Operating Valve

Abstract

To provide an operation valve capable of solving inconvenience caused by an operation cock.SOLUTION: An operation valve comprises: a valve that controls the circulation of fluid; a cylindrical operation part that opens and closes the valve by rotation in a circumferential direction, and comprises a first step parallel to a central axis in the circumferential direction; an accommodation part that comprises a flow path for the fluid on the inside and a second step on the outside, which corresponds to the first step in a first state where the valve is closed, and that accommodates the valve; and an elastic body that biases the operation part toward the accommodation part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating valve. [Background technology]

[0002] An oil pan is installed at the bottom of engines installed in motorcycles, automobiles, heavy machinery, etc. The oil pan stores oil to lubricate the pistons of the engine. The oil is changed periodically. When changing the oil, the screw cap of the drain port installed at the bottom of the oil pan is removed with a tool such as a wrench.

[0003] When the drain port screw cap is removed, oil gushes out at the same time. This can cause the worker's body to become dirty with oil. Also, when closing the drain port with a screw cap after draining the oil, the screw cap and tools get covered in oil, which can make it difficult to attach the screw cap to the drain port.

[0004] As a device to eliminate such inconveniences associated with oil changes, an operating valve that can be attached to the drain port in the same way as a screw cap is known. This operating valve is always used in a state where it is attached to the drain port, and the valve can be opened and closed by rotating the operating cock. In the normal state, the operating cock is kept in the closed state and the valve is closed, and when the operating cock is rotated to the open state, the valve opens and the oil is discharged (see Patent Documents 1 to 3 above). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2002-106731 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2017-36828 A [Patent Document 3] JP 2020-112259 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when an operating cock is used as an operating valve, various inconveniences may occur due to the fact that the operating valve is attached to the drain port in the same way as a screw cap. For example, when the operating valve is attached to the drain port, the operating cock may face toward the bottom of the oil pan. In this case, it may be difficult to operate the operating cock.

[0007] Also, when you try to attach the operating valve to the drain port, the operating cock may be facing the ground. In this case, the operating cock may come into contact with foreign objects on the road while driving, which may cause the operating cock to be damaged. In addition, if you are driving through fresh snow, the operating cock may accidentally rotate due to the snow pressing against it, causing the valve to open.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide an operating valve which eliminates the inconveniences associated with an operating cock. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The operating valve according to the present invention comprises a valve for controlling the flow of a fluid, a cylindrical operating part for opening and closing the valve by rotating in a circumferential direction and having a first step parallel to a central axis in the circumferential direction, a storage part for storing the valve and having a flow path for the fluid on the inside and a second step on the outside that corresponds to the first step when the valve is in a first state where the valve is closed, and an elastic body for biasing the operating part toward the storage part. the first step and the second step each include two steps having different heights, and the first step and the second step fit together, so that one of the steps restricts the rotation of the operating part from the first state to a second state in which the valve is open, and the other step restricts the excessive rotation of the operating part. . Moreover, an operating valve according to the present invention has a valve for controlling the flow of fluid, a cylindrical operating unit that opens and closes the valve by rotating in a circumferential direction and has a first step parallel to a central axis in the circumferential direction, a storage unit that has a flow path for the fluid on its inside and a second step on its outside that corresponds to the first step when the valve is in a first state closed, and that stores the valve, and an elastic body that biases the operating unit toward the storage unit, wherein the operating unit includes a cylindrical first operating unit that opens and closes by the rotation, and a cylindrical second operating unit that restricts the rotation of the first operating unit by engaging with both a first groove included in the first step and a second groove included in the second step. Furthermore, the operating valve of the present invention is characterized in that it has a valve for controlling the flow of fluid, a cylindrical operating part that opens and closes the valve by rotating in a circumferential direction and has a first step parallel to a central axis in the circumferential direction, a flow path for the fluid on its inside and a second step on its outer surface that corresponds to the first step when the valve is in a first state and closed, a storage part that stores the valve, and an elastic body that biases the operating part toward the storage part, the second step engaging with a groove of the first step to regulate the rotation of the operating part, the operating part holds a ring-shaped face gear along an inner circumference of the operating part, and the storage part has a mandrel to which the valve is connected at one end and to which a spur gear that connects with the face gear is attached at the other end. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the operating valve of the present invention, it is possible to eliminate the inconveniences associated with the operating cock. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]Fig. 1(a) is a first perspective view illustrating an example of mounting an operating valve to an oil pan according to the first embodiment. Fig. 1(b) is a second perspective view illustrating an example of mounting an operating valve to an oil pan according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] Fig. 2(a) is a first perspective view of the first state of the operating valve according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2(b) is a second perspective view of the first state of the operating valve according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2(c) is a Z1-Z1 cross-sectional view of the first state of the operating valve according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] Fig. 3(a) is a first perspective view of the second state of the operating valve according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3(b) is a second perspective view of the second state of the operating valve according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3(c) is a Z2-Z2 cross-sectional view of the second state of the operating valve according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an example of mounting the operating valve according to the second embodiment to an oil pan. [Diagram 5] Fig. 5(a) is a first perspective view of the first state of the operating valve according to the second embodiment. Fig. 5(b) is a second perspective view of the first state of the operating valve according to the second embodiment. Fig. 5(c) is a Z3-Z3 cross-sectional view of the first state of the operating valve according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an operating mechanism in an operating valve according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] Fig. 7(a) is a first perspective view of the intermediate state of the operating valve according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7(b) is a second perspective view of the intermediate state of the operating valve according to the second embodiment. Fig. 7(c) is a Z4-Z4 cross-sectional view of the intermediate state of the operating valve according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] Fig. 8(a) is a first perspective view of the second state of the operating valve according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8(b) is a second perspective view of the second state of the operating valve according to the second embodiment. Fig. 8(c) is a Z5-Z5 cross-sectional view of the second state of the operating valve according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9]Fig. 9(a) is a first perspective view of the first state of the operating valve according to the third embodiment. Fig. 9(b) is a second perspective view of the first state of the operating valve according to the third embodiment. Fig. 9(c) is a Z6-Z6 cross-sectional view of the first state of the operating valve according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the operating valve according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] Fig. 11(a) is a first perspective view of the intermediate state of the operating valve according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11(b) is a second perspective view of the intermediate state of the operating valve according to the third embodiment. Fig. 11(c) is a Z7-Z7 sectional view of the intermediate state of the operating valve according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] Fig. 12(a) is a first perspective view of the second state of the operating valve according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12(b) is a second perspective view of the second state of the operating valve according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12(c) is a Z8-Z8 sectional view of the second state of the operating valve according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0013] (First embodiment) First, the operating valve 10 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1(a), the operating valve 10 is attached to a drain port 110 provided at the bottom of an oil pan 100. The oil pan 100 is a container for storing oil. The drain port 110 is an opening for discharging the oil stored in the oil pan 100. The oil is a lubricating oil that lubricates the pistons of engines mounted on motorcycles, automobiles, heavy machinery, etc. A female thread 111 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drain port 110.

