JP7724012B2 - rotary valve - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a rotary valve that switches the liquid flow path by rotating a valve element.

Rotary valves that switch liquid flow paths by rotating a valve element are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Figure 19 shows one form of rotary valve. The rotary valve 100 includes a valve element 105 and a housing 104 having a cylindrical body 101. The valve element 105 includes a valve main body 106 housed within the body 101. The valve element 105 is rotatably supported in the housing 104 by a shaft extending along an axis AL.

Inner peripheral openings 103 through which liquid flows are formed on the inner peripheral surface 102 of the body 101 at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of the valve main body 106. The valve element 105 is formed with multiple movable flow paths 107 through which liquid flows. Each movable flow path 107 has an outer peripheral opening 109 that opens on the outer peripheral surface of the valve main body 106.

In the rotary valve 100 configured as described above, the communication state between the outer peripheral opening 109 and the inner peripheral opening 103 is changed by rotating the valve body 106 around the axis AL, thereby switching the liquid flow path.

In the rotary valve 100, a packing 113 is disposed between the inner peripheral surface 102 of the body 101 and the outer peripheral surface of the valve main body 106. The skeleton of the packing 113 is formed by the packing main body 114. The packing main body 114 has a plurality of through holes 116 formed therein, each penetrating the valve main body 106 in the radial direction. The plurality of through holes 116 includes a through hole 116 that faces radially relative to the inner peripheral opening 103.

Furthermore, in the rotary valve 100, the multiple inner peripheral openings 103 are formed in a concentrated state in a partial area of the inner peripheral surface 102 in the circumferential direction. The multiple inner peripheral openings 103 in the body 101, the multiple outer peripheral openings 109 in the valve main body 106, and the multiple through holes 116 in the packing main body 114 are all formed adjacent to each other at least in the circumferential direction.

Furthermore, in the rotary valve 100, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, a tapered portion 111 that becomes thinner radially outward is formed between circumferentially adjacent outer peripheral openings 109 on the outer periphery of the valve main body 106. In contrast, the inner periphery 115 of the packing main body 114 is formed smoothly. The tapered portion 111 comes into contact with the inner periphery 115, thereby increasing the surface pressure that occurs as a result of this contact. Note that 118 in Figure 20 is a low-friction sheet that is attached to the packing main body 114 to reduce friction between the packing 113 and the valve main body 106.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-105412

However, in the conventional rotary valve 100 shown in Figures 19 and 20 above, the portion of the inner circumferential surface 115 of the packing body 114 that comes into contact with the tapered portion 111 is pressed radially outward. This leaves a small concave mark 117 on the inner circumferential surface 115.

When the valve body 106 rotates to switch the flow path and the contact point with the packing body 114 changes, that is, even after the tapered portion 111 moves away from the impression 117 in the circumferential direction, the impression 117 remains on the inner circumferential surface 115. This phenomenon is more likely to occur the longer the period during which the valve body 105 is stopped before being rotated, i.e., the longer the period during which the tapered portion 111 is pressed.

Then, as shown in Figure 20, when the rotation is stopped again, another tapered portion 111 contacts the inner circumferential surface 115, forming a new impression 117. At this time, it is desirable for the new tapered portion 111 to contact the same location on the inner circumferential surface 115 of the packing main body 114 that the tapered portion 111 contacted when the rotation was previously stopped. This is to ensure that the impression 117 is formed in the same location.

However, due to component tolerances, the rotation accuracy of the valve body 105 driven by the actuator, and other factors, it is possible that the new tapered portion 111 may come into contact with a location on the inner circumferential surface 115 that is circumferentially shifted from the location where the tapered portion 111 made contact when the previous rotation was stopped, as shown in Figure 21. In this case, a new impression 117 is formed. Depending on the circumferential position of the impression 117, the surface pressure between the packing main body 114 and the tapered portion 111 may decrease. For example, if the new impression 117 is formed in a state that is connected circumferentially to the previous impression 117, the surface pressure will be lower than if the new impression 117 were formed in the same location as the previous impression 117. There is a risk of liquid leaking from this area of reduced surface pressure.

Various aspects of rotary valves for solving the above problems will be described below.
[Aspect 1] A valve disc having a housing with a cylindrical body, a valve body having a valve main body portion accommodated within the body and rotatably supported on the housing by a shaft portion extending in the axial direction, and a packing having a sheet-like packing main body portion disposed between the outer circumferential surface of the valve main body and the inner circumferential surface of the body as a skeleton portion, wherein a plurality of inner circumferential openings through which a liquid flows are opened adjacent to each other in at least the circumferential direction in a partial area of the inner circumferential surface of the body in the circumferential direction of the valve main body, and a plurality of movable flow paths through which the liquid flows are formed in the valve disc, each movable flow path having an outer circumferential opening that opens on the outer circumferential surface of the valve main body, and the plurality of outer circumferential openings are a rotary valve in which the outer peripheral opening and the inner peripheral opening are formed adjacent to each other at least in the circumferential direction, and the communication state between the outer peripheral opening and the inner peripheral opening is changed by rotation of the valve main body around the axis, thereby switching the flow path of the liquid, wherein the packing main body has a plurality of through holes formed adjacent to each other at least in the circumferential direction, each penetrating the valve main body in a radial direction, the plurality of through holes including one that faces the inner peripheral opening in the radial direction, and an annular inner peripheral lip portion that protrudes radially inward in the radial direction and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the valve main body is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the packing main body at least around each through hole.

With the above configuration, in which an inner lip portion is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the packing body, the inner lip portion is compressed and elastically deformed radially outward when it comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the valve body. The tapered portion of the valve body does not come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the packing body. As a result, concave pressure marks are less likely to form on the inner circumferential lip portion.

