Multi-control valve

Abstract

A multi-control valve includes a plurality of spools (3) arranged in a certain direction and a housing (2) provided with a plurality of slide holes (20) into which the spools (3) are respectively inserted. On the housing (2), a first pump passage (11) and a second pump passage (12) extending in the certain direction are provided on both sides across the spools (3). A common spool (4) commonly used for the first pump passage (11) and the second pump passage (12) of the spools (3) is inserted into a confluence slide hole (20A). In the housing (2), a first communication passage (6A) from the first pump passage (11) to the confluence slide hole (20A) is provided on the first pump passage (11) side with respect to the confluence slide hole (20A), and a second communication passage (6B) from the second pump passage (12) to the confluence slide hole (20A) is provided on the second pump passage (12) side with respect to the confluence slide hole (20A).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a multiple control valve including a plurality of spools. BACKGROUND

[0002] At present, a multiple control valve is used in an oil pressure circuit for driving an engineering machine such as an oil pressure shovel or an oil pressure crane. In the multiple control valve, a plurality of spools are slidably held in a housing. Each of the spools is used to control the working direction and working speed of a corresponding oil pressure actuator.

[0003] In the oil pressure circuit of the engineering machine, two pumps are sometimes used to supply a large amount of working oil to a specific oil pressure actuator. In this case, generally, the multiple control valve is configured so that working oil discharged from one pump and working oil discharged from the other pump are merged on the downstream side of two spools corresponding to the two pumps, respectively.

[0004] In recent years, a multiple control valve has also been proposed in which one spool is used for two pumps and working oil discharged from the two pumps is merged on the upstream side of the spool. For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a multiple control valve 100 as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 6

[0005] Specifically, the multiple control valve 100 includes a plurality of spools 120 (only one is illustrated in FIG. 2) arranged in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the paper of FIG. 1 and a housing 110 provided with a plurality of slide holes 111 (only one is illustrated in FIG. 2) into which the spools 120 are respectively inserted. Figure 6 Figure 6 Figure 6

[0006] In the housing 110, a first central bypass passage 101 and a first pump passage 103 through which working oil discharged from a first pump flows, and a second central bypass passage 102 and a second pump passage 104 through which working oil discharged from a second pump flows are provided.

[0007] The first central bypass passage 101 is a passage that extends in a form of passing through all the spools 120 after branching from the first pump passage 103. The first central bypass passage 101 is opened when all the spools 120 are in neutral positions and is closed when any of the spools 120 is moved from the neutral position. That is, the first central bypass passage 101 is configured using a part of the slide hole 111 at the position where the spool exists and is in a pulse shape displaced in the axial direction of the spool 120 at the same pitch as the spool 120. On the other hand, the first pump passage 103 extends in the arrangement direction of the spools 120 on one side of the spools 120.

[0008] ​​​​Likewise, the second central bypass passage 102 is a passage that extends in the form of branching from the second pump passage 104 and passing through all of the spools 120. The second central bypass passage 102 is opened when all of the spools 120 are in the neutral position, and is closed when any one of the spools 120 is moved from the neutral position. That is, the second central bypass passage 102 is constituted using a part of the slide hole 111 at the position where the spool exists, and is pulsed at the same pitch as the spools 120 in the axial direction of the spools 120. On the other hand, the second pump passage 104 extends in the arrangement direction of the spools 120 in parallel with the first pump passage 103.

[0009] Further, the housing 110 is provided with a bridge passage 112 that surrounds the first pump passage 103 and the second pump passage 104 together with the slide hole 111, a first communication hole 105 that communicates the first pump passage 103 with the bridge passage 112, and a second communication hole 106 that communicates the second pump passage 104 with the bridge passage 112.

[0010] Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the first communication hole 105 is provided with a one-way throttle valve 130, and the second communication hole 106 is provided with a blind plug 140, but it is described in Patent Document 1 that a pressure regulating device can be used instead of the one-way throttle valve 130 and the blind plug 140. In this case, the working oil supplied from the first pump passage 103 (the working oil discharged from the first pump) and the working oil supplied from the second pump passage 104 (the working oil discharged from the second pump) are combined in the bridge passage 112.

[0011] Prior Art Documents:

[0012] Patent Documents:

[0013] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-501914 SUMMARY

[0014] Problems to be Solved by the Invention:

[0015] However, in the structure in which the working oil is combined in the bridge passage 112 as described above, the working oil supplied from one pump passage passes through the pressure regulating device provided to the other pump passage, and thus the pressure loss is large.

[0016] Therefore, the present application aims to provide a multiple control valve that can suppress the pressure loss when one spool is used for two pumps to be smaller.