[0014] The operating valve 10 has a storage section 13 that stores a valve (specifically, a ball valve). The storage section 13 has an oil flow path inside. Therefore, the storage section 13 is cylindrical. The valve in the storage section 13 controls the flow of oil. A male screw 13A is provided at one end of the storage section 13 via a flange 13B. A circular through hole is provided in the center of the flange 13B. An oil flow path is provided in the male screw 13A in the axial direction of the male screw 13A. In other words, the male screw 13A is hollow in the axial direction. The oil flow path in the storage section 13 is continuous with the through hole in the flange 13B and the flow path of the male screw 13A.

[0015] When attaching the operating valve 10 to the drain port 110, for example, the storage section 13 of the operating valve 10 is grasped with two fingers of one hand, the male thread 13A of the operating valve 10 is brought into contact with the drain port 110, and the male thread 13A is rotated clockwise to screw it in. This fastens the male thread 13A and the female thread 111 of the drain port 110, and the operating valve 10 can be attached to the drain port 110 as shown in FIG.

[0016] The valve of the storage unit 13 can be opened and closed by rotating a bottomed cylindrical operation dial 14, which is provided as an operation unit on the outer circumferential surface of the storage unit 13, in a circumferential direction. For example, when the operation dial 14 is rotated counterclockwise in the circumferential direction in a first state in which the valve is closed, the valve opens. As a result, oil discharged from the drain port 110 passes through the flow passage of the male thread 13A, the through hole of the flange 13B, and the flow passage of the storage unit 13 and is discharged from the operation valve 10.

[0017] Conversely, when the operating dial 14 is rotated clockwise in the circumferential direction while the valve is in the second open state, the valve is closed. As a result, the oil that was being discharged from the drain port 110 is retained in front of the valve in the flow path of the storage section 13. As a result, the discharge of oil from the operating valve 10 is stopped.

[0018] The details of the operating valve 10 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 shows the operating valve 10 in a first state where the valve 13V is closed. Figure 3 shows the operating valve 10 in a second state where the valve 13V is open.

[0019] 2(a) and 2(b), the operation dial 14 has dial steps 14P and 14Q as first steps parallel to the central axis in the circumferential direction, while the storage section 13 has storage steps 13P and 13Q on its outer circumferential surface as second steps corresponding to the dial steps 14P and 14Q in the first state in which the valve 13V is closed.

