionally operated to the second rotational position B. At this time, the first communication hole 44 of the valve body 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A communicates the first connection port 31 with the first bypass connection port 39, and the second communication hole 45 communicates the second connection port 32 with the fourth connection port 34. The third communication hole 50 of the valve body 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B communicates the fifth connection port 35 with the second bypass connection port 40, and the fourth communication hole 51 communicates the sixth connection port 36 with the eighth connection port 38.

In this state, the downstream portion of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 is connected to the bypass flow path 25 via the first connection port 31 and the first bypass connection port 39 of the first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portion of the bypass flow path 25 is connected to the upstream portion of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 via the eighth connection port 38 and the sixth connection port 36 of the second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid of the heater core 11 having passed through the temperature increasing flow path 21 is returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21 through the bypass flow path 25.

The downstream portion of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 is connected to the second bypass flow path 26 via the second connection port 32 and the fourth connection port 34 of the first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portion of the second bypass flow path 26 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 via the second bypass connection port 40 and the fifth connection port 35 of the second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 bypasses the battery flow path 24 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 6, the spool 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A and the spool 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B are both positionally operated to the intermediate rotational position i 1. At this time, the first communication hole 44 of the valve body 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A communicates the first connection port 31 with the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43A, and the second communication hole 45 communicates the second connection port 32 with the fourth connection port 34. The third communication hole 50 of the valve body 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B communicates the fifth connection port 35 with the seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43B, and the fourth communication hole 51 communicates the sixth connection port 36 with the eighth connection port 38.

In this state, the downstream portion of the temperature increasing flow path 21 is connected to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 through the first connection port 31, the second connection port 32, and the first bypass connection port 39 of the first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portions of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 are connected to the upstream portion of the temperature increasing flow path 21 through the eighth connection port 38 and the sixth connection port 36 of the second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid of the heater core 11 having passed through the temperature increasing flow path 21 is returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21 through the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25.

The downstream portion of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 is connected to the battery flow path 24 and the second bypass flow path 26 via the second connection port 32 and the fourth connection port 34 of the first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portions of the battery flow path 24 and the second bypass flow path 26 are connected to the upstream side of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 via the seventh connection port 37, the second bypass connection port 40, and the fifth connection port 35 of the second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 passes through the battery flow path 24 and the second bypass flow path 26 and is returned to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 7, the spool 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A and the spool 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B are both positionally operated to the third rotational position c. At this time, the first communication hole 44 of the valve body 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A communicates the first connection port 31 with the fourth connection port 34, and the second communication hole 45 communicates the second connection port 32 with the third connection port 33. The third communication hole 50 of the valve body 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B communicates the eighth connection port 38 with the fifth connection port 35, and the fourth communication hole 51 communicates the seventh connection port 37 with the sixth connection port 36.

In this state, the downstream portion of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 is connected to the battery flow path 24 via the first connection port 31 and the fourth connection port 34 of the first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portion of the battery flow path 24 is connected to the upstream portion of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 via the seventh connection port 37 and the sixth connection port 36 of the second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid passing through the heater core 11 of the temperature increasing flow path 21 is returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21 through the battery flow path 24.

The downstream portion of the temperature lowering flow path 22 is connected to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 through the second connection port 32 and the third connection port 33 of the first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portion of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22 through the eighth connection port 38 and the fifth connection port 35 of the second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 passes through the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 8, the spool 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A and the spool 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B are both positionally operated to the fourth rotational position d. At this time, the first communication hole 44 of the valve body 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A communicates the first connection port 31 with the fourth connection port 34, and the second communication hole 45 communicates the second connection port 32 with the first bypass connection port 39. The third communication hole 50 of the valve body 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B communicates the eighth connection port 38 with the fifth connection port 35, and the fourth communication hole 51 communicates the second bypass connection port 40 with the sixth connection port 36.

In this state, the downstream portion of temperature-increasing flow path 21 is connected to second bypass flow path 26 via first connection port 31 and fourth connection port 34 of first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portion of second bypass flow path 26 is connected to the upstream portion of temperature-increasing flow path 21 via second bypass connection port 40 and sixth connection port 36 of second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid passing through the heater core 11 of the temperature increasing flow path 21 bypasses the battery flow path 24 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21.

The downstream portion of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 is connected to the first bypass flow path 25 via the second connection port 32 and the first bypass connection port 39 of the first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portion of the first bypass flow path 25 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 via the eighth connection port 38 and the fifth connection port 35 of the second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 bypasses the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 9, the spool 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A and the spool 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B are both positionally operated to the intermediate rotational position i 2. At this time, the first communication hole 44 of the valve body 43A of the first channel switching valve 3A communicates the first connection port 31 with the fourth connection port 34, and the second communication hole 45 communicates the second connection port 32 with the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43A. The third communication hole 50 of the valve body 43B of the second channel switching valve 3B communicates the fifth connection port 35 with the eighth connection port 38, and the fourth communication hole 51 communicates the seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40 with the sixth connection port 36 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43B.

In this state, the downstream portion of temperature-increasing flow path 21 is connected to battery flow path 24 and second bypass flow path 26 via first connection port 31 and fourth connection port 34 of first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portions of battery flow path 24 and second bypass flow path 26 are connected to the upstream portion of temperature-increasing flow path 21 via seventh connection port 37, second bypass connection port 40, and sixth connection port 36 of second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid passing through the heater core 11 of the temperature increasing flow path 21 is returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21 through the battery flow path 24 and the second bypass flow path 26.

The downstream portion of the cool-down flow path 22 is connected to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 through the second connection port 32, the third connection port 33, and the first bypass connection port 39 of the first flow path switching valve 3A, and the downstream portions of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 are connected to the upstream side of the cool-down flow path 22 through the eighth connection port 38 and the fifth connection port 35 of the second flow path switching valve 3B. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 is branched to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 and returned to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

The above description is a part of the combination of the rotational positions of the spools 43A and 43B of the first channel switching valve 3A and the second channel switching valve 3B, and other combinations of the rotational positions of the spools 43A and 43B may be used.

< Effect of the first embodiment >

As described above, the first channel switching valve 3A and the second channel switching valve 3B according to the present embodiment can obtain, by one valve, a function of a four-way switching valve capable of connecting two (the temperature increasing channel 21 and the temperature decreasing channel 22) of the four channels (the temperature increasing channel 21, the temperature decreasing channel 22, the radiator-PDU channel 23, and the battery channel 24) connected to the respective base members 41A and 41B to the remaining channels alternatively, and a function of a main function unit bypassing one (the radiator-PDU channel 23 or the battery channel 24) of the remaining channels as necessary. Therefore, when the first channel switching valve 3A and the second channel switching valve 3B of the present embodiment are used, the number of assembling steps of the components into the liquid circulation circuit 1 can be reduced, and the entire liquid circulation circuit 1 can be made compact and light.

In the first channel switching valve 3A of the present embodiment, when the valve body 43A is located at the rotational position i1 between the first rotational position a and the second rotational position b, the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 can be made to communicate with the first communication hole 44 (first communication portion) at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43A, and when the valve body 43A is located at the rotational position i2 between the third rotational position c and the fourth rotational position d, the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 can be made to communicate with the second communication hole 45 (second communication portion) at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43A. Therefore, the first channel switching valve 3A according to the present embodiment can also split the flow of the liquid in one channel into two channels at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43A.

Since the second channel switching valve 3B has the same configuration as the first channel switching valve 3A, the flow of the liquid in one channel can be branched into two channels at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the valve body 43B, similarly to the first channel switching valve 3A.

The first channel switching valve 3A of the present embodiment is configured as follows: the first connection port 31, the second connection port 32, the third connection port 33, the fourth connection port 34, and the first bypass connection port 39 are disposed so as to face the outer peripheral surface of the circular valve body 43A, and the peripheral edge portions of the connection ports slidably abut against the outer peripheral surface of the valve body 43A. The spool 43A includes: a first communication port 46 that communicates the third connection port 33 with the first communication hole 44 when the valve body 43A is located at the first rotational position a, and communicates the first bypass connection port 39 with the first communication hole 44 when the valve body 43A is located at the second rotational position b; and a second communication port 47 that communicates the third connection port 33 with the second communication hole 45 when the valve body 43A is located at the third rotational position c and communicates the first bypass connection port 39 with the second communication hole 45 when the valve body 43A is located at the fourth rotational position d, wherein peripheral edges of the first communication port 46 and the second communication port 47 form a blocking portion that can block the first bypass connection port 39 and the third connection port 33. Therefore, when the first channel switching valve 3A of the present embodiment is used, the above-described function can be obtained with a simple structure that is easy to manufacture. Since the second channel switching valve 3B has the same configuration as the first channel switching valve 3A, the same effects can be obtained.

< second embodiment >

Fig. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a main part of the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment, and fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 103 corresponding to a cross-section XI-XI in fig. 10.

The flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment can be applied to, for example, the liquid circulation circuit 1 (see fig. 16 to 21) of the vehicle air conditioner similar to that of the first embodiment. The flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment has both the function of the first flow path switching valve 3A and the function of the second flow path switching valve 3B of the first embodiment.

As shown in fig. 10 and 11, the flow path switching valve 103 includes a base member 141, a first valve body 143A and a second valve body 143B rotatably assembled to the base member 141, and a pair of motors 55A and 55B (see fig. 11) for rotating the first valve body 143A and the second valve body 143B, respectively. In fig. 10, the motors 55A and 55B are not shown.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the side of the flow path switching valve 103 facing upward in fig. 10 and 11 is referred to as "upper" and the opposite side is referred to as "lower".

The base member 141 has: a valve seat block 56 (valve seat portion) having flat valve seat surfaces 56a on the upper surface side and the lower surface side; a first valve element cover 57A (valve element cover) coupled to an upper surface side of the valve seat block 56; and a second spool cover 57B (spool cover) coupled to the lower surface side of the valve seat block 56. A symbol o1 in fig. 10 and 11 indicates the rotational center axis of the first spool 143A and the second spool 143B.

Fig. 12 is a XII-view of fig. 10 of the valve seat block 56 (valve seat portion), and fig. 13 is a XIII-view of fig. 10 of the valve seat block 56 (valve seat portion).

