Adapter, valve device, construction machine, method for installing valve device, and control valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to an adapter, a valve device, a construction machine, a method for installing a valve device, and a control valve. The valve device of the embodiment includes a plate portion, a sleeve, a valve core, and a cover. The plate portion (7) is configured to the hydraulic valve device (5) and has a fixing hole (7B) for fixing the valve cover (5F). The sleeve (8) is fixed to the hydraulic valve device (5) and has a through hole (8C) for fixing the plate portion to the hydraulic valve device. The valve core (5B) is fixed to the through hole. The valve cover is fixed to the plate portion by means of the fixing hole and covers the valve core.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an adapter for changing the specifications of construction machinery, a valve device, construction machinery, an installation method for the valve device, and a control valve. Background Technology

[0002] Most construction machinery is driven by hydraulic pressure controlled by hydraulic valve devices. These devices utilize multiple hydraulic valves to control complex hydraulic circuits. When adding optional functions to the hydraulic valves of a hydraulic valve device, threaded holes are added to the main body of the device, and long bolts are used to install the functional module, including the optional functions, to the main body. Regarding the addition of optional valves to the hydraulic control device, the applicant has proposed a technique already described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-042102 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0007] Patent document 1 does not yet present an efficient method for installing optional valves. The inventors have continuously improved the technology for adding optional valves to hydraulic valve devices through dedicated research.

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an adapter, valve assembly, construction machinery, valve assembly installation method, and control valve that can efficiently add optional valves to a hydraulic valve assembly.

[0009] Solution for solving the problem

[0010] An adapter according to one embodiment of the present invention includes: a plate disposed on the upper surface of a hydraulic valve device, the plate having a fixing hole for fixing a valve cover disposed on the upper surface of the hydraulic valve device; and a sleeve having a first through hole and a fixing structure, the first through hole for fixing a valve core of the hydraulic valve device, and the fixing structure fixing the plate to the hydraulic valve device.

[0011] With this configuration, the plate can be fixed to the existing mounting holes of the main body of the hydraulic valve device, and the valve core and cover can be installed on the plate. Therefore, the specifications of the hydraulic valve device can be changed without drilling or other machining on the main body of the hydraulic valve device.

[0012] Alternatively, the sleeve and the plate can be integrally formed.

[0013] This design simplifies the adapter's structure, makes installation easier, and reduces costs.

[0014] The present invention provides a valve device for a hydraulic valve device having a valve core and a valve cover covering the valve core, wherein the valve device includes: a plate portion, which is plate-shaped and disposed on the upper surface of the hydraulic valve device; and a sleeve having a fixing structure, the fixing structure fixing the plate portion to the hydraulic valve device, the plate portion having a fixing hole for fixing the valve cover, and the sleeve having a first through hole for fixing the valve core.

[0015] With this configuration, the specifications of the hydraulic valve device can be changed without drilling or other machining of the main body of the valve device.

[0016] Alternatively, the plate portion may have a second through hole for the sleeve to be inserted into, the sleeve having a step that protrudes with a diameter larger than that of the second through hole, and the plate portion may be configured such that, with the sleeve inserted into the second through hole and fixed, the plate portion is clamped between the step and the main body of the hydraulic valve device and thus fixed.

[0017] With this configuration, the plate can be clamped and fixed using the mounting holes of the main body and the steps of the sleeve, thus allowing the specifications of the hydraulic valve device to be changed using the existing mounting holes formed in the main body of the hydraulic valve device.

[0018] The above structure can also be configured such that the plate portion has one or more of the second through holes, and one or more of the sleeves are provided in the second through holes.

[0019] With this configuration, more than one valve core can be arranged in the body in a manner that matches the shape of the body.

[0020] The above structure can also be configured such that the valve core is a one-way valve.

[0021] With this configuration, a one-way valve can be installed after the main body.

[0022] The above configuration can also be configured such that the construction machinery includes the valve device described above.

[0023] This configuration allows for the modification of construction machinery specifications to suit different purposes.

[0024] The valve device installation method of one technical solution of the present invention includes the following steps: a plate portion is disposed on the upper surface of the hydraulic valve device, the plate portion having a fixing hole for fixing a valve cover; the plate portion is fixed to a valve core mounting hole formed in the hydraulic valve device using a sleeve, the sleeve having a first through hole for fixing the valve core; and the valve core is installed in the first through hole.

[0025] With this configuration, the adapter can be fixed to the existing mounting holes of the hydraulic valve assembly body, while the valve core and cover are installed on the adapter. Therefore, the specifications of the hydraulic valve assembly can be changed without drilling or other machining on the hydraulic valve assembly body.