[0020] The heights of dial step 14P and storage step 13P are the same. The heights of dial step 14Q and storage step 13Q are also the same. However, the heights of dial step 14P and dial step 14Q are different. Therefore, the heights of storage step 13P and storage step 13Q are also different. Therefore, when valve 13V is closed, dial step 14P and storage step 13P fit together, and dial step 14Q and storage step 13Q fit together.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2(c), the operation dial 14 has a two-stage bottom with different bottom depths, and a substantially rectangular opening is provided near the center of the deepest first bottom 14A. A spring (specifically, a coil spring) 14S is disposed in the first bottom 14A as an elastic body having an outer diameter close to or equal to the inner diameter of the first bottom 14A. A stem 14B having a rectangular cross section equal to the opening partially penetrates the opening of the first bottom 14A from the outside to the inside of the bottom. The stem 14B extends in a direction away from the operation valve 10 along the central axis of the spring 14S.

[0022] The cross section of the mandrel head 14C on the opposite side of the mandrel 14B from the valve 13V side and the mandrel neck 14D located directly below the mandrel head 14C are both circular. The diameter of the mandrel neck 14D is smaller than the diameter of the mandrel head 14C. On the other hand, the cross section of the mandrel shoulder 14E located directly below the mandrel neck 14D is also circular. The diameter of the mandrel shoulder 14E is equal to the diameter of the mandrel head 14C. This allows the mandrel 14B to be inserted into the opening of the first bottom 14A. Note that the cross section of the inserted portion of the mandrel leg 14I located on the valve 13V side of the mandrel shoulder 14E that has passed through the first bottom 14A is rectangular. Specifically, the rectangular shape of this inserted portion includes a short side equal to the diameter of the mandrel shoulder 14E and a long side greater than the diameter of the mandrel shoulder 14E.

[0023] A disk portion 14F having a circular opening close to or equal to the cross section of the axle shoulder portion 14E is placed on the spring 14S. The disk portion 14F is separate from the operating dial 14. The outer diameter of the disk portion 14F is equal to the inner diameter of the second bottom 14G. When the disk portion 14F is placed and pressed to the position of the axle shoulder 14E, an E-ring 14H can be attached to the axle neck portion 14D. When the disk portion 14F is pressed, the spring 14S at its natural length is compressed by the pressure of the disk portion 14F and is provided with a restoring force.

[0024] The restoring force of the spring 14S also acts on the disk portion 14F, but the E-ring 14H attached to the stem neck portion 14D restricts the movement of the disk portion 14F toward the stem head portion 14C. This allows the restoring force of the spring 14S to also constantly act on the first bottom 14A. In other words, by restricting the movement of the disk portion 14F toward the stem head portion 14C, the spring 14S constantly urges the operation dial 14 toward the storage portion 13. In this way, since the spring 14S urges the operation dial 14 toward the storage portion 13, as shown in Figures 2(a) and (b), in the first state in which the valve 13V is closed, the operation dial 14 and the storage portion 13 abut with almost no gap between them. Particularly in this first state, dial steps 14P, 14Q of operation dial 14 and storage steps 13P, 13Q provided on the outer circumferential surface of storage section 13 fit together, respectively, so that circumferential rotation of operation dial 14 can be restricted.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 2(c), the valve 13V is connected to the stem leg 14I of the stem 14B. Although not shown, a rectangular cross-sectional protrusion at the tip of the stem leg 14I fits into a rectangular cross-sectional recess on the stem leg 14I side of the valve 13V, thereby connecting the stem leg 14I and the valve 13V.

[0026] When the valve 13V is shifted from the first state in which it is closed to the second state in which it is open, the operation dial 14 is grasped with fingers and pulled up in a direction away from the operation valve 10. By pulling up the operation dial 14, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the inner bottom surface of the first bottom 14A presses the spring 14S, and the spring 14S is compressed. Since the disk portion 14F is separate from the operation dial 14, the outer peripheral surface of the disk portion 14F slides on the inner peripheral surface of the operation dial 14. As the spring 14S is compressed, the dial step 14P and the storage step 13P are disengaged, and the dial step 14P is raised to a height at which it can overcome the storage step 13P. This allows the operation dial 14 to rotate counterclockwise in the circumferential direction, as shown in FIG. 3(a) and (b).

[0027] When the operation dial 14 is rotated a predetermined amount in the circumferential counterclockwise direction, the dial step 14P abuts against the storage step 13Q. When the dial step 14P reaches a height at which it can overcome the storage step 13P, the operation dial 14 cannot be lifted any further. In other words, the operation dial 14 cannot be lifted any further to a height at which the dial step 14P can overcome the storage step 13Q. For this reason, the storage step 13Q can restrict excessive rotation of the operation dial 14 beyond a predetermined amount.

[0028] In addition, when the operation dial 14 is rotated a predetermined amount in the circumferential direction counterclockwise, the first bottom 14A also rotates in conjunction with it. The axle 14B is inserted into the opening of the first bottom 14A. Since the shape of the opening of the first bottom 14A and the cross-sectional shape of the axle 14B are both rectangular, not circular, when the first bottom 14A rotates, the axle 14B also rotates in conjunction with it. The valve 13V is connected to the axle leg 14I of the axle 14B. Therefore, when the axle 14B rotates, the valve 13V also rotates in conjunction with it. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3(c), the valve 13V transitions to the second state in which it is open.

