Valve system and hot water system

Abstract

To provide a valve device which facilitates adjustment of temperature of hot water to be supplied.SOLUTION: A valve device comprises: a case; a first valve body and a second valve body; and a shaft connected with the first valve body. The case has a valve chamber, a first water feed port in communication with the valve chamber, a second water feed port, and a third water feed port. The first valve body and the second valve body are arranged in the valve chamber. The first valve body is rotated around a center axis of the shaft. The second valve body is rotated around the center axis together with the first valve body. When the first valve body is rotated around the center axis in a first angle region, a first flow rate as a flow rate of water flowing between the first water feed port and the third water feed port, and a second flow rate as a flow rate of water flowing between the second water feed port and the third water feed port are changed by the first valve body. When the first valve body is rotated around the center axis in a second angle region, the second flow rate is changed by the second valve body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve device and a hot water apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent No. 5004674 (Patent Document 1) describes a mixing valve. The mixing valve described in Patent Document 1 includes a case, a valve body, and a shaft portion. The case has a valve chamber, a water inlet communicating with the valve chamber, a hot water inlet, and an outlet. The valve body is disposed in the valve chamber. The valve body is cylindrical extending along the direction of the central axis of the shaft portion. In the direction of the central axis of the shaft portion, the valve body has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the valve body is closed, and the second end of the valve body is not closed. The shaft portion is connected to the first end of the valve body. The valve body is rotated about the central axis of the shaft portion. An opening is formed in the valve body.

[0003] When the valve body is rotated about the central axis of the shaft portion in the first angular region, the opening area of the opening of the valve body as viewed from the water inlet decreases as approaching the second angular region. When the valve body is rotated about the central axis of the shaft portion in the first angular region, the opening area of the opening of the valve body as viewed from the hot water inlet increases. Therefore, in the mixing valve described in Patent Document 1, when the valve body is rotated about the central axis of the shaft portion in the first angular region, the ratio of the flow rate of hot water flowing from the hot water inlet to the outlet to the flow rate of water flowing from the water inlet to the outlet is adjusted.

[0004] When the valve body is rotated about the central axis of the shaft portion in the second angular region, the opening area of the opening of the valve body as viewed from the water inlet is maintained at a minimum value (maintained at zero). When the valve body is rotated about the central axis of the shaft portion in the second angular region, the opening area of the opening of the valve body as viewed from the hot water inlet decreases as moving away from the first angular region. Therefore, in the mixing valve described in Patent Document 1, when the valve body is rotated about the central axis of the shaft portion in the second angular region, the flow rate of hot water flowing from the hot water inlet to the outlet is adjusted. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5004674 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The mixing valve described in Patent Document 1 is used, for example, in a hot water supply system. In a hot water supply system having the mixing valve described in Patent Document 1, a first pipe is connected to the water inlet, a second pipe is connected to the hot water inlet, and a third pipe is connected to the outlet. The water inlet is connected to the water supply via the first pipe. The hot water inlet is connected to a heat exchanger via the second pipe. The hot water supply system having the mixing valve described in Patent Document 1 supplies hot water via the third pipe.

[0007] In the hot water supply system having a mixing valve described in Patent Document 1, the temperature of the supplied hot water is adjusted by rotating the valve body around the central axis of the shaft in a first angular region. Even when the valve body is rotated to its maximum extent around the central axis of the shaft in the first angular region, the temperature of the hot water may be insufficient due to the upper limit of the heating capacity of the heat exchanger. In this case, the flow rate of water (hot water) from the hot water inlet to the outlet is adjusted by rotating the valve body around the central axis of the shaft in a second angular region, thereby increasing the temperature of the supplied hot water.

