JP2017223299A - Flow passage changeover valve - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flow passage changeover valve capable of effectively suppressing leakage of a fluid between a valve chamber and an outflow port in simple configuration.SOLUTION: In at least a portion of an outer circumference of a valve body 20, a truncated-cone surface 23 of which the diameter is enlarged towards a lower side is provided. On the bottom of a valve main body 10, a lower projection 16 is provided for pushing up the valve body 20 relatively to a seal member 30 while the valve body 20 is located at a first rotation position and on the bottom of the valve body 20, a lower projected part 24 is provided in opposite contact with the lower projection 16. On the ceiling of the valve main body 10, an upper projection 18 is provided for pushing down the valve body 20 relatively to the seal member 30 while the valve body 20 is located at a second rotation position and on the ceiling of the valve body 20, an upper projected part 25 is provided in opposite contact with the upper projection 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a flow path switching valve, for example, a flow path by rotating and sliding a valve body inside a seal member as a valve seat for suppressing fluid leakage (valve leakage) between a valve chamber and an outlet. The present invention relates to a rotary flow path switching valve that performs switching.

  This type of conventional example is shown in FIG. The flow path switching valve 1 'of the illustrated conventional example is used as a rotary type switching valve (rotary valve) that switches the flow path of a fluid flowing in, for example, an engine room of an automobile, and a motor 50 as a rotation drive unit. A valve body 10 having a valve chamber 11 and an inlet p10 and outlets p1 and p2 that open to the valve chamber 11, and a seal member 30 disposed in the valve chamber 11 of the valve body 10, A cylindrical body 35 having a plurality of openings 31 to 34 formed in the circumferential direction, and an inner side projecting inward and outward from the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the cylindrical body 35 along the periphery of the openings 31 to 34 A cylindrical valve body 2 having a seal member 30 having ribs 31 a to 34 a and outer ribs 31 b to 34 b and a valve shaft 26 connected to the motor 50 and housed in a region surrounded by the seal member 30. 0, and by rotating the valve body 20 in the valve chamber 11 via the valve shaft 26 by the motor 50, the valve body 20 is formed of the inner ribs 31a to 34a of the seal member 30. The outlets p1 and p2 of the valve body 10 are opened and closed or switched by rotating and sliding on the inner peripheral side (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, in the above-described conventional channel switching valve 1 ′, in order to prevent fluid leakage (valve leakage) between the valve chamber 11 and the outlets p1 and p2, the valve body 20 and the valve body 10 In the meantime, the seal member 30 is interposed in a constantly compressed state.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-034560

  By the way, in the flow path switching valve 1 ′ of the conventional example, both the valve body (the outer periphery thereof) and the seal member (the cylindrical body thereof) have a cylindrical shape with the same diameter in the axial direction (vertical direction). Therefore, when the seal member (especially the inner rib) is worn by the rotation of the valve body, the compressive force of the seal member is weakened, and between the valve body and the seal member, and thus between the valve chamber and the outlet. There is concern that fluid leakage will increase.

  Further, since the rotation (drive) torque of the valve body (that is, the torque required for switching the flow path) depends on the compression force (compression rate) of the seal member, the compression force of the seal member is set to suppress the fluid leakage described above. Increasing the size may increase the rotational torque of the valve body, leading to problems such as an increase in size and cost, and a problem that the seal member itself is likely to be worn down, resulting in a decrease in durability.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to be able to effectively suppress fluid leakage between the valve chamber and the outlet while having a simple configuration. It is to provide a flow path switching valve.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a flow path switching valve capable of suppressing an increase in size, an increase in cost, a decrease in durability, etc. while suppressing fluid leakage between the valve chamber and the outlet. There is to do.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a flow path switching valve according to the present invention includes a valve chamber formed of a cylindrical space, an inflow opening opened at a bottom portion of the valve chamber, and an opening at a side portion of the valve chamber. A valve main body having at least one outlet port, a cylindrical valve body rotatably disposed in the valve chamber and provided with at least one communication port on a side, and the valve body. A rotation drive unit for rotating, and a seal member interposed between the valve body and the valve body in order to suppress fluid leakage between the valve chamber and the outlet, By rotating the valve body in the valve chamber by a rotation drive unit, the valve body rotates and slides on the inner peripheral side of the seal member to open / close or switch the outlet of the valve body. A flow path switching valve, at least part of the outer periphery of the valve body, Is characterized by a truncated cone surface portion diameter is provided toward the.

  In a preferred embodiment, the entire outer periphery of the valve body is formed of a truncated cone surface, and the entire shape of the seal member has a truncated cone shape.

  The valve body is preferably arranged on the inner peripheral side of the seal member so as to be movable up and down with respect to the seal member.

  In another preferred embodiment, an upward valve body side lower convex portion is provided at the bottom of the valve body to push up the valve body with respect to the seal member when the valve body is in a predetermined rotational position, A downward valve body-side lower convex portion that is brought into contact with the valve main body-side lower convex portion is provided at the bottom of the valve body.

  In another preferred aspect, a downwardly protruding valve body-side upper convex portion is provided on a ceiling portion of the valve body so as to push down the valve body against the seal member when the valve body is in a predetermined rotational position. The valve body-side upper convex portion that is brought into contact with the valve body-side upper convex portion is provided on the ceiling portion of the valve body.

  According to the present invention, since at least a part of the outer periphery of the valve body is provided with the truncated cone surface portion that increases in diameter as it goes downward, for example, the valve body is frequently rotated and the sealing member (particularly, the sealing member) Even when the inner rib is worn, the frustoconical surface portion provided on the outer periphery of the valve body by the pressure (fluid pressure) of the fluid flowing into the valve chamber from the inlet port opened at the bottom of the valve chamber is the seal. It is made to adhere to a member. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress fluid leakage between the valve body and the seal member, and thus between the valve chamber and the outflow port.

  Further, the valve body is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the seal member so as to be movable up and down with respect to the seal member, and when not in use, the valve body is affected by the compressive force (elastic force) of the seal member surrounding the valve body. Since the valve body is lowered with respect to the seal member, it is possible to prevent sticking of the seal member to the valve body and to delay the progress of compression set of the seal member.

