Valve and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The valve (10) of one embodiment of the present application has a tapered portion (55) on the opening side of the recess (51a) of the body (1), a portion of the tip edge of the protrusion (4b) of the ball (4) abuts against the tapered portion (55) when the protrusion (4b) is inserted into the recess (51a), and the tapered portion (55) guides the protrusion (4b) so that the entire circumference of the tip edge of the protrusion (4b) is positioned at a position further to the bottom side than the tapered portion (55).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve and a method of manufacturing the valve, specifically a valve capable of properly axially supporting a valve core within a body and a method of manufacturing the valve. Background Technology

[0002] A ball valve is known in which a spherical valve core with a through hole rotates within the valve body to open and close the flow path.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a ball valve with the following components on its ball valve core: a shaft portion supported on the valve body in a manner that allows it to rotate about a rotation axis; and an output shaft mounting portion on which a motor output shaft is mounted on the side opposite to the shaft portion. A predetermined clearance is provided between the shaft portion and the shaft support hole of the valve body. If the motor drives the ball valve core to rotate via the motor output shaft, the ball valve core can move between an open state where the valve body through hole of the valve body and the ball valve core through hole of the ball valve core are connected, and a closed state where the ball valve core through hole and the valve body through hole are orthogonal and the valve body through hole are closed.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a hemispherical ball valve with a sliding ring made of synthetic resin sandwiched between a support portion protruding towards the lower end of the valve core and a support hole into which the support portion is inserted.

[0005] When such a valve core is installed in the valve body (hereinafter referred to as the body), either a top-mounted or side-entry type is used. A top-mounted type involves inserting the valve core from the top of the body. A side-entry type involves inserting the valve core from the side of the body.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-65984

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent No. 59-194665 Summary of the Invention

[0010] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0011] In valve cores and bodies supported by a shaft as described above, whether top-mounted or side-entry, the shaft portion located at the top end of the valve core in the insertion direction is hidden within the valve core and cannot be visually confirmed. Therefore, during the adjustment of the valve core's position for insertion into the shaft support hole of the body, the top end of the shaft portion contacts the opening end and periphery of the shaft support hole of the valve body, applying a load that may cause damage. Furthermore, as shown in Patent Document 2, in the presence of a synthetic resin sliding ring, the shaft portion may apply excessive load to the sliding ring, causing it to break.

[0012] Therefore, one objective of the present invention is to provide a valve capable of properly axially supporting a valve core within a body, and a method for manufacturing the valve.

[0013] Technical means to solve the problem

[0014] To address the aforementioned problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a valve, which is an overmount valve, having one of a recess and a convex portion on its body, and the other of the recess and convex portion on the top side of the valve core in the direction of insertion into the body. The valve is configured by the convex portion engaging with the recess, wherein the recess has a tapered portion on its opening side whose inner diameter gradually decreases towards the bottom of the recess, and a portion of the top edge of the convex portion abuts against the tapered portion when the convex portion is inserted into the recess. The tapered portion guides the convex portion so that the entire circumference of the top edge of the convex portion is located closer to the bottom side than the tapered portion.

[0015] To address the aforementioned problems, one aspect of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a valve, comprising: a first step of inserting a valve core into the body through an upper opening, causing the valve core to descend toward the lower part of the body; and a second step, following the first step, engaging the protrusion with the recess at the lower part of the body, positioning the valve core at a predetermined position within the body, wherein in the second step, a portion of the tip edge of the protrusion abuts against the tapered portion when the protrusion is inserted into the recess, and the tapered portion guides the protrusion so that the entire circumference of the tip edge of the protrusion is located closer to the bottom side than the tapered portion.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a valve that can properly axially support a valve core within a body, and to provide a method for manufacturing the valve. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is an external view of a ball valve according to one embodiment of the valve of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the ball valve shown.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the ball valve core's protrusion fully inserted into the body's recess.

[0021] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0022] Figure 5 It is a schematic representation in Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of a ball valve in which the valve core is inserted into the body via a top-mounted design.

[0023] Figure 6 It means Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of the bearing portion of the ball valve shown.

[0024] Figure 7 It means Figure 1 A top view of an example of the bearing portion of the ball valve shown.

[0025] Figure 8 Is with Figure 5 Similarly, a schematic diagram showing the ball valve core inserted into the body, viewed from the top side.

[0026] Figure 9 Is with Figure 5 Similarly, this is a schematic diagram showing the state of the ball valve core halfway through its insertion into the body, viewed from the top of the body.

[0027] Figure 10 It means in Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view showing the ball valve core being inserted into the recess of the body during the insertion process of the ball valve core.

[0028] Figure 11 It means in Figure 1 The partial cross-sectional view shown depicts the ball valve core during insertion, where the protrusion of the ball valve core inserts into the recess of the body. This is a more detailed representation than... Figure 10 A graph showing the state at a point in time after the insertion has progressed further.

[0029] Figure 12 It means in Figure 1 The partial cross-sectional view shown depicts the ball valve core during insertion, where the protrusion of the ball valve core inserts into the recess of the body. This is a more detailed representation than... Figure 11 The graph shows the state at a point in time after the insertion has progressed further.

[0030] Figure 13 It means in Figure 1 The partial cross-sectional view shown depicts the ball valve core during insertion, where the protrusion of the ball valve core inserts into the recess of the body. This is a more detailed representation than... Figure 12 The graph shows the state at a point in time after the insertion has progressed further.

[0031] Figure 14 It means Figure 1 The diagram shows the process flow for manufacturing the ball valve.

[0032] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a ball valve, which is another embodiment of the valve of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating the comparative structure. Detailed Implementation

[0034] [Implementation Method 1]

[0035] The following is for reference Figures 1 to 14 One embodiment of the present invention will be described. One example of the valve in this invention is a top-mounted valve positioned midway through a flow path formed in a generally horizontal direction; however, this embodiment is not limited to this one, and the direction of the flow path may differ.

[0036] (Structure of valve 10)

[0037] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the valve 10 in one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It means in Figure 1 The cut-off line AA′ shown cuts off the valve's state in the sectional view. Furthermore, in... Figure 1 and Figure 2 For ease of explanation, the horizontal plane is used as the XY plane, and the zenith direction is defined as the Z direction in three-dimensional coordinates.

[0038] The valve 10 in this embodiment is a ball valve with a so-called trunnion structure. The valve 10 includes a ball 4 (valve core) that serves as the valve core and a valve body 1, in which the ball 4 is disposed internally.

[0039] The main body 1 has a flow path P along the X-axis direction (first direction) at its lower end, and a ball 4 is arranged in the middle of the flow path P. Figure 2 The structure of the body 1 is as follows: The body 1 has a plurality of openings (piping structure 7) for fluid flow. Furthermore, the body 1 has an upper opening 6b (opening) that allows a ball 4 to pass through, which is an opening in a direction (the X-axis direction described later) that intersects the direction in which the plurality of openings (piping structure 7) face.

[0040] The main body 1 has a storage ball 4 ( Figure 2 ) Valve core storage part 5, storage rod 3 connected to ball 4 ( Figure 2 The rod storage part 6 and the piping structure part 7 extending horizontally from the side of the valve core storage part 5.

