solenoid valve block

Abstract

This invention provides a solenoid valve assembly comprising: a plurality of valve components arranged in one direction, each having a plurality of solenoid valves arranged side-by-side in said direction; a slave station disposed at one end of the solenoid valve assembly in said direction; and a valve drive unit disposed corresponding to each valve component. The slave station has a slave output port for outputting control signals and power to the valve drive unit. Each valve drive unit has: a solenoid valve power input port, to which solenoid valve power is input from an external source; and a circuit board configured to control the actuation of each solenoid valve in the corresponding valve assembly according to the control signals, and to output solenoid valve power to each solenoid valve.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to solenoid valve assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-92173, a solenoid valve assembly includes multiple valve components arranged in a first direction, each valve component having multiple solenoid valves arranged side-by-side in the first direction. This solenoid valve assembly includes a slave station located at one end in the first direction. The slave station receives control signals from a master station for controlling the actuation of each of the multiple solenoid valves. For example, in the aforementioned publication, the multiple valve components are electrically connected in a row. In each solenoid valve of each valve component, the solenoid valve of the valve component located closest to the slave station receives, sequentially, control signals from the master station and power for actuating each solenoid valve of each valve component, i.e., solenoid valve power. As described above, by supplying solenoid valve power to each solenoid valve of each valve component, each solenoid valve is actuated according to the control signal. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0004] The aforementioned publication describes a structure where power to the solenoid valve is sequentially transmitted from the solenoid valve in the valve assembly located closest to the slave station. With this structure, the more distant the solenoid valve in the valve assembly is from the slave station, the more prone it is to voltage drop in the power supplied to the solenoid valve. Therefore, there is a problem where the more distant the solenoid valve in the valve assembly is from the slave station, the more likely it is to malfunction.

[0005] Furthermore, in structures where multiple valve assemblies are electrically connected in a row, such as connectors that electrically connect adjacent solenoid valves, the number of output points needs to correspond to the total number of solenoid valves in the entire solenoid valve assembly. Therefore, in a solenoid valve assembly, when the number of solenoid valves is increased, additional connectors with a corresponding number of output points are required, leading to a problem of increased connector size. Consequently, the overall size of the solenoid valve assembly becomes larger.

[0006] Furthermore, as stated in the aforementioned announcement, it is desirable to improve the versatility of valve assemblies having multiple solenoid valves arranged side by side in the first direction, and valve groups having multiple solenoid valves arranged in the first direction.

[0007] Methods for solving problems

[0008] One aspect of the solenoid valve assembly disclosed herein includes: a plurality of valve assemblies arranged in one direction, each valve assembly having a plurality of solenoid valves arranged side-by-side in that direction; and a slave station configured to be disposed at one end of the solenoid valve assembly in that direction, and receiving from a master station a control signal for controlling the actuation of each of the plurality of solenoid valves. Each of the plurality of solenoid valves has a valve block having a flow path for fluid flow formed in the valve block in a state that extends through the valve block in that direction. The flow paths formed in adjacent valve blocks in that direction are interconnected. The solenoid valve assembly further includes a valve actuation unit configured to be disposed corresponding to each of the valve assemblies, and to control the actuation of each of the solenoid valves in each valve assembly according to the control signal from the slave station. The slave station has: a control signal input port, to which a control signal is input from the master station; a valve drive unit power input port, for inputting power from the outside to drive each valve drive unit; and a slave station output port, for outputting the control signal input to the control signal input port and the power input to the valve drive unit to the valve drive unit. Each valve drive unit has: a solenoid valve power input port, for inputting power from the outside to drive each solenoid valve of the corresponding valve assembly; a circuit board configured to control the drive of each solenoid valve of the corresponding valve assembly according to the control signal from the slave station output port; and to output the power input to the solenoid valve to each solenoid valve; and a housing for housing the circuit board. The slave station output port is electrically connected to the valve actuation unit located closest to the slave station via a first cable. Adjacent valve actuation units in one direction are electrically connected to each other via a second cable, configured to transmit the control signal output to one of the adjacent valve actuation units in that direction, and the power supplied by that valve actuation unit, to the other adjacent valve actuation unit in that direction. The housing has a flow path sealing section configured to seal the flow path. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a side view showing the solenoid valve assembly in the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the solenoid valve assembly.