[0017] Means for Solving the Problems:

[0018] To solve the aforementioned problem, the multi-control valve of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a plurality of valve cores arranged in a specific direction; and a housing having a plurality of sliding holes into which the plurality of valve cores are respectively inserted, and a first pump passage and a second pump passage extending in the specific direction, disposed on both sides of the plurality of valve cores; the plurality of valve cores include a common valve core commonly used for the first pump passage and the second pump passage, the plurality of sliding holes including a confluence sliding hole into which the common valve core is inserted, and within the housing, a first connecting passage from the first pump passage to the confluence sliding hole is provided on the first pump passage side relative to the confluence sliding hole, and a second connecting passage from the second pump passage to the confluence sliding hole is provided on the second pump passage side relative to the confluence sliding hole.

[0019] According to the above structure, the working oil supplied from the first pump passage and the working oil supplied from the second pump passage merge in the confluence sliding orifice. Therefore, even if valves are installed on the first and second connecting passages respectively, the pressure loss can be suppressed to a smaller extent than before.

[0020] Invention effects:

[0021] According to the present invention, a multi-control valve is provided that can minimize pressure loss when using a single valve core for two pumps. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a diagram of a multi-control valve according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the axial direction of the valve core;

[0023] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view of line II-II;

[0024] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 A sectional view of line III-III;

[0025] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line IV-IV;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a modified multi-control valve;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of an existing multi-control valve. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figures 1 to 4 A multi-control valve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The multi-control valve 1 includes components in a specific direction (…). Figure 1A plurality of spools 3 arranged in a row and parallel to each other in the up-down direction and a housing 2 slidably holding the spools 3. In the drawing, the number of spools 3 is six, but the number of spools 3 can be appropriately changed.

[0029] Further, although not illustrated, one or a plurality of other spools not located on the arrangement surface of the spools 3 (a surface defined by the arrangement direction of the spools 3 and the axial direction of the spools 3) can be slidably held in the housing 2. When the plurality of other spools are arranged in a row, the spools can be arranged in a row in the side direction of the spools 3.

[0030] The housing 2 is a rectangular parallelepiped extending in the arrangement direction of the spools 3, and has a pair of end surfaces 25 and 26 orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the spools 3, a first side surface 21 and a second side surface 22 parallel to the arrangement surface of the spools 3, and a third side surface 23 and a fourth side surface 24 orthogonal to the axial direction of the spools 3. That is, the end surfaces 25 and 26 face opposite sides in the arrangement direction of the spools 3, the first side surface 21 and the second side surface 22 face opposite sides in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement surface of the spools 3, and the third side surface 23 and the fourth side surface 24 face opposite sides in the axial direction of the spools 3.

[0031] The housing 2 is provided with a plurality of slide holes 20 into which the spools 3 are respectively inserted. Each slide hole 20 penetrates the housing 2 and opens on the third side surface 23 and the fourth side surface 24. The opening of each slide hole 20 on the third side surface 23 is covered by a plate-shaped first cover 32, and the opening of each slide hole 20 on the fourth side surface 24 is covered by a container-shaped second cover 34.

[0032] However, the structure of the plurality of control valves 1 can be appropriately changed. For example, instead of the plurality of first covers 32, a block covering the openings of all the slide holes 20 on the third side surface 23 can be used, and instead of the plurality of second covers 34, a block covering the openings of all the slide holes 20 on the fourth side surface 24 can be used.

[0033] In the present embodiment, each spool 3 operates by pilot pressure. Therefore, the first cover 32 forms a first pilot chamber 31 between one end surface of the spool 3 and the first cover 32, and the first pilot chamber 31 introduces pilot pressure for moving the spool 3 to one side (upward in the drawing) in the axial direction, and the second cover 34 forms a second pilot chamber 33 between the other end surface of the spool 3 and the second cover 34, and the second pilot chamber 33 introduces pilot pressure for moving the spool 3 to the other side (downward in the drawing) in the axial direction. Figures 2 to 4 Figures 2 to 4

[0034] Further, each spool 3 does not necessarily have to operate by pilot pressure. For example, each spool 3 can be moved by an electric actuator including an electric motor and a direct acting mechanism.

[0035] ​​Within the second cover 34, a spring 35 is disposed to maintain the valve core 3 in a neutral position. This spring 35 applies force to return the valve core 3 to the neutral position both when the valve core 3 moves axially in one direction and in the other. This structure is well-known, so detailed description is omitted.

[0036] Inside the housing 2, a first pump passage 11 extending in the arrangement direction (the specific direction mentioned above) of the valve core 3 is provided between the first side 21 and the valve core 3, and a second pump passage 12 extending in the arrangement direction of the valve core 3 is provided between the second side 22 and the valve core 3. In other words, the first pump passage 11 and the second pump passage 12 are provided on both sides with the valve core 3 separated by the valve core 3.

