JP5132589B2 - Pilot flow control valve - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a pilot flow control valve that performs flow control by moving a pilot valve following a pilot valve.

  Conventionally, various types of faucets have been used, but these faucets require a large force when moving the main valve that changes the opening of the main flow passage in the approaching and separating direction with respect to the main valve seat. However, there was a problem that operation was heavy.

  Therefore, the flow control valve in the faucet is a pilot-type flow control valve, that is, a pilot-type flow control valve that changes the opening of the main flow path by moving the main valve forward and backward by moving the pilot valve forward and backward. It has been made up.

As this pilot-type flow control valve, (a) a main valve provided on the main flow path, moving forward and backward toward the main valve seat to change the valve opening, and (b) formed behind the main valve, A back pressure chamber that acts on the main valve as a pressing force in the valve closing direction; and (c) a back pressure chamber that communicates with the back pressure chamber and that is upstream of the main valve in the main flow path. And (d) the back pressure chamber is provided in communication with the back pressure chamber, and the pressure in the back pressure chamber is reduced to the secondary side downstream from the main valve of the main flow path. A pilot flow path as a pressure release flow path and (e) a pilot valve that moves forward and backward in the forward / backward movement direction of the main valve and moves the main valve forward and backward in the same direction by changing the opening of the pilot flow path And the main valve based on the differential pressure between the pressure in the back pressure chamber and the primary side pressure and the secondary side pressure acting in the valve opening direction with respect to the main valve. A pilot type flow control valve adapted to move forward and backward is known.
For example, the following Patent Document 1 discloses an example in which this type of pilot flow control valve is applied to a control valve for a single faucet, and the following Patent Document 2 discloses an example in which the pilot type flow control valve is applied to a hot water mixing valve for a mixing faucet. Has been.

  In this pilot type flow control valve, when the pilot valve is moved forward and backward, for example, when the pilot valve is moved backward in the direction of increasing the opening of the pilot flow path, the liquid in the back pressure chamber is moved to the downstream secondary side. The pressure in the back pressure chamber that presses the main valve in the valve closing direction decreases due to the escape to the side, and thereby the main valve moves backward in the valve opening direction following the pilot valve.

  Conversely, when the pilot valve is moved forward in the direction of decreasing the opening of the pilot flow path, the pressure in the back pressure chamber increases, so that the main valve moves forward in the valve closing direction following the pilot valve.

  By the way, in this type of pilot type flow control valve, there is a problem that it is difficult to secure a large flow rate, or when trying to secure a large flow rate, the main valve becomes large in diameter and the control valve becomes large. It had the inherent problem.

The reason will be described in detail below based on the specific example of FIG.
In FIG. 8, 200 is a main flow path provided in the valve body (valve case) 201, 200-1 is an upstream-side primary flow path following the inflow port, and 200-2 is a downstream side reaching the outflow port. The secondary side flow path is shown.

A main valve 202 is a diaphragm valve provided on the main flow path 200, and moves forward and backward in the vertical direction in the figure toward the main valve seat 208 formed at the tip of the cylindrical portion.
The main valve 202 changes the gap between the main valve seat 208 and the main valve seat 208 as it advances and retreats, that is, the valve opening degree is changed to change from the primary flow path 200-1 to the secondary flow path 200-2. The amount of liquid flowing in, that is, the flow rate in the control valve is changed and adjusted.
Here, the main valve 202 includes a rubber diaphragm film 204 and a hard holding member 206 that holds the diaphragm film 204.

210 is a back pressure chamber formed behind the main valve 202 (upper side in the figure), and 211 is a small introduction hole provided through the main valve 202.
The introduction small hole 211 increases the pressure of the back pressure chamber 210 by allowing the liquid in the primary flow channel 200-1 in the main flow channel 200 to flow into the back pressure chamber 210.

  Reference numeral 212 denotes a pilot flow path provided through the main valve 202. This pilot flow path 212 draws the liquid in the back pressure chamber 210 to the flow path 200-2 on the secondary side, and the pressure in the back pressure chamber 210 is reduced. Decrease.

216 is a pilot valve that moves forward and backward toward the pilot valve seat 214 provided in the main valve 202 to change the opening degree of the pilot flow path 212.
The pilot valve 216 changes the amount of liquid that escapes from the back pressure chamber 210 through the pilot flow path 212 due to its forward / backward movement, thereby increasing or decreasing the pressure in the back pressure chamber 210.

In this pilot control valve, the pressure in the back pressure chamber 210 acts as a pressing force in the valve closing direction downward in the figure on the upper surface of the main valve 202 in the figure.
On the other hand, on the lower surface, the pressure (primary side pressure) of the primary flow path 200-1 acts as a pressing force in the upward valve opening direction in the figure at the outer peripheral side of the main valve seat 208.

Further, in the portion inside the main valve seat 208, the pressure in the secondary flow path 200-2 (secondary pressure) also acts as a pressing force in the upward valve opening direction in the figure.
The main valve 202 moves back and forth in the vertical direction in the figure using a differential pressure between the pressure in the back pressure chamber and the primary side pressure and the secondary side pressure acting in the opposite direction as the driving force.

  Thus, the pressure in the back pressure chamber 210 is increased or decreased by the forward / backward movement of the pilot valve 216. As a result, the main valve 202 follows the forward / backward movement of the pilot valve 216 in the figure in the same direction as this. Further, the valve moves forward and backward by the same distance to change the valve opening.

