JP7119418B2 - THERMAL VALVE UNIT, HEAT SOURCE MACHINE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THERMAL VALVE UNIT - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a thermal valve unit, a heat source machine, and a method for manufacturing the thermal valve unit.

A thermal valve unit is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-189653 (Patent Document 1). This thermal valve unit has a valve body, a plurality of nozzles, and a plurality of actuators. Hot water is supplied to the valve body. Each of the plurality of nozzles supplies hot water supplied inside the valve body to an external device. Each of the plurality of actuators is provided in a portion of the valve body corresponding to each of the plurality of nozzles. Each actuator controls the amount of water supplied at each nozzle.

JP-A-8-189653

In a thermal valve unit having a plurality of nozzles, such as the thermal valve unit described in the above-mentioned publication, a sealing member is usually installed at each connecting portion of each of the plurality of nozzles to the valve body. Also, a plurality of nozzles may be integrated by being connected to each other. In this case, when a plurality of integrated nozzles are assembled to the valve body, a load is simultaneously applied to the plurality of sealing members installed at the connecting portion, making it difficult to assemble the thermal valve unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide a thermal valve unit that is easy to assemble, a heat source device that includes the same, and a method of manufacturing a thermal valve unit that is easy to assemble. That is.

A thermal valve unit of the present invention includes a first housing, a second housing, a first seal member, a second seal member, a first thermal valve portion, and a second thermal valve portion. ing. The first housing includes a main flow path, a first annular portion, and a second annular portion. A main flow path extends in a first direction. The first annular portion has a first flow path communicating with the main flow path. The second annular portion has a second channel communicating with the main channel. The second housing includes a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The first tubular portion has a first passage communicating with the first flow path. The second cylindrical portion has a second passage that communicates with the second flow path and is integrally formed with the first cylindrical portion. The first seal member seals between the first annular portion and the first cylindrical portion. The second seal member seals between the second annular portion and the second cylindrical portion. The first thermal valve portion and the second thermal valve portion are housed in the first housing and the second housing. The first thermal valve portion is configured to open and close the first passage. The second thermal valve portion is configured to open and close the second passage. In a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the position of the first sealing member is relatively displaced from the position of the second sealing member with respect to the main flow path.

According to the thermal valve unit of the present invention, the position of the first seal member is shifted relative to the position of the second seal member with respect to the main flow path in the second direction. Therefore, the timing at which the load is applied to the first seal member and the timing at which the load is applied to the second seal member can be shifted. Therefore, the load simultaneously applied to the first seal member and the second seal member can be reduced. This facilitates assembly of the thermal valve unit.

In the thermal valve unit described above, the first passage includes a first opening into which the first cylindrical portion is inserted. The second channel includes a second opening into which the second tubular portion is inserted. The first opening and the second opening are arranged at the same position with respect to the main flow path in the second direction. In the second direction, the distance from the first opening to the first sealing member is greater than the distance from the second opening to the second sealing member. Therefore, the position of the first sealing member is closer to the main flow path than the position of the second sealing member in the second direction. In this way, the position of the first seal member can be offset relative to the position of the second seal member with respect to the main flow path in the second direction.

In the above thermal valve unit, the first seal member is arranged so as not to overlap the second seal member in the second direction. Therefore, it is possible to reliably shift the timing at which the load is applied to each of the first seal member and the second seal member.

In the above thermal valve unit, each of the first sealing member and the second sealing member is an O-ring. O-rings are inexpensive due to their high versatility. Therefore, the cost of the thermal valve unit can be reduced.

In the above thermal valve unit, the first housing includes the third annular portion. The third annular portion has a third channel communicating with the main channel. The second housing includes a third cylindrical portion. The third tubular portion has a third passage that communicates with the third flow path, and is formed integrally with the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion. The thermal valve unit further includes a third sealing member that seals between the third annular portion and the third tubular portion, and a third thermal valve portion housed in the first housing and the second housing. I have. The third thermal valve portion is configured to open and close the third passage. The first seal member is positioned closer to the main flow path in the second direction than the second seal member, and the second seal member is positioned closer to the main flow path in the second direction than the third seal member. Therefore, when the first sealing member, the second sealing member, and the third sealing member are viewed from the third sealing member side in the direction in which the first sealing member, the second sealing member, and the third sealing member are aligned during assembly, Moreover, the first sealing member, the second sealing member, and the third sealing member are easily visible. Therefore, visibility of the first sealing member, the second sealing member, and the third sealing member can be improved. This facilitates assembly of the thermal valve unit.

A heat source device of the present invention includes a pipe and a thermal valve unit arranged on the route of the pipe. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat source device having a thermal valve unit that is easy to assemble.

In the manufacturing method of the thermal valve unit of the present invention, the first housing is prepared. The first housing includes a main flow path, a first annular portion having a first flow path communicating with the main flow path, and a second annular portion having a second flow path communicating with the main flow path. A second housing is prepared. The second housing has a first cylindrical portion having a first passage that communicates with the first flow path, and a second communication portion that communicates with the second flow path, and is molded integrally with the first cylindrical portion. and a second tubular portion. After the space between the first annular portion and the first cylindrical portion is sealed by the first sealing member in a state where the first flow path and the first passage are communicated, the second flow path and the second passage are communicated. In this state, the space between the second annular portion and the second cylindrical portion is sealed by the second sealing member.

According to the manufacturing method of the thermal valve unit of the present invention, after the first annular portion and the first cylindrical portion are sealed by the first sealing member, the second annular portion and the second cylindrical portion are sealed. The gap is sealed by the second sealing member. Therefore, the timing at which the load is applied to the first seal member and the timing at which the load is applied to the second seal member can be shifted. Therefore, the load simultaneously applied to the first seal member and the second seal member can be reduced. This facilitates assembly of the thermal valve unit.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a thermal valve unit that is easy to assemble, a heat source device that includes the same, and a method of manufacturing a thermal valve unit that is easy to assemble.