Even if the point on the outer surface of the valve body that comes into contact with the inner surface of the packing body differs between the previous and current rotation stops due to component tolerances, the tapered portion of the inner lip will not press against it, leaving a mark. The mark will not form in a circumferentially shifted location between the previous and current rotation stops of the valve body. The formation of a mark in a circumferentially shifted location does not result in a decrease in surface pressure, making it less likely for liquid to leak from areas with reduced surface pressure. This improves the packing's ability to prevent liquid leakage.

[Aspect 2] A rotary valve according to [Aspect 1], wherein, in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner lip portions, the boundary portion between the adjacent inner lip portion and the adjacent inner lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion, and in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner lip portions, the portion of the packing main body where the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portion is formed is defined as a circumferential main body intermediate portion.

With the above configuration, circumferential intermediate wall portions are located on both circumferential sides of the circumferential intermediate portion of the packing body. These circumferential intermediate wall portions position the circumferential intermediate portion relative to the body. Furthermore, these circumferential intermediate wall portions restrict circumferential movement of the circumferential intermediate portion relative to the body. Therefore, even if circumferential liquid pressure acts on the packing, circumferential displacement of the packing relative to the body is restricted. The packing maintains its ability to restrict liquid leakage.

[Aspect 3] A rotary valve according to [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2], wherein, in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner lip portions, the boundary between the adjacent inner lip portion and the adjacent inner lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion, and in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner lip portions, the portion of the packing body where the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions are formed is defined as a circumferential body intermediate portion, and the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner lip portions are configured by a common circumferential lip boundary portion extending in the axial direction at the circumferential body intermediate portion.

With the above configuration, the common circumferential lip boundary extends in the axial direction in the circumferential body intermediate portion. This common circumferential lip boundary also serves as the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner lip portions. This makes it possible to reduce the circumferential dimension of the circumferential body intermediate portion compared to when circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundaries are formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion while being circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

[Aspect 4] A rotary valve according to [Aspect 1] or [Aspect 2], wherein, in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner lip portions, the boundary between the adjacent inner lip portion and the adjacent inner lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion, and the portion of the packing body where the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions are formed in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner lip portions is defined as a circumferential body intermediate portion, and in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner lip portions, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions are formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion while being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

With the above configuration, the area sandwiched between circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundaries functions as a buffer area. Therefore, when liquid pressure acts on one circumferential lip boundary toward the other circumferential lip boundary, if that circumferential lip boundary elastically deforms in the buffer area, the liquid pressure is less likely to act on the other circumferential lip boundary. The other circumferential lip boundary is less susceptible to the liquid pressure applied to one circumferential lip boundary. As a result, the packing's ability to prevent liquid leakage is further improved.

[Aspect 5] A rotary valve according to [Aspect 4], wherein a groove extending in the axial direction is formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion between adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions in the radial direction, and recessed radially inward from the outer surface of the circumferential body intermediate portion in the radial direction.

As the packing undergoes compressive elastic deformation, a compression reaction force is generated that pushes back against the valve body. This compression reaction force is necessary to create a seal between the outer surface of the valve body and the inner surface of the body. However, if the compression reaction force is too large, the sliding resistance that occurs between the valve body and the packing increases as the valve disc rotates, increasing the rotational torque required to rotate the valve disc.

In this regard, with the above configuration, the radial dimension of the portion of the circumferential body intermediate portion between adjacent circumferential lip boundaries where the groove is formed is smaller than the dimension when the groove is not formed. As a result, the compressive reaction force of the packing is reduced. As the valve disc rotates, the sliding resistance generated between the valve body and the packing decreases, making it possible to reduce the rotational torque required to rotate the valve disc.

[Aspect 6] A rotary valve as described in [Aspect 5], wherein a protrusion extending in the axial direction and protruding radially inward is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the body, and the protrusion is inserted into the groove.

With the above configuration, the protrusion inserted into the groove positions the circumferential body intermediate portion relative to the body. The protrusion also restricts circumferential movement of the circumferential body intermediate portion relative to the body. Therefore, even if circumferential liquid pressure acts on the packing, the packing is restricted from shifting circumferentially relative to the body. The packing maintains its ability to restrict liquid leakage.

According to the present invention, the packing can improve its ability to prevent liquid leakage.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary valve according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a body according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary valve according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the body in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a development view illustrating an example of the arrangement of a plurality of outer peripheral openings by developing the outer peripheral surface of the valve body in FIG. 3 into a plane. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the body to which the packing is attached together with one of the covers in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axis of the rotary valve of FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary valve of FIG. 1 taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis thereof. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rotary valve of FIG. 1 and different from that of FIG. 8. FIG. FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the portion X in FIG. FIG. 11 is a front view of one packing in FIG. 3 as viewed from the inner peripheral side. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the body, the valve element, and the packing in the rotary valve of the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing the body to which the packing is attached together with one of the covers in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the axis of a rotary valve according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a rotary valve according to the second embodiment taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rotary valve. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis of the rotary valve of the second embodiment and different from that of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the Y portion of FIG. FIG. 18 is a partial front view of the packing in FIG. 12 as seen from the inner peripheral side, with a part cut away. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional rotary valve taken along a plane perpendicular to the axis thereof. FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion Z in FIG. FIG. 21 is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a case where the tapered portion of the valve body contacts the packing at a different location from that shown in FIG.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. FIG.
1 and 3, the rotary valve 10 includes a housing 11, a valve body 41, a support mechanism, a shaft seal member 52, a seal member 53, and a packing 55. Next, each part will be described.

Here, to identify the relative positions of each part of the rotary valve 10, the axis AL of the valve body 41 is used as the reference. The direction along the axis AL is referred to as the "axial direction." The radial direction from the axis AL is referred to as the "radial direction." The direction along a circle centered on the axis AL is referred to as the "circumferential direction."

