Check valve

Abstract

To prevent increase in the size of a check valve that can cancel a backflow suppression function.SOLUTION: A check valve 1 includes a first opening part 1a and a second opening part 1b. The check valve 1 also includes: a case 2; a valve element 3 disposed within the case 2 and movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2 in an axial direction DX; and an elastic body 4 that presses the valve element 3 toward the second position P2. The case 2 includes a case body 10 including the first opening part 1a and a case cover body 20 including the second opening part 1b. When the valve element 3 is in the first position P1, the flow passage FP between the first opening part 1a and the second opening part 1b is opened. When the valve element 3 is in the second position P2, the flow passage FP between the first opening part 1a and the second opening part 1b is closed. The case cover body 20 is movable in the axial direction DX relative to the case body 10. The valve element 3 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 by moving the case cover body 20 in the axial direction DX relative to the case body 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a check valve.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a check valve including a valve body movable between a first position and a second position is known. When the valve body is in the first position, it opens a flow path in the check valve. When the valve body is in the second position, it closes the flow path in the check valve and suppresses the backflow of fluid.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The check valve disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a slider for moving the valve body from the second position to the first position as a release device for releasing the above-described backflow suppression function. However, in the check valve disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to move the valve body from the first position to the second position, it is necessary to bring the slider into contact with the valve body from a direction non-parallel to the axial direction of the valve body. A check valve including such a slider becomes large-sized. An object of the present invention is to suppress the increase in size of a check valve capable of releasing a backflow suppression function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A check valve according to an embodiment of the present invention is a check valve including a first opening and a second opening, a case including a case body including the first opening and a case lid including the second opening, a valve body disposed in the case and axially movable between a first position and a second position, an elastic body that pushes the valve body toward the second position when the valve body is in the first position, the flow path between the first opening and the second opening is opened, and when the valve body is in the second position, the flow path is closed the case lid is axially movable relative to the case body by axially moving the case lid relative to the case body, the valve body moves from the second position to the first position

Advantages of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the check valve capable of canceling the backflow prevention function

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention relates to the following [1] to

[12] .

[0009] [1] A check valve including a first opening and a second opening, a case including a case body including the first opening and a case lid including the second opening, a valve body disposed in the case and axially movable between a first position and a second position, and an elastic body that axially presses the valve body toward the second position. When the valve body is in the first position, the flow path between the first opening and the second opening is opened, and when the valve body is in the second position, the flow path is closed. The case lid is axially movable relative to the case body. By axially moving the case lid relative to the case body, the valve body moves from the second position to the first position. A check valve.

[0010] [2] The first opening and the second opening face each other in the axial direction. The check valve of [1].

[0011] [3] An intermediate member fixed in the case and forming a part of the flow path is provided. When the valve body is in the second position, the part of the flow path is closed. The intermediate member regulates the movement of the valve body in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction. The check valve of [1] or [2].

[0012] [4] The intermediate member is provided with a through hole penetrating in the axial direction. The valve body includes a portion that slides with the intermediate member in the through hole. The check valve of [3].

[0013] [5] The intermediate member is the check valve of [4], which contains a resin mainly composed of polyacetal.

[0014] [6] The valve body includes a base portion and a shaft portion extending in the axial direction from the base portion. The intermediate member includes a first restricting portion that restricts movement of the base portion in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction, and a second restricting portion that restricts movement of the shaft portion in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction, and is the check valve of any one of [3] to [5].

[0015] [7] The first restricting portion includes a plurality of first restricting portion elements arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis of the valve body, and is the check valve of [6].

[0016] [8] The elastic body is disposed in a region surrounded by the plurality of first restricting portion elements, and is the check valve of [6] or [7].

[0017] [9] The valve body includes a valve seal member that contacts the intermediate member when in the second position, and the shaft portion penetrates the valve seal member, and is the check valve of any one of [6] to [8].

[0018]

[10] The intermediate member includes an intermediate seal member that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the case body, and is the check valve of any one of [3] to [9].

[0019]

[11] The case lid includes a plate-shaped portion having a first surface and a second surface facing each other in the axial direction. The plate-shaped portion is provided with a through hole that opens to the first surface and the second surface, and a recess that opens to the first surface. The through hole forms a part of the flow path. When the valve body moves from the second position to the first position by the case lid, the tip of the valve body is received in the recess of the plate-shaped portion, and is the check valve of any one of [1] to

[10] .

[0020]

[12] The case lid includes a lid seal member that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the case body, and is a check valve according to any one of [1] to

[11] .

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, from the viewpoints of illustration and ease of understanding, the scale, dimensional ratio, etc. are exaggerated from the actual object as appropriate. Note that the components of an embodiment may be shown in some of the drawings and omitted in other drawings.

[0022] Terms related to shapes or geometric conditions such as "orthogonal" and "parallel" are not limited to strict meanings and are interpreted to include ranges where similar functions can be expected.

[0023] The directions common among the drawings are indicated by arrows with the same reference numerals in each drawing. The tip side of an arrow indicating a certain direction is the first side in that direction. The base end side of an arrow indicating a certain direction, that is, the side opposite to the tip side, is the second side in that direction. An arrow pointing from the back to the front of the paper in a direction orthogonal to the paper surface is indicated by a symbol with a dot in a circle, as shown in FIG. 2 for example.

[0024] FIGS. 1 to 10 are diagrams for explaining an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a check valve 1. The check valve 1 has a first opening 1a and a second opening 1b. The check valve 1 has a flow path FP through which fluid flows between the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b. A first pipe (not shown) is attached to the check valve 1 shown from the side of the first opening 1a. A second pipe (not shown) is attached to the check valve 1 shown from the side of the second opening 1b.