1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a thermal valve unit according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a thermal valve unit according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 1; 4 is an enlarged view of a P1 portion of FIG. 3; FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view at a position where the load applied to the first seal member is at its peak in the method of manufacturing the thermal valve unit according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view at a position where the load applied to the second seal member is at its peak in the method of manufacturing the thermal valve unit according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view at a position where the load applied to the third seal member is at its peak in the method of manufacturing the thermal valve unit according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a thermal valve unit of a comparative example; FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion corresponding to the P2 portion of FIG. 8, and is a view at a position where loads applied to the first seal member, the second seal member, and the third seal member are at their peaks. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between load and time applied to a thermal valve unit according to an embodiment of the present invention and a thermal valve unit of a comparative example; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of a first seal member, a second seal member, and a third seal member of a thermal valve unit in a modification of one embodiment of the present invention; It is a figure which shows the structure of the heat-source equipment in one embodiment of this invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings below, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will not be repeated.

(Configuration of Thermal Valve Unit in Embodiment)
A configuration of a thermal valve unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal valve unit 50 of the present embodiment is configured such that a plurality of thermal valves 50A are joined together to form an integral body. Although the thermal valve unit 50 of the present embodiment is composed of three thermal valves 50A as an example, it may be composed of two thermal valves 50A, or four or more thermal valves 50A. It may be composed of

Each of the multiple thermal valves 50A has a valve housing 1 and a lid 41 . The valve housing 1 has a first water passage portion 1a and a second water passage portion 1b. The first water communicating portion 1a is, for example, a water inlet portion, and the second water communicating portion 1b is, for example, a water outlet portion.

As shown in FIG. 2, the valve housings 1 of the plurality of thermal valves 50A are integrally molded and joined together. Each valve housing 1 of the plurality of thermal valves 50A shares the first water passage portion 1a. The multiple thermal valves 50A have multiple second water passages 1b. The second water passage portion 1b is provided for each thermal valve 50A.

The lids 41 of the plurality of thermal valves 50A are integrally formed by connecting portions 43 and joined together. The lid 41 is attached and fixed to the valve housing 1 . Specifically, the lid 41 is attached and fixed to the valve housing 1 by inserting a fixing member such as a bolt 45 through a through hole of the lid 41 and screwing it into a screw hole of the valve housing 1 . .

As shown in FIG. 3, one thermal valve 50A includes a valve housing 1, a valve main body 11, a driving portion 21, a sealing member 31, an insulating retainer 25, an insulating spacer 26, and a first elastic It has a member 27 and a lid 41 .

The valve housing 1 has a housing main body 1k and an actuator housing 1e. The housing main body 1k and the drive unit housing 1e are integrally molded and joined to each other. The housing body 1k has a first water passage portion 1a (FIGS. 1 and 2), a second water passage portion 1b, an internal flow path 1c, and a shaft insertion hole 1d.

An internal flow path 1c is provided between the first water communicating portion 1a and the second water communicating portion 1b. Therefore, for example, the heat transfer fluid supplied to the first water communicating portion 1a is discharged from the second water communicating portion 1b through the internal flow path 1c. This internal flow path 1c is shared by a plurality of thermal valves 50A.

The shaft insertion hole 1 d is provided inside the valve housing 1 . The shaft insertion hole 1d communicates with the internal flow path 1c.

A drive unit housing 1e of the valve housing 1 has a cylindrical shape. The drive section housing 1e has a first end 1e1 and a second end 1e2 opposite to the first end 1e1. The drive section housing 1e is connected to the housing body 1k at the second end 1e2.

The drive unit housing 1e is arranged on the side opposite to the internal flow path 1c with respect to the shaft insertion hole 1d. An internal space 1f of the drive unit housing 1e communicates with the shaft insertion hole 1d.

The valve body 11 has a valve body 12 , a valve shaft 13 and a second elastic member 14 . The valve body 12 can open and close the internal flow path 1c. Specifically, the internal flow path 1c is closed by the valve body 12 when the valve body 12 is in contact with the valve seat 1g. The internal flow path 1c is opened by the valve body 12 when the valve body 12 is separated from the valve seat 1g.

The valve shaft 13 is inserted through the shaft insertion hole 1d so as to pass through the shaft insertion hole 1d. One end of the valve shaft 13 is connected to the valve body 12, and the other end is located in the internal space 1f of the drive unit housing 1e. The second elastic member 14 biases the valve body 12 in the direction to close the internal flow path 1c (the direction in which the valve body 12 faces the valve seat 1g). The second elastic member 14 is, for example, a coil spring.

The drive unit 21 is arranged in the internal space 1f of the drive unit housing 1e. The driving section 21 has a heater 22 , a first electrode member 23 a , a second electrode member 23 b and a thermally responsive element 24 . Each of the heater 22, the first electrode member 23a, and the second electrode member 23b is arranged closer to the first end 1e1 than the thermal responsive element 24 is.

Each of the first electrode member 23 a and the second electrode member 23 b is electrically connected to the heater 22 . The first electrode member 23 a is arranged on the second end 1 e 2 side of the heater 22 , and the second electrode member 23 b is arranged on the first end 1 e 1 side of the heater 22 . The heater 22 is sandwiched between the first electrode member 23a and the second electrode member 23b.

The heater 22 can be energized by the first electrode member 23a and the second electrode member 23b. The heater 22 generates heat when energized. The heater 22 heats the thermally responsive element 24 by generating heat. Heater 22 is, for example, a PTC (Positive Thermal Coefficient) thermistor (positive characteristic thermistor).

A thermally responsive element 24 is arranged between the heater 22 and the valve shaft 13 . The thermal response element 24 can move the valve shaft 13 in its axial direction by being heated by the heater 22 .

