Gate valve and gate valve control method

Abstract

A gate valve according to the present invention is configured to partition a flow path. The gate valve has a valve box, a valve body, a rotary shaft, a rotation drive unit, a pressing drive unit, a driving pressure generation mechanism, and an energy regeneration mechanism. The rotation drive unit is capable of rotationally driving the valve body. The pressing drive unit is provided in the valve box. The pressing drive unit moves the valve body, in a direction along the flow path, from a valve-opening covering position to a valve closing position at which the valve body contacts the peripheral edge portion, and presses the valve body. The driving pressure generation mechanism is connected to the pressing drive unit and is capable of causing the pressing drive unit to expand and contract. The energy regeneration mechanism regenerates drive energy for valve operation.

Description

Partition valve and control method for partition valve

[0001] The present invention relates to a partition valve and a control method for the partition valve, and particularly relates to a technology suitable for use in a pendulum valve. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-208997 filed in Japan on November 29, 2024, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] In a vacuum device or the like, a partition valve is provided between a chamber, piping, a pump, and the like. The partition valve partitions between two spaces having different vacuum degrees, and a partition valve for connecting the two partitioned spaces is provided. As such a partition valve, various types of valves are known.

[0003] The inventors of the present invention developed a partition valve capable of performing a partition operation with high reliability and filed a patent application (Patent Document 1). This partition valve includes a valve box inserted into a flow path, a valve body rotatably supported between a retracted position and a valve opening shielding position, a rotation drive unit capable of rotationally driving the valve body, a neutral valve unit connecting the valve body to a rotation shaft, a movable valve frame unit provided on the valve body so as to be movable in the flow path direction with respect to the neutral valve unit, a movable valve plate unit movable in the flow path direction with respect to the movable valve frame unit, a valve frame biasing unit connecting the neutral valve unit and the movable valve frame unit, a valve plate biasing unit connecting the movable valve frame unit and the movable valve plate unit, a valve box biasing unit movable in a direction toward a valve closing position where the movable valve frame unit contacts the periphery of the valve box opening, and a drive unit for driving the valve box biasing unit.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 6864040 Gazette

[0005] In the partition valve of the patent document, operations associated with opening and closing are performed by hydraulic pressure such as a cylinder and a spring (coil spring) or the like. At this time, energy is supplied from the outside to drive each part of the partition valve, elastic energy is stored in a spring or the like, and the stored elastic energy is used to perform an operation in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the driving energy supplied to the partition valve is only used to drive each part of the partition valve, and the regenerative energy obtained from the driving is not considered. In recent years, reduction of energy consumption has also been demanded in semiconductor manufacturing lines and the like.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and aims to achieve the following objectives: 1. To reduce energy consumption in gate valves. 2. To make the energy required for gate valve operation regenerative. 3. To enable gate valve operation using regenerative energy. 4. To make the potential energy, elastic energy, and electrical energy required for gate valve operation reusable.

[0007] A partition valve according to one aspect of the present invention is a partition valve for partitioning a flow path, comprising: a valve body having a first opening and a second opening inserted into the flow path and facing each other and communicating to form the flow path; a hollow portion located between the first opening and the second opening; a peripheral portion located around the first opening; a valve element located within the hollow portion and capable of opening and closing the flow path; a rotating shaft that supports the valve element so as to be rotatable in a direction intersecting the flow path between a retracted position and a valve opening shielding position within the hollow portion and has an axis extending in the direction of the flow path; a rotational drive unit capable of rotationally driving the valve element; a pressing drive unit provided in the valve body and moving the valve element from the valve opening shielding position to a valve closing position in a direction along the flow path that contacts the peripheral portion, thereby pressing the valve element; a drive pressure generating mechanism connected to the pressing drive unit and capable of extending and retracting the pressing drive unit; and an energy recovery mechanism for recovering the driving energy of the valve operation. In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism may regenerate energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the valve operation to perform a re-valve operation. In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism may regenerate energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the valve body to perform a re-valve operation. In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism may regenerate energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the rotary drive unit to perform a re-valve operation. In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism may regenerate energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the pressing drive unit to perform a re-valve operation. In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism may regenerate energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the drive pressure generation mechanism to perform a re-valve operation.In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism may include a coreless motor. In a control method for a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, 50% or more of the driving energy associated with opening and closing the gate valve is regenerated in the gate valve according to the above-described aspect.

[0008] A partition valve according to one aspect of the present invention is a partition valve for partitioning a flow path, comprising: a valve body having a first opening and a second opening inserted into the flow path and facing each other and communicating to form the flow path; a hollow portion located between the first opening and the second opening; a peripheral portion located around the first opening; a valve element located within the hollow portion and capable of opening and closing the flow path; a rotating shaft that supports the valve element so as to be rotatable in a direction intersecting the flow path between a retracted position and a valve opening shielding position within the hollow portion and has an axis extending in the direction of the flow path; a rotational drive unit capable of rotationally driving the valve element; a pressing drive unit provided in the valve body and moving the valve element from the valve opening shielding position to a valve closing position in a direction along the flow path that contacts the peripheral portion, thereby pressing the valve element; a drive pressure generating mechanism connected to the pressing drive unit and capable of extending and retracting the pressing drive unit; and an energy recovery mechanism for recovering the driving energy of the valve operation. This resolved the above-mentioned problem.

[0009] The drive mechanism that moves the valve body performs the opening and closing operations of the valve, that is, the rotational operation of the valve body and the contact and separation operation of the valve body with respect to the valve casing. In conventional drive mechanisms, the drive energy applied to the valve body is consumed as friction loss or Joule heat inside the motor. Therefore, when the valve body is stopped, this energy is hardly recovered. Conventionally, when the valve body is stopped, the applied drive energy was released to the outside as heat. In a gate valve having the above configuration, the energy that was conventionally released to the outside is recovered by an energy recovery mechanism, and the energy obtained through recovery is used to return the valve body to its original position. This makes it possible to drive the valve body without supplying energy from the outside for the operation of returning the valve body. Here, the energy recovery mechanism is a mechanism that drives the valve body to perform the opening and closing operations of the valve body, and stores the energy associated with this unidirectional operation of the valve body, making this energy available for the operation of the valve body in the opposite direction. In other words, the energy recovery mechanism can alternately apply supplied energy and stored energy, or supplied energy and stored release energy, in conjunction with valve operation. This reduces the amount of driving energy supplied during the operation of the pendulum valve (gate valve). Compared to conventional designs, heat energy loss can be reduced. Environmentally friendly energy consumption is possible. In manufacturing facilities equipped with such pendulum valves, energy consumption can be suppressed. The valve body may include a neutral valve section, a movable valve section, a movable valve frame section, a movable valve plate section, etc.

[0010] In this specification, regeneration means the following: - When driving a valve, converting energy that was conventionally discharged as heat into the environment in which the gate valve is installed into some form of energy without discharging it into the external environment; - Storing the converted energy; or returning it to the upstream side in the energy transfer direction, thereby reducing the total amount of energy discharged; - Reusing the converted energy (including stored energy) to drive the valve by converting it in the opposite direction to the conversion action described above. Here, when energy is returned, it is assumed that the energy is effectively consumed at the return destination. Also, if it is not energy return, "storage" can be replaced with "energy storage". In other words, return to the upstream system in the energy transfer direction is also included in the technical concept of this invention. A typical example is a pendulum. In the case of a pendulum, a phenomenon occurs in which potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and then converted back into potential energy. This example clarifies that regeneration is performed through the intervention of kinetic energy. In this case, the structure for storing energy does not have specific parts to realize it, but the conversion phenomenon utilizes a configuration that uses kinetic energy. Furthermore, "upstream" refers to the upstream direction in terms of energy transfer, specifically the direction of transmission of the driving force involved in valve operation, or the direction of power supply in the drive circuit. An example of the power supply direction is the connected upstream power system.

[0011] In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism regenerates energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the valve operation to perform a re-valve operation.

[0012] In a gate valve having the above configuration, stored energy can be regenerated by recovering and reusing potential energy associated with the vertical movement of the valve body during valve opening and closing operations, electrical energy recovered by a motor or generator driven by rotational movement, elastic energy stored in elastic members such as springs that are compressed, extended, or deformed during axial movement, and pressure energy stored in hydraulic drive parts due to pressurization and depressurization. This reduces the amount of driving energy supplied during the operation of the pendulum valve (gate valve). Compared to conventional designs, thermal energy loss can be reduced. Environmentally friendly energy consumption can be achieved.

[0013] In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism regenerates energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the valve body to perform a re-valve operation.

[0014] In a gate valve having the above configuration, energy can be stored and recovered simultaneously with the drive of the valve body, in relation to the rotational movement of the valve body, axial movement along the flow path, etc., when the valve body is driven, and this energy can be used to drive the reverse movement. This allows for the regeneration of energy stored in conjunction with the movement of the valve body. As a result, the amount of driving energy supplied in the operation of the pendulum valve (gate valve) can be reduced. Compared to conventional valves, thermal energy loss can be reduced. Environmentally friendly energy consumption can be achieved.