[0025] The fluid flowing between the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b may be a gas or a liquid. The gas may include air and may include water vapor. The liquid may include water and may include oil.

[0026] The check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a case 2. The illustrated case 2 includes a case body 10 including a first opening 1a and a case lid 20 including a second opening 1b. In the illustrated check valve 1, an accommodation space for accommodating components other than the case 2 of the check valve 1 is formed by the case body 10 and the case lid 20. In FIG. 2, the case lid 20 surrounded by the outer peripheral portion by the case body 10 is observed.

[0027] The check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 can suppress the first flow FL1 of the fluid from the first opening 1a to the second opening 1b by closing the flow path FP. The first flow FL1 can occur when the pressure of the fluid in the first pipe is greater than the pressure of the fluid in the second pipe. The first flow FL1 may be referred to as a reverse flow.

[0028] The check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 can allow a flow opposite to the first flow FL1, that is, a second flow FL2 from the second opening 1b to the first opening 1a. The check valve 1 can allow the second flow FL2 by opening the flow path FP. The second flow FL2 can occur when the pressure of the fluid in the second pipe is greater than the pressure of the fluid in the first pipe. The second flow FL2 may be referred to as a forward flow.

[0029] Furthermore, the check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 10 can also release the suppression of the first flow FL1. That is, the check valve 1 can also allow the first flow FL1. As will be described in detail later, the check valve 1 opens the flow path FP by the case lid 20 that moves with respect to the case body 10 in order to release the suppression of the first flow FL1.

[0030] The check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 includes, as components other than the case 2, a valve body 3, an elastic body 4, and an intermediate member 5. The valve body 3, the elastic body 4, and the intermediate member 5 are arranged inside the case 2. More specifically, the valve body 3, the elastic body 4, and the intermediate member 5 are arranged inside the case body 10.

[0031] The valve body 3 has an axis 3X. The valve body 3 has a rotating body shape centered on the axis 3X. The axis 3X extends in the axial direction DX. The axial direction DX is the direction in which the axis 3X of the valve body 3 extends. The valve body 3 is movable in the axial direction DX between a first position P1 and a second position P2 when disposed in the case 2. In the check valve 1 shown in FIG. 3, the valve body 3 is at the second position P2. In the check valves 1 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the valve body 3 is at the first position P1. The valve body 3 at the second position P2 is located on the first side in the axial direction DX with respect to the valve body 3 at the first position P1. The elastic body 4 presses the valve body 3 axially in the direction of the second position P2. The intermediate member 5 is fixed in the case 2. More specifically, the intermediate member 5 is fixed in the case body 10.

[0032] In the check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5, the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b face each other in the axial direction DX. In the illustrated check valve 1, the line segment connecting the center of gravity of the first opening 1a and the center of gravity of the second opening 1b overlaps with the axis 3X of the valve body 3. In other words, in the illustrated check valve 1, the positions in the direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX are the same between the line segment connecting the center of gravity of the first opening 1a and the center of gravity of the second opening 1b and the axis 3X of the valve body 3. The illustrated check valve 1 has a certain length in the axial direction DX. The first opening 1a is located at the second-side end in the axial direction DX of the check valve 1. The second opening 1b is located at the first-side end in the axial direction DX of the check valve 1.

[0033] The case body 10 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction DX. The case body 10 has a rotating body shape centered on the axis 10X shown in FIG. 6. The case body 10 is open at both ends on the first side and the second side in the axial direction DX. In the illustrated case body 10, a first opening 10a and a second opening 10b facing each other in the axial direction DX are formed. The first opening 10a is located at the end on the second side in the axial direction DX of the case body 10. The first opening 10a forms the first opening 1a of the check valve 1. The second opening 10b is located at the end on the first side in the axial direction DX of the case body 10. The case body 10 is provided with a through hole 10h penetrating in the axial direction DX between the first opening 10a and the second opening 10b. The inner diameter of the illustrated case body 10 is the diameter of the through hole 10h. The case body 10 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel.

[0034] In the case body 10 shown in FIG. 6, the inner diameter at the end on the second side in the axial direction DX is smaller than the inner diameter at the end on the first side in the axial direction DX. In the illustrated case body 10, the through hole 10h expands in diameter from the second side to the first side in the axial direction DX. In the illustrated case body 10, the first opening 10a has a smaller diameter than the second opening 10b. In the illustrated check valve 1, the valve body 3, the elastic body 4, and the intermediate member 5 may be accommodated in the case body 10 from the second opening 10b. In the illustrated check valve 1, the case lid body 20 may be at least partially accommodated in the case body 10 from the second opening 10b.

[0035] The case body 10 shown in Fig. 6 includes a first region AR1, a second region AR2, a third region AR3, and a fourth region AR4 in this order from the end on the second side to the end on the first side in the axial direction DX. The first region AR1 and the second region AR2 are connected to each other. The second region AR2 and the third region AR3 are connected to each other. The third region AR3 and the fourth region AR4 are connected to each other. As shown in Fig. 6, the inner diameters of the case body 10 are different from each other among the first region AR1, the second region AR2, the third region AR3, and the fourth region AR4. The inner diameter of the case body 10 is the largest in the fourth region AR4 and the smallest in the first region AR1.