In this pilot-type control valve, the lower surface of the main valve 202 is the pressure receiving surface of the primary pressure on the outer peripheral portion, and the pressure receiving surface of the secondary side pressure radially inward from the inner portion, that is, the main valve seat 208. Divided into planes.
In the figure, S ₁ represents the pressure receiving area of the primary pressure, and S ₂ represents the pressure receiving area of the secondary pressure (however, the area of the pilot flow path 212 and the introduction small hole 211 is also affected. However, since these are minute, they are ignored here for convenience).
On the other hand, A represents the flow path area of the flow path (secondary flow path 200-2) formed inside the main valve seat 208, and this flow path area A is the pressure receiving area S of the secondary pressure. Equal to ₂ .

In this pilot-type control valve, although the lower surface of the secondary part excluding the pressure receiving area S ₂ of the pressure of the main valve 202 is pressure-receiving area S ₁ of the primary pressure, in this pilot-type control valve, the main valve to obtain a driving force of the upward opening direction in the drawing with respect to 202, it is necessary to ensure a pressure receiving area S ₁ of the primary pressure constant or more.

As a result, the pressure receiving area S ₂ of the secondary side _pressure, i.e. the flow channel area A is inevitably small-diameter below a certain level relative to the diameter of the main valve 202, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the flow channel area A as a result This causes a problem that it is difficult to secure a large amount.
Alternatively, if it is attempted to secure a large flow rate, the diameter of the main valve 202 increases accordingly, and the pilot control valve itself increases in size.

JP 2006-214480 A JP 2008-133860 A

  The present invention is based on the circumstances as described above, and it is possible to secure a larger flow rate than before, or to reduce the diameter of the main valve while keeping the flow rate constant, thereby making the overall size more compact. The purpose is to provide a pilot-type flow control valve.

  Thus, according to the first aspect of the present invention, (a) a main valve provided on the main flow path and moving forward and backward toward the main valve seat to change the valve opening, and (b) formed behind the main valve. A back pressure chamber that causes the internal pressure to act on the main valve as a pressing force in the valve closing direction; and (c) a primary pressure upstream of the main valve in the main flow path that communicates with the back pressure chamber. A small introduction hole for introducing a liquid on the side into the back pressure chamber to increase the pressure, and (d) communicating with the back pressure chamber, and the liquid in the back pressure chamber is more than the main valve of the main flow path. A pilot flow path as a pressure release flow path that is pulled down to the secondary side on the downstream side, and (e) moving forward and backward in the forward and backward movement direction of the main valve, and changing the opening of the pilot flow path A pilot valve that follows and moves the main valve back and forth in the same direction, and the pressure of the back pressure chamber, the primary side pressure and the secondary side acting on the main valve in the valve opening direction A pilot-type flow control valve configured to move the main valve forward and backward based on a differential pressure with respect to the pressure, wherein the main valve receives the differential pressure and generates a driving force for moving the main valve A differential pressure drive unit having no function is provided, and separately from the differential pressure drive unit, the influence of the differential pressure is eliminated, and the differential pressure drive unit is integrated with the differential pressure drive unit by the driving force of the differential pressure drive unit. A flow control valve portion is provided as a valve function portion that moves forward and backward toward the main valve seat and adjusts the flow rate by changing the gap between the main valve seat and the main valve seat.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the differential pressure driving portion has a shaft portion, and the shaft portion is advanced and retracted in the fitting hole of the partition wall that defines the secondary side space. It is fitted fluid-tightly and slidably in the moving direction, and the flow control valve portion is provided in the secondary space, and the secondary pressure is the same in both the forward and reverse directions. It is characterized by receiving pressure.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first and second aspects, the flow control valve portion and the main valve seat have a larger diameter than a pressure receiving surface of the secondary pressure in the differential pressure drive portion. It is characterized by being.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the control valve is a control valve for a single water faucet.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the control valve is a hot and cold water mixing valve for a mixing faucet.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the control valve according to the fifth aspect of the present invention includes: (a) a water-side main valve and a hot water-side main valve that change the valve opening in a reverse relationship; and (b) a mixed water temperature. In response to the expansion and contraction in the axial direction, when the temperature of the mixed water becomes higher than the set temperature, the water side main valve is opened and the water side main valve and the hot water side main valve are closed in the direction to close the hot water side main valve. A temperature-sensitive operation member that moves the water-side main valve and the hot water-side main valve, and a spring that applies an urging force in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the temperature-sensitive operation member. A hot water mixing valve with an automatic temperature adjustment function for automatically adjusting the temperature of the mixed water downstream of each of the main and hot water main valves, wherein the back pressure chamber is the water main valve or / and the hot water main valve The water-side main valve, hot water that receives the pressure of the back pressure chamber At least one main valve of the main valve is provided with the differential pressure drive unit and the flow control valve unit, and the pilot valve moves forward and backward in response to the mixed water temperature by the expansion and contraction operation of the temperature sensitive operation member, By increasing or decreasing the pressure in the back pressure chamber, the water side main valve or / and the hot water side main valve are moved in the opening / closing direction to automatically adjust the mixed water temperature.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the sixth aspect, one of the water side main valve and the hot water side main valve is a water side back pressure chamber or a hot water side back pressure chamber provided correspondingly. A water pressure driven or hot water pressure driven valve is driven by receiving the pressure of the back pressure chamber, and the water side main valve and the hot water side main valve are integrally moved valves. The valve is provided with the differential pressure drive unit and the flow control valve unit, and the other main valve is formed integrally with the flow control valve unit.