  In addition, an upward valve body side lower convex portion is provided at the bottom of the valve body, and a downward valve body side lower convex portion that is brought into contact with the valve body side lower convex portion is provided at the bottom portion of the valve body. Is pushed up with respect to the seal member when the valve body is at a predetermined rotational position (for example, a rotational position where the valve chamber communicates with the outlet through the communication port of the valve body). The frustoconical surface portion provided on the sealing member is tightly adhered (pressed) by the seal member. Therefore, fluid leakage between the valve body and the seal member, and thus between the valve chamber and the outlet can be more effectively suppressed.

  Further, a downward valve body side upper convex portion is provided on the ceiling portion of the valve body, and an upward valve body side upper convex portion that is brought into contact with the valve body side upper convex portion is provided on the ceiling portion of the valve body, The valve body is in a predetermined rotational position (for example, a rotational position during channel switching in which the valve body is rotated by a predetermined rotational angle from a rotational position where the valve chamber and the outlet are connected via the communication port of the valve body). Since the valve body is pushed down with respect to the seal member at a certain time, the compression force of the seal member against the valve body can be reduced, and the rotational torque of the valve body (that is, torque required for switching the flow path) can be reduced. The seal member is less likely to be worn. Therefore, an increase in size, an increase in cost, a decrease in durability, and the like can be suppressed while suppressing fluid leakage between the valve chamber and the outlet. Further, when not in use, the valve body side upper convex portion and the valve body side upper convex portion are brought into contact with each other, and the valve body is pushed down (lowered) with respect to the seal member. It is possible to prevent sticking of the seal member to the body and to delay the progress of the compression set of the seal member.

The perspective view which shows the main structures of 1st Embodiment of the flow-path switching valve concerning this invention. Sectional drawing in accordance with the UOU arrow line of sight of FIG. It is a figure which shows the valve body of the flow-path switching valve of 1st Embodiment, (A) is a side view, (B) is the perspective view seen from diagonally downward, (C) is the perspective view seen from diagonally upward. It is a figure which shows the sealing member of the flow-path switching valve of 1st Embodiment, (A) is the perspective view seen from diagonally upward, (B) is the perspective view seen from diagonally downward. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1, and is a figure which shows the state at the time of a flow stop. (A)-(C) are side views which show the other example of the valve body of the flow-path switching valve of 1st Embodiment, respectively. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of 2nd Embodiment of the flow-path switching valve which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows the state at the time of flow-path switching completion. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of 2nd Embodiment of the flow-path switching valve which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows the state during flow-path switching. The perspective view which looked at the lower port member of the flow-path switching valve of 2nd Embodiment from diagonally upward. It is a figure which shows the valve body of the flow-path switching valve of 2nd Embodiment, (A) is a side view, (B) is the perspective view seen from diagonally downward, (C) is the perspective view seen from diagonally upward. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of 3rd Embodiment of the flow-path switching valve which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows the state at the time of completion of flow-path switching. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of 3rd Embodiment of the flow-path switching valve concerning this invention, and is a figure which shows the state during flow-path switching. The partial notch (the central angle 90 degree | times part is notched in planar view) which looked at the base | substrate member of the flow-path switching valve of 3rd Embodiment from diagonally downward. It is a figure which shows the valve body of the flow-path switching valve of 3rd Embodiment, (A) is a side view, (B) is the perspective view seen from diagonally downward, (C) is the perspective view seen from diagonally upward. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of 4th Embodiment of the flow-path switching valve concerning this invention, and is a figure which shows the state at the time of completion of flow-path switching. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of 4th Embodiment of the flow-path switching valve which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows the state during flow-path switching. It is a figure which shows the valve body of the flow-path switching valve of 4th Embodiment, (A) is a side view, (B) is the perspective view seen from diagonally downward, (C) is the perspective view seen from diagonally upward. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of the other examples (the 1) of the flow-path switching valve of 4th Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the state at the time of flow-path switching completion. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of the other examples (the 1) of the flow-path switching valve of 4th Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the state during flow-path switching. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of the other examples (the 2) of the flow-path switching valve of 4th Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the state at the time of flow-path switching completion. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of the other examples (the 2) of the flow-path switching valve of 4th Embodiment, and is a figure which shows the state during flow-path switching. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of 5th Embodiment of the flow-path switching valve which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows the state at the time of completion of flow-path switching. It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of 5th Embodiment of the flow-path switching valve which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows the state during flow-path switching. It is four side view of the valve body of the flow-path switching valve of 5th Embodiment, (A) is a left side view, (B) is a rear side view, (C) is a right side view, (D) is a front side view. . It is sectional drawing according to the UOU arrow line of FIG. 1 of 5th Embodiment of the flow-path switching valve which concerns on this invention, and is a figure which shows the state at the time of a flow stop (or at the time of initial assembly). It is a figure which shows the conventional flow-path switching valve, (A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view, (B) is sectional drawing which follows the XX arrow line of (A).

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

  In each drawing, gaps formed between members, separation distances between members, etc. may be exaggerated for easy understanding of the invention and for convenience of drawing. is there. Further, in this specification, descriptions representing positions and directions such as up and down, left and right, and front and rear are based on the directional arrow display in FIG. 1 and do not refer to positions and directions in the actual use state.

  Moreover, in each figure, the motor as a rotational drive part for rotationally driving a valve body is abbreviate | omitted.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a main configuration of a first embodiment of a flow path switching valve according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line U-O-U in FIG.

  The flow path switching valve 1 of the illustrated embodiment is used as, for example, a rotary three-way switching valve that switches the flow path of a fluid flowing in an engine room of an automobile in multiple directions. A valve body 10 having a ceiling, a cylindrical valve body 20 with a ceiling portion 20 </ b> A that is rotatably disposed in the valve chamber 11, and an upper portion of the valve body 10 to rotate the valve body 20 about the rotation axis O. And a sealing member 30 as a valve seat interposed between the valve main body 10 and the valve body 20.