[0036] As shown in Figs. 3 to 5, the second opening 10b of the case body 10 may have a reduced diameter in a state where the case lid 20 is at least partially disposed in the case body 10. The diameter of the second opening 10b shown in Figs. 3 to 5 is smaller than the diameter of the second opening 10b shown in Fig. 6. The second opening 10b may have a reduced diameter by bending the end on the first side of the case body 10 in the axial direction DX toward the axis 10X. As shown in Fig. 6, the thickness of the case body 10, that is, the length in the direction orthogonal to the axis 10X, may be smaller in the portion bent toward the axis 10X than in the portions other than the portion bent toward the axis 10X. By reducing the thickness of the portion bent toward the axis 10X, the case body 10 can be easily bent.

[0037] The diameter of the second opening 10b shown in Figs. 3 to 5 is smaller than the diameter of the portion of the case lid 20 housed in the case body 10. The case lid 20 is restricted from further moving toward the first side in the axial direction DX from the states shown in Figs. 3 and 4 by the reduced-diameter portion of the case body 10. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the members housed in the case body 10 from accidentally falling off by moving toward the first side in the axial direction DX. The diameter of the second opening 10b is smaller than the diameter of the portion of the lid main body 21, which will be described later, housed in the case body 10. The diameter of the second opening 10b is smaller than the diameter of the lid seal member 20s, which will be described later.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 6, a step 10s may be provided at a portion where the inner diameter of the case body 10 changes. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a plurality of steps 10s may be provided in the case body 10. In the illustrated case body 10, a first step 10sa, a second step 10sb, and a third step 10sc are provided in this order from the second side to the first side in the axial direction DX. The first step 10sa is located at a portion where the first region AR1 and the second region AR2 are connected. The second step 10sb is located at a portion where the second region AR2 and the third region AR3 are connected. The third step 10sc is located at a portion where the third region AR3 and the fourth region AR4 are connected. As shown in FIG. 6, the step 10s may be chamfered.

[0039] The case body 10 shown in FIG. 6 has a surface orthogonal to the axial direction DX at the first step 10sa and the second step 10sb. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the case body 10 may support the components of the check valve 1 at the step 10s. In the check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the case body 10 supports the elastic body 4 at the first step 10sa. The case body 10 supports the intermediate member 5 at the first step 10sa and the second step 10sb.

[0040] The check valve 1 may include a bottom plate portion 6 provided with a through hole 6h, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 7. The illustrated bottom plate portion 6 is disposed on the first step 10s of the case body 10. The bottom plate portion 6 disposed in the case body 10 has a thickness in the axial direction DX. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom plate portion 6 may support the valve body 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the bottom plate portion 6 may support the elastic body 4. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the bottom plate portion 6 may support the intermediate member 5.

[0041] In the bottom plate portion 6 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a groove 6g is formed on the surface facing the valve body 3 when it is accommodated in the case body 10. In a state where the bottom plate portion 6 is disposed in the case body 10, the through hole 6h penetrates the bottom plate portion 6 in the axial direction DX. The illustrated through hole 6h includes a portion connecting to the first region AR1 of the through hole 10h in the axial direction DX. In the check valve 1 shown in FIG. 4, the fluid flowing between the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b can pass through the groove 6g and the through hole 6h. The bottom plate portion 6 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel.

[0042] In the check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the elastic body 4 is disposed between the case body 10 and the valve body 3 in the axial direction DX. The elastic body 4 is located on the bottom plate portion 6. In the illustrated check valve 1, the elastic body 4 is a spring 40 as shown in FIG. 8. The spring 40 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel.

[0043] The natural length of the spring 40 in the axial direction DX is longer than the state shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The illustrated spring 40 is compressed in the axial direction DX from its natural length by being disposed between the case body 10 and the valve body 3. The spring 40 is pushing the valve body 3 toward the first side in the axial direction DX. Therefore, the illustrated elastic body 4 is pushing the valve body 3 in the axial direction DX toward the second position P2.

[0044] The valve body 3 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 8 includes a valve body 30 and a valve seal member 3s attached to the valve body 30. In FIG. 8, the valve body 3 is disassembled into the valve body 30 and the valve seal member 3s. The illustrated valve body 30 has a rotating body shape centered on the axis 30X. The axis 3X of the illustrated valve body 3 is the axis 30X of the valve body 30. Therefore, the illustrated valve body 30 has a rotating body shape centered on the axis 3X. The valve body 30 extends in the axial direction DX.

[0045] The valve body 30 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 8 includes a base portion 31 and a shaft portion 32 extending in the axial direction DX from the base portion 31. The axis 32X of the illustrated shaft portion 32 overlaps with the axis 30X of the valve body 30. Therefore, the axis 32X of the shaft portion 32 overlaps with the axis 3X of the valve element 3. In the illustrated valve body 30, the diameter of the shaft portion 32 is smaller than the diameter of the base portion 31.

[0046] The valve seal member 3s shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 8 has a function of sealing the valve element 3 and the intermediate member 5 when the valve element 3 is in the second position P2. In the valve element 3 in the second position P2, the valve seal member 3s may be elastically deformed. The elastically deformable valve seal member 3s may be compressed in the axial direction DX between the valve body 30 and the intermediate member 5 as shown in FIG. 3. The valve seal member 3s may include a rubber material such as fluororubber.

[0047] In the valve element 3 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the shaft portion 32 penetrates through the valve seal member 3s. The illustrated shaft portion 32 includes a portion located on the first side in the axial direction DX with respect to the valve seal member 3s. The illustrated valve seal member 3s is located on the base portion 31.

