JP2013079685A - Flow path switching unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flow path switching unit which can selectively flow a fluid from an introduction part to either one of three or more discharge parts with a simple configuration and control.SOLUTION: The flow path switching unit 1 includes: a case 11 having the introduction part 11b communicating the inside and the outside, and first to third discharge parts 11c to 11e; and a switching plate 20 housed in a case 11, rotating interlocked with rotation driving of a rotary drive shaft 14, and making either one of the first to third discharge parts 11c to 11e communicate with the introduction part 11b while shielding the other two discharge parts according to a rotation angle thereof.

Description

  The present invention relates to a flow path switching device used as a part of a vehicle cleaning device, for example.

  Conventionally, a vehicle has a branch portion having a valve on its flow path in order to inject the cleaning liquid with a single tank or a single pump onto a cleaning target such as a front window or a lens of an in-vehicle camera. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). In a vehicle having such a branching portion, although it has a configuration including a single tank and a single pump, the cleaning liquid is supplied to one of the two cleaning targets by switching the valve of the branching portion by a switch operation. Can be injected.

JP 2004-182080 A

  By the way, in recent years, lenses for in-vehicle cameras have been added as objects to be cleaned. For example, there are three or more objects to be cleaned including front windows, rear windows, lenses for in-vehicle cameras, and the like. Sometimes. In such a case, it is conceivable to provide a plurality of the valves and to control them, but in that case, there is a problem that the configuration and control become complicated.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its object is to select any one of the three or more discharge portions from the introduction portion with a simple configuration and control. An object of the present invention is to provide a flow path switching device that can flow a fluid.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a case having an introduction portion communicating with the inside and the outside and three or more discharge portions, a case housed in the case, and rotating in conjunction with the rotational drive of the drive rotation shaft, the rotation angle thereof Accordingly, the present invention includes a switching member that communicates any one of the three or more discharge portions with the introduction portion and shields the other discharge portions.

  According to this configuration, the switching member is rotated in conjunction with the rotational drive of the drive rotation shaft, and any one of the three or more discharge portions is communicated with the introduction portion according to the rotation angle and the other The discharge part is shielded. Therefore, with a simple configuration and control, the fluid can alternatively flow from the introduction portion to any one of the three or more discharge portions.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the flow path switching device according to the first aspect, the switching member is provided so as to be movable in the rotation axis direction, and the switching member is disposed in the case in the rotation axis direction. A gist is provided with a biasing means for biasing the opening side of the discharge part.

  According to this configuration, the switching member is urged by the urging means in the direction of the rotation axis thereof and toward the opening side of the discharge portion in the case, and therefore, the opening of the unselected discharge portion is well shielded. be able to.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the flow path switching device according to the second aspect, when the drive rotation shaft is rotated from a position corresponding to each discharge section, the biasing force of the biasing means is resisted. The gist of the invention is that it includes an engagement mechanism that moves the switching member in the direction of the rotation axis.

  According to this configuration, when the drive mechanism is rotated from a position corresponding to each discharge section, the engagement mechanism section moves the switching member in the direction of the rotation axis against the urging force of the urging means, thereby switching the switching member. Since the opening of the discharge part is separated from the opening of the discharge part, the switch member does not continue to be in sliding contact with the opening of the discharge part when the switching member rotates. As a result, wear due to sliding contact can be suppressed, and the load on the motor that drives the drive rotating shaft can be reduced.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the flow path switching device according to the third aspect, the drive rotation shaft and the switching member are connected via a loose fitting portion having play in the rotation direction. Is the gist.

  According to this configuration, since the drive rotation shaft and the switching member are connected via the loose fitting portion having play in the rotation direction, when rotating the drive rotation shaft from the position corresponding to each discharge portion. The switching member can be smoothly moved in a direction away from the opening of the discharge portion before the switching member starts rotating. Therefore, the switching member does not slidably contact the opening of the discharge portion even at the initial rotation of the switching member, so that wear due to the slidable contact can be further suppressed and the load on the motor can be further reduced.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the flow path switching device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the entire periphery of the opening of the discharge portion in the case protrudes toward the switching member. The gist is that an elastic seal member is provided.