[0015] In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism regenerates energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the rotary drive unit to perform a valve reoperation.

[0016] In a gate valve having the above configuration, energy can be stored and recovered simultaneously with the rotational movement of the valve body when the valve body is driven, and this energy can be used to drive the valve in the reverse direction. This allows for the regeneration of energy stored in conjunction with the movement of the valve body. For example, an energy regeneration mechanism can be exemplified in which a capacitor or a secondary battery is connected to the motor that drives the valve rotation and charges during rotational driving. Another example is an energy regeneration mechanism equipped with a coil spring that deforms in accordance with the rotation of the valve rotation shaft when the valve body is driven, and stores elastic energy. Alternatively, an energy regeneration mechanism can be exemplified in which the center of gravity of the valve body is at the same height at both ends of the valve rotation movement, namely the valve open position and the valve closed position, and further configured so that the center of gravity of the valve body is lower at the center position than at both ends of the valve rotation movement, thereby enabling the regeneration of potential energy. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of driving energy supplied in the operation of the pendulum valve (gate valve). Compared to conventional designs, thermal energy loss can be reduced. Environmentally friendly energy consumption can be achieved.

[0017] In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism regenerates energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the pressing drive unit to perform a valve reoperation.

[0018] In a gate valve having the above configuration, the operation of the pressing drive unit (hydraulic drive unit, valve body biasing unit) that presses the valve body against the opening of the valve body to seal it compresses and expands the elastic spring, causing it to deform and store elastic energy, which is then released when the seal is released. This allows the valve body to be moved to a rotatable valve opening shielding position, enabling regenerative energy. Alternatively, the pressure change during the rise and fall of the hydraulic pressure in the pressing drive unit can be stored as regenerative energy and used for reverse operation.

[0019] In a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention, the energy regeneration mechanism regenerates energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the drive pressure generation mechanism to perform a valve reoperation.

[0020] In a gate valve having the above configuration, the operation of the drive pressure generating mechanism that expands and contracts the pressing drive unit compresses and expands the elastic spring, deforming and storing elastic energy, which is then released when the seal is released. This allows the valve body to move to a rotatable valve opening shielding position, enabling regenerative energy. Alternatively, the pressure change during the rise and fall of the hydraulic pressure of the drive pressure generating mechanism can be stored as regenerative energy and used for reverse operation. Furthermore, a mechanism that generates the necessary regenerative power in conjunction with the operation of the drive pressure generating mechanism may be provided. In this case, electrical energy, which is regenerative power, can be stored and released when the seal is released, allowing the valve body to move to a rotatable valve opening shielding position, enabling regenerative energy.

[0021] In one aspect of the present invention, the gate valve comprises a coreless motor as the energy regeneration mechanism.

[0022] In a gate valve having the above configuration, compared to a motor with a core, it is possible to suppress the braking effect due to idling cogging torque when performing regenerative power generation, enabling efficient energy recovery. Here, the coreless motor can be provided in the rotary drive unit and the drive pressure generation mechanism.

[0023] A control method for a gate valve according to one aspect of the present invention involves regenerating 50% or more of the driving energy associated with opening and closing the gate valve according to the above-described aspect.

[0024] In the control method for a gate valve having the above configuration, the driving energy supplied during the operation of the pendulum valve (gate valve) can be reduced. Compared to conventional methods, heat energy loss can be reduced. Environmentally friendly energy consumption can be achieved. In manufacturing facilities equipped with such a pendulum valve, it becomes possible to suppress energy consumption.

[0025] Furthermore, in the present invention, the energy recovery mechanism can recover energy associated with valve operation. In this case, the energy recovery mechanism can save, store, and accumulate energy from one-way operation in valve driving and reuse it for operation in the opposite direction. Alternatively, the energy recovery mechanism can save, store, and accumulate energy from one operation in valve driving and reuse it for operation in the opposite direction. Examples of valve operations that utilize the energy recovery mechanism include sealing operation (extension operation), release operation (shortening / contraction operation), valve opening operation (rotation), and valve closing operation (rotation).

[0026] Furthermore, possible configurations for storing, preserving, and accumulating energy include elastic springs, coil springs, regenerative motors, capacitors, regenerative batteries, energy storage units, power storage units, elastic energy holders, gravity-based potential energy conversion units, potential energy conversion units, and charge / discharge units, and these can also be used in conjunction with the drive mechanism.

[0027] The gate valve can be connected to an external power source separately from the energy recovery mechanism. Furthermore, the energy recovery mechanism can achieve zero power consumption when the valve body is locked and not operating. In addition, it can have a counterweight for the valve body. Energy loss during valve operation can be reduced to almost zero.

[0028] Energy recovery mechanisms can recover energy using thermal energy in addition to potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy. In this case, a heat pump and a heat storage unit may be included. Alternatively, a mechanism used for safety during power outages can be used as an energy recovery mechanism. In this case, it can be applied to the gate valve of a safety close.

[0029] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gate valve that enables operation using regenerative energy.

[0030] This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gate valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a perspective view showing a gate valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a hydraulic drive device and energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing a hydraulic drive device and energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in a gate valve according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Hereinafter, a gate valve according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in the following description, the dimensions and proportions of each component have been appropriately changed from those of the actual components in order to make each component recognizable in the drawings. The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0032] <First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a gate valve in this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a gate valve in this embodiment. In the figures, reference numeral 100 denotes a gate valve. The gate valve 100 according to this embodiment is a pendulum-type slide valve. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gate valve 100 according to this embodiment comprises a valve body 10, a hollow portion 11, a valve element 5, a rotating shaft 20, a rotary drive unit 21, a push drive unit 70 (hydraulic drive unit, valve body biasing unit), a hydraulic drive device 700 (incompressible fluid drive unit), and an energy regeneration mechanism 800.

[0033] The valve body 10 has a hollow section 11, a first opening 12a, and a second opening 12b. The hollow section 11 is located between the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b. The first opening 12a and the second opening 12b are inserted into the flow path H and are in communication with each other, facing each other to form the flow path H. The valve body 10 has an inner surface 10b. On the inner surface 10b, the portion located around the first opening 12a is the peripheral edge. The rotating shaft 20 has an axis. The axis of the rotating shaft 20 extends along the direction of the flow path H. The rotating shaft 20 supports the valve body 5 so that it can rotate around its axis relative to the valve body 10. The rotating shaft 20 supports the valve body 5 so that it can rotate between a retracted position (valve open position) O-Pass (see Figure 4) and a valve opening shielding position (sliding preparation position) O-Unlock (see Figure 4) within the hollow section 11. Looking in the direction of the flow path H, in the retracted position O-Pass, the valve body 5 does not overlap with the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b. Looking in the direction of the flow path H, in the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, the valve body 5 overlaps with the first opening 12a and the second opening 12b.

[0034] In the retracted position O-Pass, the valve body 5 retracts from the first opening 12a, creating an open state that allows communication through the flow path H. In the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, the valve body 5 shields the first opening 12a, creating a closable state.

[0035] In the gate valve 100, the valve body 5 operates in two stages between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve closed position O-Rock. Specifically, in the first stage of operation of the valve body 5, the valve body 5 moves in a rotational manner between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock. That is, the valve body 5 moves from the retracted position O-Pass toward the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, and then moves from the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock toward the retracted position O-Pass. In the second stage of operation of the valve body 5, the valve body 5 moves in the thickness direction between the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closed position O-Rock (linear motion). In other words, the valve body 5 moves from the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock to the valve closing position O-Rock, and then moves from the valve closing position O-Rock back to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock. In the first stage of operation of the valve body 5, the valve body 5 rotates around the rotation axis 20. The rotation axis 20 functions as a position switching unit for the valve body 5. The rotation drive unit 21 rotates the rotation axis 20. By rotating the rotation axis 20, the valve body 5 can reciprocate between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock.

[0036] The valve body 5 consists of a neutral valve section 30, a valve frame section 63, and a movable valve section 54. The movable valve section 54 is an example of the movable valve frame section. The neutral valve section 30 is connected to the rotating shaft 20. The neutral valve section 30 is fixed to the rotating shaft 20. The neutral valve section 30 is located at the center of the hollow section 11 when viewed in the direction along the flow path H, or in a plan view in the schematic cross-sectional view shown in Figure 1. The neutral valve section 30 rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 20 around its axis. The position of the neutral valve section 30 is maintained at the center of the hollow section 11 in the direction along the flow path H in all positions: the retracted position O-Pass, the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, and the valve closing position O-Rock.