<Housing 11>
The housing 11 includes a body 12 and a pair of covers 31 and 35 .
[Body 12]
As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the body 12 includes a connection base 13 and a main body portion 15. The connection base 13 is shaped like a rectangular prism and forms the bottom of the body 12. A bottom surface 14 of the connection base 13 is flat. The main body portion 15 is shaped like a cylinder that extends in the axial direction and is open at both ends. The main body portion 15 forms the portion of the body 12 above the connection base 13. An annular step portion 16 having an annular shape centered on the axis line AL is formed at each end of the main body portion 15 in the axial direction (see Figure 4).

A gasket mounting portion 21 is formed on most of the inner periphery of the main body portion 15, excluding the arc-shaped apex portion 17, and is recessed and curved so as to bulge outward in the radial direction. The gasket mounting portion 21 is where a gasket 55 (described below, see Figure 3, etc.) is mounted. The inner periphery 22 of the gasket mounting portion 21 has a larger diameter than the inner periphery 18 of the apex portion 17. As mentioned above, since the gasket mounting portion 21 occupies most of the inner periphery of the main body portion 15, the inner periphery 22 of the gasket mounting portion 21 will hereinafter be referred to as the "inner periphery 22 of the main body portion 15."

A pair of stepped surfaces 23 extending in both the radial and axial directions are formed at both ends of the packing mounting portion 21 in the circumferential direction, at the boundary between the top portion 17 and the packing mounting portion 21 .
The body 12 is formed with a plurality of connection flow paths 24 connecting the bottom surface 14 of the connection base 13 and a partial region (bottom) of the inner circumferential surface 22 of the body main body portion 15 in the circumferential direction. The connection flow paths 24 are aligned in both the circumferential and axial directions. In the first embodiment, the connection flow paths 24 are aligned in a plurality of rows in the circumferential direction and in a plurality of rows in the axial direction. Each connection flow path 24 extends in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface 14 of the connection base 13. Each of the connection flow paths 24 is connected to a plurality of external housing flow paths (not shown) provided outside the housing 11. Liquid supplied to the housing 11 through the external housing flow paths passes through one of the connection flow paths 24 and flows into the body main body portion 15. Liquid that has passed through one of the connection flow paths 24 flows out to the external housing flow path.

Here, liquid includes multiple liquids. Multiple liquids include multiple types of liquids with different components, as well as multiple liquids of the same type. Multiple liquids of the same type include multiple identical liquids, as well as multiple liquids with the same components but different temperatures or other factors, such as viscosity.

As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the multiple connection flow paths 24 each open at the bottom of the inner circumferential surface 22 of the main body portion 15. Each opening on the inner circumferential surface 22 is referred to as an "inner circumferential opening 25" to distinguish it from other openings in the rotary valve 10. The multiple inner circumferential openings 25 are adjacent to each other both circumferentially and axially.

[Covers 31, 35]
As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 7, a pair of covers 31, 35 are disposed at both axial ends of the main body 15. Each cover 31, 35 has an annular shape centered on the axis AL and includes an annular protrusion 32 that protrudes toward the other cover 35, 31. The annular protrusion 32 of each cover 31, 35 is inserted into the corresponding annular step portion 16 of the main body 15. Each cover 31, 35 is attached to the main body 15 by fastening members (not shown), such as bolts and nuts. Note that each cover 31, 35 may be attached to the main body 15 by a mounting means other than fastening members, such as welding. Both open ends of the main body 15 in the axial direction are closed by these covers 31, 35.

In addition, one of the covers 31, 35 may be formed integrally with the body 12. In this case, the main body portion 15 has a cylindrical shape with one axial end closed and only one end open. In other words, the main body portion 15 has a bottomed cylindrical shape with one open end.

<Valve body 41>
3 and 7, the valve element 41 includes a valve main body 42 and a shaft 49. The valve main body 42 is cylindrical and extends axially, and is housed within the main body 15. The valve main body 42 has an outer peripheral surface 43 that faces the inner peripheral surface 22 of the main body 15. The outer peripheral surface 43 is formed by a cylindrical surface centered on the axis AL.

The outer diameter of the valve main body 42 is set to a value that allows the gasket 55 (described later) to elastically deform radially outward to seal the space between the inner circumferential surface 22 of the body main body 15 and the outer circumferential surface 43 of the valve main body 42 around the inner circumferential opening 25.

The shaft portion 49 protrudes in the axial direction from the center of the end surface of the valve body 42 on the cover 31 side.
The valve body 41 has a plurality of movable flow paths 44 through which liquid flows. Each movable flow path 44 has an outer peripheral opening that opens on the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body 42. The plurality of outer peripheral openings are formed adjacent to each other in the circumferential and axial directions.

Figure 5 shows an example of a developed view of the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body 42, on which multiple outer peripheral openings 46-48 are formed, as developed on a plane. The outer peripheral surface 43 is divided into multiple unit areas 45 in the axial direction and multiple unit areas 45 in the circumferential direction. The outer peripheral openings 46-48 include the following:

(A) An outer peripheral opening 46 consisting of a plurality of unit areas 45 that are continuous in the circumferential direction.
(B) An outer peripheral opening 47 consisting of a plurality of unit areas 45 that are continuous in the axial direction.
(C) A peripheral opening 48 that combines (A) and (B) above.

(D) Although not shown in FIG. 5, the peripheral opening may be formed by one unit area 45 .
The arrows in FIG. 5 indicate the direction of the liquid flow.

Rotation of the valve body 42 around the shaft 49 changes the communication state between the outer peripheral openings 46 to 48 and the inner peripheral opening 25, thereby switching the liquid flow path.
The shaft portion 49 is rotated by an actuator such as an electric motor (not shown) or by manual operation.

<Support mechanism>
3, the support mechanism is a mechanism for rotatably supporting the valve body 41 relative to the housing 11. The support mechanism includes a first support mechanism portion M1 and a second support mechanism portion M2.

