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, an outlet port 12, and a valve chamber 13, and a ball valve body group 5 including a plurality of ball valve bodies 50 that form a flow path F. The ball valve body group 5 includes a first regulating ball valve body 51 and a second regulating ball valve body 52. ​​The first regulating ball valve body 51 has a first large through hole 51L and a first small through hole 51S. The second regulating ball valve body 52 has a second large through hole 52L and a second small through hole 52S. The ball valve body group 5 switches between a first communicating state in which the flow path F is formed by the first large through hole 51L and the second large through hole 52L, a second communicating state in which the flow path F is formed by the first small through hole 51S and the second large through hole 52S, and a third communicating state in which the flow path F is formed by the first large through hole 51L and the second small through hole 52S.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a valve.

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 during valve opening.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, for example, in a steam system, the flow rate of fluid required during valve opening may vary depending on the situation. With conventional valves, it is difficult to adjust the flow rate of fluid during valve opening. Therefore, when the required flow rate of fluid changes, it is necessary to replace the valve.

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

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 group of ball valve bodies including a plurality of rotatable ball valve bodies arranged in a row in the valve chamber, forming a flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port, wherein the group of ball valve bodies includes a first regulating ball valve body and a second regulating ball valve body, the first regulating ball valve body having a first large through-hole and a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first large through-hole. The second regulating ball valve body has a first small through-hole having a cross-sectional area, and the second regulating ball valve body has a second large through-hole and a second small through-hole having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second large through-hole and different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the first small through-hole, and the ball valve body group switches between a first communication state in which the flow path is formed by the first large through-hole and the second large through-hole, a second communication state in which the flow path is formed by the first small through-hole and the second large through-hole, and a third communication state in which the flow path is formed by the first large through-hole and the second small 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 vertical cross-sectional view of the valve in the first connected state. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve in the first connected state. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve in the second connected state. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve in the third connected state. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve in the fourth connected state. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of a valve in a fully closed state. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve when the screen is being backwashed. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a plan view of the handle as seen from the vertical direction. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of a modified valve. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the check ball valve body portion shown in Figure 9. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a vertical 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 and is parallel to the vertical direction.

[0010] Hereinafter, in structures having an axis such as ports, holes, and channels, a longitudinal section refers to the section obtained when cut by a plane containing the axis. A "vertical longitudinal section" refers to a longitudinal section obtained when cut by a plane extending in the vertical direction. A "horizontal longitudinal section" refers to a longitudinal section obtained when cut by a plane extending in the horizontal direction. In structures having an axis such as ports, holes, and channels, a cross section refers to the section obtained when cut by a plane perpendicular to the axis. Unless otherwise specified, "section" refers to a cross section. In this specification, "perpendicular" includes not only cases where the two directions are strictly perpendicular, but also cases where they are approximately perpendicular. Similarly, two directions being "parallel" includes not only cases where the two directions are strictly parallel, but also cases where they are approximately parallel.

[0011] 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 when steam condenses, may be generated. Valve 100 switches, for example, the flow of steam and condensate in the steam piping on and off. Steam and condensate are examples of fluids. Valve 100 comprises a casing 1 and a group of ball valve bodies 5, each containing a plurality of rotatable ball valve bodies 50.

[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 directions of fluid flow, respectively. The flow direction refers to the direction from the inlet port 11 to the outlet port 12. 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 (hereinafter referred to as the "axial direction"). The axis 11A extends horizontally. The outlet port 12 extends in the direction of the axis 12A. In this example, the axis 12A is aligned in a straight line with the axis 11A.

[0014] The valve chamber 13 houses the ball valve body group 5. The valve chamber 13 has a plurality of valve seats 17 on which the ball valve body group 5 sits. Each valve seat 17 is a plate-shaped member that extends in a plane perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0015] Multiple valve seats 17 are arranged axially. On both the upstream and downstream sides of each ball valve body 50, a valve seat 17 is positioned adjacent to the ball valve body 50. In this example, one valve seat 17 is located between the upstreammost ball valve body 50 and the inlet port 11, two valve seats 17 are located between each pair of axially adjacent ball valve bodies 50, and one valve seat 17 is located between the downstreammost ball valve body 50 and the outlet port 12.

[0016] Each valve seat 17 is formed with a valve hole 15 that penetrates the valve seat 17 in the axial direction. Fluid flows through the valve hole 15 when the valve 100 is opened. The cross-sectional shape of the valve hole 15 is substantially circular. The axis of the valve hole 15 is aligned with the axis 11A. Each valve seat 17 has a seat surface 17a on the surface of both end faces in the axial direction on the side where the ball valve body 50 seats. The seat surface 17a is formed so as to surround the valve hole 15. The seat surface 17a is formed in an annular shape when viewed from the axial direction. The ball valve body 50 contacts the entire circumferential direction centered on the axis 11A on the seat surface 17a. Thereby, the space between the valve seat 17 and the ball valve body 50 is sealed.

