Valve seat mechanism, valve mechanism and breather valve

Abstract

To provide a valve seat mechanism, a valve mechanism and a breather valve capable of grasping a condition between a valve body and a valve seat.SOLUTION: A valve seat mechanism 1 of the present disclosure comprises a valve seat 2 constituting a part of a flow path, and one or more detectors 61 that detect a predetermined variation of a detection target in a detection direction. The valve seat 2 has a valve seat end surface 2a that closes the flow path when a valve body comes into contact therewith. The valve seat 2 also has a detector installation space 42e in which the detector 61 is installed. When the detector 61 is installed in the detector installation space 42e, the detection direction is set toward the valve body provided across the valve seat end surface 2a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve seat mechanism, a valve mechanism, and a reservoir valve of an on-off valve.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a reservoir valve having a plus-side valve seat having a fluid discharge port in a container and a plus-side valve capable of opening and closing the discharge port according to the pressure in the container is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a valve mechanism composed of a valve element and a valve seat provided on a fluid flow path, due to the importance of managing the fluid flowing inside, it is required that the valve mechanism reliably closes the flow path, that it is possible to verify the amount of fluid passing through the valve mechanism, that it is possible to verify the presence or absence of unexpected fluid leakage from between the valve element and the valve seat, and that in the event that fluid is leaking from the valve mechanism, it is possible to verify the amount of leakage. Furthermore, in order to prevent fluid leakage from the valve mechanism due to unforeseen circumstances, or to minimize leakage, it is also required to grasp the sign of unexpected fluid leakage from the valve mechanism. In the case of handling fluids having volatility and flammability, or fluids having harmfulness to the human body and the environment, this requirement has become even greater in recent years due to the increasing consideration for animals, plants, and the environment. However, in conventional valve mechanisms, there has been a problem that it is impossible to grasp anything about the state of the valve mechanism that serves as the basis for the above-described verification and grasping, that is, the state between the valve element and the valve seat. This problem has not been solved at all in the valve mechanism used in a reservoir valve that handles volatile fluids, etc., shown as an example of the valve mechanism, and exists as a general problem of the valve mechanism.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a valve seat mechanism, a valve mechanism, and a reservoir valve capable of grasping the state between a valve element and a valve seat.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The valve seat mechanism according to the present disclosure includes a valve seat that constitutes a part of a flow path, and one or more detectors that detect a predetermined variable of a detection target in a detection direction. The valve seat is formed with a valve seat end face where the flow path is closed when the valve element comes into contact. The valve seat is formed with a detector installation space where the detector is installed. The detection direction is toward the valve element beyond the valve seat end face in a state where the detector is installed in the detector installation space.

[0007] The valve mechanism according to the present disclosure includes the valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure and a valve element that closes the flow path.

[0008] The reservoir valve according to the present disclosure includes the valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] The valve seat mechanism, valve mechanism, and reservoir valve according to the present disclosure can grasp the state between the valve body and the valve seat.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the range necessary for the description for achieving the object of the present disclosure is schematically shown, and mainly the range necessary for the description of the corresponding part of the present disclosure will be described, and the parts where the description is omitted are assumed to be based on known techniques.

[0012] Embodiment 1. As an explanation of the valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure, in Embodiment 1, the valve seat mechanism used in the reservoir valve is used. However, the valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure is not limited to being used in the reservoir valve, and can be appropriately used in general valve mechanisms. The same applies to the valve seat mechanism in Embodiment 2 described later. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the reservoir valve 5 according to Embodiment 1. The reservoir valve 5 is connected to the opening of the tank 4 via the upstream flange 4b. In FIG. 1, a part of the reservoir valve 5 is shown in a cross section in a plane including the axis of the flow path.

[0013] The tank 4 stores a fluid such as a flammable gas or liquid. Further, the fluid stored in the tank 4 also includes the fluid volatilized from the stored fluid. Examples of the flammable gas or liquid include fossil fuels and fluids such as volatile gases. The shape of the tank 4 is a shape such as a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and a cubic shape.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the shape of the tank 4 is a shape in which the horizontal cross-sectional area of the tank 4 decreases as it goes toward the upper end. An attachment portion 4a is installed at the upper end of the tank 4. A through hole communicating with the inside of the tank 4 is formed in the attachment portion 4a. Thereby, the fluid inside the tank 4 is efficiently discharged through the attachment portion 4a.

[0015] The base portion of the breather valve 5 is attached to the attachment portion 4a via the upstream flange 4b. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that the tank 4 is on the upstream side and the breather valve 5 is installed on the downstream side with respect to the tank 4.