[0008] However, in a hot water supply system using a mixing valve as described in Patent Document 1, when the valve body rotates around the central axis of the shaft in the second angular region, the flow rate of water (hot water) flowing from the hot water inlet to the outlet changes significantly per rotation angle, making it difficult to adjust the temperature of the supplied hot water. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art. More specifically, the present invention provides a valve device and a hot water supply system that facilitate the temperature adjustment of the supplied hot water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The valve device of the present invention comprises a case, a first valve body and a second valve body, and a shaft connected to the first valve body. The case has a valve chamber and a first water inlet, a second water inlet and a third water inlet communicating with the valve chamber. The first valve body and the second valve body are arranged in the valve chamber. The first valve body rotates around the central axis of the shaft. The second valve body rotates together with the first valve body around the central axis. When the first valve body rotates around the central axis in a first angular region, the first flow rate, which is the flow rate of water between the first water inlet and the third water inlet, and the second flow rate, which is the flow rate of water between the second water inlet and the third water inlet, are changed by the first valve body. When the first valve body rotates around the central axis in a second angular region, the second flow rate is changed by the second valve body.

[0010] In the valve device described above, the first flow rate may decrease as the first valve body approaches the second angular region while rotating around its central axis in the first angular region, and maintain a minimum value when the first valve body rotates in the second angular region. The second flow rate may increase as the first valve body approaches the second angular region while rotating around its central axis in the first angular region, and decrease as the first valve body moves away from the first angular region while rotating around its central axis in the second angular region.

[0011] In the valve device described above, the ratio of the first flow rate to the sum of the first and second flow rates may decrease linearly as the first valve body approaches the second angular region as it rotates around its central axis in the first angular region.

[0012] In the valve device described above, the first valve body may be cylindrical in shape and extend along the direction of the central axis. The first valve body may have a first end and a second end opposite to the first end in the direction of the central axis. The internal space of the first valve body may be closed at the first end and partially closed at the second end by the second valve body. The first valve body may have a first opening and a second opening that communicate with the internal space of the first valve body. The second valve body may have a third opening that communicates with the valve chamber of the first valve body. The first opening area, which is the opening area of ​​the first opening as viewed from the first water inlet, decreases as the first valve body approaches the second angular region when rotated around the central axis in the first angular region, and may be maintained at a minimum value when the first valve body rotates around the central axis in the first angular region. The second opening area, which is the opening area of ​​the second opening as viewed from the second water inlet, may increase as the first valve body rotates around its central axis in the first angular region and approach the second angular region, and may be maintained at its maximum value when the first valve body rotates around its central axis in the second angular region. The third opening area, which is the opening area of ​​the third opening as viewed from the third water inlet, may be maintained at its maximum value when the first valve body rotates around its central axis in the first angular region, and may decrease as the first valve body rotates around its central axis in the second angular region and moves away from the first angular region.

[0013] In the valve device described above, the second valve body may be engaged with the second end in a manner that prevents rotation around the central axis.

[0014] The hot water supply system of the present invention comprises a first pipe, a second pipe, and a third pipe, a heat exchanger, and the valve device described above. The first water inlet is connected to the water supply via the first pipe. The second water inlet is connected to the heat exchanger via the second pipe. The third water inlet is connected to the third pipe. In the hot water supply system, hot water is supplied via the third pipe. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the valve device and hot water supply device of the present invention, it becomes easier to adjust the temperature of the hot water supplied. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1A] It is a first side view of the valve device 100. [Figure 1B] It is a second side view of the valve device 100. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along III-III in FIG. 1B. [Figure 4A] It is a first side view of the case 10. [Figure 4B] It is a second side view of the case 10. [Figure 4C] It is a bottom view of the case 10. [Figure 5A] It is a first side view of the first valve body 20. [Figure 5B] It is a second side view of the first valve body 20. [Figure 5C] It is a third side view of the first valve body 20. [Figure 5D] It is a fourth side view of the first valve body 20. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along VI-VI in FIG. 5B. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along VII-VII in FIG. 5B. [Figure 8] It is an exploded perspective view of the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view taken along IX-IX in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] It is a bottom view of the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30. [Figure 11] It is a graph showing the relationship between the rotational position of the first valve body 20 about the central axis of the shaft body 21, the opening area of the first opening portion 20e as viewed from the first water inlet 10b, the opening area of the second opening portion 20f as viewed from the second water inlet 10c, and the opening area of the third opening portion 32a as viewed from the third water inlet 10d. [Figure 12] It is a graph showing the relationship between the rotational position of the first valve body 20 about the central axis of the shaft body 21, and the first flow rate and the second flow rate. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram of the water heater 200. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] Details of the embodiments will be described with reference to the unpainted parts. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will not be repeated. The valve device according to the embodiment will be referred to as valve device 100, and the hot water supply device according to the embodiment will be referred to as hot water supply device 200.

