JP2017190836A - Drain trap - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to grasp the operation status of a cleaning unit. A steam trap (1) includes a casing (10) having a drain outlet (17d), a cleaning section (20) for removing foreign matter from the outlet (17d), and a sensor (40) for detecting the operation of the cleaning section (20). The cleaning unit 20 is provided at a position through which drain circulates, and has a bimetal 22 (deformable member) that deforms due to temperature changes, and a removing member 23 that advances and retreats toward the discharge port 17d as the bimetal 22 deforms. The sensor 40 detects the operation of the cleaning section 20 based on the movement of the removing member 23 . [Selection drawing] Fig. 1

Description

  The technology disclosed herein relates to a drain trap.

  For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a drain trap including a cleaning unit that removes foreign matter clogged in a drain (condensate) discharge port is known. The cleaning unit includes a deformable member that deforms due to a temperature change, and a removal member that moves forward and backward to the discharge port due to the deformation of the deformable member. The drain discharged from the discharge port flows into the space where the deformable member is arranged. When the drain is discharged, the deformable member is deformed by heating with the drain, and the removing member is retracted from the discharge port. On the other hand, when the foreign substance is clogged in the discharge port and the drain is not discharged, the temperature of the deformable member decreases. Thereby, a deformation | transformation member deform | transforms in the aspect different from the time of drain discharge, and makes a removal member approach into a discharge port. By the entry of the removal member, the foreign matter clogged in the discharge port is removed. Thus, the cleaning unit automatically cleans the discharge port without human operation.

JP 2007-138984 A

  However, in the configuration in which the discharge port is automatically cleaned, it is difficult to grasp the operating state of the cleaning unit, the frequency of cleaning, and the like as compared with the case of cleaning by a human operation.

  The technology disclosed herein has been made in view of such a point, and the purpose thereof is to grasp the operating state of the cleaning unit.

The drain trap disclosed herein includes a casing having a drain discharge port, a cleaning unit that removes foreign matter from the discharge port, and a sensor that detects the operation of the cleaning unit. A deformation member provided at a circulating position and deformed by a temperature change; and a removal member that advances and retreats to the discharge port by deformation of the deformation member, and the sensor is configured to perform the cleaning based on movement of the removal member. The operation of the part shall be detected.

  According to the drain trap disclosed here, the operating condition of the cleaning unit can be grasped.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a steam trap.

  Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a steam trap 1.

  The steam trap 1 constitutes a float type steam trap, and is provided, for example, in a steam system. The steam trap 1 separates the steam from the drain (condensate) generated by the condensation of the steam and automatically discharges only the drain. The steam trap 1 is an example of a drain trap. The steam trap 1 includes a casing 10 that is a sealed container, a cleaning unit 20, and a sensor 40 that detects the operation of the cleaning unit 20.

  The casing 10 includes a main body 11 and a lid 12 that is bolted to the main body 11. A valve chamber 13 is formed inside the casing 10. A hollow spherical float 18 is housed in the valve chamber 13 in a free state. A valve seat 15 and a float seat 19 that are screwed to the lid portion 12 are provided in the lower portion of the valve chamber 13. Two float seats 19 are provided on the near side and the far side in FIG.

  The casing 10 is formed with an inflow passage 14 through which drain flows and an outflow passage 17 through which drain flows out. In the steam trap 1, the drain that flows into the valve chamber 13 from the inflow passage 14 flows out to the outside through the discharge passage 17.

  Specifically, the inflow passage 14 is formed in the main body 11 and communicates with the upper portion of the valve chamber 13. The discharge passage 17 is formed across the main body 11, the lid 12 and the valve seat 15. The discharge passage 17 includes an upstream portion 17 a formed in the valve seat 15, an intermediate portion 17 b formed in the lid portion 12, and a downstream portion 17 c formed in the main body portion 11. The upstream portion 17a is a linear passage. A discharge port 17d that opens to the valve chamber 13 is formed at the upstream end of the upstream portion 17a. The downstream end of the upstream portion 17a communicates with the intermediate portion 17b. The intermediate portion 17b extends from the upstream portion 17a so as to be bent. The downstream portion 17 c is a portion for finally draining the drain from the casing 10.

