valve

Abstract

The fluid flow rate when the valve is open can be adjusted. [Solution] The valve 100 comprises a casing 1 having an inlet port 11 through which fluid flows in, an outlet port 12 through which fluid flows out, and a valve chamber 13 positioned between the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12, and a ball valve body 5 positioned in the valve chamber 13. The ball valve body 5 has a first through hole 51 and a second through hole 52, and switches between a first communication state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via the first through hole 51, a second communication state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via the second through hole 52, and a closed state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are blocked off by rotating around a predetermined rotation axis X. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first through hole 51 is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through hole 52.

Description

Technical Field

[0002] , , , , , ,

[0004] , ,

[0006] , , , , , , , ,

[0005] , , ,

[0003] , , , , , ,

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to valves.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a valve provided with a ball valve body. The ball valve body has an orifice which is a through hole. When the ball valve body rotates about a predetermined rotation axis, opening and closing of the valve are switched. Fluid flows through the orifice when the valve is open.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] <00000۲۵>By the way, for example, in a steam system, the flow rate of the fluid required when the valve is open may change depending on the situation. In conventional valves, it is difficult to adjust the flow rate of the fluid when the valve is open. Therefore, when the required flow rate of the fluid changes, it is necessary to replace the valve.

[0005] The technology disclosed herein has been made in view of such points, and the object thereof is to make it possible to adjust the flow rate of the fluid when the valve is open.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The valve disclosed herein comprises a casing having an inlet port through which fluid flows in, an outlet port through which fluid flows out, and a valve chamber disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port, and a ball valve body disposed in the valve chamber, wherein the ball valve body has a first through hole and a second through hole, and switches between a first communicating state in which the inlet port and the outlet port are connected through the first through hole, a second communicating state in which the inlet port and the outlet port are connected through the second through hole, and a blocked state in which the inlet port and the outlet port are blocked by rotating around a predetermined axis of rotation, wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through hole is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The valve can adjust the flow rate of the fluid when it is open. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve in the first connected state. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the ball valve body viewed from the direction of the axis of rotation. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve in the second connected state. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve in the third connected state. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the handle viewed from the direction of the axis of rotation. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve in the shut-off state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a modified valve. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the ball valve body of the modified valve, viewed from the axial direction. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the ball valve body of the modified valve, viewed from the axial direction. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the ball valve body of a modified valve, viewed from the axial direction. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the ball valve body of the modified valve, viewed from the axial direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve 100 in the first connected state, which will be described later. More specifically, Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the valve 100 cut by a plane that includes the axis 11A of the inlet port 11 and the axis 12A of the outlet port 12. Hereinafter, in structures having an axis such as ports, holes, and flow paths, a longitudinal section means a cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane that includes the axis. In structures having an axis such as ports, holes, and flow paths, a transverse section means a cross-section obtained by cutting with a plane perpendicular to the axis. Unless otherwise specified, "section" means a transverse section.

[0010] Valve 100 is installed, for example, in the steam piping of a steam system that utilizes steam. In a steam system, condensate, which is water formed from the condensation of steam, may be generated. Valve 100 switches, for example, between the flow and blockage of steam and condensate in the steam piping. Steam and condensate are examples of fluids.

[0011] Valve 100 comprises a casing 1 and a ball valve body 5. Valve 100 is a ball valve.

[0012] The casing 1 has an inlet port 11 through which fluid flows in, an outlet port 12 through which fluid flows out, and a valve chamber 13 located between the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12.

[0013] The inlet port 11 is the port to which piping upstream of the valve 100 is connected. The outlet port 12 is the port to which piping downstream of the valve 100 is connected. Upstream and downstream refer to the upstream and downstream in the direction of fluid flow, respectively. In this example, the cross-sectional shapes of the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are approximately circular. The inlet port 11 extends in the direction of the axis 11A. In the wall 21 that demarcates the end of the inlet port 11 on the ball valve body 5 side in the direction of the axis 11A, a through hole 22 is formed that penetrates the wall 21 in the direction of the axis 11A. The outlet port 12 extends in the direction of the axis 12A. In this example, the axis 11A intersects with the axis 12A. More specifically, the axis 11A is perpendicular to the axis 12A. Specifically, the axis 11A extends horizontally. The axis 12A extends vertically. In other words, in this example, valve 100 is an angle valve. Furthermore, in this specification, "orthogonal" includes not only cases where the directions are strictly orthogonal, but also cases where they are approximately orthogonal. Similarly, "parallel" two directions include not only cases where the two directions are strictly parallel, but also cases where they are approximately parallel.