[0011] Figure 3yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the solenoid valve assembly.

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A 3D view of the solenoid valve in the solenoid valve assembly.

[0013] Figure 5 It is shown in magnification Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the slave station surrounding the solenoid valve assembly.

[0014] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of the electrical structure of the solenoid valve assembly.

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the valve drive unit of the solenoid valve assembly.

[0016] Figure 8 Observing from other directions Figure 7 A three-dimensional view of the valve drive unit.

[0017] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A bottom view of the valve drive unit.

[0018] Figure 10 This is an exploded perspective view showing the relationship between the valve drive unit and the solenoid valve.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the valve drive unit and the solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following is based on Figures 1 to 11 One embodiment of the specific solenoid valve assembly will be described.

[0021] (Overall structure of solenoid valve assembly 10)

[0022] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the solenoid valve assembly 10 includes multiple valve components 11, slave stations 12, multiple valve drive units 13, and end blocks 14. The multiple valve components 11 are arranged in a direction X1. The solenoid valve assembly 10 has a first end and a second end in the direction X1. Figure 1 In the diagram, the first end is the left end, and the second end is the right end.

[0023] Each valve assembly 11 has multiple solenoid valves 15. Each solenoid valve 15 has a valve block 16. Each valve block 16 is rectangular. The multiple solenoid valves 15 are arranged side by side in a direction X1. Specifically, the multiple solenoid valves 15 are arranged side by side with the thickness direction of each valve block 16 aligned with the direction X1.

[0024] Valve actuation units 13 are respectively provided corresponding to valve assemblies 11. Each valve assembly 11 has a first end and a second end in a direction X1. Each valve actuation unit 13 is arranged adjacent to the solenoid valve 15 disposed at the first end of the corresponding valve assembly 11 in a direction X1. Each valve actuation unit 13 has a frame 30. The frame 30 is rectangular. Each valve actuation unit 13 is arranged on the corresponding solenoid valve 15 such that the width direction of the frame 30 is aligned with the thickness direction of the valve block 16 of the solenoid valve 15.

[0025] Each valve assembly 11 has an air supply block 17. Each air supply block 17 is rectangular. Each air supply block 17 is disposed at the second end of each valve assembly 11. Each air supply block 17 is disposed on the corresponding solenoid valve 15 with its thickness direction aligned with the thickness direction of the valve block 16 of each solenoid valve 15.

[0026] The solenoid valve assembly 10 includes a track 18 and a base 19. The track 18 is a long, narrow plate. The base 19 is a long, narrow, flat block. The track 18 is mounted on the upper surface of the base 19 with its length direction aligned with the length direction of the base 19. The track 18 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 19. The length directions of the track 18 and the base 19 are aligned with a direction X1.

[0027] Multiple valve assemblies 11, slave stations 12, multiple valve drive units 13, and end blocks 14 are supported by a rail 18 in an arranged configuration. Therefore, the rail 18 extends in one direction X1 and supports multiple solenoid valves 15. The multiple valve assemblies 11, slave stations 12, multiple valve drive units 13, and end blocks 14 are held together by two fixing fittings 20 in a manner that prevents them from separating from each other in one direction X1. Each fixing fitting 20 is held in place on the rail 18 by bolts 20a.

