Valve device

Abstract

To provide a valve device capable of surely preventing erroneous assembly.SOLUTION: The valving device includes a housing 11 in which an inlet and an outlet of fluid and an internal space 11d are formed, and a connecting member 14. The connecting member 14 has a joint 14a and a screw 14b. An opening part 11e and n (n is an integer of 2 or more) screw hole 14b to which n screw 11g are screwed are formed in the housing 11, and a fitting part 14a to be fitted to the opening part 11e and n insertion hole 14e through which n screw 14b penetrate are formed in the joint 14d. When the screw hole 11g and the insertion hole 14d are arranged at corresponding positions, a fastening hole 15 to which a screw 14b can be fastened is formed, n fastening holes 15 are formed at the reference position, and one or more of the n fastening holes 15 are located at positions that are not n-fold symmetric with respect to the center shaft of the fitting portion 14e as a rotation center.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a control valve for construction machinery and industrial machinery that can be assembled accurately, as an example of a valve device that employs technology to prevent incorrect assembly.

[0003] Specifically, this control valve is provided with a spool cover 112 and a spring cover 113 for each valve casing 111 (see Figure 12). Bolt holes 114 for attaching the spool cover (bolt positions shown in Figure 12(a)) are formed on the spool cover attachment surface side, and bolt holes 115 for attaching the spring cover (bolt positions shown in Figure 12(b)) are formed on the spring cover attachment surface side, and each cover is fixed to the valve casing 111 at two bolt positions.

[0004] In addition, in Figure 12, the bolt positions of each cover are along the center line L A Specifically, the bolt positions of the spool cover 112 are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the center line L A The bolt position of the spring cover 113 is on the center line L. A They are placed at the top right and bottom left, respectively.

[0005] In the control valve configured as described above, when spool cover 112 is properly attached to spool cover attachment bolt holes 114, pilot port 116 fits within the attachment surface, as shown in Figure 12(a), but when spring cover 113 is incorrectly attached to spool cover attachment bolt holes 114, pilot port 117 protrudes from the side, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 12(a). This allows the worker to visually recognize that the cover has been attached incorrectly during assembly, enabling accurate assembly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-130242 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As described above, the control valve described in Patent Document 1 allows visual recognition of an incorrectly attached cover during assembly, but it is possible to actually attach the cover even in an incorrect state, and does not reliably prevent incorrect assembly.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a valve device that can reliably prevent incorrect assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The valve device according to the present invention includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid and an internal space communicating with the inlet and the outlet, a switching valve accommodated in the internal space and switching the communication state between the inlet and the outlet, an actuator adjusting the valve opening amount of the switching valve, and a connecting member for attaching the actuator to the housing. The connecting member also includes a joint disposed between the housing and the actuator and a screw fastening the joint to the housing. The housing also has an opening that opens from the internal space to the outside and a threaded hole formed around the opening into which the screw threads, the joint including a cylindrical fitting that fits into the opening, and an insertion hole through which the screw passes, and the screws, the threaded hole, and the insertion hole are provided in equal numbers, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0010] When one screw hole and one insertion hole are positioned in a corresponding position, one fastening hole into which one screw can be fastened is formed, and when the joint is assembled in the correct orientation relative to the housing, all of the screw holes and all of the insertion holes are positioned in corresponding positions to form n fastening holes, and at least one of the n fastening holes is in a position that is not n-fold symmetrical around the central axis of the fitting portion as the center of rotation.

[0011] This prevents screws from being fastened to any screw holes other than those at the reference position, so the joint can always be assembled in the correct orientation relative to the housing.

[0012] Furthermore, in the valve device according to the present invention, when a position where the joint is correctly oriented relative to the housing is defined as a reference position, if the joint rotates about the central axis as a rotation center, only one or less fastening holes may be formed at positions other than the reference position. Alternatively, when a position where the joint is correctly oriented relative to the housing is defined as a reference position, if the joint rotates about the central axis as a rotation center from the reference position in increments of 360 / n degrees, no fastening holes may be formed at positions other than the reference position. This allows for early detection of misassembly.

[0013] In addition, the valve device of the present invention comprises a cylindrical case with a bottom that is placed in the internal space, the inlet having a water inlet through which water flows in and a hot water inlet through which hot water flows in, and water, hot water, or a mixture of water and hot water flows out from the outlet, a water side opening that leads to the water inlet and a hot water side opening that leads to the hot water inlet are formed on the side of the case, a mixing chamber that connects to the water side opening and the hot water side opening is formed inside the case, a mixed water outlet that connects the mixing chamber to the outlet is formed at the bottom of the case, and the switching valve is housed in the case and opens and closes the water side opening and the hot water side opening depending on the water temperature in the mixing chamber. Furthermore, the valve device of the present invention comprises a coupling that is rotationally driven by the actuator, and a feed screw portion that converts the rotational motion of the coupling into linear motion, wherein the actuator is a motor, and the switching valve has a valve body that opens and closes the water side opening and the hot water side opening, a temperature-sensitive spring that is arranged in the mixing chamber and urges the valve body in a direction that closes the hot water side opening and opens the water side opening, and a compression spring that urges the valve body in the opposite direction to the temperature-sensitive spring, and the compression spring may be arranged in a compressed state between the feed screw portion and the valve body.

[0014] Furthermore, in the valve device according to the present invention, the switching valve may have a valve stem, a valve element provided at the tip of the valve stem, and a compression spring that biases the valve element in a closing direction; the fitting portion may have a bottom at one end on the internal space side, and the bottom may have a through hole formed in it through which the valve stem is inserted so as to be axially movably, and a valve seat on which the valve element is seated and released; and the actuator may have a heating portion and a thermoelement that expands when heated by the heating portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the valve device of the present invention, misassembly can be reliably prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a valve device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of part A shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part B shown in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an assembly in which the housing and the joint are connected with screws. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a comparative example of an assembly in which a housing and a joint are connected with screws. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the joint is rotated 180 degrees from the state in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows the external appearance of the housing, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a perspective view. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the external appearance of the joint, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a perspective view. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the X-X' section of the thermal valve shown in Figure 8, where (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the joint is aligned in the correct direction relative to the housing, (b) is a diagram showing the state in which the joint has been rotated 90 degrees from the state in (a), (c) is a diagram showing the state in which the joint has been rotated 180 degrees from the state in (a), and (d) is a diagram showing the state in which the joint has been rotated 270 degrees from the state in (a). [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a structure for detecting an incorrect assembly, where (a) is a diagram showing the spool cover mounting surface side, and (b) is a diagram showing the spring cover mounting surface side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a valve device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Furthermore, in the specification and drawings of the present application, elements that can be similarly described will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations may be omitted.