[0026] The control valve of one embodiment of the present invention includes: a hydraulic valve device having a valve core and a valve cover covering the valve core; a plate portion, which is plate-shaped and disposed on the upper surface of the hydraulic valve device; and a sleeve having a fixing structure, the fixing structure fixing the plate portion to the hydraulic valve device, the plate portion having a fixing hole for fixing the valve cover, and the sleeve having a first through hole for fixing the valve core.

[0027] With this configuration, the specifications of the hydraulic valve device can be changed without drilling or other machining of the main body of the hydraulic valve device.

[0028] The effects of the invention

[0029] Using this invention, it is possible to provide adapters, valve devices, construction machinery, valve device installation methods, and control valves that can efficiently add optional valves to hydraulic valve devices. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the construction machinery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of the hydraulic system of the construction machinery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a hydraulic valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the valve installation method of a hydraulic valve device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0035] 1. Hydraulic system; 2. Engine; 2A. Output shaft; 3. Hydraulic pump; 4. Actuator; 5. Hydraulic valve assembly; 5A. Main body; 5B. Valve (valve core); 5C. Mounting hole; 5D. Internal thread; 5F. Valve cover; 5G. Through hole; 5H. Upper surface; 6. Adapter; 7. Plate; 7A. Through hole (2nd through hole); 7B. Bolt hole (fixing hole); 8. Sleeve; 8B. Step; 8C. Through hole (1st through hole); 8D. External thread; 8E. Convex body; 8F. Fixing structure; 10. Tank; 11. Oil cooler; 12. Overflow valve; 100. Construction machinery; 101. Rotating body; 102. Traveling body; 103. Cab; 104. Boom; 105. Stick; 106. Bucket. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] (Construction machinery)

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of construction machinery 100. Hereinafter, the view taken vertically downwards will be referred to as a top view. The orientation of the structures described below is not limited to this.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the construction machinery 100 is, for example, a hydraulic excavator. The construction machinery 100 includes a slewing body 101 and a traveling body 102. The slewing body 101 is configured to rotate on the traveling body 102. A hydraulic system 1 is provided on the slewing body 101.

[0040] The slewing body 101 includes: a cab 103 for operator accommodation; a boom 104, one end of which is swayably connected to the cab 103; a stick 105, one end of which is swayably connected to the other end (top) of the boom 104 on the opposite side of the cab 103; and a bucket 106, which is swayably connected to the other end (top) of the stick 105 on the opposite side of the boom 104. Additionally, a hydraulic system 1 is provided within the cab 103. The cab 103, boom 104, stick 105, and bucket 106 are driven by hydraulic fluid supplied from this hydraulic system 1.

[0041] (Hydraulic system)

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the hydraulic system 1 includes: an engine 2 as a drive source; a hydraulic pump 3 driven by the engine 2; a plurality of actuators 4 that actuate various parts of the construction machinery 100; a hydraulic valve device 5 that switches the actuation of the plurality of actuators 4; a tank 10 that stores working oil; an oil cooler 11 that cools the working oil; and an overflow valve 12 for adjusting pressure.

[0043] Engine 2 is an internal combustion engine that uses gasoline or diesel fuel. Engine 2 includes an output shaft 2A, which is connected to a hydraulic pump 3. A pipe P is connected to the hydraulic pump 3. The hydraulic pump 3 is driven by the output shaft 2A to allow working oil to flow to the pipe P. A hydraulic valve device 5 is connected to the pipe P.

[0044] Multiple actuators 4 are connected to the hydraulic valve assembly 5. Specifically, the hydraulic valve assembly 5 is connected to the multiple actuators 4 via branch pipes P (not shown). The hydraulic valve assembly 5 is additionally equipped with multiple optional valves 5B, which switch the hydraulic pressure of the working oil flowing through the pipe P to supply working oil to the multiple actuators 4. The multiple actuators 4 drive the cab 103, boom 104, stick 105, and bucket 106, etc. In addition, the multiple valves 5B include valves that actuate the multiple actuators 4 and check valves that direct the flow of working oil in one direction. The additional optional multiple valves 5B and the hydraulic valve assembly 5 constitute a control valve.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the valve assembly suitable for the hydraulic valve assembly 5 includes: a main body 5A as a housing; an adapter 6 fixed to the main body 5A; a plurality of valves 5B (valve cores) disposed on the adapter 6; and a valve cover 5F (cover) covering the plurality of valves 5B. Existing mounting holes 5C for fixing valves different from the valves 5B are formed in the main body 5A. The adapter 6 is a connecting member for mounting optional valves 5B using the existing valve mounting holes 5C.