[0016] The breather valve 5 can discharge the fluid inside the tank 4 to the atmosphere according to the internal pressure of the tank 4 and allow the atmosphere, which is the fluid for inhalation, to flow into the inside of the tank 4. That is, the breather valve 5 can adjust the pressure inside the tank 4.

[0017] In the first embodiment, the tank 4 and the breather valve 5 are installed outdoors and exposed to the atmosphere.

[0018] The breather valve 5 includes a main portion 10, an intake portion 20, and a discharge portion 40. The main portion 10 is a T-shaped pipe member. Each of the end portions of the T-shaped pipe member of the main portion 10 is an inlet-side opening end portion 10a that opens downward in the vertical direction, an outlet-side opening end portion 10b that opens upward in the vertical direction, and an intake-side opening end portion 10c that opens in the horizontal direction.

[0019] The main part 10 is installed in a posture where the inlet opening end 10a is on the lower side and the outlet opening end 10b is on the upper side. The main flow path 110 is defined as the flow path that leads from the inlet opening end 10a to the outlet opening end 10b. The main part 10 is installed such that the axis of the main flow path 110 is along the vertical direction. The main flow path 110 extends toward the discharge part 40. The main flow path 110 extending to the discharge part 40 will be described later.

[0020] The branched flow path 111 is defined as the flow path that branches off from the main flow path 110 and reaches the intake side opening end 10c. The axis of the branched flow path 111 is along the horizontal direction. The intake part 20 is connected to the intake side opening end 10c of the main part 10.

[0021] The intake part 20 includes an intake part main body 21 and an intake valve mechanism 22 provided on the intake part main body 21. The intake part main body 21 is a tubular member having two opening ends.

[0022] One end of the intake part main body 21 is a connection side opening end 21a that opens in the horizontal direction. An intake port 21b that opens vertically downward is formed at the other end of the intake part main body 21. The intake flow path 120 is defined as the flow path that connects the connection side opening end 21a and the intake port 21b. Here, the other end of the intake part main body 21 that constitutes the periphery of the intake port 21b is referred to as the intake valve seat 21x.

[0023] The intake valve mechanism 22 includes an intake valve 23 that is an on-off valve, an intake valve shaft 24 fixed to the intake valve 23, and an intake valve guide 25 installed on the intake part main body 21. When the intake valve 23 contacts the intake valve seat 21x that constitutes the periphery of the intake port 21b, the intake port 21b is closed. When a gap is generated between the intake valve 23 and the intake valve seat 21x, the intake port 21b is opened. That is, the intake valve 23 can open and close the intake flow path 120.

[0024] The intake valve guide 25 supports the intake valve shaft 24 so as to be movable along the vertical direction. As a result, the intake valve 23 can move between the intake closed position and the intake open position as the intake valve shaft 24 moves along the vertical direction. The intake valve 23 is an open valve. The intake valve 23 can move toward the intake closed position by falling along the intake valve guide 25 due to the self-weight of the intake valve 23 and the intake valve shaft 24.

[0025] When the intake valve 23 is in the intake closed position, the intake valve 23 closes the intake port 21b. That is, since the lower surface of the intake valve 23 is in contact with the intake valve seat 21x, the intake flow path 120 is closed, and the communication between the intake flow path 120 and the outside of the reservoir valve 5 is blocked.

[0026] When the intake valve 23 moves upward against its self-weight from the intake closed position toward the intake open position, a gap is generated between the intake valve 23 and the intake valve seat 21x. That is, the intake flow path 120 is opened, and the intake flow path 120 is in a state of communicating with the atmosphere outside the reservoir valve 5.

[0027] The intake side opening end 10c and the connection side opening end 21a are connected, and the intake part 20 is connected to the intake side opening end 10c of the main part 10. As a result, the intake flow path 120 inside the intake part body 21 communicates with the branch flow path 111 inside the main part 10. That is, the intake flow path 120 extends along the horizontal direction from the branch flow path 111.

[0028] A discharge part 40 is connected to the outlet side opening end 10b of the main part 10. The discharge part 40 includes a discharge part body 41, a vent cover 47, a discharge valve mechanism 50 installed on the vent cover 47, a detection device 60, and a valve contact member 70.

[0029] The discharge part body 41 is composed of a tubular introduction part 42 and an air discharge part 43 provided so as to surround one opening end of the introduction part 42. The discharge part body 41 is installed in a posture where the pipeline of the introduction part 42 is along the vertical direction.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the introduction part 42 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the part included in the detection device 60 of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, since the upper surface of the introduction part 42 is shown, the valve contact member 70 is not shown. The description will continue based on FIGS. 1-3.