[0029] To transition from the second state to the first state, the above-described steps can be carried out in reverse. In this case, since the operation dial 14 remains pulled up, when the operation dial 14 is rotated a predetermined amount in the circumferential clockwise direction, the dial steps 14P, 14Q and the storage steps 13P, 13Q again engage with each other. This is because the spring 14S always biases the operation dial 14 toward the storage section 13. This allows the state to transition from the second state in which the valve 13V is open to the first state in which the valve 13V is closed.

[0030] Thus, according to the first embodiment, the valve 13V can be opened and closed without employing an operating cock for the operating valve 10. In particular, since the operating dial 14 is pulled up and rotated, the size of the entire operating valve 10 can be made more compact in the first state than when the operating dial is pushed in and rotated. This reduces the possibility of interference with foreign objects (such as gravel or cloth) on the road while driving, for example. When draining oil, the operating dial 14 is pulled up temporarily only at that time to expand the operating valve 10.

[0031] Furthermore, when the operation dial is pushed in to rotate, there is a very rare possibility that a foreign object may come into contact with the operation dial, causing the operation dial to be pushed in and rotated accidentally. However, according to the first embodiment, the operation of pulling up and rotating the operation dial 14 can only be performed manually, which is safer than when the operation dial is pushed in to rotate. Furthermore, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the second and third embodiments described below.

[0032] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 8. Note that the same components as those in the first embodiment are basically given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The same applies to a third embodiment described later.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 4, the operation valve 20 according to the second embodiment is attached to a drain port 210 provided at the bottom of the oil pan 200, similarly to the first embodiment. When attaching the operation valve 20 to the drain port 210, the hexagonal bolt 21 of the operation valve 20 is screwed into the drain port 210. The hexagonal bolt 21 is made of resin or a metal containing a duralumin alloy. The tip portion of the bolt shank 21A (see Fig. 5(a)) of the hexagonal bolt 21 protrudes from a hollow housing portion 22 provided in the operation valve 20. In other words, the housing portion 22 houses a portion of the bolt shank 21A other than the tip portion.

[0034] A flow passage through which oil flows is formed inside bolt shank 21A in the axial direction of bolt shank 21A. Oil in oil pan 200 flows into this flow passage from its inlet and flows out from its outlet. The outlet of the flow passage is perpendicular to the flow passage. In other words, the outlet of the flow passage is formed in the radial direction of bolt shank 21A. This changes the flow direction of oil from the vertical to the horizontal.

[0035] A male thread is provided on the outer peripheral surface of bolt shank 21A. By connecting a tool such as a wrench to bolt head 21B of hexagon bolt 21 and rotating bolt head 21B in the circumferential direction, the male thread of bolt shank 21A and the female thread of drain port 210 are fastened together. This allows operation valve 20 to be attached to drain port 210.

[0036] The operating valve 20 includes a storage section 23. The storage section 23 has a flow path therein that communicates with the outlet of the flow passage. The storage section 23 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the storage section 22, with the outer circumferential surface of the storage section 22 as a reference surface. The flow path provided inside the storage section 23 extends in the protruding direction of the storage section 23. A valve is stored in the middle of the flow path. The valve can be opened and closed by rotating an operating dial 24 provided as a first operating part on the outer circumferential surface of the storage section 23. For example, when the operating dial 24 is rotated counterclockwise in the circumferential direction from a first state in which the valve is closed, the valve opens. Conversely, when the operating dial 24 is rotated clockwise in the circumferential direction from a second state in which the valve is open, the valve closes.

[0037] Fluid discharge part 25 is provided at the tip of storage part 23 in the protruding direction. A flow passage that is continuous with the flow passage described above is formed inside fluid discharge part 25. Therefore, when the above-mentioned valve is opened, oil is discharged from fluid discharge port 25A, which is the outlet of the flow passage. Conversely, when the valve is closed, the discharge of oil from fluid discharge port 25A stops.

[0038] The operation valve 20 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 8. First, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the cylindrical operation dial 24 has a dial step 24P as a first step parallel to the central axis in the circumferential direction. Although not shown, the operation dial 24 also has a dial step in a portion facing the dial step 24P. Both the dial step 24P and a dial step (not shown) provided opposite the back side of the dial step 24P include two grooves recessed in the axial direction of the operation dial 24 as dial groove 24R. The dial grooves 24R have the same depth.