[0028] (Structure of solenoid valve 15)

[0029] like Figure 4As shown, each solenoid valve 15 has a first output port 21 and a second output port 22 on its valve block 16. The first output port 21 and the second output port 22 are connected to a fluid pressure device (not shown) via piping. Each valve block 16 has a supply flow path 23, a first discharge flow path 24, and a second discharge flow path 25 extending through the thickness of the valve block 16. Therefore, the supply flow path 23, the first discharge flow path 24, and the second discharge flow path 25 are formed to extend through the valve block 16 in one direction X1. The supply flow path 23, the first discharge flow path 24, and the second discharge flow path 25 are flow paths for fluid flow. Specifically, fluid flows in the supply flow path 23, the first discharge flow path 24, and the second discharge flow path 25; this fluid is the fluid supplied or discharged to the fluid pressure device via the first output port 21 and the second output port 22.

[0030] The supply flow paths 23 formed on adjacent valve blocks 16 in one direction X1 are interconnected. The first discharge flow paths 24 formed on adjacent valve blocks 16 in one direction X1 are interconnected. The second discharge flow paths 25 formed on adjacent valve blocks 16 in one direction X1 are interconnected.

[0031] A first pilot fluid discharge path 26 and a second pilot fluid discharge path 27, extending through the thickness direction of the valve block 16, are formed on each valve block 16. Therefore, the first pilot fluid discharge path 26 and the second pilot fluid discharge path 27 are formed to extend through the valve block 16 in a direction X1. The first pilot fluid discharge path 26 and the second pilot fluid discharge path 27 are fluid flow paths. Specifically, pilot fluid flows in the first pilot fluid discharge path 26 and the second pilot fluid discharge path 27, and the pilot fluid is used to drive a valve body (not shown) of the valve block 16 built into the solenoid valve 15.

[0032] The first pilot fluid discharge passages 26 formed on adjacent valve blocks 16 in a direction X1 are interconnected. The second pilot fluid discharge passages 27 formed on adjacent valve blocks 16 in a direction X1 are interconnected.

[0033] The solenoid valve 15 in this embodiment is a known five-way solenoid valve, so a detailed description of its internal structure is omitted.

[0034] An annular sealing member 28 is provided on the surface of one end of the valve block 16 in the thickness direction. The sealing member 28 is respectively provided on the opening edge of the supply flow path 23, the opening edge of the first discharge flow path 24, the opening edge of the second discharge flow path 25, the opening edge of the first pilot fluid discharge flow path 26, and the opening edge of the second pilot fluid discharge flow path 27.

[0035] A sealing member 28 is provided at the opening edge of the supply flow path 23 to suppress leakage of fluid flowing in the supply flow path 23, which is formed on adjacent valve blocks 16 in a direction X1 and communicates with each other. A sealing member 28 is provided at the opening edge of the first discharge flow path 24 to suppress leakage of fluid flowing in the first discharge flow path 24, which is formed on adjacent valve blocks 16 in a direction X1 and communicates with each other. A sealing member 28 is provided at the opening edge of the second discharge flow path 25 to suppress leakage of fluid flowing in the second discharge flow path 25, which is formed on adjacent valve blocks 16 in a direction X1 and communicates with each other. A sealing member 28 is provided at the opening edge of the first pilot fluid discharge flow path 26 to suppress leakage of fluid flowing in the first pilot fluid discharge flow path 26, which is formed on adjacent valve blocks 16 in a direction X1 and communicates with each other. A sealing member 28 is provided at the opening edge of the second pilot fluid discharge path 27 to suppress leakage of fluid flowing in the second pilot fluid discharge path 27, which is formed on adjacent valve blocks 16 in a direction X1 and communicates with each other.

[0036] Each solenoid valve 15 has a relay connector 29. The relay connector 29 passes through the valve block 16 in the thickness direction. Adjacent solenoid valves 15 in one direction X1 are electrically connected to each other by their respective relay connectors 29 in a plug-in connection.

[0037] (Structure of station 12)

[0038] like Figure 5 As shown, slave station 12 is a flat, square block. Slave station 12 is located at the first end of solenoid valve assembly 10.