[0031] The downward-opening end of the introduction part 42 is defined as the discharge part inlet-side opening end 42a. The vertically upward-opening end of the introduction part 42 is defined as the valve-side end 42b. The opening of the valve-side end 42b is defined as the valve-side opening 42c, and the end face of the valve-side end 42b is defined as the main body end face 42d. The discharge part inlet-side opening end 42a and the outlet-side opening end 10b of the main part 10 are connected.

[0032] One detector installation space 42e is formed in the introduction part 42. The detector installation space 42e opens to the main body end face 42d, and is a space that opens from the opening on the main body end face 42d, passes through the wall of the introduction part 42, and opens to the outer peripheral side of the introduction part 42. A part of the detection device 60 is installed in the detector installation space 42e.

[0033] The detection device 60 has a detector 61 and a wiring 62 that transmits the signal of the detector 61 to a control device (not shown). The detector 61 can detect a predetermined variable of the detection target. At this time, the detector 61 can detect a predetermined variable of the detection target in the direction in which the detector 61 is directed, and that direction is defined as the detection direction of the detector 61. That is, the detection direction of the detector 61 is the direction in which the detector 61 can detect a predetermined variable of the detection target. One detector 61 and a part of the wiring 62 extending from the detector 61 are installed in the detector installation space 42e. The detector 61 is installed such that the detection direction of the detector 61 is from the detector installation space 42e to the outside of the main body end face 42d. That is, the detector 61 can measure a predetermined variable of the outside detection target from the main body end face 42d on the valve-side end 42b side of the introduction part 42.

[0034] The wiring 62 extends outward from the outer periphery of the introduction part 42 through the detector installation space 42e and is installed. The wiring 62 is connected to a control device (not shown), and the control device can acquire a predetermined variable detected by the detector 61.

[0035] A valve contact member 70 is installed at the valve-side end portion 42b. FIG. 4 is a top view showing the valve contact member 70 of FIG. 1. The description will continue based on FIGS. 1-4.

[0036] The valve contact member 70 is an annular member. In the valve contact member 70, the cross-section along a line in the annular radial direction is L-shaped. That is, the valve contact member 70 has a shape in which an annular flat plate material is bent perpendicular to the plane on the entire inner peripheral side. The valve contact member 70 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end face 42d.

[0037] The valve contact member 70 is installed on the introduction part 42 so as to cover the main body end face 42d of the introduction part 42 and a part of the inner peripheral surface of the introduction part 42 continuous from the main body end face 42d. Here, the surface of the valve contact member 70 facing the discharge valve 53 is defined as the valve facing surface 70a. The discharge valve 53 will be described later.

[0038] The opening of the detector installation space 42e formed in the main body end face 42d is closed by installing the valve contact member 70 on the introduction part 42. That is, the detector 61 is installed in the detector installation space 42e covered by the valve contact member 70. Also, the detection direction of the detector 61 is toward the discharge valve 53 beyond the valve facing surface 70a.

[0039] The valve contact member 70 is screwed and installed on the introduction part 42. An attachment location for screwing is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the valve contact member 70. However, for installing the valve contact member 70 on the introduction part 42, well-known methods other than screwing can be used. The valve contact member 70 is preferably made of a material that does not significantly reduce the detection ability of the detector 61. For example, the valve contact member 70 is made of stainless steel.

[0040] It is preferable to devise the shape of the valve contact member 70 so as not to significantly reduce the detection ability of the detector 61. For example, by making the valve contact member 70 thinner, a significant reduction in the detection ability of the detector 61 can be prevented. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the inner peripheral surface of the introduction part 42 in the part where the detector installation space 42e is formed protrudes further inward, and the thickness of the introduction part 42 in the part where the detector installation space 42e is formed is thicker than the thickness of other parts. Further, the valve contact member 70 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end surface 42d. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the thickness of the introduction part 42 may be uniformly equal, that is, no part protruding inward is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the introduction part 42, and the inner peripheral surface of the introduction part 42 viewed from the axial direction may be circular. Even in this case, the valve contact member 70 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end surface 42d.

[0041] Here, the valve-side end portion 42b of the introduction part 42 is taken as the valve seat body 3. That is, the valve seat body 3 is a cylindrical member that constitutes a part of the flow path closed by the valve body such that the valve-side end portion 42b of the introduction part 42 constitutes a part of the discharge flow path 140. Further, the main body end surface 42d of the introduction part 42 is the end surface of the flow path formed in the valve seat body 3 and is the main body end surface of the valve seat body 3 facing the valve body.