[0039] On the other hand, in the first state in which the valve 23V is closed, the storage section 23 has a storage step 23P on its outer circumferential surface as a second step corresponding to the dial step 24P. Although not shown in Figs. 5(a) and (b), a storage step corresponding to the dial step (not shown) located on the back side of the dial step 24P is also provided in the same way. The storage step 23P includes a groove recessed toward the storage section 23 as a storage groove 23R. The same is true for the storage step (not shown) in Figs. 5(a) and (b). The depth of the storage groove 23R and the storage groove (not shown) are the same.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 5(c) and FIG. 6, the operation dial 24 includes a disk portion 24F as a raised bottom at the end of the cylinder, and a substantially rectangular opening 24M is provided near the center of the disk portion 24F. In FIG. 6, the operation mechanism including the operation dial 24 is shown in an exploded view. Unlike the first embodiment, the disk portion 24F is integral with the operation dial 24. In addition, the disk portion 24F includes an arc-shaped opening 24N along the circumference of the disk portion 24F. A cylindrical lock tube 24K is disposed inside the operation dial 24 as a second operation part. The outer diameter of the lock tube 24K is equal to the inner diameter of the operation dial 24. Therefore, when the lock tube 24K is disposed inside the operation dial 24, the outer peripheral surface of the lock tube 24K comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the operation dial 24.

[0041] As shown in Figures 5(c) and 6, a ring-shaped seat 24L is provided at the bottom end of the inner circumference of the lock tube 24K. A spring 24S is placed on the seat 24L. Therefore, the outer diameter of the spring 24S is equal to the inner diameter of the lock tube 24K, and the seat width of the seat 24L is equal to the wire diameter of the spring 24S. This allows the spring 24S to be accommodated and disposed inside the lock tube 24K.

[0042] The outer peripheral surface of the lock tube 24K is provided with two approximately rectangular locking portions 24X, 24Y that protrude radially from the outer peripheral surface. The locking portions 24X, 24Y are provided opposite each other. The height of the locking portions 24X, 24Y is the same as the height of the lock tube 24K, but the lower ends of the locking portions 24X, 24Y both protrude from the lower end of the lock tube 24K. The protrusion amount of the lower ends of the locking portions 24X, 24Y is the same as the depth of the storage grooves 23R, 23T. Therefore, the upper ends of the locking portions 24X, 24Y are dug down from the upper end of the lock tube 24K by the same amount as the protrusion amount of the lower ends of the locking portions 24X, 24Y.

[0043] As a result, when the lock cylinder 24K is placed on the outer circumferential surface of the storage section 23, the restoring force of the spring 24S acts on the base 24L, and as shown in Fig. 5(a) , in the first state in which the valve 23V is closed, the lower end of the lock section 24X fits into the storage groove 23R. Similarly, the lower end of the lock section 24Y fits into the storage groove 23T. The lower ends of the lock sections 24X and 24Y fit into the storage groove 23R and the storage grooves 23R and 23T, thereby restricting the rotation of the operation dial 24 in the circumferential direction.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 6, a cylindrical wall 23W is provided between the storage grooves 23R, 23T in the storage section 23. The cylindrical wall 23W is arranged in a direction perpendicular to both the axial direction of the hexagonal bolt 21 and the axial direction of the storage section 23. A protrusion 23N is formed on the surface of the cylindrical wall 23W. The protrusion 23N fits into an opening 24N of the disk section 24F. Although details will be described later, depending on the position of the protrusion 23N appearing in the opening 24N, it is possible to determine whether the valve 23V is in a first state in which it is closed or a second state in which the valve 23V is open.

[0045] When opening the valve 23V, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), first, the lock portion 24X and the lock portion 24Y (see Figure 6) provided opposite the lock portion 24X are grasped with two fingers of one hand and pulled up toward the disk portion 24F. Since the operation dial 24 is provided with a dial groove 24R (see Figure 6), the lock portion 24X can be pulled up. Since the operation dial 24 is provided with a similar dial groove (not shown) opposite the dial groove 24R, the lock portion 24Y can also be pulled up in a similar manner.

[0046] As a result, the locking portion 24X is released from the engagement with the storage groove 23R. Similarly, the locking portion 24Y is released from the storage groove 23R at the same time as the locking portion 24X is released. When the locking portions 24X and 24Y are released, the base 24L of the locking tube 24K is separated from the seat surface 23L (also see FIG. 6) on the outer circumferential surface of the storage portion 23, as shown in FIG. 7(c). As a result, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) and (b), the step between the lower end of the locking portion 24X and the storage step 23P is eliminated. The step is also eliminated for the locking portion 24Y. In this way, the restriction of the rotation of the operation dial 24 in the circumferential direction by the locking portions 24X and 24Y is released, and the operation dial 24 is in an intermediate state in which it can be rotated. Note that even in this intermediate state, the valve 23V is in a closed state, as shown in FIG. 7(c).

[0047] When the operation dial 24 is in an intermediate state in which it can be rotated, the operation dial 24 is rotated counterclockwise in the circumferential direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the locking portion 24Y is positioned toward the storage portion 22. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the locking portion 24X is positioned toward the fluid discharge portion 25. Furthermore, the protrusion 23N moves relatively to a position different from that before the rotation. The disk portion 24F is provided with a substantially rectangular opening 24M, and the axle 24B including the axle shoulder portion 24E having a rectangular cross section is inserted into this opening 24M. Since the disk portion 24F is integral with the operation dial 24, when the operation dial 24 rotates, the axle 24B also rotates in the same direction in conjunction with the rotation of the operation dial 24. Therefore, the valve 23V coupled to the axle leg portion 24I of the axle 24B also rotates. As a result, the transition from the first state in which the valve 23V is closed to the second state in which the valve 23V is open is completed. Moreover, by checking the position of the projection 23N, it is possible to easily distinguish whether the state is the first state or the second state.

