valve unit

Abstract

The valve unit (10) is provided with a filter mounting hole (46) and a throttle hole mounting hole (56) at different positions of the first pilot flow path (42A) that guides the water of the valve chamber (34) to the pressure chamber (40), a filter unit (48) is mounted in the filter mounting hole (46), and a throttle hole unit (54) is mounted in the throttle hole mounting hole (56).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pilot-operated valve unit. Background Technology

[0002] For water supply control, pilot-operated valve units (2-port valves) are widely used. This valve unit has the following structure: a valve chamber with a valve seat connected to the outlet port is separated by a diaphragm from a pressure chamber supplied with water as a pilot flow path. The diaphragm is driven by the pressure difference between the pressure chamber and the valve chamber. When the pressure in the pressure chamber increases, the diaphragm abuts against the valve seat, causing the valve unit to close. The supply and discharge of pilot fluid to the pressure chamber is controlled by the pilot flow path and a solenoid valve located within the pilot flow path.

[0003] The pilot flow path has an upstream section that directs water from the valve chamber to the pressure chamber and a downstream section that discharges water from the pressure chamber to the outlet port. Sometimes, a throttling orifice is also provided in the upstream section to restrict the flow rate of water flowing into the pressure chamber. The throttling orifice delays valve closure by limiting the flow rate of the pilot fluid, thereby mitigating the impact (water hammer) during valve closure. Therefore, throttling orifices are widely used in valve units with low-strength resin valve bodies. In addition, in valve units used for supply control of groundwater, agricultural water, etc., a filter for removing foreign matter is provided at the inlet of the upstream section, sometimes serving as a structure to prevent clogging of the throttling orifice (e.g., Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 56-47977, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-224585).

[0004] In such valve units, cleaning operations are required to remove blockages from the filter and orifice in order to maintain stable operation. However, in conventional valve units, the filter and orifice are either assembled as a single unit or the orifice cannot be easily removed. Therefore, if only the filter needs to be cleaned, a disassembly operation is required, removing the filter along with the orifice and disassembling the orifice from the filter, which is not a simple and quick cleaning method. Furthermore, even if only the orifice needs to be removed, other components besides the orifice must be removed, resulting in the inability to quickly maintain the orifice. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] The present invention provides a valve unit comprising: a main body having an inlet flow path for water inflow, an outlet flow path for water outflow, a valve chamber communicating with the inlet flow path, a cylindrical valve seat protruding toward the interior of the valve chamber and communicating with the outlet flow path, and a pressure chamber opposite to the valve chamber; a diaphragm separating the valve chamber and the pressure chamber, and opening and closing the valve seat by being driven by the pressure difference between the valve chamber and the pressure chamber; a first pilot flow path formed in the main body for guiding water from the valve chamber to the pressure chamber; and a second pilot flow path for guiding the pressure chamber... Water from the pressure chamber is discharged into the outlet flow path; and a solenoid valve opens and closes the second pilot flow path, the first pilot flow path having: a filter mounting hole that opens into the valve chamber; a filter unit that is detachably mounted in the filter mounting hole and has a filter for removing foreign matter contained in the water; a throttling orifice mounting hole located downstream of the filter mounting hole; and a throttling orifice unit that is detachably mounted in the throttling orifice mounting hole and throttles the flow rate of water flowing in the first pilot flow path.

[0007] The valve unit described above allows for easy cleaning of either the filter or the orifice unit by removing only the filter or the orifice unit, enabling rapid restoration.

[0008] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be readily understood through the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the valve unit involved in the implementation method.

[0010] Figure 2A yes Figure 1 A top view of the valve unit. Figure 2B yes Figure 1 Side view of the valve unit.

[0011] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2A A cross-sectional view along line III-III.

[0012] Figure 4 It is along Figure 2B A cross-sectional view along line IV-IV.

[0013] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 A three-dimensional view of the filter unit. Figure 5B yes Figure 4 Enlarged sectional view of the throttle orifice mounting hole and the throttle orifice unit. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Figure 1 , Figure 2A and Figure 2B The valve unit 10 shown in this embodiment is a two-port valve used to connect to a water supply pipe T. The pipe T is, for example, part of a water supply system for irrigation equipment on a farm or a drainage system for public facilities such as a park. The valve unit 10 supplies or stops the flow of water in the pipe T. In cases where groundwater or agricultural water drawn from rivers and lakes containing foreign matter flows through the pipe T, the valve unit 10 can also be used for supply control of water containing foreign matter.