[First support mechanism section M1]
The first support mechanism M1 is provided on the valve main body 42 and the cover 31. More specifically, a bearing hole 33 is formed in the center of the cover 31, penetrating the cover 31 in the axial direction. A shaft 49 of the valve element 41 is rotatably inserted into the bearing hole 33. The bearing hole 33 and the shaft 49 constitute the first support mechanism M1.

[Second support mechanism section M2]
3 and 6, the second support mechanism M2 includes a bottomed bearing hole (not shown) that extends axially in the valve main body 42, and a shaft 36 that is provided in the cover 35. The bearing hole is formed on the axis AL at the end of the valve main body 42 on the cover 35 side.

The shaft 36 protrudes from the center of the cover 35 toward the other cover 31. The shaft 49 is inserted into the bearing hole so that it can rotate relative to the bearing hole. In other words, the valve body 42 is supported in the bearing hole so that it can rotate relative to the shaft 36. The bearing hole and the shaft 36 form the second support mechanism M2.

<Shaft seal member 52>
3, the shaft seal member 52 is formed in an annular shape from an elastic material such as rubber. The shaft seal member 52 is disposed around the shaft portion 49, between the shaft portion 49 and the inner wall surface of the bearing hole 33 in the cover 31. The shaft seal member 52 prevents liquid in the main body portion 15 from passing between the shaft portion 49 and the inner wall surface of the bearing hole 33 and leaking out of the rotary valve 10.

<Sealing member 53>
As shown in Figures 3 and 7, the seal members 53 are used to seal the fastened portions when the covers 31, 35 are attached to the main body portion 15 by fastening or the like. In this embodiment in which the pair of covers 31, 35 are fastened to the main body portion 15, two seal members 53 are used. Each seal member 53 is formed in an annular shape from an elastic material such as rubber. Each seal member 53 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the annular protrusion 32 of each cover 31, 35 and the inner peripheral surface of the annular step portion 16 of the main body portion 15. Each seal member 53 prevents liquid inside the main body portion 15 from leaking out of the rotary valve 10 through the gap between the annular step portion 16 and the annular protrusion 32.

If one of the covers 31, 35 is formed integrally with the body 12 as described above and the other is fastened to the main body portion 15, only one seal member 53 will be used. Also, if one or both of the covers 31, 35 are welded to the main body portion 15, no seal member 53 is required between the welded covers 31, 35 and the main body portion 15.

<Packing 55>
3, 10, and 11, the framework of the packing 55 is formed by a sheet-shaped packing main body 56. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the packing main body 56 is attached to the packing attachment portion 21 of the body main body 15. The packing main body 56 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body 42 and the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body 15.

As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the packing body 56 has a plurality of through holes 57 that each penetrate radially and are adjacent to each other in both the circumferential and axial directions. The multiple through holes 57 include one that faces radially toward the inner peripheral opening 25.

As shown in FIG. 10 , an annular inner lip portion 61 is formed on the inner surface 58 of the packing main body 56, at least around each through hole 57, protruding radially inward and contacting the outer surface 43 of the valve main body 42. An annular outer lip portion 62 is formed on the outer surface 59 of the packing main body 56, at least around each through hole 57, protruding radially outward and contacting the inner surface 22 of the body main body 15.

Furthermore, if the packing body 56 has an area that does not face the inner peripheral opening 25 radially and in which no through-hole 57 is formed, an inner peripheral lip 61 and an outer peripheral lip 62 similar to those described above may be formed in this area.

When there is no need to particularly distinguish between the inner peripheral lip portion 61 and the outer peripheral lip portion 62, they may be simply referred to as the "lip portion 63."
9 and 11 , in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the boundary between the adjacent lip portion 63 is referred to as a "circumferential lip boundary portion 64." In each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the boundary between the adjacent lip portion 63 is referred to as an "axial lip boundary portion 65." In each of the lip portions 63 located at both ends in the circumferential direction, the portion located outermost in the circumferential direction is referred to as a "circumferential lip outer end portion 66." In each of the lip portions 63 located at both ends in the axial direction, the portion located outermost in the axial direction is referred to as an "axial lip outer end portion 67."

The portion of the packing body 56 where circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundaries 64 are formed in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63 is referred to as the "circumferential body intermediate portion 68." The portion of the packing body 56 where axially adjacent axial lip boundaries 65 are formed in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63 is referred to as the "axial body intermediate portion 69." The portion of the packing body 56 where the circumferential lip outer end portion 66 is formed is referred to as the "circumferential body outer end portion 71." The portion of the packing body 56 where the axial lip outer end portion 67 is formed is referred to as the "axial body outer end portion 72."

[Installation structure of packing 55]
4 and 10 , a pair of circumferential intermediate walls 73 protruding radially inward are formed at each of a plurality of locations on the inner circumferential surface 22 of the main body portion 15 that sandwich the circumferential intermediate portion 68 from both sides in the circumferential direction. The circumferential intermediate walls 73 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. Each circumferential intermediate portion 68 is disposed between the pair of circumferential intermediate walls 73.

As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a pair of axial intermediate wall portions 75 protruding radially inward are formed at each of multiple locations on the bottom of the inner peripheral surface 22 of the main body portion 15, sandwiching the axial main body intermediate portion 69 from both sides in the axial direction. The two axial intermediate wall portions 75 are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. Each axial main body intermediate portion 69 is disposed between a pair of axial intermediate wall portions 75.

Axial outer end wall portions 76 that protrude radially inward are formed on the inner peripheral surface 22 of the main body portion 15 at locations a predetermined axial distance away from each cover 31, 35. The axial outer end portion 72 of the main body is disposed between the cover 31, 35 and the adjacent axial outer end wall portion 76.

