Automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking holding function and working method

Abstract

The invention provides an automatic reset pneumatic time delay device with a self-locking maintaining function and a working method, and belongs to the technical field of pneumatic automatic control. The pneumatic valve solves the problem of how to realize signal self-locking after delayed output in one pneumatic valve and allow an internal timing gas circuit to be quickly emptied and return to zero without influencing the output state after a front-end control signal is cancelled. The input reversing module, the flow adjusting module, the high-pressure priority logic module and the output reversing module are integrated in a valve body base, the input reversing module is located at the front end of a gas circuit and is of a pneumatic control reversing valve structure, the gas inlet end of the input reversing module is connected with a gas inlet, and the exhaust end of the input reversing module is connected with a first exhaust port; the control end of the input reversing module is connected with a control signal port, a working port of the input reversing module is connected with the flow adjusting module, and the flow adjusting module comprises a flow control valve and an air bag cavity. The pneumatic delay device is mainly used for pneumatic delay devices.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of pneumatic automation control technology, and in particular relates to an automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking and holding function and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] In existing pneumatic control systems, time-delay valves are typically used to achieve delayed execution of actions. Traditional time-delay valves suffer from a single logical constraint: their output state is strongly correlated with the internal air bladder pressure. Patent document CN211821734U discloses a pneumatic time-delay device for purging explosion-proof motors, with the following logical sequence: control signal present, air bladder inflated, output open; control signal absent, air bladder deflated, output immediately closed. However, in many complex processes, such as positive pressure protection systems (pressure forming and holding) and sequential action control, the process requires that after the delay ends, even if the trigger signal disappears, the subsequent actuator must remain operational. Simultaneously, for the next logical timing to be complete, it is desirable for the internal timing element to be immediately reset, ready for the next timing, rather than waiting until the entire process is completely finished before degassing and resetting. Existing technologies typically require multiple external logic valves (OR gates, AND gates) and self-locking circuits to achieve this function, resulting in complex piping, large size, and increased leakage risk. Therefore, developing a single valve body device integrating both "state holding" and "internal reset" functions has significant practical value. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose an automatic reset pneumatic delay device and its working method with a self-locking holding function, so as to solve the problem of how to achieve signal self-locking after delay output in a pneumatic valve, and allow the internal timing air path to be quickly emptied and returned to zero after the front-end control signal is withdrawn without affecting the output state.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: an automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking and holding function, comprising an input reversing module, a flow regulation module, a high-pressure priority logic module, and an output reversing module integrated within a valve body base. The input reversing module is located at the front end of the air path and is a pneumatically controlled reversing valve structure. The inlet end of the input reversing module is connected to an air inlet, the exhaust end of the input reversing module is connected to a first exhaust port, the control end of the input reversing module is connected to a control signal port, and the working port of the input reversing module is connected to the flow regulation module. The flow regulation module includes a flow control valve and an air bladder cavity. The flow control valve is connected in series between the input reversing module and the airbag cavity. The high-pressure priority logic module is a shuttle valve. The first input terminal of the high-pressure priority logic module is connected to the outlet of the airbag cavity. The common output terminal of the high-pressure priority logic module is connected to the pilot control chamber of the output reversing module. The output reversing module is a pneumatically controlled reversing valve structure. The air inlet of the output reversing module is connected to the main air supply port. The air outlet of the output reversing module is connected to the second air outlet. The working port of the output reversing module is connected to the working output port. The main air supply port is connected to the second input terminal of the high-pressure priority logic module and the pilot control chamber of the output reversing module through an internal feedback flow channel.

[0005] Furthermore, the input reversing module is a two-position three-way pneumatic reversing valve. Furthermore, the flow control valve is an adjustable throttle valve.

[0006] Furthermore, the air inlet is the air supply port for the timing circuit.

[0007] Furthermore, the control signal port is a start signal input port.

[0008] Furthermore, the main air supply port is a power circuit air supply port.

[0009] Furthermore, the working output port is connected to the actuator.

[0010] Furthermore, the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port are used for timing circuit reset exhaust and output circuit exhaust, respectively.

[0011] Furthermore, the pilot control chamber is a pressure chamber for the output commutation module.