  The float 18 is configured to float on the drain in the valve chamber 13 and moves up and down in the valve chamber 13 according to the amount of drain. The float 18 opens and closes the discharge port 17 d by being seated on and off the valve seat 15. Specifically, the float 18 is seated on the valve seat 15 and the float seat 19 when the drain amount is a predetermined amount or less. When the float 18 is seated on both the valve seat 15 and the float seat 19, the outlet 18 d is closed. On the other hand, the float 18 rises when the drain amount exceeds a predetermined amount, and moves away from the valve seat 15 and the float seat 19. Thereby, the float 18 opens the discharge port 17d. The float valve 18 is an example of a valve body.

  The cleaning unit 20 automatically removes foreign matter adhering to the discharge port 17d of the discharge passage 17. The cleaning unit 20 is provided on the lid 12. That is, the cleaning unit 20 is disposed outside the valve chamber 13. A part of the cleaning part 20 is covered with a cap part 12 a provided on the lid part 12. The cleaning unit 20 includes a case 21, a bimetal 22, and a removal member 23.

  The case 21 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. The case 21 is disposed coaxially with the upstream portion 17 a of the discharge passage 17 and is screwed to the lid portion 12. A communication port 21a is formed at an end of the case 21 that faces the valve seat 15 in the axial direction, and a drain flows into the case 21 through the communication port 21a. A bimetal 22 is accommodated in the case 21. That is, the bimetal 22 is provided at a position where the drain flows and is exposed to the drain.

  The bimetal 22 is a temperature responsive member that bends (deforms) in response to a temperature change. The bimetal 22 is plate-shaped. The bimetal 22 is formed in a double spiral shape by further spirally winding a strip-shaped bimetal flat plate bonded with two types of metals or alloys having different thermal expansion coefficients. The bimetal 22 has a small radius and a long length when the temperature is low, and a large radius and a short length when the temperature is high. That is, the bimetal 22 expands and contracts in the axial direction due to a temperature change. The bimetal 22 is an example of a deformable member.

  The removal member 23 is formed in a rod shape with a circular cross section. The removal member 23 is disposed coaxially with the case 21 and penetrates both ends of the case 21 in the axial direction. The removal member 23 is slidably held by the case 21. The removal member 23 has a distal end portion 23a that is an end portion closer to the discharge port 17d and a proximal end portion 23b that is an end portion on the opposite side to the distal end portion 23a. The distal end portion 23a is formed with a smaller diameter than the discharge port 17d. A bimetal 22 is wound around a portion of the removal member 23 in the case 21. One end of the bimetal 22 is fixed to an end of the case 21 that is far from the valve seat 15 in the axial end. The other end of the bimetal 22 is fixed to a receiving portion 24 provided on the removal member 23. The receiving portion 24 is an annular plate that protrudes from the removal member 23 in the radial direction.

  The sensor 40 is disposed at a position facing the base end portion 23b of the removing member 23, and is attached to the lid portion 12, specifically the cap portion 12a. The sensor 40 is configured by a proximity sensor, and detects the approach and separation of the removal member 23. Specifically, the sensor 40 detects that the proximal end portion 23b of the removing member 23 has approached a predetermined distance or less. This predetermined distance is set to a distance between the base end portion 23b and the sensor 40 when the distal end portion 23a of the removing member 23 is retracted from the discharge port 17d and the discharge port 17d is in a fully opened state. The sensor 40 outputs the detection result to an external device, for example, the control unit 50 by radio. The sensor 40 may be connected to an external device by wire.

  Next, the operation of the steam trap 1 will be described.

  During operation of the steam system, hot drain flows into the steam trap 1. The drain that flows in flows out of the steam trap 1 through the valve chamber 13 through the discharge port 17 d and the discharge passage 17. At this time, a part of the drain flowing through the outflow passage 17 flows into the case 21 via the communication port 21a. The bimetal 22 is exposed to the drain, becomes a high temperature (for example, 90 ° C. or more), and contracts. Due to the contraction deformation of the bimetal 22, the removal member 23 is set in a state of being retracted from the discharge port 17d. Thus, the discharge port 17d is fully opened.