Effects and effects of the invention

  As described above, the present invention provides a differential pressure between the pressure of the back pressure chamber acting on the main valve in the valve closing direction and the primary pressure and the secondary pressure acting on the main valve in the valve opening direction. In response, the main valve is provided with a differential pressure drive unit that does not have a valve function to generate a drive force for moving the main valve, and the influence of the differential pressure is eliminated. Separately from the differential pressure drive unit, the flow control valve unit is a valve function unit that moves forward and backward toward the main valve seat together with the pressure drive unit, and adjusts the flow rate by changing the gap between the pressure valve unit and the main valve seat. Are provided in the main valve.

  That is, in the conventional pilot type control valve, the whole main valve has a back pressure chamber, a primary side pressure, and a differential pressure drive unit that receives the secondary side pressure. In the valve, a part of the differential pressure drive unit is configured, and separately from the differential pressure drive unit, the influence of the differential pressure is eliminated and the differential pressure drive unit moves forward and backward. According to the present invention, the flow regulating valve portion is provided, and is restricted by the diameter of the pressure receiving surface of the secondary pressure in the main valve, more specifically, the diameter of the pressure receiving surface of the secondary pressure in the differential pressure driving portion. Therefore, it is possible to freely set the diameter of the flow control valve portion, and it is possible to increase the diameter of the flow control valve portion with respect to the pressure receiving surface of the secondary side pressure (Claim 3). .

As a result, while maintaining the diameter of the main valve constant, that is, without increasing the size of the pilot type control valve, it is possible to secure a larger flow rate than before.
Alternatively, the diameter of the main valve can be made smaller than before while maintaining the flow rate constant, and the size of the pilot control valve can be made smaller and more compact than before.

In this case, the differential pressure drive part is provided with a shaft part, and the shaft part can be liquid-tight and slidable in the forward / backward movement direction of the main valve in the fitting hole of the partition wall defining the secondary side space. In addition to being fitted, a flow control valve portion can be provided in the secondary space, and the pressure in the secondary space can be received by the same pressure in both the forward direction and the backward direction. Item 2).
In this way, it is possible to easily and simply configure the above-described flow control valve portion from which the influence of the back pressure chamber, the primary side pressure, and the secondary side pressure is eliminated.

  The pilot type control valve of the present invention can be suitably applied as a control valve for a single faucet (Claim 4), or can be suitably applied as a hot water mixing valve in a mixing faucet (Claim 5). .

  In this case, according to the present invention, the positions of the water-side main valve and the hot water-side main valve are determined according to the operation amount of the handle. Although the present invention can be applied to a so-called mixing type hot and cold water mixing valve (mixing valve) for determining the mixing amount, the present invention is configured as a pilot type hot and cold water mixing valve with an automatic temperature control function according to claim 6. can do.

Therefore, when the pilot type flow control valve of the present invention is constructed as the pilot type hot and cold water mixing valve according to the sixth aspect, it can be made into various types of pilot type valves.
For example, the pilot-type hot / cold water mixing valve can be configured as a pilot-type valve having the following configurations (A), (B), and (C).

  (A) (A) A water-side back pressure chamber formed as a back pressure chamber formed behind the water-side main valve and acting as a pressing force in the valve closing direction against the water-side main valve; ) Water side introduction small holes for increasing pressure by introducing primary water from the water inlet into the water side back pressure chamber, and (c) Water in the water side back pressure chamber downstream of the water side main valve. The water side pilot flow path as a pressure release flow path that is pulled out to the secondary side of the valve and (d) the water side main valve moves back and forth in the forward / backward movement direction to change the opening degree of the water side pilot flow path Therefore, the water-side main valve is integrated with the water-side main valve so that the water-side main valve is integrated with the water-side main valve. A pilot-type hot water mixing valve that moves the hot water main valve as a drive valve.

  (B) (a) A hot water side back pressure chamber as a back pressure chamber formed behind the hot water side main valve and acting as a pressing force in the valve closing direction on the hot water side main valve; ) A hot water introduction small hole that introduces primary hot water from the hot water inlet into the hot water back pressure chamber and raises the pressure, and (c) hot water in the hot water back pressure chamber is downstream of the hot water main valve. The hot water side pilot passage as a pressure release flow passage that is pulled out to the secondary side of the water side, and (d) the hot water side main valve moves back and forth in the forward and backward movement direction to change the opening degree of the hot water side pilot flow passage. Therefore, the hot water side main valve is integrated with the hot water side main valve so that the hot water side main valve is integrated with the hot water side main valve. A pilot-type hot / cold water mixing valve that moves the water-side main valve together as a pressure-driven valve.

  (C) The water-side main valve and the hot water-side main valve can be moved separately and independently. (A) The water-side main valve and the hot water-side main valve are formed behind the From the water back pressure chamber and the hot water side back pressure chamber as back pressure chambers that act as a pressing force in the closing direction on the water side main valve and the hot water side main valve, respectively, and (b) from the water inlet and the hot water inlet Water side hot water and hot water introduced into these back pressure chambers to raise the pressure, water side introduction small holes, hot water side introduction small holes, and (c) water in the water and hot water side back pressure chambers. Water side main valve, water side pilot flow path as pressure release flow path to reduce pressure by extracting to the downstream side of each downstream side of the water side main valve, hot water side main valve, and (d) water side Water that moves forward and backward in each forward and backward movement direction of the main valve and hot water main valve, and moves the water side main valve and hot water side main valve in the same direction by changing the opening of each pilot flow path. Side pilot valve Pilot hot and cold water mixing valve that is none as having a hot side pilot valve, the.

  Further, in this sixth aspect, one main valve of the water side main valve and the hot water side main valve is subjected to the pressure of one of the water back pressure chamber and the back pressure chamber of the hot water side back pressure chamber. The water side main valve and the hot water side main valve are moved together, and the above differential pressure drive is applied to one main valve. And the flow control valve part, and the other main valve can be integrated with the flow control valve part (Claim 7).