  According to this configuration, since the elastic seal member protruding toward the switching member is provided on the entire circumference of the opening of the discharge portion in the case, the gap between the opening of the discharge portion that is not selected and the switching member is generated. It is possible to suppress the emission part which is not selected and can be well shielded.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the flow path switching device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the number of the discharge portions is three, and the rotation angle of the switching member is set to three of the discharge portions. A central position urging means for urging the central discharge portion and the introduction portion at an angle to communicate with each other is provided.

  According to this configuration, since the rotation angle of the switching member is provided with the central position urging means for urging the central discharge portion and the introduction portion of the three discharge portions to communicate with each other, for example, driving When the motor that drives the rotating shaft is not energized, the central discharge portion and the introduction portion can always be in communication with each other. When the drive rotation shaft is rotated in one direction (forward rotation), one discharge portion and the introduction portion are communicated, and when the drive rotation shaft is rotated in the other direction (reverse rotation), the other discharge portion and the introduction portion are communicated. It is possible to make it.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the flow path switching device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the case and the switching member have a rotation angle range of one of the three discharge portions. A rotation range restricting portion that engages with each other is provided so that the angle between the discharge portion at one end and the introduction portion communicates with the angle at which the discharge portion at the other end communicates with the introduction portion. This is the gist.

  According to this configuration, the rotation range restricting portion causes both end positions of the switching member to rotate so that the discharge portion and the introduction portion at one end communicate with each other and the discharge portion and the introduction portion at the other end communicate with each other. Therefore, it is not necessary to control the angle of the drive rotating shaft. That is, the fluid can be made to flow alternatively from the introduction portion to any one of the three discharge portions by simple control (non-energization, forward rotation energization, or reverse rotation energization).

  According to the present invention, there is provided a flow path switching device capable of flowing a fluid selectively from an introduction part to any one of three or more discharge parts with a simple configuration and control. Can do.

The disassembled perspective view of the flow-path switching apparatus in one Embodiment. Sectional drawing of the flow-path switching apparatus in one Embodiment. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the case and switching plate in one Embodiment. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the flow-path switching apparatus in one Embodiment. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating operation | movement of the flow-path switching apparatus in one Embodiment. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the case and cam ring in one Embodiment. (A) The perspective view of the cam pin in one Embodiment. (B) The perspective view of the cam ring in one Embodiment. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating one state of the switching plate in one Embodiment. Explanatory drawing for demonstrating one state of the switching plate in one Embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied as a part of a vehicle cleaning apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.
A flow path switching device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is attached to a vehicle, and a front window, a rear window (not shown), and a lens of an in-vehicle camera (rear view camera) as a cleaning target from a single tank (not shown). In order to inject into any one of these, it is provided on the flow path (hose) of a tank and each nozzle.

  The flow path switching device 1 includes a case 11, three elastic seal members 12, a case cover 13, a drive rotary shaft 14, an integral rotary plate 15, a pair of central bias coil springs 16, a cam pin 17, A cam ring 18, a loose engagement member 19, a switching plate 20 as a switching member, a coil spring 21 as a biasing means, and a seal ring S are provided. In the present embodiment, the pair of central urging coil springs 16 constitute central position urging means.