[0041] The valve core housing 5 has a hollow central region 51 that allows the ball 4 to be rotatably positioned. The central region 51 has an inner surface that abuts against the lower surface of the ball 4, and a recess 51a is provided on this inner surface that engages with a protrusion 4b provided on the lower surface of the ball 4. The recess 51a will be described later. A communication port 6a is provided at the upper part of the central region 51, communicating with the hollow portion of the central region 51 and the internal space of the rod housing 6. The valve core housing 5 also has an end region 52 between the central region 51 and the piping structure 7, communicating the hollow portion of the central region 51 with the interior of the piping structure 7. The end region 52 has a tubular inner circumferential surface, which has a [missing information - likely a feature or characteristic] along [missing information - likely a feature or characteristic]. Figure 2 The tube shaft extends laterally from the paper surface, and a support mechanism 80 is provided on its inner circumferential surface to support the ball 4 from the side. Although not shown in detail, the support mechanism 80 consists of a ball seat that functions as a sealing part of the ball 4 (which is the valve core), a retainer base that supports the ball seat from the piping structure 7 side, and a spring member disposed within the retainer base that applies force to the retainer base towards the ball seat. It performs a sealing function by pressing the ball seat towards the ball 4. The ball 4 is supported by the support mechanism 80 from both sides of the piping structure 7, thereby holding it in a specific position within the valve core housing 5. Figure 3 In this configuration, the lower surface of ball 4 appears to be in contact with the valve core receiving portion 5, but in reality, they are slightly separated, and ball 4 is supported without contacting the valve core receiving portion 5. As described later, ball 4 rotates as the lever 3 is rotated by operating the operating part 9, but at this time, ball 4 only slides with the ball seat of the support mechanism 80, and slides between the protrusion 4b of ball 4 and the inner peripheral surface of the recess 51a (especially the inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion 56 described later). Therefore, since these slides have a significant impact on the operating torque of ball 4, it is very important to maintain it in a state where the inner peripheral surface of the recess 51a (the inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion 56) is undamaged.

[0042] The rod storage section 6 is a cylindrical structure with a tube axis in the vertical direction (Z direction), and a communication port 6a is provided at its lower end, communicating with the hollow portion of the central region 51. The opening diameter (or aperture) along the horizontal direction of the communication port 6a is larger than the diameter along the horizontal direction of the ball 4. The connection portion between the upper surface of the ball 4 and the rod 3 is located at this communication port 6a. Furthermore, an upper opening 6b is provided at the upper end of the rod storage section 6, and this upper opening 6b is larger than the diameter of the ball 4 along the horizontal direction. Additionally, the inner diameter of the intermediate portion 6c, which is held between the lower and upper ends of the rod storage section 6, is also larger than the diameter of the ball 4 along the horizontal direction.

[0043] like Figure 2As shown, a middle cover 60 is installed at the communication port 6a of the rod storage section 6. The middle cover 60 rotatably fixes the ball 4 in such a way that the ball 4 does not fly out of the valve core storage section 5, and liquidally or gastically separates the space on the side of the ball 4 (valve core storage section 5) inside the body 1. The middle cover 60 has a trunnion plate 61 and a York plate 62.

[0044] Ball 4 is a valve core with a spherical flow path 4a. The diameter of the flow path 4a is equal to the diameter (length along the Z-axis) of the piping structure 7, which extends horizontally (X-axis direction) from the side of the valve core housing 5. In this way, by matching the diameter of the flow path 4a of ball 4 with the diameter of the piping structure 7, ball 4 will not become an obstruction to the fluid within the flow path formed by the piping structure 7, thus enabling the smooth flow of large volumes of fluid under high pressure.

[0045] The ball 4 has an upper surface connected to the rod 3 and a lower surface located on the opposite side thereto. A downwardly protruding protrusion 4b is provided on the lower surface. The protrusion 4b engages with the recess 51a of the valve core receiving part 5. The protrusion 4b and the recess 51a will be described together later.

[0046] Rod 3 forms along Figure 2 The valve shaft extends vertically as shown. Rod 3 extends from the upper surface of the ball 4 housed in the valve core housing 5 to a position further outward than the upper opening 6b of the body 1. Rod 3 is connected to the operating part 9 of the cover 2, which is fixed to seal the upper opening 6b, and is rotated by the handle 99 of the operating part 9. Thus, depending on the amount of rotation of the handle 99, the ball 4 rotates about its vertically extending central axis O (…). Figure 2 Rotate around the center. The flow path P is opened and closed by rotating ball 4. Rotating 90° can change the state from closed to open / closed. Figure 2 The illustrated state is that ball 4 is in the open state, and the piping structure 7 on the left side of the paper and the piping structure 7 on the right side of the paper are connected, for example, a state in which fluid can flow from the left side of the paper to the right side.

[0047] (Concave portion 51a and convex portion 4b)

[0048] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The enlarged view within box B in the image. Furthermore, Figure 3 For ease of explanation, convex part 4b is shown as a perspective view rather than a sectional view. Figure 3As shown, a tapered portion 55, whose inner diameter gradually decreases towards the bottom of the recess 51a, is provided on the opening side of the recess 51a in the valve core housing portion 5. The required thickness of the protrusion 4b (D3, described later) varies depending on the size of the ball 4. It is set to a thickness that can withstand the rotational movement of the ball 4, but it is preferable to set the upper part of the ball 4 to have the same thickness as the protrusion set for connection with the rod 3 from the viewpoint of ease of processing and ease of transmission of the rotational torque of the rod 3. The larger the diameter of the protrusion 4b, the easier it is to fix the ball 4 to the valve core housing portion 5 from the upper opening 6b of the body 1. For example, it can be set to about 1 / 2 of the diameter of the ball 4.

[0049] When the protrusion 4b, which is provided on the lower surface of the ball 4, is inserted into the recess 51a, the tapered portion 55 guides the tip of the protrusion 4b. Specifically, during insertion, a portion of the tip edge of the protrusion 4b abuts against the tapered portion 55. For example, when the ball 4 is introduced into the valve core receiving portion 5 while tilted, as the protrusion 4b moves toward the recess 51a, the tilt of the ball 4 is corrected in the vertical direction based on the guidance of the tapered portion 55, and the central axis of the protrusion 4b moves toward the central axis of the recess 51a (self-aligning). Thus, the protrusion 4b is configured to be guided so that the entire circumference of the tip edge of the protrusion 4b is located closer to the bottom side of the recess 51a than the tapered portion 55. That is, when the portion of the tip of the protrusion 4b that abuts against the tapered portion 55 passes through the tapered portion 55, the entire circumference of the tip edge of the protrusion 4b is guided to a side closer to the bottom of the recess 51a than the tapered portion 55. Therefore, the protrusion 4b is guided into the recess 51a in a manner that does not contact the wall of the recess 51a. Furthermore, in the case of a 10-inch ball valve, during the initial stage of inserting the protrusion 4b into the recess 51a, the central axis of the ball 4 may tilt approximately 3 degrees from the vertical direction. If the tilt exceeds 3 degrees, some degree of self-alignment can be achieved through visual inspection during the top-mounting process. On the other hand, visually inspecting a tilt of less than 2 degrees is difficult. Therefore, in cases where the degree of tilt of the ball 4 cannot be visually inspected, the tapered portion 55 on the body side can be set in a manner that reliably contacts the first tapered portion 41.

[0050] Here, as Figure 3As shown, a first tapered portion 41 with a diameter that gradually decreases towards the tip is provided at the top edge of the protrusion 4b. Therefore, when the protrusion 4b is inserted into the recess 51a, firstly, a portion of the top edge of the first tapered portion 41 contacts (aggregates) the tapered portion 55. As a result, the top edge of the first tapered portion 41 is guided by the tapered surface of the tapered portion 55, and the tilt of the protrusion 4b (ball 4) is eliminated and centered. Next, when the top edge of the first tapered portion 41 moves further to the bottom than the tapered portion 55, this time the bottom edge of the tapered portion 55 contacts the tapered surface of the first tapered portion 41, and the guiding effect generated by their contact further centered the protrusion 4b (ball 4). In this way, since the protrusion 4b is guided by both the first tapered portion 41 and the tapered portion 55, in addition to being more conducive to the centeredness of the protrusion 4b, it is also less likely that the protrusion 51a will contact the wall surface of the recess 51a. Thus, the protrusion 4b is guided by the tapered portion 55. When the portion of the first tapered portion 41 of the protrusion 4b that abuts against the tapered portion 55 passes through the tapered portion 55, the entire circumference of the tip edge of the protrusion 4b is guided to a side closer to the bottom of the recess 51a than the tapered portion 55. Therefore, the protrusion 4b is guided to the recess 51a in a manner that does not contact the wall surface of the recess 51a.