Thermally responsive element 24 is, for example, a wax element. The thermal responsive element 24 has a heat sensitive portion 24a and a shaft 24b. The heat-sensitive portion 24a has a structure filled with wax. The wax with which the heat-sensitive portion 24a is filled is, for example, paraffin wax. The shaft 24b has one end inserted into the heat-sensitive portion 24a and the other end protruding from the heat-sensitive portion 24a.

The wax of the heat-sensitive portion 24 a expands when heated by the heater 22 . As the wax expands, the shaft 24b is pushed out of the heat-sensitive portion 24a. Further, the wax of the heat sensitive portion 24a shrinks when cooled from the heated state. As the wax shrinks, the shaft 24b moves into the heat-sensitive portion 24a.

The sealing member 31 has a function of sealing between the valve shaft 13 and the wall surface of the shaft insertion hole 1d (a function of watertight sealing between the valve shaft 13 and the wall surface of the shaft insertion hole 1d). The seal member 31 is arranged between the driving portion 21 and the internal flow path 1c. The seal member 31 prevents the heat transfer fluid in the internal flow path 1c from entering the internal space 1f of the drive section housing 1e through the shaft insertion hole 1d.

The sealing member 31 has two O-rings 32, 33, for example. Each of the O-rings 32, 33 has an annular shape. The inner peripheral portion of each of the O-rings 32, 33 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the valve shaft 13, and the outer peripheral portion of each of the O-rings 32, 33 is in contact with the wall surface of the shaft insertion hole 1d.

The insulating retainer 25 is arranged in the internal space 1f of the drive unit housing 1e. The insulating retainer 25 is arranged between the driving portion 21 and the sealing member 31 . The insulating retainer 25 is made of an insulating material.

The insulating retainer 25 has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The insulating retainer 25 has a tubular portion 25a, a bottom portion 25b, and a flange portion 25c. The tubular portion 25a has a tubular shape. The bottom portion 25b is provided at the bottom of the cylindrical portion 25a. The bottom portion 25b has an annular shape with a through hole. The valve shaft 13 is inserted through the through hole of the bottom portion 25b. The flange portion 25c protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 25a. The flange portion 25c has a circular tubular shape.

Insulating spacer 26 has, for example, a columnar shape. The insulating spacer 26 is arranged between the shaft 24 b of the thermally responsive element 24 and the valve shaft 13 of the valve main body 11 . The insulating spacer 26 is arranged inside the cylindrical portion 25 a of the insulating retainer 25 . Also, the insulating spacer 26 is made of an insulating material.

The first elastic member 27 is arranged between the flange portion 25 c of the insulating retainer 25 and the thermal responsive element 24 . The first elastic member 27 is, for example, a coil spring.

This first elastic member 27 presses the thermal response element 24 toward the heater 22 side. Specifically, the first elastic member 27 presses the thermal response element 24 against the first electrode member 23a. As a result, the thermal responsive element 24 can efficiently receive the heat generated from the heater 22 .

Further, the first elastic member 27 urges the insulating retainer 25 toward the seal member 31 with respect to the driving portion 21 . As a result, the first elastic member 27 presses the flange portion 25c of the insulating retainer 25 against the valve housing 1 toward the sealing member 31 side.

The lid 41 is attached to the valve housing 1 by fixing members such as bolts 45 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The lid 41 is arranged so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the drive unit housing 1e and the first end 1e1. The lid 41 has a protrusion 42 protruding inward. The projecting portion 42 extends from the first end 1e1 side into the internal space 1f of the drive unit housing 1e.

The plurality of lids 41 are integrally formed by the connecting portion 43 and connected to each other as described above. This connecting portion 43 is attached to the lower ends of the plurality of lids 41 . A plurality of (for example, three) drip-proof covers 44 are integrally formed with the connection portion 43 . Each of the plurality of drip-proof covers 44 extends on the side opposite to the lid 41 with respect to the connecting portion 43 .

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the thermal valve unit 50 of the present embodiment includes three thermal valves 50A, a first thermal valve 50A1, a second thermal valve 50A2 and a third thermal valve 50A3. consists of The valve housings 1 and lids 41 of the first thermal valve 50A1, the second thermal valve 50A2, and the third thermal valve 50A3 integrally form a housing portion HP.

The thermal valve unit 50 includes a housing portion HP, a first sealing member S1, a second sealing member S2, a third sealing member S3, a first thermal valve portion V1, and a second thermal valve portion V2. and a third thermal valve portion V3.

The housing part HP has a first housing H1 and a second housing H2. The first housing H1 and the second housing H2 are assembled together. The second housing H2 is attached to the first housing H1 by fixing members such as bolts 46, for example. The housing part HP has an internal flow path 1c. The internal flow path 1c includes a main flow path FP, a first flow path F1, a second flow path F2, a third flow path F3, a first passage W1, a second passage W2, and a third passage W3. have. The main flow path FP extends in the first direction D1. The main flow path FP communicates with each of the first flow path F1, the second flow path F2 and the third flow path F3 in a second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1. Each of the first flow path F1, the second flow path F2, and the third flow path F3 is arranged on the side opposite to the lid 41 with respect to the main flow path FP in the second direction D2. The first passage W1 communicates with the first flow path F1 in the second direction D2. The second passage W2 communicates with the first flow passage F2 in the second direction D2. The third passage W3 communicates with the third flow path F3 in the second direction D2.

The first housing H1 has a portion of the housing body 1k and the lid 41 of each of the first thermal valve 50A1, the second thermal valve 50A2, and the third thermal valve 50A3. The first housing H1 has a main flow path FP. The first housing H1 has a first annular portion C1, a second annular portion C2, and a third annular portion C3 at a portion connected to the second housing H2. Each of the first annular portion C1, the second annular portion C2 and the third annular portion C3 has an annular shape.

The first thermal valve 50A1 has a first annular portion C1. The first annular portion C1 has a first flow path F1 communicating with the main flow path FP. The first flow path F1 has a first opening OP1 that opens toward the second water passage portion 1b.