[0037] The first pump passage 11 penetrates the housing 2 and has openings on end faces 25 and 26. One opening is blocked by a plug (illustrated), and the other opening is connected to the first pump (illustrated) via piping. Similarly, the second pump passage 12 penetrates the housing 2 and has openings on end faces 25 and 26. One opening is blocked by a plug (illustrated), and the other opening is connected to the second pump (illustrated) via piping.

[0038] In this embodiment, the valve core 3 includes: Figure 2 and Figure 3 The two common valve cores 4 shown are commonly used in the first pump passage 11 and the second pump passage 12; and as shown Figure 4 The first pump passage 11 and the second pump passage 12 are shown as one of them. Figure 4 The second pump passage 12) has four common valve cores 5. However, the number of common valve cores 4 and the number of common valve cores 5 can be changed appropriately. Also, valve core 3 may only include common valve core 4.

[0039] The maximum diameter of the common valve core 4 (the diameter of the platforms 43 and 45, described later) is larger than the maximum diameter of the ordinary valve core 5 (the diameter of the platforms 53 and 55, described later). The flow rate of the working oil flowing through the common valve core 4 is greater than the flow rate of the working oil flowing through the ordinary valve core 5. Therefore, if the maximum diameter of the common valve core 4 is larger than the maximum diameter of the ordinary valve core 5, the common valve core 4 can be made into a structure suitable for large flow rates.

[0040] Inside the housing 2, each valve core 3 is provided with a pair of supply and discharge passages 13. The supply and discharge passages 13 are opened on the first side 21 or the second side 22. These openings are connected to a bidirectional hydraulic actuator (hydraulic cylinder or hydraulic motor, not shown in the figure) via piping.

[0041] The common valve core 4 can supply working oil from both the first pump passage 11 and the second pump passage 12 to either the supply or discharge passage 13. Normally, the valve core 5 can supply working oil from either the first pump passage 11 or the second pump passage 12 to either the supply or discharge passage 13.

[0042] Further, the tank passage 14 is provided on the housing 2. The tank passage 14 is opened on either of the end faces 25, 26 and the first to fourth side faces 21 to 24, and is connected to the tank through a pipe, not shown.

[0043] First, the structure around a common spool 4 (the second from the bottom spool 3) will be described with reference to Figure 2 Figure 1 The common spool 4 is inserted into the common slide hole 20A in the slide hole 20.

[0044] On the housing 2, on the first pump passage 11 side with respect to the common slide hole 20A, in other words, between the first side face 21 and the common slide hole 20A, a first communication passage 6A from the first pump passage 11 to the common slide hole 20A is provided. Similarly, on the housing 2, on the second pump passage 12 side with respect to the common slide hole 20A, in other words, between the second side face 22 and the common slide hole 20A, a second communication passage 6B from the second pump passage 12 to the common slide hole 20A is provided. Figure 2 In the present embodiment, the pair of supply and discharge passages 13 are provided on both sides across the first communication passage 6A. However, the pair of supply and discharge passages 13 can be provided on both sides across the second communication passage 6B.

[0045] More specifically, the first communication passage 6A is composed of a bridge passage 62 that surrounds the first pump passage 11 together with the common slide hole 20A and a communication hole 61 that communicates the first pump passage 11 and the bridge passage 62. The communication hole 61 extends from the first pump passage 11 toward the opposite direction from the common slide hole 20A.

[0046] Similarly, the second communication passage 6B is composed of a bridge passage 64 that surrounds the second pump passage 12 together with the common slide hole 20A and a communication hole 63 that communicates the second pump passage 12 and the bridge passage 64. The communication hole 63 extends from the second pump passage 12 toward the opposite direction from the common slide hole 20A.

[0047] The bridge passage 62 is connected at both ends to the common slide hole 20A, and the pair of supply and discharge passages 13 are connected to the common slide hole 20A outside the both ends of the bridge passage 62. Further, the tank passage 14 is connected to the common slide hole 20A outside the pair of supply and discharge passages 13.

[0048] The common spool 4 includes a pair of land portions 43, 45 that open and close the supply and discharge passages 13 and a central small diameter portion 44 that links the pair of land portions 43, 45. Further, the common spool 4 includes an one end portion 41 and another end portion 47 that have the same diameter as the land portions 43, 45, an one end side small diameter portion 42 that links the one end portion 41 and the land portion 43, and another end side small diameter portion 46 that links the another end portion 47 and the land portion 45.

