Automatic valve with cleaning mechanism

Abstract

To provide an automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism that can reliably return the cleaning mechanism to its original position. [Solution] If the orifice 51 becomes clogged with foreign matter, the bimetal 4, no longer exposed to high-temperature drain, extends, causing the cleaning bar 3 to advance in the direction of arrow 106 and clean the orifice 51 with its tip. When the clog is cleared, the bimetal 4 retracts, but if foreign matter gets stuck between the orifice 51 and the tip of the cleaning bar 2, a return failure will occur. At this time, the operator rotates the operating bar 3, bringing the rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2 into contact with the bent protrusions 31a, 3b, 31c, and 31d formed on the connecting portion 31 of the operating bar 3, thereby forcibly retracting the cleaning bar 2 and returning it to its original position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to the present application is a technology related to dealing with the situation when foreign matter is trapped between the orifice and the cleaning bar.

Background Art

[0002] As an automatic valve, for example, there is a steam trap installed in an industrial plant. In an industrial plant, there may be a piping system that transfers steam generated by a boiler to a supply destination at high temperature and high pressure. When steam liquefies in this pipe and drain (condensed water of steam) is generated and stays, it becomes an obstacle to the transfer of steam. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately discharge the drain outside the pipe. [[ID=(missing number)]]

[0003] For this reason, steam traps are provided at various locations in the piping system. There are various types of steam traps, and a float-type steam trap has a float built in the valve chamber so that it can float freely. Then, according to the amount of drain flowing into the valve chamber, the float floats, and the discharge port formed at the bottom of the valve chamber is opened to automatically discharge the drain.

[0004] Foreign matter such as dust and scale may be mixed in the drain flowing into the valve chamber. If this foreign matter adheres and accumulates and causes clogging in the orifice-shaped discharge port, the drain cannot be discharged even if the float floats. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the discharge port appropriately.

[0005] As an automatic valve having such a cleaning mechanism, there is a steam trap 1 described in the following patent document. This steam trap 1 has a mechanism for automatically cleaning foreign matter. The steam trap 1 is provided with a valve seat 15 having a discharge passage 16 near the bottom of the internal valve chamber 13, and a small-diameter portion 16a (discharge port) for draining is formed on the tip side of this valve seat 15.

[0006] It should be noted that there seems to be a missing number in one of the tags in the original text. Also, it's important to ensure the accuracy of the translation by cross-checking with relevant technical knowledge and the context of the patent. If possible, it would be beneficial to have more detailed information about the specific terms and the overall patent content for a more precise translation.A cleaning mechanism 20 is positioned at the rear end of the valve seat 15. The cleaning mechanism 20 includes a cleaning member 30 and a bimetal 22. The bimetal 22 is a temperature-sensitive member that expands and contracts axially in response to temperature changes, and is provided covering the cleaning member 30.

[0007] If foreign matter adheres to the small-diameter portion 16a of the valve seat 15 for drain discharge, causing a blockage in the small-diameter portion 16a, almost no drain will be discharged from the discharge passage 16, and the bimetal 22 will no longer be exposed to the high-temperature drain, causing its temperature to drop. In response to this temperature drop, the bimetal 22 extends axially, moving the cleaning member 30 and causing the tip portion 35 of the cleaning member 30 to enter the small-diameter portion 16a. As a result, the tip portion 35 of the cleaning member 30 presses against the foreign matter and removes the foreign matter that is clogging the small-diameter portion 16a. Furthermore, since a tapered portion 36 is formed on the tip portion 35 of the cleaning member 30, the flow resistance of the discharged drain can be reduced.

[0008] As a result of removing foreign matter, the drain that had been accumulating in the valve chamber 13 flows through the small-diameter section 16a into the discharge passage 16, and the bimetal 22 is exposed to the high-temperature drain and contracts in the axial direction. This contraction of the bimetal 22 causes the cleaning member 30 to retract and the cleaning mechanism 20 to return to its original position. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6375142 [Overview of the initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] However, in the steam trap 1 disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, if a relatively large foreign object gets stuck between the tip portion 35 and the small diameter portion 16a of the cleaning member 30, the cleaning member 30 may not be able to retract even if the bimetal 22 tries to contract, and the cleaning mechanism 20 may not return to its original position.

