Valve box structure and pipe structure

Abstract

To provide a valve box structure capable of suppressing reduction of assembly productivity.SOLUTION: A valve box structure comprises a valve box, which can be split on a split surface extending in an axial direction, and a split surface packing 3 which is provided on the split surface. On the split surface, a split surface packing fitting groove is provided which extends to an end of the split surface and to which the split surface packing is fitted. The split surface packing fitting groove includes a main axial direction groove extending in a main axial direction and a crossing direction groove extending in a crossing direction that crosses the main axial direction. The split surface packing 3 includes main axial direction seal parts 31 and 33, which are fitted to the main axial direction groove, and crossing direction seal parts 32 and 34 which are fitted to the crossing direction groove. In the crossing direction groove, a lock part is provided to which the crossing direction seal parts can be locked in a direction toward the end of the split surface in the main axial direction. The crossing direction seal parts 32 and 34 include high rigidity portions 32a and 34a having higher rigidity than the main axial direction seal parts 31 and 33.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve body structure and a pipe structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, bileaflet valves disclosed in Patent Document 1 use a valve body that can be separated by a split surface extending along the axial direction. The valve body in Patent Document 1 is configured to be split into two in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, and a packing is provided on the split surface to prevent water leakage. One of the split surfaces of the valve body that is split into two has a groove into which the packing can be fitted. With the packing fitted in the groove formed on one of the split surfaces, the two split surfaces are joined together to integrate the valve body, and the split surfaces are joined liquid-tight via the packing, making it possible to prevent water leakage between the two split surfaces. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-146010 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the valve box of Patent Document 1, a groove formed in one of the split surfaces extends to the end of the split surface (for example, the end in the axial direction) and communicates with the outside of the end of the split surface. Therefore, when the split surfaces are joined together, the pressing force between the split surfaces causes the packing to stretch along the groove toward the end of the split surface and may protrude beyond the end of the split surface. Once the packing protrudes beyond the end of the split surface, it is difficult to push it back into the groove, and the protruding portion must be removed or the valve box must be disassembled and the packing re-installed. Removing the protruding portion or redoing the work reduces the productivity of the valve box assembly work.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and has an object to provide a valve box structure and a pipe body structure that can suppress a decrease in assembly productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The valve box structure of the present invention is a valve box structure comprising a valve box that can be divided by a split surface extending along the axial direction, and a split surface gasket provided on the split surface, wherein the split surface is provided with a split surface gasket fitting groove that extends to an end of the split surface and into which the split surface gasket is fitted, the split surface gasket fitting groove comprising a main axis direction groove extending along the main axis direction and a cross direction groove extending in a cross direction that intersects the main axis direction, the split surface gasket comprising a main axis direction seal portion that fits into the main axis direction groove and a cross direction seal portion that fits into the cross direction groove, the cross direction groove is provided with an engagement portion that can engage with the cross direction seal portion in a direction toward the end of the split surface in the main axis direction, and the cross direction seal portion comprises a high rigidity portion that has higher rigidity than the main axis direction seal portion.

[0007] The pipe structure of the present invention is a pipe structure comprising a pipe that can be split at a split surface extending along the axial direction, and a split surface gasket provided at the split surface, wherein the split surface is provided with a split surface gasket fitting groove that extends to an end of the split surface and into which the split surface gasket is fitted, the split surface gasket fitting groove comprising a main axis direction groove extending along the main axis direction and a cross direction groove extending from the main axis direction groove in a cross direction that intersects the main axis direction, the split surface gasket comprising a main axis direction seal portion that fits into the main axis direction groove and a cross direction seal portion that fits into the cross direction groove, the cross direction groove is provided with an engagement portion that can engage with the cross direction seal portion in a direction toward the end of the split surface in the main axis direction, and the cross direction seal portion comprises a high rigidity portion that has higher rigidity than the main axis direction seal portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a valve box structure and a pipe structure that can suppress a decrease in assembly productivity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a valve incorporating a tubular body structure (valve box structure) according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the lower half is cut away. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the valve of FIG. 1 with one tube (valve body) component partially removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4A] FIG. [Figure 4B] FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view showing a modified example of the split surface packing. [Figure 5B] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view showing another modified example of the split surface packing. [Figure 5C] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view showing yet another modified example of the split surface packing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, a valve body structure and a pipe body structure according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the embodiment shown below is merely an example, and the valve body structure and the pipe body structure of the present invention are not limited to the following embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tubular body structure 1 of this embodiment forms a flow path FP for a fluid such as water or gas. The tubular body structure 1 can be embodied, for example, as a valve box structure that constitutes part of a valve (valve), as described below. However, the tubular body structure 1 can also be embodied as a structure that does not constitute part of a valve, such as a flanged short pipe. Below, a valve box structure will be described as an example of the tubular body structure 1. The valve box included in the valve box structure is configured to be able to accommodate a valve disc therein, but the tubular body included in the tubular body structure 1 includes not only a configuration that can accommodate a valve disc, but also a configuration that does not accommodate a valve disc. In the following description, the valve box can be read as the tubular body, and the valve box structure can be read as the tubular body structure.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , a valve body structure 1 according to this embodiment is incorporated into a valve V for controlling the flow of a fluid such as water or gas. The valve V includes the valve body structure 1 having a fluid flow path FP therein, a valve disc VB movable between an open position that opens the flow path FP and a closed position that closes the flow path FP, and an operating unit (not shown) for manually or automatically operating the valve disc VB. The valve V into which the valve body structure 1 is incorporated is not particularly limited, and examples include a bileaf valve, a butterfly valve, and a spherical valve. In the illustrated example, the valve V is a bileaf valve, and the valve disc VB is configured to be rotatable between an open position and a closed position around a rotation axis RA that is substantially perpendicular to an axial direction AD that is substantially parallel to the flow path FP. A bileaf valve has a small loss coefficient when the flow path FP is fully open, and can be used, for example, as an inlet valve for a hydraulic turbine in a hydroelectric power plant.