[Other structures of packing 55]
In the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 , 8 , and 9 , the packing body 56 is divided circumferentially into multiple (three) body segments 77, 78, and 79. The division occurs at the circumferential body intermediate portion 68. Each body segment 77, 79 has a circumferential body outer end portion 71 at its end circumferentially farther from the body segment 78, and a circumferential body intermediate portion 68 at its end circumferentially closer to the body segment 78. In contrast, the body segment 78 has the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 at both circumferential ends. Multiple (two) lip portions 63 are formed circumferentially on the inner circumferential surface 58 and the outer circumferential surface 59 of each of the body segments 77 to 79. The boundary between each body segment 77 to 79 and the adjacent body segment 77 to 79 is located between the pair of circumferential intermediate walls 73 described above.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11 , in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundaries 64 are configured by a common circumferential lip boundary 64 that extends in the axial direction at the circumferential body intermediate portion 68. In other words, at the circumferential body intermediate portion 68, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundaries 64 are united into one, extending in the axial direction. In the first embodiment, the common circumferential lip boundary 64 is formed in the circumferential center of the circumferential body intermediate portion 68, but it may also be formed at a location circumferentially away from the center.

Furthermore, in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundaries 65 are configured by a common axial lip boundary 65 that extends circumferentially in the axial body intermediate portion 69. In other words, in the axial body intermediate portion 69, the axially adjacent axial lip boundaries 65 are united into one, extending circumferentially. In the first embodiment, the common axial lip boundary 65 is formed in the axial center of the axial body intermediate portion 69, but it may also be formed at a location axially away from the center.

As shown in Figure 10, a low-friction sheet 84 made of a material with a lower coefficient of friction than the packing body 56, such as fluororesin, is attached to the inner surface 58 of the packing body 56. When the low-friction sheet 84 comes into contact with the outer surface 43 of the valve body 42, friction between the packing 55 and the valve body 42 is reduced, and the load required to rotate the valve disc 41 is reduced. Instead of the sheet, the inner surface 58 of the packing body 56 may be coated with a material with a low coefficient of friction, such as the fluororesin.

In each figure, when using reference numerals to describe each part of the packing 55, for convenience, lead lines are drawn from the relevant parts and reference numerals are attached, just as in the case where the low-friction sheet 84 is not present.

<Operation of First Embodiment>
[Assembly of packing 55]
When assembling the packing 55 to the main body portion 15, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, all of the main body portion segments 77 to 79 are attached to the packing attachment portion 21 in a state where they are in contact with each other in the circumferential direction.

The circumferential body intermediate portion 68 of each main body segment 77-79 is inserted and positioned between a pair of circumferential intermediate walls 73. The circumferential intermediate walls 73 position the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 relative to the main body portion 15. The boundary portions (circumferential body intermediate portions 68) of each main body segment 77-79 with the adjacent main body segment 77-79 are positioned between the pair of circumferential intermediate walls 73 in contact with each other (see Figures 6 and 9). The circumferential intermediate walls 73 position the boundary portions relative to the main body portion 15 in the circumferential direction. The circumferential body outer end portions 71 of each main body segment 77, 79 approach or contact the stepped surfaces 23 at both circumferential ends of the packing mounting portion 21 (see Figures 8 and 9).

The axial main body intermediate portion 69 of the main body segment 78 is inserted and positioned between a pair of axial intermediate walls 75. The axial intermediate walls 75 determine the axial position of the axial main body intermediate portion 69 relative to the main body portion 15.

In the main body segment 78 , the axially outer main body end portions 72 at both axial ends are brought into close proximity to or into contact with the corresponding axially outer end wall portions 76 of the main body portion 15 .
When the rotary valve 10 is assembled, each axial body outer end portion 72 is positioned by being sandwiched from both sides in the axial direction by the axial outer end wall portion 76 and the annular protrusion 32 of the cover 31, 35.

[Operation of the rotary valve 10]
When the rotary valve 10 is operated, the valve element 41 is rotated about the axis AL of the shaft portion 49 by an actuator or manually. This rotation changes the state of communication between the inner circumferential opening 25 on the inner circumferential surface 22 of the main body portion 15 and the outer circumferential openings 46-48 (see FIG. 5) on the outer circumferential surface 43 of the valve main portion 42, as shown in FIG. 9 , thereby switching the liquid flow path. That is, the inner circumferential opening 25 of the main body portion 15 and the outer circumferential openings 46-48 of the valve main portion 42 are communicated via the through-hole 57 in the packing main portion 56 located between them. The liquid then flows through the inner circumferential opening 25 of the main body portion 15, the through-hole 57 in the packing 55, the movable flow path 44 of the valve main portion 42, and the other inner circumferential opening 25 of the main body portion 15. By rotating the valve main body 42, one of the outer peripheral openings 46 to 48 of the valve main body 42 that is connected to the inner peripheral opening 25 of the body main body 15 via the through hole 57 of the packing main body 56 is switched, and the flow path is switched.

[Sealing with packing 55]
In the first embodiment, in which the inner lip portion 61 is formed on the inner circumferential surface 58 of the packing body 56, the inner lip portion 61 is elastically compressed and deformed radially outward upon contact with the outer circumferential surface 43 of the valve body 42. Unlike the conventional rotary valve 100 described with reference to Figures 19 to 21, the tapered portion 111 on the outer periphery of the valve body 106 does not come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 58 of the packing body 56. As a result, the formation of a concave pressing mark 117 in the inner lip portion 61 is unlikely to occur.

Even if the location of the outer surface 43 of the valve body 42 that comes into contact with the inner surface 58 of the packing body 56 differs between the previous rotation stop of the valve disc 41 and the current rotation stop due to component tolerances, the tapered portion 111 does not leave a pressing mark 117 on the inner lip 61. The pressing mark 117 is not left at a circumferentially shifted location between the previous rotation stop of the valve disc 41 and the current rotation stop.

As a result, a decrease in surface pressure due to the formation of the pressure marks 117 at locations offset in the circumferential direction is unlikely to occur. Liquid flows through the areas with reduced surface pressure, making it less likely for liquid to flow between the inner and outer regions of the annular inner lip portion 61, i.e., to leak.