[0018] <First embodiment: mixing valve> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a first embodiment of a valve device according to the present invention, and more specifically, a vertical cross-sectional view of a mixing valve 1 which is the first embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention. For the sake of convenience, the upper and lower sides of the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment will be simply referred to as "upper" and "lower" in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of part A shown in Fig. 1.

[0019] 1, the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment includes a housing 11, a hot and cold water mixing mechanism 12, an actuator 13, and a connecting member 14. Each component of the mixing valve 1 will be described in detail below.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of housing 11. Housing 11 is formed with hot water inlet 11a, cold water inlet 11b, and mixed water outlet 11c, and an internal space 11d is formed therein, connecting hot water inlet 11a and cold water inlet 11b with mixed water outlet 11c. Housing 11 also has opening 11e that opens from internal space 11d to the outside. Opening 11e is provided as an opening for attaching connecting member 14 (see Fig. 1). As shown in Fig. 3, opening 11e of housing 11 is provided with a flange 11f at its tip.

[0021] The hot and cold water mixing mechanism 12 has a cylindrical casing 21 with a bottom that is disposed in the internal space 11d so that a portion of the casing protrudes from the opening of the opening 11e, and a switching valve 22 housed in the casing 21. The hot and cold water mixing mechanism 12 is attached to the housing 11 using a connecting member 14.

[0022] The casing 21 has a first casing 21a and a second casing 21b. One end of the first casing 21a and one end of the second casing 21b are screwed together to form the casing 21.

[0023] The side wall of casing 21 is provided with hot water side opening 21c for introducing hot water flowing from hot water inlet 11a and cold water side opening 21d for introducing cold water flowing from cold water inlet 11b (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, a mixing chamber 21e communicating with hot water side opening 21c and cold water side opening 21d is formed inside casing 21. A mixed water outlet 21f communicating with mixing chamber 21e and mixed water outlet 11c is provided at the bottom of casing 21 (first casing 21a side) where mixing chamber 21e is formed. The hot water flowing in from hot water side opening 21c and the water flowing in from cold water side opening 21d flow into mixing chamber 21e, are mixed in mixing chamber 21e, and are then discharged from mixed water outlet 11c via mixed water outlet 21f.

[0024] In addition, the second casing 21b has a ring-shaped hot water valve seat 21g formed at its lower end (the lower end of the part that screws into the first casing 21a), and the first casing 21a has a ring-shaped water valve seat 21h formed so that its inner wall narrows in diameter at a constant gradient.

[0025] A guide portion 21k having a shaft guide hole into which a shaft portion 22h (described later) is slidably inserted is provided at the center of the bottom of the first casing 21a. A spring bearing 21m for supporting one end of an SMA (Shape Memory Alloy) spring 22b (described later) is formed at the bottom of the first casing 21a connected to the lower end of the guide portion 21k.

[0026] The switching valve 22 includes a valve element 22a that opens and closes the hot water side opening 21c and the cold water side opening 21d, an SMA spring 22b that is located in the mixing chamber 21e and biases the valve element 22a in a direction that closes the hot water side opening 21c and opens the cold water side opening 21d, and a coil spring (compression spring) 22c that biases the valve element 22a in the opposite direction to the SMA spring 22b. While the coil spring 22c has a constant spring constant, the SMA spring 26 is a temperature-sensitive spring made of a material whose spring constant changes with temperature. The switching valve 22 configured in this manner is housed in the casing 21 and opens and closes the hot water side opening 21c and the cold water side opening 21d in response to the water temperature in the mixing chamber 21e. This switches between a communication state between the hot water inlet 11a and the mixed water outlet 11c and a communication state between the cold water inlet 11b and the mixed water outlet 11c.

[0027] Valve element 22a is provided with a cylindrical valve portion 22d that is movable in the direction of the central axis of casing 21 between hot water valve seat 21g and cold water valve seat 21h that are formed on casing 21. Hot water valve 22e is formed on one end edge of the cylindrical wall of valve portion 22d, and cold water valve 22f is formed on the other end edge (see Figure 2). That is, movement of valve portion 22d causes movement of hot water valve 22e and cold water valve 22f to open and close hot water side opening 21c and cold water side opening 21d.

[0028] Valve element 22a is supported by an O-ring 23 provided between hot water side opening 21c and cold water side opening 21d, and the outer circumferential surface of valve portion 22d is configured to be slidable in the direction of the central axis. This O-ring 23 seals the gap between hot water valve 22e and cold water valve 22f (see Figure 2).

[0029] Additionally, in the valve body 22a, a cylindrically-shaped valve portion 22d is provided inside with a bottomed, cylindrical spring receiving portion 22g, which is connected to the valve portion 22d via multiple bridge-shaped connecting members (not shown). A shaft portion 22h is provided on the outside of the bottom of the spring receiving portion 22g, extending downward from the center in the direction of the central axis (see FIG. 2). Furthermore, a communication hole 22k is provided in the spring receiving portion 22g, and this communication hole 22k allows hot water and cold water (mainly hot water) that have entered the interior of the spring receiving portion 22g to be discharged into the mixing chamber 21e. A flow passage 22m is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the valve portion 22d and the outer circumferential surface of the spring receiving portion 22g, and this flow passage 22m also guides hot water and cold water (mainly hot water) to the mixing chamber 21e.

[0030] Furthermore, the shaft portion 22h provided on the valve body 22a is slidably inserted into a shaft guide hole of the guide portion 21k provided at the center of the bottom of the first casing 21a, thereby guiding the movement of the valve body 22a in the axial direction.