[0051] More specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 4b has a second conical portion 42, whose diameter gradually decreases towards the tip, on the side closer to the base than the first conical portion 41. A cylindrical intermediate portion 43 is provided between the first conical portion 41 and the second conical portion 42. A straight portion 44 is also provided on the protrusion 4b, closer to the sphere 4 than the base of the second conical portion 42. That is, the protrusion 4b has, in sequence along the protruding direction, a straight portion 44, a second conical portion 42, an intermediate portion 43, and a first conical portion 41.

[0052] The protrusion 4b can also be integrally formed with the straight portion 44, the second tapered portion 42, the intermediate portion 43, and the first tapered portion 41. However, the protrusion 4b can also be composed of components different from the straight portion 44, and fixed to the end of the straight portion 44. When it is composed of different components, the method of fixing the straight portion 44 to other parts is not particularly limited to screwing, embedding, etc. In this case, the straight portion 44 and other parts (the second tapered portion 42, the intermediate portion 43, and the first tapered portion 41) can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0053] Here, as Figure 10 As shown, when the diameter of the top end of the second conical portion 42 is set to D1, the diameter of the base end of the second conical portion 42 is set to D2, and the diameter of the straight portion 44 is set to D3, the following relationship is satisfied: D1 < D2 < D3.

[0054] It should be noted that diameters D1, D2, and D3 are in Figure 10 The diagram shows that, since the protrusion 4b is tapered at the tip, it easily fits into the recess 51a during insertion. In particular, the protrusion 4b, when engaged with the recess 51a, becomes the axis of rotation (lower rod) of the ball 4. Therefore, to prevent wobbling, the diameter D3 of the straight portion 44 is typically approximately equal to the inner diameter of the recess 51a (or the inner diameter of the bearing portion 56 described later). Even if the protrusion 4b is not tapered at the tip, and D1 and D2 have the same diameter as D3, the tapered portion 55 can guide the protrusion 4b into the recess 51a. However, by making the protrusion 4b tapered at the tip, after first using the tapered portion 55 to align the middle portion 43 (which has a smaller inner diameter than the recess 51a) and insert it into the recess 51a, the second tapered portion 42 can be used to align the straight portion 44 (which has an inner diameter approximately equal to the recess 51a) and insert it into the recess 51a. By enabling such two-stage alignment, the engagement of the protrusion 4b with the concave portion 51a becomes even easier. Furthermore, during insertion, even if the alignment of the protrusion 4b is completed on the side closer to the tip of the second conical portion 42, there is a possibility that the second conical portion 42 may not abut against the conical portion 55.

[0055] In addition, in this embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, it also includes a bearing portion 56 disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the recess 51a and exposed outside the recess 51a. The bearing portion 56 has a cylindrical shape that is mounted in a strip shape along the circumferential surface of the inner peripheral wall of the recess 51a. More specifically, the bearing portion 56 is mounted in a first region 57 where the inner peripheral surface of the portion (of the recess 51a) from the middle position in the depth direction of the recess 51a to the opening side is cut off, and the inner diameter is widened. The bearing portion 56 may also be an integral ring-shaped structure, or two bearing materials configured as curved strips may be arranged in a ring-shaped arrangement side by side along the inner peripheral surface of the recess 51a. Furthermore, the inner peripheral surface of the second region 58 of the inner peripheral wall of the recess 51a adjacent to the first region 57 may be the same plane as the inner peripheral surface of the bearing portion 56, but it is also possible that the inner diameter of the bearing portion 56 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the second region 58. In addition, the upper opening of the bearing portion 56 is a tapered portion ( Figure 4 56b). Thus, the upper opening of the bearing portion forms a tapered portion 56b ( Figure 4 This facilitates the insertion of the protrusion 4b into the bearing portion 56. As described above, when the protrusion 4b has a tapered shape at the tip, the first tapered portion 41 and the middle portion 43 of the protrusion 4b are easily positioned within the bearing portion 56, but the straight portion 44 may come into contact with the bearing portion 56. In this case, in addition to the self-aligning of the straight portion 44 by the tapered portion 56b of the bearing portion 56, in particular, the straight portion 44 can be smoothly inserted into the bearing portion 56 by the mutual self-aligning of the second tapered portion 42 of the protrusion 4b and the tapered portion of the bearing portion 56.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, the end edge 56a of the opening side of the recess 51a in the bearing portion 56 is located on the extension line of the inclined surface of the tapered portion 55 of the recess 51a, or at a position closer to the bottom side of the recess 51a than on the extension line, preferably at a position closer to the bottom side of the recess 51a than on the extension line. This extension line is... Figure 3 , Figure 10 The middle part is indicated by a dashed line. Furthermore, the upper opening of the bearing portion 56 is a tapered portion 56b. Figure 4 In the case of a ball valve, it is preferable that the tapered portion is located further down from the extension line than the bottom side of the recess 51a. If the end edge 56a of the bearing portion 56 or the tapered portion of the bearing portion 56 is located slightly down from the extension line than the bottom side of the recess 51a, it is possible to prevent the top edge of the protrusion 4b (first tapered portion 41) from contacting the end edge 56a or the tapered portion of the bearing portion 56. As an example of the case where it is located down from the extension line than the bottom side of the recess 51a, the axial distance between the end edge 56a of the bearing portion 56 and the extension line is, for example, less than 4 mm in the case of a 10-inch ball valve. When the ball 4, which is the valve core in the valve 10, is opened and closed, the protrusion 4b becomes the lower rotating shaft (rod) and rotates within the bearing portion 56. At this time, since the outer periphery of the protrusion 4b slides against the inner periphery of the bearing portion 56, the resistance to rotation of the protrusion 4b increases, for example, if there is damage to the inner periphery of the bearing portion 56, resulting in an increase in the opening and closing torque of the valve 10. Therefore, it is preferable that the bearing portion 56 is free from damage to its inner circumferential surface. Damage to the inner circumference of the bearing portion 56 is easily caused when the protrusion 4b and the recess 51a are fitted together. However, by specifying the position of the end edge 56a or the tapered portion of the bearing portion 56 as in this embodiment, the top edge of the protrusion 4b can be prevented from contacting the inner circumferential surface of the bearing portion 56 during insertion, thus preventing damage to the inner circumferential surface of the bearing portion 56.

[0057] Here, Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the convex portion 4b and the tapered portion 55 of the concave portion 51a. For ease of explanation, in Figure 4 The image shows the state where the protrusion 4b is not inserted into the recess 51a. If the first tapered portion 41 of the protrusion 4b is positioned relative to the central axis of the protrusion 4b (… Figure 4 The inclination angle of the concave portion 55 (represented by dashed lines) is set as θr, and the conical portion 55 of the concave portion 51a is positioned relative to the central axis of the concave portion 51a (in the...). Figure 4When the tilt angle (indicated by dashed lines) is set to θs, these conical angles are not particularly limited. However, when the ball 4 is housed in the valve core housing 5, in cases where tilting or deviation from the center occurs to a degree that cannot be visually confirmed, the angle is set to at least ensure reliable contact between the first conical portion 41 and the conical portion 55. Such an angle varies depending on the size of the valve, and for example, can be set in the range of 30° to 40°. In particular, when the tilt angle θs is 30° or more, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship θr < θs; when the tilt angle θs is less than 30°, it is preferable to satisfy the relationship θr ≤ θs. When θr and θs are different, it is preferable that their difference is in the range of 5° to 10°. By specifying the angle in this way, while the protrusion 4b can be easily inserted into the recess 51a, the first conical portion 41 abuts against the conical portion 55, thereby aligning the central axis of the protrusion 4b in a vertical direction. Therefore, even if the top edge of the protrusion 4b does not contact the end edge 56a of the bearing portion 56, or even if it does contact, the end edge 56a of the bearing portion 56 will not be excessively loaded. For example, if it is a 10-inch ball valve, θr can be set to 30° and θs can be set to 35°.