[0011] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide an automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism that can reliably return the cleaning mechanism to its original position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to this application is A main body having an internal space into which the target fluid flows and an outlet communicating with the internal space, An opening and closing means for opening or closing the discharge port, wherein the opening and closing means automatically opens the discharge port in accordance with the amount of the target fluid accumulating in the internal space and discharges the target fluid from the discharge port. A cleaning means provided on the main body so as to be movable between an initial position and an entry position, wherein when a blockage occurs in the discharge port, the cleaning means moves to an entry position to enter the discharge port in response to the blockage, and when the blockage is cleared, the cleaning means returns to the initial position in response to the clearing. An operating means movably mounted on the main body and connected to the cleaning means, which, while maintaining the connection, allows the cleaning means to move between the initial position and the entry position without moving relative to the main body, and moves relative to the main body in response to an external return operation to forcibly return the cleaning means to the initial position, It is characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] In the automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to the present invention, the operating means moves relative to the main body in response to an external reset operation, forcibly returning the cleaning means to its initial position. Therefore, when the cleaning means becomes unable to return from the entry position to the initial position, it can be forcibly returned to the initial position by an external reset operation, thereby ensuring that the cleaning mechanism is reliably returned to its initial position.

[0014] Furthermore, the operating means connected to the cleaning means allows the cleaning means to move between its initial position and entry position without moving relative to the main body, while maintaining the connection. Therefore, it does not hinder the movement of the cleaning means between its initial position and entry position, ensuring the smooth movement of the cleaning means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a steam trap 1, which represents a first embodiment of an automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to the present application. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing details of the vicinity of the connecting portion 31 that connects the cleaning bar 20 and the operating bar 3, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the retracted state of the cleaning bar under normal conditions. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing details of the vicinity of the connecting portion 31 that connects the cleaning bar 20 and the operating bar 3, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the extended state of the cleaning bar under normal conditions. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a front view of the connecting portion 31 as seen from the tip side. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the orifice 51, showing a state in which foreign matter 7 is trapped between the orifice 51 and the cleaning bar 20. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing details of the vicinity of the connecting portion 31 that connects the cleaning bar 20 and the operating bar 3, and is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the forced return state of the cleaning bar in the event of a return failure. [Figure 7] This is a front view of the connecting portion 31 of a steam trap 1, as seen from the tip side, showing a second embodiment of an automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] [Explanation of terms used in the embodiments] The main terms shown in the embodiments respectively correspond to the following elements of the automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to the present application.

[0017] Steam trap 1... Automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism Cleaning bar 2... Cleaning means Operation bar 3... Operating means Drain 9... Target fluid Rear end locking portion 24... Connecting member Bending protrusions 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, circumferential protrusion 61... Locking protrusion Connection space 32... Connection space Orifice 51... Outlet Float 70... Opening and closing means Upper main body 91 and lower main body 92... Main body Valve chamber 95... Internal space Retracted state... Initial position Extended state... Entering position

[0018] [First Embodiment] A first embodiment of the automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to the present application will be described. In this embodiment, an example in which the automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to the present application is applied to a float type steam trap is given.

[0019] (Description of the Configuration of Steam Trap 1) In industrial plants, there may be a piping system installed that transfers steam generated by a boiler to a supply destination at high temperature and high pressure. When the steam liquefies in this piping, drain (condensed water of the steam) accumulates, which becomes an obstacle to the transfer of the steam.

[0020] To avoid such a situation, a large number of steam traps are provided throughout the piping. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the float type steam trap 1 in this embodiment. The upper main body 91 and the lower main body 92 constitute the main body of the steam trap 1. The upper main body 91 and the lower main body 92 are fixed by bolts 94 to form a valve chamber 95 that maintains airtightness inside.

[0021] A branch pipe 81 is connected to the main pipe (not shown) of the piping, and an inlet 97 formed in the upper body 91 is connected to this branch pipe 81. Steam and condensate then flow into the valve chamber 95 from the inlet 97 in the direction of arrow 101. A mesh strainer 80 is provided above the valve chamber 95, and steam and condensate flow into the valve chamber 95 by passing through this strainer 80. By passing through the strainer 80, foreign matter such as dirt and scale mixed in with the steam and condensate is captured by the strainer 80.

