Flow control valve

Abstract

A flow control valve which can indicate the opening degree of a flow path opened by a needle valve, can be miniaturized. A flow control valve (10) has a handle (32) rotatably provided on a first main body (12) having a second flow path (16b); a needle valve (27) which adjusts the opening degree of the second flow path (16b) in conjunction with the rotation of the handle (32); a scale body (70) rotatably provided in the handle (32) and having a scale indicating the change in the opening degree of the second flow path (16b); a scale indicating portion (34) formed on the handle (32) and indicating the scale; a shaft portion (40) provided on the inner side of the handle (32), rotating integrally with the handle (32) and the needle valve (27), and allowing the needle valve (27) to move in the axial direction; a clutch mechanism which transmits and disconnects the rotation of the shaft portion (40) to the scale body (70); a needle guide (31) which allows the needle valve (27) to perform linear motion; and a cam mechanism portion which allows the shaft portion (40) to perform linear motion. The clutch mechanism transmits and disconnects the rotation of the shaft portion (40) to the scale body (70) in correspondence with the operation of the cam mechanism portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a flow control valve, which controls the flow rate of fluid flowing in the flow path by adjusting the opening of a flow path formed in the valve body by a needle valve linked to the rotational operation of a handle. In particular, it can represent the amount of rotational operation of the handle, i.e., the opening of the flow path opened by the needle valve. Background Technology

[0002] A flow control valve is a small device that restricts the flow of fluid and controls the speed of an actuator. It is used, for example, in automated production lines assembling mechanical devices, electronic equipment, etc. Flow control valves, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, may include a needle valve that adjusts the opening of a flow path; a rotary handle linked to the needle valve; and a display indicating the opening degree of the flow path opened by the needle valve, i.e., the amount of rotation of the handle.

[0003] The flow control valve described in Patent Document 1 has a cylindrical housing extending in the axial direction; a cylindrical shell mounted on one (upper) end of the housing in the axial direction; and a topped cylindrical handle rotatably disposed on the upper side of the housing. Inside the housing, a needle valve is provided that is movable in the axial direction and rotatable around the axis. The upper part of the needle valve is inserted into a shaft portion extending in the axial direction and disposed within the housing; the needle valve and the shaft portion are fixed relative to each other around the axis and are fitted together movably relative to each other in the axial direction. Furthermore, a hole extending downward in the axial direction is provided in the center of the handle, and the shaft portion extending from the upper part of the housing is inserted into the hole portion in a state of being fixed relative to each other around the axis. That is, if the handle is rotated, the shaft portion and the needle valve can rotate together.

[0004] Furthermore, a cylindrical needle guide is provided below the shaft portion within the housing, and an internal thread on the inner surface of the needle guide engages with an external thread on the outer circumference of the needle valve. Therefore, if the handle is rotated, the needle valve needle rotates relative to the needle guide while moving in the axial direction. Moreover, the opening of the flow path provided within the housing can be adjusted by this axial movement of the needle valve, thereby controlling the flow rate of the fluid flowing in that flow path.

[0005] However, in the flow control valve described in Patent Document 1, an annular display ring is provided on the outer side of the shaft portion on the upper side of the housing, offset radially. The central axis of this display ring extends parallel to the rotation center axis of the shaft portion. A hole penetrating in the axial direction is provided on the inner side of this display ring, and internal teeth are recessed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the display ring forming this hole. Furthermore, the aforementioned shaft portion is inserted into the hole portion of this display ring, and a meshing portion that engages with the internal teeth is provided on the side of this shaft portion. The inner diameter of the hole portion of the display ring is larger than the outer shape of the aforementioned shaft portion, and the shaft portion is positioned close to the radial side of the hole portion of the display ring. Moreover, if this shaft portion rotates one revolution, the meshing portion extends one internal tooth portion in the circumferential direction, causing the display ring to rotate by a predetermined rotation angle. Furthermore, a scale indicating the opening degree of the fluid flow path opened by the needle valve (the amount of rotation of the handle) is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned display ring, and a display window for visually confirming the scale is provided on the housing facing the outer peripheral surface of the display ring.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6179510 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] Thus, in the flow control valve described in Patent Document 1, the central axis of the aforementioned display ring is positioned radially outward from the shaft portion, coaxial with the aforementioned handle and needle valve. Consequently, the housing accommodating this display ring must also be formed to bulge radially outward from the shaft portion, making it impossible to avoid an increase in the size of the housing or the overall flow control valve. On the other hand, users desire that such a flow control valve can also be miniaturized to save space.

[0011] Therefore, the technical objective of this invention is to provide a flow control valve that can display the amount of rotation of the handle, i.e., the opening degree of the flow path opened by the needle valve, which can be further miniaturized.

[0012] The means to solve the problem

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the flow control valve of the present invention has a main body extending in the axial direction; a flow path formed within the main body; a handle disposed on one side of the main body in the axial direction and rotatably supported relative to the main body about the axis; and a needle valve disposed within the main body on the same axis as the handle, which adjusts the opening of the flow path by moving in the axial direction in accordance with the rotational operation of the handle, thereby controlling the flow rate of the fluid flowing in the flow path in accordance with the rotational operation of the handle, characterized in that...

[0014] The flow control valve further includes a scale body rotatably supported about the shaft and having a scale indicating the amount of rotation of the handle; a scale indicator that always rotates integrally with the handle about the shaft and indicates the scale corresponding to the amount of rotation of the handle; and a clutch mechanism that switches the scale indicated by the scale indicator by transmitting or disconnecting the rotation of the handle to the scale body, wherein the clutch mechanism has an engaging part, a engaged part, and a clutch drive mechanism. The engaging parts, through mutual engagement, transmit the rotation of the handle to the scale body, causing the scale indicator and the scale body to rotate as a unit around the axis. The clutch drive mechanism releases the engagement of the engaging parts and the engaged parts each time the handle is rotated by a predetermined angle, allowing the scale indicator to rotate relative to the scale body around the axis due to the rotation of the handle. After the rotation of the scale indicator relative to the scale body switches the scale indicated by the scale indicator, the engaging parts and the engaged parts engage again.

[0015] In this case, preferably, the clutch drive mechanism has a cam surface and a cam-imitating protrusion. The cam surface is fixedly disposed relative to the main body and extends in a ring shape around the axis. The cam-imitating protrusion is disposed facing the cam surface and rotates around the axis in conjunction with the rotation of the handle. It slides on the cam surface. The cam surface has a cam protrusion protruding towards the axis and a cam plane extending in a planar shape from the bottom of the cam protrusion towards the axis. The cam-imitating protrusion and the engaging portion are supported so that they can always rotate integrally and always move integrally in the axis direction. The engaging portion is supported so that it is fixed relative to the main body. The clutch drive mechanism slides on the cam protrusion via the cam-imitating protrusion each time the handle is rotated by a predetermined angle. The engaging portion moves relative to the engaging portion towards the axis direction to release the engagement of the engaging portion and the engaging portion, allowing the scale indicator to rotate relative to the scale body around the axis by the rotation of the handle. In addition, preferably, the clutch drive mechanism has a spring that always loads the cam-imitating protrusion and the engaged portion toward the other side of the axial direction opposite to the axial direction. After the scale indicated by the scale indicator is switched, the loading of the spring causes the cam-imitating protrusion to move toward the other side of the axial direction and abut against the cam plane, and causes the engaged portion to engage with the engaged portion again.

