Valve device

Abstract

The present invention provides a valve device that allows for a simple method of preventing the rotating shaft, which rotates the valve body around its axis, from coming loose. [Solution] The valve body 2 has a through hole 9 leading to a valve chamber 5, a valve element 3 provided in the valve chamber 5, and a rotating shaft 4 inserted toward the valve chamber 5 through the through hole 9 and rotating the valve element 3 around its axis. An engaging projection 10 is formed on the inner wall of the through hole 9 facing the valve chamber 5, protruding from the wall surface of the inner wall, and a recess 19 is formed on the flange portion 16 of the rotating shaft 9, which is formed to protrude radially outward, allowing the engaging projection 10 to pass through from the axial direction. The rotating shaft 4 is rotated around its axis after the engaging projection 10 has passed through the recess 19 from the axial direction, and the engaging projection 10 and the flange portion 16 are engaged, thereby preventing the rotating shaft 4 from coming out in the axial direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0005] , ,<000002*5*,

[0001] This invention relates to a valve device.

Background Art

[0002] As one of the valve devices used in fluid piping, for example, there is an oil draining operation valve 1 shown in Patent Document 1 below. In this operation valve 1, a valve body 3 is disposed in a flow path 22 formed in a main body 2. The valve body 3 is provided with a rotating shaft 4 for rotating the valve body 3 around its axis. The rotating shaft 4 is prevented from coming out of the main body 2 by a lid body 71 and a locking member 72 (see particularly paragraphs 0014 to 0024 and FIG. 1 of Patent Document 1).

[0003] [[ID=1*5*]] Also, in the ball valve device according to the prior art of Patent Document 2 below, a ball valve 10 is disposed in flow paths 2b and 3b formed in flow path forming pipes 2 and 3 constituting a main body 1. The ball valve 10 is provided with a valve rod 12 for rotating the ball valve 10 around its axis. The valve rod 12 is attached from the inside of the flow path forming pipe 2 (on the side of the flow path 2b) (see paragraphs 0002 to 0004 and FIG. 5 of Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

発明が解決しようとする課題

[0006] Furthermore, while the ball valve device described in Patent Document 2 has the advantage of not requiring a retaining member as described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to install the valve stem 12 from the inside of the flow path forming pipe 2 (flow path 2b side), and the installation work is troublesome, which is the same as the configuration described in Patent Document 1.

[0007] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a valve device that can easily prevent the rotating shaft that rotates the valve body around its axis from coming loose. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, this invention provides: The valve comprises a valve body having a through hole leading to a valve chamber, a valve element provided in the valve chamber, and a rotating shaft inserted through the through hole toward the valve chamber and rotating the valve element around its axis, An engaging projection is formed on the inner wall of the through hole facing the valve chamber, projecting from the wall surface of the inner wall, and a recess is formed in the flange portion of the rotating shaft, which is formed to project radially outward, allowing the engaging projection to pass through from the axial direction. The valve device is configured (first configuration) such that the engaging projection is passed through the recess in the axial direction, the rotating shaft is rotated around the axis, and the engaging projection and the flange portion are engaged to prevent the rotating shaft from coming out in the axial direction.

[0009] This configuration allows the rotating shaft to be inserted from the through-hole toward the valve chamber, and since there is no need to prepare a member to prevent the rotating shaft from coming out, the installation process can be simplified. Moreover, since the engaging projection is formed on the inner wall of the through-hole facing the valve chamber, the shape of the mold for forming the through-hole and the engaging projection can be simplified.

[0010] In the first configuration, the engaging projections are formed at multiple locations along the circumferential direction of the inner wall, and the recesses are formed at multiple locations corresponding to the positions where the engaging projections are formed. In the second configuration, the circumferential width of one of the engaging projections is longer than that of the other engaging projections, and the amount of protrusion of the one engaging projection from the wall surface is smaller than that of the other engaging projections. In this way, the flange portion of the rotating shaft is always engaged with the engaging projections formed on the inner wall of the through hole at multiple locations in the circumferential direction, thereby suppressing inclination of the rotating shaft in the axial direction.

[0011] In the first or second configuration, a third configuration can be provided in which a projection is formed at a circumferential position corresponding to the position where the recess is formed on the flange portion, allowing the engaging projection to rotate relative to the recess in the circumferential direction so as to move away from the recess, while preventing it from rotating relative to the recess in the circumferential direction so as to move closer to the recess. In this way, the action of the projection allows the rotation shaft to rotate smoothly relative to the valve body, thereby preventing the rotation shaft from coming loose, and once it is in the locked state, it is possible to prevent the position of the engaging projection and the recess from unintentionally coinciding and causing the locking effect to be lost.