[0012] The present invention also provides a method for operating an automatic reset pneumatic delay device with a self-locking holding function, as detailed below: Initially, air pressure is supplied to the air inlet and main air supply port, there is no signal at the control signal port, and the input reversing module is in the off state. When the timing starts, the control signal port inputs a control signal pressure, which is then input to the reversing module for reversing. Gas is then introduced into the air inlet, and the gas is filled into the airbag cavity through the flow control valve. When the timing ends and the pressure inside the airbag cavity reaches the set value, the pressurized gas inside the airbag cavity pushes the shuttle valve and enters the pilot control chamber. The pressure established in the pilot control chamber pushes the output reversing module to reverse, and the high-pressure gas from the main air supply port flows to the working output port to perform external work. When the control signal port signal is canceled, the input reversing module is reset, and the gas in the airbag cavity flows in reverse to the input reversing module through the flow control valve, and is finally discharged from the first exhaust port, and the pressure in the airbag cavity returns to zero. At this time, since the output reversing module has been opened, the high-pressure gas from the main air supply port acts on the other end of the shuttle valve through the internal feedback channel. According to the high-pressure priority characteristic of the shuttle valve, the shuttle valve automatically switches the gas source and uses the pressure of the main air supply port to continue to maintain the high-pressure state of the pilot control chamber, and the working output port continues to output. The main air supply to the main air supply port is cut off, the pilot control chamber loses pressure, the output reversing module is reset, and the output is shut off.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: Traditional self-locking delay circuits typically require the internal airbag to maintain a high-pressure state during the output hold period. This means the airbag can only begin degassing and resetting after the entire process is completely finished (main air supply cut off). This results in a long reset waiting time, preventing immediate commencement of the next work cycle. This invention achieves parallel processing of output hold and timing-based zero-reset. The input commutation module immediately activates the moment the external control signal is withdrawn, causing the airbag cavity to quickly empty and reset through the first exhaust port. This resolves the timing conflict between delayed output and internal reset, significantly improving system efficiency. This invention reduces the system's reset preparation time to near zero. Compared to traditional circuits, the system cycle can be optimized from the original action time + reset time to depend only on the action time, resulting in a significant efficiency improvement.

[0014] Existing systems that implement the same logic (delay + self-locking + reset) typically require the combined use of one delay valve, one shuttle valve, multiple pneumatic valves, and at least 3-5 external connecting air pipes. This results in numerous connection points, a high risk of leakage, and a large footprint in the electrical control cabinet or equipment installation space. This invention integrates all the aforementioned logic components into a single valve body base (3), eliminating the need for external intermediate pipe connections. This highly integrated structure significantly reduces the risk of leakage and installation space requirements. Compared to circuits built with discrete components, the installation volume is reduced by approximately 40%-60%. The number of external connection points is reduced from the original 6-8 to a standard 4-5, greatly improving the system's airtightness and reliability.

[0015] Existing conventional time-delay valves immediately disconnect their output when the control signal (electrical or pneumatic) is unexpectedly jittered or momentarily lost, potentially causing the fixture to loosen, the workpiece to fall, or equipment malfunction. This invention utilizes a high-pressure priority logic module to introduce pressure feedback from the main air supply port. Once the delay trigger is successful, even if the front-end control signal unexpectedly disappears, the working output port can still self-lock in the open state using its own circuit pressure until the main air source is actively cut off. This invention achieves a memory retention function at the pneumatic logic level, providing strong anti-interference capabilities and ensuring process integrity under unstable control signal conditions.

[0016] This invention employs high-pressure priority relay technology, innovatively utilizing a shuttle valve as the core of logic conversion to seamlessly switch between delayed trigger pressure and output feedback pressure, which is key to achieving self-locking without human intervention. This invention uses an active rapid exhaust structure, with the input reversing module employing a two-position three-way structure. In the non-operating state, it actively opens the first exhaust port, cooperating with the unidirectional bypass of the flow regulation module to ensure no residual pressure within the airbag, guaranteeing the repeatability accuracy of the next timing cycle. This invention uses a same-source, different-path drive, allowing the control air path and power air path to share the same pressure source, and utilizes internal flow channel design to achieve logical isolation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking and holding function according to the present invention.