[0039] like Figure 6 As shown, slave station 12 receives control signals from master station 40 for controlling the actuation of each of the multiple solenoid valves 15. Slave station 12 has a control signal input port 12a and a valve drive unit power input port 12b. Control signal input port 12a is connected to master station 40. Control signals are input from master station 40 through control signal input port 12a. Valve drive unit power input port 12b is electrically connected to an external power supply 41. Power for driving each valve drive unit 13, i.e., valve drive unit power, is input from external power supply 41 through valve drive unit power input port 12b. Therefore, valve drive unit power is input from the outside through valve drive unit power input port 12b. Slave station 12 has a slave output port 12c for outputting control signals input to control signal input port 12a and valve drive unit power input to valve drive unit power input port 12b to valve drive unit 13.

[0040] (Regarding the support section 42)

[0041] like Figure 5 As shown, the solenoid valve assembly 10 includes a support portion 42. The support portion 42 fixes each valve drive unit 13 to the base 19. The support portion 42 is a strip-shaped plate formed by bending in an L-shape. The first end of the support portion 42 is inserted through a through hole 30h formed in the frame 30 of each valve drive unit 13. A screw 43 passing through the second end of the support portion 42 is threaded to the side surface 19a of the base 19, thereby fixing the second end of the support portion 42 to the base 19. Thus, each valve drive unit 13 is fixed to the base 19 by the support portion 42. Although not shown in the figure, a plurality of internally threaded holes for screw 43 to be threaded are provided on the side surface 19a of the base 19 in the longitudinal direction of the base 19.

[0042] (Overall structure of valve drive unit 13)

[0043] like Figure 6 As shown, each valve drive unit 13 has a circuit board 31. The frame 30 houses the circuit board 31. The circuit board 31 controls the actuation of each solenoid valve 15 of each valve assembly 11 according to the control signal from the slave output port 12c. Therefore, the valve drive unit 13 controls the actuation of each solenoid valve 15 of each valve assembly 11 according to the control signal from the slave station 12.

[0044] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the frame 30 has a first surface 30a opposite to the rail 18 and the base 19, and a second surface 30b located on the opposite side of the first surface 30a. Additionally, the frame 30 has a third surface 30c and a fourth surface 30d located on opposite sides in a direction X1. The third surface 30c and the fourth surface 30d are both flat surfaces. The third surface 30c and the fourth surface 30d extend parallel to each other. Each valve drive unit 13 is supported by the rail 18 such that the third surface 30c is closer to the slave station 12 than the fourth surface 30d.

[0045] (Structure of input-side connector 32 and output-side connector 33)

[0046] like Figure 9 As shown, each valve drive unit 13 has an input-side connector 32 and an output-side connector 33. The input-side connector 32 and the output-side connector 33 are located on the first surface 30a. Figure 6 As shown, the input-side connector 32 is electrically connected to the circuit board 31. The output-side connector 33 is internal to the valve drive unit 13 and electrically connected to the input-side connector 32. Figure 9As shown, the input-side connector 32 is closer to the third surface 30c than the output-side connector 33. Therefore, each valve drive unit 13 is supported by the rail 18 such that the input-side connector 32 is closer to the slave station 12 than the output-side connector 33.

[0047] (Structure of the power input port 34 for the solenoid valve)

[0048] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, each valve actuation unit 13 has a solenoid valve power input port 34. The solenoid valve power input port 34 is a connector that protrudes from the second surface 30b. Figure 6 As shown, the solenoid valve power input port 34 of each valve drive unit 13 is electrically connected to an external power supply 45. In each solenoid valve power input port 34, power for driving each solenoid valve 15 of the corresponding valve assembly 11, i.e., solenoid valve power, is input from the external power supply 45. Therefore, solenoid valve power is input from the outside into the solenoid valve power input port 34. The external power supply 45 that inputs solenoid valve power to the solenoid valve power input port 34 is a different power source than the external power supply 41 that inputs valve drive unit power to the valve drive unit power input port 12b. The solenoid valve power input port 34 is electrically connected to the circuit board 31.