[0031] Coil spring 22c is arranged in a compressed state between the bottom of bottomed cylindrical spring receiving portion 22g provided on valve body 22a and the lower end of feed screw portion 13c (described later) (see Figures 1 and 2). As a result, valve body 22a is biased by coil spring 22c in a direction in which water valve 22f of valve portion 22d approaches water valve seat 21h.

[0032] On the other hand, SMA spring 22b is arranged around shaft portion 22h provided on valve body 22a, and is arranged in a compressed state between spring receiver 21m formed on the bottom of first casing 21a and the back surface of the bottom of spring receiver portion 22g (see Figure 1). As a result, valve body 22a is urged by SMA spring 22b in a direction that moves hot water valve 22e of valve portion 22d closer to hot water valve seat 21g.

[0033] That is, SMA spring 22b biases valve element 22a in a direction that closes hot water side opening 21c and opens cold water side opening 21d. On the other hand, coil spring 22c biases valve element 22a in the opposite direction to SMA spring 22b, that is, in a direction that opens hot water side opening 21c and closes cold water side opening 21d.

[0034] In this embodiment, the SMA spring 22b is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any spring that expands and contracts in response to temperature changes may be used, and instead of the SMA spring 22b, a thermoelement containing a thermal expansion body (wax) that expands and contracts in response to temperature may be used.

[0035] Valve element 22a adjusts the distance between hot water valve 22e and hot water valve seat 21g, and the distance between cold water valve 22f and cold water valve seat 21h, by balancing the loads received from coil spring 22c and SMA spring 22d. In other words, when valve element 22a is accommodated inside housing 11, it opens and closes the liquid flow path from hot water inlet 11a to mixed water outlet 11c, and the liquid flow path from cold water inlet 11b to mixed water outlet 11c.

[0036] With this configuration, the hot and cold water mixing mechanism 12 adjusts the mixing ratio of the hot water flowing in from the hot water inlet 11a and the cold water flowing in from the cold water inlet 11b. The mixing valve 1 then discharges mixed water adjusted to the desired temperature. Note that the mixed water is obtained by mixing cold and hot water in the mixing chamber 21e, but depending on the position of the valve body 22a (valve portion 22d), it may be only cold or only hot water.

[0037] The actuator 13 comprises a motor 13a. The mixing valve 1 comprises a coupling 13b that is rotationally driven by the motor 13a, and a feed screw 13c that converts the rotational motion of the coupling 13b into linear motion. The actuator 13 adjusts the opening amount of the switching valve 22 via the coupling 13b and the feed screw 13c.

[0038] The coupling 13b is a joint member that connects the shaft (not shown) of the motor 13a and the feed screw portion 13c, and transmits the power of the motor 13a to the feed screw portion 13c.

[0039] Feed screw portion 13c has a rotating portion 13c1 that includes a male thread portion and rotates together with coupling 13b, and a linear motion portion 13c2 that includes a female thread portion that screws onto the outer periphery of the male thread portion. Linear motion portion 13c2 is housed in casing 21 in a state where axial movement is permitted but movement in the rotational direction is restricted. As a result, when coupling 13b is rotated by motor 13a, rotating portion 13c1 rotates together with coupling 13b, and linear motion portion 13c2 moves in a direction along the axis of the male thread portion of rotating portion 13c1.

[0040] That is, with the above configuration, the actuator 13 rotates the coupling 13b, the feed screw portion 13c converts the rotational motion of the coupling 13b into linear motion, and the linear motion portion 13c2 moves up and down. This changes the support position on the upper side of the coil spring 22c, and therefore the set lengths of the coil spring 22c and the SMA spring 22b.

[0041] In this embodiment, the load applied to each spring (coil spring 22c, SMA spring 22b) is adjusted by the operation of actuator 13, and the mixed water discharged from mixed water outlet 11c is set to a desired temperature.

[0042] In the hot and cold water mixing mechanism 12 configured as described above, the valve element 22a moves to a position (a position adjusted to the set temperature) where the load of the SMA spring 22b and the load of the coil spring 22c are balanced. When the spring constant of the SMA spring 22b increases due to a rise in the temperature in the mixing chamber 21e, the valve element 22a moves toward the hot water valve seat 21g. As a result, the gap between the hot water valve 22e and the hot water valve seat 21g narrows (the amount of hot water decreases), and the gap between the cold water valve 22f and the cold water valve seat 21h widens (the amount of water increases), causing the temperature in the mixing chamber 21e to drop.

[0043] On the other hand, when the spring constant of SMA spring 22b decreases due to a drop in the temperature inside mixing chamber 21e, valve body 22a moves toward water valve seat 21h. As a result, the gap between hot water valve 22e and hot water valve seat 21g widens (the amount of hot water increases), and the gap between water valve 22f and water valve seat 21h narrows (the amount of water decreases), causing the temperature inside mixing chamber 21e to rise.

[0044] In this way, the axial position of the valve body 22a is adjusted, and the mixed water is adjusted to a set temperature.

[0045] The connecting member 14 has a joint 14 a disposed between the housing 11 and the actuator 13 , and a screw 14 b that fastens the joint 14 a to the housing 11 .

[0046] 4 is an enlarged view of part B (the vicinity of joint 14a) shown in FIG. 1. Joint 14a has a pair of flanges 14c formed integrally with the bottom, and these flanges 14c have a plurality of insertion holes 14d (two in this embodiment, one on each of the pair of flanges 14c) formed therein for attaching housing 11. Meanwhile, a pair of flanges 11f provided on housing 11 also have a plurality of screw holes 11g (two in this embodiment) for attaching joint 14a at positions corresponding to the insertion holes 14d. The arrangement of screw holes 11g formed in housing 11 and insertion holes 14d formed in joint 14a will be described in detail below.

[0047] Furthermore, a fitting portion 14e is formed at the bottom of the joint 14a so as to protrude downward from the flange 14c. The fitting portion 14e fits into an opening 11e provided in the housing 11.