[0018] (Configuration of valve device 100) The configuration of the valve device 100 is described below.

[0019] The valve device 100 is, for example, a mixing valve. Figure 1A is a first side view of the valve device 100. Figure 1B is a second side view of the valve device 100. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II in Figure 1A. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along III-III in Figure 1B. Figure 4A is a first side view of the case 10. Figure 4B is a second side view of the case 10. Figure 4C is a bottom view of the case 10. Figure 5A is a first side view of the first valve body 20. Figure 5B is a second side view of the first valve body 20. Figure 5C is a third side view of the first valve body 20. Figure 5D is a fourth side view of the first valve body 20. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along VI-VI in Figure 5B. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along VII-VII in Figure 5B. Figure 8 is a front view of the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along IX-IX in Figure 8. Figure 10 is a bottom view of the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30. As shown in Figures 1A to 10, the valve device 100 includes a case 10, a collar 11, an O-ring 12, the first valve body 20, a shaft 21, an O-ring 22, the second valve body 30, a stepping motor 40, a thermistor 50 (not shown), and a controller 60 (not shown).

[0020] Case 10 has a valve chamber 10a, a first water inlet 10b, a second water inlet 10c, a third water inlet 10d, and an insertion hole 10e. The valve chamber 10a is the internal space of case 10 in which the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30 are arranged. The first water inlet 10b, the second water inlet 10c, the third water inlet 10d, and the insertion hole 10e are in communication with the valve chamber 10a.

[0021] Case 10 further includes a first flow path 10f, a second flow path 10g, and a third flow path 10h. The direction of extension of the shaft 21 is defined as the first direction DR1. The first flow path 10f extends along the second direction DR2. The second direction DR2 is perpendicular to the first direction DR1. The first flow path 10f connects the valve chamber 10a and the first water inlet 10b. The second flow path 10g extends along the third direction DR3. The third direction DR3 is perpendicular to both the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2. The second flow path 10g connects the valve chamber 10a and the second water inlet 10c. The third flow path 10h extends along the first direction DR1. The third flow path 10h connects the valve chamber 10a and the third water inlet 10d. The insertion hole 10e communicates with the valve chamber 10a from the opposite side of the third water inlet 10d.

[0022] Case 10 further includes a first closure portion 10i, a second closure portion 10j, and a third closure portion 10k. The first closure portion 10i is located on the inner wall surface of the first flow path 10f. The first closure portion 10i extends from the inner wall surface of the first flow path 10f along the first direction DR1. The second closure portion 10j is located on the inner wall surface of the second flow path 10g. The second closure portion 10j extends from the inner wall surface of the second flow path 10g along the first direction DR1. The third closure portion 10k is located on the inner wall surface of the third flow path 10h. The third closure portion 10k extends from the inner wall surface of the third flow path 10h in a plane perpendicular to the first direction DR1.

[0023] The first flow path 10f is partially blocked by the first blockage section 10i and connected to the valve chamber 10a through the opening 10l. The opening 10l is, for example, semicircular when viewed from the first water inlet 10b. The second flow path 10g is partially blocked by the second blockage section 10j and connected to the valve chamber 10a through the opening 10m. The opening 10m is, for example, semicircular when viewed from the second water inlet 10c. The opening 10m is, for example, shaped like the opening 10l inverted upside down. The third flow path 10h is partially blocked by the third blockage section 10k and connected to the valve chamber 10a through the opening 10n. The opening 10n is, for example, fan-shaped when viewed from the third water inlet 10d.