[0049] (Structure of connector 35 for solenoid valve drive)

[0050] like Figure 8 As shown, each valve actuation unit 13 has a solenoid valve actuation connector 35. The solenoid valve actuation connector 35 is located on the fourth surface 30d. Figure 6 As shown, the solenoid valve actuation connector 35 is electrically connected to the circuit board 31. The solenoid valve actuation connector 35 is electrically connected via a plug-in connection to a relay connector 29 of the solenoid valve 15 disposed at the first end of each valve assembly 11. The circuit board 31 outputs solenoid valve power from the solenoid valve actuation connector 35 to the relay connector 29 of the solenoid valve 15, which is then input to the solenoid valve power input port 34. Therefore, the circuit board 31 outputs solenoid valve power to each solenoid valve 15, which is then input to the solenoid valve power input port 34.

[0051] (Cable 1, 36 and Cable 2, 37)

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 6As shown, the solenoid valve assembly 10 includes a first cable 36 and a second cable 37. The first cable 36 electrically connects the slave output port 12c to the input connector 32 of the valve drive unit 13, which is located closest to the slave station 12. Therefore, the slave output port 12c and the valve drive unit 13, located closest to the slave station 12, are electrically connected via the first cable 36.

[0053] The second cable 37 electrically connects one output-side connector 33 of an adjacent valve actuation unit 13 in one direction X1 to the other input-side connector 32 of an adjacent valve actuation unit 13 in one direction X1. Therefore, adjacent valve actuation units 13 in one direction X1 are electrically connected to each other via the second cable 37. The second cable 37 transmits control signals output to one of the adjacent valve actuation units 13 in one direction X1 and power from the valve actuation unit to the other adjacent valve actuation unit 13 in one direction X1.

[0054] (Regarding the regulator 38 of each valve drive unit 13)

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, each valve drive unit 13 has a regulator 38. The regulator 38 reduces the power output from the slave output port 12c of the slave station 12 to the drive voltage of the circuit board 31 of each valve drive unit 13. Therefore, the power output from the slave output port 12c of the slave station 12 is set to be higher than the drive voltage of the circuit board 31 of each valve drive unit 13.

[0056] (Structure of the flow path sealing part 50)

[0057] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the frame 30 has a flow path sealing portion 50. The flow path sealing portion 50 includes: an annular sealing member 51 disposed on the third surface 30c of the frame 30; and a sealing mechanism 52 disposed on the fourth surface 30d of the frame 30.

[0058] The sealing component 51 is located on the third surface 30c of the frame 30, at positions corresponding to the supply flow path 23, the first discharge flow path 24, the second discharge flow path 25, the first pilot fluid discharge flow path 26, and the second pilot fluid discharge flow path 27, respectively.

[0059] When the solenoid valve 15 is arranged adjacent to the third surface 30c of the frame 30, the sealing member 51, which is provided at the position corresponding to the supply flow path 23, is tightly connected to the valve block 16 in such a way that it surrounds the opening edge of the supply flow path 23. Thus, the sealing member 51 provided at the position corresponding to the supply flow path 23 seals the supply flow path 23.

[0060] When the solenoid valve 15 is disposed adjacent to the third surface 30c of the frame 30, the sealing member 51, which is provided at the position corresponding to the first discharge flow path 24, is tightly connected to the valve block 16 in such a way that it surrounds the opening edge of the first discharge flow path 24. Thus, the sealing member 51 provided at the position corresponding to the first discharge flow path 24 seals the first discharge flow path 24.

[0061] When the solenoid valve 15 is disposed adjacent to the third surface 30c of the frame 30, the sealing member 51, which is provided at the position corresponding to the second discharge flow path 25, is tightly connected to the valve block 16 in such a way that it surrounds the opening edge of the second discharge flow path 25. Thus, the sealing member 51 provided at the position corresponding to the second discharge flow path 25 seals the second discharge flow path 25.