  The valve body 10 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin, and includes a cylindrical base member 12 with a ceiling portion 12A and a lower port member 15, and the base member 12 is a valve having a cylindrical space inside. A chamber 11 is formed, and two outlets p1 and p2 that open to the valve chamber 11 are provided at a side portion with a predetermined angular interval (an angular interval of 90 degrees in the illustrated example). Outlet ports # 1 and # 2 made of pipe joints are integrally connected to the outer periphery of the base member 12 so as to communicate with the outlets p1 and p2. Further, a fitting insertion hole 13 is formed in the ceiling portion 12A of the base member 12 through which the valve shaft 26 (the body portion 26B) connected to the valve body 20 (the ceiling portion 20A) is inserted. At the lower end opening of the base member 12, a lower port member 15 having an inflow port # 10 made of a pipe joint provided with a vertical inflow port p10 that opens into the valve chamber 11 is ultrasonically welded, press-fitted, caulked, etc. It is fixed by internal fitting.

  Further, in this example, the ceiling portion 20A (the upper end portion) of the valve body 20 is fitted around the fitting insertion hole 13 on the lower surface (the surface on the valve chamber 11 side) of the ceiling portion 12A of the base member 12. An annular groove 14 is provided.

  The valve body 20 is made of, for example, a synthetic resin or metal, and as can be understood by referring to FIG. 3 together with FIGS. 1 and 2, two oval communication ports 21 and 22 are provided at predetermined angular intervals on the side portion. A valve shaft 26 that transmits the rotational force of the motor to the valve body 20 is integrally connected to the ceiling portion 20A that is provided with an angular interval of 90 degrees in the illustrated example and closes the upper opening. Has been.

  The valve shaft 26 is rotatably inserted in the insertion hole 13 and has a body portion 26B having a diameter smaller than that of the valve body 20, and protrudes from the body portion 26B. The output shaft of the motor has a central axis thereof. The upper connecting portion 26A having an oblong shape in plan view, which is connected with a margin in the direction (that is, slidable in the direction of the central axis), and the body portion 26B (annular groove formed on the outer periphery thereof) Are provided with two stages of O-rings 27 as seal members. A protrusion 26C with a D-cut for attaching a sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation angle of the valve body 20 is provided at the tip of the upper connecting portion 26A.

  In the present embodiment, the entire outer periphery (the entire side surface) of the cylindrical valve body 20 is formed as a truncated cone surface that increases in diameter as it goes downward (in other words, the entire outer periphery of the valve body 20 is a truncated cone surface portion. 23) and the inner circumference of the valve body 20 is formed by a cylindrical surface having the same diameter in the direction of the axis O (vertical direction), and the inner diameter of the valve body 20 is slightly larger than the diameter of the inlet p10. It has been enlarged.

  The seal member 30 is made of, for example, an elastic material such as rubber. Basically, as shown in FIG. 4 together with FIG. 1 and FIG. Reference numeral 34 denotes a cylindrical body 35 formed at a predetermined angular interval (in the illustrated example, an angular interval of 90 degrees), and a seal projecting inward and outward around the openings 31 to 34 of the cylindrical body 35. The inner ribs 31a to 34a and the outer ribs 31b to 34b are used. Similar to the outer periphery (side surface) of the valve body 20, the seal member 30 (its cylindrical body 35) has a truncated cone shape whose diameter increases as it goes downward, and the valve chamber 11 and each outlet port. In order to suppress fluid leakage between p <b> 1 and p <b> 2, along the outer periphery of the valve chamber 11, specifically, the upper end portion (of the cylindrical body 35) is the ceiling portion 12 </ b> A (of the base member 12 of the valve body 10). The lower end (of the cylindrical body 35) is in contact with the lower port member 15 (the outer periphery of the upper surface thereof) of the valve body 10, and the inner ribs 31a to 34a (the inner periphery thereof) The valve body 20 and the valve body 20 are brought into contact with the valve body 20 (the outer periphery thereof) and the outer ribs 31b to 34b (the outer periphery side thereof) are in contact with the base member 12 (the inner periphery thereof) of the valve body 10. It is inserted in a close contact or compressed state.

  In the flow path switching valve 1 having such a configuration, by rotating the valve body 20 by driving the motor, the valve body 20 rotates and slides on the inner peripheral side of the seal member 30 (the inner ribs 31a to 34a thereof). Ten outlets p1 and p2 are opened / closed or switched. Specifically, the inflow port p10 formed in the valve body 10 always communicates with the valve chamber 11 (through the lower end opening of the valve body 20), and the outflow ports p1 and p2 formed in the valve body 10 include An open-open mode communicating with the valve chamber 11 (through the openings 31, 32 of the seal member 30 and the communication ports 21, 22 of the valve body 20) and the outlets p1, p2 (by the valve body 20) In the closed-closed mode, the outlet p1 communicates with the valve chamber 11 (via the opening 31 of the seal member 30 and the communication port 22 of the valve body 20), and the outlet p2 is closed (by the valve body 20). In the open-close mode, the outlet p1 is closed (by the valve body 20), and the outlet p2 is closed (via the opening 32 of the seal member 30 and the communication port 21 of the valve body 20) to the valve chamber 11. Four open / close modes can be selectively taken in the open mode. .

  Here, in the flow path switching valve 1 configured as described above, the valve body 20 is urged upward by the pressure (fluid pressure) of the fluid flowing into the valve chamber 11 from the inflow port p10. 20 slides between the upper connecting portion 26A and the output shaft of the motor and rises slightly. However, since the outer periphery of the valve body 20 is formed of a truncated cone surface, the pressure of the fluid causes the valve body 20 to The outer periphery (the truncated cone surface portion 23) is brought into close contact with the seal member 30 (the inner ribs 31a to 34a) surrounding the valve body 20. Note that a closed-close mode in which the outlets p1 and p2 are closed, and a mode in which one of the outlets p1 and p2 communicates with the valve chamber 11 and the other of the outlets p1 and p2 is closed (open- In the closed mode and the closed-open mode), the biasing force to the valve body 20 due to the pressure of the fluid is larger than in the open-open mode in which the outlets p1 and p2 communicate with the valve chamber 11. The contact force of the valve body 20 with respect to the seal member 30 is increased (that is, the sealing performance is increased).