[0014] The valve chamber 13 houses the ball valve body 5. The valve chamber 13 has a valve seat 17 on which the ball valve body 5 sits. The valve seat 17 is positioned between the inlet port 11 and the valve chamber 13. The valve seat 17 is in contact with the aforementioned wall 21. The valve seat 17 is a plate-shaped member that extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis 11A. The valve seat 17, together with the aforementioned wall 21, separates the inlet port 11 and the valve chamber 13. The valve seat 17 has a seat surface 17a on the end face facing the valve chamber 13, among the end faces in the direction of the axis 11A. The seat surface 17a is a plane whose normal is parallel to the direction of the axis 11A.

[0015] The valve seat 17 is formed with a valve hole 15 that communicates the inflow port 11 and the valve chamber 13. The valve hole 15 penetrates the valve seat 17 in the direction of the axis 11A. In this example, the cross-sectional shape of the valve hole 15 is substantially circular. The valve hole 15 communicates with the through-hole 22 of the aforementioned wall 21. The inflow port 11 communicates with the valve chamber 13 through the through-hole 22 and the valve hole 15. In this example, the valve hole 15 (specifically, the axis of the valve hole 15) is arranged offset downward from the axis 11A.

[0016] The ball valve body 5 opens and closes the valve hole 15. Hereinafter, the state in which the valve hole 15 is open may be referred to as "valve open", and the state in which the valve hole 15 is closed may be referred to as "valve closed". The ball valve body 5 is substantially spherical segment-shaped. Specifically, one end face f1 of the ball valve body 5 in the direction of the axis 11A, specifically, the end face f1 facing the inflow port 11, is flat. The ball valve body 5 is arranged in the valve chamber 13. Specifically, the ball valve body 5 is arranged on the seat surface 17a of the valve seat 17. The end face f1 of the ball valve body 5 is in contact with the seat surface 17a of the valve seat 17.

[0017] The ball valve body 5 rotates about a predetermined rotation axis X. In this example, the rotation axis X coincides with the axis 11A. Hereinafter, the direction in which the rotation axis X extends is referred to as the "axial direction". The circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis X is simply referred to as the "circumferential direction". The radial direction centered on the rotation axis X is simply referred to as the "radial direction". In this example, the axial direction is orthogonal to the vertical direction.

[0018] [[ID=LL]] FIG. 2 is a view of the ball valve body 5 viewed from the axial direction. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a view of the ball valve body 5 viewed from the side of the axial direction toward the ball valve body 5 from the inflow port 11. The ball valve body 5 has a first through-hole 51 and a second through-hole 52. The ball valve body 5 may further have a third through-hole 53. Each of the first through-hole 51, the second through-hole 52, and the third through-hole 53 is also referred to as an orifice. The ball valve body 5 further has a closing portion 57 that closes the valve hole 15. The closing portion 57 is a part of the outer surface of the ball valve body 5.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the first through-hole 51 penetrates the ball valve body 5. The cross-sectional shape of the first through-hole 51 is approximately circular (see also Figure 2). The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the first through-hole 51 is L-shaped. More specifically, the first through-hole 51 includes a first portion 51a extending in the direction of the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and a second portion 51b connected to the first portion 51a and extending in the direction of the axis 12A of the outlet port 12. The first portion 51a (more specifically, the axis of the first portion 51a) is positioned radially offset with respect to the axis 11A. One end of the first portion 51a opens to the outside of the ball valve body 5 (more specifically, the end face f1). One end of the second portion 51b opens to the outside of the ball valve body 5. The other end of the first portion 51a is connected to the other end of the second portion 51b. As shown in Figure 1, the first through-hole 51 communicates with the valve hole 15 and the outlet port 12 when the ball valve body 5 is at a predetermined first rotation angle.

[0020] Figure 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve 100 in the second connected state, which will be described later. The second through-hole 52 penetrates the ball valve body 5. The cross-sectional shape of the second through-hole 52 is approximately circular (see also Figure 2). The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the second through-hole 52 is L-shaped. More specifically, the second through-hole 52 includes a first portion 52a extending in the direction of the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and a second portion 52b connected to the first portion 52a and extending in the direction of the axis 12A of the outlet port 12. The first portion 52a (more specifically, the axis of the first portion 52a) is positioned offset radially outward with respect to the axis 11A. One end of the first portion 52a opens to the outside of the ball valve body 5 (more specifically, the end face f1). One end of the second portion 52b opens to the outside of the ball valve body 5. The other end of the first portion 52a is connected to the other end of the second portion 52b. As shown in Figure 3, the second through-hole 52 communicates with the valve hole 15 and the outlet port 12 when the ball valve body 5 is at a predetermined second rotation angle.