[0042] Further, the valve seat body 3 which is the valve-side end portion 42b of the introduction part 42 and the valve contact member 70 are taken as the valve seat 2. Therefore, the valve seat 2 constitutes a part of the flow path. Further, the valve seat 2 and the detection device 60 are taken as the valve seat mechanism 1. Also, in this case, the valve-facing surface 70a of the valve contact member 70 is taken as the valve seat end surface 2a.

[0043] That is, the valve seat end face 2a faces the lower surface of the discharge valve 53 which is the valve body, and when the discharge valve 53 closes the discharge flow path 140, it is the portion where the discharge valve 53 directly contacts. Further, a gap is formed between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat end face 2a, and when the discharge flow path 140 is opened, the fluid in the tank 4 is discharged through the gap between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat end face 2a. Also, the detection direction is toward the discharge valve 53 which is the valve body beyond the valve seat end face 2a in the state where the detector 61 is installed in the detector installation space 42e.

[0044] Returning to FIG. 1, the description will be continued. The atmosphere discharge portion 43 is formed so as to surround the valve side end portion 42b of the introduction portion 42. An opening is formed in the upper end side of the atmosphere discharge portion 43. The upper end side of the atmosphere discharge portion 43 is defined as the valve mechanism side opening end portion 43b. A plurality of discharge ports 43a opening in the horizontal direction are formed in the body portion of the atmosphere discharge portion 43, that is, below the valve mechanism side opening end portion 43b of the atmosphere discharge portion 43.

[0045] The vent cover 47 is connected to the valve mechanism side opening end portion 43b. The vent cover 47 closes the opening of the valve mechanism side opening end portion 43b. A well-known configuration can be adopted for the connection of the vent cover 47 to the valve mechanism side opening end portion 43b. The discharge valve mechanism 50 is installed on the vent cover 47.

[0046] The discharge valve mechanism 50 includes a discharge valve 53 which is a valve body capable of closing the valve side opening 42c, a discharge valve shaft 54 fixed to the discharge valve 53, and a discharge valve guide 55 installed on the vent cover 47.

[0047] In the state where the vent cover 47 is connected to the valve mechanism side opening end portion 43b, the discharge valve guide 55 extends vertically downward from the vent cover 47. The discharge valve guide 55 supports the discharge valve shaft 54 so as to be movable along the vertical direction.

[0048] The discharge valve 53 is movable between a discharge closed position and a discharge open position by the discharge valve shaft 54 moving along the vertical direction. The discharge valve 53 is an open valve.

[0049] The discharge valve 53 can move toward the discharge closed position by falling along the discharge valve guide 55 due to the self - weight of the discharge valve 53 and the discharge valve shaft 54.

[0050] When the discharge valve 53 is in the discharge closed position, the discharge valve 53 closes the valve - side opening 42c. Specifically, when the discharge valve 53 is in the discharge closed position, the surface of the discharge valve 53 contacts the valve - facing surface 70a of the valve contact member 70. At this time, around the valve - side opening 42c, the surface of the discharge valve 53 and the valve - facing surface 70a are in continuous contact.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the surface of the discharge valve 53 that contacts the valve - facing surface 70a is the lower surface of the discharge valve 53. That is, the detector 61 is installed so that its detection direction faces the lower surface of the discharge valve 53, and can detect a predetermined variable amount to the discharge valve 53.

[0052] When the discharge valve 53 moves against its self - weight from the discharge closed position toward the discharge open position, a gap is generated between the discharge valve 53 and the valve - side opening 42c.

[0053] In the discharge part 40, a discharge flow path 140 is formed that passes from the discharge part inlet - side opening end 42a through the valve - side opening 42c and leads to a plurality of discharge ports 43a. When the discharge valve 53 is in the discharge closed position, the discharge flow path 140 that communicates with the main flow path 110 extending from the inside of the main part 10 is in a state of being continuously blocked.

[0054] When the discharge valve 53 moves from the discharge closed position toward the discharge open position and a gap is generated between the discharge valve 53 and the valve - side opening 42c, the discharge flow path 140 that communicates with the main flow path 110 extending from the inside of the main part 10 is in a state of being unblocked and communicating.

[0055] Next, the operation of the reservoir valve 5 will be described. The reservoir valve 5 operates based on the internal pressure of the tank 4.

[0056] First, when the internal pressure of the tank 4 is at normal pressure, each of the intake valve 23 and the discharge valve 53 is in a closed state. In this state, intake from the intake valve 23 and exhaust from the discharge valve 53 are not carried out, and the internal pressure in the tank 4 is maintained.

[0057] Next, the case where the internal pressure of the tank 4 becomes lower than the normal pressure will be described. In the intake section 20, since the internal pressure of the intake section 20 is low, the intake valve 23 is pushed by the atmosphere. Therefore, the intake valve 23 moves from the intake closed position toward the intake open position.