  At this time, the base end portion 23 b of the removing member 23 is close to the sensor 40. The sensor 40 detects the approach of the removal member 23.

  When foreign matter is clogged in the discharge port 17d, no or almost no drainage is discharged from the discharge port 17d. In that case, the bimetal 22 is not exposed to the high-temperature drain. If it does so, the temperature of the bimetal 22 will fall and the bimetal 22 will expand | extend. Due to the extension deformation of the bimetal 22, the removal member 23 enters the discharge port 17d. When the removal member 23 enters the discharge port 17d, first, foreign matters in a region (for example, a central region) through which the removal member 23 passes are pushed out and removed from the clogged foreign matter. Then, the drain is discharged from the opening formed by removing the foreign matter. Since the flow of the drain discharged from the opening is high speed, the foreign matter remaining in the discharge port 17d can be removed by the high speed flow of the drain. In this way, the foreign matter clogged in the discharge port 17d can be removed.

  At this time, the base end portion 23 b of the removing member 23 is separated from the sensor 40. The sensor 40 detects the separation of the removal member 23.

  In addition, since there is no distribution | circulation of a drain at the time of a steam system stop, the bimetal 22 becomes low temperature, it will be in the expanded state, and the removal member 23 has approached the discharge port 17d. At the start of the operation of the steam system, drain is discharged from the gap between the discharge port 17d and the removal member 23 (tip portion 23a). The bimetal 22 gradually becomes high temperature and contracts and deforms. As a result, the removal member 23 moves backward, and the discharge port 17d is fully opened. The sensor 40 also detects the approach and separation of the removal member 23 when the system is stopped and restarted.

  Thus, by providing the sensor 40, the operating state of the cleaning unit 20 can be grasped. That is, since the cleaning unit 20 automatically cleans the discharge port 17d, it is difficult for the user to grasp the operating status of the cleaning unit 20, that is, the frequency of cleaning, whether the cleaning is being performed appropriately, and the like. On the other hand, by providing the sensor 40, the sensor 40 automatically detects the operation of the cleaning unit 20. Specifically, the sensor 40 detects the movement of the removal member 23. Since the removal member 23 is a member that moves during cleaning of the cleaning unit 20, the operation of the cleaning unit 20 can be accurately detected based on the movement of the removal member 23.

  Furthermore, by grasping the operating state of the cleaning unit 20 in this way, the state of the discharge port 17d, the state of the cleaning unit 20, and the like can be determined. For example, the control unit 50 can determine the operating frequency of the cleaning unit 20 based on the operating status of the cleaning unit 20. The frequent operation of the cleaning unit 20 indicates that the discharge port 17d is frequently clogged with foreign substances. If the discharge port 17d is frequently clogged with foreign matter, even if the discharge port 17d is cleaned by the cleaning unit 20, the foreign matter in the discharge port 17d cannot be completely removed, and the foreign matter remains in the discharge port 17d even after cleaning. There is a possibility. That is, it is possible to determine whether or not the valve seat 15 needs to be replaced.

  Further, the control unit 50 can determine whether or not the cleaning unit 20 is operating properly based on the operating status of the cleaning unit 20. For example, when it takes a long time for the removal member 23 to move away from the sensor 40 and return to the sensor 40, the removal member 23 cannot successfully remove the foreign matter from the discharge port 17d and is caught by the foreign matter and discharged. A case where the removal member 23 does not come out of the outlet 17d or a case where the removal member 23 is not operating properly due to a malfunction of the bimetal 22 or a sliding failure of the removal member 23 can be considered. That is, it is possible to determine whether the valve seat 15 needs to be replaced or whether the cleaning unit 20 needs to be replaced.

  As described above, the steam trap 1 includes the casing 10 having the drain discharge port 17d, the cleaning unit 20 that removes foreign matter from the discharge port 17d, and the sensor 40 that detects the operation of the cleaning unit 20, and includes a cleaning unit. Reference numeral 20 denotes a bimetal 22 (deformable member) that is provided at a position where the drain circulates and deforms due to a temperature change, and a removal member 23 that advances and retreats to the discharge port 17d due to deformation of the bimetal 22. Based on the movement of 23, the operation of the cleaning unit 20 is detected.