The second thermal valve 50A2 has a second annular portion C2. The second annular portion C2 has a second flow path F2 communicating with the main flow path FP. The second flow path F2 has a second opening OP2 that opens toward the second water communicating portion 1b. The second annular portion C2 is arranged on the same side as the first annular portion C1 with respect to the main flow path FP in the second direction D2.

The third thermal valve 50A3 has a third annular portion C3. The third flow path F3 has a third opening OP3 that opens toward the second water communicating portion 1b. The third annular portion C3 has a third flow path F3 communicating with the main flow path FP. The third annular portion C3 is arranged on the same side as the first annular portion C1 and the second annular portion C2 with respect to the main flow path FP in the second direction D2.

The second housing H2 has a part of the housing body 1k of each of the first thermal valve 50A1, the second thermal valve 50A2 and the third thermal valve 50A3. The second housing H2 has a first tubular portion T1, a second tubular portion T2, and a third tubular portion T3 at a portion connected to the first housing H1. The first tubular portion T1, the second tubular portion T2, and the third tubular portion T3 are integrally molded and joined to each other. Each of the first tubular portion T1, the second tubular portion T2 and the third tubular portion T3 has a tubular shape.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first thermal valve 50A1 has a first cylindrical portion T1. The first tubular portion T1 has a first passage W1 communicating with the first flow path F1. The first tubular portion T1 has a first body portion T11 and a first projecting portion T12. The first projecting portion T12 projects from the first main body portion T11 to the side opposite to the second water communicating portion 1b. The inner diameter of the first body portion T11 is the same as the inner diameter of the first projecting portion T12. The outer diameter of the first body portion T11 is larger than the outer diameter of the first projecting portion T12. The first body portion T11 has an annular first locking portion L1 between the outer peripheral surface of the first body portion T11 and the outer peripheral surface of the first projecting portion T12. The first seal member S1 is locked to the first locking portion L1.

The second thermal valve 50A2 has a second cylindrical portion T2. The second tubular portion T2 has a second passage W2 communicating with the second flow path F2. The second tubular portion T2 is formed integrally with the first tubular portion T1. The second tubular portion T2 has a second body portion T21 and a second projecting portion T22. The second projecting portion T22 projects from the second body portion T21 to the side opposite to the second water communicating portion 1b. The inner diameter of the second body portion T21 is the same as the inner diameter of the second projecting portion T22. The outer diameter of the second body portion T21 is larger than the outer diameter of the second projecting portion T22. The second body portion T21 has an annular second locking portion L2 between the outer peripheral surface of the second body portion T21 and the outer peripheral surface of the second projecting portion T22. A second sealing member S2 is locked to the second locking portion L2.

The third thermal valve 50A3 has a third cylindrical portion T3. The third tubular portion T3 has a third passage W3 communicating with the third flow path F3. The third tubular portion T3 is formed integrally with the first tubular portion T1 and the second tubular portion T2. The third tubular portion T3 has a third body portion T31 and a third projecting portion T32. The third projecting portion T32 projects from the third main body portion T31 to the side opposite to the second water communicating portion 1b. The inner diameter of the third body portion T31 is the same as the inner diameter of the third projecting portion T32. The outer diameter of the third body portion T31 is larger than the outer diameter of the third projecting portion T32. The third body portion T31 has an annular third locking portion L3 between the outer peripheral surface of the third body portion T31 and the outer peripheral surface of the third projecting portion T32. A third sealing member S3 is locked to the third locking portion L3.

Each of the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 is housed in the first housing H1 and the second housing H2. The first thermal valve 50A1 has a first seal member S1. The first sealing member S1 has a function of sealing between the first annular portion C1 and the first cylindrical portion T1. The first seal member S1 is arranged between the first annular portion C1 and the first cylindrical portion T1. The first seal member S1 prevents the heat transfer fluid in the first flow path F1 from flowing out of the first thermal valve 50A1 through the first opening OP1.

The second thermal valve 50A2 has a second sealing member S2. The second sealing member S2 has a function of sealing between the second annular portion C2 and the second cylindrical portion T2. The second sealing member S2 is arranged between the second annular portion C2 and the second cylindrical portion T2. The second seal member S2 prevents the heat transfer fluid in the second flow path F2 from flowing out of the second thermal valve 50A2 through the second opening OP2.

The third thermal valve 50A3 has a third sealing member S3. The third sealing member S3 has a function of sealing between the third annular portion C3 and the third cylindrical portion T3. The third sealing member S3 is arranged between the third annular portion C3 and the third cylindrical portion T3. The third sealing member S3 prevents the heat transfer fluid in the third flow path F3 from flowing out of the third thermal valve 50A3 through the third opening OP3.

Each of the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 is an O-ring. Each of the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 has an annular shape. Each of the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 has two circular cross sections in each radial cross section.

The outer peripheral portion of the first sealing member S1 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first annular portion C1, and the inner peripheral portion of the first sealing member S1 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the first cylindrical portion T1. The outer peripheral portion of the second sealing member S2 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the second annular portion C2, and the inner peripheral portion of the second sealing member S2 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the second cylindrical portion T2. The outer peripheral portion of the third sealing member S3 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the third annular portion C3, and the inner peripheral portion of the third sealing member S3 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the third cylindrical portion T3.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first thermal valve portion V1, the second thermal valve portion V2, and the third thermal valve portion V3 are respectively attached to the first housing H1 and the second housing H2. Contained. The first thermal valve 50A1 has a first thermal valve portion V1. The first thermal valve portion V1 is configured to be able to open and close the first passage W1. The second thermal valve 50A2 has a second thermal valve portion V2. The second thermal valve portion V2 is configured to open and close the second passage W2. The third thermal valve 50A3 has a third thermal valve portion V3. The third thermal valve portion V3 is configured to be able to open and close the third passage W3.