[0021] Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve 100 in the third connected state, which will be described later. The third through-hole 53 penetrates the ball valve body 5. The cross-sectional shape of the third through-hole 53 is approximately circular (see also Figure 2). The longitudinal cross-sectional shape of the third through-hole 53 is L-shaped. More specifically, the third through-hole 53 includes a first portion 53a extending in the direction of the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and a second portion 53b connected to the first portion 53a and extending in the direction of the axis 12A of the outlet port 12. The first portion 53a (more specifically, the axis of the first portion 53a) is positioned radially offset with respect to the axis 11A. One end of the first portion 53a opens to the outside of the ball valve body 5 (more specifically, the end face f1). One end of the second portion 53b opens to the outside of the ball valve body 5. The other end of the first portion 53a is connected to the other end of the second portion 53b. As shown in Figure 4, the third through-hole 53 communicates with the valve hole 15 and the outlet port 12 when the ball valve body 5 is at a predetermined third rotation angle.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the first portion 51a of the first through-hole 51, the first portion 52a of the second through-hole 52, the first portion 53a of the third through-hole 53, and the closing portion 57 are arranged with a predetermined distance from each other in the circumferential direction. In this example, the first portion 51a of the first through-hole 51, the first portion 52a of the second through-hole 52, the first portion 53a of the third through-hole 53, and the closing portion 57 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The first portion 51a of the first through-hole 51, the closing portion 57, the first portion 52a of the second through-hole 52, and the first portion 53a of the third through-hole 53 are arranged in this order in the circumferential direction. The second portion 51b of the first through-hole 51, the second portion 52b of the second through-hole 52, and the second portion 53b of the third through-hole 53 extend radially outward around the rotation axis X.

[0023] The cross-sectional area of ​​the first through-hole 51 is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through-hole 52. More specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through-hole 51 is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through-hole 52. In this example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third through-hole 53 is different from the cross-sectional areas of the first through-hole 51 and the second through-hole 52. More specifically, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third through-hole 53 is smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the first through-hole 51 and the second through-hole 52. Here, the cross-sectional areas of the first through-hole 51, the second through-hole 52, and the third through-hole 53 are the areas of each through-hole when cut by a plane perpendicular to the axis of each through-hole. If the cross-sectional area is not uniform in the direction in which each through-hole extends, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through-hole should be the minimum cross-sectional area in the direction in which the through-hole extends.

[0024] In this example, as shown in Figure 1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through-hole 51 is uniform in the direction in which the first through-hole 51 extends, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through-hole 52 is uniform in the direction in which the second through-hole 52 extends. As shown in Figure 4, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third through-hole 53 is uniform in the direction in which the third through-hole 53 extends. For example, the diameter of the first through-hole 51 is 3.5 mm, the diameter of the second through-hole 52 is 2 mm, and the diameter of the third through-hole 53 is 1 mm. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve hole 15 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional areas of the first through-hole 51 and the second through-hole 52, respectively. In this example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve hole 15 is approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through-hole 51. As shown in Figure 4, the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve hole 15 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the third through-hole 53.

[0025] A handle 72 may be connected to the ball valve body 5 via a valve stem 71. More specifically, the valve stem 71 is positioned on the opposite side of the ball valve body 5 from the valve seat 17. The valve stem 71 extends in the direction of the axis 11A. That is, the axis of the valve stem 71 coincides with the axis of rotation X. The casing 1 has a through hole 1a. The valve stem 71 is inserted into the through hole 1a and is rotatably supported in the casing 1. The space between the valve stem 71 and the casing 1 is sealed. The first end of the valve stem 71 is located inside the valve chamber 13, and the second end of the valve stem 71 is located outside the casing 1. The first end of the valve stem 71 is fixed to the portion of the outer surface of the ball valve body 5 opposite to the end face f1. The handle 72 is fixed to the second end of the valve stem 71. With this configuration, when the user rotates the handle 72 in the circumferential direction, the ball valve body 5 rotates integrally with the handle 72 around the axis of rotation X.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, in this example, the handle 72 is circular when viewed from the axial direction. Figure 5 is a view of the handle 72 from the axial direction. The handle 72 may have information indicating which state the valve 100 is in, among the first connected state, second connected state, third connected state, and closed state, as described later. In this example, the diameters of the first through hole 51, the second through hole 52, and the third through hole 53 are indicated on the handle 72 so as to correspond to the circumferential positions of the first through hole 51, the second through hole 52, and the third through hole 53 in the ball valve body 5.

[0027] Next, the switching of fluid flow and shutoff by valve 100 will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 1, 3, 4, and 6. Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of valve 100 in the shutoff state, which will be described later.