[0015] The structure of valve unit 10 will now be described in detail. For ease of explanation, the terms "first direction," "second direction," and "third direction" will be used. The first direction is the protruding direction of the valve seat 36, described later, and is also referred to as the upper or lower direction. The second direction, also referred to as the width direction, is orthogonal to the first and third directions. The second direction coincides with the axial direction of the filter unit 48, described later. The third direction is orthogonal to the first and second directions. The third direction coincides with the extension direction of the central axis of the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14. Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "upper direction," "lower direction," and "width direction" are used to describe the configuration relationship of valve unit 10; the configuration direction of valve unit 10 is not limited to these terms.

[0016] The valve unit 10 includes a main body 16 having an inlet port 12 and an outlet port 14, and a solenoid valve 18 mounted on the main body 16. The inlet port 12 and outlet port 14 are, for example, unions. A first union nut 12a is provided at the inlet port 12 to retain the union end of the pipe T. Similarly, a second union nut 14a is provided at the outlet port 14 to retain the union end of the pipe T. The inlet port 12 and outlet port 14 are configured to be coaxially aligned.

[0017] The main body 16 has a valve body 20 and a valve cover 22 covering the upper part of the valve body 20. The valve body 20 is integrally formed with the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14. The valve body 20 further has a base 24 and a connecting portion 26. The base 24 is located between the inlet port 12 and the outlet port 14, and houses the valve chamber 34 and the valve seat 36, which will be described later. The connecting portion 26 is located above the base 24 and is a portion with a circular plate shape. The connecting portion 26 is integrally formed with the base 24.

[0018] The valve cover 22 is a circular plate-shaped component, and its outer diameter is the same as that of the connecting portion 26. The valve cover 22 is connected to the upper surface of the connecting portion 26 of the valve body 20 by means of screws or other methods. A solenoid valve 18 and a flow regulating screw 28 are mounted on the upper part of the valve cover 22. The solenoid valve 18 is located near the outlet port 14. The flow regulating screw 28 is located at the center of the valve cover 22 and protrudes in a first direction.

[0019] like Figure 3 As shown, an inlet flow path 30, an outlet flow path 32, a valve chamber 34, a valve seat 36, and a portion of a pilot flow path 42 are provided inside the valve body 20. The valve chamber 34 is an empty chamber located in the center of the valve body 20, and has a circular shape when viewed from above (in the first direction). The valve seat 36 is formed in the center of the valve chamber 34. The valve chamber 34 is formed to surround the valve seat 36. The valve chamber 34 extends upward in the first direction and opens at the upper end of the valve body 20.

[0020] Valve seat 36 is located at the center of valve chamber 34. Valve seat 36 extends cylindrically upward in a first direction. The central axis of valve seat 36 extends along the first direction. Valve seat 36 has an annular contact surface 36a at its upper end that abuts against diaphragm 38 (described later). The contact surface 36a is smoothly formed and, by abutting against diaphragm 38, can liquidally separate the outlet flow path 32 inside valve seat 36 from valve chamber 34. The upper end of valve seat 36 is positioned slightly below the upper end of valve body 20.

[0021] The inlet flow path 30 extends upward along the central axis of the inlet port 12 in a third direction. The inlet flow path 30 opens into the valve chamber 34, connecting the inlet port 12 and the valve chamber 34. The outlet flow path 32 has an upstream portion 32a and a downstream portion 32b. The downstream portion 32b extends upward along the central axis of the outlet port 14 in a third direction. The upstream portion 32a of the outlet flow path 32 is formed inside the valve seat 36. The upstream portion 32a connects to the downstream portion 32b on the side of the valve seat 36. The upstream portion 32a is bent at 90° relative to the downstream portion 32b and extends upward in a first direction inside the valve seat 36. The upstream portion 32a opens at the upper end of the valve seat 36. Furthermore, the downstream portion 32b of the outlet flow path 32 is isolated from the valve chamber 34 by a partition wall 32c. When the valve seat 36 is not blocked by the diaphragm 38, the outlet flow path 32 communicates with the inlet flow path 30 through the valve chamber 34.