[0048] In addition, when transitioning from the second state to the first state, the above-described procedure may be performed in reverse. In this case, since the lock cylinder 24K maintains the pulled-up state, by rotating the lock cylinder 24K clockwise in the circumferential direction by a predetermined amount, the lower ends of the locking portions 24X and 24Y again engage with the storage grooves 23R and 23T. This is because the spring 24S always biases the lock cylinder 24K toward the storage portion 23. This allows transition from the second state in which the valve 23V is open to the first state in which the valve 23V is closed. In addition, since the lock cylinder 24K maintains the pulled-up state, instead of rotating the lock cylinder 24K clockwise in the circumferential direction by a predetermined amount, the operation dial 24 may be rotated clockwise in the circumferential direction by a predetermined amount. The lock cylinder 24K also rotates together with the rotation of the operation dial 24, and the lower ends of the locking portions 24X and 24Y engage with the storage grooves 23R and 23T.

[0049] In this way, even in the second embodiment, the valve 23V can be opened and closed without adopting an operating cock in the operating valve 20. In the first embodiment, the operating valve 10 is pulled up, but in the second embodiment, the lock cylinder 24K is pulled up and rotated without pulling up the operating valve 20. As a result, the size of the entire operating valve 20 can be made more compact than when the operating dial is pushed in to rotate. Also, as in the first embodiment, safety is higher than when the operating dial is pushed in to rotate. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the operating dial 24 and the lock cylinder 24K are different parts independent of each other, and the valve 23V is opened and closed in conjunction with the operating dial 24 and the lock cylinder 24K. Therefore, it is possible to reduce malfunctions in opening and closing the valve 23V compared to the first embodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, although the lock cylinder 24K is pulled up, the operating dial 24 itself is not pulled up. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment in which the operating dial 14 itself is pulled up, the position of the zenith edge of the operating dial 24 does not change before and after the valve 23V is opened and closed, and it is possible to avoid the operating dial 24 interfering with the parts near the operating dial 24.

[0050] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 12. As shown in Figures 9(a) to 9(c), a cam groove 33A is formed in the head of a storage section 33 in an operating valve 30 according to the third embodiment, instead of the male thread 13A described above. Therefore, if an adapter mechanism (not shown) having a protrusion guided by the cam groove 33A is provided on the back side of the drain port 110, instead of the female thread 111 provided on the inner periphery of the drain port 110 described above, the adapter mechanism and the cam groove 33A can be mechanically coupled.

[0051] This allows the operating valve 30 to be attached sideways to the oil pan 100. The oil in the oil pan 100 flows into the inside of the storage section 33 through a plurality of inlets 33N provided in the storage section 33. The storage section 33 has an oil flow path therein. Therefore, the oil that flows into the inside of the storage section 33 flows through the flow path of the storage section 23 and is discharged from the outflow outlet of the flow path.

[0052] Instead of mechanically connecting the adapter mechanism and the cam groove 33A, a male thread may be provided on the outer periphery of the head of the storage section 33, as in the first embodiment. In this case, the head of the storage section 33 may be made hollow in the axial direction, as in the first embodiment. Also, the adapter mechanism may be provided on the back side of the drain port 210, and the operating valve 30 may be attached vertically to the oil pan 200.

[0053] 10, the operating valve 30 includes a storage section 33, a cylindrical operating dial 34 as an operating section, a ring gear 34G, a spring 34S, a dial cover 35, and snap rings 36 and 37, which are arranged in the axial direction of the operating valve 30. The ring gear 34G is a ring-shaped face gear. The operating valve 30 also includes a shaft 33B, a disk section 33F, and a snap ring 33H, which are arranged on the outer periphery of the storage section 33 in the radial direction of the storage section 33.

[0054] A spur gear (spur gear) 33K is provided on the mandrel head 33C of the mandrel 33B. The cross section of the mandrel head 33C is circular. The mandrel head 33C penetrates the spur gear 33K and protrudes from the spur gear 33K. A circular opening 33M is provided near the center of the disc portion 33F. The inner diameter of the opening 33M is equal to the outer diameter of the cross section of the mandrel head 33C. Therefore, the mandrel head 33C can be fitted into the opening 33M of the disc portion 33F.