It is a figure of the pilot type flow control valve which is one embodiment of the present invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the embodiment. FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory diagram following FIG. 2. It is a figure of other embodiment of this invention. It is a principal part enlarged view of FIG. It is a figure of the pilot valve unit in FIG. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the embodiment. It is the figure which showed an example of the conventional pilot type flow control valve.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the pilot flow control valve of the present invention is configured for a single water faucet. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a main flow path formed in a valve body (valve case) 12. Reference numerals -1 and 10-2 denote an upstream primary flow path and a downstream secondary flow path in the main flow path 10, respectively.
Reference numeral 14 denotes a main valve seat constituted by a tip portion of a cylindrical portion provided on the main flow path 10.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes a main valve formed of a diaphragm valve provided on the main flow path 10. The main valve 16 includes a rubber diaphragm film 18 and a holding member 20 made of a resin that is harder than the rubber diaphragm film 18. The outer peripheral portion is fixed to the valve body 12 over the entire circumference.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a partition wall integrally formed with the valve body 12, and the partition wall 22 has a first portion 24 provided so as to cross the inside of the valve case 12 in a direction perpendicular to the axis, and an outer peripheral end portion thereof facing downward in the figure. And a second portion 26 extending in the axial direction.
The partition wall 22 forms a secondary space on the lower side (inner side) in the figure.

The main valve 16 has a central shaft portion 28 having a circular cross section at the central portion, and the central shaft portion 28 is formed in a circular fitting hole formed in the partition wall 22, specifically, the central portion of the first portion 24. 30 is inserted.
The center shaft portion 28 is fitted in the fitting hole 30 so as to be slidable in the vertical direction in the figure, that is, in the forward / backward movement direction of the main valve 16 under a watertight (liquid tight) seal state by the seal member 32. .

In this embodiment, the main valve 16 forms a differential pressure drive unit 34 in which the central shaft portion 28 and the upper portion of the partition wall 22 do not have a valve function.
Further, on the inner side of the lower side of the partition wall 22 in the figure, a portion projecting radially outward from the central shaft portion 28 forms a flow control valve portion 36 as a valve function portion.

Here, both of the outer peripheral surface of the flow control valve portion 36 and the inner peripheral surface of the second portion 26 in the partition wall 22 are circular, and the flow control valve portion 36 with respect to the inner peripheral surface of the second portion 26. The outer peripheral surface is fitted so as to be slidable in the vertical direction in the figure, that is, in the forward / backward movement direction of the main valve 16, under a watertight sealing state by the sealing member 38.
A portion of the flow regulating portion 36 that is vertically opposed to the main valve seat 14 is constituted by an elastic seal member 40.

  Reference numeral 42 denotes a back pressure chamber formed behind the upper side of the main valve 16 in the figure. The back pressure chamber 42 causes the internal pressure to act on the main valve 16 as a pressing force in the downward valve closing direction in the figure. .

The main valve 16 is provided with an introduction small hole 44 that penetrates the differential pressure drive unit 34 in the vertical direction in the figure.
The introduction small hole 44 introduces water (liquid) in the primary side flow passage 10-1 into the back pressure chamber 42 and raises the pressure in the back pressure chamber 42.
The main valve 16 is also provided with a pilot channel 46 at the center thereof so as to penetrate the entire main valve 16 up and down in the drawing.

  The pilot flow path 46 is a drainage flow path (pressure release flow path) through which water (liquid) in the back pressure chamber 42 flows out to the flow path 10-2 on the secondary side. The water flows out to the secondary flow path 10-2 through the pilot flow path 46, whereby the pressure in the back pressure chamber 42 is reduced.

Reference numeral 48 denotes a pilot valve, and an elastic seal member 50 is provided at the tip (lower end in the figure).
The pilot valve 48 moves back and forth in the vertical direction (axial direction) in the figure toward the pilot valve seat 52 provided in the main valve 16 to increase or decrease the opening degree of the pilot flow path 46.

  A shaft portion 54 is integrally formed with the pilot valve 48, and the shaft portion 54 is screwed to the valve body 12 so that the pilot valve 48 can be moved back and forth in the vertical direction in the drawing by a rotating operation. It has become.

A lateral hole 56 is provided in the central shaft portion 28 of the main valve 16, and the secondary side pressure of the secondary side flow passage 10-2 is flow-regulated with the partition wall 22 through the lateral hole 56. It is introduced into a secondary pressure chamber 58 formed between the valve portion 36.
That is, in this embodiment, the flow control valve part 36 is provided in the secondary side space formed in the lower side of the partition wall 22 in the figure.

In this embodiment, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface of the second portion 26 in the partition wall 22 is located at the same position as the diameter of the main valve seat 14 and in the radial direction. The secondary side pressure is received at the same pressure in both the downward valve closing direction, i.e., the forward direction, and the upward valve opening direction, i.e., the reverse direction, in the figure, and the opposite secondary side pressures cancel each other. ing.
In other words, the flow control valve 36 is provided in a form that eliminates the influence of any of the pressure in the back pressure chamber 42, the primary side pressure, and the secondary side pressure.

On the other hand, the differential pressure drive unit 34 receives the pressure of the back pressure chamber 42 on its upper surface as a pressure in the downward valve closing direction, that is, the forward direction in the figure, and on the outer peripheral side portion of the central shaft portion 28 on the lower surface, The primary side pressure is received as a pressure in the upward valve opening direction, that is, the backward direction in the figure.
Further, the secondary side pressure is received on the lower surface of the central shaft portion 28 as pressure in the upward valve opening direction, that is, in the backward direction in the figure.