[0012] In the first to third configurations, a stopper portion is formed that protrudes radially outward on the rear side in the insertion direction of the rotating shaft, relative to the position where the flange portion of the rotating shaft is formed. The contact between the engaging projection and the stopper portion prevents the rotating shaft from being inserted into the through hole by more than a predetermined amount (fourth configuration). This prevents the valve body from being excessively pushed in by the rotating shaft and shifting from its predetermined position in the valve chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, this invention provides: The valve comprises a valve body having a through hole leading to a valve chamber, a valve element provided in the valve chamber, and a rotating shaft inserted through the through hole toward the valve chamber and rotating the valve element. An engaging projection is formed on the inner wall of the through hole, protruding from the wall surface of the inner wall, and a recess is formed in the flange portion of the rotating shaft, which is formed to protrude radially outward, allowing the engaging projection to pass through from the axial direction. The engagement projection is composed of a first engagement projection and a pair of second engagement projections, which are formed at positions facing the first engagement projection and the inner wall in the circumferential direction, and which have a smaller circumferential width than the first engagement projection. The valve device can also be configured (fifth configuration) such that each of the engaging projections passes through the recess in the axial direction, the rotating shaft is rotated around the axis, and the engaging projections engage with the flange portion to prevent the rotating shaft from coming out in the axial direction.

[0014] This configuration allows the rotating shaft to be inserted from the through-hole toward the valve chamber, and since there is no need to prepare a member to prevent the rotating shaft from coming loose, the installation process can be simplified. Moreover, since the flange portion of the rotating shaft engages with the engaging projections formed on the inner wall of the through-hole at multiple points in the circumferential direction, the tilt of the rotating shaft in the axial direction can be suppressed.

[0015] Furthermore, in order to solve the above problems, this invention provides: The valve body has a through hole formed to the valve chamber, and the valve body is an integrated valve body in which the rotating shaft and the valve body are integrally formed, inserted from the valve chamber side toward the through hole and provided in the valve chamber. An engaging projection is formed on the inner wall of the through hole, protruding from the wall surface of the inner wall, and a recess is formed in the flange portion of the rotating shaft, which is formed to protrude radially outward, allowing the engaging projection to pass through from the axial direction. The valve device is configured (sixth configuration) such that the integrated valve body is prevented from coming off in the axial direction by passing the engaging projection through the recess in the axial direction, and then rotating the rotating shaft around the axis, thereby engaging the engaging projection with the flange portion.

[0016] This eliminates the need for a component to prevent the rotating shaft from coming loose, thus simplifying the installation process.

[0017] In the sixth configuration, the valve body can be configured as a cock valve (seventh configuration). This allows the valve body to rotate stably around its axis within the valve chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the first configuration of this invention, a rotating shaft can be inserted from the through hole toward the valve chamber, and since there is no need to prepare a member to prevent the rotating shaft from coming out, the installation work can be simplified. Moreover, since the engaging projection is formed on the inner wall of the through hole facing the valve chamber, the shape of the mold for forming the through hole and the engaging projection can be simplified. Furthermore, according to the fifth configuration, a rotating shaft can be inserted from the through hole toward the valve chamber, and since there is no need to prepare a member to prevent the rotating shaft from coming out, the installation work can be simplified. Moreover, since the flange portion of the rotating shaft engages with the engaging projections formed on the inner wall of the through hole at multiple locations in the circumferential direction, the tilt of the rotating shaft in the axial direction can be suppressed. Furthermore, according to the sixth configuration, since there is no need to prepare a member to prevent the rotating shaft from coming out, the installation work can be simplified.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing the first embodiment of the valve device according to this invention [Figure 2] Plan view of the main part of the valve device shown in FIG. 1 [Figure 3] Cross-sectional perspective view of the main part of the valve device shown in FIG. 1 [Figure 4] Perspective view of the rotating shaft used in the valve device shown in FIG. 1 [Figure 5] Front view of the main part of the rotating shaft enlarged, (a) is the rotating shaft shown in FIG. 4, (b) is the main part of the first modification of (a), (c) is the main part of the second modification of (a) [Figure 6] Perspective view of the mold used when forming the through hole of the valve body of the valve device shown in FIG. 1 [Figure 7] Cross-sectional view showing the insertion of the rotating shaft into the through hole of the valve body of the valve device shown in FIG. 1, (a) is the state where the engaging protrusion abuts against the flange portion, (b) is the state where the engaging protrusion passes through the recess formed in the flange portion, (c) is the state where the rotating shaft is rotated and the rotating shaft is prevented from coming off [Figure 8] Perspective view of the main part of the valve body and the rotating shaft according to the reference example of the valve device shown in the first embodiment [Figure 9] Perspective view of the mold used when forming the through hole of the valve body shown in FIG. 8 [Figure 10] Perspective view of the main part of the valve body according to the modification example of the valve device shown in the first embodiment [Figure 11] Perspective view of the rotating shaft used in the modification example shown in FIG. 10 [Figure 12] Plan view of the rotating shaft shown in FIG. 11 [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view showing the second embodiment of the valve device according to this invention [Figure 14] Perspective view of the integral valve body used in the valve device shown in FIG. 13

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] A first embodiment of the valve device 1 according to this invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7. The valve device 1 according to this embodiment is a three-way valve and mainly consists of a valve body 2, a valve element 3, and a rotating shaft 4. Note that the valve device 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to a three-way valve and can be applied to other multi-way valves as well.