[0022] A valve seat 50, which has a valve seat space 50s inside, is fixed near the bottom of the valve chamber 95, and an orifice 51 is formed in this valve seat 50 that connects the valve chamber 95 and the valve seat space 50s. An intermediate cylinder 58 is located at the rear end of the valve seat 50, and the valve seat space 50s is connected to an intermediate chamber 53 formed inside this intermediate cylinder 58. The valve seat space 50s is also connected to an outflow passage 98 that is continuously formed in the upper body 91 and the lower body 92.

[0023] The outflow passage 98 is connected to a drain recovery pipe 82 which is connected to the outlet 99 of the upper body 91. This allows the drain 9 accumulated in the valve chamber 95 to be discharged through the orifice 51 towards the drain recovery pipe 82 in the direction of arrow 102. In this embodiment, the valve chamber 95 side with the orifice 51 as the starting point is the primary side, and the path after the valve seat space 50s is the secondary side.

[0024] A float 70, configured as a hollow spherical body, is movably positioned within the valve chamber 95. For example, when the water level of the drain 9 accumulated in the valve chamber 95 is at the reference level L1, the float 70 is positioned as shown in Figure 1, seated on the valve seat 50, and blocking the orifice 51.

[0025] When drain flows into the valve chamber 95 and the water level of the drain 9 rises, the float 70 rises accordingly to arrow 103 and begins to separate from the valve seat 50, and when the water level of the drain 9 reaches the open level L2, the orifice 51 is completely opened (not shown). As a result, the drain 9 that has accumulated in the valve chamber 95 is forced out of the orifice 51 through the valve seat space 50s and the outflow passage 98 in the direction of arrow 102, due to the force based on the high pressure in the piping, and discharged into the drain recovery pipe 82.

[0026] After discharge, the water level of the drain 9 in the valve chamber 95 decreases, and the float 70 also decreases accordingly. When the water level of the drain 9 returns to the reference level L1, the float 70 returns to the state shown in Figure 1 and closes the orifice 51. In this way, the orifice 51 opens and closes repeatedly as the float 70 rises and falls, but since the orifice 51 is always submerged in the drain 9, steam leakage from the orifice 51 does not normally occur.

[0027] A cleaning bar 2 is provided within the intermediate chamber 53 formed in the intermediate cylinder 58. The center line of the cleaning bar 2 is positioned to coincide with the central axis L10 of the orifice 51, the valve seat space 50s, and the intermediate chamber 53. The cleaning bar 2 has a bar shape in which the cross section perpendicular to the center line is circular at all points. A rear end cap 54 is attached to the opening at the rear end of the intermediate cylinder 58, and a rear end cylinder 40 is screwed onto the lower body 92, covering the intermediate cylinder 58 and the rear end cap 54.

[0028] The leading edge 29 of the cleaning bar 2 is positioned opposite the orifice 51 and is located in close proximity to the orifice 51. The diameter of the leading edge 29 of the cleaning bar 2 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the orifice 51, allowing it to pass through the orifice 51. A continuous tapered surface is formed on the leading edge 29 of the cleaning bar 2, and this tapered surface is inclined in a direction in which the inner diameter gradually decreases toward the rear end.

[0029] Furthermore, a helical-shaped bimetal 4 is attached to the central part of the cleaning bar 2. Note that in the figure, the cleaning bar 2 and bimetal 4 are shown as side views, not cross-sectional views.

[0030] Bimetal 4 is a temperature-sensing component formed by firmly bonding two metals or alloys with different coefficients of thermal expansion. Specifically, when the ambient temperature of bimetal 4 rises above a predetermined reference temperature, the helical radius increases, causing the overall length in the axial direction to contract. Conversely, when the temperature falls below the reference temperature, the helical radius decreases, causing the overall length in the axial direction to expand.

[0031] The rear end of the bimetal 4 is fixed to the rear end cap 54 of the intermediate cylinder 58, and the tip of the bimetal 4 is fixed to a receiving portion 20 which is fixed to the cleaning bar 2. That is, when the bimetal 4 is exposed to low temperatures and expands, the cleaning bar 2 moves forward in the direction of arrow 106 from the state shown in Figure 1. Then, when the receiving portion 20 fixed to the cleaning bar 2 comes into contact with the tip surface 58a of the intermediate cylinder 58, the movement in the direction of arrow 106 reaches its limit and stops. Conversely, when the bimetal 4 is exposed to high temperatures and contracts, the cleaning bar 2 moves backward in the direction of arrow 105 and returns to the state shown in Figure 1.