[0058] Additionally, when the second tapered portion 42 of the protrusion 4b is positioned relative to the central axis of the protrusion 4b ( Figure 4 When the tilt angle (represented by dashed lines) is set to θt, it can be set to the same degree as the tilt angle θr of the first tapered portion. However, the tilt angle θt of the second tapered portion 42 and the tilt angle θr of the first tapered portion 41 can be the same tilt angle (θt = θr) or different tilt angles. In the case of different tilt angles, the tilt angle θt of the second tapered portion 42 can be smaller than the tilt angle θr of the first tapered portion 41. For example, in a 10-inch ball valve, when θr is set to 30°, θt can be set to 20°. Thus, as described above, the first tapered portion 41 allows for greater self-alignment of the middle portion 43, while the second tapered portion 42 allows for more precise self-alignment of the straight portion 44, making it easier to insert the protrusion 4b into the recess 51a without damaging the inner circumference of the bearing portion 56.

[0059] (Modified example of the bearing section)

[0060] Here, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 The image shows another example of the bearing portion 56 described above, bearing portion 56A. Figure 6 A perspective view of bearing unit 56A is shown. Figure 7 This diagram shows the bearing portion 56A mounted circumferentially on the inner peripheral wall of the recess 51a, viewed from the opening side of the recess 51a. For ease of explanation, Figure 7 This shows the state in which the convex part 4b and the concave part 51a are engaged.

[0061] A slit 54 is provided in the bearing section 56A. The slit 54 is... Figure 7 The gap extends from the opening side of the recess 51a to the bottom side in the desired state. Through the slit 54, during the assembly of the valve 10, when the protrusion 4b is fitted into the recess 51a, air on the bottom side of the recess 51a can be discharged to the outside of the recess 51a. As a result, since the protrusion 4b and the recess 51a fit together smoothly, the fitting operation can be performed efficiently.

[0062] The length of the belt in the longitudinal direction of bearing portion 56A is shorter than the length of the circumferential surface along the inner peripheral wall of recess 51a. Therefore, when bearing portion 56A is mounted on the inner peripheral wall of recess 51a in the circumferential direction, the two ends 560, 561 ( ) of the belt in the longitudinal direction of bearing portion 56A are shorter. Figure 6 The slits 54 are separated.

[0063] In addition, Figure 7 In the example shown, the slit 54 extends vertically from the opening side of the recess 51a to the bottom side, but it is only necessary to connect with the bottom side and the opening side of the recess 51a. The direction of extension is not limited to the vertical direction, but can also be a direction inclined to the vertical direction.

[0064] In addition, slit 54 is provided only once, but the location of the slit is not limited to one place.

[0065] In addition, not limited to the slit 54, a groove can also be provided on the surface of the bearing portion 56A facing the circumferential surface of the protrusion 4b, and the air on the bottom side of the recess 51a can flow through the groove to exhaust to the outside of the recess 51a.

[0066] Similarly, in order to exhaust air from the bottom side of the recess 51a to the outside of the recess 51a, a groove may also be provided on the circumferential surface of the protrusion 4b, similar to the slit 54. In this case, the air from the bottom side of the recess 51a may flow into the groove and be exhausted to the outside of the recess 51a.

[0067] The above describes the structure of valve 10. In addition, valve 10 may also have structures other than those described above.

[0068] The assembly steps (manufacturing method) of valve 10 will be described below, and the process of storing ball 4 in valve core storage part 5 of body 1 and the mechanism of inserting the protrusion 4b of ball 4 into the recess 51a of valve core storage part 5 will be described.

[0069] (Assembly of Valve 10 (Valve Manufacturing Method))

[0070] exist Figure 14 The diagram shows the assembly steps (valve manufacturing method) of the valve in this embodiment, in which the ball 4 is housed in the valve core housing part 5 of the body 1. Figure 14The steps for setting the ball 4 within the body 1 are shown, including a first step S101 and a second step S102. In this embodiment, as... Figure 5 As shown, the ball 4 can be inserted into the body 1 through the upper opening 6b, causing the ball 4 to descend within the rod storage section 6. Figure 14 The first process S101), thereby placing it inside the valve core receiving section 5 ( Figure 14 The second process S102). This setting method is a so-called top-mounted setting method. In this embodiment, since the rod storage part 6 of the body 1 includes an upper opening 6b and a connecting port 6a ( Figure 2 Furthermore, its inner diameter is larger than that of ball 4, thus enabling this. To lower ball 4, in addition to attaching a special clamp to the upper surface of ball 4 for inserting ball 4 into body 1, in this embodiment, a [missing information - likely a type of clamp] is used. Figure 2 The rod 3 connected to the upper surface of the ball 4 shown allows the ball 4 to be inserted through the upper opening 6b. By using the rod 3, the clamp does not need to be disassembled compared to using a dedicated clamp, thus enabling efficient assembly operations. Furthermore, the insertion of the ball 4 into the body 1 can be performed manually by the operator, or semi-automatically or fully automatically.

[0071] Figure 8 From and Figure 5 Figures showing the ball 4 mounted (inserted) from different angles. As described above, a recess 51a is provided in the valve core housing 5, and a protrusion 4b of the ball 4 ( Figure 3 It engages with the recess 51a. Here, since the recess 51a is located at the top in the direction of ball 4 insertion, when ball 4 is inserted into the rod storage portion 6 of body 1 from the upper opening 6b, as... Figure 9 As shown, ball 4 becomes a blind spot, making it impossible to visually confirm the protrusion 4b and the recess 51a. However, according to this embodiment, by providing a tapered portion 55 on the opening side of the recess 51a, as described above, excessive load is not applied to the protrusion 4b, allowing it to be guided into the recess 51a. Hereinafter, using... Figures 10-13 The process of inserting the convex part 4b into the concave part 51a is described in turn.

[0072] Figure 10 This is the initial stage of insertion. In this... Figure 10In the preceding stages, such as when ball 4 reaches valve core receiving portion 5, the axis of the clamp or rod 3 is tilted relative to the central axis O of body 1 within a range greater than 0° and less than 3°. As in this embodiment, when inserting ball 4 into body 1 using the axis of clamp or rod 3, it is extremely difficult to do so without any tilt relative to the central axis O of body 1. That is, ball 4 is almost always inserted with a slight, unintentional tilt. On the other hand, if a tilt greater than 3° occurs, since the tilt can be visually confirmed, it can be corrected at the point of confirmation. As a result, when ball 4 is inserted, the axis of clamp or rod 3 is tilted relative to the central axis O of body 1 within a range greater than 0° and less than 3°. In summary, this embodiment includes both cases of intentionally performing such tilting and cases of unintentionally performing it. Furthermore, when inserting protrusion 4b into recess 51a… Figure 10 The initial stage shown Figure 14 In the second step S102), a portion of the first tapered portion 41 formed by the top edge of the protrusion 4b contacts (aggregates) the tapered portion 55, and the protrusion 4b is guided by the tapered portion 55 of the recess 51a. Specifically, when the portion of the first tapered portion 41 of the protrusion 4b that abuts against the tapered portion 55 passes through the tapered portion 55, the top edge of the protrusion 4b is guided around its entire circumference to a side closer to the bottom of the recess 51a than the tapered portion 55.

