阅读说明：本技术 阀装置 (Valve device ) 是由 桥本考司 濑古直史 佐野亮 于 2020-03-04 设计创作，主要内容包括：本公开涉及一种用于增加或减少流体流量的阀装置。可移动单元(19)的套筒构件(20)具有第一压力接收表面(191)和第二压力接收表面(192)。当阀构件(18)关闭阀座开口部(22a)时,第一压力接收表面沿与弹簧(28)的偏压力(Fs)相反的轴向方向接收第一流体压力。当阀构件(18)关闭阀座开口部(22a)时,第二压力接收表面沿与弹簧(28)的偏压力(Fs)的方向相同的轴向方向接收第二流体压力。使第一表面面积(S1)和第二表面面积(S2)彼此相等。第一和第二表面面积中的每一个是在垂直于轴向方向的虚拟平面(PLa)上的投影部分的面积。当第一和第二压力接收表面中的每个投影到虚拟平面时,获得投影部分中的每个。(The present disclosure relates to a valve device for increasing or decreasing fluid flow. A sleeve member (20) of the movable unit (19) has a first pressure receiving surface (191) and a second pressure receiving surface (192). The first pressure receiving surface receives a first fluid pressure in an axial direction opposite to a biasing force (Fs) of a spring (28) when a valve member (18) closes a valve seat opening portion (22 a). The second pressure receiving surface receives the second fluid pressure in the same axial direction as the direction of the biasing force (Fs) of the spring (28) when the valve member (18) closes the valve seat opening portion (22 a). The first surface area (S1) and the second surface area (S2) are made equal to each other. Each of the first and second surface areas is an area of a projected portion on a virtual plane (PLa) perpendicular to the axial direction. When each of the first and second pressure receiving surfaces is projected to the virtual plane, each of the projected portions is obtained.)

1. A valve device for increasing or decreasing fluid flow comprising:

a valve housing (12);

a movable unit (19) that is movably provided in the valve housing in an axial Direction (DAs) thereof and that has a fluid flow channel (19a) extending in the axial direction so that the fluid flows through the fluid flow channel (19a), the movable unit (19) further having a valve seat surface (221) formed around a valve seat opening portion (22a) formed at an axially inner end of the fluid flow channel in the axial direction;

a valve member (18) rotatably provided in the valve housing (12) and having a valve surface (181) that is opposite to and in contact with the valve seat surface (221) in the axial direction, wherein the valve member (18) operatively opens or closes the valve seat opening portion (22 a); and

a biasing member (28) for generating a biasing force (Fs) to bias the movable unit (19) to the valve member in the axial direction such that the biasing member urges the valve seat surface (221) towards the valve surface (181) by the biasing force,

wherein the fluid flows through the fluid flow passage (19a) from an axially outer side to an axially inner side in the axial direction when the valve member (18) opens the valve seat opening portion (22a),

wherein the movable unit (19) has a first pressure receiving surface (191) and a second pressure receiving surface (192),

wherein the first pressure receiving surface (191) receives a first fluid pressure in the axial direction opposite to the direction of the biasing force from the fluid when the valve member (18) closes the valve seat opening portion (22a),

wherein the second pressure receiving surface (192) receives a second fluid pressure from the fluid in the axial direction opposite to the direction of the first fluid pressure when the valve member (18) closes the valve seat opening portion (22a),

wherein the first surface area (S1) and the second surface area (S2) are equal to each other, and

wherein each of the first surface area (S1) and the second surface area (S2) is an area of a projected portion on a virtual Plane (PLA) perpendicular to the axial direction, wherein each of the projected portions is obtained when each of the first and second pressure receiving surfaces (191, 192) is projected to the virtual plane in the axial direction.

2. The valve apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an annular sleeve sealing member (24); and

a seal retaining member (26) for retaining the sleeve seal member (24) on an axially inner side of the sleeve seal member,

wherein the movable unit (19) includes a cylindrical portion (201) that extends in the axial direction and forms the fluid flow passage (19a) inside the cylindrical portion,

wherein the valve housing (12) has;

-a spacer member (14) provided outside the cylindrical portion (201) in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion; and

a plate support portion (132) that is formed at a position axially inside the seal holding member (26) and that is opposite to a portion of the seal holding member (26) in the axial direction,

wherein the sleeve seal member (24) is provided outside the cylindrical portion (201) in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and

wherein the plate support portion (132) restricts movement of the sleeve seal member (24) toward the axially inner side in the axial direction when the sleeve seal member is in contact with the plate support portion (132).

3. The valve apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an annular sleeve sealing member (24); and

a seal retaining member (26) for retaining the sleeve seal member (24) on an axially inner side of the sleeve seal member,

wherein the movable unit (19) includes a cylindrical portion (201) that extends in the axial direction and forms the fluid flow passage (19a) inside the cylindrical portion,

wherein the valve housing (12) includes a spacer member (14) that is provided outside the cylindrical portion (201) in a radial direction thereof and surrounds the cylindrical portion,

wherein the sleeve seal member (24) is provided on the outer side of the cylindrical portion (201) in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and

wherein the seal retaining member (26) is fixed to the valve housing (12).

4. The valve apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an annular sleeve sealing member (24);

a seal retaining member (26) for retaining the sleeve seal member (24) on an axially inner side of the sleeve seal member; and

a compressible member (34) made of an elastic material,

wherein the movable unit (19) includes a cylindrical portion (201) that extends in the axial direction and forms the fluid flow passage (19a) inside the cylindrical portion,

wherein the valve housing (12) has;

-a spacer member (14) provided outside the cylindrical portion (201) in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion; and

a plate support portion (132) that is formed at a position axially inside the seal holding member (26) and that is opposite to a portion of the seal holding member (26) in the axial direction,

wherein the sleeve seal member (24) is provided outside the cylindrical portion (201) in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and

wherein the compressible member (34) is disposed between the plate support portion (132) and the seal retaining member (26) in a state in which the compressible member is compressed by the plate support portion (132) and the seal retaining member (26) in the axial direction between the plate support portion (132) and the seal retaining member (26).