[0016] Furthermore, preferably, the flow control valve has a resistance generating surface, which is fixedly disposed relative to the main body and extends annularly around the axis. The scale body has an abutment portion that slidably abuts against the resistance generating surface. When the engagement of the locking portion and the locking portion is released, the resistance generated by the abutment portion abutting against the resistance generating surface prevents the scale body from rotating along with the rotation of the handle. More preferably, the abutment portion has a locking protrusion protruding outward in the radial direction, and a plurality of recesses are provided on the resistance generating surface. These recesses are recessed outward in the radial direction and are multiple recesses that allow the locking protrusion to slide. The plurality of recesses are provided on the resistance generating surface at equal intervals around the axis.

[0017] Alternatively, preferably, the scale indicator is a scale indicator opening on the handle, and the scale attached to the scale body can be viewed from the outside through the scale indicator opening.

[0018] The effects of the invention

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, a flow control valve that can display the amount of rotation of the handle, i.e. the opening degree of the flow path opened by the needle valve, can be provided and can be made more compact. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a side view showing one embodiment of the flow control valve of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a top view of the flow control valve.

[0022] Figure 3 This is the front view of the flow control valve.

[0023] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The flow control valve shown is a cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0024] Figure 5 Is Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the flow regulating mechanism in the flow control valve shown.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The side view of the needle valve shown.

[0026] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the needle guide.

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the shaft shown.

[0028] Figure 9 This is the front view of the shaft.

[0029] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 The side view of the scale shown.

[0030] Figure 11 This is the front view of the scale body.

[0031] Figure 12 Is Figure 11 Sectional view along line XII-XII.

[0032] Figure 13 Is Figure 4 The stereoscopic view of the XIII-XIII direction.

[0033] Figure 14 yes Figure 5 The side view of the spacer shown.

[0034] Figure 15 Is this spacer in Figure 5 XV-XV sectional stereoscopic view.

[0035] Figure 16 yes Figure 4 The diagram shows a perspective view of the needle valve retainer.

[0036] Figure 17 yes Figure 5 The front view of the handle is shown.

[0037] Figure 18 Is Figure 17 Sectional view along the XVIII-XVIII axis.

[0038] Figure 19 It is used for explanation Figure 5 The diagram shown illustrates the operation of the clutch mechanism and cam mechanism, indicating the state where the rotation of the handle is locked.

[0039] Figure 20 It is used for explanation Figure 5 The diagram illustrating the operation of the clutch mechanism and cam mechanism shows the state where the handle is rotated in the unlocked state and the clutch mechanism is engaged.

[0040] Figure 21 It is used for explanation Figure 5 The diagram illustrating the operation of the clutch mechanism and cam mechanism shows that the rotation of the handle is in an unlocked state and the clutch mechanism is disengaged.

[0041] Figure 22 This is a sectional view of the main part, showing a modified example of the spacer. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In order to implement the invention

[0043] The following describes a flow control valve according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the fluid is compressed air, and the flow control valve is described as an example of a speed controller using an outlet throttling control method that is directly mounted on a fluid pressure cylinder and controls the operating speed of the fluid pressure cylinder by limiting the exhaust flow rate from the fluid pressure cylinder. However, needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to, for example, an inlet throttling control method speed controller that controls the operating speed of the fluid pressure cylinder by limiting the supply flow rate of compressed air supplied to the fluid pressure cylinder. Furthermore, this flow control valve is not a structure specifically designed for fluid pressure cylinders and can be used in various other fluid pressure devices.

[0044] The flow control valve 10 in this embodiment, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, the device has a substantially cylindrical first body 12 (body) extending along a first axis L1; and a substantially cylindrical second body 13 connected to the side of the first body 12 in a manner extending along a second axis L2 orthogonal to the first axis L1. That is, the first axis L1 and the second axis L2 are in a torsional relationship with each other.

[0045] The interior of the first body 12 is hollow. At one end of the first body 12 along the first axis L1 direction (hereinafter referred to as "axis L1 direction") (hereinafter referred to as "axis L1 direction front end"), a first port 14 is provided for connecting a pipe to a pressure source such as a press (not shown). Furthermore, at one end of the second body 13 along the second axis L2 direction (hereinafter referred to as "axis L2 direction") (hereinafter referred to as "axis L2 direction front end"), a second port 15 is provided for connecting, for example, to the supply and exhaust ports of a double-acting fluid cylinder. A fluid flow path 16 connecting these first ports 14 and second ports 15 is formed inside the first body 12 and the second body 13.

[0046] The aforementioned first body 12 has a valve receiving portion 12a formed at the other end (hereinafter referred to as "base end in the L1 direction") of the first body 12 and a port forming portion 12b formed at the front end in the L1 direction. Moreover, at the front end of the port forming portion 12b in the L1 direction, a first port 14 is opened, and a simple connection type pipe connector 17 is installed on this first port 14.

[0047] If one end of the pipe is inserted into the pipe connector 17, multiple locking tabs 17a will bite into the outer periphery of the pipe to lock it in place, making the pipe in an anti-disconnection state. In addition, if the release sleeve 17b is pushed into the pipe connector 17, the front end of the release sleeve 17b will extend the locking tabs 17a outward and move away from the gap of the pipe. Thus, the pipe can be pulled out.

[0048] Inside the hollow portion inside the valve housing 12a, a cylindrical shut-off valve retainer 20 is provided on the same axis from the front end side in the direction of axis L1 toward the base end side in the direction of axis L1; and a cylindrical needle valve retainer 21 with different inner and outer diameter portions in a stepped manner. The shut-off valve retainer 20 branches a portion of the fluid flow path 16 into a first flow path 16a and a second flow path 16b (flow path) that are parallel to each other. On the outer periphery of the needle valve retainer 21 near the front end in the direction of axis L1, a sealing member 23 is installed to provide an airtight seal between the needle valve retainer 21 and the inner peripheral surface of the valve housing 12a. Both the shut-off valve retainer 20 and the needle valve retainer 21 are integrally formed from synthetic resin.

