Valve seat mechanism, valve mechanism, and breather valve

Abstract

[Problem] The objective of the present invention is to provide a valve seat mechanism, a valve mechanism, and a breather valve with which it is possible to recognize the state between a valve body and a valve seat. [Solution] A valve seat mechanism 1 according to the present disclosure comprises: a valve seat 2 constituting a part of a flow passage; and at least one detector 61 for detecting a predetermined variable of a detection target in a detection direction. The valve seat 2 has a valve seat end surface 2a on which the flow passage is closed by contact with the valve body. A detector installation space 42e in which the detector 61 is installed is formed in the valve seat 2. The detection direction is set to be oriented toward the valve body past the valve seat end surface 2a in a state in which the detectors 61 are installed in the detector installation space 42e.

Description

Valve seat mechanism, valve mechanism, and breather valve

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a valve seat mechanism, a valve mechanism, and a breather valve for an on-off valve.

[0002] Conventionally, a breather valve has been known that has a positive side valve seat having an outlet for the fluid in the container and a positive side valve that can open and close the outlet depending on the pressure in the container (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-21652

[0004] A valve mechanism consisting of a valve disc and a valve seat disposed in a fluid flow path is required to reliably close the flow path, verify the amount of fluid passing through the valve mechanism, verify the presence or absence of unexpected fluid leakage between the valve disc and the valve seat, and, in the unlikely event of fluid leakage, verify the amount of leakage. Furthermore, to prevent or minimize unexpected fluid leakage from the valve mechanism, it is also required to detect signs of unexpected fluid leakage from the valve mechanism. When handling volatile and flammable fluids, or fluids harmful to humans and the environment, this requirement has become even greater in recent years due to increased concern for animals, plants, and the environment. However, conventional valve mechanisms have a problem in that they are unable to detect the condition of the valve mechanism, i.e., the condition between the valve disc and the valve seat, which is the basis for the aforementioned verification and detection. This problem has not been solved at all even in the valve mechanism used in the breather valve that handles volatile fluids, which is shown as an example of a conventional valve mechanism, and exists as a general problem with valve mechanisms.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a valve seat mechanism, a valve mechanism, and a breather valve that can grasp the condition between the valve body and the valve seat.

[0006] The valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure comprises a valve seat that forms part of a flow path, and one or more detectors that detect a predetermined variable of a detection target in a detection direction, the valve seat having a valve seat end face that closes the flow path when the valve body comes into contact with the valve seat, a detector installation space in which the detector is installed is formed in the valve seat, and the detection direction is toward the valve body that is located beyond the valve seat end face when the detector is installed in the detector installation space.

[0007] The valve mechanism according to the present disclosure includes the valve seat mechanism according to the present disclosure and a valve body that closes a flow path.

[0008] The breather valve according to the present disclosure includes the valve seat mechanism according to the present disclosure.

[0009] The valve seat mechanism, valve mechanism, and breather valve according to the present disclosure are capable of detecting the state between the valve body and the valve seat.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a breather valve according to embodiment 1. Fig. 3 is a top view showing the introduction part of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing a part including the detection device of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a top view showing the valve contact member of Fig. 1. Fig. 6 is a top view showing the introduction part according to embodiment 2.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope necessary for the explanation to achieve the object of the present disclosure will be schematically shown below, and the scope necessary for explaining the relevant parts of the present disclosure will be mainly explained, and the parts for which explanation is omitted will be considered to be publicly known technologies.

[0012] Embodiment 1. In describing the valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure, in Embodiment 1, a valve seat mechanism used in a breather valve is used. However, the valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure is not limited to those used in breather valves, and can be used appropriately in general valve mechanisms. The same applies to the valve seat mechanism in Embodiment 2, which will be described later. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a breather valve 5 according to Embodiment 1. The breather valve 5 is connected to the opening of the tank 4 via an upstream flange 4b. In Figure 1, a portion of the breather valve 5 is shown in cross section along a plane including the axis of the flow path.

[0013] The tank 4 stores a flammable fluid such as a gas or liquid. Furthermore, the tank 4 also contains a volatilized version of the stored fluid. Examples of the flammable gas or liquid include fossil fuels and volatile gases. The shape of the tank 4 may be spherical, cylindrical, rectangular, cuboid, or the like.

[0014] In the first embodiment, the tank 4 is shaped so that the horizontal cross-sectional area of ​​the tank 4 decreases toward the upper end. An attachment portion 4a is provided at the upper end of the tank 4. A through-hole that communicates with the interior of the tank 4 is formed in the attachment portion 4a. This allows the fluid inside the tank 4 to be efficiently discharged through the attachment portion 4a.