[0049] ​Both ends of the bridge passage 62 and both ends of the bridge passage 64 communicate with the annular flow path 40 between the inner peripheral surface of the confluence slide hole 20A and the central small-diameter portion 44.

[0050] In Figure 2 In the neutral position, the pair of supply and discharge passages 13 is closed by the land portions 43, 45. When the common spool 4 is moved from the neutral position to one axial direction (the upper direction in the drawing), the land portion 45 opens the supply and discharge passage 13 on one side (the upper side in the drawing), so that this supply and discharge passage 13 communicates with the first pump passage 11 through the annular flow path 40 and the first communication passage 6A, and communicates with the second pump passage 12 through the annular flow path 40 and the second communication passage 6B. At the same time, the land portion 43 opens the supply and discharge passage 13 on the other side (the lower side in the drawing), so that this supply and discharge passage 13 communicates with the tank passage 14 through the annular flow path between the inner peripheral surface of the confluence slide hole 20A and the one end side small-diameter portion 42. Figure 2 Figure 2 In the neutral position, the pair of supply and discharge passages 13 is closed by the land portions 43, 45. When the common spool 4 is moved from the neutral position to one axial direction (the upper direction in the drawing), the land portion 45 opens the supply and discharge passage 13 on one side (the upper side in the drawing), so that this supply and discharge passage 13 communicates with the first pump passage 11 through the annular flow path 40 and the first communication passage 6A, and communicates with the second pump passage 12 through the annular flow path 40 and the second communication passage 6B. At the same time, the land portion 43 opens the supply and discharge passage 13 on the other side (the lower side in the drawing), so that this supply and discharge passage 13 communicates with the tank passage 14 through the annular flow path between the inner peripheral surface of the confluence slide hole 20A and the one end side small-diameter portion 42. Figure 2

[0051] Conversely, when the common spool 4 is moved from the neutral position to the other axial direction (the lower direction in the drawing), the land portion 43 opens the supply and discharge passage 13 on one side (the lower side in the drawing), so that this supply and discharge passage 13 communicates with the first pump passage 11 through the annular flow path 40 and the first communication passage 6A, and communicates with the second pump passage 12 through the annular flow path 40 and the second communication passage 6B. At the same time, the land portion 45 opens the supply and discharge passage 13 on the other side (the upper side in the drawing), so that this supply and discharge passage 13 communicates with the tank passage 14 through the annular flow path between the inner peripheral surface of the confluence slide hole 20A and the other end side small-diameter portion 46. Figure 2 Figure 2 Conversely, when the common spool 4 is moved from the neutral position to the other axial direction (the lower direction in the drawing), the land portion 43 opens the supply and discharge passage 13 on one side (the lower side in the drawing), so that this supply and discharge passage 13 communicates with the first pump passage 11 through the annular flow path 40 and the first communication passage 6A, and communicates with the second pump passage 12 through the annular flow path 40 and the second communication passage 6B. At the same time, the land portion 45 opens the supply and discharge passage 13 on the other side (the upper side in the drawing), so that this supply and discharge passage 13 communicates with the tank passage 14 through the annular flow path between the inner peripheral surface of the confluence slide hole 20A and the other end side small-diameter portion 46. Figure 2

[0052] Figure 3 In the present embodiment, the first communication passage 6A and the second communication passage 6B are respectively provided with logic valves 7. The logic valve 7 provided in the first communication passage 6A is configured to open and close the communication hole 61 with respect to the opening of the bridge passage 62, and the logic valve 7 provided in the second communication passage 6B is configured to open and close the communication hole 63 with respect to the opening of the bridge passage 64.

[0053] These logic valves 7 have the same structure and allow flow from the first pump passage 11 or the second pump passage 12 toward the confluence slide hole 20A but prohibit the reverse flow. In addition, the logic valves 7 are configured to be able to change the opening degree when allowing flow from the first pump passage 11 or the second pump passage 12 toward the confluence slide hole 20A. The logic valves 7 can be pilot type in which the opening degree is changed by a pilot pressure, or can be electromagnetic type in which the opening degree is changed by an electric signal.

[0054] ​​​​Specifically, the logic valve 7 includes a valve body 71 slidably held to the housing 2, a control unit 72 mounted to the first side surface 21 or the second side surface 22, and a spring 73 disposed between the valve body 71 and the control unit 72. Further, the structure of the logic valve 7 is known, and thus a more detailed description is omitted.

[0055] Figure 1 The structure around the illustrated common spool 4 Figure 2 the third spool 3) is different from the structure around the illustrated common spool 4 Figure 3 The only point in which the structure around the illustrated common spool 4 is different from the structure around the illustrated common spool 4 Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first communication passage 6A is constituted by an L-shaped passage 66 and a communication hole 65 that communicates the first pump passage 11 with the L-shaped passage 66. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the pair of supply and discharge passages 13 are provided on both sides with the first communication passage 6A interposed therebetween. However, the pair of supply and discharge passages 13 can be provided on both sides with the second communication passage 6B interposed therebetween.