[0049] The first flow path 16a is an annular flow path formed between the outer periphery of the shut-off valve holder 20 and the inner periphery of the first body 12. The second flow path 16b is a flow path through the central hole 22 of the shut-off valve holder 20. The first flow path 16a and the second flow path 16b are connected to the communicating flow path 19 in the second body 13 through the internal flow path 16c between the shut-off valve holder 20 and the needle valve holder 21.

[0050] Within the first flow path 16a, an annular shut-off valve 25 is provided that restricts the flow direction of the compressed fluid flowing in the first flow path 16a in only one direction. The shut-off valve 25 is hermetically installed in an annular recess 20a formed on the outer periphery of the shut-off valve holder 20. The shut-off valve 25 is deformed by compressed air on its radially outer side and separates from the surface of the annular valve seat portion 26 protruding radially inward from the inner periphery of the first body 12 toward the base end side in the direction of axis L1, thereby opening and closing the first flow path 16a.

[0051] That is, in this embodiment, because the shut-off valve 25 extends radially outward, the first flow path 16a is opened by the shut-off valve 25 from the valve seat portion 26 relative to the forward flow of compressed air from the first port 14 to the second port 15, allowing this forward flow. On the other hand, the first flow path 16a is airtightly closed by the shut-off valve 25 abutting against the valve seat portion 26 relative to the reverse flow of compressed air from the second port 15 to the first port 14, preventing this reverse flow.

[0052] Furthermore, a valve hole 21a extending along the L1 axis is formed inside the aforementioned needle valve holder 21. Within this valve hole 21a, the needle valve 27 is airtightly fitted by the valve seal 28 and freely movable along the L1 axis. Moreover, the movable movement of the needle valve 27 causes the throttling portion 27a at the front end of the needle valve 27 to be inserted and removed relative to the throttling orifice 29 of the center hole 22 of the aforementioned shut-off valve holder 20. That is, if the throttling portion 27a moves forward and backward relative to the throttling orifice 29 in the L1 axis direction, the distance (i.e., the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path) between the throttling portion 27a and the throttling orifice 29 changes, controlling the flow rate of compressed air flowing in the aforementioned second flow path 16b.

[0053] In order to perform the forward and backward operation of the needle valve 27, an external thread 30 is formed on the outer periphery of the portion of the needle valve 27 that is closer to the base end in the direction of axis L1 than the aforementioned throttling portion 27a. Furthermore, the thread 30 is threadedly engaged with the internal thread 31a of the needle guide 31 fixed inside the needle valve holder 21.

[0054] At the base end of the needle valve 27 in the L1 direction, a cap-shaped rotary operating handle 32 is connected via a cylindrical shaft portion 40. Specifically, the needle valve 27 is fixed relative to the shaft portion 40 in the rotational direction (around the first shaft L1) and is inserted in a movable state in the L1 direction. Similarly, the handle 32 is fixed relative to the base end of the shaft portion 40 in the L1 direction around the shaft L1 and is inserted in a movable state in the L1 direction. Therefore, if the handle 32 is rotated in the forward or reverse direction, the needle valve 27 rotates in the forward or reverse direction and is guided by the needle guide 31 to move forward and backward in the L1 direction. Thus, the needle valve 27 can move forward and backward in conjunction with the rotational operation of the handle 32, adjusting the opening of the second flow path 16b.

[0055] Incidentally, in the flow control valve 10 of this embodiment, the rotational amount of the handle 32, i.e., the opening degree of the second flow path 16b opened by the needle valve 27, can be represented by numbers or symbols so that it can be visually confirmed. Therefore, this flow control valve 10 has a scale body 70 that is rotatably supported about the axis L1 and has a scale 72b indicating the rotational amount of the handle 32; a scale indicator 34 that always rotates integrally with the handle 32 about the axis L1 and indicates the scale 72b corresponding to the rotational amount of the handle 32; and a clutch mechanism 47 that switches the scale 72b indicated by the scale indicator 34 each time the handle 32 is rotated by a predetermined angle by transmitting or disconnecting the rotation of the handle 32 to the scale body 70. Figure 19 ).

[0056] Hereinafter, a display mechanism for indicating the amount of rotation of the handle 32 (i.e., the opening degree of the second flow path 16b opened by the needle valve 27) will be described with reference to Figures 4 to 21 On the one hand, provide a detailed explanation. For example... Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the flow control valve 10 of this embodiment, the main structures related to this display mechanism, namely the needle valve 27, needle guide 31, spacer 50, sleeve 60, scale body 70, shaft 40, helical spring 62, spring seat 64 and handle 32, are arranged coaxially on the shaft L1 in the valve housing 12a and on the base end side in the direction of the shaft L1 compared with the valve housing 12a.

[0057] The needle valve 27 mentioned above, such as Figure 6As shown, the needle valve 27 is formed as a cylinder extending in the direction of axis L1, having a throttling portion 27a at its front end and a needle body portion 27b formed at its base end in the direction of axis L1, compared to the throttling portion 27a. This needle valve 27 is formed, for example, from a synthetic resin such as PBT resin. Furthermore, the needle body portion 27b has a larger diameter than the throttling portion 27a, and a pair of flat cut surfaces 27c, 27c are formed opposite to each other on both sides in the radial direction surrounding its central axis J (i.e., axis L1). Moreover, the needle body portion 27b, having these cut surfaces 27c, is inserted into the shaft portion 40, and as described above, the needle valve 27 is fixed relative to the shaft portion 40 about axis L1. Furthermore, the external thread 30 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the needle body portion 27b, excluding the cut surfaces 27c.

[0058] The aforementioned needle guide 31, such as Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, it is cylindrical and positioned at the front end of the needle guide 31 in the L1 direction compared to the shaft portion 40. A through hole 31b extending in the L1 direction is provided inside the needle guide 31, and an internal thread 31a is formed on its inner circumferential surface near the front end in the L1 direction, allowing the external thread 30 of the needle valve 27 to engage. Therefore, if the needle valve 27 is rotated about the L1 by rotating the handle 32, the needle valve 27 can be moved relative to the needle guide 31 in the L1 direction. This needle guide 31 is made of metal, for example, preferably an alloy (e.g., brass). Furthermore, on the end face of the needle guide 31 facing the base end in the direction of axis L1, an annular cam surface 46 is formed, constituting part of the cam mechanism 45. If the shaft 40 is rotated together with the needle valve 27 by rotating the handle 32, the shaft 40 can reciprocate relative to the needle guide 31, the needle valve 27, and the handle 32 in the direction of axis L1. The cam surface 46 has a cam protrusion 46a protruding towards the base end in the direction of axis L1 and a cam plane 46b extending from the bottom of the cam protrusion 46a along the circumferential direction of the needle guide 31.