5. The valve apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

an annular sleeve sealing member (24); and

a seal retaining member (26) for retaining the sleeve seal member (24) on an axially inner side of the sleeve seal member,

wherein the movable unit (19) comprises:

-a cylindrical portion (201) extending in the axial direction and forming the fluid flow channel (19a) inside the cylindrical portion; and

a valve seat holding portion (22, 202) extending from the cylindrical portion (201) in a radially outward direction thereof,

wherein the valve housing (12) comprises:

-a spacer member (14) provided outside the cylindrical portion (201) in a radial direction thereof and surrounding the cylindrical portion; and

a plate support portion (132) that is formed at a position axially inside the seal holding member (26) and that is opposite to a portion of the seal holding member (26) in the axial direction,

wherein the sleeve seal member (24) is provided outside the cylindrical portion (201) in the radial direction for sealing a radial gap between the cylindrical portion and the spacer member, and

wherein the plate supporting portion (132) is formed in the valve housing (12) outside the valve seat holding portion (202) in the radial direction, and

wherein the seal retaining member (26) extends in the radially outward direction from an inner contact position where the seal retaining member contacts an axially inner side of the sleeve seal member (24) to an outer contact position where the seal retaining member contacts an axially outer side of the plate support portion (132).

6. The valve device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,

the movable unit (19) includes a valve seat holding portion (22, 202) extending from the cylindrical portion (201) in a radially outward direction thereof,

the biasing member (28) is constituted by a spring that is disposed axially inside the seal retaining member (26); and

the biasing member is held in a compressed state in the axial direction between the seal holding member (26) and the valve seat holding portion (202).

7. The valve device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,

the movable unit (19) includes a valve seat member (22) having a valve seat surface (221), and

the cylindrical portion (201) is integrally formed as a single piece with the valve seat member.

8. The valve apparatus of claim 5,

the valve seat holding portion (202) extends in the radially outward direction from the axially inner side of the cylindrical portion (201),

the movable unit (19) comprises:

-a sleeve member (20) having the cylindrical portion (201) and the seat holding portion (202); and

-an annular valve seat member (22), wherein the valve seat member (22) is compressed between the valve seat retaining portion (202) and the valve surface (181) by the biasing force of the biasing member (28),

the valve seat member (22) has an opposing surface (222) axially opposed to the valve seat holding portion (202), and

the opposing surface (222) has an annular urging portion (223) formed in an annular shape and extending in a circumferential direction of the valve seat member (22), wherein the annular urging portion is locally strongly urged by the valve seat holding portion (202).

9. The valve apparatus of claim 5,

the valve seat holding portion (202) extends in the radially outward direction from the axially inner side of the cylindrical portion (201),

the movable unit (19) comprises:

-a sleeve member (20) having the cylindrical portion (201) and the seat holding portion (202); and

-an annular valve seat member (22), wherein the valve seat member (22) is compressed between the valve seat retaining portion (202) and the valve surface (181) by the biasing force of the biasing member (28), and

a seat spacer member (30) is interposed between the seat holding portion (202) and the seat member (22), wherein the seat spacer member (30) is formed in a ring shape along the seat member and has elasticity higher than those of the seat holding portion and the seat member.

10. The valve device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,

the sleeve sealing member (24) is comprised of an X-ring or an O-ring.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a valve device for increasing or decreasing fluid flow.

Background

Such a valve device is known in the art, for example, as disclosed in japanese patent laid-open No. 2016-53415. This prior art valve device comprises: a ball valve member having a spherical convex valve surface (spherical surface); a valve seat member having a spherical concave valve seat (valve seat surface); and springs and the like. A spring biases the valve seat member to the ball valve member. Since the valve seat surface is urged toward the valve surface, the gap between the valve seat surface and the valve surface is sealed.

According to the above-described prior art valve device, when the valve member rotates, communication between the opening portion of the valve member and the opening portion of the valve seat member is controlled or blocked.

The above-described prior art valve device controls (increases or decreases) the flow rate of the fluid passing through the valve device in the direction from the valve member to the valve seat member.

It is assumed that the use of such a valve arrangement in this manner allows the valve arrangement to control the fluid flow rate through the valve arrangement in the opposite direction from the valve seat member to the valve member. In such a valve device, when the valve device is closed, the pressure of the fluid is applied to the valve seat surface opposite to the valve surface. Since the fluid pressure is applied to the valve seat member and its related components, it is possible to increase or decrease the thrust of the fluid pressure applied to the valve seat member and its related components in a direction away from the valve member, depending on the shape of the valve seat member and its related components.

As described above, when the urging force for urging the valve seat member (which is one of the components of the movable unit to which the biasing force of the spring is applied) toward the valve member is changed due to a change in the fluid pressure, it becomes difficult to maintain the surface pressure applied to the valve seat surface at a constant value. In other words, when the valve device is closed, it may adversely affect the sealing performance between the valve seat surface and the valve surface. The inventors of the present disclosure discovered the above problems through their R & D activities.

Disclosure of Invention

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a valve device according to which a surface pressure applied to a valve seat surface urged toward a valve surface is maintained at a constant value even when a valve seat opening portion of a valve seat member is closed and a fluid pressure applied to the valve seat surface is changed.

According to one of the features of the present disclosure, the valve apparatus of the present disclosure increases or decreases a fluid flow rate, and includes:

a valve housing;

a movable unit that is movably provided in the valve housing in an axial direction thereof and has a fluid flow passage extending in the axial direction so that fluid flows through the fluid flow passage, the movable unit further having a valve seat surface formed around a valve seat opening portion formed at an axially inner end of the fluid flow passage in the axial direction;

a valve member rotatably provided in the valve housing and having a valve surface that is opposite to and in contact with the valve seat surface in the axial direction, wherein the valve member is operable to open or close the valve seat opening portion; and

a biasing member for generating a biasing force to bias the movable unit to the valve member in the axial direction such that the biasing member urges the valve seat surface toward the valve surface by the biasing force.

In the valve device, when the valve member opens the valve seat opening portion, the fluid flows through the fluid flow passage from the axially outer side to the axially inner side in the axial direction.