[0032] Under normal conditions, the float 70 frequently rises to open the orifice 51, allowing high-temperature drain to be discharged from the orifice 51. The drain also flows into the intermediate chamber 53 through the space formed on the tip surface 58a of the intermediate cylinder 58, thus exposing the bimetal 4 to high-temperature drain. Consequently, under normal conditions, the bimetal 4 is contracted, and accordingly, the cleaning bar 2 is in the retracted state shown in Figure 1.

[0033] The rear end of the cleaning bar 2 is connected to the operating bar 3. The centerline of the operating bar 3 is positioned to coincide with the central axis L10 of the orifice 51, the valve seat space 50s, and the intermediate chamber 53. The operating bar 3 has a bar shape with a circular cross-section perpendicular to the centerline at all points, and is attached so as to penetrate the rear end of the rear end cylinder 40 outwards. A threaded portion 30 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the operating bar 3, and this threaded portion is screwed into the rear end cylinder 40.

[0034] An operating groove 3a is formed at the rear end of the operating bar 3, and by fitting a tool into this groove and rotating the tool, the operating bar 3 can be moved forward and backward in the directions of arrows 105 and 106. The operating bar 3 passes through the central holes of the gasket 42 and the pressure cap 41 attached to the rear end of the rear end cylinder 40. The pressure cap 41 is screwed into the through hole at the rear end of the rear end cylinder 40 by a screw mechanism, and by tightening the pressure cap 41, the gasket 42 is pressed, maintaining the airtightness of the space inside the rear end cylinder 40 and the intermediate chamber 53 inside the intermediate cylinder 58.

[0035] Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing details of the vicinity of the connecting portion 31 that connects the cleaning bar 20 and the operating bar 3. A substantially cylindrical connecting portion 31 is fixed to the tip of the operating bar 3. This connecting portion 31 has an internal connecting space 32 that opens toward the tip, and has a space length 38 along the direction of the central axis L10, and a space width 39 which is an inner diameter perpendicular to the central axis L10.

[0036] Figure 4 is a front view of the connecting portion 31 as seen from the tip side. At the opening at the tip of the connecting portion 31, bent protrusions 31a, 3b, 31c, and 31d are formed at equal intervals, bent at a right angle toward the central axis L10. Therefore, the through width 35, which is the distance between the opposing bent protrusions 31a, 31c and bent protrusions 3b, 31d, is smaller than the space width 39.

[0037] On the other hand, a small-diameter portion 23 with a smaller outer diameter is formed at the rear end of the cleaning bar 2, and a rear end locking portion 24 is provided at the rearmost end. The outer diameter of the cleaning bar 2 and the rear end locking portion 24 are the same.

[0038] The rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2 is positioned within the connecting space 32 of the aforementioned connecting portion 31, and the small diameter portion 23 of the cleaning bar 2 is positioned to pass through the inner openings (through width 35) of the bent protrusions 31a, 3b, 31c, and 31d. The outer diameter of the rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2 is slightly smaller than the space width 39 of the connecting space 32 of the connecting portion 31. Also, the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 23 of the cleaning bar 2 is slightly smaller than the through width 35 of the connecting portion 31.

[0039] Furthermore, since the spatial length 38 of the connecting portion 31 is formed to be sufficiently longer than the length of the rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2 along the central axis L10, the rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2 can move freely in a reciprocal manner in the direction of arrows 105 and 106 along the central axis L10 within the connecting space 32 of the connecting portion 31.

[0040] In other words, even when the operating bar 3 is positioned and fixed relative to the rear end cylinder 40, the cleaning bar 2 can move freely in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the bimetal 4, and the operating bar 3 allows the cleaning bar 2 to move in the directions of arrows 105 and 106. The spatial length 38 of the connecting portion 31 is set to a length that does not hinder the movement of the cleaning bar 2 in the directions of arrows 105 and 106, and the operating bar 3 is positioned accordingly.

[0041] Note that the cross-section viewed from the II-II direction shown in Figure 4 is represented as the cross-sectional view in Figures 1 and 2, etc. In each cross-sectional view, only the connecting portion 31 of the operating bar 3 is shown as a cross-section, while the other parts are shown as side views rather than cross-sectional views.