[0017] The ball valve body group 5 forms a fluid flow path F from the inflow port 11 to the outflow port 12. The plurality of ball valve bodies 50 are arranged in a row in the valve chamber 13. Specifically, the plurality of ball valve bodies 50 are arranged in a row along the axial direction in the valve chamber 13. Each ball valve body 50 rotates about a predetermined rotation axis X. The rotation axis X is orthogonal to the axial direction. In this example, the rotation axis X extends in the vertical direction.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view in the horizontal direction of the valve 100 in a first communication state described later. The ball valve body group 5 includes a first adjustment ball valve body 51 and a second adjustment ball valve body 52. The ball valve body group 5 further includes a third adjustment ball valve body 53. The first adjustment ball valve body 51, the second adjustment ball valve body 52, and the third adjustment ball valve body 53 are examples of ball valve bodies. In this example, the first adjustment ball valve body 51, the second adjustment ball valve body 52, and the third adjustment ball valve body 53 are arranged in this order along the flow direction. The first adjustment ball valve body 51, the second adjustment ball valve body 52, and the third adjustment ball valve body 53 adjust the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path F when the valve 100 is opened.

[0019] The first regulating ball valve body 51 has a first large through-hole 51L and a first small through-hole 51S having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the first large through-hole 51L. Here, the cross-sectional areas of the first large through-hole 51L and the first small through-hole 51S 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 is the minimum cross-sectional area in the direction in which the through-hole extends. The same applies to the cross-sectional areas of the second large through-hole 52L, the second small through-hole 52S, the third large through-hole 53L, the third small through-hole 53S, and the through-hole 54h, which will be described later.

[0020] The first large through-hole 51L penetrates the first adjustable ball valve body 51. The first large through-hole 51L extends in a straight line through the center of the first adjustable ball valve body 51. The cross-sectional shape of the first large through-hole 51L is approximately circular. In this example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first large through-hole 51L is approximately the same as the cross-sectional area of ​​the valve hole 15. The first small through-hole 51S penetrates the first adjustable ball valve body 51. The first small through-hole 51S extends in a straight line through the center of the first adjustable ball valve body 51. The cross-sectional shape of the first small through-hole 51S is approximately circular. The diameter of the first small through-hole 51S is, for example, 3 mm. The first small through-hole 51S intersects with the first large through-hole 51L. More specifically, the axis of the first small through-hole 51S is perpendicular to the axis of the first large through-hole 51L. The first small through-hole 51S is also called an orifice.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, the first adjustable ball valve body 51 rotates around the first rotation axis X1. Specifically, the first adjustable ball valve body 51 rotates 90° around the first rotation axis X1. The first rotation axis X1 is perpendicular to the plane containing the axis of the first large through hole 51L and the axis of the first small through hole 51S. The first rotation axis X1 is an example of the rotation axis X described above. Specifically, the first adjustable ball valve body 51 rotates around the first rotation axis X1 such that it changes between a first rotation position where the direction of the axis of the first large through hole 51L is parallel to the axial direction, as shown in Figure 2, and a second rotation position where the direction of the axis of the first small through hole 51S is parallel to the axial direction, as shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve 100 in the second communication state, which will be described later. In the first rotation position of the first adjustable ball valve body 51, the valve holes 15 of the two valve seats 17 adjacent to the first adjustable ball valve body 51 communicate with the first large through hole 51L. In the second rotation position of the first adjustable ball valve body 51, the valve holes 15 of the two valve seats 17 adjacent to the first adjustable ball valve body 51 communicate with the first small through hole 51S.

[0022] The second regulating ball valve body 52 has a second large through-hole 52L and a second small through-hole 52S which has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the second large through-hole 52L and different from that of the first small through-hole 51S. The second large through-hole 52L penetrates the second regulating ball valve body 52. ​​The second large through-hole 52L extends linearly through the center of the second regulating ball valve body 52. ​​The cross-sectional shape of the second large through-hole 52L is approximately circular. In this example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second large through-hole 52L is approximately the same as the cross-sectional areas of the valve hole 15 and the first large through-hole 51L. The second small through-hole 52S penetrates the second regulating ball valve body 52. ​​The second small through-hole 52S extends linearly through the center of the second regulating ball valve body 52. ​​The cross-sectional shape of the second small through-hole 52S is approximately circular. The second small through-hole 52S intersects with the second large through-hole 52L. More specifically, the axis of the second small through-hole 52S is perpendicular to the axis of the second large through-hole 52L. In this example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second small through-hole 52S is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first small through-hole 51S. The diameter of the second small through-hole 52S is, for example, 2 mm. The second small through-hole 52S is also called an orifice.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the second adjustable ball valve body 52 rotates around the second rotation axis X2. Specifically, the second adjustable ball valve body 52 rotates 90° around the second rotation axis X2. The second rotation axis X2 is perpendicular to the plane containing the axis of the second large through hole 52L and the axis of the second small through hole 52S. The second rotation axis X2 is an example of the rotation axis X described above. Specifically, the second adjustable ball valve body 52 rotates around the second rotation axis X2 such that it changes between a first rotation position where the direction of the axis of the second large through hole 52L is parallel to the axial direction, as shown in Figure 1, and a second rotation position where the direction of the axis of the second small through hole 52S is parallel to the axial direction, as shown in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve 100 in the third connected state, which will be described later. In the second adjustable ball valve body 52 at the first rotation position, the valve holes 15 of the two valve seats 17 adjacent to the second adjustable ball valve body 52 communicate with the second large through hole 52L. In the second adjustable ball valve body 52 at the second rotation position, the valve holes 15 of the two valve seats 17 adjacent to the second adjustable ball valve body 52 communicate with the second small through hole 52S.