[0048] A line passing through the center of the mating portion 14e is defined as the central axis L3. FIG. 5 is a plan view of an assembly in which the housing 11 and the joint 14a are connected with the screw 14b. The horizontal center line L1 of the joint 14a in FIG. 5 is perpendicular to the central axis L3. The vertical center line L2 of the joint 14a in FIG. 5 is perpendicular to the central axis L3 and the center line L1 at their intersection. As shown in FIG. 5, the top surface of the joint 14a is formed with multiple (two in this embodiment) screw holes 14f and positioning protrusions 14g for assembling the motor 13a. The screw holes 14f are located on the center line L1, and the positioning protrusions 14g are located slightly offset from the center line L1. This uniquely determines the orientation of the motor 13a relative to the joint 14a.

[0049] To attach the joint 14a to the housing 11, first, the fitting portion 14e formed at the bottom of the joint 14a is fitted (engaged) into the opening 11e provided in the housing 11 (see FIG. 4). Next, the insertion hole 14d and the screw hole 11g are aligned. This alignment may be performed by rotating the joint 14a around the central axis of the opening 11e. Once aligned, the two screw holes 11g are fastened (screwed) with screws 14b to integrate the housing 11 and the joint 14a (see FIG. 5).

[0050] Although the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment is intended for hot water or water, any fluid may be used, and the present invention is not limited to liquids.

[0051] <Details of screw hole and through hole arrangement> Next, the arrangement of the screw holes 11g formed in the housing 11 and the insertion holes 14d formed in the joints 14a will be described in detail.

[0052] As described above, in the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment, the fitting portion 14e of the joint 14a is fitted (engaged) into the opening 11e of the housing 11, and then the two insertion holes 14d formed in the joint 14a are aligned with the two screw holes 11g formed in the housing 11. In this state, the two screw holes 11g are fastened with the screws 14b to integrate the housing 11 and the joint 14a (see FIG. 5).

[0053] When one insertion hole 14d and one screw hole 11g are coaxially arranged, one screw 14b can be inserted through the insertion hole 14d and screwed into the screw hole 11g to secure the screw. In this way, the combination of one insertion hole 14d and one screw hole 11g that can secure one screw 14b is called a fastening hole 15. In other words, one fastening hole 15 consists of one insertion hole 14d and one screw hole 11g that are coaxially arranged. Here, the state in which the insertion hole 14d and the screw hole 11g are coaxially arranged means that the screw 14b can be screwed into them, and some axial misalignment is allowed.

[0054] In the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment, the state in which the joint 14a is assembled in the correct orientation relative to the housing 11 is defined as the reference position.

[0055] Here, the problem with the arrangement of the screw holes formed in the housing and the insertion holes formed in the joint will be specifically explained using a comparative example.

[0056] 6 is a plan view of a comparative example of an assembly in which a housing and a joint are connected with screws, and in detail shows a state (reference position) in which a joint 102 is assembled in the correct orientation relative to a housing 101. Note that the configuration other than the screw fastening positions is the same as in FIG.

[0057] In FIG. 6, a pair of flanges 105 formed on the joint 102 are each provided with an insertion hole. Furthermore, screw holes are also provided on the housing 101 at positions corresponding to these insertion holes. In the comparative example, two insertion holes and two screw holes are provided. When the two insertion holes and the two screw holes are respectively arranged coaxially, two fastening holes are formed. In the comparative example, the two fastening holes are formed at positions that are dyad-symmetric with respect to the central axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e as the center of rotation.

[0058] In this case, it becomes possible to assemble the joint 102 to the housing 101 in two orientations that are 180° apart. Therefore, there is a possibility that misassembly may occur during the process of integrating the housing 101 and the joint 102. As described above, in the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment, the orientation of the motor 13a with respect to the joint 14a is uniquely determined. However, if the joint 102 can be assembled to the housing 101 in two orientations that are 180° apart, as in the comparative example, in the event of misassembly, a mixing valve will be obtained in which the motor 13a is attached in an orientation different from the desired orientation.

[0059] Therefore, in this embodiment, one of the two fastening holes shown in the comparative example is moved 2 mm from its position on the center line L2 (the position in the comparative example). While the present embodiment is moved 2 mm as an example, the present invention is not limited to this, and the hole may be moved more than 2 mm as long as the strength of the flange after fastening can be ensured. As a result, the two fastening holes 15 are positioned as not being two-fold symmetrical about the center axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e (opening 11e) as the center of rotation (see FIG. 5).

[0060] 7 is a diagram showing a state in which the joint 14a has been rotated 180 degrees from the state in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, when the joint 14a is rotated 180 degrees from the reference position around the central axis L3, the screw holes 11g and the insertion holes 14d do not coincide with each other at two locations, as shown in the figure. Furthermore, when the joint 14a is rotated from the reference position around the central axis L3, the screw holes 11g and the insertion holes 14d do not coincide with each other at two locations other than the reference position.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, since screw fastening can be performed in only one location other than the reference position, there is no need to visually recognize that the joint 14a has been installed in the wrong orientation, and the joint 14a can always be assembled in the correct orientation relative to the housing 11. That is, in this embodiment, misassembly can be reliably prevented. Also, in this embodiment, misassembly is prevented by moving the fastening holes (changing the screw fastening positions), so it can be addressed by changing the hole drilling program without changing the mold, thereby reducing costs.

[0062] As described above, the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment comprises a housing 11 having fluid inlets (hot water inlet 11a, cold water inlet 11b) and outlets (mixed water outlet 11c), an internal space 11d that communicates with the inlets and outlets, a switching valve 22 housed in the internal space 11d that switches the communication state between the inlet and outlet, an actuator 13 that adjusts the opening amount of the switching valve 22, and a connecting member 14 for attaching the actuator 13 to the housing 11.

[0063] In the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment, the connecting member 14 has a joint 14a disposed between the housing 11 and the actuator 13, and a screw 14b that fastens the joint 14a and the housing 11 together.

[0064] In the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment, the housing 11 is formed with an opening 11e that opens from the internal space 11d to the outside, and a threaded hole 11g that is formed around the opening 11e and into which a screw 14b is screwed. The joint 14a includes a cylindrical fitting portion 14e that fits into the opening 11e, and the joint 14a is formed with an insertion hole 14d through which the screw 14b passes. The screws 14b, threaded holes 11g, and insertion holes 14d are provided in equal numbers, and when the numbers are n, n is 2 (n=2 (an integer greater than or equal to 2)).