[0015] The base of the breather valve 5 is attached to the attachment portion 4a via the upstream flange 4b. In the first embodiment, the tank 4 is on the upstream side, and the breather valve 5 is installed on the downstream side of the tank 4.

[0016] The breather valve 5 can discharge the fluid inside the tank 4 to the atmosphere according to the internal pressure of the tank 4, and can also allow the atmosphere, which is the suction fluid, to flow into the tank 4. In other words, the breather valve 5 can adjust the pressure inside the tank 4.

[0017] In the first embodiment, the tank 4 and the breather valve 5 are installed outdoors and exposed to the atmosphere.

[0018] The breather valve 5 includes a main section 10, an intake section 20, and an exhaust section 40. The main section 10 is a T-shaped piping member. The ends of the T-shaped piping member of the main section 10 are an inlet-side opening end 10a that opens vertically downward, an outlet-side opening end 10b that opens vertically upward, and an intake-side opening end 10c that opens horizontally.

[0019] The main section 10 is installed with the inlet opening end 10a on the lower side and the outlet opening end 10b on the upper side. The flow path leading from the inlet opening end 10a to the outlet opening end 10b is called the main flow path 110. The main section 10 is installed so that the axis of the main flow path 110 is along the vertical direction. The main flow path 110 extends toward the discharge section 40. The main flow path 110 extending to the discharge section 40 will be described later.

[0020] A flow path that branches off from the main flow path 110 and reaches the intake side opening end 10c is referred to as a branch flow path 111. The axis of the branch flow path 111 is aligned horizontally. The intake section 20 is connected to the intake side opening end 10c of the main section 10.

[0021] The intake section 20 has an intake section main body 21 and an intake valve mechanism 22 provided on the intake section main body 21. The intake section main body 21 is a tubular member having two open ends.

[0022] One end of the intake unit main body 21 is a connection side opening end 21a that opens horizontally. The other end of the intake unit main body 21 is formed with an intake port 21b that opens vertically downward. The flow path connecting the connection side opening end 21a and the intake port 21b is referred to as an intake flow path 120. Here, the other end of the intake unit main body 21 that surrounds the intake port 21b is referred to as an intake valve seat 21x.

[0023] The intake valve mechanism 22 has an intake valve 23 which is an on-off valve, an intake valve shaft 24 fixed to the intake valve 23, and an intake valve guide 25 installed in the intake unit main body 21. When the intake valve 23 comes into contact with an intake valve seat 21x which surrounds the intake port 21b, the intake port 21b is closed. When a gap is created between the intake valve 23 and the intake valve seat 21x, the intake port 21b is opened. In other words, the intake valve 23 can open and close the intake flow path 120.

[0024] The intake valve guide 25 supports the intake valve shaft 24 so that it can move vertically. This allows the intake valve 23 to move between an intake closed position and an intake open position as the intake valve shaft 24 moves vertically. The intake valve 23 is an open valve. The intake valve 23 can move toward the intake closed position by falling along the intake valve guide 25 due to the weight of the intake valve 23 and the intake valve shaft 24.

[0025] When the intake valve 23 is in the intake closing position, the intake valve 23 closes the intake port 21b. That is, the lower surface of the intake valve 23 is in contact with the intake valve seat 21x, so the intake flow path 120 is closed and communication between the intake flow path 120 and the outside of the breather valve 5 is cut off.

[0026] When the intake valve 23 moves upward against its own weight from the intake closed position to the intake open position, a gap is created between the intake valve 23 and the intake valve seat 21x. In other words, the intake flow path 120 is opened, and the intake flow path 120 is in communication with the atmosphere outside the breather valve 5.

[0027] The intake side opening end 10c and the connection side opening end 21a are connected, and the intake section 20 is connected to the intake side opening end 10c of the main section 10. As a result, the intake flow path 120 inside the intake section main body 21 communicates with the branch flow path 111 inside the main section 10. In other words, the intake flow path 120 extends horizontally from the branch flow path 111.

[0028] The discharge section 40 is connected to the outlet opening end 10b of the main section 10. The discharge section 40 has a discharge section main body 41, a vent cover 47, a discharge valve mechanism 50 installed on the vent cover 47, a detection device 60, and a valve contact member 70.

[0029] The exhaust unit main body 41 is composed of a tubular inlet 42 and an atmosphere exhaust unit 43 provided to surround one open end of the inlet 42. The exhaust unit main body 41 is installed in an orientation in which the pipe of the inlet 42 is aligned vertically.

[0030] Fig. 2 is a top view showing the introduction portion 42 in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is an enlarged view showing a portion including the detection device 60 in Fig. 1. Since Fig. 2 shows the top surface of the introduction portion 42, the valve contact member 70 is not shown. The explanation will continue based on Figs. 1 to 3.