The differential pressure drive unit 34 receives the pressure difference between the downward pressure in the back pressure chamber 42 in the figure and the primary pressure and secondary pressure in the upward valve opening direction in the figure, A driving force for moving the valve 16 is generated.
In FIG. 1, S ₁ ′ represents the pressure receiving area of the primary pressure in the differential pressure drive unit 34, and S ₂ ′ represents the pressure receiving area of the secondary pressure.
On the other hand, A represents the channel area of the channel formed inside the main valve seat 14.

As is apparent from this figure, in this embodiment, the pressure receiving area of the secondary pressure and the flow path area are not equal as in the conventional pilot type control valve shown in FIG. The flow passage area A is larger than the pressure receiving surface S ₂ ′ with a larger diameter than the pressure receiving surface, and the flow passage area is not limited by the pressure receiving area of the secondary pressure. A large area A is secured.

In the present embodiment, the pilot valve 48 changes the opening degree of the pilot flow path 46 by advancing and retreating in the vertical direction in the drawing, thereby changing the pressure of the back pressure chamber 42, thereby moving the main valve 16 in the same direction. Follow the same distance and move forward and backward.
The operation at that time is shown in detail in FIGS.

FIG. 2 (I) shows a state in which the main valve 16 is closed, more specifically, a state in which the flow control valve portion 36 is seated on the main valve seat 14 and is closed, and a pilot valve 48 is seated on the pilot valve seat 52. Each of the closed states is shown.
From this state, when the pilot valve 48 moves backward in the figure, the pilot passage 46 is opened, and the water in the back pressure chamber 42 flows out through the pilot passage 46 to the secondary passage 10-2.

Then, since the pressure in the back pressure chamber 42 decreases, the main valve 16 is adjusted so that the pressure in the back pressure chamber 42 acting on the differential pressure drive unit 34 and the pressure in the primary side pressure (and the secondary side pressure) are balanced. Moves backward in the figure (FIG. 2 (II)).
When the pressure is balanced, the upward movement of the main valve 16 in the drawing, that is, the backward movement stops. At this time, the gap between the pilot valve 48 and the pilot valve seat 52 is held at a small constant follow-up gap (FIG. 2 (III)).
As the main valve 16 moves backward in the drawing in this way, the flow regulating valve portion 36 is separated from the main valve seat 14 in the upward direction in the drawing to open the main flow path 10 and generate a flow in the main flow path 10. .

  When the pilot valve 48 further moves backward from the state shown in FIG. 2 (III), the main valve 16, that is, the flow control valve portion 36, is maintained in the pilot valve 48 while maintaining the above-mentioned constant minute clearance gap. Following the valve 48, the valve moves backward in the figure, and further increases the opening of the main flow path 10 to increase the flow rate through the main flow path 10 (FIG. 2 (IV)).

  On the other hand, when the pilot valve 48 moves forward downward in the figure as shown in FIG. 3, the pressure in the back pressure chamber acting on the differential pressure drive unit 34 and the pressure on the primary side and the secondary side are also shown. The main valve 16, that is, the flow control valve portion 36 moves forward downward in the figure (FIGS. 3 (I) to (IV)), and the opening degree of the main flow path 10 is decreased. As a result, the flow rate of water flowing through the main flow path 10 is reduced.

  As described above, in the pilot control valve of the present embodiment, a part of the main valve 16 constitutes the differential pressure drive unit 34 having no valve function, and is separate from the differential pressure drive unit 34. In addition, since the flow regulating valve portion 36 that moves forward and backward by the driving force of the differential pressure drive portion 34 is provided as a valve function portion, the influence of the pressure is eliminated, so that the pressure receiving surface of the secondary side pressure in the main valve 16 is provided. It is possible to freely set the diameter of the flow regulating valve part 36 without being restricted by the diameter, and to increase the diameter of the flow regulating valve part 36 relative to the pressure receiving surface of the secondary pressure. Can do.

As a result, while maintaining the diameter of the main valve 16 constant, that is, without increasing the size of the pilot-type flow control valve, it is possible to secure a larger flow rate than before.
Alternatively, the diameter of the main valve 16 can be reduced while maintaining the flow rate constant, and the size of the pilot flow control valve can be reduced.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, the flow control valve part 36 can be easily comprised with a simple structure in the form which excluded the influence of the back pressure chamber 42, the primary side pressure, and the secondary side pressure.

4 to 7 show an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a pilot-type hot / cold water mixing valve (hereinafter simply referred to as a hot / cold water mixing valve) having an automatic temperature control function.
In FIG. 4, reference numeral 60 denotes a valve body (valve case) of the hot and cold water mixing valve.
The valve body 60 is provided with a water inflow passage 62 and a hot water inflow passage 64 as primary flow passages formed respectively following the water inlet and the hot water inlet.

The water and hot water flowing in from the water inflow channel 62 and the hot water inflow channel 64 flow through the mixing channel 68 in the mixing chamber 66 which is a secondary side channel, and the water and hot water are sufficiently mixed there. The mixed water flows out from the outlet 70 to the right in the figure.
The valve body 60 is also formed with a water side main valve seat 72 and a hot water side main valve seat 74 respectively corresponding to a water side flow adjusting portion 92 and a hot water side flow adjusting portion 94 which will be described later.

76 is a water-side main valve comprising a diaphragm valve driven by water pressure. As shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 5, in this example, the water-side main valve 76 has a circular central shaft portion 78. The central shaft portion 78 is fitted in a circular fitting hole 82 of the partition wall 80 formed integrally with the valve body 60 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction in the figure under a watertight seal state by the seal member 84. ing.
Here, the partition wall 80 defines a secondary space inside the valve body 60 and on the right side of the partition wall 80 in the drawing.