[0021] A valve chamber 5 is formed inside the valve body 2. The valve chamber 5 has a first opening 6, a second opening 7, and a third opening 8 connected to it, allowing fluid to flow between each opening 6, 7, and 8 via the valve chamber 5 (see Figure 1). A through hole 9 leading to the valve chamber 5 is formed in the valve body 2 (see Figure 3). On the inner wall of the through hole 9 facing the valve chamber 5 (the lower end of the through hole 9), engaging projections 10 (large engaging projection 10a, small engaging projection 10b) are formed, projecting inward from the wall surface of this inner wall (see Figures 2 and 3). These engaging projections 10 are formed at two opposing locations (180-degree opposite positions) along the circumferential direction of the inner wall of the through hole 9. The large engaging projection 10a and the small engaging projection 10b have different shapes; the large engaging projection 10a has a longer circumferential width than the small engaging projection 10b, while protruding less from the wall surface. Furthermore, the lengths of both engaging protrusions 10a and 10b in the axial direction of the through hole 9 are approximately the same.

[0022] The through-hole 9 and engaging projection 10 of the valve body 2 can be formed using the mold 11 shown in Figure 6. This mold 11 has a cylindrical portion 12 with an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the through-hole 9, and two notches 13 corresponding to the shape of the engaging projection 10 are formed at the lower end of this cylindrical portion 12 (the end facing the part that will become the valve chamber 5 after resin molding). The mold 11 is pulled upward from the valve body 2 after resin molding.

[0023] The valve body 3 is provided in the valve chamber 5. In this embodiment, the valve body 3 is a ball valve. An insertion hole 14 (see Figure 7(a), etc.) for inserting the rotating shaft 4 (the lower end in Figure 4) is formed in the upper part of the valve body 3. Note that the valve body 3 applied to this valve device 1 is not limited to a ball valve, and can be applied to other types of valve bodies 3 as well.

[0024] The rotating shaft 4 is inserted toward the valve chamber 5 through a through hole 9 formed in the valve body 2 (inserted downward in the embodiment shown in Figure 1, etc.). The rotating shaft 4 has a shaft body 15, a plurality of flange portions 16 formed projecting radially outward from the shaft body 15 (first flange portion 16a, second flange portion 16b, third flange portion 16c from top to bottom), a motor shaft insertion end 17 formed at the upper end of the shaft body 15 and inserted into the rotating shaft of a motor (not shown), and a valve body insertion end 18 formed at the lower end of the shaft body 15 (see Figures 4 and 5). The outer diameter of each flange portion 16a, 16b, and 16c is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 9, and is configured to allow the rotating shaft 4 to rotate smoothly within the through hole 9 (see Figure 7(a), etc.). O-rings (not shown) are provided in the upper circumferential grooves of the first flange portion 16a and the second flange portion 16b.

[0025] The first flange portion 16a and the second flange portion 16b are formed with the same radial width over their entire circumference (see Figures 4 and 5). The second flange portion 16b also functions as a stopper portion (hereinafter referred to as the same reference numeral as the second flange portion 16b) that abuts against the engaging projection 10 (large engaging projection 10a, small engaging projection 10b) and prevents the rotation shaft 4 from being inserted into the through hole 9 by a predetermined amount. The axial gap between the second flange portion 16b and the third flange portion 16c is slightly larger than the axial length of the engaging projection 10 (large engaging projection 10a, small engaging projection 10b), and is configured so that both engaging projections 10a and 10b can move smoothly in the circumferential direction between the second flange portion 16b and the third flange portion 16c (see Figure 7(c)). Recesses 19 (large recess 19a, small recess 19b) are formed on the outer periphery of the third flange portion 16c, corresponding to the formation positions of the large engagement projection 10a and the small engagement projection 10b.

[0026] The circumferential length and radial width of the large recess 19a are such that the large engaging projection 10a can just pass through in the axial direction, and the circumferential length and radial width of the small recess 19b are such that the small engaging projection 10b can just pass through in the axial direction. In other words, the large engaging projection 10a cannot pass through the small recess 19b, and the small engaging projection 10b cannot pass through the large recess 19a, in the axial direction.

[0027] The valve body insertion end 18 formed on the rotating shaft 4 is inserted into the insertion hole 14 formed in the valve body 3. The valve body 3 and the rotating shaft 4 then rotate together around the shaft by the driving force of a motor (not shown).