[0065] When one screw hole 11g and one insertion hole 14d are positioned in corresponding positions, one fastening hole 15 into which one screw 14b can be fastened is formed, and when the joint 14a is assembled in the correct orientation relative to the housing 11 (reference position), all of the screw holes 11g and all of the insertion holes 14d are positioned in corresponding positions, forming two fastening holes 15, which are not two-fold symmetric with respect to the central axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e as the center of rotation.

[0066] For example, if, in the reference position, the two fastening holes are arranged at positions that are two-fold symmetrical with the center of the fitting portion 14e as the center of rotation, it becomes possible to assemble the joint 14a to the housing 11 in two different orientations.

[0067] Therefore, in this embodiment, at the reference position, the two fastening holes 15 are positioned so as not to be two-fold symmetric about the central axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e. As a result, even if the joint 14a is rotated 180 (360 / 2) degrees from the reference position around the central axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e, there will always be a location where the screw holes 11g and the insertion holes 14d do not coincide. Furthermore, even if the joint 14a is rotated from the reference position around the central axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e, the screw holes 11g and the insertion holes 14d will not all coincide except at the reference position.

[0068] Therefore, according to the arrangement of the screw holes 11g and the insertion holes 14d in this embodiment, it is not possible to screw into any of the screw holes 11g other than the reference position, so that the joint 14a can always be assembled in the correct orientation relative to the housing 11, and incorrect assembly can be reliably prevented.

[0069] In this embodiment, n is 2 (n=2), but n may be any integer equal to or greater than 2. When the joint 14a is assembled to the housing 11 in the correct orientation, all of the screw holes 11g and all of the insertion holes 14d are arranged in corresponding positions, forming n fastening holes 15, and the same effect can be achieved if one or more of the n fastening holes 15 are located in positions that are not n-fold symmetric with respect to the central axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e as the center of rotation.

[0070] Furthermore, in the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment, if the position where the joint 14a is oriented correctly relative to the housing 11 is taken as the reference position, when the joint 14a rotates around the central axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e, at most one fastening hole 15 will be formed at any position other than the reference position. As a result, if an incorrect assembly occurs, it can only be screwed in at most one location, allowing the incorrect assembly to be detected early.

[0071] In addition, if n is an integer greater than or equal to 3, when the joint 14a rotates around the central axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e as the center of rotation, the same effect can be achieved by forming only one or less fastening holes 15 at positions other than the reference position.

[0072] Furthermore, in the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment, if the position where the joint 14a is correctly oriented relative to the housing 11 is taken as the reference position, when the joint 14a is rotated from the reference position in 180 (360 / 2) degree increments around the central axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e as the rotation center, the fastening hole 15 will not be formed at any position other than the reference position. This also allows for early detection of misassembly.

[0073] In addition, if n is an integer greater than or equal to 3, when the joint 14a rotates from the reference position in increments of 360 / n degrees around the central axis L3 of the fitting portion 14e as the rotation center, the same effect can be achieved even if the fastening hole 15 is not formed at any position other than the reference position.

[0074] In addition, the mixing valve 1 of this embodiment has a bottomed cylindrical casing 21 arranged in the internal space 11d, and the fluid inlets have a water inlet 11b through which water flows in and a hot water inlet 11a through which hot water flows in, and cold water, hot water, or mixed water consisting of cold and hot water flows out from the mixed water outlet 11c, and a water side opening 21d that communicates with the water inlet 11b and a hot water side opening 21c that communicates with the hot water inlet 11a are formed on the side of the casing 21, a mixing chamber 21e that communicates with the water side opening 21d and the hot water side opening 21c is formed inside the casing 21, and a mixed water outlet 21f that communicates between the mixing chamber 21e and the mixed water outlet 11c is formed at the bottom of the casing 21, and a switching valve 22 is housed in the casing 21 and opens and closes the water side opening 21d and the hot water side opening 21c depending on the water temperature in the mixing chamber 21e.

[0075] In such a mixing valve 1, a motor 13a may be connected to the housing 11 via a joint 14a to adjust the temperature of the liquid discharged from the mixed water outlet 11c. The layout of the mixing valve 1 and its peripheral components may restrict the position or orientation of the motor 13a relative to the housing 11. Therefore, by preventing misassembly as in the present invention, the position or orientation of the motor 13a can be kept correct. The present invention may also be used in valve devices other than the mixing valve 1.

[0076] The mixing valve 1 of this embodiment also includes a coupling 13b that is rotationally driven by an actuator 13, and a feed screw 13c that converts the rotational motion of the coupling 13b into linear motion. The actuator 13 is composed of a motor 13a. The switching valve 22 includes a valve element 22a that opens and closes the cold water side opening 21d and the hot water side opening 21c, a temperature-sensitive spring (SMA spring 22b) that is located in the mixing chamber 21e and biases the valve element 22a in a direction that closes the hot water side opening 21c and opens the cold water side opening 21d, and a compression spring (coil spring 22c) that biases the valve element 22a in the direction opposite to the SMA spring 22b. The coil spring 22c is positioned in a compressed state between the feed screw 13c and the valve element 22a.

[0077] According to the above configuration, motor 13a drives coupling 13b to rotate, and feed screw 13c converts this rotational motion into linear motion, thereby adjusting the load on coil spring 22c and SMA spring 22b and adjusting the opening amount of the cold water side and hot water side of switching valve 22. Note that the method for adjusting the opening amount of switching valve 22 is not limited to this and can be changed as appropriate.

[0078] <Second embodiment: thermal valve> Next, a second embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the second embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention, and more specifically, a vertical cross-sectional view of a thermal valve 2 which is the second embodiment of the valve device according to the present invention. For ease of explanation, the upper and lower sides of the thermal valve 2 of this embodiment will be simply referred to as "upper" and "lower" in Fig. 8.