[0013] The valve box structure 1 has a fluid flow path FP therein, and movably (for example, rotatably) accommodates a valve element VB in the flow path FP. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the valve box structure 1 includes a valve box 2 that can be divided by split surfaces 21 and 22 that extend along an axial direction AD that is substantially parallel to the flow path FP, and split surface packings 3 that are provided on the split surfaces 21 and 22. In the valve box structure 1, the split surface packings 3 are provided between adjacent split surfaces 21 and 22, thereby joining the adjacent split surfaces 21 and 22 together in a liquid-tight or airtight manner, and preventing fluid from leaking from the inside of the valve box structure 1 between the split surfaces 21 and 22.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the valve box 2 extends along an axial direction AD that is substantially parallel to the central axis of the valve box 2. The valve box 2 is formed in a tubular shape (substantially cylindrical in the illustrated example) with both ends in the axial direction AD open, and is configured so that a fluid flows from one end (opening) in the axial direction AD to the other end (opening) (from left to right in the example shown in FIG. 2 ). The valve box 2 accommodates a valve element VB movably (e.g., rotatably) in an internal space that forms a flow path FP. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 , the valve box 2 is configured so that its end in the axial direction AD can be joined to another member, such as a pipe P. In this embodiment, the valve box 2 is configured as a substantially cylindrical straight pipe that extends substantially linearly along the substantially linear axial direction AD. However, the valve box 2 may be formed in any other shape, such as a shape that curves along the curved axial direction AD or a shape that is spherical. The valve box 2 is not particularly limited as long as it has the strength to suppress deformation even when subjected to the pressure of the fluid flowing through the internal space and when supporting the valve body VB in a movable manner, and can be formed from a metal such as stainless steel or iron.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1 , the valve box 2 includes multiple (two in the illustrated example) valve box constituents 2A, 2B that can be divided at split surfaces 21, 22 extending along the axial direction AD. Each of the valve box constituents 2A, 2B is formed as a split cylinder (a semi-split cylinder in the illustrated example) divided by the split surfaces 21, 22 extending along the axial direction AD, and the split surfaces 21, 22 are formed at both ends in the circumferential direction CD. The valve box 2 is assembled by joining the split surfaces 21, 22 of the multiple valve box constituents 2A, 2B together, and is divided by separating the split surfaces 21, 22. The multiple valve box constituents 2A, 2B are joined to each other by joining the split surfaces 21, 22 together using known fastening means such as bolts and nuts. In this embodiment, the valve box 2 includes two valve box constituents 2A, 2B. However, the valve box 2 may include three or more valve box constituents as long as they can be divided at the split surfaces.

[0016] 2 and 3, a split surface packing fitting groove 4 into which the split surface packing 3 fits is provided on the split surface 21 of the valve box 2. The split surface packing fitting groove 4 extends along the split surface 21 to the ends 21a and 21b of the split surface 21 and is connected to the outside of the ends 21a and 21b of the split surface 21. In this embodiment, the split surface packing fitting groove 4 extends from one end 21a of the split surface 21 in the axial direction AD to the other end 21a of the split surface 21 in the axial direction AD, over substantially the entire length of the split surface 21 in the axial direction AD. Furthermore, the split surface packing fitting groove 4 extends not only to the end 21a of the split surface 21 in the axial direction AD, but also to the end 21b of the split surface 21 on the inside in the radial direction RD of the valve box 2 perpendicular to the axial direction AD. In this embodiment, the split surface packing fitting groove 4 is provided on one of the split surfaces 21, 22 facing each other, but it may be provided on the other split surface 22, or on both split surfaces 21, 22. In this specification, the term "fit" is used to simply mean that the packing fits into the groove, and is used to mean not only that the packing fits into the groove in contact with the side wall of the groove, but also that the packing fits into the groove with a gap between it and the side wall of the groove.

[0017] The split surface packing fitting groove 4 facilitates positioning of the split surface packing 3 relative to the split surface 21 when the split surface packing 3 is disposed on the split surface 21. The split surface packing fitting groove 4 has a shape corresponding to the split surface packing 3 and is formed so that the split surface packing 3 can be fitted therein. The split surface packing fitting groove 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can fit the split surface packing 3, but in this embodiment, it is formed so that its width (length perpendicular to the extension direction) is slightly larger than the width (length perpendicular to the extension direction) of the split surface packing 3 and its depth (length from the split surface 21 to the bottom surface) is slightly smaller than the height (length perpendicular to the split surface 21) of the split surface packing 3. Since the depth of the split surface packing fitting groove 4 is slightly smaller than the height of the split surface packing 3, the split surface packing 3 protrudes beyond the split surface 21 toward the opposing split surface 22 when fitted in the split surface packing fitting groove 4. The split surface packing 3 is deformed by its protruding portion being pressed by the opposing split surface 22, and is fixed between the split surfaces 21, 22, thereby sealing the gap between the split surfaces 21, 22.

[0018] As shown in Figures 3 and 4B, the split surface packing fitting groove 4 includes main axis grooves 41 and 43 extending along the main axis direction and transverse direction grooves 42 and 44 extending in a transverse direction intersecting the main axis direction. Here, the main axis direction refers to the direction extending along the split surface 21 toward the ends 21a and 21b of the split surface 21, and the transverse direction refers to the direction intersecting the main axis direction (in the illustrated example, a direction substantially perpendicular to the main axis direction). In this embodiment, there are two main axis directions: one main axis direction extends along the axial direction AD toward the end 21a of the split surface 21 (the direction in which the main axis groove 41 extends), and the other main axis direction extends along the radial direction RD of the valve body 2, which is perpendicular to the axial direction AD, toward the end 21b of the split surface 21 on the inside of the radial direction RD (the direction in which the main axis groove 43 extends). In the main axis direction in which the main axis groove 41 extends, the split face packing fitting groove 4 extends to the joining surfaces 23 and 24 (described later) of the valve body 2, which are located at the end 21 a of the split face 21. In addition, in the main axis direction in which the main axis groove 43 extends, the split face packing fitting groove 4 extends to the valve seat 25, which is located at the end 21 b of the split face 21.