  The water-side main valve 76 has a differential pressure drive portion 86 on the left side in the drawing from the central shaft portion 78 and the partition wall 80, and has a diameter from the central shaft portion 78 on the right side in the drawing from the partition wall 80. A portion protruding outward in the direction forms a flow control valve portion 88 as a valve function portion.

This flow control valve portion 88 also has a circular outer peripheral surface, and the outer peripheral surface slides in the left-right direction in the figure under a watertight seal state by the seal member 90 with respect to the circular inner peripheral surface of the valve body 60. It is possible to fit.
The flow adjustment valve 88 has a water-side flow adjustment portion 92 at the right end in the drawing, and a hot water flow adjustment portion 94 at the left end in the drawing.
That is, in this embodiment, the hot water main valve is configured as the hot water side flow regulating portion 94.

In this embodiment, when the water-side main valve 76 driven by water pressure moves to the right in the figure, the valve opening degree of the water-side flow adjustment unit 92 is small and the valve opening degree of the hot water-side flow adjustment unit 94 is large. When the water-side main valve 76 moves to the left in the figure, the valve opening of the water-side flow control unit 92 is large, and the valve opening of the hot-water flow control unit 94 is small. The amount of inflow of water and hot water is changed in accordance with the change in water.
As is apparent from the figure, the water-side flow regulating portion 92 and the hot-water flow regulating portion 94 are formed in opposite directions in the axial direction.

Here, the hot water flowing in through the hot water inflow channel 64 reaches the mixing channel 68 through the hot water side secondary channel 96, where it is mixed with the water flowing in from the water inflow channel 62.
In this embodiment, the secondary pressure chamber 98 communicates with the secondary mixing channel 68 via the flow channel 96, and the secondary pressure is introduced therein.

In FIG. 5, a water-side back pressure chamber 100 is formed behind the left side of the differential pressure drive unit 86 in the drawing.
The water-side back pressure chamber 100 acts on the water-side main valve 76 as a pressing force in the valve closing direction in the right direction in the drawing (here, the valve-closing direction of the water-side flow regulating unit 92). .

A primary pressure chamber 102 is formed on the right side in the drawing opposite to the water-side back pressure chamber 100, that is, between the differential pressure drive unit 86 and the partition wall 80, and from there to the water inflow channel 62. Water is introduced through communication passages 104 and 106 indicated by wavy lines in the figure.
That is, the primary pressure is introduced into the primary pressure chamber 102.
The primary pressure chamber 102 and the water-side back pressure chamber 100 communicate with each other through an introduction small hole 111 provided through the differential pressure drive unit 86 and introduced into the primary pressure chamber 102. Water is caused to flow into the water-side back pressure chamber 100 through the introduction small hole 111.

The differential pressure drive unit 86 is a differential pressure between the rightward pressure by the water-side back pressure chamber 100, the leftward pressure in the primary pressure chamber 102, and the secondary side pressure acting to the left in the figure with respect to the central shaft portion 78. In response, a driving force for moving the water side main valve 76 is generated.
The flow regulating valve 88 is moved back and forth in the left-right direction in the figure by the driving force generated by the differential pressure driving section 86.

The water-side main valve 76 has a through-hole in the axial direction at the center thereof, and a sleeve 142-1 described later is inserted therethrough.
An annular pilot channel 112 is formed between the through hole and the sleeve 142-1.

Reference numeral 108 denotes a water side pilot valve. The water side pilot valve 108 moves forward and backward in the horizontal direction in the figure toward the water side pilot valve seat 110 formed in the water side main valve 76, thereby opening the pilot flow path 112. The degree is changed.
In other words, the pressure in the water-side back pressure chamber 100 is increased or decreased as the water-side pilot valve 108 moves back and forth.

Therefore, also in this embodiment, the water-side pilot valve 108 moves back and forth in the left-right direction in the figure, so that the water-side main valve 76 follows this and has a constant following gap in the same direction as the water-side pilot valve 108. You can move forward and backward while maintaining.
At this time, the water-side flow adjustment unit 92 and the hot-water flow adjustment unit 94 change the valve opening degree in reverse relations to change the inflow amount of water and hot water. That is, the mixed water temperature is changed.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 120 denotes a cylindrical rotating portion that is coupled to the handle at the shaft portion 122 so as to rotate integrally therewith, and is rotatably fitted to the inner surface of the valve body 60.
A cylindrical first advancing / retracting member 124 that moves forward and backward in the axial direction is disposed inside the rotating portion 120, and the advancing / retreating member 124 includes a male screw 126 formed on the advancing / retracting member 124, and a rotating portion. It is screwed with a female screw 128 formed on 120.

The advance / retreat member 124 is also secured to the inner tube portion 130 of the valve body 60 by a turning mechanism 132 having an axial engagement groove and an engagement protrusion.
Therefore, when the rotating part 120 is rotated, the advance / retreat member 124 is moved in the left-right direction in the drawing by screw feed.

Inside the advance / retreat member 124, a second advance / retreat member 134 having a bottomed cylindrical shape is disposed.
The second advancing / retracting member 134 is slidably fitted to the inner tubular portion 130 of the valve body 60 so as to be slidable, and a buffer spring mechanism 136 is provided to the first advancing / retreating member 124. Are connected through.

  Therefore, when the advance / retreat member 124 moves forward / backward in the left-right direction in the drawing, the advance / retreat movement is transmitted to the second advance / retreat member 134 via the buffer spring mechanism 136, and the second advance / retreat member 134 is moved to the outer surface of the inner cylinder portion 130. Along the left and right directions in the figure.