  Thus, in the flow path switching valve 1 of the present embodiment, the truncated cone surface portion 23 that increases in diameter as it goes downward is provided on at least a part of the outer periphery of the valve body 20 (the entire outer periphery in the illustrated example). Therefore, for example, even when the valve body 20 is frequently rotated and the sealing member 30 (particularly, the inner ribs 31a to 34a) is worn, the valve chamber 11 is formed from the inlet p10 opened at the bottom of the valve chamber 11. The frustoconical surface portion 23 provided on the outer periphery of the valve body 20 is brought into close contact with the seal member 30 by the pressure of the fluid flowing in (fluid pressure). Therefore, fluid leakage between the valve body 20 and the seal member 30 and thus between the valve chamber 11 and the outlets p1 and p2 can be effectively suppressed.

  Further, in the flow path switching valve 1 of the present embodiment, the valve body 20 is disposed in the valve chamber 11 (inner peripheral side of the seal member 30) so as to be movable up and down with respect to the seal member 30. When the fluid flow is stopped, the urging force to the valve body 20 due to the pressure of the fluid is eliminated, and the compression force (elastic force) of the seal member 30 surrounding the valve body 20 and the dead weight of the valve body 20 Since the valve body 20 is lowered with respect to the seal member 30 (the state shown in FIG. 5), the sticking of the seal member 30 to the valve body 20 can be prevented and the progress of the compression set of the seal member 30 is delayed. The effect that can be done is also obtained. Moreover, the rotational torque of the valve body 20 can be reduced.

  In the above-described embodiment, the entire outer periphery of the valve body 20 is formed of a truncated cone surface. However, for example, a part of the outer periphery of the valve body 20 (for example, an upper part, a lower part, and communication ports 21 and 22 are provided. Only the middle part) may be formed of a truncated cone surface (may be a truncated cone surface portion) (the truncated cone surface portions 23A and 23B of the valve body 20 shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C). , 23C). Of course, the frustoconical surface portion may be provided separately at a plurality of locations of the valve body 20.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the inner periphery of the valve body 20 is made into the cylindrical surface of the same diameter in the axis line O direction (up-down direction), for example, by making the side part of the valve body 20 into the same thickness, Of course, the entire shape of the valve body 20 may be a truncated cone (that is, both the inner periphery and the outer periphery may be formed of a truncated cone surface).

  Further, the number of communication ports formed in the valve body 20, the openings formed in the seal member 30, the outlets formed in the valve body 10, and the arrangement configuration depend on the application location of the flow path switching valve 1 and the like. Needless to say, it can be changed appropriately.

[Second Embodiment]
7 and FIG. 8 are cross-sectional views of the second embodiment of the flow path switching valve according to the present invention, taken along the line U-O-U in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state during switching.

  The flow path switching valve 2 of the second embodiment is basically different from the flow path switching valve 1 of the first embodiment in that when the valve body is at a predetermined rotational position, the valve body is placed against the seal member. The difference is that a push-up mechanism is provided that pushes the valve body into close contact with the seal member. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted, and only the differences described above will be described in detail below.

  In this embodiment, as can be understood by referring to FIG. 9 together with FIGS. 7 and 8, the upper surface (the valve chamber 11 side) of the lower port member 15 among the base member 12 and the lower port 15 constituting the valve body 10. A lower ridge (valve body side lower convex portion) 16 having a smoothly inclined surface in the circumferential direction is provided along the radial direction around the inflow port p10 in the surface of the valve body 20 facing the bottom of the valve body 20). (Radially). A plurality of the lower ridges 16 are provided at predetermined angular intervals (in the illustrated example, four at an equal angular interval of 90 degrees), and the lower protrusions 16 are provided at the bottom of the valve body 20 described later. A lower recess 17 (in the shape of a fan in plan view) is formed between the adjacent lower ridges 16 so as to be brought into contact with the portion 24 (in the shape of a fan in plan view) with a size that allows the lower protrusion 24 to be fitted thereinto (detailed later). ). In this example, two adjacent ones of the four lower protrusions 16 are provided at positions corresponding to the outlets p1 and p2 (outflow ports # 1 and # 2).

  On the other hand, on the bottom of the cylindrical valve body 20 disposed in the valve chamber 11 (specifically, the bottom surface of the valve body 20 facing the lower port member 15), FIG. As can be clearly understood, a lower convex portion (valve body side lower portion) having a generally inclined shape in a side view and having a smooth inclined surface in the circumferential direction, which is brought into contact with the lower protrusion 16 provided on the lower port member 15. (Convex part) 24 protrudes (downward). Similar to the lower protrusion 16, a plurality of the lower protrusions 24 are provided at predetermined angular intervals (in the illustrated example, four at an equal angular interval of 90 degrees). In this example, two of the four lower protrusions 24 are provided at the same position as the communication ports 21 and 22 in plan view, that is, directly below the communication ports 21 and 22.

  In the flow path switching valve 2 having such a configuration, as in the flow path switching valve 1 of the first embodiment, the valve body 20 is rotated by driving the motor, thereby allowing the four open / close modes (open-open mode, closed) described above. -Closed mode, open-closed mode, closed-open mode) are selectively taken, but when the four open / close modes are taken (when the flow path switching is completed), they are provided at the bottom of the valve body 20 The lower protrusion 24 and the lower protrusion 16 provided on the bottom (lower port member 15) of the valve body 10 are brought into contact with each other (in other words, the lower protrusion 24 rides on the lower protrusion 16). The valve body 20 is resisted against the compressive force of the seal member 30 such that the ceiling portion 20A of the valve body 20 is fitted into the annular groove 14 provided in the ceiling portion 12A of the base member 12 of the valve body 10. ) Pushed up against the sealing member 30 It is. That is, in this embodiment, the lower protrusion 16 and the lower convex portion 24 constitute a push-up mechanism that pushes up the valve body 20 with respect to the seal member 30. Therefore, the outer periphery (the truncated cone surface portion 23) of the valve body 20 is sealed with the seal member 30 (the inner ribs 31a to 31a) by the push-up mechanism together with the pressure (fluid pressure) of the fluid flowing into the valve chamber 11 from the inlet p10. 34a) is more closely attached (pressed) (the state shown in FIG. 7).