[0028] The ball valve body 5 switches between a first connected state, in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via the first through-hole 51; a second connected state, in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via the second through-hole 52; and a closed state, in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are blocked, by rotating around the rotation axis X. In this example, the ball valve body 5 further switches to a third connected state, in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via the third through-hole 53, by rotating around the rotation axis X. That is, the valve 100 opens in the first connected state, the second connected state, and the third connected state, and closes in the closed state.

[0029] More specifically, when the user rotates the handle 72, the ball valve body 5 rotates around the rotation axis X. As shown in Figure 1, in the first communication state, the ball valve body 5 is rotated so that its rotation angle is the first rotation angle. The valve hole 15 communicates with the first through hole 51 in the first communication state. This connects the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 via the first through hole 51. In this example, in the first communication state, the upstream end 51u of the first through hole 51, more specifically the center of the upstream end 51u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is offset downward from the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and the upstream end 51u is connected to the valve hole 15. The downstream end 51l of the first through hole 51 faces downward and is connected to the outlet port 12. The fluid that flows into the inlet port 11 flows through the through hole 22, the valve hole 15, and the first through hole 51 and is discharged from the outlet port 12.

[0030] In the first communication state, the upstream end 52u of the second through hole 52, more specifically the center of the upstream end 52u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is offset upward from the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In the first communication state, the upstream end 52u of the second through hole 52 is closed by the valve seat 17. In the first communication state, the upstream end 53u of the third through hole 53 (see Figure 2), more specifically the center of the upstream end 53u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is positioned at approximately the same height as the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In the first communication state, the upstream end 53u of the third through hole 53 is closed by the valve seat 17.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, in the second communication state, the ball valve body 5 is rotated so that its rotation angle is the second rotation angle. The valve hole 15 communicates with the second through hole 52 in the second communication state. As a result, the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 communicate through the second through hole 52. In this example, in the second communication state, the upstream end 52u of the second through hole 52, more specifically the center of the upstream end 52u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is offset downward from the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and the upstream end 52u is connected to the valve hole 15. The downstream end 52l of the second through hole 52 faces downward and is connected to the outlet port 12. The fluid that flows into the inlet port 11 flows through the through hole 22, the valve hole 15 and the second through hole 52 and is discharged from the outlet port 12.

[0032] In the second communication state, the upstream end 51u of the first through hole 51, more specifically the center of the upstream end 51u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is offset upward from the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In the second communication state, the upstream end 51u of the first through hole 51 is closed by the valve seat 17. In the second communication state, the upstream end 53u of the third through hole 53 (see Figure 2), more specifically the center of the upstream end 53u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is positioned at approximately the same height as the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In the second communication state, the upstream end 53u of the third through hole 53 is closed by the valve seat 17.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, in the third communication state, the ball valve body 5 is rotated so that its rotation angle is the third rotation angle. The valve hole 15 communicates with the third through hole 53 in the third communication state. As a result, the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 communicate through the third through hole 53. In this example, in the third communication state, the upstream end 53u of the third through hole 53, more specifically the center of the upstream end 53u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is offset downward from the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and the upstream end 53u is connected to the valve hole 15. The downstream end 53l of the third through hole 53 faces downward and is connected to the outlet port 12. The fluid that flows into the inlet port 11 flows through the valve hole 15 and the third through hole 53 and is discharged from the outlet port 12.

[0034] In the third communication state, the upstream end 51u of the first through hole 51 (see Figure 2), more specifically the center of the upstream end 51u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is positioned at approximately the same height as the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In the third communication state, the upstream end 51u of the first through hole 51 is closed by the valve seat 17. In the third communication state, the upstream end 52u of the second through hole 52 (see Figure 2), more specifically the center of the upstream end 52u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is positioned at approximately the same height as the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In the third communication state, the upstream end 52u of the second through hole 52 is closed by the valve seat 17.

[0035] As shown in Figure 6, in the shut-off state, the ball valve body 5 is rotated so that its rotation angle is the fourth rotation angle. The valve hole 15 is closed by the ball valve body 5 when the shut-off state is reached. Specifically, the valve hole 15 is closed by the closing portion 57 of the ball valve body 5. The fluid flowing into the inlet port 11 is blocked by the closing portion 57.