The seat block 56 has an annular fitting wall 58 projecting from the outer peripheral side of the upper and lower seat surfaces 56a in a direction perpendicular to the seat surface 56 a. The first spool cover 57A and the second spool cover 57B are fitted to the upper and lower fitting walls 58, respectively. Eight pipe connection portions 59 connected to external pipes are provided so as to protrude between portions of the valve seat block 56 where the upper and lower valve seat surfaces 56a are formed. Of these four pipe connection portions 59, the remaining four pipe connection portions 59 extend in opposite directions to each other.

As shown in the circuit diagrams of fig. 16 to 21, the liquid circulation circuit 1 includes: a temperature increasing flow path 21 (first flow path) in which the high-pressure side heat exchanger 10 and the heater core 11 are installed at intermediate positions; a temperature-decreasing flow path 22 (second flow path) in which the engine heat exchanger 14 and the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 are installed at intermediate positions; a radiator-PDU flow path 23 (third flow path) of the heat exchange unit 13 having the radiator 12 and a motor drive circuit (PDU) mounted on the middle; and a battery flow path 24 (fourth flow path) in which the heat exchange unit 16 of the battery is mounted. The configurations of the flow paths and the devices mounted in the flow paths are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Four pipe connection portions 59 provided in a protruding manner on the valve seat block 56 are connected to one end side of each of the flow paths, and the remaining four pipe connection portions 59 are connected to the other end side of each of the flow paths.

As shown in fig. 12, a first connection port 31 connected to one end side of the temperature increasing flow path 21 (first flow path), a second connection port 32 connected to one end side of the temperature decreasing flow path 22 (second flow path), a third connection port 33 connected to one end side of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 (third flow path), a fourth connection port 34 connected to one end side of the battery flow path 24 (fourth flow path), a first bypass connection port 39 connected to one end side of the first bypass flow path 25, and a second bypass connection port 34a connected to one end side of the second bypass flow path 26 are formed in the upper valve seat surface 56a of the valve seat block 56. The third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 are arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction on a concentric circle centered on the rotation center axis o 1. The fourth connection port 34 and the second bypass connection port 34a are disposed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction on the same concentric circle as described above. The third connection port 33 and the fourth connection port 34 are formed at positions separated from each other by 180 ° in the circumferential direction of the valve seat surface 56 a. The first connection port 31 and the second connection port 32 are formed at positions separated from each other by 180 ° in the circumferential direction of the valve seat surface 56a and separated from the third connection port 33 and the fourth connection port 34 by 90 °. The first connection port 31 and the second connection port 32 are disposed radially inward of the third connection port 33 and the fourth connection port 34.

As shown in fig. 13, a fifth connection port 35 connected to the other end side of the temperature decrease flow path 22 (second flow path), a sixth connection port 36 connected to the other end side of the temperature increase flow path 21 (first flow path), a seventh connection port 37 connected to the other end side of the battery flow path 24 (fourth flow path), an eighth connection port 38 connected to the other end side of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 (third flow path), a second bypass connection port 40 connected to the other end side of the second bypass flow path 26, and a first bypass connection port 38a connected to the other end side of the first bypass flow path 25 are formed in a valve seat surface 56a on the lower surface side of the valve seat block 56. The seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40 are disposed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction on a concentric circle centered on the rotation center axis o 1. The eighth connection port 38 and the first bypass connection port 38a are disposed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction on the same concentric circle as described above. The seventh and eighth connection ports 38 are formed at positions separated from each other by 180 ° in the circumferential direction of the valve seat surface 56 a. The fifth connection port 35 and the sixth connection port 36 are formed at positions separated from each other by 180 ° in the circumferential direction of the seat surface 56a and separated from the seventh connection port 37 and the eighth connection port 38 by 90 °. The fifth connection port 35 and the sixth connection port 36 are disposed radially inward of the seventh connection port 37 and the eighth connection port 38.

The first valve element cover 57A has a bottomed cylindrical valve element covering portion 57A and a joining flange 57b formed on a peripheral edge portion of the opening side of the valve element covering portion 57A. An insertion hole 121 through which a coupling pin 120 coupled to a shaft of the motor 55A is inserted is formed in the center of the top wall of the valve body cover portion 57 a. The first valve core cover 57A is configured such that the peripheral wall of the valve core covering portion 57A is fitted to the fitting wall 58 on the upper surface side of the valve seat block 56, and in this state, the joining flange 57b is fastened and fixed to the upper surface side of the valve seat block 56. A first valve element 143A, which will be described later, is rotatably accommodated in a space surrounded by the seat surface 56a on the upper surface side of the seat block 56 and the first valve element cover 57A.

The second spool cover 57B has the same configuration as the first spool cover 57A. The second spool cover 57B is configured such that the peripheral wall of the spool cover 57a is fitted to the fitting wall 58 on the lower surface side of the valve seat block 56, and in this state, the joining flange 57B is fastened and fixed to the lower surface side of the valve seat block 56. A second valve body 143B, which will be described later, is rotatably accommodated in a space surrounded by the seat surface 56a on the lower surface side of the seat block 56 and the second valve body cover 57B.

The first valve body 143A has a bottomed cylindrical valve body 85 and a partition wall 90 that partitions the interior of the valve body 85 into a first communication chamber 144 and a second communication chamber 145. The partition wall 90 extends in the diameter direction in the peripheral wall of the valve body 85 to divide the interior of the valve body 85 into two parts. The first valve body 143A is disposed inside the fitting wall 58 with the opening side facing the valve seat surface 56a side of the valve seat block 56. A seal member 91 is attached to an end surface of the valve body 85 on the opening side and an end surface of the partition wall 90 (see fig. 11). In the first valve body 143A, an end surface of the valve body 85 on the opening side and an end surface of the partition wall 90 slidably contact the valve seat surface 56a via a seal member 91. The valve body 85, the partition wall 90, and the valve seat surface 56a are sealed by a seal member 91. The connection ports (the first connection port 31, the second connection port 32, the third connection port 33, the fourth connection port 34, the first bypass connection port 39, and the second bypass connection port 34a) opened in the seat surface 56a face the opening of the first valve body 143A.

The first communication chamber 144 (first communication portion) in the first valve body 143A enables the first connection port 31 to alternatively communicate with the third connection port 33 and the fourth connection port 34 depending on the rotational position of the first valve body 143A. The second communication chamber 145 (second communication portion) in the first valve body 143A can alternately communicate the second connection port 32 with the fourth connection port 34 and the third connection port 33 depending on the rotational position of the first valve body 143A.

A first blocking wall 65 and a second blocking wall 66 each having a cylindrical shape are integrally provided inside the peripheral wall of the valve body 85 of the first valve body 143A (see fig. 16 to 21). The first blocking wall 65 is disposed in the first communication chamber 144, and the second blocking wall 66 is disposed in the second communication chamber 145. A seal member 91 is attached to end surfaces of the first blocking wall 65 and the second blocking wall 66 on the side facing the valve seat surface 56a on the upper surface side of the valve seat block 56 (the same applies to the second valve body 143B in fig. 10). The end surfaces of the first blocking wall 65 and the second blocking wall 66 are slidably in contact with the valve seat surface 56a on the upper surface side of the valve seat block 56 via a seal member 91. The seal member 91 seals between the end surfaces of the blocking walls 66 and 67 and the valve seat surface 56 a. The first blocking wall 65 and the second blocking wall 66 are formed so as to be able to block the third connection port 33, the first bypass connection port 39, the fourth connection port 34, and the second bypass connection port 34a on the seat surface 56a at a certain rotational position when the first valve body 143A is rotated about the rotation center axis o 1.

Here, the rotational position of the first spool 143A is defined as follows.

(1) First rotational position "

The rotational position of the first valve body 143A at which the first connection port 31 and the third connection port 33 are connected by the first communication chamber 144 (see fig. 16).

(2) "second rotational position"

The rotational position of the first valve body 143A at which the first connection port 31 and the first bypass connection port 39 are connected by the first communication chamber 144 (see fig. 17).

(3) "third rotational position"

The rotational position of the first valve body 143A at which the second connection port 32 and the third connection port 33 are connected by the second communication chamber 145 (see fig. 19).

(4) "fourth rotational position"

The rotational position of the first valve body 143A at which the second connection port 32 and the first bypass connection port 39 are connected by the second communication chamber 145 (see fig. 20).

The first blocking wall 65 of the first valve body 143A is disposed at a position where the first bypass connection port 39 can be closed when the first valve body 143A is located at the first rotational position (see fig. 16), and the third connection port 33 can be closed when the first valve body 143A is located at the second rotational position (see fig. 17). The second blocking wall 66 of the first valve body 143A is disposed at a position where the first bypass connection port 39 can be closed when the first valve body 143A is located at the third rotational position (see fig. 19), and the third connection port 33 can be closed when the first valve body 143A is located at the fourth rotational position (see fig. 20).

When the first valve body 143A is located at any intermediate position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position (see fig. 18), the first blocking wall 65 straddles portions of the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39, and thereby the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 communicate with the first communication chamber 144 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the first valve body 143A.

When the first valve body 143A is located at any intermediate position between the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position (see fig. 21), the second blocking wall 66 straddles portions of the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39, and thereby the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 communicate with the second communication chamber 145 at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the first valve body 143A.

As shown in fig. 11, 14, and 15, the end wall 85a of the valve body 85 of the first valve body 143A, which is disposed at the end opposite to the opening side in the axial direction, has its outer portion covered with the first valve body cover 57A. A flow path chamber 117 through which liquid can flow is formed between the first valve element cover 57A and the end wall 85 a. The end wall 85a of the valve body 85 is formed with a first through hole 119 that communicates the first communication chamber 144 with the flow path chamber 117, and a second through hole 118 that communicates the second communication chamber 145 with the flow path chamber 117. Further, a check valve 60 that closes the second through hole 118 from the channel chamber 117 side and allows only the liquid to flow from the second communication chamber 145 side to the channel chamber 117 side is attached to the end wall 85 a. As the check valve 60, for example, the following check valves and the like can be used: the umbrella-shaped valve body made of a rubber elastic member closes the second through hole 118 from the flow path chamber 117 side, and opens the second through hole 118 when the pressure in the second communication chamber 145 becomes higher than the pressure in the flow path chamber 117. The first through hole 119 of the end wall 85a is always in a communicating state.

Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the flow of liquid between the spool main body 85 and the first spool cover 57A when the pressure in the second communication chamber 145 is higher than the pressure in the first communication chamber 144. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing the flow of liquid between the spool main body 85 and the first spool cover 57A when the pressure in the first communication chamber 144 is higher than the pressure in the second communication chamber 145.

When the pressure in the second communication chamber 145 is higher than the pressure in the first communication chamber 144, as shown in fig. 14, the check valve 60 opens by the pressure of the liquid in the second communication chamber 145, the liquid in the second communication chamber 145 flows into the flow path chamber 117 through the second through hole 118, and the liquid further flows into the first communication chamber 144 through the first through hole 119.

When the pressure in the first communication chamber 144 is higher than the pressure in the second communication chamber 145, as shown in fig. 15, the liquid in the first communication chamber 144 flows into the flow path chamber 117 through the first through hole 119, but the liquid in the flow path chamber 117 does not flow into the second communication chamber 145 because the second through hole 118 is closed by the check valve 60. At this time, the pressure in the flow passage chamber 117 increases, and the valve body 85 is pressed in the direction of the valve seat surface 56a of the valve seat block 56 by the pressure. Thereby, the valve body 85 and the end surface of the partition wall 90 on the opening side are pressed against the valve seat surface 56a via the seal member 91, and the sealing property between the first valve element 143A and the valve seat block 56 is improved.

A rectangular engaging groove 61 is formed in the center of the upper surface side of the valve body 85. An end of the coupling pin 120 coupled to the shaft of the motor 55A on the upper side is fitted into the engagement groove 61. Thereby, the rotational position of the first valve body 143A can be adjusted by the motor 55A.

The second spool 143B has the same basic structure as the first spool 143A. As shown in fig. 10, the second valve spool 143B has a spool body 85 and a partition wall 90, and the interior of the spool body 85 is partitioned into a third communication chamber 150 and a fourth communication chamber 151 by the partition wall 90. The second valve body 143B is disposed such that the opening side of the valve body 85 faces the valve seat surface 56a on the lower side of the valve seat block 56. The end surfaces of the valve body 85 and the partition wall 90 slidably contact the lower valve seat surface 56a via a seal member 91. The aforementioned respective connection ports (the fifth connection port 35, the sixth connection port 36, the seventh connection port 37, the eighth connection port 38, the first bypass connection port 38a, and the second bypass connection port 40) opened in the valve seat surface 56a on the lower surface side of the valve seat block 56 are opened so as to face the opening of the second spool 143B.

The third communication chamber 150 (third communication portion) in the second valve body 143B can alternately communicate the fifth connection port 35 with the seventh connection port 37 and the eighth connection port 38 depending on the rotational position of the second valve body 143B. The fourth communication chamber 151 (fourth communication portion) in the second valve body 143B can selectively communicate the sixth connection port 36 with the eighth connection port 38 and the seventh connection port 37 depending on the rotational position of the second valve body 143B.

The second valve body 143B is integrally provided with a cylindrical third blocking wall 67 (third blocking portion) and a fourth blocking wall 68 (fourth blocking portion) inside the peripheral wall of the valve body 85. The third blocking wall 67 is disposed in the third communication chamber 150, and the fourth blocking wall 68 is disposed in the fourth communication chamber 151. The end surfaces of the third blocking wall 67 and the fourth blocking wall 68 on the opening side slidably contact the valve seat surface 56a on the lower side of the valve seat block 56 via the seal member 91. The third blocking wall 67 and the fourth blocking wall 68 are formed so as to be able to block the seventh connection port 37, the second bypass connection port 40, the eighth connection port 38, and the first bypass connection port 38a on the seat surface 56a at a certain rotational position when the second spool 143B rotates about the rotation center axis o 1.

The rotational position of the second spool 143B is defined as follows.

(1) First rotational position "

The fifth connection port 35 and the seventh connection port 37 are connected by the third communication chamber 150, and the rotational position of the second valve body 143B (see fig. 16) is determined.

(2) "second rotational position"

The fifth connection port 35 and the second bypass connection port 40 are connected by the third communication chamber 150, and the rotational position of the second valve body 143B (see fig. 17).

(3) "third rotational position"

The sixth connection port 36 and the seventh connection port 37 are connected by the fourth communication chamber 151, and the rotational position of the second valve body 143B (see fig. 19).

(4) "fourth rotational position"

The sixth connection port 36 and the second bypass connection port 40 are connected by the fourth communication chamber 151, and the rotational position of the second valve body 143B (see fig. 20) is determined.

The third blocking wall 67 of the second valve body 143B is disposed at a position where the second bypass connection port 40 can be blocked when the second valve body 143B is located at the first rotational position (see fig. 16) and the seventh connection port 37 can be blocked when the second valve body 143B is located at the second rotational position (see fig. 17). The fourth blocking wall 68 of the second valve body 143B is disposed at a position where the second bypass connection port 40 can be blocked when the second valve body 143B is located at the third rotational position (see fig. 19) and the seventh connection port 37 can be blocked when the second valve body 143B is located at the fourth rotational position (see fig. 20).

When the second spool 143B is positioned at any intermediate position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position (see fig. 18), the third blocking wall 67 straddles a portion of each of the seventh connecting port 37 and the second bypass connecting port 40, and thereby the seventh connecting port 37 and the second bypass connecting port 40 communicate with the third communication chamber 150 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the second spool 143B.

When the second valve body 143B is positioned at any intermediate position between the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position (see fig. 21), the fourth blocking wall 68 straddles a portion of each of the seventh connecting port 37 and the second bypass connecting port 40, and thereby the seventh connecting port 37 and the second bypass connecting port 40 are communicated with the fourth communication chamber 151 at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the second valve body 143B.

As shown in fig. 11, the outside of the end wall 85a of the second spool 143B is covered with the second spool cover 57B. A flow passage chamber 117 is formed between the second spool cover 57B and the end wall 85 a. The end wall 85a is formed with a first through hole 119 for communicating the fourth communication chamber 151 with the channel chamber 117, and a second through hole 118 for communicating the third communication chamber 150 with the channel chamber 117. A check valve 60 is attached to the end wall 85a so as to close the second through hole 118 from the channel chamber 117 side and allow only the liquid to flow from the third communication chamber 150 side to the channel chamber 117 side. The first through hole 119 of the end wall 85a is always in a communicating state.

When the pressure in the third communication chamber 150 is higher than the pressure in the fourth communication chamber 151, the check valve 60 opens by the pressure of the liquid in the third communication chamber 150, the liquid in the third communication chamber 150 flows into the flow path chamber 117 through the second through hole 118, and the liquid further flows into the fourth communication chamber 151 through the first through hole 119.

On the other hand, when the pressure in the fourth communication chamber 151 is higher than the pressure in the third communication chamber 150, the second through hole 118 is kept closed by the check valve 60, so that the pressure in the flow path chamber 117 increases, and the valve body 85 is pressed in the direction of the valve seat surface 56a of the valve seat block 56 by this pressure. Thereby, the valve body 85 and the end surface of the partition wall 90 on the opening side are pressed against the valve seat surface 56a via the seal member 91, and the sealing property between the second valve body 143B and the valve seat block 56 is improved.

A rectangular engaging groove 61 is formed in the center of the lower surface side of the valve body 85 of the second valve body 143B. An end of the coupling pin 120 coupled to the shaft of the motor 55B on the lower side is fitted into the engagement groove 61. Thereby, the rotational position of the second valve body 143B can be adjusted by the motor 55B.

Here, the first bypass connection port 39 facing the first valve body 143A and the first bypass connection port 38a facing the second valve body 143B are connected by the first bypass flow passage 25, but the first bypass flow passage 25 is constituted by a through hole that linearly penetrates the valve seat block 56 in the vertical direction as shown in fig. 11. Similarly, the second bypass flow path 26 connecting the second bypass connection port 34a facing the first valve body 143A and the second bypass connection port 40 facing the second valve body 143B is formed by a through hole linearly penetrating the valve seat block 56 in the vertical direction. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately connect the pipe for the first bypass passage 25 and the pipe for the second bypass passage 26 to the valve seat block 56.

Fig. 16 to 21 are diagrams showing the flow of the liquid in the liquid circulation circuit 1 when the first valve body 143A and the second valve body 143B of the flow path switching valve 103 are appropriately rotated. In fig. 16 to 21, black arrows indicate a state in which the liquid flows, and white arrows indicate a state in which the liquid does not flow.

The switching of the flow path by the flow path switching valve 103 will be described below with reference to fig. 16 to 21.

In fig. 16, both the first spool 143A and the second spool 143B are position-operated to the first rotational position. At this time, the first communication chamber 144 of the first valve body 143A communicates the first connection port 31 with the third connection port 33, and the second communication chamber 145 communicates the second connection port 32 with the fourth connection port 34. The third communication chamber 150 of the second valve body 143B communicates the fifth connection port 35 with the seventh connection port 37, and the fourth communication chamber 151 communicates the sixth connection port 36 with the eighth connection port 38.

In this state, the downstream portion of the temperature rise flow path 21 is connected to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 through the first connection port 31 and the third connection port 33 of the flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portion of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 is connected to the upstream portion of the temperature rise flow path 21 through the eighth connection port 38 and the sixth connection port 36 of the flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid of the heater core 11 having passed through the temperature increasing flow path 21 is returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21 through the radiator-PDU flow path 23.

The downstream portion of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 is connected to the battery flow path 24 via the second connection port 32 and the fourth connection port 34 of the flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portion of the battery flow path 24 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 via the seventh connection port 37 and the fifth connection port 35 of the flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 passes through the battery flow path 24 and is returned to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 17, both the first spool 143A and the second spool 143B are position-operated to the second rotational position. At this time, the first communication chamber 144 of the first valve body 143A communicates the first connection port 31 with the first bypass connection port 39, and the second communication chamber 145 communicates the second connection port 32 with the second bypass connection port 34 a. The third communication chamber 150 of the second valve body 143B communicates the fifth connection port 35 with the second bypass connection port 40, and the fourth communication chamber 151 communicates the sixth connection port 36 with the first bypass connection port 38 a.

In this state, the downstream portion of the temperature increasing flow path 21 is connected to the first bypass flow path 25 via the first connection port 31 and the first bypass connection port 39 of the flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portion of the first bypass flow path 25 is connected to the upstream portion of the temperature increasing flow path 21 via the first bypass connection port 38a and the sixth connection port 36 of the flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid of the heater core 11 having passed through the temperature increasing flow path 21 bypasses the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21.