[0028] As shown in Figure 5(a), projections 20 are formed on both sides of the large recess 19a in the circumferential direction. One projection 20 has an inclined surface portion 21 that slopes toward the large recess 19a and a wall portion 22 that is formed on the opposite side of the large recess 19a and stands upright in the axial direction. The other projection 20 has a block shape and has a wall portion 22 that is formed on the opposite side of the large recess 19a and stands upright in the axial direction. The inclined surface portion 21 allows the large engagement projection 10a to rotate relative to the large recess 19a in the circumferential direction so as to move away from the large recess 19a, while the wall portion 22 prevents the large engagement projection 10a from rotating relative to the large recess 19a in the circumferential direction so as to move closer to the large recess 19a.

[0029] The assembly of the valve device 1 according to the first embodiment will now be described. First, as shown in Figure 7(a), the rotating shaft 4 is inserted into the through hole 9 formed in the valve body 2. If the circumferential positions of the large engaging projection 10a and the large recess 19a, and the small engaging projection 10b and the small recess 19b do not coincide, the third flange portion 16c will catch on both engaging projections 10a and 10b, as shown in the same figure, and the rotating shaft 4 cannot be inserted any further. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7(b), by rotating the rotating shaft 4 relative to the valve body 2 so that the circumferential positions of the large engaging projection 10a and the large recess 19a, and the small engaging projection 10b and the small recess 19b coincide, the large engaging projection 10a will pass through the large recess 19a from the axial direction, and the small engaging projection 10b will pass through the small recess 19b from the axial direction, making it possible to further insert the rotating shaft 4 in the axial direction.

[0030] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(c), by rotating the rotating shaft 4 relative to the valve body 2, the circumferential positions of the large engaging projection 10a and the large recess 19a, and the small engaging projection 10b and the small recess 19b are shifted. This allows the third flange portion 16c to engage with both engaging projections 10a and 10b when an uplift force is applied to the rotating shaft 4, preventing the rotating shaft 4 from coming loose. In the relative rotation from Figure 7(b) to Figure 7(c), the circumferential end of the large engaging projection 10a rotates in one direction circumferentially along the inclined surface portion 21 and overcomes the projection portion 20. Once it overcomes the projection portion 20, even if the large engaging projection 10a is rotated in the opposite direction circumferentially, it cannot overcome the projection portion 20 again due to contact with the wall portion 22.

[0031] In the valve device 1 according to the first embodiment, an engaging projection 10 is formed on the inner wall of the through hole 9 in the valve body 2 facing the valve chamber 5, and a recess 19 is formed on the flange portion 16 of the rotating shaft 4 inserted into the through hole 9. The engaging projection 10 is passed through the recess 19 from the axial direction, and the rotating shaft 4 is rotated around its axis, engaging the engaging projection 10 with the flange portion 16 to prevent the rotating shaft 4 from coming out in the axial direction. As a result, the rotating shaft 4 can be inserted from the through hole 9 toward the valve chamber 5, and there is no need to prepare a member to prevent the rotating shaft 4 from coming out, making the installation work easy. Moreover, since the engaging projection 10 is formed on the inner wall of the through hole 9 facing the valve chamber 5, the shape of the mold 11 for forming the through hole 9 and the engaging projection 10 can be simplified (comparing the mold 11 of the first embodiment shown in Figure 6 with the molds 38 and 39 of the reference example of the first embodiment shown in Figure 9).

[0032] Furthermore, in the valve device 1 according to the first embodiment, the engaging projections 10 are formed at multiple locations (large engaging projections 10a, small engaging projections 10b) along the circumferential direction of the inner wall, and the recesses 19 are formed at multiple locations (large recesses 19a, small recesses 19b) corresponding to the positions where the engaging projections 10 are formed. The circumferential width of the large engaging projection 10a (one engaging projection 10) is longer than the circumferential width of the small engaging projections 10b (the other engaging projection 10), and the amount of the large engaging projection 10a protruding from the inner wall surface of the through hole 9 is smaller than the amount of the small engaging projection 10b protruding from the wall surface. As a result, the engaging projections 10 formed at multiple locations on the inner wall of the through hole 9 engage with the flange portion 16 of the rotating shaft 4, thereby suppressing the inclination of the rotating shaft 4 in the axial direction.

[0033] Furthermore, in the valve device 1 according to the first embodiment, projections 20 are formed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the large recess 19a formed in the third flange portion 16c. These projections allow the large engaging projection 10a to rotate relative to the large recess 19a in the circumferential direction so as to move away from the large recess 19a, while preventing it from rotating relative to the large recess 19a in the circumferential direction. As a result, the action of the projections 20 allows the rotating shaft 4 to rotate smoothly relative to the valve body 2, thereby preventing the rotating shaft 4 from coming loose. Moreover, once the shaft is in the locked state, it is possible to prevent the positions of the engaging projection 10 (large engaging projection 10a, small engaging projection 10b) and the recess 19 (large recess 19a, small recess 19b) from unintentionally coinciding and losing the locking effect.