[0024] The collar 11 is inserted into the insertion hole 10e. The outer surface of the collar 11 is in contact with the inner wall surface of the insertion hole 10e. An annular groove 11a is formed on the inner wall surface of the collar 11. The annular groove 11a extends along the circumferential direction. The circumferential direction is the direction along the circumference of the circle centered on the central axis of the shaft 21 when viewed along the first direction DR1. The O-ring 12 is positioned in the annular groove 11a. This ensures watertightness between the outer surface of the collar 11 and the inner wall surface of the insertion hole 10e. A through hole 11b is formed in the collar 11. The through hole 11b penetrates the collar 11 along the first direction DR1.

[0025] The first valve body 20 is cylindrical and extends along the first direction DR1. In the first direction DR1, the first valve body 20 has a first end 20a and a second end 20b. The second end 20b is the end opposite to the first end 20a. The first valve body 20 is closed at the first end 20a. The first valve body 20 is not closed at the second end 20b.

[0026] The first valve body 20 has a first portion 20c and a second portion 20d. The first portion 20c and the second portion 20d are aligned in a first direction DR1. The first closing portion 10i faces the second portion 20d. The second closing portion 10j faces the first portion 20c. The first valve body 20 has a first opening 20e and a second opening 20f. More specifically, the first opening 20e is formed in the first portion 20c, and the second opening 20f is formed in the second portion 20d. The first opening 20e and the second opening 20f penetrate the first valve body 20 so as to communicate with the internal space of the first valve body 20.

[0027] The first opening 20e extends along the circumferential direction. The first opening 20e has a first end 20ea and a second end 20eb in the circumferential direction. The second end 20eb is the end opposite to the first end 20ea. The width of the first opening 20e in the first direction DR1 is denoted as width W1. The width W1 decreases as it approaches the second end 20eb. When viewed along the first direction DR1, the first angle θ1 is defined as the angle between the imaginary line passing through the first end 20ea and the central axis of the shaft 21 and the imaginary line passing through the second end 20eb and the central axis of the shaft 21.

[0028] The second opening 20f extends along the circumferential direction. The second opening 20f has a first end 20fa and a second end 20fb in the circumferential direction. The second end 20fb is the end opposite to the first end 20fa. The position between the first end 20fa and the second end 20fb in the circumferential direction is defined as the intermediate position P. The width of the second opening 20f in the first direction DR1 is defined as width W2. Width W2 increases as it approaches the intermediate position P, reaching its maximum value at the intermediate position P. Width W2 remains constant between the intermediate position P and the second end 20fb, and is maintained at its maximum value.

[0029] When viewed along the first direction DR1, the second angle θ2 is defined as the angle between the imaginary line passing through the first end 20fa and the central axis of the shaft 21 and the imaginary line passing through the second end 20fb and the central axis of the shaft 21. The second angle θ2 is greater than the first angle θ1. When viewed along the first direction DR1, the third angle θ3 is defined as the angle between the imaginary line passing through the first end 20fa and the central axis of the shaft 21 and the imaginary line passing through the intermediate position P and the central axis of the shaft 21. The third angle θ3 is equal to the first angle θ1.

[0030] The shaft 21 extends along the first direction DR1. The shaft 21 is connected to the first end 20a. The shaft 21 is inserted into the through hole 11b. The outer circumferential surface of the shaft 21 is in contact with the inner wall surface of the through hole 11b. An annular groove 21a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 21. The annular groove 21a extends along the circumferential direction. The annular groove 21a is located on the portion of the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 21 that faces the inner wall surface of the through hole 11b. The O-ring 22 is positioned in the annular groove 21a. This ensures watertightness between the inner wall surface of the through hole 11b and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 21.