[0062] When the solenoid valve 15 is arranged adjacent to the third surface 30c of the frame 30, the sealing member 51, which is provided at the position corresponding to the first pilot fluid discharge passage 26, is tightly connected to the valve block 16 in such a way that it surrounds the opening edge of the first pilot fluid discharge passage 26. Thus, the sealing member 51 provided at the position corresponding to the first pilot fluid discharge passage 26 seals the first pilot fluid discharge passage 26.

[0063] When the solenoid valve 15 is arranged adjacent to the third surface 30c of the frame 30, the sealing member 51, which is provided at the position corresponding to the second pilot fluid discharge passage 27, is tightly connected to the valve block 16 in such a way that it surrounds the opening edge of the second pilot fluid discharge passage 27. Thus, the sealing member 51 provided at the position corresponding to the second pilot fluid discharge passage 27 seals the second pilot fluid discharge passage 27.

[0064] like Figure 10 As shown, the sealing mechanism 52 is located on the fourth surface 30d of the frame 30, at positions corresponding to the supply flow path 23, the first discharge flow path 24, the second discharge flow path 25, the first pilot fluid discharge flow path 26, and the second pilot fluid discharge flow path 27, respectively.

[0065] The sealing mechanism 52 has circular recesses 53 extending along the supply flow path 23, the first discharge flow path 24, the second discharge flow path 25, the first pilot fluid discharge flow path 26, and the second pilot fluid discharge flow path 27, respectively. The sealing mechanism 52 has cylindrical protrusions 54 that protrude from the bottom surface of each recess 53 and are inserted into the inner side of each of the supply flow path 23, the first discharge flow path 24, the second discharge flow path 25, the first pilot fluid discharge flow path 26, and the second pilot fluid discharge flow path 27.

[0066] exist Figure 11 The relationship between the sealing mechanism 52 and the supply flow path 23 is shown in the diagram. Figure 11As shown, the protrusion 54 of the sealing mechanism 52, located at a position corresponding to the supply flow path 23, is inserted into the inner side of the supply flow path 23. Consequently, the sealing member 28, located at the opening edge of the supply flow path 23, enters the inner side of the recess 53, and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 28 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 54. Thus, the sealing mechanism 52, located at a position corresponding to the supply flow path 23, seals the supply flow path 23.

[0067] The protrusion 54 of the sealing mechanism 52, located at a position corresponding to the first discharge flow path 24, is inserted into the inner side of the first discharge flow path 24. Consequently, the sealing member 28, located at the opening edge of the first discharge flow path 24, enters the inner side of the recess 53, and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 28 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 54. Thus, the sealing mechanism 52, located at a position corresponding to the first discharge flow path 24, seals the first discharge flow path 24.

[0068] The protrusion 54 of the sealing mechanism 52, located at a position corresponding to the second discharge flow path 25, is inserted into the inner side of the second discharge flow path 25. Consequently, the sealing member 28, located at the opening edge of the second discharge flow path 25, enters the inner side of the recess 53, and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 28 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 54. Thus, the sealing mechanism 52, located at a position corresponding to the second discharge flow path 25, seals the second discharge flow path 25.

[0069] The protrusion 54 of the sealing mechanism 52, located at a position corresponding to the first pilot fluid discharge path 26, is inserted into the inner side of the first pilot fluid discharge path 26. Consequently, the sealing member 28, located at the opening edge of the first pilot fluid discharge path 26, enters the inner side of the recess 53, and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 28 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 54. Thus, the sealing mechanism 52, located at a position corresponding to the first pilot fluid discharge path 26, seals the first pilot fluid discharge path 26.

[0070] The protrusion 54 of the sealing mechanism 52, located at a position corresponding to the second pilot fluid discharge passage 27, is inserted into the inner side of the second pilot fluid discharge passage 27. Consequently, the sealing member 28, located at the opening edge of the second pilot fluid discharge passage 27, enters the inner side of the recess 53, and the inner circumferential surface of the sealing member 28 is in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the protrusion 54. Thus, the sealing mechanism 52, located at a position corresponding to the second pilot fluid discharge passage 27, seals the second pilot fluid discharge passage 27.