[0034] In this embodiment, forming the projection 20 on the third flange portion 16c is preferable because the pressure of the fluid acting on the valve body 2 (upward pressure) makes the contact between the engaging projection 10 and the projection 20 more reliable. However, it is also possible to form the projection 20 on the second flange portion 16b side. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inclined surface portion 21 is formed only on one side of the projection 20, but it is also possible to form the inclined surface portion 21 on both sides of the projection 20.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in the first modified example in Figure 5(b), by providing an axial step between the end of the large recess 19a and the flange surface of the third flange portion 16c in a radial view, the large engaging projection 10a that has passed through the large recess 19a can be more easily rotated relative to it in the circumferential direction, allowing the rotating shaft 4 to be smoothly attached to the valve body 2. Also, as shown in the second modified example in Figure 5(c), by forming a flat portion 23 between the large recess 19a and the inclined surface portion 21, the large engaging projection 10a that has passed through the large recess 19a can be temporarily fixed in the axial direction by this flat portion 23, thereby preventing the rotating shaft 4 from coming out of the through hole 9 during the installation process.

[0036] Furthermore, in the valve device 1 according to the first embodiment, a stopper portion 16b is formed that protrudes radially outward on the rear side in the insertion direction of the rotating shaft 4, relative to the position where the flange portion 16 (third flange portion 16c) of the rotating shaft 4 is formed. The contact between the engaging projection 10 and the stopper portion 16b prevents the rotating shaft 4 from being inserted into the through hole 9 by more than a predetermined amount. This prevents the valve body 3 from being excessively pushed in by the rotating shaft 4 and shifting from its predetermined position in the valve chamber 5.

[0037] In the first embodiment described above, the projection 20 is formed so as to be adjacent to the large recess 19a in the circumferential direction. However, the projection 20 can be omitted by controlling the motor so that the circumferential positions of the large engaging projection 10a and the large recess 19a, and the small engaging projection 10b and the small recess 19b do not coincide.

[0038] In the first embodiment described above, an engaging projection 10 (large engaging projection 10a, small engaging projection 10b) is formed on the inner wall of the through-hole 9 facing the valve chamber 5 (lower end of the through-hole 9) (see Figures 2 and 3). However, as shown in Figure 8 as a reference diagram, it is also conceivable to form an engaging projection 32 in the through-hole 31 of the valve body 30 on the inner wall of the through-hole 31 facing the motor mounting side (upper end of the through-hole 31), and to form a recess 35 on the flange 34 formed on the rotating shaft 33 at a circumferential position corresponding to the engaging projection 32. In this case as well, the rotating shaft 33 can be prevented from coming loose, similar to the first embodiment.

[0039] However, if the engaging projection 32 is formed on the inner wall of the through hole 31 facing the motor mounting side, an enlarged diameter portion 36 to accommodate the flange 34 of the rotating shaft 33 must be formed on the valve chamber 37 side of the engaging projection 32 during installation. In this case, as shown in Figure 9, in addition to the mold 38 for forming the through hole 31 and the engaging projection 32, two auxiliary molds 39 for forming the enlarged diameter portion 36 are also required, which may increase costs. Furthermore, after the auxiliary molds 39 are removed, the through hole that penetrates the inside and outside of the valve body 2 remains at the position of the enlarged diameter portion 36, and there is a risk that water may enter the motor attached to the valve body 2. For this reason, although the rotating shaft 33 is retained even with the configuration shown in Figure 8, it is preferable to form the engaging projection 10 on the inner wall of the through hole 9 facing the valve chamber 5, as shown in Figure 3 and others.

[0040] A modified version of the valve device 1 shown in the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. The valve device 1 according to this modified version is a three-way valve that has the same appearance as the valve device 1 shown in Figure 1. Note that the valve device 1 according to this modified version is not limited to a three-way valve and can also be applied to other multi-way valves.

[0041] This valve device 1 has a valve body 2 with a through hole 9 leading to a valve chamber 5, a valve element 3 provided in the valve chamber 5, and a rotating shaft 4 inserted toward the valve chamber 5 through the through hole 9 and rotating the valve element 3. An engaging projection 10 is formed on the inner wall of the through hole 9, protruding from the inner wall surface, and a recess 19 is formed on the flange portion 16 of the rotating shaft 4, which protrudes radially outward, allowing the engaging projection 10 to pass through from the axial direction. The rotating shaft 4 is rotated around its axis after the engaging projection 10 passes through the recess 19 from the axial direction, and the rotating shaft 4 is prevented from coming out in the axial direction by engaging the engaging projection 10 with the flange portion 16. This is similar to the valve device 1 described above, but the configuration of the valve body 2 and the rotating shaft 4 is different.