[0058] Specifically, the intake valve 23 is pushed by the atmosphere and rises against its own weight. The total weight of the intake valve 23 and the intake valve shaft 24 is set to a weight that rises when the internal pressure of the intake section 20 becomes normal pressure or less and is pushed by the atmosphere.

[0059] As the intake valve 23 rises against its own weight, the intake passage 120 is opened, and the atmosphere enters the inside of the intake section 20 from the intake port 21b.

[0060] On the other hand, since the internal pressure of the discharge section 40 is low, the discharge valve 53 has moved downward by its own weight, and the discharge valve 53 remains at the discharge closed position. That is, the valve-side opening 42c is maintained in a closed state by the discharge valve 53.

[0061] As a result, the atmosphere flows in from the intake port 21b, and eventually the internal pressure of the tank 4 increases. The intake valve 23 moves to the intake closed position by its own weight and closes the intake port 21b. In this way, the internal pressure of the tank 4 becomes the pressure set by the weight of the intake valve 23.

[0062] Next, the case where the internal pressure of the tank 4 is higher than the normal pressure will be described. At this time, in the intake section 20, since the internal pressure of the intake section 20 is high, the intake valve 23 remains at the intake closed position due to the internal pressure of the intake section 20 and its own weight. Therefore, the intake port 21b is closed.

[0063] In the discharge section 40, since the internal pressures of the tank 4, the main section 10, and the intake section 20 are high, the discharge valve 53 moves from the discharge closed position toward the discharge open position. Specifically, the discharge valve 53 is pushed by the fluid inside the tank 4 and rises against its own weight. Note that the total weight of the discharge valve 53 and the discharge valve shaft 54 is set to a weight that rises against its own weight when the internal pressure of the main section 10 becomes normal pressure or higher.

[0064] Therefore, the fluid in the tank 4 is discharged from the inside of the tank 4 through the main flow path 110, the valve-side opening 42c, and the discharge flow path 140. That is, when the internal pressure of the discharge section 40 becomes higher than the normal pressure, the discharge valve mechanism 50 keeps the discharge flow path 140 communicating with the main flow path 110 without blocking it. As a result, the fluid discharged from the inside of the tank 4 can be discharged to the downstream side of the discharge valve mechanism 50 through the discharge flow path 140.

[0065] When the fluid in the tank 4 is discharged from the discharge section 40, eventually, based on the internal pressure of the tank 4, the discharge valve 53 moves to the discharge closed position by its own weight and closes the valve-side opening 42c.

[0066] As a result, the internal pressure of the tank 4 becomes the pressure based on the weight of the discharge valve 53. In this way, the reservoir valve 5 can maintain the pressure in the tank 4 at a constant pressure.

[0067] Note that the fluid inside the tank 4 includes, as described above, the fluid inside the tank 4 and the fluid obtained by volatilizing and gasifying the fluid. Therefore, the discharged fluid also includes the fluid inside the tank 4 and the fluid obtained by volatilizing and gasifying the fluid.

[0068] Next, the detection device 60 will be described. The detector 61 can constantly detect a predetermined variable amount up to the discharge valve 53. The predetermined variable amount of the detection target detected by the detector 61 can be recognized as the state of the discharge valve 53 or the state between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat 2. For example, the detector 61 is a distance sensor that can measure the distance to the lower surface of the discharge valve 53. In this case, the variable amount up to the discharge valve 53 that can be detected by the detector 61 is the current distance to the discharge valve 53, that is, the current position of the discharge valve 53.

[0069] From the distance to the lower surface of the discharge valve 53 detected by the detector 61, it is possible to infer whether the discharge valve 53 is in the valve closed position or has moved in the direction from the valve closed position to the valve open position. That is, it is possible to know whether the valve side opening 42c is closed by the discharge valve 53. Further, thereby, the opening degree of the discharge valve 53, and furthermore, the presence or absence and the flow rate of the fluid flowing between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat 2 can be calculated.

[0070] Also, for example, by measuring the time when the discharge valve 53 is not in the valve closed position, it is possible to infer that there is a problem such as an abnormality in the discharge valve mechanism 50 or an interference object between the valve seat and the discharge valve 53. Also, although it cannot be determined that there is an abnormality in the discharge valve mechanism 50 from the behavior of the change in the measured distance data, a sign of an abnormality in the discharge valve mechanism 50 can be found. In this way, the detection device 60 can know the state between the discharge valve 53, which is the valve body, and the valve seat 2. Also, based on the behavior of the change in the measured distance data, it is possible to verify an unexpected situation, the presence or absence of unexpected fluid leakage due to it, and the leakage amount. Furthermore, when a specific behavior is observed in the behavior of the change in the distance data measured by the detector 61, it can be determined that there is a sign of unexpected fluid leakage from between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat 2.