[0042] (Explanation of normal cleaning operation) As mentioned above, foreign matter such as dirt and scale mixed in with the steam and condensate flowing into the steam trap 1 is captured by the strainer 80, but some foreign matter permeates the strainer 80 and enters the valve chamber 95. When such foreign matter adheres to the orifice 51, it can block the orifice 51, causing a blockage that prevents proper drainage. In particular, the orifice 51 is generally formed with a small diameter to ensure that the float 70 can reliably dissipate, making it prone to blockages. In this embodiment, the steam trap 1 automatically cleans the orifice 51 as needed using the cleaning bar 2 to resolve the blockages that occur under normal circumstances.

[0043] First, if a blockage occurs, even if the float 70 rises, high-temperature drain will no longer be discharged from the orifice 51 towards the intermediate chamber 53. As a result, the bimetal 4 is no longer exposed to high temperatures, and the ambient temperature drops. When it falls below the reference temperature, it automatically begins to extend. Accordingly, the cleaning bar 2 is pushed in the direction of arrow 106 and begins to move forward.

[0044] The cleaning bar 2 gradually advances in the direction of arrow 106 until its leading edge 29 enters the orifice 51. This entry of the leading edge 29 into the orifice 51 pushes any foreign matter attached to the orifice 51 into the valve chamber 95, causing it to be detached from the orifice 51. As mentioned above, the diameter of the circular leading edge 29 of the cleaning bar 2 is only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the orifice 51, ensuring that foreign matter is reliably pushed into the valve chamber 95.

[0045] Then, as the cleaning bar 2 continues to advance in the direction of arrow 106, and its leading edge 29 protrudes from the orifice 51 towards the valve chamber 95, a small gap is created between the tapered surface continuous with the leading edge 29 and the orifice 51. Foreign matter that has been stripped off through this gap is discharged at high speed by the action of high pressure. As the cleaning bar 2 advances in the direction of arrow 106, this gap gradually widens along the slope of the tapered surface continuous with the leading edge 29, and any foreign matter remaining around the orifice 51 is reliably discharged through this gap.

[0046] Subsequently, the receiving portion 20 fixed to the cleaning bar 2 comes into contact with the tip surface 58a of the intermediate cylinder 58 (see Figure 1), and the forward movement of the cleaning bar 2 in the direction of arrow 106 reaches its limit and stops. Figure 3 shows the positional relationship between the rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2 and the connecting portion 31 at this time. As the cleaning bar 2 moves forward, the rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2 moves within the connecting space 32 in the direction of arrow 106. When the forward movement of the cleaning bar 2 reaches its limit and stops, the rear end locking portion 24 and the bent protrusions 31a, 3b, 31c, and 31d of the connecting portion 31 do not come into contact, and a small gap is present.

[0047] Furthermore, if the drain becomes clogged, the float 70 will rise due to the filling of the valve chamber 95 with drain, and will be positioned away from the orifice 51. Therefore, the leading edge 29 protruding from the orifice 51 will not damage the float 70.

[0048] As foreign matter adhering to the orifice 51 is removed and drain is discharged from the orifice 51, drain also flows into the intermediate chamber 53 of the intermediate cylinder 58, exposing the bimetal 4 to high-temperature drain. As a result, the bimetal 4 begins to contract, and the cleaning bar 2 is pulled down in the direction of arrow 105 by the contraction of the bimetal 4 and gradually retracts, returning to the state shown in Figure 1.

[0049] If clogging occurs again in the orifice 51, the cleaning bar 2 will again perform a reciprocating motion forward and backward in accordance with the expansion and contraction of the bimetal 4 to clean the orifice 51. In this way, the cleaning bar 2 performs cleaning under normal conditions by repeatedly performing cleaning operations through automatic reciprocating movement. As mentioned above, the connecting portion 31 of the operating bar 3 allows the rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2 to reciprocate within the connecting space 32 (reciprocating movement between Figures 2 and 3), so the cleaning bar 2 can perform smooth cleaning operations.