[0048] The valve seal member 3s shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is disposed in the axial direction DX between the base portion 31 and the enlarged diameter portion 325 of the shaft portion 32. The diameter of the shaft portion 32 in the enlarged diameter portion 325 is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 32 in the portion other than the enlarged diameter portion 325. The diameter of the shaft portion 32 in the enlarged diameter portion 325 may be larger than the inner diameter of the valve seal member 3s. When assembling the valve seal member 3s to the valve body 30, the valve seal member 3s moving in the axial direction DX may expand in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX in order to straddle the enlarged diameter portion 325. In the valve element 3 provided with the enlarged diameter portion 325 on the shaft portion 32, the movement of the valve seal member 3s in the axial direction DX with respect to the valve body 30 can be suppressed.

[0049] The intermediate member 5 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 9 is fixed within the case body 10. The illustrated intermediate member 5 includes a main body portion 50 and an intermediate seal member 5s attached to the main body portion 50. The main body portion 50 is fixed within the case body 10. The main body portion 50 extends in the axial direction DX in a state of being fixed within the case body 10. The illustrated main body portion 50 has a rotating body shape centered on an axis 50X extending in the axial direction DX. The axis 50X of the illustrated main body portion 50 overlaps with the axis 3X of the valve body 3. The main body portion 50 is in contact with the bottom plate portion 6 at the end portion on the second side in the axial direction DX. The main body portion 50 may be in contact with the case body 10 in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX.

[0050] The main body portion 50 may include a portion in contact with the case body 10 in the axial direction DX. The illustrated main body portion 50 includes a portion in contact with the second step 10sb of the case body 10. The main body portion 50 includes a portion in contact with the second step 10sb of the case body 10 from the first side in the axial direction DX. By contacting the second step 10sb, the movement of the main body portion 50 toward the second side in the axial direction DX with respect to the case body 10 may be restricted.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the check valve 1 may include a fixing member 7 for fixing the main body portion 50 within the case body 10. The illustrated fixing member 7 is provided with a through hole 7h. The fixing member 7 contacts the inner peripheral surface of the case body 10 from a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. The fixing member 7 may be press-fitted into the through hole 10h of the case body 10. The illustrated fixing member 7 contacts the main body portion 50 from the first side in the axial direction DX. By the fixing member 7 contacting the main body portion 50, the movement of the main body portion 50 toward the first side in the axial direction DX may be restricted. The illustrated main body portion 50 includes a portion that passes through the through hole 7h and protrudes to the first side in the axial direction DX from the fixing member 7.

[0052] In the main body 50 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 9, a through hole 50h penetrating the main body 50 is provided. The through hole 50h may have a plurality of openings. In the main body 50 shown in FIG. 9, at least three openings 50ha, 50hb, 50hc of the through hole 50h are observed. In a state where the main body 50 is disposed in the case main body 10, the illustrated opening 50ha faces the axial direction DX. In a state where the main body 50 is disposed in the case main body 10, the illustrated opening 50hb faces a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. In a state where the main body 50 is disposed in the case main body 10, the illustrated opening 50hc includes a portion facing the axial direction DX and a portion facing a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX.

[0053] The main body 50 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 can accommodate the valve body 3 in the through hole 50h. The valve body 3 may be restricted from moving in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX in a state where it is at least partially accommodated in the main body 50. The valve main body 30 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is restricted from moving in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX by the main body 50. The main body 50 includes a first restricting portion 51 that restricts the movement of the base portion 31 of the valve main body 30 in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX, and a second restricting portion 52 that restricts the movement of the shaft portion 32 of the valve main body 30 in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the main body 50 may contact the base portion 31 of the valve main body 30 at the first restricting portion 51. The main body 50 may contact the shaft portion 32 of the valve main body 30 at the second restricting portion 52.

[0054] In the main body 50 shown in FIG. 9, the first restricting portion 51 includes a plurality of first restricting portion elements 53. The plurality of illustrated first restricting portion elements 53 extend in the axial direction DX in a state where the main body 50 is fixed within the case main body 10. The plurality of first restricting portion elements 53 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction about the axis 50X of the main body 50. The plurality of first restricting portion elements 53 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction about the axis 3X of the valve element 3 when the main body 50 is fixed within the case main body 10. In the illustrated main body 50, a gap is formed between the first restricting portion elements 53 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction. The gap between the first restricting portion elements 53 adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction forms the opening 50hc of the through hole 50h.

[0055] In the valve main body 30 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the base portion 31 is arranged in a region surrounded by the plurality of first restricting portion elements 53. The valve main body 30 may be in contact with the plurality of first restricting portion elements 53 at the base portion 31. The valve element 3 including the valve main body 30 may move in the axial direction DX between the first position P1 and the second position P2 in a state of being in contact with the plurality of first restricting portion elements 53 at the base portion 31. That is, the valve element 3 (valve main body 30) may slide with the main body 50 at the base portion 31. The main body 50 may slide with the valve element 3 (valve main body 30) in the first restricting portion 51.

[0056] The elastic body 4 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is arranged in a region surrounded by the plurality of first restricting portion elements 53, similar to the base portion 31 of the valve main body 30. The illustrated elastic body 4 is surrounded by the base portion 31 of the valve main body 30 from a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. The illustrated elastic body 4 is restricted from moving in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX by the base portion 31 of the valve main body 30 and the plurality of first restricting portion elements 53 of the main body 50.