Each of the first thermal valve portion V1, the second thermal valve portion V2, and the third thermal valve portion V3 is the same as that of each of the first thermal valve 50A1, the second thermal valve 50A2, and the third thermal valve 50A3. It is the working part. Each of the first thermal valve portion V1, the second thermal valve portion V2, and the third thermal valve portion V3 includes a valve main body 11, a drive portion 21, a seal member 31, an insulating retainer 25, and an insulating spacer 26. and a first elastic member 27 .

In this embodiment, the first cylindrical portion T1 of the second housing H2 is inserted into the first annular portion C1 of the first housing H1 through the first opening OP1. The first tubular portion T1 is inserted into the first annular portion C1 in the second direction D2. The second cylindrical portion T2 of the second housing H2 is inserted through the second opening OP2 into the second annular portion C2 of the first housing H1. The second tubular portion T2 is inserted in the second direction D2 into the second annular portion C2. The third tubular portion T3 of the second housing H2 is inserted through the third opening OP3 into the third annular portion C3 of the first housing H1. The third tubular portion T3 is inserted in the second direction D2 into the third annular portion C3.

In a second direction D2 orthogonal to the first direction D1, the position of the first sealing member S1 is shifted relative to the position of the second sealing member S2 with respect to the main flow path FP. Also, in the second direction D2, the position of the second sealing member S2 is shifted relative to the position of the third sealing member S3 with respect to the main flow path FP.

In the above description, the first tubular portion T1 is inserted into the first annular portion C1, the second tubular portion T2 is inserted into the second annular portion C2, and the third tubular portion T3 is inserted into the third annular portion C3. inserted. That is, the first tubular portion T1 is fitted inside the first annular portion C1, the second tubular portion T2 is fitted inside the second annular portion C2, and the third tubular portion T3 is fitted inside the third annular portion C3. is fitted. However, the first annular portion C1 is inserted into the first tubular portion T1, the second annular portion C2 is inserted into the second tubular portion T2, and the third annular portion C3 is inserted into the third tubular portion T3. may That is, the first tubular portion T1 is fitted onto the first annular portion C1, the second tubular portion T2 is fitted onto the second annular portion C2, and the third tubular portion T3 is fitted onto the third annular portion C3. It may be fitted.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, either one of the first annular portion C1 and the first cylindrical portion T1 may be inserted into the other. Either one of the second annular portion C2 and the second cylindrical portion T2 may be inserted into the other. Either one of the third annular portion C3 and the third cylindrical portion T3 may be inserted into the other.

In the second direction D2, each of the first opening OP1, the second opening OP2, and the third opening OP3 is arranged at the same position with respect to the main flow path FP. In the second direction D2, the distance DS1 from the first opening OP1 to the first seal member S1 is greater than the distance DS2 from the second opening OP2 to the second seal member S2. Also, in the second direction D2, the distance DS2 from the second opening OP2 to the second seal member S2 is greater than the distance DS3 from the third opening OP3 to the third seal member S3.

The first seal member S1 is arranged closer to the main flow path FP in the second direction D2 than the second seal member S2, and the second seal member S2 is closer to the main flow path FP in the second direction D2 than the first seal member S1. placed nearby. In this way, the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 form the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 with respect to the main flow path FP in the second direction D2. They are arranged so as to come close to each other in the order of the member S3. That is, the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2, and the third sealing member S3 are arranged stepwise in the second direction D2.

(Operation of Thermal Valve in Embodiment)
Next, the operation of the thermal valve 50A in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the thermal responsive element 24 is not heated by the heater 22, the valve body 12 is urged by the second elastic member 14 in the direction toward the driving portion 21 and contacts the valve seat 1g. in contact with Therefore, the heat transfer fluid (for example, hot water) flowing from the first water passage portion 1a (FIGS. 1 and 2) into the internal flow path 1c is blocked by the valve body 12 and the valve seat 1g, and the second water passage portion 1b does not reach

On the other hand, when the thermally responsive element 24 is heated by the heater 22 , the thermally responsive element 24 moves the valve stem 13 axially toward the second elastic member 14 . Therefore, the valve body 12 is separated from the valve seat 1g. As a result, the heat transfer fluid (for example, hot water) that has flowed into the internal flow path 1c from the first water communicating portion 1a passes between the valve body 12 and the valve seat 1g and flows out from the second water communicating portion 1b.

When the heating of the thermally responsive element 24 by the heater 22 is completed, the force of the thermally responsive element 24 to push the valve stem 13 axially toward the second elastic member 14 disappears. Therefore, the biasing force of the second elastic member 14 brings the valve body 12 into contact with the valve seat 1g again, returning to the above-described state of blocking the flow of the heat transfer fluid. Thus, in the thermal valve 50A, it is possible to switch whether or not the heat transfer fluid (for example, hot water) flows through the internal flow path 1c depending on whether or not the heater 22 performs heating.

(Manufacturing Method of Thermal Valve Unit in Embodiment)
Next, a method of manufacturing the thermal valve unit 50 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7. FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first housing H1 of the thermal valve unit 50 is prepared. Also, the second housing H2 is prepared. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a first seal member is provided between the first annular portion C1 and the first tubular portion T1 in a state in which the first flow path F1 and the first passage W1 are communicated with each other. After sealing by S1, a second sealing member S2 seals between the second annular portion C2 and the second cylindrical portion T2 while the second flow path F2 and the second passage W2 are in communication.