[0031] The downward-opening end of the inlet section 42 is referred to as the discharge section inlet opening end 42a. The vertically upward-opening end of the inlet section 42 is referred to as the valve side end 42b. The opening of the valve side end 42b is referred to as the valve side opening 42c, and the end face of the valve side end 42b is referred to as the main body end face 42d. The discharge section inlet opening end 42a is connected to the outlet opening end 10b of the main section 10.

[0032] A single detector installation space 42e is formed in the introduction portion 42. The detector installation space 42e opens to the end surface 42d of the main body, passes through the wall of the introduction portion 42 from the opening in the end surface 42d of the main body, and is a space that opens to the outer periphery of the introduction portion 42. A part of the detection device 60 is installed in the detector installation space 42e.

[0033] The detection device 60 includes a detector 61 and wiring 62 that transmits a signal from the detector 61 to a control device (not shown). The detector 61 can detect a predetermined variable of the detection target. The detector 61 can detect the predetermined variable of the detection target in the direction in which the detector 61 is pointed, and this direction is referred to as the detection direction of the detector 61. In other words, the detection direction of the detector 61 is the direction in which the detector 61 can detect the predetermined variable of the detection target. One detector 61 and a portion of the wiring 62 extending from the detector 61 are installed in the detector installation space 42e. The detector 61 is installed so that the detection direction of the detector 61 faces outward from the detector installation space 42e toward the main body end surface 42d. In other words, the detector 61 can measure the predetermined variable of the detection target outside the main body end surface 42d on the valve-side end 42b side of the introduction portion 42.

[0034] The wiring 62 is installed so as to pass through the detector installation space 42e and extend outward from the outer periphery of the introduction part 42. The wiring 62 is connected to a control device (not shown), and the control device can acquire the predetermined variable detected by the detector 61.

[0035] A valve contact member 70 is provided at the valve side end portion 42b. Fig. 4 is a top view showing the valve contact member 70 of Fig. 1. The description will continue with reference to Figs. 1 to 4.

[0036] The valve contact member 70 is an annular member. The cross section of the valve contact member 70 taken along a line along the radial direction of the annular shape is L-shaped. That is, the valve contact member 70 is an annular flat plate member bent perpendicular to the plane along the entire inner periphery. The valve contact member 70 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end face 42d.

[0037] The valve contact member 70 is installed in the introduction portion 42 so as to cover the main body end surface 42d of the introduction portion 42 and a portion of the inner circumferential surface of the introduction portion 42 that continues from the main body end surface 42d. Here, the surface of the valve contact member 70 that faces the discharge valve 53 is referred to as a valve-facing surface 70a. The discharge valve 53 will be described later.

[0038] The opening of the detector installation space 42e formed in the main body end surface 42d is closed by installing the valve contact member 70 in the introduction portion 42. That is, the detector 61 is installed in the detector installation space 42e covered by the valve contact member 70. The detection direction of the detector 61 is toward the discharge valve 53 located beyond the valve-facing surface 70a.

[0039] The valve contact member 70 is screwed and installed in the introduction portion 42. The outer periphery of the valve contact member 70 is provided with attachment points for screwing. However, other well-known methods can be used to install the valve contact member 70 in the introduction portion 42 in addition to screwing. The valve contact member 70 is preferably made of a material that does not significantly reduce the detection capability of the detector 61. For example, the valve contact member 70 is made of stainless steel.

[0040] It is preferable to design the shape of the valve contact member 70 so as not to significantly reduce the detection capability of the detector 61. For example, a significant reduction in the detection capability of the detector 61 can be prevented by thinning the valve contact member 70. As shown in FIG. 1-4, the inner circumferential surface of the introduction portion 42 where the detector installation space 42e is formed is formed to protrude further inward, and the wall thickness of the introduction portion 42 where the detector installation space 42e is formed is thicker than the wall thickness of the remaining portions. The valve contact member 70 is also formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end surface 42d. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the wall thickness of the introduction portion 42 may be uniform, i.e., the inner circumferential surface of the introduction portion 42 does not have a protruding portion formed inward, and the inner circumferential surface of the introduction portion 42 viewed from the axial direction may be circular. Even in this case, the valve contact member 70 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end surface 42d.

[0041] Here, the valve side end 42b of the inlet portion 42 is the valve seat main body 3. That is, the valve seat main body 3 is cylindrical and forms part of the flow path that is closed by the valve disc, such that the valve side end 42b of the inlet portion 42 forms part of the discharge flow path 140. Furthermore, the main body end surface 42d of the inlet portion 42 is the end of the flow path formed in the valve seat main body 3, and is the main body end surface of the valve seat main body 3 that faces the valve disc.