[0059] The aforementioned cam protrusions 46a are formed in pairs on the end face of the needle guide 31, and are spaced 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction with respect to the central axis J (i.e., axis L1). Furthermore, these cam protrusions 46a, 46a, are all formed into smooth triangular shapes protruding towards the base end side in the direction of axis L1 when viewed from the side, and have the same shape and size. In this embodiment, the circumferential length of the aforementioned cam protrusions 46a is formed to be approximately 1 / 4 of the circumferential length in the end face of the needle guide 31. On the other hand, the aforementioned cam flat portion 46b is formed from the portion of the end face of the needle guide 31 in the direction of axis L1, excluding the aforementioned pair of cam protrusions 46a, 46a, and is formed from an arc-shaped plane orthogonal to the direction of axis L1.

[0060] On the outer peripheral surface of the leading end of the needle guide 31 in the axial L1 direction, a plurality of locking protrusions 33 protruding outward in the radial direction are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. These locking protrusions 33 are designed to prevent the needle guide 31 from rotating relative to the needle valve holder 21 or from being pulled out of the valve hole 21a when the needle guide 31 is fitted into a predetermined position within the valve hole 21a of the needle valve holder 21 by pressing against the inner wall of the valve hole 21a of the needle valve holder 21.

[0061] The aforementioned shaft portion 40, such as Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the device is formed as a cylinder extending in the direction of axis L1, having a first shaft portion 41 at its front end in the direction of axis L1 and a second shaft portion 42 at its base end in the direction of axis L1 compared to the first shaft portion 41. This shaft portion 40 is formed, for example, of a synthetic resin, preferably of polyphenylene sulfide resin (PPS resin). A through hole 43 is formed in this shaft portion 40, extending along the central axis J (i.e., axis L1). This through hole 43 is formed by a pair of planar portions 43a facing each other with the central axis J and a pair of curved portions 43b formed by arcs centered on the central axis J. Moreover, this through hole 43 has a cross-sectional shape similar to the cross-sectional shape of the needle body portion 27b of the needle valve 27, and is formed to be slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the needle body portion 27b. In this way, the shaft portion 40 and the needle valve 27 are fixed to each other about the axis L1 and rotate integrally, while the needle valve 27 is supported in the direction of axis L1 so that it can move.

[0062] At the end of the first shaft portion 41 in the L1 direction, a ring-shaped loading flange portion 41a protruding outward in the radial direction is formed. Furthermore, on the end face of the loading flange portion 41a at the front end in the L1 direction, a plurality of engaging pieces 47a' protruding towards the front end in the L1 direction are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, constituting an engaging portion 47a (engaging portion). This engaging portion 47a engages with a gear portion 47b (see below) provided on the scale body 70 described later. Figure 11 The structure is engaged by the engaging part. Moreover, these engaging parts 47a and gear parts 47b constitute part of the clutch mechanism 47 described later.

[0063] On the end face of the first shaft portion 41 located at the front end in the direction of shaft L1, a cam-imitating protrusion 41b is provided protruding towards the front end in the direction of shaft L1. This cam-imitating protrusion 41b is triangular in shape when viewed from the side and protrudes from a portion in the circumferential direction of the end face of the first shaft portion 41 in a straight line extending radially from its outer peripheral end toward the central shaft J. Furthermore, the front end of the cam-imitating protrusion 41b is arranged facing the cam surface 46 and slidably abuts against the cam surface 46. In addition, the cam-imitating protrusion 41b and the cam surface 46 together constitute a cam mechanism portion 45. That is, this cam mechanism portion 45 has the following function: accompanying the rotation of the shaft portion 40 caused by the rotational operation of the handle 32, the cam-imitating protrusion 41b rotates and slides on the annular cam surface 46, causing the shaft portion 40 to reciprocate in the direction of shaft L1.

[0064] The engaging protrusion 32a of the handle 32 is fitted into the through hole 43 in the second shaft portion 42 (see reference). Figure 4 The shaft portion 40, as described above, is fixed to the handle 32 about the shaft L1 and rotates integrally with it. On the other hand, it can move relative to the handle 32 in the direction of the shaft L1. Furthermore, on the radially outer side of the second shaft portion 42, as described above... Figure 4 As shown, a coil spring 62 (spring portion) composed of a compression spring is installed. The end of the coil spring 62 at its front end in the L1 direction abuts against the end face of the shaft portion 40 at its base end in the L1 direction within the loading flange portion 41a. On the other hand, the end face at its base end in the L1 direction abuts against a spring seat 64 mounted on the scale body 70, always loading the shaft portion 40 toward its front end in the L1 direction. The spring seat 64 is formed in annular shape and is mounted on the spring seat support portion 75 of the scale body 70 with the engaging protrusion 32a of the handle 32 inserted inside it. Furthermore, the coil spring 62 loads the scale body 70 toward its base end in the L1 direction via the spring seat 64 and the spring seat support portion 75, and the end face of the scale body 70 at its base end in the L1 direction abuts against the inner surface of the top plate portion 32b of the handle 32.

[0065] In this embodiment, the clutch drive mechanism 48 is composed of the aforementioned shaft 40, needle guide 31, cam mechanism 45 disposed between the shaft 40 and needle guide 31, and coil spring 62. Furthermore, the clutch drive mechanism 48, engagement part (engaging part) 47a, and gear part (engaged part) 47b constitute the clutch mechanism 47.

[0066] The above-mentioned scale body 70, such as Figure 4 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 As shown, the scale body 70 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending along the axis L1, and is configured to surround the portion of the shaft portion 40 at its base end in the axis L1 direction. It is configured to be rotatable relative to the shaft portion 40 about the axis L1 and movable in the axis L1 direction. This scale body 70 is formed, for example, of a synthetic resin, preferably of polycyanate (POM). Furthermore, the scale body 70 has a cylindrical ring body portion 71, and a flange-shaped scale 72 extending in a ring shape in the circumferential direction and protruding outward in the radial direction is formed at the end of the ring body portion 71 at its base end in the axis L1 direction. An annular planar portion 72a extending in the circumferential direction is formed on the end face of this scale 72 at its base end in the axis L1 direction, and graduations 72b indicating the amount of rotation of the handle 32 (e.g., the number of rotations) are attached to this planar portion 72a.

[0067] In this embodiment, the scale 72b consists of numbers 1, 2, 3... representing the number of rotations of the handle 32 (i.e., the number of times the handle 32 has been rotated 360 degrees) and a circle (○). This circle (○) is placed at the center between adjacent numbers in the circumferential direction, representing a half-turn rotation of the handle 32 (i.e., a 180-degree rotation from the aforementioned rotation positions). For example, a circle between 0 and 1 represents 0.5, a circle between 1 and 2 represents 1.5, a circle between 2 and 3 represents 2.5, and a circle between 3 and 4 represents 3.5. Therefore, these circles can also be replaced by numbers 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5. Furthermore, the scale 72b corresponding to the actual rotation amount of the handle among these series of scales 72b is indicated by the scale indicator 34 provided on the handle 32.