[0019] 3 and 4B , in this embodiment, the split surface packing fitting groove 4 includes two main axis direction grooves 41, 43 and three intersecting direction grooves 42, 44 connected to the two main axis direction grooves 41, 43, respectively. The other of the two main axis direction grooves 41, 43, the main axis direction groove 43, branches off from one of the two main axis direction grooves 41 and extends toward the end 21b of the split surface 21 on the inside in the radial direction RD in a direction intersecting the main axis direction of the one main axis direction groove 41 (a direction substantially perpendicular in the illustrated example). However, as long as the split surface packing fitting groove 4 includes at least one main axis direction groove and at least one intersecting direction groove connected to the main axis direction groove, the numbers of the main axis direction groove and the intersecting direction groove are not particularly limited. The split surface packing fitting groove 4 may include one main axis direction groove or three or more main axis direction grooves, and three or more intersecting direction grooves may be connected to one main axis direction groove. In this embodiment, the main axis direction is a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction AD and a direction substantially parallel to the radial direction RD, but it is sufficient that the main axis direction extends at least along the divided surface 21 toward the ends 21a, 21b of the divided surface 21, and the main axis direction may be inclined from the axial direction AD or the radial direction RD. The main axis direction grooves 41, 43 and the transverse direction grooves 42, 44 are sufficient if they can respectively fit with the main axis direction seal portions 31, 33 and the transverse direction seal portions 32, 34, which will be described later, and their shapes are set appropriately depending on the shapes of the main axis direction seal portions 31, 33 and the transverse direction seal portions 32, 34.

[0020] The split surface packing 3 that fits into the split surface packing fitting groove 4 is provided between the adjacent split surfaces 21, 22 and provides a liquid-tight or air-tight seal between the adjacent split surfaces 21, 22, thereby preventing fluid from leaking from the inside to the outside of the valve body 2 through the gap between the adjacent split surfaces 21, 22. The split surface packing 3 has a shape that corresponds to the split surface packing fitting groove 4 and is formed so that it can fit into the split surface packing fitting groove 4. In this embodiment, as described above, the split surface packing 3 is formed to a size that protrudes from the split surface 21 toward the opposing split surface 22 when fitted into the split surface packing fitting groove 4. When the adjacent split surfaces 21, 22 are joined together, the split surface packing 3 is pressed by the split surface 22 facing the split surface 21 and deforms, is fixed between the split surfaces 21, 22, and seals the gap between the split surfaces 21, 22. The split surface gasket 3 is not particularly limited in material, provided that it is formed so that when pressed between the split surfaces 21, 22, it deforms while suppressing breakage, thereby sealing the space between the split surfaces 21, 22, and can be formed from a flexible material such as nitrile rubber (NBR).

[0021] 3 and 4A, the split surface packing 3 includes main axial direction seal portions 31 and 33 that fit into the main axial direction grooves 41 and 43, and transverse direction seal portions 32 and 34 that fit into the transverse direction grooves 42 and 44. The main axial direction seal portions 31 and 33 and the transverse direction seal portions 32 and 34 extend in directions that intersect with each other (directions that are substantially perpendicular in the illustrated example), and are formed so as to extend along the main axial direction and the transverse direction when fitted into the main axial direction grooves 41 and 43 and the transverse direction grooves 42 and 44, respectively. Note that hereinafter, when the terms main axial direction, transverse direction, axial direction AD, and radial direction RD are used in relation to the directions of the split surface packing 3, they refer to the directions when the split surface packing 3 is fitted into the split surface packing fitting groove 4, unless otherwise specified. The main axial direction seal portions 31, 33 and the transverse direction seal portions 32, 34 only need to be able to fit into the main axial direction grooves 41, 43 and the transverse direction grooves 42, 44, respectively, and their shapes are set appropriately depending on the shapes of the main axial direction grooves 41, 43 and the transverse direction grooves 42, 44.

[0022] The main axial direction seal portions 31, 33 and the cross direction seal portions 32, 34 may be disposed so as to intersect with each other, and their relative positions relative to each other are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the cross direction seal portion 32 is formed at the end portion of the split surface packing 3 in the main axial direction, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A . The cross direction seal portion 32 includes a high-rigidity portion 32a, as described below, and is configured to be suppressed in deformation. Therefore, by forming the cross direction seal portion 32 at the end portion of the split surface packing 3 in the main axial direction, the split surface packing 3 is suppressed from elongating along the main axial direction and from protruding beyond the end portion 21a of the split surface 21. For example, as shown in FIG. 5C , if the main axial direction seal portion 31 extends beyond the cross direction seal portion 32 toward the end portion 21a of the split surface 21 in the main axial direction, when the main axial direction seal portion 31 extending beyond the cross direction seal portion 32 is pressed between the opposing split surfaces 21, 22, it may elongate in the main axial direction and protrude beyond the end portion 21a of the split surface 21. However, as in the present embodiment, by forming the transverse seal portion 32 at the end of the split surface packing 3, the main axis direction seal portion 31 is prevented from extending beyond the end 21a of the split surface 21. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4A , if the transverse seal portion 32 formed at the end of the split surface packing 3 in the main axis direction is formed so that its transverse length is longer than the transverse length of the main axis direction seal portion 31, when the transverse seal portion 32 and the interface surface packing 5 described later are arranged in contact with each other in the main axis direction, as described below, contact between the transverse seal portion 32 and the interface surface packing 5 is more reliably achieved, and the sealing performance between the transverse seal portion 32 and the interface surface packing 5 is further improved. However, the transverse seal portion 32 may be arranged at a position spaced apart from the end of the split surface packing 3 in the main axis direction, as shown in FIG. 5C . Even if the cross-direction seal portion 32 is positioned at a position away from the end portion of the split face packing 3 in the axial direction, as will be described later and shown in FIG. 5C, it is configured to have a high rigidity portion 32a and to suppress deformation, thereby suppressing movement of the split face packing 3 in the axial direction and preventing it from protruding beyond the end portion 21a of the split face 21.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 4B , the transverse grooves 42, 44 of the split surface packing fitting groove 4 are provided with locking portions 42a, 44a that can lock the transverse seal portions 32, 34 in the direction toward the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 in the main axis direction. In this embodiment, the locking portions 42a, 44a are formed by side walls of the transverse grooves 42, 44 on the sides of the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 in the main axis direction. By locking the transverse seal portions 32, 34 with the locking portions 42a, 44a of the transverse grooves 42, 44, movement of the transverse seal portions 32, 34 in the direction toward the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 along the main axis direction is suppressed. Accordingly, movement of the main axis direction seal portions 31, 33 connected to the transverse seal portions 32, 34 in the direction toward the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 along the main axis direction is also suppressed.