[0022] A pressure chamber 40 is provided in the valve cover 22. The pressure chamber 40 is a concave cavity formed in the valve cover 22, located above the valve chamber 34 and the valve seat 36. The pressure chamber 40 opens downward toward the valve cover 22 when not covered by the diaphragm 38. The lower end of the pressure chamber 40 is covered by the diaphragm 38. The pressure chamber 40, sandwiching the diaphragm 38, faces the valve chamber 34.

[0023] A diaphragm 38 is disposed between the valve body 20 and the valve cover 22. The diaphragm 38 is constructed of a flexible membrane capable of elastic deformation, such as rubber or an elastomer. The outer periphery 38a of the diaphragm 38 is held between the valve body 20 and the valve cover 22. The diaphragm 38 liquidally and gas-tightly separates the pressure chamber 40 of the valve cover 22 and the valve chamber 34 of the valve body 20. The diaphragm 38 elastically deforms along a first direction according to the pressure difference between the valve chamber 34 and the pressure chamber 40.

[0024] When the pressure in pressure chamber 40 is higher than the pressure in outlet flow path 32, diaphragm 38 displaces downward in the first direction and abuts against valve seat 36, preventing communication between valve chamber 34 and outlet flow path 32. Conversely, when the pressure in pressure chamber 40 becomes sufficiently lower than the pressure in valve chamber 34, diaphragm 38 displaces upward in the first direction and moves away from valve seat 36. When diaphragm 38 moves away from valve seat 36, inlet flow path 30 and outlet flow path 32 are connected via valve chamber 34, and valve unit 10 is in the open state, allowing water to flow.

[0025] The flow regulating screw 28 is inserted through the through hole 22a of the valve cover 22 and protrudes toward the pressure chamber 40. The flow regulating screw 28 engages with the threaded structure (not shown) of the through hole 22a, allowing the position of its lower end 28a to be changed in a first direction by rotating the flow regulating screw 28 relative to the valve cover 22. The flow regulating screw 28 abuts against the upper surface 38b of the diaphragm 38, preventing upward displacement of the diaphragm 38. The flow regulating screw 28 regulates the flow rate of water through the valve unit 10 by limiting the maximum distance between the diaphragm 38 and the valve seat 36.

[0026] A valve spring 44 is installed around the flow regulating screw 28. The upper end of the valve spring 44 is fixed to the mounting base 22b of the valve cover 22, and the lower end abuts against the upper surface 38b of the diaphragm 38. The valve spring 44 applies downward force to the diaphragm 38. When no pressure difference is generated between the valve chamber 34 and the pressure chamber 40, the valve spring 44 causes the diaphragm 38 to abut against the valve seat 36, thus closing the valve.

[0027] Pilot flow path 42 has Figure 4 The first pilot flow path 42A shown is Figure 3 The second pilot flow path 42B is shown. The first pilot flow path 42A is a flow path that guides water, as a pilot fluid, from the valve chamber 34 to the pressure chamber 40. The second pilot flow path 42B is a flow path that discharges water from the pressure chamber 40 to the outlet flow path 32.

[0028] like Figure 4As shown, a first pilot flow path 42A is formed inside the valve body 20 and the valve cover 22. The first pilot flow path 42A is formed into a U-shape that bends at a right angle when viewed from a third direction, and has an upstream portion 421, a middle portion 422, and a downstream portion 423. The upstream portion 421 is formed in the valve body 20 and extends along the width direction (second direction) of the valve unit 10. In this embodiment, the upstream portion 421 is constituted by a filter mounting hole 46. The filter mounting hole 46 extends along the width direction (second direction) and penetrates the outer side of the valve body 20, reaching the valve chamber 34. The filter mounting hole 46 is blocked by the filter unit 48 described later.