[0031] The shaft 21 has involute serrations 21b. The involute serrations 21b are located on the tip side of the shaft 21, beyond the portion of the shaft 21 that is inside the through hole 21. The involute serrations protrude from the case 10.

[0032] The second valve body 30 has a cylindrical portion 31, a bottom portion 32, and a rib 33. The cylindrical portion 31 is cylindrical and extends along the first direction DR1. The second valve body 30 is engaged with the second end 20b of the shaft 21 in a manner that prevents rotation around the central axis of the shaft 21. A plurality of protrusions 20g are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the first valve body 20 at the second end 20b. A plurality of recesses 31a are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31. Each of the plurality of protrusions 20g is engaged with each of the plurality of recesses 31a, thereby preventing rotation around the central axis of the shaft 21. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 31 is in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the first valve body 20 at the second end 20b.

[0033] It is preferable that the multiple recesses 31a are arranged so as to be rotationally symmetrical once around the central axis of the shaft 21 when viewed along the first direction DR1, and it is preferable that the multiple protrusions 20g are arranged so as to be rotationally symmetrical once around the central axis of the shaft 21 when viewed along the first direction DR1. From another perspective, it is preferable that the multiple recesses 31a are arranged so as not to overlap with their positions before rotation unless the shaft 21 is rotated 360° around the central axis when viewed along the first direction DR1, and it is preferable that the multiple protrusions 20g are arranged so as not to overlap with their positions before rotation unless the shaft 21 is rotated 360° around the central axis when viewed along the first direction DR1. This prevents the second valve body 30 from being mounted at an incorrect angle to the first valve body 20.

[0034] The cylindrical portion 31 has a first end 31b and a second end 31c in the first direction DR1. The second end 31c is the end opposite to the first end 31b. The bottom portion 32 is connected to the second end 31c. A third opening 32a is formed in the bottom portion 32. The third opening 32a penetrates the bottom portion 32 so as to communicate with the internal space of the first valve body 20. The third opening 32a has a first end 32aa and a second end 32ab in the circumferential direction. The second end 32ab is the end opposite to the first end 32aa. When viewed along the first direction DR1, the fourth angle θ4 is defined as the angle between the imaginary straight line passing through the first end 32aa and the central axis of the shaft 21 and the imaginary straight line passing through the second end 32ab and the central axis of the shaft 21. The value obtained by subtracting the fourth angle θ4 from 360° is greater than or equal to the value obtained by subtracting the first angle θ1 from the second angle θ2.

[0035] The rib 33 extends so as to intersect with the third opening 32a when viewed along the first direction DR1, and is connected to the inner wall surface of the cylindrical portion 31 at one end and to the bottom portion 32 at the other end. As a result, the bottom portion 32 is supported by the rib 33.

[0036] The stepping motor 40 is mounted to the case 10, for example, using a motor mounting plate 41. The involute serration 21b is fitted to the rotation output section of the stepping motor 40. As a result, the stepping motor 40 rotates the shaft 21 around its central axis and also rotates the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21. Since the second valve body 30 is mounted to the first valve body 20 so as it does not rotate around the central axis of the shaft 21, the second valve body 30 also rotates around the central axis of the shaft 21 as the shaft 21 rotates around its central axis.

[0037] When the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft body 21 is in the first angular region, the first opening 20e faces the opening 10l. When the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft body 21 to approach the second angular region, the portion of the first opening 20e closer to the second end 20eb faces the opening 10l. Since the width W1 decreases as it approaches the second end 20eb, when the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft body 21 in the first angular region to approach the second angular region, the opening area of ​​the first opening 20e as seen from the first water inlet 10b decreases.

[0038] When the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 is in the second angular region, the first opening 20e does not face the opening 10l. That is, when the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 is in the second angular region, the opening area of ​​the first opening 20e as seen from the first water inlet 10b is maintained at its minimum value.