[0071] Therefore, the flow path sealing section 50 seals the supply flow path 23, the first discharge flow path 24, the second discharge flow path 25, the first pilot fluid discharge flow path 26, and the second pilot fluid discharge flow path 27, which are flow paths.

[0072] (effect)

[0073] Next, the function of this embodiment will be explained.

[0074] Power supplied from external power source 41 to the valve drive unit power input port 12b is output from slave output port 12c via the first cable 36 to the valve drive unit 13 located closest to slave station 12. Then, power supplied to one of the adjacent valve drive units 13 in one direction X1 is transmitted via the second cable 37 to the other adjacent valve drive unit 13 in the same direction X1. Thus, each valve drive unit 13 is driven.

[0075] Furthermore, the control signal input from the master station 40 to the control signal input port 12a is output from the slave station output port 12c via the first cable 36 to the valve drive unit 13 located closest to the slave station 12. Next, the control signal output to one of the valve drive units 13 adjacent in one direction X1 is transmitted via the second cable 37 to the other of the valve drive units 13 adjacent in one direction X1. Additionally, the solenoid valve power input to the solenoid valve power input port 34 of each valve drive unit 13 is output from the circuit board 31 to each solenoid valve 15 of the corresponding valve assembly 11. As described above, the solenoid valve power input to the solenoid valve power input port 34 of each valve drive unit 13 is supplied to each solenoid valve 15 of the corresponding valve assembly 11, thereby driving each solenoid valve 15 according to the control signal.

[0076] (Effect)

[0077] The following effects can be obtained from the above embodiments.

[0078] (1) The power supplied to one of the valve drive units 13 adjacent in direction X1 is transmitted to the other of the valve drive units 13 adjacent in direction X1 via the second cable 37. Additionally, the control signal supplied to one of the valve drive units 13 adjacent in direction X1 is transmitted to the other of the valve drive units 13 adjacent in direction X1 via the second cable 37. Furthermore, the solenoid valve power input to the solenoid valve power input port 34 of each valve drive unit 13 is supplied to each solenoid valve 15 of the corresponding valve assembly 11. Therefore, the more the solenoid valve 15 of the valve assembly 11 is located further away from the slave station 12, the more the prior art problem of voltage drop in the solenoid valve power is avoided, thus making the operation of each solenoid valve more stable.

[0079] Furthermore, the solenoid valve power input port 34 of each valve drive unit 13 is supplied to each solenoid valve 15 of the corresponding valve assembly 11. Therefore, unlike the prior art, even if the number of solenoid valves 15 is increased in the solenoid valve assembly 10, it is not necessary to prepare a separate connector with a number of output points corresponding to the number of solenoid valves 15. As a result, the overall size of the solenoid valve assembly 10 can be miniaturized.

[0080] Furthermore, the frame 30 of each valve drive unit 13 has a flow path sealing portion 50 that seals the flow path. Therefore, even if each valve drive unit 13 is positioned relative to the solenoid valve 15 in any position, the valve drive unit 13 can be positioned on the solenoid valve 15 while the flow path is sealed by the flow path sealing portion 50. This allows for easy changes in the number of solenoid valves 15 and the position of the valve drive units 13. Therefore, the valve assembly 11, having multiple solenoid valves 15 arranged side-by-side in one direction X1, can be used in valve groups 10 with multiple solenoid valves arranged in one direction X1, thus improving versatility. Through the above, the overall size of the solenoid valve group 10 can be miniaturized, the operation of each solenoid valve 15 can be stabilized, and versatility can be improved.

[0081] (2) The solenoid valve assembly 10 includes a bracket portion 42 for fixing each valve drive unit 13 to the base 19. Thus, each valve drive unit 13 is fixed to the base 19 via the bracket portion 42. Therefore, even when a load is applied to each solenoid valve 15, the load acting on each solenoid valve 15 can be borne by each valve drive unit 13. Therefore, the fixing strength of each solenoid valve 15 to the base 19 can be improved.