[0018] In the picture: A-Input reversing module, B-Flow regulation module, C-High pressure priority logic module, D-Output reversing module, 1-Inlet, 2-First exhaust port, 3-Valve body base, 4-Control signal port, 5-Flow control valve, 6-Shuttle valve, 7-Working output port, 8-Internal feedback channel, 9-Main air supply port, 10-Second exhaust port, 11-Pilot control chamber, 12-Airbag chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.

[0020] See Figure 1This embodiment describes an automatic reset pneumatic delay device with a self-locking holding function. It includes an input reversing module A, a flow regulation module B, a high-pressure priority logic module C, and an output reversing module D integrated within a valve body base 3. The input reversing module A is located at the front end of the air path and is a pneumatically controlled reversing valve structure. The inlet end of the input reversing module A is connected to an inlet port 1, the outlet end of the input reversing module A is connected to a first outlet port 2, the control end of the input reversing module A is connected to a control signal port 4, and the working port of the input reversing module A is connected to the flow regulation module B. The flow regulation module B includes a flow control valve 5 and an air bladder cavity 12. The flow control valve 5 is connected in series with... Between the input reversing module A and the airbag cavity 12, the high-pressure priority logic module C is a shuttle valve 6. The first input terminal of the high-pressure priority logic module C is connected to the outlet of the airbag cavity 12. The common output terminal of the high-pressure priority logic module C is connected to the pilot control cavity 11 of the output reversing module D. The output reversing module D is a pneumatically controlled reversing valve structure. The air inlet of the output reversing module D is connected to the main air supply port 9. The exhaust terminal of the output reversing module D is connected to the second exhaust port 10. The working port of the output reversing module D is connected to the working output port 7. The main air supply port 9 is connected to the second input terminal of the high-pressure priority logic module C and the pilot control cavity 11 of the output reversing module D through the internal feedback flow channel 8.

[0021] In this embodiment, the input reversing module A is a two-position three-way pneumatic reversing valve, the flow control valve 5 is an adjustable throttle valve, the air inlet 1 is the air supply port for the timing circuit, the control signal port 4 is the start signal input port, the main air supply port 9 is the air supply port for the power circuit, the working output port 7 is connected to the actuator, the first exhaust port 2 and the second exhaust port 10 are used for timing circuit reset exhaust and output circuit exhaust, respectively, and the pilot control chamber 11 is the pressure chamber for the operation of the output reversing module D.

[0022] This embodiment describes the working method of an automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking and holding function, as detailed below: Initially, air pressure is supplied to air inlet 1 and main air supply port 9, there is no signal at control signal port 4, and input reversing module A is in the off state. When the timing starts, the control signal pressure is input to the control signal port 4, and the input to the reversing module A is reversed. Gas is introduced into the air inlet 1, and the gas is filled into the airbag cavity 12 through the flow control valve 5. When the timing ends and the pressure inside the airbag cavity 12 reaches the set value, the pressure gas inside the airbag cavity 12 pushes the shuttle valve 6 and enters the pilot control cavity 11. The pressure established in the pilot control cavity 11 pushes the output reversing module D to reverse, and the high-pressure gas from the main air supply port 9 flows to the working output port 7 to perform external work. When the control signal port 4 signal is canceled, the input switching module A is reset, and the gas in the airbag cavity 12 flows in reverse to the input switching module A through the flow control valve 5, and is finally discharged from the first exhaust port 2, and the pressure in the airbag cavity 12 returns to zero. At this time, since the output switching module D has been opened, the high-pressure gas from the main air supply port 9 acts on the other end of the shuttle valve 6 through the internal feedback channel 8. According to the high-pressure priority characteristic of the shuttle valve, the shuttle valve 6 automatically switches the gas source and uses the pressure of the main air supply port 9 to continue to maintain the high-pressure state of the pilot control cavity 11, and the working output port 7 continues to output. The main air supply to the main air supply port 9 is cut off, the pilot control chamber 11 loses pressure, the output commutation module D is reset, and the output is shut off.