  Here, the buffer spring mechanism 136 operates as follows. That is, when the water-side flow regulating valve 92 or the hot-water flow regulating valve 94 comes into contact with the corresponding water-side main valve seat 72 or the hot water-side main valve seat 74, the temperature adjustment shaft 140 is moved thereafter. When it becomes impossible, the spring (coil spring) in the buffer spring mechanism 136 bends in the axial direction, thereby absorbing the applied excessive operating force.

The bottom end 138 of the second advance / retreat member 134 is coupled to the left end portion of the temperature adjustment shaft 140 for moving the water side main valve 76 in the left-right direction in the drawing.
Therefore, when the second advancing / retracting member 134 moves forward / backward in the left / right direction in the drawing, the temperature adjusting shaft 140 is moved forward / backward in the left / right direction in the drawing together with the temperature adjusting shaft 140.

As shown in FIG. 6, sleeves 142-1, 142-2, 142-3, and 142-4 are fitted to the temperature adjusting shaft 140 so as to be externally fitted and relatively movable in the left-right direction. Yes.
The water-side pilot valve 108 is integrally formed with the middle sleeve 142-1.
The water-side pilot valve 108 is fitted to the inner surface of the inner cylindrical portion 130 so as to be slidable in the left-right direction under a watertight seal state by the seal member 144.
The right end sleeve 142-3 in the figure is defined by a retaining ring with respect to the temperature control shaft 140, and the left end sleeve 142-4 is also illustrated with respect to the temperature adjustment shaft 140 by a retaining ring. The middle left edge is specified.

  A temperature sensitive spring 146 made of a shape memory alloy coil spring as a temperature sensitive operation member is interposed between the sleeves 142-2 and 142-3, and the biasing force is applied to the sleeve 142-1. That is, it exerts on the water side pilot valve 108 in the left direction in the figure.

  Further, a bias spring 148 made of a coil spring is interposed between the sleeve 142-4 and the sleeve 142-1, more specifically between the water side pilot valve 108, and its biasing force is applied to the sleeve 142-1. That is, it exerts rightward in the figure with respect to the water side pilot valve 108.

  As is clear from the above description, in this embodiment, the water-side pilot valve 108 is held by the temperature adjustment shaft 140 in a state in which the water-side pilot valve 108 can move relative to the temperature adjustment shaft 140 in the left-right axial direction in the figure. A temperature-sensitive spring 146 and a bias spring 148 disposed on the right and left sides in the figure exert opposite biasing forces on the water-side pilot valve 108, and the temperature-sensitive spring 146 and the bias spring 148 are reversed. Are assembled to the temperature adjustment shaft 140 so that the pilot valve unit 150 is configured as a whole, so that the temperature control shaft 140 moves together with the water side pilot valve 108 while maintaining the total length constant. Yes.

In the hot and cold water mixing valve of this embodiment, when the rotating part 120 is rotated by rotating the handle, the first advance / retreat member 124 is moved forward and backward in the left-right direction in the drawing by screw feed.
As the advance / retreat member 124 moves forward / backward, the second advance / retreat member 134 moves forward / backward in the same direction, and the temperature adjusting shaft 140 moves forward / backward in the left / right direction.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the water-side pilot valve 108 moves integrally to change the opening degree of the pilot flow path 112, and thereby the water-side flow regulating portion 92 and the hot water-side flow regulating portion 94. Are moved forward and backward, and the respective valve openings are changed in magnitude in reverse relation to each other.
That is, when the rotating unit 120 is rotated by the handle, the mixed water temperature is set to a desired temperature.

  Then, when the temperature of the mixed water in the mixing chamber 66 becomes higher than the set temperature in a state where the water-side temperature adjustment valve unit 92 and the hot water-side temperature adjustment valve unit 94 are positioned at the set positions by such an operation, The temperature-sensitive spring 146 extends to increase the urging force in the left direction in the figure, thereby increasing the valve opening degree of the water side temperature adjustment valve section 92 and the valve opening degree of the hot water temperature adjustment valve section 94. In the direction of decreasing, the positions of the water-side temperature adjusting valve 92 and the hot water-side temperature adjusting valve 94 are changed through the movement of the water-side pilot valve 108 to automatically adjust the mixed water temperature to the set temperature.

Also in the present embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 5, the differential pressure drive unit 86 that does not have a valve function in the water side main valve 76, and the flow control valve unit 88 that eliminates the influence of the differential pressure, Therefore, the flow passage area A can be made large regardless of the pressure receiving area S ₂ ′ of the secondary pressure, so that the mixed water can be mixed without particularly increasing the diameter of the water side main valve 76. A large flow rate can be secured.
Alternatively, the water-side main valve can be reduced in diameter under the same mixed water flow rate.

  In this embodiment, the water-side main valve and the hot water-side main valve are configured as a common integral main valve 76, and the main valve 76 is provided with a differential pressure drive unit 86 for water pressure drive. At the same time, it can be considered that the water-side and hot-water side valve portions opposite to each other in the main valve 76 are integrally configured as the water-side flow adjustment portion 92 and the hot-water flow adjustment portion 74.

  In the hot water / water mixing valve, the hot water main valve (hot water flow regulating valve 94) is integrally formed with the water main valve 76, and the water main valve 76 is used as a drive valve. However, the water side main valve and the hot water side main valve are provided so as to move together, and the hot water is placed behind the hot water side main valve in place of the water side back pressure chamber 100. Forms a side back pressure chamber and introduces a hot water on the primary side (hot water) from the hot water inlet into the hot water back pressure chamber, a hot water in the hot water back pressure chamber on the secondary side The hot water side pilot flow path to be removed is provided in place of the water side introduction small hole 111 and the water side pilot flow path 112, respectively, and the hot water side main valve is used as a hot water pressure driven valve. It is possible to follow this by movement, and to configure the water side main valve integrally with the flow adjustment valve portion as the water flow adjustment portion. .