[0073] Figure 11 It is the next stage after the initial insertion. Figure 14 The second process (S102). Figure 11 In the middle, the first stage of the self-alignment of the convex portion 4b is completed when a portion of the first conical portion 41 abuts against the conical portion 55. In this final abutment state, the entire circumference of the convex portion's tip edge is located on a side further down than the conical portion 55. Figure 11 In the middle, the guide protrusion 4b is positioned so that the bottom end of the tapered portion 55 is at... Figure 10 The convex portion 4b, guided by the tapered portion 55, slides on the circumferential surface of the middle portion 43, and the convex portion 4b is aligned. Even in this sliding state, such as Figure 11 As shown, because a first tapered portion 41 is provided at the top edge of the protrusion 4b, the top edge does not exert excessive load on the end edge 56a of the bearing portion 56. Furthermore, when the protrusion 4b is fully inserted into the recess 51a, i.e., in the fitted state, there is almost no clearance or only a slight clearance between the inner circumferential surface of the bearing portion 56 and the diameter D3 of the straight portion 44 with the largest diameter in the protrusion 4b. Specifically, the difference between the inner diameter D4 and D3 of the cylindrical bearing portion 56 is, for example, about 0.1 mm in the case of a 10-inch ball valve. Figure 11As shown, during the middle stage of insertion, on the side opposite to the abutting side, separated by the central axis of the protrusion 4b, there is a gap between the tapered portion 55 and the first tapered portion 41 or the intermediate portion 43.

[0074] Figure 12 Showing from Figure 11 The state is further inserted into the state. Figure 12 In the state shown, the centering of convex part 4b enters the final stage. Figure 14 The second process S102). In the previous process, since the convex part 4b was roughly centered, the second tapered part 42 of the convex part 4b and Figure 12 The end edge 56a of the bearing portion 56 shown on the right side abuts against the bearing, but without applying excessive load. Self-alignment is achieved through this abutment.

[0075] Figure 13 It is located on the bottom side of the second tapered portion 42, which is further down than the tapered portion 55. If it is in this state, the bearing portion 56 and the recess 51a will not be excessively loaded from the protrusion 4b.

[0076] Moreover, such as Figure 3 As shown, the convex portion 4b is fully inserted into the concave portion 51a (end). Figure 14 (Second step S102). As described above, in this embodiment, by intentionally utilizing an inclination greater than 0° and less than 3° that is unintentionally generated during the insertion of the ball 4, the protrusion 4b of the ball 4 can be aligned and inserted into the recess 51a of the body 1. Moreover, the protrusion 4b and the recess 51a have a first conical portion 41 and a conical portion 55 that satisfy the specific conditions described above, but these conditions are set by adjusting the ball 4 in such a way that the protrusion 4b is reliably guided into the recess 51a when the ball 4 is tilted greater than 0° and less than 3°.

[0077] Here, the valve 10 illustrated in this embodiment is designed for valves with relatively large diameters of the flow path 4a of the ball 4 and the pipe diameter of the piping structure 7. Therefore, the ball 4 itself is relatively heavy. In this case, when assembling the valve 10 according to the steps described above, if the ball 4 is rapidly machined within the body 1, there is a risk that the protrusion 4b may collide with the recess 51a and break, or the protrusion 4b may come into contact with the bearing portion 56 and break. Therefore, to avoid this situation, during the assembly step, the ball 4 is placed inside the body 1, and during the descent of the ball 4 within the rod receiving portion 6 ( Figure 14 The first step (of the process) causes ball 4 to descend rapidly. Meanwhile, ball 4 enters the valve core receiving section 5, and its descent speed decreases as the protrusion 4b approaches the concave section 51a. Thus, in Figure 14In the second process, the conical part 55 and the first conical part 41 will not come into rapid contact, thus avoiding the aforementioned damage. Furthermore, the ball valve core storage part 5 can be installed manually, semi-automatically, or fully automatically.

[0078] Thus, in this embodiment, the tapered portion 55 guides the protrusion 4b by abutting against a portion of the top edge of the protrusion 4b. Consequently, even when the protrusion 4b is inserted into the recess 51a via an upper mounting method, the ball 4 is properly axially supported in the valve core receiving portion 5 of the body 1. Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The convex part 4b and the concave part 51a fit together. Figure 3 In this state, the straight body portion 44 abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the bearing portion 56. On the other hand, the second tapered portion 42, the intermediate portion 43, and the first tapered portion 41 face each other with the second region 58 of the recess 51a having the specified clearance described above.

[0079] After the above process, after the ball 4 is properly supported on the valve core housing 5 of the body 1, the ball 4 is pressed down using the aforementioned middle cover 60. Both the trunnion plate 61 and the York plate 62 are circular plates, each with a through hole in its center for the rod 3 to pass through. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the York plate 62 has a threaded structure that engages with a threaded structure provided on a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the rod housing 6, allowing the York plate 62 to be fixed in the desired position on the rod housing 6. Moreover, the portion into which the middle cover 60 is fitted is the lower end of the middle portion 6c of the inner circumferential surface of the rod housing 6, corresponding to a portion with a reduced inner diameter. That is, the wall thickness of this portion is configured to be thicker than the wall thickness of other portions of the rod housing 6. Therefore, it can withstand radial loads as the middle cover 60 is fitted. Furthermore, the York plate 62 can be fixed to the body 1 using screws or bolts, or any other fixed mechanism that can be detached from the body 1. Considering ease of assembly, it is preferable to use a threaded connection with the body. On the other hand, the trunnion plate 61 fits into the inner circumferential surface of the rod storage portion 6, but unlike the York plate 62, it is not fixed to the body 1 using any fixed mechanism such as screwing. The trunnion plate 61 is fixed by pressing the York plate 62 towards the ball 4. Figure 2 The position is shown. The trunnion plate 61 and the York plate 62 do not contact each other on their opposing surfaces, but rather through a sealing member. In this way, the ball 4 can be reliably stored in the valve core storage part 5 through the communication port 6a of the sealing rod storage part 6 of the middle cover body 60, thus preventing the ball 4 from unduly flying upwards.

[0080] also, Figure 2The support mechanism 80 and the piping structure 7 shown are arranged on the side of the valve core housing 5 before the ball 4 is mounted. The support mechanism 80 supports the ball 4, which is axially supported by the valve core housing 5, from the side.

[0081] Furthermore, the valve core housing 5, rod housing 6, and piping structure 7, which constitute the outer shell of the body 1, can be an integral body without any joints other than welding. "Integral" does not mean connection using bolts, screws, or other clamps, but rather a completely integral structure without such joints, or even if joints are present, multiple parts (components) are joined only by welding. This integral structure provides a highly reliable, leak-proof body 1. It can also be used as a valve for handling extremely low-temperature liquid hydrogen as a fluid. Additionally, compared to connections using clamps, clamps are not required on the outer surface of the body 1, allowing for a surface with fewer irregularities. This is suitable, for example, when handling liquid hydrogen, by installing a vacuum sleeve that completely covers the portion other than the cover 2. The vacuum sleeve, through its insulating effect, helps maintain the liquid hydrogen flowing through the flow path P at an appropriate temperature. Furthermore, if the body 1 is an integral structure formed solely by welding, the structural strength is high. Therefore, a larger flow path can be formed, allowing for a large flow of fluid (including liquid hydrogen). Regarding the flow rate, it can be appropriately set based on the pipe diameter of the piping structure 7, the size of the ball 4, and the diameter of the flow path 4a. For example, the valve 10 of this embodiment can accommodate the pipe diameter of the piping structure 7 and the diameter of the flow path 4a with a relatively large diameter of 25 cm or more. For example, the pipe diameter and the flow path 4a can be configured to be approximately 10 to 24 inches (approximately 25 to 65 cm).