[0042] The valve seat main body 3, which is the valve-side end 42b of the inlet 42, and the valve contact member 70 are referred to as the valve seat 2. Therefore, the valve seat 2 constitutes part of the flow path. The valve seat 2 and the detection device 60 are referred to as the valve seat mechanism 1. In this case, the valve-facing surface 70a of the valve contact member 70 is referred to as the valve seat end surface 2a.

[0043] That is, the valve seat end face 2a faces the underside of the discharge valve 53, which is a valve body, and is in direct contact with the discharge valve 53 when the discharge valve 53 closes the discharge flow path 140. Furthermore, a gap is formed between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat end face 2a, and when the discharge flow path 140 is opened, the fluid in the tank 4 is discharged through the gap between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat end face 2a. Furthermore, when the detector 61 is installed in the detector installation space 42e, the detection direction is toward the discharge valve 53, which is a valve body, located beyond the valve seat end face 2a.

[0044] Returning to Figure 1 , the explanation will continue. The atmosphere exhaust portion 43 is formed to surround the valve side end 42b of the introduction portion 42. An opening is formed at the upper end side of the atmosphere exhaust portion 43. The upper end side of the atmosphere exhaust portion 43 is referred to as the valve mechanism side opening end 43b. Below the valve mechanism side opening end 43b of the atmosphere exhaust portion 43, i.e., in the body portion of the atmosphere exhaust portion 43, a plurality of discharge ports 43a that open horizontally are formed.

[0045] The vent cover 47 is connected to the valve mechanism side opening end 43b. The vent cover 47 closes the opening of the valve mechanism side opening end 43b. A well-known structure can be used to connect the vent cover 47 to the valve mechanism side opening end 43b. A discharge valve mechanism 50 is installed in the vent cover 47.

[0046] The discharge valve mechanism 50 has a discharge valve 53 which is a valve body capable of closing the valve side opening 42c, a discharge valve shaft 54 ​​fixed to the discharge valve 53, and a discharge valve guide 55 installed on the vent cover 47.

[0047] When the vent cover 47 is connected to the valve mechanism side opening end 43b, the discharge valve guide 55 extends vertically downward from the vent cover 47. The discharge valve guide 55 supports the discharge valve shaft 54 ​​so that the discharge valve shaft 54 ​​is movable along the vertical direction.

[0048] The discharge valve 53 is movable between a discharge closed position and a discharge open position by moving the discharge valve shaft 54 ​​along the vertical direction. The discharge valve 53 is an open valve.

[0049] The discharge valve 53 can move toward the discharge closed position by dropping along the discharge valve guide 55 due to the weight of the discharge valve 53 and the discharge valve shaft 54 ​​.

[0050] When the discharge valve 53 is in the discharge closed position, the discharge valve 53 closes the valve-side opening 42c. Specifically, when the discharge valve 53 is in the discharge closed position, the surface of the discharge valve 53 contacts the valve-facing surface 70a of the valve contact member 70. At this time, the surface of the discharge valve 53 and the valve-facing surface 70a are in continuous contact around the valve-side opening 42c.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the surface of the discharge valve 53 that comes into contact with the valve-facing surface 70a is the underside of the discharge valve 53. That is, the detector 61 is installed so that its detection direction faces the underside of the discharge valve 53, and can detect a predetermined displacement up to the discharge valve 53.

[0052] When the discharge valve 53 moves against its own weight from the discharge closed position to the discharge open position, a gap is created between the discharge valve 53 and the valve-side opening 42c.

[0053] The discharge section 40 has a discharge flow path 140 that runs from the discharge section inlet opening end 42a through the valve side opening 42c and communicates with the plurality of discharge ports 43a. When the discharge valve 53 is in the discharge closed position, the discharge flow path 140 that is in communication with the main flow path 110 extending from the inside of the main section 10 is in a disconnected state.

[0054] When the discharge valve 53 moves from the discharge closed position toward the discharge open position and a gap is created between the discharge valve 53 and the valve side opening 42c, the discharge flow path 140, which is connected to the main flow path 110 extending from the inside of the main section 10, is not blocked and remains connected.

[0055] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the breather valve 5. The breather valve 5 operates based on the internal pressure of the tank 4.

[0056] First, when the internal pressure of the tank 4 is normal, the intake valve 23 and the exhaust valve 53 are both closed. In this state, neither the intake valve 23 nor the exhaust valve 53 takes in air, and the internal pressure of the tank 4 is maintained.