  The case 11 is formed in a substantially bottomed cylindrical shape, and one introduction portion 11b and first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e communicating with the inside and outside of the bottom portion (upper portion in FIGS. 1 and 2) 11a are formed. Has been. The introduction part 11b and the first to third discharge parts 11c to 11e are arranged at intervals of less than 90 ° in the bottom part 11a (see FIG. 6), and respectively protrude in both axial directions (inside and outside of the case 11) from the bottom part 11a. Thus, it is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Note that a hose connected to a pump for feeding the cleaning liquid in the tank is connected to the introduction portion 11b outside the case 11. A hose connected to the front window nozzle is connected to the first discharge part 11c outside the case 11, and a hose connected to the rear window nozzle is connected to the second discharge part 11d outside the case 11. The hose connected to the camera lens nozzle is connected to the third discharge portion 11e outside the case 11.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, a cylindrical elastic seal member 12 is externally fitted to the first to third discharge portions 11 c to 11 e in the case 11. The elastic seal member 12 is made of a rubber material or an elastomer material, and is provided on the entire periphery of the opening of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e, and is located inside the case 11 from the opening end 11z (see FIG. 2). It is provided so as to protrude slightly (lower side in FIG. 2). In other words, the length of the elastic seal member 12 in the axial direction is set slightly longer than the length of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e protruding into the case 11, and the first to third Each of the discharge portions 11c to 11e is externally fitted.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a case cover 13 is fixed to the opening end portion of the case 11 so as to substantially close the opening end portion. The case cover 13 is formed in a substantially disk shape, and a through hole 13a is formed in the center thereof. A drive rotating shaft 14 extending in and out of the case 11 is inserted through the through hole 13a. The drive rotation shaft 14 of the present embodiment is connected to the motor rotation shaft of the motor M (see FIG. 1) that is the drive source of the flow path switching device 1 and rotates integrally with the motor rotation shaft. The motor M may be integrated with the motor rotation shaft (the motor rotation shaft itself).

Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a pair of fixed-side engaging pieces 13 b are erected on the inner side (inner side of the case 11) plane of the case cover 13.
An integral rotary plate 15 is fixed to the central portion of the drive rotary shaft 14 by press fitting. As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of rotation-side engagement pieces 15 a is erected on the opposing surface of the case cover 13 in the integrated rotation plate 15.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the central biasing coil spring 16 is disposed between the fixed side engaging piece 13b and the rotating side engaging piece 15a. Thereby, the integral rotation plate 15 and the drive rotation shaft 14 are urged so as to always have the same rotation angle (an angle corresponding to a central angle position described later) with respect to the case cover 13 and the case 11. As shown in FIG. 2, a seal is provided between the outer periphery of the integral rotating plate 15 and the inner periphery of the case 11 so as to partition both chambers in the direction of the rotation axis with the integral rotating plate 15 as a boundary. A ring S is provided.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cam pin 17 is fixed to the tip end of the drive rotating shaft 14 by press fitting. As shown in FIG. 7 (a), the cam pins 17 are paired at positions opposed to each other by 180 ° about the drive rotating shaft 14, and a pair of engaging projections projecting in the axial direction (on the case cover 13 side). A portion 17a is formed. And the inclined surface 17b is formed in the circumferential direction both sides | surface of each engagement convex part 17a.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a cam ring 18 is provided in the case 11 so as to be non-rotatable with respect to the case 11 and movable in the axial direction at a position facing the cam pin 17 in the axial direction. Yes. As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the cam ring 18 has an extended portion 18a extending radially outward in a part of the circumferential direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the extended portion 18a is the first portion. It is made non-rotatable with respect to the case 11 by being arranged between the discharge part 11c (the elastic seal member 12) and the second discharge part 11d (the elastic seal member 12). Further, as shown in FIG. 7B, the cam ring 18 is formed with three pairs of engaging recesses 18 b that form a pair at opposite positions of 180 ° with the drive rotation shaft 14 as the center. The engaging concave portion 18b is formed in a shape into which the engaging convex portion 17a is fitted, and inclined surfaces 18c that are inclined similarly to the inclined surface 17b are formed on both side surfaces (inner surface) in the circumferential direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a loose fitting engagement member 19 is fixed to the drive rotation shaft 14 by press-fitting between the integral rotation plate 15 and the cam pin 17. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the loosely engaging member 19 has an outwardly extending engagement portion 19 a that extends radially outward in a part of its circumferential direction. A switching plate 20 is disposed at a position in the case 11 that coincides with the loosely engaging member 19 in the axial direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the switching plate 20 is formed in a substantially disk shape, and an engagement through hole 20 a is formed in the center thereof. As shown in FIG. 3, a plate engaging portion 20b having a slightly wider width than the circumferential width of the outward extending engaging portion 19a is cut out at a part of the engaging through hole 20a in the circumferential direction. ing. Then, the loose engagement member 19 is inserted into the engagement through hole 20a of the switching plate 20, and the outward engagement portion 19a is disposed in the plate engagement portion 20b. The drive rotating shaft 14) and the switching plate 20 are drivingly connected in a state where play is provided in the rotating direction. In the present embodiment, the engagement through-hole 20a (plate engagement portion 20b) and the loose engagement member 19 (extended engagement portion 19a) constitute a loose fit portion.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a coil spring 21 is disposed in a compressed state between the switching plate 20 and the integral rotating plate 15 in the case 11. Thereby, the switching plate 20 is urged toward the opening side (opening end 11z side) of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e in the rotation axis direction and in the case 11, and the elastic seal member 12 Press contact. Further, the switching plate 20 abuts the cam ring 18 in the axial direction, and the cam ring 18 is also urged toward the cam pin 17 in the axial direction by the urging force of the coil spring 21.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the switching plate 20 communicates any one of the first to third discharge portions 11 c to 11 e with the introduction portion 11 b according to the rotation angle. A long hole 20c and a circular hole 20d set to shield the other two are formed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, first, in a state where the rotation angle of the switching plate 20 is at the central angle position, the introduction portion 11b and the first discharge portion 11c are (inside the case 11) by the long hole 20c and the circular hole 20d. The second and third discharge portions 11d and 11e are set to be shielded by the plane of the switching plate 20 and communicated via the space K (see FIG. 2). Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the state where the rotation angle of the switching plate 20 is in the first position rotated to one side from the central angle position, the introduction portion 11b and the second discharge portion 11d are (cased) by the long hole 20c. 11) and the first and third discharge portions 11 c and 11 e are shielded by the plane of the switching plate 20. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, in the state where the rotation angle of the switching plate 20 is in the second position rotated from the central angle position to the other, the introduction part 11b and the third discharge part 11e are (cased) by the long hole 20c. 11) and the first and second discharge portions 11 c and 11 d are set to be shielded by the plane of the switching plate 20. In addition, the long hole 20c of this Embodiment is specifically formed in circular arc shape over the range of about 90 degrees. Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the outer edge of the switching plate 20 protrudes so that the switching plate 20 rotates (rotates) within the range from the first position to the second position. A portion 20 e is formed, and a stopper portion 11 f that engages with the convex portion 20 e in the circumferential direction is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the case 11. That is, in the present embodiment, the range of the rotation angle of the switching plate 20 between the convex portion 20e formed on the outer edge of the switching plate 20 and the stopper portion 11f formed on the inner peripheral surface of the case 11 is set to the first range. The rotation range restricting portion is in contact with and engaged with each other so as to extend from the angle of one position to the angle of the second position.

  Here, in each state of the central angular position, the first position, and the second position, the engagement convex portion 17a of the cam pin 17 is engaged with the engagement concave portion 18b (of the three pairs) of the cam ring 18. 1 pair). FIG. 8 shows the state of the central angular position in which the engaging projection 17a of the cam pin 17 is fitted in the engaging recess 18b (one pair of the three pairs) of the cam ring 18. ing.

Next, the operation of the flow path switching device 1 configured as described above will be described.
First, when the motor M is not energized, the integral rotating plate 15 and the drive rotating shaft 14 always have the same rotation angle (the central biasing coil spring with respect to the case cover 13 and the case 11 by the action of the central biasing coil spring 16. 16 and a neutral position where the urging forces are balanced, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the switching plate 20 is set to the central angular position. Therefore, when the motor is not energized, the central first discharge portion 11c and the introduction portion 11b can always be in communication with each other.