[0029] The filter mounting hole 46 extends from the valve chamber 34 toward the outer side of the valve body 20, and sequentially includes an open flow path portion 46a, a filter receiving portion 46b, and a first threaded portion 46c. The open flow path portion 46a has a flow path whose inner end opens into the valve chamber 34. The outer end of the open flow path portion 46a has an abutment seat 46d that abuts against the top end of the filter unit 48. The inner diameter of the open flow path portion 46a is the smallest in the filter mounting hole 46, and is smaller than the outer diameter of the filter 50 of the filter unit 48, which will be described later.

[0030] The filter housing 46b is located outside the open flow path 46a. The filter housing 46b houses the filter 50. The filter housing 46b has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the filter 50 in the filter unit 48. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface of the filter housing 46b separates from the filter 50, forming a flow path for water filtered by the filter 50 to pass through. The first threaded portion 46c is located outside the filter housing 46b and has a threaded groove that engages with the retainer portion 52 of the filter unit 48.

[0031] like Figure 5A As shown, the filter unit 48 has a filter 50 and a retainer portion 52. The filter 50 is a cylindrical mesh filter with an open top. The base of the filter 50 is held by the retainer portion 52. Figure 4 As shown, when the filter unit 48 is installed in the filter mounting hole 46, the top of the filter 50 abuts against the abutment seat 46d of the open flow path portion 46a. As a result, approximately all of the water flowing into the first pilot flow path 42A from the open flow path portion 46a passes through the filter 50, and foreign matter contained in the water is removed by the filter 50.

[0032] like Figure 5A As shown, since the top of the filter 50 is open, when the filter unit 48 is removed from the valve unit 10, the inner peripheral surface 50a and the outer peripheral surface 50b of the filter 50 are exposed, so that cleaning of both sides can be easily performed.

[0033] The retainer portion 52 is a cylindrical component that supports the filter 50. For example... Figure 4As shown, one end of the retainer portion 52 protrudes outward from the valve body 20 when mounted on the valve unit 10. This allows for tool-free removal of the filter unit 48. Figure 5A As shown, a knob 52a is formed at the base end of the retainer portion 52. A thread 52b, which engages with the first threaded portion 46c, is formed at a predetermined position on the retainer portion 52. A stepped portion 52c with a changing outer diameter is formed at the boundary between the knob 52a and the thread 52b. A washer 52d is installed on the stepped portion 52c to seal the gap between the retainer portion 52 and the valve body 20. The washer 52d prevents water from leaking to the outside of the valve body 20 through the filter mounting hole 46.

[0034] The middle portion 422 of the first pilot flow path 42A extends along a first direction. The lower end of the middle portion 422 opens into the filter receiving portion 46b. The upper end of the middle portion 422 opens into the throttling orifice mounting hole 56 of the first pilot flow path 42A (described later). The middle portion 422 guides the water that has passed through the filter 50 to the throttling orifice mounting hole 56 of the first pilot flow path 42A.

[0035] The throttle orifice mounting hole 56 is formed adjacent to the downstream portion 423 and extends coaxially with the downstream portion 423 in a second direction. The throttle orifice unit 54 is detachably mounted in the throttle orifice mounting hole 56. In the valve unit 10, the throttle orifice mounting hole 56 is configured to be arranged vertically on the same side as the filter mounting hole 46. With this configuration, the throttle orifice unit 54 and the filter unit 48 can be removed from the same side, making maintenance easy.

[0036] like Figure 5B As shown, the throttle orifice mounting hole 56 has a stepped portion 56a, a shaft receiving portion 56b, and a second threaded portion 56c. The shaft receiving portion 56b has an inner diameter larger than that of the downstream portion 423. The stepped portion 56a is formed at the connection between the throttle orifice mounting hole 56 and the downstream portion 423. The stepped portion 56a has an end face perpendicular to the extending direction (second direction) of the downstream portion 423. The shaft receiving portion 56b is coaxially disposed with the downstream portion 423 and extends along the second direction. The shaft receiving portion 56b receives the shaft 62 of the throttle orifice unit 54. The intermediate portion 422 opens at a predetermined position in the shaft receiving portion 56b.

[0037] The second threaded portion 56c is formed adjacent to the throttle orifice mounting hole 56. The second threaded portion 56c opens on the outer side of the valve cover 22. A threaded groove is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second threaded portion 56c, which engages with the head 64 of the throttle orifice unit 54 described later.