[0036] In the blocked state, the upstream end 51u of the first through-hole 51 (see Figure 2), more specifically the center of the upstream end 51u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is located at approximately the same height as the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In the blocked state, the upstream end 51u of the first through-hole 51 is closed by the valve seat 17. In the blocked state, the upstream end 52u of the second through-hole 52 (see Figure 2), more specifically the center of the upstream end 52u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is located at approximately the same height as the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In the blocked state, the upstream end 52u of the second through-hole 52 is closed by the valve seat 17. In the blocked state, the upstream end 53u of the third through-hole 53, more specifically the center of the upstream end 53u as viewed from the direction of the axis 11A, is located above the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In the blocked state, the upstream end 53u of the third through hole 53 is closed by the valve seat 17.

[0037] In this type of valve 100, by rotating the ball valve body 5 around a rotation axis X, it is possible to switch between a first communication state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via a first through-hole 51, and a second communication state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via a second through-hole 52. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first through-hole 51 is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through-hole 52. This makes it possible to make the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the valve 100 different in the first communication state and the second communication state. In other words, the valve 100 allows for adjustment of the fluid flow rate when the valve is open.

[0038] In this particular example, it is possible to further switch to a third communication state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via the third through-hole 53. The cross-sectional area of ​​the third through-hole 53 is different from the cross-sectional areas of the first through-hole 51 and the second through-hole 52, respectively. Therefore, the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the valve 100 can be made to differ in three stages between the first communication state, the second communication state and the third communication state.

[0039] Since the axis 11A of the inlet port 11 extends horizontally, drain in the inlet port 11 tends to accumulate at the bottom of the inlet port 11. In valve 100, in the first connected state, the upstream end 51u of the first through hole 51 is offset below the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and in the second connected state, the upstream end 52u of the second through hole 52 is offset below the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. Therefore, in both the first and second connected states, the drain accumulated at the bottom of the inlet port 11 can be easily discharged through the first through hole 51 and the second through hole 52. Furthermore, in the third connected state, the upstream end 53u of the third through hole 53 is offset below the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. Therefore, even in the third connected state, the drain accumulated at the bottom of the inlet port 11 can be easily discharged through the third through hole 53.

[0040] In this particular example, the valve hole 15 is also positioned offset below the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. This makes it easier to realize a configuration in which, in the first connected state, the valve hole 15 is connected only to the first through hole 51; in the second connected state, the valve hole 15 is connected only to the second through hole 52; and in the third connected state, the valve hole 15 is connected only to the third through hole 53. As a result, for example in a steam system, the flow of steam through the second through hole 52 and the third through hole 53 is suppressed in the first connected state, the flow of steam through the first through hole 51 and the third through hole 53 is suppressed in the second connected state, and the flow of steam through the first through hole 51 and the second through hole 52 is suppressed in the third connected state, thereby increasing thermal efficiency.

[0041] Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve hole 15 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through-hole 51 and the second through-hole 52, respectively. This allows the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path to be reduced in the order of the inlet port 11, the valve hole 15, and the first through-hole 51 in the first connected state, thereby allowing the fluid to flow smoothly. Similarly, in the second connected state, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path to be reduced in the order of the inlet port 11, the valve hole 15, and the second through-hole 52, thereby allowing the fluid to flow smoothly. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve hole 15 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the third through-hole 53. This allows the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path to be reduced in the order of the inlet port 11, the valve hole 15, and the third through-hole 53 in the third connected state, thereby allowing the fluid to flow smoothly.

[0042] Furthermore, in this example, the axis 11A of the inlet port 11 intersects with the axis 12A of the outlet port 12. The first through-hole 51 includes a first portion 51a extending in the direction of the axis 11A and a second portion 51b connected to the first portion 51a and extending in the direction of the axis 12A. The second through-hole 52 includes a first portion 52a extending in the direction of the axis 11A and a second portion 52b connected to the first portion 52a and extending in the direction of the axis 12A. With this configuration, in the valve 100, which is an angle valve, a configuration can be realized in which the ball valve body 5 can be rotated to switch between a first connected state, a second connected state, and a closed state. Furthermore, the third through-hole 53 includes a first portion 53a extending in the direction of the axis 11A and a second portion 53b connected to the first portion 53a and extending in the direction of the axis 12A. With this configuration, the valve 100, which is an angle valve, can be configured to switch between a first connected state, a second connected state, a third connected state, and a shut-off state by rotating the ball valve body 5.

[0043] In addition, a handle 72 is connected to the ball valve body 5 via a valve stem 71. The first end of the valve stem 71 is fixed to the outer surface of the ball valve body 5 on the side opposite to the end face f1. The handle 72 is fixed to the second end of the valve stem 71. With this configuration, in the angle valve 100, the user can switch between the first connected state, the second connected state, the third connected state, and the shut-off state by rotating the handle 72.