[0057] In the main body 50 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 9, the second restricting portion 52 has a part of the through hole 50h including the opening 50ha. The illustrated shaft portion 32 includes a portion restricted from moving in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. The valve body 3 including the valve main body 30 may move in the axial direction DX between the first position P1 and the second position P2 while being restricted from moving in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX at the shaft portion 32. The valve body 3 (valve main body 30) may slide on the main body portion 50 at the shaft portion 32. The main body portion 50 may slide on the valve body 3 (valve main body 30) at the second restricting portion 52.

[0058] The valve body 3 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 includes a portion protruding from the main body portion 50 toward the second opening 1b in the axial direction DX when in either the first position P1 or the second position P2. In the illustrated valve main body 30, the shaft portion 32 includes a portion passing through the through hole 50h in the axial direction DX. The shaft portion 32 includes a portion located on the first side in the axial direction DX with respect to the through hole 50h.

[0059] In the main body portion 50 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 9, the through hole 50h forms a flow path for the fluid flowing through the check valve 1. It is a part of the flow path of the check valve 1 between the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b. In the illustrated main body portion 50, the fluid passes through the opening 50hb and the opening 50hc.

[0060] In the first flow FL1, the fluid flows into the through hole 50h from the opening 50hc. The fluid flowing into the through hole 50h from the opening 50hc flows out of the through hole 50h from the opening 50hb. In the second flow FL2, the fluid flows into the through hole 50h from the opening 50hb. The fluid flowing into the through hole 50h from the opening 50hb flows out of the through hole 50h from the opening 50hc.

[0061] The main body portion 50 may include resin. In particular, from the viewpoint of reducing the frictional heat generated between the valve body 3 that slides on the main body portion 50 and improving the slidability between the valve body 3 and the main body portion 50, the resin contained in the main body portion 50 preferably contains polyacetal as a main component.

[0062] In the check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the intermediate seal member 5s is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion 50. The main body portion 50 penetrates the intermediate seal member 5s. The illustrated main body portion 50 includes a portion located on the first side in the axial direction DX with respect to the intermediate seal member 5s by penetrating the intermediate seal member 5s. The intermediate seal member 5s may contact the inner peripheral surface of the case main body 10.

[0063] The intermediate seal member 5s has a function of sealing the main body portion 50 and the case main body 10. The intermediate seal member 5s can suppress the flow of fluid between the main body portion 50 and the case main body 10. The intermediate seal member 5s shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case main body 10 and the main body portion 50. The intermediate seal member 5s may be elastically deformed between the inner peripheral surface of the case main body 10 and the main body portion 50. The elastically deformed intermediate seal member 5s may be compressed in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The intermediate seal member 5s may include a rubber material such as fluororubber.

[0064] In the check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the case lid 20 closes the second opening 10b of the case main body 10.

[0065] The case lid 20 is movable with respect to the case main body 10. The case lid 20 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is movable in the axial direction DX with respect to the case main body 10. The case lid 20 shown in FIG. 5 has moved to the second side in the axial direction DX compared to the case lid 20 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0066] In the state shown in FIG. 5, the overall length of the check valve 1 in the axial direction DX is reduced compared to the states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 by the movement of the case lid 20 to the second side in the axial direction DX. Further, in the check valve 1 shown in FIG. 5, the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b are closer to each other in the axial direction DX compared to the states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 by the movement of the case lid 20 to the second side in the axial direction DX.

[0067] The case lid 20 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 10 includes a lid main body 21, a plate-like portion 22, and a lid seal member 20s. In the illustrated case lid 20, the lid main body 21 is a member provided with a through-hole 21h. A plate-like portion 22 is attached to the lid main body 21. In the illustrated check valve 1, in a state where the case lid 20 is at least partially accommodated in the case main body 10, the through-hole 21h penetrates the lid main body 21 in the axial direction DX. The inner diameter at the second-side end portion of the illustrated lid main body 21 in the axial direction DX is larger than the inner diameter at the first-side end portion of the lid main body 21 in the axial direction DX. In other words, in the illustrated lid main body 21, the through-hole 21h has a reduced diameter from the second side to the first side in the axial direction DX. The through-hole 21h of the lid main body 21 may accommodate a part of the valve body 3 as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The through-hole 21h of the lid main body 21 may accommodate a part of the intermediate member 5 as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The lid main body 21 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel.

[0068] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 10, the lid main body 21 may have a circumferential groove 21g for accommodating the lid seal member 20s. The groove 21g shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 extends in the circumferential direction orthogonal to the axial direction DX.

[0069] The plate-like portion 22 shown in FIG. 10 is a plate-like member having a first surface 22a and a second surface 22b opposite to the first surface 22a. The plate-like portion 22 is disposed within the through-hole 21h of the lid main body 21. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, in a state of being disposed within the through-hole 21h, the plate-like portion 22 may contact the intermediate member 5 (main body portion 50). The plate-like portion 22 may contact the valve body 3 (valve main body 30). The plate-like portion 22 may contact the lid main body 21. The plate-like portion 22 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel.

[0070] When the case lid 20 shown in FIG. 3 moves relative to the case body 10, the valve body 3 can be moved in a state of contacting the valve body 3 at the plate-shaped portion 22. The illustrated case lid 20 moves to the second side in the axial direction DX with respect to the case body 10 from the states shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, whereby, as shown in FIG. 5, the valve body 3 can be moved from the second position P2 to the first position P1.