  On the other hand, when switching from one of the four open / close modes described above to another open / close mode (while switching the flow path), the lower convex portion 24 moves between the lower protrusions 16 as the valve body 20 rotates. The valve body 20 is lowered with respect to the seal member 30 due to the compression force (elastic force) of the seal member 30 and its own weight. Thereby, the compressive force of the sealing member 30 with respect to the valve body 20 is reduced, and the rotational torque of the valve body 20 (that is, the torque required for flow path switching) is reduced (the state shown in FIG. 8). When the valve body 20 further rotates and the lower convex portion 24 of the valve body 20 comes into contact with the lower ridge 16 of the next (adjacent) valve body 10 and rides on the lower ridge 16 (when the flow path switching is completed). ), The valve body 20 is pushed up against the seal member 30 against the compressive force of the seal member 30, and the outer periphery (the truncated cone surface portion 23) of the valve body 20 is the inner ribs 31a to 34a of the seal member 30. ) Again and again (pressed).

  As described above, in the flow path switching valve 2 of the present embodiment, the upper lower protrusion 16 is provided at the bottom of the valve body 10, and the lower downward protrusion 16 is brought into contact with the lower protrusion 16 at the bottom of the valve body 20. Since the lower convex portion 24 is provided, for example, even if the pressure of the fluid flowing in from the inflow port # 10 is not so high, the valve body 20 has a predetermined rotational position (for example, the communication ports 21 and 22 of the valve body 20). Since the valve body 20 is pushed up with respect to the seal member 30 when the valve chamber 11 and the outlets p1 and p2 are in communication with each other, the frustoconical surface provided on the outer periphery of the valve body 20 The portion 23 is strongly adhered (pressed) by the sealing member 30. Therefore, fluid leakage between the valve body 20 and the seal member 30 and thus between the valve chamber 11 and the outlets p1 and p2 can be more effectively suppressed.

  Further, in the flow path switching valve 2 of the present embodiment, the lower convex part 24 is fitted into the lower concave part 17 formed between the lower protrusions 16 as the valve body 20 rotates (during the flow path switching). The valve body 20 is lowered with respect to the seal member 30. Therefore, the compressive force of the seal member 30 against the valve body 20 can be reduced, the rotational torque of the valve body 20 (that is, torque required for switching the flow path) can be reduced, and the seal member 30 is hardly worn. Therefore, an increase in size, an increase in cost, a decrease in durability, and the like can be suppressed while suppressing fluid leakage between the valve chamber 11 and the outlets p1 and p2. Further, when not in use, the lower convex portion 24 is fitted into the lower concave portion 17 and the valve body 20 is lowered with respect to the seal member 30 (for example, the state shown in FIG. 8). Further, it is possible to prevent sticking of the seal member 30 to the valve body 20 and to obtain an effect that the progress of the compression set of the seal member 30 can be delayed.

[Third Embodiment]
FIGS. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views of the third embodiment of the flow path switching valve according to the present invention, taken along the line U-O-U in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state during switching.

  The flow path switching valve 3 of the third embodiment is basically the same as the flow path switching valve 1 of the first embodiment when the valve body is in a predetermined rotational position when the valve body is in a predetermined rotational position. The difference is that a push-down mechanism that reduces the compression force (adhesion force) of the seal member against the valve body is provided. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted, and only the differences described above will be described in detail below.

  In this embodiment, as can be understood by referring to FIG. 13 together with FIGS. 11 and 12, the ceiling portion 12A of the base member 12 of the base member 12 and the lower port 15 constituting the valve body 10 is slightly thick. The base member 12 is formed around the insertion hole 13 around the lower surface of the ceiling portion 12A (the surface on the valve chamber 11 side and facing the ceiling portion 20A of the valve body 20) (that is, in this example). Then, in the annular groove 14 in which the ceiling portion 20A of the valve body 20 is fitted, an upper ridge (valve body side upper convex portion) 18 having a smoothly inclined surface in the circumferential direction is provided along the radial direction (radially). It has been. A plurality of the upper ridges 18 are provided at predetermined angular intervals (in the illustrated example, four at an equal angular interval of 90 degrees), and are provided on the ceiling portion 20A of the valve body 20 described later. The upper convex part 25 is brought into contact with each other, and between the adjacent upper protrusions 18, an upper concave part 19 (substantially fan-shaped in plan view) having a size into which the upper convex part 25 is fitted (rear) Details). In this example, two adjacent ones of the four upper protrusions 18 are provided at positions corresponding to the outlets p1 and p2 (outflow ports # 1 and # 2).

  On the other hand, around the valve shaft 26 in the ceiling portion 20A of the cylindrical valve body 20 disposed in the valve chamber 11 (specifically, the ceiling surface of the valve body 20 facing the annular groove 14 of the base member 12). As can be understood by referring to FIG. 14 together with FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, the side view is generally a mountain having a smoothly inclined surface in the circumferential direction that is brought into contact with the upper protrusion 18 provided on the base member 12. A mold-like upper convex portion (valve-body-side upper convex portion) 25 is provided so as to protrude (upward). Similar to the upper protrusion 18, a plurality of the upper protrusions 25 are provided with a predetermined angular interval (in the illustrated example, four with an equal angular interval of 90 degrees). In this example, each of the upper convex portions 25 is disposed so that one of the four upper convex portions 25 is located between the communication ports 21 and 22 in a plan view.