[0057] Next, we will explain what happens when the internal pressure of the tank 4 becomes lower than the normal pressure. In the intake section 20, the internal pressure of the intake section 20 is low, so the intake valve 23 is pushed by the atmosphere. Therefore, the intake valve 23 moves from the intake closed position toward the intake open position.

[0058] Specifically, the intake valve 23 is pushed up by the atmosphere and rises against its own weight. The total weight of the intake valve 23 and the intake valve shaft 24 is set to a weight that will rise up when pushed up by the atmosphere when the internal pressure of the intake section 20 falls below normal pressure.

[0059] As the intake valve 23 rises against its own weight, the intake passage 120 is opened and the atmosphere enters the inside of the intake section 20 through the intake port 21b.

[0060] On the other hand, because the internal pressure of the discharge part 40 is low, the discharge valve 53 moves downward due to its own weight, and the discharge valve 53 remains in the discharge closed position. That is, the valve-side opening 42c remains closed by the discharge valve 53.

[0061] As a result, air flows in through the intake port 21b, and the internal pressure of the tank 4 increases, causing the intake valve 23 to move to the intake closing position due to its own weight, thereby closing the intake port 21b. In this way, the internal pressure of the tank 4 becomes the pressure set by the weight of the intake valve 23.

[0062] Next, we will explain what happens when the internal pressure of the tank 4 is higher than the normal pressure. At this time, the internal pressure of the intake section 20 is high, so the intake valve 23 remains in the intake closed position due to the internal pressure of the intake section 20 and its own weight. Therefore, the intake port 21b is closed.

[0063] In the discharge section 40, the internal pressure of the tank 4, the main section 10, and the intake section 20 is high, so the discharge valve 53 moves from the discharge closed position to the discharge open position. Specifically, the discharge valve 53 is pushed by the fluid inside the tank 4 and rises against its own weight. The total weight of the discharge valve 53 and the discharge valve shaft 54 ​​is set to a weight that will rise against its own weight when the internal pressure of the main section 10 exceeds the normal pressure.

[0064] Therefore, the fluid inside the tank 4 is discharged from inside the tank 4 through the main flow path 110, the valve-side opening 42c, and the discharge flow path 140. In other words, when the internal pressure of the discharge part 40 becomes higher than the normal pressure, the discharge valve mechanism 50 does not block the discharge flow path 140, which is in communication with the main flow path 110, but keeps it in communication. This allows the fluid discharged from inside the tank 4 to be discharged downstream of the discharge valve mechanism 50 through the discharge flow path 140.

[0065] When the fluid in the tank 4 is discharged from the discharge portion 40, the internal pressure of the tank 4 causes the discharge valve 53 to move to the discharge closed position by its own weight, and closes the valve-side opening 42c.

[0066] As a result, the internal pressure of the tank 4 becomes a pressure based on the weight of the discharge valve 53. In this way, the breather valve 5 can maintain the pressure inside the tank 4 at a constant pressure.

[0067] As described above, the fluid inside the tank 4 includes the fluid inside the tank 4 and the fluid that has volatilized and gasified from the fluid. Therefore, the discharged fluid also includes the fluid inside the tank 4 and the fluid that has volatilized and gasified from the fluid.

[0068] Next, the detection device 60 will be described. The detector 61 can constantly detect a predetermined change up to the discharge valve 53. The predetermined change of the detection target detected by the detector 61 can be recognized as the state of the discharge valve 53 or the state between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat 2. For example, the detector 61 is a distance sensor that can measure the distance to the underside of the discharge valve 53. In this case, the change up to the discharge valve 53 that can be detected by the detector 61 is the current distance to the discharge valve 53, i.e., the current position of the discharge valve 53.

[0069] From the distance to the underside of the discharge valve 53 detected by the detector 61, it can be inferred whether the discharge valve 53 is in the valve closed position or has moved from the valve closed position toward the valve open position. In other words, it can be known whether the valve-side opening 42c is closed by the discharge valve 53. This also makes it possible to calculate the opening degree of the discharge valve 53, and further, the presence and flow rate of fluid flowing between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat 2.

[0070] Furthermore, for example, by measuring the time that the discharge valve 53 is not in the valve closed position, it is possible to infer a malfunction, such as an abnormality in the discharge valve mechanism 50 or an obstruction between the valve seat and the discharge valve 53. Furthermore, while the behavior of the changes in the measured distance data does not necessarily indicate an abnormality in the discharge valve mechanism 50, it is possible to detect signs of an impending abnormality in the discharge valve mechanism 50. In this way, the detection device 60 can determine the condition between the discharge valve 53 (valve element) and the valve seat 2. Furthermore, the behavior of the changes in the measured distance data can be used to verify whether an unexpected event has occurred, whether there is any resulting unexpected fluid leakage, and the amount of leakage. Furthermore, when specific behavior is observed in the behavior of the changes in the distance data measured by the detector 61, it can be determined that there is a sign of unexpected fluid leakage from between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat 2.