[0082] In addition, this embodiment can be a ball valve, but it can also be other types of valves (ball valve or butterfly valve).

[0083] As described above, according to this embodiment, the first tapered portion 41 of the protrusion 4b abuts against the tapered portion 55, thereby guiding the protrusion 4b by the tapered portion 55 so that the entire circumference of the tip edge of the protrusion 4b is located at a position further down than the tapered portion 55. This avoids the situation where the tip edge of the protrusion 4b comes into contact with the recess 51a or the bearing portion 56 disposed in the recess 51a, thus preventing excessive load application, and allows the protrusion 4b to be properly axially supported in the recess 51a.

[0084] Here, as a comparative structure, in Figure 16 The image shows a partially enlarged view of the ball 1104, which serves as the ball valve core, and the valve core housing 1105, which serves as the valve body 1101. Figure 16 In the comparison structure, the conical portion 55 of the recess 51a of the valve core receiving portion 5 shown in this embodiment is absent. Furthermore, in... Figure 16In the comparison structure, the first tapered portion 41 and the second tapered portion 42 of the protrusion 4b of the sphere 4 shown in this embodiment are also absent. Figure 16 The diagram shows the situation where the shaft portion 1104b provided on the bottom surface of the ball 1104 is fitted with the shaft support hole 1105a provided in the valve core receiving portion 1105. During this fitting, as described above, if it is an upper-mounted type, the ball 1104 becomes a blind spot, making it impossible to visually confirm the fitting. Therefore, as... Figure 16 As shown, the edge of the top end of the shaft portion 1104b contacts the periphery of the shaft support hole 1105a, thus applying excessive load. For example, there may be deformation of the edge of the top end of the shaft portion 1104b, or damage to the inner circumferential surface of the shaft support hole 1105a. These factors hinder proper shaft support of the ball 1104. Furthermore, as... Figure 16 As shown, when a bearing portion 1111 is provided within the shaft support hole 1105a, it is conceivable that if the shaft portion 1104b is inserted into the shaft support hole 1105a at an angle, the bearing portion 1111 may break due to the edge of the shaft portion 1104b. In contrast, as in this embodiment, by providing a tapered portion 55 in the recess 51a, the protrusion 4b can be guided to fit properly. Therefore, the aforementioned problems are not present, and the ball can be properly supported by the shaft.

[0085] [Variation Example]

[0086] As described in the above embodiments, in order to avoid excessive load on the recess 51a or the bearing portion 56 disposed in the recess 51a, the tapered portion 55 is sufficient. In other words, the first tapered portion 41 of the protrusion 4b is a better way to avoid excessive load on the recess 51a or the bearing portion 56, but it is not a necessary structure. That is, instead of the protrusion 4b described in the above embodiments, a straight-shaped protrusion is provided on the ball 4, and the straight-shaped protrusion abuts against the tapered portion 55 and is then inserted into the recess 51a, so that the protrusion and the recess 51a are fitted together, is also included in one aspect of the present invention.

[0087] [Implementation Method 2]

[0088] Other embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, structural elements having the same function as those described in Embodiment 1 above are given the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted as appropriate.

[0089] In Embodiment 1 described above, a downwardly protruding protrusion 4b is provided on the lower surface of the ball 4, and a recess 51a is provided in the valve core receiving portion 5, with the protrusion 4b and the recess 51a fitting together. In contrast, in Embodiment 2, the difference lies in the fact that the lower surface of the ball 4 has an upwardly recessed portion, and the valve core receiving portion 5 has an upwardly protruding protrusion. Hereinafter, using... Figure 15 This implementation method will be described.

[0090] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of valve 10A in this embodiment. Figure 15 The lower surface of the ball 4 in valve 10A and its fitting portion with the valve core housing 5 are shown. Figure 15 In the valve core receiving portion 5, a recessed portion 151 is provided. The shape of the recessed portion 151 is the same as that of the recessed portion 51a in Embodiment 1, with an opening at the top and a bottom at the bottom, and a tapered portion 155 on the opening side whose inner diameter gradually decreases towards the bottom of the recessed portion 151. A rod-shaped lower rod 154 is fitted into the recessed portion 151. A portion 154a of the lower rod 154 protrudes from the recessed portion 151, and this protruding portion 154a is a convex portion that fits into the recessed portion 40 of the ball 4.

[0091] Here, with the lower rod 154 fitted into the recess 151, a bearing portion 566 is provided between the circumferential surface of the lower rod 154 and the inner circumferential surface of the recess 151. The bearing portion 566 has the same structure and function as the bearing portion 56 in Embodiment 1.

[0092] The portion 154a protruding from the recess 151 in the lower rod 154 has the same structure as the protrusion 4b in Embodiment 1. That is, a lower rod tapered portion 154b (first tapered portion) with a diameter that gradually decreases towards the tip is provided at the tip edge of the top edge of the portion 154a protruding from the recess 151 (hereinafter referred to as the top edge of the lower rod 154). The lower rod tapered portion 154b has the same first tapered portion 41 as the protrusion 4b in Embodiment 1 (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 4 It has the same function.

[0093] Furthermore, in the protruding portion 154a, a second lower rod tapered portion 154c (second tapered portion) is provided on the base side of the lower rod tapered portion 154b (the side opposite to the tip of the lower rod 154) with a diameter that gradually decreases toward the tip of the lower rod 154. A cylindrical intermediate portion 154d is provided between the lower rod tapered portion 154b and the second lower rod tapered portion 154c. A straight portion 154e is further provided on the protruding portion 154a on the base side, which is closer to the second lower rod tapered portion 154c. That is, the protruding portion 154a has, in sequence along the protruding direction, the straight portion 154e, the second lower rod tapered portion 154c, the intermediate portion 154d, and the lower rod tapered portion 154b.

[0094] Furthermore, similar to the protrusion 4b in Embodiment 1, the protruding portion 154a can also integrally form a straight body portion 154e, a second lower rod tapered portion 154c, a middle portion 154d, and a lower rod tapered portion 154b. However, the protruding portion 154a, except for the straight body portion 154e, can also be composed of components different from the straight body portion 154e and fixed to the end of the straight body portion 154e. In the case where it is composed of different components, the method of fixing the straight body portion 154e to other parts is not particularly limited, such as screwing or embedding. In this case, the straight body portion 154e and other parts (the second lower rod tapered portion 154c, the middle portion 154d, and the lower rod tapered portion 154b) can be made of the same material or different materials.

[0095] A tapered portion 45, whose inner diameter gradually decreases toward the bottom of the recess 40, is provided on the opening side of the recess 40 of the ball 4. The tapered portion 45 guides the tip of the protruding portion 154a when it is inserted into the recess 40. Specifically, during insertion, a portion of the tip edge of the protruding portion 154a abuts against the tapered portion 45. Specifically, when the ball 4 is introduced into the valve core receiving portion 5 in an inclined state, as the recess 40 advances toward the protruding portion 154a, the tapered portion 154b guides the ball 4 to correct its inclination to a vertical direction, and the central axis of the recess 40 moves toward the central axis of the protruding portion 154a (self-aligning). Thus, the entire circumference of the tip edge of the protruding portion 154a is guided to a position closer to the bottom side of the recess 40 than the tapered portion 45. That is, when the portion of the top of the protruding portion 154a that abuts against the tapered portion 45 passes through the tapered portion 45, the top edge of the top of the protruding portion 154a is guided around its entire circumference to a side closer to the bottom of the recess 40 than the tapered portion 45. Therefore, the protruding portion 154a is guided into the recess 40 in a manner that does not contact the wall surface of the recess 40.