[0042] The modified valve body 2 has a through hole 9 leading to the valve chamber 5. The through hole 9 has a cylindrical upper part 9a and a cylindrical lower part 9b with a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the upper part 9a, and a stepped portion 9c is formed between the upper part 9a and the lower part 9b where the inner diameter changes in a stepped manner (see Figure 10). On the inner wall of the end of the through hole 9 opposite to the valve chamber 5 (the inner wall of the upper end of the upper part 9a), an engaging projection 10 is formed that protrudes inward from the wall surface of this inner wall. The engaging projection 10 consists of a first engaging projection 10c, a first engaging projection 10c formed at a position opposite the first engaging projection 10c and the inner wall of the through hole 9 in the circumferential direction (180-degree opposing position), and a pair of second engaging projections 10d. The circumferential width of the first engaging projection 10c is greater than the circumferential width of the second engaging projections 10d. The lengths of both engaging projections 10c and 10d in the axial direction of the through hole 9 are approximately the same.

[0043] The rotating shaft 4 is inserted toward the valve chamber 5 through a through hole 9 formed in the valve body 2 (inserted downward in the perspective views shown in Figures 10 and 11). The rotating shaft 4 has a shaft body 15, a plurality of flange portions 16 formed projecting radially outward from the shaft body 15 (first flange portion 16a, second flange portion 16b, third flange portion 16c from top to bottom), a motor shaft insertion end 17 formed at the upper end of the shaft body 15 and inserted into the rotating shaft of a motor (not shown), and a valve body insertion end 18 formed at the lower end of the shaft body 15 (see Figure 11).

[0044] The outer diameter of the first flange portion 16a is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the upper portion 9a, and the outer diameters of the second flange portion 16b and the third flange portion 16c are slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the lower portion 9b, respectively, so that the rotating shaft 4 can rotate smoothly within the through hole 9. In addition, the axial gap between the lower ends of the first engaging projection 10c and the second engaging projection 10d and the stepped portion 9c is slightly wider than the axial width of the first flange portion 16a, so that the rotating shaft 4 is held in a predetermined axial position by both engaging projections 10c, 10d and the stepped portion 9c, while the rotating shaft 4 can rotate smoothly.

[0045] Recesses 19 (first recess 19c, second recess 19d) are formed on the outer circumferential edge of the first flange portion 16a, corresponding to the formation positions of the first engaging projection 10c and the pair of second engaging projections 10d (see Figure 12). The circumferential length and radial width of the first recess 19c are such that the first engaging projection 10c can just pass through from the axial direction, and the circumferential length and radial width of the second recess 19d are such that the second engaging projection 10d can just pass through from the axial direction. Furthermore, the total circumferential width of the pair of second engaging projections 10d (circumferential length from one end of one second engaging projection 10d to the other end of the other second engaging projection 10d) is greater than the circumferential width of the first engaging projection 10c. In other words, the first engaging projection 10c cannot pass through the second recess 19d, and the pair of second engaging projections 10d cannot pass through the first recess 19c from the axial direction, thereby preventing tilting of the rotation axis 4.

[0046] In this modified valve device 1, the engaging projection 10 is composed of a first engaging projection 10c and a pair of second engaging projections 10d that are formed at positions facing the first engaging projection 10c in the circumferential direction on the inner wall, and have a smaller circumferential width than the first engaging projection 10c. As a result, the rotating shaft 4 can be inserted from the through hole 9 toward the valve chamber 5, and there is no need to prepare a member to prevent the rotating shaft 4 from coming out, making the installation work easy. Moreover, since the engaging projections 10 (first engaging projection 10c, second engaging projection 10d) formed on the inner wall of the through hole 9 at multiple locations in the circumferential direction engage with the flange portion 16 (first flange portion 16a) of the rotating shaft 4, the tilt of the rotating shaft 4 in the axial direction can be suppressed. Furthermore, even if the first engaging projection 10c coincides with the second recess 19d corresponding to the second engaging projection 10d, the retaining effect of the first engaging projection 10c is still exerted, so a large allowable rotation angle θ (see Figure 12) can be secured, similar to when the engaging projection 10 and recess 19 are formed at only one location each in the circumferential direction.

[0047] A second embodiment of the valve device 1 according to this invention will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. The valve device 1 according to this embodiment is an on-off valve and mainly consists of a valve body 2 and an integrated valve element 24 (see Figure 13). The integrated valve element 24 is formed by integrally configuring the rotating shaft 4 and the valve element 3 according to the first embodiment (see Figure 14). The valve element 3 according to this embodiment is a cock valve. Note that the valve device 1 according to this embodiment is not limited to on-off valves and can be applied to other valves as well.