The downstream portion of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 is connected to the second bypass flow path 26 via the second connection port 32 and the second bypass connection port 34a of the flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portion of the second bypass flow path 26 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 via the second bypass connection port 40 and the fifth connection port 35 of the flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 bypasses the battery flow path 24 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 18, both the first spool 143A and the second spool 143B are position-operated to an arbitrary rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position. At this time, the first communication chamber 144 of the first valve body 143A communicates the first connection port 31 with the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the first valve body 143A, and the second communication chamber 145 communicates the second connection port 32 with the fourth connection port 34 and the second bypass connection port 34 a. The third communication chamber 150 of the second spool 143B communicates the fifth connection port 35 with the seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the second spool 143B, and the fourth communication chamber 151 communicates the sixth connection port 36 with the eighth connection port 38.

In this state, the downstream portion of the temperature increasing flow path 21 is connected to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 via the first connection port 31, the second connection port 32, and the first bypass connection port 39 of the flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portions of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 are connected to the upstream portion of the temperature increasing flow path 21 via the eighth connection port 38, the first bypass connection port 38a, and the sixth connection port 36 of the flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid passing through the heater core 11 of the temperature increasing flow path 21 is branched to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 and returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21.

The downstream portion of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 is connected to the battery flow path 24 via the second connection port 32 and the fourth connection port 34 of the flow path switching valve 103, and is also connected to the second bypass flow path 26 via the second connection port 32 and the second bypass connection port 34 a. The downstream portions of the battery flow path 24 and the second bypass flow path 26 are connected to the upstream side of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 via the seventh connection port 37, the second bypass connection port 40, and the fifth connection port 35 of the flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 is branched to the battery flow path 24 and the second bypass flow path 26 and returned to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 19, both the first spool 143A and the second spool 143B are position-operated to the third rotational position. At this time, the first communication chamber 144 of the first valve body 143A communicates the first connection port 31 with the fourth connection port 34, and the second communication chamber 145 communicates the second connection port 32 with the third connection port 33. The third communication chamber 150 of the second valve body 143B communicates the eighth connection port 38 with the fifth connection port 35, and the fourth communication chamber 151 communicates the seventh connection port 37 with the sixth connection port 36.

In this state, the downstream portion of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 is connected to the battery flow path 24 via the first connection port 31 and the fourth connection port 34 of the flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portion of the battery flow path 24 is connected to the upstream portion of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 via the seventh connection port 37 and the sixth connection port 36 of the flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid passing through the heater core 11 of the temperature increasing flow path 21 is returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21 through the battery flow path 24.

The downstream portion of the cool-down flow path 22 is connected to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 through the second connection port 32 and the third connection port 33 of the flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portion of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 is connected to the upstream side of the cool-down flow path 22 through the eighth connection port 38 and the fifth connection port 35 of the flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 passes through the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 20, both the first spool 143A and the second spool 143B are position-operated to the fourth rotational position. At this time, the first communication chamber 144 of the first valve body 143A communicates the first connection port 31 with the second bypass connection port 34a, and the second communication chamber 145 communicates the second connection port 32 with the first bypass connection port 39. The third communication chamber 150 of the second valve body 143B communicates the first bypass connection port 38a with the fifth connection port 35, and the fourth communication chamber 151 communicates the second bypass connection port 40 with the sixth connection port 36.

In this state, the downstream portion of temperature-increasing flow path 21 is connected to second bypass flow path 26 via first connection port 31 and second bypass connection port 34a of flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portion of second bypass flow path 26 is connected to the upstream portion of temperature-increasing flow path 21 via second bypass connection port 40 and sixth connection port 36 of flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid passing through the heater core 11 of the temperature increasing flow path 21 bypasses the battery flow path 24 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21.

The downstream portion of the temperature lowering flow path 22 is connected to the first bypass flow path 25 via the second connection port 32 and the first bypass connection port 39 of the flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portion of the first bypass flow path 25 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22 via the first bypass connection port 38a and the fifth connection port 35 of the flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 bypasses the battery flow path 24 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 21, the first spool 143A and the second spool 143B of the flow path switching valve 103 are each positionally operated to a rotational position between the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position. At this time, the first communication chamber 144 of the first valve body 143A communicates the first connection port 31 with the fourth connection port 34 and the second bypass connection port 34a, and the second communication chamber 145 communicates the second connection port 32 with the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the first valve body 143A. The third communication chamber 150 of the second valve body 143B communicates the fifth connection port 35 with the eighth connection port 38 and the first bypass connection port 38a, and the fourth communication chamber 151 communicates the seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40 with the sixth connection port 36 at a rate corresponding to the rotational position of the second valve body 143B.

In this state, the downstream portion of temperature-increasing flow path 21 is connected to battery flow path 24 and second bypass flow path 26 via first connection port 31, fourth connection port 34, and second bypass connection port 34a of flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portions of battery flow path 24 and second bypass flow path 26 are connected to the upstream portion of temperature-increasing flow path 21 via seventh connection port 37, second bypass connection port 40, and sixth connection port 36 of flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid passing through the heater core 11 of the temperature increasing flow path 21 is branched to the battery flow path 24 and the second bypass flow path 26 and returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21.

The downstream portion of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 is connected to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 via the second connection port 32, the third connection port 33, and the first bypass connection port 39 of the flow path switching valve 103, and the downstream portion of each of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 via the eighth connection port 38, the first bypass connection port 38a, and the fifth connection port 35 of the flow path switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 is branched to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and the first bypass flow path 25 and returned to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

The combination of the rotational positions of the first spool 143A and the second spool 134B of the flow path switching valve 103 is not limited to the combination described above, and may be another combination.

< Effect of the second embodiment >

As described above, the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment can obtain a function of a four-way switching valve that can selectively connect two (the temperature rise flow path 21 and the temperature decrease flow path 22) of the four flow paths (the temperature rise flow path 21, the temperature decrease flow path 22, the radiator-PDU flow path 23, and the battery flow path 24) connected to the base member 141 to the remaining flow paths, and a function of a main function unit that can bypass one (the radiator-PDU flow path 23 or the battery flow path 24) of the remaining flow paths as necessary, by using one valve. In particular, the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment includes two sets of valve function units having the functions of the four-way switching valve described above and the function of the main function unit that bypasses the flow path as necessary. Therefore, when the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment is used, the number of components to be assembled into the liquid circulation circuit 1 and the number of assembly steps of the components can be further reduced, and the entire liquid circulation circuit 1 can be further made compact and light.

The flow path switching valve 103 according to the present embodiment can cause the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 to communicate with the first communication chamber 144 at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the first valve body 143A when the first valve body 143A is at the rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position, and can cause the third connection port 33 and the first bypass connection port 39 to communicate with the second communication chamber 145 at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the first valve body 143A when the first valve body 143A is at the rotational position between the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position. Therefore, the flow path switching valve 103 according to the present embodiment can divert the flow of the liquid in one flow path to two flow paths at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the first valve body 143A.

Further, the flow path switching valve 103 according to the present embodiment can cause the seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40 to communicate with the third communication chamber 150 at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the second spool 143B when the second spool 143B is at the rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position, and cause the seventh connection port 37 and the second bypass connection port 40 to communicate with the fourth communication chamber 151 at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the second spool 143B when the second spool 143B is at the rotational position between the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position. Therefore, the flow path switching valve 103 according to the present embodiment divides the flow of the liquid in one flow path into two flow paths at a ratio corresponding to the rotational position of the second spool 143B.

In the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment, the inside of the valve body 85 of the first valve body 143A, which is cylindrical with a bottom, is partitioned into the first communication chamber 144 and the second communication chamber 145 by the partition wall 90, and the first connection port 31, the second connection port 32, the third connection port 33, the first bypass connection port 39, and the fourth connection port 34 are formed on the valve seat surface 56a of the valve seat block 56 so as to face the opening of the first valve body 143A. The first bypass connection port 39 and the third connection port 33 are disposed adjacent to each other on a substantially concentric circle, and the valve body 85 is provided with a first blocking wall 65 that selectively opens and closes the first bypass connection port 39 and the third connection port 33 when the first valve body 143A is located at the first rotational position and the second rotational position, and a second blocking wall 66 that selectively opens and closes the first bypass connection port 39 and the third connection port 33 when the first valve body 143A is located at the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position. Therefore, when the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment is used, a valve function portion having a function of a four-way switching valve and a function of bypassing the main function portion of the flow path as necessary can be obtained with a simple configuration.

In the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment, a flow path (flow path chamber 117) connecting the second communication chamber 145 of the first valve body 143A and the first communication chamber 144 is formed between the valve body 85 and the first valve body cover 57A, and a check valve 60 that allows liquid to flow from the second communication chamber 145 into the first communication chamber 144 is provided on the end wall 85a of the valve body 85. Similarly, a flow path (flow path chamber 117) connecting the third communication chamber 150 and the fourth communication chamber 151 of the second spool 143B is formed between the spool body 85 and the second spool cover 57B, and a check valve 60 that allows liquid to flow from the third communication chamber 150 into the fourth communication chamber 151 is provided on the end wall 85a of the spool body 85.

Therefore, it is not necessary to dispose the check valve 60 and the flow path in which the check valve 60 is disposed outside the flow path switching valve 103. Therefore, in the case of this configuration, since a dedicated pipe for attaching the check valve 60 is not required, the piping connection to the flow path switching valve 103 can be facilitated and the structure of the liquid circulation circuit 1 can be simplified.

In the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment, when the check valve 60 is closed, the pressure of the liquid in the flow path chamber 117 rises, and the valve body 85 is pressed in the direction of the seat surface 56a of the valve seat block 56 by this pressure. Therefore, in the case of this configuration, the valve body 85 and the end surface on the opening side of the partition wall 90 can be pressed against the valve seat surface 56a via the seal member 91 by the pressure of the liquid in the flow path chamber 117, and the sealing property between the valve body and the valve seat surface 56a can be improved.