[0096] Here, the end edge 566a of the opening side of the recess 40 in the bearing portion 566 is located on the extension line of the inclined surface of the tapered portion 45 of the recess 40, or on the bottom side of the recess 40 further than the extension line, preferably on the bottom side of the recess 40 further than the extension line. This prevents the top edge of the protruding portion 154a (lower rod tapered portion 154b) from contacting the end edge 566a of the bearing portion 566, thus preventing damage to the inner circumferential surface of the bearing portion 566.

[0097] As described above, according to this embodiment, similarly to embodiment 1, the recess 40 and the protrusion (protruding portion 154a) are guided by the abutment of their conical surfaces, enabling them to fit together smoothly.

[0098] The valve 10A of the above embodiment can be manufactured by the same process as the manufacturing method (assembly steps) described in Embodiment 1.

[0099] Furthermore, instead of forming the protrusion directly on the valve core housing 5, it is preferable to provide a recess 151 and achieve the protrusion by inserting the lower rod 154 into the recess 151 and causing it to protrude, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process of the protrusion. However, it is also possible to form the protrusion directly on the valve core housing 5.

[0100] 〔Summarize〕

[0101] In embodiment 1 of the present invention, valves 10 and 10A are such that the valve core (ball 4) is passed through the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 ) and recessed portion 51a ( Figure 3 ), 40 Figure 15 The valves 10 and 10A, which are fitted and disposed on the body 1, are either top-mounted or side-entry type. The body 1 has one of a recess and a convex portion (recess 51a). Figure 3 ), convex portion 154a ( Figure 15 The valve core (ball 4) has the other of the recess and protrusion on its top side in the direction of insertion into the body 1 (protrusion 4b). Figure 3 ), recess 40 ( Figure 15 The recess 51a Figure 3 ), 40 Figure 15 The opening side has an inner diameter facing the recess 51a. Figure 3 ), 40 Figure 15 The tapered portion 55 gradually decreases in size from the bottom. Figure 3 ), 45 Figure 15 ), the convex portion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 A portion of the top edge of the cone abuts against the tapered portion when the protrusion is inserted into the recess, the tapered portion 55 ( Figure 3 ), 45 Figure 15 ) guides the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 ), so that the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 The entire circumference of the top edge of the cone is located beyond the cone portion 55. Figure 3 ), 45 Figure 15 (The position is closer to the bottom side.)

[0102] According to the structure of said method 1, a valve 10, 10A can be provided that can properly axially support the valve core within the body 1. Specifically, according to the structure of said method 1, through the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 A portion of the top edge (first tapered portion 41, lower rod tapered portion 154b) and tapered portion 55 ( Figure 3 ), 45 Figure 15 ) abuts, thereby the conical part 55 ( Figure 3 ), 45 Figure 15 )Guiding convex part 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 ), so that the convex part 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 The entire circumference of the tip edge of the cone is located 55 ( ) Figure 3 ), 45 Figure 15 The position is near the bottom. This avoids the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 The top edge of ) and the recess 51a ( Figure 3 ), 40 Figure 15 (Bearing portion 56 is provided in the recesses 51a and 40) Figure 3 ), 566 Figure 15 In cases where the bearing portion 56) contacts and excessive load is applied, the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 Appropriately fitted into the recess 51a ( Figure 3 ), 40 Figure 15 Therefore, it is possible to provide a valve 10, 10A that can properly axially support the valve core within the body 1.

[0103] Alternatively, in embodiment 2 of the present invention, the valve 10 may also be in embodiment 1 in which the body 1 has a longitudinally elongated cylindrical shape, an opening (upper opening 6b) at the upper part through which the valve core (ball 4) can pass, and a valve core receiving part 5 having the recess 51a at the lower part. The valve core (ball 4) has the protrusion 4b, and the valve core (ball 4) is disposed in the valve core receiving part 5 by introducing the protrusion 4b downward from the opening (upper opening 6b).

[0104] In addition, in the embodiment 3 of the present invention, the valve core of valves 10 and 10A in embodiment 1 or 2 may be a ball valve core (ball 4).

[0105] According to the structure of method 3, when the ball 4 is mounted or inserted from the side, the protrusion (4b) located on the top end of the insertion point enters a blind spot of the ball 4 and cannot be visually confirmed. In this situation, the protrusion 4b is guided by the tapered portion 55 and can properly fit into the recess 51a.

[0106] Furthermore, in the embodiments of the present invention, valves 10 and 10A of embodiment 4 have, in embodiments 1 to 3, a first tapered portion 41 with a diameter that gradually decreases toward the top edge.

[0107] According to the structure of method 4, in valve 10, as Figure 3 As shown, a portion of the first tapered portion 41 of the protrusion 4b abuts against the tapered portion 55, thereby guiding the protrusion 4b so that the entire circumference of the first tapered portion 41 of the protrusion 4b is located at a position further down than the tapered portion 55. Furthermore, in valve 10A, as... Figure 15 As shown, a portion of the lower rod tapered portion 154b of the protrusion 154a abuts against the tapered portion 45, thereby the tapered portion 45 guides the protrusion 154a so that the entire circumference of the lower rod tapered portion 154b of the protrusion 154a is located at a position further to the bottom than the tapered portion 45.

[0108] Therefore, it is possible to make the convex part 4b ( Figure 3 ) and convex part 154a ( Figure 15 ) and recessed portion 51a ( Figure 3 ) and recess 40 ( Figure 15 Properly fitted. Therefore, it is possible to provide a valve 10, 10A that can properly axially support the valve core within the body 1.

[0109] Furthermore, in embodiment 5 of the present invention, valves 10 and 10A can also be configured in embodiment 4 such that the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 ) in the first tapered portion 41 ( Figure 3 ), 154b Figure 15 The base side has a second conical portion 42 whose diameter gradually decreases towards the tip. Figure 3 ), 154c Figure 15 ).

[0110] According to the structure of the method 5, except for the first tapered portion 41 ( Figure 3 ), 154b Figure 15 In addition to the second tapered portions 42 and 154c, the protrusion 4b can also be formed. Figure 3 ) and convex part 154a ( Figure 15 The adjustment of the center allows for smoother operation of the convex part 4b ( Figure 3 ) and convex part 154a ( Figure 15 ) To the concave part 51a ( Figure 3 ) and recess 40 ( Figure 15 Insertion of ).

[0111] Furthermore, in embodiment 5, the valves 10 and 10A of embodiment 6 of the present invention can also be configured such that, when the second conical portion ( Figure 3 ), 154c Figure 15 When the diameter of the top of the first cone is set to D1, the diameter of the base of the second cone is set to D2, and the diameter of the straight body that is closer to the valve core than the second cone is set to D3, the following relationship is satisfied: D1 < D2 < D3.

[0112] According to the structure of method 6, the convex part 4b ( Figure 3 ) and convex part 154a ( Figure 15 The shape becomes tapered at the tip, thus making it easy to fit into the recess 51a during insertion. Figure 3 ) and recess 40 ( Figure 15 )middle.

[0113] Furthermore, in embodiments 1 to 6, the valves 10 and 10A of embodiment 7 of the present invention also have bearing portions 56 and 566, which are disposed in the recess 51a. Figure 3 ) and recess 40 ( Figure 15 On the inner peripheral wall of ), and exposed in the recess 51a ( Figure 3 ) and recess 40 ( Figure 15 ).