[0038] like Figure 4As shown, the downstream portion 423 is formed adjacent to the throttle hole mounting hole 56 and extends along the second direction (width direction). The downstream portion 423 communicates with the intermediate portion 422 via the throttle hole mounting hole 56. The downstream portion 423 opens into the pressure chamber 40, guiding water that has passed through the throttle hole unit 54 (described later) into the pressure chamber 40.

[0039] like Figure 5B As shown, the throttling orifice unit 54 has a shaft 62 and a head 64. The head 64 has threads 64a formed on its outer peripheral surface. The end 64b of the head 64 protrudes to the outer side of the valve cover 22. The end 64b has a engaging recess 64c for engaging with tools such as screwdrivers or hex wrenches. The shaft 62 is a generally cylindrical component protruding from the head 64. The outer diameter of the shaft 62 is smaller than the inner diameter of the shaft receiving portion 56b of the throttling orifice mounting hole 56 and larger than the inner diameter of the downstream portion 423. A flow path 56d is formed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 62 and the inner peripheral surface of the shaft receiving portion 56b for water to flow into from the intermediate portion 422. The tip 62a of the shaft 62 is tapered, and a portion of the tip 62a is inserted into the downstream portion 423, simultaneously abutting against the corner of the stepped portion 56a. The abutting portion of the top end 62a and the step portion 56a is closed in the flow path 56d between the shaft receiving portion 56b and the outer periphery of the shaft 62.

[0040] Inside the shaft 62, a throttling flow path 66 is formed. The throttling flow path 66 has a radial bore 66a that passes through the shaft 62 and a shaft bore 66b that extends along the central axis of the shaft 62 and opens at the top end 62a of the shaft 62. The shaft bore 66b intersects with the radial bore 66a. Water flowing in from the intermediate portion 422 flows toward the pressure chamber 40 through the radial bore 66a and the shaft bore 66b.

[0041] A throttling section 66c, with a smaller cross-sectional area than other parts, is provided in the shaft hole 66b. The throttling section 66c is formed by making the cross-sectional area of ​​the shaft hole 66b adjacent to the radial hole 66a narrower than other parts. Through the throttling section 66c, the flow rate of water (pilot fluid) flowing into the pressure chamber 40 is restricted, regulating the operating characteristics of the valve unit 10. When the throttling orifice unit 54 is removed from the valve cover 22, foreign matter clogging the throttling section 66c can be removed by spraying cleaning water into the radial hole 66a or the shaft hole 66b. Alternatively, the throttling section 66c may also be provided in the radial hole 66a.

[0042] A second washer 62b is installed on the outer periphery of the shaft 62 between the bore 66a and the head 64. The second washer 62b prevents water from leaking to the outside of the throttling hole 56 by sealing the gap between the shaft housing 56b and the throttling hole unit 54 in a liquid-tight and airtight manner.

[0043] like Figure 3As shown, the second pilot flow path 42B has a second upstream portion 424 connecting the pressure chamber 40 and the solenoid valve 18; and a second downstream portion 425 connecting the solenoid valve 18 and the outlet flow path 32. The solenoid valve 18 opens or closes the second pilot flow path 42B according to an electrical signal. A manual operation part 68 for manually operating the valve unit 10 is provided on the valve cover 22. By rotating the manual operation part 68, even in a non-energized state where the solenoid valve 18 is not functioning, the movable iron core of the solenoid valve 18 can be forcibly lifted, thereby opening the second pilot flow path 42B. Therefore, the manual operation part 68 can manually open the valve unit 10 when it is not energized.

[0044] The valve unit 10 in this embodiment is configured as described above. The valve unit 10 operates as follows.

[0045] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a water supply source is connected to pipe T connected to inlet port 12, and a water supply object is connected to pipe T connected to outlet port 14. A higher water pressure is applied to inlet port 12 than to outlet port 14. Water flows from inlet port 12 into valve chamber 34 through inlet flow path 30. A portion of the flowing water flows into pressure chamber 40 through first pilot flow path 42A. The water flowing into first pilot flow path 42A is filtered by filter unit 48 to remove impurities, and throttled to a specified flow rate by orifice unit 54, while simultaneously flowing into pressure chamber 40.