[0071] The plate-shaped portion 22 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 10 is provided with a through hole 22h penetrating the plate-shaped portion 22. The through hole 22h opens on both the first surface 22a and the second surface 22b of the plate-shaped portion 22. The illustrated through hole 22h forms a part of the flow path FP as shown in FIG. 5. In a state where the case lid 20 is accommodated in the through hole 10h of the case body 10, the first surface 22a and the second surface 22b face each other in the axial direction DX. In this state, the through hole 22h extends in the axial direction DX. The illustrated through hole 22h has a portion overlapping the through hole 21h of the lid body 21 in the axial direction DX. As shown in FIG. 2, the axis of the through hole 21h and the axis of the through hole 22h may be displaced from each other in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX.

[0072] The plate-shaped portion 22 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 10 is provided with a recess 22r opening on the first surface 22a. The plate-shaped portion 22 may contact the shaft portion 32 of the valve body 30 at the recess 22r. In other words, the case lid 20 may contact the valve body 3 at the recess 22r of the plate-shaped portion 22. As described above, when moving from the second position P2 to the first position P1, the valve body 3 may be accommodated in the recess 22r of the plate-shaped portion 22 at the tip approaching the case lid 20. In the illustrated valve body 3, the shaft portion 32 of the valve body 30 is accommodated in the recess 22r of the plate-shaped portion 22. Movement in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX may be restricted.

[0073] In the case lid 20 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG. 10, the lid seal member 20s is attached to the outer peripheral surface of the lid body 21. The lid seal member 20s is housed in the groove 21g of the lid body 21. The lid seal member 20s has a function of sealing the case lid 20 and the case body 10. The illustrated lid seal member 20s can suppress the flow of fluid between the lid body 21 and the case body 10. The lid seal member 20s shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the case body 10 and the lid body 21. The lid seal member 20s may be elastically deformed between the lid body 21 and the inner peripheral surface of the case body 10. The elastically deformable lid seal member 20s may be compressed in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5. The lid seal member 20s may contain a rubber material such as fluororubber.

[0074] The operation of the illustrated check valve 1 will be described.

[0075] The first pipe and the second pipe are connected to the check valve 1. The first pipe is attached to the case body 10. The second pipe is attached to the case lid 20. The fluid flowing from the first pipe to the second pipe flows into the check valve 1 from the through hole 10h formed in the case body 10. The fluid flowing from the second pipe to the first pipe flows into the check valve 1 from the through hole 21h formed in the lid body 21 of the case lid 20.

[0076] In the check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1, 3 to 5, a flow path FP is formed between the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b. The flow path FP is formed in the case 2. The flow path FP is formed by through holes formed in each component of the check valve 1.

[0077] In the first flow FL1, the fluid flows from the first opening 1a toward the second opening 1b through the through-hole 10h of the case body 10 from the first region AR1 toward the fourth region AR4. In the check valve 1 shown in FIG. 5, an example of the first flow FL1 is indicated by the solid-line arrow. The fluid passes through the through-hole 6h of the bottom plate portion 6, the through-hole 50h of the main body portion 50 of the intermediate member 5, the through-hole 7h of the fixing member 7, the through-hole 22h of the plate-like portion 22, and the through-hole 21h of the lid body 21 in this order within the through-hole 10h.

[0078] In the second flow FL2, the fluid attempts to flow from the second opening 1b toward the first opening 1a through the through-hole 10h of the case body 10 from the fourth region AR4 toward the first region AR1. In the check valve 1 shown in FIG. 4, an example of the second flow FL2 is indicated by the solid-line arrow. The fluid passes through the through-hole 21h of the lid body 21, the through-hole 22h of the plate-like portion 22, the through-hole 7h of the fixing member 7, the through-hole 50h of the main body portion 50 of the intermediate member 5, and the through-hole 6h of the bottom plate portion 6 in this order within the through-hole 10h.

[0079] First, with reference mainly to FIG. 3, a method by which the check valve 1 suppresses the first flow FL1 will be described.

[0080] The flow path FP is closed when the valve body 3 is in the second position P2. In the check valve 1 shown in FIG. 3, the elastic body 4 supported by the bottom plate portion 6 pushes the valve body 3 toward the first side in the axial direction DX. In particular, the illustrated elastic body 4 is a spring 40, and the valve body 3 is pushed toward the first side in the axial direction DX by the restoring force of the spring 40. Thereby, the flow path FP is closed at the through-hole 50h of the main body portion 50.

[0081] In the check valve 1 shown in FIG. 3, when fluid attempts to flow from the first opening 1a to the second opening 1b, the fluid applies pressure to the first side of the valve body 3 in the axial direction DX. The fluid applies pressure from the side of the first opening 1a in the same direction as the restoring force of the spring 40. Due to the pressure from the fluid, the valve body 3 stays at the second position P2. When the valve body 3 stays at the second position P2, the flow path FP is closed at the through hole 50h of the main body portion 50. In this way, the illustrated check valve 1 suppresses the first flow FL1 from the first opening 1a to the second opening 1b. The illustrated check valve 1 has a backflow prevention function.

[0082] In the check valve 1 shown in FIG. 3, when fluid attempts to flow from the second opening 1b to the first opening 1a, the fluid applies pressure to the second side of the valve body 3 in the axial direction DX. The fluid applies pressure from the side of the second opening 1b in the direction opposite to the restoring force of the spring 40. When the pressure from the fluid is smaller than the restoring force of the spring 40, the valve body 3 stays at the second position P2. When the valve body 3 stays at the second position P2, the illustrated check valve 1 suppresses the second flow FL2 in the same manner as the above-described first flow FL1. Therefore, the illustrated check valve 1 has a backflow prevention function even when the pressure from the fluid is smaller than the restoring force of the spring 40.