[0039] When the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft body 21 is in the first angular region, the second opening 20f faces the opening 10m. When the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft body 21 to approach the second angular region, the portion of the second opening 20f between the first end 20fa and the intermediate position P that is closer to the second end 20fb comes into contact with the opening 10m. Since the width W2 increases as it approaches the intermediate position P, when the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft body 21 in the first angular region to approach the second angular region, the opening area of ​​the second opening 20f as seen from the second water inlet 10c increases until it reaches its maximum value.

[0040] When the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 is in the second angular region, only the portion of the second opening 20f between the intermediate position P and the second end 20fb faces the opening 10m. Since the width W2 is maintained at its maximum value between the intermediate position P and the second end 20fb, when the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 is in the second angular region, the opening area of ​​the second opening 20f as seen from the second water inlet 10c is maintained at its maximum value.

[0041] When the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 is in the first angular region, the opening area of ​​the third opening 32a as seen from the third water inlet 10d is maintained at its maximum value. That is, when the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 is in the first angular region, the third opening 32a overlaps only with the opening 10n. When the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft 21 so as to move away from the first angular region, the opening area of ​​the third opening 32a as seen from the third water inlet 10d decreases. That is, when the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft 21 so as to move away from the first angular region, the overlap between the bottom 32 and the opening 10n increases.

[0042] The angular width of the first angular region is equal to the first angle θ1. For example, the angular width of the first angular region is 180°. The angular width of the second angular region is equal to the difference between the second angle θ2 and the first angle θ1. For example, the angular width of the second angular region is 90°. However, the angular widths of the first and second angular regions are not limited to these values.

[0043] The flow rate of water flowing from the first water inlet 10b to the third water inlet 10d is defined as the first flow rate, and the flow rate of water flowing from the second water inlet 10c to the third water inlet 10d is defined as the second flow rate. The value obtained by dividing the first flow rate by the sum of the first and second flow rates is defined as the mixing ratio. It is preferable that the mixing ratio decreases linearly by rotating the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft body 21 in the first angular region so that it approaches the second angular region. If the slope of the decrease in the mixing ratio with increasing rotation angle of the first valve body 20 does not fluctuate significantly, the mixing ratio is considered to be decreasing linearly.

[0044] A through hole 10p (not shown) is further formed in the case 10. The through hole 10p penetrates the case 10 so as to communicate with the third flow path 10h. A thermistor 50 is inserted into the through hole 10p. The thermistor 50 is connected to the controller 60. The thermistor 50 detects the temperature of the water (hot water) flowing through the third flow path 10h and outputs a signal indicating that temperature to the controller 60. The controller 60 adjusts the temperature of the water (hot water) flowing through the third flow path 10h by controlling the stepping motor 40 to change the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft body 21 based on the signal output from the thermistor 50.

[0045] In the above description, an example was given in which the second flow path 10g extends along the second direction DR2. However, the second flow path 10g may extend along directions other than the second direction DR2. For example, the second flow path 10g may extend along the first direction DR1. In this case, the second flow path 10g will be connected to the valve chamber 10a from the opposite side of the first flow path 10f.

[0046] In the above example, the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30 are shown as separate components, but the first valve body 20 and the second valve body 30 may be integrally formed.

[0047] (Effect of valve device 100) The effects of the valve device 100 are explained below.

[0048] Figure 11 is a graph showing the relationship between the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 and the opening area of ​​the first opening 20e as seen from the first water inlet 10b, the opening area of ​​the second opening 20f as seen from the second water inlet 10c, and the opening area of ​​the third opening 32a as seen from the third water inlet 10d. As shown in Figure 11, when the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft 21 in the first angular region so as to approach the second angular region, the opening area of ​​the first opening 20e as seen from the first water inlet 10b decreases. When the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft 21 in the first angular region so as to approach the second angular region, the opening area of ​​the second opening 20f as seen from the second water inlet 10c increases until it reaches its maximum value.