[0068] At the midpoint of the aforementioned ring body 71 along the axial L1 direction, a flange portion 73 is formed that protrudes outward in the radial direction and extends in a ring shape in the circumferential direction. The outer diameter of this flange portion 73 is smaller than the outer diameter of the dial 72. The dial body 70, as... Figure 4 As shown, the flange 73 slides freely on its outer periphery and abuts against the inner surface of the locking claw 51 of the spacer 50, thus restricting radial movement. Furthermore, a locking protrusion 51a protrudes inward from the front end of the locking claw 51, and this locking protrusion 51a, inserted into the space between the dial 72 and the flange 73, restricts the range of movement of the scale body 70 towards its front end in the L1 direction.

[0069] On the inner side of the aforementioned ring body 71, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, an annular hole 74 extending through the axis L1 is provided, and a gear piece 47b' protruding inward in the radial direction is provided on the inner surface of the annular hole 74 near the front end in the axis L1 direction. In this embodiment, the gear portion 47b (engaged portion), which is composed of a pair of gear pieces 47b', 47b' arranged at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction, is arranged at three locations in the circumferential direction at equal intervals larger than the predetermined interval. These gear portions 47b are arranged at the front end side in the axis L1 direction compared to the meshing portion 47a of the shaft portion 40, and the reciprocating motion of the shaft portion 40 in the axis L1 direction switches between an engaged state where the meshing portion 47a is engaged and a disengaged state where the meshing portion 47a is disengaged. Moreover, as described above, this gear portion 47b together with the engagement portion 47a provided on the shaft portion 40 constitutes part of the clutch mechanism 47, and can transmit the rotation of the shaft portion 40 to the scale body 70 by engaging and disengaging the engagement portion 47a in conjunction with the rotation operation of the handle 32, or disconnect the transmission of the rotation of the shaft portion 40 relative to the scale body 70.

[0070] That is, such as Figure 4 and Figure 10 As shown, in the clutch mechanism 47, when the engagement portion 47a and gear portion 47b are engaged, the scale body 70 transmits the rotation of the handle 32 and rotates integrally with the handle 32. On the other hand, when the engagement of these engagement portions 47a and gear portion 47b is disengaged, by disconnecting the transmission of the rotation of the handle 32 relative to the scale body 70, the handle 32 rotates relative to the scale body 70, switching the scale 72b indicated by the scale indicator portion 34 of the handle 32. However, in this state where the transmission of the rotation of the handle 32 relative to the scale body 70 is disconnected, if the scale body 70 comes into contact with the handle 32, a component that always rotates integrally with the handle 32, the scale body 70 rotates with the handle 32, posing a risk that the correct switching of the scale 72b will no longer be possible. Therefore, in this embodiment, a plate-shaped arm 76 extending from the flange 73 of the ring body 71 toward the front end in the direction of axis L1 is integrally provided on the scale body 70. Moreover, a locking protrusion 76a is provided on the outer surface of the front end of the arm 76 in the radial direction.

[0071] like Figure 10 and Figure 13As shown, three arm portions 76 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the flange portion 73. Each arm portion 76 uses its base end, which is integrally connected to the flange portion 73, as a fulcrum. Its front end can elastically deform in the radial direction, forming a hemispherical locking protrusion 76a that slidably abuts against the inner circumferential surface 52a (resistance-generating surface) of the spacer 50, which is fixedly disposed relative to the first main body 12. That is, the scale body 70 is supported on the spacer 50 with the locking protrusion 76a of the arm portion 76 slidably abutting against the spacer 50. Therefore, when switching the scale 72b indicated by the scale indicator 34, the resistance generated between the locking protrusion 76a of the arm portion 76 and the inner circumferential surface 52a of the spacer 50 prevents the scale body 70 from rotating along with the rotation of the handle 32. Additionally, the symbol 60 indicates a C-shaped cylindrical sleeve. The sleeve 60 is disposed in the scale body 70 at its front end in the axial L1 direction relative to the flange portion 73, and is inserted radially between the outer peripheral surface of the annular body portion 71 of the scale body 70 and the inner surface of the locking protrusion 76a. Furthermore, the sleeve 60, in this configuration, supports the locking protrusion 76a from the inner surface side. Moreover, the sleeve 60 is made of metal, preferably stainless steel.

[0072] Furthermore, the number of arms 76 provided on the aforementioned scale body 70 is not limited to three as in this embodiment; any number is acceptable. Additionally, the shape of the locking protrusion 76a is not limited to a hemispherical shape; any shape suitable for sliding while rubbing is permissible. The arms 76 and the locking protrusion 76a are collectively referred to as the abutment portion 77.

[0073] The aforementioned spacer 50, such as Figure 4 , Figure 14 As shown, the spacer 50 is formed into a cylindrical shape extending along the axis L1 (central axis J direction), and the radial outer side of the scale body 70 is disposed around the scale body 70. A through hole 52 extending in the axis L1 is formed inside the spacer 50, and the inner diameter of the through hole 52 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the flange portion 73 of the scale body 70. Therefore, the scale body 70 can move relative to the spacer 50 in the axis L1 direction. This spacer 50 is formed, for example, of a synthetic resin, preferably of polybutylene terephthalate resin (PBT resin).

[0074] On the inner surface of the through hole portion 52 of the spacer 50, such as Figure 15As shown, a fixing piece 57a protruding inward in the radial direction is provided. In this embodiment, a circumferential fixing portion 57, consisting of a pair of fixing pieces 57a arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, is provided on both sides of the radial direction sandwiching the central shaft J. That is, two circumferential fixing portions 57 are provided on the inner surface of the through hole portion 52. In the top view, the fixing piece 57a extends obliquely from the inner surface of the through hole portion 52 relative to the radial direction, and has a first facet 57b extending inward at an acute angle relative to the inner surface and a second facet 57c extending inward at a smaller acute angle relative to the inner surface.

[0075] These fixing pieces 57a are inserted into Figure 16 The needle valve retainer 21 shown is formed in a fixing hole 21b on the base end side in the L1 direction, preventing the spacer 50 from rotating about the L1 axis. This fixing hole 21b is formed on the peripheral wall 21c on the base end side of the needle valve retainer 21 in the L1 direction, opening at the end of the peripheral wall 21c on the base end side in the L1 direction and extending towards the front end side in the L1 direction. Furthermore, in the top view, this fixing hole 21b extends in a direction inclined relative to the radial direction, having a first fixing surface 21b1 where the first surface 57b of the fixing piece 57a abuts, and a second fixing surface 21b2 where the second surface 57c of the fixing piece 57a abuts.