As shown in FIG. 5, the first tubular portion T1 is inserted into the first annular portion C1. Thereby, the first flow path F1 and the first passage W1 are communicated with each other. In this state, the space between the first annular portion C1 and the first cylindrical portion T1 is sealed (sealed) by the first sealing member S1. First, the first seal member S1 locked to the first locking portion L1 contacts the first annular portion C1 at the first opening OP1. The cross-sectional diameter of the first sealing member S1 before the first sealing member S1 deforms between the first annular portion C1 and the first tubular portion T1 is the inner peripheral surface of the first annular portion C1 and the first tubular portion T1. It is larger than the gap between the outer peripheral surface of the shaped portion T1. Therefore, the first seal member S1 contacts the first annular portion C1 at the first opening OP1 until it is installed in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the first annular portion C1 and the first cylindrical portion T1. A particularly large load is applied to the member S1. Therefore, when the first seal member S1 is pushed into the first opening OP1, the load applied to the first seal member S1 reaches a peak (maximum).

As shown in FIG. 6, after the space between the first annular portion C1 and the first tubular portion T1 is sealed by the first seal member S1, the gap between the second annular portion C2 and the second tubular portion T2 is closed. is sealed by the second sealing member S2. The second tubular portion T2 is inserted into the second annular portion C2. Thereby, the second flow path F2 and the second passage W2 are communicated with each other. In this state, the space between the second annular portion C2 and the second cylindrical portion T2 is sealed (sealed) by the second sealing member S2. When the installation of the first seal member S1 in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the first annular portion C1 and the first cylindrical portion T1 is completed, the load applied to the first seal member S1 becomes smaller than before the completion.

On the other hand, the second sealing member S2 locked to the second locking portion L2 contacts the second annular portion C2 at the second opening OP2. The cross-sectional diameter of the second sealing member S2 before the second sealing member S2 is deformed between the second annular portion C2 and the second cylindrical portion T2 is the inner peripheral surface of the second annular portion C2 and the second cylindrical portion T2. It is larger than the gap between the portion T2 and the outer peripheral surface. Therefore, the second seal member S2 contacts the second annular portion C2 at the second opening OP2 until it is installed in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the second annular portion C2 and the second cylindrical portion T2. A particularly large load is applied to the member S2. Therefore, when the second seal member S2 is pushed into the second opening OP2, the load applied to the second seal member S2 reaches a peak (maximum).

As shown in FIG. 7, the space between the first annular portion C1 and the first tubular portion T1 is sealed by the first sealing member S1, and the space between the second annular portion C2 and the second tubular portion T2 is sealed. After being sealed by the second sealing member S2, the space between the third annular portion C3 and the third cylindrical portion T3 is sealed by the third sealing member S3. The third tubular portion T3 is inserted into the third annular portion C3. Thereby, the 3rd flow path F3 and the 2nd passage W2 are connected. In this state, the space between the third annular portion C3 and the third tubular portion T3 is sealed (sealed) by the third sealing member S3. When the installation of the second seal member S2 in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the second annular portion C2 and the second cylindrical portion T2 is completed, the load applied to the second seal member S2 becomes smaller than before completion.

On the other hand, the third sealing member S3 locked to the third locking portion L3 contacts the third annular portion C3 at the third opening OP3. The cross-sectional diameter of the third sealing member S3 before the third sealing member S3 deforms between the third annular portion C3 and the second tubular portion T2 is the same as the inner peripheral surface of the third annular portion C3 and the third tubular portion. It is larger than the gap with the outer peripheral surface of the portion T3. Therefore, the third seal member S3 contacts the third annular portion C3 at the third opening OP3 until it is installed in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the third annular portion C3 and the third cylindrical portion T3. A particularly large load is applied to the member S3. Therefore, when the third seal member S3 is pushed into the third opening OP3, the load applied to the third seal member S3 reaches its peak (maximum).

As shown in FIG. 4, when the installation of the third sealing member S3 in the gap between the inner peripheral surface of the third annular portion C3 and the third tubular portion T3 is completed, the second housing H2 is replaced with the first housing. It is attached to H1 by bolts 46 (FIG. 2). Thus, the assembly of the first housing H1 and the second housing H2 is completed.

In the manufacturing method of the thermal valve unit 50 according to the present embodiment, the timing at which a particularly large load is applied to each of the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 is shifted.

(Effects of Embodiment)
Next, the effects of the illustrated embodiment will be described in comparison with a comparative example.

A thermal valve unit 50 in a comparative example will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, in the thermal valve unit 50 in the comparative example, the positions of the first seal member S1, the second seal member S2, and the third seal member S3 in the second direction D2 are aligned with the main flow path FP. The same is true for Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, a load is applied to the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 at the time of insertion, which makes the assembly of the thermal valve unit 50 difficult.

In contrast, according to the thermal valve unit 50 of the present embodiment, the position of the first seal member S1 in the second direction D2 is relative to the position of the second seal member S2 with respect to the main flow path FP. out of alignment. Therefore, the timing at which the load is applied to the first seal member S1 and the timing at which the load is applied to the second seal member S2 can be shifted. Therefore, the load simultaneously applied to the first seal member S1 and the second seal member S2 can be reduced. This facilitates assembly of the thermal valve unit 50 .

In addition, the position of the second seal member S2 is shifted relative to the position of the third seal member S3 with respect to the main flow path FP in the second direction D2. Therefore, the timing at which the load is applied to the second seal member S2 and the timing at which the load is applied to the third seal member S3 can be shifted. Therefore, the load simultaneously applied to the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 can be reduced. This facilitates assembly of the thermal valve unit 50 .

As shown in FIG. 10, in the thermal valve unit 50 of the comparative example, loads are applied simultaneously to the first seal member S1, the second seal member S2, and the third seal member S3, so the load increases. On the other hand, according to the thermal valve unit 50 of the present embodiment, the load is dispersed because the timings at which the load is applied to the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2, and the third sealing member S3 are shifted. . The load is then uniformed.

In the thermal valve unit 50 of the present embodiment, the distance DS1 from the first opening OP1 to the first seal member S1 in the second direction D2 is longer than the distance DS2 from the second opening OP2 to the second seal member S2. big. Therefore, the position of the first sealing member S1 is closer to the main flow path FP than the position of the second sealing member S2 in the second direction D2. In this manner, the position of the first sealing member S1 can be shifted relative to the position of the second sealing member S2 with respect to the main flow path FP in the second direction D2.