In the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment, the first valve body 143A and the second valve body 143B have a cylindrical valve body 85 having a bottom and a partition wall 90 that partitions the interior of the valve body 85 into two communication chambers, and the valve seat block 56 having the valve seat surface 56a on one end side and the other end side in the axial direction is disposed between the first valve body 143A and the second valve body 143B. The first connection port 31, the second connection port 32, the third connection port 33, the first bypass connection port 39, and the fourth connection port 34 are formed in the seat surface 56a on one side of the valve seat block 56 so as to face the opening of the first valve body 143A, and the fifth connection port 35, the sixth connection port 36, the seventh connection port 37, the second bypass connection port 40, and the eighth connection port 38 are formed in the seat surface 56a on the other side of the valve seat block 56 so as to face the opening of the second valve body 143B. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, a plurality of connection ports can be collectively arranged on the common valve seat block 56. Therefore, when the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment is used, the valve as a whole can be made smaller, and the pipes to be connected can be collected at one location.

In the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment, the first bypass flow path 25 and the second bypass flow path 26 that connect the communication chamber of the first valve body 143A and the communication chamber of the second valve body 143B are formed by through holes that linearly penetrate the valve seat block 56. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a separate pipe for providing the first bypass passage 25 and the second bypass passage 26, and the respective lengths of the first bypass passage 25 and the second bypass passage 26 connecting the two connection ports can be made the shortest length. Therefore, when the flow path switching valve 103 of the present embodiment is used, the assembly work for the liquid circulation circuit 1 can be facilitated, the valve as a whole can be downsized, and the pressure loss and the heat loss of the liquid can be reduced as compared with the case where the bypass flow path is formed by a separate pipe.

< third embodiment >

Fig. 22 is a side view of the flow path switching valve 203 of the present embodiment in a partial cross-section.

The flow path switching valve 203 of the present embodiment can be applied to the liquid circulation circuit 1 of the vehicle air conditioner and the like as in the first embodiment. The flow path switching valve 203 of the present embodiment has the same function as the first flow path switching valve 3A and the second flow path switching valve 3B of the first embodiment, as with the flow path switching valve 103 of the second embodiment.

The flow path switching valve 203 includes a base member 241, a first valve body 243A and a second valve body 243B rotatably assembled in the base member 241, and a pair of motors 55A and 55B for rotating the first valve body 243A and the second valve body 243B, respectively.

Hereinafter, the side of the flow path switching valve 203 facing upward in fig. 22 is referred to as "up", and the side opposite thereto is referred to as "down".

The base member 241 includes a substantially cylindrical housing block 256 having a plurality of pipe connection portions 59 protruding from an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a pair of end covers 257A and 257B that close upper and lower openings of the housing block 256. The symbol o1 in fig. 22 indicates the rotational center axes of the first spool 243A and the second spool 243B.

Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 203 corresponding to the section XXIII-XXIII in fig. 22, and fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to the section XXIV-XXIV in fig. 23. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the flow path switching valve 203 corresponding to the section XXV-XXV in fig. 22.

The housing block 256 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 93 and a partition wall 94 that partitions the interior of the peripheral wall 93 into an upper valve storage chamber and a lower valve storage chamber. The upper surface and the lower surface of the partition wall 94 form valve seat surfaces 94a against which end surfaces (bottom walls 285a) of the first valve body 243A and the second valve body 243B are slidably brought into contact, respectively. The first valve body 243A is rotatably accommodated in a recessed space (upper valve accommodating chamber) defined by an upper region of the peripheral wall 93 and the upper valve seat surface 94a of the partition wall 94. The second valve body 243B is rotatably accommodated in a recessed space (valve accommodation chamber on the lower side) surrounded by a lower region of the peripheral wall 93 and the valve seat surface 94a on the lower side of the partition wall 94.

Four pipe connection portions 59 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper region of the peripheral wall 93 so as to protrude apart in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 93. Similarly, four pipe connection portions 59 are provided on the outer peripheral surface of the lower region of the peripheral wall 93 so as to protrude apart in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 93.

As shown in the circuit diagrams of fig. 26 to 29, the liquid circulation circuit 1 includes: a temperature increasing flow path 21 (first flow path) in which the high-pressure side heat exchanger 10 and the heater core 11 are installed at intermediate positions; a temperature-decreasing flow path 22 (second flow path) in which the engine heat exchanger 14 and the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 are installed at intermediate positions; a radiator-PDU flow path 23 (third flow path) of the heat exchange unit 13 having the radiator 12 and a motor drive circuit (PDU) mounted on the middle; and a battery flow path 24 (fourth flow path) in which the heat exchange unit 16 of the battery is mounted. The configurations of the flow paths and the devices mounted in the flow paths are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Four pipe connection portions 59 provided to protrude from an upper region of the peripheral wall 93 of the housing block 256 are connected to one end side of the flow paths 21, 22, 23, and 24, and the remaining four pipe connection portions 59 provided to protrude from a lower region of the peripheral wall 93 are connected to the other end side of the flow paths 21, 22, 23, and 24.

As shown in fig. 23 and 26, a first connection port 31, a second connection port 32, a third connection port 33, and a fourth connection port 34 that communicate with the four pipe connection portions 59 are formed in an upper region of the peripheral wall 93 of the housing block 256. The connection ports 31 to 34 are formed to penetrate the peripheral wall 93 in the radial direction. The first connection port 31 and the second connection port 32 are connected to one end side of each of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 (first flow path) and the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 (second flow path) via a pipe connection portion 59. The third connection port 33 and the fourth connection port 34 are connected to one end side of each of the heat sink-PDU flow path 23 (third flow path) and the battery flow path 24 (fourth flow path) via the pipe connection portion 59.

As shown in fig. 25 and 26, the fifth connection port 35, the sixth connection port 36, the seventh connection port 37, and the eighth connection port 38, which communicate with the remaining four pipe connection portions 59, are formed in a lower region of the peripheral wall 93 of the housing block 256. The connection ports 35 to 38 are formed to penetrate the peripheral wall 93 in the radial direction. The fifth connection port 35 and the sixth connection port 36 are connected to the other end sides of the temperature lowering flow path 22 (second flow path) and the temperature raising flow path 21 (first flow path) via the pipe connection portion 59, respectively. The seventh connection port 37 and the eighth connection port 38 are connected to the other end sides of the battery flow path 24 (fourth flow path) and the heat sink-PDU flow path 23 (third flow path).

As shown in fig. 22, the partition wall 94 of the case block 256 is formed with a through hole that penetrates straight in the vertical direction to form the first bypass flow passage 25, and a through hole that also penetrates straight in the vertical direction to form the second bypass flow passage 26. The first bypass flow path 25 is a flow path through which the liquid flows while bypassing the main function portion (the radiator 12, the heat exchange portion 13 of the motor drive circuit) of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 (the third flow path), and the second bypass flow path 26 is a flow path through which the liquid flows while bypassing the main function portion (the heat exchange portion 16 of the battery) of the battery flow path 24 (the fourth flow path).

As shown in fig. 22, the upper end of the through hole constituting the first bypass passage 25 constitutes the first bypass connection port 39 opened in the upper valve seat surface 94 a. The lower end of the through hole constituting the first bypass passage 25 constitutes the first bypass connection port 38a opened in the lower seat surface 94 a. As shown in fig. 23, the first bypass connection port 39 opened in the upper valve seat surface 94a is formed at a position adjacent to the third connection port 33 of the peripheral wall 93 in the circumferential direction about the rotation center axis o1 (a position slightly shifted in the circumferential direction).

As shown in fig. 22, the upper end of the through hole constituting the second bypass passage 26 constitutes the second bypass connection port 34a opened in the upper seat surface 94 a. The lower end of the through hole constituting the second bypass passage 26 constitutes the second bypass connection port 40 opened in the lower seat surface 94 a. As shown in fig. 25, the second bypass connection port 40 opened in the lower seat surface 94a is formed at a position adjacent to the seventh connection port 37 of the peripheral wall 93 in the circumferential direction about the rotation center axis o1 (a position slightly shifted in the circumferential direction).

As shown in fig. 23, the first valve body 243A includes a valve body 285 having a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a partition wall 290 that partitions the interior of the valve body 285 into a first communication chamber 244 (first communication portion) and a second communication chamber 245 (second communication portion). As shown in fig. 24, the valve body 285 has a bottom wall 285a having a flat lower surface and a short cylindrical peripheral wall 285b integrally formed on the outer peripheral portion of the bottom wall 285 a. The partition wall 290 extends in the diameter direction in the peripheral wall 285b of the valve body 285 to divide the interior of the valve body 285 into two parts. The valve body 285 opens upward, and an end of the valve body on the opening side faces the lower surface of the end cover 257A. Sealing members, not shown, are attached to an end portion of the valve body 285 on the opening side and an end portion of the partition wall 290. An end portion of the valve body 285 on the opening side and an end portion of the partition wall 290 slidably contact the lower surface of the end cover 257A via a seal member.

The lower surface of the bottom wall 285a of the valve body 285 slidably abuts against the upper valve seat surface 94a of the partition wall 290 of the case block 256.

As shown in fig. 23, the peripheral wall 285b of the first valve body 243A has a first peripheral wall hole 95a and a second peripheral wall hole 95b which communicate with the first communication chamber 244 at two positions separated in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 285b, and a third peripheral wall hole 95c and a fourth peripheral wall hole 95d which communicate with the second communication chamber 245 at two other positions separated in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 285 b. The first to fourth peripheral wall holes 95a to 95d are arranged so that adjacent peripheral wall holes are shifted by substantially 90 ° from each other on the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 285 b. The peripheral wall holes 95a, 95b, 95c, and 95d are formed in elongated hole shapes that are elongated in the direction along the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 285 b.

The outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 285b of the first valve body 243A slidably abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 93 of the housing block 256.

Here, the first communication chamber 244 (first communication portion) in the first valve body 243A communicates the first connection port 31 with the third connection port 33 via the second peripheral wall hole 95b and the first peripheral wall hole 95a when the first valve body 243A is at a first rotational position a (see fig. 26) described later. The first communication chamber 244 (first communication portion) communicates the first connection port 31 with the fourth connection port 34 via the first and second peripheral wall holes 95a and 95b when the first valve body 243A is located at a third rotational position c (see fig. 28) described later. Therefore, the first communication chamber 244 (first communication portion) can selectively communicate the first connection port 31 with the third connection port 33 and the fourth connection port 34 in accordance with the rotational position of the first valve body 243A.