[0049] Figure 12 is a graph showing the relationship between the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 and the first and second flow rates. As described above, the opening area of ​​the first opening 20e as seen from the first water inlet 10b and the opening area of ​​the second opening 20f as seen from the second water inlet 10c change. As shown in Figure 12, when the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft 21 in the first angular region so as to approach the second angular region, the first flow rate decreases and the second flow rate increases. In this way, the valve device 100 can adjust the mixing ratio by rotating the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 in the first angular region, thereby allowing for temperature control of the supplied hot water.

[0050] When the rotational position of the shaft 21 around its central axis is in the second angular region, the opening area of ​​the first opening 20e as seen from the first water inlet 10b is maintained at its minimum value (maintained at 0). When the rotational position of the shaft 21 around its central axis is in the second angular region, the opening area of ​​the second opening 20f as seen from the second water inlet 10c is maintained at its maximum value. When the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft 21 in the first angular region so as to move away from the first angular region, the opening area of ​​the third opening 32a as seen from the third water inlet 10d decreases. In this way, in the valve device 100, the second flow rate is adjusted by the second valve body 30 when the first valve body 20 is rotated around the central axis of the shaft 21 in the second angular region. When the first valve body 20 is rotated in the second angular region, if the adjustment of the second flow rate is left solely to the first valve body 20, the change in the second flow rate per unit rotation angle of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 becomes large. This becomes even more pronounced when used under high water pressure conditions. In the valve device 100, the second valve body 30 is also used to adjust the second flow rate when the first valve body 20 is rotated in the second angular region, so the change in the second flow rate per unit rotation angle of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft 21 can be reduced, making it easier to adjust the temperature of the supplied hot water.

[0051] If the mixing ratio decreases linearly by rotating the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft body 21 in the first angular region so that it approaches the second angular region, the temperature of the water (hot water) flowing through the third flow path 10h will change linearly with respect to the rotation angle of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft body 21, making it even easier to adjust the temperature of the hot water supplied by the controller 60.

[0052] (Configuration of the hot water supply system 200) The configuration of the hot water supply system 200 is described below.

[0053] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the hot water supply system 200. As shown in Figure 13, the hot water supply system 200 includes a valve device 100, piping 71, piping 72, piping 73 and piping 74, a heat exchanger 80, and a burner 81. Piping 71 is connected to the water supply at one end and to the first water inlet 10b at the other end. Piping 72 is connected to piping 71 at one end and to the heat exchanger 80 at the other end. Piping 73 is connected to the heat exchanger 80 at one end and to the second water inlet 10c at the other end. Piping 74 is connected to the third water inlet 10d at one end.

[0054] Water is supplied to the first water inlet 10b via piping 71. Water is supplied to the heat exchanger 80 via piping 71 and piping 72. The water supplied to the heat exchanger 80 is heated by heat exchange with the combustion gas generated in the burner 81. The water (hot water) that has been heated by passing through the heat exchanger 80 is supplied to the second water inlet 10c via piping 73. In the valve device 100, the mixing ratio is changed by adjusting the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft body 21 in the first angular region, thereby adjusting the temperature of the water (hot water) flowing from the third water inlet 10d to piping 74.

[0055] Due to the upper limit of the heating capacity of the heat exchanger 80, even when the mixing ratio is maximized, the temperature of the water (hot water) flowing from the third water inlet 10d to the pipe 74 may not reach the desired temperature. In this case, the rotational position of the first valve body 20 around the central axis of the shaft body 21 is adjusted in the second angular region, thereby adjusting the temperature of the water (hot water) flowing from the third water inlet 10d to the pipe 74.