  In the flow path switching valve 3 having such a configuration, as in the flow path switching valve 1 of the first embodiment, the valve body 20 is rotated by driving the motor, thereby allowing the four open / close modes (open-open mode, closed) described above. -Closed mode, open-closed mode, closed-open mode) are selectively taken, but when the four open / close modes are taken (when the flow path switching is completed), they are provided on the ceiling portion 20A of the valve body 20. The upper convex portion 25 is fitted into an upper concave portion 19 formed between the upper protrusions 18 provided on the ceiling portion of the valve body 10 (the ceiling portion 12A of the base member 12). 11, the outer periphery (conical frustum surface portion 23) of the valve body 20 is brought into close contact with the seal member 30 (inner ribs 31a to 34a thereof) (shown in FIG. 11). State).

  On the other hand, when switching from one of the four open / close modes to another open / close mode (while switching the flow path), the upper protrusion 18 adjacent to the upper convex portion 25 is accompanied by the rotation of the valve body 20. In contact with the upper ridge 18 (in other words, the upper convex portion 25 rides on the upper ridge 18), and the valve body 20 (while also utilizing the compressive force of the seal member 30) The seal member 30 is pushed down. That is, in the present embodiment, the upper protrusion 18 and the upper convex portion 25 constitute a pressing mechanism that presses down the valve body 20 against the seal member 30. Thereby, for example, even if the valve body 20 sticks to the seal member 30, the valve body 20 is forcibly pushed down, so that the compressive force of the seal member 30 against the valve body 20 is reduced, and the rotational torque ( That is, the torque required for flow path switching is reduced (the state shown in FIG. 12). When the valve body 20 further rotates and the upper convex portion 25 of the valve body 20 fits into the upper concave portion 19 of the next (adjacent) valve body 10 (when the flow path switching is completed), the pressure of the fluid (fluid pressure) The valve body 20 is lifted with respect to the seal member 30 (against the compressive force of the seal member 30), and the outer periphery (the truncated cone surface portion 23) of the valve body 20 is the inner rib 31a of the seal member 30. To 34a) again.

  As described above, in the flow path switching valve 3 of the present embodiment, the downward upper protrusion 18 is provided on the ceiling of the valve body 10 and the upper protrusion 18 is brought into contact with the ceiling 20A of the valve body 20. The upper convex portion 25 is provided, and the valve body 20 is moved from a predetermined rotational position (for example, from the rotational position where the valve chamber 11 and the outlets p1 and p2 communicate with each other via the communication ports 21 and 22 of the valve body 20). Since the valve body 20 is pushed down with respect to the seal member 30 when the valve body is at the rotational position during flow path switching where the valve body is rotated by a predetermined rotation angle), the compression force of the seal member 30 against the valve body 20 The rotational torque of the valve body 20 (that is, the torque required for switching the flow path) can be reduced, and the seal member 30 is less likely to be worn. Therefore, an increase in size, an increase in cost, a decrease in durability, and the like can be suppressed while suppressing fluid leakage between the valve chamber 11 and the outlets p1 and p2. Further, when not in use, the valve body 20 is pushed down (lowered) with respect to the seal member 30 by bringing the upper protrusion 18 and the upper convex portion 25 into contact with each other (for example, The state shown in FIG. 12), the sticking of the seal member 30 to the valve body 20 can be prevented, and the progress of the compression set of the seal member 30 can be delayed.

[Fourth Embodiment]
15 and 16 are cross-sectional views of the fourth embodiment of the flow path switching valve according to the present invention, taken along the line U-O-U in FIG. 1, respectively. It is a figure which shows the state during switching.

  The flow path switching valve 4 of the fourth embodiment is basically the lower protrusion (the valve body side) in the flow path switching valve 2 of the second embodiment compared to the flow path switching valve 1 of the first embodiment. A push-up mechanism composed of a lower convex portion 16 and a lower convex portion (valve-side lower convex portion) 24, and an upper protrusion (valve main body-side upper convex portion) 18 in the flow path switching valve 3 of the third embodiment. And the addition of both push-down mechanisms consisting of upper convex portions (valve-side upper convex portions) 25 (see also FIG. 17). In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure similar to 1st Embodiment and 2nd and 3rd Embodiment.

  Also in the flow path switching valve 4 of the present embodiment, as described above, when four open / close modes (open-open mode, closed-closed mode, open-closed mode, closed-open mode) are taken (flow path switching completed) ) And the pressure of the fluid (fluid pressure) together with the push-up mechanism, the outer periphery (the truncated cone surface portion 23) of the valve body 20 is strongly adhered to the seal member 30 (the inner ribs 31a to 34a) ( (The state shown in FIG. 15). On the other hand, when switching from one of the four open / close modes to another open / close mode (while switching the flow path), the seal against the valve body 20 is performed by the push-down mechanism together with the compression force (elastic force) of the seal member 30. The compression force of the member 30 is reduced, and the rotational torque of the valve body 20 (that is, the torque required for switching the flow path) is reduced (the state shown in FIG. 16).

  Therefore, it is needless to say that the same effects as those of the second and third embodiments can be obtained also in the flow path switching valve 4 of the present embodiment.

  In the above embodiment, both the push-up mechanism and the push-down mechanism are added. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. It consists of a ceiling part (upper spring receiver comprising an annular groove formed around the fitting hole 13 in the lower surface of the ceiling part 12A of the base member 12) and an annular groove formed around the valve shaft 26 in the ceiling part 20A of the valve element 20 A compression coil spring (biasing member) 41 is interposed between the lower spring receiver and the valve body 20 so that the valve body 20 is constantly biased downward with respect to the seal member 30 by the compression coil spring 41. Also good. In this case, since the valve body 20 is always pressed downward by the urging force (pressing force) of the compression coil spring 41, the compressive force of the seal member 30 on the valve body 20 is reliably ensured (during the flow path switching). This can be reduced (see also the explanation of the operation of the flow path switching valve 2 of the second embodiment).