  According to this configuration, the removal member 23 of the cleaning unit 20 enters the discharge port 17d to remove foreign matter from the discharge port 17d. That is, the removal member 23 is a member that moves during cleaning of the cleaning unit 20, and the sensor 40 detects the movement of the removal member 23 and detects the operation of the cleaning unit 20 based on the movement of the removal member 23. As a result, the operating status of the cleaning unit 20 can be accurately grasped.

  Further, the casing 10 is formed with a valve chamber 13 that accommodates a float valve 18 (valve element) and a discharge passage 17 that discharges drain from the valve chamber 13, and the discharge port 17 d is a valve at the upstream end of the discharge passage 17. The cleaning part 20 is provided outside the valve chamber 13 and the removal member 23 is provided at the end opposite to the tip part 23a and the tip part 23a entering the discharge port 17d. The sensor 40 detects the movement of the base end part 23b.

  According to this configuration, the cleaning unit 20 is provided outside the valve chamber 13. Further, the base end portion 23 b of the removal member 23 is provided at a position away from the discharge port 17 d, that is, a position away from the valve chamber 13. In the valve chamber 13, since the drain flows and the float valve 8 is accommodated, it is difficult to arrange the sensor 40 and the like. That is, the sensor 40 can be disposed at a position away from the valve chamber 13 by detecting the base end 23 b, which is a portion away from the valve chamber 13, of the moving member in the cleaning unit 20. As a result, installation of the sensor 40 can be facilitated.

<< Other Embodiments >>
As described above, the embodiment has been described as an example of the technique disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can also be applied to an embodiment in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, and the like are appropriately performed. Moreover, it is also possible to combine each component demonstrated by the said embodiment and it can also be set as a new embodiment. In addition, among the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description, not only the components essential for solving the problem, but also the components not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the technology. May also be included. Therefore, it should not be immediately recognized that these non-essential components are essential as those non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

  About the said embodiment, it is good also as following structures.

  For example, although the steam trap 1 has been described as an example of the drain trap in the embodiment, the drain trap is not limited to the steam trap 1. For example, the drain trap may be an air trap that traps air in the drain.

  Moreover, the structure of the steam trap 1 is not restricted to the said structure. Any configuration can be adopted as long as a casing having a drain outlet and a cleaning unit for removing foreign matter from the outlet are provided.

  The sensor 40 is not limited to a proximity sensor. Any sensor can be employed as long as the movement of the removal member 23 can be detected. Further, the sensor 40 may be configured to indirectly detect the movement of the removal member 23. For example, since the deformation of the bimetal 22 is interlocked with the movement of the removal member 23, the movement of the removal member 23 may be detected by detecting the deformation of the bimetal 22.

  As described above, the technique disclosed herein is useful for the drain trap.

1 Steam trap 10 Casing 13 Valve chamber 17d Discharge port 18 Float valve (valve element)
20 Cleaning part 22 Bimetal (deformable member)
23 removal member 40 sensor

Claims (2)

A casing having a drain outlet;
A cleaning section for removing foreign matter from the outlet;
A sensor for detecting the operation of the cleaning unit,
The cleaning unit is provided at a position where the drain circulates, and has a deformation member that deforms due to a temperature change, and a removal member that moves forward and backward to the discharge port due to deformation of the deformation member,
The drain trap according to claim 1, wherein the sensor detects the operation of the cleaning unit based on the movement of the removing member. The drain trap according to claim 1, wherein
The casing is formed with a valve chamber for accommodating a valve body, and a discharge passage for discharging drain from the valve chamber,
The discharge port is provided to open to the valve chamber at an upstream end of the discharge passage,
The cleaning unit is provided outside the valve chamber,
The removal member has a distal end portion that enters the discharge port and a proximal end portion that is an end portion opposite to the distal end portion,
The drain trap is characterized in that the sensor detects movement of the base end portion.

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