The movable unit has a first pressure receiving surface and a second pressure receiving surface,

wherein the first pressure receiving surface receives the first fluid pressure from the fluid in an axial direction opposite to a direction of the biasing force when the valve member closes the valve seat opening portion, and

wherein the second pressure receiving surface receives the second fluid pressure from the fluid in an axial direction opposite to a direction of the first fluid pressure when the valve member closes the valve seat opening portion.

In the valve device of the above structure, the first surface area and the second surface area are equal to each other,

wherein each of the first surface area and the second surface area is an area of a projected portion on a virtual plane perpendicular to the axial direction, an

Wherein each of the projected portions is obtained when each of the first and second pressure receiving surfaces is projected to the virtual plane in the axial direction.

According to the above structure, in the case where the fluid pressure is applied to the movable unit in the direction away from the valve surface when the valve member closes the valve seat opening portion, the thrust for pushing the movable unit in the axially outward direction is absorbed by the thrust for pushing the movable unit in the axially inward direction. As a result, even when the fluid pressure changes, the surface pressure of the valve seat surface urged toward the valve surface can be maintained at a constant value.

Drawings

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a valve device in a valve-closed state according to a first embodiment;

fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the valve device in a valve-open state according to the first embodiment;

fig. 3 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion III of fig. 1, wherein fig. 3 shows a sleeve member, a valve seat member, a spring, and other components related to those members.

Fig. 4 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion IV of fig. 3, wherein fig. 4 shows a state in which the pressure of the cooling water is not applied to the sleeve seal member in the downward direction of the sleeve axial direction;

fig. 5 is another schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a portion IV in fig. 3, wherein fig. 5 shows a state in which the pressure of the cooling water is applied to the sleeve sealing member in a downward direction of the sleeve axial direction and the sleeve sealing member is pushed downward;

fig. 6 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the second embodiment, which corresponds to part III in fig. 1 in a similar manner to fig. 3;

fig. 7 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view corresponding to fig. 3, wherein fig. 7 shows a leakage path of cooling water in the first embodiment to explain the advantage of the valve device of the second embodiment;

fig. 8 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a state where cooling water leakage occurs in one of the leakage paths of fig. 7, wherein fig. 8 shows such components in relation to the valve seat member;

fig. 9 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the third embodiment, which corresponds to part III of fig. 1;

fig. 10 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the fourth embodiment, which corresponds to part III of fig. 1;

fig. 11 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the fifth embodiment, which corresponds to part III of fig. 1;

fig. 12 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the sixth embodiment, which corresponds to part III of fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the seventh embodiment, which corresponds to part III of fig. 1; and

fig. 14 is a schematic enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of the eighth embodiment, which corresponds to part III of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

The disclosure will be explained hereinafter by means of a number of embodiments and/or modifications with reference to the drawings. To avoid repetitive description, the same reference numerals are given to the same or similar structures and/or portions.

(first embodiment)

The valve device 10 of the first embodiment is a cooling water control valve device, which is installed in a motor vehicle. The valve device 10 shown in fig. 1 is one of the components of a cooling circuit through which cooling water is circulated to an internal combustion engine, a radiator, and the like. The valve device 10 controls (increases or decreases) the flow rate of the cooling water flowing through the cooling circuit. When the valve device 10 is closed, the flow of the cooling water is blocked. The cooling water is a liquid phase fluid comprising LLC (long life coolant), such as ethylene glycol.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the valve assembly 10 is a ball valve type assembly according to which a valve member 18 is rotated about a valve central axis Cv to open or close the valve assembly 10. Fig. 1 shows a valve closed state of the valve device 10. Fig. 2 shows the valve open state of the valve device 10. In fig. 2, each of FLa and FLb indicates the flow direction of the cooling water passing through the valve device 10 in the valve-open state. Each of fig. 1 and 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a valve device 10, a part of which valve device 10 is cut off on a virtual plane including a valve center axis Cv and a sleeve center axis Cs. In each of fig. 1 and 2, a portion of the valve device 10 lower than the valve center axis Cv is omitted in the drawings.

The valve assembly 10 includes a valve housing 12, a valve shaft 16, a valve member 18, a sleeve member 20, a valve seat member 22, a sleeve sealing member 24, a seal retaining member 26, a spring 28, and the like.

The valve housing 12 forms the outer envelope of the valve device 10 and comprises a housing body 13 and a spacer member 14. The housing body 13 has a valve accommodating space 13a for movably accommodating the valve member 18. The housing body 13 has a sleeve receiving hole 13b that extends in a direction perpendicular to the valve center axis Cv and movably receives the sleeve member 20. In the present disclosure, the axial direction of the sleeve member 20 is referred to as a sleeve axial direction DAs, and the axial direction of the valve center axis Cv is also referred to as a valve axial direction DAv. The radial direction of the sleeve member 20 is referred to as the sleeve radial direction DRs, and the radial direction of the valve center axis Cv is referred to as the valve radial direction DRv. The sleeve radial direction DRs is also a radial direction of the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20. The valve center axis Cv and the sleeve center axis Cs intersect each other. The sleeve axial direction DAs is one of the valve radial directions DRv.

One of the axial ends (axially inner end) of the sleeve receiving hole 13b is connected to the valve receiving space 13a, and the other end (axially outer end) 13 of the axial ends of the sleeve receiving hole 13b is open to the outside of the housing body 13. One of the axial ends of the valve accommodating space 13a (the axial outer end in the valve axial direction DAv) is communicated to the outlet port 131, and the cooling water is discharged from the inside of the valve housing 12 to the outside of the valve housing 12 through the outlet port 131.

The spacer member 14 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is inserted into the sleeve receiving hole 13b from the axially outer end 13d of the sleeve receiving hole 13 b. The spacer member 14 is fixed to the housing body 13 by, for example, screws or the like. An inflow port 141 is formed in the spacer member 14, and cooling water flows from the outside of the valve housing 12 into the inside of the valve housing 12 through the inflow port 141. The annular housing seal member 121 is disposed between the housing body 13 and the spacer member 14 in such a manner that the housing seal member 121 surrounds the outer periphery of the axially outer end 13d of the sleeve-accommodating hole 13 b.