[0083] Next, with reference to FIG. 4, a method by which the check valve 1 allows the second flow FL2 will be described.

[0084] When the pressure from the fluid attempting to flow from the second opening 1b to the first opening 1a exceeds the restoring force of the spring 40, the valve body 3 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 as shown in FIG. 4. When the valve body 3 moves to the first position P1, the flow path FP is opened at the through hole 50h of the main body portion 50. In this way, the illustrated check valve 1 allows the second flow FL2 from the second opening 1b to the first opening 1a.

[0085] By the way, in the check valve 1 shown in FIG. 3, when the fluid attempts to flow from the second opening 1b to the first opening 1a, the fluid applies pressure to the first side in the axial direction DX with respect to the case lid 20. In the check valve 1 shown in FIG. 4, when the fluid flows from the second opening 1b to the first opening 1a, the fluid applies pressure to the first side in the axial direction DX with respect to the case lid 20. When the fluid flows from the second opening 1b to the first opening 1a or attempts to flow from the second opening 1b to the first opening 1a, the fluid applies pressure to the check valve 1 in a direction to separate the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b from each other in the axial direction DX.

[0086] In the check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the case lid 20 is restricted from further moving to the first side in the axial direction DX by the reduced-diameter portion of the case body 10. By such a case body 10, in the illustrated check valve 1, it is possible to prevent the members housed in the case body 10 including the case lid 20 from accidentally falling off by moving to the first side in the axial direction DX.

[0087] Next, mainly with reference to FIG. 5, a method for releasing the suppression of the first flow FL1 by the check valve 1 will be described.

[0088] From the state shown in FIG. 3, the case lid 20 is moved in the axial direction DX. From the state shown in FIG. 3, an external force is applied to the case lid 20 toward the second side in the axial direction DX. The external force is applied to the case lid 20 from outside the flow path FP. The external force may be a force applied by hand. That is, in the illustrated check valve 1, the case lid 20 may be manually moved in the axial direction DX. The external force may be a force applied by an external device (not shown) such as a cylinder. Due to the external force, the case lid 20 including the plate-like portion 22 moves to the second side in the axial direction DX with respect to the case body 10. The case lid 20 contacts the valve body 3 at the plate-like portion 22 from the first side in the axial direction DX. The plate-like portion 22 contacts the shaft portion 32 of the valve body 30.

[0089] When the case lid 20 further moves in the axial direction DX due to an external force, the valve body 3 moves to the second side in the axial direction DX together with the case lid 20. As a result, the valve body 3 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 as shown in FIG. 5. When the valve body 3 moves to the first position P1, the flow path FP is opened at the through hole 50h of the main body 50. Therefore, the illustrated check valve 1 can move the valve body 3 to the first position P1 by the case lid 20 that moves in the axial direction DX with respect to the case main body 10 regardless of the direction of the fluid flow. The illustrated check valve 1 can allow both the first flow FL1 and the second flow FL2.

[0090] By the way, a conventional check valve including a first opening and a second opening includes a valve body movable between a first position and a second position. When the valve body is in the first position, it opens the flow path between the first opening and the second opening. When the valve body is in the second position, it closes the above-mentioned flow path. The check valve suppresses the backflow of the fluid when the valve body in the second position closes the flow path.

[0091] For example, as disclosed in JPS6051369U, a conventional check valve includes a releasing device for releasing such a backflow suppressing function. The check valve includes, as a releasing device, a sliding tool for moving the valve body from the second position to the first position. By bringing the sliding tool into contact with the valve body, the valve body can be moved from the first position to the second position regardless of the direction of the flow inside the check valve. However, in a conventional check valve capable of releasing the backflow suppressing function, in order to move the valve body from the first position to the second position, it is necessary to bring the sliding tool into contact with the valve body from a direction non-parallel to the axial direction of the valve body. A check valve including such a sliding tool protrudes in a direction non-parallel to the direction in which the axis of the valve body extends. As a result, a conventional check valve may increase in size in order to enable the release of the backflow suppressing function. The increase in size may cause a problem of restricting the expansion of the application range of the check valve capable of releasing the backflow suppressing function.

[0092] In the check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the case lid 20 is movable in the axial direction DX with respect to the case body 10. As described above, the valve body 3 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 by moving the case lid 20 in the axial direction DX with respect to the case body 10. The flow path FP of the illustrated check valve 1 can be opened by the case lid 20 that moves in a direction parallel to the axial direction DX, that is, the direction in which the axis 3X of the valve body 3 extends. In particular, the suppression of the first flow FL1 can be released. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of a portion protruding in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. Therefore, according to the illustrated check valve 1, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the check valve capable of releasing the backflow suppression function.

[0093] The check valve 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 is fixed in the case 2 and includes an intermediate member 5 that forms a part of the flow path FP. When the valve body 3 is in the second position P2, a part of the flow path FP formed by the intermediate member 5 is closed. The intermediate member 5 restricts the movement of the valve body 3 in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. According to the illustrated check valve 1, the intermediate member 5 can stabilize the movement of the valve body 3 in the axial direction DX.

[0094] In particular, the intermediate member 5 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 includes a first restricting portion 51 that restricts the movement of the base portion 31 and a second restricting portion 52 that restricts the movement of the shaft portion 32. The first restricting portion 51 restricts the movement of the base portion 31 in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. The second restricting portion 52 restricts the movement of the shaft portion 32 in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. By restricting the moving direction of the valve body 3 from a plurality of positions, the illustrated intermediate member 5 can make the movement of the valve body 3 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 more stable.