[0044] Variant form Figure 7 is a schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view illustrating a modified valve 200. Valve 200 differs from valve 100 in its valve type, ball valve body configuration, and valve hole configuration. The following description will focus on the configurations of valve 200 that differ from valve 100. Note that in valve 200, parts with the same reference numerals as those in valve 100 have the same configuration as valve 100, and therefore their explanation will be omitted.

[0045] In this example, the axial direction is parallel to the vertical direction. The axis 11A of the inlet port 11 is perpendicular to the axial direction. The axis 12A of the outlet port 12 is parallel to the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In other words, in this example, valve 200 is a straight valve.

[0046] Figures 8 to 11 are schematic diagrams of the ball valve body 205 of a modified valve 200, viewed from the axial direction. Specifically, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the ball valve body 205 of the valve 200 in the first connected state, viewed from the axial direction. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the ball valve body 205 of the valve 200 in the second connected state, viewed from the axial direction. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the ball valve body 205 of the valve 200 in the third connected state, viewed from the axial direction. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the ball valve body 205 of the valve 200 in the closed state, viewed from the axial direction.

[0047] As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the first through-hole 251, the second through-hole 252, and the third through-hole 253 each extend linearly along the planar direction. The axial positions of the first through-hole 251, the second through-hole 252, and the third through-hole 253 are different from each other. Each of the first through-hole 251, the second through-hole 252, and the third through-hole 253 intersects the axis of rotation X. The first through-hole 251, the second through-hole 252, and the third through-hole 253 are not parallel to each other. That is, the first through-hole 251, the second through-hole 252, and the third through-hole 253 are twisted relative to each other. In this example, viewed from the axial direction, the second through-hole 52 is positioned 60° circumferentially relative to the first through-hole 51. The third through-hole 53 is positioned 60° circumferentially relative to the second through-hole 52. The first through-hole 51 is positioned 60° circumferentially relative to the third through-hole 53. The cross-sectional areas of the first through-hole 251, the second through-hole 252, and the third through-hole 253 are all different from each other.

[0048] The closure portion 257 is positioned between two through holes that are adjacent in the circumferential direction when viewed from the axial direction, among the first through hole 51, the second through hole 52, and the third through hole 53. In this example, the closure portion 257 is positioned between the second through hole 252 and the third through hole 253 when viewed from the axial direction.

[0049] In this example, the axis of the valve hole 215 coincides with the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. The height of the upper end of the valve hole 215 is higher than the height of the upper ends of all the through holes, including the first through hole 251, the second through hole 252, and the third through hole 253. The height of the lower end of the valve hole 215 is lower than the height of the lower ends of all the through holes, including the first through hole 251, the second through hole 252, and the third through hole 253.

[0050] The valve stem 71 extends axially and penetrates the casing 201. The lower end of the valve stem 71 is located inside the valve chamber 13, and the upper end of the valve stem 71 is located outside the casing 201. The lower end of the valve stem 71 is fixed to the upper end of the ball valve body 205. A handle 72 is fixed to the upper end of the valve stem 71.

[0051] Next, we will explain the switching between fluid flow and shutoff using valve 200.

[0052] When the user rotates the handle 72, the ball valve body 205 rotates around the axis of rotation X. As shown in Figure 8, in the first communication state, the ball valve body 5 is rotated so that the direction in which the first through hole 51 extends is approximately parallel to the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. This connects the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 through the first through hole 51. The fluid that flows into the inlet port 11 flows through the valve hole 15 and the first through hole 251 and is discharged from the outlet port 12.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, in the second communication state, the ball valve body 205 is rotated so that the direction in which the second through-hole 252 extends is approximately parallel to the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. This connects the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 through the second through-hole 252. The fluid that flows into the inlet port 11 flows through the valve hole 15 and the second through-hole 252 and is discharged from the outlet port 12.

[0054] As shown in Figure 10, in the third communication state, the ball valve body 205 is rotated so that the direction in which the third through-hole 253 extends is approximately parallel to the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. This connects the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 through the third through-hole 253. The fluid that flows into the inlet port 11 flows through the valve hole 15 and the third through-hole 253 and is discharged from the outlet port 12.

[0055] As shown in Figure 11, in the shut-off state, the valve hole 15 is closed by the closing portion 257 of the ball valve body 205. Fluid flowing into the inlet port 11 is blocked by the closing portion 257.

[0056] Like valve 100, valve 200 can switch between a first connected state, a second connected state, a third connected state, and a closed state by rotating the ball valve body 205. The cross-sectional areas of the first through-hole 251, the second through-hole 252, and the third through-hole 253 are all different. This allows the flow rate of the fluid circulating through valve 200 to differ in the first connected state, the second connected state, and the third connected state. In other words, the flow rate of the fluid when the valve is open can also be adjusted in valve 200.