[0056] The L-shaped passage 66 is constituted by a parallel portion that is located on the opposite side of the first pump passage 11 from the confluence sliding hole 20A and is parallel to the axial direction of the common spool 4, and a perpendicular portion that connects one end of the parallel portion with the confluence sliding hole 20A and is perpendicular to the axial direction of the common spool 4. The communication hole 65 extends from the first pump passage 11 toward the opposite side of the confluence sliding hole 20A.

[0057] Further, Figure 4 In this embodiment, a load check valve 8 is provided on the first communication passage 6A. The load check valve 8 is constituted in a form in which an opening of the communication hole 65 with respect to the L-shaped passage 66 is opened and closed. The load check valve 8 allows flow from the first pump passage 11 toward the confluence sliding hole 20A but prohibits flow in the opposite direction.

[0058] Specifically, the load check valve 8 includes a main body 82 fixed to the housing 2, a valve body 81 slidably held to the main body 82, and a spring 83 disposed between the main body 82 and the valve body 81. Further, the structure of the load check valve 8 is known, and thus a more detailed description is omitted.

[0059] Finally, the structure around one of the common spools 5 Figure 1 (the lowermost spool 3) will be described with reference to FIG. 6. Although a description of the structure around the other common spools 5 is omitted, the structure around the other common spools 5 is the same as or similar to the structure illustrated in FIG. 6. Figure 4 Figure 4 The common spool 5 is inserted into a common sliding hole 20B in the sliding hole 20.

[0060] The common spool 5 is inserted into a common sliding hole 20B in the sliding hole 20. Figure 4 ​In the housing 2, on the second pump passage 12 side, relative to the normal sliding hole 20B, in other words, between the second side 22 and the normal sliding hole 20B, there is a connecting passage 6C from the second pump passage 12 to the normal sliding hole 20B. Figure 4 In the middle, a pair of supply and drainage passages 13 are set on both sides, separated by connecting passage 6C.

[0061] More specifically, the connecting passage 6C consists of a bridge passage 68 surrounding the second pump passage 12 together with the normal sliding hole 20B, and a connecting hole 67 connecting the second pump passage 12 to the bridge passage 68. The connecting hole 67 extends from the second pump passage 12 in the opposite direction to the normal sliding hole 20B.

[0062] Both ends of the bridge passage 68 are connected to the normal sliding holes 20B, and the pair of feed passages 13 are connected to the normal sliding holes 20B on the outer sides of both ends of the bridge passage 68. Furthermore, on the outer sides of the pair of feed passages 13, the tank passage 14 is connected to the normal sliding holes 20B.

[0063] Typically, the valve core 5 includes a pair of platforms 53 and 55 between the supply / discharge passage 13 and the connecting passage 6C, and a central small-diameter portion 54 connecting the pair of platforms 53 and 55. In addition, the valve core 5 typically includes: an end 51 and an end 57 with the same diameter as the platforms 53 and 55; a small-diameter portion 52 connecting the end 51 to the platform 53; and a small-diameter portion 56 connecting the other end 57 to the platform 55.

[0064] The two ends of the bridge passage 68 are connected to the annular flow path 50 between the inner circumferential surface of the normal sliding hole 20B and the central small diameter portion 54.

[0065] exist Figure 4 In the neutral position shown, the pair of supply / discharge passages 13 and connecting passage 6C are closed via platforms 53 and 55. Normally, valve core 5 moves from the neutral position towards one axial direction (…). Figure 4 When the upper middle part moves, the platform 53 opens one side ( Figure 4 The supply passage 13 (lower side) is connected to the connecting passage 6C, thereby connecting the supply passage 13 to the second pump passage 12 via the annular flow path between the inner circumferential surface of the normal sliding hole 20B and the small diameter portion 52 at one end. Simultaneously, the other end 57 opens the other side (…). Figure 4 The supply passage 13 (on the upper side) is connected to the tank passage 14 through an annular flow path between the inner circumferential surface of the normal sliding hole 20B and the small diameter portion 56 on the other end.

[0066] Conversely, valve core 5 typically moves from the neutral position to the other axial direction ( Figure 4 When the lower middle part moves, the platform 55 opens one side ( Figure 4The supply passage 13 (on the upper side) is connected to the connecting passage 6C, thereby connecting the supply passage 13 to the second pump passage 12 via the annular flow path and connecting passage 6C between the inner circumferential surface of the normal sliding hole 20B and the small diameter portion 56 on the other end. Simultaneously, one end 51 opens the other side ( Figure 4 The supply passage 13 (lower side) is connected to the tank passage 14 through an annular flow path between the inner circumferential surface of the normal sliding hole 20B and the small diameter portion 52 at one end.