[0079] 8, the thermal valve 2 of this embodiment includes a housing 51, an actuator 52, a switching valve 53, and a connecting member 54. Each component of the thermal valve 2 will be described in detail below.

[0080] 9A to 9C are diagrams showing the appearance of housing 51, with (a) being a plan view, (b) being a front view, and (c) being a perspective view. Housing 51 is formed with liquid inlet 51a, which is an inlet for liquid (such as cold or hot water), and liquid outlet 51b, which is an outlet for the liquid, and is formed therein with internal space 51c, which communicates liquid inlet 51a with liquid outlet 51b. Housing 51 is further provided with opening 51d, which opens from internal space 51c to the outside. Opening 51d is formed as an opening for attaching connecting member 54 (see FIG. 8). As shown in FIG. 9, opening 51d has a flange 51e at its upper end.

[0081] The actuator 52 includes a heating element 52a and a thermoelement 52b, which are heating units, and adjusts the opening amount of the switching valve 53. In this embodiment, the heating element 52a is a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) thermistor, which generates heat when energized. The heating element 52a may be a normal heater and is not limited to a PTC thermistor.

[0082] The thermo-element 52b has an element case 52c and a piston rod 52d. A thermal expansion body is sealed in the element case 52c. The thermal expansion body expands and contracts depending on the temperature. The piston rod 52d is inserted into the element case 52c so as to be able to move forward and backward. The heating element 52a contacts the bottom of the element case 52c.

[0083] In the actuator 52 configured as described above, when the heating element 52a generates heat due to the passage of current, the element case 52c is warmed and the thermal expansion element expands, which pushes the piston rod 52d out of the element case 52c and extends the thermo-element 52b. When the passage of current is stopped, the element case 52c cools due to the outside temperature and the thermal expansion element contracts, which causes the piston rod 52d to enter the element case 52c and contract the thermo-element 52b.

[0084] The switching valve 53 has a valve stem 53a, a valve element 53b attached to the tip of the valve stem 53a, a coil spring (compression spring) 53c that biases the valve element 53b in the closing direction, and a spring receiving member 53d. The switching valve 53 switches the communication state between the liquid inlet 51a and the liquid outlet 51b.

[0085] The valve shaft 53a extends from the tip of the piston rod 52d, and a spring receiving member 53d is attached to the outer periphery of the valve shaft 53a. The spring receiving member 53d supports one end of a coil spring 53c.

[0086] The valve element 53b has a cylindrical valve portion 53e. The valve element 53b is fixed to the tip of the valve shaft 53a so that the valve shaft 53a is the central axis of the valve portion 53e. In this state, the valve element 53b is accommodated in the internal space 51c of the housing 51.

[0087] The connecting member 54 has a joint 54a disposed between the housing 51 and the actuator 52, and a screw 54b that fastens the joint 54a to the housing 51. The actuator 52 is attached to the housing 51 by the connecting member 54.

[0088] 10A, 10B, and 10C are diagrams showing the appearance of the joint 54a, where (a) is a plan view, (b) is a front view, and (c) is a perspective view. The joint 54a is a mounting member for mounting the actuator 52 to the housing 51.

[0089] The joint 54a is formed with a fitting portion 54c, a flange 54d, an insertion hole 54e, a through-hole 54f, an attachment portion 54g, and a valve seat 54h.

[0090] 10(b), the joint 54a is formed with a cylindrical fitting portion 54c that fits into the opening 51d. A flange 54d formed integrally with the upper end of the fitting portion 54c has a plurality of insertion holes 54e (four locations in total, at the four corners of the flange 54d, in this embodiment) formed therein for attaching the housing 51. Meanwhile, a plurality of screw holes 51f (four locations in total, at the four corners of the flange 51e, in this embodiment) for attaching the joint 54a are also formed in the flange 51e of the housing 51 at positions corresponding to the insertion holes 54e. The arrangement of the screw holes 51f formed in the housing 51 and the insertion holes 54e formed in the joint 54a will be described in detail below.

[0091] 8, in the joint 54a, the fitting portion 54c has a bottom 54k at one end on the internal space 51c side, and a through-hole 54f is formed in the center of the bottom 54k, through which the valve stem 53a of the switching valve 53 is inserted so as to be axially movable. One end of the coil spring 53c is supported by the bottom 54k connected to the through-hole 54f. Furthermore, an annular valve seat 54h is formed on the back side of the bottom of the fitting portion 54c, on which the upper end of the cylindrical valve portion 53e seats and disengages.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 10, an attachment portion 54g for attaching an actuator is formed on the upper end surface of the fitting portion 54c of the joint 54a (the upper surface of the flange 54d) so as to protrude upward.

[0093] To attach the joint 54a to the housing 51, first, the joint 54a, valve body 53b, coil spring 53c, and spring receiving member 53d are assembled in advance to form a valve body assembly. Next, the joint 54a of the valve body assembly is fastened to the housing 51 with screws. Next, the actuator 52 is assembled to the housing 51. At this time, the tip of the piston rod 52d is abutted against the upper end of the valve shaft 53a via a washer. In this state, the fitting portion 54c of the joint 54a is fitted (engaged) into the opening 51d provided in the housing 51. Next, the four insertion holes 54e formed in the joint 54a are aligned with the four screw holes 51f formed in the housing 51. This alignment may be performed by rotating the joint 54a around the central axis of the opening 51d. After the alignment is completed, the screw 54b is fastened (screwed) into the screw hole 51f formed in the housing 51 to integrate the housing 51 and the joint 54a, thereby obtaining the thermal valve 2 shown in FIG.

[0094] In the thermal valve 2 configured as described above, when the heating element 52a generates heat by energizing it, the element case 52c is warmed and the thermal expansion element expands. This expansion causes the piston rod 52d to advance against the biasing force of the coil spring 53c. That is, the piston rod 52d is pushed out of the element case 52c. Then, in conjunction with this advancement of the piston rod 52d, the upper end of the valve element 53b (valve portion 53e) attached to the tip of the valve shaft 53a moves downward. This movement causes the upper end of the valve element 53b to separate from (unseat) the valve seat 54h, opening the valve element 53b. This connects the liquid inlet 51a and the liquid outlet 51b, allowing the liquid flowing in through the liquid inlet 51a to be discharged from the liquid outlet 51b.