[0023] The specific implementation method is described below: An automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking function includes an input reversing module A, a flow regulation module B, a high-pressure priority logic module C, and an output reversing module D integrated within a valve body base 3. The input reversing module A is located at the front end of the air path and is a pneumatically controlled reversing valve structure. Its inlet end is connected to the inlet port 1, its exhaust end is connected to the first exhaust port 2, its control end is connected to the control signal port 4, and its working port is connected to the flow regulation module B. The flow regulation module B includes a flow control valve 5 and an air bladder cavity 12, with the flow control valve 5 connected in series between the input reversing module A and the air bladder cavity 12. The high-pressure priority logic module C is a shuttle valve 6, with its first input end connected to the outlet of the air bladder cavity 12 and its common output end connected to the pilot control chamber 11 of the output reversing module D. The output reversing module D is a pneumatically controlled reversing valve structure, with its inlet end connected to the main air supply port 9, its exhaust end connected to the second exhaust port 10, and its working port connected to the working output port 7. The main air supply port 9 is connected to the second input terminal of the high-pressure priority logic module C and the pilot control chamber 11 of the output reversing module D via the internal feedback flow channel 8. The input reversing module A is a two-position three-way pneumatic reversing valve, the flow control valve 5 is an adjustable throttle valve, the air inlet 1 is the air supply port for the timing circuit, the control signal port 4 is the start signal input port, the main air supply port 9 is the air supply port for the power circuit, the working output port 7 is connected to the actuator, the first exhaust port 2 and the second exhaust port 10 are used for timing circuit reset exhaust and output circuit exhaust, respectively, and the pilot control chamber 11 is the pressure chamber for the operation of the output reversing module D.

[0024] In the initial state, air pressure is supplied to the air inlet 1 and the main air supply port 9, there is no signal at the control signal port 4, the input reversing module A is in the closed state, the timing circuit does not work, there is no pressure in the airbag cavity 12, the high pressure priority logic module C has no output, the output reversing module D is also in the closed position, and the working output port 7 has no output.

[0025] When the timing starts, the control signal port 4 inputs the control signal pressure, and the input switching module A switches. The gas introduced into the air inlet 1 is filled into the airbag cavity 12 through the flow control valve 5. The pressure in the airbag cavity 12 rises slowly. At this time, the output switching module D remains closed, and there is no output from the working output port 7.

[0026] When the timing ends, the pressure inside the airbag cavity 12 accumulates to the set value. The pressure gas inside the airbag cavity 12 pushes the shuttle valve 6 and enters the pilot control cavity 11. The pressure established in the pilot control cavity 11 pushes the output reversing module D to reverse, and the high-pressure gas from the main air supply port 9 flows to the working output port 7 to perform external work.

[0027] When the control signal port 4 signal is canceled, the input switching module A is reset, and the gas in the airbag cavity 12 flows in reverse to the input switching module A through the flow control valve 5, and is finally discharged from the first exhaust port 2, and the pressure in the airbag cavity 12 returns to zero. At this time, since the output switching module D has been opened, the high-pressure gas from the main air supply port 9 acts on the other end of the shuttle valve 6 through the internal feedback channel 8. According to the high-pressure priority characteristic of the shuttle valve, the shuttle valve 6 automatically switches the gas source and uses the pressure of the main air supply port 9 to continue to maintain the high-pressure state of the pilot control cavity 11, and the working output port 7 continues to output.

[0028] The main air supply to the main air supply port 9 is cut off, the pilot control chamber 11 loses pressure, the output commutation module D is reset, and the output is shut off.

[0029] In the above structure, the input reversing module A controls the on / off state of the timing circuit via the control signal. The flow regulation module B adjusts the inflation speed of the airbag cavity 12 through the flow control valve 5 to achieve the delay function. The high-pressure priority logic module C uses the shuttle valve 6 to switch logic between the pressure of the airbag cavity 12 and the pressure of the main air supply port 9, achieving seamless connection between delay triggering and output self-locking. The output reversing module D completes the switching of the air path under the pressure of the main air supply port 9 and the pilot control chamber 11, thereby realizing the on / off control of the working output port 7. The internal feedback flow channel 8 leads the pressure of the main air supply port 9 to the second input end of the shuttle valve 6 and the pilot control chamber 11, so that even after the control signal is withdrawn and the airbag cavity 12 is deflated to zero, the pressure of the main air supply port 9 can still maintain the high pressure of the pilot control chamber 11, ensuring the continuity of the output state, while allowing the timing circuit to reset quickly, preparing for the next timing. The first exhaust port 2 is used for rapid deflating of the airbag cavity 12 when the timing circuit is reset, and the second exhaust port 10 is used for deflating when the output circuit is closed. Through this connection and mode of operation, the device achieves signal self-locking after a delay output within a single valve body, and allows the internal timing gas path to be quickly emptied and returned to zero after the front-end control signal is withdrawn without affecting the output state.