  Next, when the motor M is energized to one side (forward rotation energization) while the switching plate 20 is at the central angular position, the drive rotating shaft 14 is driven to rotate (forward rotation) to one side and is switched in conjunction with the rotation drive. The plate 20 rotates in one direction, and as shown in FIG. 4, the convex portion 20e and the one stopper portion 11f are engaged (contacted) and arranged at the first position. Therefore, it can be set as the state which made the 2nd discharge | release part 11d and the introduction part 11b communicate. Here, the switching operation will be described in detail. First, when the cam pin 17 starts rotating together with the drive rotating shaft 14, the cam ring 18 and the switching are resisted against the biasing force of the coil spring 21 by the action of the inclined surfaces 17b and 18c. The plate 20 moves (to the integral rotating plate 15 side). Next, when the drive rotation shaft 14 is rotated by the idle movement of the loose fitting portion (the engagement through hole 20a and the loose engagement member 19), the switching plate 20 starts to rotate, and thereafter the switching plate 20 is driven. The switching plate 20 is disposed at the first position by rotating integrally with the rotating shaft 14 and engaging the convex portion 20e and the one stopper portion 11f. 9 shows a state in which the switching plate 20 is between the central angular position and the first position, and the cam ring 18 and the switching plate 20 are moved to the integral rotating plate 15 side to engage the cam pin 17. The state where the convex portion 17a is disengaged from the engaging concave portion 18b of the cam ring 18 is shown. Further, here, when the drive rotating shaft 14 is rotated from the central angular position (or the first position or the second position), the engaging convex portion 17a and the engaging concave portion are resisted against the biasing force of the coil spring 21. The switching plate 20 is moved in the axial direction of the drive rotating shaft 14 by separating from the engaged state (disengaged state). As a result, the switching plate 20 and the opening of each discharge portion (first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e) are separated from each other, and the switch plate 20 and each discharge portion (first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e) are separated. The switching plate 20 is rotated in a non-contact state. That is, in the present embodiment, the coil spring 21, the engaging convex portion 17a, the engaging concave portion 18b, etc., when the drive rotating shaft 14 is rotated as described above, and the switching plate 20 and each discharge portion (first to first portions). 3 is an engagement mechanism that brings the three discharge portions 11c to 11e) into a non-contact state.

  Further, when the motor M is energized to the other side (reverse rotation energization) while the switching plate 20 is at the central angular position, the drive rotation shaft 14 is driven to rotate (reverse rotation) to the other, and the switching plate is interlocked with the rotation drive. As shown in FIG. 5, the protrusion 20e and the other stopper portion 11f are engaged with each other and disposed at the second position. Therefore, it can be set as the state which made the 3rd discharge | release part 11e and the introduction part 11b communicate. The details of this switching operation are the same as the operation arranged at the first position (only the rotation direction is different).

Next, the characteristic effects of the above embodiment will be described below.
(1) The switching plate 20 is rotated in conjunction with the rotational drive of the drive rotary shaft 14, and one of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e communicates with the introduction portion 11b according to the rotation angle. And the other two are shielded. Therefore, with a simple configuration and control, the fluid can alternatively flow from the introduction portion 11b to any one of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e. As a result, for example, in a vehicle having a single tank and a single pump as in the present embodiment, any one of the front window, rear window, and in-vehicle camera lens can be obtained with a simple configuration and control. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid can be sprayed.

  (2) The switching plate 20 is biased toward the opening side of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e in the case 11 by the coil spring 21 in the direction of the rotation axis thereof, and therefore is not selected. The openings of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e can be well shielded.