As shown in FIG. 10 , a circumferential intermediate wall portion 73 is located on each circumferential side of each circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 of the packing 55. These circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 restrict circumferential movement of the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 relative to the main body portion 15.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4 and 6, axial intermediate wall portions 75 are located on both axial sides of the axial main body intermediate portion 69 of the main body segment 78. These axial intermediate wall portions 75 restrict axial movement of the axial main body intermediate portion 69 relative to the main body portion 15.

Furthermore, on both axial sides of each of the two axial main body outer end portions 72, an axial outer end wall portion 76 and an annular protrusion portion 32 of the covers 31, 35 are located. The axial outer end wall portion 76 and the annular protrusion portion 32 restrict axial movement of the axial main body outer end portion 72 relative to the main body portion 15.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the common circumferential lip boundary 64 extends in the axial direction in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68. This common circumferential lip boundary 64 also serves as the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary 64 in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63. Furthermore, the common axial lip boundary 65 extends in the circumferential direction in the axial body intermediate portion 69. This common axial lip boundary 65 also serves as the axially adjacent axial lip boundary 65 in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63.

<Effects of the First Embodiment>
9 and 10 , an annular inner peripheral lip portion 61 that protrudes radially inward and contacts the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body 42 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 58 of the packing main body 56 at least around each through-hole 57. Therefore, compared to the case where the tapered portion 111 of the valve main body 106 contacts the inner peripheral surface 115 of the packing main body 114, the sealing performance of the packing 55 between the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body 42 and the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body 15 can be improved.

(1-2) As shown in Figures 4 and 10, a pair of circumferential intermediate walls 73 protruding radially inward are formed on the inner circumferential surface 22 of the main body portion 15 at locations that sandwich the circumferential intermediate portion 68 of the packing main body portion 56 from both sides in the circumferential direction. The circumferential intermediate portion 68 is disposed between these circumferential intermediate walls 73. Therefore, even if circumferential liquid pressure acts on the packing 55, the packing 55 is prevented from shifting circumferentially relative to the main body portion 15, and the packing 55 can maintain its ability to prevent liquid leakage.

(1-3) As shown in Figures 3, 8, and 9, in the first embodiment, the packing main body 56 is divided at the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 into multiple main body segments 77-79. However, as shown in Figure 9, the boundary portion (circumferential main body intermediate portion 68) between each main body segment 77-79 and the adjacent main body segment 77-79 is arranged between the pair of circumferential intermediate walls 73 in a state of contact with each other. Therefore, even if circumferential liquid pressure acts on each main body segment 77-79, it is possible to prevent each of the main body segments 77-79 from shifting circumferentially relative to the main body portion 15, thereby effectively achieving the effect of (1-2) above.

(1-4) As shown in Figures 4 and 6, a pair of axial intermediate walls 75 protruding radially inward are formed at multiple locations in both the circumferential and axial directions on the bottom of the inner circumferential surface 22 of the main body portion 15. The axial intermediate walls 75 are formed at locations that axially sandwich the axial main body intermediate portion 69 (see Figure 11) of the main body segment 78 of the packing 55 located in the circumferential center (bottom of the main body portion 15). The axial main body intermediate portion 69 is located between the axial intermediate walls 75. Therefore, even if axial liquid pressure acts on the main body segment 78, the axial displacement of the main body segment 78 relative to the main body portion 15 is prevented, and the packing 55's ability to prevent liquid leakage is maintained.

(1-5) As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 7, an axial outer end wall portion 76 that protrudes radially inward is formed at the bottom of the inner circumferential surface 22 of the main body portion 15, at a location a predetermined distance axially away from the covers 31, 35. The axial main body outer end portion 72 (see Figure 11) is positioned between the annular protrusion 32 of the covers 31, 35 and the adjacent axial outer end wall portion 76. Therefore, even if axial liquid pressure acts on the main body portion segment 78, the main body portion segment 78 can be prevented from shifting axially relative to the main body portion 15. The packing 55 maintains its ability to prevent liquid leakage.

(1-6) As shown in FIG. 11, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 are configured by a common circumferential lip boundary portion 64 extending in the axial direction in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68. Therefore, compared to when the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 are formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 so as to be circumferentially spaced apart from each other, the circumferential dimension of the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 can be reduced. This in turn allows the packing 55 to be made smaller in size in the circumferential direction.

(1-7) In each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundaries 65 are configured by a common axial lip boundary 65 extending circumferentially in the axial body intermediate portion 69. Therefore, the axial dimension of the axial body intermediate portion 69 can be reduced compared to when the axially adjacent axial lip boundaries 65 are formed axially spaced apart from each other in the axial body intermediate portion 69. Consequently, the packing 55 can be made smaller in size in the axial direction.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 18, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

As shown in Figures 12, 15, and 18, in the second embodiment, a single sheet-like packing 55 is used. This packing 55 is curved in an arc shape centered on the axis AL.

In addition, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundaries 64 are formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 while being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. In each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundaries 65 are formed in the axial body intermediate portion 69 while being spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.

As shown in Figures 12, 13, and 17, grooves 85 are formed in each circumferential body intermediate portion 68 at locations between adjacent circumferential lip boundaries 64. In the second embodiment, the grooves 85 are formed in the circumferential center of the circumferential body intermediate portion 68, but they may also be formed at locations circumferentially spaced from the center. Each groove 85 extends axially from the radially outer surface (outer peripheral surface 59) of the circumferential body intermediate portion 68, recessed radially inward.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 12, 15, and 16, protrusions 86 are formed at multiple locations circumferentially spaced apart from one another on the inner peripheral surface 22 of the main body portion 15. Each protrusion 86 extends axially while protruding radially inward. The tip of each protrusion 86 is inserted into a groove 85 that faces it radially.