  Further, for example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, instead of the push-up mechanism, the bottom portion of the valve body 10 (a lower spring formed of an annular groove formed around the inlet p10 on the upper surface of the lower port member 15) A compression coil spring (biasing member) 42 is interposed between the valve body 20 and the bottom of the valve body 20 (an upper spring receiver formed of an annular groove formed on the valve body 20). The seal member 30 may be constantly biased upward. In this case, since the valve body 20 is constantly pressed upward by the urging force (push-up force) of the compression coil spring 42 (when the flow path switching is completed), the outer periphery (the truncated cone surface portion 23) of the valve body 20 is The sealing member 30 (the inner ribs 31a to 34a thereof) can be reliably brought into close contact (see also the explanation of the operation of the flow path switching valve 3 of the third embodiment).

[Fifth Embodiment]
22 and FIG. 23 are cross-sectional views of the fifth embodiment of the flow path switching valve according to the present invention, taken along the line U-O-U in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state during switching. FIG. 23 shows a state in which the valve body in FIG. 22 is rotated about 225 ° clockwise as viewed from above (details will be described later).

  The flow path switching valve 5 of the fifth embodiment basically moves up and down with respect to the flow path switching valve 1 of the first embodiment to move the valve body up and down relative to the seal member as the valve body rotates. The difference is that the mechanism is provided around the valve shaft. Therefore, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted, and only the differences described above will be described in detail below.

  In the present embodiment, in the fitting insertion hole 13 (the fitting insertion hole 13 formed in the ceiling portion 12A of the base member 12 of the valve body 10) through which the valve shaft 26 (the body portion 26B) is rotatably slidably inserted. The valve shaft 26 (and the valve body 20 connected to the valve shaft 26) moves up and down while rotating to a front portion below the upper end by a predetermined distance (that is, a portion corresponding to just above the outlet p1). (Described later in detail), a hemispherical protrusion 13A protruding inward in the radial direction is provided.

  On the other hand, the body portion 26B of the valve shaft 26 is formed to be slightly longer, and a hemisphere provided in the insertion hole 13 on the outer periphery of the upper portion of the body portion 26B (the portion above the annular groove on which the O-ring 27 is mounted). A fitting groove 28 having a semicircular cross-section is formed in which the protruding portion 13A is slidably fitted. The fitting groove 28 mainly includes a vertical groove 28A for inserting and assembling the body portion 26B of the valve shaft 26 into the fitting insertion hole 13, and two winding directions opposite to each other for moving the valve shaft 26 up and down. And spiral grooves (left-handed spiral groove, right-handed spiral groove) 28La, 28Lb, 28Lc, 28Ra, 28Rb, 28Rc.

  Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 24 (A), (B), (C), and (D), a left side view, a rear side view, a right side view, and a front side view of the valve body 20 are shown, respectively. The valve shaft 26 extends straight from the upper end to the lower center of the left front side of the body portion 26B of the valve shaft 26 (that is, the position between the two communication ports 21 and 22 of the valve body 20 in a plan view). A vertical groove 28A is formed in which the protrusion 13A is first inserted when the insertion hole 13 is passed through the insertion hole 13 from below (see FIG. 25). An abrupt left-facing inclined groove 28B is formed, and a laterally long groove 28C extending in the lateral direction (circumferential direction) follows the end portion (upper end) of the inclined groove 28B when viewed at a rotation angle of about 45. Formed in ° minutes. Further, when the valve shaft 26 is rotationally driven, a left-handed (left shoulder rising) spiral groove (left-handed spiral groove) 28La is rotated following the terminal end of the laterally long groove 28C so as to move the valve shaft 26 up and down. An angle of about 30 ° is formed when viewed at an angle, and a right-handed (upward shoulder) spiral groove (right-handed spiral groove) 28Ra is seen at a rotation angle following the terminal end (upper end) of the left-handed spiral groove 28La. The horizontal groove 28Sa is formed approximately 30 [deg.], And a relatively short lateral groove 28Sa extends in the lateral direction (circumferential direction) following the terminal end (lower end) of the right-hand spiral groove 28Ra by approximately 30 [deg.] When viewed from the rotation angle. Is formed. Then, following the end portion of the lateral groove 28Sa, the same as the groove of about 90 ° when viewed from the rotation angle formed by the two spiral grooves (left-handed spiral groove, right-handed spiral groove) 28La, 28Ra and the lateral groove 28Sa. Are formed in two sets (that is, from the end of the lateral groove 28Sa, the left spiral groove 28Lb → the right spiral groove 28Rb → the lateral groove 28Sb → the left spiral groove 28Lc → the right spiral groove 28Rc → the lateral groove 28Sc). Continuously formed to be). The lateral grooves 28Sa, 28Sb, 28Sc and the laterally long groove 28C are provided in order to prevent positional deviation (angular deviation) of the vertical movement of the valve body 20 due to an angular error.

  In the flow path switching valve 5 having such a configuration, as in the flow path switching valve 1 of the first embodiment, the valve body 20 is rotated by driving the motor, thereby causing the four open / close modes (open-open mode, closed) described above. (Closed mode, open-closed mode, closed-open mode) are selectively taken, but when the four open / close modes are taken (when the flow path switching is completed), the protrusion provided in the insertion hole 13 Either the horizontally long groove 28C or the lateral grooves 28Sa, 28Sb, 28Sc of the fitting groove 28 is fitted into the portion 13A (for example, in the open-open mode, an intermediate portion (intermediate position) of the lateral groove 28Sc is fitted (see FIG. 22). In the closed-open mode in which the outlet p2 communicates with the valve chamber 11, the intermediate portion (intermediate position) of the lateral groove 28Sb is fitted, and in the closed-closed mode, the intermediate portion (intermediate position) of the lateral groove 28Sa is fitted. The flow In the open / closed mode in which the port p1 communicates with the valve chamber 11, an intermediate portion of the horizontally long groove 28C is fitted), and the ceiling portion 20A of the valve body 20 is an annular groove provided in the ceiling portion 12A of the base member 12 of the valve body 10. 14, the valve body 20 is lifted with respect to the seal member 30 (against the compressive force of the seal member 30). Therefore, while using the pressure (fluid pressure) of the fluid flowing into the valve chamber 11 from the inlet p10, the outer periphery (the truncated cone surface portion 23) of the valve body 20 is sealed by the seal member 30 (the inner ribs 31a to 34a). It is firmly attached (pressed) (state shown in FIG. 22).