  Alternatively, the water side main valve and the hot water side main valve are provided separately and independently so that the water side back pressure chamber is located behind the water side main valve and the hot water side is located behind the hot water side main valve. Water side introduction small hole, hot water side introduction small hole, water side pilot flow path, hot water side pilot flow path that further increase / decrease the pressure of the water side back pressure chamber and hot water side back pressure chamber. In addition, each of the water side main valve and the hot water side main valve is provided with a differential pressure drive part and a flow control valve part, and the water side pilot valve and the hot water side pilot valve are synchronized in the axial direction. By moving the valve, the water-side main valve and the hot water-side main valve can be configured so that the valve opening degree is changed in a reverse relationship.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, this is merely an example.
For example, in the above embodiment, the main valve is a diaphragm valve. However, the present invention can be configured as a piston valve, and the present invention is configured in various modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Is possible.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Main water channel 14 Main valve seat 16 Main valve 22,80 Partition wall 28,78 Center shaft part 30,82 Fitting hole 34,86 Differential pressure drive part 36,88 Flow control part 42 Back pressure chamber 44,111 Small introduction Hole 46, 112 Pilot flow path 48 Pilot valve 72 Water side main valve seat 74 Hot water side main valve seat 76 Water side main valve 100 Water side back pressure chamber 108 Water side pilot valve 146 Temperature sensitive spring 148 Bias spring

Claims (7)

(B) a main valve provided on the main flow path and moving forward and backward toward the main valve seat to change the valve opening; and (b) formed behind the main valve, the internal pressure with respect to the main valve A back pressure chamber that acts as a pressing force in the valve closing direction, and (c) communicating with the back pressure chamber, and introducing the primary fluid upstream of the main valve of the main flow path into the back pressure chamber. A small introduction hole for increasing the pressure and (d) communicating with the back pressure chamber, and discharging the liquid in the back pressure chamber to the secondary side downstream of the main valve of the main flow path A pilot flow path as a decompression flow path to be lowered, and (e) moving forward and backward in the forward / backward movement direction of the main valve, and changing the opening of the pilot flow path to follow the main valve in the same direction A pilot valve that moves forward and backward, and based on a differential pressure between the pressure in the back pressure chamber and the primary side pressure and the secondary side pressure that act on the main valve in the valve opening direction. In the pilot flow control valve designed to move the main valve forward and backward,
The main valve is provided with a differential pressure drive unit that does not have a valve function to generate a driving force for moving the main valve in response to the differential pressure, and separately from the differential pressure drive unit, the differential pressure The flow control is performed by moving forward and backward toward the main valve seat integrally with the differential pressure drive unit by the driving force of the differential pressure drive unit, and changing the size of the gap with the main valve seat. A pilot-type flow rate control valve provided with a flow control valve portion as a valve function portion for performing   2. The differential pressure drive part according to claim 1, wherein the differential pressure drive part has a shaft part, and the shaft part is liquid-tight and slid in the fitting hole of the partition wall defining the secondary space in the advancing and retracting direction of the main valve. The flow control valve portion is provided in the secondary space, and receives the secondary pressure at the same pressure in both the forward direction and the reverse direction. Characteristic pilot-type flow control valve.   3. The pilot according to claim 1, wherein the flow control valve part and the main valve seat have a larger diameter than a pressure receiving surface of the secondary pressure in the differential pressure drive part. Type flow control valve.   4. The pilot flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein the control valve is a control valve for a single water faucet.   4. The pilot flow control valve according to claim 1, wherein the control valve is a hot water / water mixing valve for a mixing faucet. 6. The control valve according to claim 5, wherein the control valve includes: (a) a water side main valve and a hot water side main valve that change the valve opening in a reverse relationship; and (b) an axial expansion and contraction in response to the mixed water temperature. A temperature-sensitive operation member that opens the water-side main valve and moves the water-side main valve and the hot-water main valve in a direction to close the hot-water main valve when the mixed water temperature becomes higher than a set temperature. And (c) a spring that applies an urging force in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the temperature-sensitive operation member to the water-side main valve and the hot water-side main valve. A hot water mixing valve with an automatic temperature control function that automatically adjusts the temperature of the mixed water downstream of the valve,
The back pressure chamber causes the internal pressure to act as a pressing force in the valve closing direction on the water side main valve and / or the hot water side main valve, and receives the pressure of the back pressure chamber. At least one main valve of the water side main valve and the hot water side main valve is provided with the differential pressure drive unit and the flow control valve unit,
The pilot valve moves forward and backward in response to the temperature of the mixed water by the expansion and contraction of the temperature-sensitive operation member, and opens and closes the water-side main valve and / or the hot water-side main valve by increasing or decreasing the pressure in the back pressure chamber. The mixed water temperature control valve is configured to automatically adjust the mixed water temperature by moving in the direction. In Claim 6, one main valve of the said water side main valve and a hot water side main valve receives the pressure of the back pressure chamber of one of the water side back pressure chamber and the hot water side back pressure chamber which were provided correspondingly. The water-side main valve and the hot-water side main valve are integrally moved valves.
The one main valve is provided with the differential pressure drive unit and the flow control valve unit, and the other main valve is formed integrally with the flow control valve unit. Control valve.

Images