[0048] A flow path 25 is formed inside the valve body 2, with a first opening 6 at one end and a second opening 7 at the other end. A valve chamber 5 is formed inside the valve body 2. Fluid can flow between the two openings 6 and 7 via the valve chamber 5. A through hole 9 leading to the valve chamber 5 is formed in the valve body 2. Engaging projections 10 protruding inward from the inner wall surface of the through hole 9 are formed on the inner wall. An integrated valve body 24 is provided in the valve chamber 5.

[0049] The rotating shaft 4 of the integrated valve body 24 has a shaft body 15, a plurality of flange portions 16 (first flange portion 16a, second flange portion 16b, from top to bottom) formed to protrude radially outward from the shaft body 15, and a motor shaft insertion end 17 formed at the upper end of the shaft body 15 and inserted into the rotating shaft of a motor (not shown). The outer diameter of each flange portion 16a, 16b is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 9, and is configured to allow the rotating shaft 4 to rotate smoothly within the through hole 9 (see Figure 13). A recess 19 is formed on the outer circumferential edge of the first flange portion 16a corresponding to the formation position of the engaging projection 10, and a contact portion 26 is formed extending from one circumferential end of the recess 19 toward the second flange portion 16b (see Figure 14). An O-ring 27 is provided in the lower circumferential groove of the second flange portion 16b.

[0050] The motor shaft insertion end 17 is provided with a D-cut, which is configured to determine the relative position in the rotational direction with respect to the motor shaft.

[0051] When assembling the valve device 1 according to the second embodiment, first, the integrated valve body 24 is inserted into the valve chamber 5 (through hole 9) from the lower side of the valve chamber 5 formed in the valve body 2 (the second opening 7 side in this embodiment) with the rotation axis 4 facing upward relative to the valve body 3 (see the arrow in Figure 13). If the circumferential positions of the engaging projection 10 and the recess 19 do not coincide, the engaging projection 10 will catch on the first flange portion 16a, and the integrated valve body 24 cannot be inserted any further.

[0052] Therefore, by rotating the integrated valve body 24 relative to the valve body 2 so that the circumferential positions of the engaging projection 10 and the recess 19 coincide, the engaging projection 10 can pass through the recess 19 from the axial direction, allowing the integrated valve body 24 to be further inserted in the axial direction. Furthermore, by rotating the integrated valve body 24 relative to the valve body 2 to shift the circumferential positions of the engaging projection 10 and the recess 19, the first flange portion 16a and the engaging projection 10 can engage when a downward force is applied to the integrated valve body 24, preventing the integrated valve body 24 from falling out (retaining it from coming off) (see Figure 13).

[0053] In addition, in the valve device 1 according to this second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, a projection 20 (see Figure 5) is provided so as to be adjacent to the recess 19 in the circumferential direction, thereby preventing the position of the engaging projection 10 and the recess 19 from unintentionally coinciding and losing the detachment prevention function.

[0054] In the valve device 1 according to the second embodiment, an engaging projection 10 is formed on the inner wall of the through hole 9, protruding from the inner wall surface, and a recess 19 is formed on the flange portion 16 of the rotating shaft 4 of the integrated valve body 24 inserted into the valve chamber 5 (through hole 9). The engaging projection 10 is passed through the recess 19 from the axial direction, and the rotating shaft 4 is rotated around its axis, engaging the engaging projection 10 with the flange portion 16 to prevent the rotating shaft 4 from coming out in the axial direction. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a member to prevent the rotating shaft 4 from coming out, and the installation work can be simplified.

[0055] Furthermore, in the valve device 1 according to the second embodiment, a recess 19 is formed on the outer peripheral edge of the first flange portion 16a corresponding to the formation position of the engaging projection 10, and a contact portion 26 is formed extending from one circumferential end of the recess 19 toward the second flange portion 16b. Therefore, the contact between the engaging projection 10 and the contact portion 26 prevents the integrated valve body 24 from over-rotating around its axis, and prevents the integrated valve body 24 from falling off due to the circumferential positions of the engaging projection 10 and the recess 19 unintentionally coinciding. Note that if the rotation of the integrated valve body 24 can be restricted by motor control, the contact portion 26 can be omitted.

[0056] Furthermore, in the valve device 1 according to the second embodiment, a cock valve is used as the valve body 3, so the valve body 3 can be stably rotated around its axis within the valve chamber 5. In the valve device 1 according to the second embodiment, when fluid pressure acts inside the valve body 3, which is a cock valve, the upper surface (flat surface) of the valve body 3 comes into surface contact with the inner surface of the valve chamber 5. Therefore, even if only one engaging projection 10 and one recess 19 are formed, the inclination of the rotation axis 4 in the axial direction can be suppressed.

[0057] The individual configurations in each of the above embodiments can be appropriately adapted to other embodiments. For example, in a modified version of the valve device 1 shown in the first embodiment (see Figure 10, etc.), the second engaging projection 10d can be configured to have a smaller circumferential width and a larger protrusion from the wall surface than the first engaging projection 10c, as in the valve device 1 shown in the first embodiment (see Figure 2, etc.).