Other than the above, the second embodiment is similar in configuration to the first embodiment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, elements similar to those described in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

<Operation of Second Embodiment>
[Assembly of packing 55]
As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the packing 55 is assembled to the main body portion 15, the packing 55 made of a single sheet is attached to the packing attachment portion 21.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 17 , the packing 55 is attached to the packing attachment portion 21 so that the tip ends of the protrusions 86 of the main body portion 15 fit into the grooves 85 provided at multiple locations in the circumferential direction of each circumferential main body intermediate portion 68. The protrusions 86 inserted into the grooves 85 replace the pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions 73 (see FIG. 10 ) in the first embodiment and determine the circumferential position of the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 relative to the main body portion 15.

As shown in Figures 12, 14, and 18, the axial main body intermediate portion 69 is inserted and positioned between a pair of axial intermediate walls 75, thereby positioning the axial main body intermediate portion 69 relative to the main body portion 15 in the axial direction, similar to the first embodiment. Also, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the circumferential main body outer end portion 71 approaches or contacts the stepped surfaces 23 at both circumferential ends of the packing mounting portion 21, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 14 and 18, the axial main body outer end portion 72 is sandwiched from both axial sides by the axial outer end wall portions 76 of the main body portion 15 and the annular protrusions 32 of the covers 31, 35, similar to the first embodiment.

[Sealing with packing 55]
17 and 18 , in the rotary valve 10 of the second embodiment, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundaries 64 are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. The area between the adjacent circumferential lip boundaries 64 functions as a buffer area. Therefore, when a liquid pressure acts on one circumferential lip boundary 64 toward the other circumferential lip boundary 64, if the former circumferential lip boundary 64 elastically deforms in the buffer area, the liquid pressure is less likely to act on the latter circumferential lip boundary 64.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18 , in the rotary valve 10 of the second embodiment, in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundaries 65 are spaced apart axially. The area sandwiched between the adjacent axial lip boundaries 65 functions as a buffer area. Therefore, when liquid pressure acts on one axial lip boundary 65 toward the other axial lip boundary 65, if the former axial lip boundary 65 elastically deforms in the buffer area, the liquid pressure is less likely to act on the latter axial lip boundary 65.

Here, as the packing 55 undergoes compressive elastic deformation, a compression reaction force is generated that pushes back against the valve main body 42. This compression reaction force is necessary to seal between the outer peripheral surface 43 of the valve main body 42 and the inner peripheral surface 22 of the body main body 15. However, if the compression reaction force is too large, the sliding resistance generated between the valve main body 42 and the packing 55 increases as the valve disc 41 rotates.

In this regard, according to the second embodiment, the radial dimension of the portion of the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 where the groove portion 85 is formed is smaller than the dimension when the groove portion 85 is not formed. As a result, the compressive reaction force of the packing 55 is reduced. As the valve disc 41 rotates, the sliding resistance generated between the valve body portion 42 and the packing 55 is reduced.

Furthermore, the protrusion 86 inserted into the groove 85 restricts the circumferential movement of the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 relative to the main body portion 15 .
<Effects of the Second Embodiment>
Therefore, according to the second embodiment, the same effects as those (1-1), (1-4), and (1-5) in the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, the following effects can be obtained. Among these effects, the effect (2-1) is an alternative to the effect (1-6), the effect (2-2) is an alternative to the effect (1-7), and the effect (2-4) is an alternative to the effect (1-2).

(2-1) As shown in Figures 17 and 18, in each of circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundaries 64 are formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 while being circumferentially spaced apart from each other. Therefore, even if liquid pressure acts on one circumferential lip boundary 64 toward the other circumferential lip boundary 64, the other circumferential lip boundary 64 is less susceptible to the liquid pressure applied to the one circumferential lip boundary 64. This allows for further improvement in the ability of the packing 55 to prevent liquid leakage.

(2-2) As shown in FIG. 18, in each of axially adjacent lip portions 63, axially adjacent axial lip boundaries 65 are formed in the axial body intermediate portion 69 while being spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. Therefore, even if liquid pressure acts on one axial lip boundary 65 toward the other axial lip boundary 65, the other axial lip boundary 65 is less susceptible to the liquid pressure applied to the one axial lip boundary 65. This allows for further improvement in the ability of the packing 55 to prevent liquid leakage.

(2-3) As shown in FIG. 17 , a groove 85 is formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68, in a location between adjacent circumferential lip boundaries 64. The groove 85 extends axially, recessed radially inward from the outer surface (outer peripheral surface 59) of the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 in the radial direction. This reduces the compression reaction force that occurs with the compressive elastic deformation of the packing 55. As the valve body 41 rotates, the sliding resistance that occurs between the valve body 42 and the packing 55 can be reduced. As a result, the rotational torque required to rotate the valve body 41 can be reduced.

(2-4) As shown in Figure 17, a protrusion 86 extending axially and protruding radially inward is formed on the inner peripheral surface 22 of the main body portion 15, and this protrusion 86 is inserted into the groove portion 85. Therefore, even if circumferential liquid pressure acts on the packing 55, it is possible to prevent the packing 55 from shifting circumferentially relative to the main body portion 15. The packing 55 maintains its ability to prevent liquid leakage.

(2-5) The packing body 56 is not divided but is in the form of a single sheet. This reduces the number of parts compared to a packing body 56 divided into multiple body segments 77-79.

<Example of change>
The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[Matters regarding packing 55]
In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 may be configured by a common circumferential lip boundary portion 64 extending in the axial direction in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68. Furthermore, in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 may be configured by a common axial lip boundary portion 65 extending in the circumferential direction in the axial body intermediate portion 69.

- In the first embodiment, as in the second embodiment, in each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundaries 64 may be formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 while being circumferentially spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, in each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63, the axially adjacent axial lip boundaries 65 may be formed in the axial body intermediate portion 69 while being axially spaced apart from each other.

In each of the circumferentially adjacent lip portions 63 , the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions 64 may contact each other in the circumferential direction at the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 .
In each of the axially adjacent lip portions 63 , the axially adjacent axial lip boundary portions 65 may come into axial contact with each other at the axial body intermediate portion 69 .