[0024] The cross-direction seal portions 32, 34 may have any shape as long as they extend in the cross direction and are capable of engaging with the engaging portions 42a, 44a of the cross-direction grooves 42, 44. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4A , the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34 each include a plurality of protrusions 32b, 34b extending in the cross direction from the main shaft direction seal portions 31, 33. More specifically, the plurality of protrusions 32b, 32b of the cross-direction seal portion 32 are formed to extend in opposite directions from the main shaft direction seal portion 31 in the cross direction. Furthermore, the plurality of protrusions 34b, 34b of the cross-direction seal portion 34 are formed to extend in opposite directions from the main shaft direction seal portion 33 in the cross direction. As a result, the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34 are formed such that their cross-direction lengths are longer than the cross-direction lengths of the main shaft direction seal portions 31, 33. Therefore, the transverse seal portions 32, 34 can be engaged with the engaging portions 42a, 44a of the transverse grooves 42, 44 on both sides of the axial seal portions 31, 33 in the transverse direction, further suppressing movement in the direction toward the ends 21a, 21b of the parting surface 21 along the axial direction. While one transverse seal portion has two protrusions in this embodiment, it may have three or more protrusions. Furthermore, while the two protrusions are formed so as to extend in opposite directions on the same line in this embodiment, they may extend at an angle to each other within a plane including the transverse direction, as long as they extend at least in the transverse direction.

[0025] 4A , the transverse seal portions 32, 34 include high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a that have higher rigidity than the axial seal portions 31, 33. As a result, when the transverse seal portions 32, 34 are pressed, for example, between the split surfaces 21, 22, their deformation is suppressed, and movement in the direction toward the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 along the axial direction is further suppressed. Accordingly, the axial seal portions 31, 33 connected to the transverse seal portions 32, 34 are also suppressed from moving in the direction toward the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21. Therefore, even when the split surface packing 3 is pressed when the split surfaces 21, 22 are joined together, movement in the direction toward the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 along the axial direction is suppressed, and therefore protrusion beyond the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 is suppressed. This reduces the need for work such as cutting off the protruding portions and redoing the assembly work, thereby preventing a decrease in productivity in the assembly work of the valve box structure 1. From the viewpoint of suppressing movement or deformation in the direction along the main axis toward the ends 21a, 21b of the parting surface 21, the transverse direction seal portions 32, 34 are preferably provided with high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a so that the rigidity in the main axis direction of the transverse direction seal portions 32, 34 is higher than the rigidity in the transverse direction of the main axis direction seal portions 31, 33.

[0026] In this embodiment, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are disposed inside the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34, constitute part of the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34, and are configured as portions having higher rigidity than the other portions of the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34 other than the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5A-5C, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are formed in a rod shape extending in one direction from a highly rigid material such as a metal such as iron or stainless steel. In this embodiment, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are provided in the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34 by being inserted into insertion holes provided in the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34, as described below. However, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a may also be molded integrally with the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34 and embedded in the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34.

[0027] The high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are not particularly limited in size as long as they constitute at least a portion of the transverse seal portions 32, 34 and can suppress deformation of the transverse seal portions 32, 34, and are formed to a size that constitutes at least a portion of the transverse seal portions 32, 34. When the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are formed in a rod shape as described above and are provided along the main axis direction or the transverse direction as described below, they can be formed to have a length shorter than the length of the transverse seal portions 32, 34 in the main axis direction or the transverse direction so that they do not penetrate the transverse seal portions 32, 34 but are provided inside the transverse seal portions 32, 34. Furthermore, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a can be formed to have a width smaller than the height of the transverse seal portions 32, 34 (the length in the direction perpendicular to the cutting surfaces 21, 22).

[0028] The high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a may be disposed in any position as long as they can suppress deformation of the transverse seal portions 32, 34. When the split surfaces 21, 22 are joined together, the transverse seal portions 32, 34 are not only subjected to a direct pressing force from the split surfaces 21, 22, but also to a pressing force in the main axis direction from the main axis seal portions 31, 33 as the main axis seal portions 31, 33 expand in the main axis direction due to the pressing force between the split surfaces 21, 22. Therefore, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a provided in the transverse seal portions 32, 34 are preferably disposed so as to resist the pressing force exerted by the main axis seal portions 31, 33 on the transverse seal portions 32, 34 in the main axis direction toward the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21. As a result, even if the axial seal portions 31, 33 are pressed by the split surfaces 21, 22 when the split surfaces 21, 22 are joined together and attempt to extend in the axial direction, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a resist the axial pressing force of the axial seal portions 31, 33, thereby suppressing deformation of the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34 and suppressing extension of the axial seal portions 31, 33. By suppressing extension of the axial seal portions 31, 33, the split surface packing 3 is further prevented from protruding beyond the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 when the split surfaces 21, 22 are joined together.