[0067] Figure 4 In the middle, a load check valve 8 is provided on the connecting passage 6C. The load check valve 8 is configured to open and close the opening of the connecting orifice 67 relative to the bridge passage 68. The load check valve 8 allows flow from the second pump passage 12 toward the normal sliding orifice 20B but prohibits its reverse flow.

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, the distance D1 from the first side 21 to the first pump passage 11 is greater than the distance D2 from the second side 22 to the second pump passage 12. According to this structure, additional devices can be configured using the space between the first side 21 and the first pump passage 11.

[0069] Figure 4 In the housing 2, a sliding hole 27 for inserting a valve core 9, different from the valve core 3, is provided between the first side 21 and the first pump passage 11. Furthermore, the housing 2 has a connecting passage 6D from the first pump passage 11 to the sliding hole 27. The sliding hole 27 opens on the third side 23, and this opening is covered by a container-shaped cap 92.

[0070] The valve core 9 operates by pilot pressure. Therefore, the cover 92 forms a first pilot chamber 91 between itself and one end face of the valve core 9, and the first pilot chamber 91 is filled with a material used to axially move the valve core 9 to one side. Figure 2 The pilot pressure moves the valve core 9 (upper center). The length of the valve core 9 is about half that of the valve core 3, and a second pilot chamber 94 is formed on the housing 2. The second pilot chamber 94 is filled with a pressure to move the valve core 9 in the opposite axial direction. Figure 3 (Lower center) The pilot pressure moves. Inside the cover 92, a spring 93 is arranged in the same way as the valve core 3 to maintain the valve core 9 in the neutral position.

[0071] In the multi-control valve 1 described above, when the common valve core 4 is working, the working oil supplied from the first pump passage 11 and the working oil supplied from the second pump passage 12 merge in the confluence sliding orifice 20A. Therefore, even if a logic valve 7 and a load check valve 8 are respectively installed on the first connecting passage 6A and the second connecting passage 6B, the pressure loss can be suppressed to a smaller extent compared to the past.

[0072] Moreover, such as Figure 6 and Figure 5As shown, if a logic valve 7 is provided in at least one of the first communication passage 6A and the second communication passage 6B, the flow rate ratio of the working oil supplied from the first pump passage 11 and the working oil supplied from the second pump passage 12 at the time of their confluence can be adjusted.

[0073] However, Figure 5 In the existing multi-control valve 100 shown, the first pump passage 103 and the second pump passage 104 are arranged in the axial direction of the spool 120, so the size of the housing 110 in the axial direction of the spool 120 is large. In contrast, in the multi-control valve 1 of the present embodiment, the first pump passage 11 and the second pump passage 12 are provided on both sides across the spool 3, so the size of the housing 2 in the axial direction of the spool 3 can be made small.

[0074] (Modified Example)

[0075] The present application is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present application.

[0076] For example, although not shown, instead of the central small-diameter portion 44 of the common spool 4, a central land portion and small-diameter portions on both sides thereof can be employed. However, if the central small-diameter portion 44 is employed as in the above-described embodiment, the working oil can flow from the communication hole (61 or 63) toward both sides to the bridge passage (62 or 64). Therefore, compared with the case where the central land portion is provided in the common spool 4, the pressure loss can be reduced.

[0077] Further, the common spool 4 need not necessarily be a single spool. For example, as shown in Figure 5 The common spool 4 can also be divided into a first spool 4A including the land portion 43 of the feed / discharge passage 13 on one side and a second spool 4B including the land portion 45 of the feed / discharge passage 13 on the other side. If this structure is employed, the liquid intake control and the liquid discharge control can be performed independently of each other.

[0078] Further, as shown in Figure 5 When the common spool 4 is composed of the first spool 4A and the second spool 4B arranged on the same axis, the structure in which the first pump passage 11 and the second pump passage 12 are provided on both sides of the portion between the first spool 4A and the second spool 4B is also included in the structure in which the first pump passage 11 and the second pump passage 12 are provided on both sides across the common spool 4.

[0079] More specifically, Figure 2 In the modified example shown, the confluence slide hole 20A does not penetrate the housing 2, but is composed of two bottomed holes 20C, 20D on the same axis. The first spool 4A is inserted into the bottomed hole 20C opened on the third side surface 23, and the second spool 4B is inserted into the bottomed hole 20D opened on the fourth side surface 24.