[0076] like Figure 15 As shown, an opening 58 extending from the base end side to the front end side in the axial direction of the spacer 50 is formed between a pair of fixing plates 57a adjacent in the circumferential direction of the spacer 50. Within the opening 58, a plate-shaped leg 59 extending towards the front end side in the axial direction of the spacer 51 is formed, connected to the end portion of the base end side in the axial direction of the spacer 51. On the inner surface of the front end portion of this leg 59, a locking protrusion 59a protruding radially inward is provided. The radially inward end portion of this locking protrusion 59a protrudes slightly inward compared to the inner surface of the through hole 52, and is locked in place. Figure 16 The needle valve retainer 21 shown has a pair of annular stepped portions 21d and 21d' formed at intervals in the L1 direction at its base end side. Therefore, the spacer 50 is fixed relative to the needle valve retainer 21 to restrict movement in the L1 direction.

[0077] In the middle part of the axial direction on the outer side of the radial direction of the spacer 50, such as Figure 14 As shown, an annular protrusion 53 is formed in a ring shape in the circumferential direction, protruding outward in the radial direction. If the handle 32 is made to engage with this annular protrusion 53, the details will be described later, but the handle 32 will be locked relative to the spacer 50 in the rotational direction. Compared to the annular protrusion 53, a stepped portion 54 is formed in a ring shape on the base end side in the axial L1 direction, extending outward in the radial direction.

[0078] A pair of locking claw portions 51 are provided on the base end side of the spacer 50 in the L1 direction. These locking claw portions 51 are arranged on both sides in the radial direction, clamping the central shaft J, and protrude towards the base end side in the L1 direction. At the end of the base end of the locking claw portion 51 in the L1 direction, a locking protrusion 51a protruding inward in the radial direction is provided. Furthermore, a planar portion 51b extending in a direction orthogonal to the L1 direction (radial direction) is formed on the surface of the locking protrusion 51a facing the base end side in the L1 direction. In addition, the inner surface 51c of the locking protrusion 51a facing the front end side in the L1 direction abuts against the flange portion 73 of the scale body 70, thereby limiting the range of movement of the scale body 70 towards the base end side in the L1 direction. Furthermore, on the outer peripheral surface of the end of the spacer 50 at the base end side in the L1 direction, a plurality of locking recesses 55 recessed inward in the radial direction are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction. These locking recesses 55 are used to lock the rotation of the handle 32.

[0079] The aforementioned handle 32, as Figure 4 , Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, the handle 32 has a top plate portion 32b extending in the radial direction and a side plate portion 32c extending from the periphery of the top plate portion 32b towards the front end side in the direction of axis L1, forming a cylindrical shape, thus forming a topped cylindrical shape. This handle 32 is formed, for example, of synthetic resin, preferably of polyacetal resin (POM resin). Moreover, the handle 32 with this shape surrounds the base end side of the spacer 50 in the direction of axis L1 and is installed on the outer side of the spacer 50 in the radial direction. In addition, a locking protrusion 32a is provided on the inner surface of the top plate portion 32b of the handle 32. This locking protrusion 32a extends along the central axis J (i.e., axis L1) and protrudes towards the front end side in the direction of axis L1. This locking protrusion 32a has a shape similar to the cross-sectional shape of the through hole 43 of the shaft portion 40 and is inserted relative to the through hole 43 of the shaft portion 40. Therefore, the handle 32, as described above, rotates integrally with the shaft portion 40 around the axis L1 while being fixed to each other, and can move relative to the shaft portion 40 in the direction of the axis L1.

[0080] Additionally, in the aforementioned top plate portion 32b of the handle 32, as... Figure 17 As shown, a scale indicator 34 is provided to indicate the scale 72b corresponding to the rotation amount of the handle 32. In this embodiment, the scale indicator 34 is a "scale indicator opening" that extends through the top plate portion 32b in the axis L1 direction, and is a quadrilateral shape that extends radially inward from the periphery of the top plate portion 32b. The flat portion 72a of the scale dial 72 of the scale body 70 is exposed through this scale indicator opening 34. Therefore, the scale 72b indicated on the flat portion 72a (see reference) can be viewed through the scale indicator 34. Figure 11 ).

[0081] On the inner circumferential surface of the middle part in the L1 direction of the aforementioned side plate portion 32c, such as Figure 18 As shown, a plurality of engaging protrusions 32d are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, extending radially inward and in the direction of axis L1. These engaging protrusions 32d, when the handle 32 is moved relative to the shaft portion 40 towards the front end in the direction of axis L1, engage with the locking recess 55 (see reference 50) of the aforementioned spacer 50. Figure 14 The engagement locks the rotation of the handle 32. On the other hand, if the handle 32 is moved toward the base end in the direction of shaft L1 from the engaged state of the engaging protrusion 32d and the locking recess 55, the engaging protrusion 32d is pulled away from the locking recess 55, releasing the locking state of the rotation direction of the handle 32.

[0082] Here, if the engaging protrusion 32d and the locking recess 55 engage to lock the rotation of the handle 32, then... Figure 4 As shown, the engaging claw portion 32e on the inner surface of the side plate portion 32c in the direction of the front end in the L1 direction is engaged with the annular protrusion portion 53 on the outer peripheral surface of the spacer 50, holding the handle 32 in the locked position Pr. On the other hand, if the handle 32 is moved from the locked position Pr toward the base end side in the direction of the L1 direction, the engaging claw portion 32e passes over the annular protrusion portion 53 and engages with the stepped portion 54 that is provided on the base end side in the direction of the L1 direction compared to the annular protrusion portion 53. The engaging claw portion 32e engaged with this stepped portion 54 is sandwiched between the stepped portion 54 and the annular protrusion portion 53, and the handle 32 is held in an unlocked state.

[0083] Thus, in the flow control valve 10 of this embodiment, the shaft portion 40, the scale body 70, and the spacer 50 are arranged coaxially on the shaft L1 inside the handle 32. Therefore, compared with the conventional structure in which the central axis J of the scale body 70 is arranged in a radially biased position relative to the shaft L1, the flow control valve 10 can be made more compact.

[0084] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the second body 13 is connected to the valve receiving portion 12a in the first body 12 on its side surface, extending radially outward from the first body 12. This second body 13 is generally cylindrical in shape, with its base end side (in the direction of axis L2)... Figure 1 The upper end (in the middle) is hermetically sealed, and the front end (in the L2 direction) is hermetically sealed. Figure 1 The second port 15 is provided at the lower end of the shaft L2. An external thread 18 is formed around the outer periphery of this second port 15, which can be threadedly installed on the body of an air compressor such as an air cylinder and connected to the flow path formed in the body.