[0029] Furthermore, the transverse seal portions 32, 34 may be subjected to not only the above-mentioned pressing force but also a force in the opposite direction to the pressing force from the axial seal portions 31, 33. For example, when a fluid flows through the valve box 2, the axial seal portions 31, 33 are subjected to not only the pressing force between the split surfaces 21, 22 as described above but also the fluid pressure of the fluid. This fluid pressure also causes the transverse seal portions 32, 34 to stretch in the axial direction, applying an additional pressing force to the transverse seal portions 32, 34. On the other hand, when the fluid stops flowing through the valve box 2, the fluid pressure disappears, and the axial seal portions 31, 33 apply a force to the transverse seal portions 32, 34 in the opposite direction to the above-mentioned pressing force (the direction opposite to the direction toward the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 in the axial direction) in an attempt to return to their original state. Therefore, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are preferably arranged to resist the pressing force from the axial seal portions 31, 33 and / or the force in the opposite direction to the pressing force. Such an arrangement of the high rigidity portions 32a, 34a suppresses movement and deformation of the axial direction seal portions 31, 33 and the transverse direction seal portions 32, 34, so that the sealing performance of the split face packing 3 is further improved.

[0030] 4A, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are preferably disposed on the side opposite the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 in the main axis direction from the center of the transverse seal portions 32, 34 in the main axis direction (to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the transverse seal portion 32 and below the center in the up-down direction of the transverse seal portion 34 in FIG. 4A). This prevents the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a from protruding beyond the ends of the transverse seal portions 32, 34 on the ends 21a, 21b side of the split surface 21 in the main axis direction, even if excessive pressing force is applied from the main axis seal portions 31, 33 in the direction toward the ends 21a, 21b of the split surface 21 in the main axis direction, causing the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a to deform or move.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4A, when the transverse direction seal portions 32, 34 include a plurality of protrusions 32b, 34b extending in the transverse direction from the main shaft direction seal portions 31, 33, the high rigidity portions 32a, 34a are preferably provided on the plurality of protrusions 32b, 34b. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4B, grooves are formed on the main shaft direction extension lines of the main shaft direction grooves 41, 43, beyond the transverse direction grooves 42, 44, on the end portions 21a, 21b sides of the split surface 21. Therefore, the locking portions 42a, 44a are located on both sides in the transverse direction of the main shaft direction extension lines of the main shaft direction grooves 41, 43, and are provided at positions corresponding to the plurality of protrusions 32b, 34b. By providing high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a on multiple protrusions 32b, 34b arranged at positions corresponding to the locking portions 42a, 44a of the cross-directional seal portions 32, 34, when the cross-directional seal portions 32, 34 are locked with the locking portions 42a, 44a, they are able to resist the reaction force received from the locking portions 42a, 44a, thereby further suppressing deformation and movement of the cross-directional seal portions 32, 34.

[0032] When the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are provided on multiple protrusions 32b, 34b, they may be provided along the transverse direction as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5C, or along the main axis direction as shown in FIG. 5A, or a combination thereof as shown in FIG. 5B. Also, only one high-rigidity portion 32a, 34a may be provided on each protrusion 32b, 34b along the transverse direction as shown in FIG. 4A, or multiple high-rigidity portions (two in the illustrated example) may be provided on each protrusion 32b, 34b along the transverse direction as shown in FIG. 5B. Also, only one high-rigidity portion 32a, 34a may be provided on each protrusion 32b, 34b along the main axis direction as shown in FIG. 5A, or multiple high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a may be provided along the main axis direction. However, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are not limited to the above arrangement and may be provided along a direction inclined with respect to the main axis direction or the transverse direction.

[0033] 4A, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are preferably provided across multiple protrusions 32b, 34b. That is, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are preferably provided in the transverse seal portions 32, 34 so as to extend from one protrusion 32b, 34b beyond the portion on the extension of the axial direction of the axial direction seal portions 31, 33 to another protrusion 32b, 34b. By providing the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a across the multiple protrusions 32b, 34b, deformation of the portion on the extension of the axial direction of the axial direction of the axial direction seal portions 31, 33 is suppressed when the transverse seal portions 32, 34 are pressed in the axial direction by the axial direction seal portions 31, 33, and therefore overall deformation is further suppressed. When the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are provided across multiple protrusions 32b, 34b, for example, as shown in Figures 4A, 5B, and 5C, one or more (two in the example shown in Figure 5B) high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are provided along the intersecting direction. However, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are not limited to the above arrangement, and may be provided along a direction inclined with respect to the intersecting direction.

[0034] As described above, in this embodiment, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are formed of a high-rigidity material (such as metal) having higher rigidity than the portions of the cross-directional seal portions 32, 34 other than the portions where the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are provided. The cross-directional seal portions 32, 34 are provided with insertion holes having an opening at one end and a bottom at the other end, which do not penetrate the cross-directional seal portions 32, 34, for inserting the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a. In this case, the insertion holes are preferably provided so that their openings face a surface (e.g., the opposite surface) different from the surface receiving the highest pressure from the fluid flowing through the flow path FP in the valve box 2. Specifically, with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4A, the cross-directional seal portion 32 provided adjacent to the end 21a of the parting surface 21 receives the highest pressure from the fluid in the flow path FP from the inside to the outside in the radial direction RD (from top to bottom in FIG. 3). Therefore, the insertion holes are preferably provided so that their openings face the outside of the cross-directional seal portion 32 in the radial direction RD (the lower side in FIG. 4A). Furthermore, in the case of the cross-direction seal portion 34 provided adjacent to the end portion 21b of the parting surface 21, the cross-direction seal portion 34 receives the greatest pressure from the fluid in the flow path FP in the direction of the fluid flow (from left to right in FIG. 3 ). Therefore, it is preferable that the insertion hole be provided in the cross-direction seal portion 34 so that its opening faces the downstream side of the flow path FP of the cross-direction seal portion 34 (the right side in FIG. 4A ). In this way, by providing the insertion hole so that its opening faces a surface different from the surface receiving the greatest pressure from the fluid flowing through the flow path FP in the valve box 2 (for example, the opposite surface), fluid leakage can be suppressed. If an opening were formed on the surface receiving the greatest pressure, the pressure could push the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a, causing the insertion opening to penetrate, which would impair the sealing properties of the cross-direction seal portions 32, 34.