[0055] As shown in Figs. 9(a) to 9(c), the stem 33B, the disk portion 33F, and the snap ring 33H are accommodated in the lock mechanism 33D, which is substantially rectangular in shape. The lock mechanism 33D is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the storage portion 33. As shown in Figs. 9(b) and 10, the lock mechanism 33D has a storage step 33P as a second step. The storage step 33P is formed in the radial direction of the storage portion 33. As shown in Fig. 10, a ring groove 33E is formed on the inner periphery of the lock mechanism 33D. When the stem 33B, the disk portion 33F, and the snap ring 33H are accommodated in the lock mechanism 33D in this order, the snap ring 33H fits into the ring groove 33E. This makes it possible to prevent the snap ring 33H from falling off the lock mechanism 33D. By preventing the snap ring 33H from falling off, it is also possible to prevent the stem 33B and the disk portion 33F, which are housed on the inner side of the lock mechanism 33D relative to the snap ring 33H, from falling off.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 10, a ring gear 34G is disposed between the storage section 33 and the operation dial 34. As shown in FIG. 9(c), the ring gear 34G is prevented from falling off the operation valve 30 by a snap ring 36 that fits with the outer periphery of the bottom of the storage section 33. The outer diameter of the ring gear 34G is approximately equal to the inner diameter of the operation dial 34. A plurality of recesses 34H that are recessed in the radial direction of the ring gear 34G are provided on the outer periphery of the ring gear 34G. In addition, a gear portion 34K is formed on a part of the top surface of the ring gear 34G located between the two recesses 34H. The gear portion 34K is gear-coupled to a spur gear 33K accommodated in the lock mechanism 34D. Therefore, when the ring gear 34G rotates in the circumferential direction, the spur gear 33K also rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the ring gear 34G. When the spur gear 33K rotates, the axle 33B equipped with the spur gear 33K also rotates. As shown in FIG. 9(c), a valve 33V is coupled to a stem leg 33I of the stem 33B, so that when the stem 33B rotates, the valve 33V also rotates.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 10, the ring gear 34G is placed on a pedestal 34L provided on the inner circumference of the operation dial 34. A plurality of support columns 34T including convex portions protruding radially inward of the operation dial 34 are provided on the top surface of the pedestal 34L. The plurality of support columns 34T are provided along the inner circumference of the two curved walls 34W of the operation dial 34, and respectively fit into a plurality of concave portions 34H provided in the ring gear 34G. Therefore, when the operation dial 34 rotates in the circumferential direction, the ring gear 34G also rotates in the circumferential direction in conjunction with the rotation of the operation dial 34.

[0058] Between the two curved walls 34W of the operation dial 34, two dial grooves 34R are provided that are recessed in the axial direction of the operation dial 34. A dial step 34P is formed as a first step by the dial groove 34R. As shown in FIGS. 9(a) and (b), the bottom of the lock mechanism 34D fits into the dial groove 34R. That is, the dial step 34P corresponds to the storage step 33P. The bottom of the lock mechanism 34D fits into the dial groove 34R, thereby restricting the rotation of the operation dial 34 in the circumferential direction.

[0059] As shown in Figs. 9(c) and 10, a cylindrical dial cover 35 is disposed on the bottom side of the operation dial 34. The dial cover 35 covers the space present inside the bottom of the operation dial 34. A ring-shaped spring accommodating groove 35L is formed in the cylindrical wall of the dial cover 35. A spring 34S is placed and accommodated in the spring accommodating groove 35L. As shown in Fig. 9(c), the dial cover 35 is prevented from falling off the operation valve 30 by a snap ring 37 that fits into the outer periphery of the bottom of the storage section 33. Therefore, by preventing the dial cover 35 from falling off, it is possible to prevent the operation dial 34 from falling off the operation valve 30.

[0060] In addition, since the dial cover 35 is positioned by the snap ring 37, the restoring force of the spring 34S housed in the spring housing groove 35L always acts on the operation dial 34. That is, the spring 34S always urges the operation dial 34 toward the head of the storage section 33. As a result, in the first state in which the valve 33V is closed, the bottom of the lock mechanism 33D always fits into the dial groove 34R, as shown in Figures 9(a) and (b). As a result, the circumferential rotation of the operation dial 34 is restricted.

[0061] When opening the valve 33V, as shown in Figs. 11(a) to (c), first, the periphery of the operation dial 34 is pinched with two fingers of one hand and the operation dial 34 is pulled down toward the dial cover 35. This causes the bottom of the lock mechanism 33D to disengage from the dial groove 34R. At this time, since the ring gear 34G is positioned by the snap ring 36, when the operation dial 34 is pulled down, the multiple recesses 34H of the ring gear 34G slide relatively on the corresponding support posts 34T. When the lock mechanism 33D is disengaged, the step between the bottom surface of the lock mechanism 33D and the bottom surface of the dial step 34P is eliminated. In this way, the restriction of the rotation of the operation dial 34 in the circumferential direction by the lock mechanism 33D is released, and the operation dial 34 is in an intermediate state in which it can be rotated. Note that even in this intermediate state, the valve 33V is in a closed state as shown in Fig. 11(c).