The valve shaft 16 extends through the valve accommodating space 13a in the valve axial direction DAv along the valve central axis Cv. The valve shaft 16 is movably supported by the housing body 13 such that the valve shaft 16 can rotate about the valve central axis Cv. A radial gap is formed on the axially inner side (i.e., on the right-hand side of the drawing) of the valve accommodating space 13a between the housing body 13 and the valve shaft 16. An annular shaft seal member 161 is provided in the radial gap to seal the radial gap.

The valve shaft 16 is connected to an electric motor (not shown) that is provided at a position on the axially inner side of the shaft seal member 161 in the valve axial direction DAv. The valve shaft 16 is rotated by an electric motor.

The valve member 18 is a valve body for opening or closing a fluid passage for cooling water extending from the inflow port 141 to the outflow port 131. The valve member 18 is provided in the valve housing 12, that is, the valve member 18 is accommodated in the valve accommodating space 13 a.

The valve member 18 is fixed to the valve shaft 16. Therefore, when the valve shaft 16 is rotated by the electric motor, the valve member 18 can rotate together with the valve shaft 16 about the valve center axis Cv.

A valve inner space 18a is formed in the valve member 18. The valve inner space 18a is opened on the axially outer side of the valve member 18 in the valve axial direction DAv (on the side closer to the outflow port 131, that is, on the left-hand side in the drawing). The valve inner space 18a is closed on the axially inner side of the valve member 18 in the valve axial direction DAv (on the opposite side from the outflow port 131). Since the valve member 18 is accommodated in the valve accommodating space 13a, the valve inner space 18a is also located in the valve accommodating space 13 a.

The valve member 18 has a valve surface 181 on its outer circumferential surface facing the outward direction of the valve radial direction DRv. The valve surface 181 is constituted by a convex spherical surface expanding in the outward direction of the valve radial direction DRv. The valve member 18 has a valve opening portion 18b (fig. 2) that penetrates a side wall of the valve member 18 in the valve radial direction DRv from the valve surface 181 to the valve internal space 18 a.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the sleeve member 20 has a cylindrical portion 201, and the cylindrical portion 201 is cylindrical and extends in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The sleeve member 20 also has a seat holding portion 202 for holding the seat member 22. The sleeve member 20 is movable in a sleeve axial direction DAs relative to the valve housing 12.

The cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20 has a sleeve center axis Cs extending in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The cylindrical portion 201 has a cylindrical inner end portion 201a on the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. The cylindrical portion 201 has a cylindrical outer end portion 201b on the axially outer side in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The cylindrical hole portion 20a is formed in the sleeve member 20, more specifically, in the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20. The cylindrical hole portion 20a extends in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The cylindrical outer end portion 201b is an end portion of the sleeve member 20 on an axial outer side thereof.

An axial end portion of the cylindrical portion 201 in the sleeve axial direction DAs including the cylindrical outside end portion 201b is inserted into the inside of the spacer member 14. Thus, the spacer member 14 is an outer circumferential component that is disposed radially outward of the cylindrical portion 201 and surrounds the cylindrical portion 201. The sleeve member 20 is located axially inward of the spacer member 14, i.e., axially inward of the inflow port 141 in the sleeve axial direction DAs.

The seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20 is a radially outwardly expanding portion that extends in a flange shape in a radially outward direction from the cylindrical portion 201. In other words, the valve-seat holding portion 202 is a flange portion of the sleeve member 20. As described above, the valve seat holding portion 202 is a part of the cylindrical portion 201, which is formed axially inside in the sleeve axial direction DAs and expands in the outward direction of the sleeve radial direction DRs. That is, the valve seat holding portion 202 extends in a flange shape from the cylindrical inside end portion 201a in the outward direction of the sleeve radial direction DRs. The seat holding portion 202 is in contact with the seat member 22 on the axially outer side of the seat member 22 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. An opposing surface 222 (fig. 3) is formed on the axially outer side of the valve seat member 22 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The opposing surface 222 of the valve seat member 22 opposes the valve seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20 in the sleeve axial direction DAs.

The valve seat retaining portion 202 retains the outer peripheral portion of the valve seat member 22 so as to prevent the valve seat member 22 from being displaced relative to the sleeve member 20 in the valve axial direction DAv or in the circumferential direction of the valve member 18 about the valve center axis Cv even when the valve member 18 is rotated.

The valve seat member 22 is formed in an annular shape centered on the sleeve center axis Cs. The valve seat member 22 is made of resin, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). A valve seat opening portion 22a is formed in the valve seat member 22. The valve seat opening 22a penetrates the valve seat member 22 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The valve seat surface 221 is formed in the valve seat member 22 on the axially inner side of the valve seat member 22 in the sleeve axial direction Das. The valve seat surface 221 is formed around the valve seat opening portion 22 a. The valve seat surface 221 extends in the circumferential direction of the valve seat member 22 having an annular shape centered on the sleeve center axis Cs.

The valve surface 181 of the valve member 18 is opposed to the valve seat surface 221 in the sleeve axial direction DAs and is in contact with the valve seat surface 221. The valve seat surface 221 has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the valve surface 181. That is, the valve seat surface 221 is formed as a concave spherical surface that is recessed in an axially outward direction of the sleeve axial direction DAs.

The valve seat surface 221 is urged toward the valve surface 181 by the spring 28, so that the valve gap between the valve seat surface 221 and the valve surface 181 is sealed. When the valve member 18 rotates, the valve surface 181 slides on the valve seat surface 221.

When the valve member 18 rotates, the valve opening portion 18b of the valve member 18 communicates to the valve seat opening portion 22a of the valve seat member 22, so that the valve seat opening portion 22a is opened. The valve open state of the valve device 10 is shown in fig. 2. In the valve-open state, the cooling water flows into the valve internal space 18a through the inflow port 141, the cylindrical hole portion 20a, the valve seat opening portion 22a, and the valve opening portion 18b as indicated by arrows FLa. The cooling water flows out from the valve internal space 18a to the outside of the valve housing 12 through the outflow port 131 as indicated by an arrow FLb.