[0058] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description and is intended to include the meaning of equivalents of the claims and all modifications thereof. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 Valve device 2 Valve body 3 Valve body 4 rotation axes 5 valve chambers 5a First valve chamber 5b Second valve chamber 6 First opening 7 Second opening 8 Third opening 9 Through hole 9a top 9b Lower part 9c Stepped section 10 Engagement protrusion 10a Large engagement protrusion 10b Small engagement protrusion 10c First engaging protrusion 10d Second engagement protrusion 11 molds 12. Cylindrical section 13 Notches 14 Insertion holes 15-axis body 16 Flange section 16a First flange section 16b Second flange section (stopper section) 16c Third flange section 17 Motor shaft insertion end 18 Valve body insertion end 19 Recess 19a Large recess 19b Small recess 19c First recess 19d Second recess 20 Protrusion 21 Slope section 22 Wall section 23 Flat area 24. Integrated valve body 25 channels 26 Contact part 27 O-rings

Claims

1. The valve body (2) has a through hole (9) leading to a valve chamber (5), a valve element (3) provided in the valve chamber (5), and a rotating shaft (4) that is inserted towards the valve chamber (5) through the through hole (9) and rotates the valve element (3) around its axis. An engaging projection (10) is formed on the inner wall of the through hole (9) facing the valve chamber (5), projecting from the wall surface of the inner wall, and a recess (19) is formed on the flange portion (16) of the rotating shaft (4) which is formed to project radially outward, allowing the engaging projection (10) to pass through from the axial direction. A valve device configured such that the engaging projection (10) is passed through the recess (19) from the axial direction, the rotating shaft (4) is rotated around the axis, and the engaging projection (10) and the flange portion (16) are engaged to prevent the rotating shaft (4) from coming out in the axial direction.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging projections (10) are formed at multiple locations along the circumferential direction of the inner wall, and the recesses (19) are formed at multiple locations corresponding to the formation positions of the engaging projections (10), and among the engaging projections (10) formed at multiple locations, the circumferential width of one of the engaging projections (10) is longer than the circumferential width of the other engaging projections (10), and the amount of the one engaging projection (10) protruding from the wall surface is smaller than the amount of the other engaging projections (10) protruding from the wall surface.

3. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a projection (20) is formed at a circumferential position corresponding to the position where the recess (19) is formed on the flange portion (16), which allows the engaging projection (10) to rotate relative to the flange portion (16) in the circumferential direction so as to move away from the recess (19), while preventing it from rotating relative to the flange portion (16) in the circumferential direction so as to move closer to the recess (19).

4. The valve device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a stopper portion (16b) is formed on the rear side in the insertion direction of the rotating shaft (4) from the position where the flange portion (16) of the rotating shaft (4) is formed, and the contact between the engaging projection (10) and the stopper portion (16b) prevents the rotating shaft (4) from being inserted into the through hole (9) by more than a predetermined amount.

5. The valve body (2) has a through hole (9) leading to a valve chamber (5), a valve element (3) provided in the valve chamber (5), and a rotating shaft (4) that is inserted through the through hole (9) toward the valve chamber (5) and rotates the valve element (3). An engaging projection (10) is formed on the inner wall of the through hole (9), protruding from the wall surface of the inner wall, and a recess (19) is formed on the flange portion (16) of the rotating shaft (4), which is formed to protrude radially outward, allowing the engaging projection (10) to pass through from the axial direction. The engaging projection (10) is composed of a first engaging projection (10c) and a pair of second engaging projections (10d) formed at positions facing the first engaging projection (10c) in the circumferential direction on the inner wall, and having a smaller circumferential width than the first engaging projection (10c). A valve device configured such that the rotating shaft (4) is rotated around the axis after passing each of the aforementioned engaging protrusions (10c, 10d) through the recess (19) from the axial direction, thereby engaging the respective engaging protrusions (10c, 10d) with the flange portion (16) to prevent the rotating shaft (4) from coming out in the axial direction.

6. The valve body (2) has a through hole (9) formed therein leading to a valve chamber (5), and an integrated valve body (24) is inserted from the valve chamber (5) side toward the through hole (9) and provided in the valve chamber (5), in which a rotating shaft (4) and a valve body (3) are integrally formed. An engaging projection (10) is formed on the inner wall of the through hole (9), protruding from the wall surface of the inner wall, and a recess (19) is formed on the flange portion (16) of the rotating shaft (4), which is formed to protrude radially outward, allowing the engaging projection (10) to pass through from the axial direction. A valve device configured such that the engaging projection (10) is passed through the recess (19) from the axial direction, and the rotating shaft (4) is rotated around the axis, thereby engaging the engaging projection (10) with the flange portion (16) to prevent the integrated valve body (24) from coming off in the axial direction.

7. The valve device according to claim 6, wherein the valve body (3) is a cock valve.

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