The second communication chamber 245 (second communication portion) in the first valve body 243A communicates the second connection port 32 with the fourth connection port 34 via the third peripheral wall hole 95c and the fourth peripheral wall hole 95d when the first valve body 243A is located at a first rotational position a (see fig. 26) described later. The second communication chamber 245 (second communication portion) communicates the second connection port 32 with the third connection port 33 via the fourth peripheral wall hole 95d and the third peripheral wall hole 95c when the first valve body 243A is located at a third rotational position c (see fig. 28) described later. Therefore, the second communication chamber 245 (second communication portion) can alternately communicate the second connection port 32 with the third connection port 33 and the fourth connection port 34 in accordance with the rotational position of the first valve body 243A.

A first open/close hole 96a that can communicate with the first bypass connection port 39 formed in the partition wall 94 of the housing block 256 is formed in the bottom wall 285a of the first valve body 243A at a position circumferentially overlapping with a part of the first peripheral wall hole 95a of the peripheral wall 285 b. The first open/close hole 96a is formed substantially on the same diameter as the first bypass connection port 39 at a position on the same circumference as the first bypass connection port 39. The first opening/closing hole 96a overlaps the first bypass connection port 39 when the first valve body 243A is at a second rotational position b (see fig. 27) described later, and causes the first communication chamber 244 to communicate with the first bypass connection port 39. When the first valve body 243A is at a first rotational position a (see fig. 23 and 26) described later, the first opening/closing hole 96a is circumferentially displaced from the first bypass connection port 39, and a circumferential edge of the first opening/closing hole 96a blocks a gap between the first communication chamber 244 and the first bypass connection port 39.

As shown in fig. 23 and 26, the first peripheral wall hole 95a of the peripheral wall 285b of the first valve body 243A communicates the third connection port 33 with the first communication chamber 244 when the first valve body 243A is located at the first rotational position a and blocks the first bypass connection port 39 of the partition wall 94. At this time, the first connection port 31 communicates with the third connection port 33 through the first communication chamber 244.

As shown in fig. 27, when the first valve body 243A is located at the second rotational position b and the first open/close hole 96a overlaps the first bypass connection port 39 of the partition wall 94, the first peripheral wall hole 95a is circumferentially displaced from the third connection port 33, and the edge of the first peripheral wall hole 95a in the circumferential direction blocks the third connection port 33. At this time, the first connection port 31 communicates with the first bypass connection port 39 through the first communication chamber 244.

In the present embodiment, the first opening/closing hole 96a and the first peripheral wall hole 95a form a first shielding portion at their respective circumferential edges.

A first communication hole 97a that can communicate with the second bypass connection port 34a formed in the partition wall 94 of the housing block 256 is formed in the bottom wall 285a of the first valve body 243A at a position that overlaps with a part of the second peripheral wall hole 95b of the peripheral wall 285b in the circumferential direction. The first communication hole 97a is formed in an elongated hole shape at a position on the same circumference as the second bypass connection port 34 a. The first communication hole 97a overlaps the second bypass connection port 34a to communicate the first communication chamber 244 with the second bypass connection port 34a when the first valve body 243A is at a third rotational position c and a fourth rotational position d (see fig. 28 and 29) described below.

A second open/close hole 96b that can communicate with the first bypass connection port 39 of the partition wall 94 formed in the housing block 256 is formed in the bottom wall 285a of the first valve body 243A at a position circumferentially overlapping with a part of the third peripheral wall hole 95c of the peripheral wall 285 b. The second open/close hole 96b is formed substantially on the same diameter as the first bypass connection port 39 at a position on the same circumference as the first bypass connection port 39. The second opening/closing hole 96b overlaps the first bypass connection port 39 and allows the second communication chamber 245 to communicate with the first bypass connection port 39 when the first valve body 243A is located at a fourth rotational position d (see fig. 29) described later. When the first valve body 243A is at a third rotational position c (see fig. 28) described later, the second opening/closing hole 96b is circumferentially displaced from the first bypass connection port 39, and a circumferential edge of the second opening/closing hole 96b blocks a gap between the second communication chamber 245 and the first bypass connection port 39.

As shown in fig. 28, the third peripheral wall hole 95c of the peripheral wall 285b of the first valve body 243A communicates the third connection port 33 with the second communication chamber 245 when the first valve body 243A is located at the third rotational position c and blocks the first bypass connection port 39 of the partition wall 94. At this time, the second connection port 32 communicates with the third connection port 33 through the second communication chamber 245.

As shown in fig. 29, when the first valve body 243A is located at the fourth rotational position d and the first open/close hole 96a overlaps the first bypass connection port 39 of the partition wall 94, the third peripheral wall hole 95c is circumferentially displaced from the third connection port 33, and the edge of the third peripheral wall hole 95c in the circumferential direction blocks the third connection port 33.

In the present embodiment, the circumferential edges of the first open/close hole 96a and the third peripheral wall hole 95c constitute a second shielding portion.

A second communication hole 97b that can communicate with the second bypass connection port 34a formed in the partition wall 94 of the housing block 256 is formed in the bottom wall 285a of the first valve body 243A at a position circumferentially overlapping with a part of the fourth peripheral wall hole 95d of the peripheral wall 285 b. The second communication hole 97b is formed in an elongated hole shape at a position on the same circumference as the second bypass connection port 34 a. The second communication hole 97b communicates the second communication chamber 245 with the second bypass connection port 34a when the first valve body 243A is at a first rotational position a and a second rotational position b (see fig. 26 and 27) which will be described later.

As shown in fig. 25, the second valve body 243B includes a valve body 285 having a bottomed cylindrical shape, and a partition wall 290 that partitions the interior of the valve body 285 into a third communication chamber 250 (third communication portion) and a fourth communication chamber 251 (fourth communication portion). As shown in fig. 24, the valve body 285 has a bottom wall 285a having a flat top surface and a short cylindrical peripheral wall 285b connected to the outer peripheral portion of the bottom wall 285 a. The partition wall 290 extends in the diameter direction in the peripheral wall 285b of the valve body 285 to divide the interior of the valve body 285 into two parts. The valve body 285 is open downward, and an end of the valve body on the opening side faces the upper surface of the end cover 257B. Sealing members, not shown, are attached to an end portion of the valve body 285 on the opening side and an end portion of the partition wall 290. An end portion of the valve body 285 on the opening side and an end portion of the partition wall 290 slidably contact the lower surface of the end cover 257B via a seal member.

The upper surface of the bottom wall 285a of the valve body 285 slidably abuts against the valve seat surface 94a on the lower side of the partition wall 290 of the case block 256.

The peripheral wall 285B of the second valve spool 243B is provided with a fifth peripheral wall hole 95e and a sixth peripheral wall hole 95f which communicate with the third communication chamber 250 at two positions separated in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 285B, and a seventh peripheral wall hole 95g and an eighth peripheral wall hole 95h which communicate with the fourth communication chamber 251 at two other positions separated in the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 285B. The fifth to eighth peripheral wall holes 95e to 95h are arranged so that adjacent peripheral wall holes are shifted by substantially 90 ° from each other on the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 285 b. The peripheral wall holes 95e, 95f, 95g, and 95h are formed in elongated hole shapes extending in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 285 b.

The outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 285B of the second valve spool 243B slidably abuts against the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall 93 of the housing block 256.

The third communication chamber 250 (third communication portion) in the second valve body 243B communicates the fifth connection port 35 and the seventh connection port 37 via the sixth peripheral wall hole 95f and the fifth peripheral wall hole 95e when the second valve body 243B is located at a first rotational position a (see fig. 26) described later. The third communication chamber 250 (third communication portion) communicates the fifth connection port 35 and the eighth connection port 38 via the fifth peripheral wall hole 95e and the sixth peripheral wall hole 95f when the second spool 243B is located at a third rotational position c (see fig. 28) described later. Therefore, the third communication chamber 250 (third communication portion) can alternately communicate the fifth connection port 35 with the seventh connection port 37 and the eighth connection port 38 depending on the rotational position of the second spool 243B.

The fourth communication chamber 251 (second communication portion) in the second valve body 243B communicates the eighth connection port 38 and the sixth connection port 36 via the eighth peripheral wall hole 95h and the seventh peripheral wall hole 95g when the second valve body 243B is located at a first rotational position a (see fig. 26) described later. The fourth communication chamber 251 (fourth communication portion) communicates the sixth connection port 36 with the seventh connection port 37 via the eighth peripheral wall hole 95h and the seventh peripheral wall hole 95g when the second spool 243B is located at a third rotational position c (see fig. 28) described later. Therefore, the fourth communication chamber 251 (fourth communication portion) can selectively communicate the sixth connection port 36 with the eighth connection port 38 and the seventh connection port 37 depending on the rotational position of the second spool 243B.

A third open/close hole 96c that can communicate with the second bypass connection port 40 formed in the partition wall 94 of the housing block 256 is formed in the bottom wall 285a of the second valve spool 243B at a position circumferentially overlapping with a part of the fifth peripheral wall hole 95e of the peripheral wall 285B. The third open/close hole 96c is formed substantially in the same diameter as the second bypass connection port 40 at a position on the same circumference as the second bypass connection port 40. The third open/close hole 96c overlaps the second bypass connection port 40 to allow the third communication chamber 250 to communicate with the second bypass connection port 40 when the second valve body 243B is located at a second rotational position B (see fig. 27) described later. When the second valve body 243B is located at a first rotational position a (see fig. 25 and 26) described later, the third open/close hole 96c is circumferentially displaced from the second bypass connection port 40, and a circumferential edge of the third open/close hole 96c blocks a gap between the third communication chamber 250 and the second bypass connection port 40.

As shown in fig. 25 and 26, the fifth peripheral wall hole 95e of the peripheral wall 285B of the second valve body 243B communicates the seventh connection port 37 with the third communication chamber 250 when the second valve body 243B is located at the first rotational position a and blocks the second bypass connection port 40 of the partition wall 94. At this time, the seventh connection port 37 communicates with the fifth connection port 35 through the third communication chamber 250.

As shown in fig. 27, when the second valve body 243B is located at the second rotational position B and the third open/close hole 96c overlaps the second bypass connection port 40 of the partition wall 94, the fifth peripheral wall hole 95e is circumferentially displaced from the seventh connection port 37, and the edge of the fifth peripheral wall hole 95e in the circumferential direction blocks the seventh connection port 37. At this time, the fifth connection port 35 communicates with the second bypass connection port 40 through the third communication chamber 50.