[0071] Note that the detector 61 is not limited to a distance sensor. For example, as the detector 61, a vibration sensor directed toward the lower surface of the discharge valve 53 may be used. With this vibration sensor, it is possible to detect vibrations up to the discharge valve 53 beyond the valve contact member 70. Even when a vibration sensor is used as the detector 61, similar to the distance sensor, the detection device 60 can determine the state between the discharge valve 53, which is the valve body, and the valve seat 2.

[0072] Also, for example, as the detector 61, an acoustic sensor directed toward the lower surface of the discharge valve 53 may be used. The acoustic sensor may detect sounds up to the discharge valve 53. The acoustic sensor can detect the operating sound of the discharge valve 53, the collision sound between the valve seat 2 and the discharge valve 53, and the sound of the fluid between the valve seat 2 and the discharge valve 53. Even when an acoustic sensor is used as the detector 61, similar to the distance sensor, the detection device 60 can determine the state between the discharge valve 53, which is the valve body, and the valve seat 2. Note that the strength of the directivity in the detection direction of the detector 61 varies depending on the sensor used as the detector 61. Therefore, when installing the detector 61, the detection direction can be appropriately set in consideration of the strength of the directivity of the sensor used, and the installation posture of the detector 61 can be appropriately set.

[0073] According to the valve seat mechanism 1 in the first embodiment, a valve seat 2 that forms part of a flow path, and one or more detectors 61 that detect a predetermined variable of a detection target in a detection direction are provided. Further, on the valve seat 2, a valve seat end face 2a is formed where the discharge valve 53, which is a valve body, contacts to close the flow path, and a detector installation space 42e where the detector 61 is installed is formed on the valve seat 2. Further, the detection direction is toward the valve body beyond the valve seat end face 2a in a state where the detector 61 is installed in the detector installation space 42e. Thereby, the state between the valve body and the valve seat can be grasped. Further, by accumulating data indicating the state between the valve body and the valve seat acquired by the detector 61 and comparing and examining past data and current data, verification of the amount of fluid passing between the valve body and the valve seat, verification of the presence or absence of unexpected fluid leakage from between the valve body and the valve seat, verification of the leakage amount, and grasping of the sign of fluid leakage from between the valve body and the valve seat can be performed. Further, the degree of deterioration of the valve body or the valve seat can be known. Therefore, failure of the valve body or the valve seat and signs of failure can be detected early.

[0074] According to the valve seat mechanism 1 in the first embodiment, the detector installation space 42e is not exposed to the flow path and the valve seat end face 2a. Thereby, stronger sealing performance can be realized for the flow path. Therefore, even when an explosion-proof structure is required, the valve seat mechanism 1 of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0075] According to the valve seat mechanism 1 in Embodiment 1, the valve seat 2 has a cylindrical valve seat body 3 that forms part of the flow path, and a valve contact member 70 that is installed on the valve seat body 3 and forms the valve seat end face 2a. Further, on the valve seat body 3, a main body end face 42d is formed at the end of the flow path and faces the discharge valve 53 that is a valve body for closing the flow path. Further, the detector installation space 42e is formed in the valve seat body 3, and the detector installation space 42e is exposed on the main body end face 42d. Further, the valve contact member 70 covers the main body end face 42d. Thus, when the data acquired by the detection device 60 shows abnormal behavior, some abnormality in the valve body or the valve seat 2 can be considered. For example, when wear of the valve seat end face 2a of the valve seat 2 is considered, the treatment can be completed by replacing only the valve contact member 70. Therefore, the maintenance work can be reduced. Further, as for securing the maintenance parts of the valve seat mechanism 1, it is sufficient to mainly secure the valve contact member 70 as a replacement part. This makes it easier to arrange and store the maintenance parts.

[0076] According to the buffer valve 5 in Embodiment 1, it includes the valve seat mechanism 1 of the present disclosure. Thereby, the state between the valve body and the valve seat can be grasped. Further, by accumulating the data indicating the state between the valve body and the valve seat acquired by the detector 61 and comparing and examining the past data and the current data, verification of the amount of fluid passing between the valve body and the valve seat, verification of the presence or absence of unexpected fluid leakage from between the valve body and the valve seat, verification of the leakage amount, and grasping of the sign of fluid leakage from between the valve body and the valve seat can be performed. Further, the degree of deterioration of the valve body or the valve seat can be known. Therefore, failures of the valve body or the valve seat and signs of failure can be detected early.