[0095] On the other hand, when the power supply to the thermal valve 2 is stopped, the element case 52c cools due to the outside temperature, causing the thermal expansion body to contract. This contraction causes the piston rod 52d to move backward due to the biasing force of the coil spring 53c. That is, the piston rod 52d advances into the element case 52c. Then, in conjunction with this backward movement of the piston rod 52d, the upper end of the valve body 53b (valve portion 53e) moves upward and abuts (seats) on the valve seat 54h. This places the thermal valve 2 in a closed state.

[0096] Although the thermal valve 2 of this embodiment is intended for hot water or water, any fluid may be used, and the present invention is not limited to liquids.

[0097] <Details of screw hole and through hole arrangement> Next, the arrangement of the screw holes 51f formed in the housing 51 and the insertion holes 54e formed in the joints 54a will be described in detail.

[0098] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the X-X' section of the thermal valve 2 shown in Figure 8, where (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the joint 54a is aligned in the correct direction relative to the housing 51, (b) is a diagram showing the state in which the joint 54a has been rotated 90 degrees from the state in Figure 11(a), (c) is a diagram showing the state in which the joint 54a has been rotated 180 degrees from the state in Figure 11(a), and (d) is a diagram showing the state in which the joint 54a has been rotated 270 degrees from the state in Figure 11(a).

[0099] In the thermal valve 2 of this embodiment, the reference position is the state in which the joint 54a is assembled in the correct orientation relative to the housing 51. Furthermore, the combination of the screw hole 51f and the insertion hole 54e that are concentrically arranged in this reference position is the fastening hole 55.

[0100] In this embodiment, a line passing through the center of the fitting portion 54c is defined as a central axis L5. As indicated by arrow C in FIG. 11(a), the four fastening holes 55 are arranged at positions that are not four-fold symmetric about the central axis L5 (in this embodiment, positions on the same circumference and on the diagonal line L4 about the central axis L5). That is, the four fastening holes 55 are arranged at positions that are not four-fold symmetric about the central axis L5 of the fitting portion 54c (opening 51d) (see FIG. 11).

[0101] As a result, in this embodiment, when the joint 54a is rotated 90 degrees (360 / 4) from the reference position around the central axis L5, the screw holes 51f and the insertion holes 54e do not coincide simultaneously at four locations other than the reference position, as shown in Fig. 11. Furthermore, even when the joint 54a is rotated from the reference position around the central axis L5, the screw holes 51f and the insertion holes 54e do not coincide simultaneously at four locations other than the reference position.

[0102] Therefore, in this embodiment, since it is not possible to screw into any of the screw holes 51f other than those at the reference position, it is possible to always assemble the joint 54a in the correct orientation relative to the housing 51, without the need to visually recognize that the joint 54a has been installed in the wrong orientation. That is, in this embodiment, misassembly can be reliably prevented. Also, in this embodiment, misassembly is prevented by moving the fastening holes (changing the screw fastening positions), so it can be addressed by changing the drilling program without changing the mold, thereby reducing costs.

[0103] As described above, the thermal valve 2 of this embodiment comprises a housing 51 in which an inlet (liquid inlet 51a) and an outlet (liquid outlet 51b) for a fluid are formed, and an internal space 51c that communicates with the liquid inlet 51a and the liquid outlet 51b; a switching valve 53 housed in the internal space 51c that switches the communication state between the liquid inlet 51a and the liquid outlet 51b; an actuator 52 that adjusts the opening amount of the switching valve 53; and a connecting member 54 for attaching the actuator 52 to the housing 51.

[0104] In the thermal valve 2 of this embodiment, the connecting member 54 has a joint 54a disposed between the housing 51 and the actuator 52, and a screw 54b that fastens the joint 54a and the housing 51 together.

[0105] In the thermal valve 2 of this embodiment, the housing 51 has an opening 51d that opens from the internal space 51c to the outside, and a threaded hole 51f that is formed around the opening 51d and into which a screw 54b is screwed. The joint 54a includes a cylindrical fitting portion 54c that fits into the opening 51d, and the joint 54a has an insertion hole 54e through which the screw 54b passes. The screws 54b, threaded holes 51f, and insertion holes 54e are provided in equal numbers, and when the number of the screws 54b, threaded holes 51f, and insertion holes 54e is n, n is 4 (n=4 (an integer greater than or equal to 2)).

[0106] When one screw hole 51f and one insertion hole 54e are positioned in corresponding positions, one fastening hole 55 into which one screw 54b can be fastened is formed, and when the joint 54a is assembled in the correct orientation relative to the housing 51 (reference position), all of the screw holes 51f and all of the insertion holes 54e are positioned in corresponding positions, forming four fastening holes 55, and at least one of the four fastening holes 55 is in a position that is not four-fold symmetrical around the central axis L5 of the fitting portion 54c as the center of rotation.

[0107] Therefore, according to the arrangement of the screw holes 51f and the insertion holes 54e in this embodiment, it is not possible to screw into all of the screw holes 51f except for the reference position, so that the joint 54a can always be assembled in the correct orientation relative to the housing 51, and incorrect assembly can be reliably prevented.

[0108] In this embodiment, n is set to 4 (n=4), but n may be any integer equal to or greater than 2. When the joint 54a is assembled to the housing 51 in the correct orientation, all of the screw holes 51f and all of the insertion holes 54e are arranged in corresponding positions, forming n fastening holes 55, and the same effect can be achieved if one or more of the n fastening holes 55 are located in positions that are not n-fold symmetric with respect to the central axis L5 of the fitting portion 54c as the center of rotation.

[0109] Furthermore, in the thermal valve 2 of this embodiment, if the position where the joint 54a is correctly oriented relative to the housing 51 is taken as the reference position, when the joint 54a rotates about the central axis L5 of the fitting portion 54c, at most two fastening holes 55 will be formed at positions other than the reference position. Therefore, once at most two screws 54b have been fastened, no further screw fastening is possible, making it possible to detect an incorrect assembly. Of course, even in this embodiment, it is also possible to prevent the fastening holes 55 from being formed at positions other than the reference position.