At a position in the bottom wall 285a of the second valve spool 243B that overlaps with a part of the sixth peripheral wall hole 95f of the peripheral wall 285B in the circumferential direction, a third communication hole 97c that can communicate with the first bypass connection port 38a formed in the partition wall 94 of the housing block 256 is formed. The third communication hole 97c is formed in an elongated hole shape at a position on the same circumference as the first bypass connection port 38 a. The third communication hole 97c communicates the third communication chamber 250 with the first bypass connection port 38a when the second valve body 243B is at a third rotational position c and a fourth rotational position d (see fig. 28 and 29), which will be described later.

A fourth opening hole 96d that can communicate with the second bypass connection port 40 formed in the partition wall 94 of the housing block 256 is formed in the bottom wall 285a of the second valve spool 243B at a position circumferentially overlapping with a part of the seventh peripheral wall hole 95g of the peripheral wall 285B. The fourth closing hole 96d is formed substantially on the same diameter as the second bypass connection port 40 at a position on the same circumference as the second bypass connection port 40. The fourth closing hole 96d overlaps the second bypass connection port 40 to allow the fourth communication chamber 251 to communicate with the second bypass connection port 40 when the second valve body 243B is located at a fourth rotational position d (see fig. 29).

When the second valve body 243B is located at a third rotational position c (see fig. 28) described later, the fourth closing hole 96d is circumferentially displaced from the second bypass connection port 40, and a circumferential edge of the fourth closing hole 96d blocks a gap between the fourth communication chamber 251 and the second bypass connection port 40.

As shown in fig. 28, the seventh peripheral wall hole 95g of the peripheral wall 285B of the second valve body 243B communicates the seventh connection port 37 with the fourth communication chamber 251 when the second valve body 243B is located at the third rotational position c and blocks the second bypass connection port 40 of the partition wall 94. At this time, the sixth connection port 36 communicates with the seventh connection port 37 through the fourth communication chamber 251.

As shown in fig. 29, when the second valve body 243B is at the fourth rotational position d and the fourth opening hole 96d overlaps the second bypass connection port 40 of the partition wall 94, the seventh peripheral wall hole 95g is circumferentially displaced from the seventh connection port 37, and the seventh connection port 37 is blocked by the circumferential edge of the seventh peripheral wall hole 95 g.

A fourth communication hole 97d that can communicate with the first bypass connection port 38a formed in the partition wall 94 of the housing block 256 is formed in the bottom wall 285a of the second valve spool 243B at a position circumferentially overlapping with a part of the eighth peripheral wall hole 95h of the peripheral wall 285B. The fourth communication hole 97d is formed in an elongated hole shape at a position on the same circumference as the first bypass connection port 38 a. The fourth communication hole 97d communicates the fourth communication chamber 251 with the first bypass connection port 38a when the second valve body 243B is at a first rotational position a and a second rotational position B (see fig. 26 and 27), which will be described later.

The rotational positions of the first spool 243A and the second spool 243B are defined as follows.

(1) "first rotational position a in first spool 243A"

The rotational position of the first valve body 243A when the first connection port 31 and the third connection port 33 of the housing block 256 are connected by the first communication chamber 244 (see fig. 26).

(2) "second rotational position b in the first spool 243A"

The rotational position of the first valve body 243A when the first connection port 31 and the first bypass connection port 39 of the housing block 256 are connected by the first communication chamber 244 (see fig. 27).

(3) "third rotational position c in the first spool 243A"

The rotational position of the first valve body 243A when the second connection port 32 and the third connection port 33 of the housing block 256 are connected by the second communication chamber 245 (see fig. 28).

(4) "fourth rotational position d in the first spool 243A"

The rotational position of the first valve body 243A when the second connection port 32 and the first bypass connection port 39 of the housing block 256 are connected by the second communication chamber 245 (see fig. 29).

(5) "first rotational position a in second spool 243B"

The rotational position of the second valve body 243B when the fifth connection port 35 and the seventh connection port 37 of the housing block 256 are connected to each other via the third communication chamber 250 (see fig. 26).

(6) "second rotational position B in second spool 243B"

The rotational position of the second valve body 243B when the fifth connection port 35 of the housing block 256 and the second bypass connection port 40 are connected by the third communication chamber 250 (see fig. 27).

(7) "third rotational position c in second spool 243B"

The rotational position of the second valve body 243B when the sixth connection port 36 and the seventh connection port 37 of the housing block 256 are connected by the fourth communication chamber 251 (see fig. 28).

(8) "fourth rotational position d in the second spool 243B"

The rotational position of the second valve body 243B when the sixth connection port 36 of the housing block 256 and the second bypass connection port 40 are connected by the fourth communication chamber 251 (see fig. 29).

Fig. 26 to 29 are circuit diagrams showing the flow of the liquid in the liquid circulation circuit 1 when the flow path is appropriately switched by the flow path switching valve 203. In fig. 26 to 29, black arrows indicate a state in which the liquid flows, and white arrows indicate a state in which the liquid does not flow.

The switching of the flow path by the flow path switching valve 203 will be described below with reference to fig. 26 to 29.

In fig. 26, the first spool 243A and the second spool 243B are both position-operated to the first rotational position a. At this time, the first communication chamber 244 of the first spool 243A communicates the first connection port 31 with the third connection port 33, and the second communication chamber 245 communicates the second connection port 32 with the fourth connection port 34. The third communication chamber 250 of the second valve body 243B communicates the fifth connection port 35 with the seventh connection port 37, and the fourth communication chamber 251 communicates the sixth connection port 36 with the eighth connection port 38.

In this state, the downstream portion of the temperature rise flow path 21 is connected to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 through the first connection port 31 and the third connection port 33 of the flow path switching valve 203, and the downstream portion of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 is connected to the upstream portion of the temperature rise flow path 21 through the eighth connection port 38 and the sixth connection port 36 of the flow path switching valve 203. As a result, the liquid of the heater core 11 having passed through the temperature increasing flow path 21 is returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21 through the radiator-PDU flow path 23.

The downstream portion of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 is connected to the battery flow path 24 via the second connection port 32 and the fourth connection port 34 of the flow path switching valve 203, and the downstream portion of the battery flow path 24 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 via the seventh connection port 37 and the fifth connection port 35 of the flow path switching valve 203. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 passes through the battery flow path 24 and is returned to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 27, both the first spool 243A and the second spool 243B are position-operated to the second rotational position B. At this time, the first communication chamber 24 of the first valve body 243A communicates the first connection port 31 with the first bypass connection port 39, and the second communication chamber 245 communicates the second connection port 32 with the second bypass connection port 34 a. The third communication chamber 250 of the second valve body 243B communicates the fifth connection port 35 with the second bypass connection port 40, and the fourth communication chamber 251 communicates the sixth connection port 36 with the first bypass connection port 38 a.

In this state, the downstream portion of the temperature increasing flow path 21 is connected to the first bypass flow path 25 via the first connection port 31 and the first bypass connection port 39 of the flow path switching valve 203, and the downstream portion of the first bypass flow path 25 is connected to the upstream portion of the temperature increasing flow path 21 via the first bypass connection port 38a and the sixth connection port 36 of the flow path switching valve 203. As a result, the liquid of the heater core 11 having passed through the temperature increasing flow path 21 bypasses the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21.

The downstream portion of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 is connected to the second bypass flow path 26 via the second connection port 32 and the second bypass connection port 34a of the flow path switching valve 203, and the downstream portion of the second bypass flow path 26 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature-decreasing flow path 22 via the second bypass connection port 40 and the fifth connection port 35 of the flow path switching valve 203. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 bypasses the battery flow path 24 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 28, both the first spool 243A and the second spool 243B are position-operated to the third rotational position c. At this time, the first communication chamber 244 of the first spool 243A communicates the first connection port 31 with the fourth connection port 34, and the second communication chamber 245 communicates the second connection port 32 with the third connection port 33. The third communication chamber 250 of the second valve body 243B communicates the eighth connection port 38 with the fifth connection port 35, and the fourth communication chamber 251 communicates the seventh connection port 37 with the sixth connection port 36.

In this state, the downstream portion of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 is connected to the battery flow path 24 via the first connection port 31 and the fourth connection port 34 of the flow path switching valve 203, and the downstream portion of the battery flow path 24 is connected to the upstream portion of the temperature-increasing flow path 21 via the seventh connection port 37 and the sixth connection port 36 of the flow path switching valve 203. As a result, the liquid passing through the heater core 11 of the temperature increasing flow path 21 is returned to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21 through the battery flow path 24.

The downstream portion of the cool-down flow path 22 is connected to the radiator-PDU flow path 23 via the second connection port 32 and the third connection port 33 of the flow path switching valve 203, and the downstream portion of the radiator-PDU flow path 23 is connected to the upstream side of the cool-down flow path 22 via the eighth connection port 38 and the fifth connection port 35 of the flow path switching valve 203. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 passes through the radiator-PDU flow path 23 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

In fig. 29, the first spool 243A and the second spool 243B are position-operated to the fourth rotational position d. At this time, the first communication chamber 144 of the first valve body 243A communicates the first connection port 31 with the second bypass connection port 34a, and the second communication chamber 145 communicates the second connection port 32 with the first bypass connection port 39. The third communication chamber 250 of the second valve body 243B communicates the first bypass connection port 38a with the fifth connection port 35, and the fourth communication chamber 251 communicates the second bypass connection port 40 with the sixth connection port 36.

In this state, the downstream portion of temperature rising channel 21 is connected to second bypass channel 26 via first connection port 31 and second bypass connection port 34a of channel switching valve 203, and the downstream portion of second bypass channel 26 is connected to the upstream portion of temperature rising channel 21 via second bypass connection port 40 and sixth connection port 36 of channel switching valve 103. As a result, the liquid passing through the heater core 11 of the temperature increasing flow path 21 bypasses the battery flow path 24 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature increasing flow path 21.

The downstream portion of the temperature lowering flow path 22 is connected to the first bypass flow path 25 via the second connection port 32 and the first bypass connection port 39 of the flow path switching valve 203, and the downstream portion of the first bypass flow path 25 is connected to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22 via the first bypass connection port 38a and the fifth connection port 35 of the flow path switching valve 203. As a result, the liquid that has passed through the low-pressure side heat exchanger 15 of the temperature lowering flow path 22 bypasses the battery flow path 24 and returns to the upstream side of the temperature lowering flow path 22.