[0046] Multiple mounting holes 5C are formed on the upper surface 5H or side surface of the main body 5A. The cross-section of the mounting hole 5C is circular. The cross-section of the mounting hole 5C does not necessarily have to be circular. The lower end of the mounting hole 5C is connected to the flow path R of the working oil. An internal thread 5D is formed on the wall surface of the mounting hole 5C.

[0047] An adapter 6 is mounted on the upper surface 5H of the main body 5A. The adapter 6 is formed in the shape of a plate. The adapter 6 includes: a plate-shaped plate portion 7 and a plurality of cylindrical sleeves 8 mounted on the plate portion 7. The plate portion 7 has a plurality of through holes (an example of the second through hole in claim 2) 7A for insertion of the plurality of sleeves 8. The plate portion 7 may not necessarily be formed flat.

[0048] A through hole 7A is formed at a position communicating with a mounting hole 5C formed on the upper surface 5H of the main body 5A. The through hole 7A has a circular cross-section. However, the through hole 7A may not necessarily have a circular cross-section. Additionally, a plurality of bolt holes 7B (fixing holes) are formed in the plate portion 7. These bolt holes 7B are adjacent to the through hole 7A when viewed from above and are formed along the outer periphery of the plate portion 7. Bolts B for mounting the valve cover 5F are fixed in the bolt holes 7B. The bolt holes 7B may also penetrate the plate portion 7.

[0049] A sleeve 8 is inserted into the through hole 7A of the plate portion 7. The sleeve 8 is formed as a cylinder with a diameter matching the shape of the through hole 7A. A fixing structure 8F is formed at the lower end of the sleeve 8. The fixing structure 8F has a downwardly protruding convex body 8E and an external thread 8D formed on the convex body 8E. The convex body 8E is fixed to an existing valve mounting hole 5C formed in the body 5A. A through hole (an example of the first through hole in claim) 8C is formed in the sleeve 8 along the axial direction.

[0050] An optional valve 5B is inserted into and installed in the through hole 8C. The sleeve 8 is formed such that, with the sleeve 8 inserted into the through hole 7A of the plate portion 7, the fixing structure 8F protrudes downward from the lower surface 7E of the plate portion 7.

[0051] The external thread 8D is formed to engage with the internal thread 5D formed in the mounting hole 5C. When viewed from the axial direction of the sleeve 8, the through hole 8C is located inside the external thread 8D. A step 8B is formed on the side of the sleeve 8, protruding radially along the sleeve 8. The step 8B is formed with a diameter larger than the diameter of the through hole 7A in the plate portion 7.

[0052] The valve cover 5F is a cover member formed to cover multiple valves 5B. The valve cover 5F has multiple through holes 5G, which extend from the upper surface 5FA to the lower surface 5FB of the valve cover 5F and are used to fix bolts B.

[0053] Next, the procedure for installing valve 5B using adapter 6 will be explained.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, plate 7 is disposed on the upper surface 5H of body 5A. At this time, the positions of the plurality of through holes 7A and mounting holes 5C are aligned. Sleeve 8 is inserted into the through hole 7A of plate 7, and fixing structure 8F protrudes from the lower surface 7E of plate 7. Thus, fixing structure 8F is aligned with the position of mounting hole 5C.

[0055] When the sleeve 8 is rotated to engage the external thread 8D of the fixing structure 8F with the internal thread 5D of the mounting hole 5C, the sleeve 8 descends. As the sleeve 8 descends, the step 8B abuts against the upper surface 7D of the plate portion 7. In this state, if the sleeve 8 is further rotated to tighten it, the plate portion 7 is fixed in a state where it is clamped between the step 8B and the upper surface 5H of the main body 5A.

[0056] When multiple sleeves 8 are similarly fixed to multiple mounting holes 5C, plate 7 is clamped by multiple steps 8B and body 5A, thereby reliably fixing plate 7 to body 5A. After plate 7 is fixed, multiple valves 5B are installed on multiple sleeves 8. Valve 5B is, for example, a check valve. A check valve is a valve that connects or disconnects the hydraulic pump 3 from the actuator 4. After multiple valves 5B are installed, valve covers 5F are used to cover multiple valves 5B.