[0037] The valve frame 63 is connected to the neutral valve 30. The valve frame 63 is positioned around the movable valve 54. The valve frame 63 is positioned in the center of the hollow section 11 in the direction along the flow path H. The valve frame 63 is fixed to the neutral valve 30. The valve frame 63 is positioned near the center of the hollow section 11 in the direction along the flow path H. The valve frame 63 maintains its position near the center of the hollow section 11 in all positions: the retracted position O-Pass, the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, and the valve closing position O-Rock.

[0038] The movable valve section 54 is connected to the valve frame section 63. The movable valve section 54 can change its position in the flow path direction H relative to the neutral valve section 30 and the valve frame section 63 in the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closing position O-Rock. In the retracted position O-Pass, the position of the movable valve section 54 is maintained in the center in the flow path direction H, similar to the hollow section 11. In the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, the position of the movable valve section 54 is maintained in the center in the flow path direction H, similar to the hollow section 11. Between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, the position of the movable valve section 54 is maintained in the center in the flow path direction H, similar to the hollow section 11.

[0039] The movable valve portion 54 is slidable relative to the valve frame portion 63 in the flow path H direction. The movable valve portion 54 is slidable relative to the valve frame portion 63 in the flow path H direction between the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closing position O-Rock. In the valve closing position O-Rock, the movable valve portion 54 can be in close contact with the inner surface 10b of the valve casing 10 located around the first opening 12a. A valve plate seal packing may be provided on either the movable valve portion 54 or the inner surface 10b of the valve casing 10. The valve plate seal packing can seal the space between the inner surface 10b of the valve casing 10 located around the first opening 12a and the movable valve portion 54.

[0040] The pressing drive unit 70 is embedded in the valve body 10. The pressing drive unit 70 is an example of a pressing cylinder. The gate valve 100 includes a plurality of pressing drive units 70. The plurality of pressing drive units 70 are arranged along the circumferential direction of the movable valve portion 54. The pressing drive unit 70 is configured to press the movable valve portion 54, which is in the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, toward the sealing surface. The pressing drive unit 70 has an extendable cylinder capable of pressing the movable valve portion 54 to the valve closing position O-Rock. The pressing drive unit 70 is a biasing unit that biases the movable valve portion 54 when extended.

[0041] The pressing drive unit 70 can retract the movable valve portion 54 in a direction that weakens the pressing force applied to the movable valve portion 54 in the valve closed position O-Rock. The pressing drive unit 70 can retract the movable valve portion 54 until it moves from the valve closed position O-Rock to the valve open shielding position O-Unrock. The pressing drive unit 70 can retract the movable valve portion 54 in a direction that moves it away from the movable valve portion 54 in the valve open shielding position O-Unrock. The pressing drive unit 70 can retract the movable valve portion 54 to a position further away from the movable valve portion 54 in the valve open shielding position O-Unrock. The pressing drive unit 70 can retract the movable valve portion 54 until the inner surface 10b of the valve casing 10 and the surface of the movable valve portion 54 facing the first opening 12a become flush. The pressing drive unit 70 can retract the movable valve portion 54 to a position where the valve body 5 is rotatably separated between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock.

[0042] The pressing drive unit 70 can bias the movable valve portion 54 toward the first opening 12a in the flow path H direction at the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, the position between the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closing position O-Rock, and the valve closing position O-Rock. At the valve closing position O-Rock, the pressing drive unit 70 presses the movable valve portion 54, enabling the valve plate seal packing to adhere tightly to the inner surface 10b of the valve casing 10 and the movable valve portion 54. The pressing drive unit 70 moves the movable valve portion 54 in the flow path H direction by pressing around it at the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock. The flow path H is closed (blocked) by the moved movable valve portion 54.

[0043] The plurality of pressing drive units 70 are stretchable along the flow path H. The plurality of pressing drive units 70 have expansion and contraction axes parallel to each other. The plurality of pressing drive units 70 all have the same expansion and contraction range in the direction along the flow path H. The plurality of pressing drive units 70 can simultaneously press the movable valve portion 54. The plurality of pressing drive units 70 can simultaneously move away from the movable valve portion 54. The plurality of pressing drive units 70 can perform the same expansion and contraction operation uniformly.

[0044] The plurality of pressing drive units 70 are all connected to the hydraulic drive device 700. The pressing drive unit 70 can be driven to expand and contract according to the operating pressure applied by the working fluid. The pressing drive unit 70 is applied with an operating pressure by the hydraulic drive device 700.

[0045] The hydraulic drive device 700 is connected to the pressing drive unit 70. The hydraulic drive device 700 supplies and discharges an incompressible fluid (hydraulic oil) to and from the pressing drive unit 70. The hydraulic drive device 700 can supply and discharge hydraulic oil to and from the pressing drive unit 70 to apply an operating pressure. The hydraulic drive device 700 has a drive pressure generation mechanism 710 described later. Typically, the drive pressure generation mechanism 710 is configured as a positive displacement type. The hydraulic drive device 700 can apply an operating pressure to the plurality of pressing drive units 70 simultaneously. The hydraulic drive device 700 can drive the plurality of pressing drive units 70 simultaneously.

[0046] In the partition valve 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the rotary shaft 20 rotates in a direction intersecting the direction of the flow path H by the rotary drive unit 21. Following the rotation of the rotary shaft 20, the neutral valve portion 30 fixed to the rotary shaft 20 also rotates. At the same time, the movable valve portion 54 connected to the neutral valve portion 30 also rotates integrally with the neutral valve portion 30. During this rotation, the movable valve portion 54 does not slide in the thickness direction which is the direction of the flow path H. Due to the rotation of the valve body 5, the movable valve portion 54 moves in a pendulum motion between the retracted position O - Pass which is the hollow portion 11 where the flow path H is not provided, and the valve opening shielding position O - Unrock which is the position corresponding to the first opening 12a to shield the flow path H.

[0047] When the valve body 5 is in the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, the hydraulic drive device 700 is operable. When the valve body 5 is not in the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, that is, when the valve body 5 is in the rotational position range from the retracted position O-Pass to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock including the retracted position O-Pass, the hydraulic drive device 700 does not operate.

[0048] In the partition valve 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of pressing drive parts 70 driven by the hydraulic drive device 700 can expand and contract toward the movable valve part 54 in the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock. In the partition valve 100, when the pressing drive part 70 is not performing an extension operation, the movable valve part 54 maintains the central position of the hollow part 11 inside the valve box 10. Between the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closing position O-Rock, when the plurality of pressing drive parts 70 contact the movable valve part 54 in the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, the position of the movable valve part 54 in the flow path H direction with respect to the valve frame part 63 can be changed.

[0049] An urging part (neutral urging part) may be provided between the valve frame part 63 and the movable valve part 54. This urging part urges the movable valve part 54 toward the central position of the hollow part 11 in the flow path H direction with respect to the valve frame part 63. The thickness dimension in the flow path H direction between the valve frame part 63 and the movable valve part 54 can be adjusted by the pressing drive part 70 and the urging part (neutral urging part) of the valve frame part 63.

[0050] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the energy regeneration mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy regeneration mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. The energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerative energy between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock during the rotational operation of the valve body 5. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 has a regenerative energy storage unit 801. The energy regeneration mechanism 800 regenerates driving energy as electrical energy. Here, the rotary drive unit 21 has an angle detection unit 21a, a reduction gear 21b, a motor 21c, a control unit 21d, and an external power supply 21e as a configuration for using regenerative energy. The rotary drive unit 21 constitutes the energy regeneration mechanism 800.

[0051] The regenerative energy storage unit 801 is not particularly limited in its configuration, as long as it can store and release electrical energy, such as a battery or a capacitor. Furthermore, as the energy regeneration mechanism 800, in order to facilitate the charging of regenerative energy to the regenerative energy storage unit 801, the reduction gear 21b can be appropriately switched to optimize the transmission of rotation from the rotating shaft 20 when regenerative power generation is performed from the motor 21c. Alternatively, at least one of the motor 21c and the reduction gear 21b may be configured to change the state, such as the reduction ratio, when driving the rotating shaft 20 and when recovering regenerative energy.

[0052] The angle detection unit 21a detects the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20 and outputs it to the control unit 21d. The motor 21c rotates the rotating shaft 20 via the reduction gear 21b. The motor 21c can generate electricity through the rotation of the rotating shaft 20 and generate regenerative energy. The regenerative energy generated by the motor 21c can be stored in the regenerative energy storage unit 801 via the control unit 21d. The motor 21c can be configured with appropriate drive characteristics and regenerative power generation characteristics, such as a DC motor or a three-phase AC motor.

[0053] It is preferable that the motor 21c be a coreless motor. The motor 21c is used in a "regenerative mechanism" that is used as a generator. For this reason, using a coreless motor as the motor 21c instead of a general cored motor (such as a stepping motor) is superior in terms of energy recovery efficiency. The reason for this is as follows: In the case of a cored motor, as shown in the regenerative current value formula below, if the winding inductance L is large, the regenerative current value i does not increase linearly even if the angular velocity ω increases. In contrast, in a coreless motor, as the name suggests, there is no iron core, so L is 1 / 10 or less compared to a cored motor, and i increases in proportion to ω. As an additional effect, by using a coreless motor as the motor 21c, the braking effect due to "free-spinning cogging torque" that exists in cored motors can be eliminated. This makes efficient energy recovery possible.