[0050] (Explanation of forced return action in case of failure to return to position) When the cleaning bar 2 performs a cleaning operation and attempts to retract and return to its original position, a relatively large foreign object 7 may become lodged between the orifice 51 and the tip of the cleaning bar 2, as shown in Figure 5. In such a case, even if the bimetal 4 attempts to contract, the cleaning bar 2 cannot retract and return to its original position automatically (failure to return). The steam trap 1 in this embodiment can forcibly return the cleaning bar 2 to its original position when such a failure to return occurs.

[0051] If a return failure occurs, the rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2 remains stopped within the connecting space 32 of the connecting portion 31, for example, in the state shown in Figure 3, where it is located towards the tip. When a return failure occurs, the float 70 is unable to close the orifice 51, so all of the drain 9 in the valve chamber 95 is discharged, followed by steam leaking from the outlet 99 into the drain recovery pipe 82, producing a leaking sound. The worker recognizes the occurrence of a return failure by hearing this leaking sound.

[0052] If a worker detects a malfunction in the steam trap 1, they operate the operating bar 3 from outside the steam trap 1 as a forced reset operation. Specifically, they insert a tool such as a screwdriver into the operating groove 3a of the operating bar 3, which protrudes from the rear end of the rear end cylinder 40 (see Figure 1), and rotate the operating bar 3 in the loosening direction. As mentioned above, since the operating bar 3 is screwed to the rear end cylinder 40 by the threaded portion 30, the rotational operation causes the operating bar 3 to retract along the central axis L10 in the direction of arrow 105.

[0053] As the operating bar 3 moves in the direction of arrow 105, the bent protrusions 31a, 3b, 31c, and 31d formed on the connecting portion 31 come into contact with the rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2, forcibly pulling down and retracting the rear end locking portion 24. As a result, the cleaning bar 2 moves in the direction of arrow 105, and the leading edge 29 of the cleaning bar 2 clamps the foreign matter 7 (Figure 5) between itself and the orifice 51, pressurizing it and crushing the foreign matter 7. The crushed foreign matter 7 follows the discharge path and is discharged from the outlet 99 (Figure 1). Figure 6 shows the state near the connecting portion 31 when the cleaning bar 2 reaches its limit position in the retraction direction and returns to its original position.

[0054] After forcibly returning the cleaning bar 2 to its original position by operating the operation bar 3, the worker rotates the aforementioned tool in the tightening direction to return the operation bar 3 to its original position as shown in Figure 2. Depending on the situation, the worker may repeat this forced return operation one or two or more times. In this way, the cleaning bar 2 can once again perform its normal cleaning operation.

[0055] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 7. In this embodiment, a circumferential projection 61 is used instead of the bent projections 31a, 3b, 31c, and 31d of the connecting portion 31 shown in the first embodiment described above. The other configurations and operations are the same as those shown in the first embodiment described above.

[0056] The circumferential projection 61 is fixed to the opening at the tip of the connecting portion 31 by welding or the like. This circumferential projection 61 has a disc shape and a through hole is formed in the center. The inner diameter of this through hole is the same as the through width 35 shown in the first embodiment described above, and the small diameter portion 23 of the cleaning bar 2 (Figures 2, 3, and 6) is positioned to pass through it.

[0057] In this embodiment, during a forced return operation in the event of a return failure, the circumferential projection 61 on the connecting portion 31 of the operating bar 3 comes into contact with the rear end locking portion 24 of the cleaning bar 2, pulling the rear end locking portion 24 downward in the direction of arrow 105 and causing it to retract.

[0058] The disc-shaped circumferential projection 61 contacts the rear end locking portion 24, allowing the circumferential projection 61 to apply more uniform pressure to the rear end locking portion 24 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, when the cleaning bar 2 is forcibly retracted in the direction of arrow 105, wobble of the cleaning bar 2 relative to its central axis L10 can be prevented.

[0059] In particular, foreign matter 7 is often trapped only in a portion of the periphery of the orifice 51 (see Figure 5), and when the cleaning bar 2 is pulled down in the direction of arrow 105 to crush the foreign matter 7, the cleaning bar 2 often slips diagonally. Therefore, there is a significant technical benefit in moving the cleaning bar 2 while preventing it from vibrating relative to the central axis L10.

[0060] [Other embodiments] In the embodiments described above, examples were given for each of the following: the automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism, the target fluid, the internal space, the outlet, the main body, the opening / closing means, the initial position, the entry position, the cleaning means, the operating means, the connection space, the connecting member, and the locking projection. However, these are merely examples, and different configurations can be adopted for each of these.