[0046] With the second pilot flow path 42B closed by the solenoid valve 18, water flows into the pressure chamber 40, causing the pressure in the pressure chamber 40 to rise. Due to the pressure difference between the outlet flow path 32 of the valve seat 36 and the pressure chamber 40, the diaphragm 38 is pressed against the valve seat 36. As a result, the connection between the inlet flow path 30 and the outlet flow path 32 is blocked, and the valve unit 10 is closed.

[0047] When solenoid valve 18 opens the second pilot flow path 42B, water in pressure chamber 40 is discharged to outlet flow path 32. The flow rate of water discharged from pressure chamber 40 through the second pilot flow path 42B is greater than the flow rate of water flowing into pressure chamber 40 through the first pilot flow path 42A. Therefore, when solenoid valve 18 is opened, the internal pressure of pressure chamber 40 decreases, eventually becoming lower than the pressure in valve chamber 34. As a result, diaphragm 38 deforms upward, connecting inlet flow path 30 and outlet flow path 32, and valve unit 10 is opened.

[0048] In the valve unit 10 described above, when foreign matter clogs the filter unit 48 or the orifice unit 54, the flow rate of water into the pressure chamber 40 decreases, and the time until the valve unit 10 closes becomes longer. In such cases, the user can remove the filter unit 48 or the orifice unit 54 from the main body 16 and perform a cleaning operation, thus eliminating the obstruction to the operation of the valve unit 10 caused by the blockage. At this time, either the filter unit 48 or the orifice unit 54 can be removed from the valve unit 10 individually. Therefore, for example, when cleaning the clogged filter unit 48 at a higher frequency, the user can efficiently perform maintenance on the filter unit 48 by removing only the filter unit 48. In addition, the valve unit 10 can be cleaned efficiently by removing only the orifice unit 54 without disassembling other parts.

[0049] Regarding the above-described embodiments, the following notes are further disclosed.

[0050] (Note 1)

[0051] The valve unit 10 of the present invention comprises: a main body 16 having an inlet flow path 30 for water inflow, an outlet flow path 32 for water outflow, a valve chamber 34 communicating with the inlet flow path, a cylindrical valve seat 36 protruding toward the interior of the valve chamber and communicating with the outlet flow path, and a pressure chamber 40 opposite to the valve chamber; a diaphragm 38 separating the valve chamber and the pressure chamber, and opening and closing the valve seat by driving the diaphragm through the pressure difference between the valve chamber and the pressure chamber; a first pilot flow path 42A formed in the main body, which guides the water in the valve chamber to the pressure chamber; and a second pilot flow path 42B that guides the water in the valve chamber to the pressure chamber. The water in the pressure chamber is discharged into the outlet flow path; and a solenoid valve 18 opens and closes the second pilot flow path, which has: a filter mounting hole 46 opening into the valve chamber; a filter unit 48 detachably mounted in the filter mounting hole and having a filter 50 for removing foreign matter contained in the water; a throttling orifice mounting hole 56 located downstream of the filter mounting hole; and a throttling orifice unit 54 detachably mounted in the throttling orifice mounting hole and throttling the flow rate of water flowing in the first pilot flow path. The valve unit described above allows for easy cleaning of the throttling orifice unit by simply removing it.

[0052] (Note 2)

[0053] According to the valve unit described in Appendix 1, the first pilot flow path may have a middle portion 422 extending in a first direction that is the protruding direction of the valve seat, and a downstream portion 423 extending in a second direction perpendicular to the middle portion. The throttling orifice mounting hole is provided at the connection between the middle portion and the downstream portion and extends in the second direction. The valve unit described above allows for the installation and removal of the throttling orifice unit from the side.

[0054] (Note 3)

[0055] According to Appendix 2, the valve unit may also include: a shaft 62 with a threaded groove formed on its outer periphery, which seals the throttling orifice mounting hole; a radial bore 66a that radially penetrates the shaft and communicates with the intermediate portion; and a shaft bore 66b that extends along the central axis of the shaft and connects the radial bore and the downstream portion, wherein at least one of the radial bore and the shaft bore has a throttling portion 66c with a cross-sectional area smaller than the first pilot flow path. The valve unit described above can easily remove blockages by spraying cleaning water into the radial bore or shaft bore of the throttling orifice unit, thus enabling efficient cleaning operations.