[0085] Furthermore, a connecting flow path 19 is formed inside the second body 13, which constitutes part of the fluid flow path 16, connecting the internal flow path 16c formed in the first body to the second port 15. This connecting flow path 19 is formed by a connecting flow path 19a and a port flow path 19b. The connecting flow path 19a extends radially within the second body 13, orthogonal to axis L2, and connects to the internal flow path 16c of the first body. The port flow path 19b extends radially along axis L2 within the second body 13, with one end connected to the connecting flow path 19a and the other end connected to the second port 15. That is, the port flow path 19b is formed radially outward from axis L1, separated from axis L2 by only a distance X (refer to...) Figure 2 The position of ).

[0086] Next, the switching action of the scale 72b corresponding to the rotation operation amount of the handle 32 is performed while referring to... Figures 19-21 While explaining. Figure 19 This indicates that the handle 32 has moved to the locked position Pr, thus restricting its rotation. In this state, when the handle 32 is pushed towards the front end in the direction of axis L1, the engaging protrusion 32d of the handle 32 (refer to...) Figure 18 The locking recess 55 of the spacer 50 (see reference) Figure 14 The engagement restricts the rotation of the handle 32. Furthermore, as the handle 32 is pushed towards the front end in the direction of shaft L1, the scale body 70, which abuts against the inner surface of the top plate portion 32b of the handle 32, also moves towards the front end in the direction of shaft L1, and the gear portion 47b disengages from the engagement portion 47a. Then, the shaft portion 40 moves towards the front end in the direction of shaft L1 under the loading force of the coil spring 62, and the cam imitation protrusion 41b of the cam mechanism portion 45 abuts against the cam plane portion 46b of the cam surface 46.

[0087] If this state is as follows Figure 20 As shown, moving the handle 32 towards the base end in the direction of shaft L1 releases the locking state of the handle 32. Simultaneously, as the scale body 70 moves towards the base end in the direction of shaft L1 under the loading force of the coil spring 62, the gear portion 47b provided on the scale body 70 also moves in the same direction, and the engaging portion 47a and the gear portion 47b of the clutch mechanism 47 become engaged. Therefore, the scale body 70 can rotate while being fixed to the shaft portion 40 about shaft L1.

[0088] Thus, with the scale body 70 and the shaft 40 fixed to each other around the axis L1, if the handle 32 is rotated counterclockwise (in the + direction of the arrow), the scale body 70 and the shaft 40 rotate in the same direction as the handle 32, and the cam imitation protrusion 41b of the cam mechanism 45 slides on the cam plane 46b while moving toward the cam protrusion 46a.

[0089] In this state, if the handle 32 is rotated further, such as Figure 21 As shown, the cam, mimicking the force of the coil spring 62, reaches the cam protrusion 46a, causing the shaft 40 to move towards the base end in the direction of shaft L1. This disengages the engagement of the clutch mechanism 47's engagement part 47a and gear part 47b, preventing the shaft 40 from transmitting rotation to the scale body 70, thus stopping the scale body 70's rotation. In this state, if the handle 32 is rotated further, as... Figure 11 As shown, the scale indicator 34 (scale indicator opening) formed on the handle 32 rotates and moves on the scale 72 of the stopped scale body 70, switching to the scale 72b adjacent to the scale 72b indicated by the scale indicator 34. For example, in Figure 11 In the middle, the scale 72b in the scale indicator opening 34 is switched from "1" to "○" (1.5) appended between "1" and "2".

[0090] Furthermore, while switching with the scale 72b, the cam imitation protrusion 41b of the cam mechanism 45 moves past the cam protrusion 46a on the cam surface 46, and the gear part 47b and the engagement part 47a of the clutch mechanism 47 re-engage, and the scale body 70 and the handle 32 become fixed to each other around the axis L. Therefore, the scale body 70 and the handle 32 rotate as a single unit again.

[0091] Thus, in the flow control valve 10 of this embodiment, the handle 32, which is formed as a top cylindrical shape, the scale body 70, the clutch mechanism 47 for switching the scale body 70, and the spacer 50 are arranged coaxially on the shaft L1. Therefore, compared with the conventional structure in which the central axis J of the scale body 70 is arranged in a radially biased position relative to the shaft L1, the flow control valve 10 can be made smaller, for example, because the radial dimension of the first body 12 can be made smaller.

[0092] exist Figure 17 The text indicates a modified example of the spacer 50 of the flow control valve 10 described above. In the above embodiment, as... Figure 10 and Figure 13 As shown, a case is described where an arm portion 76 with a locking protrusion 76a is provided on the scale body 70. In this case, since the locking protrusion 76a is formed in a hemispherical shape, the contact width between the locking protrusion 76a and the inner surface of the spacer 50 becomes smaller, and the resulting resistance also decreases. Therefore, as... Figure 22As shown, a hemispherical recess 56 can also be provided on the inner circumferential surface of the spacer 50 facing the locking protrusion 76a. In this case, multiple recesses 56 are continuously provided in the circumferential direction, forming a wave-like shape. Therefore, when a force of rotation relative to the scale body 70 is applied, in order for the locking protrusion 76a inserted in the recess 56 to disengage from the recess 56, the arm portion 76 needs to be elastically deformed inward in the radial direction, thus further increasing the resistance in the rotational direction of the scale body 70. Therefore, when the scale 72b indicated by the scale indicator 34 is switched by the clutch mechanism 47, the rotation of the scale body 70 can be prevented more reliably.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above-described modified example, a locking protrusion 76a is provided in the arm portion 76, and a recess 56 is provided on the inner surface of the spacer 50, but this is not the only possibility. Alternatively, a recess 56 may be provided in the arm portion 76, and a plurality of locking protrusions 76a that can engage with the recess 56 may be provided in the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the spacer 50.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the scale indicator 34 indicating the scale 72b is shown as being provided in the scale indicator opening on the top plate portion 32b of the handle 32. However, this is not a limitation; the scale indicator 34 could also be, for example, an arrow. Moreover, the numbers on the scale 72b do not need to be a structure indicating the number of times the handle is rotated 360 degrees, as in this embodiment. For example, the opening degree of the needle valve 27 could be divided into integer equal parts to form a number representing the amount of handle rotation operation corresponding to each opening degree of the needle valve 27.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the cam mechanism 45 is shown as an axial direction drive assembly that causes the shaft 40 to move in the direction of the shaft L1, but it is not limited to this and various drive assemblies can be used.