In thermal valve unit 50 of the present embodiment, each of first seal member S1 and second seal member S2 is an O-ring. O-rings are inexpensive due to their high versatility. Therefore, the cost of the thermal valve unit 50 can be reduced.

In the thermal valve unit 50 of the present embodiment, the first seal member S1 is arranged closer to the main flow path FP in the second direction D2 than the second seal member S2, and the second seal member S2 is arranged closer to the third seal member S2. It is arranged closer to the main flow path FP in the second direction D2 than the member S3. Therefore, at the time of assembly, the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2, and the third sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2, and the third sealing member S3 are separated from the third sealing member S3 side in the direction in which the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2, and the third sealing member S3 are aligned. When viewing the seal member S3, the first seal member S1, the second seal member S2, and the third seal member S3 are easily visible. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2, and the third sealing member S3. This facilitates assembly of the thermal valve unit 50 .

According to the method of manufacturing the thermal valve unit 50 of the present embodiment, after the space between the first annular portion C1 and the first cylindrical portion T1 is sealed by the first sealing member S1, the second annular portion C2 and A second seal member S2 seals between the second tubular portion T2. Therefore, the timing at which the load is applied to the first seal member S1 and the timing at which the load is applied to the second seal member S2 can be shifted. Therefore, the load simultaneously applied to the first seal member S1 and the second seal member S2 can be reduced. This facilitates assembly of the thermal valve unit 50 .

Further, after the space between the second annular portion C2 and the second cylindrical portion T2 is sealed by the second sealing member S2, the space between the third annular portion C3 and the third cylindrical portion T3 is sealed by the third sealing member S3. is sealed by Therefore, the timing at which the load is applied to the second seal member S2 and the timing at which the load is applied to the third seal member S3 can be shifted. Therefore, the load simultaneously applied to the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 can be reduced. This facilitates assembly of the thermal valve unit 50 .

(Modification)
A thermal valve unit 50 according to a modification of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the first sealing member S1 may be arranged so as not to overlap the second sealing member S2 in the second direction D2. That is, the first sealing member S1 is completely displaced from the second sealing member S2 in the second direction D2.

Further, the third sealing member S3 may be arranged so as not to overlap the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2 in the second direction D2. That is, the third sealing member S3 is completely displaced from the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2 in the second direction D2.

According to the thermal valve unit 50 of the modified example of the present embodiment, the first seal member S1 and the second seal member S2 are arranged so as not to overlap each other. The timing at which the load is applied to each can be reliably shifted.

Further, since the third sealing member S3 is arranged so as not to overlap the first sealing member S1 and the second sealing member S2, each of the first sealing member S1, the second sealing member S2 and the third sealing member S3 It is possible to reliably shift the timing at which the load is applied.

(Scope of application in the embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the thermally responsive element 24 may be an element other than the wax element as long as it is an element that responds to heat. Also, the heater 22 may be anything other than a PTC thermistor as long as it can heat the thermally responsive element 24 .

(Configuration of hot water heater in the embodiment)
Next, referring to FIG. 12, the configuration of a hot water heater 60 will be described as an example of the heat source equipment according to the embodiment of the present invention. The thermal valve unit 50 in this embodiment is used in the hot water heating system 60 .

As shown in FIG. 12, the hot water heater 60 includes a thermal valve unit 50, a tank 51, a pump 52, a fan 53, a burner 54, a primary heat exchanger 55, and a secondary heat exchanger 56. and pipes 57a to 57g.

A pipe 57 a is a water supply pipe and is connected to the tank 51 . One end of a pipe 57 b is connected to the tank 51 . A pump 52 is arranged in this pipe 57b. The other end of the pipe 57b branches into a pipe 57c and a pipe 57d. That is, one end of the pipe 57c and one end of the pipe 57d are each connected to the other end of the pipe 57b.

The other end of the pipe 57 c is connected to the primary heat exchanger 55 . The other end of the pipe 57 d is a portion connected to the low-temperature heating terminal 61 .

One end of the pipe 57 e is connected to the primary heat exchanger 55 . The other end of the pipe 57 e is a portion connected to the high temperature heating terminal 62 .

One end of pipe 57f is a portion connected to each of low temperature heating terminal 61 and high temperature heating terminal 62 . The other end of the pipe 57 f is connected to the secondary heat exchanger 56 .

One end of the pipe 57g is connected to the secondary heat exchanger 56 . The other end of the pipe 57g is connected to the tank 51 .

The burner 54 is for generating combustion gas as heating gas by combusting the mixed gas. The fan 53 is for sending combustion gas produced by the burner 54 to the primary heat exchanger 55 and the secondary heat exchanger 56 .

The primary heat exchanger 55 is for recovering the sensible heat of the combustion gas. A secondary heat exchanger 56 is for recovering the latent heat of the combustion gas. A primary heat exchanger 55 is arranged in the vicinity of the burner 54 . The secondary heat exchanger 56 is arranged at a position through which the combustion gas after passing through the primary heat exchanger 55 passes.

The tank 51 is for storing heat transfer fluid (for example, hot water). The pump 52 is for circulating a heat transfer fluid (such as hot water) in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The pump 52 circulates the heat transfer fluid in the tank 51 through the pipes 57 b to 57 g, the low temperature heating terminal 61 and the high temperature heating terminal 62 .

Specifically, the heat transfer fluid that has entered the pipe 57 d from the tank 51 by the pump 52 is supplied to the low-temperature heating terminal 61 . Heating is thereby performed at the low-temperature heating terminal 61 .

Further, the heat medium fluid that has entered the pipe 57 c from the tank 51 by the pump 52 is heated by the primary heat exchanger 55 and then supplied to the high-temperature heating terminal 62 . Heating is thereby performed at the high-temperature heating terminal 62 .