When the valve member 18 further rotates, the valve opening portion 18b becomes not communicated with the valve seat opening portion 22a, so that the valve seat opening portion 22a is closed. The valve closed state of the valve device 10 is shown in fig. 1. As described above, the valve member 18 opens or closes the valve seat opening portion 22a according to the rotation thereof.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the sleeve seal member 24 is an annular seal component. The sleeve seal member 24 is disposed outside the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20 in the sleeve radial direction DRs.

The sleeve seal member 24 is provided between the cylindrical portion 201 and the spacer member 14 in the sleeve radial direction DRs, so that the sleeve seal member 24 is compressed and elastically deformed in the sleeve radial direction DRs between the cylindrical portion 201 and the spacer member 14 through the cylindrical portion 201 and the spacer member 14. As a result of the sleeve seal member 24 being compressed between the cylindrical portion 201 and the spacer member 14, the sleeve seal member 24 seals a radial gap between the cylindrical portion 201 and the spacer member 14 in the sleeve radial direction DRs.

That is, a part of the cooling water flows from the inflow port 141 into an upstream side radial space formed between the cylindrical portion 201 and the spacer member 14 in the sleeve radial direction DRs on the axially outer side of the sleeve seal member 24 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The sleeve seal member 24 prevents the cooling water from flowing through the sleeve seal member 24 and into a downstream-side radial space on the axially inner side of the sleeve seal member 24 in the sleeve axial direction Das.

In the present embodiment, a V-ring is used as the sleeve sealing member 24. The closed side of the V-ring 24 in its cross section (its lower side) is located at a position axially inward thereof in the sleeve axial direction DAs.

The spacer member 14 has a structure for holding the sleeve seal member 24. More specifically, the spacer member 14 has an annular recess on the axially inner side thereof for restricting movement of the sleeve seal member 24 in a direction toward the axially outer side of the spacer member 14 in the sleeve axial direction DAs.

The seal retaining member 26 is provided at a position axially inward of the spacer member 14 in the sleeve axial direction DAs, such that the seal retaining member 26 supports the axially inward of the sleeve seal member 24 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The seal retaining member 26 is formed in a ring shape to surround the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20.

A seal groove 143 (fig. 3) of an annular recess is formed between the spacer member 14 and the seal retaining member 26, so that the sleeve seal member 24 is axially inserted into this seal groove 143. The seal retaining member 26 forms a wall surface facing the axially inner side of the seal groove 143 in the sleeve axial direction DAs.

The seal holding member 26 is made of, for example, a metal plate material. The seal holding member 26 has a disc-shaped portion 261, and the disc-shaped portion 261 has a thickness in the sleeve axial direction DAs. A through hole is formed at the center of the disc portion 261 such that the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20 is inserted into the through hole.

The housing body 13 has a plate support portion 132, the plate support portion 132 being formed in the housing body 13 at a position on the axially inner side of the disc-shaped portion 261 in the sleeve axial direction Das. The disc-shaped portion 261 is held at a position between the front end 142 (lower-side end) of the spacer member 14 and the plate supporting portion 132 of the housing body 13 in the sleeve axial direction DAs.

The plate support portion 132 of the housing body 13 is located outside the valve seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20 and the valve seat member 22 in the sleeve radial direction DRs. In addition, the plate support portion 132 is located at a position away from the seat holding portion 202 and the seat member 22 in the direction toward the axially outer side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. The disc-shaped portion 261 of the seal holding member 26 extends from an inside contact position between the disc-shaped portion 261 and an axially inside of the sleeve seal member 24 in the sleeve axial direction Das in a radially outward direction of the sleeve radial direction DRs to an outside contact position between the disc-shaped portion 261 and an axially outside of the plate support portion 132 in the sleeve axial direction Das.

According to the above structure, the seal retaining member 26 is retained between the front end 142 of the spacer member 14 and the plate supporting portion 132 of the housing body 13 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. When the seal holding member 26 is in contact with the plate support portion 132, the plate support portion 132 stops the movement of the sleeve seal member 24 and the seal holding member 26 in the direction toward the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction Das.

As shown in fig. 4, when the disc-shaped portion 261 of the seal holding member 26 is in contact with the leading end 142 of the spacer member 14, a lower-side axial gap is formed between the disc-shaped portion 261 and the plate supporting portion 132 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. In addition, as shown in fig. 5, when the disc-shaped portion 261 of the seal holding member 26 is brought into contact with the plate supporting portion 132, an upper-side axial gap is formed between the disc-shaped portion 261 and the leading end 142 of the spacer member 14 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. These axial gaps do not always have to be formed. However, these axial gaps may be optionally formed in consideration of the manufacturing process of the valve device 10.

In the valve closed state of the valve device 10, the flow of the cooling water indicated by the arrow FLi in fig. 3 is blocked by the valve member 18. In the valve closed state of fig. 1 and 3, the pressure of the cooling water in the inflow port 141 becomes greater than the pressure in the outflow port 131. As a result, the cooling water whose flow is blocked by the valve member 18 generates a thrust force Pi for urging the sleeve seal member 24 and the seal retaining member 26 in a direction toward the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs, as shown in fig. 5. When the thrust force Pi becomes larger than the biasing force of the spring 28, the disc-shaped portion 261 of the seal holding member 26 is brought into contact with the plate supporting portion 132.

On the other hand, when the thrust force Pi of the cooling water is not applied to the sleeve sealing member 24, the disc portion 261 of the seal holding member 26 is brought into contact with the front end 142 of the spacer member 14 by the biasing force of the spring 28, as shown in fig. 4.

As shown in fig. 1 to 3, the spring 28 is a biasing member for generating a biasing force Fs that is applied to the sleeve member 20 in a direction toward the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. The valve seat member 22 is also biased by a biasing force Fs in a direction toward the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. Thus, the sleeve member 20 and the valve seat member 22 form the movable unit 19, and the movable unit 19 is biased by the spring 28 in the direction toward the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs.