[0077] In the buffer valve 5 in Embodiment 1, the detection device 60 is provided in the discharge part 40. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the detection device 60 may be provided in the intake part 20. That is, the detection device 60 may be provided on the intake valve seat 20x corresponding to the intake valve 23 to monitor the behavior of the intake valve 23.

[0078] Embodiment 2. As an explanation of the valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure, in the second embodiment, the valve seat mechanism used for the reservoir valve is employed. However, the valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure is not limited to that used for the reservoir valve and can be appropriately used for general valve mechanisms. In the second embodiment, the configuration in which three detectors 61 are installed is different from the detector device 60 of the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a top view showing the introduction part 42 according to the second embodiment.

[0079] The detector device 60 includes three detectors 61 and wiring 62 that transmits the signals of each detector 61 to a control device (not shown). In the introduction part 42, three detector installation spaces 42e are formed. In one detector installation space 42e, one detector 61 and the wiring 62 connected to the detector 61 are installed.

[0080] The valve contact member 70 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end face 42d. The openings of the plurality of detector installation spaces 42e formed in the main body end face 42d are closed when the valve contact member 70 is installed in the introduction part 42. That is, the plurality of detectors 61 are installed in the detector installation spaces 42e covered by the valve contact member 70. Each of the plurality of detectors 61 is installed along the valve facing surface 70a. As shown in FIG. 5, the inner peripheral surface of the introduction part 42 at the portion where each detector installation space 42e is formed protrudes further inward, and the thickness of the introduction part 42 at the portion where the detector installation space 42e is formed is thicker than the thickness of the other portions. Also, the valve contact member 70 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end face 42d. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the thickness of the introduction part 42 may be uniformly equal, that is, no protruding portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the introduction part 42 toward the inside, and the inner peripheral surface of the introduction part 42 viewed from the axial direction may be circular. Even in this case, the valve contact member 70 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end face 42d.

[0081] Each of the plurality of detectors 61 is a sensor of the same type. For example, all three detectors 61 may be distance sensors. Since the other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those disclosed in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

[0082] In the second embodiment, three detectors 61 are installed in the introduction part 42. However, it is not limited to this. The number of detectors 61 arranged in the introduction part 42 may be two or more, that is, a plurality. Also, one or a plurality of detectors 61 may be installed in one detector installation space 42e. The detectors 61 of the valve seat mechanism 1 in the second embodiment are installed in plurality along the valve seat end face 2a. Thereby, a slight inclination or vibration of the discharge valve 53 can be examined in more detail. Therefore, the behavior of the valve body can be observed in more detail.

[0083] The plurality of detectors 61 of the valve seat mechanism 1 in the second embodiment are sensors of a single type. Thereby, the signals obtained from each detector 61 can be easily compared and examined. Therefore, a slight inclination or vibration of the discharge valve 53 can be examined in more detail easily.

[0084] Note that the three detectors 61 in the second embodiment are all sensors of the same type. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the types of sensors of the three detectors 61 may be one or more distance sensors and one or more vibration sensors. That is, for the plurality of detectors 61, a plurality of types of sensors may be used.

[0085] In the valve seat mechanism 1 in the second embodiment, at least two detectors 61 are sensors of different types. Thereby, the behavior of the discharge valve 53 can be examined from multiple perspectives.

[0086] In addition, the valve seat mechanism 1 in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 is provided in the reserve valve 5. However, it is not limited to this. Any valve mechanism that closes the flow path by closing the valve seat end face 2a of the valve seat 2 with a valve member and opens the flow path by creating a gap between the valve member and the valve seat 2 can be provided with the valve seat mechanism 1 in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2. Examples of such valve mechanisms include rotary valves such as ball valves and diaphragm valves.

[0087] According to the valve mechanism in Embodiment 1, it includes the valve seat mechanism 1 of the present disclosure and the discharge valve 53 which is a valve body for closing the flow path. Thereby, the state between the valve body and the valve seat can be grasped. Also, by accumulating the data indicating the state between the valve body and the valve seat acquired by the detector 61 and comparing and examining the past data and the current data, verification of the amount of fluid passing between the valve body and the valve seat, verification of the presence or absence of unexpected fluid leakage from between the valve body and the valve seat, verification of the leakage amount, and grasping of the sign of fluid leakage from between the valve body and the valve seat can be performed. Also, the degree of deterioration of the valve body or the valve seat can be known. Therefore, faults and signs of faults in the valve body or the valve seat can be detected early.