[0071] The detector 61 is not limited to a distance sensor. For example, a vibration sensor facing the underside of the discharge valve 53 may be used as the detector 61. The vibration sensor can detect vibrations extending beyond the valve contact member 70 to the discharge valve 53. Even when a vibration sensor is used as the detector 61, the state between the discharge valve 53 (valve body) and the valve seat 2 can be determined by the detection device 60, just like a distance sensor.

[0072] Furthermore, for example, an acoustic sensor facing the underside of the discharge valve 53 may be used as the detector 61. The acoustic sensor may detect sounds up to the discharge valve 53. The acoustic sensor can detect the operating sound of the discharge valve 53, the sound of a collision between the valve seat 2 and the discharge valve 53, and the sound of the fluid between the valve seat 2 and the discharge valve 53. Even when an acoustic sensor is used as the detector 61, the state between the discharge valve 53 (valve body) and the valve seat 2 can be determined by the detection device 60, as with a distance sensor. Note that the strength of the directionality in the detection direction of the detector 61 differs depending on the sensor used as the detector 61. Therefore, when installing the detector 61, the detection direction can be appropriately set in consideration of the strength of the directionality of the sensor used, and the installation posture of the detector 61 can be appropriately set.

[0073] The valve seat mechanism 1 of the first embodiment includes a valve seat 2 that constitutes a part of the flow path and one or more detectors 61 that detect a predetermined variable of a detection target in a detection direction. The valve seat 2 has a valve seat end surface 2a that contacts the discharge valve 53, which serves as a valve disc, to close the flow path. The valve seat 2 also has a detector installation space 42e in which the detector 61 is installed. The detection direction is toward the valve disc located beyond the valve seat end surface 2a when the detector 61 is installed in the detector installation space 42e. This allows the condition between the valve disc and the valve seat to be ascertained. Furthermore, by accumulating data indicating the condition between the valve disc and the valve seat acquired by the detector 61 and comparing the past data with the current data, it is possible to verify the amount of fluid passing between the valve disc and the valve seat, verify the presence or absence of unexpected fluid leakage from between the valve disc and the valve seat, verify the amount of leakage, and identify signs of fluid leakage from between the valve disc and the valve seat. It is also possible to determine the degree of deterioration of the valve disc or the valve seat. Therefore, failures in the valve body or valve seat and signs of such failures can be detected early.

[0074] According to the valve seat mechanism 1 of the first embodiment, the detector installation space 42e is not exposed to the flow path and the valve seat end surface 2a. This allows for a more secure sealing of the flow path. Therefore, the valve seat mechanism 1 of the present disclosure can be applied even in cases where an explosion-proof structure is required.

[0075] According to the valve seat mechanism 1 of the first embodiment, the valve seat 2 includes a cylindrical valve seat body 3 that forms a portion of the flow path and a valve contact member 70 that is attached to the valve seat body 3 and forms a valve seat end surface 2a. The valve seat body 3 also includes a body end surface 42d that faces the end of the flow path and is opposed to the discharge valve 53, which is a valve element that closes the flow path. The detector installation space 42e is also formed in the valve seat body 3 and is exposed at the body end surface 42d. The valve contact member 70 also covers the body end surface 42d. As a result, if data acquired by the detection device 60 indicates unusual behavior, some abnormality in the valve element or the valve seat 2 may be suspected. For example, if wear on the valve seat end surface 2a of the valve seat 2 is suspected, the problem can be resolved by simply replacing the valve contact member 70. This reduces maintenance work. Furthermore, maintaining the valve seat mechanism 1 requires only the valve contact member 70 as a replacement part. This makes it easier to arrange and store maintenance items.

[0076] The breather valve 5 in the first embodiment is equipped with the valve seat mechanism 1 of the present disclosure. This allows the condition between the valve disc and the valve seat to be ascertained. Furthermore, by accumulating data indicating the condition between the valve disc and the valve seat obtained by the detector 61 and comparing past data with current data, it is possible to verify the amount of fluid passing between the valve disc and the valve seat, verify the presence or absence of unexpected fluid leakage from between the valve disc and the valve seat, verify the amount of leakage, and identify signs of fluid leakage from between the valve disc and the valve seat. It is also possible to know the degree of deterioration of the valve disc or the valve seat. Therefore, failure of the valve disc or the valve seat, or signs of failure, can be detected early.