[0054] The basic equation for the voltage between motor terminals is as follows: V = Ri + ωLi + Keω, where R: winding resistance, L: winding inductance, i: current, ω: angular velocity, Ke: induced voltage multiplier. The regenerative current i = (V - Keω) / (R + ωL). The regenerative current i converges to a constant value as ω approaches infinity because the angular velocity ω is in both the numerator and denominator. Furthermore, regarding the mechanism of regenerative current generation, the regenerative current increases due to the rise in induced voltage caused by the increase in rotational speed, but it plateaus due to the effect of the winding inductance.

[0055] The control unit 21d is connected to the external power supply 21e and the regenerative energy storage unit 801. The control unit 21d can switch the connection state between the external power supply 21e and the regenerative energy storage unit 801. The control unit 21d can switch the power supply to the motor 21c from the external power supply 21e and the regenerative energy storage unit 801. The control unit 21d controls the rotational drive of the motor 21c with the power supplied from either one. When the external power supply 21e is electrically disconnected, the control unit 21d can switch between supplying power from the regenerative energy storage unit 801 to the motor 21c and supplying regenerative power from the motor 21c to the regenerative energy storage unit 801. The control unit 21d can switch between the external power supply 21e and the regenerative energy storage unit 801 in accordance with a signal from the angle detection unit 21a.

[0056] In this embodiment, as shown by arrow R01 in Figure 4, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 drives the motor 21c with power supplied from an external power source 21e to rotate the rotating shaft 20 when the valve body 5 is rotated from the retracted position O-Pass to the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock. At this time, the angle detection unit 21a detects the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20 and outputs it to the control unit 21d.

[0057] When the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20, which started from the retracted position O-Pass, reaches a predetermined value, the control unit 21d stops the power supply from the external power source 21e. Then, the valve body 5 continues to rotate by inertia. Furthermore, the control unit 21d switches the motor 21c to supply regenerative power. While the valve body 5 rotates by inertia, the power regenerated by the motor 21c is recovered and stored in the regenerative energy storage unit 801. The valve body 5 reaches the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and stops. At the same time, regenerative power generation by the motor 21c stops. The control unit 21d can switch between the external power source 21e and the regenerative energy storage unit 801 when the rotation position of the valve body 5 is intermediate between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock. Alternatively, the rotational position of the valve body 5 during switching can be set to be close to the retracted position O-Pass by an angle of 1 / 3 between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock.

[0058] In this state, the valve body 5 may be moved between the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closing position O-Rock to perform a valve closing operation. After that, the valve body is moved from the valve closing position O-Rock back to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock to complete the release operation. During these operations, the regenerative energy storage unit 801 maintains a state in which regenerative energy has been stored.

[0059] Next, as shown by arrow R02 in Figure 4, when the valve body 5 is rotated from the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock to the retracted position O-Pass, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 drives the motor 21c with regenerative power supplied from the regenerative energy storage unit 801 to rotate the rotating shaft 20. At this time, the angle detection unit 21a detects the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20 and outputs it to the control unit 21d.

[0060] The control unit 21d stops supplying power from the regenerative energy storage unit 801 when the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20, which started from the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, reaches the retracted position O-Pass. If the energy stored in the regenerative energy storage unit 801 is insufficient to allow the valve body 5 to reach the retracted position O-Pass, that is, if the energy in the regenerative energy storage unit 801 is insufficient, the control unit 21d connects the external power supply 21e.

[0061] As a result, the valve body 5 reaches the retracted position O-Pass by inertia or by the drive of the motor 21c. Alternatively, the control unit 21d switches the motor 21c to supply regenerative power. While the valve body 5 rotates by inertia, the power regenerated by the motor 21c may be stored in the regenerative energy storage unit 801. The valve body 5 reaches the retracted position O-Pass and stops. At the same time, the drive of the motor 21c stops.

[0062] In this embodiment, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy to rotate the valve body 5 using only a portion of the power from the external power source 21e, thereby reducing the energy consumption during valve opening and closing. When the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy during the rotational operation of the valve body 5, energy consumption can be reduced by approximately 50% or more compared to when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 is not present. However, energy loss occurs due to friction and other factors during the operation using the regenerated energy described above. This energy loss can be replenished from an external source. An example of this is power supply from the external power source 21e. In this example, the rotational movement of the valve body 5 can also be configured to occur in a horizontal plane.

[0063] <Second Embodiment> Hereinafter, a gate valve according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in respect to the energy recovery mechanism. Other components corresponding to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0064] In this embodiment, the gate valve 100, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, has an energy regeneration mechanism 800 that regenerates the driving energy as potential energy and electrical energy. The center of gravity of the valve body 5 in the retracted position O-Pass is higher in the vertical direction (Z direction) than the center of gravity in the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock. The center of gravity of the valve body 5 is higher in the retracted position O-Pass than in the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock by a difference of O-h in center of gravity height. Also, in the retracted position O-Pass, the center of gravity of the valve body 5 is either directly above the axis of the rotation shaft 20 or slightly closer to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock from directly above the axis of the rotation shaft 20. The energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses the center of gravity of the valve body 5, and can also, for example, provide a counterweight 5c on the rotation shaft 20. The energy regeneration mechanism 800 may have a stopper or the like that stops and holds the valve body 5 in the retracted position O-Pass.

[0065] The regenerative energy storage unit 801 is not particularly limited as long as it can store and release electrical energy, such as a battery or a capacitor. Furthermore, as the energy regeneration mechanism 800, in order to facilitate the charging of regenerative energy to the regenerative energy storage unit 801, the reduction gear 21b can be appropriately switched on and off to optimize the transmission of rotation from the rotating shaft 20 when regenerative power generation is performed from the motor 21c. Alternatively, at least one of the motor 21c and the reduction gear 21b may be configured to be switchable, such as changing the state of the reduction ratio when the rotating shaft 20 is being driven and when regenerative energy is being recovered.

[0066] In this embodiment, as shown by arrow R01 in Figure 6, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses gravity to rotate the rotation shaft 20 by the weight of the valve body 5 when rotating the valve body 5 from the retracted position O-Pass to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock. The valve body 5, with the stopper released, descends around the rotation shaft 20 from the retracted position O-Pass to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock. The energy regeneration mechanism 800 does not require an external power supply 21e. The energy regeneration mechanism 800 can also use a dedicated generator instead of the motor 21c. In this case, the angle detection unit 21a detects the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 20 and outputs it to the control unit 21d.

[0067] The control unit 21d releases the stopper. The valve body 5 falls by inertia and rotates around the rotation axis 20. Furthermore, the control unit 21d maintains that the motor 21c supplies regenerative power. While the valve body 5 rotates by inertia, the power regenerated by the motor 21c is recovered and stored in the regenerative energy storage unit 801. The valve body 5 reaches the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and stops. At the same time, regenerative power generation by the motor 21c stops. The regenerative energy storage unit 801 is charged as electrical energy converted from the potential energy corresponding to the height O-h. The control unit 21d can switch between charging the regenerative energy storage unit 801 and discharging from the regenerative energy storage unit 801 when the rotation position of the valve body 5 has reached the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock.

[0068] In this state, the valve body 5 may be moved between the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closing position O-Rock to perform a valve closing operation. After that, the valve body is moved from the valve closing position O-Rock back to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock to complete the release operation. During these operations, the regenerative energy storage unit 801 maintains a state in which regenerative energy has been stored.

[0069] Next, as shown by arrow R02 in Figure 6, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 drives the motor 21c with regenerative power supplied from the regenerative energy storage unit 801 to rotate the rotating shaft 20 when the valve body 5 rotates from the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock to the retracted position O-Pass. Driven by the motor 21c, the valve body 5 rises from the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock to the retracted position O-Pass. At this time, the angle detection unit 21a detects the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20 and outputs it to the control unit 21d.

[0070] The control unit 21d stops supplying power from the regenerative energy storage unit 801 when the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20, which started from the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, reaches the retracted position O-Pass. If the energy stored in the regenerative energy storage unit 801 is insufficient to allow the valve body 5 to reach the retracted position O-Pass, that is, if the energy in the regenerative energy storage unit 801 is insufficient, power may be supplied from the external power supply 21e.

[0071] As a result, the motor 21c drives the valve body 5, generating potential energy corresponding to the height O-h, and it reaches the retracted position O-Pass. Once the valve body 5 reaches the retracted position O-Pass, the stopper restricts its position. Simultaneously, the motor 21c stops driving.