[0024] The third regulating ball valve body 53 has a third large through-hole 53L and a third small through-hole 53S which has a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the third large through-hole 53L and a different cross-sectional area from that of the first small through-hole 51S and the second small through-hole 52S, respectively. The third large through-hole 53L penetrates the third regulating ball valve body 53. The third large through-hole 53L extends in a straight line through the center of the third regulating ball valve body 53. The cross-sectional shape of the third large through-hole 53L is approximately circular. In this example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third large through-hole 53L is approximately the same as the cross-sectional areas of the valve hole 15, the first large through-hole 51L, and the second large through-hole 52L. The third small through-hole 53S penetrates the third regulating ball valve body 53. The third small through-hole 53S extends in a straight line through the center of the third regulating ball valve body 53. The cross-sectional shape of the third small through-hole 53S is approximately circular. The third small through-hole 53S intersects with the third large through-hole 53L. More specifically, the axis of the third small through-hole 53S is perpendicular to the axis of the third large through-hole 53L. In this example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the third small through-hole 53S is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second small through-hole 52S. The diameter of the third small through-hole 53S is, for example, 1 mm. The third small through-hole 53S is also called an orifice.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the third adjustable ball valve body 53 rotates around the third rotation axis X3. Specifically, the third adjustable ball valve body 53 rotates 90° around the third rotation axis X3. The third rotation axis X3 is perpendicular to the plane containing the axis of the third large through hole 53L and the axis of the third small through hole 53S. The third rotation axis X3 is an example of the rotation axis X described above. Specifically, the third adjustable ball valve body 53 rotates around the third rotation axis X3 such that it changes between a first rotation position where the direction of the axis of the third large through hole 53L is parallel to the axial direction, as shown in Figure 1, and a second rotation position where the direction of the axis of the third small through hole 53S is parallel to the axial direction, as shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve 100 in the fourth connected state, which will be described later. In the first rotation position of the third adjustable ball valve body 53, the valve holes 15 of the two valve seats 17 adjacent to the third adjustable ball valve body 53 communicate with the third large through hole 53L. In the second rotation position of the third adjustable ball valve body 53, the valve holes 15 of the two valve seats 17 adjacent to the third adjustable ball valve body 53 communicate with the third small through hole 53S.

[0026] The ball valve group 5 further includes an on / off ball valve body 54 that switches the opening and closing of the flow path F. The on / off ball valve body 54 is an example of a ball valve body. When the flow path F is open, the valve 100 opens, and when the flow path F is closed, the valve 100 closes. In this example, the on / off ball valve body 54 is located between the inlet port 11 and the first regulating ball valve body 51.

[0027] The on / off ball valve body 54 has a through-hole 54h having a cross-sectional area larger than that of the first small through-hole 51S and larger than that of the second small through-hole 52S. Furthermore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through-hole 54h is larger than that of the third small through-hole 53S. In this example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the through-hole 54h is approximately the same as that of the valve hole 15, the first large through-hole 51L, the second large through-hole 52L, and the third large through-hole 53L. The through-hole 54h penetrates the on / off ball valve body 54. The through-hole 54h extends in a straight line through the center of the on / off ball valve body 54.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the on / off ball valve body 54 may have a strainer 6 located in the through hole 54h. If the on / off ball valve body 54 has a strainer 6, it is preferable that the on / off ball valve body 54 is located upstream of all of the first regulating ball valve body 51, the second regulating ball valve body 52, and the third regulating ball valve body 53.