[0057] Furthermore, in valve 200, the first through-hole 251, the second through-hole 252, and the third through-hole 253 each extend linearly along the plane. The axial positions of the first through-hole 251, the second through-hole 252, and the third through-hole 253 are different from each other. The first through-hole 251, the second through-hole 252, and the third through-hole 253 are not parallel to each other. With this configuration, in valve 200, which is a straight valve, it is possible to switch between a first connected state, a second connected state, a third connected state, and a shut-off state by rotating the ball valve body 205.

[0058] Other embodiments As described above, the embodiments described herein have been presented as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the embodiments above to create new embodiments. In addition, the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description may include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, in order to illustrate the technology. Therefore, the mere presence of such non-essential components in the attached drawings and detailed description should not be immediately assumed to mean that those non-essential components are essential.

[0059] The fluid is not limited to steam and condensate. For example, the fluid may be a gas such as nitrogen or argon, or a liquid such as oil other than water.

[0060] The ball valve body 5 does not necessarily have a third through-hole 53. That is, the ball valve body 5 may have only the first through-hole 51 and the second through-hole 52 as through-holes through which fluid flows. The number of through-holes in the ball valve body 5 may be two or more, or it may be four or more.

[0061] The cross-sectional areas of the first through-hole 51, the second through-hole 52, and the third through-hole 53 are not limited as long as they are different from each other. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first through-hole 51 does not have to be uniform in the direction in which the first through-hole 51 extends. For example, the first through-hole 51 may have a constricted portion in the middle of its extension direction in which its cross-sectional area is smaller than that of other portions. The same applies to the second through-hole 52 and the third through-hole 53.

[0062] In the first communication state, the upstream end 51u of the first through hole 51 does not have to be offset below the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. In the second communication state, the upstream end 52u of the second through hole 52 does not have to be offset below the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. The valve hole 15 does not have to be offset below the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. For example, the axis of the valve hole 15 may coincide with the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and the valve hole 15 may overlap with the upstream end 51u of the first through hole 51, the upstream end 52u of the second through hole 52, and the upstream end 53u of the third through hole 53 when viewed from the direction of the axis 11A.

[0063] The handle 72 is not mandatory. For example, in a valve without a handle 72, the ball valve body 5 may be rotated by a tool such as a wrench fitted to the axial end of the valve stem 71. Furthermore, the ball valve body 5 may be rotated automatically rather than manually. For example, the ball valve body 5 may be rotated automatically by a servo motor or the like.

[0064] [Aspect] The above-mentioned embodiment is a specific example of the following embodiment.

[0065] (Aspect 1) The valve 100,200 comprises a casing 1,201 having an inlet port 11 through which fluid flows in, an outlet port 12 through which fluid flows out, and a valve chamber 13 disposed between the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12, and a ball valve body 5,205 disposed in the valve chamber 13. The ball valve body 5,205 has first through holes 51,251 and second through holes 52,252, and switches between a first communication state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via the first through holes 51,251, a second communication state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via the second through holes 52,252, and a closed state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are blocked by rotating around a predetermined rotation axis X, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through holes 51,251 is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through holes 52,252.

[0066] With this configuration, by rotating the ball valve body 5 around the rotation axis X, it is possible to switch between a first communication state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via the first through hole 51, and a second communication state in which the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12 are connected via the second through hole 52. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first through hole 51 is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through hole 52. This makes it possible to make the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the valve 100 different in the first communication state and the second communication state. In other words, the valve 100 can adjust the flow rate of the fluid when the valve is open.

[0067] (Aspect 2) In the valves 100,200 described in Embodiment 1, the casing 1,201 further has a valve seat 17 positioned between the inlet port 11 and the valve chamber 13, on which the ball valve body 5,205 is seated, the valve seat 17 has valve holes 15,215 that connect the inlet port 11 and the valve chamber 13, the ball valve body 5,205 connects the valve holes 15,215 and the first through holes 51,251 in the first communicating state, connects the valve holes 15,215 and the second through holes 52,252 in the second communicating state, and closes the valve holes 15,215 in the closed state, the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve holes 15,215 is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through holes 51,251 and the second through holes 52,252, respectively.

[0068] With this configuration, in the first connected state, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path can be reduced in the order of the inlet port 11, valve holes 15, 215 and the first through holes 51, 251, allowing the fluid to flow smoothly. Similarly, in the second connected state, the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path can be reduced in the order of the inlet port 11, valve holes 15, 215 and the second through holes 52, 252, allowing the fluid to flow smoothly.