[0082] (3) The power supplied to one of the adjacent valve drive units 13 in one direction X1 is transmitted to the other adjacent valve drive unit 13 in one direction X1 via the second cable 37. The power supplied to the valve drive unit from the slave output port 12c of the slave station 12 is set to be higher than the drive voltage of the circuit board 31 of each valve drive unit 13. Furthermore, each valve drive unit 13 has an adjuster 38, which reduces the voltage of the power supplied to the valve drive unit from the slave output port 12c of the slave station 12 to the drive voltage of the circuit board 31 of each valve drive unit 13. Thus, the further away the valve drive unit 13 is from the slave station 12, the more the problem of voltage drop of the power supplied to the valve drive unit can be avoided.

[0083] (Example of Change)

[0084] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments can be modified as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined to implement the system within the scope of technical inconsistencies.

[0085] • In the embodiments, the structure of the flow path sealing part 50 is not particularly limited. In short, the flow path sealing part 50 can be any structure capable of sealing the flow paths such as the supply flow path 23, the first discharge flow path 24, the second discharge flow path 25, the first pilot fluid discharge flow path 26, and the second pilot fluid discharge flow path 27.

[0086] In one embodiment, for example, the first end of the bracket portion 42 can be fixed to the frame 30 by threading a screw 43 through the first end of the bracket portion 42 to the frame 30.

[0087] In one embodiment, for example, the second end of the bracket portion 42 may also be inserted into a through hole formed on the side 19a of the base 19. In this case, the first end of the bracket portion 42 can be fixed to the frame 30 by threading a screw 43 through the first end of the bracket portion 42 to the frame 30.

[0088] • In some embodiments, the solenoid valve assembly 10 may also not have a bracket portion 42 for fixing each valve drive unit 13 to the base 19.

[0089] In this embodiment, the power supplied to the valve drive unit from the slave output port 12c of the slave station 12 can also be preset to the driving voltage of the circuit board 31 of each valve drive unit 13. In this case, each valve drive unit 13 of the solenoid valve assembly 10 may not have an regulator 38.

[0090] In this embodiment, the external power source that supplies power to the solenoid valve power input port 34 and the external power source that supplies power to the valve drive unit power input port 12b can be the same power source.

[0091] • In the implementation, the solenoid valve 15 is not limited to a five-way solenoid valve; for example, it may also be a known three-way solenoid valve.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic valve group comprising: a plurality of electromagnetic valves each having a valve block in which a flow path for fluid flow is formed in a state of penetrating through the valve block in one direction, and each of the plurality of electromagnetic valves being configured to be arranged in the one direction; a plurality of valve assemblies each having a valve element configured to be arranged in the one direction, and each of the plurality of valve assemblies being configured to be arranged in the one direction so as to be connected to the valve block of the corresponding one of the plurality of electromagnetic valves; a plurality of valve drive units each configured to be arranged corresponding to the corresponding one of the plurality of valve assemblies, and each of the plurality of valve drive units being configured to control driving of the corresponding one of the plurality of electromagnetic valves according to a control signal from a slave station; and the slave station configured to be arranged at one end of the electromagnetic valve group in the one direction, and the slave station being configured to receive the control signal from a master station for controlling driving of each of the plurality of electromagnetic valves, and the slave station being configured to output the control signal to each of the plurality of valve drive units, and the slave station being configured to output power for driving each of the plurality of valve drive units to each of the plurality of valve drive units. a plurality of valve assemblies arranged in a direction, each of the valve assemblies having a plurality of solenoid valves arranged side by side in the direction; 2. The electromagnetic valve group according to claim 1, wherein: a base is provided which extends in the one direction and supports the plurality of electromagnetic valves; and a bracket portion is provided which fixes each of the plurality of valve drive units to the base.

3. The electromagnetic valve group according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: each of the plurality of valve drive units has an adjuster; and the adjuster is configured to step down the power for driving each of the plurality of valve drive units output from the slave station output port to a driving voltage of the circuit substrate. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Images