[0029] The strainer 6 removes foreign matter from the fluid flowing through the through-hole 54h. The strainer 6 has a screen 61 that captures foreign matter in the fluid. The screen 61 is formed, for example, in the shape of a metal cage. In this example, the screen 61 is made of perforated metal. The screen 61 has an opening 61a on the opposite side from the bottom wall 62, which serves as a fluid inlet. In this example, the cross-sectional shape of the screen 61 when cut by a plane parallel to the bottom wall 62 is approximately circular. The screen 61 is formed such that the outer diameter of the cross-section decreases as it moves from the opening 61a toward the bottom wall 62. The screen 61 is positioned such that the direction from the opening 61a toward the bottom wall 62 is approximately parallel to the direction of the axis of the through-hole 54h. The entire outer circumference of the outer edge of the screen 61 around the opening 61a is attached to the inner surface of the through-hole 54h. Multiple fine through-holes 61h, which are sized to prevent foreign matter from passing through, are formed in the side walls 63 and the bottom wall 62 of the screen 61. The fluid passes through the through-hole 61h, while foreign matter cannot pass through the through-hole 61h and is captured by the screen 61.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the opening / closing ball valve body 54 rotates around the fourth rotation axis X4. Specifically, the opening / closing ball valve body 54 rotates 180° around the fourth rotation axis X4. The fourth rotation axis X4 is perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 54h. The fourth rotation axis X4 is an example of the rotation axis X described above. In this example, the rotation axes X of the first rotation axis X1, the second rotation axis X2, the third rotation axis X3, and the fourth rotation axis X4 are parallel to each other. Specifically, the opening and closing ball valve body 54 rotates around a fourth rotation axis X4 such that it changes between a first rotation position where the axis of the through hole 54h is parallel to the axial direction and the opening 61a of the screen 61 faces upstream, as shown in Figure 1; a second rotation position where the axis of the through hole 54h is perpendicular to the axial direction, as shown in Figure 6; and a third rotation position where the axis of the through hole 54h is parallel to the axial direction and the opening 61a of the screen 61 faces downstream, as shown in Figure 7. Figure 6 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve 100 in the fully closed state, which will be described later. Figure 7 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of the valve 100 when the screen 61 is backwashed, which will be described later.

[0031] In the first rotation position of the opening / closing ball valve body 54, the valve holes 15 of the two valve seats 17 adjacent to the opening / closing ball valve body 54 communicate with the through hole 54h, and the opening 61a of the screen 61 is directed upstream. In the second rotation position of the opening / closing ball valve body 54, the valve holes 15 of the two valve seats 17 adjacent to the opening / closing ball valve body 54 are closed by the portion 57 of the opening / closing ball valve body 54 in which the through hole 54h is not formed. In the third rotation position of the opening / closing ball valve body 54, the valve holes 15 of the two valve seats 17 adjacent to the opening / closing ball valve body 54 communicate with the through hole 54h, and the opening 61a of the screen 61 is directed downstream.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, each ball valve body 50 may be connected to a handle 8 via a valve stem 7. In this example, the first regulating ball valve body 51 is connected to the first handle 81 via the first valve stem 71. The second regulating ball valve body 52 is connected to the second handle 82 via the second valve stem 72. The third regulating ball valve body 53 is connected to the third handle 83 via the third valve stem 73. The on / off ball valve body 54 is connected to the fourth handle 84 via the fourth valve stem 74. Hereinafter, the first valve stem 71, second valve stem 72, third valve stem 73 and fourth valve stem 74 will be simply referred to as "valve stem 7" when not distinguished. The first handle 81, second handle 82, third handle 83 and fourth handle 84 will be simply referred to as "handle 8" when not distinguished.

[0033] The valve stem 7 extends vertically and penetrates the casing 1. The space between the valve stem 7 and the casing 1 is sealed. The first valve stem 71, second valve stem 72, third valve stem 73, and fourth valve stem 74 are arranged alternately above and below each other along the axial direction. Specifically, of two axially adjacent valve stems 7, one valve stem 7 is positioned above the ball valve body 50, and the other valve stem 7 is positioned below the ball valve body 50. In this example, the first valve stem 71 is positioned below the first regulating ball valve body 51. The second valve stem 72 is positioned above the second regulating ball valve body 52. ​​The third valve stem 73 is positioned below the third regulating ball valve body 53. The fourth valve stem 74 is positioned above the opening / closing ball valve body 54.

[0034] The upper end of the first valve stem 71 is located inside the valve chamber 13 and fixed to the lower surface of the first regulating ball valve body 51. The lower end of the first valve stem 71 is located outside the casing 1. The first handle 81 is fixed to the lower end of the first valve stem 71. The axis of the first valve stem 71 coincides with the first rotation axis X1.

[0035] The lower end of the second valve stem 72 is located inside the valve chamber 13 and fixed to the upper surface of the second regulating ball valve body 52. ​​The upper end of the second valve stem 72 is located outside the casing 1. A second handle 82 is fixed to the upper end of the second valve stem 72. The axis of the second valve stem 72 coincides with the second rotation axis X2.

[0036] The upper end of the third valve stem 73 is located inside the valve chamber 13 and fixed to the lower surface of the third regulating ball valve body 53. The lower end of the third valve stem 73 is located outside the casing 1. A third handle 83 is fixed to the lower end of the third valve stem 73. The axis of the third valve stem 73 coincides with the third rotation axis X3.

[0037] The lower end of the fourth valve stem 74 is located inside the valve chamber 13 and fixed to the upper surface of the opening / closing ball valve body 54. The upper end of the fourth valve stem 74 is located outside the casing 1. The fourth handle 84 is fixed to the upper end of the fourth valve stem 74. The axis of the fourth valve stem 74 coincides with the fourth rotation axis X4.