[0096] Explanation of symbols

[0097] 10: Flow control valve

[0098] 12: First Subject (Subject)

[0099] 12a: Valve housing section

[0100] 12b: Port forming section

[0101] 13: Second Subject

[0102] 14: First Port

[0103] 15: Second Port

[0104] 16: Fluid flow path

[0105] 16a: First flow path

[0106] 16b: Second flow path (flow path)

[0107] 16c: Internal flow path

[0108] 17: Pipe fittings

[0109] 17a: Cadence tablets

[0110] 17b: Release sleeve

[0111] 18, 30: External thread

[0112] 19: Connecting Flow Paths

[0113] 19a: Connection Flow

[0114] 19b: Port Flow

[0115] 20: Gate valve retainer

[0116] 20a, 56: concave part

[0117] 21: Needle valve retainer

[0118] 21a: Valve port

[0119] 21b: Fixing hole

[0120] 21b1: First fixed face

[0121] 21b2: Second fixed face

[0122] 21c: Zhoubi

[0123] 22: Center Hole

[0124] 23: Sealing components

[0125] 25: Gate valve

[0126] 26: Valve seat section

[0127] 27: Needle valve

[0128] 27a: Throttling section

[0129] 27b: Needle body

[0130] 27c: Cut surface

[0131] 28: Valve seals

[0132] 29: Orifice

[0133] 31: Needle guide

[0134] 31a: Internal thread

[0135] 31b, 43: Through holes

[0136] 32: Handle

[0137] 32a: Engaging protrusion

[0138] 32b: Top plate section

[0139] 32c: Side panel

[0140] 32d: Engaging protrusion

[0141] 32e: Engaging claw portion

[0142] 33, 51a: Locking protrusion

[0143] 34: Scale indicator section (scale indicator opening)

[0144] 40: Shaft

[0145] 41: First Axis Section

[0146] 41a: Loading flange section

[0147] 41b: Cam mimics protrusion

[0148] 42: Second Axis Section

[0149] 43a, 51b, 72a: Planar part

[0150] 43b: Bend

[0151] 45: Cam Mechanism Section

[0152] 46: Cam surface

[0153] 46a: Cam protrusion

[0154] 46b: Cam plane

[0155] 47: Clutch mechanism

[0156] 47a: Engaging part (locking part)

[0157] 47a': meshing plate

[0158] 47b: Gear section (engaged part)

[0159] 47b': Gear plate

[0160] 48: Clutch drive mechanism

[0161] 50: Spacer

[0162] 51: Locking claw section

[0163] 51c:Inner surface

[0164] 52: Through hole section

[0165] 52a: Inner circumferential surface (resistance generating surface)

[0166] 53: Annular protrusions

[0167] 54: Stepped section

[0168] 55: Locking recess

[0169] 57: Circumferential fixing part

[0170] 57a: Fixing plate

[0171] 57b: First face

[0172] 57c: Second face

[0173] 58: Opening

[0174] 59: Legs

[0175] 59a:Latching convex part

[0176] 60: Sleeve

[0177] 62: Coil spring (spring section)

[0178] 64: Spring seat

[0179] 70: Scale

[0180] 71: Ring Body

[0181] 72: Dial

[0182] 72b: Scale

[0183] 73: Flange portion

[0184] 74: Ring Hole Section

[0185] 75: Spring seat bearing part

[0186] 76: Arm (contact part)

[0187] 76a: Locking protrusion (abutment part)

[0188] 77: Contact Department

[0189] J: Central axis

[0190] L1: First axis

[0191] L2: Second axis

[0192] Pr: Lock position.

Claims

1. A flow control valve having a main body extending in an axial direction, a flow path formed in the main body, a handle provided on the axial direction side of the main body and rotatably supported about the axis with respect to the main body, and a needle valve provided on the same axis as the handle in the main body and regulating the opening degree of the flow path by moving in the axial direction in accordance with the amount of rotational operation of the handle, and capable of controlling the flow rate of fluid flowing in the flow path in accordance with the amount of rotational operation of the handle, characterized by comprising: a scale body rotatably supported about the axis and provided with a scale indicating the amount of rotational operation of the handle; a scale indicator always rotating about the axis integrally with the handle and indicating the scale of the scale body corresponding to the amount of rotational operation of the handle; and a clutch mechanism switching the scale of the scale body indicated by the scale indicator each time the handle is rotated by a predetermined angle by transmitting or interrupting the rotation of the handle to the scale body.

2. The flow control valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the clutch mechanism has a cam surface fixedly provided with respect to the main body and extending annularly about the axis, a cam follower protrusion provided facing the cam surface and rotating about the axis in conjunction with the rotation of the handle and sliding on the cam surface, the cam surface has a cam protrusion protruding toward the axial direction side and a cam flat portion extending flatly from the bottom of the cam protrusion toward the axial direction side, the cam follower protrusion and the engaged portion are supported so as to always be integrally rotatable and always be integrally movable in the axial direction, the engaged portion is supported so as to be fixed with respect to the main body, and the clutch mechanism releases the engagement of the engaged portion and the engaged portion by moving the engaged portion toward the axial direction side with respect to the engaged portion by the cam follower protrusion sliding on the cam protrusion each time the handle is rotated by a predetermined angle, and allows the scale indicator to rotate about the axis with respect to the scale body by the rotation of the handle.

3. The flow control valve according to claim 2, characterized in that the cam surface has a plurality of cam protrusions protruding toward the axial direction side and a plurality of cam flat portions extending flatly from the bottom of each of the cam protrusions toward the axial direction side, the cam follower protrusion has a plurality of cam follower protrusions protruding toward the axial direction side and a plurality of cam follower flat portions extending flatly from the bottom of each of the cam follower protrusions toward the axial direction side, the cam follower protrusions and the engaged portions are supported so as to always be integrally rotatable and always be integrally movable in the axial direction, the engaged portions are supported so as to be fixed with respect to the main body, and the clutch mechanism releases the engagement of the engaged portions and the engaged portions by moving the engaged portions toward the axial direction side with respect to the engaged portions by the cam follower protrusions sliding on the cam protrusions each time the handle is rotated by a predetermined angle, and allows the scale indicator to rotate about the axis with respect to the scale body by the rotation of the handle. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The clutch driving mechanism has a spring portion that always loads the cam imitating protrusion and the engaged portion toward the other side of the shaft direction opposite to the one side of the shaft direction, and after the scale of the scale body indicated by the scale indicating portion is switched, the cam imitating protrusion is moved to the other side of the shaft direction by the load of the spring portion to abut against the cam plane portion, and the engaged portion is engaged with the engaging portion again.

4. The flow control valve according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The flow control valve has a resistance generating surface that is fixedly provided with respect to the main body, and extends annularly around the shaft, The scale body has an abutting portion that slidably abuts against the resistance generating surface, In a state where the engagement of the engaged portion and the engaging portion is released, the resistance generated by the abutting portion abutting against the resistance generating surface prevents the scale body from rotating together with the rotation of the handle.

5. The flow control valve according to claim 4, wherein The abutting portion has a locking protrusion portion that is provided protruding toward the radial direction outer side thereof, The resistance generating surface is formed by providing a plurality of recesses having equal intervals around the shaft, and recessed toward the radial direction outer side.

6. The flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein The scale indicating portion is a scale indicating opening that is opened in the handle, The scale attached to the scale body is visible from the outside through the scale indicating opening.

Images