[0077] In the breather valve 5 in the first embodiment, the detection device 60 is provided in the discharge section 40. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the detection device 60 may be provided in the intake section 20. That is, the detection device 60 may be provided on the intake valve seat 20x corresponding to the intake valve 23 to monitor the behavior of the intake valve 23.

[0078] Embodiment 2. In describing the valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure, in embodiment 2, a valve seat mechanism used in a breather valve is used. However, the valve seat mechanism of the present disclosure is not limited to that used in a breather valve, and can be used appropriately in general valve mechanisms. In embodiment 2, the configuration in which three detectors 61 are installed differs from that of the detection device 60 of embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a top view showing the introduction section 42 according to embodiment 2.

[0079] The detection device 60 has three detectors 61 and wiring 62 that transmits signals from each detector 61 to a control device (not shown). Three detector installation spaces 42e are formed in the introduction section 42. One detector 61 and wiring 62 connected to the detector 61 are installed in each detector installation space 42e.

[0080] The valve contact member 70 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end surface 42d. The openings of the multiple detector installation spaces 42e formed in the main body end surface 42d are closed by installing the valve contact member 70 in the introduction portion 42. That is, the multiple detectors 61 are installed in the detector installation spaces 42e covered by the valve contact member 70. Each of the multiple detectors 61 is installed along the valve-facing surface 70a. As shown in FIG. 5 , the inner circumferential surface of the introduction portion 42 where each detector installation space 42e is formed protrudes further inward, and the wall thickness of the introduction portion 42 where the detector installation space 42e is formed is thicker than the wall thickness of the remaining portions. The valve contact member 70 is also formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end surface 42d. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the wall thickness of the introduction portion 42 may be uniform, i.e., the inner peripheral surface of the introduction portion 42 may not have any inward protruding portions, and the inner peripheral surface of the introduction portion 42 may be circular when viewed in the axial direction. Even in this case, the valve contact member 70 is formed in a shape corresponding to the shape of the main body end surface 42d.

[0081] Each of the multiple detectors 61 may be the same type of sensor, for example, all three detectors 61 may be distance sensors. The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those disclosed in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0082] In the second embodiment, three detectors 61 are installed in the introduction section 42. However, this is not limited to this. The number of detectors 61 arranged in the introduction section 42 may be two or more, i.e., multiple. Also, one or multiple detectors 61 may be installed in one detector installation space 42e. In the second embodiment, multiple detectors 61 of the valve seat mechanism 1 are installed along the valve seat end surface 2a. This allows for more detailed investigation of slight tilts and vibrations of the discharge valve 53. Therefore, the behavior of the valve disc can be observed in more detail.

[0083] The multiple detectors 61 of the valve seat mechanism 1 in the second embodiment are sensors of the same type. This allows the signals obtained from the detectors 61 to be easily compared and examined. Therefore, slight tilts or deviations of the discharge valve 53 can be easily examined in more detail.

[0084] It should be noted that the three detectors 61 in the second embodiment are all the same type of sensor. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the types of sensors of the three detectors 61 may be one or more distance sensors and one or more vibration sensors. In other words, multiple types of sensors may be used for the multiple detectors 61.

[0085] In the valve seat mechanism 1 according to the second embodiment, at least two detectors 61 are different types of sensors, which allows the behavior of the discharge valve 53 to be examined from multiple angles.

[0086] Furthermore, the valve seat mechanism 1 in the first and second embodiments is provided in the breather valve 5. However, this is not limited to this. The valve seat mechanism 1 in the first and second embodiments can be provided in any valve mechanism that closes the flow path by closing the valve seat end surface 2a of the valve seat 2 with a valve member and opens the flow path by creating a gap between the valve member and the valve seat 2. Examples of such valve mechanisms include rotary valves such as ball valves and diaphragm valves.

[0087] The valve mechanism according to the first embodiment includes the valve seat mechanism 1 of the present disclosure and a discharge valve 53, which is a valve element that closes the flow path. This allows the condition between the valve element and the valve seat to be ascertained. Furthermore, by accumulating data indicating the condition between the valve element and the valve seat acquired by the detector 61 and comparing past data with current data, it is possible to verify the amount of fluid passing between the valve element and the valve seat, verify the presence or absence of unexpected fluid leakage from between the valve element and the valve seat, verify the amount of leakage, and identify signs of fluid leakage from between the valve element and the valve seat. It is also possible to know the degree of deterioration of the valve element or the valve seat. Therefore, failure of the valve element or the valve seat and signs of failure can be detected early.