[0088] In addition, the valve seat mechanism 1 in Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 uses the valve contact member 70. However, it is not limited to this. For example, the valve contact member 70 may not be used. In that case, at the main body end face 42d of the valve-side end portion 42b, a detector installation space 42e is formed without opening, and the main body end face 42d becomes the end face in contact with the discharge valve 53. That is, in this case, the valve seat end face 2a becomes the main body end face 32d. With such a configuration, the sealing performance between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat end face 2a which is the main body end face 42d is ensured, and the flow path can be closed. Furthermore, since the valve contact member 70 is not used, the number of parts is small, and the design and manufacturing costs can be saved. Also, since the number of parts is small, the possibility of occurrence of faults and malfunctions is reduced.

[0089] Hereinafter, various aspects of the present disclosure will be summarized and described as appendices.

[0090] (Appendix 1) A valve seat forming part of a flow path, one or more detectors for detecting a predetermined variable of a detection target in a detection direction, and comprising, The valve seat has a valve seat end face formed by contact with a valve body to close the flow path, The valve seat has a detector installation space where the detector is installed, The detection direction is toward the valve body beyond the valve seat end face when the detector is installed in the detector installation space, Valve seat mechanism. (Appendix 2) The detector installation space is not exposed to the flow path and the valve seat end face, The valve seat mechanism according to Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) A plurality of the detectors are installed along the valve seat end face, The valve seat mechanism according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) The plurality of detectors are of a single type of sensor, The valve seat mechanism according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3. (Appendix 5) At least two of the detectors are of different types of sensors, The valve seat mechanism according to Appendix 3. (Appendix 6) The valve seat, a valve seat body forming part of the flow path, a valve contact member installed on the valve seat body and forming the valve seat end face, and having, The valve seat body has a body end face at an end of the flow path and facing the valve body that closes the flow path, The detector installation space is formed in the valve seat body, The detector installation space is exposed to the body end face, The valve contact member covers the body end face. The valve seat mechanism according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5. (Supplementary Note 7) The valve seat mechanism according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, and a valve body for closing the flow path, and equipped with a valve mechanism. (Supplementary Note 8) Equipped with the valve seat mechanism according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, a reservoir valve.

Explanation of Signs

[0091] 1 Valve seat mechanism, 2 Valve seat, 2a Valve seat end face, 3 Valve seat body, 4 Tank, 4a Mounting part, 4b Upstream flange, 5 Reservoir valve, 10 Main part, 10a Inlet side opening end, 10b Outlet side opening end, 10c Intake side opening end, 20 Intake part, 21 Intake part body, 21a Connection side opening end, 21b Intake port, 21x Intake valve seat, 22 Intake valve mechanism, 23 Intake valve (valve body), 24 Intake valve shaft, 25 Intake valve guide, 40 Discharge part, 41 Discharge part body, 42 Introduction part, 42a Discharge part inlet side opening end, 42b Valve side end, 42c Valve side opening, 42d Body end face, 42e Detector installation space, 43 Atmosphere discharge part, 43a Discharge port, 43b Valve mechanism side opening end, 47 Vent cover, 50 Discharge valve mechanism, 53 Discharge valve (valve body), 54 Discharge valve shaft, 55 Discharge valve guide, 60 Detection device, 61 Detector, 62 Wiring, 70 Valve contact member, 110 Main flow path, 111 Branch flow path, 120 Intake flow path, 140 Discharge flow path.

Claims

1. A valve seat forming part of a flow path, one or more detectors for detecting a predetermined variable of a detection target in a detection direction, and the valve seat has a valve seat end face where the flow path is closed when a valve body comes into contact therewith, the valve seat has a detector installation space where the detector is installed, the detection direction is toward the valve body beyond the valve seat end face when the detector is installed in the detector installation space, a valve seat mechanism.

2. The detector installation space is not exposed to the flow path and the valve seat end face, The valve seat mechanism according to Claim 1.

3. A plurality of the detectors are installed along the valve seat end face, The valve seat mechanism according to Claim 1.

4. The plurality of detectors are of a single type of sensor, The valve seat mechanism according to Claim 1.

5. At least two of the detectors are of different types of sensors, The valve seat mechanism according to Claim 3.

6. The valve seat has a valve seat body forming part of the flow path, and a valve contact member installed on the valve seat body and forming the valve seat end face, and the valve seat body has a main body end face at the end of the flow path and facing the valve body that closes the flow path, the detector installation space is formed in the valve seat body, the detector installation space is exposed to the main body end face, the valve contact member covers the main body end face, The valve seat mechanism according to Claim 1.

7. The valve seat mechanism according to Claim 1, and a valve body for closing the flow path, and a valve mechanism.

8. A bleeder valve provided with the valve seat mechanism according to Claim 1. A bleeder valve.

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