[0114] According to the structure of method 7, the convex portion 4b ( Figure 3 ) and convex part 154a ( Figure 15 ) through recess 51a ( Figure 3 ) and recess 40 ( Figure 15 ) tapered portion 55 ( Figure 3 ), 45 Figure 15 ) is guided so that the convex portion 4b ( Figure 3 ) and convex part 154a ( Figure 15 The top edge of the first conical part 41 Figure 3 ), lower rod tapered section 154b ( Figure 15 The entire circumference of the cone is located at 55° and 45°. Figure 15 The convex part 4b is located further to the bottom side. Figure 3 ) and convex part 154a ( Figure 15 This will not apply excessive load to bearing sections 56 and 566.

[0115] In addition, in embodiment 7, the valves 10 and 10A of embodiment 8 of the present invention may also be configured such that the end edge of the opening side of the recess in the bearing portion is located closer to the bottom side of the recess than the extension line of the inclined surface of the tapered portion of the recess.

[0116] The positions of the end edges 56a and 566a of the bearing portions 56 and 566 are defined as in the structure of method 8, at the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ) and convex part 154a ( Figure 15 The top edge of the first conical part 41 Figure 3 ), lower rod tapered section 154b ( Figure 15 The bearing portion 56, 566 does not contact the end edges 56a, 566a of the bearing portion 56, 566, or even if it does contact, it will not apply excessive load to the end edges 56a, 566a of the bearing portion 56, 566.

[0117] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of valves 10 and 10A of embodiment 9 of the present invention is a manufacturing method for valves of embodiments 1 to 8, comprising: a first step, inserting the valve core (ball 4) into the body 1 from the upper opening of the body 1, causing the valve core to descend toward the lower part of the body 1; and a second step, following the first step S101, engaging the protrusion with the recess at the lower part of the body, and positioning the valve core at a predetermined position within the body. In the second step S102, a portion of the tip edge of the protrusion abuts against the tapered portion when the protrusion is inserted into the recess, and the tapered portion guides the protrusion so that the entire circumference of the tip edge of the protrusion is located further to the bottom side than the tapered portion.

[0118] According to the manufacturing method of the aforementioned method 9, a valve 10, 10A can be provided that can properly axially support the valve core within the body 1. Specifically, according to the structure of the aforementioned method 10, through the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 A portion of the top edge (first tapered portion 41, lower rod tapered portion 154b) and tapered portion 55 ( Figure 3 ), 45 Figure 15 ) abuts, thus the tapered part 55 ( Figure 3 ), 45 Figure 15 )Guiding convex part 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 ), so that the convex part 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 The entire circumference of the tip edge of the cone is located 55 ( ) Figure 3 ), 45 Figure 15 The position is closer to the bottom. Therefore, the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15 The top edge of ) and the recess 51a ( Figure 3 ), 40 Figure 15 (Bearing portion 56 is provided in the recesses 51a and 40) Figure 3 ), 566 Figure 15 In cases where the bearing portion 56) contacts and excessive load is applied, the protrusion 4b ( Figure 3 ), 154a ( Figure 15) and recessed portion 51a ( Figure 3 ), 40 Figure 15 Properly fitted. Thus, it is possible to provide a valve 10, 10A in which the valve core is properly axially supported within the body 1.

[0119] Furthermore, in embodiment 9, the manufacturing method of valves 10 and 10A of embodiment 10 of the present invention may also be configured such that, in the first step, while the clamp for inserting the valve core into the body is connected to the upper surface of the valve core, or while the valve shaft is connected to the upper surface of the valve core, the valve core is lowered toward the lower part of the body; and in the second step, before a portion of the top edge of the protrusion abuts against the tapered portion, i.e., when a portion of the top edge of the protrusion is lowered to the vicinity of the tapered portion, the axis of the clamp or the valve shaft is tilted relative to the central axis of the body extending from the upper opening toward the lower part within a range greater than 0° and less than 3°.

[0120] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of this invention.

[0121] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0122] 1 body

[0123] 3 strokes

[0124] 4 balls (valve core, ball valve core)

[0125] 4a flow path

[0126] 4b convex part

[0127] 5 Valve core storage section

[0128] 6-bar storage section

[0129] 6a Connector

[0130] 6b Upper opening (opening)

[0131] 6c middle part

[0132] 10 valves

[0133] 40 recess

[0134] 41 First conical part

[0135] 42 Second conical part

[0136] 43, 154d middle section

[0137] 44, 154e Straight Body

[0138] 45-inch tapered section

[0139] 51 Central Region

[0140] 51a recess

[0141] 52-end area

[0142] 55-conical section

[0143] 56 bearing section

[0144] 56a end edge

[0145] 57 First District

[0146] 58 Second Region

[0147] 60 Middle Cover Body

[0148] 154 lower rod

[0149] 154a The protruding part (convex part)

[0150] 154b Lower rod tapered section (first tapered section)

[0151] 154c Second lower rod tapered section (second tapered section)

Claims

1. A valve, a top-mounted valve in which a valve core is disposed on a body by means of a protrusion and a recess, the body having one of the recess and the protrusion, the valve core having the other of the recess and the protrusion on its tip side in the direction of insertion into the body, wherein, The recess has a tapered portion on the opening side whose inner diameter gradually decreases towards the bottom of the recess. A portion of the tip edge of the protrusion abuts against the tapered portion when the protrusion is inserted into the recess. The tapered portion guides the convex portion such that the entire circumference of the tip edge of the convex portion is located closer to the bottom side of the concave portion than the tapered portion. The protrusion has a first tapered portion at its tip edge whose diameter gradually decreases towards the tip. The protrusion has a second tapered portion on the base side, whose diameter gradually decreases towards the tip. On the protrusion, a straight body portion is provided on the side closer to the base end than the base end of the second conical portion.

2. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The body has a longitudinally elongated cylindrical shape, with an opening at the top for the valve core to pass through, and a valve core receiving portion at the bottom, the valve core receiving portion having the recessed portion. The valve core has the protrusion, and the valve core is disposed in the valve core receiving portion by introducing the protrusion downward from the opening into the valve core receiving portion.

3. The valve as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein, The valve core is a ball valve core.

4. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein, When the diameter of the top end of the second conical portion is set to D1, the diameter of the base end of the second conical portion is set to D2, and the diameter of the straight portion that is closer to the base end than the second conical portion is set to D3, the following relationship is satisfied: D1 < D2 < D3.

5. The valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein, It also has a bearing portion disposed on the inner peripheral wall of the recess and exposed in the recess.

6. The valve as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The end edge of the opening side of the recess in the bearing portion is located closer to the bottom side of the recess than the extension line of the inclined surface of the tapered portion of the recess.

7. A method for manufacturing a valve, used to manufacture the valve according to any one of claims 1 to 6. in, include: The first step involves inserting the valve core into the body through the upper opening, causing the valve core to descend towards the lower part of the body; and The second step, following the first step, involves engaging the protrusion and the recess at the lower part of the body to position the valve core at a predetermined location within the body. In the second step, a portion of the top edge of the protrusion abuts against the tapered portion when the protrusion is inserted into the recess, and the tapered portion guides the protrusion so that the entire circumference of the top edge of the protrusion is located closer to the bottom side of the recess than the tapered portion.

8. The method of manufacturing the valve as described in claim 7, wherein, In the first step, with the clamp for inserting the valve core into the body connected to the upper surface of the valve core, or with the valve shaft connected to the upper surface of the valve core, the valve core is lowered toward the lower part of the body. In the second step, before a portion of the top edge of the protrusion abuts against the tapered portion, the axis of the clamp or the valve shaft is tilted relative to the central axis of the body extending from the upper opening toward the lower portion within a range greater than 0° and less than 3°.

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