[0095] Furthermore, in the intermediate member 5 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, as the second restricting portion 52, a through hole 50h is provided in the main body portion 50. The through hole 50h includes a portion that slides with the valve body 30 of the valve body 3, that is, the shaft portion 32 in the illustrated check valve 1. By including a portion that slides with the valve body 3, the intermediate member 5 can stably support the valve body 3 that is moving in the axial direction DX toward the first position P1 or the second position P2.

[0096] The case lid 20 shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 includes a plate-like portion 22. The plate-like portion 22 has a first surface 22a and a second surface 22b that face each other in the axial direction DX in a state where the case lid 20 is disposed in the case body 10. The plate-like portion 22 is provided with a through hole 22h that opens to the first surface 22a and the second surface 22b, and a recess 22r that opens to the first surface 22a. The through hole 22h forms a part of the flow path FP. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, when the valve body 3 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 by the case lid 20, the tip of the valve body 3 is accommodated in the recess 22r of the plate-like portion 22. According to the check valve 1 including the illustrated case lid 20, it is possible to suppress the valve body 3 from moving in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX with respect to the case lid 20.

[0097] In the embodiment described above, the check valve 1 includes a first opening 1a and a second opening 1b. The check valve 1 includes a case 2, a valve body 3 disposed in the case 2 and movable in the axial direction DX between a first position P1 and a second position P2, and an elastic body 4 that pushes the valve body 3 toward the second position P2. The case 2 includes a case body 10 including the first opening 1a and a case lid 20 including the second opening 1b. When the valve body 3 is in the first position P1, the flow path FP between the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b is opened. When the valve body 3 is in the second position P2, the flow path FP between the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b is closed. The case lid 20 is movable in the axial direction DX with respect to the case body 10. The valve body 3 moves from the second position P2 to the first position P1 by moving the case lid 20 in the axial direction DX with respect to the case body 10. According to this embodiment, in the check valve 1 capable of releasing the suppression of the flow from the first opening 1a to the second opening 1b, it is possible to suppress the protrusion in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. Thereby, an increase in the size of the check valve 1 capable of releasing the backflow suppression function can be suppressed.

[0098] Although the embodiments have been described with reference to specific examples, the above specific examples do not limit the embodiments. The above-described embodiments can be implemented with various other specific examples, and various omissions, replacements, changes, additions, etc. can be made without departing from the gist thereof.

[0099] In the check valve 1 described above, the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b faced each other in the axial direction DX which is the direction in which the axis 3X of the valve body 3 extends. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b do not have to face each other in the axial direction DX. At least one of the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b may open in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction DX. As an example, at least one of the first opening 1a and the second opening 1b may open in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction DX.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0100] 1: Check valve, 1a: First opening, 1b: Second opening, 2: Case, 3: Valve body, 3s: Valve seal member, 3X: Axis, 4: Elastic body, 5: Intermediate member, 5s: Intermediate seal member, 10: Case body, 20: Case lid body, 20s: Lid seal member, 30: Valve body, 30X: Axis, 31: Base portion, 32: Shaft portion, 32X: Axis, 50: Main body portion, 50h: Through hole, 51: First restricting portion, 52: Second restricting portion, 53: First restricting portion element, DX: Axial direction, FP: Flow path, P1: First position, P2: Second position

Claims

1. A check valve including a first opening and a second opening, A case including a case body including the first opening and a case lid including the second opening, A valve body disposed in the case and axially movable between a first position and a second position, An elastic body that axially presses the valve body toward the second position, When the valve body is in the first position, a flow path between the first opening and the second opening is opened, and when the valve body is in the second position, the flow path is closed, The case lid is axially movable relative to the case body, By axially moving the case lid relative to the case body, the valve body moves from the second position to the first position, a check valve.

2. The first opening and the second opening face each other in the axial direction, the check valve according to claim 1.

3. An intermediate member fixed in the case and forming a part of the flow path, When the valve body is in the second position, the part of the flow path is closed, The intermediate member restricts movement of the valve body in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction of the valve body, the check valve according to claim 1.

4. The intermediate member is provided with a through hole penetrating in the axial direction, The valve body includes a portion that slides with the intermediate member in the through hole, the check valve according to claim 3.

5. The intermediate member includes a resin mainly composed of polyacetal, the check valve according to claim 4.

6. The valve body includes a base portion and a shaft portion extending axially from the base portion, The intermediate member includes a first restricting portion that restricts movement of the base portion in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction, and a second restricting portion that restricts movement of the shaft portion in a direction non-parallel to the axial direction. The check valve according to claim 3.

7. The first restricting portion includes a plurality of first restricting portion elements arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis of the valve body. The check valve according to claim 6.

8. The elastic body is disposed in a region surrounded by the plurality of first restricting portion elements. The check valve according to claim 7.

9. The valve body includes a valve seal member that contacts the intermediate member when in the second position, and the shaft portion penetrates the valve seal member. The check valve according to claim 6.

10. The intermediate member includes an intermediate seal member that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the case body. The check valve according to claim 3.

11. The case lid includes a plate-like portion having a first surface and a second surface facing each other in the axial direction. The plate-like portion is provided with a through hole that opens to the first surface and the second surface, and a recess that opens to the first surface. The through hole forms a part of the flow path. When the valve body moves from the second position to the first position by the case lid, the tip of the valve body is received in the recess of the plate-like portion. The check valve according to claim 1.

12. The case lid includes a lid seal member that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the case body. The check valve according to claim 1.

Images