[0061] In other words, for example, in the above-described embodiment, a float-type steam trap 1 was exemplified as an automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism, and drain was exemplified as the target fluid, but it can also be applied to other fluid traps (e.g., air traps) or other valve devices. Also, in the above embodiment, a float-type steam trap 90 was given as an example, but it may also be applied to steam traps other than float-type, such as disc-type steam traps and bimetallic steam traps.

[0062] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a connecting portion 31 with a connecting space 32 (connecting space) is fixed to the operating bar 3 (operating means), and a rear end locking portion 24 (connecting member) is formed on the cleaning bar 2 (cleaning means) side and positioned within the connecting space 32 (connecting space). However, conversely, a connecting space may be formed on the cleaning means side, and a connecting member positioned within the connecting space may be formed on the operating means side. In addition, other shapes and structures can be adopted as long as the operating means allows movement between the initial position and the entry position of the cleaning means by the movement of the connecting member within the connecting space.

[0063] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment exemplified the bent protrusions 31a, 3b, 31c, and 31d as locking protrusions, different shaped bent protrusions can be used as long as they lock onto the connecting member (rear end locking portion 24, etc.). Also, although the above-described embodiment exemplified four bent protrusions 31a, 3b, 31c, and 31d, two to three, or five or more bent protrusions may be used. In this case, two or more bent protrusions may be arranged at uneven intervals, or they may be arranged at equal intervals. When arranged at equal intervals, it is possible to apply more uniform pressure to the connecting member (rear end locking portion 24, etc.), and vibration of the cleaning means (cleaning bar 2, etc.) can be prevented.

[0064] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, bending projections 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d and a circumferential projection 61 were exemplified as locking projections, but other configurations may be used as long as they are provided on either the cleaning means or the operating means and lock onto the connecting member to forcibly return the cleaning means to its initial position.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the worker recognized the occurrence of a reset failure by hearing the leakage sound and performed a forced reset operation. However, a sensor (detection means) for detecting the leakage sound can also be attached to the outer surface of, for example, the inlet 97 (Figure 1), and this sensor can detect the leakage sound and notify the worker. Alternatively, a drive means such as a motor can be connected to the aforementioned operation bar 3 (operation means), and the sensor can detect the leakage sound and transmit a detection signal, causing the motor to rotate forward and reverse one or more times to automatically perform a forced reset operation.

[0066] Furthermore, the above embodiments can be arbitrarily combined to create new embodiments. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1: Steam trap 2: Cleaning bar 3: Operation bar 9: Drain 24: Rear end locking part 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d: Bending protrusion 32: Connection space 51: Orifice 61: Circumferential projection 70: Float 91: Upper body 92: Lower body 95: Valve chamber

Claims

1. A main body having an internal space into which the target fluid flows and an outlet communicating with the internal space, An opening and closing means for opening or closing the discharge port, wherein the opening and closing means automatically opens the discharge port in accordance with the amount of the target fluid accumulating in the internal space and discharges the target fluid from the discharge port. A cleaning means provided on the main body so as to be movable between an initial position and an entry position, wherein when a blockage occurs in the discharge port, the cleaning means moves to an entry position to enter the discharge port in response to the blockage, and when the blockage is cleared, the cleaning means returns to the initial position in response to the clearing. An operating means movably mounted on the main body and connected to the cleaning means, which, while maintaining the connection, allows the cleaning means to move between the initial position and the entry position without moving relative to the main body, and moves relative to the main body in response to an external return operation to forcibly return the cleaning means to the initial position, An automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism characterized by being equipped with the following features.

2. In an automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to claim 1, The cleaning means and the operating means are connected by a connecting member provided on the other of the cleaning means and the operating means being placed in a connecting space provided on one of the cleaning means and the operating means. As the connecting member moves within the connecting space, the operating means allows the cleaning means to move between its initial position and its entry position. When the operating means receives the return operation from an external source, the operating means forcibly returns the cleaning means to its initial position by engaging either the cleaning means or the operating means with the connecting member. An automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism characterized by the above.

3. In an automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism according to claim 2, One of the cleaning means and the operating means is provided with a locking projection that engages with the connecting member. An automatic valve having a cleaning mechanism characterized by the above.

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