[0062] When the operation dial 34 is in an intermediate state in which it can be rotated, the operation dial 34 is rotated counterclockwise in the circumferential direction. As a result, as shown in Figs. 12(a) and (b), the lock mechanism 33D slides relatively on the top surface of the dial step 34P. As described above, when the operation dial 34 rotates in the circumferential direction, the ring gear 34G rotates in the same direction in conjunction with the rotation of the operation dial 34. The ring gear 34G has a gear portion 34K formed thereon, and the spur gear 33K is gear-coupled to the gear portion 34K, so that when the ring gear 34G rotates, the spur gear 33K also rotates. Since the spur gear 33K is provided on the axle 33B, the axle 33B also rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the spur gear 33K. Therefore, the valve 33V coupled to the axle leg portion 33I of the axle 33B also rotates. This completes the transition from the first state in which the valve 33V is closed to the second state in which the valve 33V is open.

[0063] To switch from the second state to the first state, the above-described procedure can be carried out in reverse. In this case, since the operation dial 34 remains pulled down, when the operation dial 34 is rotated a predetermined amount in the circumferential clockwise direction, the bottom of the lock mechanism 33D again fits into the dial groove 34R. This is because the spring 34S always biases the operation dial 34 toward the head of the storage section 33. This allows the state to switch from the second state in which the valve 33V is open to the first state in which the valve 33V is closed.

[0064] In this way, even in the third embodiment, the valve 33V can be opened and closed without using an operating cock in the operating valve 30. Unlike the first embodiment, the operating dial 34 is pulled down to rotate, but the size of the entire operating valve 30 can be made more compact than when the operating dial is pushed in to rotate. Since the operating dial is not pushed in to rotate, safety is improved compared to when the operating dial is pushed in to rotate. In addition, the operating valve 30 adopts a gear structure, so that the rotation axis of the valve 33V and the rotation axis of the operating dial 34 are different. This allows the opening and closing of the valve 33V to be operated with a rotation axis different from that of the valve 33V. In addition, the operating angle of the operating dial 34 can be freely set by changing the gear ratio, and the design freedom of the operating valve 30 can be improved.

[0065] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. For example, axial slits or knurling may be provided on the outer circumferential surface of the operation dials 14, 24, 34 to prevent the fingers from slipping between the outer circumferential surface of the operation dials 14, 24, 34 and improve operability.

[0066] In the above-described first to third embodiments, for example, oil is used as an example of the fluid, but the fluid may be drinking water or a flammable or non-flammable gas. Examples of drinking water include water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 10,20,30 Operation valve 13,23,33 Storage section 13V, 23V, 33V bulbs 14,24,34 Operation dial 14S, 24S, 34S Spring 100,200 Oil pan

Claims

1. A valve for controlling the flow of a fluid; a cylindrical operating portion that operates to open and close the valve by rotating in a circumferential direction and has a first step in the circumferential direction parallel to a central axis; a storage section that includes an inner flow path for the fluid and an outer second step that corresponds to the first step when the valve is in a first state in which the valve is closed, and that stores the valve; an elastic body that biases the operation portion toward the storage portion, The first step and the second step each include two steps having different heights, and the first step and the second step fit together, so that one of the steps restricts the rotation of the operating part from the first state to the second state in which the valve is open, and the other step restricts the excessive rotation of the operating part. An operating valve characterized by:

2. A valve for controlling the flow of a fluid; a cylindrical operating portion that operates to open and close the valve by rotating in a circumferential direction and has a first step in the circumferential direction parallel to a central axis; a storage section that includes an inner flow path for the fluid and an outer second step that corresponds to the first step when the valve is in a first state in which the valve is closed, and that stores the valve; an elastic body that biases the operation portion toward the storage portion, The operation unit includes a cylindrical first operation unit that operates the opening and closing by the rotation, and a cylindrical second operation unit that restricts the rotation of the first operation unit by fitting into both a first groove included in the first step and a second groove included in the second step, An operating valve characterized by:

3. The first operating portion includes a disk portion including an arc-shaped opening along a circumference at a cylindrical end, The storage portion includes a protrusion extending parallel to a central axis of the first operation portion and protruding from the opening.

3. The operating valve according to claim 2.

4. One end of the opening is provided at a position representing the first state, and the other end of the opening is provided at a position representing a second state in which the valve is open.

4. The operating valve according to claim 3.

5. A valve for controlling the flow of a fluid; a cylindrical operating portion that operates to open and close the valve by rotating in a circumferential direction and has a first step in the circumferential direction parallel to a central axis; a storage section that includes a fluid flow path on an inner side and a second step on an outer surface corresponding to the first step when the valve is in a first state in which the valve is closed, and that stores the valve; an elastic body that biases the operation portion toward the storage portion, the second step fits into the groove of the first step to restrict the rotation of the operation unit; The operating portion holds a ring-shaped face gear along an inner circumference of the operating portion, The storage section includes a mandrel having one end connected to the valve and the other end provided with a spur gear that engages with the face gear. An operating valve characterized by:

Images