[0072] In this embodiment, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses potential energy to rotate the valve body 5 with almost no power from the external power source 21e, thereby reducing the energy consumption during valve opening and closing. When the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy during the rotational operation of the valve body 5, energy consumption can be reduced by approximately 50% or more compared to when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 is not present. However, energy loss occurs due to friction and other factors during the operation using the regenerated energy described above. This energy loss can be replenished from an external source. An example of this is power supply from the external power source 21e. In this example, it is preferable that the rotational movement of the valve body 5 is performed in a vertical plane or in an inclined plane that is close to vertical.

[0073] In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0074] <Third Embodiment> Hereinafter, a gate valve according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments described above in respect to the energy recovery mechanism. Other components corresponding to those in the first and second embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0075] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the gate valve 100 according to this embodiment has an energy recovery mechanism 800 that recovers driving energy as elastic energy. The energy recovery mechanism 800 has a regenerative energy elastic section 802.

[0076] The regenerative energy elastic section 802 is not particularly limited as long as it can store and release elastic energy as regenerative energy due to the rotation of the rotating shaft 20, such as a mainspring or an air spring. Furthermore, as the energy regeneration mechanism 800, the reduction gear 21b can be appropriately switched to facilitate the charging of regenerative energy to the regenerative energy elastic section 802 and to optimize the transmission of rotation from the rotating shaft 20. Alternatively, the reduction gear 21b may be configured to change its state, such as the reduction ratio, when the rotating shaft 20 is being driven and when regenerative energy is being recovered.

[0077] In this embodiment, as shown by arrow R01 in Figure 8, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 drives the motor 21c with power supplied from an external power source 21e to rotate the rotating shaft 20 when the valve body 5 is rotated from the retracted position O-Pass to the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock. At this time, the angle detection unit 21a detects the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20 and outputs it to the control unit 21d.

[0078] The control unit 21d stops supplying power to the external power supply 21e when the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20, which started from the retracted position O-Pass, reaches a predetermined value. Then the valve body 5 continues to rotate by inertia. Furthermore, the control unit 21d stores elastic energy in the regenerative energy elastic section 802 as the rotation of the valve body 5 causes elastic members such as a mainspring to elastically deform. While the valve body 5 rotates by inertia, the elastic energy stored in the elastic members of the regenerative energy elastic section 802 increases. The valve body 5 reaches the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and stops. At the same time, the elastic deformation in the regenerative energy elastic section 802 stops. The control unit 21d can stop supplying power to the external power supply 21e when the rotation position of the valve body 5 reaches or just before the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock. Alternatively, the rotational position of the valve body 5 when the power supply is cut off can be set to be close to the retracted position O-Pass by an angle of 1 / 3 between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock.

[0079] In this state, the valve body 5 may be moved between the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closing position O-Rock to perform a valve closing operation. After that, the valve body 5 is moved from the valve closing position O-Rock back to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock to complete the release operation. During these operations, the regenerative energy elastic section 802 maintains a state in which regenerative energy has been stored.

[0080] Next, as shown by arrow R02 in Figure 8, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 rotates the rotating shaft 20 using regenerative energy supplied from the regenerative energy elastic section 802 when rotating the valve body 5 from the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock to the retracted position O-Pass. At this time, the angle detection unit 21a detects the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20 and outputs it to the control unit 21d. As the rotating shaft 20 rotates in the direction of arrow R02, the elastic deformation of the regenerative energy elastic section 802 decreases, and the elastic energy stored in the regenerative energy elastic section 802 also decreases.

[0081] When the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 20, which started from the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, reaches the retracted position O-Pass, the elastic deformation of the regenerative energy elastic part 802 ceases, and the elastic energy stored in the regenerative energy elastic part 802 also disappears. The valve body 5 stops at the retracted position O-Pass. The valve body 5 is restricted by the stopper. If the energy stored in the regenerative energy elastic part 802 is insufficient to move the valve body 5 to the retracted position O-Pass, that is, if the energy in the regenerative energy elastic part 802 is insufficient, an external power supply 21e is connected to move the valve body 5.

[0082] In this embodiment, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy to rotate the valve body 5 using only a portion of the power from the external power source 21e, thereby reducing the energy consumption during valve opening and closing. When the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy during the rotational operation of the valve body 5, energy consumption can be reduced by approximately 50% or more compared to when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 is not present. However, energy loss occurs due to friction and other factors during the operation using the regenerated energy described above. This energy loss can be replenished from an external source. An example of this is power supply from the external power source 21e. In this example, the rotational movement of the valve body 5 can also be configured to occur in a horizontal plane.

[0083] In this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the rotational movement of the valve body 5 is close to the vertical plane, and the center of gravity of the valve body 5 in the retracted position O-Pass may be higher vertically than the center of gravity of the valve body 5 in the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock. In this case, an external power supply 21e may not be provided. Furthermore, in this embodiment, in addition to using the center of gravity of the valve body 5, a counterweight 5c may be provided on the rotating shaft 20, for example.

[0084] In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0085] <Fourth Embodiment> Hereinafter, a gate valve according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments described above in respect to the energy recovery mechanism. Other components corresponding to the first to third embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0086] As shown in Figure 9, the gate valve 100 according to this embodiment has an energy recovery mechanism 800 that recovers potential energy as kinetic energy. The center of gravity of the valve body 5 in the retracted position O-Pass is at the same position as the center of gravity in the valve opening shielded position O-Unrock in the vertical direction (Z direction). The center of gravity of the valve body 5 is higher in the valve opening shielded position O-Unrock and the retracted position O-Pass by a difference in center of gravity height O-hs compared to the valve opening shielded position O-Unrock and the retracted position O-Pass. Also, the center of gravity of the valve body 5 in the intermediate position O-s is directly below the axis of the rotation axis 20. The distance from the center of gravity of the valve body 5 in the intermediate position O-s to the center of gravity of the valve opening shielded position O-Unrock and the center of gravity of the retracted position O-Pass is equal. The angle θd around the rotation axis 20 from the intermediate position O-s to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock is equal to the angle θu around the rotation axis 20 from the intermediate position O-s to the retracted position O-Pass.

[0087] The energy regeneration mechanism 800 may not include a regenerative energy storage unit 801 or a regenerative energy elastic unit 802. It may also include an external power supply 21e, a motor 21c, etc., as a valve body rotation assist device. When using the center of gravity position of the valve body 5, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 may also include a counterweight 5c on the rotating shaft 20, similar to the second embodiment. The energy regeneration mechanism 800 may have stoppers, etc., to stop and hold the valve body 5 in the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock and the retracted position O-Pass. If the motor 21c, etc., is not provided, a reduction gear 21b, etc., may be omitted to minimize friction loss in the rotating shaft 20. The angle detection unit 21a may also be omitted.

[0088] In this embodiment, as shown by arrow R01 in Figure 9, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses gravity to rotate the valve body 5 around the rotation axis 20 by its own weight when rotating the valve body 5 from the retracted position O-Pass to the intermediate position O-s. The valve body 5, with its stopper released in the retracted position O-Pass, descends around the rotation axis 20 from the retracted position O-Pass to the intermediate position O-s. The potential energy of the valve body 5 decreases as it moves from the retracted position O-Pass to the intermediate position O-s. The kinetic energy of the valve body 5 increases as it moves from the retracted position O-Pass to the intermediate position O-s.

[0089] The energy regeneration mechanism 800 rotates the valve body 5 from the intermediate position O-s to the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, using the kinetic energy gained from the retracted position O-Pass to the intermediate position O-s to rotate the valve body 5 around the rotation axis 20 by its own weight. In other words, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 consumes the kinetic energy that the valve body 5 had at the intermediate position O-s when it rotates from the intermediate position O-s to the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock. As the valve body 5 rises from the intermediate position O-s to the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, the potential energy of the valve body 5 increases. As the valve body 5 moves from the intermediate position O-s to the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, the kinetic energy of the valve body 5 decreases. The valve body 5 reaches the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock and stops. At the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, the valve body 5 is restricted by the stopper.

[0090] In this state, the valve body 5 may be moved between the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closing position O-Rock to perform a valve closing operation. After that, the valve body 5 is moved from the valve closing position O-Rock back to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock to complete the release operation.

[0091] Next, as shown by arrow R02 in Figure 9, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses gravity to rotate the valve body 5 around the rotation axis 20 by its own weight when rotating the valve body 5 from the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock to the intermediate position O-s. The valve body 5, with its stopper released at the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, descends around the rotation axis 20 from the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock to the intermediate position O-s. The potential energy of the valve body 5 decreases as it moves from the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock to the intermediate position O-s. The kinetic energy of the valve body 5 increases as it moves from the retracted position O-Pass to the intermediate position O-s.