The spring 28 is located at a position axially inward of the seal retaining member 26 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The spring 28 is constituted by a compression coil spring provided outside the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20 in the sleeve radial direction DRs.

The seal retaining member 26 also serves as a spring seat portion for the spring 28. The spring 28 is held in a compressed state between the disc portion 261 of the seal holding member 26 and the valve seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. According to the above structure, the spring 28 generates the biasing force Fs for urging the valve seat surface 221 toward the valve surface 181. In other words, the valve seat member 22 is compressed between the valve seat holding portion 202 and the valve surface 181 of the sleeve member 20 by the biasing force Fs of the spring 28.

The movable unit 19 is constituted by a sleeve member 20 and a valve seat member 22. The movable unit 19 is movably supported in the valve housing 12 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. A fluid flow passage 19a is formed in the movable unit 19, wherein the fluid flow passage 19a includes a cylindrical hole portion 20a and a valve seat opening portion 22 a. The fluid flow passage 19a extends in the sleeve axial direction DAs inside the movable unit 19. The cooling water flows into the fluid flow passage 19a from the inflow port 141. The fluid flow passage 19a extends inside the cylindrical portion 201 and inside the valve seat member 22. The valve seat opening portion 22a corresponds to one end of the fluid flow passage 19a on the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs.

As shown by an arrow FLa in fig. 2, when the valve member 18 opens the valve seat opening portion 22a, the cooling water flows through the fluid flow passage 19a from the axially outer side to the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. The state in which the valve member 18 opens the valve seat opening portion 22a corresponds to the valve open state of the valve device 10. On the other hand, the state in which the valve member 18 closes the valve seat opening portion 22a corresponds to the valve closed state of the valve device 10. In the present embodiment, the cooling water does not flow through the fluid flow passage 19a in an axially upward direction opposite to the flow direction FLa.

As shown in fig. 3, the movable unit 19 includes a first pressure receiving surface 191 and a second pressure receiving surface 192. Each of the first and second pressure receiving surfaces 191 and 192 is a part of a surface of the movable unit 19 that is in contact with the cooling water. More precisely, each of the first pressure receiving surface 191 and the second pressure receiving surface 192 is formed in the sleeve member 20, which is one of the components of the movable unit 19.

The first pressure receiving surface 191 is a surface portion that receives the first fluid pressure from the cooling water when the valve member 18 closes the valve seat opening portion 22 a. The above-described first fluid pressure is a biasing force opposing force generated in the sleeve axial direction DAs in an axially upward direction opposite to the biasing force Fs of the spring 28. On the other hand, the second pressure receiving surface 192 is another surface portion that receives the second fluid pressure from the cooling water when the valve member 18 closes the valve seat opening portion 22 a. The above-described second fluid pressure is a biasing force increasing force generated in the sleeve axial direction DAs in the same axial downward direction as the biasing force Fs of the spring 28.

The movable unit 19 is formed in such a manner that the first surface area S1 is equal to the second surface area S2. The first surface area S1 is the area of the projected portion of the first pressure receiving surface 191 onto the virtual plane PLa perpendicular to the sleeve axial direction DAs. The second surface area S2 is also the area of the projected portion of the second pressure-receiving surface 192 onto the virtual plane PLa perpendicular to the sleeve axial direction DAS. Each of the projected portions on the virtual plane PLa for the first and second pressure receiving surfaces 191 and 192 has an annular shape centered on the sleeve central axis Cs. The first surface area S1 and the second surface area S2 are made equal to each other so that the fluid pressure to be applied to the first pressure receiving surface 191 and the fluid pressure to be applied to the second pressure receiving surface 192 cancel each other out. However, it is not always necessary to make the first surface area S1 and the second surface area S2 equal to each other.

As shown in fig. 3, when the valve seat opening portion 22a of the valve seat member 22 is closed, the fluid pressure is applied to the valve surface 181 on the axially inner side of the movable unit 19 in the sleeve axial direction Das. The fluid pressure applied to the movable unit 19 in the direction toward the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs is cancelled by the fluid pressure applied to the movable unit 19 in the direction toward the axially outer side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. The fluid pressure applied to the movable unit 19 in the direction toward the axially outer side of the sleeve axial direction DAs corresponds to the biasing force opposing force, and the fluid pressure applied to the movable unit 19 in the direction toward the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs corresponds to the biasing force increasing force.

In the valve closed state of the valve device 10, the surface pressure to be applied to the valve surface 181 of the valve member 18 by the valve seat surface 221 can be maintained at a constant value even when the fluid pressure of the cooling water changes.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 3 and 5, the sleeve seal member 24 is provided outside the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20 in the sleeve radial direction DRs to seal a radial gap between the cylindrical portion 201 and the spacer member 14. The seal holding member 26 supports the sleeve seal member 24 axially inside in the sleeve axial direction Das. The plate support portion 132 of the housing body 13 contacts the seal retaining member 26 and restricts movement of the sleeve seal member 24 in a direction toward the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. As described above, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the sleeve seal member 24 falls from a predetermined position (seal groove 143) between the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20 and the spacer member 14.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 3, the plate supporting portion 132 of the housing body 13 is located outside the valve seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20 and the valve seat member 22 in the sleeve radial direction DRs. The seal retaining member 26 extends from an inside contact position between the disc portion 261 and an axially inside of the sleeve seal member 24 in the sleeve axial direction Das in a radially outward direction of the sleeve radial direction DRs to an outside contact position between the disc portion 261 and an axially outside of the plate support portion 132 in the sleeve axial direction Das. The plate support portion 132 is not an obstacle to insertion of the sleeve member 20 and the valve seat member 22 into the housing body 13 when the valve device 10 is assembled. Therefore, this is an advantage in that the valve device 10 can be easily assembled.