[0038] Figure 8 is a plan view of the handle 8 as seen from the vertical. In this example, the handle 8 is a plate-shaped member. The handle 8 is fixed to the valve stem 7 so that its thickness is parallel to the axis of rotation X. When the user rotates the handle 8 around the axis of rotation X, the ball valve body 50 rotates integrally with the handle 8 around the axis of rotation X.

[0039] Next, the flow rate adjustment by valve 100 will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 2, 3, 4, and 5.

[0040] The ball valve body group 5 switches between a first communication state (see Figure 2) in which the flow path F is formed by the first large through-hole 51L, the second large through-hole 52L, and the third large through-hole 53L; a second communication state (see Figure 3) in which the flow path F is formed by the first small through-hole 51S, the second large through-hole 52L, and the third large through-hole 53L; and a third communication state (see Figure 4) in which the flow path F is formed by the first large through-hole 51L, the second small through-hole 52S, and the third large through-hole 53L. The ball valve body group 5 may further switch to a fourth communication state (see Figure 5) in which the flow path F is formed by the first large through-hole 51L, the second large through-hole 52L, and the third small through-hole 53S. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the opening / closing ball valve body 54 is rotated to the first rotation position and that the valve 100 is in the open state (i.e., open valve) as described later.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2, the first communication state is a state in which the first adjustment ball valve body 51, the second adjustment ball valve body 52, and the third adjustment ball valve body 53 are all rotated to the first rotation position. That is, in the first communication state, the inlet port 11, the first large through-hole 51L of the first adjustment ball valve body 51, the second large through-hole 52L of the second adjustment ball valve body 52, the third large through-hole 53L of the third adjustment ball valve body 53, and the outlet port 12 are in communication. The fluid that flows into the inlet port 11 flows through the through-hole 54h of the opening / closing ball valve body 54, the first large through-hole 51L, the second large through-hole 52L, and the third large through-hole 53L, and flows out from the outlet port 12. In the first connected state, the first large through-hole 51L, the second large through-hole 52L, and the third large through-hole 53L, which have relatively large cross-sectional areas, are connected, resulting in a greater fluid flow rate than in the second, third, and fourth connected states.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, the second communication state is a state in which the first control ball valve body 51 is rotated to the second rotation position, and the second control ball valve body 52 and the third control ball valve body 53 are rotated to the first rotation position. That is, in the second communication state, the inlet port 11, the first small through hole 51S of the first control ball valve body 51, the second large through hole 52L of the second control ball valve body 52, the third large through hole 53L of the third control ball valve body 53, and the outlet port 12 are in communication. The fluid that flows into the inlet port 11 flows through the through hole 54h, the first small through hole 51S, the second large through hole 52L, and the third large through hole 53L of the opening / closing ball valve body 54, and flows out from the outlet port 12. Here, the fluid flow rate depends on the minimum cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path F in the flow direction. In the second connected state, the fluid flows through the first small through-hole 51S, which has a relatively small cross-sectional area, so the fluid flow rate is lower than in the first connected state.

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the third communication state is when the second adjustment ball valve body 52 is rotated to the second rotation position, and the first adjustment ball valve body 51 and the third adjustment ball valve body 53 are rotated to the first rotation position. That is, in the third communication state, the inlet port 11, the first large through-hole 51L of the first adjustment ball valve body 51, the second small through-hole 52S of the second adjustment ball valve body 52, the third large through-hole 53L of the third adjustment ball valve body 53, and the outlet port 12 are in communication. The fluid that flows into the inlet port 11 flows through the through-hole 54h, the first large through-hole 51L, the second small through-hole 52S, and the third large through-hole 53L of the opening / closing ball valve body 54, and flows out from the outlet port 12. As mentioned above, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the second small through-hole 52S is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first small through-hole 51S, the fluid flow rate in the third connected state is smaller than in the second connected state.

[0044] As shown in Figure 5, the fourth communication state is when the third adjustment ball valve body 53 is rotated to the second rotation position, and the first adjustment ball valve body 51 and the second adjustment ball valve body 52 are rotated to the first rotation position. That is, in the fourth communication state, the inlet port 11, the first large through-hole 51L of the first adjustment ball valve body 51, the second large through-hole 52L of the second adjustment ball valve body 52, the third small through-hole 53S of the third adjustment ball valve body 53, and the outlet port 12 are in communication. The fluid that flows into the inlet port 11 flows through the through-hole 54h, the first large through-hole 51L, the second large through-hole 52L, and the third small through-hole 53S of the opening / closing ball valve body 54, and flows out from the outlet port 12. As mentioned above, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the third small through-hole 53S is smaller than that of the second small through-hole 52S, the fluid flow rate in the fourth connected state is smaller than in the third connected state.

[0045] In valve 100, the fluid flow rate decreases in the order of first, second, third, and fourth connected states. In other words, valve 100 allows for four levels of fluid flow rate adjustment when the valve is open.