[0035] The configuration of the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a has been described above. However, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a are not limited to the above configuration as long as they have a rigidity at least higher than that of the axial seal portions 31, 33 and suppress deformation of the transverse seal portions 32, 34. For example, the high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a may be formed in a unidirectional plate shape rather than a unidirectional rod shape, or may be formed in a rod or plate shape that is bent or curved so as to be convex or concave toward the ends 21a, 21b of the parting surface 21 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the entire transverse seal portions 32, 34, rather than just a portion thereof, may be configured as high-rigidity portions 32a, 34a having a rigidity higher than that of the axial seal portions 31, 33. For example, the entire transverse seal portions 32, 34 may be configured to have a rigidity higher than that of the axial seal portions 31, 33 by heat treating the transverse seal portions 32, 34 or adding other elements thereto. Alternatively, the main axis direction seal portions 31, 33 and the cross direction seal portions 32, 34 may be made of the same material, and the width (e.g., length in the main axis direction) of the cross direction seal portions 32, 34 may be made larger than the width (e.g., length in the cross direction) of the main axis direction seal portions 31, 33, thereby configuring the entire cross direction seal portions 32, 34 as the high rigidity portions 32a, 34a. The above-mentioned configurations may be employed either alone or in combination.

[0036] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the valve box 2 is configured such that its end in the axial direction AD can be joined to another member, such as a pipe P. For this purpose, the valve box 2 has, at its end in the axial direction AD, joining surfaces 23, 24 that face the axial direction AD and can be joined to another member. As shown in FIG. 1, the joining surfaces 23, 24 are formed so as to extend along the circumferential direction CD of the valve box 2, which is formed in a cylindrical shape (substantially cylindrical in the illustrated example). The joining surfaces 23, 24 are provided with joining surface packings 5 ​​(see FIGS. 3 and 4B). The joining surface packings 5 ​​are sandwiched between the joining surfaces 23, 24 and joining surfaces P1, P2 of the other member to be joined to the joining surfaces 23, 24, thereby providing a liquid-tight or air-tight seal between the joining surfaces 23, 24 and the joining surfaces P1, P2 of the other member. The joint surface packing 5 is formed in an annular shape so as to extend over substantially the entire circumference along the circumferential direction CD in which the joint surfaces 23, 24 extend. The material of the joint surface packing 5 is not particularly limited as long as it is formed so as to deform while being prevented from breaking when pressed between the joint surfaces 23, 24 and the joint surfaces P1, P2 of the other members, and to seal the gap between the joint surfaces 23, 24 and the joint surfaces P1, P2 of the other members, and can be formed from a flexible material such as nitrile rubber (NBR), for example.

[0037] 1, 3, and 4B, the joint surfaces 23 and 24 are provided with joint surface packing fitting grooves 6 into which the joint surface packing 5 can be fitted. The joint surface packing fitting grooves 6 are formed to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the joint surface packing 5 so that the joint surface packing 5 can be fitted. In this embodiment, the joint surface packing fitting grooves 6 are formed so that the width (length perpendicular to the extension direction) of the joint surface packing fitting grooves 6 is slightly larger than the width (length perpendicular to the extension direction) of the joint surface packing 5 and the depth (length from the joint surfaces 23 and 24 to the bottom surface) of the joint surface packing fitting grooves 6 is slightly smaller than the height (length perpendicular to the joint surfaces 23 and 24) of the joint surface packing 5. Since the joint surface packing 5 has a height greater than the depth of the joint surface packing fitting grooves 6, the joint surface packing 5 protrudes from the joint surfaces 23 and 24 toward the joint surfaces P1 and P2 of the other components when fitted in the joint surface packing fitting grooves 6. When the joining surfaces P1, P2 of the other members are joined to the joining surfaces 23, 24, the protruding portions of the joining surface packing 5 are pressed against the joining surfaces P1, P2 of the other members, deforming and being fixed between the joining surfaces 23, 24 and the joining surfaces P1, P2 of the other members, thereby sealing the space between the joining surfaces 23, 24 and the joining surfaces P1, P2 of the other members.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the interface surface packing fitting groove 6 is provided along the circumferential direction CD of the valve box 2, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, it is provided adjacent to the end of the split surface packing fitting groove 4 in the axial direction. The interface surface packing fitting groove 6 is arranged to communicate with the split surface packing fitting groove 4 at the end of the split surface packing fitting groove 4 in the axial direction. As a result, the interface surface packing 5 fitted in the interface surface packing fitting groove 6 is arranged to contact the split surface packing 3 fitted in the split surface packing fitting groove 4. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the interface surface packing fitting groove 6 is formed so that the depth D1 of the interface surface packing fitting groove 6 from the interface surface 24 is longer than the length D2 of the locking portion 42a of the transverse direction groove 42 from the interface surface 24. Therefore, when the joint surfaces 23, 24 and the joint surfaces P1, P2 of the other member are joined, the joint surface packing 5 fitted in the joint surface packing fitting groove 6 is pressed by the joint surfaces P1, P2 of the other member, and is arranged so as to bite into the split surface packing 3 fitted in the split surface packing fitting groove 4 (for example, the transverse direction seal portion 32 fitted in the transverse direction groove 42) in the main axial direction. As a result, even if a force is applied in a direction that moves the joint surfaces 23, 24 and the joint surfaces P1, P2 of the other member away from each other in the axial direction AD when a fluid flows through the valve box 2, for example, the joint surface packing 5 and the split surface packing 3 are maintained in contact, and the sealing performance between the joint surfaces 23, 24 and the joint surfaces P1, P2 of the other member is maintained.