In addition, as shown in fig. 3, the spring 28 is located at a position axially inward of the seal retaining member 26 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The spring 28 is held in a compressed state between the seal holding member 26 and the seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. When the seal retaining member 26 moves in the sleeve axial direction DAs together with the sleeve seal member 24, the biasing force Fs of the spring 28 changes accordingly. However, in the present embodiment, the plate support portion 132 restricts the sleeve seal member 24 from moving in the direction toward the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. The variation in the amount of compression of the spring 28 caused by the movement of the seal holding member 26 can be suppressed to a small amount by the plate supporting portion 132. In other words, it is possible to suppress the change in the biasing force Fs of the spring 28 caused by the movement of the seal holding member 26 to a small amount.

(second embodiment)

The second embodiment will be explained by focusing on the difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 6, in the present embodiment, the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20 and the valve seat member 22, i.e., the movable unit 19, are integrally formed as a single piece. In a manner similar to the first embodiment, the movable unit 19 is formed in such a manner that the first surface area S1 of the projected portion of the first pressure receiving surface 191 is equal to the second surface area S2 of the projected portion of the second pressure receiving surface 192.

More precisely, the valve seat member 22 is directly connected to the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20. The movable unit 19 of the second embodiment is made of the same resin as the material of the valve seat member 22 of the first embodiment.

Since the cylindrical portion 201 and the valve seat member 22 are integrally formed with each other as a single piece, a structure corresponding to the valve seat holding portion 202 of the first embodiment is not provided in the second embodiment. The valve seat member 22 has a radially expanded portion extending from the cylindrical portion 201 in a radially outward direction of the sleeve radial direction DRs.

In order to explain the advantages of the valve device 10 of the second embodiment by comparing the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the operation of the valve device 10 of the first embodiment is explained with reference to fig. 7 to 8.

As shown in fig. 7 and 8, the first and second leakage paths LK1 and LK2 may be regarded as paths for cooling water that will leak from the fluid flow passage 19a to the outside of the fluid flow passage 19a in the valve closed state of the valve device 10. In the first leakage path LK1, the cooling water passes through a first gap between the valve seat member 22 and the valve seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20. In the second leak path LK2, the cooling water passes through a second clearance between the valve seat surface 221 of the valve seat member 22 and the valve surface 181 of the valve member 18.

In the case where leakage of the cooling water occurs in the first leakage path LK1, a fluid thrust force is generated by the fluid pressure entering the first gap between the valve seat member 22 and the valve seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20. As shown in fig. 8, the fluid thrust forces the sleeve member 20 in the axially upward direction toward the axially outer side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. As a result, the sleeve member 20 may be lifted from the valve seat member 22, as indicated by arrow A1.

More specifically, the fluid pressure of the cooling water applied to the sleeve member 20 generates not only a fluid thrust for pushing the sleeve member 20 in the axially upward direction toward the axially outer side, but also a fluid thrust for pushing the sleeve member 20 in the axially downward direction toward the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. However, when the cooling water flows from the fluid flow passage 19a into the first gap between the valve seat member 22 and the valve seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20 along the first leakage path LK1, the fluid thrust force toward the axially outer side in the axially upward direction becomes larger than the fluid thrust force toward the axially inner side in the axially downward direction. As a result, the sleeve member 20 can be lifted from the valve seat member 22.

On the other hand, according to the second embodiment, as shown in fig. 6, the cylindrical portion 201 and the valve seat member 22 are integrally formed as a single piece. Therefore, leakage of the cooling water does not occur in a path corresponding to the first leakage path LK1 (fig. 7) of the first embodiment. Therefore, the sleeve member 20 can be prevented from being lifted from the valve seat member 22.

Except as explained above, the structure and operation of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The same advantages as those of the first embodiment can be obtained also in the second embodiment.

(third embodiment)

The third embodiment will be described with emphasis on the difference between the first embodiment and the third embodiment with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 9, in the present embodiment, the valve seat member 22 has an annular pushing portion 223 formed in the opposing surface 222.

The annular urging portion 223 of the valve seat member 22 is composed of two projections, each of which projects from the opposing surface 222 in the axially upward direction toward the axially outer side of the sleeve axial direction DAs. Each of the projections 223 extends in the circumferential direction of the annular valve seat member 22, i.e., in the circumferential direction around the sleeve center axis Cs. Alternatively, the annular push portion 223 may be composed of one or three (or more than three) projections.

Since the valve seat member 22 is urged by the biasing force of the spring 28 through the valve seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20, the annular urging portion 223 of the valve seat member 22 is a part of the opposing surface 222, which is locally and strongly urged by the valve seat holding portion 202.

According to the above structure, the surface pressure at the annular push portion 223 is locally larger than the surface pressure at the other portion of the opposing surface 222. As a result, the cooling water can be reliably prevented from leaking in the first leak path LK1 (shown in fig. 7).

Except for the above, the structure and operation of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The same advantages as those of the first embodiment can be obtained also in the third embodiment.

(fourth embodiment)

The fourth embodiment will be described with emphasis on the difference between the first embodiment and the fourth embodiment with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 10, the valve device 10 of the present embodiment has a seat spacer member 30 made of an elastic material such as rubber.

More specifically, the seat spacer member 30 is formed in a ring shape along the ring shape of the seat member 22. The seat spacer member 30 extends in the circumferential direction around the sleeve center axis Cs.

The seat spacer member 30 has higher elasticity than the seat holding portion 202 of the sleeve member 20 or the seat member 22. In other words, the seat spacer member 30 is more easily and elastically deformed than the seat holding portion 202 or the seat member 22.

The seat spacer member 30 is interposed between the seat holding portion 202 and the seat member 22 and is in contact with each of the seat holding portion 202 and the seat member 22. In addition, the seat spacer member 30 is elastically deformed in the sleeve axial direction DAs by and between the seat holding portion 202 and the seat member 22, with the biasing force Fs of the spring 28 being applied to the seat holding portion 202, and the seat member 22. The seat spacer member 30 also functions as a sealing member for sealing the first gap between the seat holding portion 202 and the seat member 22.

Since the valve seat spacer member 30 is interposed between the valve seat holding portion 202 and the valve seat member 22, the cooling water can be prevented from leaking in the first leakage path LK1 (shown in fig. 7).

Except for the above, the structure and operation of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The same advantages as those of the first embodiment can be obtained also in the fourth embodiment.