  (3) When the drive rotary shaft 14 is rotated from a position corresponding to each of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e (a central angle position or a position corresponding to the first position or the second position), the coil spring 21 is attached. An engagement mechanism (such as a coil spring 21, an engagement projection 17a, or an engagement recess 18b) that moves the switching plate 20 in the axial direction of the drive rotation shaft 14 against the force is provided. Therefore, when the drive rotary shaft 14 is rotated in the axial direction of the drive rotary shaft 14 from the position corresponding to the central angular position or the first position or the second position, the engagement mechanism portion resists the biasing force of the coil spring 21. The switching plate 20 is moved, for example, by having inclined surfaces 17b and 18c, so that the switching plate 20 is opened from the openings (specifically, the elastic seal member 12) of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e. Moved away. Therefore, when the switching plate 20 rotates, the switching plate 20 does not keep sliding contact with the opening (specifically, the elastic seal member 12). As a result, wear due to sliding contact can be suppressed, and the load on the motor M that drives the drive rotary shaft 14 can be reduced.

  (4) Since the drive rotating shaft 14 and the switching plate 20 are connected via a loose fitting portion (engagement through hole 20a and loose fitting engagement member 19) having play in the rotation direction, the switching plate 20 Before the rotation starts, the switching plate 20 can be smoothly moved in the direction away from the openings (specifically, the elastic seal member 12) of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e. Therefore, even when the switching plate 20 rotates, the switching plate 20 does not slidably contact the opening (specifically, the elastic seal member 12), and wear due to the slidable contact can be further suppressed. The load can be further reduced.

  (5) Since the elastic seal member 12 protruding toward the switching plate 20 is provided on the entire periphery of the opening of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e in the case 11, the opening and the switching plate that are not selected are provided. Generation | occurrence | production of the clearance gap with 20 can be suppressed, and two which are not selected among the 1st-3rd discharge | release parts 11c-11e can be shielded favorably.

  (6) Since the central biasing coil spring 16 for biasing the rotation angle of the switching plate 20 to an angle (center angle position) for communicating the first first discharge portion 11c and the introduction portion 11b is provided. When the motor M that drives the drive rotating shaft 14 is not energized, the central first discharge portion 11c and the introduction portion 11b can always be in communication with each other. When the drive rotation shaft 14 is rotated in one direction (forward rotation), the second discharge portion 11d and the introduction portion 11b are communicated, and when the drive rotation shaft 14 is rotated in the other direction (reverse rotation), the third discharge portion. It becomes possible to make 11e and the introduction part 11b communicate.

  (7) Due to the rotation range restricting portion (the convex portion 20e and the stopper portion 11f), both end positions where the switching plate 20 rotates are the first position where the second discharge portion 11d and the introducing portion 11b are communicated with the third position. Since the discharge portion 11e and the introduction portion 11b are determined as the second position where the discharge portion 11e and the introduction portion 11b are communicated with each other, it is not necessary to control the angle of the drive rotating shaft 14. That is, in other words, by simple control (non-energization, forward rotation energization, or reverse rotation energization), the introduction portion 11b is alternatively set to any one of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e. It becomes possible to flow a fluid.

The above embodiment may be modified as follows.
In the above embodiment, the switching plate 20 is provided with biasing means (coil spring 21) for biasing the switching plate 20 in the direction of the rotation axis and toward the opening side of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e in the case 11. Although it was set as the structure, as long as the opening of the 1st to 3rd discharge | release parts 11c-11e which are not selected can be shielded, it is good also as a structure which is not provided with the urging | biasing means. Further, the elastic seal member 12 protruding toward the switching plate 20 is provided on the entire periphery of the opening of the first to third discharge portions 11c to 11e in the case 11, but the elastic seal member 12 is provided. There may be no configuration. In this case, for example, high dimensional accuracy and assembly accuracy are required so that there is no axial displacement between the opening and the switching plate 20. The urging means may be changed to another urging means having the same function as the coil spring 21.

  In the above embodiment, when the drive rotating shaft 14 and the switching plate 20 are connected via a loose fitting portion (engagement through-hole 20a and loose fitting engagement member 19) having play in the rotation direction. However, it is not limited to this, It is good also as a structure connected so that it may rotate integrally.