[0046] The ball valve group 5 may further switch between an open state in which the through-hole 54h of the opening / closing ball valve body 54 forms part of the flow path F, thereby opening the entire flow path F, and a fully closed state in which the flow path F is blocked by the portion 57 of the opening / closing ball valve body 54 in which the through-hole 54h is not formed.

[0047] As shown in Figures 2 and 7, the open state is when the on / off ball valve body 54 is rotated to the first and third rotation positions. In the open state, the inlet port 11, the through hole 54h of the on / off ball valve body 54, the first large through hole 51L or first small through hole 51S of the first regulating ball valve body 51, the second large through hole 52L or second small through hole 52S of the second regulating ball valve body 52, the third large through hole 53L or third small through hole 53S of the third regulating ball valve body 53, and the outlet port 12 are in communication. As a result, the flow path F is opened, that is, the valve 100 opens. In this example, as described above, the on / off ball valve body 54 has a strainer 6. As shown in Figure 2, when the on / off ball valve body 54 is in the first rotation position, foreign matter in the fluid is captured by the screen 61 and removed. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7, when the opening / closing ball valve body 54 is in the third rotation position, foreign matter captured by the screen 61 can be flowed downstream, and the screen 61 can be cleaned (i.e., backwashed).

[0048] As shown in Figure 6, the fully closed state is when the opening / closing ball valve body 54 is rotated to the second rotational position. In the fully closed state, each valve hole 15 of the two valve seats 17 adjacent to the opening / closing ball valve body 54 is closed by the portion 57 of the opening / closing ball valve body 54. This blocks the flow path F, that is, the valve 100 closes.

[0049] In such a valve 100, the ball valve body group 5 switches between a first connected state in which a flow path F is formed by a first large through-hole 51L, a second large through-hole 52L, and a third large through-hole 53L; a second connected state in which a flow path F is formed by a first small through-hole 51S, a second large through-hole 52L, and a third large through-hole 53L; and a third connected state in which a flow path F is formed by a first large through-hole 51L, a second small through-hole 52S, and a third large through-hole 53L. The cross-sectional area of ​​the first small through-hole 51S is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first large through-hole 51L. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second small through-hole 52S is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second large through-hole 52L. The cross-sectional area of ​​the second small through-hole 52S is different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the first small through-hole 51S. In the second connected state, the fluid flowing through the flow path F flows through the first small through-hole 51S, which has a relatively small cross-sectional area, so the flow rate is smaller than the flow rate in the first connected state. Even in the third connected state, the fluid flowing through the flow path F passes through the second small through-hole 52S, which has a relatively small cross-sectional area, so the flow rate is lower than in the first connected state. Furthermore, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the second small through-hole 52S is different from that of the first small through-hole 51S, the flow rate in the third flow state can be made different from the flow rate in the second flow state. As a result, the flow rates in the first, second, and third flow states can be made different from each other. In other words, the valve 100 can adjust the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path F.

[0050] In this example, the ball valve group 5 further switches to a fourth connected state in which the flow path F is formed by the first large through-hole 51L, the second large through-hole 52L, and the third small through-hole 53S. The cross-sectional area of ​​the third small through-hole 53S is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the third large through-hole 53L. The cross-sectional area of ​​the third small through-hole 53S is different from the cross-sectional areas of the first small through-hole 51S and the second small through-hole 52S, respectively. In the fourth connected state, the fluid flowing through the flow path F flows through the third small through-hole 53S, which has a relatively small cross-sectional area, so the flow rate is lower than the flow rate in the first connected state. Furthermore, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the third small through-hole 53S is different from the cross-sectional areas of the first small through-hole 51S and the second small through-hole 52S, respectively, the flow rate in the fourth connected state can be made different from the flow rate in the second connected state and the flow rate in the third connected state. As a result, the flow rate in the first flow state, the flow rate in the second flow state, the flow rate in the third flow state, and the flow rate in the fourth flow state can be made different from each other. In other words, the flow rate can be adjusted in four stages with valve 100.

[0051] Furthermore, the ball valve group 5 switches between an open state and a fully closed state. This allows for valve closure in valves where flow rate can be adjusted.

[0052] The on / off ball valve body 54 has a strainer 6, which allows it to remove foreign matter from the fluid. In this particular example, the on / off ball valve body 54 is positioned upstream of all of the first regulating ball valve body 51, the second regulating ball valve body 52, and the third regulating ball valve body 53. Because foreign matter is removed by the strainer 6, the flow of foreign matter downstream of the on / off ball valve body 54 is suppressed. This prevents foreign matter from clogging the first small through-hole 51S, the second small through-hole 52S, and the third small through-hole 53S.

[0053] The first valve stem 71, the second valve stem 72, the third valve stem 73, and the fourth valve stem 74 are arranged alternately in the vertical direction along the axial direction. This allows the first handle 81, the second handle 82, the third handle 83, and the fourth handle 84 to also be arranged alternately in the vertical direction along the axial direction. As a result, interference between handles 8 adjacent to each other in the axial direction is suppressed.