(fifth embodiment)

The fifth embodiment will be described with emphasis on the difference between the first embodiment and the fifth embodiment with reference to the drawings.

As indicated by arrows FLio in fig. 11, in the valve-open state of the valve device 10, the cooling water flows through the fluid flow passage 19a from the axially outer side to the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs, and vice versa. Since the cooling water flows in both directions in the present embodiment, the inflow port 141 of the first embodiment is referred to as a first port and the outflow port 131 is referred to as a second port in the present embodiment.

Since the cooling water flows in both directions, the sleeve seal member 24 is constituted not by a V-ring but by an X-ring. The X-ring is a sealing member having an X-letter shaped cross section.

Since the X-ring is used as the sleeve seal member 24, the sleeve seal member 24 has a sealing function for the flow of the cooling water in two directions, as indicated by arrows FLio. In other words, the radial gap between the cylindrical portion 201 of the sleeve member 20 and the spacer member 14 can be sealed independently of whether or not the fluid pressure of the cooling water in the first port 141 is higher than the fluid pressure in the second port 131.

Except for the above description, the structure and operation of the fifth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The same advantages as those of the first embodiment can be obtained also in the fifth embodiment.

Although the fifth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, the fifth embodiment may be combined to any one of the second to fourth embodiments.

(sixth embodiment)

The sixth embodiment will be explained with emphasis on the difference between the fifth embodiment and the sixth embodiment with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 12, the sleeve seal member 24 is not formed of an X-ring but an O-ring. Except for the above, the structure and operation of the sixth embodiment are the same as those of the fifth embodiment. The same advantages as those of the fifth embodiment can be obtained also in the sixth embodiment.

(seventh embodiment)

The seventh embodiment will be described with emphasis on the difference between the first embodiment and the seventh embodiment with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 13, the valve housing 12 of the present embodiment has a connecting member 32 in addition to the housing body 13 and the spacer member 14.

The connecting member 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is disposed outside the spacer member 14 in the sleeve radial direction DRs. The connecting member 32 is inserted into the sleeve-receiving bore 13b together with the spacer member 14 from the axially outer end 13d (fig. 1) of the sleeve-receiving bore 13 b. The connecting member 32 is fixed to the housing body 13 together with the spacer member 14 by screws (not shown) or the like.

The connecting member 32 has a connecting portion 321 at its axially inner end in the sleeve axial direction DAs. The seal holding member 26 is connected to the connecting portion 321. That is, the outer circumferential end of the disc-shaped portion 261 of the seal holding member 26 is connected to the connecting portion 321. As described above, the seal retaining member 26 is connected to the valve housing 12 including the connecting member 32.

According to the above structure, since the seal retaining member 26 is not displaced relative to the valve housing 12, the amount of compression of the spring 28 does not change, which amount of compression of the spring 28 may otherwise change if the seal retaining member 26 is axially displaced relative to the valve housing 12. As a result, the biasing force Fs of the spring 28 can be stabilized.

Except for the above, the structure and operation of the seventh embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The same advantages as those of the first embodiment can be obtained also in the seventh embodiment.

Although the seventh embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, the seventh embodiment may be combined to any one of the second to sixth embodiments.

(eighth embodiment)

The eighth embodiment will be explained by focusing on the difference between the first embodiment and the eighth embodiment with reference to the drawings.

As shown in fig. 14, the valve device 10 of the present embodiment has a compressible member 34 made of an elastic material such as rubber.

The compressible member 34 is formed in a ring shape extending in the circumferential direction around the sleeve center axis Cs. The compressible member 34 is located at a position between the plate supporting portion 132 of the housing body 13 and the seal retaining member 26 in the sleeve axial direction DAs. More specifically, the compressible member 34 is interposed between the plate support portion 132 and a disc-shaped portion 261 of the seal retaining member 26, the disc-shaped portion 261 being axially opposed to the plate support portion 132.

The compressible member 34 passes through the plate support portion 132 and the disc-shaped portion 261 of the seal retaining member 26 and is compressed between the plate support portion 132 and the disc-shaped portion 261 of the seal retaining member 26. Thus, the compressible member 34 is elastically deformed between the plate supporting portion 132 and the disc-shaped portion 261 of the seal holding member 26.

As described above, the axial gap between the plate supporting portion 132 and the disc-shaped portion 261 of the seal holding member 26 in the sleeve axial direction DAs is plugged by the compressible member 34. Therefore, the variation in the amount of compression of the spring 28, which can be caused by the axial displacement of the seal holding member 26, can be made smaller. That is, the biasing force Fs of the spring 28 can be stabilized.

Except for the above, the structure and operation of the eighth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment. The same advantages as those of the first embodiment can be obtained also in the eighth embodiment.

Although the eighth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment, the eighth embodiment may be combined to any one of the second to sixth embodiments.

(other embodiments and/or variations)

(M1) in the above embodiment, for example, as shown in fig. 1, the valve device 10 has one outflow port 131 and one inflow port 141. However, the valve device 10 may have a plurality of outflow ports or a plurality of inflow ports. The valve means is constituted by, for example, a three-way valve or a four-way valve.

(M2) in the above embodiment, the fluid flowing through the valve device 10 is cooling water. Any fluid other than cooling water may be used. The fluid flowing through the valve device 10 may be a gas.

(M3) for example, in the first embodiment described above, as shown in fig. 3, the plate supporting portion 132 is formed on the housing body 13 on the axially inner side of a part of the seal holding member 26 (the outer peripheral portion thereof) in the sleeve axial direction DAs. However, the plate support portion 132 may be formed in such a manner that the plate support portion 132 is opposed to the entire surface of the seal retaining member 26 on the axially inner side of the sleeve axial direction DAs.

(M4) in the above-described embodiment, for example, as shown in fig. 1, the valve device 10 is constituted by a ball valve in which a valve member is rotated about a valve center axis Cv to open or close a fluid flow passage. The valve means may consist of any other type of valve for opening or closing its fluid flow passage.

(M5) the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and/or modifications, but may be further modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. The above-described embodiments and/or modifications may be optionally combined with each other.