  In the above embodiment, the central position urging means (central position) for urging the rotation angle of the switching plate 20 to an angle (central angle position) that connects the first first discharge portion 11c and the introduction portion 11b. Although the urging coil spring 16) is provided, a configuration without the central position urging means may be employed. In this case, it is necessary to perform angle control of the drive rotary shaft 14 as a motor M capable of angle control of the drive rotary shaft 14 (stop control at the central angular position). Further, the central position biasing means may be changed to another central position biasing means having the same function as the central biasing coil spring 16.

  In the above embodiment, the central position biasing means (central biasing coil spring 16) is a pair of central biasing coil springs 16. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and one central biasing coil spring 16 is connected to one end thereof. The central biasing coil spring is engaged when the motor M rotates to one side while the other end is locked to the fixed side engaging piece 13b of the case cover 13 while being locked to the rotating side engaging piece 15a of the integral rotating plate 15. When 16 is in a compressed state and rotates in the other direction, the natural state of one central urging coil spring 16 may be a neutral position where the urging forces are balanced. In this way, the structure is simple and the number of parts can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the number of discharge parts is three (first to third discharge parts 11c to 11e). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the flow path switching device has four or more discharge parts. It is good. In this case, it is necessary to change the pattern of the holes (the long holes 20c and the circular holes 20d) of the switching plate 20 according to the arrangement of the discharge portions.

  -In above-mentioned embodiment, although the flow-path switching apparatus 1 shall be used as a part of vehicle washing | cleaning apparatus, it is not limited to this, It is good also as what is used for another apparatus. Further, it may be embodied as a gas flow path switching device.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Case, 11b ... Introduction part, 12 ... Elastic seal member, 14 ... Drive rotating shaft, 16 ... Center biasing coil spring (center position biasing means), 17a ... Engagement which comprises a part of engagement mechanism part Projections, 17b, 18b ... engagement recesses that constitute a part of the engagement mechanism, 18c ... slope, 19 ... a loose engagement member that constitutes a part of the loose fit, 20 ... switching plate (switching member) ), 20a ... engagement through-holes constituting a part of the loose fitting part, 21 ... coil springs (biasing means) constituting a part of the engagement mechanism part.

Claims (7)

A case having an introduction part communicating with the inside and outside and three or more discharge parts;
The case is accommodated in the case and rotates in conjunction with the rotational drive of the drive rotary shaft, and any one of the three or more discharge portions communicates with the introduction portion according to the rotation angle and A flow path switching device comprising: a switching member that shields the discharge portion. In the flow path switching device according to claim 1,
The switching member is provided so as to be movable in the rotational axis direction thereof,
A flow path switching device comprising biasing means for biasing the switching member in the rotation axis direction toward the opening side of the discharge portion in the case. In the flow path switching device according to claim 2,
And an engagement mechanism that moves the switching member in the direction of the rotation axis against the urging force of the urging means when the drive rotation shaft is rotated from a position corresponding to each discharge portion. A flow path switching device. In the flow path switching device according to claim 3,
The flow path switching device, wherein the drive rotation shaft and the switching member are connected via a loosely fitted portion having play in a rotation direction. In the flow path switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The flow path switching device according to claim 1, wherein an elastic seal member protruding toward the switching member is provided on the entire periphery of the opening of the discharge portion in the case. In the flow path switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
There are three discharge parts,
A flow path comprising a central position urging means for urging the rotation angle of the switching member to an angle at which a central discharge portion of the three discharge portions communicates with the introduction portion. Switching device. In the flow path switching device according to claim 6,
In the case and the switching member, the range of the rotation angle of the switching member is set so that the discharge at the other end from the angle at which the discharge portion at one end of the three discharge portions communicates with the introduction portion. A flow path switching device characterized in that a rotation range restricting portion that engages with each other is provided so as to reach an angle at which the portion and the introduction portion communicate with each other.