[0080] Further, Figure 5In the modification shown, the first cover 32 is formed in a container shape, and a first pilot chamber 31 is formed between the first cover 32 and an end surface of the first spool 4A. Within the first cover 32, a spring 36 for maintaining the first spool 4A in the neutral position is disposed. On the other hand, a spring 35 disposed within the second cover 34 functions to maintain the second spool 4B in the neutral position.

[0081] A third pilot chamber 37 is formed between the other end surface of the first spool 4A and the bottom of the bottomed hole 20C, and a fourth pilot chamber 38 is formed between an end surface of the second spool 4B and the bottom of the bottomed hole 20D.

[0082] The first spool 4A includes the end portion 41, the small-diameter portion 42, and the land portion 43 described in the embodiment, and includes an other end portion 48b of the same diameter as the land portion 43 and an other end-side small-diameter portion 48a that links the other end portion 48b and the land portion 43. Likewise, the second spool 4B includes the other end portion 47, the other end-side small-diameter portion 46, and the land portion 45 described in the embodiment, and includes a one end portion 49b of the same diameter as the land portion 45 and a one end-side small-diameter portion 49a that links the one end portion 49b and the land portion 45.

[0083] Further, ​ and ​ In the embodiment, the logic valve 7 is provided on the first communication passage 6A and the second communication passage 6B, but instead of the logic valve 7, a load check valve 8 can be provided on the first communication passage 6A and / or the second communication passage 6B.

[0084] (Summary)

[0085] The multiple control valve of the present application is characterized by comprising: a plurality of spools arranged in a certain direction; a first pump passage and a second pump passage provided in a housing on both sides with the plurality of spools interposed therebetween and extending in the certain direction; and a plurality of slide holes into which the plurality of spools are respectively inserted, wherein the plurality of spools include a common spool commonly used for the first pump passage and the second pump passage, the plurality of slide holes include a merging slide hole into which the common spool is inserted, and the housing has a first communication passage from the first pump passage to the merging slide hole provided on the first pump passage side with respect to the merging slide hole and a second communication passage from the second pump passage to the merging slide hole provided on the second pump passage side with respect to the merging slide hole.

[0086] According to the above structure, working oil supplied from the first pump passage and working oil supplied from the second pump passage merge in the merging slide hole. Therefore, even if a valve is provided on each of the first communication passage and the second communication passage, pressure loss can be suppressed smaller than in the past.

[0087] Also, a pair of supply and discharge passages can be provided on both sides of the first communication passage or the second communication passage in the housing, and the common valve core can include a pair of land portions that open and close the pair of supply and discharge passages and a small-diameter portion that is connected to the pair of land portions. At least one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage can include a bridge passage that communicates with an annular flow path between the inner circumferential surface of the confluence sliding hole and the small-diameter portion at both ends, and a communication hole that communicates the first pump passage or the second pump passage with the bridge passage. According to this structure, working oil can flow from the communication hole toward both sides to the bridge passage. Therefore, compared to a case in which the land portion is in the center of the common valve core, pressure loss can be reduced.

[0088] Alternatively, a pair of supply and discharge passages can be provided on both sides of the first communication passage or the second communication passage in the housing, and the common valve core can be divided into a first valve core that includes a land portion that opens and closes one of the pair of supply and discharge passages and a second valve core that includes a land portion that opens and closes the other of the pair of supply and discharge passages. According to this structure, liquid inlet control and liquid outlet control can be performed independently of each other.

[0089] For example, the plurality of valve cores can include a general valve core for one of the first pump passage and the second pump passage.

[0090] The maximum diameter of the common valve core can be greater than the maximum diameter of the general valve core. According to this structure, the common valve core can be configured to be suitable for flow rate.

[0091] The housing can have a first side surface and a second side surface that are parallel to the arrangement surface of the plurality of valve cores and face opposite sides of each other. The first pump passage can be provided between the first side surface and the plurality of valve cores, and the second pump passage can be provided between the second side surface and the plurality of valve cores. The distance from the first side surface to the first pump passage can be longer than the distance from the second side surface to the second pump passage. According to this structure, another device can be configured using the space between the first side surface and the first pump passage.

[0092] For example, a sliding hole into which a valve core different from the plurality of valve cores is inserted can be provided between the first side surface and the first pump passage in the housing.

[0093] A logic valve that allows flow from the first pump passage or the second pump passage toward the confluence sliding hole but prohibits reverse flow and in which the opening degree when flow from the first pump passage or the second pump passage toward the confluence sliding hole is allowed can be provided in at least one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage. According to this structure, the flow rate ratio of working oil supplied from the first pump passage and working oil supplied from the second pump passage when they confluence can be adjusted.