[0054] Variant form Figure 9 is a horizontal longitudinal cross-sectional view of a modified valve 200. Figure 9 shows the valve 200 in the first connected state. Valve 200 differs from valve 100 in that it includes a check ball valve body 55. The following description will focus on the differences in the configuration of valve 200 compared to 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.

[0055] The ball valve body group 205 further includes a check ball valve body 55. The check ball valve body 55 is an example of a ball valve body. The check ball valve body 55 is positioned adjacent to the outlet port 12 to prevent backflow of fluid into the flow path F. In this example, the check ball valve body 55 is positioned between the third regulating ball valve body 53 and the outlet port 12.

[0056] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the check ball valve body 55 portion of Figure 9. In this example, the check ball valve body 55 is a spring disc type ball valve body. Specifically, the check ball valve body 55 has a ball 41 and a check valve mechanism 42 located inside the ball 41. The ball 41 has a through hole 41h. The through hole 41h penetrates the ball 41. The through hole 41h extends linearly through the center of the ball 41. The cross-sectional shape of the through hole 41h is approximately circular. In this example, the axis of the through hole 41h is parallel to the axial direction. Fluid flows through the through hole 41h. The through hole 41h has a constricted portion 43 in the middle of its extending direction, with a smaller cross-sectional area than the rest of the hole.

[0057] The check valve mechanism 42 is located in the through hole 41h. More specifically, the check valve mechanism 42 is located downstream of the constricted portion 43. The check valve mechanism 42 includes a disc valve 44 that opens and closes the downstream end 43e of the constricted portion 43, a spring 45 that biases the disc valve 44 upstream, and a spring seat 46 that supports the spring 45.

[0058] The disc valve 44 is formed in a plate shape that extends in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 41h. The disc valve 44 is biased by a spring 45 to close the downstream end 43e of the constricted portion 43.

[0059] The spring 45 is, for example, a coil spring. The spring 45 is located downstream of the disc valve 44. The spring 45 is positioned so that its biasing direction is approximately parallel to the axis of the through hole 41h. The upstream end of the spring 45 is fixed to the disc valve 44. The downstream end of the spring 45 is fixed to the spring seat 46.

[0060] The spring seat 46 is a plate-shaped member positioned downstream of the spring 45. The spring seat 46 is supported by the ball 41.

[0061] If the pressure upstream of the disc valve 44 is greater than the pressure downstream, the disc valve 44 moves in the opposite direction to the biasing direction of the spring 45. This causes the disc valve 44 to open the downstream end 43e of the constricted portion 43. As a result, the fluid flows in the flow direction. On the other hand, if the pressure upstream of the disc valve 44 is less than the pressure downstream, the disc valve 44 maintains the closed state of the downstream end 43e. This prevents backflow of the fluid.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The number of ball valve bodies 50 is not limited as long as the number of adjustment ball valve bodies is two or more. The position of the on / off ball valve body 54 in the axial direction is not limited. For example, in valve 100, the on / off ball valve body 54 may be located between the third adjustment ball valve body 53 and the outlet port 12. In valve 200, the position of the check ball valve body 55 in the axial direction is not limited. For example, the check ball valve body 55 may be located upstream of the first adjustment ball valve body 51.

[0065] In valve 100, the ball valve body group 5 had a first adjustment ball valve body 51, a second adjustment ball valve body 52, a third adjustment ball valve body 53, and an on / off ball valve body 54, but the third adjustment ball valve body 53 and the on / off ball valve body 54 are not essential. If valve 100 has only the first adjustment ball valve body 51 and the second adjustment ball valve body 52 as multiple ball valve bodies 50, the ball valve body group 5 may switch between a first communication state in which a flow path F is formed by the first large through hole 51L and the second large through hole 52L, a second communication state in which a flow path F is formed by the first small through hole 51S and the second large through hole 52L, and a third communication state in which a flow path F is formed by the first large through hole 51L and the second small through hole 52S.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first small through-hole 51S, the second small through-hole 52S, and the third small through-hole 53 decreases in that order, but the relative sizes of the cross-sectional areas of each small through-hole are not limited to this.

[0067] The on / off ball valve body 54 does not necessarily have a strainer 6. In other words, the on / off ball valve body 54 may simply have a through hole 54h formed therein.

[0068] In valve 200, the check ball valve body 55 may close the valve hole 15 by rotating around a rotation axis perpendicular to the axis of the through hole 41h, thereby closing the valve hole 15 with the portion where the through hole 41h is not formed. In other words, the check ball valve body 55 may rotate to completely close valve 200.

[0069] The handle 8 is not mandatory. For example, in a valve without a handle 8, the ball valve body 50 may be rotated by a tool such as a wrench fitted to the axial end of the valve stem 7. In this case, the first valve stem 71, the second valve stem 72, the third valve stem 73, and the fourth valve stem 74 do not have to be arranged alternately above and below along the axial direction. For example, all the valve stems 7 may be positioned above the ball valve body 50. Furthermore, the ball valve body 50 may be rotated automatically rather than manually. For example, the ball valve body 50 may be rotated automatically by a servo motor or the like.