[0039] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Note that the above-described embodiments mainly describe the invention having the following configurations.

[0040] (1) a valve body that can be separated along an axially extending split surface; a split surface packing provided on the split surface; A valve body structure comprising: The split surface is provided with a split surface packing fitting groove that extends to an end of the split surface and into which the split surface packing is fitted, the split surface packing fitting groove includes a main axis direction groove extending along the main axis direction and a cross direction groove extending in a cross direction crossing the main axis direction, the split surface packing includes a main axial direction seal portion that fits into the main axial direction groove and a cross direction seal portion that fits into the cross direction groove, The intersecting groove is provided with a locking portion that can lock the intersecting seal portion in a direction toward an end of the split surface in the main axis direction, The cross-direction seal portion includes a high-rigidity portion having higher rigidity than the main-axis seal portion. Valve box structure.

[0041] (2) The high-rigidity portion is arranged to resist a pressing force that the main axis direction seal portion presses the transverse direction seal portion in a direction toward the end of the split surface in the main axis direction and / or a force in a direction opposite to the pressing force. The valve box structure described in (1).

[0042] (3) The high-rigidity portion is disposed inside the cross-direction seal portion. A valve box structure according to (1) or (2).

[0043] (4) The cross-direction seal portion includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the main axis direction seal portion in the cross direction, The high-rigidity portion is provided on the plurality of protrusions. The valve box structure according to any one of (1) to (3).

[0044] (5) The high-rigidity portion is provided across the plurality of protrusions. The valve box structure according to any one of (1) to (4).

[0045] (6) The high-rigidity portion is disposed on the opposite side of the end of the split surface in the main axis direction from the center of the main axis direction of the cross-direction seal portion. The valve box structure according to any one of (1) to (5).

[0046] (7) The cross-direction seal portion is formed at an end portion of the split face packing in the main axis direction. The valve box structure according to any one of (1) to (6).

[0047] (8) The valve body has a joining surface at an end in the axial direction, facing the axial direction, that can be joined to another member, The joint surface is provided with a joint surface packing fitting groove into which a joint surface packing provided on the joint surface can be fitted, The joint surface packing fitting groove is provided adjacent to an end of the split surface packing fitting groove in the main axis direction, The joint surface packing fitting groove is formed so that a depth of the joint surface packing fitting groove from the joint surface is longer than a length of the engaging portion of the intersecting direction groove from the joint surface. The valve box structure according to any one of (1) to (7).

[0048] (9) A pipe body that can be split at a split surface extending along the axial direction; a split surface packing provided on the split surface; A pipe structure comprising: The split surface is provided with a split surface packing fitting groove that extends to an end of the split surface and into which the split surface packing is fitted, the split surface packing fitting groove includes a main axis direction groove extending along the main axis direction, and a cross direction groove extending from the main axis direction groove in a cross direction crossing the main axis direction, the split surface packing includes a main axial direction seal portion that fits into the main axial direction groove and a cross direction seal portion that fits into the cross direction groove, The intersecting groove is provided with a locking portion that can lock the intersecting seal portion in a direction toward an end of the split surface in the main axis direction, The cross-direction seal portion includes a high-rigidity portion having higher rigidity than the main-axis seal portion. Tube structure.

[0049] (10) The high-rigidity portion is arranged to resist a pressing force that presses the transverse-direction seal portion in a direction toward the end of the split surface in the main axis direction and / or a force in a direction opposite to the pressing force. (9) The tube structure described in (9).

[0050] (11) The high-rigidity portion is disposed inside the cross-direction seal portion. The tubular structure according to (9) or (10).

[0051] (12) The transverse direction seal portion includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the main axis direction seal portion in the transverse direction, The high-rigidity portion is provided on the plurality of protrusions. The tubular structure according to any one of (9) to (11).

[0052] (13) The high-rigidity portion is provided across the plurality of protrusions. The tubular structure according to any one of (9) to (12).

[0053] (14) The high-rigidity portion is disposed on the opposite side of the end of the split surface in the main axis direction from the center of the main axis direction of the cross-direction seal portion. The tubular structure according to any one of (9) to (13).

[0054] (15) The cross-direction seal portion is formed at an end portion of the split face packing in the main axis direction. The tubular structure according to any one of (9) to (14).

[0055] (16) The pipe body has a joining surface at an end in the axial direction, facing the axial direction, that can be joined to another member, The joint surface is provided with a joint surface packing fitting groove into which a joint surface packing provided on the joint surface can be fitted, The joint surface packing fitting groove is provided adjacent to an end of the split surface packing fitting groove in the main axis direction, The joint surface packing fitting groove is formed so that a depth of the joint surface packing fitting groove from the joint surface is longer than a length of the engaging portion of the intersecting direction groove from the joint surface. The tubular structure according to any one of (9) to (15). [Explanation of symbols]

[0056] 1. Pipe structure (valve box structure) 2. Pipe body (valve box) 21, 22 Sectional surface 21a, 21b Edge of split surface 23, 24 Joint surface 25 Valve seat 2A, 2B Pipe body (valve box) components 3 Split surface packing 31, 33 Main shaft seal 32, 34 Cross direction seal 32a, 34a High rigidity part 32b, 34b protrusion 4-split packing fitting groove 41, 43 Spindle direction groove 42, 44 Cross grooves 42a, 44a Locking part 5 Joint surface packing 6 Joint surface packing fitting groove AD Axial direction CD circumferential direction D1 Depth of mating surface packing fitting groove from mating surface D2 Length of the intersecting groove from the joint surface FP flow path P piping P1, P2 piping joint surface RA rotation axis RD radial direction V-valve VB valve body