[0056] In the above example, the valve device 100 was shown as a mixing valve for mixing cold water and hot water, but the use of the valve device 100 is not limited to this. For example, a bypass pipe may be connected to the first water inlet 10b, a pipe connected to a heat exchanger may be connected to the second water inlet 10c, and a pipe connected to a water supply may be connected to the third water inlet 10d. In this case, the valve device 100 will function as a distribution valve and a flow control valve on the water inlet side.

[0057] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is possible to modify these embodiments in various ways. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10 Case, 10a Valve chamber, 10b First water inlet, 10c Second water inlet, 10d Third water inlet, 10e Insertion hole, 10f First flow path, 10g Second flow path, 10h Third flow path, 10i First closure section, 10j Second closure section, 10k Third closure section, 10l, 10m, 10n Opening, 10p Through hole, 11 Collar, 11a Annular groove, 11b Through hole, 12 O-ring, 20 First valve body, 20a First end, 20b Second end, 20c First section, 20d Second section, 20e First opening, 20ea First end, 20eb Second end, 20f Second opening, 20fa First end, 20fb Second end, 20g Protrusion, 21 Shaft, 21a Annular groove, 21b 22 Involute serration, O-ring, 30 Second valve body, 31 Cylinder section, 31a Recess, 31b First end, 31c Second end, 32 Bottom, 32a Third opening, 32aa First end, 32ab Second end, 33 Rib, 40 Stepping motor, 41 Motor mounting plate, 50 Thermistor, 60 Controller, 71, 72, 73, 74 Piping, 80 Heat exchanger, 81 Burner, 100 Valve device, 200 Hot water supply device, P Intermediate position, W1, W2 Width, DR1 First direction, DR2 Second direction, DR3 Third direction, θ1 First angle, θ2 Second angle, θ3 Third angle, θ4 Fourth angle.

Claims

1. The case and First valve body and second valve body, The valve body comprises a shaft connected to the first valve body, The case has a valve chamber and a first water inlet, a second water inlet, and a third water inlet that are in communication with the valve chamber. The first valve body and the second valve body are arranged in the valve chamber, The first valve body is rotated around the central axis of the shaft body. The second valve body rotates together with the first valve body around the central axis. When the first valve body rotates around the central axis in the first angular region, the first flow rate is the flow rate of water that flows between the first water inlet and the third water inlet, and the second water inlet and the third water inlet The second flow rate, which is the flow rate of water between the two, is changed by the first valve body. When the first valve body rotates around the central axis in the second angular region, the second flow rate is changed by the second valve body. The first valve body is cylindrical and extends along the direction of the central axis, The first valve body has a first end and a second end which is the opposite end to the first end, in the direction of the central axis. The internal space of the first valve body is closed at the first end and partially closed at the second end by the second valve body. The first valve body has a first opening and a second opening that communicate with the internal space of the first valve body. The second valve body has a third opening that communicates with the internal space of the first valve body. The first opening area, which is the opening area of ​​the first opening as viewed from the first water inlet, decreases as the first valve body rotates around the central axis in the first angular region and approaches the second angular region, and is maintained at a minimum value when the first valve body rotates around the central axis in the second angular region. The second opening area, which is the opening area of ​​the second opening as viewed from the second water inlet, increases as the first valve body approaches the second angular region when it rotates around the central axis in the first angular region, and is maintained at its maximum value when the first valve body rotates around the central axis in the second angular region. The third opening area, which is the opening area of ​​the third opening as seen from the third water inlet, is maintained at its maximum value when the first valve body is rotated around the central axis in the first angular region, A valve device in which the first valve body decreases as it moves away from the first angular region as it rotates around the central axis in the second angular region.

2. The valve device according to claim 1, wherein the second valve body is engaged with the second end so as not to rotate around the central axis.

3. The first pipe, the second pipe, and the third pipe, Heat exchanger, The valve device is as described in claim 1 or claim 2, The first water inlet is connected to the water supply by the first piping, The second water inlet is connected to the heat exchanger by the second piping, The third water inlet is connected to the third pipe, A hot water supply system in which hot water is supplied via the aforementioned third pipe.

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