[0092] When the energy regeneration mechanism 800 rotates the valve body 5 from the intermediate position O-s to the retracted position O-Pass, it uses the kinetic energy gained from the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock to the intermediate position O-s to rotate the valve body 5 around the rotation axis 20 by its own weight. In other words, when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 rotates the valve body 5 from the intermediate position O-s to the retracted position O-Pass, it consumes the kinetic energy it had at the intermediate position O-s. As the valve body 5 rises from the intermediate position O-s to the retracted position O-Pass, the potential energy of the valve body 5 increases. As the valve body 5 moves from the intermediate position O-s to the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, the kinetic energy of the valve body 5 decreases. The valve body 5 reaches the retracted position O-Pass and stops. At the retracted position O-Pass, the valve body 5 is restricted by the stopper.

[0093] In this embodiment, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses potential energy to rotate the valve body 5 with almost no power from the external power source 21e, thereby reducing the energy consumption during valve opening and closing. When the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy during the rotational operation of the valve body 5, energy consumption can be reduced by approximately 50% or more compared to when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 is not present. However, energy loss occurs due to friction and other factors during the operation using the regenerated energy described above. This energy loss can be replenished from an external source. An example of this is driving the motor 21c with power supplied from the external power source 21e. In this example, it is preferable that the rotational movement of the valve body 5 is performed in a vertical plane or in an inclined plane that is close to vertical.

[0094] In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0095] <Fifth Embodiment> Hereinafter, a gate valve according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the hydraulic drive unit and drive pressure generation mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy regeneration mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first to fourth embodiments described above in respect to the hydraulic drive unit, drive pressure generation mechanism and energy regeneration mechanism. Components corresponding to the first to fourth embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0096] Multiple hydraulic drive units 70 (pressure cylinders, pistons) are all housed in the valve body 10. In Figures 4, 6, 8, and 9, four pressure drive units 70 are shown for convenience, but the arrangement and number of pressure drive units 70 are not limited to this embodiment. Multiple pressure drive units 70 all constitute a hydraulic drive device 700.

[0097] As shown in Figure 10, the hydraulic drive unit 700 has a plurality of press drive units 70, a drive pressure generating mechanism 710, and piping 702. The piping 702 is an example of a hydraulic circuit. The hydraulic drive unit 700 is filled with working fluid. The working fluid is an incompressible fluid such as hydraulic oil. The plurality of press drive units 70 are filled with working fluid. All of the plurality of press drive units 70 are connected to the drive pressure generating mechanism 710 via piping 702. The drive pressure generating mechanism 710 is the main cylinder of the hydraulic drive unit 700.

[0098] The drive pressure generating mechanism 710 generates operating pressure. The operating pressure generated in the drive pressure generating mechanism 710 is applied to the multiple pressing drive units 70 via the piping 702. When the drive pressure generating mechanism 710 generates operating pressure, hydraulic fluid is supplied to the multiple pressing drive units 70. All of the multiple pressing drive units 70 have the same configuration.

[0099] The following describes one of the pressing drive units 70.

[0100] The hydraulic drive unit 70 includes a fixed part 71, a movable part 72, a retraction spring 73, a buffer part 75, and a seal part 76. The fixed part 71 is, for example, a cylinder (hydraulic cylinder). The movable part 72 is, for example, a piston. The retraction spring 73 is a biasing member. The retraction spring 73 is an example of a compression spring.

[0101] The fixed part 71 is fixed to the valve body 10. The fixed part 71 is built into the valve body 10. The fixed part 71 is a fixed cylinder. The fixed part 71 houses the movable part 72. The hydraulic drive unit 70 can extend and retract the movable part 72 by operating pressure (hydraulic) supplied from the drive pressure generating mechanism 710.

[0102] The movable part 72 can extend and retract from the fixed part 71 in a direction along the flow path H. The movable part 72 is housed in the fixed part 71. The movable part 72 can extend and retract from the fixed part 71 in a direction toward the movable valve part 54 by operating pressure. The movable part 72 has a contact part 72a. The contact part 72a can contact the movable valve part 54. The contact part 72a is the tip of the movable part 72. The contact part 72a can extend and retract integrally with the movable part 72. The contact part 72a can protrude from the fixed part 71 in a direction along the flow path H. The contact part 72a can protrude from the fixed part 71 toward the movable valve part 54 in the valve opening shielding position and the valve closing position.

[0103] The retraction spring 73 is a biasing member that can bias the movable part 72 in the direction in which the movable part 72 is retracted. The retraction spring 73 is capable of biasing the movable part 72 in the direction away from the movable valve part 54. The retraction spring 73 can be made of a cylindrical spring. The retraction spring 73 is housed in the fixed part 71, which is a cylinder. The retraction spring 73 biases the movable part 72 of the movable part 72 in the direction in which the contact part 72a is retracted.

[0104] The buffer section 75 is a buffering space. The buffer section 75 is a space that contains (buffers) the operating hydraulic fluid before it leaks out to the outside (vacuum chamber) which is the vacuum side when the operating hydraulic fluid leaks from the pressing drive section 70. The seal section 76 seals the operating fluid so that it does not leak out to the outside (vacuum chamber) which is the vacuum side, even when the movable section 72 extends and retracts.

[0105] The piping 702 connects multiple pressing drive units 70 to the drive pressure generating mechanism 710. The piping 702 is filled with working fluid (hydraulic oil). The piping 702 supplies and discharges hydraulic oil between the drive pressure generating mechanism 710 and the pressing drive units 70. The piping 702 supplies working pressure from the drive pressure generating mechanism 710 to the pressing drive units 70.

[0106] The pressing drive unit 70 extends its contact portion 72a by the operating pressure applied from the drive pressure generating mechanism 710. The contact portion 72a of the extended movable portion 72 contacts the movable valve portion 54 in the valve opening shielding position, moving the movable valve portion 54 toward the first opening 12a. The movable portion 72 can be extended until the movable valve portion 54 contacts the inner surface 10b. The movable portion 72 can be extended to the extent that it can press the movable valve portion 54 against the inner surface 10b to seal it. The movable portion 72 can be extended to the extent that it can press the movable valve portion 54 to the valve closing position. When the operating pressure from the drive pressure generating mechanism 710 is reduced, the movable portion 72 of the pressing drive unit 70 retracts due to the elastic force of the retraction spring 73. When the operating pressure from the drive pressure generating mechanism 701 increases, the movable part 72 of the pressing drive unit 70 extends against the elastic force of the retraction spring 73. The contact portion 72a of the retracted movable part 72 is separated from the movable valve portion 54 and is housed inside the valve body 10.

[0107] The drive pressure generating mechanism 710 includes a drive pressure generating cylinder 711, a drive pressure piston 712, a compression coil spring 713, a magnet section 714, a ball screw section 715, a rotation transmission section 716, a clutch section 717, and a drive pressure generating motor 718. The drive pressure generating cylinder 711, the drive pressure piston 712, the biasing member, the compression coil spring 713, the magnet section 714, the ball screw section 715, and the rotation transmission section 716 are housed inside a sealed casing 719. The drive pressure piston 712 is an example of a movable part. The compression coil spring 713 is an example of a biasing member. The biasing force generated in the compression coil spring 713 is an elastic force (elastic restoring force). Note that the biasing force generated by springs in the following description is an elastic force (elastic restoring force), not limited to the compression coil spring 713. The magnet section 714 is a stopper that locks the drive pressure piston 712. The lock sensor 714a detects whether the drive pressure piston 712 is locked. The oil level sensor 711a detects the oil condition in the drive pressure generating cylinder 711. The drive pressure generating motor 718 is preferably a coreless DC motor, similar to the motor 21c.

[0108] The drive pressure generating mechanism 710 rotates the ball screw portion 715 via the clutch portion 717 and the rotation transmission portion 716, such as gears, due to the rotation of the drive pressure generating motor 718. As the ball screw portion 715 rotates, the drive pressure piston 712 becomes stronger than the biasing force of the compression coil spring 713 and moves inside the drive pressure generating cylinder 711. The rotation transmission portion 716 may also have a reduction function that provides a predetermined reduction ratio. The compression coil spring 713 is located inside the drive pressure generating cylinder 711. Here, the compression coil spring 713 biases the drive pressure piston 712 in the direction of applying hydraulic pressure to the hydraulic drive unit 70. In other words, the compression coil spring 713 biases the drive pressure piston 712 in the direction of extending the drive pressure piston 712.

[0109] In the drive pressure generating mechanism 710, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 713 causes the drive pressure piston 712 to move in an extending direction. Also in the drive pressure generating mechanism 710, the rotation of the ball screw portion 715, which is rotationally driven by the drive pressure generating motor 718, causes the drive pressure piston 712 to move in a shortening direction.

[0110] The drive pressure generation mechanism 710 has a drive pressure generation motor 718 connected to the energy regeneration mechanism 800. The drive pressure generation motor 718 is an example of a motor. As shown in Figure 11, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 has a control unit 721d, an external power supply 721e, and a regenerative energy storage unit 803. The control unit 721d, the external power supply 721e, and the regenerative energy storage unit 803 correspond to the control unit 21d, the external power supply 21e, and the regenerative energy storage unit 801 in the first embodiment as regenerative functions.