[0069] (Aspect 3) In the valve 100 described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the axis 11A of the inlet port 11 extends horizontally, and in the first communication state, the upstream end 51u of the first through hole 51 is offset downward from the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and in the second communication state, the upstream end 52u of the second through hole 52 is offset downward from the axis 11A of the inlet port 11.

[0070] In this configuration, since the axis 11A of the inlet port 11 extends horizontally, the drain in the inlet port 11 tends to accumulate at the bottom of the inlet port 11. In the first connected state, the upstream end 51u of the first through hole 51 is offset below the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and in the second connected state, the upstream end 52u of the second through hole 52 is offset below the axis 11A of the inlet port 11. Therefore, in both the first and second connected states, the drain accumulated at the bottom of the inlet port 11 can be easily discharged through the first through hole 51 and the second through hole 52.

[0071] (Aspect 4) In the valve 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 3, the casing 1 further has a valve seat 17 positioned between the inlet port 11 and the valve chamber 13, on which the ball valve body 5 is seated, the valve seat 17 has a valve hole 15 that connects the inlet port 11 and the valve chamber 13, the ball valve body 5 connects the valve hole 15 and the first through hole 51 in the first communicating state, connects the valve hole 15 and the second through hole 52 in the second communicating state, and closes the valve hole 15 in the closed state, the valve hole 15 is positioned offset below the axis 11A of the inlet port 11.

[0072] This configuration makes it easier to implement a setup in which, in the first connected state, the valve hole 15 is connected only to the first through-hole 51, and in the second connected state, the valve hole 15 is connected only to the second through-hole 52. As a result, for example in a steam system, the flow of steam through the second through-hole 52 is suppressed in the first connected state, and the flow of steam through the first through-hole 51 is suppressed in the second connected state, thereby increasing thermal efficiency.

[0073] (Appendix 5) In the valve 100 described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4, the axis 11A of the inlet port 11 intersects with the axis 12A of the outlet port 12, and each of the first through hole 51 and the second through hole 52 includes a first portion 51a, 52a extending in the direction of the axis 11A of the inlet port 11, and a second portion 51b, 52b connected to the first portion 51a, 52a and extending in the direction of the axis 12A of the outlet port 12.

[0074] This configuration makes it possible to switch between a first connected state, a second connected state, and a shut-off state in an angle valve by rotating the ball valve body 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 100,200 valves 1,201 Casing 11 Inflow Port 12 Outflow Ports 11A,12A shaft center 13 valve chambers 15,215 valve holes 17 valve seats 5,205 Ball valve body 51,251 First through hole 52,252 Second through hole 51a,52a Part 1 51b,52b 2nd part 51u,52u upstream end X rotation axis

Claims

1. A casing having an inlet port through which fluid flows in, an outlet port through which fluid flows out, and a valve chamber disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port, The valve chamber comprises a ball valve body arranged in the valve chamber, The ball valve body has a first through hole and a second through hole, and can switch between a first communication state in which the inlet port and the outlet port are connected through the first through hole, a second communication state in which the inlet port and the outlet port are connected through the second through hole, and a blocked state in which the inlet port and the outlet port are blocked by rotating it around a predetermined axis of rotation. A valve in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through-hole is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the second through-hole.

2. In the valve according to claim 1, The casing is positioned between the inlet port and the valve chamber and further has a valve seat on which the ball valve body is seated. The valve seat has a valve hole that connects the inlet port and the valve chamber. The ball valve body connects the valve hole and the first through hole in the first communicating state, connects the valve hole and the second through hole in the second communicating state, and closes the valve hole in the closed state. A valve in which the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve hole is greater than or equal to the cross-sectional area of ​​the first through hole and the second through hole, respectively.

3. In the valve according to claim 1, The axis of the aforementioned inflow port extends horizontally, In the first communication state, the upstream end of the first through-hole is positioned offset below the axis of the inflow port. In the second communication state, the valve is positioned such that the upstream end of the second through-hole is offset below the axis of the inlet port.

4. In the valve according to claim 3, The casing is positioned between the inlet port and the valve chamber and further has a valve seat on which the ball valve body is seated. The valve seat has a valve hole that connects the inlet port and the valve chamber. The ball valve body connects the valve hole and the first through hole in the first communicating state, connects the valve hole and the second through hole in the second communicating state, and closes the valve hole in the closed state. The valve hole is positioned offset below the axis of the inlet port.

5. In the valve according to claim 1, The axis of the inlet port intersects with the axis of the outlet port, Each of the first and second through-holes of a valve includes a first portion extending in the direction of the axis of the inlet port and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending in the direction of the axis of the outlet port.

Images