  On the other hand, when switching from any one of the four open / close modes described above to another open / close mode (while the flow path is being switched), the valve shaft 26 and the valve body 20 connected to the valve shaft 26 are rotated to engage with each other. One of the left-handed spiral grooves 28La, 28Lb, 28Lc and the right-handed spiral grooves 28Ra, 28Rb, 28Rc of the fitting grooves 28 is fitted into the protrusion 13A provided in the insertion hole 13, and the valve body 20 is The seal member 30 is lowered with the use of the compressive force of the member 30. Thereby, the compressive force of the sealing member 30 with respect to the valve body 20 is reduced, and the rotational torque of the valve body 20 (that is, the torque required for switching the flow path) is reduced (the state shown in FIG. 23).

  Thus, also in the flow path switching valve 5 of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the second, third, and fourth embodiments can be obtained.

  Also, when not in use, any of the left-handed spiral grooves 28La, 28Lb, 28Lc and the right-handed spiral grooves 28Ra, 28Rb, 28Rc of the fitting groove 28 is fitted into the protrusion 13A provided in the fitting insertion hole 13 ( For example, the state shown in FIG. 23) or the vertical groove 28 </ b> A of the fitting groove 28 is fitted into the protrusion 13 </ b> A provided in the fitting insertion hole 13 (the state shown in FIG. 25). By being lowered with respect to the seal member 30, sticking of the seal member 30 to the valve body 20 can also be prevented.

1 flow path switching valve (first embodiment)
2 Channel switching valve (second embodiment)
3 Channel switching valve (Third embodiment)
4 Channel switching valve (fourth embodiment)
4A flow path switching valve (another example of the fourth embodiment (1))
4B flow path switching valve (another example of the fourth embodiment (2))
5 Channel switching valve (fifth embodiment)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Valve main body 11 Valve chamber 12 Base member 13 Insertion hole 13A Protrusion part 14 Annular groove 15 Lower port member 16 Lower protrusion (Valve main body side lower convex part)
17 Lower recessed part 18 Upper protrusion (Upper convex part on the valve body side)
19 Upper recessed part 20 Valve body 21,22 Communication port 23 Frustum surface part 24 Lower convex part (Valve body side lower convex part)
25 Upper convex part (Valve-side upper convex part)
26 Valve shaft 27 O-ring 28 Annular groove 28A Vertical groove 28B Inclined groove 28C Horizontally long groove 28La, 28Lb, 28Lc Left-handed spiral groove 28Ra, 28Rb, 28Rc Right-handed spiral groove 28Sa, 28Sb, 28Sc Horizontal groove 30 Seal members 31-34 Opening 31a- 34a Inner rib 31b-34b Outer rib 35 Cylindrical body 41 Compression coil spring (biasing member)
42 Compression coil spring (biasing member)
p1, p2 outlet p10 inlet

Claims (11)

A valve body comprising a valve chamber formed of a cylindrical cavity, an inflow opening opened at the bottom of the valve chamber, and at least one outflow opening opened at a side of the valve chamber;
A cylindrical valve body that is rotatably disposed in the valve chamber and has at least one communication port on a side portion thereof;
A rotation drive unit for rotating the valve body;
A seal member interposed between the valve body and the valve body in order to suppress fluid leakage between the valve chamber and the outlet.
By rotating the valve body in the valve chamber by the rotation drive unit, the valve body rotates and slides on the inner peripheral side of the seal member to open / close or switch the outlet of the valve body. A flow path switching valve,
A flow path switching valve characterized in that at least a part of the outer periphery of the valve body is provided with a truncated cone surface portion whose diameter increases as it goes downward.   2. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the entire outer periphery of the valve body is formed of a truncated cone surface, and the entire shape of the seal member is a truncated cone shape.   3. The flow path switching valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve body is arranged on the inner peripheral side of the seal member so as to be movable up and down with respect to the seal member.   In order to push up the valve body relative to the seal member when the valve body is at a predetermined rotational position, an upward valve body side lower convex portion is provided at the bottom of the valve body, and at the bottom of the valve body The flow path switching valve according to claim 3, wherein a downward valve body side lower convex portion that is brought into contact with the valve main body side lower convex portion is provided.   The flow path switching valve according to claim 4, wherein the valve body side lower convex portion is provided around the inflow port.   6. The flow path switching valve according to claim 4, wherein a biasing member that constantly biases the valve body downward with respect to the seal member is provided.   In order to push down the valve body with respect to the seal member when the valve body is in a predetermined rotational position, a downwardly protruding valve body side upper convex portion is provided on the ceiling portion of the valve body, and the ceiling of the valve body 4. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3, wherein an upward valve body side upper convex portion that is brought into contact with the valve main body side upper convex portion is provided at a portion.   The valve body-side upper convex portion is provided around a fitting insertion hole provided in a ceiling portion of the valve main body so as to pass through a valve shaft connected to the valve body. The flow path switching valve according to 1.   The flow path switching valve according to claim 7 or 8, wherein a biasing member that constantly biases the valve body upward with respect to the seal member is provided. In order to push up the valve body with respect to the seal member when the valve body is in the first rotational position, an upward valve body side lower convex portion is provided at the bottom of the valve body, and the bottom of the valve body A downwardly facing valve body-side lower projection that is brought into contact with the valve body-side lower projection,
In order to push down the valve body with respect to the seal member when the valve body is in the second rotational position, a downward valve body-side upper convex portion is provided on the ceiling of the valve body, and the valve body 4. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3, wherein an upward valve body side upper convex portion that is brought into contact with the valve body side upper convex portion is provided on the ceiling portion.   An insertion hole provided in a ceiling portion of the valve body for inserting a valve shaft connected to the valve body so as to move the valve body up and down with respect to the seal member as the valve body rotates. In addition, a protrusion projecting radially inward is provided, and a fitting groove including two spiral grooves having opposite winding directions is provided on the outer periphery of the valve shaft. The flow path switching valve according to claim 3.

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