The number of circumferential lip boundaries 64 in the circumferential body intermediate portion 68 may be different between the inner circumferential lip portion 61 and the outer circumferential lip portion 62 .
The number of axial lip boundary portions 65 in the axial body intermediate portion 69 may be different between the inner peripheral lip portion 61 and the outer peripheral lip portion 62 .

- Of the grooves 85 in the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 and the protrusions 86 in the main body portion 15, only the protrusions 86 may be omitted. Alternatively, both the grooves 85 and the protrusions 86 may be omitted. In these cases, the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 may be sandwiched from both circumferential sides by a pair of circumferential intermediate walls 73, as in the first embodiment. In this way, the circumferential movement of the circumferential main body intermediate portion 68 is restricted by both circumferential intermediate walls 73.

- In the first embodiment, the number of main body segments 77-79 can be changed, provided that there is more than one. In other words, the number of main body segments 77-79 may be two, three, or more.

In the second embodiment, each protrusion 86 only needs to be inserted into at least a portion of the groove 85 in the radial direction. Therefore, as in the second embodiment, each protrusion 86 may be inserted into a portion of the groove 85 in the radial direction, or into the entire groove 85.

[Other matters]
The multiple inner peripheral openings 25 may be formed adjacent to each other only in the circumferential direction out of the circumferential direction and the axial direction. In this case, the multiple through holes 57 that penetrate the packing body 56 in the radial direction may be formed adjacent to each other only in the circumferential direction out of the circumferential direction and the axial direction.

- The multiple outer peripheral openings 46-48 may be open adjacent to each other only in the circumferential direction, out of the circumferential and axial directions.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10...Rotary valve 11...Housing 12...Body 22...Inner peripheral surface 25...Inner peripheral opening 36, 49...Shaft portion 41...Valve element 42...Valve main body portion 43...Outer peripheral surface 44...Moveable flow path 46, 47, 48...Outer peripheral opening 55...Packing 56...Packing main body portion 57...Through hole 61...Inner peripheral lip portion 64...Circumferential lip boundary portion 68...Circumferential main body intermediate portion 73...Circumferential intermediate wall portion 85...Groove portion 86...Protrusion portion

Claims (6)

a housing having a cylindrical body; a valve element having a valve main body portion accommodated in the body and rotatably supported by the housing by a shaft portion extending in the axial direction; and a packing having a sheet-like packing main body portion as a skeleton portion, the packing being disposed between an outer peripheral surface of the valve main body portion and an inner peripheral surface of the body,
a plurality of inner circumferential openings through which a liquid flows are opened adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and the axial direction in a partial region of the inner circumferential surface of the body in the circumferential direction of the valve main body,
The valve body is formed with a plurality of movable flow paths through which the liquid flows,
Each movable flow path has an outer peripheral opening that opens on the outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion,
The plurality of outer peripheral openings are formed adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and the axial direction ,
a rotary valve in which a communication state between the outer circumferential opening and the inner circumferential opening is changed by rotation of the valve body about the stem, thereby switching a flow path of the liquid,
a plurality of through holes each penetrating the valve body in a radial direction are formed in the packing body so as to be adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction and the axial direction , and the plurality of through holes include a through hole facing the inner circumferential opening in the radial direction,
an annular inner peripheral lip portion that protrudes radially inward and contacts the outer peripheral surface of the valve body portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the packing body portion at least around each through hole ;
In each of the inner circumferential lip portions adjacent to each other in the axial direction, a boundary portion between the adjacent inner circumferential lip portion and the adjacent inner circumferential lip portion is defined as an axial lip boundary portion,
In the packing body, when a portion where the axial lip boundary portions adjacent to each other in the axial direction are formed in each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent to each other in the axial direction is defined as an axial body intermediate portion,
a pair of axial intermediate wall portions protruding radially inward are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the body at locations that are peripheral edges of the inner circumferential opening and that sandwich the axial main body intermediate portion from both sides in the axial direction,
The rotary valve has an axial body intermediate portion disposed between the pair of axial intermediate wall portions . In each of the inner circumferential lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, a boundary portion between the adjacent inner circumferential lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion,
In the packing body portion, in each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent in the circumferential direction, when a portion where the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction are formed is defined as a circumferential body intermediate portion,
a pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions protruding radially inward are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the body at locations that sandwich the circumferential main body intermediate portion from both sides in the circumferential direction,
The rotary valve according to claim 1 , wherein the circumferential body intermediate portion is disposed between the pair of circumferential intermediate wall portions. In each of the inner circumferential lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, a boundary portion between the adjacent inner circumferential lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion,
In the packing body portion, in each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent in the circumferential direction, when a portion where the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction are formed is defined as a circumferential body intermediate portion,
3. The rotary valve according to claim 1, wherein in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner circumferential lip portions, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundaries are configured by a common circumferential lip boundary extending in the axial direction in the circumferential body intermediate portion. In each of the inner circumferential lip portions adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, a boundary portion between the adjacent inner circumferential lip portion is defined as a circumferential lip boundary portion,
In the packing body portion, in each of the inner peripheral lip portions adjacent in the circumferential direction, when a portion where the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction are formed is defined as a circumferential body intermediate portion,
3. The rotary valve according to claim 1, wherein in each of the circumferentially adjacent inner circumferential lip portions, the circumferentially adjacent circumferential lip boundary portions are formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion while being spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction. A rotary valve as described in claim 4, wherein a groove extending in the axial direction is formed in the circumferential body intermediate portion between the circumferential lip boundary portions adjacent in the circumferential direction, and recessed radially inward from the outer surface of the circumferential body intermediate portion in the radial direction. a protrusion extending in the axial direction and protruding inward in the radial direction is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the body,
The rotary valve according to claim 5 , wherein the protrusion is inserted into the groove.