The combination of the rotational positions of the first valve body 243A and the second valve body 234B of the flow path switching valve 203 is not limited to the combination shown in fig. 26 to 29, and may be another combination.

< Effect of the third embodiment >

As described above, the flow path switching valve 203 of the present embodiment can obtain a function of a four-way switching valve capable of connecting two (the temperature rise flow path 21 and the temperature decrease flow path 22) of the four flow paths (the temperature rise flow path 21, the temperature decrease flow path 22, the radiator-PDU flow path 23, and the battery flow path 24) connected to the base member 241 to the remaining flow paths alternatively, and a function of a main function unit capable of bypassing one (the radiator-PDU flow path 23 or the battery flow path 24) of the remaining flow paths as necessary, by using one valve. Therefore, when the flow path switching valve 203 of the present embodiment is used, the number of components to be assembled into the liquid circulation circuit 1 and the number of assembly steps of the components can be further reduced, and the entire liquid circulation circuit 1 can be further made compact and light.

The flow path switching valve 203 of the present embodiment includes two sets of valve function units having the functions of the four-way switching valve described above and the function of bypassing the main function unit of the flow path as necessary, and therefore, the number of components and the number of assembly steps of the components to be assembled to the liquid circulation circuit 1 can be further reduced, and the entire liquid circulation circuit 1 can be further made compact and lightweight.

In the flow path switching valve 203 of the present embodiment, the first bypass flow path 25 and the second bypass flow path 26 that connect the communication chamber of the first valve body 243A and the communication chamber of the second valve body 243B are formed by through holes that linearly penetrate the partition wall 94 of the housing block 256. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a separate pipe for providing the first bypass passage 25 and the second bypass passage 26, and the respective lengths of the first bypass passage 25 and the second bypass passage 26 connecting the two connection ports can be made the shortest length. Therefore, when the flow path switching valve 203 of the present embodiment is used, the assembly work for the liquid circulation circuit 1 can be facilitated, the valve as a whole can be downsized, and the pressure loss and the heat loss of the liquid can be reduced as compared with the case where the bypass flow path is formed by a separate pipe.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the flow path switching valve is disposed in the liquid circulation circuit of the vehicle air conditioner, but the application of the flow path switching valve is not limited to this, and the flow path switching valve may be applied to a circulation circuit in which a gas flows, a circulation circuit in which a mixed fluid of a gas and a liquid flows, or the like.

Claims (8)

1. A flow path switching valve is provided with:

a base member having a plurality of connection ports connected to the flow path; and

a valve body rotatably assembled to the base member,

the flow path switching valve switches the connection of the plurality of flow paths according to the rotational position of the spool,

the flow path switching valve is characterized in that,

the base member has:

a first connection port;

a second connection port;

a third connection port;

a fourth connection port; and

a bypass connection port connected to a bypass flow path that bypasses a main function portion of the flow path connected to the third connection port,

the bypass connection port is disposed adjacent to the third connection port in the rotational direction of the valve body,

the valve core is provided with:

a first communicating portion and a second communicating portion that enable the first connecting port and the second connecting port to selectively communicate with the third connecting port and the fourth connecting port, respectively, depending on rotational positions;

a first blocking portion that blocks the bypass connection port when the valve body is located at a first rotational position at which the first connection port and the third connection port are connected by the first communication portion, and blocks the third connection port when the valve body is located at a second rotational position at which the first connection port and the bypass connection port are connected by the first communication portion; and

and a second blocking portion that blocks the bypass connection port when the valve body is located at a third rotational position at which the second connection port and the third connection port are connected by the second communication portion, and blocks the third connection port when the valve body is located at a fourth rotational position at which the second connection port and the bypass connection port are connected by the second communication portion.

2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1,

the valve body is configured to cause the third connection port and the bypass connection port to communicate with the first communication portion at a rate corresponding to a rotational position when the valve body is located at a rotational position between the first rotational position and the second rotational position, and to cause the third connection port and the bypass connection port to communicate with the second communication portion at a rate corresponding to a rotational position when the valve body is located at a rotational position between the third rotational position and the fourth rotational position.

3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 or 2,

the valve element has a circular outer peripheral surface centered on a rotation center of the valve element,

wherein peripheral edge portions of the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, the bypass connection port, and the fourth connection port are slidably arranged so as to be in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the valve body,

the valve core is provided with:

a first communication port that communicates the third connection port with the first communication portion when the valve element is at the first rotational position, and communicates the bypass connection port with the first communication portion when the valve element is at the second rotational position; and

a second communication port that communicates the third connection port with the second communication portion when the valve body is located at the third rotational position, and communicates the bypass connection port with the second communication portion when the valve body is located at the fourth rotational position,

the peripheral edge portion of the first communication port constitutes the first shielding portion, and the peripheral edge portion of the second communication port constitutes the second shielding portion.

4. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1 or 2,

the valve core is provided with:

a bottomed cylindrical valve element body that is open to one axial side; and

a partition wall that partitions an interior of the valve body into the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion,

the base member has a valve seat portion that is slidably in contact with an end surface of the valve body on the opening side and an end surface of the partition wall, the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, the bypass connection port, and the fourth connection port are formed in the valve seat portion so as to face the opening of the valve body, and the bypass connection port and the third connection port are disposed adjacent to each other on a substantially concentric circle having a rotation center of the valve body as a center,

a first shielding wall and a second shielding wall are arranged on the valve core main body,

the first blocking wall slidably abuts against the valve seat portion, closes the bypass connection port and opens the third connection port when the valve body is at the first rotational position, and closes the third connection port and opens the bypass connection port when the valve body is at the second rotational position,

the second blocking wall slidably abuts against the valve seat portion, closes the bypass connection port and opens the third connection port when the valve body is at the third rotational position, and closes the third connection port and opens the bypass connection port when the valve body is at the fourth rotational position,

the first shielding wall constitutes the first shielding portion, and the second shielding wall constitutes the second shielding portion.

5. The flow path switching valve according to claim 4,

the base member has a spool cover that covers an outer side of an end wall of the spool body disposed on the other side in the axial direction, and forms a flow path chamber between the spool cover and the end wall,

the end wall has:

a first through hole that communicates the first communicating portion with the flow path chamber; and

a second through hole that communicates the second communicating portion with the flow path chamber,

a check valve that blocks one of the first through-hole and the second through-hole from the flow path chamber side according to a pressure difference between the front and rear of the one of the first through-hole and the second through-hole is disposed on the end wall.

6. A flow path switching valve is provided with:

a base member having a plurality of connection ports connected to the flow path; and

a first valve element and a second valve element rotatably assembled to the base member,

the flow path switching valve switches the connection of the plurality of flow paths in accordance with the respective rotational positions of the first and second spools,

the flow path switching valve is characterized in that,

the base member has:

a first connection port connected to one end side of the first flow path;

a second connection port connected to one end side of the second flow path;

a third connection port connected to one end side of the third flow path;

a fourth connection port connected to one end side of the fourth channel;

a first bypass connection port connected to a first bypass passage that bypasses the main function unit of the third passage;

a fifth connection port connected to the other end side of the second channel;

a sixth connection port connected to the other end side of the first channel;

a seventh connection port connected to the other end side of the fourth channel;

an eighth connection port connected to the other end side of the third channel; and

a second bypass connection port connected to a second bypass flow path that bypasses the main function portion of the fourth flow path,

the first bypass connection port is disposed adjacent to the third connection port in the rotational direction of the first valve body,

the second bypass connection port is disposed adjacent to the seventh connection port in the rotational direction of the second valve body,

the first spool has:

a first communicating portion and a second communicating portion that enable the first connecting port and the second connecting port to selectively communicate with the third connecting port and the fourth connecting port, respectively, depending on rotational positions;

a first blocking portion that blocks the first bypass connection port when the first valve body is located at a first rotational position at which the first connection port and the third connection port are connected by the first communication portion, and blocks the third connection port when the first valve body is located at a second rotational position at which the first connection port and the first bypass connection port are connected by the first communication portion; and

a second blocking portion that blocks the first bypass connection port when the first valve body is located at a third rotational position at which the second connection port and the third connection port are connected by the second communication portion, and blocks the third connection port when the first valve body is located at a fourth rotational position at which the second connection port and the first bypass connection port are connected by the second communication portion,

the second spool has:

a third communicating portion and a fourth communicating portion that enable the fifth connecting port and the sixth connecting port to selectively communicate with the seventh connecting port and the eighth connecting port, respectively, depending on a rotational position;

a third blocking portion that blocks the second bypass connection port when the second spool is located at a first rotational position at which the fifth connection port and the seventh connection port are connected by the third communication portion, and blocks the seventh connection port when the second spool is located at a second rotational position at which the fifth connection port and the second bypass connection port are connected by the third communication portion; and

and a fourth blocking portion that blocks the second bypass connection port when the second spool is located at a third rotational position at which the sixth connection port and the seventh connection port are connected by the fourth communication portion, and blocks the seventh connection port when the second spool is located at a fourth rotational position at which the sixth connection port and the second bypass connection port are connected by the fourth communication portion.

7. The flow path switching valve according to claim 6,

the first valve body and the second valve body have:

a bottomed cylindrical valve element body that is open to one axial side; and

a partition wall that partitions an interior of the valve body into the first communicating portion and the second communicating portion or into the third communicating portion and the fourth communicating portion,

the base member has a valve seat portion disposed between the first valve body and the second valve body, the end surface of the first valve body on the opening side and the partition wall slidably abut on one side surface of the valve seat portion, and the end surface of the second valve body on the opening side and the partition wall slidably abut on the other side surface of the valve seat portion,

the first connection port, the second connection port, the third connection port, the first bypass connection port, and the fourth connection port are formed in the valve seat portion so as to face an opening of the first valve body, and the fifth connection port, the sixth connection port, the seventh connection port, the second bypass connection port, and the eighth connection port are formed in the valve seat portion so as to face an opening of the second valve body.

8. The flow path switching valve according to claim 7,

the first bypass flow path and the second bypass flow path are formed in the valve seat portion so as to penetrate the valve seat portion.

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