Claims

1. a valve body that can be separated at a split surface extending along the axial direction; a split surface packing provided on the split surface; A valve body structure comprising: The split surface is provided with a split surface packing fitting groove that extends to an end of the split surface and into which the split surface packing is fitted, the split surface packing fitting groove includes a main axis direction groove extending along the split surface toward an end of the split surface and in a main axis direction extending to the end of the split surface, and a cross direction groove extending in a cross direction crossing the main axis direction, the split surface packing includes a main axial direction seal portion that fits into the main axial direction groove and a cross direction seal portion that fits into the cross direction groove, The intersecting groove is provided with a locking portion that can lock the intersecting seal portion in a direction toward an end of the split surface in the main axis direction, the transverse direction seal portion includes a high-rigidity portion having higher rigidity than the main axial direction seal portion, The valve body has a joining surface at an end in the axial direction, the joining surface facing the axial direction and capable of joining with another member, The joint surface is provided with a joint surface packing fitting groove into which a joint surface packing provided on the joint surface can be fitted, The joint surface packing fitting groove is provided adjacent to an end of the split surface packing fitting groove in the main axis direction, The joint surface packing fitting groove is formed so that a depth of the joint surface packing fitting groove from the joint surface is longer than a length of the engaging portion of the intersecting direction groove from the joint surface. Valve box structure.

2. the high-rigidity portion is arranged to resist a pressing force that the main axis direction seal portion presses the transverse direction seal portion in a direction toward the end of the split surface in the main axis direction and / or a force in a direction opposite to the pressing force. The valve body structure according to claim 1 .

3. The high-rigidity portion is disposed inside the cross-direction seal portion. The valve body structure according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the transverse direction seal portion includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the main axial direction seal portion in the transverse direction, The high-rigidity portion is provided on the plurality of protrusions. The valve body structure according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The high-rigidity portion is provided across the plurality of protrusions. The valve body structure according to claim 4.

6. the high-rigidity portion is disposed on the opposite side of the end portion of the split surface in the main axis direction from the center of the main axis direction of the cross-direction seal portion, The valve body structure according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The cross-direction seal portion is formed at an end portion of the split surface packing in the main axis direction. The valve body structure according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A valve body that can be divided at a dividing surface extending along the axial direction; a split surface packing provided on the split surface; A valve body structure comprising: The split surface is provided with a split surface packing fitting groove that extends to an end of the split surface and into which the split surface packing is fitted, the split surface packing fitting groove includes a main axis direction groove extending along the split surface toward an end of the split surface and in a main axis direction extending to the end of the split surface, and a cross direction groove extending in a cross direction crossing the main axis direction, the split surface packing includes a main axial direction seal portion that fits into the main axial direction groove and a cross direction seal portion that fits into the cross direction groove, The intersecting groove is provided with a locking portion that can lock the intersecting seal portion in a direction toward an end of the split surface in the main axis direction, the transverse direction seal portion includes a high-rigidity portion having higher rigidity than the main axial direction seal portion, the transverse direction seal portion includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the main axial direction seal portion in the transverse direction, the locking portion is configured to be able to lock the plurality of protrusions in a direction toward an end of the split surface in the main axis direction, The high-rigidity portion is provided on the plurality of protrusions. Valve box structure.

9. a pipe body that can be split along a split surface extending along the axial direction; a split surface packing provided on the split surface; A pipe structure comprising: The split surface is provided with a split surface packing fitting groove that extends to an end of the split surface and into which the split surface packing is fitted, the split surface packing fitting groove includes a main axis direction groove extending along the split surface toward an end of the split surface and in a main axis direction extending to the end of the split surface, and a transverse direction groove extending from the main axis direction groove in a transverse direction intersecting the main axis direction, the split surface packing includes a main axial direction seal portion that fits into the main axial direction groove and a cross direction seal portion that fits into the cross direction groove, The intersecting groove is provided with a locking portion that can lock the intersecting seal portion in a direction toward an end of the split surface in the main axis direction, the transverse direction seal portion includes a high-rigidity portion having higher rigidity than the main axial direction seal portion, the pipe body has, at an end in the axial direction, a joining surface that faces the axial direction and can be joined to another member, The joint surface is provided with a joint surface packing fitting groove into which a joint surface packing provided on the joint surface can be fitted, The joint surface packing fitting groove is provided adjacent to an end of the split surface packing fitting groove in the main axis direction, The joint surface packing fitting groove is formed so that a depth of the joint surface packing fitting groove from the joint surface is longer than a length of the engaging portion of the intersecting direction groove from the joint surface. Tube structure.

10. A pipe body that can be split at a split surface extending along the axial direction; a split surface packing provided on the split surface; A pipe structure comprising: The split surface is provided with a split surface packing fitting groove that extends to an end of the split surface and into which the split surface packing is fitted, the split surface packing fitting groove includes a main axis direction groove extending along the split surface toward an end of the split surface and in a main axis direction extending to the end of the split surface, and a transverse direction groove extending from the main axis direction groove in a transverse direction intersecting the main axis direction, the split surface packing includes a main axial direction seal portion that fits into the main axial direction groove and a cross direction seal portion that fits into the cross direction groove, The intersecting groove is provided with a locking portion that can lock the intersecting seal portion in a direction toward an end of the split surface in the main axis direction, the transverse direction seal portion includes a high-rigidity portion having higher rigidity than the main axial direction seal portion, the transverse direction seal portion includes a plurality of protrusions extending from the main axial direction seal portion in the transverse direction, the locking portion is configured to be able to lock the plurality of protrusions in a direction toward an end of the split surface in the main axis direction, The high-rigidity portion is provided on the plurality of protrusions. Tube structure.

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