[0111] The energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerative energy between the valve open / closed position O-Unlock and the valve closed position O-Rock during the sealing and releasing operation of the valve body 5 by the drive pressure generation mechanism 710. The energy regeneration mechanism 800 regenerates the drive energy as elastic energy and electrical energy.

[0112] The regenerative energy storage unit 803 is not particularly limited in its configuration, as long as it can store and release electrical energy, such as a battery or a capacitor. Furthermore, as the energy regeneration mechanism 800, in order to facilitate the regenerative energy charging of the regenerative energy storage unit 803, the rotation transmission unit 716 can be appropriately switched to suit the rotation transmission from the ball screw unit 715 when regenerative power generation is performed from the motor 718. Alternatively, at least one of the motor 718 and the rotation transmission unit 716 may be configured to change the state, such as the reduction ratio, when the ball screw unit 715 is driven and when regenerative energy is recovered.

[0113] The control unit 721d is connected to the external power supply 721e and the regenerative energy storage unit 803. The control unit 721d can switch the connection state to the external power supply 721e and the regenerative energy storage unit 803. The control unit 721d can switch the power supply to the drive pressure generating motor 718 from the external power supply 721e and the regenerative energy storage unit 803. The control unit 721d controls the rotational drive of the drive pressure generating motor 718 with the power supplied from either one. When the external power supply 721e is electrically disconnected, the control unit 721d can switch between supplying power from the regenerative energy storage unit 803 to the drive pressure generating motor 718 and supplying regenerative power from the drive pressure generating motor 718 to the regenerative energy storage unit 803.

[0114] First, in the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, the compression coil spring 713 in the drive pressure generating mechanism 710 is compressed, and elastic energy is stored.

[0115] In this embodiment, as shown by arrow P01 in Figure 11, when the movable valve section 54 of the energy regeneration mechanism 800 moves from the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock to the valve closing position O-Rock, the control unit 721d puts the clutch section 717 into a transmission state. The control unit 721d also disconnects the external power supply 721e from the drive pressure generating motor 718 and does not supply power. The control unit 721d connects the regenerative energy storage section 803 to the drive pressure generating motor 718, enabling energy storage.

[0116] When the lock is released, the drive pressure piston 712 moves in the direction of pressurization of the drive pressure generating cylinder 711 due to the biasing force of the compression coil spring 713. In the drive pressure generating mechanism 710, drive pressure is generated and drives the hydraulic drive unit 70 to extend. The movable valve unit 54, pressed by the hydraulic drive unit 70, moves toward the valve closed position O-Rock. While the movable valve unit 54 moves, the ball screw unit 715 rotates in conjunction with the movement of the drive pressure piston 712, and regenerative energy is generated in the drive pressure generating motor 718. The drive pressure generating motor 718 acts as a regenerative brake. The regenerative power generated by the drive pressure generating motor 718 is recovered and stored in the regenerative energy storage unit 803. In principle, all of the elastic energy of the compression coil spring 713, except for the amount used to move the movable valve unit 54, can be recovered and stored in the regenerative energy storage unit 803.

[0117] When the movable valve unit 54 reaches the valve closed position O-Rock, the valve becomes closed and the movable valve unit 54 stops. At the same time, regenerative power generation by the drive pressure generating motor 718 stops. While the movable valve unit 54 is in the valve closed position O-Rock, the regenerative energy storage unit 803 maintains a state in which regenerative energy has been stored. While the movable valve unit 54 is in the valve closed position O-Rock, the control unit 721d may set the clutch unit 717 to a transmission release state. While the movable valve unit 54 is in the valve closed position O-Rock, the control unit 721d switches the connection to the drive pressure generating motor 718 between the external power supply 721e and the regenerative energy storage unit 803.

[0118] Next, as shown by arrow P02 in Figure 11, when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 moves the movable valve section 54 from the valve closed position O-Rock to the valve open shielding position O-Unrock, the control unit 721d first puts the clutch section 717 into a transmission state. Then, the control unit 721d supplies regenerative power from the regenerative energy storage unit 803 to the drive pressure generating motor 718. The drive pressure generating motor 718, driven by the regenerative power, rotates the ball screw section 715.

[0119] As a result, the rotation of the ball screw portion 715 causes the drive pressure piston 712 to become stronger than the biasing force of the compression coil spring 713, moving the drive pressure generating cylinder 711 in the direction of pressure reduction. In the drive pressure generating mechanism 710, the drive pressure decreases, shortening the drive of the hydraulic drive unit 70. The movable valve portion 54, whose pressing force has been reduced by the hydraulic drive unit 70, moves from the valve closed position O-Rock to the valve open shielding position O-Unrock.

[0120] After the movable valve unit 54 reaches the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, and the hydraulic drive unit 70 is fully retracted, the power supply from the regenerative energy storage unit 803 is stopped. At the same time, the drive of the drive pressure generating motor 718 is stopped. If the energy stored in the regenerative energy storage unit 803 is insufficient to move the movable valve unit 54 to the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, or if the hydraulic drive unit 70 is not fully retracted, that is, if the energy in the regenerative energy storage unit 803 is insufficient, the control unit 721d connects an external power supply 721e to the drive pressure generating motor 718.

[0121] As a result, the movable valve section 54 reaches the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock by the drive pressure generating motor 718. Furthermore, the hydraulic drive section 70 becomes completely retracted. During the process until the hydraulic drive section 70 is completely retracted, elastic energy is stored in the compression coil spring 713 as the drive pressure piston 712 moves. Regenerative energy is stored in the compression coil spring 713. In other words, the electrical energy stored in the regenerative energy storage section 803 is converted into elastic energy in the compression coil spring 713. By performing energy conversion between the regenerative energy storage section 803 and the compression coil spring 713, it is possible to eliminate the need for an external power supply 721e.

[0122] In this embodiment, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy to drive the hydraulic drive unit 70 to extend and retract using only a portion of the power from the external power supply 721e, thereby reducing the energy consumption in valve opening and closing. Here, when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy in the extension and retraction operation of the hydraulic drive unit 70, energy consumption can be reduced by approximately 50% or more compared to when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 is not present. However, in the operation using the above-mentioned regenerated energy, energy loss occurs due to friction, etc. This energy loss can be replenished from an external source. An example of this is power supply from the external power supply 721e. In this example, instead of the compression coil spring 713, an air spring can be used, and a configuration involving pressure rise and fall can be used to store regenerated energy.

[0123] In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0124] <Sixth Embodiment> Hereinafter, a gate valve according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the hydraulic drive unit and drive pressure generation mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy regeneration mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment described above in respect to the energy regeneration mechanism. Other components corresponding to the fifth embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0125] The drive pressure generating mechanism 710 of this embodiment has a storage coil spring 804 inside the drive pressure generating cylinder 711, opposite to the compression coil spring 713 relative to the drive pressure piston 712. The storage coil spring 804 is an example of a regenerative energy elastic part. The storage coil spring 804 biases the drive pressure piston 712 in a direction that reduces the hydraulic pressure applied to the hydraulic drive unit 70. The storage coil spring 804 constitutes the energy regeneration mechanism 800.

[0126] In the drive pressure generating mechanism 710, the biasing force of the compression coil spring 713 causes the drive pressure piston 712 to move in an extending direction. Also in the drive pressure generating mechanism 710, the biasing force of the storage coil spring 804 causes the drive pressure piston 712 to move in a shortening direction.

[0127] The energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerative energy between the valve open / closed position O-Unlock and the valve closed position O-Rock during the sealing and releasing operation of the valve body 5 by the drive pressure generation mechanism 710. The energy regeneration mechanism 800 regenerates the drive energy as elastic energy.

[0128] First, in the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, the compression coil spring 713 in the drive pressure generating mechanism 710 is compressed, and elastic energy is stored. Also, in the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, the storage coil spring 804 in the drive pressure generating mechanism 710 is extended, and no elastic energy is stored.

[0129] In this embodiment, as shown by arrow P01 in Figure 13, when the movable valve section 54 of the energy regeneration mechanism 800 moves from the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock to the valve closing position O-Rock, the control unit 721d puts the clutch section 717 into a transmission state. Furthermore, the control unit 721d disconnects the external power supply 721e and the drive pressure generating motor 718 and does not supply power to them.

[0130] When the lock is released, the drive pressure piston 712 moves in the direction of pressurization of the drive pressure generating cylinder 711 due to the biasing force of the compression coil spring 713. The drive pressure piston 712 moves as the biasing force becomes greater than that of the drive pressure generating mechanism 710. In the drive pressure generating mechanism 710, drive pressure is generated and drives the hydraulic drive unit 70 to extend. The movable valve unit 54, pressed by the hydraulic drive unit 70, moves toward the valve closed position O-Rock. While the movable valve unit 54 moves, the storage coil spring 804 deforms in conjunction with the movement of the drive pressure piston 712, and the elastic energy of the storage coil spring 804 is stored as regenerative energy due to its deformation. The storage coil spring 804 acts as a regenerative brake. In principle, all of the elastic energy of the compression coil spring 713 can be recovered into the regenerative energy storage unit 803.