[0057] Bolt B, inserted into the through hole 5G, is rotated clockwise, causing the tip of bolt B to be secured to bolt hole 7B in plate 7. Valve cover 5F is clamped between the head B1 of bolt B and the upper surface 7D of plate 7 and thus fixed. Therefore, more than one valve 5B can be arranged in a manner matching the shape of the main body 5A. Thus, by installing a suitable valve 5B into the existing hydraulic valve assembly 5, the specifications of the construction machinery 100 can be changed.

[0058] Using the hydraulic valve assembly 5 described above, an optional valve can be installed on the main body 5A using the existing mounting holes provided in the valve. The hydraulic valve assembly 5, via a fixing adapter 6, allows the optional valve and cover to be fixed without machining the main body 5A; the adapter 6 is used to fix the optional valve using the existing mounting holes. Furthermore, by using the hydraulic valve assembly 5 and the adapter 6 to install the optional valve, the specifications of the construction machinery 100 can be changed according to the application.

[0059] In the above embodiment, a structure using adapter 6 to fix multiple optional valves was illustrated. However, when installing only one optional valve, the plate portion 7 of adapter 6 and the sleeve 8 can also be formed integrally. In this case, adapter 6 can also be formed into a circular plate shape when viewed from above.

Claims

1. An adapter for installing a spool of a hydraulic valve device using a mounting hole formed on an upper surface of a main body of the hydraulic valve device, wherein the adapter comprises: a plate portion configured on the upper surface of the main body of the hydraulic valve device in a detachable manner; and a sleeve portion that fixes the plate portion to the upper surface of the main body of the hydraulic valve device, the plate portion has a fixing hole for fixing a cap for covering the spool, the sleeve portion has: a first through hole for fixing the spool; and a fixing structure that is fixed to the mounting hole using engagement with the mounting hole, thereby fixing the plate portion to the main body of the hydraulic valve device.

2. The adapter according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve portion is formed in one piece with the plate portion.

3. A valve device for a hydraulic valve device having a spool, a cap for covering the spool, and an adapter for installing the spool using a mounting hole formed on an upper surface of a main body of the hydraulic valve device, wherein the adapter comprises: a plate portion that is plate-shaped and is configured on the upper surface of the main body of the hydraulic valve device in a detachable manner; and a sleeve portion that fixes the plate portion to the upper surface of the main body of the hydraulic valve device, the plate portion has a fixing hole for fixing the cap, the sleeve portion has: a first through hole for fixing the spool; and a fixing structure that is fixed to the mounting hole using engagement with the mounting hole, thereby fixing the plate portion to the main body of the hydraulic valve device.

4. The valve device according to claim 3, wherein the plate portion has a second through hole into which the sleeve portion is inserted and communicates with the mounting hole, the sleeve portion has a step that is formed so as to protrude with a diameter larger than that of the second through hole, the plate portion is configured so as to be fixed with the sleeve portion being sandwiched between the step and the main body of the hydraulic valve device in an axial direction of the sleeve portion in a state where the sleeve portion is inserted into the second through hole and is fixed to the mounting hole using engagement of the fixing structure.

5. The valve device according to claim 4, wherein the plate portion has one or more second through holes, and one or more sleeve portions are provided in the second through holes.

6. The valve device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the spool is a check valve.

7. A construction machine, wherein the construction machine includes the valve device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. A method of installing a valve device using a mounting hole for a spool formed on an upper surface of a main body of a hydraulic valve device, wherein the method of installing the valve device has the following steps: a plate portion having a fixing hole for fixing a cap for covering the spool is configured on the upper surface of the main body of the hydraulic valve device; the plate portion is fixed to the main body of the hydraulic valve device using a sleeve portion having a fixing structure and a first through hole for fixing the spool; and the spool is installed in the first through hole. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The fixing structure is fixed to the mounting hole by engagement with the mounting hole, thereby fixing the plate portion to the main body of the hydraulic valve device.

9. A control valve, wherein The control valve includes: a hydraulic valve device having a spool and a valve cover covering the spool; and an adapter for mounting the spool using a mounting hole formed in an upper surface of a main body of the hydraulic valve device, The adapter includes: a plate portion which is plate-shaped and is arranged on the upper surface of the main body of the hydraulic valve device in a detachable manner; and a sleeve which fixes the plate portion to the upper surface of the main body of the hydraulic valve device, The plate portion has a fixing hole for fixing the valve cover, The sleeve has: a first through-hole for fixing the spool; and a fixing structure which is fixed to the mounting hole by engagement with the mounting hole, thereby fixing the plate portion to the main body of the hydraulic valve device.

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