[0088] Furthermore, the valve seat mechanism 1 in Embodiments 1 and 2 uses the valve contact member 70. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the valve contact member 70 may not be used. In this case, the detector installation space 42e is formed without an opening at the main body end surface 42d of the valve-side end portion 42b, and the main body end surface 42d is the end surface that contacts the discharge valve 53. That is, in this case, the valve seat end surface 2a becomes the main body end surface 32d. With this configuration, sealing between the discharge valve 53 and the valve seat end surface 2a, which is the main body end surface 42d, is ensured, and the flow path can be closed. Furthermore, since the valve contact member 70 is not used, the number of parts is reduced, resulting in reduced design and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the reduced number of parts reduces the possibility of malfunctions and failures.

[0089] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0090] (Supplementary Note 1) A valve seat mechanism comprising: a valve seat constituting a part of a flow path; and one or more detectors that detect a predetermined variable of a detection target in a detection direction, wherein the valve seat has a valve seat end surface with which a valve disc comes into contact to close the flow path, the valve seat has a detector installation space formed therein in which the detector is installed, and the detection direction is toward the valve disc located beyond the valve seat end surface when the detector is installed in the detector installation space. (Supplementary Note 2) The valve seat mechanism according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the detector installation space is not exposed to the flow path and the valve seat end surface. (Supplementary Note 3) The valve seat mechanism according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein a plurality of the detectors are installed along the valve seat end surface. (Supplementary Note 4) The valve seat mechanism according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the plurality of detectors are sensors of a single type. (Supplementary Note 5) The valve seat mechanism according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein at least two of the detectors are sensors of different types. (Supplementary Note 6) The valve seat mechanism according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the valve seat has: a valve seat main body that constitutes a part of the flow path; and a valve contact member that is installed on the valve seat main body and constitutes the valve seat end surface, wherein the valve seat main body has a main body end surface that is an end of the flow path and faces the valve disc that closes the flow path, wherein the detector installation space is formed in the valve seat main body, wherein the detector installation space is exposed at the main body end surface, and the valve contact member covers the main body end surface. (Supplementary Note 7) A valve mechanism comprising: the valve seat mechanism according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6; and a valve disc that closes the flow path. (Supplementary Note 8) A breather valve comprising the valve seat mechanism according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6.

[0091] 1 Valve seat mechanism, 2 Valve seat, 2a Valve seat end surface, 3 Valve seat body, 4 Tank, 4a Mounting portion, 4b Upstream flange, 5 Breather valve, 10 Main portion, 10a Inlet side opening end, 10b Outlet side opening end, 10c Intake side opening end, 20 Intake portion, 21 Intake portion body, 21a Connection side opening end, 21b Intake port, 21x Intake valve seat, 22 Intake valve mechanism, 23 Intake valve (valve body), 24 Intake valve shaft, 25 Intake valve guide, 40 Discharge portion, 41 Discharge portion body, 42 Introduction portion, 42a Discharge portion inlet side opening end, 42b Valve side end, 42c Valve side opening, 42d Body end surface, 42e Detector installation space, 43 Atmospheric discharge portion, 43a Discharge port, 43b Valve mechanism side opening end, 47 Vent cover, 50 exhaust valve mechanism, 53 exhaust valve (valve body), 54 exhaust valve shaft, 55 exhaust valve guide, 60 detection device, 61 detector, 62 wiring, 70 valve contact member, 110 main flow path, 111 branch flow path, 120 intake flow path, 140 exhaust flow path.

Claims

1. A valve seat mechanism comprising: a valve seat forming part of a flow path; and one or more detectors configured to detect a predetermined variable of a detection target in a detection direction, wherein a valve seat end face is formed on the valve seat such that the flow path is closed when a valve body comes into contact therewith, a detector installation space in which the detector is installed is formed on the valve seat, and the detection direction is directed toward the valve body beyond the valve seat end face in a state where the detector is installed in the detector installation space.

2. The valve seat mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the detector installation space is not exposed to the flow path and the valve seat end face.

3. The valve seat mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the detectors are installed along the valve seat end face.

4. The valve seat mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of detectors are of a single type of sensor.

5. The valve seat mechanism according to claim 3, wherein at least two of the detectors are of different types of sensors.

6. The valve seat includes: a valve seat body forming part of the flow path; and a valve contact member installed on the valve seat body and forming the valve seat end face, wherein a body end face is formed on the valve seat body at an end of the flow path and facing the valve body that closes the flow path, the detector installation space is formed in the valve seat body, the detector installation space is exposed to the body end face, and the valve contact member covers the body end face. The valve seat mechanism according to claim 1.

7. A valve mechanism comprising: the valve seat mechanism according to claim 1; and a valve body configured to close the flow path.

8. A bleeder valve comprising the valve seat mechanism according to claim 1.

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