Claims

1. A multiple control valve, provided with a plurality of spools arranged in a certain direction; and a housing provided with a plurality of slide holes into which the plurality of spools are respectively inserted, and first and second pump passages which are independent of each other and extend in the certain direction, provided on both sides with the plurality of spools interposed therebetween; the plurality of spools including a common spool commonly used for the first and second pump passages, the plurality of slide holes including a confluence slide hole into which the common spool is inserted, in the housing, a first communication passage from the first pump passage to the confluence slide hole is provided on the first pump passage side with respect to the confluence slide hole, and a second communication passage from the second pump passage to the confluence slide hole is provided on the second pump passage side with respect to the confluence slide hole, the first pump passage is connected to a first pump, and the second pump passage is connected to a second pump, in the housing, a pair of supply and discharge passages are provided on both sides with the first communication passage or the second communication passage interposed therebetween, the common spool includes a pair of land portions which open and close the pair of supply and discharge passages, and a small-diameter portion which links the pair of land portions, The first and second communication paths each include: bridge passages which communicate both ends thereof with an annular flow path between an inner peripheral surface of the confluence slide hole and the small-diameter portion; and communication holes which communicate the first pump passage or the second pump passage with the bridge passages, when the common spool is positioned at a neutral position, working oil which flows from both ends of the bridge passage of the first communication passage to the annular flow path and working oil which flows from both ends of the bridge passage of the second communication passage to the annular flow path are confluenced in the annular flow path.

2. A multiple control valve, provided with a plurality of spools arranged in a certain direction; and a housing provided with a plurality of slide holes into which the plurality of spools are respectively inserted, and first and second pump passages which are independent of each other and extend in the certain direction, provided on both sides with the plurality of spools interposed therebetween; the plurality of spools including a common spool commonly used for the first and second pump passages, the plurality of slide holes including a confluence slide hole into which the common spool is inserted, in the housing, a first communication passage from the first pump passage to the confluence slide hole is provided on the first pump passage side with respect to the confluence slide hole, and a second communication passage from the second pump passage to the confluence slide hole is provided on the second pump passage side with respect to the confluence slide hole, the first pump passage is connected to a first pump, and the second pump passage is connected to a second pump, in the housing, a pair of supply and discharge passages are provided on both sides with the first communication passage or the second communication passage interposed therebetween, the common spool is divided into a first spool including a land portion which opens and closes one of the pair of supply and discharge passages, an end portion which is the same diameter as the land portion, and a small-diameter portion which links the end portion and the land portion, and a second spool including a land portion which opens and closes the other of the pair of supply and discharge passages, an end portion which is the same diameter as the land portion, and a small-diameter portion which links the end portion and the land portion, The first and second communication paths each include: a bridge passage which communicates one end with the annular flow path between the inner peripheral surface of the confluence slide hole and the small diameter portion of the first spool and the other end with the annular flow path between the inner peripheral surface of the confluence slide hole and the small diameter portion of the second spool, and a communication hole which communicates the first pump passage or the second pump passage with the bridge passage, when the common spool is in the neutral position, working oil which flows from the one end of the bridge passage of the first communication passage to the annular flow path between the small diameter portion of the first spool and the inner peripheral surface of the confluence slide hole and working oil which flows from the one end of the bridge passage of the second communication passage to the annular flow path confluences in the annular flow path, working oil which flows from the other end of the bridge passage of the first communication passage to the annular flow path between the small diameter portion of the second spool and the inner peripheral surface of the confluence slide hole and working oil which flows from the other end of the bridge passage of the second communication passage to the annular flow path confluences in the annular flow path.

3. The multiple control valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of spools includes a normal spool for one of the first pump passage and the second pump passage.

4. The multiple control valve according to claim 3, wherein the maximum diameter of the common spool is larger than the maximum diameter of the normal spool.

5. The multiple control valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing has a first side surface and a second side surface which are parallel to the arrangement surface of the plurality of spools and face opposite sides of each other, the first pump passage is provided between the first side surface and the plurality of spools, the second pump passage is provided between the second side surface and the plurality of spools, the distance from the first side surface to the first pump passage is longer than the distance from the second side surface to the second pump passage.

6. The multiple control valve according to claim 5, wherein in the housing, a slide hole into which a spool different from the plurality of spools is inserted is provided between the first side surface and the first pump passage.

7. The multiple control valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a logic valve which allows flow from the first pump passage or the second pump passage toward the confluence slide hole but prohibits reverse flow thereof and whose opening degree when allowing flow from the first pump passage or the second pump passage toward the confluence slide hole can be changed is provided in at least one of the first communication passage and the second communication passage.

Images