[0131] When the movable valve section 54 reaches the valve closed position O-Rock, the valve becomes closed and the movable valve section 54 stops. At the same time, deformation of the storage coil spring 804 stops. The drive pressure piston 712 is locked. While the movable valve section 54 is in the valve closed position O-Rock, the storage coil spring 804 maintains a state in which regenerative energy is stored. While the movable valve section 54 is in the valve closed position O-Rock, the control unit 721d may set the clutch section 717 to a transmission release state. While the movable valve section 54 is in the valve closed position O-Rock, the control unit 721d may prepare to connect an external power supply 721e to the drive pressure generating motor 718.

[0132] Next, as shown by arrow P02 in Figure 13, when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 moves the movable valve section 54 from the valve closed position O-Rock to the valve open shielding position O-Unlock, it first releases the lock on the drive pressure piston 712. Furthermore, the control unit 721d puts the clutch section 717 into a transmission state. Next, the control unit 721d supplies regenerative power from the external power supply 721e to the drive pressure generating motor 718. The drive pressure generating motor 718, driven by the power from the external power supply 721e, rotates the ball screw section 715. At the same time, when the lock is released, the drive pressure piston 712 is pressed in the depressurization direction of the drive pressure generating cylinder 711 by the biasing force of the storage coil spring 804.

[0133] As a result, the rotation of the ball screw portion 715 and the biasing force of the storage coil spring 804 cause the drive pressure piston 712 to become stronger than the biasing force of the compression coil spring 713, moving the drive pressure generating cylinder 711 in the direction of pressure reduction. In the drive pressure generating mechanism 710, the drive pressure decreases, shortening the drive of the hydraulic drive unit 70. The movable valve portion 54, whose pressing force has been reduced by the hydraulic drive unit 70, moves from the valve closed position O-Rock to the valve open shielding position O-Unrock.

[0134] After the movable valve section 54 reaches the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, and the hydraulic drive unit 70 is fully retracted, the power supply from the external power source 721e is stopped. At the same time, the drive of the drive pressure generating motor 718 is stopped. Furthermore, if the energy stored in the storage coil spring 804 is insufficient for the movable valve section 54 to reach the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock, or if the hydraulic drive unit 70 is not fully retracted, that is, if the energy in the storage coil spring 804 is insufficient, the control unit 721d maintains the power supply from the external power source 721e to the drive pressure generating motor 718.

[0135] As a result, the movable valve section 54 reaches the valve opening shielding position O-Unlock. Furthermore, the hydraulic drive section 70 becomes completely retracted. During the process until the hydraulic drive section 70 is completely retracted, elastic energy is stored in the compression coil spring 713 as the drive pressure piston 712 moves. Regenerative energy is stored in the compression coil spring 713. In other words, the electrical energy stored in the regenerative energy storage section 803 is converted into elastic energy in the compression coil spring 713. By performing energy conversion between the storage coil spring 804 and the compression coil spring 713, the power supplied from the external power source 721e can be significantly reduced.

[0136] In this embodiment, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy to drive the hydraulic drive unit 70 to extend and retract using only a portion of the power from the external power supply 721e, thereby reducing the energy consumption in valve opening and closing. Here, when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy in the extension and retraction operation of the hydraulic drive unit 70, energy consumption can be reduced by approximately 50% or more compared to when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 is not present. Note that in the operation using the above-mentioned regenerated energy, energy loss occurs due to friction, etc. This energy loss can be replenished from an external source. An example of this is power supply from the external power supply 721e. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 is configured with a storage coil spring 804 located on the drive pressure generating cylinder 711, but it is also possible to configure the storage coil spring to be located on the hydraulic drive unit 70.

[0137] In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0138] <Seventh Embodiment> Hereinafter, a gate valve according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the energy recovery mechanism in the gate valve according to this embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first to sixth embodiments described above in respect to the energy recovery mechanism. Other components corresponding to the first to sixth embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0139] The energy regeneration mechanism 800 according to this embodiment utilizes regenerative energy in both the rotary drive unit 21 and the hydraulic drive unit 700. The energy regeneration mechanism 800 according to this embodiment has a configuration that combines the configuration shown in Figure 3 and the configuration shown in Figure 11. The regenerative energy storage unit 805 corresponds to the regenerative energy storage unit 801 and the regenerative energy storage unit 803. The external power supply 721e is replaced by the external power supply 21e.

[0140] In this embodiment, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 generates regenerative power using the motor 21c during the rotational operation of the valve body 5 by the motor 21c, and stores the energy in the regenerative energy storage unit 805. In the energy regeneration mechanism 800, the drive pressure generating motor 718 generates regenerative power using the drive pressure generating motor 718 during the reciprocating operation of the movable valve body 54, and stores the energy in the regenerative energy storage unit 805. The switching between the regenerative energy storage unit 805 and the external power supply 21e during power supply is in accordance with the timing described in the above embodiment. The regenerative energy storage unit 805 stores regenerative energy during the rotational movement of the valve body 5 between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, and during the extension and retraction movement of the hydraulic drive unit 70 during the movement of the movable valve part 54 between the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closing position O-Rock, and can also exchange and alternately supply regenerative energy between these positions.

[0141] In this embodiment, the energy regeneration mechanism 800 regenerates energy during the rotational movement of the valve body 5 between the retracted position O-Pass and the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock, and during the extension and retraction movement of the hydraulic drive unit 70 during the movement of the movable valve part 54 between the valve opening shielding position O-Unrock and the valve closing position O-Rock, thereby reducing the energy consumed during valve opening and closing operations. When the energy regeneration mechanism 800 uses regenerated energy, it is possible to reduce or suppress energy consumption by approximately 50% or more compared to when the energy regeneration mechanism 800 is not present.

[0142] In this embodiment, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be achieved.

[0143] Furthermore, in the present invention, it is also possible to individually select and combine each of the configurations in the above-described embodiments.

[0144] 100... Gate valve 5... Valve body (neutral valve body) 5c... Counter weight 10... Valve casing 11... Hollow section 12a... First opening 12b... Second opening 20... Rotating shaft 21... Rotary drive unit 21b... Reducer 21c... Motor 21d, 721d... Control unit 21e, 721e... External power supply 54... Movable valve section 70... Pressing cylinder (hydraulic drive unit, valve casing biasing unit) 72... Movable part (piston) 73... Retraction spring (compression spring) 700... Hydraulic drive device 702... Piping (hydraulic circuit) 710... Drive pressure generation mechanism 711... Drive pressure generation cylinder 712... Movable part (drive pressure piston) 712... Drive pressure piston 713... Compression coil spring 718... Drive pressure generation motor (motor) 800... Energy regeneration mechanism 801, 803, 805... Regenerative energy storage section 802... Regenerative energy elastic section 804... Storage coil spring (regenerative energy elastic section) H... Flow path O-s... Intermediate position O-Pass... Retracted position O-Unrock... Valve opening shielding position O-Rock... Valve closed position

Claims

1. A partition valve for partitioning a flow path, comprising: a valve body having a first opening and a second opening inserted into the flow path and facing each other and communicating to form the flow path; a hollow portion located between the first opening and the second opening; and a peripheral portion located around the first opening; a valve element located within the hollow portion and capable of opening and closing the flow path; a rotating shaft that supports the valve element so as to be rotatable in a direction intersecting the flow path between a retracted position within the hollow portion and a valve opening shielding position, and having an axis extending in the direction of the flow path; a rotary drive unit capable of rotating the valve element; a pressing drive unit provided in the valve body and moving the valve element from the valve opening shielding position to a valve closing position in a direction along the flow path and contacting the peripheral portion, thereby pressing the valve element; a drive pressure generating mechanism connected to the pressing drive unit and capable of extending and retracting the pressing drive unit; and an energy recovery mechanism for recovering the driving energy of the valve operation.

2. The gate valve according to claim 1, wherein the energy recovery mechanism recovers energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the valve operation to perform a re-valve operation.

3. The gate valve according to claim 2, wherein the energy recovery mechanism recovers energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the valve body to perform a re-valve operation.

4. The gate valve according to claim 2, wherein the energy recovery mechanism recovers energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the rotary drive unit to perform a re-valve operation.

5. The gate valve according to claim 2, wherein the energy recovery mechanism recovers energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the pressing drive unit to perform a re-valve operation.

6. The gate valve according to claim 2, wherein the energy recovery mechanism recovers energy from one or more selected from potential energy, electrical energy, and elastic energy in conjunction with the operation of the drive pressure generation mechanism to perform a re-valve operation.

7. The gate valve according to claim 1, wherein the energy regeneration mechanism comprises a coreless motor.

8. A control method for a gate valve according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein 50% or more of the driving energy associated with opening and closing the gate valve is recovered.

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