[0056] (Note 4)

[0057] According to the valve unit described in Appendix 2, the filter mounting hole may also extend along the second direction, and the first pilot flow path communicates with the valve chamber via the filter mounting hole. The valve unit described above allows for side-mounted filter unit removal in the same manner as the throttle orifice unit, resulting in excellent workability.

[0058] (Note 5)

[0059] According to the valve unit described in Appendix 4, the filter unit may also have a retainer portion 52 with threaded grooves formed on its outer periphery, the filter being supported on the retainer portion and formed into a cylindrical shape extending along the second direction. Because the filter protrudes from the top of the filter unit, the valve unit described above allows for easy flushing of cleaning water onto the filter, enabling efficient cleaning operations.

[0060] (Note 6)

[0061] According to the valve unit described in Appendix 5, the filter mounting hole may also have: a filter receiving portion 46b that receives the filter; and an open flow path portion 46a that abuts against the top of the filter to liquid-tightly separate the inner and outer circumferences of the cylindrical filter. The valve unit described above allows for easy cleaning of the inner and outer surfaces of the filter, enabling efficient cleaning operations.

[0062] Although the present invention has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. Various additions, substitutions, modifications, and partial deletions can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, or from the spirit of the invention derived from the scope of the patent claims and their equivalents. Furthermore, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the embodiments described above, the order of each action and each process is shown as an example and is not limited to these orders. The same applies to instances where numerical values ​​or formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A valve unit (10), characterized in that, have: The main body (16) has an inlet flow path (30) for water to flow in, an outlet flow path (32) for water to flow out, a valve chamber (34) communicating with the inlet flow path, a cylindrical valve seat (36) protruding toward the interior of the valve chamber and communicating with the outlet flow path, and a pressure chamber (40) opposite to the valve chamber. A diaphragm (38) separates the valve chamber and the pressure chamber, and the valve seat is opened and closed by the pressure difference between the valve chamber and the pressure chamber. A first pilot flow path (42A) is formed in the main body to guide the water in the valve chamber to the pressure chamber; The second pilot flow path (42B) discharges the water in the pressure chamber to the outlet flow path; as well as Solenoid valve (18), which opens and closes the second pilot flow path. The first pilot flow path has: A filter mounting hole (46) that opens into the valve chamber; A filter unit (48) is installed in the filter mounting hole in a removable manner and has a filter (50) for removing foreign matter contained in the water. A throttling orifice mounting hole (56) is provided downstream of the filter mounting hole; and A throttling orifice unit (54) is installed in the throttling orifice mounting hole in a detachable manner and throttles the flow rate of water flowing in the first pilot flow path.

2. The valve unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pilot flow path has an intermediate portion (422) extending in a first direction that is the protruding direction of the valve seat and a downstream portion (423) extending in a second direction perpendicular to the intermediate portion. The throttling orifice mounting hole is provided at the connection between the middle part and the downstream part, and extends along the second direction.

3. The valve unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The throttling orifice unit has: Shaft (62), which has a threaded groove formed on its outer periphery and seals the throttle hole mounting hole; A radial bore (66a) that penetrates the shaft radially and communicates with the intermediate portion; and A shaft hole (66b) extends along the central axis of the shaft and connects the radial hole and the downstream portion. At least one of the radial hole and the shaft hole has a throttling section (66c) with a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first pilot flow path.

4. The valve unit according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter mounting hole extends along the second direction, and the first pilot flow path communicates with the valve chamber via the filter mounting hole.

5. The valve unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The filter unit has a retainer portion (52) with threaded grooves formed on its outer periphery. The filter is supported on the retainer portion and is formed in a cylindrical shape extending along the second direction.

6. The valve unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The filter mounting hole has: Filter housing (46b), which houses the filter; and An open flow path (46a) abuts against the top of the filter to liquid-tightly separate the inner and outer circumferences of the cylindrical filter.

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