The heat transfer fluid that has lost heat at the low-temperature heating terminal 61 and the high-temperature heating terminal 62 returns to the tank 51 after being heated in the secondary heat exchanger 56 through the pipe 57f. The temperature of the heat medium fluid flowing through the pipe 57d is lower than the temperature of the heat medium fluid flowing through the pipe 57e.

In the hot water heater 60 as described above, the thermal valve unit 50 of the present embodiment is connected to the pipe 57d, for example. Thus, the thermal valve unit 50 is arranged on the path of the pipe 57d. By opening and closing the thermal valve unit 50 , the thermal valve unit 50 can control the supply and shutoff of the heat transfer fluid to the low-temperature heating terminal 61 .

According to the hot water heating device 60 of the present embodiment, it is possible to provide the hot water heating device 60 including the thermal valve unit 50 that is easy to assemble.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and range of equivalents of the scope of the claims.

1 valve housing 1a first water communicating portion 1b second water communicating portion 1c internal flow path 1d shaft insertion hole 1e drive unit housing 1f internal space 1g valve seat 1k housing main body 11 valve Main body 12 Valve body 13 Valve shaft 14 Second elastic member 21 Actuator 22 Heater 23a First electrode member 23b Second electrode member 24 Thermal responsive element 24a Heat sensitive part 24b Shaft 25 Insulation Retainer 25a Cylindrical portion 25b Bottom portion 25c Flange portion 26 Insulating spacer 27 First elastic member 31 Sealing member 32 Ring 41 Lid 42 Projection 43 Connecting portion 44 Drip-proof cover 45,46 bolt, 50 thermal valve unit, 50A thermal valve, 50A1 first thermal valve, 50A2 second thermal valve, 50A3 third thermal valve, 51 tank, 52 pump, 53 fan, 54 burner, 55 primary heat exchange vessel, 56 secondary heat exchanger, 57a, 57b, 57c, 57d, 57e, 57f, 57g piping, 60 hot water heater, 61 low-temperature heating terminal, 62 high-temperature heating terminal, C1 first annular portion, C2 second annular portion , C3 third annular portion, D1 first direction, D2 second direction, DS1, DS2, DS3 distance, F1 first flow path, F2 second flow path, F3 third flow path, FP main flow path, H1 first housing body, H2 second housing, HP housing, L1 first locking portion, L2 second locking portion, L3 third locking portion, OP1 first opening, OP2 second opening, OP3 third opening, S1 First sealing member, S2 Second sealing member, S3 Third sealing member, T1 First tubular portion, T2 Second tubular portion, T3 Third tubular portion, T11 First body portion, T12 First projecting portion, T21 second body portion, T22 second protrusion portion, T31 third body portion, T32 third protrusion portion, V1 first thermal valve portion, V2 second thermal valve portion, V3 third thermal valve portion, W1 third 1 passage, W2 2nd passage, W3 3rd passage.

Claims (7)

a first annular portion having a main flow passage extending in a first direction; a first annular portion having a first flow passage communicating with the main flow passage; and a second annular portion having a second flow passage communicating with the main flow passage. a housing;
A first cylindrical portion having a first passage that communicates with the first flow path, and a second cylinder that has a second passage that communicates with the second flow path and is molded integrally with the first cylindrical portion. a second housing including a shaped portion;
a first sealing member that seals between the first annular portion and the first cylindrical portion;
a second sealing member that seals between the second annular portion and the second tubular portion;
a first thermal valve portion and a second thermal valve portion housed in the first housing and the second housing;
The first thermal valve portion is configured to be able to open and close the first passage,
The second thermal valve portion is configured to be able to open and close the second passage,
In a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the position of the first seal member is shifted relative to the position of the second seal member with respect to the main flow path so that the timing at which the load is applied during assembly is shifted. thermal valve unit. the first flow path includes a first opening into which the first tubular portion is inserted;
the second channel includes a second opening into which the second tubular portion is inserted;
The first opening and the second opening are arranged at the same position with respect to the main flow path in the second direction,
2. The thermal valve unit according to claim 1, wherein a distance from said first opening to said first seal member is greater than a distance from said second opening to said second seal member in said second direction. 3. The thermal valve unit according to claim 1, wherein said first seal member is arranged so as not to overlap said second seal member in said second direction. 4. The thermal valve unit according to claim 1, wherein each of said first sealing member and said second sealing member is an O-ring. The first housing includes a third annular portion having a third flow path communicating with the main flow path,
The second housing includes a third tubular portion having a third passage communicating with the third flow path and integrally formed with the first tubular portion and the second tubular portion,
a third sealing member that seals between the third annular portion and the third cylindrical portion;
a third thermal valve portion accommodated in the first housing and the second housing;
The third thermal valve portion is configured to be able to open and close the third passage,
The first seal member is arranged closer to the main flow path in the second direction than the second seal member, and the second seal member is closer to the main flow path in the second direction than the third seal member. 5. A thermal valve unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, arranged nearby. piping;
and the thermal valve unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5 arranged on the path of the piping. a first annular portion having a main flow passage extending in a first direction; a first annular portion having a first flow passage communicating with the main flow passage; and a second annular portion having a second flow passage communicating with the main flow passage. preparing a housing;
A first cylindrical portion having a first passage that communicates with the first flow path, and a second cylinder that has a second passage that communicates with the second flow path and is molded integrally with the first cylindrical portion. providing a second housing including a shaped portion;
After the space between the first annular portion and the first cylindrical portion is sealed by a first seal member in a state in which the first flow path and the first passage communicate with each other, the second flow path and the A second sealing member seals between the second annular portion and the second tubular portion while communicating with the second passage;
In a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the position of the first sealing member is shifted relative to the position of the second sealing member with respect to the main flow path so that the timing at which the load is applied during assembly is shifted. A method for manufacturing a thermal valve unit.

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