[0070] The screen 61 does not have to be made of perforated metal, as long as it can remove foreign matter from the fluid flowing through the through-holes 54h. For example, the screen 61 may simply be a mesh.

[0071] [Pattern] The above-mentioned embodiment is a specific example of the following embodiment.

[0072] (Aspect 1) The valves 100,200 include 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 located between the inlet port 11 and the outlet port 12, and a group of ball valve bodies 5,205 including a plurality of rotatable ball valve bodies 50 arranged in a line in the valve chamber 13, forming a flow path F from the inlet port 11 to the outlet port 12, the group of ball valve bodies 5,205 including a first adjustment ball valve body 51 and a second adjustment ball valve body 52, the first adjustment ball valve body 51 having a first large through hole 51L and a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first large through hole 51L The second regulating ball valve body 52 has a first small through-hole 51S having a second large through-hole 52L and a second small through-hole 52S having a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the second large through-hole 52L and different from that of the first small through-hole 51S. The ball valve body group 5,205 switches between a first communication state in which the flow path F is formed by the first large through-hole 51L and the second large through-hole 52L, a second communication state in which the flow path F is formed by the first small through-hole 51S and the second large through-hole 52L, and a third communication state in which the flow path F is formed by the first large through-hole 51L and the second small through-hole 52S.

[0073] With this configuration, in the second connected state, the fluid flowing through the channel F flows through the first small through-hole 51S, which has a relatively small cross-sectional area, so the flow rate is lower than in the first connected state. In the third connected state, the fluid flowing through the channel F also flows through the second small through-hole 52S, which has a relatively small cross-sectional area, so the flow rate is lower than in the first connected state. Furthermore, since the cross-sectional area of ​​the second small through-hole 52S is different from that of the first small through-hole 51S, the flow rate in the third connected state can be made different from the flow rate in the second connected state. As a result, the flow rates in the first connected state, the second connected state, and the third connected state can be made different from each other. In other words, the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the channel F can be adjusted.

[0074] (Aspect 2) In the valves 100,200 described in Embodiment 1, the ball valve body group 5,205 further includes an on / off ball valve body 54 that switches between opening and closing the flow path F, the on / off ball valve body 54 having a through hole 54h having a cross-sectional area larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first small through hole 51S and larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second small through hole 52S, and the ball valve body group 5,205 switches between an open state in which the through hole 54h of the on / off ball valve body 54 forms a part of the flow path F and opens the entire flow path F, and a fully closed state in which the flow path F is blocked by a portion 57 of the on / off ball valve body 54 in which the through hole 54h is not formed.

[0075] This configuration allows for the closing of a valve that can regulate the flow rate.

[0076] (Aspect 3) In the valves 100, 200 described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, the on / off ball valve body 54 has a strainer 6 positioned in the through hole 54h.

[0077] This configuration allows for the removal of foreign matter from the fluid.

[0078] (Aspect 4) In the valve 200 according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, the ball valve body group 205 further includes a check ball valve body 55 positioned adjacent to the outlet port 12 to prevent backflow of fluid into the flow path F.

[0079] This configuration prevents backflow of the fluid. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 100,200 valves 1 Casing 11 Inflow Port 12 Outflow Ports 13 valve chambers 5,205 Ball valve group 50 Ball valve body 51 First Adjustable Ball Valve Body 51L First large through hole 51S 1st small through hole 52 Second Adjustable Ball Valve Body 52L Second Large Through Hole 52S 2nd small through hole 54 Opening / closing ball valve body 54h through hole 55 Check ball valve body 57. Parts where through holes have not been formed. 6 Strainer F channel

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 includes a group of ball valve bodies arranged in a row and each being rotatable, forming a flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port. The ball valve group includes a first regulating ball valve and a second regulating ball valve, The first adjustment ball valve body has a first large through-hole and a first small through-hole having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first large through-hole. The second adjustment ball valve body has a second large through-hole and a second small through-hole having a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second large through-hole and different from the cross-sectional area of ​​the first small through-hole. The ball valve group is a valve that switches between a first communication state in which the flow path is formed by the first large through-hole and the second large through-hole, a second communication state in which the flow path is formed by the first small through-hole and the second large through-hole, and a third communication state in which the flow path is formed by the first large through-hole and the second small through-hole.

2. In the valve according to claim 1, The ball valve group further includes an on / off ball valve that switches between opening and closing the flow path, The opening and closing ball valve body has a through hole having a cross-sectional area that is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the first small through hole and larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the second small through hole, The ball valve group is a valve that switches between an open state in which the through-hole of the opening / closing ball valve body forms part of the flow path and opens the entire flow path, and a fully closed state in which the flow path is blocked by the portion of the opening / closing ball valve body in which the through-hole is not formed.

3. In the valve according to claim 2, The aforementioned on / off ball valve body is a valve having a strainer positioned in the through hole.

4. In the valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The group of ball valve bodies further includes a check ball valve body positioned adjacent to the outlet port to prevent backflow of fluid into the flow path.

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