[0030] The specific embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific embodiments described. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention.

Claims

1. An automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking and holding function, characterized in that: It includes an input reversing module (A), a flow regulation module (B), a high-pressure priority logic module (C), and an output reversing module (D) integrated in the valve body base (3). The input reversing module (A) is located at the front end of the air path. The input reversing module (A) is a pneumatically controlled reversing valve structure. The air inlet of the input reversing module (A) is connected to the air inlet (1), and the exhaust end of the input reversing module (A) is connected to the first exhaust port (2). The control end of the input reversing module (A) is connected to the control signal port (4), and the working port of the input reversing module (A) is connected to the flow regulation module (B). The flow regulation module (B) includes a flow control valve (5) and an air bladder cavity (12). The flow control valve (5) is connected in series between the input reversing module (A) and the air bladder cavity (12). Between the two, the high-pressure priority logic module (C) is a shuttle valve (6), the first input end of the high-pressure priority logic module (C) is connected to the outlet of the airbag cavity (12), the common output end of the high-pressure priority logic module (C) is connected to the pilot control cavity (11) of the output reversing module (D), the output reversing module (D) is a pneumatic reversing valve structure, the air inlet end of the output reversing module (D) is connected to the main air supply port (9), the exhaust end of the output reversing module (D) is connected to the second exhaust port (10), the working port of the output reversing module (D) is connected to the working output port (7), and the main air supply port (9) is connected to the second input end of the high-pressure priority logic module (C) and the pilot control cavity (11) of the output reversing module (D) through the internal feedback flow channel (8).

2. The automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking and holding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The input reversing module (A) is a two-position three-way pneumatic reversing valve.

3. The automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking and holding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flow control valve (5) is an adjustable throttle valve.

4. The automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking holding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The air inlet (1) is the air supply port for the timing circuit.

5. The automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking holding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control signal port (4) is the start signal input port.

6. The automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking holding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main gas supply port (9) is the power circuit gas supply port.

7. The automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking and holding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The working output port (7) is connected to the execution element.

8. The automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking holding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first exhaust port (2) and the second exhaust port (10) are used for timing circuit reset exhaust and output circuit exhaust, respectively.

9. The automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking holding function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pilot control chamber (11) is the pressure chamber for the output commutation module (D) to operate.

10. A method of operating an automatic reset pneumatic delay device with self-locking holding function as described in any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: In the initial state, air pressure is supplied to the air inlet (1) and the main air supply port (9), there is no signal at the control signal port (4), and the input reversing module (A) is in the closed state. When the timing starts, the control signal port (4) inputs the control signal pressure, inputs the reversing module (A) to reverse, and the air inlet (1) introduces gas. The gas is filled into the airbag cavity (12) through the flow control valve (5). When the timing ends, when the pressure inside the airbag cavity (12) reaches the set value, the pressure gas inside the airbag cavity (12) pushes the shuttle valve (6) and enters the pilot control cavity (11). The pressure established in the pilot control cavity (11) pushes the output reversing module (D) to reverse, and the high-pressure gas from the main air supply port (9) flows to the working output port (7) to perform external work. When the control signal port (4) signal is cancelled, the input switching module (A) is reset, and the gas in the airbag cavity (12) flows in the reverse direction to the input switching module (A) through the flow control valve (5), and is finally discharged from the first exhaust port (2), and the pressure of the airbag cavity (12) returns to zero. At this time, since the output switching module (D) has been opened, the high pressure gas from the main air supply port (9) acts on the other end of the shuttle valve (6) through the internal feedback flow channel (8). According to the high pressure priority characteristic of the shuttle valve, the shuttle valve (6) automatically switches the gas source at this time, and continues to maintain the high pressure state of the pilot control chamber (11) by using the pressure of the main air supply port (9), and the working output port (7) continues to output. The main gas supply to the main gas supply port (9) is cut off, the pilot control chamber (11) loses pressure, the output commutation module (D) is reset, and the output is turned off.

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