[0110] Furthermore, in the thermal valve 2 of this embodiment, if the position where the joint 54a is correctly oriented relative to the housing 51 is taken as the reference position, when the joint 54a is rotated from the reference position in 90 (360 / 4) degree increments around the central axis L5 of the fitting portion 54c as the rotation center, only two fastening holes 55 will be formed at positions other than the reference position. Therefore, once a maximum of two screws 54b have been fastened, no further screw fastening is possible, making it possible to detect an incorrect assembly. Of course, even in this embodiment, it is also possible to prevent the fastening holes 55 from being formed at positions other than the reference position.

[0111] In the thermal valve 2 of this embodiment, the switching valve 53 has a valve stem 53a, a valve element 53b provided at the tip of the valve stem 53a, and a compression spring (coil spring 53c) that urges the valve element 53b in the closing direction, the fitting portion 54c has a bottom 54k at one end on the internal space 51c side, and the bottom 54k has a through hole 54f formed therein through which the valve stem 53a is inserted so as to be axially movable, and a valve seat 54h on which the valve element 53b is seated and released, and the actuator 52 has a heating portion (heating element 52a) and a thermoelement 52b that expands when heated by the heating element 52a.

[0112] In such a thermal valve 2, the actuator 52 has a heating element 52a and a thermoelement 52b, and the heating element 52a heats the thermoelement 52b as needed to open and close the switching valve 53. For this reason, the actuator 52 may be connected to the housing 51 via a joint 54a. The layout of the thermal valve 2 and its peripheral components may restrict the position or orientation of the heating element 52a relative to the housing 51. Therefore, by preventing misassembly as in the present invention, the position or orientation of the heating element 52a can be kept correct. The present invention may also be used in valve devices other than the thermal valve 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] 1 Mixing valve 2 Thermal valves 11. Housing 11a Hot water inlet (hot water inlet) 11b Water inlet (water inlet) 11c Mixed water outlet 11d Interior space 11e opening 11g screw hole 13 Actuator 13a motor 13b Coupling 13c Lead screw section 14 Connecting member 14a Joint 14b Bis 14d Insertion hole 14e Mating part 15 Fastening hole 21 Casing (case) 21c hot water side opening 21d Water side opening 21e Mixing room 21f Mixed water outlet 22 Switching valve 22a Valve body 22b SMA spring (thermal sensitive spring) 22c coil spring (compression spring) 51 Housing 51a Liquid inlet 51b Liquid outlet 51c interior space 51d opening 51f screw hole 52 Actuator 52a Heating element (heating part) 52b Thermoelement 53 Switching valve 53a Valve stem 53b Valve body 53c Coil spring (compression spring) 54 Connecting member 54a Joint 54b Bis 54c Mating part 54e Insertion hole 54f through hole 54h valve seat 54k bottom 55 Fastening hole

Claims

1. a housing having an inlet and an outlet for a fluid and an internal space communicating with the inlet and the outlet; a switching valve accommodated in the internal space and switching a communication state between the inlet and the outlet; an actuator that adjusts the opening amount of the switching valve; a connecting member for attaching the actuator to the housing; Equipped with the connecting member has a joint disposed between the housing and the actuator, and a screw that fastens the joint to the housing, The housing has an opening that opens from the internal space to the outside, and a screw hole that is formed around the opening and into which the screw is screwed, the joint includes a cylindrical fitting portion that fits into the opening, The joint has an insertion hole through which the screw passes, the number of the screws, the number of the screw holes, and the number of the through holes are each set to n, where n is an integer of 2 or more; When one screw hole and one insertion hole are arranged at corresponding positions, one fastening hole capable of fastening one screw is formed; When the joint is assembled to the housing in the correct orientation, all of the screw holes and all of the insertion holes are arranged at corresponding positions, forming n fastening holes; One or more of the n fastening holes are located at positions that are not n-fold symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the fitting portion as the center of rotation. A valve device characterized by:

2. If the position where the joint is oriented correctly relative to the housing is taken as the reference position, When the joint rotates around the central axis, only one or less fastening holes are formed at positions other than the reference position.

2. The valve device according to claim 1.

3. If the position where the joint is oriented correctly relative to the housing is taken as the reference position, When the joint rotates from the reference position at intervals of 360 / n degrees around the central axis as a rotation center, the fastening hole is not formed at positions other than the reference position.

2. The valve device according to claim 1.

4. a cylindrical case with a bottom disposed in the internal space, The inlet has a water inlet through which water flows in and a hot water inlet through which hot water flows in, From the outlet, water, hot water, or a mixture of water and hot water flows out, A water-side opening communicating with the water inlet and a hot water-side opening communicating with the hot water inlet are formed on the side of the case, A mixing chamber communicating with the cold water side opening and the hot water side opening is formed inside the case, a mixed water outlet communicating the mixing chamber with the outlet is formed at the bottom of the case; The switching valve is housed in the case and opens and closes the cold water side opening and the hot water side opening depending on the water temperature of the mixing chamber.

2. The valve device according to claim 1.

5. a coupling that is rotationally driven by the actuator; a feed screw portion that converts the rotational motion of the coupling into a linear motion; Equipped with the actuator comprises a motor; The switching valve includes a valve body that opens and closes the cold water side opening and the hot water side opening, a temperature-sensitive spring that is disposed in the mixing chamber and biases the valve body in a direction that closes the hot water side opening and opens the cold water side opening, and a compression spring that biases the valve body in a direction opposite to the temperature-sensitive spring, The compression spring is disposed in a compressed state between the feed screw portion and the valve body.

5. The valve device according to claim 4.

6. The switching valve includes a valve stem, a valve element provided at the tip of the valve stem, and a compression spring that biases the valve element in a closing direction. The fitting portion has a bottom portion at one end on the internal space side, The bottom portion is provided with a through hole through which the valve stem is inserted so as to be axially movable, and a valve seat on which the valve body is seated and released, The actuator has a heating portion and a thermoelement that expands when heated by the heating portion.

2. The valve device according to claim 1.

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